Beautiful Simpsonville Home Convenient to Highway 14 - 10/30/08 11:03 AM
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I Must Be Crazy ... or ... NEEDED: Buyer's Agent; Unmotivated People Need Not Apply! - 10/25/08 10:53 PM
Teams are formed and teams fall apart, and often real estate teams shift in terms of their personnel.  In 2006, I was starting on the upslope of what I felt was going to be a dramatic rise in my team's production.  At the time, I had two part time buyer's agents, and an admin assistant.  I was generating a ton of buyer leads, so I felt it was time to bring on some full time help.
I hired two full time buyers agents, and my business disintegrated.
Not all of it was because of the hiring of those agents.  I had … (2 comments)

Utilizing Active Rain As A Tool In Listing Presentations - 10/25/08 10:34 PM
If you've read my blog for long, you know that I'm crazy about Active Rain. I am convinced that this is one of the greatest tools that I have ever decided to utilize, and I'm constantly glad that I jumped into blogging with both feet back in August of 2007.
I have been tweaking my listing presentation lately, and I'm trying to decide how to add my Active Rain association and blog to it.
I can see some obvious benefits for my sellers, in the fact that I have a referral network well over 100,000 people strong.  I can also advertise … (9 comments)

Safety Tip of the Week - Front Porch Lights - 10/25/08 10:22 PM
This safety tip may be one of the simplest for you to implement, but as I drive around at night, I see that many people don't.
Statistics say that houses with lights turned on are much less likely to be burglarized.  Those same statistics also say that cars are less likely to be broken in (in the driveways or out front), and outbuildings are less likely to be broken into.
Motion lights are one great item to have on your home. I have a motion light on each corner of my home, so that if anyone approaches, they get illuminated.  They … (3 comments)

Your Bottom Line or Your Bottom Dollar? - 10/25/08 10:08 PM
Many agents are tempted to slash their commissions when they are confronted by a seller who objects to paying all but the barest of fees.  These agents are often so attached to the outcome of gaining a listing that they forget or fail to learn how to convey their true value to their clients.
Consumers and many agents alike need to consider that in markets that are predominately buyer's markets, sellers truly need full service agents who are creative and well versed in technology to sell their homes.  Consider the fact that there are generally multiple properties for each qualified buyer … (3 comments)

I Love My Active Rain - And I Love My Invitees! - 10/25/08 09:54 PM
I have been a faithful member of Active Rain for over a year now, and have absolutely enjoyed it.  I have gained knowledge, friends, and even commission dollars from my blog and the associations I have created in our family.  Joining Active Rain has been one of the greatest decisions I ever made in my career.
Because of everything I have gained and learned from this community, I have invited many people to join.  When I encounter a new agent, I encourage them to try their hand at blogging.  When I describe the benefits they can gain, they inevitably join.  What … (2 comments)

Make The Twenty First Century Paradigm Shift - 10/25/08 09:43 PM
Real estate is a dinosaur.  Don't be one!
This has nothing to do with your age.  It has EVERYTHING to do with your paradigm.  Paradigm is defined by Webster.com as a philosophical or theoretical framework of any kind.  Your paradigm is the way you process information - it's the way that you operate, the way you do things.
Here's the issue.  Many agents have a paradigm that is based in the twentieth century.  Which PART of the twentieth century varies, but the ideas usually flow from certain general idioms.  This often is frighteningly clear with marketing.  For example, typical agents all … (1 comments)

Your Real Estate Career - In Crisis, Chaos, or Prosperity? - 10/25/08 09:38 PM
If you don't list, you don't last.  This concept is driven into our skulls by real estate trainers year after year, but I would like to go one step further and make the argument that if you don't generate leads, you don't list, and therefore you don't last.  Now this may sound quite simple to most of you, and I am quite willing to concede that it doesn't take a doctorate in Realestateology to figure it out.  Unfortunately, the big, ugly truth is that even though 100% of you may understand this, we have an 80% failure rate in real estate! 
… (10 comments)

Divorces and Agents - How Do You Deal With These Tricky Situations? - 10/25/08 09:34 PM
At some point in an agent's life, they will deal with a couple who is getting divorced and must sell a home.  These are not the easiest situations to deal with, and should be handled with some care.  Emotions can run high, and many times husband and wife have different agendas.
For example, June lives in the house, and Joe has moved elsewhere.  Joe is the primary wage earner, and the house payments are still in his name.  Who's motivated to sell?  Joe wants the house sold, because he doesn't want to make those payments.  June may not be so motivated … (9 comments)

