EXIT Realty Minnesota is proud to welcome a new division into its real estate family. The professional real estate group made up of Rodolfo Trujillo, Edgar Lopez, Andrew Gonzalez, Mario Lopez and Nicolas Zermeno has joined EXIT Realty Minnesota.

The former Remax Results agents will be launching a flagship, bilingual EXIT brokerage under the name EXIT UNITED REALTY. With decades of combined real estate experience and dedication to not only the Hispanic Community but also the Twin Cities at large, the future of these forward thinking entrepreneurs is very bright.

Broker and business owner, Rodolfo Trujillo adds 8 years experience in real estate and is a leader in the Minnesota Association of REALTOR. This tight knit group is made complete by Andrew Gonzales a Realtor with 4 ½ years in real estate and specializing in Buyer Representation; Mario Lopez, REALTOR, has 3 ½ years in real estate specializing in Buyers & Investors; and, Edgar Lopez a REALTOR with 2 years in real estate whose focus is first time homebuyers. Last and certainly not least is Nick Zermeno also a REALTOR and entrepreneur with 2 ½ years in business specializing in the St. Cloud marketplace.

Multi-cultural oriented firms are becoming more and more needed throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.  By offering services to the Hispanic community in their own language and through their own cultural style, this group is able to provide guidance unlike any other.  Immigrant populations new to this country have to learn new ways of doing everything and need assistance in order to make the cultural transition a smooth one.

The group speaks fluent Spanish and English and it is their goal to be the premier real estate brokerage in the Latino Community. "EXIT can help that happen with the numerous opportunities, agent collaboration, and the added residual income benefit." explained Mr. Trujillo.

They will be based at the Minnetonka office of EXIT Lakes Realty during their transition and launch stage for the new EXIT Office. The upcoming EXIT United Realty will be located at 3105 Bloomington in Minneapolis.

As real estate professionals, our main purpose is to match a buyer to a home that fits their needs. With so many homes on the market  that could qualify yet the buyers aren't buying.  Why?

A colleague of mine recently asked a server at a restaurant if she was planning to buy or sell a home.  She replied with a no and he quickly asked if she knew of someone who was.  Scrolling through her mental roll-o-dex, she came up with two people in her sphere and added, "But, they are afraid to buy right now.  They are worried they won't have jobs"

During this time of economic crisis, we need to rethink our strategies on how to help our clients.  We can't work miracles and protect everyone from job loss, but we can do our jobs well and find out how we can assist them with other beneficial tools.  Please keep in mind that a reputable lender will be a great partner in discovering which program is the right one for your clients specific needs.

Minnesota has always been a leader in the real estate market and buyers can take advantage of the opportunities available in the state. The City of Minneapolis announced on January 7th, 2009 a $1.5 Million dollar grant to help neighborhoods in foreclosure.  Eligible buyers can receive a $10,000 grant towards down-payment and closing costs on the purchase of a foreclosed home.  To learn more, visit the City of Minneapolis website.

First time home buyers can take advantage of the $7500 Tax Credit through July 1, 2009.  For more information check out the FAQ's.

For those who are interested in green living and need a low interest loan, Governor Tim Pawlenty announced in Fall of 2008 $10 million for micro-energy and conservation loans.  These loans are available for owner occupants to make "green" projects become reality in their homes.

Take a look at the Minnesota Mortgage Program (MMP) .  Its loans are available throughout Minnesota and provide entry cost assistance for some borrowers. Or, examine the Community Activity Set-Aside (CASA) program which make mortgage loans available  for specific Community needs with entry cost and monthly payment assistance.  The Urban Indian Housing Program  funds mortgage loans for Native Americans with entry cost and monthly payment assistance.

Lastly, below is a list of local Minnesota programs and contact numbers.  Imagine if just one phone call could help your client get out of their current situation and into something that better fits their needs.  It would be the perfect EXIT strategy.

