I've been criticized for posting helpful tips before, but I think that everyone could use a pick me up, so here is a great article that just might lift your spirits, it did mine!
Surviving the Slump by Ralph Roberts
Realtors across the country are hurting. Housing markets are in a downward spiral. Homeowners are flocking to FSBO websites to list their own homes. Internet lead generation services are heating up the competition. And many agents are offering cut-rate commissions to survive the cutthroat market.
Realtors have to remember, however, what most retailers already know -- competing on price alone is for suckers. Start offering sellers lower commissions and you are setting yourself up for a world of hurt, both in the short-term and well into the future. Once you establish a reputation as the "cheapest agent on the block," turning that around later can be nearly impossible.
Instead of competing by offering lower commissions, find something else to compete on -- quality service, experience, and know-how. Adjust your marketing materials to highlight current market conditions and your unique ability to sell homes in a down market:
Do not sugarcoat news that the market is down. Provide facts and figures showing the current condition of the market. Let prospective clients know that other agents may try to present them with a rosier picture just to get their business.
Inform clients that according to the NAR, a home sells for 16-percent more on average when sold through a Realtor than when sold by the owners or someone less qualified. Most homeowners are unaware of this fact and may need to be reminded that you are likely to earn much more than your keep.
Highlight your experience. If you have been a Realtor for ten years, that is a big plus. Make sure your clients know the value of your experience and that you have sold homes in slow markets before.
Highlight your dedication. If you are a full-time Realtor, market yourself as a full-timer and let you clients know that selling homes is your passion. Let them know that some of the agents they talk to may be part-timers and may not be quite as responsive as you.
When you meet with prospective clients for the first time, make sure you have a marketing plan in place for their home. Highlight your three-pronged attack for selling a home in a slow market:
Pricing the property to the market. Explain why setting the right price is so important in generating interest in the property. Explain how you arrived at the asking price, and back it up with plenty of facts and figures from comparable properties.
Getting the property in tip-top condition. Explain why curb appeal is critical and why the home needs to make a great first impression. Consider putting together a team of consultants, including a home inspector and a professional stager to write up a plan of action, complete with an estimate for the work that needs to be done, and how much these improvements are going to increase the salability of the property.
Marketing the property online and off. Demonstrate to your clients your ability to get the property listing in front of as many prospective buyers as possible. Explain the access you have to MLS listings and show your client at least eight places on the Internet where you plan on marketing their property, including Craig's List and Backpage.
In a slow market, many sellers are worried that in addition to losing money due to market conditions, they stand to lose an additional 6 or 7 percent by having to pay your sales commission. Make sure they realize the benefits of using a licensed Realtor, including the following:
In addition to marketing the home to the general public, you market to other Realtors, who can show the home to their clients.
You prescreen prospects, so only the most serious prospective buyers can look at the home, and you accompany all qualified prospects as they tour the sellers' home.
You can help the sellers compare and evaluate purchase offers.
You can negotiate with the prospective buyers without tipping the sellers' hand or compromising the sellers' negotiating position.
You can handle all the details related to closing to make sure the sellers' interests are protected.
When a sluggish market and other changes in the industry heat up the competition, you have to make some adjustments in the way you present yourself to prospective clients, especially those who are in the process of considering hiring you as their listing agent. Step up to the challenge. Never simply give in and lower your commissions. Offer more value, and earn your commission
April 7th, 2008 The Federal Environmental Authorities (SEMARNAT) in Sonora determined that the construction of the Sandy Beach Marina on top of Estero La Cholla was not viable due to the potential environmental damage it could cause. This controversial project threatened the integrity of the Upper Gulf Biosphere Reserve and the productivity of this wetland. Estero La Cholla, along with the other wetlands in this region, is of great importance for the health of the Sea of Cortés, as it is a nursery for several marine species such as shrimp, flounder and blue crab. Also, its nutrient contribution to the Gulf of California represents the base of the food web, making this place one of the five most diverse ecosystems in the world. Apart from its ecological importance, Estero La Cholla represents one of the most visited beaches by the local community of Puerto Peñasco, and nowadays this is one of the few sites that tourism development has not closed to locals.
