Networking to gain market share and business

Have you considered how you are networking or are you?  This little part of our marketing is sometimes given less priority because the return is not always immediate.

Look at where you are spending your networking dollars.  Are you spending your time with other Realtors?  If you are not in the recruiting business for Realtors why are you spending your time there?

Have you looked at where you can gain more referrals because of a membership?  Have you considered public service organizations that do specialized community events?  These can pay big dividends in with referrals.

Have you considered board memberships or committees that get publicity.  Anytime you can get your photo in the paper for a positive community service or organization you are going to get business.

How many opportunities have you sought out...or are you waiting to be invited?  Sometimes you have to be proactive in your quest.

I look for areas of interest.  I figure I might as well do things that will make a difference and I enjoy at the same time.

So how do you network?

Staying positive in an economy that screams....trouble for everyone!

Staying positive in an economy that screams trouble when you have your home listed can be a bit more than some folks can handle.

Here is a few of the headlines that create the minds-eye image.

• Stock Market slips into bear territory
• Los Angles Times to cut 250 jobs
• Lead Negotiator retires
• Dallas, American Airlines to trim 900 jobs
• Factory orders sluggish
• Paper Plant Closing
• Fewer Homes on Market Reason for Hope

Homeowners and Real Estate agents have a common line drawn in the sand...they both want the same goal but do not always work in concert to reach those goals.  Clients have to be kept informed on a constant basis to the market changes.  All they see are the headlines.   They are hit with newspaper, cable news casts and national media broadcasts of the doom and gloom. 

Throw into this equation is the skyrocketing gas prices that have hit the economy along with the sub-prime foreclosure and short sale fallout and you wonder why they don't list even if they want to sell.  Their afraid...they can at least control somewhat their lives if they stay put.  This is even when they know it is a great time to take advantage of the market.

We had a recent article in the local newspaper, I laughed out loud when I read the headline.  "Fewer homes on the market seen as reason for hope.  If you consider this as a supply and demand issue then it might make a little bit of sense from a economic issue.  But a bit deeper on the numbers reveals some ominous statistics.

What was the percentage of foreclosures and short sales to the overall number of homes sold?  In June the closings in our market the number was 46% were in the foreclosure and short sale category.  We will see what the statistics for this month will bring.  I would guess it will be very close.

This leads to one very important factor experience and adjustment.  Experience will allow the the agent to convey the market in a logical and fact based manner.  Adjustment is what the experienced agent does as the market changes and offers the communication to keep the client informed.

So the headlines may say one thing but the outcome for ourselves and clients do not have to mimic the headlines.  We use our experience, adjust to the market and get the results our clients expect.  They smile and say...I don't know how you did it....but I am sure glad I chose you!

If you are not listed and would like some help selling your home call or your home has expired and you still want to sell,  click on the FlexIt Realty Logo and go to our website where you can find over 30 Free Reports that could save you thousands in your next real estate transaction.    Call: Toll Free 877-667-4699 Email: garywhite@grar.com Website: www.FlexItRealty.com

Dealing with the emotional values!

Six months ago my mother passed of accidental injuries through a fall in her home.  I have two sisters so I let them go through her things.  It is amazing how your perception is different than reality. 

I think that real estate is the same way.  We have perceptions instead of facts or being open to the events as they unfold in front of us and dealing with them to keep the flow of communication going.

It was no different for me with my mother's belongings.  The girls would be better suited going through her private belongings.  I myself only had a few things that seemed to have significance to me and they would be of little value...which was OK it was the emotional value.  That is what our clients are faced with as well when they sell....the emotional value.  The emotional value of the items I found when my sisters has sorted things out was amazing.  I never knew!

I now would be hard pressed to run a mile under the military standard of 12 minutes.  Yet, when I was in high school I set six records in various events of which 4 are still standing today from 1965.  They will stand forever too....when they changed over to meters my events were in yards...so there you have it!  My parents were busy keeping there head above water so they never came to one high school track meet.  I thought it just wasn't that big a deal.  I did see other parents but I assumed they were over protective.

We kind of think the same of our sellers when they ask to have everyone that comes to the home take off their shoes...even though the carpet is worn.  They don't want to use an electronic key box because somebody might break-in with a key hanging on the front door.  It is hard to understand some of these requests but they are the client.  I always address them and most times I find a point that works.  The shoes I have never had a problem with...that is respecting someone Else's property.  The electronic key box is a matter of explanation.

