Dwayne's Blog

My Company Culture

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:57:26 -0700

Metro West Realty was formed in June 2010 when two independent real estate companies in West Georgia merged. Real Estate West, the oldest real estate company in West Georgia joined forces with West Georgia Realty & Development to become the strongest independent real estate company in the West Georgia and East Alabama region. In pulling together two companies of different size, experience and “personality”, the company culture that started forming was a bit of unknown to the founding partners.

Metro West Realty began talking about the idea of “company culture” almost immediately. After nearly 3 years in successful operation our culture is strong and getting better every day. Below are some comments and idiom’s related to our company culture:

1. Our company culture matters because our work environment matters.

2. Our company will have culture of some sort, we might as well direct it to a culture we love.

3. Our company culture is really important to recruiting REALTORS who love working here.

4. Our company culture matters to our office staff and agents who work here.

5. Our company culture matters to our clients and customers as well as to our vendors.

6. Our company culture is a culture of sharing knowledge with one another and therefore empowering one another to greater growth.

7. “Sunlight is the best disinfectant”

8. Our company culture seeks to enhance growth through on-going education and training.

9. We celebrate each other’s success and seek to bear one another’s struggles.

10. Great people want direction on where they’re going NOT necessarily how to get there.

11. “Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.”

12. We’d rather be failing frequently instead of never trying.

13. Influence should be independent of seniority or hierarchy.

14. We place great value on work ethic and competence.

15. We will fight every day to maintain a competent and caring culture in our company.

(inspired by and adapted from www.culturecode.com via HubSpot)

Mitt Conerly, Sr – my partner and friend said it well: “people want to associate with and do business with people that are knowledgeable, that they trust, and that care as much about them as they do themselves.”

I believe it’s a huge blessing to actually love and care about the people you work with every day. I want Metro West Realty to be exactly that.

DHicks April 2013

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Mirror Mirror

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 03:15:30 -0800

I don’t always like what I see in the mirror. Sometimes, my hair is out of place or when I was younger, I might have a pimple in a prominent place. I also sometimes judge my weight gain/loss by what I see in the mirror. Some mirrors make me look fat and others tell the truth! J I think looking in the mirror is an important exercise to see what others might see or perceive to see.

I recently went to a conference and took a couple of classes on Leadership. I think leadership is one of those traits that is tough to measure with a mirror. If I look in the mirror of leadership and see how I measure up, it can cause me to make adjustments and improve my performance/appearance as a leader.

I’ll bet that most everyone who is reading this has already looked into the mirror to see what he or she look like. It helps to do this as a REALTOR/servant to others. How is my service? Am I giving my clients and customers the best professional service I can? Am I giving thorough information?

The mirror can actually tell me a lot, if I will listen!

Pressing On!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Politicians OR Public Servants

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:29:08 -0800

Last week I had the opportunity to participate in Georgia Association of REALTORS first ever Legislative Conference at the state capitol in Atlanta. It was a very well-organized event and we as REALTORS wanted our legislators to now how important home ownership is to our neighborhood, our state and our nation. We heard some very important people in government speak to us including the governor. After the opening rally, we spent some time with our legislators inside the capitol just outside the legislative chambers.

I first met up with Kevin Cooke & Dusty Hightower who are two young men with great energy, level headed thinking and good values. We also met Senator Mike Crane and Senator Mike Dugan who cover the Carroll County area as Georgia State Senators. Please know that I’ve known Kevin Cooke for several years and I consider him a good friend. He made the comment to me that there is a huge difference in the people who serve the people of Georgia. He said that there are two major categories: the people who serve the public and the people who serve themselves and want more terms in power. The former is a Public Servant and the latter is a Politician!

We need more Public Servants holding public offices. The choices they make in legislation today affect us for years to come – govern wisely.

