Some Truths about REOs - 06/30/08 12:39 PM
Despite the fact that most people, practioners and consumers alike, are now familiar with the term REO, some myths still remain. Here, I'll address a couple that I seem to be hearing every day.But, first, for those that don't know, REO stands for Real Estate Owned. This generally refers to properties which have been foreclosed upon and which are now owned by the bank. In today's market, these properties are being marketed in large numbers, and consume about half of the available inventory in many areas. So, before you enter the buying game, there are a couple of myths you should … (2 comments)

How to Get People To Use Your Web Site, Time and Time Again - 06/28/08 10:06 PM
Everyone on here is probably better at this than me... Nonetheless, I'll share what I've learned about getting people to use your web site; and maybe others will post some of their tricks, as well!
Know what people want & give it to them:  Your clients and friends want free information they can get anytime without explaining why they need it. 
Drive traffic to your site.... Yes, put your web address on everything, but more importantly, tell the public what's there.  I try to post almost everything on my web site, and then when people request information, I forward them a … (2 comments)

Grow Your Business - 06/27/08 04:06 PM
Do you think about the environment during your everyday course of business? Most people assume that saving a tree or reducing garbage will cost them more, but that's not always so. In fact, many times, doing what is best for the environment is also best for your bottom line!Do you put your clients in your car to tour homes or do you have them follow you in a separate car?Do you use email instead of send paper whenever possible for marketing?Do you shut down your computer each night and turn off lights?What promotional items do you give out? Could you choose … (0 comments)

What A Seller Should Know About Short Sales - 06/27/08 09:09 AM
We live in a rapidly changing environment, and what was good advice just a few weeks ago is not true today. So, check with MANY professionals before you make the decision to attempt a short sale.  Here is the best, most current information I have available to pass on to you, and if there is anything I've forgotten, I encourage feedback!Things that increase your chance of having a short sale approved:-You have one lender, not multiple lenders.-If you have more than one lender, other lenders will be getting some of the proceeds of the sale. (With a foreclosure they usually get … (1 comments)

Listen To Your Grandparents - 06/27/08 08:45 AM
What did your grandparents teach you about investing in real estate? Likely, they taught you a lot, if you were just listening. I still remember the day my grandmother made her last mortgage payment.Our grandparents, those who lived through the depression (and their children who learned those lessons from their parents), bought homes so that they could get into a fixed loan and could predict their housing costs for the next 30 years; and so that after 30 years, they'd have no housing payment. Over time, they paid down what they owed, and they had something tangible worth serious cash when … (1 comments)

Can You Hear The Whispers? - 06/27/08 07:43 AM
The evening news is still shouting doom and gloom about the real estate market. When Ed McMahon is losing his house, surely the sky is falling, right? But, wait! What is being whispered in the background? Could this be it? Are we at the bottom?The only way to really know is when we've seen consistent statistics that prove it... and by then, it's over, we will have missed the bottom of the market. Even so, there are starting to be some mumblings and whisperings about signs of recovery.In one way or another, we all have vested interests in the real estate … (0 comments)

Feed Your Business - 06/26/08 09:21 PM
Sometimes door knocking can be intimidating, but there is no better way to make new connections within the community... or, is there?  Sponsoring a charitable event - like a food drive to support local food backs - is a great excuse to knock on doors and introduce yourself.  Feed your database, and spend your time doing something that will make you feel good about yourself!
Our office participates in food drives twice a year, in the spring and the fall.  Every agent selects the area they will canvass - most of us choose an area of about 250 homes  - generally … (5 comments)

A Different Kind of Agent Referral Network - 06/25/08 09:34 PM
When most agents think of real estate referrals, they automatically think of relocation referrals. But, there are local agents who can and will refer business to you, too, and perhaps more often. So, consider building a LOCAL network of referral agents. It is just one of many ways to boost the referrals you receive.Here are some examples of opportunities:Land BrokersMultifamily BrokersCommercial BrokersResidential Property Management FirmsCommercial Property Management FirmsPart Time Residential AgentsWhat it's done for me.....By establishing a relationship with a local broker who specializes in selling "teardown" properties (homes that are not habitable), I have been the recipient of several referrals, … (0 comments)

Prevent Foreclosures - 06/24/08 09:13 PM
Thank you for allowing me to interrupt your day. As promised, I am delivering to you some information I hope will be helpful to your business....and I am starting with the toughest part of the industry right now... Foreclosures.Foreclosures are taking their toll on our market nationally. I am sure your area is no exception. As an agent, I feel so frustrated if someone turns to me for help trying to avoid foreclosure.  It's just a sad situation. So, I have developed a list of trustworthy resources which will give them some hope. Please click on the link below to find this list … (1 comments)

Can We Do Business Together? - 06/24/08 03:25 PM
Recently, I learned that, nationally, only about 5% of consumers find their agents through another REALTOR! I was stunned. I love having the opportunity to pre-screen agents for clients and friends, and I feel that they get better real estate assistance as a result.
This year, I am focusing on really growing the agent to agent referral part of my business. So, I've started this blog, and will be updating it regularly with new business building tips and information I hope you'll find valuable. I'd like to be the agent you think of first, whenever someone you know needs help in … (0 comments)