My mother had hand written every record I set at the school on a small scrap of paper and kept it all these years.  The only way should would have know this information was to go to the school and view the record board herself.  I had no idea!

We never know the emotions or feeling that have transpired in our clients homes.  Their first born child was brought home their.  The first child to graduate from college, the first grand child...it can be anything even a death of a parent.  We try to explain that the selling process is a business transaction and should be unemotional but it is so much more to the clients.

Among my mother's belongings were some post cards that had been passed over as old useless keepsakes.  I about fell over when I looked at them.  I will be posting them from time to time.  They are late 1800's to turn of the century photo postcards.  I have them for several prominent cities.  The total looks to be around 40.  They were from my great great grandfather who owned a general store.  He went to various locations looking for dry goods to sell in his general store.  My mother had keep them safe and sound tucked away.  I turned 61 in February and have never seen them in my life.  So they were tucked away and forgotten.  Here is one of the police headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

We forget the emotional value our clients have invested in their properties...but we shouldn't, that is what creates the rapport, a lasting relationship where referrals and friendships will last a lifetime.

If you are thinking of selling or buying and want a real estate company that will treat you, your relatives and friends like family with honest advice give us a call.  If you have to currently not be listed with a Realtor or other company.  If your listing has expired give us a call we give you the straight talk and keep your best interest in mind for you and your family.

Visit our website for over 30 Money saving reports for sellers and buyers.

 Toll Free: 877-667-4699  Email: garywhite@grar.com  Website: www.FlexItRealty.com

A little hideaway on Lake Miramichi in Mid-Michigan only 94,900

 It is hard to imagine you can buy a two bedroom home with 2.5 stall garage with 3 lots and have a 200+ acre record setting fishing lake just steps from your door.

This is a completely updated home inside and out.  Look at the virtual tour and see the inside...OK you are skeptical here is a photo of the large kitchen.  This home has an open floor plan and is ready to move-in. 

Notice the slider off the kitchen to the deck?  Wildlife is just out the back door and state land is close for deer hunting.  But the summer times enjoy the 200+ acre lake with an island.  The lake also has a marina for residents and a park...this is a private lake without a public launch.

Take the virtual tour but be careful you may end up buying a cottage to get away from it all.  You could live year round in this well insulated home.  See for yourself take the tour.

http://www.flexitrealty.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?listingid=884020   

Cedar Springs has an affordable walkout ranch with 24'x36" additional gararge

 This is one of those hidden gems.  It has vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, oak trim, finished basement and much more.  This is like new...squeaky clean inside and has some real innovations.  You have the option of a main floor office or den. Two full baths 3 bedrooms on the main floor and a custom third bedroom on the walkout level.

Take a minute and view the virtual tour...be careful you might end up moving!  This home has professional landscaping all around the home and yard.  Come see for yourself with a personal tour.

Click on the link below to view the virtual tour.

http://www.flexitrealty.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?listingid=1789679

Cedar Springs Michigan walkout ranch with 5 bedrooms of luxury

Ever dream of living in the the country without being in the country?  This beautiful 5 bedroom home comes complete with an additional 24'x36' finished second garage.

It has magnificent finished oak trim and appointed with 3 walkin closets, 4.5 bathrooms with a walkout lower level and an entertainment sized deck.  Check out the virtual tour and see for yourself.  The home sits on an acre lot back up to woods.  It has professional landscaping and underground sprinkling to keep it looking lush.  Click the link below to see the virtual tour...it is worth your time if you are looking for a lovely home in the Cedar Springs area, paved roads right to your door.  This home can not be replaced for the listing price.

See what $384,888 will buy you in luxury.

http://www.flexitrealty.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?listingid=1733367

Home bargain in Comstock Park Michigan...this little gem is priced right!

Some times you get a listing that should have sold and just didn't.  Well this one isn't the one!   I just listed this home a few days ago and it is in an upscale neighborhood of executive homes.  It has lots of features and one key benefit...you will earn equity by the thousands within a year or two when the market turns.  It is under priced right now but in the short future is will be looked back on as a real steal!

http://www.flexitrealty.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?listingid=1822664

Check out the virtual tour and see for yourself the features this home offers for $189,900 it should be $220,000 in this upscale neighborhood.

See for yourself peek at the virtual tour but be careful you might be moving if you do!

The $800,000 house for $599,900 looking for an executive home bargain?

