Spokane Real Estate Blogs

Social Media Magnets Check it out

2012-02-09T20:06:31Z

Social Magnets is my new blog that I launched today about the tools, strategies, and people of Social Media. It is a place you can get everything from the basics to advances strategies for Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Linked In, and many others. Social media is growing larger and larger and staying on top of it can be difficult. Since I have been applying social media strategies to real estate for a long time I decided to create a site for social media in general.

Please check it out and comment on my articles. There will be many more added over the next week as well. Enjoy.... And Go AR!

Here is the link: SocialMagnets.net

Thanks for showing your support.

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Home Buyer Tips - How to Buy a House

2012-02-02T00:03:14Z

I recently wrote an article: How to Buy a House - 5 Must Know Tips where I describe some foundational issues that all home buyers face when getting started in their home search. Sometimes people feel the need to jump in and figure things out later when they get serious. This is almost always a disaster yet this is the default road home buyers tend to take.

A real estate agent usually gets involved once they call on a few ads. This is really the best thing that can happen to the home buyer because they then at least ahve a chance to get on the right track. As a real estate professional I can tell you that there is a right way and a wrong way to buy a house. After more than a decade of watching people be both successful and unsucessful I can say that getting educated is probably one of the largest keys to buying a home.

So nothing fancy here, we are talking about one of the most major purchases you are going to make in your life. Instead of jumping in and making mistakes, why not learn how to buy a house from a professional that does it for a living year after year. Remember, you have nothing to lose but your time, money and mind. :]

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Social Ghosts - Catching the Eye of Bog Companies

2012-01-10T18:41:25Z

Hello Everyone,

I was given the opportunity to be a guest author on a well syndicated blog on social media and marketing. This is my first guest blog post. Please check it out and comment. Thanks to all of my fellow Activerain bloggers..

Here is the link:

http://osakabentures.com/2012/01/social-ghosts-catching-the-eye-of-big-companies/

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well

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The Prodigal Son Returns...

2011-12-28T02:21:39Z

Hello Everyone,

Well if some of you have wondered where I have been, alot has gone on over the last year. My life was turned upside down in many ways, but I am still here, praise God!!!

I have come back and I am better than ever. I know I had started by bringing you blogs on marketing and technology and how to develop your real estate business. These are all things I love. I went through a very dark time this year and now as I pop out the other side I have made some life direction changes.

Here are a few of them:

1. I am working on some books - Self Help, Business, Innovation, and Social Media. My goal is to have my first one finished and work on getting it published in 2012.. Best seller world here I come.

2. I am working in Tech Start-ups. One of my real passions is innovation and the tech world is so ripe.. I am working on many things one of which is a social media site that I hope can topple Facebook.

3. Social Media - My first book may be on Social Media and I have reinvigorated my research of new technologies.

4. Mentoring - I have some crazy stuff in store for Real Estate, and am finally getting my stuff together that I ahve worked for years building. Since I have kept many things to myself though I share a lot, I am going to mentor people in Real Estate because it is a small part of my focus on a local level.

5. Networking - I am in need and search of the top minds and people who I can collaborate with on projects and who can help me further my projects. My goal is to network with top notch people because my talents have been wasted thus far.

So expect me to be much more active as I am putting everything together. I think the big thing is I was holding back in so many areas of my life and I feel I am now at a place in my life where I need to do the things I am passionate about... Life is short (My wife and son both almost died this year and our family was sent in a tailspin).

Shalom!

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Drive - by Daniel Pink - Business Book Review

2011-03-27T13:07:14Z

Hello Everyone,

I just finished Drive by Daniel Pink. I liked this book, if had some good information. It did seem to get a little muffled in the middle. Many times I find that the summary of the book at the end is more powerful than 90% of the text. That being said. The core of this book is about challenging the way we think about motivation in the business setting.

They compare extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation and explain what environments or task are better suited for each strategy. The one method fits all method of motivation not only doesn't work, but may actually lead to less production in certain tasks. The basic concept is that all things being the same, being self driven and motivated is still the premium choice. I would have liked if they had gone into more detail on how to encourage self motivation and how to develop it in ourselves and others instead of just pointing to the need of it.

Take Aways - Mindset is important (this didn't come directly from the book, but this was the feeling I got after seeing how important intrinsic motivation really was). Getting people to be on board with something is more effective than a carrot and stick approach. People will work harder for something they care about than something they are just getting paid to do.

