Todd's Blog

New Old Forge, Pennsylvania Listing

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:44:59 -0500

Check out this brief video which highlights this well maintained home.

Lovely Old Forge home in move in condition and situated on a great corner lot. Come see the many updates throughout the property. Also includes a 2 car garage.

Looking to buy or sell? Contact me

Todd Jones - Your Scranton, Clarks Summit Realtor - Serving all of Lackawanna County.

Are you currently renting? Why pay your landlord's mortgage?

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:37:19 -0500

This blog should be read by all renters out there.

What do you pay in rent per month?

YOUR ANSWER HERE

For that price there is a good chance you could be building equity instead of paying the mortgage of someone else.

Sure there are responsibilities that come with home ownership. Also, I understand that home ownership is not for everyone. BUT...many of you out there are throwing money away every month instead of investing it into a home of your own. I just showed a client a home today. The home is updated and in good condition. After crunching some numbers, we determined he would pay around $450/mth to live there and OWN the home. This included his taxes and insurance. Now all circumstances are different, but I just wanted to make a point of how affordable home ownership can be.

Have questions? I can help answer them. Contact me and I will help you along the real estate path.

Todd Jones - Realtor, ABR, SRS, OA

Social Media - What works? What doesn't? What are you doing?

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:03:29 -0500

It has been a awhile since I have posted. It is hard to find a happy balance with all of the social media options out there. Part of this blog is to state my feelings, but the other is to hear what YOU out there think about the social media outlets that are currently available.

What works for marketing and advertising and what doesn't?

What brings you leads?

What wastes your time?

Everyday it seems something new pops up. My social media beginnings started out on myspace. I must admit, I do not frequent this venue much anymore, but it did get me started in the social media realm and together along with slide helped me to get my real estate listings on-line to reach a broader audience.

Active Rain helped me and is still helping me connect with fellow Realtors across the country and, at least for me, has brought me leads, from other Realtors. I know non Realtors are reading my blogs and I know that helps spread the word and my name.

Another great professional site is LinkedIn. This site helps connect you with business referrals across industries and helps you build a network between them.

Facebook has launched my real estate marketing in another direction. I have been able to post links to my listings and highlight homes. Another great thing about Facebook is that I can virtually pass out 5 business cards a day and let others know what I do for a living. I have been able to connect with old friends and make new business acquaintances.

Recently I have been getting requests to join MyLife. Just a few days ago I created a profile to check it out. I have not spent too much time on the site yet, but it looks like a good tool for networking.

Anyway, this is what I have been doing to market myself and my clients. Now it is time to hear from YOU out there. Share your knowledge, and together, lets sell homes!!

Todd Jones - Your Clarks Summit - Scranton Realtor, serving all of Lackawanna County.

317 S Sherman Ave, Scranton, PA 18504 - Great Investment

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:13:39 -0500

If you are looking for an investment property, now is the time to act! Looking to get your feet wet in the investment market. Have I got the property for you.

Great starter investment with a small price tag. 2 unit, West Scranton home with separate utilities. Easy money maker.

Check it out

Looking for an investment property??

Give me a call. 570-585-5852

Todd Jones - Realtor, ABR, SRS, OA - Selling Scranton, Clarks Summit homes.

What/Who is driving today’s local market??

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:41:55 -0500

I will give you a one word answer...BUYERS. Homes are still selling well in this part of Northeast Pennsylvania. Rates are still extremely low. Buyers are in the driver's seat because their options are endless. If sellers do not put their best foot forward they are in trouble. Sellers need to be very aware of a few things. The first is price. It is human nature to always think that YOUR home is worth MORE than it actually is. Despite agents performing a market analysis and providing comparable sales, sellers 8 out of 10 times will say "I know you say my house is worth $150,000, but I want to list it for $175,000." This outlook has got to change. If you are a seller and you are priced too high, the buyer has another 5-10 equally comparable houses to choose from. The competition is fierce in this market. Another thing sellers have to keep in mind is that the house needs to be in its best condition for each showing. Take a tip from FlyLady.The first impression is huge.

