agents: What I like about "Clients who are Kind and Nice" - 10/23/06 10:20 PM
Unusual topic? Perhaps. But sometimes I think we (speaking collectively here), as REALTORS, focus more on the problem or difficult clients when we seek assistance and counsel from others, or possibly forget that (hopefully) a large percentage of the people we deal with are really pretty nice folks. I guess I like … (4 comments)
|
agents: If you enjoy watching movies at home - 10/22/06 07:26 PM
These days, there are many companies offering services to watch movies at home, Direct TV, Dish Network, Netflix, Blockbuser online, and other internet companies that offer you to download the movies, you name it..
I prefer the Blockbuster online, they have an awesome service, so fast and also you have free … (2 comments)
|
agents: Does not matter how fast it is your computer if you have windows packed !!! - 10/20/06 09:17 PM
I am wondering how many of you are using the windows system as it came from the Store ( Best Buy, Dell, etc )
Now, I am focusing in Software, most of the stores pack your computer with a lot of software that it is useless and that affect a lot your … (0 comments)
|
agents: Your computer slow? Get this tips. - 10/20/06 09:10 PM
I would like to give some tips when you have a very slow computer.
There are many factors for this reason, but I want to focus on hardware and not software. To tell you the truth, it is not so important the speed of the cpu of course if it is … (0 comments)
|
agents: In Today’s Normal, Balanced Market, Working with a Realtor® is Needed Even More - 10/19/06 11:13 AM
In today’s normal, balanced market, working with a Realtor® is needed even more.
The days of “easy” money, “easy” sales, etc. are long gone. Sellers and buyers now need competent representation: Realtors® have the training and experience to protect and fully represent both buyers and sellers; Realtors® take continuing education; and, … (2 comments)
|
agents: Career Opportunity - 10/18/06 01:13 AM
The Decision to enter the real estate industry is as important as your choice of affiliation. At Right About Real Estate, we are sincere about our quality service and are interested in having a built-to-last business relationship with our associates.If you are a Realtor who thinks Real Estate is a serious business, then … (0 comments)
|
agents: Reduced commissions...... - 10/16/06 05:21 PM
In NC there is no set commissions....as that is against the rules. I am not going to talk about commissions numbers just about the ideas behind them.
Most agents in an area shoot for a commission that is competitive to the other listing agents in the area. Some agents offered lowered commissions. … (1 comments)
|
agents: Choosing your real estate agent - 10/16/06 05:13 PM
As a buyer or seller choosing the best real estate agent is a big decision. There are many factors you should consider.
How much experience does the real estate agent have in the business? This is an important factor to consider but sometimes having a relatively new agent can be a … (0 comments)
|
agents: Open Houses are they worth it - 10/16/06 07:41 AM
Many agents say that few sales traditionally come from open houses, and this is true. However, they say they love open houses, but not because they move properties. Last year, 77% of homebuyers shopped online.
Indeed, only 2% to 4% of listings sell from open houses. Agents, and sellers both question effectiveness. For the … (1 comments)
|
agents: Other agents contacting me about my IDX - 10/14/06 01:40 PM
Ok guys, here is something to chat about. I want to know if this same thing happends to other agents with a good IDX on there website. I get at least 5 calls a week from Atlanta agents asking me about a listing off my IDX. At first I tell them I don't … (8 comments)
|
agents: To Spam or not To Spam? - 10/13/06 03:44 AM
I was surfing some websites and I found a very interesting link that seems kind something fake, I do not believe if it is good or not, spam, etc, since I know that at first place the search engine #1 it is google, then yahoo, then msn and so on, I do … (2 comments)
|
agents: Keep your contacts in Outlook with Plaxo - 10/12/06 10:56 PM
I just wanted to share this amazing tool, I am not sure if someone already wrote about this, but it seems a must.
