musings of a real estate pro: Where do you practice? - 09/24/08 09:24 PM
I travel around the country and network with many agents. We all expect referrals, but have you ever thought how an agent from the other end of the country is going to know where your area of dealings is, let alond be able to remember, or tell from the business card … (7 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Austin Here we are. - 08/24/08 01:27 PM
A very early morning wake up. 2 good flights from Madison Wisconsin and I am in Austin. Checked into the Hilton Hotel and all ready for Mega Agent Camp, Keller Williams' once a year national training for top agents.
This year we will be concentrating on Thriving in a shifting market. … (3 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Myth and Mythunderstanding, FSBO beliefs - 08/20/08 09:28 PM
I spend some time these days calling unrepresented sellers as part of my 3 hours of daily prospecting.
It is interesting that I hear the same stalls time and time again.
More and more I am hearing the one that I can't afford it. My debt is more than my asking … (15 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Olympics and Blogging don't mix - 08/20/08 05:16 PM
I was just contemplating what my next topic of blogging would be about and realized that with the Olympics going on, I have been more interested in watching the Swimming, track and Gymnastics than getting online to write stuff.
Has anyone else found that?
I have not become wrapped up in … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Mega agent get together for KW Rainers - 08/17/08 09:55 PM
Anyone up for meeting on the Sunday before Mega Agent Camp? I was thinking the Hiliton bar about 6pm.
This will be Aug 24th.
I'm saying this just to get ideas moving.
If oyu havn't been before there is still time. It is a fantastic event. A chance to see Gary Keller and … (0 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Market Update, July 2008, Madison Wisconsin - 08/16/08 11:22 PM
I have charted the monthly sales of single family homes in Madison Wisconsin. (not condos)
For comparison, I used 2007 figures. Here is what I found:-
The July 08 figure is a bit scary although this was taken August 10 and more sales may yet be reported. But I … (2 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: What the Housing Stimulus Bill means to Realtors and Home Owners - 08/04/08 10:16 PM
The National Realtors Assciation promoted a Housing Stimulus bill which was signed into law July 30th.
Because of it's consequences in our industry, Realtor should be aware of its contents.
NAR President Richard Gaylord said "This legislation will go a long way to help stabilize the housing market and make the dream … (2 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: E.V.P. Quality Coffee in Madison Wisconsin - 07/25/08 10:08 PM
EVP Coffee, Madison Wisconsin,
I was out and about in Madison Wisconsin today, had a spare hour so i stopped in at a new (to me) Coffee shop.
I was very pleasantly surprised to see a spacious yet quiet and comfortable place. It was busy and I soon found out why. … (1 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Real Estate professional adjusts to the market. - 05/09/08 09:55 PM
Real Estate Guy still pushing the boundaries of traditional Real Estate
For so long, Real Estate has been considered the realm of individual agents all doing their own thing. Many companies discourage any type of practice out side of this model. Prefereing to keep agents separate because it is better … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Active Rain Success - 03/24/08 07:55 PM
I will be honest, that like any of my business, success seems to come slowly to me.
I have been active in AR for over a year. All be it I have learnt to temper my use to an hour or 2 a week.
But I just listed my first property directly … (64 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: "Made in US" and "customer service" in retail - 03/21/08 12:29 AM
Shoe Shopping!! and these two phrases are hardly what you think of, more like oxymorons. In this day of the imported $20 dollar cheap imports piled high at the big box or discount stores.
In-fact, in my 15 years in the US, I really thought the idea of customer service was being … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Family Reunion near miss - 03/18/08 09:27 PM
Hi fellow rainers. Were you at family reunion, remember the CNN center?
I noticed a few nights ago it got hit by a tornado. just a month after we were there. Wow, kinda eerie!
was this a near miss or what?
Real estate guy sells home sin Madison Wisconisn, search for homes in Madison … (0 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Rossi Reunion - 03/14/08 11:27 PM
This was the week of the Madison Blitz, Basically a one day convention run by the local MLS board, SCWMLS. This is a pretty popular event. I heard my favorite from old CRS days was to be keynote speaker. Yes I first came across Jerry as a CRS instructor, (the best … (3 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Don't "we" all over your clients - 03/07/08 10:24 PM
Yes, you brits will get this humor, as "wee" is as in urinate.
But what we really means is what we provide to our Sphere, our past clients, our networking buddies, in fact anyone who we want to cultivate for referrals.
I get this tid bit from my good friend Matt Anderson, also … (0 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Novel search- by monthly payment? - 03/07/08 02:00 PM
Here in Madison Wisconsin, where the snow has been on the ground for an eternity, as has the mercury been hovering around Zero for what seems like years, though it is really only 3 months. I keep telling my prospects that once Madisonians see the first blades of grass the market … (1 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Google surprise! - 03/05/08 09:46 PM
I had a nice google surprise the other night.
