In the midst of all the negative news, it's good to come across something really possitive so I wanted to share it with you:

Thank You, RE/MAX!
The numbers are in. And despite the worst housing market in decades, RE/MAX Associates continued to show their community spirit. 2008 totals showed donations of $4.1m in the US, and $3.9m in Canada. Together, these equate to over $93m raised internationally since 1992. On behalf of myself, my team, and above all the children we all serve, THANK YOU!

Val T. Durrant
Senior Director, Major Accounts

I want to personally thank all those who have contributed to this worthy cause!

Thank you.

I don't know how all of my fellow real estate agents feel out there but I am not going to sit by the sidelines anymore and watch our neighborhood values go down the drain. 

Lower prices mean that more homeowners that need to sell cannot sell which leads to foreclosures which leads to REO's which leads to lower prices and so on and so forth.  Well, it's time for us to get involved, step in and put an end to this cycle.

How?

By helping people either save their homes by having their loans modified by their bank or by helping them do a short sale as opposed to a foreclosure.

Banks are now willing to rewrite their loans and lower interest rates, lengthen loan terms and even excuse some debt to help people stay in their homes.  The problem is that a lot of homeowners don't know that or even worse, don't know how to go about making it happen.

If staying in the home is not an option and they qualify then we must help them do a short sale.  Short sales typically sell for about 90% of the fair market value as opposed to foreclosed properties which sell for 60-70% of the fair market value and thus bring the values of all homes in that neighborhood down.

So step up, learn how to do a short sale and if you don't want to, at least find out who in your area does them and refer your friends, family and clients to them so they don't lose their homes to foreclosure.

It's not only the right thing to do but it will make you feel great to help your neighbors out!

I hope you try it!

If you need my help, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Elias Papadopoulos of RE/MAX Unlimited in Brookline, Ma. 02446 Tel 617-566-0300 x 201

Join us for a completely re-formatted RE/MAX & You! 

February 18, 2009 from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

"Unfair Advantage" session will wrap-up this fantastic educational opportunity to show you how to leverage the tools that RE/MAX has to offer! This session is great for both new and seasoned agents and will teach you all you need to know about how to get the most from the RE/MAX system! Call or email REMAX Unlimited in Brookline, MA to sign-up today and learn how to utilize the tools to take your business to the next level!   Breakout choices include:

• Introduction to LeadStreet
• Introduction to the RE/MAX Design Center
• Using Public Relations & the RE/MAX Brand

You will have the choice of taking two 30 minute breakout sessions, which you can select the day of the session.

You can reach Elias of RE/MAX Unlimited, to sign up and to get more details at:

617-566-0300 x 201 or eliasremax@gmail.com

RE/MAX Unlimited Vegas Trip

Hello everyone.  

If you are a member of RE/MAX, we look forward to meeting you in Vegas this March 2nd trough the 5th were my business partner Jay McHugh and I along with many members of our office, will be attending the RE/MAX International Convention.

We'll have the opportunity to see speakers like:

Dave Liniger, (ABR, CRB) RE/MAX International Chairman and Co-Founder Liniger is generally credited with doing more than anyone in the real estate industry to improve the working conditions and incomes of sales agents. He is a nationally recognized expert in time management, training, recruiting and motivation. He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fortune, Inc., Success and other global media. He is a private pilot, Arabian Horse breeder, wildlife art collector and motor-sports enthusiast.

Gail Liniger (ABR, CRB, CRP, QSC) RE/MAX International Vice Chairman Gail Liniger co-founded RE/MAX with Dave Liniger in 1973. Before being named Vice Chairman in 2002, she served as CEO, President and Vice President. She has been honored for achievements in business, the arts and public service. Her recovery from serious injuries sustained in the crash of a small private airplane in 1983 has served to inspire and motivate people both inside and outside the RE/MAX organization.