Overall I gave this book 7 out of 10 stars. Worth the read, but needed some more material on how to activate our own drive and cultivate the intrinsic drive in others.

You can download the book free with a free trial of Audible which is what I use by clickingthe link below:

Try Audible Now and Get A FREE Audiobook!

You can buy the book and read sample pages from it here

You can see my top rated books and the reviews here.

Remember Work Smart and Live Well!

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What Can the Superbowl Teach Us About Real Estate?

2011-02-06T14:56:25Z

Spokane WA Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana

Hello Everyone,

Well it is that time today, paint the face.. Build the nachos, and grab a cold beer... It's the Superbowl! In the midst of yelling at referees and cheering d-fense, there may be a good real estate lesson for us to learn from the Superbowl.

Everyone gets excited about the Superbowl even if they don't care about football. Most people don't watch the games throughout the season, but everyone focuses on the Superbowl. I see this same pattern in real estate.

There are thousands of Realtors that start the year like all of the NFL teams with hopes of having a great year, but the fact is only a handfull will do what it takes to make it to the Superbowl. Most people focus on the paycheck and the clients that are ready to transact, but very few Realtors focus on the games or critical wins along the way that make the Superbowl possible. What I mean by this is that many Realtors want a paycheck and the sale, but very few I have met really have a schedule and plan for success to get to cashing those paychecks. Without the consistent wins in regular season when no one cares, you will never make it to the Superbowl which for us is a paycheck.

You don't just get to the Superbowl, and you don't just get sales and listings. The real game of real estate is played every day in your daily habits and small wins along the way. Get a game plan, make a schedule for your business. Practice scripts and presentations and track your record of how many new clients you win. Every lead is like a play. Each prospect is going to seek to stop you and just because you win a play doesn't mean you move forward to a score with that client. It takes one good play after another to advance the lead.

Realize how much it took for each team to get the Superbowl and the year of hard work they put in and treat your business the same way. Make a plan, fight for every inch in your business and you will win clients and those will add up to sales. If you have enough sales in the year you may win it all. Go out an make your business more predictable this year by having a plan, practicing, and moving forward inch by inch with one ultimate goal in mind..... to Win the Superbowl.

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well!

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The Corporation a film by Mark Achbar Jennifer Abbott and Joel Bakan Review

2011-01-28T17:21:06Z

Hello Everyone,

I just finished watching this film and it was excellent! I rated it 9 out of 10 stars - This film explains the history, intended scope, and misuse and social and political abuse of corporations in our modern society. Very eye opening and well made. A must watch for everyone if nothing else, just to raise awareness. I highly recommend this movie.

Here is the trailer:

Here is a link to buy the Corporation DVD and see other of my favorite movies and reviews.

Here is a link to buy the book The Corporation

Here is a link to the The Corporation - Movie Official Website

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The Winners Brain by Jeff Brown, Mark Fenske, and Liz Neporent - TQ Book Review

2011-01-13T16:24:08Z

Hello Everyone,

So I just finished the Winners Brain by Jeff Brown, Mark Fenske, and Liz Neporent. Overall a decent book. The concept is how Neuroscience breakthroughs can be used to understand the brain of successful people and produce a formula for recreating the brain patterns that successful people display to recreate their success.

The Winner's Brain: 8 Strategies Great Minds Use to Achieve Success

Overall Impressions: I like the concept and neuroscience is teaching us a lot right now about how powerful our minds are and how they work. Some of the case studies are pretty good. Overall I didn't feel there was enough direct relation from the findings to usable techniques with followup analysis to make this a really powerful book. For those who are very competitive though and can't stop trying to get an edge, this may be worth a read for the fragments of good information inside.

Aha's - Sleep, is essential for sharp minds, nutrition, and exercise was the shocker that produces more positive effects than brain exercises. I think an intriguing fact was that the parts of the brain you use actually grow larger. So the phrase,"look at the big brain on Brad" from Pulp Fiction has new meaning. Overall, stretch your mind and read! Also some good memory tips.

I gave this book 7 out of 10 stars. Worth a read if you are into the connection of neuroscience and success but for the average person only fragments of items they can use to go change their brains.