Press on!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Short Sale DECIDER

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 06:53:02 -0800

I realize that my English teacher would “have a duck” if she saw the title of this blog. I’m really speaking of “decision maker” when I use the term “decider”. In Real Estate world the past few years has brought a term to our vocabulary that hasn’t been used so much before this. The term is called “Short Sale”. Upon first hearing the word, it seems implied that this won’t be long – it will be short. Please know that the term “short sale” does NOT implicate a “short period of time”. It simply means the sellers are “selling short of what they owe” on the property. This can ONLY be done with permission from the lender who is owned the money.

When an offer is made and the seller says “ok”, the offer is then taken to the lender. This is where things get stuck. The person who looks at the offer is not the “decider”. He or she may simply be a clerical person entering the data into a computer program. The REALTOR and the seller often can’t get to the decider for several days because the paper work has to be in proper order. Sometimes I have had to send the same documentation 3 times to the same person. I’m not sure what happens with it, but the process doesn’t seem to work properly. I’ve always said, that if I could present a short sale offer to the “decider” and explain the market data that defends the price. If I could show the “decider” how much they could save the bank by taking this deal instead of taking the home back through foreclosure – the deal would get done. The problem comes with finding the “decider”.

I shared this scenario with a banker (not the one pictured here), who was quick to inform me that due to government regulations imposed by the FDIC, that there was no such thing at his bank called a “decider”, there was a committee of deciders. (This news did not make me feel better about the short sale process.) The FDIC has tremendous input on how the bank handles a short sale and the process they go through to accept one.

I’m aware that the wheels of government bureaucracy move a bit slow, so I’ve come to accept the fact that until I hear that I have a “negotiator”, I’m really not very far along in the short sale process.

I guess the thing that frustrates me so much is that as a REALTOR, I often get to decide what time I go to work and how much I will work today. I can decide things all day long and it is incredibly frustrating to be in the middle of a process that seems to be controlling my decisions. There really is a decider here, but he or she is hiding behind a committee and behind the layers of bureaucracy called the FDIC. That’s my opinion – I welcome yours.

Pressing On!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Oh Snap! I Forgot My Cell Phone!

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 08:18:53 -0700

I live in the country and still have to throw my trash on the back of my truck to carry it to the local convenience center. It’s Saturday morning and I’m actually off work today trying to catch up on my “honey do” list. I’m on my way to the convenience center to carry off the trash when suddenly I realize that I have my driver’s license but I forgot my cell phone!

What will I do?

What if I break down?

What if someone needs me?

I can’t check my email immediately!

My cell phone is the single most valuable tool in my box of REALTOR tools! I’ve wondered at the value of this one little device. The following are things I do with my smart phone:

1. Contacts (names/addresses/phone/email)

2. Calendar (appointment and scheduling)

3. Email (lets me email immediately)

4. Text Messaging (direct communication without the small talk)

5. MLS Access (search live for a listing your client likes)

6. Calculator (mortgage & traditional)

7. Notes (make notes for follow-up)

8. Supra E-Key (access to showing houses)

9. Telephone (I almost forgot I can call people on this device)

10. Scanner (scan pages into a .pdf or .jpg for emailing)

11. GPS/Maps (turn by turn directions and mapping service)

12. Flashlight (great for showing homes that have no electricity)

13. Camera (taking pictures for listing homes and brochures)

14. Guitar Tuner (helpful for guitar players)

15. Facebook (king of social networking sites)

16. Twitter (tweet from your device)

17. Linked In (update from your phone)

18. Foursquare (location based social netork)

19. Yelp (referral network, also location based)

20.Word Processor (draft letters and complete forms)

21.Dropbox (store important documents)

22. iPod (play my kind of music!)

23. Clock (I don’t wear a watch anymore)

24. Weather Forecast (is it going to rain –what’s the radar look like?)

25. Video Recorder (capture live events as they happen)

26. iBooks (read novels while waiting)

27. Pinterest (post creative ideas and get other creative ideas)

28. KeyRing (keep up with grocery store coupons and discount cards)

This list is certainly complete. What are other things you use your smart phone for?

