Thursday my family and I buried my Mom, so to say that I’m in a different state of mind is probably correct.
Usually, I’m interested in having genuine conversations with people. I am interested in knowing who they are, where they’re from, and what they’re up to. On a plane, I tend to read body language and if I see that the person is deep into his book, or looks sad, or angry, I tend to leave them alone out of consideration. Sometimes people are open to conversations, sometimes they’re not…but I am usually always able to tell the difference.
Friday, I flew out of New Orleans to Denver on my way to Vegas and then drive home to the OC (long story, don’t ask). I board my plane and walk to the back. I’m not particularly in a talkative mood, so I am avoiding eye contact, but on the rare occasion that I do make it, I smile, weakly and move on.
I have an aisle seat, middle seat is empty and there’s a young gal sitting at the window. She smiles and practically yells out “HI!” as if this were her first time making human contact with someone! So excited to see me, oh my heavens! How can she stand it! I semi smile and say hello, then think to myself…”not really wanting to talk lady, read my face”. She says, “You going to Vegas?” I bite the urge to say, “Why no, I’m headed to Salt Lake and thought I’d take the scenic route”…instead, I say yes….”ME TOO! Do you live in Denver? What are you going to do in Vegas? Are you meeting some people there? > (What I immediately think of!)<
I let her know that I’m not staying in Vegas, I’m just flying there to pick up my car and then driving to Orange County. “Why?” she asks. I tell her it’s a long story but that my mom was on her deathbed and it was the cheapest flight out for me…”Oh!” she says…”so where’d she die?” WOAH! What? REALLY!!!??? People ask those kinds of questions? I want to scream and we haven’t even finished boarding yet!
I tweet out “heaven help me”…just then a young man comes and informs us he has the middle seat. An answer to prayer..…”HI! Are you going to Vegas?” How old are you? Are you going to have a drink? I am and I need a drinking buddy….” Mind you that he hasn’t even fully sat down yet….he answers her questions and takes his seat…she proceeds…. “So what was your name again?” He finishes getting comfortable and then fastens his belt and she says she has to go to the ladies room….REALLY? We haven’t even taken off yet…GOOD NIGHT IRENE!!
We get up…off she goes…she comes back…sits down…”So, what do you do for a living, how long have you been doing that, what is that, how old are you (again) “ He answers her questions a little taken aback. Then he asks her what she does for a living….”OH! I’M A REALTOR” and I almost lose my lunch! YOU’RE A REALTOR AND YOU’RE ACTING LIKE A CRACK ADDICT!?
You’re not even taking the time to listen to the answers he gave you without jumping on to the next question! You’re bombarding him with questions because that’s what you think you should do, but somewhere along the way, no one taught you the value of “JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN!”
I was embarrassed for my industry!
I know that we Realtors come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and political affiliations. I get that we won’t work with everyone we meet, and I admit that I am an acquired taste (pain in the butt, really) and tend to babble….HOWEVER…it embarrasses me that someone so genuinely disinterested in really learning about the person you are having a conversation with, but spewing questions for the sake of hearing your voice, is out there…representing an industry that I hold so dear to my heart….No wonder we ‘re not respected as an industry….I heard her speak and could only think that she is but one reason we’re on the lowest rung of the professional totem pole.
The flight attendant must have a Twitter account and seen my plea to the Twitterverse…..she walked over to me and said, “There’s a seat in the last row if you would like it…I smile, truly appreciative…and change seats. Second answered prayer of the day. Amen
What do YOU think? As a professional in your industry, do you totally let loose and then tell people what you do for a living, or do you let loose and not even bring up what you in order to keep from tarnishing your industry? Or do you, like Chatty Cathy, not really care and let the chips fall where the may? Enquiring minds (and a nosey FUNomenalRealtr) want to know…
Thursday my family and I buried my Mom, so to say that I’m in a different state of mind is probably correct.