You can look at the book and buy it here or I highly suggest Audible for audio versions you can listen to on your phone or on the computer. The link below is the best offer I have found for Audible. Thanks Subscribe for more great reviews to save you time and money when looking for success literature.

Limited Time Offer - Get Your First 3 Months at Audible.com for $7.49/month!

View the list of reviews for 2010 here and keep Reading!

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Books I Read in 2010 Rated!

2011-01-06T16:14:42Z

Hello Everyone,

I read 20 books in 2010 here is the list and my ratings. They are in order from Highest to Lowest from 1 to 10 with comments. You can Click the Link to read examples of the book online and buy them Enjoy!

1 - The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss - 10 Stars

(Great book for goal setting, dreaming big, living outside the box, and changing the way you think about life.)

2 - Outliers by Malcomb Gladwell - 10 Stars

(Malcomb Gladwell is incredible, I suggest the audio as he is a great storyteller and reading may not give you the full effect. This book will help you understand what really makes people exceptional, great for parents.)

3 - Positioning by Al Ries and Jack Trout - 10 Stars

(Incredible powerful book that can help you be successful by design and crush your competition, this book teaches concepts that can widely be applied, I have used many of these techniques for years and this is the first book I have read that talks about some of them.)

4 - How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci by Michael Gelb - 10 Stars

(This book helps you grow in all areas and be an exceptional human being, Experience your own personal renaissance!)

5 - The Tipping Point by Malcomb Gladwell - 10 Stars

(Learn why things finally break through for people and understand how the slightest factor can change everything. Success doesn't have to be a mystery.)

6 - Blink by Malcomb Gladwell - 10 Stars

(Learn how powerful our mind really is and learn how to listen to and yet not be fooled by it.)

7 - Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath - 9 Stars

(Excellent Book, practically a must read for all marketers. Learn how to make your brand stick in people's minds.)

8 - Free: The Future of a Radical Price by Chris Anderson - 9 Stars

(A virtual look into the future of many industies and a book that helps you find new ways to think about your product and services.)

9 - Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin - 9 Stars

(Disprove your own myths about why some people are successful and why you are or not. This is a must also for parents. It is the companion with Outliers by Malcomb Gladwell.)

10 - Innovate Like Edison by Michael Gelb - 9 Stars

(Michael Gelb does an excellent job analyzing innovation and Edison displays the systems you can use to create constant innovation.)

11 - The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - 9 Stars

(Touching and powerful book that will be hard to put down. Appreciate the time you have and the ones you love.)

12 - All Marketers are Liars by Seth Godin - 8 Stars

(As with most of Seth's stuff, very insightful and opens the curtain to the real mechanics of marketing and how and why people make decisions.)

13 - The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan - 8 Stars

(Great book on the systems and strategies of some of the best agents out there. This book is so powerful you will likely miss the profoundness on a first read.)

14 - Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson - 8 Stars

(Great book on how to prepare for and adapt to change. Challenge the way you think about negative things in life and opportunities.)

15 - The Referral Engine by John Jantsch - 8 Stars

(Good book one the many aspects of referrals, seemed a little broken up but lots of good information.)

16 - Extraordinary Leadership by Robin Sharma - 8 Stars

(Great examples of traits that you can have to be a great leader.)

17 - Good to Great by Jim Collins - 7 Stars

(This book had some good concepts but seemed to labor the point and make them more complicated than they needed to be.)

18 - The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews - 7 Stars

(Some good points, and inspirational moments, but just OK for me.)

19 - Execution by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan - 6 Stars

(Based more on Corporate America then execution so not as useful and not focused on execution in general but surviving in a mid management and an upper management setting. Some good information.)

20 - Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Steven Bowles - 6 Stars

(I have read better parable based books. Not a lot of information that is beyond common sense so too long for the limited useful information that it had. You could have said what they needed to in 20 pages instead of 80.)

Overall I am very pleased to have read 20 books this year and anything that is a 8-10 is worth reading. So 16 out of the 20 were great new information. I look forward to this year and seeing what great new information I can learn. If you have any suggestions of great books leave them in the comments and I will try and read them and rate them. I also mentor real estate agents so if you want to make more money email me or call me. Have a great 2011!

I listen to many of these books on my Phone while in line, in the car, and around town. Audible.com is the best place to get business Audiobooks. Their Droid app is the best app I have ever used. Here is a link to the best deal I have found for Audible memberships. Enjoy!

