Top 10 budgeting techniques for 2009 - 12/28/08 10:45 AM

Remember we are not in business to be number one, we are in business to make money.  For 3 decades I have watched agent after agent try to get to number one and fail to follow a budget and end up on the streets.  In 2009 it is more crucial than we have ever seen to not only have a budget, but to follow it like a hawk.  I want get into too many details about budgeting to keep this concise, but I highly recommend reading Millionaire Real Estate Agent and Shift a minimum of 5 times so you thoroughly understand … (47 comments)

Active Rain: Thank you for 2008....... - 12/27/08 11:50 PM

I just wanted to throw a quick THANK YOU to ACTIVE RAIN for creating a free avenue to achieve substantial Google rankings as well as the best education I have received in my 28 years in the business.
One one side, I pull up my communities and streets in my communities and Localism and Active Rain is plastered everywhere.  I get email contacts directly from Active Rain constantly from clients interested in either buying, selling or wanting information.  I only got going with this in June and have been amazed at the response.  The only other success that matches this … (8 comments)

Let's make Christmas 2009 a Christmas like non other.... - 12/27/08 11:33 PM
OK, we got our break this Christmas with the legitimate excuse that times are tough, so let's scale back on giving to others....passing it on...etc...  I feel really really bad about these thoughts going through my head. 
SO WHAT TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS 2009.

Let's all plan way ahead for Christmas or the Holiday season well in advance for 2009.  Let's take control and make next year's Holiday season a Holiday season to remember for years to come.  Yes, that means to splurge and get together with family and personally take charge to make it a memorable occasion that all … (3 comments)

Your friends write your epitaph: WHAT WILL IT SAY? - 12/27/08 11:10 PM
As REAL ESTATE is a 24 hour a day 7 day a week...52 week a year job, how can you have a life?  What is the trick to keep us from stressing out.  Do you feel like you can't get away....you can't go see a movie....can't have a uninterrupted dinner with your loved ones....can't go on a true relaxing holiday....can't sit down and watch TV without getting on the computer (crap, I am doing that now).

Here are some rules to live by for the rest of your career........  If you break the rules have penalties for yourself and tell … (1 comments)

So you want a farm....Then treat it like a farm - 12/27/08 10:27 PM

 If FARMING appears so beautiful and appealing, why don't more people do it?  Yes, the beauty is there in front of us, but until you really start DIGGING into how to have a profitable and beautiful a FARM is, you will then realize that it takes alot of.....alot of work, but when all the work is finally done over years and years, what you have is a beautiful farm that others admire and dream about.
So why do it? 

 Farming is one of the most cost efficient means of developing a business and can be the most fun way to … (6 comments)

Edgy Austin Condo Living THE PODCAST - 12/27/08 07:38 PM
 CHECK OUT THE PODCAST OF EDGY AUSTIN URBAN LIVING

Urban Austin living in the hills of Austin with majestic views to downtown.  This home is under construction, thus pictures are currently limited, as this is the first of this plan to be built.  Experience the urban hillside by going to our website at www.TopKWGroup.com and click on THE HILLSIDE box on the right side to gain a great image of what THE HILLSIDE is all about.  You may also click on OUR LISTINGS on the left hand side to see virtual tours of other plans.  Lastly, you may click on … (0 comments)

Steiner Ranch, Austin, TX 78732 - 12/27/08 07:31 PM
 
 
 Check out the podcast for this magnificent Fedrick Harris Home in Steiner Ranch...

 
12000 Mira Mesa Drive, Steiner Ranch, Austin, TX 78732
 
12000 Mira Mesa; click on picture for virtual tour and additional information.
For more information please call our office at 512-418-1435 or send me a note and we would be glad to send you additional information on this or other properties like it in the surrounding area.  We specialize in northwest Austin with homes ranging from $300k to $3mm and are the top Keller Williams Group (KWNW) and 27th ranked nationwide.  For additional … (0 comments)

tHE PODCAST: 8412 Denali, Custom Home, Austin, TX - 12/27/08 07:22 PM
 CLICK BELOW FOR NEW PODCAST FOR CUSTOM HOME IN GRANDVIEW.....
  
 
  
  This exquisite custom home built by Gary Beam Builders sits on a stunning .76 acre estate lot backing to a perpetual preserve and offering a truly sought after combination of  hill country views and privacy.   Custom features abound in this home designed with entertaining and family in mind.
 Hardwood flooring, cased windows, 8 ft solid core doors, built-ins, beamed ceilings and stone accents are just a few of the custom features inside.  Outside surrounding the sparkling pool and spa are 3 covered living areas and a built-in … (0 comments)

Obamanism begins Optimism - 12/27/08 07:14 PM
 Obamanism to the rescue......