In an initial stage, the marina proposed by Sandy Beach Resorts contemplated the construction of 450 slips on top of one of the most important reefs in the Northern Gulf of California. In a second stage it planned to develop almost 300 residential lots in the estuary plus 260 lots in the desert. The first stage had been authorized but due to a great opposition by the local community and valuable scientific information available, this authorization is being reviewed by the Federal Environmental Authorities. The review process was requested by the 2003 National Conservation Award wining community group, a cooperative of commercial divers that has developed marine reserves in those reefs as a strategy for sustainable use of their resources. For the second stage of the project, the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO), the 2007 National Conservation Award winning NGO, carefully reviewed the marina Environmental Impact Statement, involving the fishing sector, as well as researchers and other community members. This evaluation was submitted to the environmental authorities so that they could incorporate hard science into the decision process.
These arguments together with strong legal support provided by the Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA) and Northwest Environmental Defense (DAN) were the basis for the decision taken by the SEMARNAT to halt the destruction of Estero La Cholla. Alejandro Castillo, CEDO's Assistant Director commented that "the decision taken by the Federal Authorities has great value for the local and the international community as proof of the commitment that Mexico has for its wetlands and their stakeholders. This time we noticed that social wealth and long term sustainability was valued over short term economic development and environmental degradation". The Estero La Cholla - Sandy Beach Marina case is a perfect example of how communities, environmental organizations and governments can work together, basing decisions on the best scientific information available and traditional knowledge, to achieve sustainability.
CEDO hopes that this example is replicated in other cases, such as the illegal approval to destroy voluntary marine reserves in the Northern Gulf of California by developers in Puerto Peñasco. For further information please communicate with Alejandro Castillo, Assistant Director at the Intercultural Center for the Studies of Deserts and Oceans.
Plaza Alaina #4 Located in one of Fremont Blvd's premiere plazas, this unit is one of the few left! Ground floor, best priced unit at $66,900 - 450 sq ft of space to start YOUR business in Rocky Point!
Mirador Terrace Charming one bedroom condos with two unit types to choose from - TWO BLOCKS to the Sea of Cortez - best priced units in the Mirador this close - $109 and $129 - owner motivated!
Puerta Privada 905 West Here's another BEST priced unit - at the exclusive non-rental project on Sandy Beach. This 2 bedroom/2 bath unit is priced at $529!!! Get into this one for $130K down!
Puerta Privada 701 East One more BEST priced unit at the only non-rental project in town! Priced at $869 with assumable developer financing or $799K cash - this 3 bedroom/3 bath w/ wrap-around patio is fully furnished and ready for you to move in today!
For info on these listings and others, let me know! This is the last buyer's market we will see here in Rocky Point due to the extensive infrastructure planned for us. It won't be long before we see pricing start shifting upward!
If you or anyone you know is interested in taking advantage of this great buyer's market, get in touch with me soon. I will go to work to find the best investment opportunity to suit your needs!
As a Re/Max international agent, I offer a 25% referral fee to all licensed agents and 35% to all Re/Max agents!
For all you AZ real estate license holders, your renewal might be coming up...why sit in a classroom that looks more like a prison lockdown station (remember high school?) do it in Rocky Point at the Sonoran Sun resort - look at the Sea of Cortez every now and then...frolick in the waves and soak up some sun...have a mini vacay that you can write off as a business trip!
