The Ohio Real Estate Blog

Can The Virtual BarCamp Be Social?

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:41:10 -0600

The inaugural Virtual Real Estate Barcamp will take place on Tuesday and it is already receiving a lot of very exciting posts from those in the social media circles.

I'm not one of them.

Don't get me wrong I adore the Barcamp concept - after all I was part of the committee that brought a Barcamp to the Buckeye State and have already signed on to do the same in 2010. I drove to Indianapolis earlier this month to take part in their great event and am excited to take part in the REBCNY that "opens" Inman in January.

But, I've also sat through numerous "chat" sessions as I watched Barcamps being staged across the country thanks to the folks at Dakno. Bobby and Brad Carroll have done a marvelous job with getting these events out to the masses - and I give them as much credit with the cultish growth of the event as the wonderful folks that make it happen in every city. They are carrying the idea to the masses over the Internet and spawning ideas from coast-to-coast about bringing these to "my city" with each airing.

So I'm becoming a big to a Barcamp Ho.

But, yet, I find myself very disinterested in the entire concept of the Virtual Real Estate Barcamp. To steal a line from the famous Sarah Cooper, "Barcamp is the one place where looking at your phone and acting like a geek - isn't treated like a geek."

While setting up and hosting Real Estate Barcamp Ohio, I've made some connections that have led to referrals and become great connections for my real estate career. On top of that, I've had great conversations that were never expected. How could I explain having lunch with Ryan Crozier in the quaintest little Spanish restaurant in suburban Indianapolis explaining how I've closed 60% of my business this year from the Web. It was a conversation that was started because of a twitter comment in a session I was leading and grew from there.

The "biggest" part of barcamp - to me - is the social interaction that we gain from learning about the future of our industry from those that are doing the work - not selling it. It is about the time spent in the lobby learning that little trick that you didn't know about that makes your Web site pop and get an increase in traffic or response rates.

So don't mind me if I miss the social part of this social media experience.

Photograph by Andrew de la Muerta and used with permission.

Send Me Some Naughty Pictures (Phishing Scam?)

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:15:02 -0600

There seems to be a new cell phone phishing scam making its way around the real estate circles thanks to an agent in the greater San Diego area.

There have been four people that have reported receiving the exact same text that asks for naughty pictures to be sent via text as he's going to be working late in the office.

So far, there isn't anything to say whether we are dealing with a pervert or a malicious scammer. But just err on the side of caution and don't respond to the text messages.

If you have had contact from him, I'd suggest heading over to Sarah Cooper's facebook page so that an accurate tally of how many people were affected can be compiled.

good luck and "happy" texting!

Send Your Blog Posts to the Carnivval

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 09:15:45 -0500

The blog formerly known as Sadie's Take on Delaware will be hosting this week's Real Estate Carnival.

If you've never entered a carnival this is a great way to get some outside link love for your blog, nominate your favorite post that was written this week and you'll have a chance to be featured on the Web site and shared around the world.

As of this writing I have 15 nominated posts and the judging begins tonight and the winner's will be announced tommorow on Twitter (I'm @realtortoby) and later on my blog and the Carnival's official blog.

Submit your best blog post of the week here

It's Hard Enough to Manage Your Online Brand, Don't Make it Harder

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:30:05 -0500

As we were winding down Real Estate Barcamp Ohio 2009, one of the topics was on building your online brand. And since the organizer (me) failed to have a moderator lead it, I ended up being the discussion moderator.

Amazingly, a great online brand marketing moment had just occurred a few minutes before ... and I missed the chance to share it with my people.

We had two classes running concurrently. One was an agent that had stressed to the planning committee - how do I get referral business out of this event? The other stressed to us that he understood the situation was a non-selling event and that he wasn't pitching anything.

Which one do you think created the unique marketing opportunity? Both.

The agent that wanted referrals put together what was described later as "The best presentation ... ever!" and I know that he got at least one agent asking for his business card because "I have family in ..."

The other agent's moderated session came across as a sales pitch and he received a lot of flack in the room and on the Internet. Was it intentional? No, I'm sure it wasn't. However, his online brand took a major hit because the perception of the hundreds that were in the room and watching live on Dakno.tv.com saw them violating a "cardinal" rule of Barcamp Ohio. Will they use this company in the future? Maybe, but they've now got a strike against them before they even step to the plate.

