Existing Home Sales? How's your Area? - 08/29/07 11:29 PM
I keep watching the news and the doom and gloom media crisis and I find myself shaking my head. Our market here in southern Arizona did slow down and the number of homes on the market went up. What you don't hear, is how many markets are holding steady and maintaining decent sales. The mortgage industry is going to straighten itself out and I feel strongly that the market will hold and hopefully pick-up steam in early '08.
I think we have to be positive. We have to be the voice of reason as our clients get nervous hearing the same "the … (5 comments)

How Do You Introduce Yourself? What's Your Secret - 08/24/07 03:57 PM
We know this business is all about networking and branding yourself. Realtor Magazine has an article called "3 Mistakes to Avoid When Introducing Yourself" and it got me thinking about first impressions and introductions. I am in my first year in this industry and would love to know what some of the veterans have to say about the topic. When you meet someone, how do you introduce yourself? How do you brand yourself without sounding like a car salesman?
Do you wait for the question "So, what do you do for a living?"  I introduce myself to a new person, with "Hello. … (9 comments)

Dumping the Real-Estate Agent? Big Media Now It All's At It Again!!!!! - 08/20/07 09:49 AM
This morning I am reading the latest real esate news as I do every morning before I head out and I see an article called "Dumping the Real-Estate Agent Can Spur Home Sale" by John F. Wasik.  (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&refer=columnist_wasik&sid=apd_.pfBYc6Q)
These types of articles are so full of @%*&!!! Please forgive me, but I am mad as hell and need to speak out. It really bothers me when we are discounted like used car salesman. I don't see these media outlets reccomending people represent themselves in court or to operate on themselves. Real estate is a huge investment and involves in many cases hundreds … (7 comments)

Dressing for Success. Is it More Important than Ever? - 08/20/07 02:25 AM
We all know the market is in a correction and clients are getting harder to find. I have noticed the casual dress of most real estate professionals these days and it got me thinking. I still believe that a significant part of a clients decision in choosing a real estate professional is based on nonverbal elements, handshake, eye contact, body language, posture, listening skills, clothing, grooming and accessories. I think it is more important than ever not to overlook the power of a good first impression. People make amazing assumptions about your professional credibility and potential performance based upon your appearance during a first … (71 comments)

Local Real Estate radio show! Outside of the Box Marketing & Thinking - 08/16/07 10:37 PM
We are in a serious market change. I have been thinking about new marketing ideas and what is going to be important in this market.
As the market changes it is more important to have an outlet for learning, sharing and educating not only ourselves, but our clients. I approached a radio station and sold them on an idea and in the first week in September I will be starting a real estate show every Saturday on a local radio station, KTAN-AM News Talk here in Sierra Vista, Arizona. It will run from 10 to 11a.m. The first segment of the hour will … (3 comments)

Farm Letter/ Neighbourhood Marketing Letter - 08/15/07 08:40 AM
OK, I need some help. I am working on a farm letter and need some help. I don't know if I am on the right track. I want to send out farm letters and follow-up with a personal visit to introduce myself. Here is the letter I have written and want to know what you guys think.
 Mr. & Mrs. John Doe,
"Just a note to say hello. I am excited to tell you that I am a residential real estate specialist in Cochise County. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate, I want to be your Realtor.
You may find … (4 comments)

designations? Are they worth more than the Education? - 08/11/07 10:07 PM
I am in my first year as an agent. I have already taken some continuing education classes on topics that I want to learn more about and improve my knowledge and skills. I have been researching designations and it sounds like the education should help me improve in specific areas, my question really has to do with Real estate designations such as the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) and Leadership Training Graduate (LTG), do these designations suggest an expertise and commitment that goes beyond just earning and maintaining a real estate license?  Do our clients understand … (12 comments)

Listing Presentations - Casual or Professional? - 08/11/07 09:41 PM
As market conditions continue to go into a normal market, agents have to work for and earn listings. I have spent quite a bit of time developing a power point presentation for listing appointments. I am quite proud of it, however I have not used it yet. I find myself taking my laptop to listing appointments and trying to get a feeling if they are more serious or seem more casual. For the casual, I am going for a more casual soft sell. I have not had a presentation where I felt it was appropriate.
I am curious what you on AR … (4 comments)

Cheap Domains and Free Five Page Website - 08/10/07 07:51 AM
I did a blog yesterday about bait websites (http://activerain.com/blogsview/169935/Bait-Sites-Good-orhat) I use to test content and keywords while linking back to my main website. I use http://www.godaddy.com/ for my domain names which come with a free five page website. It really is the cheapest advertising you do. I have been asked how I get the domain names for $6.95..... I use promo codes.
It's been a bit tough trying to find godaddy promo codes that are current and working. So here's some that I found that are current and work for sure. I don't know how long they will be good for. But … (11 comments)

Bait Sites....Good or Bad? - 08/09/07 11:25 PM
Well, I have read a bunch of different opinions on bait sites. SEO is a big deal when you realize how many buyer's are looking on the Internet before calling an agent. I have been working ever angle I can find to improve my website ranking. I have now added five bait sites. I figure the link backs to my main site can't hurt. I am also experimenting with different content and different key words. I would be afraid to experiment on my main site and drop in ranking. This way, If one of my bait site jumps forward I will … (7 comments)

Active Rain Benefits? - 08/07/07 08:48 PM
As I was reading through the Realtor.org benefits page, it got me thinking how the power in numbers concept works. It would be cool if the collective ranks of ActiveRain could work together to create and line-up special discounts on services and things that we all use that would be for ActiveRain members only. Is this a crazy idea or would our growing number of bloggers have a little pull in creating a benefits and discounts area on AR. Maybe discounts on printing, custom apparel, websites, insurance and more.
Just some thoughts on this rainy evening here in Arizona.
Have a great … (5 comments)