Margaret Kelly (CRB) RE/MAX International Chief Executive Officer Kelly is one of the most visible members of the RE/MAX leadership team, frequently providing industry perspective for CNBC, CNN and other media. In 2005 she received the RE/MAX network's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. She joined RE/MAX in 1987 as a financial analyst and advanced through a range of leadership roles. A breast-cancer survivor, Kelly is privileged to host many events for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She also is active in associations promoting leadership and entrepreneurialism.

Vinnie Tracey (CRB) In October 2004, Tracey became RE/MAX International President - 26 years after signing on as a marketing representative with RE/MAX of Kentucky and Tennessee. He served RE/MAX International as Senior Training Director from 1979 to 1982, leaving for a career in medical-equipment marketing. He returned in 1987, advancing through positions overseeing franchising, marketing, training, community affairs and corporate development. He serves various industry groups and is on the Board of Governors for Children's Miracle Network.

Christopher Gardner Christopher Gardner is the head of his own successful brokerage firm, living the life he had always dreamed. It didn't come easily. A series of circumstances in the early 1980s left Gardner homeless and the sole guardian of his toddler son. Without connections or a college degree, he earned a spot in the Dean Witter Reynolds training program. Often spending nights in shelters or transit station bathrooms, Gardner was offered a job at DWR in 1981. By 1987 he founded the brokerage firm Gardner Rich LLC. Gardner's first book, The Pursuit of Happiness, is an account of his life story. Gardner works with many programs serving the homeless, donating time and assistance.

Andy Andrews Hailed by a New York Times writer as a "modern-day Will Rogers who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America," Andrews is an internationally known speaker and novelist whose combined works have sold millions of copies worldwide. He has been received at the White House and has spoken at the request of four different United States Presidents. Andrews bestseller, The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success, is an international sensation translated into nearly 20 languages. Driven by his own moving story, Andy communicates to his audience through the heart - an uncommon style in today's media driven world.

Howard Brinton A dynamic educator, Howard Brinton connects with audiences, daring them to think beyond their limits. In 1989, he began a series of audiotape interviews with top-producing brokers and agents around the country. He has conducted more than 18,000 hours of research and one-on-one interviews with more than 300 leading producers. Brinton's commitment to improving the quality of the lives of REALTORS® is manifested in his life's work as president of the Council of Residential Specialists, as creator of the STAR POWER® University program, and as a mentor to highly successful REALTORS®. His style, analogies, and points of wisdom are legendary in the industry.

Cam Marston Few words can describe Marston as a speaker, but one that really hits home is innovator. Marston has worked with Fortune 500 companies and small businesses throughout the world to improve multi-generational relations and communications. He has appeared on "Good Morning America" and in numerous trade journals across the United States. While working for Nestle, he began his generational-focused consultancy. In 1996, he founded Marston Communications. Marston's programs and concepts rely on more than eight years extensive research and study inside businesses of all sizes and sectors. Marston's results revealed significant generational differences that his clients had never recognized.

Todd Bucholtz Buchholz will captivate you with his wickedly sparkling wit. He was named by Successful Meeting Magazine as one of the "21 Top Speakers for the Twentieth Century." He was a former Director of Economic Policy at the White House and has been a Senior Economic Adviser. Throughout his speaking career Buchholz has become an accomplished author with numerous books that are used in universities nationwide. His latest books are New Ideas From Dead CEOs and Lasting Lessons From the Corner Office. His entertaining message will show you how to thrive in a chaotic economy, while gearing you up for prosperity.

David Knox (CRS) A senior emeritus CRS instructor, Knox is a longtime RE/MAX favorite who has built an international reputation as a top real estate sales trainer. An authority on pricing, negotiating and selling, he presents seminars to more than 20,000 salespeople annually. He combines humor with solid content that attendees can put into practice immediately. He produced "Pricing Your Home to Sell," one of the best-selling real estate videos in North America. It's just one topic from his popular series of videos for agents and consumers. Knox's insights also frequently appear on the pages of the industry's top publications and Web sites.