Time Blocking To Succeed - A Simple Technique That Makes A Huge Impact - 10/25/08 09:29 PM
Many agents fail to lead generate because they feel daunted by the task.  Lead generation instructors tell them that they need two or three hours per day MINIMUM if they want to succeed.  While this number is preferable, I think it's more important to establish the habit of actually DOING lead generation first. 
When I coach a new agent, I try a slightly different approach.  My recommendation is to set aside six to eight hours per week for lead generation and follow-ups.  Why six to eight? This number is a manageable amount of time for a new agent to wrap their … (9 comments)

Time To Get (More) Plugged In - Blackberry or ??? - 10/25/08 09:19 PM
I recognize the need for instant response to email and leads that are generated by my internet systems, but I have a big gap in my technology: a smartphone.
The ability to instantly check email while in most locations without the need of a laptop and wi-fi connection is important to the 21st Century agent.
I have decided to purchase a smartphone, but I'm still going back and forth over which one to purchase.  My current favorite is a 8330 Blackberry Curve, but I'm considering an iPhone. 
The biggest disadvantage to me for an iPhone is that I would have to … (8 comments)

Greenville SC Golf Courses - Carolina Springs - 10/18/08 11:23 PM
South Carolina is known for beautiful golf courses, and Greenville often leads the list in great courses.  There are some prestigious courses here, and there are also some beautiful, well maintained, but relatively inexpensive courses. 
Being a new golfer, I have not personally experienced a lot of the courses that the Upstate has to offer yet, but I can tell you that one of my personal favorites is Carolina Springs.  Located off of Scuffletown Road, Carolina Springs has three nine hole courses: The Pines, The Cedars, and The Willows. 
The Willows is my favorite of the three, probably because of my … (3 comments)

Great American Past Time Baseball - Adult Baseball Fun in Simpsonville, SC - 10/18/08 11:13 PM
Some of us guys can't grow up... completely. For some of us, sitting in the stands or on the couch at home watching a baseball game just can't replace the feel of being out on the grass.  For those of us guys who are kids at heart and still want to play, there is the Great American Pastime Baseball League.
The GAP Baseball League was formed in 2007 by Jack Dolan.  I joined the league after the first game of the first season.  It was like I was reunited with an old friend.  I hadn't played actual baseball in years, but … (2 comments)

The Greenville South Carolina Real Estate Market - 10/18/08 10:58 PM
Our market in Greenville SC has not been one of the "typical" markets that you hear about on the evening news.  Greenville SC real estate values have held steady, and in many cases appreciated, while other areas of the country are plummeting or hitting bottom.
Statistics show that our average sales price has dipped very slightly in the third quarter of 2008, and by very slightly I mean less than one half of a percent (.2%).  Conversely, our median sales price has grown slightly, by about two percent.  The average days on market right now is between three to three and … (3 comments)

The Greenville Little Theatre - A Great Place For Entertainment in Greenville South Carolina! - 10/18/08 10:47 PM
If you are into the Community Theatre scene, then the Greenville Little Theatre is a MUST SEE! The Theatre has been in Greenville for over 75 years, and each year they bring a full line-up of great shows to the Upstate.
I have had the privilege of performing in four shows in the last few years, including Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Ah, Wilderness, and Into the Woods.  Every time I get to go back out on the stage at the Greenville Little Theatre, I find that it's an enchanting and exciting experience.
Being an audience member is no … (3 comments)

Greenville South Carolina - Beautiful Weather, All Four Seasons! - 10/18/08 10:37 PM
If you get to spend any length of time in Greenville, South Carolina, you'll notice one thing about the weather - it's usually gorgeous!  We have our rain showers (about every afternoon in the spring), and we might have one or two days that we actually get snow (that hardly ever sticks), but the majority of the time we are blessed with beautiful weather.
As I write this, it is half way through October.  I'm sitting on my screen porch in shorts and a t-shirt.  It's a bit chilly for that right now, but I'm comfy.  I haven't had the HVAC … (2 comments)

Carrabbas Italian Grill in Greenville SC - EXCELLENT Choice for Dining! - 10/18/08 10:12 PM
I had the pleasure of dining at Carrabba's Italian Grill on Woodruff Road in Greenville SC tonight, and I must say, it was an excellent experience!  When I went it, I was greeted by two friendly people.  Even though it was Saturday night, and it looked packed, I had a seat within three or four minutes. My waiter was David, a very personable gentleman who was attentive to my needs, but did not hover over the table incessantly. I enjoyed an appetizer of cheese sticks (they have a better name for it, but I can't remember it), and a tomato-basil soup.
I … (3 comments)