Reasons Why Rookie Agents Fail? TOO MANY AGENTS/TOO FEW DEALS!! - 08/07/07 09:34 AM
REALTOR magazine online had an article this morning on reasons why rookie agents fail.
Not having a business planFailing to field a good closing teamMissing the right toolsLacking the moneySkimping on marketingSpending marketing money in the wrong placesChoosing the wrong brokerI think I can agree on most of their list, however the most important reason why agents fails in my opinion: THERE ARE TOO MANY AGENTS.
Even before sales slowed, people in the industry said far too many agents were chasing too few deals. Well, there's only so much business to go around, so there can only be so many Real … (4 comments)

30,000 POINTS!!!!! - 08/06/07 11:46 PM
Yes! This post puts me over 30,000 points! I know that is not a big deal compared to some of you with over 200,000 points, but for me..... I am proud of this day. It all began for me on May 21, 2007. I was brand new to blogging and as much as I have learned, I have a long way to go before I am a good blogger.
How I got here:
Score Summary
I have not figured out how to earn bonus points yet and I have not had the success I would like at inviting other agents to join the … (6 comments)

Market turn around? What do you think? - 08/06/07 11:19 PM
There are a lot of Realtors here, so I thought this would be an appropriate place to ask: What is the average length of time a home in your market? Here is southern Arizona, we are averaging about six months. The good news, there seems to be a slow down in the number of new listings, however we are predicting a summer '08 turn around here. Our home prices are down about 10%.
What are your thoughts on your market conditions and when do you think you will see a positive turn? Many of the more experienced agents are saying they like … (3 comments)

Objection Training 101 - 08/06/07 10:46 PM
I am in my first year as a real estate agent and I have made some observations about attitude when some agents are faced with objections. I have noticed how an objection raised in the sales process can make some agents get that deer in the headlight look: they get that blank look of disbelief. Some agents treat objections the same way that a deer treats oncoming traffic. They are frozen in terror, and move only at the last second before the buyer or seller runs them over, but a great salesperson views objections as opportunities.
I have spent the past … (4 comments)

Custom Agent apparel and Hats - Anyone know a cheap source? - 08/05/07 10:54 PM
I need your help! I want to have some ball-caps and polo shirts embroidered with my office name or something that would be good conversation starters.
Does anyone have any good suggestions on an affordable supplier?
Thanks for the help!!!
… (4 comments)

I needed a laugh this Weekend. - 08/05/07 10:40 PM
Some funny stuff just for us real estate professionals: 
Sign next to FSBO: We shoot every third agent and the 2nd one just left.
This house has every new convenience except low payments.By the time you pay for a home in the suburbs, it isn't.A fully modernized home is a place where a switch controls everything but the kids, and it has gadgets to do everything
 except make the payments.My buyer told me that he lived in the same house for 10 years. When I checked, I found out he'd still be their 
today if the Governor hadn't pardoned him.Two Realtors Talking: My buyers … (6 comments)

Boring Open House made me Wonder...................................................... - 08/05/07 10:29 PM
Well, another weekend in the real estate business. Another open house and a lot of rain. As I sat the open house with nearly nothing to do i began to wonder............... Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin? Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed? Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"? Why is "abbreviated" such a long word? Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"? Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons? Why is the man who invests all your … (0 comments)

Only in America: The weekend thoughts - 08/05/07 10:25 PM
Well I thought I would end the weekend with a few little funny thoughts
ONLY IN AMERICA :  Only in America .....do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front. Only in America ......do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke! Only in America ......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters. Only in America ......do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage. … (1 comments)

Fun Creative Marketing - Think outside the box or steal an idea - 08/05/07 12:28 AM
OK.... I was reading REALTOR magazine and the was a small article on creative marketing and it talked about an agent who had a second business card that was more for fun, but that some people might just hang onto. I thought it was a good idea, so I ordered a set from vista print (250 cards for free, about $5.00 shipping) using this link www.vistaprint.com/hotdeals. This card doesn't replace my professional business card, but should make a fun conversation starter at social events and networking opportunities.
Here is my card I designed on the vista print site that only took me … (32 comments)

Arizona's new 4-Year License Renewal/ What is your states requirements? - 08/01/07 09:53 PM
Arizona has had a two year License Renewal requirement until this year. Arizona agents new renewals will be good for four years. The Arizona Department or Real Estate says "The 4-year License Renewal and the pairing of the entity license with the designated broker's license will greatly reduce unnecessary regulation as well as remove a cause of unlicensed activity."  The passage of this bill was the result cooperation and collaboration between the Industry, the Public and the Department.
It will not change the continuing education requirement of 24 hours every two years.
My question to the AR community.... what are the renewal cycles … (4 comments)

Be HONEST – even if it’s painful. - 08/01/07 09:48 AM
I'm Brad Snyder and I am a REALTOR® in Arizona. That means I sell real estate. A life-long love of beautiful land and architecturally interesting homes grew into a career in real estate. What I do is sometimes quite complicated.  But the reason I do it is really quite simple.  Everything I do is centered on helping my clients in every way possibly in the pursuit of the American dream of home ownership!
As a REALTOR®, I Pledge ...
TO protect the individual right of real estate ownership and widen the opportunity to enjoy it;
TO be honorable and honest in all dealings;TO seek better to … (7 comments)