Rockville Maryland Real Estate

Getting Good Business - Dos and Don'ts

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:40:27 -0500

My personal business model includes clients by referral. Yes, lots of gurus out there but the basics are all the same and the principals are all the same.

Consider:

Compentency
Work Hard
Care About Client Interests
Care About Client Interests
Do the Right Thing

DOs:

Referral Business
Former Clients
Friends and Family
People Who've Purchased Your Listings and Felt you were Competent
Open Houses
Referrals from Other Agents
Referral Business
Referral Business
Referral Business
Patience, Patience Patience

Don'ts:

People You Don't Know
People You Haven't Met
General Advertising Leads
Leads You've Purchased
Floor Duty (although for some very good business)
Internet Leads

Work with People You LIKE AND TRUST and make sure they are the same = GREAT CLIENTS WHO REFER YOU BUSINESS

Sell SIX Homes in Six Days....

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:54:58 -0600

The secret to closing 6 transaction in six days!

Persistence

•· Working with people and never giving up (even for a year or more)

•· Staying in touch with your clients - so other agents aren't

•· Staying in touch with agents and pushing to get things wrapped up

•· Call back that missed call - they might be the one who really matters

•· Educating yourself and your clients about the market

•· Seeing Inventory - A MUST!!!

•· Pushing and Pulling to Bring Deals together

•· Get it done - before someone else does!

Bedroom Ettiquette

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:45:53 -0500

In my opinion a bedroom has....

A Window or Door:
- that is low enough that a child can escape
- That is big enough for an adult to escape
- Is actually in that room and not adjoining room
A Closet:
- Not a closet with the furnace
- Individual Closet with Doors
- No Closet? It might be a Den!
A Door:
- That closes
Space to fit a bed
- Can be a small bed - but needs to fit a bed

So what do you call a bedroom?

Is it frustrating for you to see a house advertised as four bedrooms to find it only has two?

What do you tell your clients about staging a "non-bedroom" as a bedroom?

Tell me, what is your bedroom ettiquette - I'd like to know!

Inter-County Connector - Maryland

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:28:16 -0500

What is the Inter-County Connector?

The intercounty connector otherwise known as the ICC project is moving swiftly along and giving homebuyers (albeit not home sellers) a sense of relief as the areas where it is being built are becoming much more obvious. This road is a major east-west toll highway being built in Montgomery County, Maryland from Interstate I270 (at the intersection of I370) and extending to meet I95 and end slightly beyond in Prince George's County. This controversial project has been on the books for more than 50 years - yet in the recent hot real estate market - many home buyers who gave up their rights to review the master plan had no idea....and unfortunately, many of the "hey it is really easy to sell real estate" new agents - didn't know either. I won't rant on ethics and being competent...although tempted.

This road will provide much needed relief to unbelievable traffic in the Washington, DC corridors. It is shocking for people to realize that 10 miles can equal an hour or more of commuting time in this area. When people wonder why the real estate market is so stable inside the beltway...look for the obvious - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

Reports are indicating that while there is still litigation pending on some segments. The first segment will open in 2010 connecting I270 and Georgia Avenue in Olney, MD. This is tremendous as the first segement started construction just last November.

For those practicing real estate in Montgomery County, disclose, disclose, disclose - even if it doesn't seem close - remember there will be shifting traffic patterns to accomodate the new roads.

Vacation...for the Dogs!

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:41:02 -0500

It is almost vacation time! That means that my favorite sister will come and pamper and spoil my two dogs and 19 year old kitty. They hate to see us leave...but they are so well cared for that sometimes, I think they forget that we are gone. Sometime my husband's parents take care of them too...and you can tell that they have had a great time. For me, I can relax knowing that they are in the best and most capable hands of my family. I am pretty lucky that they will do this - we often take a three week vacation...sadly for all of us...this time it will only be a two week trip to California.

We have taken them on the family vacations...to the beach...to Maine, etc. They like the change of scenery - but are just as happy to be at home - I think they like being pampered!

