Kevin Cahill's Blog

Is Keller Williams Realty right for you?

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:36:22 -0600

Each and every day, I meet with Realtors to discuss the market, the challenges they face, the tools they need, the opportunities they face. My approach with these agents is to be a resource for them, to answer questions, coach and consult them, be a sounding board, and help them as much as I can. Many of these agents are already with Keller Williams Realty, though a fair number are not with us. My approach with the agents from other companies is to be a friend first. Keller Williams Realty is not always a match for another agent, and that's okay.

Agents typically join Keller Williams Realty for our education and training... we are very well known for teaching classes that support the models in Gary Keller's best-selling book The Millionaire Real Estate Agent. This book is phenomenal. If you do not yet have a copy, run to Borders or Barnes and Noble and get your hands on it immediately--or call me and I will get you a copy right away!

Agents stay with Keller Williams Realty because of our culture. We call it the WI4C2TS (why four cee two tees).

The Keller Williams Realty

Belief System

WI4C2TS

Win-Win or no deal

Integrity do the right thing

Commitment in all things

Communication seek first to understand

Creativity ideas before results

Customers always come first

Teamwork together everyone achieves more

Trust starts with honesty

Success results through people

If I can answer the questions that an agent may have, I can grow in relationship with them, help them make smart business decisions, watch their career take flight... that's a great reward. If they determine that KW is the right environment, all the better for us!

If you'd like to learn more about KW in Tampa Bay, visit http://www.whyKWnow.com or call me and we'll grab a cup of coffee and talk: 813-830-8008.

Visit Keller Williams Realty South Tampa for education and training events!

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:17:35 -0600

Save these important classes on your calendar for next week!

Monday November 9th

11:00am to 12:00pm - Performance Coaching with Lisa Spencer. Topic will be the Buyer Control Sheet. If you are a new agent or are signed up for the Performance Coaching Program, please attend. Even if you are not enrolled in Coaching, you are encouraged to come.

12:00pm to 1:00pm - Success Series with Kevin Cahill. Bring your own lunch. Solidify your foundational habits that really drive your success!

Tuesday Novemer 10th

11:00am to 12:00pm - 1031 Exchange Class. Come learn all about doing a 1031 like-kind exchange. We have an out of town speaker coming for this one and I encourage you all to attend so that when your client asks you about a 1031 exchange, you know what they are talking about!

Wednesday Novemer 11th

9:00am - 10:00am - Office Meeting Breakfast sponsored by Eric Most of Most Insurance. Great information, and October awards!

11:30am to ? - CARAVAN: Come out and support your South Tampa Realtors and see what's new on the market! We are all Realtors!

Thursday November 12th

11:00am to 12:00pm- Tech Thursday: Blogging 101

5:00pm - (Tentative) KW Happy Hour - details to come soon.

Kevin Cahill

CEO/Team Leader

Keller Williams Realty South Tampa

3502 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33609

Keller Williams Realty leads the way in Tampa Bay!

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:06 -0600

Keller Williams Realty leads the way in Tampa Bay!

Looking over the year-to-date statistics, Keller Williams Realty has more agents in the top 125 list than any other brokerage or brand. When it comes to closed sales, through September, Keller Williams Realty has 24 agents in the top 125; Coldwell Banker has 23 agents, and Smith & Associates has 10. This just goes to show you that the models, systems and strategies of Keller Williams Realty are powering our agents through this SHIFTED market.

This market, more than any other markets in recent memory, requires a commitment to lead generation and lead conversion. Agents who shy away from short sales, REOs, pre-foreclosures, and other distressed sales are missing the market of the moment. Right now, over 40% of transactions in the greater Tampa Bay area are distressed sales of some sort... and the rest of the real estate market is impacted.

Keller Williams Realty agents are focused on education, training and coaching to survive and THRIVE in this market.

Learn more today!

Ask your doctor if Power Hour is right for you... cures PD: Productile Dysfunction.