How does that translate to your everyday real estate agent? People want to know more about your personality, not you personally. They don't want to know that you've got a hang-nail, but they do want to know that you care about your community and being part of it.

They want to find a consistent message - even if they don't know they do - about your services. If you are talking about how condos are a bad investment in one post and then offering a post on how great they are in another, the become "confused" about who you are. And when everyone knows 2,000 REALTORS®, or so it often seems, we can't afford any reason for them to say "no" to us.

You do not have to be a "brand stickler" and focus on your brand to the "nth" degree, but you need to be conscience of it and use it to enhance who you are - not to give them another reason to say "no".

Win a Free Night at REBCOHIO!! Sign-Up Today!

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:57:59 -0500

You've made the committment to attend Real Estate Barcamp Ohio 2009, but are still deciding whether you want to stay at the Hyatt on Capitol Square.

Well, we are planning on the party - err ... networking - to go long into the night on Wednesday for the Welcome Party and the whole show starts pretty early on Thursday morning.

So we'd suggest even those living on the outskirts to take advantage and get away for a night for the low cost of $99 per person ... pile four in the room for only $32.25 each!

We are so excited about the Hyatt on Capitol Square that we are giving away a free night! Let me repeat that, a FREE NIGHT!

Just be registered to stay at the hotel, using the easy online reservation form, by August 5 and you'll be entered into a drawing that will have one night of your stay covered for free!

You don't have to pay for the room when you reserve, just get your name on the books at the Hyatt and we'll get the sheets turned down for you!

Real Estate Barcamp Coming to the Buckeye State!

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:51:03 -0500

Have you been watching the Real Estate Barcamps on Dakno and wondering when one would be coming to the Great Lakes.

Well if you missed Chicago's event, then you need to come to Columbus, Ohio on August 19-20 for the infamous Real Estate Barcamp Ohio 2009!

The free event will be held only steps away from the State House Rotunda at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in downtown Columbus.

The event will begin on August 19 with registration running from 4:45 - 5:45, the Photowalk from 6-7:30 p.m. and the Welcome Networking event from 7-10 p.m.

On August 20, registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and runtil until 9:30 a.m. The welcome will be from 9-9:30 and the Barcamp will run from 10 - 5:30 and will be followed by the infamous Beer N Bloggers event at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt on Capitol Square's infamous Darby Patio.

RSVP today! for your chance to get a T-shirt and be elgible for a free door prize!

Twitter While We Work, Or Not

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:16:16 -0600

A freind-of-a-friend sent me a CMA request on New Year's Eve.

Unfortunately, it was in Fort Myers, Florida. Well, short of hopping on a plane and enjoying the warm weather, I'm going to be referring this one out. I immediately head to Twitter and post

"Real Estate agent in Fort Myers? Contact me via DM"

And I chilled for a bit. Went had the morning coffee, worked a bit and soon realized ... that I had to check on those direct messages.

Hmm ... not a single one. Logged on to Active Rain, and found the amazing Chris Elizabeth Griffith (@Twitterzilla) and worked out a potential referral with an agent from her office.

What happened on Twitter? This was my first attempt to do "blatant" business ... and it was a classic "fail whale".

I have a friend that is claiming to be getting six-to-eight leads a month off Twitter. He's not sharing names and closings, and I'm not buying it.

Are you getting business from Twitter?

Follow me on Twitter if you are really bored.

Would You Recommend Your Company Without a Doubt?

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 00:51:54 -0600

“Would you recommend your company as a great place to work?” the LinkedIn poll recently asked me.

I quickly answered “yes without a doubt” thinking it would be split pretty evenly amongst the results. However, with 23,268 responses the results were a runaway. Seventy percent responded “yes without a doubt” while only 15 percent answered either “no probably not” or “no definitely not”.

The question to you is: How would you have answered that question?

The greatest thing about being in real estate for me is that I’m an independent contractor – I earn my keep every single day. Didn’t make my calls today? Well that’s my problem. I don’t care if Susie in accounting didn’t make her calls – actually in a sick-twisted way, I would prefer she keep it that way.

But one thing that always amazes me is how many people don’t like who they work for. Maybe it’s their nature or maybe it’s the market. A 99% commission split with $1 desk fee would sometimes feel like too much in this economy. But, there are others I know that are generally unhappy with their organization. Why? Reasons I’ll never understand.