With that being said, if your home is priced right and is neat and clean, it will sell.

Buyers are realizing that now is the time. People who were casually thinking of buying are now seriously looking at homes. These rates are not going to last forever. Smart buyers know that and are acting now.

Looking to buy or sell??

Todd Jones - Selling Scranton and Clarks Summit Real Estate. Serving all of Lackawanna County

www.realestatebytodd.com

New Listing with Lots to Offer - Clarks Summit Home for Sale

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:30:58 -0500

ADDRESS: 122 Westview Drive, Clarks Summit, PA 18411

This home has so much to offer! Remarkable ranch with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, large landscaped corner lot, fireplace and wetbar in basement.

Check out the website for the property

Well kept property with a yard that all your neighbors will envy. Finished basement with a Family Room, Recreation Room, and Extra Bedroom

Looking to Buy or Sell in Lackawanna County. Need to find a home for sale in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania?? Give me a call. 570-585-5852

Todd Jones - Realtor, ABR, OA, SRS - Selling Scranton, Clarks Summit Real Estate

Ramblings and Thoughts

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:44:13 -0500

It is hard to believe that we are almost half way through August already. Early in the year I wrote a blog Ready for 2008. This was to set some goals for the year. It was aimed at Realtors but this blog is for both Realtors and home buyers and sellers too.

For me this has been a year of changes and challenges. Just recently I switched companies to Coldwell Banker Town and Country Properties. The opportunity arose and I decided to take it, but that is another blog for another day. As far as my original goals, I am moving in the right direction.

Goal #1 - Break into the REO market. WOW is this a tough shell to crack. I have a new found appreciation for Realtors already involved in this market. It is a lot of work just to break into the market. This doesn't even include all of the work once you do break in. I have made progress with getting connections, but am still waiting for that first listing to come my way. Not giving up yet!

Goal #2 - Stay in touch with past clients. I have definitely improved in this area and have had good results from keeping in touch. Many of my listings and sales this year are connected with past clients.

Goal #3 - Get a website. It is up and running. Check it out!

With each year comes adjustments and changes. Nationwide the housing market is not at the top of its game. Because of that, buyers and sellers images and mindsets tend to get skewed in the wrong direction. Like most of my other blogs, I will tell you that this local market is still doing well. It is definitely a buyers market, but that does not mean it is a bad time to sell. It is also a good time to sell and houses that are priced right are moving. If you are thinking of buying, jump in while there are lots of houses to choose from and rates are still low. Don't wait or you will miss out on great opportunities. If you are ready to sell, get your home on the market before the summer is gone. Most importantly, price your home right as there is a lot of competition out there. Homes priced right SELL.

Todd Jones - Realtor, ABR, OA, SRS - Selling Scranton, Clarks Summit Real Estate

Part Time Agents - Do they HELP or HURT the industry?

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:59:57 -0500

Let me start by saying I know many people reading this are in fact part time agents. With that being said I appreciate your input on this topic and would love to hear your point of view. I think the dissension among part time Realtors all started within the last year as the media had been bashing the overall real estate market. Let me also say that I still believe it is a great time to buy and sell locally. You can read my last blog for more info on that.

A few days ago my local paper started a series called "Facing Recession" and they started by zeroing in on real estate. They picked part time agents who did well when the market was booming a few years back and now are not getting sales as easily as they were before. These agents are not in the top of the ranks among the local market and some have other jobs and or are pursuing other jobs. They all sulked about how bad the economy is and that they can't stay afloat.

I don't understand why the paper would search out part time agents. Does the paper want to strike fear into the people of the community. Why can't they advertise that rates are very low, houses are readily available, and that Scranton was just listed by Money Magazine as the 7th fastest growing real estate market?

My thought is this...Would you interview the guy working at Best Buy 4 hours a day 3 days a week and say to him how are electronic sales this year? Does he really know? Does he really care? Why not ask the full time employee who is invested in the business, has company stock and is interested in the latest electronic gadgets?

Back to the articles on "Facing Recession," do these agents think this negative view on real estate is going to help them pick up more clients? Would you want to work with a Realtor who says he hasn't sold anything in months?