I have been struggling with achieving a google ranking of any sort, since giving up my Z57 template site about 6 months ago.
Even before then my page www.RealEstateGuy.net, was usually on page 2 or 3.
But I had a very pleasant surprise in a recent … (17 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Keller Williams bucks the trend - 02/19/08 11:09 AM
In a year that all other major companies went backwards, Keller Williams made significant growth. As reported at the Keller Williams Family Reunion, State of the company speech. Given by Mo Anderson and Mark Willis.
Increase in Market Centers, 648 to 682.
Increase in Agent count 72500 to 74962.
Increase in Gross Commission Income … (7 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Ahah's galore at Ramily Reunion - 02/18/08 12:49 PM
We are very fortunate at Keller Williams Realty to have a leader who was successful in a previous down market. In that time, 21 years ago his small company in Austin Texas, went from #10 to #1, in just one year.
We are also fortunate he has been proactive in his … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: KW Red Bash Shows talent in our midst - 02/11/08 10:18 PM
We are at family reunion. The Sunday evening party includes a talant show. Star performers are our leaders, Gary Keller and Mo anderson.
Well it was a bit of fun to help us with our learning in the next 2 days. Stay tuned for more hapenings from the convention.
Guy … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Atlanta, Here We are - 02/09/08 09:27 PM
I've just arrived in Atlanta for our annual convention, we call Family Reunion. We arrived at the airport.and checked into the hotel and took a walk.Atlanta down town looks great. this picture was borrowed from the Super 8 website I where I am staying. My hotel is between the 2 towers!I … (0 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Super snow day - 02/06/08 11:14 PM
We just got dumped on. Yes a foot or so, with drifting so that we had snow 4ft deep outside our front door.
Some fun and slight inconvenience, so long as you don't have to go anywhere.
Lots of white stuff!!
What a winter. I've just seen we are 2.5 inches away from an … (7 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Craigs list fraud gets phones to ring, can we learn something? - 02/02/08 12:46 AM
Earlier in the week I received a call from someone about the house for rent at $800. Then the phone continued ringing. We found that someone had copied one of our listing and offered a super price for rent. See original story.
In the end I received 8 calls, by people who … (6 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Is your team effective or dead end? - 01/11/08 11:21 PM
Yes, it is all the rage for Real Estate Agents to form a team. I am one of those agents myself.
I have felt for a long time that my team is different, performs better than other teams, but it only recently hit me. Actually, I have known all along, just not really … (3 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Gobsmacked!! no photos - 12/17/07 11:22 PM
I have been working more than usual on the MLS, looking for good properties to suggest for my buyers.
Like most buyers I have spoken to recently, I like to view all available photos.
I am constantly amazed, bemused, confuddled, and gobsmacked that so many homes have 3, 2, 1, or … (12 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Five a day! Keeps your foreclosure away! - 12/06/07 09:24 PM
If you decided to do a marathon, would you just take to the street and run 26 miles?
If you are like me you'd make it about a mile with many stops along the way, and be so sore you'd never want to run again.
Same with Prospecting! Companies put on … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Listings, Leads and Leverage - 11/09/07 09:23 PM
We at Keller Williams talk about the 3 L's being the core of Real Estate practice. These are the things of a healthy practice.
I have documented my business progress this year. for example this piece on my assistant
But I have found another way to create leverage to get more listings. Over the last … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Happy Halloween, from a British convert - 10/31/07 11:02 PM
Well this has been fun. As Christopher is growing, we are getting into all these funny traditions, like carving pumpkins and dragging your kids around to ask for candy, which would then make them sick or hyper, or both.
What a strange tradition? I always thought, ever since I arrived on these … (8 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: CRS Class a wonderful refresher - 10/21/07 10:40 PM
I spent 2 days this week at a CRS event sponsored by the Wisconsin Chapter of CRS and Wisconsin Realtors Association. The Class, Script doctor and Ninja 11 with Mike Selvaggio.
First treat is that Mike will be the National President in 2008. So we were honored to have him in Neenah … (1 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Something uplifting, lifts the hairs on the back of my neck - 09/27/07 12:43 AM
I received this you-tube link today. I don't usually even have time to check them out, but I did this time.
This is the British version of American Idol. Click here
I was blown away by the story, and I must have spent 40 minutes clicking on related subjects as the story unfolded.
It … (6 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Mortgage Problems hit home - Associated Bank not to be trusted - 09/21/07 11:02 PM
Of course I have been hearing lots about the problems in the mortgage industry. But up until now, it's effect was really restricted to slowing down the market.
Well, that ended abruptly, when I got a full does of it.