Usually, I’m interested in having genuine conversations with people. I am interested in knowing who they are, where they’re from, and what they’re up to. On a plane, I tend to read body language and if I see that the person is deep into his book, or looks sad, or angry, I tend to leave them alone out of consideration. Sometimes people are open to conversations, sometimes they’re not…but I am usually always able to tell the difference.
Friday, I flew out of New Orleans to Denver on my way to Vegas and then drive home to the OC (long story, don’t ask). I board my plane and walk to the back. I’m not particularly in a talkative mood, so I am avoiding eye contact, but on the rare occasion that I do make it, I smile, weakly and move on.
I have an aisle seat, middle seat is empty and there’s a young gal sitting at the window. She smiles and practically yells out “HI!” as if this were her first time making human contact with someone! So excited to see me, oh my heavens! How can she stand it! I semi smile and say hello, then think to myself…”not really wanting to talk lady, read my face”. She says, “You going to Vegas?” I bite the urge to say, “Why no, I’m headed to Salt Lake and thought I’d take the scenic route”…instead, I say yes….”ME TOO! Do you live in Denver? What are you going to do in Vegas? Are you meeting some people there? > (What I immediately think of!)<
I let her know that I’m not staying in Vegas, I’m just flying there to pick up my car and then driving to Orange County. “Why?” she asks. I tell her it’s a long story but that my mom was on her deathbed and it was the cheapest flight out for me…”Oh!” she says…”so where’d she die?” WOAH! What? REALLY!!!??? People ask those kinds of questions? I want to scream and we haven’t even finished boarding yet!
I tweet out “heaven help me”…just then a young man comes and informs us he has the middle seat. An answer to prayer..…”HI! Are you going to Vegas?” How old are you? Are you going to have a drink? I am and I need a drinking buddy….” Mind you that he hasn’t even fully sat down yet….he answers her questions and takes his seat…she proceeds….
“So what was your name again?” He finishes getting comfortable and then fastens his belt and she says she has to go to the ladies room….REALLY? We haven’t even taken off yet…GOOD NIGHT IRENE!!
We get up…off she goes…she comes back…sits down…”So, what do you do for a living, how long have you been doing that, what is that, how old are you (again) “ He answers her questions a little taken aback. Then he asks her what she does for a living….”OH! I’M A REALTOR” and I almost lose my lunch! YOU’RE A REALTOR AND YOU’RE ACTING LIKE A CRACK ADDICT!?
You’re not even taking the time to listen to the answers he gave you without jumping on to the next question! You’re bombarding him with questions because that’s what you think you should do, but somewhere along the way, no one taught you the value of “JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN!”
I was embarrassed for my industry!
I know that we Realtors come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and political affiliations. I get that we won’t work with everyone we meet, and I admit that I am an acquired taste (pain in the butt, really) and tend to babble….HOWEVER…it embarrasses me that someone so genuinely disinterested in really learning about the person you are having a conversation with, but spewing questions for the sake of hearing your voice, is out there…representing an industry that I hold so dear to my heart….No wonder we ‘re not respected as an industry….I heard her speak and could only think that she is but one reason we’re on the lowest rung of the professional totem pole.
The flight attendant must have a Twitter account and seen my plea to the Twitterverse…..she walked over to me and said, “There’s a seat in the last row if you would like it…I smile, truly appreciative…and change seats. Second answered prayer of the day. Amen
What do YOU think? As a professional in your industry, do you totally let loose and then tell people what you do for a living, or do you let loose and not even bring up what you in order to keep from tarnishing your industry? Or do you, like Chatty Cathy, not really care and let the chips fall where the may? Enquiring minds (and a nosey FUNomenalRealtr) want to know…
More is not always better...We all KNOW this. Things in the last few years have shown that we the people are only going to pay what WE see as fair. WE give things value. This applies to everything in our lives.
Family:We give them time because we VALUE them
Friends: Again, there is value there
Gas: A necessity, but ask me how many people will drive out of their way to find cheap gas! We need it, but if it means driving a little off the beaten path to get it cheaper...so be it!