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:41:25 -0600

Power Hour is our productivity enhancement drug: Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use Power Hour.

This video is an official Keller Williams production... looks like an ad for ED medications... This is the cure if your real estate sales are down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_gFam4_8gA&feature=channel_page

Be aware of the side effects... only use if you have practiced your scripts and dialogues.

If you care to view more powerful Keller Willams videos, produced by KW, visit: http://www.youtube.com/kellerwilliams

And remember, consult a MAPS Coach if your production lasts more than 4 hours while using Power Hour

Keller Williams Realty is coming to Summit County!!!

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:15:58 -0600

Wow~ what an amazing market right now!

The Keller Williams Realty model, and inter-dependent agent-centric approach to training and productivity, has attracted some early adopters in Summit County:

Janet Hornik is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland, and lives in Macedonia. Janet is a member of the Mike Ferry Organization coaching program, and is involved in the SHIFT Coaching program thru Keller Williams Realty MAPS Coaching... janet@janethornik.com 216-276-1529

Jacqui Camara is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Tri-County Properties in Medina, and lives in Stow. Jacqui is an industry veteran, and just recently made the move to KW from a local brokerage in Stow where she was a top producer... jacqui.camara@gmail.com 330-687-7300

Stacey McVey is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland Southeast, our newest market center in Solon, opening this spring. Stacey lives in Hudson and has been in residential real estate for 17 years, and understands the opportunity to grow with Keller Williams, having recently joined KW from a merged mid-size regional brokerage... smcvey@kw.com 330-592-2051

While the recent Shift in the real estate market has changed the way we do our business, it has also forced local and regional brokerages to cut commissions to agents, change their support programs, scale back on training, and consolidate offices... many smart brokers are exploring new approaches to helping their agents, and have found that merging with other brokerages could be a smart move. Keller Williams is excited that some of the best agents and brokers across the country are exploring merging with Keller Williams Realty as a way to provide better training and consulting to their agents, a proven method of sharing profit with agents, and better models that allow brokers to return to profitability faster in this difficult market.

Most real estate companies operate on a dependent model where the broker provides leads to salespeople and then offers them a commission, or they operate on an independent model where agents receive minimal support from the broker but keep more of the commission. In contrast to these traditional models, the Keller Williams model fosters a synergistic environment where both parties succeed through teamwork, by encouraging agents and brokers to share their best practices with each other and reward associates who help the company to grow. It is these industry-changing philosophies that have fueled the recent growth of Keller Williams Realty past older, more established companies to claim a top-four spot in the real estate industry.

Click here to learn more about our inter-dependent model:http://kw.com/kw/businessmodel.html

Keller Williams Realty offers the greatest opportunity in residential real estate for Realtors committed to succeeding in this Shift. Call any of these Summit County agents to learn more, or call me for a confidential conversation: cahill@kw.com 216-509-6990

State of the Real Estate Market: Cleveland's eastern suburbs, January 2009,

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:04:00 -0600

The current real estate market is favoring buyers in a most pronounced, lopsidedly beneficial way. Prices are back down to pre-internet boom, pre-technology bubble levels... nearly those of 1994 to 1998. Interest rates are near the lowest levels since World War II and the start of the Baby Boom. More homes today in the Cleveland area are sold by banks and HUD than are sold by private owners. Credit is still readily available to those with clean credit histories and steady employment, thanks in part to broader FHA financing.

What I see in the market today are the most serious sellers competing for very few buyers--very value and condition sensitive buyers, I might add. Those sellers who are not 100% committed to doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to get their homes sold are choosing to take their homes off the market or not list their homes at all, or are clouding, cluttering, and confusing the market with their over-priced property and their wholly unrealistic expectations.

