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Realtor caravan is dying a slow death. As of July 1st, we will no longer have the weekly realtor caravan. I know many people prefer using the internet to trudging around to the properties, but I hate to see caravan end. It was an easy way to preview homes without bothering the occupant each time a realtor wanted to see the house. The sellers seemed to like the idea of having other realtors see their homes, especially after explaining to them that by hiring me (or any other realtor) they are actually hiring all the realtors in the surrounding area. As a relative newcomer, it was a great way to become familiar with the inventory. I saw homes that I wouldn't have thought of showing, had I not been inside! I also had the opportunity to meet other realtors and brokers. It was always fun, always educational, and sometimes even included lunch. I don't know about everybody else, but I'm mourning its passing.

 
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7 Comments on Caravan... going, going, gone

JUN
19
2008

Margo, See if you can start a mini-caravan with the agents in your office! Every so often agree to meet and view each others listings and then go to lunch together and discuss the market! Your clients will love it and so will you! Try it! Good Luck!

Mike Kelly

6:53pm • #1
107,013 Points

Mike, that's a great idea. So good, in fact, that our broker organizes office caravans once or twice a month. Those of us who attend enjoy seeing what's out there and available, but the same people always go. I'm wondering how everyone else becomes familiar with the inventory. I know I've been surprised on more than one occasion when internet pictures proved to be deceiving. Sometimes the pictures make the property look much better than it actually is, and sometimes the pictures just don't do the property justice. If there's a better way than caravan, I hope someone shares it with me!

7:02pm • #2
354,272 Points 137 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Margo, you know...we're actually thinking of starting to caravan again.  For all the reasons you mentioned.

7:11pm • #3

Our office does the caravan.  We pile into each others cars and ride in groups.   Another office in town has a bus they use.  I don't know what the cost is on that.  After our caravan we have an office meeting with lunch being provided.  I have missed the last couple due to appts. but I like going to see subdivisions I wouldn't normally see.  Most of all I like the time spent with the other agents.  We are normally busy and some work from home.  This gives us a great chance to get to know each other and brainstorm on different issues that come up.

7:18pm • #4
107,013 Points

You know, Lola and Linda, I think ours will eventually be resurrected, because there's really nothing that is a suitable substitute. Before I placed my license with Exit, I rode around trying to familiarize myself with the neighborhoods. It wasn't time effective, and was pretty much hit or miss. Another strategy was attending as many Open Houses as I could on Saturdays and Sundays. Needless to say, that used up most of my free weekend time... certainly not the answer. I just don't know what could replace it. I'd welcome any ideas out there.

7:22pm • #5
428,191 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I actually like the agent tours.  Not only is it a good way to learn inventory but its also a great way to get familair with other local agents.

7:32pm • #6
JUN
20
2008
392,487 Points 13 Featured Posts

Margo - I'm active with the NEFAR Beaches group, and we caravan weekly.  Also the Ponte Vedra Council caravans weekly; these are not office caravans,per se, but I agree, it's a great way to see properties, and learn from fellow Realtors. You are welcome to join us any Thursday you want to!

4:09pm • #7

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Margo Currie

Saint Augustine Beach, FL

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Exit 1 Stop Realty

Address: 2455 US 1 South, St. Augustine, FL, 32086

Office Phone: (904) 794-2120

Cell Phone: (724) 494-8297

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