Plaxo 2.0 puts YOU in control
With Plaxo 2.0, you have complete control over your privacy and your information. Create Plaxo cards with the information you want to share with your … (8 comments)
|
agents: Thinking About Selling Your Home? Tip 2 - 10/12/06 10:26 AM
I do a much more thorough Market Analysis than what was described in Tip 1 that includes building materials quality, county appraisals in your area on comparable homes, previous sales of comparable homes, previously expired prices of homes that did not sell, and a whole lot more to help you decide … (1 comments)
|
agents: Who would you hire? - 10/11/06 09:23 PM
How do you pick your agent?
If you are interviewing three top agents in your area, who would you pick?
The one who tells you a lot interesting stories, makes you feel like you are watching a movie?
The one who presents all the fact on his fact sheets?
The one who is going to … (12 comments)
|
agents: Curious...Choosing a Farm Area..What's Your Criteria?? - 10/11/06 02:11 PM
I've always been curious....How do agents choose their farm areas? Is there a certain recommendation from the company you've chosen, do you choose by sphere of influence contacts, your own neighborhood, locality to your home or office???? Do most of you choose more than 1 farm area??
Also, what are your first … (16 comments)
|
agents: Spinning our wheels - 10/11/06 11:27 AM
If I were to give any one most important piece of advice to new agents, it would be to treat the one client that you have like gold.
Many many agents spend 90% of their time and money trying to get that one client, but when they do, they only spend 10% … (1 comments)
|
agents: So many new Realtors come and go - Get buyers Pre-Approved! - 10/11/06 07:10 AM
It seems like every week there are another 10 brand new Realtors in the local paper off to a start of their Real Estate Career all of them filled with fire, ready to sell 30 houses a month, they take as much floor time as they can get and show houses … (1 comments)
|
agents: Referring and Referree Agent Etiquette...long post - 10/10/06 11:19 PM
I guess I felt compelled to write this, after several recent experiences that have been annoying, to say the least. Maybe I expect too much, but I feel that if I have a qualified referral to pass along, and I take the time to do the research and track down someone … (29 comments)
|
agents: Hows your market? - 10/09/06 11:47 PM
So more agents are starting to post some market conditions and I have found it interesting to see how some parts of the country are doing.
Post here a link to you current market update and give us a quick overview in your comment. Something like this:
City and state you serve … (22 comments)
|
agents: The Team Concept Defined? - 10/09/06 10:20 AM
There are numerous models being used and calling themselves teams or groups.
Some are simply a loose partnership between two agents for advertising purposes. On the other end of the spectrum, you can have a “Team Leader” that has organized a business with an assistant, buyers agents, marketing person, listing agents, … (0 comments)
|
agents: How's Your Market? - 10/06/06 03:25 PM
Here in Central New Jersey, many agents (and almost every home seller) are refusing to admit or accept the fact that the market is in decline. Regardless of dropping prices, significant price reductions, larger numbers of expiring listings, too many agents are blaming buyers and sellers and not the market.
It seems pretty obvious that … (3 comments)
|
agents: House cleaner or spirit cleaner.........which do you use? - 10/05/06 11:30 PM
I read an interesting article in which it said some real estate agents hire a psychic to cleanse spirits from homes that haven't sold. This got me thinking..........are my listings haunted? No, but it did make me wonder what some Realtors or homeowners have done to try and improve their luck … (5 comments)
|
agents: Your time to blog...... - 10/05/06 09:59 PM
I am very short of time to blog, because I am very busy at work, I wish to have all the time to keep blogging, reading. I love to blog, mostly my time it is between 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM, sometimes I check a little bit in the morning and that's … (5 comments)
|
agents: Are You A Realtor? If Not, Why? - 10/05/06 09:40 PM
I just completed an ethics traning session at the local Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) today and some interesting statistics were tossed about
There are about 550,000 real estate licenees in Californiaof those, only about 190,000 have joined their local association of RealtorsOnly about 34% of licensees are RealtorsI know that … (3 comments)
|
agents: Investors? Great Clients or Time Wasters - 10/04/06 04:35 PM
Hello everyone, I was wanting your take on Atlanta real estate investors. In my career I have been very hit-or miss with them. Some have been great and I have closed many transactions with, but most have been newbie types. I guess the best thing I have learned is to size … (3 comments)
|
agents: First Time Buyer? Choosing the Right Agent to Help You - 10/04/06 03:45 PM
Here are some suggestions on finding the right REALTOR to help you find your NEW CARLSBAD HOME (or for anywhere you maybe moving.
