Segway Milestones

Most of you know that I have a "List With Jay For a Free Segway" program available to qualified sellers that list their homes For Sale with me.  But have you ever wondered how the Segway got its beginning?  Or where it's headed?

For those of you that want to know more about this most amazing lean, green, eco-friendly machine, here's the history (thus far):

July 27, 1999

Renowned inventor Dean Kamen founded a new company with the vision to develop highly-efficient, zero-emission transportation solutions using “dynamic stabilization” technology. The Company’s research and development was focused on creating devices that took up a minimal amount of space, were extremely maneuverable and could operate on pedestrian sidewalks and pathways.

February 2001

The Company broke ground for its manufacturing plant in Bedford, New Hampshire. Construction was completed in November 2001.

December 1, 2001

The Company adopted the name Segway from the word segue, which means to "to transition smoothly from one state to another".

December 3, 2001

Segway unveiled the Segway® Personal Transporter (PT), the first self-balancing transportation device, to the public for the first time.

February 15, 2002

The first state bill allowing Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMDs) to operate on sidewalks is signed into law in the Company’s home state of New Hampshire. Within the year, a total of 31 states passed laws allowing the Segway PT to operate on sidewalks.

March 29, 2002

Segway auctioned three limited edition Segway PTs on Amazon.com to benefit FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a non-profit organization founded by Dean Kamen. The auction generated a combined total of $364,800.00 for FIRST and drew more than 500 bids from across the country. Segway PT #1 sold for $160,100, Segway #2 for $104,100, and Segway #3 for $100,600.

November 8, 2002

Popular Science Magazine awarded the Segway PT with a 2002 Best of What's New Award in the general technology category. Popular Science reviews thousands of new products and innovations each year to honor the world's most outstanding breakthroughs. The Segway PT was among only 100 winners.

November 18, 2002

Segway Personal Transporters went on sale to the public for the first time on Amazon.com. The Company hosted an Early Delivery Essay Contest and 30 lucky winners received their Segway PTs before the holiday gift-giving season, a tour of Segway headquarters and dinner with Dean Kamen.

August 29, 2003

Two hundred Segway PT owners and enthusiasts gathered in Chicago, Ill. for the first SegwayFest, an event created, organized and implemented by Segway PT owners to celebrate the Segway PT ownership experience.

March 22, 2004

The Company announced its 2004 U.S. dealer expansion program to recruit qualified dealers to distribute, market and sell the company’s line of Segway PTs, accessories and associated services.

October 2004

The U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration released a study entitled “Characteristics of Emerging Road Users & Their Safety”. It was undertaken to clarify the operational characteristics of both motorized and non-motorized transportation users. The Segway PT was found to have the second shortest braking distance, highest eye heights, one of the smallest footprints, and quickest perception-reaction time. The Segway PT met or exceeded all recommendations made by the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide to the Development of Bicycle Facilities.

November 29, 2004

TIME Magazine features Segway's four-wheeled prototype which can operate either statically balanced or balanced on its rear wheels as one of the “Best Inventions of 2004” in its Nov. 29th issue.

March 1, 2005

Segway announced the Segway Cross-Terrain Transporter (XT) and Segway Golf Transporter (GT), as well as a refresh of the flagship i Series model. Each new product is equipped with extended-range Saphion® Lithium-ion batteries.

December 12, 2005

In a ceremony held at Epcot® at Walt Disney World® Resort, the ten thousandth participant in the “Around the World at Epcot” tour was honored with a Segway PT from Segway Inc. “Around the World at Epcot” is a two-hour guided tour that allows guests to operate a Segway PT throughout World Showcase before the area opens for other park guests.

August 14, 2006

Segway takes self-balancing technology to the next level with the introduction of the second generation Segway PT. The new Segway product line includes the versatile Segway i2 and a cross-terrain model called the Segway x2, as well as six product packages tailored to specific commercial, police and consumer market segments and riding environments. All the products feature breakthrough LeanSteer™ technology and a wireless InfoKey™ controller that enhance the Segway experience by making the ride even more intuitive and adding new and useful functions.