I remember walking into my first broker’s office – even took my wife with me as moral support – to tell him I was joining Keller Williams. He didn’t even try to keep me, and basically wished me best-of-luck and we parted ways. It cost me about $70 to change my license with the Ohio Department of Commerce and to transfer within the Delaware County Board of REALTORS® but it was pretty painless.

So why are you working for a brokerage you don’t enjoy, don’t like, or worst of all doesn’t give you the support you need?

That my friend is for you to decide.

Photo by Luis Lopez and used with permission.

Central Ohio Home Sales Fall Sharply in November

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:41:21 -0600

Columbus and Central Ohio Multiple Listing Service announced its November 2008 numbers on Monday and they continued to slump.

The sold listings were off by more-than 26% while the average sales price was down by 16%.

Of all the numbers, one of the most interesting is that the days on market has fallen by 18% - or 21 days - compared to November last year.

Year-to-date, the numbers continue to be off our pace from 2007. However, they are not nearly as extreme as Novembers. Average sales price is down less than 5% while the number of sold listings is down by just over 13%.

Why the sharp drop in November?

Calm of the storm is one idea. We saw such a rapid adjustment to the market that the majority of buyer's may have been on the sideline in October and November - which doesn't bode well for the December numbers as well.
Another idea, is that the presidential election had a major impact. People were more interested in talking about politics and the fate of the United States presidential campaign than buying and selling real estate.

What does that mean for the future?

Well, in December I think the numbers will continue to be sharply off compared to 2007. But, the current interest rates appear to be creating an up-tick in the market. If, and a big if, buyer confidence begins to return then we could see a bounce back in the first quarter of 2009.

New Listing: 15947 Needles Road, Johnstown, Ohio

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:57:43 -0600

Welcome home to 15947 Needles Road in beautiful southeast Delaware County. This home is located about half-way between Sunbury and Johnstown about two miles south of State Route 37.

You'll be the first to live in this 2,493 square foot 3-bedroom and 2-1/2 bathroom cape cod. The home was built in 2005 and has a lot of upgrades! From the stainless steel dishwasher to the cabinets to the countertop and the beautiful deck.

Sitting on 1.999 acres this home has a well and private septic system and is forced air propane heat with central air conditioning. The two-car garage is side load with openers.

Just Be First

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:39:36 -0600

I had some cellular issues last week, calls were going straight to voice mail and I wasn’t getting notified that the call had been missed.

So it took me about 15-hours to return the call from a local gentleman that had been trying to sell some land on his own. He thanked me for calling him back and quickly apologized, he’d signed an agreement earlier that afternoon with another company.

Hating technology at that point, I thanked him for thinking of me and asked, “Who did you sign with?”

“Umm, I knew you were going to ask me that,” he replied. I could hear the paper rustling in the background as he dug for the listing agreement to grab the name of the listing agent.

I was sitting there politely chatting this gentleman, but all my personalities were yelling at once. “No way!”

All that went through my mind was a portion of a Gary Keller quote. “Just be first.”

All that I had to do was call this gentleman back. I had started marketing to him as a for sale by owner about a week or two before, however it wasn’t a great connection. Our conversations seemed strained, so I kept him on the mail list. Stay in the game, but not really expect much.

It worked perfectly, but I’d let it slip through my cell phone.

Okay, so that one got away. What did I learn from it?

Never underestimate the value of a verbal discussion.
Keep in touch
Don't become TOO reliant on technology
Keep your sense of humor and be strong.

Next time, I'll be first.

Image is property of Ralaenin and used with permission.

In 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue, How About You?

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:35:10 -0600

In 1492, the Spain had one of the world’s greatest competitive advantages ever.

For you see, they were the first to discover, thanks to Mr. Christopher Columbus, that the world was not flat. In fact that it was round and that they could settle these fine lands for their own resources.

Yet, within three hundred years, the English, Dutch, and French all had large settlements on this new land and the Spanish found themselves primarily in Central America. What happened to their competitive advantage?

Well a couple of things.

Word got out. You can’t keep good news quiet for long.
Money. Had Columbus discovered Antartica would the response have been the same? No, the booty wasn’t enough to justify the challenge.
Too Much To Control. Keeping the English and French out of the East Indies is one thing, but to protect and defend your claims across two continents isn’t practical or handily possible.