If you are a potential buyer or seller of real estate, do your homework. Make sure you choose a Realtor who works full time and takes his/her business seriously. Don't work with someone who is not invested in his/her career.

Looking to buy and sell in the Clarks Summit, Scranton area? Give me a call! www.realestatebytodd.com

Scranton - Top Ten List from Money Magazine

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:16:33 -0500

Check out Scranton's good news from Money Magazine

What can it be???

Maybe it is because Scranton is home to The Office.

Maybe it is because the cost of living is relatively cheap.

Maybe it is because of our many universities.

Maybe it is because Scranton residents aren't buying in to the national media's negative outlook on real estate. I bet this wonderful news will barely make the media spotlight. That is why I feel compelled to share it with all of you.

If you live in Scranton or the surrounding areas, now is the time to buy and sell. The market is doing great. Homes are affordable and people are buying them.

Todd Jones - Realtor, ABR, SRS, OA - Your Scranton, Clarks Summit Realtor

Serving all of Lackawanna County

www.realestatebytodd.com

Homes Sales Increasing - Good News from National Media

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:19:29 -0500

It is about time that the national media starts giving some good news when it comes to real estate. But as soon as they do, they sabotage us by then focusing on the regions of the country that are hurting the most. What about the good stories? What about areas like Scranton, Pennsylvania that are increasing regularly and are on the up and up? In any real estate market there are going to be slumping areas. Why is that what the media focuses on?

If I were an anchor for a major Tv station, I would let people know that this is a great time to buy. Good deals are out there and rates have been very good for a while now. This is also a great time for those who are looking to sell and "move up" to something bigger. There are lots of buyers out there looking in that median price range and they can most likely get a deal moving up to a higher price range home.

The national average of existing homes sales rose 2.9%in February according to NAR. That is even with all of the hurting markets. That means some markets are seeing great strides and much higher percentages of home sales increases.

Looking to buy or sell? Come to Lackawanna County and look in the Scranton, Clarks Summit area. Or stop by my site to learn about the area. Homes are selling and now is a great time to be in the real estate market.

2 Months Down in 2008. How are You Doing so Far? How is your Market Doing?

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:24:15 -0600

Have you looked at the calendar recently? Can you believe that it is almost March already?

With the national media still taking the baseball bat to real estate, is your market staying afloat? I was excited this afternoon when I picked up the local newspaper

and saw NEPA House Prices Rose 7.2% last year. Finally some good press! Locally, my real estate area (mostly Lackawanna County - Scranton and Clarks Summit real estate) has not seen the national drop that many areas have seen. Regardless of the market that you are in, how are you reacting to it?

At the beginning of the year I set up 3 goals. I am gradually progressing at all of them and am seeing results too. I am learning more about the inside approach to foreclosures, my website is almost complete (still in progress), and I have been fine tuning my client database and keeping in touch with them. This is a good time to evaluate how your year is shaping up so far. If adjustments need to be made, now is the time.

Speaking to local buyers and sellers... The market is steady in Lackawanna County. If you live in the Scranton, Clarks Summit area, it is a great time to buy and sell.

I end by asking the questions I started with...

How are you doing so far this year?

How is you market doing?

Todd Jones Realtor, ABR, SRS, OA - Selling Scranton, Clarks Summit Real Estate

Real Estate is Looking Good So Far in 2008

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:39:21 -0600

Usually this time of year I am slow and am spending much of my time trying to scrape up new business. 2008 so far has been a different story. Don't believe what the national news is telling you. My neighborhood is still moving forward and people are buying and selling. Check out the article in Money Magazine. I have seen both buyers and sellers coming out of the woodwork. With all of the foreclosures out there, investors seem to be everywhere too.

I have spent a lot of time in front of my laptop reponding to emails from clients.

They are reaching out to me.

They want to buy!

They want to sell!

Realtors, use email to your advantage. I still believe in the phone and face to face meetings, but clients are relying heavily on the Internet (I know, you are already aware of that, but are you reacting to it?)

My ramblings today are simply to say this...