The Agent of Tomorrow - 10/18/08 09:49 PM
The agent of the 20th Century was a home shower.  They were information sources.  The real estate agents were gateways for information.  Consumers could not easily learn about houses for sale unless they consulted a professional.
In the late 20th century, along came the internet.  Bill Gates stated that it would make REALTORS(R) obsolete!  Did it?  Of course not.  The job description, however, DID change.  Over a few years, the "traditional" agent slowly evolved, and the more successful agents became Technology Coordinators.
Technology Coordinators are the agents who understand the various methods of technology available to the real estate community, and … (2 comments)

Please, The Adult Movies Should Be Put Up When Selling Your House! - 10/18/08 09:36 PM
When selling a home, staging is important.  Making sure that rooms are bright and open is good.  Arranging furniture to give the best appearance is great.  Coordinating colors to give that "warm fuzzy feeling" can really do wonders.  But what about closets?
Most staging professionals I know advocate cleaning up closets and opening them up as much as possible.  Perhaps that should have pertained to packing up adult movies.
It happened just the other day - I was showing a home in an above average pricepoint.  The home appeared to have been professionally staged.  Everything was going great, until I opened … (9 comments)

Bill Kennedy to Present Safety Awareness to Upstate Carolina Real Estate Investors Association - 10/18/08 09:21 PM
GREENVILLE, SC - The Upstate Carolina Real Estate Investors Association will be presenting a Safety Awareness class to its members on Monday, October 20th. The program will be presented by Bill Kennedy, Broker In Charge of Keller Williams Realty Greenville Central.  Kennedy, a former law enforcement trainer, is well known in Upstate South Carolina for his energetic and information-packed safety seminars. 
The safety program will consist of general safety tips, "Common Sense Self-Defense", and a brief overview of personal defense weapons such as pepper spray.  Members are encouraged to attend this important and possibly life-saving program.
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Face to Face With An Audience - 10/18/08 09:10 PM
I've got to admit, I love a crowd!  Getting in front of people to deliver a message or pitch a service gets my blood running and my pulse pounding, but it's excitement, not fear.  I was not always this way - in high school I was petrified whenever we had to give reports or presentations.  College I was slightly better, but for the last six or seven years, I've enjoyed getting up in front of people and speaking.
As a trainer, I get to speak to various groups of people, and various sizes of groups. I've spoken to as little as … (2 comments)

303 Savoy Court - 10/11/08 10:00 PM
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227 Randall Street - 10/11/08 09:59 PM
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305 Blant Court - 10/11/08 09:59 PM
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54 Open Range Lane - 10/11/08 09:58 PM
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41 Farm Brook Way - 10/11/08 09:58 PM
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709 Mayo Road - 10/11/08 09:57 PM
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234 Garfield Lane - 10/07/08 09:07 PM
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2000 Little Texas Road - 10/07/08 09:07 PM
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9 Pacific Avenue - 10/07/08 09:06 PM
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770 Princeton Highway - 10/07/08 09:05 PM
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Is It Time To Admit You Need HELP??? - 10/04/08 09:56 PM
  Do you ever feel that your administrative tasks are overwhelming you?  Do you feel that your life is going down the proverbial tubes because your entire day consists of "work stuff?"  Are you busy, busy, busy and never stopping?
Are your clients suffering because they aren't being serviced correctly?
Answer yes to any of these, and it may be time to hire some administrative help!
Many agents make the mistake of either hiring too quickly, or going too long without hiring.  A lot of agents don't hire because they're plain SCARED of hiring the WRONG person.  Others are worried about … (5 comments)

An Airplane In Every Garage - 10/04/08 09:53 PM
There are a lot of properties out there that cater to highly specific clients, and I specialize in one of them.  Oh, sure, I could have been a Lakefront Specialist, or a Golf Course Specialist, or even a Dude Ranch Specialist, but Nooooo, I had to go and become an Airpark Specialist. 
Airpark?  What the heck is that?
An airpark property is a home or group of homes that has a runway for aircraft.  These range anywhere from multi-million dollar properties to $139,000 homes just off the runway.  The homes are as unique or plain as any other homes, but the … (2 comments)

