Birth of a Blogsite - 02/28/07 09:00 PM
 
Here is the task list provided to us by the designer of our new BlogSite - which can be found at www.HavensAbuzz.com  The list is fairly short, but few words can take much time to complete!  We'll see how we do when we officially launch tomorrow, March 1, 2007.
 
 
Things To Do When Launching Your Real Estate Blog
1. Launch with no less than 5 fresh articles
2. List your site on Real Estate Top Sites
<http://www.blogtopsites.com/register> (provide the required code to your web developer after you join the directory)
Use Best of the Web Directories
<http://www.best-web-directories.com/directory-submission-tips.htm> to submit … (23 comments)

Why Keller Williams? - 02/27/07 10:38 PM

 
Having spent time with HomeSmart (a local franchise), then Century 21, RE/MAX and finally Keller Williams, I am frequently asked "Why Keller Williams?"
A little bit of history:
HomeSmart was my first stop after getting my license.  I liked their model, I liked their use of technology, and I liked their pricing for a solo agent!  I was still in Corporate America, which meant I was rarely in Arizona - only between airplanes for the weekend, so the office location being a 30 minute drive from home was irrelevant.
When Suzanne agreed to join me in the real estate business … (10 comments)

Howard Brinton Summit March 29th 2007 Phoenix Arizona - 02/27/07 05:25 PM
I wanted to highlight this excellent event to all Arizona Rainers before the EarlyBird price of $129 expires tomorrow.  Keller Williams agents - deduct another $20 for a price of $109.  Call Dan direct.  I'm not concerned about "credit" for tickets sold - Suzanne and I are already registered for the Summer conference.  Hope to see you there! 
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This from Dan Gamble at STAR POWER® Systems, Inc.  
Hello Tony,  
Greetings from Colorado!  It was good to talk to you today, thanks for your interest in our Summit.
Howard Brinton and 8 of his "STARS" are coming to Phoenix on March 29th for … (7 comments)

The Secrets of Success - 02/27/07 04:15 PM
Sharing the secrets of success with others is one of the many attractive features of our current franchise affiliation.
Today, Mike Mendoza, former #1 agent for Realty Executives, and currently the Rainmaker Team Leader for The Mendoza Team as well as a co-owner for the Keller Williams Northwest Region (Alaska, Idaho, Orgeon, Washington) took time out of his schedule to spend three hours with a group of about forty Rainmaker Team Leaders, Operating Principals, Market Center Team Leaders and Agents discussing how he did what he did and how he does what he does!
Here are some of Mike's suggestions for success for … (15 comments)

Full Circle - 02/26/07 08:21 PM
I originally found Active Rain as a result of Googling "EcoBroker" and finding an Active Rain profile as the number one organic result.
This led to me joining Active Rain AND pursuing the EcoBroker Certification.
Today things came full circle.
I received a referral as a result of the EcoBroker network.
Here are the emails - the first two from the referring broker, the third from the Seller!
"I'm a broker, also EcoBroker, on xxx near xxx, xx.  I have clients who own 77 acres about a mile west of xxxx who would like to sell.  They got tied up with a local … (41 comments)

Sun City Information - 02/26/07 11:38 AM
One phenomenon noticeable in the Phoenix metro area has been the significant challenges Sellers face when competing with a Builder who essentially offers more, for less.
Resales in built out areas continue to hold their value, while resales in areas that compete with Builders are finding that the market value based on past sold comps is "out the window".
The age restricted communities of Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand are no exception when it comes to competing with the brand new Sun City Festival.
A home in Sun City Grand that previous comps suggested could be sold … (4 comments)

Lead Follow-up is Critical! - 02/25/07 02:04 PM
Imagine letting weeks go by without calling a Buyer who you have shown numerous properties to, only to finally call them yesterday to be told that they had lost your number and had put down a deposit on new construction without you being there!
That actually happened to one of our Buyer Specialists yesterday.  Fortunately for him the Buyer told the Builder that the contract was conditional on them honoring his Buyer Broker agreement with our Buyer Specialist, and the Builder agreed.
I've never seen anyone move so quickly as this Buyer Specialist did today to hot foot it over to the Builder … (20 comments)

Focus on Localism is growing! - 02/25/07 01:55 PM
The focus on Localism is growing!  I'm seeing more and more people who were previously uninvolved start to participate, and the trend and pace is increasing!
That bodes well for the upcoming launch of this consumer oriented site.  Without this content, consumers may come, but they won't "stick" around if there isn't any useful information.
Thanks to all the fellow members of Active Rain who are making a difference on Localism.com!
… (5 comments)