Limited Time Offer - Get Your First 3 Months at Audible.com for $7.49/month!

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What will You Put in Your Brain?

2011-01-03T11:27:57Z

Hello Everyone,

Well it is a new year. You can now look back and smile or cry about what you did last year and make the adjustments needed to get something else or more of what you got last year. One thing you may consider as you move forward.

Last year I read 21 books. Don't think you have time,.. try audio books. Audible.com is the best resource and their Droid app is the best app I have used on a phone. I will provide a list of the 21 books I read in another post. My goal was 38 but I fell short. The exciting thing though is that I gained a lot of great knowledge and better yet I know what I gained. It is measurable because you can just count the titles. What is great is that I can now sit and plan out what new information I am going to put into my brain this year.

I rate the books as I read them and make notes of the best things I learned and my own thoughts that it sparked off. Books that are a 9 or 10 are usually worthy of re-reading. Maybe pick one 10 and re-read it towards the end of the year. I can put together a list of the books I want to read based on reviews, authors I like, or book suggestions.

The great thing is that I control the quality of the information I will learn and add to my mental library. If you want to grow and be the best, put great information in your head and let it work itself out through you into your life. I will give my recommendations off of the books I read in 2010 in my post about the books I read in 2010. Until then... feed you brain.

"Upgrade your grey matter, cuz some day it may matter..."

Del the Funky Homosapien

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well

Limited Time Offer - Get Your First 3 Months at Audible.com for $7.49/month!

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The Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss - Business Book Review

2010-12-31T01:39:54Z

Hello Everyone,

Well I just finished: The Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. I have to say my mind is spinning. It is rare that a book really makes you think. Not just about what is said, but how it could affect your life. This book is powerful. I didn't know what to expect when I picked it up. I had heard about it a few times but nothing specific.

This book will change the way you think about success and force you to rethink the direction you are going. Whether you want to take all of the advice or pieces of it, you will be a better person for reading this book. It is rare that you get such a in your face book that actually has ideas you hadn't heard before.

Here are a few Aha's:

Don't defer your happiness for when you've made it.

You can do your job in a different way and get more out of life at the same time.

Time is one of the goals you should seek, not just money.

There are people who live incredibly well while others go to work and grind out their existence

You can live like a millionaire on less than you probably make now.

I gave this book a 10 out of 10 due to the dramatic impact it could have on your life and the joy I had listening to it. I would highly recommend it.

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well

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Which Way Should I Go?

2010-12-26T22:29:51Z

Hello Everyone,

Which way should I go?..... It depends, where do you want to go?....... I don't care...... Then it doesn't matter which way you go! - Alice in Wonderland

This is a great dialog and a powerful conversation. As we begin to plan our next year and goal setting is a buzz. People are starting to ask themselves the question, "Which way should I go?" The I don't care part of the conversation is what people who are not writing out goals for the next year. They are saying I don't care because without goals they are planning on not caring which way they go.

The first step in goal setting is getting clear on what you want, and knowing exactly where you are and where you want to go. Until you can aswer this, having goals or not having goals are the same thing. They are roads that take you everywhere but where you truly want to go. Take the time to get clear on where you are and where you precisely want to be by this time next year. Then work your way backwards to find the steps needed to get there.

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well.

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How to Stop Something From Bugging You.... Finally

2010-12-20T00:35:38Z

Hello Everyone,

Well, we have snow outside and there is nothing like cuddling up in my favorite chair and watching some football on Sunday afternoon. That is until you hear a crash on the window behind you that sounds like you are under attack!!!!

Apparently some kids threw a snowball at my window because they thought that would be funny. I have had trouble with this little group of kids before and got my boots on to go talk with them. Of course their parents are who knows where, if only they were my kids so I could spank their butts..... but I digress. Fact is this has happened before and I was very upset as I don't want a hole in my window in the middle of the night in winter.

I went out and threatened them to knock it off, but you know kids, if they knew what was good for them they wouldn't be kids. So I finally had to call the cops which never showed up. I guess I have to wait until glass comes through my living room before they will do anything. I sat down and my wife gave me a little massage.... I listened to some music I love and got back to work.

So what I learned is, you can make yourself as miserable as you want to be, but sometimes you have to know when to call it quits and move on because there is nothing you can do that is worth your time. Life is short, don't get caught up in snowballs that hit your window.