Cheers.

 When so many are contracting and closing down, it's good to know that there is still a company out there that is forging ahead and expanding!

Network Expands Into India GLOBAL EXPANSION: Dave Liniger (left) welcomed Samir Chopra, new Region Owner of India, to the RE/MAX network. By Anne Ross, RE/MAX Times Associate Editor   RE/MAX has established a region in India, the second-most populated country in the world, further increasing the network's international reach. Samir Chopra, Region Owner of RE/MAX India, is a Senior Partner at PK Chopra & Company and has served as the President of the Business Process Industry Association of India for thee years. He also has a HSMI Certification through the National Real Estate Council, making him a perfect fit for the network. RE/MAX International Co-Founder and Chairman Dave Liniger says he's excited about the possibilities that exist in India and hopes the network can positively impact the real estate industry's development there. India has a population of more than 1.1 billion, with 350 million middle-class citizens, 28 states and seven territories. RE/MAX India's headquarters will be in the capital city, New Delhi. Chopra says RE/MAX will be successful India due to the network's instant brand recognition and sound business model. He plans to open offices in many states and says the professional training offered by RE/MAX will attract many Sales Associates. India is latest addition to the RE/MAX network's growing international presence. Over the past two months, global expansion has taken place in The Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Ecuador and Uruguay. Visit the RE/MAX Times Online every week to read new feature articles

The Home Buying Process

Special offer: Receive a free copy of the

"10 Deadly Mistakes" that buyers make.

 Info at the bottom of this article.

My clients always ask me to walk them through the process of purchasing a home, so I have developed a presentation that helps them understand the Home Buying process.  I'd like to share excerpts of the presentation with you in hopes that it will help you understand what purchasing a house looks like and, in turn, make better decisions.

 1)     Find the right real estate agent.

The first step is to find an agent you can trust.  One of the best ways to do this is to ask your friends, relatives or co-workers to recommend an agent with whom they have worked successfully in the past.

 2)    Make an appointment with the agent.

Once you pinpoint a trusted advisor/agent, make an appointment to meet the agent so that you can share all your "wants and needs" with him/her:  from the area where you want to look, to the size, condition, and features of the home you wish to buy.  Look to your agents expertise to guide you through your wants and needs and set realistic expectations about the feasibility of finding what you want within your price range.

  3) Get pre-approved by a reputable lending institution.

Most sellers will not even consider an offer to purchase their property without a written mortgage pre-approval letter, so obtaining one should be high on your list of priorities.  You can ask your real estate agent to recommend a reputable lender.

 4)    Find the right house for you.

Now that your basic financing is in place, and you have your "wants and needs" list, it's time to start looking.  Your real estate agent can offer you a property update report:  a daily email of information and pictures for any new listings that meet your criteria. You will be able to choose the homes you want to see from these updates.  Remember, finding a home is a process of elimination.  You can't possibly see all the homes that are for sale...so eliminate the ones that don't meet your needs and give a list of the rest to your agent so he/she can set up the showings and coordinate the times. Also remember that your list of "wants and needs" is a good guideline, but keep an open mind when your search so you can make adjustments based on what you see in your price range.

 5)     Discuss a game plan with your agent for getting the best price and terms.

Once you have narrowed it down to your top 2-3 homes, ask your agent to do an analysis of the value of each home based on "recently sold" and "for sale" properties.  There is no standard for how high or low sellers price their home, so it is important that you base your negotiation strategy on the market value of a property, and not go by what the seller is asking.  In some instances, the property may be priced below market value, (for example some bank owned properties, or "REOs").  After you have determined the value of the home, your agent can help you come up with a strategy for getting the best price and terms.   Many buyers also make the mistake of comparing the asking price to the "Assessment value".

The City Assessment is set to determine the taxable value of the property and not the market value.

 6)    Obtain the services of an attorney.