8i Lots of Promise

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:31:45 -0500

We were very excited to upgrade to Top Producer 8i - but the going hasn't been easy. So many of the features from earlier versions are just not intuitive or not there. I know it is always a big trial and error to make changes (LOL-like changing your brokerage)....however, the process has not been as smooth as it should be. Some of the simplest things like why can't they have a search by subdivision...there isn't even a good field for it that is easy to use and find. Oh, and why can't you print out the name and contact information from the contact record...not really that hard...but they make it hard. It would be nice to be able to cut and paste contact info - like for a lender to an email. Alas, I feel when I call customer service it falls on deaf ears. Don't get me wrong I love TP8i....but it could be a lot easier!

Networking? How do I Choose?

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:24:12 -0500

QUESTION: THERE ARE SO MANY SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES? HOW DO I CHOOSE?

The How:

Pick the one your friends participate with
Figure out which ones attract your collegues and competitors
Which ones represent you the way you'd like to be represented
Which ones are easy to use

The Downside:

After you've given that some thought, realize that people who you don't want to interact with - will invite you and want to interact with you.
You have to spend time working at it - it is not overnight
You need to reciprocate and invite others
It is important to give testimonials to great service providers

The Power of Networking:

Work with People You Like and Trust
People Can Find you when they need you
You can find people you are looking for
You can keep in touch with folks without having to "get involved"
You can refer and get referrred

They might look alike....but inside they are different and you have to find the ones that meet your needs!

Back to the Blog!

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:15:48 -0500

Well, as I get ready to go on vacation, I am posting my first blog post in quite some time. I've had a number of distractions and am finally ready to get back to the bascis and my blog.

I am going to explore a couple of different formats and go through some of my favorites so that I can get back to a good routine of posting and communicating with my fellow colleagues.

I am thinking about going with a Q&A format...such as what I learned today. As we all learn something everyday...and the blog is a good way to learn from other people's mistakes...and a good way to review the paths taken moving forward.

Let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions.

help w/email - any long & foster agents in this group?

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:01:15 -0500

Hello all,

I can't seem to get my company email set up...it works fine on outlook and I was able to set up another account on TP...but it just seems to fail with my Long & Foster email.

Just wondering if there is another agent w/ L&F that can tell me the trick. Yes, I've called the helpdesk and they say it should work. Yes, I've called TP and spent two hours on the phone with tech support...they say it must be L&F. I know there are other agents doing it because they have the POP3 info in their book. I use the L&F account through outlook - so this should not be an insurmountable problem.

Appreciate the help!

Yvette

Need Help Setting Up Email - R U a L&F Agent?

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:57:15 -0500

Hello,

After being on the phone for almost two hours with TP...they are sending me out to tech support extraordinaire...after they told me there is no such a thing (shame on them).

Anyway...any Long & Foster Agents out there who can clue me into how to set up the email in top producer for L&F email...yes, I called the help desk. It works great in outlook.

Would appreciate any help!

"Why Isn't My House Selling"...Quick Fixes to Consider

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:13:12 -0500

Real Estate 101: Price, Location, Condition

Even if the house is listed at a great price...it is all about how the potential buyer "feels" in the home.

There are a few basics that we can all understand about selling a house. Clutter doesn't make it sell. The sellers don't see it as clutter...they see it as their beloved personal belongings. We need to help them see that the potential buyer needs to see themselves in the house - and even if their own home is cluttered they'd like to believe that the new home won't be cluttered. It is also an indicator that the home doesn't have enough storage - even if it does - the new buyer won't feel like it does...with a lot of choices...this can be a faint memory as the buyer says to their agent...NEXT!!!

I advise the sellers to go ahead and pack it up...the buyers expect to see boxes...not clutter. Clear the clutter or hire someone who can!

Light is important in selling a home - not just that they are on...but that the fixtures are not out of date and the blinds/curtains/shades are open and letting in the light. People don't like dark homes, they want them to be full of light. Leave the lights on as often as possible...the huge difference in what you get for the house in comparison to the extra that you pay on the extra electricity bill is certainly worthwhile. Additionally, you might know the light switch is behind the "thing"; on the other wall; or behind the door - but the buyer and the buyer's agent doesn't...the room that might make the difference...might not get the appreciation it deserves.