Housing: We KNOW where this all stands, so I'll leave this one alone.
Groceries: Even the big name stores with discount cards and coupons and bonus buys are having a tough time competing with Trader Joe's, Stater Bros and now my favorite grocery store, FRESH AND EASY!
The next one though, some may consider a luxury these days: GYM MEMBERSHIP.
A few years back, I thought nothing of having a membership. I worked out diligently, ate "clean" (this is not a Jewish Dietary Requirement, it just means I ate non processed foods as much as possible and I'm not Jewish so I would know nothing of eating Kosher).
Eventually, I paid for a trainer! He was GREAT! Taught me to cook great healthy meals, taught me about balance in life and fun while working out.
As time went on, life got in the way. My Favorite Aunt got sick and I took time off of Real Estate to take care of her. After a year, I came back, only to discover that my Real Estate business had disappeared. I had to start from scratch.
I exercised intermittently, but have recently decided I wanted...NAY...NEEDED to join a gym again. I like the feel of being there and doing something for me! So I started shopping and here's where I need your help!
24 Hour Fitness has a pretty decent deal going. 9.99 down and 29.99 monthly.
Next was LA Fitness A special that expires tomorrow (Really? Can you get me a used car salesman to kick the tires please?) 49.99 and 29.99 a month. Pretty basic stuff. Either one will work, yes? (Bally's was just WAY too far for me to commit to going to consistently so we'll leave them out of it for now).
NO! Here's where I'm having an issue:
24 Hour (the gym that I would be going to near my home) is pretty small. NO bells and whistles. Plenty of cardio equipment, weights (though they do look old, they still do the job) a section for "Circuit Training", shower room. Classes are offered free for yoga etc. BASIC. I like basic.
LA Fitness (the one close to my house) is HUGE.... Lots of cardio machines (almost seems excessive), a "spin cycling room". a pool, spa, sauna, showers, huge locker room and that's only downstairs! Upstairs you will find an extensive amount of weight machines and free weights, plus a huge class where classes are held. Feels Hollywood...excessive.
Here's the kicker. 24 hour is COMFORTABLE for me. I know the routine. I know the machines and I can find my way to any machine and know how to work it.
LA Fitness has machines that I kept waiting to turn into Bumblebee from the Transformers! I am NOT comfortable there...and that's where the rub is...if you're looking to grow, to expand...shouldn't I be running to sign up at LA Fitness? Is it the fear of not knowing the machines and looking like an idiot keeping me from signing up?
Or is being comfortable better? I'd be happy...push myself as I see my progress...but would I look back and think "Yeah, this is nice, but you could be relaxing in the sauna right about now, or swimming a lap" (note to you, I am not a swimmer, but somehow would I be cheating myself by not having it IF I decide later I want it?)
Besides the really cheesy, wanna be high pressure sales guy at LA that irritated me with "OURS IS THE BEST" and "REALLY, OURS IS THE BEST" approach and NO pressure from 24 HR, I'm at a standstill!
Yesterday morning my daughter called to tell me that I could officially be a Grandmother! Contractions were 5 minutes apart at 8:30 PST. At 11:30 PST, my son in law called me to tell me that her contractions were 3 minutes apart and they were heading to the hospital, just to make sure everything was OK.
At 12:30, my son-in-law called to say that they were going to schedule a C-Section because the Baby's heart rate kept dropping and they just wanted to make sure that everything would turn out alright.
A few hours later, I was informed, via text that my Grandson, Wolfgang Perry was born! 8 lbs 1 oz and 21 inches long! I can't describe the sheer emotion of it all! It's the most beautiful feeling I have ever had (having my own two beautiful children of course goes without saying!).
Just wanted to share and if you want to see pics, find me on Facebook!
Continuing Brad's note...A Social Networking Love Affair
Here's the magic of this Love Affair between facebook, Twitter and ActiveRain.