The market is as busy as you make it. Set your goals high in 2008 because people ARE buying and selling. Help your clients find the home of their dreams. Don't let the media crush your spirit. 2008 can be a banner year!

Todd Jones, Realtor, ABR, OA, SRS - Selling Scraton, Clarks Summit Real Estate

Ready for 2008? What are your Goals? How will you hit them?

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:42:49 -0600

So, what are you doing to prepare for 2008? What are your business goals? What can you take from 2007?

This year has been an encouraging one for me. The national media keeps making people believe that the sky is falling. Yet, with all this negative publicity, I still managed to make more money this year than last year. I still managed to help buyers and sellers with homes of all sizes, prices, and styles. I used the word encouraging because if this was supposed to be a slow year, I can't wait to see what I am able to accomplish in 2008 when the market turns around.

In order to keep tabs on myself for 2008, I have set up some goals. Maybe you share some of these goals. If you have others, I would like to hear them.

Goal #1 - Jump into the foreclosure market with both feet. I have already started on this by signing up with BPO and REO companies all within the last month. This will hopefully bring in some extra cash as well as lead to listings in the future.

Goal #2 - Keep in better contact with my past clients. I have a database in place now, but it could definitely use some tweaking and cleaning up. I need to make it more well rounded and fill in the gaps. I have some clients names and numbers, but not email addresses. Or, I have their email, but not there address. (you know what I am talking about) These past clients can be a great source of referrals and future business and I need to spend more time contacting them and keeping in touch.

Goal #3 - Create my on website and use blogging to bring potential clients to my door. (or should I say bring me to their door!). I have got a good jump start on the blogging, and my wonderful bride is giving me a great Christmas gift of a web site. Hopefully I will be up and running shortly after the new year.

So, what are your goal for 2008? Do you have a plan in place to obtain those goals? Best of luck and I wish you all a prosperous new year.

Todd Jones - Realtor, ABR, SRS, OA - Selling Scranton, Clarks Summit Real Estate

My hard work is paying off! BPO News and Questions.

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 14:59:19 -0600

I am both excited and terrified all at the same time. After weeks of research and searching online for countless hours, I've done it . After filling out forms and tracking down companies, I've done it. I have finally received and completed my first order for a BPO.

Exciting - My hard work is finally paying off

Terrifying - I want to make sure that I am doing them correctly. I want to rank positively among these companies.

Exiting - I received 3 orders in one week!

Frustrating - After registering 7 places, only one has contacted me so far.

Confusing - Active Rainers, can you set me straight? According to the regulations that I believe to comprehend, it is my understanding that Realtors should only perform BPOs on properties if the intent is to possibly receive a listing on that property. Or to say it another way, if the BPO does not have potential to lead to a listing, it should not be performed by a Realtor.

Is my understanding skewed the wrong way? I am just being paranoid that I will do something wrong? Or am I proactively cautious and taking the right steps to perform successful BPOs?

Comments welcomed!

Todd Jones Realtor, Selling Scranton, Clarks Summit Real Estate

Key Market Factors - How would you rate these six?

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:10:51 -0600

Lately is seems my posts are including lists. I guess that is they way my thoughts have been flowing recently.

Lets talk about KEY MARKET FACTORS. I would like to hear from readers on your thoughts and the importance of each. So, give you mind a little workout and think about a property you are trying to sell.

How long does it take to sell a property? Some properties sell in a few days, others may take several months. Recognizing some key factors that influence marketing a home, you can get significant control over market time.

Having a proper balance of these factors will help in the sales process.

LOCATION - Location is the single greatest factor affecting value. Do you agree or disagree? a neighborhood's desirability is basic to a property's fair market value.

COMPETITION - Buyers compare your property against others in that neighborhood. Buyers interpret value based on available properties on the market.

TIMING - The real estate market may reflect a "buyers" or "sellers" market. Market conditions cannot be manipulated; an individually tailored marketing plan of action must be developed for each property.

CONDITION - The property condition will affect price and speed of sale. Optimizing physical appearance and advance preparation for marketing, maximizes value.