BTW, leave the a/c turned up or the heat on...nothing turns a buyer off more than when they are feeling uncomfortable temperature wise in a home.

And yes, color is important - neutralize whenever possible.

Before: After:

Okay, and did I mention clean, clean, clean...nothing sells like clean. You can sell almost any home with cleanliness...clean can be another word for SOLD in a challenging pre-owned home market. I once listed a home that was so clean it looked brand new...the buyer ran a cleaning service and she said she purchased it because it was the cleanest home she had seen and she didn't want to deal with anyone else's grunge. Do you?

Would you buy a car with a carpet allowance?

Staging is very important to selling a home. I recommend hiring a stager - it is like detailing for a car...but, even without a stager...these are soooooo basic...go back to basics.

Buyers have choices...you need to make the list.

Happy At Home in Rockville, Maryland, Woodley Gardens

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 23:36:05 -0500

Yvette Chisholm | Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 301-548-9700 | 301-758-9500

518 Nelson Street, Rockville, MD

Solid Home in Woodley Gardens

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $525,000

Year Built	1965
Sq Footage	2,379
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	4
Parking	1 Covered spaces
Lot Size	9,516 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

LARGE FOUR LEVEL SPLIT WITH UPDATES: ROOF 2000, ELECTRIC PANEL BOX 1997, FURNACE 2001, CAC 1996, GUTTER COVERS 2002, COOKTOP 2005 & DISHWASHER 2001. HUGE FIRST FLOOR FAMILY ROOM / FIREPLACE AND FIFTH BEDROOM OR DEN ON-GRADE WITH EASY ACCESS FROM CARPORT OR FRONT ENTRANCE. HARDWOOD FLOORS ON TOP TWO LEVELS.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Family room
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Dining room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Attic	Basement	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Close to Rockville Metro

Close to Montgomery College

Parks, Pool, Recreation Nearby

Close to Commuter Routes

Well Maintained Home

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Yvette Chisholm

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 301-548-9700

301-758-9500

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 7, 2007, 10:26pm PDT

Rambler in Rosemont, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 23:15:22 -0500

Yvette Chisholm | Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 301-548-9700 | 301-758-9500

9312 Edgewood Drive, Gaithersburg, MD

Large Rambler in Rosemont w/Two Car Garage

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $550,000

Year Built	1958
Sq Footage	1,822
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	29,094 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Picturesque Rambler on a Large 1/2 Lot in conveniently located Rosemont a nice community featuring custom built homes on large lots close to Shady Grove Metro; Commuter Routes; Shopping & Restaurants

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Hardwood floor	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Attic	Basement
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Three Fireplaces

Large Patio

1/2 Acre Lot

Two Car Garage & Tandem Parking

Kitchen w/Adjacent Breakfast Room

First Floor Family Room w/Fireplace

Large Dining Room

Living Room w/Fireplace

Brick Rambler

Updated HVAC

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Yvette Chisholm

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 301-548-9700

301-758-9500

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 7, 2007, 10:11pm PDT

Rosemont Gaithersburg Maryland - Just Listed

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:58:12 -0500

Yvette Chisholm | Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 301-548-9700 | 301-758-9500

9001 Edgewood Drive, Gaithersburg, MD

Charming Home in Rosemont Close to Shady Grove Metro

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $525,000

Year Built	1972
Sq Footage	2,292
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	4
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	18,166 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Feel at home in the charming well maintained four-level split with a two car garage in the sought after Rosemont neighborhood of Gaithersburg. This home is on a .42 acre lot that is nicely sited with large mature trees and a great landscape.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Family room
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Attic	Basement	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Oversized Master Suite w/Private Bath

Updated Windows; Kitchen

Family Room w/Fireplace

Two Car Garage w/Tandem Parking

Close to Shady Grove Metro & Commuter Routes

Hardwood Floors

Kitchen w/Picture Window & Breakfast Area

Large Yard w/Large Established Trees

Large Ready to Finish Basement

Study/Den or 4th Bedroom

Three FULL Baths

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Yvette Chisholm

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 301-548-9700

301-758-9500

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 7, 2007, 10:02pm PDT

How to compete with the lowest commission?