I did make it back home without incident this morning! I can’t believe I forgot to check it while cutting grass and carrying off the trash. I’m an idiot!

Pressing on!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Pretend You Are Selling Your Home!

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 04:41:54 -0700

I think it would be a good idea to pretend you’re putting your home on the market in the next two weeks. This will be a big undertaking. Just ask any seller who has properly staged their house for resale. Here are some suggestions:

1. Empty clutter from each room and consider removing some furniture to open up the space. The idea is to make it look and feel large and spacious.

2. Consider the wall hangings – do you need all of them? Is it time for a change?

3. Touch up painted services – repair and repaint. This is really economical and easy to do.

4. Perk up the front porch – If you have seating – clean and make it useable again. Consider putting seasonal flower near the entrance.

5. Make windows sparkle! – Clean windows inside and out. If your windows on the 2^nd & 3^rd floor, consider hiring a professional.

6. Empty the clutter drawer or misc. drawer (you know you have one of those!)

7. Clean out the pantry and donate to the local soup kitchen or Salvation Army canned goods that are still in date, but you don’t plan to use.

8. Have carpets cleaned and make all the floors shine like money!

9. Deep clean each bathroom and pay special attention to the showers – work at getting all the stains out!

10. Make sure each light has a bulb that is burning.

11. Add some outside lighting! Too many lights might make it look like a runway, but it needs just the right amount to feel safe and friendly.

This list is certainly not exhaustive, in fact, I would appreciate additional suggestions of things to do if you were really moving!

Pressing On!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Listen Up!

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 04:42:37 -0700

I’ve never considered myself a good listener, because if I meet you for the first time and you tell me your name, I probably won’t remember it correctly because I’m thinking of my next question or response to you. I’ve worked at this for a long time and I may very well be improving. Listening is a crucial part of communication with our family, friends, clients, customers, colleagues…everyone.

I once heard a preacher say that the good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth, so we should get a clue – we must listen twice as much as we speak. I believe that it is of paramount importance that we learn to listen attentively and actively to those seeking to communicate with us.

I mentioned this at sales meeting this past week and later one of my partners reminded me that we have 4 listening devices. Not only do we have two ears, but we have two eyes! Listening for the “non-verbal” communication is huge and cannot be overstated. Sometime people will speak with their body language something that never comes out of their mouth. If we have all our listening devices working – we will catch all the facets of the communication between those and ourselves we are communicating with.

Listening is a skill to be learned not necessarily a gift that others don’t have. I do think that some people learn listening faster than others, but there is certainly an art to it. I want to be a better listener because then I will be a better communicator.

Press On!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Marketing Me!

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 04:06:23 -0800

I have tried to be an “open book” about who I am and how I am. I’ve tried to be honest and “on point” without exaggeration when it comes to marketing me as a great REALTOR.

This is often the place where we compare ourselves to others. I think this is a mistake. I think that this is the place where I share my work ethic and my goals and my values. In marketing your home, you are getting my best work. I’m not saying I work harder, or that I’m smarter than any other agent. I can tell you what I will do to help market your home. I will tell you that I invest lots of money on internet advertising. I will tell you honestly what I believe the market says about your home. I will answer calls, fax and emails regarding your home. I know for a fact that price is the number one issue in marketing your home – it has to be priced right.

You can ask me anything about me or about what I do. I’m not trying to “wow” you into letting me work for you. I’m trying to tell you in the most simple and plain way that if you’re in the market to sell or buy Real Estate, I’ll work hard for you. I believe I’m successful in Real Estate because I’m sticking to my values of Hard Work, Honesty and Integrity.

You can reach me by Phone, Email, Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, pinterest, Google, Active Rain, westgahome.com, westgamarketsnapshot.com, dhicksonline.com or come by my office at 850 Cedar Street in Carrollton, GA – I’d love to meet you in person!