 So many people of different parties have been making fun of all of the emotionalism bestowed towards the president elect Obama.  Some make fun of those who treat him as the new Messiah or the new JFK or merely having blind faith for someone who is thought to have little qualifications to become president.  Others complain that people are worshiping him rather than merely agreeing with his beliefs.
I take a different look on this picture and see a very promising beginning to 2009.  Remember that an economy is based totally on consumer confidence of what … (6 comments)

Podcast 10104 Inshore Drive, River Place, Austin, TX 78730 - 12/27/08 06:50 PM
 Here is a PODCAST of a maginificent custom home in River Place in Austin.  Details below.....

 Designed and built by Austin's premier ultra-high end custom home builder, Gary Cutsinger of KC Homes, this home has such fine details that the buyer with the most discriminating tastes will fall in love.  Views are absolutely beyond mesmerizing which overlook from the River Place golf course to the hill country for as far as the eyes can see.   This is country club living at its best.
 Prior to the buyer's relocation, plans were underway to expand both the kitchen, as well as add … (0 comments)

So is the other AGENT really licensed? - 12/21/08 02:10 PM
Ridiculous blog?? You will think differnetly after this.....
So we get an offer on our listing from another agent that we may know or not know.  We go through all of the process and go to closing....both parties get their checks and off we go.  But did you think about taking 15 seconds to check to see if the other agent was licensed or did you put you hands over your ears, eyes, or even worse, you mouth. 

I had heard and have worked with people that claimed to be brokers and were operating as such.  After being directly involved with an agent who forged his brother's real … (7 comments)

Remember you are GUILTY until proven INNOCENT; Like OJ - 12/21/08 01:32 PM
So are you really any different than OJ?
We have been sold that our American system is that we are innocent until proven guilty.  This is the case for our LEGAL COURT SYSTEM BUT NOT FOR OUR CIVIL COURT SYSTEM.  
              
So here you are along OJ.  You both are proved not guilty of any crimes or wrong doings, BUT, the plaintiff (the buyer or seller) decides to sue you anyhow.  How can they do that?  You were proved not guilty...or you may be actually innocent...if not completely innocent....just like OJ (OK bad example).
Here is the scary part about being in any business. IT … (4 comments)

...and the second agent GETS THE SELLER TO DROP THE PRICE.... - 12/20/08 10:26 PM
 So we have all been there either on the receiving end or on the losing end.  A SELLLER FIRES AN AGENT AND HIRES ANOTHER AND THEN REDUCES THE PRICE TO MAKE THE NEW AGENT THE HERO.
 So the question I have always wondered is that why does this happen.   

On a positve note I did take a listing that was previously on the market this year at $650k and took it over and the seller, who had not been willing to drop the price furhter with the previous agent, dropped it to $549k....yes, over a $100,000 drop and it sold … (6 comments)

GOAL SETTING: SHOOT for your competition. - 12/20/08 09:47 PM
 When I and my two partners got together to give this resale thing a shot, we knew that we had to shoot high in our goals as we all gave up substantial 6 figure incomes to get into this business.
Year One: We saw the business journal/s top 10 groups and said that this is where we have to be in order to make the money that we need to make for this business to make economic sense.  We ended the year at #7 in the city of Austin.  A good start, but we wanted more.
 

Year 2, 2004: … (4 comments)

Call your local Real Estate Radio show for more hits...???? - 12/20/08 09:10 PM
I have had the pleasure to co-host an Austin real estate radio show...but have learned that is almost as effective as merely calling in to a radio show.  I did a test awhile back to see if a new idea I had would work, and it did.

What I did was to call in the radio show to pitch a listing that I had.  Like a flyer I gave the host a bit of information but not all of the information that he asked and said that buyer can get that information by contacting me at TopKWGroup.com.  I wanted to … (1 comments)

I took a quarter page ad for one home in our city paper for 45 days...WHY? - 12/20/08 08:31 PM
 So perhaps you have heard me say before that I would never ever ever post an ad of an individual home in a city newspaper to try to sell the home versus a mere branding ad.  Well, this past week, I must admit that I lied and have put a massive 1/4 page ad each and every day for the next 45 days for one home.  Yes you heard (read) me right.....45 days for a quarter page ad for one house and the house is only in the $500's.....
WHY?????????
 