Since you are new to buying a home, having a REALTOR you can trust to help you find your new home, and educate you thoroughly about the process, … (5 comments)
|
agents: Relocation - Helping your REALTOR Help YOU! - 10/04/06 02:13 PM
Here are some suggestions for helping the REALTOR you have chosen in Carlsbad (or wherever you are moving) to effectively aid you in finding the right home, based on my personal relocation experience and from assisting multiple buyers in their moves around the country.
Not only is this one of the … (1 comments)
|
agents: Free Help - 10/03/06 11:44 AM
Well here is where the rubber meets the road!
Quite a few people have contacted me about helping them find an auctioneer in their area. Many are asking for advice on auctions or explanation of terms, etc.
I am not interested in making ANY MONEY AT ALL for referring people to an honorable … (2 comments)
|
agents: I know what I know, ya know - but I wish I knew that then.. - 10/02/06 02:03 PM
Things I wish that my Broker (or someone) would have told me!
Is there anyone out there that wished they could go back in time and change something, edit something, redo something or just tweak something? Do you wish that what you know now - you knew then??
EDUCATION; I am … (7 comments)
|
agents: SECRET SERVICE AND SPECIAL AGENTS - 10/02/06 01:48 AM
It does not matter if you have been in the business for 30 years or if you have started you first year as a real estate agent. We all can learn from those that are around us, i that do not mean just the people in the same profession. have you ever … (4 comments)
|
agents: Automated Lead Follow-up System - consumer info - 09/29/06 06:09 PM
I just got back from our quarterly CRS meeting here in Southern California. Bernice Ross was our featured speaker, and among the MANY great tips and suggestions was a lead follow-up system focused on homeownersip called My Home Management Club. It sounded like a great idea which I plan to try … (2 comments)
|
agents: Interesting non-scientific test with new mortgage recruits - 09/28/06 01:56 PM
I've been in charge of training new loan officers for the past year. It's been both rewarding and frustrating at times. I've noticed that each new recruit comes in with unique reasons why they want to be mortgage professionals( I use that word lightly). I've noticed one basic ingredient that if … (9 comments)
|
agents: Cracking down under. - 09/28/06 02:55 AM
They aren't going to put up with it in New Zealand.
Estate agents suggest $20,000 penalty
6.00am Thursday September 28, 2006 Maximum penalties for rogue real estate agents should be bumped up from $750 to $20,000 or $30,000, says the new head of the Real Estate Institute. Murray Cleland, who … (2 comments)
|
agents: Road Trip - 09/27/06 09:09 PM
Well we arrived safely from our trip to the big city of Knoxville. There was quite a turn out at the Expo Center for the preview of our new information portal for the MLS. Called "View Homes" it seems to be a state of the art portal for consumers and agents.
It … (0 comments)
|
agents: Too many cooks in the kitchen - 09/27/06 07:42 PM
As a home stager I want to work as hard as I can for my clients. This encompasses learning a little about their background story..(are they just getting ready to list the house, has it been sitting on the market for months without any bites.. have they already reduced the price?) … (1 comments)
|
agents: Improve your business, Sending letters - 09/26/06 11:12 PM
Send a Letter Draft a letter to send out periodically to your entire database. In the letter, list ALL of the different types of professionals you work with on a regular basis (CPA, Lawyer, Mortgage Broker, Doctor etc.). Let the recipients know that if they are in need of services from any … (1 comments)
|
agents: Your workplace and the image that you reflect - 09/26/06 11:07 PM
Your image To the client, a lack of organization projects a negative image. It symbolically waves a distress flag, which could cause them to run in the opposite direction. Take some basic steps to alter the appearance of an overcrowded, unorganized work environment and help fend off clutter.if they see a … (2 comments)
|
agents: Recruiting Agents - 09/25/06 04:10 PM
I would like to reach out to brokers and agents looking for a different way to sell property around the United States AND agents in Ohio looking to specilaize in working the REO and investment markets all over the state.