Pressing On!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Email, Txt or Phone Calls - Communication Strategies

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:37:47 -0800

Communication is the “life-blood” of relationships of all kinds. Its importance can’t be overestimated. I believe for REALTORS we must communicate carefully, consistently and completely with the people in our lives – our family, customers, colleagues & clients.

The modes of communication have changed rapidly in the last few years. Just over 10 years ago, we didn’t have the number of cell phones or the smart phone technology that we have today. We simply called clients and had a phone conversation. Today, we have email, text and Facebook messenger to name a few. I think it is important to find out how clients like to be communicated with. I turned 50 back in October and I learned recently that the average age of a REALTOR is 51 – so I guess I’m average. The average client is age 36 – 15 years younger! Texting is fast becoming the preferred mode of communication. I have a lot of clients under age 30 who love texting. I first learned to text because my kids love to text. I can most often get an immediate response from texting and not be able to speak with them on the phone. You can text when in a large meeting, (although it’s still has etiquette issues) when you can’t answer the phone.

Email is closing in on texting as a favored mode of communication, because of the great detail you can add to what’s being communicated. You can attach multiple documents, pictures, etc. to can email. Today’s smart phones have email coming to your phone, so you no longer have to be at your laptop or desktop to email clients. I’ve forwarded contracts, plats and closing statements all from my smart phone.

WARNING! There is a big danger in this type of communication. When texting or emailing there is matter of tone. If I’m not careful, it will seem like I’m frustrated in a text or email when I’m really not. These types of communications do not have emotion included. They are sometimes received with emotion. Sometimes I simply pick up the phone and decide NOT to email or text anymore about a certain subject because of the emotion involved. There are times that even a phone call is too impersonal and a face to face meeting is in order.

Knowing how to communicate with clients is often just as important as WHAT we communicate. The message isn’t a message at all until it’s received and what the client receives is REALLY the message. Communication is VERY CRUCIAL to all our relationships – we must get it right!

Press On!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Morning

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 06:07:57 -0800

I love the morning time. Everything seems new and fresh with every new morning. Think about – a new day is beginning. The new day can hold so much promise and hope. It can bring solutions to struggles. It can bring hope to what seems like hopeless situations. I like to the think of the morning as a “fresh start” on many fronts. The mistakes of yesterday or now history and I have a new canvas to paint upon today.

Good morning world! Let’s get started!!

Pressing On!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

I Killed The Deal!!

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:59:05 -0800

Sometimes it’s easy to make a mistake and kill the deal.

I had a listing that didn’t look great “on paper”, meaning the sellers were way out of price for what they were describing to me. However, I told my assistant that I would go through the process with them to see exactly where things were. The people reminded me of my Mom and Dad and out of respect for them, I wanted to give this my best shot. After meeting with them in the office, I set an appointment to go see their property. It was to be after picking up my kids from school. I didn’t write it down on my calendar.(Big Mistake) My daughter called and asked to do something for her and off I went. I called the seller today to apologize and they have “made other arrangements”. I felt bad, mainly because I had not meant to disrespect their time. I will be looking to see this property in the MLS – Oh Well.

I’ve determined that there are 4 things to do when I make a mistake.

1. Take responsibility that is really mine

2. Ask for forgiveness

3. Make Amends

4. Move On!

I’m on to present an offer to a seller. I’m writing this blog for therapy too!! I hate that I make mistakes.

Pressing On!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Attention FSBO's

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:01:30 -0700

I passed by a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) on my way in to the office this morning. I was reminded of my interview with the couple of this particular house. They, as many sellers, thought that their house was worth way more than the market says. If top producing REALTOR’S are trying to list your house, then you have priced yourself out of the market. If sellers price themselves outside of the market, they will watch their home sit on the market for months.

The Real Estate market is still viable, but you must be priced to sell within this market. The market does not have emotion. The market is just facts. I’ve had many conversations with sellers who will need to sit out for several months. I’m happy to list new properties for sale in this market, but the property needs to be priced properly.