One evening, I'm on facebook and Up pops the chat window. Friend "A" says hello and proceeds to ask me if they can ask me a question. I answer back kindly and tell them I am happy to answer their questions. Friend "A" asks me if I am aware of a good website to find out about schools in "potential new area". Of course my reticular activator is immediately heightened (why would they be asking about schools in a new area unless they were planning on MOVING!...hello...!) So I mentioned that I would be happy to help. I also asked what they were thinking and why they were considering this new school (of course, I figured I new what the answer to that was going to be). Friend "A" continued to explain that she was considering a new job. And of course, knowing more about the new area would be important to the whole family and in making this decision.
Ding ding ding!!! Survey says... I know an agent in that area! It was immediate and top of mind awareness to me! Friend "B" is the agent that immediately came to mind! And the reason Friend "B" aka Agent "B" came to mind so quickly and that I knew his home area is because of...facebook, Twitter, ActiveRain. He is always posting. I see his blogs. I see his tweets. I see his updates. So I knew he would be able to assist these people. And their concerns over the school systems and the new area. I knew Friend "B" aka Agent "B" would be familiar with the area and could help them find the schools and the neighborhoods.
Now, the real magic of this love affair is that within about a half hour, I chatted with Friend "A" (who is the one potentially moving). I quickly chatted with Friend "B" aka Agent "B". We went back and forth. Exchanged email addresses. Made specific plans for when these folks would be heading down to Agent B's area.
I couldn't believe it! In an evening. Half-hour to an hour tops! I had assisted these friends who might be moving. Connected them with this new agent who I have every confidence in because we had become friends through this social networking. I read his ActiveRain blogs and know he is knowledgeable and experienced. And I totally feel confident these buyers will be in excellent hands.
And oh by the way...they will need to sell their home in State College should this job work out for them! Gee...I wonder who they will want to list their home!!! ;-)
To sum it up, these Friends (aka Friend "A") made the trip. Met with the agent. He showed them around. We'll be doing a 25% referral fee if they do end up moving. They are so happy! They reported back to me and are so pleased. Even if they don't end up moving, I have some new raving fans! And Agent "B" will certainly get more of my referrals in the future!
Think about the long drawn out process this was in the past. Those clients would have to wait until the next day to contact me. I would have to research to find an agent. And then contact that agent. And then see if that agent will be willing to work with these buyers. This might end of taking a couple of days to a week! Wow! The power of this Social Networking Love Affair!
Ok, I admit it! I am addicted to my Blackberry! When I first bought it a few years back, I REFUSED to sign on to have internet access.
My reasoning was, I don't want to work when I'm not at work! I bought it because I liked the look...THAT'S IT!
Fast forward three months...I sign on to have unlimited texts...after all, it's the way my kids communicate, so I better get on board.
Fast forward three more months and I give in and get internet access. WOW! At first, my thoughts were, "Cool! This is handy". After a while, I would find myself looking forward to the blinking red light! "Is it a text? Is it an email?" Oooh! The suspense!
Fast forward to this morning:
I'm ironing my white blouse for work. I have added water and I am waiting for iron to heat up. I see it blink red AND I THINK TO MYSELF "I BETTER CHECK MY MESSAGE!"
I almost picked up the iron to CHECK MY MESSAGES!
I am soooo not making this up! It was at that point that I decided, I truly am addicted to my Blackberry!
None of the other tell-tale signs worked. Not the texting while at a red light. Not the replying to emails while having a conversation with a co worker. Not even when I was responding to a "TWEET" underneath the desk at an office meeting!
In an article today in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, it was reported that it’s becoming commonplace for lenders to refuse to take title to some properties following foreclosure. Why would a bank bother to foreclose and then abandon the property? It’s simple economics. Many of the homes just aren’t worth the bank’s efforts. But then, why would they foreclose? And who ultimately owns such properties? The answers are often as confusing an illogical as the creation of the subprime collapse that precipitated the problem.