It was 4pm, buyer and seller sitting in closing rooms, we are … (8 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Back again - 09/17/07 12:34 AM
So I've returned, actually had 3 weeks away, in England, with a side trip to France. It was a wonderful break. I was able to forget about the stresses of work, knowing I had a team to look after everything. My last job, yes a real paying salaried job, back in England, we … (4 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Dueling Companies, Keller Williams vs Remax - 08/23/07 12:08 AM
Ok So this is the big one. My aim is to give thoughtful discussion on the 2 companies, see group explaination. One aim is to help agents who are considering a company change. Please feel free to make your post about any 2 companies you can think of.
Remax v's Keller Williams.
I … (20 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: My career at 10.5 - 08/22/07 11:12 PM
I can truly say that even in a down market that my career is finally at a 10 and one half. This is the scale from one to ten which we use to a determine a sellers readiness.
It is true that about Nov 2006, I think my career was in the … (6 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Heartfelt thanks - 08/12/07 11:05 PM
I want to give a heartfelt thanks for all that has happened in my Real Estate Career.
If I was a religious man, I would no doubt thank the lord or some other higher being. I have others to thank.
WHY??
For the first time in my 15 year career in Real Estate, (in … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Keller Williams Realty and Exit Realty - 08/07/07 11:32 PM
In setting up this AR group, I am provoking discussion, see intro post.
This is a match up of companies which I find is most intriguing.
First, will someone remind me of why Exit isso called and why would I join a company called Exit?
And for that matter KW
2 recent models which offer something for influencing other agents to … (7 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Flat fee Vs Full Service. - 08/07/07 11:15 PM
In our bid to understand each other's models, I suggested a new group, Dualling companies. see the first post here
I am making the first post non-company specific as a trial.
It is my understanding that net listings claim full service, without the fee, yet they offer no service once the marketing … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: New Logo, feedback - 06/14/07 11:27 PM
Folks, I have been working on a new look and logo for the Real Estate Guy Team.
I really didn't have much luck with my designed. We started down the wrong road and all was going well till a colleague called the logo the "G" spot.
That is when my designer and I … (31 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Ode to a Team Leader - 05/30/07 10:09 PM
Darin resigned as team leader. When I returned from Washington DC after a week trip, I returned to find we had a new team leader. Was I surprised? Yes, Am i upset? NO. I honestly didn't think his style of leadership suited the job. But here is the thing. I am so … (8 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Don't tick off the back hoe driver! - 04/09/07 10:15 PM
Just a reminder, for you all out there. Don't bite the hand that feeds you, And What ever you do don't tick off the back hoe driver! My friend, Steve Favil from Shorewest in Milwaukee Wi sent me this today. I do hope it lifts your mood today like it did mine. www.realestateguy.net Your Guy … (7 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Results of a good assistant. - 03/29/07 12:52 AM
Following up from my blog about leverage see here
I thought I'd follow up with a little note of appreciation for taking that leap again.
THIS BUSINESS IS TOO INTENSIVE FOR ONE PERSON.
I hired an assistant about 6 weeks ago and as she "gets it" I get busier. She is kept … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Leverage takes off - 03/24/07 10:02 PM
Real Estate Guy Team welcomes Bev Kautzky Bev will be our Buyer specialist; she comes to us with 24 years of experience in Residential Sales with various top companies. Bev has a history of working hard for her clients and loves helping people find homes. "Bev and I have known and … (0 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Why, Mr nice Guy? - 03/23/07 10:59 PM
I received a call today from a local Realtor in another company. He had a referral for me- a listing!!
I was driving so after picking myself off the floor, I continued the conversation as if I hadn't driven over the curb and run over 3 people and a garbage can.
It … (4 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: So how are you finding the market? - 03/17/07 09:21 PM
I am very interested in hearing from you about how you are finding the market.
Like many of us, I speak to many across the board in the industry and I really can not get a clear guide from anyone. There are some who say they are doing great, and I … (5 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Exhausted with Active Rain - 03/15/07 08:54 PM
I am exhausted!! I have spent many hours on AR, learning my way round, writing blogs, posting my listings on listings by address.
I've got hooked up with the whole points thing and I am nearly addicted. I have to check my account in the morning and night. I'm up till … (6 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Leverage, the difference a good assistant makes - 03/02/07 10:42 PM
It comes to us all, at some point in time. Some sooner than others. Some of us resist, kicking and screaming. "I want control, my clients want me to be handling their sale" etc.
Yes, I am referring to that point in time where the agent gets too busy and starts to … (10 comments)
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musings of a real estate pro: Ignorance or Malice and the Realtor Code of Ethics - 03/01/07 09:19 PM
I am a newbie at this blogging thing I hope this is not too controversial for a public forum.
I wanted to start a discussion about the ethics of the practice of our competition spreading lies about us. What we call lies spread by either ignorance or malice.
Having been around KW for … (0 comments)
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