Take the plunge - 02/25/07 01:27 PM
A few days ago I posted about HelloWorld and VMDirect as something we were considering using in our business.  I can think of a myriad of applications for the product itself, so we duly took the plunge on Wednesday and signed up as an Affiliate - which includes a significant amount of video time per month for VideoMails, Live Broadcasts, etc.
As I gain experience with the product and integrate it into our business I'll continue to post updates - so have created a HelloWorld/VM Direct User Group. 
I'll be searching Active Rain for current users of HW/VMD and inviting them … (3 comments)

Budgeting Time for Blogging - 02/24/07 08:37 PM
Well - it took about two hours to put together the 2 part series I posted on Prime Time for the blogging "contest".  That, of course, coincided with Active Rain being down for a while, so I had to resort to fine tuning everything in MS Word.  Once AR was up and running about another 30 minutes for text, link fine tuning so they would open in new windows, and uploading the images.  We'll see what you all think of the result!  I hope it proves useful!
How to get where you are going! Part 1 of 2
How to get where … (4 comments)

How to get where you are going! Part 2 of 2 - 02/24/07 08:33 PM
 

Haven Express at Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners

Strategic Plan - Part 2
(Click here to go to The Marriott Group Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners Strategic Plan - Part 1) 
 
 STRENGTHS
Highly qualified and committed agents and staff
Affiliation with the fastest growing franchise in North America
Early adoption of leading edge technologies that improve the efficiency of our business while maintaining the same or higher level of customer service and quality transaction experience
Training - both franchise and team provided
Integrity and culture - of both franchise and team members
Ability to educate the consumer about the … (14 comments)

How to get where you are going! Part 1 of 2 - 02/24/07 08:32 PM
 
Haven Express at Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners

Strategic Plan - Part 1
  
The importance of having a well thought out Strategic Plan for your business cannot be overstated.  It documents the destination you are striving for, and without knowing "where you want to go" it's impossible to draw a map get there!

This two part blog post documents our Strategic Plan, with links to a glossary of terms as well as other blog posts worth reviewing on the topic.
I hope all of you reading these posts will find something, if only one thing, that sparks a … (29 comments)

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN STRATEGIC PLANNING - 02/24/07 05:11 PM
http://activerain.com/blogsview/49321/How-to-get-where
ASSUMPTIONS are defined as statements of probable developments that cannot be predicted with accuracy, over which you may have limited control, but which may have a major impact on your ability to reach your objective.  The assumptions are essentially a definition of the environment in which you operate.  When the assumptions change, that change must be considered and integrated into the overall Strategic Plan.
CRITICAL ISSUES are issues which MUST be addressed in order to achieve Long Term Objectives and Short Term Goals.  They are hurdles that must be overcome to achieve success.
KEY DECISIONS are strategic statements defining how Critical Issues will … (4 comments)

Networking In The Rain - 02/23/07 05:56 PM
Yesterday Suzanne and I attended a Mastermind group of Brokers and Owners meeting in Las Vegas.  Some of them had heard of blogging - a few had heard of Active Rain.  None of them were using it!  They will be now after what I had to show them in terms of traffic stats from Alexa, comparing it to KW.com, etc.
We also took the time to connect with two fellow Rainers - John Novak and Renee Burrows.  I had met John before - a couple of weeks ago at a different event - however - Suzanne and I had not met … (6 comments)

Fair Housing - Beware of Testers! - 02/22/07 07:09 PM
REALTOR Beware!  This is an actual recent email dialogue between someone contacting me to list their home, my response, and theirs. 
I received a call from them, secured their email address, and sent them a Market Snapshot from Top Producer, to be followed by a detailed CMA that evening.
I then received the following email:
Fom The Seller
"Thank you for the report. I received your phone message this evening. I will call you on Thursday to get more information from you. Thank you for your prompt response. I would also be interested in knowing the specific ways you would plan to market our … (81 comments)

In search of the ultimate online calendar - 02/19/07 10:29 AM
Still mining for information, I have come across three candidates for further review:
http://www.keepandshare.com/
"Easy-to-use Group Sharing:
Instant group web site: never lose files in email again Password-protected sharing: you control who sees what All group members can create & edit content Streamline your group & organize and protect your information today! No software to install"
http://www.weboffice.com/
"The Online Calendar For Your Entire Business
The Online Calendar gives you the power to revolutionize the way everyone in your organization works. Securely and easily organize meetings and events, schedule appointments, manage deadlines, and more - all right from your desktop. Everyone stays connected and informed. It's like having … (7 comments)

Online Calendar - 02/19/07 03:16 AM
I was talking with Brian Brady earlier today and the topic of "online calendars" came up.  I've taken a look at the Google Calendar and the offering from AmericanGreetings.com but neither of them seem to do what I'm really looking for.
I'm in search of a web-based product - so that it can be accessed from any internet connected device - that allows specified individuals to access it - and to have specific privileges - some can view only, some can schedule appointments for me, etc.
Is anyone out there in the rain that has found an ideal solution?  Any and all suggestions … (6 comments)