If this sounds like you, give me a call. I am willing to train … (4 comments)
|
agents: Recruiting New Agents - 09/25/06 01:18 PM
I thought I would take some time on my blog today to reach out to agents who are looking for a new Broker or professionals looking for a new career. We are actively seeking to recruit two individuals who would like to be part of our exciting growth.
If you live in … (0 comments)
|
agents: Does RE/MAX help your home sell? - 09/25/06 10:23 AM
In a way it does. RE/MAX encourages you to treat your career like your business. What that means is that even though they don’t do the advertising for you they encourage you to do more then anyone else so that you can grow your business. I think that RE/MAX givers you … (2 comments)
|
agents: open house - 09/24/06 04:57 PM
Here I am sitting an open house with little expectation of any buyers. Why......I know why, I just don't understand why. Let me explain.....at this point I am heavily targeting buyers. Part of my strategy is to sit open houses for any of the agents in my office who can use … (11 comments)
|
agents: Listen to what they are saying...... - 09/23/06 11:49 PM
Use this as an opportunity to get to know your clients. Resist the temptation to talk about yourself, and turn the focus on them instead. Pick up on little clues they reveal about themselves,such as a family situation, favorite sports teams, financial investment strategy, etc. Ask someone close to you to … (1 comments)
|
agents: The Importance of the Voice Mail Greeting - 09/23/06 11:40 PM
If for first time you called a Lawyer, Financial Planner, or Real Estate Agent, you heard a voicemail greeting that was well done, educational, energetic and professional, wouldn't that set the proper tone for the rest of the relationship? Very few people take into consideration the full potential of the voicemail greeting!
Ray … (1 comments)
|
agents: Giving & Receiving / New Relationships - 09/23/06 11:36 PM
The How to sell your home booklet
We, agents can place an ad in the Real Estate section of the local classifieds offering the public a free booklet on how to sell their home quickly, which includes personal techniques that work. This will attract for sale by owners, and other sellers who can be potential. … (0 comments)
|
agents: Auctioneer appointed to NAR board NAA President renews relationship with NAR to spur partnerships - 09/22/06 11:04 AM
Following is a press release that was sent from our National Auctioneers Association. I am excited to see this announcement and increased awarness of how we can all work together for the benefit of our clients.
OVERLAND PARK, KS – National Auctioneers Association (NAA) President William Sheridan, CAI, AARE, GPPA has rekindled … (1 comments)
|
agents: Ask For Referrals - 09/21/06 11:21 PM
I am wondering they way you ask for referrals
The way you ask this question, however, is very important. Open-ended questions help people to brainstorm, instead of giving them the chance for a simple 'Yes' or 'No' answer. Instead of asking, "Do you know anyone else who could use my services?" ask, … (3 comments)
|
agents: "Don't like Your Agent?" - 09/21/06 01:21 PM
Okay, so you've been working with your realtor, Agent Jones, for a couple weeks now and you just don't feel like the relationship is working out very well. What should you do?
As licensed, professional real estate agents, we work very hard and diligently at representing our client's best interests. We take … (0 comments)
|
agents: Verbal Counter offers - 09/19/06 01:47 PM
I have been getting a lot of people kicking tires. I have ask the other agents upon receiving the offers if they were doing just that. I have found it easier to make verbal counter offers. For one it does not tie you to that deal. I just had one that … (17 comments)
|
agents: RANT: Education Is Key To Agent Standards - 09/15/06 06:15 PM
As a new member of the Active Rain community, I have been absorbing the wealth of knowledge and experience people freely share here. There is benefit for both consumers as well as real estate professionals.
