Fort Bend County Real Estate Blog

31st Annual Spring Fling

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:53:28 -0600

It doesn't matter if you own a classic or dreaming of owning one some day or just want to drool. This is the show that kicks off the season of classic car shows. People and cars come from all over Texas and other states. There are usually around 400 beautiful rides to see and share with others. You don't want to miss this event and don't forget to bring your camera.

Spring Fling Car Show Knights of Columbus Hall - Rosenberg, TX 77471
4/4/2009 - 4/5/2009
10:00:00 AM - 6:00:00 PM


Revisit times gone by as proud owners cruise to Rosenberg to display their antique and classic cars and compete for the Best in Show award. Sponsored by Southwest Street Machines of Houston. $25 entry fee for participants.

David Slavin www.DavidSlavin.com

The Lake House at Cinco Ranch

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:26:12 -0600

The 76-acre Spring Green Recreation Center, features a scenic 30-acre lake surrounded by parks, greenbelts and wetland ledges. A water park with a resort-style swimming pool, 2 water slides and a children's spray park offers refreshing fun for every member of the family, and a Children's Garden invites the youngest ones to clamber over boulders and fallen timbers, explore a dry stream bed, and witness the cycle of life in a butterfly garden.

At the heart of this recreation complex is the 6000 sqft Lake House, featuring architecture inspired by historic Texas train depots. The Lake house has spacious indoor and outdoor gathering areas for up to 100, and residents can reserve this facility for meetings and special events. One of the best features is it is green and LEED certified. Some of the green features include a rainwater cistern that can collect up to 5,000 gallons of water to provide about 5 weeks of irrigation for the surrounding park area. There's the bioswales that collect and filter the rainwater runoff before feeding into the 37 acre lake and the lake is surrounded by wetland edges to provide habitat for wildlife and an educational experience for the residences. The Lake House uses saline water at its water park and swimming pool complex to eliminate the use of harsh chemicals.

Call me if you would like more information about Cinco Ranch, Katy, or any part of Fort Bend County.

David Slavin www.DavidSlavin.com

Happy 18th Birthday Cinco Ranch!

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:38:41 -0600

Cinco Ranch in Katy, TX is celebrating its 18th birthday. Located in the highly acclaimed Katy Idependant School District, Cinco Ranch offers homes priced from $160,000 to over $1 million. If you're looking for new contruction then the Cinco Ranch Model Home Village with 30 decorated models is perfect for you. There are numerous pre-owned homes to choose from as well as and many different country clubs to choose if golf and socializing is your thing. Cinco Ranch has turned out to be a highly successful master-planned community just west of Houston.

You can join in the celebration at Simply Cinco information center at the La Centera shopping center (across from Cinco Ranch High School).

By David Slavin www.DavidSlavin.com

Another Increase... When will it stop?

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:53:04 -0600

The price of postage is going up again! On May 11, 2009 the price of a first class stamp is going from .42 cents to .44 cents. This is just going to push more and more business to use email more than snail mail. Many people still like to receive snail mail because it is more personal than email. Will this increase make you do business differently?

by David Slavin www.DavidSlavin.com

Do You Use Scripts?

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:32:35 -0600

By David Slavin www.DavidSlavin.com

Do you use scripts in your business. If so, please share the scripts that work the best for you.

In today's market, it is important to get back to the basics to make ourselves more productive! Scripts have worked for many agents over the years and if you take just 30 minutes to practice your scripts, they will flow naturally, but you must practice!

Please share the scripts for buyers & sellers that work for you in any situation.

Cell Phone Service

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:51:20 -0600

By David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.DavidSlavin.com

Consumer Reports rated cell phone service throughout 23 major metropolitan areas across the country. The cell phone companies rated were Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Alltel and Sprint.

The cities rating Verizonas the best service are: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, Fla., Las Vegas, LA, Miami, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington.

The cities rating Alltel as the best service are: Charlotte, N.C., Cleveland and Tampa, Fla.

All 23 cities rated Sprint as the lowest. It looks like a landslide for Verizon as the big overall winner.

As far as customer service... here's the results:

Verizon
Alltel
T-Mobile
AT&T
Sprint (last place again)

I'm so glad that I'm a sprint customer. When my contract is up, I may be making a change.

What cell phone service do you have and how would you rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best?

Have you read this book?

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:47:48 -0600

I just ordered this book on Amazon.com since it definitely fits the world of real estate today and probably for a while. I'm hoping it will give additional insight into money saving marketing and dealing with the immediate future of our industry. If you have read this book or know of someone who has... Please give a review about it and if you thought it was practical to put his ideas into practice.