The actual number of homes selling in the market remains steady, though at prices nearly half the level of December 2006. On Cleveland's east side, including Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, Beachwood, University Heights, South Euclid, and Lyndhurst, 115 homes sold in December 2008, while in December of 2006 110 homes sold--however, prices of sold homes are down 51% in December 2008 from the level of December 2006: from a median average of $154,000 to $75,000. Ouch. The average sold is down from $207,788 to $109,650. Interestingly, inventory levels are down, as sellers realize that now, this year, this market, may not be the right time to sell. In December of 2006, we had 15 months worth of homes to sell, now we are down to 10 months of inventory. If you think it is a seasonal low level of homes, you're wrong. The seasonal low level has historically been evident in April and May, the end of the spring selling season. Fewer sellers need to sell, and they are unwilling to compete against these banks to attract and secure those finicky few buyers who are looking for ridiculous bargains, and finding wide choices!

Sadly, many agents are exiting the industry, nearly 30% over the last 24 months in the Cleveland area, unable to compete for the few buyers confident enough to buy or to find success for their sellers. This is not an environment that allows an agent to test the market with an overpriced home, and sellers persuaded to list their home at $250,000 are surprised and reluctant to adjust their price down to $189,000 to get it sold. Right now, price and condition rule.

Shaker Heights vacant land available for owner-occupied home construction and side lots.

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:52:13 -0600

The city of Shaker Heights is offering property available for sale from its land bank. Purchasers may construct new homes for owner-occupancy, or in some cases may purchase the property as a side lot for their existing adjacent home. Here is a link with more information:

http://www.shakeronline.com/dept/revite/InfillHousingProjectsinShaker.asp

Surely, the opportunity to build in Shaker Heights could not get much better... builders are looking for work, and the city is seeking to provide a wider array of available housing. Take advantage of the opportunities in today's market. If you would like a free, no-obligation consultation, please feel free to call me: 216-509-6990 or send me an email: cahill@kw.com.

The Housing Crisis is in fact a Wall Street Crisis: Michael Lewis's article "The End" featured in Conde-Nast Portfolio

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:57:37 -0600

This is an incredibly insightful article, from Michael Lewis, the author of Liar's Poker and The New New Thing, and other great books about the world we currently know.

http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/national-news/portfolio/2008/11/11/The-End-of-Wall-Streets-Boom

This is so telling... Michael Lewis is such a great writer. I've known for years that we weren't facing a housing bubble, we were awaiting a Wall Street implosion!

The perfect storm in real estate had come and passed by 9/11: people sold their tech stocks and had money to invest; interest rates dropped and people refinanced; and then, realizing they could afford more, people bought up. The natural progression in the market worked its way thru by early 2001. After 9/11, there was no more natural room for the market to rise, but Wall Street had a problem: where to put the profits from all that tech stock activity? Their solution: create the sub-prime mortgage market and jump start the stalled housing economy.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg makes a great point on business openness

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:35:41 -0600

Here is a quote from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in Business Week Magazine (August 25, 2008):

"Office layout reflects an organization's culture, but more and more, I think it will reflect the state of our economy. Are we going to open our doors to the best talents and ideas in a continual push for innovation? Or are we going to close our doors and rely on the 'That's the way it's always been done' approach? The global marketplace is moving so fast that in five years, those who aren't pushing for openness are going to be increasingly pushed aside."

As I read this, I reflect on the structure of the real estate industry, the facets which work well and benefit us all, and those which hinder our effectiveness and slow us down... a friend of mine is a US Air Force pilot, and he refers to these forces as "lift" and "drag". In this challenging market, we need to do everything we can to eliminate and reduce drag, and identify and encourage lift.

Look at the benefit of our Multiple Listing Systems... hugely beneficial in their openness... clearly lift.

Look at the expenses we incur which don't provide a "cost plus" return on our investment: whether print advertising, monthly desk fees, or lopsided commission splits between agents and brokers... all are major drags.

And take a moment to understand the partnership you have with your broker... it is truly Win-Win? Is your broker open with you about the decisions that affect your business, the costs you incur by your affiliation, the plans your broker has to survive this shifted market? Is your broker open with you?