TERMS - The more terms available, the larger the market, the quicker the sale and higher the price. Terms structured to meet your objectives are important to successful marketing.

PRICE - It the property is not properly priced, a sale may be delayed or even prevented. Reviewing a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) assists you in determining the best possible price.

Todd Jones, Realtor - Selling Scranton, Clarks Summit Real Estate

Who Needs A Realtor Anyway??

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:30:29 -0600

This post is meant for Realtors, who deal with, and Home Owners who are trying to sell or thinking of selling their homes on their own.

Why should home owners use a Realtor when trying to sell their homes? A valid question that I just happen to have the answer for. Last post I had a top ten list. This time I am trimming back with a top 8!

Ready...

Set...

Here we go...

During busy and slow markets, you will always pass a number of For Sale By Owners (FSBO) signs throughout your neighborhood. How many of these sellers can answer these 8 questions? How many Realtors can provide the answers.

1. PRICE

Do I have sufficient data to price my property realistically? Am I familiar with what comparable properties have sold for recently and what adjustments to those amounts I would need to make for my property?

2. LEGAL

Can I draw up proper contracts, recognize unreasonable contingencies, understand disclosure and agency relationships? Would I be on sound legal ground if conflicts arose?

3. NEGOTIATIONS

Can I handle the natural conflict of interest when working directly with a buyer, trying to protect my own interests versus my desire to accommodate his?

4. MARKETING

Do I have a complete understanding of real estate marketing and am I able to expose my property through the widest channels - local, regional and national?

5. QUALIFYING BUYERS

Can I professionally screen and handle innumerable inquiries? Can I differentiate between lookers and serious buyers? What kind of documents can I use to screen buyers and am I able to obtain them?

6. FINANCIAL

Do I have expert knowledge of the current mortgage situation: assumptions, buydowns, ARMS, secondary financing?

7. INCONVENIENCE

Am I prepared to forego social or business plans for an extended period, as I must be available at all times?

8. SAFETY AND SECURITY OF FAMILY

Am I willing to have members of my household exposed to strangers? The motives of casual onlookers could be suspect!

Unless you, Mr. and Mrs. Seller, answered YES to all the questions above, the skills and training of a professional sales associate would best assist you in selling your property. Sellers should know that only 1 in 20 sellers who try to sell on their own are successful in selling at market price. The other 19 suffered inconvenience, lost time, and frustration in their endeavor without reaching their ultimate goal - selling their property at the best possible price, in the shortest possible time.

Todd Jones, Realtor - Selling Scranton, Clarks Summit Real Estate

WHAT DO YOU DO THAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHERS IN YOUR FIELD?

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:22:48 -0600

WHAT DO YOU DO THAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHERS IN YOUR FIELD?

It is a simple question that some have a hard time answering. If you want to succeed, really succeed, you have to have a plan in place to do it. Setting yourself apart, even if it by simple things, will give you an edge in any market.

When I go on a listing appointment I always leave the seller with a list of things that I will do for them that others do not take the time to do. Again, these are very simple things, but most people don't take the time to do them. Or agents do them, but don't make there clients aware of what they actually do. That is probably info for another blog, but you always need to tell clients what you are doing for them. It makes them feel more involved and included in the process.

My list is 10 things I do that others overlook. Yes my own Top Ten List

Ready, Set, Here Goes...

1. I give you feedback (I get lots of expired listings b/c the other agents did not)

2. I return phone calls promptly (Most do not)

3. I mail out flyers throughout the neighborhood (The majority of agents just put listing in the MLS)

4. I put lots of pictures in the MLS (check out my blog on pics)

5. I change the advertisement regularly so the paper does not get stale (how many of you have seen the same advertisement for months on end?)

6. I leave a company voice mail that immediately lets 120 of my co-agents know about your home. (nice feature)

7. I make sure people can see the sign in the yard (great advice from David Matney in his blog on Yard Signs)

8. I let you know of the competition in your neighborhood and keep you updated on there prices and activity.

9. I keep up to date on how to help my clients out by getting education. (hold ABR, OA, and SRS designations - agents if you do not have a designation, GET ONE)

10. I am a full time Realtor and this is my career.

Simple but effective. Let your clients know what you do for them and most importantly, DO IT!