Alexandria City Homestead Assistance Program (CHAP) (320) 762-1311
Alexandria Greater Minnesota Housing Fund The Trails Development Gap Financing Program (GAP) (651) 221-1997
Alexandria HRA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP) (320) 762-1311
Alexandria MHFA Gap Financing Program (GAP) (320) 762-1311
Austin/Mower County Homeownership Fund Program (507) 864-7741
Chaska Clover Ridge Owner Occupied Assistance Program (OOAP) (952) 448-2851
Duluth Neighborhood Housing Services "Homeownership Program with Employers" in Lincoln Park Grant (HOPE) (218) 727-8604
Duluth Neighborhood Housing Services of Duluth Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP) (218) 628-1057
Duluth NHS/Hillside Homeownership Incentive Program (HIPP) (218) 628-1057
East Grand Forks Downpayment Assistance Program (218) 773-2371
East Grand Forks New Construction Incentive (NCI) Program (218) 773-2371
Elliot Park Neighborhood Improvement, Inc. Homebuyers Assistance Program (612) 335-5885
Hutchinson Housing & Redevelopment Authority Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) (320) 234-4451
Itasca County/Koochiching County KOOTASCA Community Action's Homebuyer Program (HBP) (218) 326-8539
Mankato Homeownership Program (HOP) (507) 387-8622
Mankato Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) (507) 387-8622
Minneapolis Equity Participation Loan Program (EPL) (612) 673-5289
Minneapolis Folwell Neighborhood Association First Time Home Assistance Program (FTHP) (612) 588-3033
Minneapolis Hawthorne Homestead Program (HHIP) (612) 339-0601
Minneapolis/MCDA Closing Cost Loan Program (CCL) (612) 673-5289
Multi Cities Tri-County Actions Programs, Inc. Homeowner Gap Financing Program (GAP) (320) 255-0705
Multi Counties Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency Inc Homeownership Opportunity Program (HOP) (800) 662-5711
Multi Counties Headwaters Housing Development Corporation Two Note Program (TNP) (218) 444-4732
Northfield Housing Assistance Program (NHAP) (507) 645-8833
Pennington County Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Community Revitalization Fund Program (CRF) (218) 637-2431
Pennington County Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Loan Pool Funds (LPF) (218) 637-2431
Ramsey County FirstFirst Time Home Buyer Grants Program (FBAP) (651) 266-8025
Red Lake County Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) Affordable Housing Loan Pool Fund (LPF) (218) 637-2431
Red Lake County Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) Community Revitalization Fund (CRF) (218) 637-2431
Rochester First Homes GAP Loan Program (GAP) (507) 281-7396
St Paul Community Neighborhood Housing Services, Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP) (651) 292-8710
Thief River Falls Slow Second Mortgage Program (SSMP) (218) 681-2500
Washington County First Time Home Buyer Grants Program (FBAP) (651) 266-8025

I have the privilege of working with many fine entreprenurial minds with in the EXIT Family.  One of my collegues Bruce Caruth, Regional Owner of EXIT Realty of Washington, Oregon, Kansas and Missouri gave a wonderful presentation on how to prepare for a positive turn in the Real Estate Market.  These strategies are simple and straightforward.  Something each of us can do to make quality adjustments and elevate our business at the same time.

Caruth's three strategies are:

1.  Understand how and why the end is in sight.  "Banks are beginning to realize that it is better for them financially to do a workout on a mortgage if possible than to foreclose," he commented.  "Existing home sales have stabilized nationally keeping inventories relatively flat or even recently reducing them.  Interest rates remain at historically low levels and homes are now affordable again for the entry-level buyer."

2. Reduce overhead.  "In order to ensure that you can take advantage of this opportunity, the brokerage, as well as the real estate professional, needs to make sure they are among the survivors.  To accomplish this they need to reduce overhead to levels at or below that of their current revenue stream." 

3.  Improve the skill level and production of the primary asset of the brokerage - the real estate professional.   "To increase the skill level of the agent the key is training, training, training," said Caruth.  "Most serious full time agents desire great training and company-provided leads.  If an office provides [quality leads] the chances of recruiting a serious full time agent increases significantly. "

For those of us that will make it to the other side, our focus must be to provide the best in service to the client.  Brokerages must raise the expectations on the unique service proposition that their agents provide to the client.  We are poised to adjust and become more proficient masters at our craft.  Gone are the days of lone-wold real estate model.  Future success will come from a more empathy oriented model of real estate professionals working arm in arm to achieve common goals.