Sorry, I did not have a pic of the actual … (1 comments)

Steiner Ranch and River Place NOTICE: New Water Treatment Plant Starting in January - 12/20/08 08:10 PM
A must read for residences in Steiner Ranch, River Place, Westminster Glen, Long Canyon, and Glenlake 
Starting in January one of Austin Texas' largest water treatment plants will commence the massive construction for the next 4 years near the communities of Steiner Ranch and River Place in Austin Texas.  Though there are no decision that this plant will either serve Steiner Ranch or River Place....both communities need to keep a close eye on effects of what will happen in the coming years.
 Presentation of the water treatment center plant:
 http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/downloads/wtp4commissionbriefing101508.pdf
Website for the water treatment center plant:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/wtpfour.htm
LOCATION OF THE … (0 comments)

Steiner Ranch Austin: Inventory levels to normal, but why?? - 12/20/08 07:50 PM
Austin's premier master planned community voted multiple times as community of the year has been hammered for well over a year with excessive inventory creating substantial price reductions along with abnormally long selling periods.  This summer we were consistently seeing inventory at all time record highs in the 200's with no end in sight.....and then we see the credit crunch and then the credit implosion. 

Yet over the past 4 months we have seen a dramatica decline in inventory to down to the 130's....or a bit over 3% of the available homes.  This low inventory levels puts Steiner Ranch in a … (0 comments)

River Place Inventory hits 14 year low!! - 12/20/08 07:34 PM
Yes there is alot of negative news in the market place, but in a few communities in Austin, INVENTORIES are shockingly low.  River Place in Northwest Austin has only 33 homes on the market of 1014 homes.  Normally inventory runs from the low 50's this time of year to the high 70's in the summertime.  The peak inventory hit at 118 during 2003 which was the bottom of the market during the dot com crises.


I have been through 4 down markets and never have been in a situation where the demand was down at the same time the inventory … (0 comments)

So how does a 1% recuction make 10% or even 12%? - 12/20/08 07:07 PM
This Thursday, I closed a home at 5.5% and the buyer was ecstatic.  In the afternoon, I finalized a contract and the lender locked in the rate at 4.5%.  Pretty amazing drop over the past week.  So what does this mean???
 For years people haved shrugged off a percent drop here and there noting that one percent is not that big of a deal.  Now that interest rates have dropped so low, the one percent drop from 5.5% to 4.5% is a much larger drop in percentage than what we saw in the older days from much higher percentages down a … (4 comments)

What is that sticker on your back window??????? - 12/16/08 03:49 PM
We tend to forget the most simple items in marketing that produce massive amounts of TOUCHES.  One that has puzzled me for years is that most of us have put some window sticker on the back of car.....Our kids soccer team, football team, cheerleader, political hero....etc...  Moreover, when driving through your neighborhood and seeing a car far in front, you most likely remember the names of the kids that are on the back of the window seeing....much less the sport they are in.
Why is that?  It is the simple fact that you have been touched over and over and over to … (8 comments)

201 N. Crossing Trail, Round Rock, TX 78665 - 12/16/08 02:16 PM
 
CLICK ABOVE  on the picture for the complete virtual tour.  Podcast may be found on www.TopKWGroup.com .  What a great buy in Round Rock to find a home with a nice finish out within a price range like this.  Note that the snow on the back roof is not included.
Hard tile flooring, upgraded carpting, designer paint, automatic irrigation system and privacy window treatments enhance the warm and inviting feeling of this great home.  THe large fully fenced back yard provides a safe haven for both children and pets while the open and airy floor plan allows family members and gusts … (0 comments)

CHRISTMAS Has Been CANCELED! - 12/14/08 06:17 PM
So if you have been hiding in a closet, I hate to be the one to bring the news to you, but, here it goes: Christmas has been canceled.
(read slowly...)

So take down your Christmas tree...take down the lights on your home.  Thus no matter what your religious beliefs or non beliefs, take back the presents, the wrapping paper, cancel your company's Christmas party, cancel taking your kids to see Santa, cancel driving through the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights, cancel the Christmas concert, cancel the Christmas play with your kids, don't mail the Christmas cards, cancel your … (12 comments)

US Governement: Stay away from Capitalism - 12/14/08 04:59 PM
When our country was created, we used to be a country of united states so that each state would have their own powers to administrate themselves, with a national government to protect all of the states in case of war.  As time goes on, there has been a belief that we are now all merely under one country and not under a state within a country.  Thus, we have given our country the powers that were supposed to be either part of the local government, state, or private enterprise.
I am absolutely sick and tired of both parties throwing money at … (7 comments)

Steiner Ranch: Holiday at the Park - 12/14/08 04:35 PM
Holiday at the Park in Steiner Ranch in Austin Texas, which we co-sponsored, was a tremendous success yesterday.  There were about 600 people at the inaugural event at Jonn Simpson Park.  Luckily the weather was great...in the mid 60's which help drive the traffic.  Thanks to the lead sponsor Cups and Cones who did an outstanding job coordinating the event.