The First Offer

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:08:57 -0600

David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.SellMyHouseDave.com

First offers in today's real estate market are golden. Don't let it get away if you can help it. The old saying, "A bird in hand is better than two in the bush" fits today's market. If you want to wait for the highest offer and your house sits on the market month after month and you keep making payments... what did you gain? It is better today to try and work with the first offer than wait for another. Many times it is better in the long run to make a deal and move on to the next chapter in life.

Keep in mind that you may loose a little on the house you are selling but you should be able to make it up on the house you purchase. Don't let that bird fly away because you don't know when another one will come.

The First Letter To Send in 2009!

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:30:01 -0600

By David N. Slavin, ABR, SRES www.DavidSlavin.com

Do you want 2009 to start off good for you? Of course you do! Who wouldn't? It is important to let your past clients and SOI know that you are still open for business no matter what they see in the news about the real estate market.

I always send a letter in January thanking everyone for helping me to have a highly successful year in 2008 thanks to them sending me their referrals. I continue with, I'm looking forward to helping them and/or their referrals in 2009, etc. I also send a similar letter in June basically saying the same thing but changing it for time relevance. What this does is reminds the recipients that you are still there AND since you keep thanking them for referrals they will think that they need to send you some since others must be. Keep in mind that people like helping others and sometimes they just need a little reminder.

What do you do to build a referral business?

What Do You Do?

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:07:55 -0500

By David Slavin, ABR, SRES

This is always a tough one for many agents. In today's real estate market we must make sure customer service is a top priority and part of this is gift giving. I'm not necessarily talking about holiday gifts to clients and past clients. I'm talking about gift giving when clients don't expect it. That's when it makes the biggest impression on them and you will remain on the top of their mind. When they think real estate they think of you. But now for the big question...

What do you give them and how often?

Buffini says to use the pop-by to bring gifts but this raises the same questions. Please share your thoughts and what you have done that has been well received by clients and past clients.

Consumer Reports - Reducing Commission

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:32:42 -0500

By David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.SellMyHouseDave.com

According to an article in the September 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, the percentages are too close to call. They surveyed the differences among the major real estate companies for overall performance and success in attracting buyers. They did find a difference between the companies when it comes to the willingness to negotiate the agents commission. Here are the results from most willing to negotiate commissions to the least willing:

77% RE/MAX
76% Independent Agents
70% Other companies
67% Keller Williams
67% Century 21
67% Prudential
64% Coldwell Banker

Customer Service is a MUST!

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:56:36 -0500

By David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.FortBendHomeFinder.com

In today's market, it is imperative to give the best customer service possible. By giving the best customer service, your clients will become your cheer leader. Word of mouth and referrals are THE best method for business growth. It gives you instant credibility and the willingness to work with you without interviewing other agents. This is also the most economical way to develop and gain more business. When you are trying to move your business into a referral based business, you must keep your customer service going long after the closing.

What are you doing to keep clients thinking of you and referring you? Are you giving them gifts throughout the year, or calling them every month, or are you not doing anything (which is not a good way to get referrals)? Please share what you are doing to keep yourself at the top of your past clients mind?

Another Plateau Reached

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:38:54 -0500

Thanks to all of my fellow Active Rainers in helping me achieve the 60,000 point level. I'm working my way to the 100,000 point level that I see so many others at. It may take me another year but I'll keep blogging until my fingers bleed. Sorry for the mental image. Keep blogging... it works!

Published by RE/MAX Times Online

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:49:47 -0500

By David N. Slavin, ABR, SRES

I am honored to have my Active Rain blog, Does Coaching Work? published in RE/MAX Times Online. I also followed it up with another blog about what my office is doing as it relates to coaching with Office Support. I would love to see them combine my two blogs in an article for the print addition. This is a true honor. I look forward to continued blogging on Active Rain!

Has anyone else had their blogs picked up by publishers?

RE/MAX is Changing... for the Better!

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:07:07 -0500

Today I went to learn about the new LeadStreet system that will be coming online next month. It will be so much better than the current system and much easier to navigate. There are so many user friendly things that we will be able to do. There will be a minor learning curve as any change would have but this is definately a change for the better. I can't wait to give it a try! Let me know what you think after you see the new system.

David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.DavidSlavin.com

Is the Sky Falling?

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:54:25 -0500

With all of the government bailouts going on, some may be wondering if the sky is falling. As far as I can see, the only thing that is falling is the money out of our pockets so the government can keep the market from crashing. Some people are saying that the government is trying to slowly let us know how bad things really are and we are just seeing the beginning of the bailouts. What I don't understand is where is all of this bailout money going to come from?

All of us in the real estate business need to buckle up and hang on for the ride. When the media gets into the meat of this, they will be spewing the blood and guts everywhere scaring everyone. This will make many sellers take their house off of the market and sit tight. We just need to keep our guard up in case the sky is falling but I wouldn't run for cover... yet! Or should I?