Real Estate is local.  But, economic indicators are all over the nation and prevalent in the national media and definitely in the minds of the client.  It is important for Real Estate Professionals to keep their eye on the economy in order to be knowledgeable as they guide their clients with their real estate needs.

Below are some economic indicators to add to your tool box.

Via The Team at EXIT Realty:

There are those who make things happen, those who watch what is about to happen and the rest who wonder what happened. Some people instinctively know what to do next in order to progress and succeed, and yet the high majority has to be shown the way. The former are the leaders and the latter are the followers. Which one are you?

If timing is everything and being prepared is paramount, is now the right time for you to be readying yourself for an upward turn in the market? Let's explore the patterns of the real estate market right back to the 1980's.

Starting in 1985: we experienced the highest-rising, longest-lasting positive market in real estate, which lasted about six and a half years. This was then followed by a severe recession in the 90's, lasting about the same period of time.

From 1999: the market climbed positively again for seven solid years, rising to even greater heights, which then took a nose-dive, triggered by the sub-prime mortgage debacle in the spring of 2006.

Presidential Election: On November 4^th, 2008, we will witness a Presidential Election in which will result in the new leader taking official office on January 21, 2009. Then the first 100 days in office will be assessed seriously at all levels of media.

Market flow: From now until then there will still be a tendency for the final stages of a downward trend. Once this is all complete however, "the bottom of the market" will be declared at all media outlets. At that point everyone will begin to look up. Then, slowly but surely, recovery will begin to transpire. Real estate markets usually fall fast and rise relatively slowly, certainly in the beginning. Then given about a three-year stretch, things would have returned to where they had been.

Result: What you would have witnessed is seven years up and seven years down.

It is imperative that those real estate professionals who have come through this challenging market be fully prepared to take advantage of the upward shift.  Sharpen your skills, position yourself with the right organization and align your systems and services.  You will be the leaders.  Timing is everything.   

Steve Morris, CEO & Founder, EXIT Realty Corp. International

This article is also published in www.realestateindustryleaders.com

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (Grassroots Newswire) October 24, 2008 -- Local REALTOR and Owner of EXIT Realty Executives in Blaine, Frank D'Angelo was invited to speak at an International Real Estate Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, hosted by EXIT Realty Corp. International on October 17, 2008.

Over 1,700 real estate professional attended this year's convention making it another successful event for EXIT Realty. Mr. D'Angelo was hand picked by EXIT CEO Steve Morris to address those in attendance on how technology and internet optimization greatly impacts how properties are sold.

"It is a huge honor to be picked as a Convention Speaker," explains Alan Dirks, Regional Owner of EXIT Realty Minnesota. "Only top REALTORS are selected for this prestigious engagement. Frank is a superb example of the utmost professional and someone who personifies the EXIT Philosophy of an empathy-oriented company. Everyone learns and works together arm-in-arm. We were so proud to have him representing our group."

Julie Olson, convention attendee and co-owner of EXIT Lakes Realty in Minnetonka stated, "Frank's presentation made the overwhelming world-wide-web seem much more manageable and beneficial to the client, giving them maximum exposure of their property. In a market where we are still looking at a 9-month inventory, optimization is key on the internet."

Mr. D'Angelo has developed his entire brokerage on a very synergistic model where the REALTOR professional uses technology to their advantage. His office is unique in being able to provide Page 1 ranking on Google for a new listing. He also leverages the state of the art e-Listings system, an EXIT exclusive, to market all types of real estate.

EXIT Realty offices in Minnesota has seen unprecedented growth over the last 3 years with 11 offices and over $1,000,000 in bonuses paid to EXIT Associates. As a part of a network of over 48,000 real estate professionals across the North American continent, EXIT Realty is poised as the leader in training, cutting edge technology and client service.

For more information about EXIT Realty Minnesota and its family of real estate brokerages, please call 952-697-5859. EXIT Realty Minnesota and its family of real estate brokerages is located at 10201 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 110 in Minnetonka.

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$1,000,000 in Single Level Residuals Awarded to EXIT Agents

 

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (Grassroots Newswire) September 25, 2008 -- EXIT Realty Minnesota and Wisconsin proudly announces that over one million dollars has been awarded to EXIT agents in single level residuals.