This is one of those homes that is a pleasue to show...it is unique and offer some rare feature that an executive would be thrilled to have.  This home is meant for entertaining!  Sitting on 2.2 acres or privacy out your back door with wildlife just as close.

Check out the virtual tour...this will give you an idea of what you can get for $600,000 in todays market.  It is worth the trip to see the tour.  If you have a buyer relocating to the Grand Rapids Michigan area this should be one of the homes on their list.  See for your self...take a look at the gourmet kitchen or the full size half court basketball court "Inside the home"!  Home sound system inside and out...the list goes on...HD theater room...OK....see for yourself...dream...but if you look you may be moving!

http://www.flexitrealty.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?listingid=1773359

If you would like a personal tour Call Gary White Toll Free:  877-667-4699 or for immediate response Call: 616-784-2360 Office

The economy hurts everyone budget, help for struggle families to extend their budgets

This economy has affected the young and old alike.   I just spoke with one of my elderly clients and her heat budget is going to double this next winter.  She is fine but the neighbor...a working executive had his double too and now they are looking at a year round heat budget of $243.00 per month for 11 months.

The gas crisis affect everything because of our delivery system is based on trucking.  So if the cost of our delivery system rise so does everything that the system carries.  This isn't just the finished goods that we consume...the raw material before they are finished good are also transported.

The inflation rate right now is 4% that is number reported by our government...so take that with a grain of salt!  Talk to anyone with a young family and they have their hands full trying to make ends meet.

Here is something that will help families stretch their dollars so they can hopefully make the budget a little less tight.

I am not sure if anyone has heard of www.AngelFoodMinistries.com Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit  non-denominational group that is dedicated to food relief among other functions.  For approximately $30.00 a family can buy $42 and $78.00 dollars worth of groceries depending on the selections.

This is not the old program of a box of cheese...good food, and a real budget stretcher.  Here is an example of the June Menu.

1.5 lb. Rib Eye Steaks (4x6 oz.)                                                        16oz. Sliced Carrots
1.5 lb. Hamburger Patties (4x6oz.)                                                    16oz. Mixed Vegetables
2 lbs. Pork Riblets                                                                            32 oz. Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf Stable Milk                                                                              1 Dessert 
4 lbs. Ind. Quick Frozen Chicken Leg Quarters                                    6 oz. Pancake Mix
2 lbs. Breaded Chicken Tenders                                                        15 oz. Pork and Beans
20 oz.  Supreme Pizza                                                                     14 oz. Ketchup
1 lb. Mild Italian Sausage                                                                 7.5 oz Macaroni & Cheese
24 oz. French Fries                                                                          1 Dozen Eggs
16 oz. Green Beans

This is a $30.00 menu!   You take what you get..the menu is what it is...it changes every month but it can be a real budget saver for any of you clients that may be in trouble and need a helping hand.  Go to the website link and see where a location is in your area.  This is a National Ministry that has done a lot of good and deserves a little thanks as many that serve do.

Hope this can help your clients.                                                                                                                           

Money Magazine lists the top 10 cities for positive equity growth.

I am happy to not that one of the top 10 cities Money Magazine reported that should see positive growth is Grand Rapids Michigan.

I dashed out and purchased the magazine just for that reason alone.  It is something to crow about...but as a Realtor...last month 46% of the sales reported by our board were either short sales or foreclosures.

We have a huge spurt in medical staff requirements, this is a major factor in the expected growth.  One of the bright spots in the State of Michigan.

For many that are unfamiliar with Michigan....Grand Rapids Michigan is the second largest city in Michigan.  We are located on the Midwestern side of the state with key highways to all kinds of fun.  Lake Michigan is only 30 miles away, state land for hunting and hiking is again only 30 minutes in almost any direction, biking paths are paved and used by thousands including me. 

Fun is one of Michigan's main draws...tourism.  Fishing and lakes dot every county.  Since we have the change of season we have multiple opportunities to use our beautiful outdoors.

Money magazine missed that part of the equation.  We are like many area having hard times because our economy is automotive based.  The gas crunch is having an effect on car sales.  It is having an effect on everything.

But I must say I was very happy for Grand Rapids to be published as one of the Top 10 bright spots.  Time is money finding the right home can be esier than you think.

If you are interested in looking at property in the Grand Rapids market and you are not under contact with another agent...give me a call you will be pleasantly surprised that you did.  I have lived and owned businesses in Grand Rapids, Michigan since 1972.  I have watched and contributed to it's growth.  I know Grand Rapids.