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

It's Time For Cleaning

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:15:51 -0700

I am about to do some major cleaning and put stuff in closets and store it away for possible reference, but not daily use.

I'm talking about cleaning up my computer. These machines are much like our home or office. File folders need to be purged and cleaned up. I keep everything until the file closes and there are times, that I just need to clean it up before filing. My computer files are no different. I still have property photos on homes that I sold nearly a year ago. These are taking up valuable space in my harddrive. I can compress files and then archvive them and take up very little space. I can also drop the archives on a small thumb drive of 8 Gig or so.

I really need to do this a lot more often as I can tell a huge difference in the speed of my computer.

Press On!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Advertising Splash!

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:14:25 -0700

Our company built a parade float for the Peoples Parade for the 4^th of July in our town of Carrollton, Georgia. We went with the theme of "Backyard Bar-B-Q. We had a playhouse on the back of a 24’ trailer. We had agents to build a picket fence, agents who painted. We then put down green indoor/outdoor carpet for the grass, a kiddie pool with agents kids and a grill with a friend cooking real burgers. We passed out small American flags with our company name on the stick, patriotic wrapped bubble gum, branded jar openers and small branded Frisbees. We won 1^st place in the small business category! I am so proud of our team.

Now, the real work begins. The parade is a huge advertising splash. There were probably 7 – 8 thousand people along the parade route. It was a great opportunity to make a statement that our company is here and we are a strong, independent real estate company. I am constantly challenging our agents to be over the top with excellent service. Our advertising is only worth it if we can deliver!

I’m grateful to all who participated in the parade – because in the end I felt like we found favor with the people among whom we work and live. That can turn into listings and buyers who need our services. That makes the hard work worth it.

Pressing on!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Time

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:24:08 -0700

I recently went on a great vacation with my family and had a blast hanging out and getting some much needed time away. My assistant did an outstanding job keeping work moving right along. Right before I left I was working on two listings that looked to be very good prospective sales. In fact both owners said to call them when I returned and we would list their properties respectively.

So I get into the office on the Monday morning after vacation (an hour early) knowing that today will be a tough day playing catch up and touching all my clients and customers. I get an email from the one man who’s decided “to go a different route for the next 90 days”. I interpreted that as, listing with someone else. About 30 minutes later, the other man calls to tell me he sold his house to a friend of a friend on Fathers Day. I was stunned. This was two really good listing leads that could have potentially generated good income.

I should have wrapped up both listings BEFORE going on vacation. I had a friend remind me that he was told early on in Real Estate that TIME IS NOT YOUR FRIEND in Real Estate. I concur. This was a hard lesson learned. What makes each situation harder is that I had already been working my network and had a prospective buyer for each listing – bummer.

I responded to each man with as much grace and understanding as I could muster. If I were a drinking man, I would have probably left the office at 9:30 AM for a strong stiff drink. I sucked it up and before the end of the day had written two offers and listed two more homes. I’m thankful for the business that I do have and I must keep my head up!

I’m pressing on!!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Anticipation

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:02:37 -0700

Anticipation
My 13 year old son Matthew, recently sold an item on e-bay for much more than I thought it was worth and he turned right around and purchased a used Macbook computer from e-bay after putting some birthday money with it. The order was placed and the money changed hands, we began waiting for the package to arrive.

So it’s a gorgeous Saturday morning and the sun is out. Matthew and Luke and their two cousins will play for a while outdoors, then Matthew returns to the front porch where he can see the mail truck arrive. He is waiting and waiting. I forgot to mention that I had received a notice on my front door that said a parcel that required a “signature upon delivery” was waiting on me at the post office. I went by the Post Office and I knew when I saw the box that it was the long awaited package. I called my wife to see what the kids were doing and Matthew was still waiting on the porch for the mail truck. I could hardly wait to get home.