What do you think?

The Importance of a Business Card!

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:11:06 -0500

The use of a quality business card can pay you in dividends. I have used business cards from www.BestBusinessCards.com (I don't work for them!) for two years and I have received several listings as a direct result. The cards I get are the most expensive and I get the tip chart printed on the back and I have only had good comments from people when I give them out. Nobody wants to throw them away since they are great quality. Also, I leave a card at showings even if I've already shown it. I just got a call this week from a seller wanting me to list his house since I have shown it three times and left a card each time. He said he liked my card when I asked him why he chose me. Give them a look to better your business.

Office Support

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:26:27 -0500

by David N. Slavin, ABR, SRES www.SellMyHouseDave.com www.FortBendHomeFinder.com

Does your office support you and help you to become successful? My office does and this is one of the reasons I love being there and being part of RE/MAX! There are a couple of top producing agents in our office that are volunteering their time to coach any agent in the office wanting coaching. These agents have paid for coaching for years and are at a different level in their careers and they are wanting to pay it forward. The broker/owners of our office are also to be commended because they are willing to help out in any way that they can to help us to become and to keep successful.

I love the idea of top producing agents paying it forward. There is so much help that many people need when they become agents and many agents that aren't new to the business that need that kick in the back side to get them successful. I wish I had this kind of office support when I first got into the business. I had a broker that just turned us loose and we had figure things out for ourselves but now that I with this RE/MAX office I have done more business each year over the last 3 years that I ever thought I could.

What does your office do help you with your success?

If you are thinking of making an office change, give me call, I would love to talk to you about our office.

The Fort Bend County Fair is Here!

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:41:55 -0500

by David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.FortBendHomeFinder.com www.SellMyHouseDave.com

September 26 - October 4

2008 Fort Bend County Fair is the 72nd year of the fair. Visit www.fbcfa.org to get the information you need. There will be top entertainers and tons of activities for everyone including the popular carnival. Here is the opening day schedule:

Opening Day - Friday, September 26th
FREE Admission to ALL School Kids 'til 7PM

9 a.m. PARADE
10 a.m. - Midnight: Carnival Midway
1-9 p.m.: Ag'Tivity Barn - where agriculture comes alive!
2-4 p.m.: Student Fun Day Activities - Old Fashioned Fun & Games, Sack Races, Egg Toss Water Balloons & More!

2008 performers:

Friday, September 26	3:00 p. - 7:00 p	Texas Stage	KILT Broadcast with Rowdy Yates

	7:00 p. - 8:00 p	Texas Stage	Juke Box

	8:00p - 12:00 p	Brazos Stage	The Emotions

	8:00 p - 12:00 p	Texas Stage	Steel Country

Saturday, September 27	2:00 p - 4:00 p	Brazos Stage	Radio Disney

	3:00 p - 8:00 p	Texas Stage	Pure Texas DJ's - Michael Messina

	8:00 p - 1:00 a.m.	Texas Stage	The Legacy Band with W.C. Todd

	9:30 P - 1:00 a	Brazos Stage	John Conlee and Granger Smith (Granger's K in Route)

Sunday, September 28	12:00 p - 3:00 p	Brazos Stage	Al Sulak and the Country Sounds

	12:30 - 4:00 p	Texas Stage	Let It Ride

	3:30 p - 6:00 p	Brazos Stage	Double Back

	4:00 p - 8:00 p	Texas Stage	DJ - Paul Cruz

	6:30 p - 12:00 a	Brazos Stage	Cheyenne /Grupo Vida and the Electric Cowboys

Tuesday, September 30	7:00 p - 8:00 p	Brazos Stage	Lexi Stavinoha

	8:00 p - 10:00 p	Brazos Stage	Asleep at the Wheel presented by Silver Eagle Distributors

Thursday, October 2	8:30 p - 11:30 P	Texas Stage	Rhythm of the Road

Friday, October 3	5:00 p -7:00 p	Texas Stage	KMKS Hot Country 102.5 Radio Remote

	7:00 p - 8:00 p	Texas Stage	Juke Box

	8:00 p - 12:00 P	Texas Stage	The Silverado Band

	9:30 p - 12:00 a	Brazos Stage	J.J. Hinson (Opener) Earl Thomas Conley (Headliner)

Saturday, October 4	4:00 p - 6:00 p	Texas Stage	KMKS Hot Country 102.5 Live Broadcast

	7:00 p - 8:00 p	Texas Stage	Juke Box

	8:00 p - 12:30 a	Texas Stage	Jerry Hart

	9:30 p - 1:00 a	Brazos Stage	The Triumphs (opener) - BJ Thomas (Headliner)

A Great Idea for Your Students at Home!

