Recently we interviewed Bob Bentley, a REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant. Bob is one of the many to sign-up & complete the REW™ Certification through a promotional discount offered through the REW Technology Partner, zipLogix (ZipForm).

REW™ Certificants can answer interview questions, at the end of certification, for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog.

Bob is "Your Clear Choice in Real Estate", serving buyers and sellers within all of Madison, WI and the surrounding areas. Bob has been a licensed Realtor® for 14 years and sports a catchy, clean, and easy to use website at BentleyRealtyGroup.net.

Commentary from Bob Bentley:

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1. What is your background?

I am the Real Estate Broker/Owner of Bentley Realty Group, LLC and have been a licensed Realtor® since 1995, and a licensed real estate broker since 2006. Prior to my career in real estate, I was in the automotive service management industry for 26 years where I learned that providing the very best service is essentially about putting my clients first. This means keeping myself accessible, being a good listener, as well as a good communicator, and responding quickly to customer needs.

2. Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ certification?

I chose to be certified as a Real Estate Webographer to further my understanding of the internet and how it works, so I am able to provide my clients and customers with the newest technologies available.

3. What are you impressions of the online experience?

The certification was clear and concise offering many examples and needed information to thoroughly improve my knowledge of web-based marketing; in particular enhancing my website and blogging. The quizzes at the end of each segment helped with further understanding of the information presented. With this additional training I feel I have met my goal and will be able to provide my sellers with the best marketing exposure for their properties, and to provide my buyer clients with an excellent resource in their search for their home.

4. How long did it take you to complete the certification?

It took me a total of 4 days over the course of 3 weeks. I would have preferred to complete the coursework all in one sitting, but time didn’t allow – my clients came first!

5. What real estate technologies are you considering implementing (for yourself or your clients)?

I plan to utilize my Blackberry (smartphone) more for email and contact management. Also, I recently began blogging and have found it a challenge. With the information provided during my Webographer (REW) training, I feel I will be able to do a better job communicating my thoughts, keeping my blog current, and increase my web presence.

6. What would you tell those who are considering this certification?

I would tell others if you want to succeed in today’s technology based world, you must invest in yourself. There is a minimal cost involved with the REW Certification, and I feel the course is very much worth it. With the additional training and knowledge I’ve achieved, an increase in business can only be expected.

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Thanks for the interview, and all the best Bob!

We had the pleasure of interviewing Bill Price, a recent REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant.

Bill is one of the first to sign-up & complete the REW™ Certification through a promotional discount offered through the REW Technology Partner, zipLogix (ZipForm).

REW™ Certificants can answer interview questions, at the end of certification, for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog.

Bill is owner and broker of B & K Realty, providing free and easy access to property listings, home evaluations and many other online technologies from his brokerage website, to his clients within the San Antonio area.

Commentary from Bill Price:

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(1) What is your background?

I am the Broker/Owner of B & K Realty in San Antonio, Texas. I have been a real estate agent since 2002. Prior to becoming a real estate agent I was a computer programmer. I have several designations including ABR®, CRS®, GRI® and am e-PRO® certified.

(2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ certification?

When I received your email and I saw that ZIPFORM® was endorsing the REW™ certification it peeked my interest. To be honest, when I saw the price for the certification, that really got me interested. I decided to take the certification to learn how I could take advantage of the Internet to help my business grow, as well help my agents. I wanted to learn how to generate leads using my website and to start blogging.

(3) What are your impressions of the online experience?

The modules were very good. The quizes after each section helped me understand what was being presented. The information was very current and relevant. I really liked all of the other partner websites that were mentioned. I can use those websites as future resources.

(4) How long did it take you to complete the certification?

It took me less than 10 days to complete all 12 modules. Each day I would set aside a number of hours to work on the courses.

(5) What real estate technologies are you considering implementing (for yourself or your clients)?

I currently have a website that I will make some major changes based on what I learned. Creation of single-property websites is something I will do for all my listings. I will add a second email address to my profile, so that when a lead comes in, that information will come to my mobile phone directly. I want to become a Blogger, so I will start doing that. Adding a neighborhood search to my website will be another item I will implement. Finally, I want to investigate Link Sharing [Lead Generation] with other agents so that my website can rank higher on Google™ and Yahoo™.

(6) What would you tell those who are considering this certification?

I have already started telling other agents about the REW™ certification. Developing a web presence marketing strategy for next year should be a goal for all real estate agents and the courses within the REW certification will help with that goal, from beginning to end.

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Thanks Bill, and all the best!

We had the pleasure of receiving a blog announcement from Jim Kimmons, a recent REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ (REW™) certificant.

Jim is the one of the first to sign-up & complete the REW™ Certification within hours of being informed of the partnered, enrollment promotion with ZipLogix (ZipForm®).