Top Performer uses a BlackBerry -- Dolly Lenz video

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:39:14 -0500

Dolly Lenz is a top real estate agent in Manhattan, just a dynamo... watch this great video. Sure, it's a commercial, but it is also so true.

http://www.blackberry.com/select/realestate/?CPID=BAC-ST-Q3-RE-04&cp=BAC-ST-Q3-RE-04

I love my BlackBerry. Friends have Palm phones, and friends have iPhones... but I find the BlackBerry to be the powerhouse. Any moment now, the technology may change. What we can choose from today, I'd choose BlackBerry.

Instant email capability to and from my BlackBerry
Internet browsing
Top Producer 8i compatible
great battery life
sleek and sturdy
expandable memory

Let me know what you use for your smart phone, and why you like it best of all.

First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:11:20 -0500

Here is a very informative document from the National Association of Realtors regarding the First Time Homebuyers $7,500 Tax Credit. You can visit the NAR website at http://www.realtor.org/gapublic.nsf/files/hbtaxcreditqa2008.pdf/$FILE/hbtaxcreditqa2008.pdf

First time homebuyers have never had it so good! Interest rates remain historically very low, loans are plentiful for buyers with good credit and stable income, and home prices are lower now on average than we've seen in 6 or 7 years. Looking back in a few years, those buyers who took advantage of this credit and bought in this market are going to be very pleased they did!

Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 ($7,500 tax credit)

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:02:45 -0500

Here is some very helpful information about the new Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. This is from the National Association of Realtors, and can be viewed on their website: http://www.realtor.org/GAPublic.nsf/files/chart_homebuyer_tax_credit_.pdf/$FILE/chart_homebuyer_tax_credit_.pdf

This is such a great time to be a homebuyer-- they bargains are plentiful, and those beautiful homes in mint condition are priced really well too. Interest rates remain historically very low, and special programs exist in communities to assist with downpayment and closing costs. Talking to your Realtor is the best first step to understanding the opportunities in today's market.

HOUSING AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT OF 2008

First‐time Homebuyer Tax Credit FEATURE	H.R. 3221 Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
Amount of Credit	Ten percent of cost of home, not to exceed $7500
Eligible Property	Any single‐family residence (including condos, co‐ops) that will be used as a principal residence.
Refundable	Yes. Reduces income tax liability for the year of purchase. Claimed on tax return for that tax year.
Income Limit	Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000, respectively).
First‐time Homebuyer Only	Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.
Recapture	Yes. Portion (6.67 % of credit) to be repaid each year for 15 years. If home sold before 15 years, then remainder of credit recaptured on sale.
Impact on District of Columbia Homebuyer Credit	DC credit not available if purchaser uses this credit.
Effective Date	Purchases on or after April 9, 2008
Termination	July 1, 2009
Interaction with Alternative Minimum Tax	Can be used against AMT, so credit will not throw individual into AMT.

Twelve Tactics for Tough Times from SHIFT by Gary Keller

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:39:34 -0500

You've gotta read this book:

Gary Keller, Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan have written another wonderful book, a timely follow-up to The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor... SHIFT is full of great ideas to help agents power through this difficult market and position themselves for the next SHIFT in the market, stronger than ever.

Here are the 12 Tactics in SHIFT:

Get Real, Get Right
Re-Margin Your Business
Do More with Less
Find the Motivated
Get to the Table
Catch People in your Web
Price Ahead of the Market
Stand Out from the Competition
Create Urgency
Expand the Options
Master the Market of the Moment
Bulletproof the Transaction

You can visit this website to order a copy of the book... I've bought 6 copies and have given them out to friends... they love it! You will too!

Cleveland housing market: the good news and the bad news...

