Peter's Blog

Restaurants and more coming to Wake Forest!

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:50:25 -0500

We are getting ever so close to the new Mellow Mushroom pizza breaking ground on 1A in Wake Forest! Everyone seems really excited about the idea of having another place in Wake Forest to sit outside and enjoy the incredible NC weather! In addition, I see that they are working quickly to clear the land for the new Kohl's on Capital Blvd in Wake Forest. This will be located right next to Lowes Foods. There is so much happening here everyday. The fact is that we used to have to go to North Raleigh for nice restaurants, movies etc...that is no longer the case as Wake Forest offers so much in the way of shopping and dining. Let's not forget the quaint, yet very cool, downtown area of Wake Forest.

Hiring my first employee!

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:20:13 -0500

We are very excited to be hiring our first employee! When I first came to Coldwell Banker HPW and real estate in general I made it a point to always speak as though I was running a much larger organization...We instead of I. Our instead my. Fact is that I believe that one must first believe and feel before one can achieve. I knew early on that we would be hiring staff and that we would make a successful business in the Raleigh real estate market! Lo and behold that time is now....it has become apparent that I cannot run my business the way I want it run by myself. I recognize that I need help doing the things that I do not like doing. These are the types of tasks that I procrastinate on because I would rather be with people or making it rain! Many of you know already that we really are not in the real estate business, rather, we are in the lead generation business. Do not fool yourself into thinking otherwise. We all know people that would be incredible agents...maybe even better than ourselves...if they had clients. By hiring an assistant, I am now able to focus more on marketing and making it rain!

Does anyone have any advice for a 1st time hiring?

2008 Real Estate?

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:35:11 -0600

We here at www.WelcometoCarolina.com and Coldwell Banker HPW are excited about what 2008 holds for real estate. We have come off of yet another record breaking year and anticipate 2008 to be even better. There are many factors as to why the real estate market in Rlaeigh and Wake Forest, North Carolina has been so good. We are very fortunate in that the weather is traditionally fantastic. Not as hot as Florida in the summer and not as cold as the northeast in the winter. Our proximity between Atlanta and Charlotte to our south and Washington DC to our north all along the I-85 corridor is an eviable position to be in. We have a wonderful growing little airport. The Research Triangle Park is home to many Fortune 500 comapnies. North Carolina State University sits only 13 miles from The University of North Carolina which in turn is only 8 miles from Duke! There are many wonderful things to enjoy in north Carolina including the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Smoky's, and the wonderful coast! The Outer Banks may be the most restful place for a vacation.

I invite you all to visit or relocate to our wonderful state.

Be sure to understand that ALL states have wonderful things. This was an explanation as to why North Carolina real estate, Raleigh and Wake Forest in particular, is doing well. Tell me about your part of the country. I look forward to learning.

Business Plans

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:21:39 -0600

Business Planning time!

2008 is almost 1/12th over and if you have not invested the time to write your real estate business plan you are already behind the 8-Ball. I don't mean a few goals on a napkin or on the back of an envelope. I mean a well thought out road map for 2008. Set your goals. Write them down. Put them in a place that you can and will see them everyday! After you set your goals, determine how you are going to get there. If you wanted to drive from Orange, Massachusetts to Wake Forest, North Carolina and had never made that trip before, then you would plan your journey. Your goals for 2008 should be treated the same. Set deadlines on this roadmap as well. Be sure to include the most important part of the plan....time for you and your family. When I wrote my very first business plan in real estate I thought I was something let me tell you! It was crisp, lean and mean! Coming from a corporate background I thought I was the hottest real estate ticket to be had. no one had ever written a better looking business plan. I proudly handed it to my mentor who promptly turned to the last page and sighed. He then took 3 additional sheets of blank paper and stapled to the back and handed it back to me without even reading the rest! I was shocked. He explained that I had a 1 year old and a beautiful wife at home. That no where in my plan had I made time for them or ME! This has stuck with me. When I write my plans now, I begin with me and my family!

It has been said that goals that are not written are not goals at all. They are wishes.

Tiger Woods keeps a number "18" circled on his office wall. Why? Because he wants to be the best golfer ever. Jack Nickolaus won 18 majors. That has long been Tiger's goal. I argue that "19" should be on his wall. One more than Jack. What is on your wall?

Parade Of Homes

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:54:06 -0500

Well, North Carolina's largest Open House event just ended. Whew....I love Parade but it sure is a lot of work! Do many other cities around the county host a Parade? For those not in the know or if you call it something else....Parade of homes is when builders can showcase their wares throughout the county over a 3 weekend period. People will fly in from all over the country to come see homes. It is a wonderful time to pick up clients and learn about about builders. Agents will inevitably hold open these homes in hopes of locating buyers and sellers. There is a large publication printed that lists all of the homes with a cut sheet and builder info. This year there were over 400 homes!