Todd Jones Realtor - Selling Scranton, Clarks Summit Real Estate

If a picture is worth a 1000 words, why do most agents just take 1???

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:20:15 -0600

In this age of slide shows, virtual tours, digital this and digital that, I am confused by many Realtors out there and there picture practices. In my local MLS you can plaster a zillion pictures out there for both Realtors and potential buyers to view. But, if you look at 100 listings on the MLS, about 85 of them will have just one picture for everyone to view. For all of those agents I have one simple question......

WHY?????

If you are going to market a property, actually market it, don't you think showing people your product would be a good idea. I can see the front of the house by driving by. Let me see the rest of it.

While I am on a roll, what about that guy that only takes one picture and that picture shows the mirror and window of the agents car.(I know you have all seen this picture out there somewhere and for the life of me I can not find one to post here) Not only was that agent not able to open the door of the house to get pictures, but the agent also couldn't open the car door.

All I am saying is that if you are a Realtor, you have a camera. And, if you have a camera, take pictures. Take Lots and Lots of Pictures!

Todd Jones - Your Scranton, Clarks Summit Realtor

LOOKING FOR FORECLOSURE LISTINGS - Any agents willing to share their secrets?

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:01:36 -0500

Over the past few years, I have made a good deal of money helping out clients who are facing foreclosure. Working with those in pre-foreclosure gives me an opportunity to help my clients get a fresh start. It also helps me out tremendously because these clients seem to share my name with everyone they meet. I have have made it a habit to reach out to those in the pre-foreclosure arena and have benefited with many listings. The code I cannot crack however, is getting listings once a property is foreclosed on by a bank or lending institution. Getting to the right person at a lending institution is not an easy task. Even when you find the right person, it still may be a dead end because they already have an agent in your area.

Are their any Realtors out there that are willing to share their secrets?

Consider it you way to help another Realtor who is trying to find a niche market here in Northeastern PA. Can you get me connected to a lender/bank so I can get my foot in the door to list foreclosed homes?

ActiveRainers unite and share your knowledge!!

A little information about Real Estate in Scranton, Pennsylvania

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 13:38:11 -0500

SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA

Let me tell you a little bit about Scranton. It is more than just home of The Office.

Scranton is 70,000 + strong and opportunities in real estate are all over. If you are an investor, you currently have your option of many properties. Compared to New York and New Jersey, prices in Scranton are much more manageable. The market did not see the astronomical appreciation in homes a few years back that much of the country did. Prices have steadily increased in homes and the market is continuing to move forward.

If you want to search the area to see what is out there follow this link...

www.lewith-freema n.com

Here is another link that will let you in on Scranton and the surrounding communities.

http://www.lackawannacounty.org/

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Scranton area, contact me at realestatebytodd@yahoo.com or call me at 570-585-0610.

Todd Jones

Realtor, ABR, OA, SRS

Lewith & Freeman Real Estate

Diversifying Yourself in Today's Real Estate Market - Which Way is the Right Way?

Todd Jones (Semian Real Estate Group) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:05:15 -0500

As a Real Estate agent, you always hear "find your niche" whether it be a market area, (Scranton, Clarks Summit for me) a type of client, (investor, first time homebuyer) or maybe even a property type (lake house, multi-family). Whatever it is, each successful agent tends to find something that works and sticks with it.

What do those of you out there, agents and others, think about diversifying what you do...???

Let me explain.

My prime objective is to sell homes. I have recently started wearing some other hats to help in that goal. I now have taken classes and found an apprenticeship with a local appraiser in my market area. Secondly, I have obtained my license for accident, life, and health insurance, and I am currently on my way to obtaining my license for property and casualty insurance.

Some may say this is taking away from my real estate business and clients. I say just the opposite. I build a relationship with my clients. Not only can I help them with selling their home, but now I can assist them with their life insurance, etc. My clients are my walking billboards. The more I can help them with, the more they think of me and may share my name with others.

I am curious to hear what others think on this topic. What are you doing to diversify yourself??