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Are you using your "Lifelines"?

By
Real Estate Agent with Aksland Real Estate

As is common knowledge, many Realtors are dropping out of the market due to the "bursting of the bubble" in the Real Estate market. This opens up potential clients for those of us that are in this industry trying to bust our butts to get people's attention and make sales. We do many different things to market from flyers to internet advertising, to card dropping and utilizing our spheres of influence; But still nothing happens. What to do? We all are getting frustrated and it seems that nobody has any answers. My suggestion is that we start using our lifelines.  How I mean that is conferring with people that are in the industry that have been through similar down markets. If we work together rather than against one another we can help change perceptions about agents and help increase our productivity in any market.

What are things we can do to use our lifelines?

The answer to that is fairly simple. Utilizing our resources is essential to success. There are many agents across the country that make their living by referring people to other agents in different states. 30% of a commission is better than no commission. So start networking. Active Rain and other sites are excellent in building credibility throughout the Real Estate world. In addition, utilize your sphere of influence and even their spheres of influences. Another you can do is participate in handshake listings on websites. You are advertising other people's products, but you are getting more exposure for your lisitngs.  List on as many databases as possible The NLS, Metrolist, MLS, Realtor.com, etc. Remember exposure means more people, which equals sales. Bottom line is, without helping each other many of us will not survive until the spring.

Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Matthew:  I love my Point2Agent site and the handshake listings--great way to cross-sell and let others know that you're willing to work to help them and expect them to do the same.  Sharing on AR is also a great support system.  I recently spoke with a former agent willing to sell her Sphere and assist in initial marketing to introduce the new agent to her Sphere!  She'll buy it back should she return to the business!  A cheap, easy legal document to cover both parties and help the one that stays with the business.

Debe in Charlotte, NC

Dec 20, 2007 07:25 AM
Matthew Zgonc
Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA
Realtor, CFS, CVS
Debe, what a wonderful idea. That is very creative, and definitely important to protect yourself.
Dec 20, 2007 07:32 AM
Mike Klijanowicz
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD
Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors
The more that drop out of the business, the better it will be.  There are a lot of agents who got their licenses to make a quick buck and think that it comes easy.  It will get better as many of them start dropping out of the competition...  Believe me, it's not a bad thing!  By the way, you know I'm not against helping others out, but if they shouldn't be here in the first place, I'm certainly not going to beg them to stay!
Dec 20, 2007 12:18 PM
Larry Hammelman
Mel Foster Co. - Sterling, IL
Sterling, Illinois Real Estate
Good points Matthew, it's times like these that we have to start working a little harder. It's to bad that some have to give up, but maybe they didn't have a plan that would let them stay. Every listing, and buyer isn't going to call you at your office. Happy Holiday
Dec 23, 2007 04:03 AM
Bonnie & Terry Westbrook
Westbrook Realty - Ada, MI
Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

I have to agree with Michael, Matthew. Many agents that got into this business thought it would be an easy way to make big bucks and they could coast to a wealthy retirement.

It is like any job, you have to work at it to make it a success.  Right now you have to work a little harder  with less.  Referalls are great, when they come but you can't base your business on them.

Economic times are always ebbing or flowing, set your basic business practices up and just keep doing what you need to do.......talking to and meeting people.

Good luck and have a great 2008

Dec 23, 2007 09:54 AM
Matthew Zgonc
Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA
Realtor, CFS, CVS
I agree with all of you. Many agents got into this business when they were selling one house a week or more. Now that the well is dry, many are just throwing in the towel. I am not going to give up, because this is the only market I know, and I am selling a few houses here and there. I can only imagine what will happen when the market changes and I am working like I am right now.
Dec 23, 2007 02:40 PM
Lance Winslow
The Car Wash Guy - Malibu, CA
I like your take on things and you have a good perspective here, so that is a nice post for all those out there that cannot see the forest for the trees.
Dec 27, 2007 05:10 PM