Mike's Blog - Archives December, 2007

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How Do You Sell a 1 Bedroom House? - 12/18/07 09:47 AM

I have an active listing in Hamilton, NJ, which is nice, well maintained, and tiny. The lot is small too. It's cost prohibitive to add a second story, or to add a room. The house does have a detached garage, a basement, and has been well maintained. So the question for … (8 comments)

Classic Must Reads For Agents and Brokers - 12/13/07 09:47 AM

Luckily, I have been exposed to some great books over the years which have helped me develop my business. I am currently reading (better late than never) The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller, and it is excellent. Here are other all-time faves, if you have yet to get them, … (8 comments)

Like Anything, The Follow Thru On Staging is Crucial - 12/13/07 09:28 AM

You never forget the sayings which make great impressions on you as a new agent or manager in real estate. "Expect what you inspect" is a great rule to follow for anyone, and was taught to me in one of my first manager's training classes. I was recently reminded of this … (1 comments)

You Get What You Pay For - 12/10/07 10:57 AM

Being a non-traditional broker and having heard this comment for the 100th time in so many days by "traditional brokers", I would like to pose these questions:
1. Do you shop for sales? Why?
2. Do you search for the gas station with the highest price? I mean, it's just gas!
3. Do you … (2 comments)

The Anti Green Movement - 12/10/07 09:55 AM

While I must admit that I am tired of seeing Al Gore on TV, and I am exhausted with the fear tactics brought on by the "Green Extreme", I have to ask myself this question: Wouldn't we all be better off not being so reliant on gasoline, oil, foreign dependancy, pollution, … (9 comments)

What I Love About Traditional Brokers - 12/10/07 09:38 AM

Having sold and managed for a few prominent brokers over the (past 24) years and using different business models, it has been enlightening for me to get a view of how real estate works from different perspectives. I own and operate my own brokerage, and I give consumers choices. When I … (2 comments)

Who Will Pay For The Bush Rate Freeze? - 12/10/07 08:26 AM

If the rate freeze will really help many folks, then there must be a whopping cost to it. I do not forsee the lenders, who will be harmed (?) sitting back and watching revenue loss. I see them finding ways to raise fees on non-subprime loans to make up the gap. … (1 comments)

Fear of Agent Extinction: Are You Endangered? - 12/05/07 03:56 PM

Today I read a comment on a post stating "If we automate so much then we won't be needed by the consumer". I was surprised, because that fear was en vogue as Al Gore was inventing the internet. "If we lose control of the info, we will be out of work" … (3 comments)

Trenton's Mayor Palmer Should Resign - 12/05/07 01:14 PM

"Nobody wants to come to this city" said Trenton mayor Doug Palmer, explaining why residency laws must be adjusted for battle - plagued police commissioner Joseph Santiago. Santiago, who has been chided by city council to step down or reside in Trenton, will leave quite an unflattering legacy of high crime … (0 comments)

Breathing Life Into a Brand, Part 1 - 12/05/07 10:45 AM

Having recently started a new, non-franchised company, creating a brand has been on my mind for some time now. While it is exciting, it also also mind-consuming, frustrating, wonderful, and confusing (See also the E-Myth) as well. Anyway, I have reduced the Branding to 3 parts, here goes:
1. Leadership. The brand … (3 comments)

Taking Overpriced Listings, Then Getting Reduction, Reduction, Reduction - 12/04/07 01:00 PM

Maybe I am more of a consultant than a salesperson. I watch some very successful agents taking $350,000+/- valued homes, listing them for $400,000, then getting huge reductions every 3-4 weeks until it sells. I tell the seller the truth upfront, then (sometimes) lose the listing. I just can't BS someone, waste … (4 comments)

MLB Gets Tough With Uniform Scofflaws - 12/03/07 04:07 PM

Bob Watson, President of the Amercian League, has announced that when managers do not have their uniform top visible, they will be fined $1,000 for 1st offense, and $5,000 for a 2nd offense. In recent past, Terry Francona (Boston), John Gibbons (Toronto) and Eric Wedge (Cleveland) have been warned. Personally, I … (1 comments)

Ten Marketing Questions For You - 12/03/07 03:41 PM

1. Why do you use children in your picture? Almost anyone can procreate.
2. Why the dog in your photo? Does this make you appeal to dog lovers?
3. Why no photos of some listings on your website? Is that extra?
4. I know having 2 or 3 listings must be exhausting, but maybe … (16 comments)

The Full Service Lie - 12/03/07 02:10 PM

I recently went to a competitor's website to look them up (makes it easy for recruiting, doesn't it?). I clicked on another agent in his office, their banner proudly declaring I OFFER FULL SERVICE. I clicked over to see her listing inventory, and noticed that only about 50% of her listings … (4 comments)

5 Reasons To NOT BUY NOW ! - 12/03/07 09:56 AM

If you wait two more years, save 10 grand, your payment will go down by $60, or you will save $15 a week. Plus, your 30 year loan will be paid off 32 years from now. Who cares? Time is an abstract.The media, who also prepared us for Y2K, has told … (3 comments)

Top 10 Reasons To Build Your Career at Real Choice - 12/03/07 09:27 AM

1. A Focus on the Consumer.
Satisfied and happy clients are more likely to send agents referrals and repeat business, the cornerstone of any great company. This is our #1 focus. Honest consultation, great marketing and results oriented systems make Real Choice stand apart. Agents who do not put the consumer first … (0 comments)

1 Stop Shopping--What a Joke - 12/03/07 08:16 AM

I have to laugh when I am on hold and hear the big regional companies claim how their one stop shopping is so wonderful. They think they have something special (they drink their own Koolaid) and really belive in it. Most agents and most good companies are happy to provide 1 stop … (6 comments)

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