The post by Kristal Kraft on REALTOR Standards resonated with me and compelled comment: I agree … (2 comments)
|
agents: But I DIDN'T want a Realtor! - 09/14/06 01:57 PM
One of the biggest challenges I've had since becoming a Realtor(r) is trying to determine what buyers & sellers look for in a Real Estate Agent.
How do people Choose a Real Estate agent? What is their criteria?
Almost unanimously the clients I have and had express to me that they've never had … (2 comments)
|
agents: Thoughts on Relocation Packages - 09/11/06 04:41 PM
For those of you who might work with people who are relocating, I have posted my thoughts, based on personal and professional experience, on my Relocation A to Z blog.
Relocation can get very complex, and if you have not been involved before this may be helpful to you so you understand the … (1 comments)
|
agents: Realtors, what was the bad experience you had with them? - 09/11/06 12:55 PM
Real estate agents wield a stunning degree of control over property transfers. They often direct their clients to mortgage brokers, inspectors, title and escrow companies, and even lawyers. They are trusted to keep their clients best interest at heart when working together. Sometimes things go bad in the relationship or the … (4 comments)
|
agents: FSBO a few reasons why people want to sell their own home and a few reasons why they may want to reconsider. - 09/10/06 07:10 PM
FSBO a few reasons why people want to sell their own home and a few reasons why they may want to reconsider.
I think we all can agree that the first and principal reason that people want to sell their home themself is that they would like to save a portion … (13 comments)
|
agents: Hard money equals hard headaches - 09/09/06 01:15 AM
Anyone who's been through a hard money transaction may know what I'm talking about. It's a whole new ball game then normal residential lending. Especially when it involves a purchase deadline. I have a guy buying a "big" home. His scores are 30 points to low, but he got himself into a … (5 comments)
|
agents: Qualified REALTORS...or NOT - 09/07/06 04:05 PM
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has been doing a nationwide advertising junction to encourage the public to use a designated REALTOR when buying or selling real estate. Recently the Austin Board of REALTORS has followed suit with advertising in magazines, billboards, TV and radio spots.From my experience, being a designated … (5 comments)
|
agents: Who Would Be Your Choice? - 09/06/06 08:45 PM
After reading Jay's post about dishing dirt about working with agents, I thought about the exact opposite. If you were no longer in the business and you were selling a property, who would be the person you would choose to represent you in the transaction. Several years ago when I became … (1 comments)
|
agents: Testimonials, they may not be what you think - 09/04/06 12:18 PM
Imagine my shock when I read a RealTalk post this morning describing that not all agents are honest when it comes to their testimonials? Not only that but it seems hundreds are doing it! (I won't name the website company here.) Ok, check it out for yourself, search google for "Bryan & … (8 comments)
|
agents: Can We Learn HOW to do CMA's As Realtors, Please?! - 08/30/06 08:33 AM
Wow, another wild week! We have had FOUR purchase agreements not go through this week because of listing agents misinforming a seller of a homes worth. How does this work? Oh yeah, Mr. and Mrs. Seller, you can list your home at whatever you want, it doesn't matter, we'll just go … (2 comments)
|
agents: Blind E-mail Marketing? - 08/26/06 06:42 PM
I have access to over 25,000 e-mail addresses in the Central Florida area. In what way should i go about using these addresses. What should i put in the subject line to get the email opened? I have them set up so people can opt out of the email list once … (10 comments)
|
agents: What's up With Keller Williams? - 08/25/06 11:34 PM
Keller Williams is growing fast and for great reasons. While there are still many parts of the country experiencing Keller Who? If they are not in your area, they will be soon.