The one-millionth residual dollar was generated in just over 3 years with dollar one having been generated in January of 2005. Single-level residuals are just the tip of the EXIT iceberg. With exemplary teaching, training, and coaching as well as a network of agents and brokers that thrive in an empathy oriented environment, EXIT is raising the bar on client services through cutting edge Web 2.0 and beyond systems.

"It's really amazing that EXIT has rewarded its own agents with one million dollars. And that's just what was generated in these two states. It really shows that EXIT means what it says: agents are the assets of the company and we will thank them for helping us build it," explains Regional Owner Alan Dirks.

The big buzz around the real estate community is this single-level residual business, a unique part of the EXIT Formula. An amount equivalent to 10% of the gross dollar generated by that closing was paid to the person within the organization who invited a real estate professional to join EXIT Realty. Coming straight from EXIT Realty Corp. International, the money is directly deposited onto the agent's EXIT Success Debit MasterCard.

EXIT Realty Minnesota and Wisconsin has grown rapidly to 13 offices with more on the way. As a part of the larger EXIT Realty family across North America, over 48,000 EXIT professionals work to provide the best in client care. For more franchise or career information, visit www.exitrealtymn.com or www.exitrealtywi.com or contact Alan Dirks at 612-281-2243


For more information about EXIT REALTY MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN, please call 952-697-5859. EXIT REALTY MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN is located at 10201 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 110 in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

EXIT Agents Receive International Awards

 

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (Grassroots Newswire) October 21, 2008 -- EXIT Realty Minnesota and Wisconsin's Regional Owner Alan Dirks is proud to announce this years International EXIT Award Recipients. Six EXIT Associates from the Wisconsin and Minnesota regions received prestigious awards at the EXIT Convention held last week in Nashville.

Greg Muller, co- owner of EXIT ELITE REALTY in Neenah, Wisconsin, led the group with 4 awards, including the coveted Tri-Realathon Award, Platinum Award, Top Lister Award and Sponsoring Achievement Award.

"We are so proud of Greg winning all his awards, and especially the Tri-Realathon which acknowledges his dedication and expertise in listings, sales, and sponsorship. It is the top award given by EXIT International." explains Alan Dirks.

Greg's business partner Lori Blazek also received two awards, namely the Bronze Award and Sponsoring Achievement Award. Since opening their EXIT office in 2007, they have been actively educating local REALTORS and customers and clients on the benefits of working with the Exit Elite Team. Greg has lived and worked in the Fox Valley area for most of his life. He has been in the real estate business for 10 years previously working for Coldwell Banker as well as having his own independent brokerage before merging with Lori. Lori grew up in the Oshkosh area and has been in real estate for 5 years. She initially worked for an independent company and most recently at Coldwell Banker before leaving and opening the first EXIT franchise in Wisconsin with Greg. Both Greg and Lori are multi million dollar producers with a vast knowledge in residential real estate, foreclosures, land development and new construction.

Other award winners in the field of Sponsoring Achievement were Julie Olson, Frank D'Angelo of EXIT REALTY EXECUTIVES, Patti Plourde of EXIT REALTY IMAGINE and Kimberly Koehler of EXIT THREE RIVERS REALTY. This award was presented to each recipient and is another very significant award for EXIT.

"The EXIT model is based on the philosophy that the agents are the asset of the company. By hand-picking those we want to grow with, we create a synergy that is unheard of in the real estate industry. Our growth is directly derived from this cohesion created through the sponsoring of agents in to the system. Plus, each agent is rewarded for growing the company through residual bonuses sent directly to the agent from our Corporate Headquarters in Toronto." said Julie Olson, Regional Development Specialist and co-owner of EXIT Lake Realty. Julie was the top Sponsorship Achievement Award winner for the Minnesota and Wisconsin regions.

EXIT Realty Minnesota and Wisconsin has seen unprecedented growth over the last 3 years with 16 territories sold in Minnesota and Wisconsin. As a part of a network of over 48,000 real estate professionals across the North American continent, EXIT Realty Minnesota and Wisconsin offer the best in training, cutting edge technology and client service.

For more information about EXIT REALTY MINNESOTA and WISCONSIN, please call 952-697-5895. EXIT REALTY MINNESOTA and WISCONSIN is located at 10201 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 110 in Minnetonka and can be found online at www.exitrealtymn.com or www.exitrealtywi.com.