evan russell: More Expensive Home or Expensive Repairs? - 07/09/14 06:50 AM
Mr. Buyer: “I want to purchase the home that is $20,000 cheaper than that other home! Sure, I’ll have to replace the carpets and the windows need updating, and of course, the kitchen needs a bit of work, but it’s certainly the better deal!”

Is it really? Let me clue you in on the difference between the cash money on the out of pocket expenses and mortgage money… There is a huge difference between mortgage money and cash money. Just let me explain and you can view this from a whole new perspective.
Yes, you may want to buy a … (0 comments)

evan russell: Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage to Work With - 11/18/13 09:26 AM
Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage to Work for
Successful Real Estate Agents look for four things when choosing a Broker to hang your license with:
a broker they can learn from a broker they can have fun with a broker they can make money with a broker they can grow with Every Boston area real estate broker will give you their opinion about the condition of the real estate market if you let them. You can’t allow them to just pour their junk into you; you need to take in thoughts and ideas from a knowledgeable broker you want to be … (0 comments)

evan russell: Facebook Group that you should be part of - 10/23/13 12:54 AM
Facebook group for Real Estate Agents
I have really found an awesome use for Facebook to help our business.  They are called Facebook groups.  Groups are awesome because the focus on the nuts and bolts of real estate vs. looking at Aunt Sally’s new cat.   Many of the best and brightest Real Estate agents in the country are posting, sharing and read the messages and threads in these groups. 
Most groups are private and monitored so the nonsense stays away.  When you make your way to the groups you will have to request to join most of them so make sure … (0 comments)

evan russell: Facebook group for Real Estate Agents - 10/23/13 12:52 AM
Facebook group for Real Estate Agents
I have really found an awesome use for Facebook to help our business.  They are called Facebook groups.  Groups are awesome because the focus on the nuts and bolts of real estate vs. looking at Aunt Sally’s new cat.   Many of the best and brightest Real Estate agents in the country are posting, sharing and read the messages and threads in these groups. 
Most groups are private and monitored so the nonsense stays away.  When you make your way to the groups you will have to request to join most of them so make sure … (0 comments)

evan russell: Manage your money wisely, Tips from on stretching the dollar - 10/01/13 12:23 PM
Irregular income can make planning difficult, but it is not impossible. The word “budget” can be intimidating but the concept is vital for those who work on commission. It is important to plan carefully so you are prepared in the event of an income crisis or unforeseen expense. Here are some guidelines for assessing expenses and establishing a workable budget.
First, list monthly expenses including but not limited to rent/mortgage, health insurance, utilities, groceries, entertainment…everything.  In assembling this information it is important not to guess at the numbers. Look at past receipts to ensure your estimated expenses are accurate.
Next, divide … (0 comments)

evan russell: Serve before you sell - 09/27/13 10:02 PM
 
The key is to success is to serve before you sell. Serve your client be delivering them the information they want. Show them the properties they can buy for the price range they are approved for. If they are not approved yet, don’t demand that they get approved; suggest they get approved. This is how the system works. This is how easy it is. I can get you in touch with a local lender who will take good care of you.  This isn't high pressure sales. We want to serve you before we sell. We want to serve your needs before … (1 comments)

evan russell: A Nice Home Or A Nice Neighborhood Which Matters More - 05/21/13 08:38 AM
When you start shopping for a home, you probably have a very specific image of what you would like that home to look like.  You probably also see the perfect neighborhood surrounding that perfect home.  Every buyer sets out with an image of the house they want to own, but in reality compromises are often necessary in order to stay within your budget.
Compromising On The House  
There may be certain things that are non-negotiable when it comes to your new home, such as the number of bedrooms or a two-car garage.  But as you take a look at … (2 comments)

evan russell: Is there anything wrong with just wanting to be a part time agent? - 01/13/13 05:00 AM
Is there anything wrong with just wanting to be a part time agent?
It’s not like they are a drain on resources or demand an unreasonable share of leads and coaching.
There are a group of licensed sales people who just want to hang their licenses and be ready to help whomever they come across! I say, what’s wrong with that?
A full time agent vs part time is based on production, not hours sitting the office gossiping. I know a number of agents who spend hours and hours to produce one sale, and I know many “part timers” that are able … (1 comments)

evan russell: We need to respect one another, Right? - 08/03/12 10:19 PM
Kindness shall prevail!
There are thousands of agents here in Massachusetts, and it should probably go with out saying, but let’s be sure to treat each other with kindness and professionalism. Even if the negotiations are tough, or the communications efforts get bogged down, lets’ keep the focus on the prize, which is helping our clients the best possible way, and treating each other with respect throughout the entire transaction. A couple of hot buttons:
If you show a home, offer feedback. It is only fair, and we appreciate the same treatment. Don’t belittle each other…you maybe have sold a bunch … (1 comments)

evan russell: teach old school selling while incorporating today’s technology - 03/23/12 10:24 AM
Press Release The Russell Realty Group has opened a Second Office in Less Than 15 Months RRG has grown to over 60 agents in two states and  has opened a  second office, located in Back Bay, Boston, with plans for a third  in Q2 on the Cape.
Woburn: March 23, 2012:  The Russell Realty Group launches its second office after only 15 months since inception and plans a 3rd by the end of Q2.  The Russell Realty Group model is innovative, unique, and powerful. Agents are realizing this very quickly once they take a look at the complete training, coaching and … (2 comments)