What does this history lesson have to do with today’s world?

The Americas are the World Wide Web, and each real agent, brokerage, and company is trying to create its own domination of this world.

When I joined Active Rain more than two years ago, there were a handful of people in Delaware County on the site – now its 81. Jump on Facebook and do a search you’ll be amazed to find how many agents there are on the site.

How do they make money from this service?

That’s a great question and to be honest, most don’t. Why not?

Focus. Do you talk about your dog? your kids? is that the focus of your blog? Teresa Boardman does an amazing job of staying on topic and it has paid of dividends for her. Do you?
Time. Recently I had an online rookie say "I want to make money off this spending a couple hours a week." He's since given up the "online focus" and gone back to his tried and true marketing efforts. Why? It takes time to build an online presence - both in work and months. Sarah Cooper is one that I love to read, she is everywhere on the Web -- why because she enjoys it!
Goals. That's right, many Web sites have the WRONG goal. What is the goal of your Web site? Is it to capture leads? Is it to SELL a house? Or is it to develop relationships with potential clients?

Good luck in this online world. It's getting smaller every day and that makes it even harder to defend your competitive advantage from the hundreds of other "online" agents.

Photograph by Svilen Mushkatov and used via permission of Stock.xchng

NEW LISTING: Rent, Lease, Buy This Piece of Country-Living in the City!

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:01:14 -0600

This beautiful piece of property will rent for $1250 per month or can be had on a lease-option.

New lsiting: 194 Overtrick

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:29:12 -0600

How to Twitter - Part One

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:24:46 -0500

Are you on Tiwtter? It is a great resource and Kim Wood did a great job with an intro post.

Via Kim Wood REALTOR(R), PA:

So I've been talking about it for a while, and with the new option of feeds from ActiveRain (mostly I'm *yay* for this) - I want to share the right way to use Twitter.

You've heard about it if you've been listening to the national and local TV stations, politicians, bloggers, radio, newspapers, etc.

Here is why I continue to use Twitter, almost daily:

Friendships & Connections

Up-to-the-minute news that is happening where all of my twitbuds (people I follow) live

Links shared to articles people have read and enjoy (I like it when these come from others vs. writer)

Great place to ask questions and receive answers (after you have followers)

Connection with Locals - and last but not least -

Business !! (Yes, business. Closed sales)

The hard part about Twitter is that it is really hard to understand until you use it. But it's also hard to know exactly what to do once you are there.

Here kicks off my How to Twitter series...

Let's get you started...... Go get yourself a user name. I started with @RealtorKimWood, but I felt that was too long after I started using Twitter for a while. Now I'm just @KimWood. (I have my reasons :)

You'll also see some other variations:

Realtor+Name= @RealtorToby
Real Estate Related=@RealEstateChick
Area Branding Related=@FresYes
Name+Area= @SandyPA
BrandName= @ActiveRich

Decide who you would like to be. You can change this later, but like most things, it is a whole lot easier if you think ahead then act.

Let's get to it!! Go to http://Twitter.com (You can click there -it will open in another window and you can still look at this if you need to).

Go ahead..... just do it now! It'll only take about 5 minutes to complete signing in.

We'll get you started in what to do after you have your user name in How to Twitter - Part Two. (If you are really anxious - go ahead and play around with your profile - add your picture, bio, etc.)

Questions are welcomed.......... I'll do my best to answer them all in a comment or in the series!

How to Twitter - Part Two Setting up your Profile

Standing Up and Being Heard

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:55:47 -0500

I've grown tired of hearing about how hard the world of real estate is -- yet they don't step up and take action.

I've grown tired of people complaining about those in Washington -- yet not voting.

I've grown tired of people complaining about NAR -- yet not being active in the organization.

NAR is just like any other organization in the world -- the only way it succeeds is through the continued guidance of its body. If the "head" becomes detached from the organization's heart it will eventually falter.

Stand-up and be heard if you are a member of NAR -- it is your duty to the organization.

Read my post on NAR's Young Professional Network.