What’s happening is a crime—perhaps not legally, but figuratively. Sometimes it’s a crime against the very people who have already suffered the most; and other times it’s a crime against neighborhoods trying to recover from issues of high crime and drug dealing. In the words of Catherine Doyle, attorney with the Milwaukee Legal Aid Society, “This is just the meanest and nastiest thing (lenders) could do. Even more profound is the terrible damage to the community.”
Abandoned homes become a blight on neighborhoods, havens for drug and criminal activity, and create fire and safety hazards. No longer sources of tax revenue, such homes are a drain on struggling cities resources, and ultimately cost taxpayers thousands more when ondemned and bulldozed.
The procedure, known in the trade as “walkaways,” is a growing problem, especially for cities, where most are pressed for revenue. The mortgages on these homes, the great majority of which are subprime, were often made by now-defunct mortgage brokers, and are being foreclosed upon by loan servicers on behalf of investor groups often thousands of miles away. And, unfortunately, there appears to be no solution to the problem.
Have banks lost their hearts, or is it they never had one? The image of the friendly neighborhood banker was perhaps always a utopian vision; but what they’re doing is egregious on a monumental scale. Throwing people out of their homes, only to have those homes bulldozed later, is not only inhumane, it’s sheer stupidity. Once the owner is forced out, the home falls in to disrepair, may be vandalized, and everyone loses. And, the irony is; when the bank walks away, the original owner is still on the hook for taxes, boarding-up and clean-up fees that can run into the thousands of dollars. It’s a game of no winners.
Tips on buying, selling, building, remodeling, and the latest trends in housing:The Housing Guru
Tom and I work with Real Estate Professionals, not Social Media Marketers. There is a huge difference.
For Social Media Marketers, Social Media is their job. For Realtors, they have a job and social media is just a way to engage, communicate, become relevant in the market, build relationships, brand and generate leads (depending on who you speak to…) When teaching Social Media, the number one question (by a mile) I receive is: “
But where do you find the time?”
I hear this almost every day from my Realtors. Look, it is possible that YOU may not have the time. Possible, not probable. Here are some tips I share with my Realtors to ensure they can squeeze a bit more time for their Social Media Marketing Efforts
1) Control your day. - Do you get up each morning and let the day determine what your schedule is? Do you have 2-3 things on your calendar and “do some work” in between? Do you get up, go to the computer and REACT to your email? Not effective. Become a Task list taker. Keep detailed task lists and prioritize them regularly. Immediately upon finishing one task, start another. At the end of each day do two things.
a) Look at what you have ACCOMPLISHED. I know you work hard. Lots of people work hard. What did you remove from the list?
b) Decide what you are going to accomplish tomorrow and commit to work until you accomplish it. Knowing that you will work until you accomplish your goals, will ensure you don’t waste time on non-productive stuff.
2) Get Mobile-How often are you parked in front of a home, waiting for a client, or Realtor to meet you. How are you investing your down time? Social Media Applications (twitter and facebook, etc.) have GREAT mobile apps. Keep in contact with your community through out the day, in your less productive time. (And for some, I know the word “app” sounds scary, but they’re not. They are simple, easy to download and use tools to make you more efficient- trust me!
3)Understand the cloud- Web based applications like gmail, facebook or twitter allow you to chime in from any computer, anywhere. At the office or a client with a few extra minutes? Get in touch.
4)Have a Virtual Lunch- Who do you go to lunch with, friends? Fellow Realtors? How about grabbing a sandwich and sitting down in front of your computer with your Active Rain or FB Friends and favorite tweeples.
5)Schedule it. It’s Marketing. Just like everything in life, sometimes when we don’t write it down and commit to it … it goes undone. And when you’re online engaging and marketing yourself, it can be quite easy to surf the net for latest news or celebrity gossip, or check out the sales online. Once you commit in your schedule time to engage in social marketing, hold yourself to this time allotment. 6) Remember, for many this is their form of Prospecting. – For years we’ve been taught to spend an hour or three making calls or knocking on doors, following up on leads, scheduling appointments after open houses and sending personal note cards. Today, spending strategic time on Twitter searching key action phrases like “looking at homes in LA” or “looking at Trulia” and engaging prospects is a valid form of prospecting. Spend some time getting your ‘virtual home tours’ on YouTube or Active Rain.
