This year I have made a 100% commitment to follow the Millionaire Real Estate Agent Models.  The changes I have made in my business so far has given me the leverage to work on my top 20% goals.  After hearing Gary Keller talk about his recent book titled Shift at last week's Keller Williams Realty Mega Camp week, I realize now more than ever that this is the time and perfect opportunity to put these proven models fully into place and excel in my business.

2428 Prairie Ridge Place Champaign, IL

Fabulous home! You'll love the natural light & the openness of the great room. You'll immediately notice the gorgeous wooden screens on either side of the entry. The gourmet kitchen features beautiful cabinets & a wonderful breakfast area with lots of windows for a perfect view. Also notice the Fisher-Paykel dish drawers & the Gaggenau oven door that opens to the side. The Luxurious master suite features a walk-in shower. There is a second family room in the basement, plus plenty of storage space. Oversized garage with work area. Located in Popular Robeson West, you'll enjoy access to sidewalks & common areas. Conveniently located near restaurants & shopping. Association fees include garbage, mowing, snow removal including driveway & sidewalk to front door. This is a zerolot property.

For photos and virtual tour Please view http://bechtelhomes.com

Although the field of real estate can be a challenge, it can be done through taking the correct actions and being consistent and purposeful in your daily tasks.  Start by deciding on the results you want, and the see what you need to do to get there. Make these into yearly goals and then see what you need to do monthly, weekly and finally in your daily tasks.  Sometime it can feel like reaching those goals are far away, but if you are consistent and stay focused you will have a greater chance of getting there.

4304 Crossgate Drive, Champaign in Ironwood Subdivision

Amazing Price at $249,900

Great price in Ironwood! Open floor plan, 4 bdrms, 2.5 baths, basement, 3 car garage, large patio & hot tub! Dir: Staley Rd. to Ironwood Ln, right on Crossgate

Find more information about this property at http://bechtelhomes.com

1907 Oak Park, Champaign       $207,900

Overlooking water & trees! 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath 2 story home  

popular plan, great kitchen, spacious rooms.

Dir: Kirby to Maynard, turn W. on Roxford, left on Oak Park.

513 Sherwood, St. Joseph     $169,900

Popular Crestwood Subdivision! 3 bdrms, 2.5 baths, fireplace, garden shed w/electric, fenced yd. Dir: Rt 150 to Sherwood, corner of Sherwood & Grand

For more information on these listings please visit http://bechtelhomes.com

It is a great time to buy homes in Champaign, IL.  However, with the demand for homes outpacing the supply of homes in the past month, the buyer's market is potentially shrinking.  My recommendation is that if you are thinking of purchasing a home in the near future, now would be a great time to get the most value for you.

I am still in the beginning stages of blogging, but I have to say I am impressed with the comments I have received from others in our profession. This is a great way to learn from others and I appreciate the people who have taken the time to read posts and respond.   My goal as a real estate agent is to be the person who buyers/sellers come to for knowledge, and I think being a part of the active rain network will help me achieve this goal.  In the last week active rain made it possible for me to set a listing appointment, and for me this is a great motivator.  I hope to continue blogging, and see where it takes me. 

We have all heard how important lead generation is for our real estate businesses.  However, for a lot of people this task is easier said than done, including for me.  I think that this is where mindset can become very powerful.  My lead generation times are always more successful when I start my day with positive affirmations and I feel ready to handle any situation that comes my way. I have realized lately that this involves practicing scripts and role playing on almost a daily basis.  I am finding that having positive affirmations and being purposeful in my lead generation can make all the difference in the world. 

In order to judge if home warranties are in fact helpful in selling and buying real estate it is a good idea to look at benefits for all parties involved: Sellers, Buyers, and Agents.

Agent Benefits: Creates Hassle-Free experience between the Buyer and Seller in real estate transactions. In addition, since listings with home warranties tend to sell with more speed this can make real estate agents stand out in their markets.

Seller Benefits:  According to the National Home Warranty Association properties with home warranties sell 60% faster.  By providing peace of mind, buyers are attracted to homes that offer them protection.  Whether a home is 20 years old, or new construction providing a home warranty will give the buyer of your home confidence during and after the purchasing process.

Buyer Benefits:  Home warranties are important for buyers because it provides them with protection after they purchase their home. Home Inspections make sure that the systems and appliances in your home are in good condition before the purchase of the home goes through, but unfortunately things can break down when you least expect it.   Home warranties are there to protect buyers from the huge expenses of mechanical breakdowns and system failures for the future.

In my opinion, Home Warranties can help sell homes by creating confidence for all involved in the real estate process.

What are the advantages to have a Pre-Inspection when you first market your home?

• A Pre-Inspection can offer peace of mind to both the seller and the buyer in a real estate transaction.
• A Pre-Inspection can prevent surprises later for both the seller and the Buyer.
• A Pre-Inspection gives you the correct information about your home up front.
• A Pre-Inspection Report can be a great tool for marketing your home.

Being proactive to finding all problems if any associated with your home through the marketing process can cut out a lot of worry for both the seller and buyer; this will almost always ensure a smoother transaction. In addition, having a pre-inspection can make your home standout to buyers because not all sellers take advantage of this benefit.

There are costs associated with a seller getting a home inspection, however I think that the peace of mind that is created as a result greatly outweighs the cost.

If a seller uses a local & reputable home inspector, the buyer will have a greater chance of accepting that inspection more comfortably.