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:08:22 -0500

Today, two articles were featured on the cover of the Cleveland Plain Dealer... both very well written, both thoroughly research, these articles illuminate the difficulties of Cleveland's real estate market. Impacted by the national credit crunch affecting all industries, as well as impacted by years of job losses and movement away from Cleveland's urban core, Cleveland faces challenges, and opportunities. Here are links to those two articles:

Shaheen Samavati wrote this article:

Homes in Greater Cleveland beginning to inch up in value modest increases in sales activity seem to be starting to stabilize home prices, experts say

http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/business-8/1225269219317840.xml&coll=2

Michelle Jarboe wrote this article:

Flats East Bank project put on hold

http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2008/10/flats_east_bank_project_on_hol.html

Keller Williams annual convention "Family Reunion" featured in Real Trends magazine!

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:58:30 -0500

Here is a very nice review of our annual meetings which we call Family Reunion. Written by a contributing author to Real Trends magazine, Jeremy J. Conaway, this article captures the energy, spirit and positivity of Keller Williams Realty.

http://familyreunion.kw.com/documents/realtrendsFR.pdf

This in my opinion rates right up there with the Stanford University case study of Keller Williams culture... another great read on exactly who Keller Williams is.

Gary Keller to address the National Association of Realtors in Orlando on November 8th

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:23:18 -0500

Gary Keller is a wonderful speaker, and will motivate you with his honest candor and clear message. I saw Gary give his SHIFT presentation on September 10th in Livonia, Michigan... He presented again in Columbus, Ohio on October 15th. If you plan to attend the National Association of Realtors annual convention, be sure to catch his presentation... it will change your business immediately, and help you make more money, and keep more of what you earn!

Here is a link to the NAR convention site:

http://www.realtor.org/educsess.nsf/PagesLUNew/08ConfToughTimes

Keller Williams Realty agent Lei Berry honored with Good Neighbor Award by Realtor Magazine!

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:07:35 -0500

How exciting that Lei Berry is able to do so much good work by helping so many buyers and sellers achieve their own goals! Lei was able to raise over a million dollars to open Hope Gardens, which offers transitional housing to those in need. Congratulations to Lei in the Keller Williams market Center in Blue Bell, PA. Be sure to catch the word on all of the recipients of this years Good Neighbor Awards in Realtor Magazine, or at Realtor.org. Here is an article from our weekly newsletter:

Uniting faiths in a housing mission

Keller Williams associate named Good Neighbor by REALTOR® Magazine

Keller Williams Realty’s very own Lei Barry, associate with the Blue Bell (Pa.) market center, is among the five REALTORS® honored with the Good Neighbor Award by REALTOR® Magazine for 2008.

Barry founded the Inter-faith Housing Alliance 20 years ago, to help prevent low-income families from becoming homeless. Inspired by her own experience in the 1960s as a single mother with no place to live, Barry has worked to provide temporary housing for thousands of people through a network of more than 20 local churches and synagogues.

In 1995, Barry raised $1.4 million to open Hope Gardens, offering transitional housing for eight families at a time. Barry’stenacity in establishing the hospitality network helped grow the Inter-faith Housing Alliance into a full-service nonprofit that has helped more than 2,500 homeless people improve their lives through an array of services, including safe, temporary places to stay, permanent housing, job placement, budget training and an emergency help hotline.

The Good Neighbor Awards honor the ongoing volunteer efforts of REALTORS® who are making exceptional contributions to improve the quality of life in their communities. Winners were selected based on the depth and impact of their volunteer contributions, the scope of that impact, and their demonstrated leadership and initiative.

Is Howard Hanna buying Realty One?

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:11:59 -0500

So very many rumors going around the Cleveland real estate industry this week... I hope for the best for all my Cleveland and Akron area friends at Realty One and Howard Hanna Smythe Cramer. We'll get through this market together and intact by helping each other help our clients achieve their goals.

Mansion in Cleveland Heights auctioned!

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:53:21 -0500

Laura Johnston of the Plain Dealer was in attendance along with around 70 people, myself included, to experience the auction of this amazing home.