It was lots of fun seeing the joy and excitement on his face when his “new” computer arrived. He loves learning and working on his computer – what can I say, he’s a bit of a geek like his dad! I remember being a kid and anticipating something new and watching my son took me back. Oh to be a kid again and be full of anticipation and excitement! That's how I want to view my work with clients and customers!

Pressing On!
Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Walt Disney is Alive and Living In Georgia

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Tue, 17 May 2011 18:22:50 -0700

I can't believe it - I got a lead from Walt Disney recently on my website. He wanted to know the value of his home here in Carroll County. Unfortunately I couldn't help him, because he didn't give his street address on the input form.

I know that people want anomonity, but good grief - could they not be more creative than that?

I want to work everyday to build trust in the community that I work - so that people know I will not pester them to death. I will not make false promises. I will not fluff up the CMA just to tell them what they want to hear. I will speak truthfully - deal with them respectfully and honestly.

I guess Walt really doesn't live here - I must confess though, it made me smile.

Pressing On!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

I Forgot My Cell Phone

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sun, 08 May 2011 07:39:17 -0700

I had an unusual Saturday recently – I was home working around the house! (Saturday’s are usually a working day for a REALTOR.) I was working on a project and needed a quick “Home Depot run” to pick up parts and supplies. Since I only live about 5 minutes away, I jumped in the car and headed that way. About a mile from my house, I realized that I had forgotten my phone at home. A ton of questions flooded my mind….. Should I turn the car around and go get it? What will happen if my wife calls? What if my car breaks down? What if I have a flat tire? What if I need to play games while waiting in line to check out? Can I make it for 30 minutes without my cell phone?

My cell phone is a must for many reasons… in fact I made a list:
1.    I can talk from most any place – especially with Verizon !
2.    I can have a text conversation – while on the phone.
3.    I can check my email and respond quickly.
4.    I can enter an appointment on my calendar from my phone.
5.    I can use the phone’s GPS feature. (It’s better than my Garmin)
6.    I can use my Supra E-Key from my phone to open houses.
7.    I can surf the internet at a moment’s notice.
8.    I can have my own “hotspot” for my laptop internet connection.
9.    I can update Twitter and Facebook.
10.    I can check today’s weather and the week ahead
11.    I can take pictures of listings, or video something that’s funny or rare.
12.    I can record ideas and things using the voice recorder
13.    I can use my phone as a translator from English to Spanish for my son Luke.
14.    I can use my phone as a flashlight.
15.    I can use my phone to geocache.
16.    I can use my phone to play angry birds, spades, hearts…or hundreds more.

I could go on and on and on! My phone is probably more important than my computer and that is saying a lot. I can remember a time when I didn’t have a cell phone and we did fine – it was a bit harder to on work mobility.
It seems with such a time-saving device that I should have lots of time for relaxation with my family. I think I’ve found ways to do more work. I need to take a breath and leave my phone behind a bit more often – a brief break won’t stop the wheels of real estate. By the way, I actually made the trip to Home Depot and back just fine and I missed no calls or important emails during the trip!

Pressing On!
DH

P.S. Can you help me add to the list of phone uses?

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Emotional Buyers & Sellers

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Thu, 05 May 2011 05:59:43 -0700

I’ve heard that buyers buy with emotion. I have found that to be true many, many times. I’ve been showing a property to buyers that I’ve been working with for a while and I know upon entrance to the property that they want to buy this property.
As a buyer’s agent, I try to educate them to look carefully at the infrastructure of the property. They must fight the temptation to fall in love with a property. In this market of foreclosures, the competition for a great deal is fierce at times. Often REALTORS love the fact that buyers buy with emotion. I think sometimes sellers sell with emotion too. Emotion confuses the situation tremendously. Emotions often cause major mistakes. A wise person is one who is aware of the part that emotion plays in the situation and locates a proper place to put it.