Next year there will be 4 "Concerts at the Park" in Steiner Ranch at park locations and times to be announced later.  Estimated months will be April, June, August and in December.  We anticipate the crowds in Spring and Summer … (0 comments)

Are your sales up in December??? - 12/14/08 04:21 PM
I was just wondering if others are experiencing a sudden surge in activity in December.  The first weekend of the month we had 7 offers on 5 homes (one had triple offers).  We will have 10 closings this month which is on par for a normal December, but why??? as this is not a normal time that we are in.
Perhaps this is a fluke as I do not see any justification for the sudden surge.  Our area market typically flows with the stock market so we have been in as wacky of a situation as is the stock market.  The … (0 comments)

Newspapers are for branding, not for sales - 12/14/08 04:06 PM
Paper does not sell homes.....
Sellers....agents..... STOP waisting your monies on any paper advertising.  It does not work.  Newspapers, magazines, postcards, UNLESS you want branding.  We do use paper advertising, but sole for branding.  With 62 listings in a grocery store type real estate book, one would expect a call or two.  In 5 years, I have had one call.   With over 700 sales in that time at $500k average, you would say why do you do it?  Branding.  It is all about "look what i can do".  The higher end publications (which we are in) are at least 2 … (7 comments)

Steiner Ranch, a neighborhood between two lakes, AUSTIN, Tx - 12/14/08 03:50 PM
Steiner Ranch Austin Texas: The communty between 2 lakes.....
Northwest Austin - Steiner Ranch
 
… (0 comments)

Why are you worried about a down market? - 12/14/08 03:48 PM
So why are you worried about the market worsening in the coming year?  Really why?

According to the book SHIFT by Gary Keller, there is a direct correlation between the number of commissions available on the market to the number of agents in the market. Note the graph on the cover of the book.


This is the 4th down cycle I have been through, and each time, there is the opportunity to gain more market share during a down market than there is during an up market.  Of course, I did not learn this during the first down market … (4 comments)

Forecasts of the past...How wrong was I? - 12/14/08 03:18 PM
Looking back at journal entries or blogs in the past can be fun.  This is a blog that I posted two years ago.  Obviously I had no idea of how bad our financial market was at the time...but it is still interesting to see predictions and see actual results.  I was blasted for writing this back then....now I am sure that I will be blasted for a few inaccuracies.....
California 2009 the bottom is coming.......
I have mentioned for the last couple of years that the market in the major cities in California of San Diego, LA, San Francisco and San … (0 comments)

More spending, buy abroad! - 12/06/08 07:15 PM

With spending going completely out of control for several presidencies and mushrooming in the past year, we will now see spending going to areas where we can not comprehend.  Obviously the dollar will end up losing any strength for, at least, the next 4 years.  So weather or not the spending programs have an effect, the dollar will falter. 
Many of my clients are now looking to buy abroad in areas where the dollar still has some strength, such as Mexico, Costa Rica and countries in South America.  It is interesting how capitalism can find a positive when there is … (1 comments)

Sell you vendors....???? - 12/06/08 04:44 PM
See your vendors?????????

Most of us have a list of contact for our customers in case they need a painter, carpenter, housekeeper, inspector.....etc, BUT, do you actively promote this on your website?  If not why?  Homeowners want referrals on people that can help them with their home.  You have a source, so why keep it from them; or said in another way, why not have the source at their finger tips.
Start a small 3 month marketing campaign to get the word out....either by ad, by postcard, or by emailing your database.  Note that you are constantly updating your vendor … (8 comments)

Don't FARM, GIVE BACK - 12/06/08 04:22 PM
FARMING???????