Delaware County Realtors Giving Back

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:51:11 -0500

DELAWARE, Ohio - Delaware County Board of REALTORS® will take part in the regional REALTOR® Care Day on Thursday June 5 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Board members and affiliates will work throughout the day cleaning and taking care of Delaware's trails beginning downtown at the intersection of the trail and Henry Street.

The DCBR will be among 18 area real estate associations taking part in the fourth-annual REALTOR^® Care Day. The Day began with the Columbus Board of REALTORS^® and is a single-day to celebrate all that REALTORS® and affiliates give back to their communities throughout the remainder of the year.

For more information on the DCBR or REALTOR^® Care Day contact Toby Boyce, DCBR board liaison, at 740-990-9748 or toby@tobysellshomes.com.

New Listing: 945 N. Old State Road

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:14:52 -0500

Toby Boyce | Keller Williams The Realty Firm | 740-990-9748

945 North Old State Road, Delaware, OH

Live In The Woods For Only $1,226.02*

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $248,900

Year Built	1980
Sq Footage	1,722
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	2.24 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Stop dreaming of getting out to the country. This beautiful one-owner ranch is waiting for you!

New paint and carpet.

Spend all summer on the screened porch and enjoy the quiet country living.

More than two acres only steps from all the joys of Alum Creek. Mature trees on lot.

New owner has opportunity for natural gas.

* - Based upon 20% down on a 6.25% loan for 30 years. Only includes principle and interest.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Family room	Living room
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Toby Boyce

Keller Williams The Realty Firm

740-990-9748

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 7, 2008, 7:19am PDT

This beautiful one-owner ranch sits on 2.24 acres near Alum Creek in beautiful northeast Delaware County. Priced at $248,900, this home has new paint and carpet and is on a heavily wooded lot.

Cell Phone Review: Samsung FlipShot

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:04:34 -0500

There a lot of toys and gadgets that could be considered "necessities" by the real estate professional, but the cell phone would have to rank right at the top.

Recently, I was looking for a new phone to replace my ancient piece of equipment and two options emerged. Staying with an "upgraded" cell phone or move into the world of mobile PC.

The kind people at Verizon offered me the opportunity to test drive a couple of their phones for a few days and see what I thought. Thought I'd pass along the information I collected in case any fellow Rainers were also looking at moving into the direction of a new phone.

The first phone was the Samsung's FlipShot which includes a 3MB digital camera, bluetooth technology and more.

The phone's biggest "selling point" is its ability to take high-resolution photos. Personally, I didn't care for the camera. Now, I'm a former professional photographer and I love using my Nikon D70 for photographs. So I personally felt that the high-resolution camera was too constricting for my purposes. All zoom on the camera was digital, which you would expect from a camera of its size and weight, and I found that to be tough to use.

However, one feature that the FlipShot is VZ Navigator which for those that still refuse to purchase a GPS unit can be a life-saver. I found myself using the Navigator a lot more than the camera in this phone.

The flip-phone did have good accoustics for conversation. I had little trouble talking outside in windy situations, which has become a challenge for a lot of phones in today's market. However that talk comes with a bit more bulky phone than many of the other options on the market today.

Personally, I didn't go for the FlipShot but the 3MB digital camera could be a great selling point for someone that is looking for a convient way to eliminate one item from their busy real estate carry kit.

Playing The Crazy Real Estate Poker Game

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:46:48 -0500

I'm an idiot. How did I miss the word "film" in the rules? Oh well, this is still my post. Not going to be entered into the contest...because I'm an idiot :p

That was a crazy game of poker
(That was a crazy game of poker)
I lost it all
(I lost it all)
but someday I'll be back again
And I, never to fold.
(never to fold)

"That was a Crazy Game of Poker" has been a college anthem since its release by Of A Revolution (better known as O.A.R. by fans) but you know it could be an anthem for all real estate professionals.

In fact, I think it so much that it is one of the key points in my buyer and seller sessions. For you see, the real estate "game" (or transaction) is one big game of poker.

"You tell people that real estate is like a game of poker? Real estate is for real.

The concept is very simple, but the biggest thing it does is takes the emotion out of the "game". For example, anyone that's played poker has seen a competitor (of done it herself) up the ante with nothing in their hand. At the poker table its called a bluff, so why not diffuse the tension of a low-ball offer by viewing it as a bluff?

The potential buyer has looked at his cards and tossed out a low-ball offer in hopes of "stealing" a house, or pot.