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:14:13 -0500

New business models....we are afraid!!! Are we? Don't consumers deserve choices? Some consumers are very knowledgeable about the real estate process and commission structures and different models and yet others have no idea how it works. Believe it or not, some agents don't know how they work - perhaps because they are afraid, too busy, or don't care enough about their business.

New business models are being introduced everyday in the form of choices for the consumer. Some are harnessing technology; some are stripping services; some are gaining efficiencies in the formation of teams; some are providing all the services associated with a transaction. Don't be afraid of the competition - embrace it and understand it. After all - how can you compete with something you don't understand.

Once you understand the competition. Ask yourself:

Do your clients get what they pay for?
Are you worth what you charge?
How are you different?
What services do you provide?
What services will you not provide?
What are you strengths?
How good are you at your job?
Why should they pick you?

If you don't know the answers to these questions - maybe you should take some time and figure them out. If you don't like the answers you get....set some goals and change them.

Competing in today's changing market requires market expertise, knowledge, experience, and a positive attitude. Anyone can get these things...so if you don't have them...go get them!

People shop at discount stores and luxury boutiques - because they get what they want and need there - it is not always about price.

Thanks to Melissa Grant of Crossville, TN had an interesting post this morning on competing with a flat fee brokerage model. Overcoming Flat Rate Commission charges errrrrr.

The life of Riley...oops...I mean Spenser

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:06:51 -0500

He started out this way...I should have known...

The "ball position is one of his favorite positions.

Darn paparazzi!

It's hot outside...I'll take my afternoon nap

What do you mean this is the "guest" room...I thought it was my room! What are the room service hours?

I need a playmate...unless you are gonna quit selling real estate....the cat is nice...but simply not good for wrestling!

Kira temporarily moves in...stays permanently.

Can you teach Spenser to turn on the faucet...he seems like a pretty smart dog?

The life of riley...indeed!

The Decision to Move to Top Producer 7i

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 15:45:01 -0500

What a decision is was too! My partner and I felt that moving to top producer 7i was the solution for our team. We currently have a full time licensed assistant; two part time licensed agents; and another agent/marketing person in real estate school.

Keeping the information centralized is what was finally the tipping point for us. I read tons of stuff on the internet; talked to top producer sales people; talked to other agents; and still remained confused and skeptical. I had subscribed to TP7i in early 2003 and boy was it slow and unuser friendly. While the speed has dramatically increased and it is a little more user friendly...I think it will be the solution to pull together the information for our business real time.

The final decision to purchase was because of Gary David Hall taking the time to discuss our needs and goals and how we wanted the system to work. He offered alternatives, but in the end TP7i probably meets our needs the best as we are in remote locations.

I am actually most excited about Gary David Hall's Transplans http://garydavidhall.com/planslanding.htm and the ability to use them with TP7i!

We are in our 30 day period and I have to say the customer service is good. The only problems is converting the data...we didn't expect a miracle. My data is pretty much a poor transfer as I was using outlook with some different add-ins....so that will just have to be corrected over time as I reach out to each contact. My partner (we are almost three weeks into it) still doesn't have his data converted from TP6 yet after many failed uploading attempts (they claim to have had the data for several days now).

This can be a powerful medium for us all suggesting changes and I know people from TP monitor internet "chat". We can also go on line and suggest changes - the more people who ask...the more they will pay attention.

I look forward to being part of this group...sharing and learning. Thanks!

25 Interview Questions for Buyers

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 11:12:32 -0500

Here they are...