August 14, 2006

Segway launches a new marketing campaign today to introduce the second generation Segway PT. The company’s new tagline, “Simply Moving”, and supporting communications focus on Segway’s innovative technology and the many practical ways consumers and commercial customers are incorporating Segway PTs into their everyday routines.

May, 2007

Growing global interest spurs Segway’s worldwide distribution presence to more than 250 retail points in 60 countries.

September 10, 2007

On the eve of the International Motor Show (IAA), Segway Inc. and General Motors Europe (GME) announce a design collaboration resulting in a comprehensive solution for eco-friendly mobility – the Opel Flextreme concept car with integrated Segway PTs.

April 15, 2008

Segway launches Segway Social, an online social networking site for Segway PT owners and enthusiasts. Owners can connect with others nearby, map glides and tag places, and upload photos of their experiences, celebrating the Segway lifestyle.
May 1, 2008

Segway introduces a new Segway PT i2 model color! We call it Metallic Sage, a unique stylish finish with dynamic appeal that grabs the changing light as you move. The new color complements the existing anodized black and gloss white color options.

September 20, 2008

Segway sponsors Bicycle For A Day, at the South Street Seaport in NYC. The first-of-its-kind alternative transportation event, where people are encouraged to leave their gas-powered motor vehicles at home and use alternate forms of transportation on that day, including biking, walking, skating and electric personal transportation.

October, 2008

Over 1,000 police and security agencies are using Segway PTs in their patrolling operations.

March, 2009

Segway Social users log more than 1 million miles on their Segway PTs.

April 7, 2009

Segway announces the Project P.U.M.A. prototype as part of an ongoing collaboration with General Motors (GM). The prototype leverages existing dynamic stabilization technology and electric propulsion to address growing urban congestion and pollution issues.

March 24, 2010

Segway introduces the EN-V Project at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China. In collaboration with General Motors/SAIC, the concept sets a vision for transportation in 2030. A fully-functional two-person vehicle with advanced dynamics, connectivity, and sensory capabilities, it combats urban congestion while being environmentally-friendly and fun.

There you have it...the history of the SEGWAY.  Maybe I'll be giving away PUMAs in future years!  Stay tuned.

Is This A Test?...A Quiz?...A Question?...A Poll?

This is a test.

Actually, it's more of a quiz.

Scratch that, it's really a question. Or perhaps a poll. It's for any and all real estate agents that may read this blog from time to time. Here's the set up:

It's the day before Christmas and Santa has agreed to give you any technology tool you want for your business. The cost range is $300 to $3,000. The question, therefore, is:

What single piece of real estate technology would you ask for and why?

All answers to this question will be posted on this blog for others to see and learn from.

I'll start it out with my own wish which would be to receive a new Palm PRE Smartphone...but with VERIZON as the carrier. Right now, Sprint is the only choice, but I have it on good authority that Verizon WILL be carrying it in 2010.

Here's why I like the Palm PRE...

1. The WebOS operating system. It's fast and smooth and allows you to keep multiple applications open at the same time.

2. Easy management of multiple email accounts, collectively or separately.

3. Contact management and scheduling are a breeze and information can be pulled together in one place from multiple sources.

4. Software updates come to you over the air...without having to log into your computer.

5. It has a slide-out tactile QWERTY board (as opposed to simply a digital screen version).

There's more that I like, but I don't want to sound too much like a Palm PRE advertisement.

So what's on your wish list?.....

Here's a link to Time Magazine's Top 10 gadgets.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Ranks Number One On North Shore

The Beverly, Gloucester, Ipswich and Manchester Offices Catapult Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage to the Number One Slot Regionally (North Shore, MA) in 2008.