REW™ Certificants can answer interview questions, at the end of certification, for showcase on the Webographers.com corporate blog.

Jim is author of the Real Estate Business Guide for New York Times', About.com.

Commentary from Jim Kimmons:

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(1) What is your background?

Gallery Realty of Taos Real estate broker, Real Estate Business Guide for New York Times site, business and web writer, blogging consultant.


(2) Why did you undertake the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER™ certification?

Research and always learning.



(3) What are your impressions of the online experience?

Interface was great, intuitive, and I was able to go through course materials quickly.



(4) How long did it take you to complete the certification?

One day.



(5) What real estate technologies are you considering implementing (for yourself or your clients)?

I am already using most of the discussed technology solutions. I'll be continually evaluating and upgrading. I use blogs for single property sites.


(6) What would you tell those who are considering this certification?

If you want a fast and thorough tutorial that brings all of the technology considerations together, and tells you where to go for solutions, this will do it for you.


Jim Kimmons, ABR, ePro, QSC, REW
Broker/Owner
Gallery Realty of Taos
Real Estate Business Guide

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Thanks Jim and all the best.

Interesting news from Zillow Reports:

"SEATTLE, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Months of government bailouts and stock market volatility brought Americans' perception of the values of their own homes closer to reality than it was last quarter, but surprisingly half of U.S. homeowners still believe their home is insulated from the nation's home value declines, according to the Zillow Q3 Homeowner Confidence Survey(1)." See source for full survey details.

TO: HOMEOWNERS

Many need to wake up and smell the coffee. Visit any online consumer website and click the option "show me only foreclosed homes" in your neighborhood.

For one, "checkbox options" of show me "foreclosed-only" or "short-sale-only", was not even on these consumer websites as readily found today, as they were a year ago.

Point #2, many could then walk outside and throw a stone at the result list of their foreclosed home search, as these foreclosed homes are everywhere. When sold, these are comparable sales that cause the demise of home values in that 10 mile radius.

Case-in-point. I'm looking at closing on a good home investment with purchase price of $159.9K today (good condition). It had once sold 5 years ago for $355K. Home values have declined, likely bottomed out in many areas.

TO AGENTS:

Given these survey results, would you even spend a second of your time working with a potential seller who has these perceptions of homes not losing value, with their present value likely "upside-down" compared to their current mortgage? Is it worth the energy? I do not have the answer to that.

I do know the gett'ns are good on foreclosed homes. There is a bracket of the population looking to invest in these good deals and should be included in your online marketing plan.

In pockets of the Phoenix area in Arizona, qualified buyers are readily beaten out by investors who have cash in-hand. Agents need to reconnect with those investors or make connections, in California who were a contact back in 2006.

2nd home buyers still exist and are strong than ever due to the bottom-out pricing seen. I've witnessed those who used VA loan first current home, home remains strong in value, then using remaining bonus entitlement of their VA to buy a second home at pennies on the dollar. These buyers are out there.

I do believe that it's not easy maintaining a client base where the majority (or even some) are traditional sellers who are not informed...not with these expectations that consumers have as reported by Zillow.

It's understood that many of today's homeowners reside in homes that have lost tens of thousands of dollars in equity and value during this economic downturn.

Inman News reported on a study of Upside-down borrowers locked into their homes. The study highlights that those who want to move, but can't, include those looking for:

-- Better School Systems

-- Job Opportunities

-- General Relocation Desires

Moving would entail a huge loss financially, as home-owners would have to make up the difference between current loan and what they could sell for. Thus many families nationwide are staying put.

What has gone under the radar are military homeowners, especially those military members who purchased homes between 2004-2007. These military members own homes that have loss huge amounts of value.

Regretfully, these individuals cannot "stay put", as many homeowners are doing, as shown by these recent studies. Rather, they must relocate their families due to orders to report to a new duty station...they have no choice, they must move.

Many military members are forced to rent their homes that are well-below the cost of the monthly mortgage, limiting their monthly cash-flow on living expenses in their new location. Or, they must sell the home, tapping into retirement funds to have available cash to "walk away" from the home, sell at a loss and maintain good credit.

These families cannot stay put, as the study concludes many homeowners are forced to do today. What we are seeing are military families put in a situation of immense financial burden as they cannot stay put...they have to move.

I'd be curious to see if government will begin programs to assist military families in these types of situations.

Occasionally you read an article or a comment, and it's so powerful that you can't hep but repost it. I came across the following reader comment on Inman news on the Oct 2 guest perspective, "Opportunity street is still knocking."