Fill me in, do you have something like this in your area? If so, what have you done to capture leads?

Peter Kima

www.WelcomeToCarolina.com

PAYING FOR LEADS?

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:12:36 -0500

It seems as though I daily have to take calls from various organizations wanting to sell me leads! Ugh. It can be overwhelming. There are many legitimate lead purchasing options out there and I know of several agents currently using those and it is working out well. How do you decide which is the best? Many say they scrub their leads. Some even guarantee business???? HOW? Either way, are any of you using one of these programs? Have you used one? Do they work? Good and bad? Please help.

Wake Forest, NC

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:06:29 -0500

For that do not know about this great hidden secret.....

Wake Forest NC lies just north of Raleigh and is considered by many as THE North Raleigh suburb!

Below taken from my website.... www.WelcomeToCarolina.com

Located in northern Wake County, Wake Forest is a progressive community of over 25,000 residents with a vibrant downtown that boasts more than 100 businesses, including several outstanding restaurants and specialty shops. Mindful of its rich heritage, the town is also an officially registered historic district. Representative of its academic history, the town is the home of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Southeastern College at Wake Forest.

Incorporated in 1909, the town continues its emergence as a major player in the phenomenal growth and activity witnessed throughout the Triangle. Wake Forest maintains its small town character, however, by captivating newcomers and long-time residents alike with its incomparable warmth and charm. (taken from http://www.ci.wake-forest.nc.us/)

Originally the home of Wake Forest College (now known as Wake Forest University), Wake Forest the town has thrived after finding it's identity as THE northern suburb to Raleigh. The small town atmosphere with big city ammenities makes Wake Forest a destination for many. So to answer the question so many ask...Yes, Wake Forest the town used to be home to the University. However, in the 1950's the university made the decision to move to Winston-Salem, NC.

In the time following the move, Wake Forest was successful in attracting new business and therefore residents to the town. The leaders at the time had a challenge on their hands as there obviously was no I540 and the travel to Wake Forest from Raleigh was a day trip! The 1970's saw the development of the RTP (Research Triangle Park). The high tech park brought jobs to the region...including Wake Forest. By the end of the 1980's our little borough had grown to the all time high of 5000 residents! Good times had by all. In the 1990's many publications throughout the country named the Triangle one of the best places to live, work, be single, be married, have children, you name it. The population grew. Then it grew some more. And when no one was looking, it grew again! 10,000 people. Then 12,000. Today the town is home to over 25,000 residents!

Do you like activities? Being active is easy to do in a town like Wake Forest. The events hosted in town seem endless at times. Whether it's Lobster Bingo held twice anually by our wonderful Kiwanis Club (yes, you actually play bingo for live lobsters and other prizes. This alone shows the influence our friends moving from the north have had!), or Meet In The Streets (a street festival held every May attended by 10,000 people), or even Hot Hoops (a fantastic 3 on 3 street basketball tournament held at The Factory) there always is something going on.

To learn more about Wake Forest or to get a personal tour of town, please contact Peter Kima your Wake Forest Real Estate Agent. .

Here is a partial list (not meant to be a complete list) of to-do's in Wake Forest:

Saturday Farmer's Market
The Fish Fry at the Fire Dept
Lobster Bingo
4th Of July Parade
Lighting Of Wake Forest
Hot Hoops
Burgerfest
Art After Hours
Six Sunday's In Spring Concert Series
Herbfest
Garlic Festival
Autumn Arts Festival

PICKING UP FOR THE GOOD OF ALL!

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:53:41 -0500

A very good friend of mine (a Mortgage guy) here in Raleigh and I are about to begin a campaign that will include direct mail marketing AND a way to give back. Give Back? Yes, give back to the community that gives to me each and every day. You see, we are going to ask our farm to go to my website and sign up for us to come by their front porch to pick up coats and jackets for the needy this coming winter. Our thought is that why wait until it's cold to get jackets? It's too late then. Let's clean out those closets now and be prepared for the upcoming winter months.

Are we doing this because I am a real estate agent and want business? No. We are doing this because I am a real estate agent and human. We all have needs. Some people need to stay warm this winter. I can help.

Peter Kima - Raleigh NC, Wake Forest NC

www.WelcomeToCarolina.com

Real Estate Mentors

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:54:03 -0500

Real estate mentors?

