Equipping 101 – A Book by John Maxwell - 12/29/07 07:57 PM

While doing some grocery shopping at Publix, I did a quick glance of the bookstand and discovered this book by John Maxwell. For public knowledge, I am a self-described disciple of Dr. Maxwell. Hence, this was an easy purchase for me.
If you are a team leader, building a team or considering to build a team, this is a must read.
Here are four major highlights of the book:
•1.       Maxwell addresses the need to equip (and how to equip) others for individual and team success.
•2.       "Any leader who has only followers around him will be called upon to continually draw on his … (4 comments)

What's Your DFT Story - A Lesson in Real Estate Representation - 12/24/07 12:12 AM
While visiting my in-laws in Greenville, South Carolina during this Christmas season, I was talking with my brother-in-law (he is a real estate attorney) about some of his past experiences. During our discussion, I was reminded of a transaction that never saw the closing table (also known as a "Deal Fell Through" or DFT). Let me share some past pain with you.
Early in my real estate career, I was representing a home buyer that was planning to obtain a 95% LTV mortgage. My client and the sellers were able to obtain a meeting of the minds with regards to this particular … (6 comments)

Educate, Then Educate - Two Keys to Successful Representation (Part Two) - 12/21/07 09:42 AM
In Part One of this post, I was telling you about "Adam" and his most recent home buying experience. Unfortunately, Adam walked away with some frustrations that could have been minimized.
TIP #2- Educate Your Client about the Potential Obstacles/Challenges with a Real Estate Transaction
We spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars educating ourselves about successful and efficient client representation. However, I'm not confident about US as an industry in how well we communicate that knowledge to our clients BEFORE THE JOURNEY BEGINS in an effort to inform them about the potential obstacles of a real estate transaction.
For sellers, the numbers … (2 comments)

Remind Your 2007 Buyer Clients about the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 - 12/17/07 02:55 PM
One of my annual mailings that keep me in touch with my clients is the HUD-1 from their closing. In January 2008, I will be including a little extra note. Do you remember the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006?
This signed legislation will allow 2007 homebuyers an opportunity to deduct premiums paid for mortgage insurance - which typically is required when homebuyers purchase a home with less than a 20% down payment. 
This new insurance premium deduction will only apply to mortgage insurance contracts issued in 2007 and is only available to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $110,000 … (6 comments)

Educate, Then Educate – Two Keys to Successful Representation (Part One) - 12/16/07 07:15 PM
While attending one of the many area Christmas parties, I had a conversation with a recent home buyer (let's call him "Adam") about his home buying experience.  Adam was represented by a fairly well-known and experienced agent and was referred to this agent by his father. Adam's dad had hired this agent in the past.
Unfortunately, Adam walked away with some frustrations from his experience. Let me share those frustrations with you through a couple of helpful tips.
TIP #1 - Educate Yourself about your clients' needs, wants and desires through a Home Buyer Interview
Adam did not feel confident about his agent's level … (4 comments)

Add Prospecting to your Christmas List - 12/14/07 03:06 PM
Does this self-dialogue sound familiar?
‘Where is my Christmas "To Do" List? (papers begin to shuffle) Here it is! Let's see.....
Order Christmas Ham..........Check
Purchase Secret Santa Present..........Check
Arrange Travel Plans......Check
Real Estate Prospecting ........Real Estate Prospecting......
Did I prospect today?'
Well......Did you?
In November 2005, my business plan was influenced by an article entitled The 90-Day Rule. This article was written by Patti Brotherton, President of PAB Performance Partners in Santa Barbara, CA.
Essentially, Patti says that whatever we do today will impact our business in March 2008.
By no means am I saying that I am the prospecting guru. Actually....I'm not even in the same zip code … (4 comments)

Point 2 NLS v. Advanced Access - 12/12/07 04:35 PM
I just read a great article written by Mike Parker ( a principal at the Blackwater Consulting Group, Inc. ) on Online Marketing. This article is a must read! However, that wasn't the motivation for my post. My motivation came from the testimonials that were provided within Mike's article. Lilo Clacher from Cookeville, TN uses the Point2 NLSTM national marketing and advertising platform. Richard Beckman from Shelton, Washington uses the Advanced Access real estate website design and hosting company.
Here's my question. Which one is better? I know. I know. Everyone has different opinions. Most will be biased. That's okay. I'm preparing … (12 comments)

Keller Williams Receives Customer Satisfaction Nod from J.D. Power - 12/12/07 04:26 PM
Keller Williams reached their second anniversary in Columbia SC over the weekend. Though 30+ years younger than some of the real estate leaders in our market, that fact did not prevent J.D. Power from issuin some good news to Keller Williams Realty Associates.Established in 1968, J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information firm that conducts independent and unbiased surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality and buyer behavior.Through a July 23, 2008 Press Release, J.D. Power and Associates has stated that "Keller Williams Ranks Highest among real estate companies in satisfying home buyers..."If you are in the market to buy or sell a … (4 comments)