How long have you been looking for a home?
Have you seen any homes that you liked?
Why didn't you buy it?
Have you worked or are you working with another salesperson or broker? Who? What forms have you signed?
Have you worked with a real estate agent before? What was it like? What didn't you like about it? What did you like about it?
Do you currently rent or own? When do you want/need to move?
Do you need to sell a home or complete a lease period before buying? What is that timeframe?
Is your home currently on the market? Is it priced well? Have you determined your net proceeds?
If we find the right property are you ready to make a decision to by it now? If no, why not?
Is anyone else be helping you with the buying decision? (e.g., parent, partner, friend - even if they are not in the deal they can have a huge impact and you need info from them)
Is anyone else contributing to your finances to make this purchase? Are you getting a gift?
Are you borrowing money (other than the mortgage) for this purchase? (e.g., 401K, credit cards, parental loan)
Where are you employed? Spouse/Partner? Where are they located?
What is your price range?
What is your total monthly budget for payments?
Has a lender pre-qualified you for a loan? How much?
Name and number of the lender *OR* I will send you the names and numbers of some lenders - who can pre-qualify you before we meet again.
Are you comfortable with your lender? Did you want to talk to a second lender?
How much cash do you want to use for the purchase?
What REALTOR services are important to you?
So...if we decide to work together...you WILL buy a property from me and work with me exclusively?
Will you agree not to go to open houses without me?
What style of home did you have in mind?
Bedrooms? Baths? Any Special Needs? Special Furniture or anything that needs to be accomodated?
Do you have any additional questions?

Would love to hear your questions!

Nothing but Blue Skies...

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 09:15:07 -0500

Brand new home...can't get a good photo....weather won't cooperate...this isn't for the MLS...I just wanted to give my clients a nice change of address card for their new home.

The weather will drive me crazy...I can be a perfectionist at times and can't stand to have a photo without a blue sky. Buyers don't like gloomy grey skies or poor photo quality. They want those photos to zing out at them.

What do you think? It makes the homes more inviting and more interesting. I've had buyers ask me for the photos and I willingly forward them to the selling/buyer agent so they can sent them on to their clients.

I care about the images, the photos, the people. Many folks hire professional photographers in my area. I have seen their work and am not impressed. I'll wait for my blue skies. Do they sell the listings...can't say that anyone has told me that they bought because of the photo. But I do think buyers make their decisions on what homes to see because of the photo.

First impressions are lasting ones. If a buyer thinks it is cute...it will be cute.

Important Tip:Don't make the home look better in the picture than it is in person....buyers will be disappointed...and not want to buy the home. A true picture...in it's best light....gets the best results.

To Me or Not to Me....that is the question.

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 22:06:52 -0500

Do you want the real estate transaction to be all about me? Or do you want the real estate transaction to be all about you? Me or You? Which side do you stand on. This is the fabulous thing about language and understanding language. Who are you referring to? me? or you?

What we really want is for it to be about our clients. How do we protect our clients? How do you make sure that everything you do is in your client's best interest? That is what you need to think about every time. What is best for them. Read everything...all the time.

Sometimes agents just think about themselves. It is so challenging in my marketplace to get current board approved forms. I am not even sure the agents realize that their E&O coverage may not cover them for using outdated forms. Let alone their client's interest in making sure that the current laws and forms are used. What if there is a lawsuit...do you want to be on the stand telling the court that you couldn't be bothered to pull the most recent copy of a document or make sure you have all the proper forms completely filled out or that you didn't bother to read or understand the documents...or didn't have the time to explain them.

Think about how much your clients are trusting you. Think about how much they are paying for your services. What responsibility does that put on me or you?

It is about you...and me... and what we do for them

Indeed!

Once Upon a Nervous Breakdown...

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:20:24 -0500

Are you ready for a nervous breakdown yourself? The real estate market, work, life, children, parents, errands, health, email, friends pulling you in a thousand directions? The style and humor of this book makes it an easy read for those who need a good laugh. This is the fourth book by Patrick Sanchez and it truly is laugh out loud funny.

This book is written by a man who seems to totally understand women (yes, that is right) and if you don't believe me read it for yourself. Patrick is known for his on the ground research in Washington, DC - observing on the streets and shopping malls, restaurants, offices, emergency rooms, etc. where he writes his books about the area where he works and lives. When he is writing a new book he looks for people to interview about the subject matter. Whether it is their weight, plastic surgery, dating habits, work, shoes, et. al. he takes the time to understand not only the issues - but the feelings involved. One time, he went to the Plus-size department at Saks Fifth Avenue to talk to the sales people and observe the differences as he noted that the plus sizes are often in the "basement".