I was very impressed by the turnout, especially in this market, and the bidding ran up pretty quickly... starting around $200,000 and running up to $250,000, to $300,000, to $350,000, then to $400,000... Tom Seaman, the auctioneer, tried valiantly to get the bidding up, and over the next ten minutes, could not cajole any of the bidders to wander over the $400,000 mark, not to $450,000, not to $425,000... He then mentioned that the family selling the home had a reserve (he had indicated such before the auction began) which had not yet been met. The auction still remained stalled. He then closed the formal auction, and indicated that the auction staff would work privately with the bidders to try to come to some agreeable price with the family.

Most people milled around for 20 or so minutes more, the whole auction taking really only about a half hour... and in those 20 or 30 minutes after the bidding, an agreeable sales price was met... the sellers were disappointed not to see their reserve met... the winning bidder must have been pleased to get the home for a value price. In this market, the sellers, like all sellers, are disappointed with the lack of even greater activity. However, in the end, their unique home is sold!

Here is Laura Johnston's artcle:

3rd-floor ballroom doesn't swing bidders: Heights mansion struggles in auction

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/10/3rdfloor_ballroom_doesnt_swing.html

SHIFT Coaching is powerful!!!

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:44:32 -0500

Kevin Cahill is a member of the inaugural class of Tony DiCello's SHIFT Coaching...

All new SHIFT coaching starts tomorrow!

You may not control the market but you do control the activities you do to improve your business. Master your market with a coaching program that teaches you to focus on the activities that produce the most results, while shifting your mindset to see this market shift as a time of opportunity.

The next round of SHIFT Coaching calls with MAPS coach extraordinaire, Tony DiCello, begins tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 21! The six-month, 24-call program uses the tactics presented in SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times to help agents like you, power through the last quarter of 2008 and into the new year.

Join the other agents who have already tapped into this valuable Keller Williams resource.

Click here to sign up today so that you can start the calls tomorrow!

The Shift coaching calls have helped me to stay focused on the activities that bring me business ... I love the active participation and accountability ... I know what to do and feel I am in control of my dreams!

- Gabey Giblin, associate, Farmington Valley market center

Click here for a full list of available MAPS Fast Track coaching programs.

Kevin Cahill featured on KW.com Newspages!

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:39:42 -0500

I am delighted to be featured on this week's KW.com Newspages...

http://www.kw.com/kw/content/newspages/WeekofOctober20.jsp#SHIFTTour

Your moment of opportunity

17 stops left on the SHIFT Tour

Gary Keller gets candid in SHIFT when he says: “I believe it’s fairer to say that no matter your circumstances, things can be easy or hard – depending on you. You’ll decide.”

Don’t make things harder on yourself. Attend one of the 17 stops on the SHIFT Tour featuring Keller, Tony DiCello or Dave Jenks. It’s so simple:

Click here to find a city near you, then register for the tour and receive a complementary SHIFT book! Here’s a list of the next 10 upcoming dates and locations:

10/21/2008	10/22/2008	10/23/2008	10/24/2008	10/30/2008
Oklahoma City *	Denver *	Kansas City	Minneapolis	SanDiego
10/31/2008	11/05/2008	11/06/2008	11/07/2008	11/08/2008
Houston	Atlanta	Ft. Lauderdale	Charlotte	Orlando

		* Sold Out!

What you gain today you can maintain for a lifetime. The lessons you will learn from the SHIFT Tour are invaluable and will keep you going strong on into the new year. Sign up today!

I attended Gary Keller's presentation in the Detroit suburb of Livonia. First, there was an informative session about managing and growing your database implementingSHIFT's 12 tactics using Top Producer 8i. Gary followed with a thoughtful, introspective discussion of the difficulties of this market, and the best ways to fight through the shift.This was a great event ... be sure to check for other stops on this wonderful SHIFT Tour and buy the book … I've purchased four already; agents love this book!