As I sit down with my sellers at the listing presentation we talk about the process and how the "game" will play out. It is the "Real Estate Texas Hold 'em" Tournament for all the marbles.

The sellers put the ante on the table by setting the price as a factor of the properties location, quality, and desirability. As the agent, my goal is for the client to put the price at a point where the most qualified buyers will take a look at it. In today's market, I look what the comparables are selling for and reduce it by a factor depending on the location and condition. Usually this is about 3-5 percent. The idea is to create a buzz of a good home priced below market value.

That gets the buyers to beging anteing up and setting showings, each time I work on the buyer's reps and try to get a little bit of the game from them. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose -- but we always play the cards to the best of our ability.

That was a crazy game of poker
(That was a crazy game of poker)
I lost it all
(I lost it all)
but someday I'll be back again
And I, never to fold.
(never to fold)

Delaware Ohio REALTOR Forced to Leave His Home ...

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:03:59 -0500

Just found this in our local paper, scary times to be in real estate:

An unidentifed Delaware, Ohio REALTOR® was recently forced to sell his house and move because of a little known law that limits anyone associated with the real estate industry from living within 1,000 feet of a school or other place where children would gather.

"I don't want my children living near those people," said Itsa Joke. "They scare me."

And obviously, her sentiment was echoed by numerous city leaders. In a recent council session, the vice mayor asked "can we ban them from the city entirely?"

At that point the discussion became mute, as local REALTORS® put their houses up for sale, saying all along that it is a "great time to buy!"

One lone holdout resisted the city's orders, but he was relocated yesterday after city government delayed busting a drug house to take him down.

Sad day for liberty. But great day for practical joke.

New Listing: Your Own Personal Park in Danville, Ohio ($169,900)

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:36:47 -0500

Building a Referral Based Business? Or Not?

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:41:13 -0600

It was a great morning for me recently, I awoke to a referral request in New Jersey.

She is looking to sell an older mobile home, which I understand isn't the "best" referral agents can receive.

I make a handful of telephone calls, hook up with an agent and have a nice chat. He talks about what he can do for her and it seems a referral made in heaven.

Then it happens. He never calls back.

I thought maybe it was the three-day rule, so I wait. And wait. And wait. Called him back and voicemail. Still no call.

What the hell is going on here?

He knew the city, the product, and was still telling me that he was honored to take the lead.

So what happened that kept him from ever calling the client? Why didn't he tell me the truth? This is what has me hopping mad at this moment.

My reputation has been tarnished because this "non-agent" didn't follow through.

Did he have to take the listing? Of course not, but at least give my referral a listing appointment to see what you can do for her.

So what should you do when you are called about a referral?

1. Be honest. Don't work in the area, not interested in the property. Don't worry. Speak mind up front and help the agent identify a fellow agent in the area that can help us out.

2. Follow Through. Okay, so we hear all the time about how bad we are. So why wouldn't you respect another agent?

Photograph by Stephan Szpak-Fleet and used via license of Stock.xchng.

When was the last time you got lost?

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:44:16 -0600

It has been a busy couple of months for me. Grieving for dad, working full time in real estate, working nearly full-time at Best Buy and trying to keep a wife and dog happy along the way.

So, it has been hard enough to keep myself moving on my real estate blog, what alone taking a few minutes to get lost in the world around me.

This morning, I got lost in the blogosphere for a little while, and am okay with it.

So when was the last time you got lost?

I started in Phoenix with Jay Thompson and then to RERevealed and then to lots of other great blogs.

I learned about Jay's short-sale from hell and Lani's brothers unfortunate passing and lots of little real estate tid-bits.

And I'm a better blogger this afternoon because of my little journey this morning. Motivational writer/speaker Jeffrey Gitomer says that we need to build "think" and "read" times into our calendars -- and I've done that.

Here's to getting lost in the blogosphere.

Updated Historic Home in Delaware's Historic Northwest District

Toby Boyce, MBA, Delaware Ohio (Keller Williams Consultants Realty) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:30:21 -0600

291 North Washington Street in Delaware, Ohio is a beatiful historic home with a lot of great upgrades. Don't miss your chance to live in Delaware's Historic Northwest District in this 3-bedroom and 1-1/2 bathroom house for only $184,000.