evan russell: Thinking about an Assistant or a Virtual Assistant? Pros and Cons to think about. - 12/27/11 04:51 AM
So much to do, so little time.  Thinking about an Assistant or a Virtual Assistant?  Let me weigh in real quick about the pros and cons.   Consideration #1: Make a list of tasks you plan to delegate, then consider what you will do with the time you “save.” That is, will you use your free time for revenue producing activities, work out at the gym (also productive) or play more golf? All are valuable, but you should know what you are actually paying for.If you pass of your basics, what is consideration # 2?   Remember, you are the face of your … (3 comments)

evan russell: Are you talking to me or your phone? - 10/30/11 09:25 AM
Are you talking to me or your phone?Have you ever had a meeting where the other person is so engrossed in their phone, that they have no idea what the conversation is about or if they are even the slightest bit interested in the “moment”?    As a seller, buyer, or employing broker, why would I list, buy from or work with someone who can’t even put their phone away for the short period of time we are chatting?I have experienced this far too many times lately.  If I go to lunch, or are in a meeting of some sort, informal or … (2 comments)

evan russell: Kindness shall prevail! - 10/27/11 03:45 PM
Kindness shall prevail!There are thousands of agents here in Massachusetts, and it should probably go with out saying, but let’s be sure to treat each other with kindness and professionalism.  Even if the negotiations are tough, or the communications efforts get bogged down, lets’ keep the focus on the prize, which is helping our clients the best possible way, and treating each other with respect throughout the entire transaction. A couple of hot buttons: If you show a home, offer feedback. It is only fair, and we appreciate the same treatment.  Don't belittle each other...you maybe have sold a bunch more … (11 comments)

evan russell: Does your email address brand you? - 08/29/11 08:27 AM
Does your email address brand you?
I had a conversation with a potential recruit last week and one of his objections to moving offices, which admittedly was a better fit for him, was that all his business emails went to his broker- provided email address.  I can totally relate to that and told him I completely understood that, and that although he could go through the steps to move most of the business logins to a new account, I suggested he move them to his own email address.
However, I asked the agent his domain name and he told me it … (5 comments)

evan russell: Can you have a “green” company but still be running the A/C with the windows open. - 07/04/11 02:49 PM
Cloud Real Estate/Virtual Real Estate/Green Real Estate:  Do they mean the same thing?
When I think “Virtual”, I think mobile. Not tied to a desk. I might be in my car, at my house, or working a table at Starbucks.  Virtual usually means I am doing most of the work in my head. Practically, it means less travel time, less office expense, and greater flexibility. When I think “Cloud”, I think online files, document sharing, down-loadable forms. I think simplified storage, easy accessibility, even when working remotely.  When I think Green, I think less paper, more pdf files, online forms. I … (0 comments)

evan russell: Open House 2241 Turnpike St, North Andover Ma 1-4pm - 06/12/11 12:28 AM
2241 Turnpike Street … (1 comments)

evan russell: What an agent can ask from his buyers: and ways to maximize agent/buyer communication - 05/03/11 02:40 AM
What an agent can ask from his buyers and ways to maximize agent/buyer communication
 
1.  Clarify your vision
2.  Know your price range
3.  Start the financing process
4.  Establish a realistic timeline
5.  Give frank feedback
 
The best outcome will result from close and efficient cooperation between a buyer and his agent. Following are five suggestions to facilitate the ideal outcome in the search for the perfect home. Note that all five emphasize clear thinking, concise communication, and open-minded listening.
 1.    Clarify your vision
The agent will pre-sort the available properties based on criteria provided by … (1 comments)

evan russell: I am sorry, I didn’t get the email? - 04/30/11 02:01 PM

I am sorry, I didn’t get the email, are you sure you sent to the right address, perhaps the file is to big, or maybe it is in my junk…..
There are 2 quick ways to eliminate this hassle and make your document sharing much easier.
Google Docs is a great way to share files with your clients. Sometimes sending those huge forms through email just causes a delay in delivery and the old “did you get my email” conversation which just ends up annoying both you and the prospect. How about simply uploading the file into a google doc, … (1 comments)

evan russell: Seller signed, the listing is loaded into MLS, now what? - 04/22/11 12:13 AM
 
Seller signed, the listing is loaded into MLS, now what? 
Poll Question:
Once you have entered a listing in the MLS and it is ready to go, what is the first step you take to market your listing and get it out there for the world to see?
1.     Is it a vflyer or postlet for Craigslist?
2.     Is it a slideshow on youtube?  
3.     Do you email your teammates and other office agents?
4.     Does your MLS allow you to reverse prospect?
5.     Do you create flyers to leave at the home?
6.     Set the open house?
7.     What do you do first?
I am curious to learn the usual steps taken by some … (31 comments)

evan russell: What does it mean to work from a virtual office? - 04/21/11 12:10 AM
 
What does it mean to work from a virtual office?
It means harnessing the resources available via technology and the Internet to conduct a fully functional and thriving business from anywhere at any time!  Instead of an office, a desk, and a leather chair, all you need is cell phone, a laptop and a mobile broadband card.

Many agents ask during our initial phone call, “Evan, where is your office”?  I am careful when I answer. If I say, “I am in Burlington,” the agent's immediate reaction may be, "that's too far away," or "that's not a convenient location for me."
In fact, our … (14 comments)

 
Evan Russell (Russell Realty Group )

Evan Russell

Boston, MA

More about me…

Russell Realty Group

Address: 153 Main Street, Suite 235, North Reading, MA, 01864

Mobile: 978.216.9494

Welcome to Evan Russell’s Blog Spot. As we continue to work through this tough Real Estate market, we need to constantly perform at higher level and keep up with today’s consumers. I have created several modules and training outlines that I will post in the days and weeks to come, for all to review. If we don’t constantly outperform other realtors in today’s marketplace, and use our knowledge and follow up techniques, to entice and educate the buyer, they will buy from someone who does.


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