As an agent for the seller (aka Listing Agent), I should help them emotionally detach themselves from their house. To start with, I call it a house versus calling it a home. This is subtle but can help with the emotional detachment process. Sellers should be careful not to factor too much of their “sweat equity” into the selling process – not if they really want to sell their home. This kind of emotional attachment makes the seller unreasonable. Negotiation is impossible between two parties, when one party is completely unreasonable.

Buying or selling a home should be a carefully made decision based upon facts and available resources and a clear understanding of the market conditions. I council buyers to make sure they are comfortable with the payment structure of the purchase. If they love to eat out, go on vacation, go to the movies and other fun stuff; they should factor all of this into their budget. I encourage them to be married to their spouse NOT their house! I will council sellers to set realistic goals regarding the proceeds from the sale of their house. I know that they would like to make a lot of money on the sale, but in the market is oblivious to this. The market value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay for their house. Market value is often skewed by the sellers.

If I want my buyers & sellers to refer me later to a friend, I must show competence and offer wise council through the purchase process of their new home or the sale of their house.

Pressing On!
Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Negotiation Position

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Mon, 02 May 2011 08:54:09 -0700

My wife and I recently adopted a 11 year old son from Nicaragua and he’s quite a little character. He is learning English very quickly and my Spanglish is still pretty bad. We communicate very well. He has a quick response when you ask him if he likes something. His response to this question is: “so so”, 90% of the time! I thought about his bargaining position. He has me constantly trying for a “berry good” response from him! Smart kid!

As a buyer’s agent, I need to educate my buyers to not “tip their hand” about how much they like a property to anyone but me. If the sellers become aware of their love for the property, the stronger bargaining position is with the seller. Buyers must be patient, methodical and unemotional in their purchase of a home. As they look at each property, they should have the opinion that the property is “so so”!

Pressing On!
Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

What A Difference A Day Makes

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Mon, 02 May 2011 07:02:16 -0700

This past week on Wednesday, a day of storms ripped through the south that changes thousands of lives forever. I can’t get my head wrapped around the amount of damage done by this monster Tornado in Alabama and Georgia. I’ve heard that statement in reference many things over the years. Most recently our church began a sermon series by that title. I’m grateful for the hope I have in God that this world is NOT my home.

I was on YouTube yesterday looking again at all the footage and there was so much destruction and chaos that it disturbed me deeply. When our homes are taken from us and all the possessions we have, it seems that we’ve lost everything. Some people lost family; some lost friends; children lost parents. I know that I can pray for these people, but we need to do more than pray. These are my neighbors. Our church is joining with a church in Ringgold, GA to help that area. Our largest local company is doing a drive to gather supplies and food.

This tragedy reminded me that the things that are most important to me are not things – they’re people. My wife and children are eternal and they mean more to me than my life. I’m really praying for those who lost what is most important. I’m determined to give generously too.

Pressing On!
Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Company Marketing

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:57:34 -0700

Some days I feel like I worked hard on lots of stuff, but it doesn’t always generate income. However, there are times to invest in the big picture. This was one of those weeks. Marketing for our company is a big deal. We are the largest independent Real Estate firm in West Georgia. It’s important to keep the public aware of our presence and the excellent service we provides.

Our company is having an exhibit at a Tractor Show tomorrow and Sunday and we needed to build the exhibit to showcase our agents and our company. I am excited about meeting people and sharing about the real estate market.
I spent a good bit of time on the presentation and it will set up personal presentations by our agents. There is a lot of interest in Real Estate and I’m excited about how our company is poised to serve the public in their real estate needs – one transaction at a time.

Metro West is a full-service Real Estate firm with over 30 agents ready to assist buyers and sellers. I can tell you that our agents are well educated and they each have a strong work ethic. I’m also proud of our office support staff. We have the best office manager and MLS secretary in the business. I am so thankful for all their hard work to make our company function properly and keep us up to date with all that is happening around the office.

I am personally thankful for my assistant, Ophelia Gaskin. She has the strongest work ethic of anyone I know. She can investigate anything and she works long hours meeting the needs of her clients and often the needs of my clients too.