WALTHAM, Mass. (January 23, 2009) – Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New England is pleased to announce its ranking as the number one brokerage in total dollar volume and transaction sides for the combined towns of Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Rockport and Wenham in 2008, according to the MLS Property Information Service. The success of the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices in Beverly, Gloucester, Ipswich and Manchester contributed to the company’s regional standing and total sales volume of more than $260 million in these towns.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is the largest residential real estate company in New England and has the dominant market share in Massachusetts and in New England*. The company’s Beverly, Gloucester, Ipswich and Manchester offices are home to a combined 137 real estate experts, specializing in residential re-sale, new construction, waterfront and luxury homes.

“Our ranking as the number one brokerage in this area is a testament to the hard work, dedication and high-quality service our sales associates provide,” said Rick Loughlin, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New England. “In any market, success can be achieved with the necessary resources and tools. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage remains committed to supporting our sales associates with innovative tools, expert knowledge and varied resources to best serve their clients.”

The managers of these offices, Linda Morey, Alyson O’Hara, Katharine Pickering and Joan Wogan strongly believe that their sales associates’ expertise and local market knowledge along with Coldwell Banker’s national and international presence provide the best possible experience in the buying and selling process.

[* Source: MLS Property Information Network]

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is the largest residential real estate brokerage company in New England. With more than 4,000 sales associates and staff in more than 90 office locations, the organization serves consumers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company.



Congratulations to all my colleagues and friends at Coldwell Banker, North Shore! Another great year as number one!

...Jay Burnham, VP

End Pocketbook Pain!

How important do you think it is to price your home correctly once you've decided to sell? Are you aware that overpricing can be painful to your pocketbook? Sure, it's simple – an overpriced home rarely sells.

Here are some of the best reasons for heeding the advice of your real estate professional regarding price. First, overpricing a home discourages buyers from even making an offer. They feel that even if the offer is accepted, they haven't gained anything more than a fair price.

Overpricing also attracts the wrong prospects. If you've priced your $450,000 home at $500,000, you'll be attracting buyers who expect to see $500,000 worth of home. When they don't, they'll be disappointed. And, you'll lose your desired advertising response, too, since the $450,000 buyers won't even call.

Another casualty of overpricing will be other real estate agents. Keep in mind that they know and understand pricing because of daily contact with sellers. Once they realize your home is overpriced, it may not be shown as much. Worse, it may be shown to help sell the competition (other houses like yours that are priced fairly.) Finally, if a buyer is located, the lender may reject the loan because of a low appraisal.

Price your home fairly from the beginning. You and your wallet will be glad you did!

What's That Sound? Earnest Money Talks!

Prospective buyers just left the home you have For Sale. They said they would pay full price which sounded great. But then they asked you to hold the house for them until next month. They didn't offer to give you a deposit to hold the home, either. Do you think you really have serious buyers? Would you be willing to hold the home, unsold, for a month for such buyers?

Chances are what you have are just some serious "lookers" or "shoppers," but probably not real buyers. Sincere, motivated buyers understand that in order to purchase a home it is necessary for them to give the sellers (or their real estate agent) an "earnest money" or "good faith" deposit. This is usually an amount that would assure the sellers that their property was indeed SOLD, and which would ensure final settlement on the home.

It is generally thought that the more money tendered by buyers as "earnest money," the more serious and committed they are to completing the purchase.

Real estate purchase agreements often call for the forfeiture of the deposit if the buyers do not complete the purchase. Thus, it follows that insincere buyers won't want to risk a penny, while real buyers will be very cooperative in making a substantial deposit.

Don't hesitate to ask your buyer for "earnest money." It's your assurance of a completed sale.

A Personal Invitation

When it's time to sell your home, you may be temped to sell without the services of a professional real estate agent.

After all, you know a lot of people, don't you? And the best source of buyers might be people you already know. So start by making a list. Write down the names of people you know personally. Which of them currently own their own home, and which are renting? Next, eliminate all the renters who don't plan to buy soon, and all homeowners not planning to sell and buy another home. How many names are left on your list?