Happy selling Saturday everyone! Here are the latest and greatest hot deals at the exclusive Puerta Privada resort on Sandy Beach in Puerto Penasco, "Rocky Point" Mexico:
EAST BUILDING 404 - two bedroom, two bath partially furnished to give you a good base to start from - $549,900 707 - two bedroom, two bath partially furnished with fabulous views - $559,900 701 - three bedroom, two bath FULLY furnished unit with custom painting and fantastic views - $869,900 **Best priced 3 bedroom at Puerta Privada**
WEST BUILDING 402 - two bed, two bath unfurnished unit - never been lived in! Get in at $118 down - priced at $549,000! 905 - two bedroom, two bath fantastic views of the city lights! $539,900 **Best price in the entire resort** 1008 - two bedroom, two bath, unfurnished - the perfect canvas to create your masterpiece! $539,900 708 - two bed, two bath, fully furnished - turnkey! awesome views, but still private for $599,900
As you know, these prices are the reflection of only a few investors needing to get some cash flow back into play. This creates a great buyer's market that you can still get in on. This is the last market we will see like this due to the influx of California residents looking for a better beach home investment, and with 50 million baby boomers retiring over the next few years, Mexico is the #1 spot to invest in right now! Unlike Cabo and Cancun, Puerto Penasco will always be a drive to destination. The highway linking us to San Diego (making it under 5 hours) has less than 20 miles in the middle to go before it's completion, which is slated for this year's end. Please let me know if you have any questions at all.
I just got the info for this condo for sale at the Las Palmas Resort on Sandy Beach. It is the best priced unit here by far!
SHOW ME ANOTHER 2 BEDROOM CONDO ON THE BEACH OF THIS QUALITY FOR $239,000
BEST PRICED 2 BEDROOM ON SANDY BEACH This two bedroom two bath fully furnished BEACHFRONT condo is ONLY $239,000. This is not in Pinacate or Princessa, this is in Las Palmas. Las Palmas features a gorgeous workout facillitiy, mulitple pools, cabanas and BBQ's. The main pool has a poolside restaurant and bar with a game room upstairs for the kids to play in or even the adults.
These photos do not do justice to this 2nd floor condo located in the Grande buillding giving the unit great ocean views by day and views of the city lights at night.
This unit is a great rental and at this price will result in an excellent investment for family and friends to enjoy for years to come. Once the Coastal Highway is completed and the first terminal of that airport is done you will not see prices like this anymore.
In keeping with my promise to add some giggles to this thing, here's a forward I got my friend in San Antonio:
***There are a few cuss words and innuendos in here - you've been warned***
What's the best form of birth control after 50? Nudity
What's the difference between a girlfriend and a wife? 45 lbs.
What's the difference between a boyfriend and a husband? 45 minutes.
What's the fastest way to a man's heart? Through his chest with a sharp knife.
Why do men want to marry virgins? They can't stand criticism.
Why is it so hard for women to find men that are sensitive, caring, and good looking? Because those men already have boyfriends.
What's the difference between a new husband and a new dog? After a year, the dog is still excited to see you.
What makes men chase women they have no intention of marrying? The same urge that makes dogs chase cars they have no intention of driving.
What do you call a smart blonde? A golden retriever.
Why does the bride always wear white? Because it's good for the dishwasher to match the stove and refrigerator.
How do you know when you're really ugly? Dogs hump your leg with their eyes closed.
How do you know when you're leading a pathetic life? When a nymphomaniac tells you, "Lets just be friends."
Why did God create alcohol? So ugly people could have sex, too.
What did the blonde say when she found out she was pregnant? "Are you sure it's mine?"
What's the difference between Beer Nuts and Deer Nuts? Beer Nuts are $1, and Deer Nuts are always under a buck.
What would you call it when an Italian has one arm shorter than the other? A speech impediment.
Why do men find it difficult to make eye contact? Breasts don't have eyes.
What's the difference between a Northern fairytale and a Southern fairytale? A Northern fairytale begins "Once upon a time." A Southern fairytale begins "Y'all ain't gonna believe this s***."
DIF (I'm not sure what it stands for - yet) is starting a great new project - a kid's shelter for orphans, abused and neglected children right here in Rocky Point!
The offices are located at Sinaloa and Ruiz Corinez Ave. They are in need of donations of materials, labor, sponsorship, and consulting. Monetary donations also needed. For more info, please get in touch with: Minerva del Renteria at 383 6145 or email difpuertpenasco@hotmail.com.
Other contact persons are: Norma Alicia Agundez Serna 638 109 7425 and n.a.agundez@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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