Incompetence, Professionalism, and a Serious Lack of Tact - 10/04/08 09:50 PM
This may sting.  I hope it brings to mind memories of people you have worked with, and not thoughts of how you personally fit this... however, if you DO fit what I am about to say, the best thing is to acknowledge it and improve!  We all have shortfalls, and we are blessed with the ability to learn in order to get past them.  Part of my job at our Keller Williams office is, afterall, training and mentoring agents to success.
I have been working on a transaction with an agent who is tactless and rude.  She is obviously uneducated on … (2 comments)

Don't Become Another Murder Statistic! - 10/04/08 09:44 PM
I am going to deviate from the more common real estate themes of my blog and write about a topic I am passionate about:  REALTOR® safety.  Perhaps it is my background in law enforcement, but I feel that there are many REALTORS® who work day to day oblivious to the possible dangers that lurk in our world. 
REALTORS® place themselves in contact with strangers everyday.  It is our job to get out there, meet people, and broker the sale of properties.  Unfortunately, many people from the criminal element also know this fact.  Each year, REALTORS® are assaulted, robbed, and even murdered.  … (7 comments)

Where is your career? Surviving, Or Thriving? - 10/04/08 09:41 PM
If you don't list, you don't last.  This concept is driven into our skulls by real estate trainers year after year, but I would like to go one step further and make the argument that if you don't generate leads, you don't list, and therefore you don't last.  Now this may sound quite simple to most of you, and I am quite willing to concede that it doesn't take a doctorate in Realestateology to figure it out.  Unfortunately, the big, ugly truth is that even though 100% of you may understand this, we have an 80% failure rate in real estate! 
… (5 comments)

Does Your Team Lose YOUR Money? - 10/04/08 09:36 PM
I have had several discussions lately with people about the costs and benefits of running a real estate team.  Great employees can make you many times what you pay them, but poor employees, or even "adequate" employees, may end up costing you thousands, or millions, of dollars.
Let's take a buyer's agent, for example.  If you give a buyer's agent leads, and expect that buyer's agent to follow up on the leads, then you would tend to expect closings down the road.  What is a reasonable number?  Well, that's probably something that you'd have to determine based on the type of … (2 comments)

Instead of Staging, Think Positioning (To Save More Than Your Commissions) - 10/04/08 09:29 PM
Over the years, I have found a common denominator among real estate agents:  They like to spend their commission checks.  I have also found another common denominator:  They all like to stay alive. 
In order to enjoy those checks, sometimes we have to think about our safety.
I bet you can relate to this:  All agents, at one time or another, have really been excited to show a house to a potential client.  They practically dance through each room, pointing out the features with a flourish, all the while anticipating that the next thing the prospect will desire is their name on a … (2 comments)

Win - Win With FSBOs - 10/04/08 09:26 PM
I have read several posts on AR asking questions on how to market to FSBOs, and I wanted to share something that I started doing several years ago that seems to work like a charm.
First of all, you need to have a telephone call-capture system up and running (otherwise called an IVR system, or a "hotline" system).  If you don't know what a call-capture system is, here's the nutshell version... for those of you familiar with them, skip the next paragraph!
Call-capture systems are toll free recorded phone lines.  They usually look something like this: For Toll-Free Recorded Info Call … (4 comments)

Beware of Overextending Your Clients, Or Yourself - 10/04/08 09:22 PM
After working in the real estate industry for six years, I have found that there are a lot of people out there who think that they MUST get the most expensive home that they can afford.  This can lead to a lot of problems, not the least of which is financial ruin.
WAIT???   A real estate agent is saying that people buying MORE EXPENSIVE homes is a PROBLEM???
Yes I do, but let me explain.  Throughout my experience, I have run into countless people who get qualified for a loan, and they feel that they NEED to look for homes that … (0 comments)

Use Some Leverage In Your Business! - 10/04/08 09:19 PM
If you break down the top three things that will dramatically affect your real estate career, they are Leads, Listings and Leverage.  Leads give you the ability to gain clients.  Listings give you inventory to cultivate contracts and buyers with.  Leverage makes it easier for you to get more of the other two, and gives you the ability to ENJOY the life you are creating through your highly successful real estate business, or at least enjoy a cup of coffee once in a while.
Simply put, leverage is multiplying your ability to get things done.  It would be ideal if you … (3 comments)

 
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Bill Kennedy - Homes For Sale Greenville SC

Greenville, SC

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty Greenville Central

Address: 800 Regent Park Court, Greenville, SC, 29607

Office Phone: (864) 990-1224

Cell Phone: (864) 505-1259

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The idle contemplations of one of the up-and-coming real estate agents and trainers in Upstate South Carolina. Feedjit Live Blog Stats


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