Neither your real estate agent nor your mortgage officer can advise you in legal matters, so I highly recommend that you retain a real estate attorney.  You are probably making the largest purchase of your life, so you want to protect your legal interest by having a trusted attorney by your side.  Look to your real estate agent or mortgage officer for a referral in this area also.

 7)    Perform due diligence.

Ok, you've put the home under agreement, and now you need to do your due diligence which includes home, structural, pest, lead, radon and maybe even mold inspections.  During this time, your attorney will also get involved in structuring the document by which the purchase is bound, the Purchase and Sales agreement.

8)   Secure your loan.

It is now time to work closely with your loan officer to make sure you provide all the documentation the loan officer needs to finalize and secure your financing.  There may be several stages where you will need to provide documentation.  This is not unusual as the loan goes to several levels of approval so don't get frustrated wondering why they don't ask for everything up front.

9)    Enjoy a happy ending.

A happy ending is one in which buyers and sellers come together to sign the final paperwork and exchange money for keys.  If you have trained professionals on your side, this last step should be relatively easy.  But, last minute things do come up from time to time, so don't panic...and trust in the team of professionals that you have assembled to help you through it. 

But it doesn't really end at the "happy ending"! You can count on your real estate agent for a lifetime of great referrals to vendors and tradesmen, from electricians to landscapers, plumbers, insurance, roofers etc. 

Elias Papadopoulos

RE/MAX Unlimited

420 Harvard St

Brookline, Ma. 02446

617-566-0300 x 201

eliasp@remax.net

For a list of "10 Deadly Mistakes" that buyers make, or for a copy of my "Moving Guide" with links to the RMV, post office (for mail forwarding), utility companies, moving companies, etc., email me at eliasp@remax.net.

What's the best kind of a lead? 

A repeat client or a referral from a client.

The best way to get a client to refer you to their friends and family.....GIVE.

If you give to your clients you WILL receive.

What do you give?  It starts with great service.  Not only during a transaction but also after the transaction ends.  Do you have an after closing service plan?  I'm not talking about just newsletters.  I'm talking about valuable service.  I allow and encourage all my clients to call or email me with any questions or obstacles they face during their home ownership.  I have put together a vendor referral system where if any of my clients need any type of home service, they contact me and I will forward them 2-3 professionals that can help them.  I also have an Anytime CMA program where any of my clients can request a quick CMA whenever they'd like.

Think outside the box and offer outstanding service and your business will take off.

If you have any good ideas you'd like to add, please do so.

If I can help make other real estate agents better, even by a fraction, then the industry gets better and we all win.

Elias.

My wife and I had been movie buffs but ever since the bith of our children we have had little time to see any good movies.  We used to go to the movies 3-4 times a week and now we're lucky if we can see 1 a month.

So I'm asking for help.......the we are planning a movie night out next week.  What movie would you recomend us seeing?

Help please, we can not afford to waste our night on a bad flick.

Thanks.

For RE/MAX agents:

I started to use OBEO listing websites about 3 months ago and it has helped me secure my last 5 listings.  Now most of the agents in my office are using it too.  Go to www.obeo.com to check it out.

For under $200 you get a professional photographer to come out and take high resolution pictures and 360 panoramas, a street.com website for your listing, a realtor.com upgrade and 10 mini diskettes of the tour.

If you go the extra mile and provide them with a floor plan you can even drag and drop furniture in to the different rooms of the house!

Check it out, you'll love it and your sellers will too.

Elias.

Sometimes it takes someone to point it out so that we realize how good we are!

I am a certified mentor for Buffini & Company and one of the stats Brian gives is:

RE/MAX agents represent only 7% of NAR, but have 16%-18% of all market share and earn 20% of all commissions!

Does that say it all?  Those are impressive numbers and I am using them in my listing presentation when talking to sellers about the differences between real estate companies.

If you are not, you should be.

Elias.