In brief, I'll share my story. I entered the Real Estate business over 12 years ago and became the first member … (22 comments)
|
agents: I'm the Buyer Goddammit! - 08/25/06 03:21 PM
As a Buyer, I want:
1. To view the freshest listings available. 2. To search efficiently - I not do want to look for a "needle in a haystack" 3. To view listings without giving anyone my personal information. 4. The listings to have the most information about the property … (2 comments)
|
agents: I'm the Seller Goddammit! - 08/25/06 03:18 PM
As a Seller, I want:
1. To sell my Real Estate. 2. To sell it for the highest price possible. 3. It to sell in the shortest amount of time. 4. The transaction to go as smoothly as possibe. 5. My listing to be exposed to the widest audience. 6. … (0 comments)
|
agents: Absorption Rate - 08/23/06 12:53 PM
When housing inventory increases, as it is currently, you need to determine the absorption rate.
In other words, how long will it take current inventory to sell, IF NO MORE PROPERTIES COME ON THE MARKET.
We're currently seeing 10 or more months in the higher priced properties.
178 Naperville homes over … (2 comments)
|
agents: Wishing We Could Help Everyone! - 08/12/06 04:56 PM
The most rewarding experience I have ever had is the ability to see a need and fill it. Yet, I can say the most upsetting part is having a client that needs so much help and you are unable to assist them. It seems that these people need the most assistance … (0 comments)
|
agents: How do you advertise! - 08/09/06 11:23 AM
I was reading a article recently that caught my attention pretty quickly! After all, I cant pass up an opportunity to learn more about how to increase my business right? Ok , so the article talked about different advertising techniques! There is PUSH and there is PULL! I was really … (0 comments)
|
agents: How do homebuyers choose their Mortgage Lender? - 08/08/06 03:47 PM
How do home buyers choose their Mortgage Lender? Interesting question. And the answer will surprise you! But before I give you the answer, what do you think the main reason people choose a mortgage lender? Come on, think a little! My top three reasons are lowest rate/fees, referred, and advertising! … (0 comments)
|
agents: Need your clients credit score raised? - 08/06/06 01:29 PM
The Credit Experts can help! 2333 N Broadway Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA. 92706 Phone#(877)877-4590, Mobile#(714)743-0232, Fax#(412)809-1416 What they do...... The credit Experts offers credit investigation, verification and mediation services for mortgage companies and other real estate agencies. UNLIKE CREDIT REPAIR, their services have … (1 comments)
|
agents: Congrats! - 08/05/06 07:07 PM
I want to congratulate each and every one of you! More importantly at this time would like to congratulate those of you who just accepted my invite to join us here at active rain real estate network! You have just made a really bold move and it will help your career … (4 comments)
|
agents: Real Estate Blogging with absurd prices! - 07/28/06 08:26 PM
I came across an e-mail today with an article about how Realtors are blogging. The article was an obvious sales pitch and basically praised the cost of getting a personal blog for your domain.
Active Rain is great. It is free and easy to use. This site which I won’t … (5 comments)
|
agents: Outer Banks Real Estate-The Deals Are Out There, You Just Have To Know Where To Look - 07/26/06 04:13 PM
Here are some of the keys to finding a "deal": With the slow down in the new construction market builders are now willing to offer great incentives to move inventory. Especially if the builder has more than a few houses for sale. Also look for realtor owned property; they are easy to spot … (0 comments)
|
agents: Great Agents - 07/19/06 08:31 PM
Atlanta has nearly 40,000 agents. Many are working only part-time and expect to satisfy their customer's needs. It sounds like a good idea at first, but they soon learn they are only kidding themselves. You must be available on a full-time basis to achieve your customers goals.
I work very hard … (5 comments)
|
agents: Selling or buying a home and what to look for in an agent - 07/15/06 11:32 AM
What should you expect when selecting your agent? I always start with market knowledge. Your agent should know the local market. Why people buy in your area. Who is going to buy in your area. Where is that buyer going to come from. What makes your area special - every area … (2 comments)
|