"... Those real estate professionals who decide they are going to make the best of this situation and not complain about it and those who continually educate themselves on the newest trends, use the Internet to hone their networking and marketing skills, (and) do something different to stand out ahead the crowd will reap huge rewards as this market turns itself around, as they have already set the stage for success.

Whether you decide to specialize in short sales, foreclosures, investment properties or you chose to work closely with a mentor or a real estate trainer or real estate coach, the fact is you are chosing to DO something about it! You make your own success, and I totally agree you either put roadblocks in your way or you drive on through to that 'Street of Opportunity.'" --Peter Vekselman

This short two paragraph comment strikes the very core of the purpose and intent of the REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER (REW) - that is if you want to better yourself, invest in yourself.

Because of the overwhelming response to opening the doors for trainers and coaches to market REW, this week we take a a real life look at REW Trainer Commissions and Bonuses.

For general information REW Trainers (trainer requirements, commissions, bonuses), see the blog post "Introducing REW Trainers :: Earn Commission & Bonuses" or visit our trainer page.

Let's examine a couple different scenarios:

50 SALES - Let's consider 50 REW sales

50 REWs (at $149 each) = $7,450 in Total Sales

--> $1862.50 (25% Commission)
--> + $750 (Bonus)

= $2,612.50 Check to an REW Trainer

100 SALES - Let's consider 100 REW sales.

100 REWs (at $149 each) = $14,900 in Total Sales

--> $3725.00 (25% Commission)
--> + $2500.00 (Bonus)

= $6,225 Commission to an REW Trainer

50 REW SALES + 4 BROKER PACKAGES

50 REWs (at $149 each) = $7,450 in Total Sales
4 Broker Packages ($3499 packs of 50 users) = $13,996
Total Sales = $21,446

--> $5361.50 (25% Commission)
--> + $4500.00 (Bonus)

= $9,861.50 Commission to an REW Trainer

Remember...50 REWs got you $2,612.50 as shown in first section...adding just 4 broker packages (the "50 user packages") for that month, you sky-rocketed $9861.5

With numbers like these, how could you refuse?

>> Sign-up now! >>

Do you already hold workshops and training sessions with Real Estate Professionals? Are you already a Certified e-PRO Trainer? Maybe it's time to consider adding REW to your trainer offerings and become an REW™ Trainer. For additional details, keep reading or visit our Trainer Page here.

Become an REW™ Trainer and extend your training offerings while earning generous sales commissions AND bonuses. Sign up now!

Getting Started - 3 Easy Steps

1. Complete Application :: Fill out this form in our Trainer System. (ensure you can meet the Trainer Requirements

2. REW™ Certified :: A free user account will be supplied to you to complete the certification. ((Note their is a $75 registration fee. If already an e-PRO Trainer, email ScottLau [at] Webographers.com as your registration fee is waived.)

3. Sales Domain :: A sales domain like jhicks.Webographers.com is created for you upon completion of the certification.

Trainer Requirements

Trainers should be in good REW™ Certification standing in order to lead by example.

Commissions and Bonsues

Commissions for both single user and broker account sales are 25% of the current sale price and are paid on a monthly basis. See for yourself how much you can earn!

Single User Sales

Commission on a single user account is 25% of the current sale price (including a 15% discount). Commission around $45 each.

Broker Accounts

Multi-User Package - Brokers are billed one time. REW™ Trainers earn 25% commission of the sale price of the broker account.

Monthly Subscriptions - Brokers are billed monthly for 12 months (or the term of the agreement). REW™ Trainers earn 25% commission every month of "Monthly Packages".

Plus Bonuses - Bonuses are offered as an added incentive. If you reach these sales milestones, you get more!

Sign up TODAY!

We all know in the last few months that the blogosphere has grown in staggering leaps and bounds. Many RE professionals have realized that they need a blog, but many don't understand how to maximize the benefits of blogging.

Enter the Advantage Solutions Group's "No Blogger Left Behind" webinar. Labeling it simply as a "webinar" is a huge understatement. Hosted by faculty staff Joeann Fossland (e-PRO, GRI, PMN, ACRE) and Frances Flynn Thorsen (e-PRO, SRS, CEO), "No Blogger Left Behind" is an 8 week, all-inclusive, everything you need to know to become a successful blogger roadmap.

Eight 60 minute webinar / teleconferences discuss everything, from the very basics of what blogging is, to finding your niche, to even earning revenue off of your blog. A downloadable workbook containing live links to blogs as well as the course homework assignments combined with group activities provides for an interactive learning experience.

As an added bonus, all courses are recorded, so if you miss a session, or you are just looking for a review, they can be downloaded anytime.

"No Blogger Left Behind" is a stellar example of not only spreading technology knowledge amongst RE professionals, but also bringing the real value-proposition behind the technology to the forefront.