– Kevin Cahill, associate, Greater Cleveland market center.

Montessori High School in University Circle!

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:44:57 -0500

My daughter Emily is attending the new Montessori High School in University Circle; she loves it! Their website is www.montessorihighschool.org . Be sure to check it out. Many of the new faculty and staff of this intellectually enriching school are choosing to live in Cleveland Heights!

Location, Location, Location: Montessori High School faculty make Cleveland Heights home

by Jean Buchannan

Montessori High School's classroom building at 11025 Magnolia Drive. Designed by Charles F. Schweinfurth, the structure houses classrooms, music practice rooms, an art and design studio, and a multi-media conference area. It is said to be one of the finest examples of Federalist architecture in Northeast Ohio.

View Image Gallery

When a new Montessori High School (MHS) opens in University Circle this August, many of its faculty and staff will be able to coast down the hill from homes in Cleveland Heights. The first high school of its kind in Northeast Ohio, MHS has attracted faculty from Michigan, California, Washington, and Wisconsin, among other places. “I find the short commute, whether by bike, on foot or by car, to be very convenient,” says French teacher Sebastién Thiry.

James Moudry, director of operations and humanities teacher, was one of the first newcomers to call the Heights home. He, his wife Sarah, and their two young sons moved from Seattle last fall. “Cleveland Heights attracted us immediately because of the wonderful mix of homes and natural settings,” Moudry said. “The quality of life extends from the unique neighborhoods to the retail pockets like Coventry Village. Our move from Seattle was made easier by the overall reception we received from neighbors, the city itself and even the businesses.” He adds, “we are not so old that we cannot enjoy the spirit of Coventry Village. And our sons’ enthusiasm for the playground at Peace Park is only exceeded by their enjoyment of dinner at Tommy’s.”

Mansions now School Building and Dormitory

Moudry worked closely with school founder and executive director David Kahn and academic and curriculum director Christopher Kjaer to launch the school, which will open with 45 students in grades nine through eleven this fall. MHS is housed in two historic mansions located on Magnolia Drive. The Federalist style main classroom building was designed by renowned architect Charles F. Schweinfurth, who designed homes on Cleveland’s “Millionaires’ Row,” as well as the Old Stone Church, Trinity Cathedral, the Union Club and the stone bridges along Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

The team has constructed a greenhouse on the property and forged relationships with the cultural institutions in University Circle. “We have had an office in the Cleveland Botanical Gardens since last September,” said Moudry. “I’ve had a chance to meet employees, guests, and visitors, providing me with a window on how the Botanical Gardens functions.”

A renovated carriage house is the science laboratory. Christopher Kjaer, director of research and curriculum design, moved to Cleveland Heights from Grand Rapids. Kjaer worked closely with a team of scientists and architects to remodel the building. “When I see our new high school, I see the vibrancy of this incredible, culturally rich area. In designing curriculum, how many people have the depth of choices that we have?” says Kjaer. “Look around us: a world class setting that the New York Times called singular in depth and diversity. It’s akin to the perfect education opportunity!”

Passionate about Teaching Excited about Location

Julie Reyers and her husband Dan closed on their new Cleveland Heights home over Memorial Day weekend. “We looked at several homes in the Heights,” says Reyers. “We wanted a neighborhood where our daughters had access to the parks, swimming, and of course, we like the idea of walking.” The new Montessori English teacher was excited when realtor Kevin Cahill was able to show them a home that met all their criteria, and was close to the girls’ new school, Holy Rosary Montessori School. “To think that we have this kind of community so close to Montessori High School, and that it fits what we were looking for is really a gift for all of us.”

Kjaer and Mouldry say that they are passionate about their vibrant surroundings. “University Circle is obviously an incredible location for a school," says Kjaer, "and Cleveland Heights is an incredible home to many of our staff!”

