In a recent search, I noticed a post by another brokerage firm about a relationship with RealtyTrac that was promulgated by their national franchise. .

It reminded me why I hate salespeople sometimes.

This post would indicate to a real estate consumer that the agent and firm had some benefit through the publication of their third party information, and that this would make them some kind of foreclosure experts. And while the writer is a pleasant enough person, and just trying to create a business advantage for themselves, its just nonsense, and its frankly misleading - though I will give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that it is unintentionally misleading.

I have been selling foreclosures for 21 years in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester Counties, and for the past year or two also in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties in New Jersey. I have also been an active real estate investorfor even longer than that, so  I think that I would be considered an expert in the marketing, purchase and sale of foreclosure properties. From my experience I know that , for the most part third party relationships like the one touted by this broker don't work. And I know that for the past 21 years, most of the calls from services like these that I received were from people that were calling on outdated properties that were published long after they were sold and settled.

Third party listings of foreclosures have a number of problems. As I mentioned, their information is often outdated.They often provide too much information seeming to provide value but muddying the waters for most consumers - for example "pre-foreclosure" data which is useless to most of their subscribers. The source of the information is not disclosed in many instances, and is therefore questionable. For real estate professionals, the third party information is less accurate than the Multiple Listing Service .   

I understand the need for the third party company to sell subscriptions, and their right to advertise and boast about their services to do so. And I understand the need for the national franchise to create affiliate relationships to obtain income opportunities and to position themselves as providing value to their franchisees, I even understand the writer pimping this out as a benefit to the public - but it is indicative of their lack of understanding about the product and the foreclosure product that they even do so. It just burns me up that they are so busy posting something to appear at the front of the pack, that they don't take the time to actually determine if it accomplishes that before they publish.

As salespeople I think we have an obligation to balance our need to market with the need to be genuine and transparent. Its too easy to lay claim to expertise when you're writing alone in your home or office.  Don't just claim a position, have the position. Be the expert you claim to be - or claim to be the expert you are.

For Memorial Day, a Canadian Song that is still appropriate - Have a Great Holiday - and remember those who allow us to celebrate it in Freedom!

Memorial Day is a fun time, but also a time for reflection. To continue with my policy of avoiding double posting, please visit my other blog at Move Philly

On Friday, May 9th, Century 21 Advantage Gold held its first ever 21K Gold AdvantageAwards Breakfast at Brookside Manor in Feasterville PA.

Agents from a variety of companies who had sold qualifying 21K Listingsparticipated in a fun contest where Lorrie Scott of Prudential Fox & Roach - Jenkintown was the winner of a $21,000 check. Lorrie, who had debated attending the event was understandably elated. Lorrie told me that she plans to pay her daughter's college tuition with her award.

The next round of 21k Listings have already started toi accumulate and we are 1/3rd of the way to the next Award event.

For more information see my previous post or visit the company web site at www.c21ag.com

 

I recently blogged about the Philadelphia Real Estate Market on my MovePhilly Blog and the issue of perception that so many consumers have regarding what they thing the market is and what the market actually is - Instead of restating the issue, you can either link to that blog or to my original post on agentgenius.

In an effort to create a specialist agent who uses technology to communicate with the consumer, our company, Century 21 Advantage Gold is creating an "E-Team" group of agents. I wonder if any other companies have tried to do that and what success is seen from the agent perspective. I would be very interested in feedback from agents or brokers - Each member of our team will need to take specific courses and achieve certain competency levels in order to participate - Have you seen anything like that?

 

 

The 21K Gold Advantage program gives agents a big reason to sell the 21K home: great odds at winning $21,000. The costs to you as the homeowner are minimal compared to the benefits you receive.

How It Works for Agents

• Check it out at www.c21ag.com
  Any agent who sells an exclusive 21K Gold Advantage Listing is eligible to win $21,000.
• With every 50 21K Gold Advantage Listing homes that closes, we will host a social event to announce the winner of the $21,000.
• By selling more than one 21K Gold Advantage Listing for any single drawing, you substantially increase your odds of winning.

To find all of our exclusive 21K Gold Advantage Listing homes, log onto MLS and type **21K Listing** in the Remarks search function of the Trend MLS.

PHILADELPHIA, PA JULY 13, 2007-- Kimberly Schreiner of Century 21 Advantage Gold has successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.^®   Kimberly is a member of Century 21 Advantage Gold's "Top 21%" for sales company-wide and has recently achieved top selling agent in her base office in Bensalem, PA.  Kimberly was also awarded "Rookie of the Year" for her office her first year with Century 21 Advantage Gold.

The REALTOR e-PRO^Ò certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today's buyer and seller.

"The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years," said Kimberly Schreiner of Century 21 Advantage Gold. "A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public."

PHILADELPHIA, PA, July 16, 2007 - CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold reported today that in an ongoing effort to help raise awareness and funds to support Easter Seals south eastern PA, it raised more than $4,700 for the charity by participating in the area's annual Easter Seals Walk With Me fundraising event which took place on June 16, 2007 at the Philadelphia Art Museum.

The monies raised by the members of CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold will benefit people with disabilities in the south eastern Pennsylvania area.  The daylong event was one of more than 40 similar events being held in communities across the country this year. 

"The Walk With Me event was a great way to engage the many families and local social organizations with Easter Seals and all of the services and resources they provide our community in an effort to empower people with disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives," said William Lublin, CEO of CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold.

People of all ages gathered at the art museum to walk or run one, three or five miles.  Each Walk With Me participant was partnered with an Easter Seals Honorary Team Captain, an adult or child with a disability who has directly benefited from Easter Seals programs

"Easter Seals southeastern Pennsylvania has proudly served our community for more than 70 years helping to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities live with greater independence," said Liz Graham, Director of Corporate Relations for EASTER SEALS southeastern Pennsylvania "Time and time again, CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold has answered our call for help and together with the members of this community, made our Walk With Me event a huge success."

The CENTURY 21 System has been a proud supporter of Easter Seals for more than 25 years and has since raised more than $91 million to help provide opportunities for people with disabilities to live with equality, dignity and independence.  

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold CEO William Lublin met General Colin L. Powell at the 2007 CENTURY 21 International Convention held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

Powell was this year's Keynote Speaker, touching upon the topics of leadership, America, and government. Lublin was part of a select group chosen to meet General Powell after his speech. Lublin was able to speak with Powell, and pose for a photo opportunity with wife Shelia Lublin and Jimmy Dague CEO of CENTURY 21 Las Vegas.

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold is the largest CENTURY 21 firm in Philadelphia, and is listed as one of the top real estate firms in the United States.  Named by the National Association of Realtors as the fastest growing real estate firm in the US in 2001, the company has 8 locations servicing Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.  They can be contacted on the web at www.C21ag.com