When one joins a prominent real estate organization is a progressive area it is likely that he/she will be faced with the decision to either take advantage of a mentor or to forego this opportunity. A mentor program, for those do not know, is when a newer agent essentially hires an experienced agent to "lead the way". In other words for the giving of time and knowledge the experienced agent will recve 10% of the newer agent's income on the first 3-5 closings (this is for example purposes only. I realize that every program can be different. This is an example). The concerns are these....what if the 2 personalities to not mesh well? Will the experienced agent have the time? Will the experienced agent make the time? Will the newer agent ask for help? And, the newer agent may not be able to afford to give up 10%.

These are chellenges I hear people discussing in our office daily. Your thoughts?

Peter Kima - Wake Forest Real Estate Agent. Raleigh Real Estate Agent.

www.WelcomeToCarolina.com

Something to do in Raleigh?

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:43:23 -0500

Looking for something to do in Raleigh?

We are known of course for our 3 major Universities in the area and all they have to offer:

Univerity of North Carolina, NC State, Duke

Let's not forget about our museum selection however! The North Carolina Museum of Art, which offers in excess of 5,000 years of artistic history, from the very latest in modern art to ancient Egyptian artifacts. Our downtown district also offers a pair of renovated mueums...the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Museum of History. Day camps are offered K-8 for the latter.

MALLS??? Did you say shopping? Endless! Featuring the fabulous North Hills Experience. Chicago has the Miracle Mile, we have North Hills! Also try Cameron Village, Streets Of Southpoint, and Triangle Town Center.

Just scratching the surface here.

Schools!

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:34:42 -0500

OK, let's discuss a very heated topic.....schools.

I am very curious to know what the perception is out there regarding relocation and the various types of school options (that seem to grow daily). Public school, private school, catholic school, christian academy, home school, charter school????? Aaaah, charter schools. This option has become quite popular in the town in which we live, Wake Forest. You see, the enrollment is not done by status or wealth. Rather you are enrolled by a true lottery. This allows for the school to truly be representative of the community as a whole versus the private school option. The story for our local charter school is this, there are less problems with discipline and the children appear to score well. The problem? 1500 applications for 100 openings this past fall! As the person that promotes himself as the Wake Forest Real Estate expert I feel it is my responsibility to be able to field questions regarding the area and have the knowledge to craft an appropriate answer. However, answering questions about the various school choices is always challenging I find.

Peter Kima. Wake Forest Real Estate Agent

www.WelcomeToCarolina.com

To LLC or not to LLC?

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:12:07 -0500

LLC? S-Carp? Which is better for an agent? Is either better? Do we need to be one or the other?

These questions have been banging around offices for some time now. I am convinced that the real reason that most agents have not become either isn't because they are not good options. But rather the agents do not take the time to find out about them. Tell me your thoughts....are you LLC or S-Corp? Why or why not?

Just FYI, we are going to S-Corp this year. (We is me, myself and I).

WATER BOTTLES???

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:20:37 -0500

Are any of you giving away goodies at open houses? I have stumbled on to an idea that may work for me and wanted to share it.

I buy bottled water from an un-named club store and peel off the labels easily. I print labels with my picture, contact info etc onto a clear label and put them on these bottles. I keep them cold and give one to every visitor. NO OTHER REALTOR IS DOING THIS IN MY MARKET! Great feedback thus far. Any other thoughts or ideas?

Houses Being sold in other markets

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:17:20 -0500

WOW! I have never seen my business have so many clients all at once that want to move to Raleigh....that is not the unusual part. The unusual part is that they are nearly ALL waiting on a home to sell somewhere else! I am currently juggling 11 clients. Eight of which fall into this category! Selling homes in other markets (not mentioning any in particular) seems to have slown down and is begininng to effect my business here in Raleigh!

We are very fortunate to be in a market that continues to grow. I feel for those locations that are struggling. We wish you the best and a speedy real estate recovery!

Clubs and organizations

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:41:18 -0500

OK. Pet peeve time.

I happen to be a long term member of a civic club that gives to the children in our community. Prior to getting in to real estate I was always saddened by the amount of turnover in our group. It has become readily apparent to me as to why there was so much turnover....people sometimes join thes organizations for the wrong reasons. Don't get me wrong, I am glad they are there. The more the merrier. But it saddens me to think that they are using these clubs for a different purpose. That being said...I also realize that sometimes get involved for the wrong reaqsons and end up being a great member for the right reasons.

I will say this however, our club has recently had a youth movement. The newest members have tended to be much younger than our average age. It is refreshing to see many in their 30's and 40's giving back.

Peter Kima

Raleigh Real Estate Agent

Golf

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:30:43 -0500

OK, I have a few associates in the town in which I reside that include some fairly prominent businessmen. I have the opportunity to golf with these gentlemen coming up. My question is, should I offer to pay for the 4-some? You see the 3 guys golfing with me are very much a part of the fabric in our community. It could be a golden opportunity for our business.