Change your thoughts on your concept of FARMING a community.  We know that postcards and postcards are or have become cost ineffective.  We have sense been focusing on internet activities to reach our sphere or farm.  Bear in mind, that is all great, but we need to b careful that we are not giving up the farm for the internet as the majority of our business comes from our personal contact, not our non-personal contacts.  So what do we do without paying an arm and a leg.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Look at all your neighborhood activities and see what is … (6 comments)

A BLIND MAN is outselling you! WHY? - 12/06/08 03:28 PM
Here is a tad too long blog about a man that changed my life....a blind man.....a Realtor....a broker.... who most likely is out performing any agent reading this.  I believe the length of the post will be worth your while.
This Post is an older post was FEATURED by AR from a link from this Saturdays, January 24th, 2010 post:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/1452137/a-negotiations-book-by-a-blind-real-estate-broker-that-will-change-your-life-
 READ THE ABOVE LINKED POST as his message & his  book that he wrote WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!! 
 M Y   I N S P I R A T I O N,
Joseph Klatt, Klatt Realty, www.klattrealty.com

After reading, CLICK ABOVE to … (96 comments)

Top 10 Google rank? PODCAST - 12/06/08 01:16 PM
 P O D C A S T I N G :   I T   W O R K S
Here is an excerpt from MLBROADAST.com where owner Michael Price (AR MEMBER) tells why I know that Podcasting is the most effective means of getting top GOOGLE rankings. for very little cost...with AR as a second avenue.
Featured Client - The Bartlett Real Estate Group, Austin, Texas
The Bartlett Real Estate Groupin Austin Texas is one of Keller Williams top producing teams in the world. Back in 2006 we met with the owners while they were undergoing an evaluation of new marketing tools. The Bartlett Group … (6 comments)

Northwest Austin, Texas: WHY? - 12/06/08 12:53 PM
N o r t h w e s t     A u s t i n :   W H Y ?

In the scenic Texas Hill Country of Northwest Austin you'll find such exclusive communities as Steiner Ranch and River Place. Neighborhoods like Westminster Glen Estates and Long Canyon feature homes on lots of at least one acre in size. There are country clubs and recreational activities available to suit every taste, and many of the neighborhoods in Northwest Austin are only 15 - 20 minutes from downtown. The city of Cedar Park is also located in this area, as is the city of … (0 comments)

Twin Creeks in Cedar Park/Austin- The VIRTUAL TOUR - 12/06/08 12:44 PM
                                      T W I N   C R E E K S   C E D A R   P A R K   T E X A S                                 
    
CLICK ABOVE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR!!
 Nestled among rambling creeks, oak trees, hills and canyons in the Texas Hill Country, Twin Creeks offers its residents a peaceful landscape a short distance from the dynamic city of Austin, Texas.
Rich in vibrant colors and natural beauty, the neighborhood combines the best country club amenities with timeless country living. An historic landmark building dating back to 1859 still stands on Twin Creeks' grounds as a reminder of … (0 comments)

Steiner Ranch Austin Texas-A VIRTUAL TOUR - 12/06/08 12:20 PM
S T E I N E R   R A N C H    T H E   L A N D   B E T W E E N   2   L A K E S
Austin's Steiner Ranch is a breathtakingly beautiful community located near Lake Travis and Lake Austin. You're just minutes from downtown, 10 golf courses, eight boat launches, 19 marinas, 15 public parks, Lakeline Mall and the Arboretum. The University of Texas Golf Club sprawls over 275 acres of Steiner Ranch. Additionally, there is a new HEB shopping center less than 5 minutes away.
                                                                            CLICK BELOW FOR VIRTUAL
        
… (0 comments)

River Place on Lake Austin-a VIRTUAL TOUR - 12/06/08 12:09 PM
 
W E L C O M E   T O   R I V E R   P L A C E   O N   L A K E   A U S T I N

Click for Virtual Tour of RIVER PLACE
Austin's River Place is a combination of a country club community and a waterfront community. It is located along Lake Austin, about a 20 minute drive from downtown.Amenities for River Place residents include:
Waterfront access for light weight watercraft at the park (canoes, kayaks, etc...)Recognized Leander school district Rare acreage waterfront homes Rare preserve home sites nestled along the hills … (0 comments)

Are you joining the recession? - 12/06/08 11:47 AM
As proven in history, many dictatorships have used propaganda as a means to get people to believe what they think is the truth, because they are hearing it over and over and over.  The same can happen in a democracy....but by the media and spread by friends and business associates. This can at times be very helpful, and other times be very harmful.  Do you want to join as a member of the recession or would you like to decide not to take part of it.  It is really your choice.... 2009 depend on your decision.
As we tell little children, … (6 comments)

 
Tim_moncrief-white_cropped_small Rainmaker_large

TIM MONCRIEF #1 KW Group '07-'12;AUSTIN;nwmc

Austin, TX

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty/Bartlett Real Estate Group

Address: River Place, Steiner Ranch, Austin, TX, 78730

Office Phone: (512) 418-1435

Cell Phone: (512) 576-7344

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