The key is (like everything else we do throughout the day) have a plan, an outcome and be intentional and it will pay off big time.
Was this Post Valuable?
This was the collaboration between Jim Marks(virtualresults.net) a social media strategist, and Tom Ferry, (yourcoach.com) a Realtor coach and trainer. Leave a comment if you would like more tips on how to control your time and create a successful social marketing strategy.
I have always said that Real Estate is ever changing and fluid...like a river...
So what happens when you, the consumer, gets thrown into the river that is heading over a waterfall?
A friend of mine has her Real Estate license. She currently works at an attorney's office helping people with Loan Modifications. She has seen her fair share of blame laid...First on the consumer, then on the loan officer and finally on the bank. She has witnessed tenants being evicted from their home with no clue or forewarning. It has made her miserable!
She is also a homeowner and landlord.
From the very beginning this tenant/landlord relationship has been tumultuous to say the least!
The tenants bounced checks the first three month which spiraled into huge check fees for her. She called to no avail to find out what was happening. Finally, one of the neighbors clues her in...Mom's been arrested...going away for 3 months...dad's back home...what to do?
She doesn't throw them out, or give them notice...she works with them..."Let's make payment arrangements...Tell me if you can't make the payment so that I can cover it for you"....etc.
But this last month was the final straw. Once again, no rent paid...she is two weeks into this. No returned phone calls. Finally she sends a certified letter. "Dad" is now offended and feels threatened so has hired a lawyer!
Now, if she was a client of mine, I would walk her through this, be a shoulder to lean on and give her some sane advice...BUT...she is a friend of mine and it is difficult to keep my Realtor hat on! My first reaction is to tell her to lock them out of the house!
NOT GOOD ADVICE!
So, I calm down and say to her..."Now is the time for you to set up a consultation with an attorney. They are the only ones qualified to advise you on what steps you need to take legally. There's a process involved, and doing what I WANT to suggest will only complicate things.
I felt good that I detached myself and quickly put on my Realtor hat to offer sound advice...but that doesn't mean that I'm not miffed about her circumstances.
She was doing THEM a favor and this is what she gets? As a Realtor, I have to stay calm and say, "These things happen. Here is the name of an attorney who may be able to help you".
So I ask YOU...who's "rights" is it anyway? Can you blame the tenant who has had a less than stellar record with regards to a payment history for hunkering down, not paying rent and consulting an attorney to see how long they could stay in the house rent free? Do you blame the Landlord, who should have consulted with an attorney at the very beginning to protect herself from what has just happened? Do you split the blame up the middle? What are YOUR thoughts?
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
It was immediate and top of mind awareness to me! Friend "B" is the agent that immediately came to mind! And the reason Friend "B" aka Agent "B" came to mind so quickly and that I knew his home area is because of...facebook, Twitter, ActiveRain. He is always posting. I see his blogs. I see his tweets. I see his updates. So I knew he would be able to assist these people. And their concerns over the school systems and the new area. I knew Friend "B" aka Agent "B" would be familiar with the area and could help them find the schools and the neighborhoods.
To sum it up, these Friends (aka Friend "A") made the trip. Met with the agent. He showed them around. We'll be doing a 25% referral fee if they do end up moving. They are so happy! They reported back to me and are so pleased. Even if they don't end up moving, I have some new raving fans! And Agent "B" will certainly get more of my referrals in the future!
What’s happening is a crime—perhaps not legally, but figuratively. Sometimes it’s a crime against the very people who have already suffered the most; and other times it’s a crime against neighborhoods trying to recover from issues of high crime and drug dealing. In the words of Catherine Doyle, attorney with the Milwaukee Legal Aid Society, “This is just the meanest and nastiest thing (lenders) could do. Even more profound is the terrible damage to the community.”
;)
;)