FutureHeights will hold a Members-Only Tour of Montessori High School on Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 a.m. For more information or to become a member of FutureHeights, call 320-1423.

Jean Buchanan is director of institutional advancement at the Montessori High School at University Circle and lives in Cleveland Heights.

Heights Observer: the new newspaper for Cleveland Heights

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:19:59 -0500

Be sure to visit this site: www.heightsobserver.org Such a wonderful new newspaper for Cleveland Heights, Ohio... I am delighted to read this newspaper... check it out for yourself.

Here is an article from the Heights Observer:

Location, Location, Location: Montessori High School faculty make Cleveland Heights home

by Jean Buchannan

View Image Gallery

Mansions now School Building and Dormitory

Passionate about Teaching Excited about Location

FutureHeights will hold a Members-Only Tour of Montessori High School on Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 a.m. For more information or to become a member of FutureHeights, call 320-1423.

Jean Buchanan is director of institutional advancement at the Montessori High School at University Circle and lives in Cleveland Heights.

Real estate sales is my ministry

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:15:56 -0500

I don't know about you, but sometimes when I am working with a buyer or a seller client, and I am advising them on their current situation, I feel ministerial. And I receive from my career in real estate a satisfaction in the work that I do that goes well beyond the income I earn.

The past two weeks, I have been assisting a family in Shaker Heights making a move. They are interested in purchasing one of my listings in order to combine three generations of a family. The grandparents are getting up there in years, with difficulty with stairs and perhaps more difficulties in the years ahead. The parents want their children to know and appreciate the grandparents while they are still living. And the children want to be able to enjoy the pool and spacious yard of this particular home, and to walk to the high school which is nearby, and to be nearer to their friends who live on the same street.

In assessing this home, the buyers are trying to determine how best to accomodate the grandparents--whether with an elevator, or a renovation to create a first floor master suite. I have coordinated contractors to review the situation, elevator salespeople to analyze the feasibility of adding the elevator into the existing space, and I've discussed at great lengths various possibilities with the seller who in this market would do whatever is necessary to get their home sold. Both the buyers and sellers are very appreciative of my effort. (The Kevin Cahill Group has as its current motto: Whatever it takes!) I want to get this home sold for the seller; I want to find the right solution for this buyer: doing so, I'll sell the sellers a home, and the buyers will have two other homes to sell--motivation enough! But I really feel that my skills and my talents are ideally suited for this challenging work, this commitment of time and resources, this coordination of efforts. My spirit is of contribution, trying to help people get what they want in life. And I find this immensely gratifying.

What I would do to solve our credit crunch if I controlled $700 Billion!

Kevin Cahill (Keller Williams Realty South Tampa) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:54:56 -0500

I just posted this on the Wall Street Journal's blog:

http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2008/10/10/jamie-dimon-lloyd-blankfein-steve-schwarzman-discuss-salvation-at-the-nyse/#comment-118849

As a real estate agent, and economics novice, if I were to do something creative to solve this crisis, and since we’ve already budgeted $700B: taxpayers could get a major check from the government to pay off their individual mortgages and to stimulate the economy, with strings attached. If a taxpayer earned under $50,000, they receive $250,000 to pay off any mortgage, credit card debts, school loans–the remainder if any can be spent as they see fit. They will agree to not be allowed any mortgage or HELOC for 20 years (or so). Those earning up to $100,000 adjusted gross income receive $200,000; those earning up to $150,000 receive $150,000; those earning up to $200,000 receive $100,000; those earning up to $250,000 receive $50,000… same terms, that’s it. We wouldn’t even have spent the $700b; the questionable and troubled mortgages would largely be paid off, stemming the banks actual losses and risk. Poorer taxpayers stand to dramatically improve their lot in life. Kids will receive improved educations with the money the parents are no longer worrying about using to pay off their mortgage(s). A major win-win!

Comment by Kevin Cahill cahill@kw.com - October 10, 2008 at 2:47 pm