It’s been a long day, but a good day.

Pressing On!
DH

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

The New Normal

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 08:56:50 -0800

I recently returned from and 11 day trip Nicaragua after a year of working toward adopting a handsome 11 year old boy named Luke. He's home with me and my famiy and He is quite funny and easy going. He is learning English or at least learning to communicate with his new Dad who knows very little Spanish.

This week I have worked on closings, showing homes, getting first time home buyers pre-approved and also was able to attend our top producer banquet for our board of Realtors. I was amazed to find that 4 out the five top producers in our board were REO listing agents. Real estate is way different that it once was. The number one property search we do here in Carroll County is foreclosures. These bank owned properties are still priced below a slumping market price.

So the New Normal is selling homes that are way down in price, no matter how much the seller paid or still owes. The foreclosures must be sold so the market can rebound. We’re still a long way off from a rebound in my opinion. Just like my new adopted son changes things at my house, these REO properties have changed real estate for years and years to come. We must adjust to this new normal or find other work.The New Normal

Press On!
Dwayne Hicks

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Bigger Than Me

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:15:48 -0800

I haven't blogged in a while due to my involvement in something way bigger and much more important. Check this out....

About a year ago, my wife and I were presented the opportunity to be a part of a group of four families who wanted to adopt 5 orphans from the same family in Nicaragua. I could never have imagined the crazy ride we’ve been on since then. We are about two weeks from bringing them home and it often seems surreal. We’ve been tested, investigated and screened like you can hardly imagine. We’ve passed all the tests and we’re down to the end. Here’s a link to an article that was published in our local newspaper: http://times-georgian.com/bookmark/11080511

_____________________

The following is from our Adoption Coordinator, Cyndi McCauilffe:

THE ARTICLE INCORRECTLY STATED .COM INSTEAD OF .ORG. Please help these wonderful families bring these kids home to Carroll County. This is a wonderful testament to God's calling us to take care of the orphans and widows. And though each of these families have served without any thoughts of adding to their families. Each of these famlies were already beyond the thought of adding more when God spoke to them to love these children as their own. Thank you to the Lovelady, Hicks, Martinez and Sullivan Families. We are proud of you. Adoption is a huge financial burden for anyone, one that usually families prepare for over time. These families were presented with this unique situation at a later time in each of their lives with children at home already to support. They heard God's call. And the children must be home before March 1st. Please visit www.goalsforgod.org/puzzle or you can send a check to Southern Hills Christian Church and please make sure to Note in the Memo: Nicaragua Adoption Fund. I know these families hearts. They are a blessing to us all. - CM

_____________________

This has been something way bigger than me and my or four families. In fact, it’s bigger than our church and our community. It’s about being a human being serving others in need. It’s way bigger than we ever dreamed or imagined. On February 24, 2011 we hope to land in Atlanta, GA with 5 new beautiful children who will instantly become US Citizens! If you’d like to contribute to this monumental task, we’d love to have the help – but we need your prayers more than ever for the timeline here at the end is very tight! www.goalsforgod.org/puzzle

Pressing On!
Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Winter Weather Driving

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:56:19 -0800

I was actually showing property on a "snowed in" day here in West Georgia. I had some friends/clients from Montana who wanted to see houses yesterday - it was great! They agreed to drive, because they are used to this white stuff.

I also had to do some driving after that and I've come to the conclusions that in winter weather conditions, there are three types of drivers.

1. Cocky - Stupid Drivers

These are drivers who like to play around and drive fast just to get a rush of sledding in a 3000 lb heated cab-sled!

2. Confident - Steady Drivers

These are drivers who stay steady and consistent - not too slow and not too fast!

3. Timid - Scaredy Cat Drivers

These are drivers who should stay home. There is such a thing as driving too slow!

This is my opinion and I welcome you to choose which catagory you're in. You may want to plant your tongue in your cheek and read this again!! :-)

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042