Next, of the renters who are planning to buy, identify those looking for a home like yours, whose employment you believe qualifies them for a loan on your property. From those who currently own a home, select the ones who already sold their existing homes, and who have probably received enough equity to make a substantial downpayment on your home.

Finally, place the names of only those with immediate plans to buy, and who have the financial ability to buy your home, on a separate list. Now, call them up one-by-one and invite them to consider your home. How many will accept? Of those who do accept, what are your chances of making a sale?

Before attempting to sell your home alone, get all the facts. Learn from the experience of the most qualified real estate agent you can find. With a REALTOR® on your side, you'll be on your way to a successful sale.

One is Enough!

When you are ready to buy a home, how many real estate agents should you use to find the perfect home – one, three, five? A recent survey showed that 79 out of every 100 buyers use only one or two agents before they find a home. But perhaps the best answer is one and only one. Here's why.

First, it's important to understand that real estate agents are business people with a very special talent. That talent is the ability to really understand the needs of their homebuyers. After listening carefully and asking questions, the agent can ferret out and identify specific homes which meet those needs, and then help the homebuyers complete the purchase of the home of their dreams.

Thus, success as a real estate agent is contingent upon serving all the homebuyer's needs. This includes offering a wide selection of homes from which to choose, and being able to provide a wealth of knowledge in areas such as financing, construction, taxation, and the complexities of today's real estate closing.

Secondly, once you have found such a dependable sales agent, the need for a second one vanishes into thin air. After all, how many homes will a typical buyer purchase?

Take whatever time is necessary to locate that "right" agent in the beginning, before you start house hunting. When interviewing an agent, question their success, and assure yourself that you'll be receiving only top quality service. Then put them to work for you – exclusively!

Great Party - No Friends!

Imagine giving a great party for your closest friends. To save the expense of printing you buy some generic invitations. To save time you write "occupant" on the envelope and ask the post office to see that they get delivered.

When the time for your party arrives, you are in for a surprise. As guests begin arriving, you don't recognize any of them. You had planned a black-tie affair, but they're dressed for a back-yard barbecue. Before long, you realize they are perfect strangers, not at all the guests you had planned to entertain.

Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? Yet, when homeowners decide to sell "by owner," they create a similar scenario. The generic sign appears in the yard as an invitation to complete strangers to knock on the door at all hours for information. The other invitation, an ad, goes in to the local newspaper.

The "guests" arrive right on time, too. They are an interesting collection of bargain hunters, investors, and "tire-kickers." Each plans to feast off the homeowner's equity – by making a low offer to purchase the home or, in the case of the tire-kicker, to just enjoy the free hospitality.

When it's time to sell your home, choose an agent who understands the invitation process. "Black-tie" buyers work with agents who can introduce them to homes that are the "talk of the town."

How Do You Conduct a Harmonious Sale?

When you sell your home, how many individuals will have an impact on the final sale, the closing date, and the amount of money you receive from the sale? Five? Ten?

You may be surprised to know there are over twenty of them:

• Your real estate agent
• The buyer
• The buyer's spouse
• The buyer's attorney
• The lender
• The lender's attorney
• The loan originator
• The loan processor
• The loan underwriter
• The credit bureau
• Home inspectors
• Termite inspectors
• Your attorney
• The Registrar of Deeds
• The local property tax authorities
• The federal government
• Title insurers
• Property insurers
• Escrow agents
• The buyer's employer
• The buyer's creditors
• Bankers
• And numerous others!

Just imagine how difficult it must be to coordinate the activities of each of these individuals so that the final result is the satisfactory sale of your home, at the right price for you. Is there any one person who can oversee the entire process for you and make it happen?

There is one person, the first on the list – your professional real estate agent. Choosing your agent carefully can be compared to selecting a conductor for symphony orchestra. That single individual can blend together many musicians playing different instruments, each of which plays a different tune, and produce a harmonious and gratifying concerto – a pleasant and profitable home sale for you!