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:30:19 -0500

By David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.FortBendHomeFinder.com www.SellMyHouseDave.com

Have you noticed that the textbooks have gotten heavier? With school now in full swing, my daughter's books are almost the same weight as she is. When I was in school, I don't remember the books as heavy as they are now. Here's an idea that I have done and I want to share with those who have students at home. Buy a set of books to keep at home. This way your student will have the school issued books that stay at school and your set that stays at home. There won't be any way for the student to forget a book at school and your child's back will be saved. By the way, you can buy used books! When the school year is over, you can sell the books and get some of if not most of your money back.

We use this concept in college so why not do this before college? Give it a try this year and see if you and your student like it. My daughter loves not having to carry books home. All she has to bring is her binder for the classes she has homework or test in and the rest is already at home.

Does Coaching Work?

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:42:54 -0500

I have been thinking of taking my business to the next level and I don't know if coaching is the way to go. I know that any system or program must be followed and coaching provides the accountability that's needed to stay on track. You can have the best plan in the world but it is worthless if you don't follow it. This is true for anything including weight loss, real estate, etc.

If you have or are involved with or are being coached... DOES IT WORK?

David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.SellMyHouseDave.com

John McCain's VP Pick...

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:51:01 -0500

Sarah Palin was a great pick (my opinion) since she helped reduce property taxes in Alaska which should be good news for all of us in and out of the real estate industry. This news will help the fight for ALL property owners! She should be able to rally women and give some life to McCain's campaign!

What do you think of Sara Palin as the next VP?

David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.SellMyHouseDave.com www.FortBendHomeFinder.com

Holiday Gifts

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:19:00 -0500

By David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.SellMyHouseDave.com www.FortBendHomeFinder.com

It is coming close to the time to start thinking about what gifts you want to give your past clients for the holidays. I have given different presents throughout the years. Here is a list of some ideas for presents, some I have given and some I haven't.

Entertainment Book ( I gave this last year since everyone loves saving money )
Gift Cards ( Just don't look cheap with the amount )
Holiday Welcome Mat for the front door
Personalized items (for example: ornaments, door knocker, photo box, etc.)
Send them a smoked turkey from Greenberg Turkeys (Mmmmmm, I'm hungry now!)
Send them a fruit basket
Holiday Party (this is one of my personal favorites so you can schmooze with everyone at the same time.)

Please add to the list! What have you done that gets a good response? The key is to keep your name in front of past clients.

You Have A Contract In Your Hands.....

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:16:36 -0500

A RANT By David Slavin

Why won't you won't sign on the line after we negotiated and you verbally agreed to the details in the contract? I don't understand what the hesitation is. In this market you should be thankful to get a contract and now you want to question everything you already agreed to. What don't you understand? You want to sell the house. A buyer wants to buy your house. All you need to do is sign!

I'm pulling my hair out trying to figure out what the hesitation is for. I have explained everything to you more than once, sent you an email explaining everything AGAIN, we've texted numerous times, and now that you have the paper in your hands you won't sign? WHY? You are moving!

Have you had difficult clients like this? Tell me what you did to make everyone happy.

Do You Know Why?

David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:43:36 -0500

By David Slavin, ABR, SRES www.FortBendHomeFinder.com www.SellMyHouseDave.com

Do you know why popcorn pops? Here's why. Popcorn is actually a kind of corn called flint corn and it contains a minor amount ot starch. Each kernel contains a layer called the endosperm and it resists the build up of steam pressure when heated. When the temperature reach around 400 degrees Fahrenheit the kernel expands up to 30 times its original size and the endosperm violently explodes and you have a single piece of poppedcorn or popcorn.

Popcorn is not the widely familiar sweet corn we like to eat in the summer. Popcorn actually isn't harvested until it has matured and dried on the cob.

Fact: Popcorn has the same nutritional value as sweet corn.
Fact: Popcorn in the movie theater is made with coconut oil so it's very high in fat.
Fact: Air popped popcorn is the healthiest method of making it as long as butter isn't added.

Did you know who the most famous person that turned a 4-H project into a success story? Does the name Orville Reddenbacher come to mind? If not, it should. When he was young and in 4-H, he grew popcorn and sold it in local stores for a profit. He went on to college and researched the breeding of popcorn and in 1952 became the largest grower of hybrid popcorn. In 1965, he finally developed a corn kernel that really did pop twice as big and left very few old maids (unpopped kernels). By 1975 he had the best selling popping corn on the market and sold the business in 1976 for millions of dollars.

What does this have to do with real estate? Well... nothing unless you are looking at a house with a media room and now you know a great story to tell about what everyone loves to eat.