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well.

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The Referral Engine by John Jamtsch - Book Review

2010-12-20T00:23:24Z

Hello Everyone,

So i just finished the Referral engine and I ahve to say overall a pretty decent book. There was a lot of information in it, but it didn't seem to pick up steam til the end. I almost feel if they summarized in the beginning like they did the end first then all the details would have made more sense. It is amazing how format can make a difference.

Some of the things they talked about that I liked were convergence. Bringing all of your marketing and strategies together. In the end they really gave some great examples of how to put the ideas into use. I also like how they talked about measuring your referralability (if that is a word). it was realy about making referrals a part of your business by building it into your systems. I see there is room to grow.

I gave this book 8 out of 10 stars. It was almost a 7 because of the formatting. It could have been simplified more and it would have been more powerful. I would recommend it though if you are researching how to get more referrals in your business (it just didn't knock my socks off, but had some good information).

Remember Work Smart and Live Well.

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Step Up and Do Your Job.....You Made Them, So Take Care of Them!

2010-12-08T14:57:07Z

Hello Everyone,

You did it, you had your eyes on her for some time and you cinvinced her she should hook up with you. You are married now and your child is on it's way. The day comes and you hold it in your arms and it looks just like you. You You set it down in the front yard and just stare at it. You think of how special the person was that let you bring this bundle of joy into the world. I am talking about your Yard sign.

Your signs are like a a small child, they count on you to take care of them. You can't just ignore them because you are busy, or tired, or distracted. They fall down and you need to pick them back up. They get beat up by kids on the street and need to be put back together. Some even get abducted! One minute they were there, then next minute they are gone and you may never see them again.

Your brochure box is like the tummy of a small child, it constantly needs to be filled. Others have their opinion of how cute or ugly your signs are, but the bottom line is that they need you! You are the person who needs to take care of them. Nobody else will love them like you do, so don't count on the seller to care for them. This little guy represent you to the world and people will not think you are a very good parent if you neglect it. C'mon take responsibility for what you have created and take care of your signs! Don't be a deadbeat dad! Keep an eye on your signs and take care of them, if you don't, you may find the one you brought it in to this world with may want a divorce.

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well.

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Are You the Biggest Loser on Craigslist?

2010-12-08T14:21:33Z

Hello Everyone,

I have recently been doing a lot of Craigslist advertising and have noticed some people flagging my ads. Though I have used Craigslist for quite a while, I had the sneaky suspicion that it wasn't consumers annoyed with me, but likely a Tonya Harding, break the knees of my competition Realtor. Hey in the Northwest you have to watch out....

If you watch the show, "The Biggest Loser", you know that this year people have been conniving. In most reality shows there are people who are trying to eliminate other players behind the scenes. In the biggest loser they were purposely voting out the people who were losing a lot of weight and keeping the people who weren't doing a very good job so that they could have an easy win in the end. This really bothers me. If the show is about who can lose the most weight, then the bottom two in weight loss should go home leaving the best to compete with the best. They should want to win because they did the best job.

Fact is that people aren't happy just doing a better job, they have to knock others down instead of just doing what they do and getting what they deserve. Flagging other agent's ads because they look better or post more is the same thing. Just post your ads and let others post their ads. I flag ads if they go out of the realm of advertising the house. If they offer services instead of promoting a house. These are the rules of Craigslist. But in every group there are slimy people who secretly try and break the legs of others because they are jealous. Don't join in on this because it erodes your character.

Step up and do a better job, don't hate or cheat to win. Because when you do that, you are really the biggest loser!

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well.

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The referral engine

2010-12-06T00:57:43Z

I am reading a book called the Refferal Engine by John Jantzch. So far it is pretty good. It started slow but it really made me think about the big picture of my marketing plan. It talked about convergence. This was about how all your systems and information comes together.

It talked about how your hub is your website and the spokes like your facebook and twitter feeds can point people back to it. I think it really helped me put things in their place. Not just put them in their place but to put the right purpose to them so that your whole set of marketing items work together. Otherwise you have many disjointed parts. This can take its toll on your time aw well. Put your systems together and make sure they point toward one common goal.

Remember, Works Smart and Live Well

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What is Smarter Home Shopping with Team Quintana?