The other part of this question is....how often do you take your clients out for a meal. There is an agent in our office that recently had a client that she took out home hunting on 9 different occassions. She ended up buying her client a meal at 8 of those! I too buy meals for my clients but must admit that usually by the second day they are forcing me to let them buy. Any thoughts?

Teaming up?

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 21:19:28 -0500

Teaming up? Are any of you struggling with the idea of having a "Team" in real estate? I do not mean assistants and buyers agents necessarily. I mean a 50/50 split of business between you and another agent?

I have been approached on this subject several times in the past 2 weeks. I see the logical sense behind it, however, I also se it as giving up some control. Not sure I like that. Real estate teams can work I am sure. Just don't know if they'll work for me! It seems to me that there are a lot more teams in our market here in Raleigh in other agencies...ReMax, and a few others. Coldwell Banker may have the least.

Are any of you in a successful 50/50 split? If so, what makes it work?

Peter Kima

www.WelcomeToCarolina.com

Open Houses

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 22:56:46 -0500

WOW! Open Houses have truly taken off for me! I am getting leads from the Open House campaign I have been running.

I will hold a house open in the same neighborhood every other weekend. I will send out invites to previous visitors, set them up on an automatic online search tool, and go knock on the nearest 25 homes to my upcoming open house. I drive traffic every time and now have an open house database!

Do any of you have any suggestions for Open Houses?

Peter Kima - Real estate agent

Virtual Tours

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 21:50:27 -0500

I have just hired a virtual tour company that I love. They are very inexpensive and do a great job! My question is ... are you using virtual tours? Do they really make a difference to buyers? Or, as I am using it for impressing Sellers. Is it really a tool to impress Sellers?

I am actually using the virtual tours for FSBO's too. i take a tour of the front of their home and drop off a dvd with that short tour, a little tour on their town and some sort of market material to help them sell their home.

Listing Shows!

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 21:46:31 -0500

I actually use copies of a show on HGTV called "Designed To Sell" when consulting with a listing about getting their home ready for market and have had GREAT results. I used to use professional dvd's that were just a bit dry and cheesy. Actually burning these shows to dvd and giving them to homeowners has made a difference. it softens the blow often before I have to tell a seller to do this and do that....

As a Real Estate agent in Raleigh NC I am surrounded by 100's of stagers and designers. The staging topic is hot hot hot.

VACATION CHECKING IN!?

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:03:22 -0500

We take a 4 day Long Weekend every 3 months and one 7 day trip somewhere every year. My question to you as real estate professionals....do you check your messages and emails while on vacation? If so, are you now divorced because of this? HAHAHAHAHA Just kidding.... My wife and I have an agreement that I am allowed to check messages in the am while she is showering but not at all during the day unles there is a pressing issue.

Email vs US MAIL

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:48:27 -0500

Newsletters are a big deal for us. We work very hard at getting them out the door and work even harder at tracking their success. I am the type of person that will quickly delete on online newsletter because I am very busy when I read my emails. However, send me one in print and I will carry it with me until I can read it. I like the short reading and sometimes informative reading a newsletter provides. Of course it is more cost effective to send one via email. Can you see where this is heading? Help me! Do you mail or email your newsletters? We also mail postcards 2 x's per month. We are currently mailing to 1500 homes.

Thank you all in advance for your responses.

Good Reading?

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:26:36 -0500

Any recommendations on good real estate books to read lately? I always read and reread Gary Keller's book The Millionaire Real Estate Agent. As a real estate professional I think it is my responsibilty to remain on top of the latest and greatest real estate books out there. Have you read anything that has made a difference?

I liked Diane Kennedy's, How To List and Sell Real Estate.

NAR and NCAR Conventions etc....

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:15:18 -0500

OK, someone fill me in....is it worth your time to attend a National Convention for NAR? How about a regoinal even through your state board? ie) The North Carolina Association Of REALTORS (NCAR) held one last year in Myrtle Beach, SC. These seem interesting and I am thinking about attending. Not many agents I have asked go to these.

Peter

Hobbs/Herder

Peter Kima (Coldwell Banker HPW - WelcomeToCarolina.com) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:06:32 -0500

A few weeks back I attended a 2 day Hobbs / Herder seminar in Charlotte, NC and felt that is well worth the price. I came out of there with several new ideas and a few new friends to boot! Have any of you ever attended Hoobbs Herder? If so, was it worth it to you? If not, why? If you practice something you picked up there please let me know how it is working out.

Are there any other real estate seminars etc that you would consider a must have?

Peter Kima - Real Estate agent in Raleigh NC