Good research, good humor...okay, maybe it is not so much about real estate, but there is a real estate agent in this new book!

http://www.amazon.com/Once-Nervous-Breakdown-Patrick-Sanchez/dp/0758210027

http://youtube.com/watch?v=q89ijBycfHI

Look Ma...No Pictures!

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 10:10:58 -0500

Having no pictures is the same as driving without hands. You are giving up a significant marketing advantage.

Buyers want photos...photos...photos. They are not going to spend any time looking at anything without them unless it is some highly sought after neighborhood or they are stalking someone.

While the print media is dying the visual distinction of the internet is what is engaging the buyers. They don't go for an information driven web-site...they go for the visual pleasing graphic interface and oh...the prettiest photos.

If there is anyone out there who can give me a reason to market without photos...I'd really like to hear it. Even if the home you are marketing has no curb appeal...isn't it a disservice to the seller...as it will likely be passed over anyway by the buyer. Beauty after all, is in the eye of the beholder.

This could be a much more interesting post if it had pictures. I purposely don't have pictures...to "illustrate" the point.

Husbands, Wives, and Relatives

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 09:42:10 -0500

Many of the successful real estate teams in our area are the husband/wife team. Some of the other teams have family members involved. I remember going to a CRS class in New York City in 2005 and all of the agents that had high functioning teams were Husband/Wife; Parent/Child; Sister/Sister; you get the picture.

What if you don't have any family in the area you work in? You can choose friends...but many a good friend has been lost going into business with a long time friend. The trick is to get people like you, same morals, same values, same customer service edict - but different skill sets!

We all know that you have to wear many different hats as an agent. So find people who look better in some of those hats than you do! Flexibility is one of the most important characteristics in developing a team - and when you are seeking to build a team with a bunch of control freaks - it is challenging to find that flexibility gene too.

I am envious that people have relatives to share their real estate practice - but perhaps should just be grateful that I can get away from it and have piece of mind while my partner is on watch!

Time is running out!!!! Are you ready???

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 09:22:52 -0500

Oh man, it is time to start thinking about goals for 2008 already!

We use a business model that is based upon referral and it is a very successful system for us. We farm certain geographic areas and we are certainly known as the neighborhood experts there. We get good leads from our internet presence and are happy with our placement on the search engines (much to the chagrin of those trying to sell us placements and leads). 2007 is a phenomenal year for us - even in this changing real estate market.

Our Goals for 2008 so far include:

Integrating our systems
Refining our Contact Management System
Sharpening our Short Sales/Foreclosure Knowledge
Redeveloping our Marketing Materials
Creating a Standardized System for Marketing
Increasing our Referral Business
Developing our Regional Agent Network
Developing our Extended/National Network
Exploring Email Independence
Reinventing our Web Presence

Is it really almost September?

How do you plan your goals?

What is more important EGO or CONTROL?

Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 09:12:18 -0500

What is going to be most different next year is the reshaping of our systems and team. My partner and I have worked together about five years and both of us are control freaks in our own way. The most amazing phenomenon is that if we substitute on an appointment for each other or cover while the other is away - our clients seem just as happy and satisfied if we had shown up ourselves. We like to be independent and are moving towards an integrated team model - simply because our luck has presented some really great people for us to work with and ways to improve our ability to service our clients.

Another consideration is the ability to streamline costs and that is a huge discussion. We both like our technology toys, our internet toys, and our complete independence. There are a lot of duplicated expenses and we are looking towards a method of eliminating those and perhaps investing in systems that will minimize duplication of efforts.

We have come to the conclusion that we are ready to do more together and less apart. I guess it is easier for the husband/wife team - they are all coming out of one bucket. What that means is one of us has to give up our ego and the quid pro quo is that the other has to give up control. One of us will be the managing partner and the other will have the gloryof the production awards .

So, I ask you...EGO or CONTROL...which would you choose and why?