2010-11-26T18:33:04Z

Spokane Washington Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana

Hello Everyone,

We have been helping people shop for homes for almost 10 years now. We have seen countless people go through the process. So I started looking at the common mistakes Home buyers in Spokane make when shopping for a home. I found most mistakes are mistakes in understanding the best process in buying a home.

#1 Don't get their own agent: A huge mistake is to look on their own and not bother an agent in fear they will be pushed by some salesperson. The problem is that having a great agent is key early on. They will point you to the best lenders so you don't waste time looking outside of your price range. They will give you real information instead of the often "old and sold" information on the Internet. And they will give you access to all the homes that you want to see.

One of the worst things you can do is shop without your own agent. Many people say they are just looking and end up calling the listing agent on a home they like. After they have spilled the beans to the agent that represents the seller, they then write up the offer with someone who probably is not looking out for them. This leads to buyers overpaying for homes and or possibly buying homes they never should have.

At Team Quintana we have a system called "Smarter Home Shopping"

1-Needs Analysis to help you find the homes that are perfect for you

2-Smarter Home Access to homes in the MLS so you only see homes that are still for sale

3-Private tours built around your schedule so you can comparison shop

We apply our expertise to educate you, and guide you through the whole process so you get the most. Did I mention our services are FREE. Call us 509-362-1966 and lets get started.

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Thankfullness Goes Beyond Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T17:33:00Z

Spokane Washington Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana

Hello Everyone,

Well, Thanksgiving is done and now we get to the hustle and bustle of the shopping season. One thing I take away from this year's Thanksgiving is how being thankful is powerful and deserves more than a once a year occurance.

With so many holidays focusing on gifts and material possesions, I find Thanksgiving a refreshing break. It is centered around introspection family, and a feast which shows us we have all that we need and more. I am very thankful for my family, friends, and the people of our community who trust us to be their real estate experts when it comes time to buy or sell a home in Spokane Washington.

There are plenty of homes to choose from if you are thinking of buying a home, and yet less competition over the winter if you are thinking of selling. Call us to learn why we represent "Smarter Real Estate" 509-362-1966

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Book Review - Positioning by Al Ries and Jack Trout

2010-11-26T17:18:58Z

Spokan Washington Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana

Hello Everyone,

I recently finished this book and loved it! This book was full of great strategies and really hit home the right way to think about advertising from a sending and receiving standpoint. Many of the techniques he talked about were ones I have been using for years and this is the first time I heard them in a book. I know a book is good when I write pages of notes, not just on the book itself, but on my own thoughts inspired by what I heard.

This book reminds me of Seth Godin's stuff which I love, but even more straightforward. It has done a great job at boiling down marketing strategy.

I gave this book 10 out of 10 and would put it on my Must Read List for marketing minded people.

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well

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The Opportunity of a Lifetime!

2010-11-22T00:48:06Z

Spokane Washington Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana

Hello Everyone,

OK this is not a MLM, I am not selling you knives, or weight loss pills, or a vacuum that costs as much as your car. The term Opportunity of a Lifetime has been used so much I think people can really get numb to it. My take on the meaning of Opportunity of a lifetime may be a little different though.

I don't know if you have had anyone have health problems, or if you have had something dealing with sickness or death that you had to deal with this year. We have had many such things this year and it seems that when it rains it pours. I think that when you have to deeal with death and look it in the face, you realize that time is the one thing you are ruinning out of.

Now before I get well wishes, I am not dying... well we all are, but. I am OK as far as I know. The point of this post is that the opportunity of a lifetime is just that. Your lifetime however long it is going to be is your opportunity. You only have that time. If you choose to waste it and be unproductive, or unaware, then your life can slip by with no purpose or impact on others. Don't be so fast to live your life that you miss the opportunity of life.

If we all knew how much time we have left would you spend your time differently? My guess is the answer is yes. Don't wait until the fear of death touches your life to rethink how you spend your time.

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Snow in Spokane Washington and What it Means to the Real Estate Market

2010-11-22T00:16:07Z

Spokane Washington Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana

Hello Everyone,

Well the ground is white, I had 2 sets of children knock on the door to ask me if I wanted it shoveled. They jumped the gun as I figured it would melt by mid day. Now that it is night the snow flies again and this looks like it will stick. So how will this affect people who are trying to sell their homes in Spokane?