Hello World! - 02/19/07 03:07 AM
Last week one of the highlights of my trip to the Keller Williams Family Reunion was a presentation of HelloWorld and VM Direct.
JC Melvin spent about an hour presenting and discussing both the end user product and the business opportunity with Suzanne and me.  Very impressive!  We plan to move forward with this - and JC has agreed to present to a multi-state mastermind group next Thursday in Las Vegas.
Anyone out there have any thoughts, comments or experiences with HelloWorld and/or VM Direct they care to share?
… (4 comments)

The Value of Networking - 02/17/07 08:07 PM
This month has been a whirlwind of trips to Las Vegas and California.  With just one more to go next week, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on the value of networking.
One fellow Keller Williams agent I met last week tracks everything he does with networking - and every 30 contacts - agents he actually speaks with in person - if only for a couple of minutes - results in a referral.  This has remained fairly constant for the past several years he says.
If you spend 2 hours per day at a 3 day event, and speak to 10 … (12 comments)

Top Producer Market Snapshot - 02/17/07 06:52 PM
Knowing how sensitive the consumer is to the timeliness of a response to an enquiry, Top Producer has now further enhanced the new Market Snapshot feature to allow you to create code for a customized form and integrate that code into your own website(s) so that the feature is "hands free".
The consumer submits the request by filling in the fields, and receives an instant response on their browser that states
"Dear ........,
Your report is on its way!
Thank you for your request. I am right now accessing the local real estate database and in less than 30 minutes I … (7 comments)

It's about time..... - 02/16/07 10:58 PM
I'm a sort of "live and let live" individual.  If it's not illegal and it's not harming me, I really don't care that much what others choose to do. 
I do anticipate that in a forum composed supposedly of professional adults, that the "norm" is going to be responsible, professional, behavior.  It's a shame, in a way, that Jonathan Washburn was compelled to write
ActiveRain Community Guidelines
to reinforce what should be obvious to any responsible, professional, adult.
Yeah, we're always going to have the cliques who shun those who aren't "in with the in crowd" and focus on public displays of … (32 comments)

Keller Williams Family Reunion 2007 - Audio Recordings - 02/15/07 10:56 AM
Here is information from the Audio Workshop Order Form.
Fresh Audio Video
1-800-687-6077
www.freshpublishing.com
To purchase every available CD the price is $795.
They are $14.95 each.
I'm not sure if the list will be published on their website - if not - let me know and I will scan the order form and upload it when I'm back in the office next week.
To all of you who couldn't join us - I hope to see you next year at Keller Williams Family Reunion 2008 in Atlanta Georgia!
… (1 comments)

Keller Williams Family Reunion 2007 - 02/15/07 10:30 AM
Today Suzanne and I head out from Keller Williams Family Reunion 2007 in Las Vegas.  That's the annual convention.  More details will follow next week when we are back at home base, but here are the answers to the most common questions people ask us about events we have attended.
Was it worth attending?  Absolutely - we will make this a fixture on our calendar.
Why was it worth attending?  The networking we accomplished, spreading the word about blogging and Active Rain, and meeting new referral partners are just the tip of the iceberg.
Would you go again next year? Absolutely - we will … (3 comments)

Market Picking Up in our Neighborhood - How about yours? - 02/05/07 02:29 PM
Every month I receive a survey from the folks at Bank of America Securities, and as a reward for participating receive a copy of the results.
The results just in - which you can view on Jay Thompson's blog confirm what I have seen - business is definitely on the rise in the Phoenix Real Estate market. 
How does your perception of your market activity compare with the report?
The Twenty Major Markets:
Atlanta, Georgia
Austin , Texas
Charlotte, North Carolina
Chicago, Illinois
Dallas, Texas
Denver, Colorado
Fort Myers, Florida
Houston, Texas
Jacksonville, Florida
Las Vegas, Nevada
Los Angeles, California
Miami, … (18 comments)

The Clouds Will Rain Success On You - 02/05/07 09:36 AM

When I was in Las Vegas last week for the CRS Sellabration event I had a chance to have dinner with fellow Rainers John Novak and Rich Pieropan at PF Changs in the Aladdin Casino & Resort.
During the course of the meal I related my Active Rain story about the connection made on the drive up to Las Vegas.
At the end of the meal we were presented with four fortune cookies.  John took one, Rich took two and yours truly was left with the one above!  Did I see Matt Heaton seeding the fortune cookies in the kitchen?!
… (8 comments)

 
Re_-_photo_-_arm-slm_-_motophoto_001 Rainmaker_large

Tony Marriott, Associate Broker, REALTOR®

Scottsdale, AZ

More about me…

Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Address: 9500 East Ironwood Square Drive, Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ, 85258

Office Phone: Click Here

Email Me

Phoenix Arizona Real Estate Blog, presented by Tony Marriott of Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty. Market analysis and insightful commentary on the real estate market in Maricopa County Arizona.


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