Any time there is seasonal change you will see a change in traffic. If it is snow, you will have a little less traffic and people will be getting their snow tires on, getting ready for Turkey day, and getting ready for shopping. Distractions cut into traffic. Don't take it personal, people are just focused on other things.

Sit back drink some eggnog and know that the traffic is going to slow. In a slow market already, you might not notice the difference. That being said, remember, it only takes one buyer to have a sale and a winter buyer is a serious buyer. My advice relax and spend time with your friends and family and if someone wants to see the home, show it!

If you want an edge when selling your home in winter months call us.. 509-362-1966 Our marketing will help your home stand out in the slow market.

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Book Review - Good to Great by Jim Collins

2010-11-16T21:47:17Z

Spokane Washington Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana

Hello Everyone,

Well I just finished Good to Great by Jim Collins. I had heard about this book long before I got it, and wanted it for some time. I have to say that overall it was only OK for me. This was my first read from this author and he actually narrated the audio version I listened to. That is usually best.

I found that there was definitely some good concepts in the book, but it seemed to labor in sharing them. Some concepts were simpler than how it was presented. It felt a little fluffy and a little too dressed up compared to substance of it. It reminded me of one of the funny parts of the audio where in the Q & A a student asked him why strive for greatness. This turned out to be a simple but profound question. I felt his answer was weak and danced around it 10 different ways. That is also how I felt about the book.

One of the concepts he called the hedgehog was basically to know the core, most boiled down factor to success in your business and how great companies didn't get caught up in complex strategies. I felt he should have done this with this book.

Here are my take aways: Your stop doing list has more to do with success than your to do list, I liked the concept of the show horse and work horse leaders, I liked the focus on getting the right people so you can manage the business and not the people. Facing the brutal facts and asking probing questions. Finding the one key factor that affects your success, and the comparison of leaders who take credit for success and blame failure vs. those who blame others for success and take credit for failure.

Overall I enjoyed the case studies in the book though at times the text wasted time on a simple concept. I give this book 7.5 out of 10 because it should have been boiled down more.

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well

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You Just Need to Set Goals .... Yeah Right!

2010-11-15T13:33:05Z

Spokane Washington Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana

Hello Everyone,

You just need to set goals. You need to have good goals. Reach for the sky... Yeah Right! We have all heard these goal cliches. But setting goals goes beyond just saying you are going to do something or knowing what you want. Goals are more complex than people treat them and because of this they aren't as effective for most people.

A goal is made up of many parts and factors. It is not good enough to know where you want to go, you have to know how you are going to get there. You have to know the tools you will need, the time it will take. You have to be able to break a goal down into smaller parts.

For many people they know they want to be successful, but they don't know what it would take to get there. They don't know the small steps in between. People think the pwoer of goals is you set a goal and somehow that will make it happen. So many times people set goals for things they have never done so they don't know what it takes. Without this knowledge of the interior steps required, the goal is noting more than a hollow dream.

Once you figure out what it is going to take to get there, it takes the skills and discipline to achieve it. Can you imagine handing a blueprint to someone who isn't a builder and expecting them to build the house. It isn't going to happen. They don't have the skills to succeed even though they know what it would take to succeed.

Discipline is the ability to actually follow through with the known steps that bring your plan to life. So even if you have the goal, know the steps to take, and have the skills, tools, and people to do it, Then you have to be able to execute it and that takes discipline.

Goals are powerful if you understand them and implement them fully. There are 4 layers to goals: you have to know what you are trying to achieve, break it down to the steps that will take you there, get the skills, tools, and people that you will need along the way, and have the discipline to execute it until your reach the end. Then you will see the power of setting goals.

Remember, Work Smart and Live Well

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Book Review - Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles

2010-11-14T21:37:01Z

Spokane Wa Real Estate Expert - Ross Quintana

Hello Everyone,

I just finished Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. It was pretty good. It reminded me of the who moved my cheese book by Spencer Johnson only not done as well. A short story that teaches you some lessons. The lessons themself were nothing real surprising and I don't know how much the story helped expand on the understanding.

Here are my take aways: You have to have a vision of your ideal customer service. Ask your customers what they want. Silence is the sign of unsatisfied customers. Satisfied clients are not the goal. Exceed expectations and be consistent with your delivery.

Overall I would give this book 7 out of 10 stars. It says it is a revolutionary approach to customer service, but it was more some basic guidelines. A short read, but a good reminder.

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