Nellis Group Blog

Utilizing Video for Home Inspections

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:32:20 -0800

Many times when you ask for items to be corrected/repaired as a result of a Home Inspection there is a big chasm. This develops as a result of the Seller believing the home is in "good" condition and the buyer concerned as a result of the inspection. We have found that with more explanation and more importantly videos/photos we have been able to clear up misunderstandings and get everyone on the same page for a win-win. Click on this video to see how The Nellis Group combines both video and photos to better represent our purchaser:

Short Sales & Seller Liabilities...

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:24:19 -0800

I have heard many different opinions on what will happen when a seller performs a short sale... Do you know the possible outcomes? Have you relayed the correct information to each of your clients? Here is a video that describes the 3 possible outcomes:

Best Home Warranty???

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:13:31 -0800

What is the Best Home Warranty company? After 15 years in the Real Estate business I have become a bit disenchanted with the majority of companies. They routinely turn down work that should be covered and the fine print typically covers everything you wanted covered with a warranty!! So this is more of a polling blog question: Which Home Warranty Company is the best? What is their deductible? Their turn around time? We have used HWA, HMS and AHS... I look forward to hearing your input as we are hoping to switch vendors for our own properties and our clients.

Find a CHANGER Today

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:03:20 -0800

This was the theme of a recent election. Many of you probably remember the posters, commercials and campaign. The slogan was brilliant. There is a romance in what is new. An appeal to embrace a new path. However, how often do we take that new path? At what point do we not only fall in love with the idea but allow it to drive us to making true change? How does Change occur? What is the impetus for it to happen? 1. Change occurs when the pain to remain the same is too great.Only you can control the change that can take place. Part of the disenchantment by many is the realization that a slogan and one person's idea is not enough to change a nation, system or club. You can however, change yourself. You can change the way you act, speak, work and live.Every year millions of people make new years resolutions and every year by February 1st- one month later they have been cast aside. Why is that? Many times these resolutions are "ifs" and "hope to" not a MUST do. Only when the pain or pending outcome will result in disaster do people truly change.It seems as though a diet or working out is on everyone's list each year. Most stop within 60 days. Yet, those with dietary needs or cancer that MUST change their diet DO in order to survive- in order to continue living. 2. You can not change someone else (Story continued at the link below) Learn about FINDING CHANGERS: Find a Changer

Alexandria Virginia - Snow Count with The Nellis Group

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:47:41 -0800

Sign up today and register to win the right amount of inches that fall just outside of our Re/Max office in Alexandria, Virginia. You must post a comment with your best guess on inches before 12 pm today. The calculation will happen today at 4 pm... Go to www.nellisgroup.com/blog/snow to post!!

Social Networking from a Consumer Perspective??

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:48:27 -0800

How do you leverage social networking as a small business owner? You must begin with the consumer in mind. How do you take the focus off of your company? Your Brand? What makes you money? This can be difficult fosor many companies. You need to start assessing what consumers are saying about your industry and gain the consensus from your target market. Most companies are not big enough to hire an outside marketing firm to do polling and research. The average cost for one project could be $20,000.00 to a research firm. Where does this leave the small business or a larger company looking to reduce their marketing & research budget? It leaves you with an answer we found in doing our own sales. You have the opportunity to use 3 strategies to understand the mind of your consumer: Songbirds, National Research & Success Stories. Songbirds: A songbird is a past client that “sings” your praises. They had a great experience with your sales team and are interested in seeing your company succeed. A typical songbird will have referred you other friends and coworkers because they believe in your service, company and product. You will need to gather 5-7 Songbirds and ask them to commit to meeting 3 or 4 times a year. Your songbirds know what is important to the consumer as they were and are a consumer. They are outside of your profession so they have great outside perspective. They are your informal survey, your opportunity to poll them for your marketing campaigns, branding and your current engagement with consumers. National Research: Many businesses fall under a larger professional group or national organization. It is crucial to “know your numbers.” By reviewing the research conducted by your national organization you gain an understanding of the trends. It is true that all companies are different and function at different levels but by seeing national trends you gain a national perspective. Many of the reports will show you where the consumers are coming from, their buying choices and buying intervals. This can be used as a basic road map for next year. Compare your sales and consumers with the national research. Do you see the same trends? Are your consumers different? Is there a new segment of consumers you can now go after for sales? Success Stories: The need to reinvent the wheel. When I was young in the sales arena I had the need to impress others. I wanted to show that I could create all my own systems. I could develop the best scripts. I could make the most sales doing it my way. Why? (To read more about Social Fusion: The Modern Day Approach to Selling go to: Social Fusion

Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Statistics brought to you by The Nellis Group

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:14:30 -0800

Since December Statistics are not out yet, I wanted to summarize the numbers from November 2009 for Northern Virginia. We wanted to compare November 2009 to November 2008. The market has seen an increase in home sales from 1,100 to 1,567 for the month of November. The active real estate listings are down 27% which is a reflection of buyers buying properties right now. The 2 primary contributing factors to the surge in buying: 1. Tax credit given to first time buyers and buyers who have been in their home for over 5 years 2. Interest Rates- still at all time lows... Most lenders average 5% for the majority of loan options in today's market. For the detailed numbers click on: November 2009 Real Estate Statistics

Social Fusion: The Modern Day Approach to Selling

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:21:02 -0800

This is an excerpt from Social Fusion by James Nellis Chapter 1- Social Confusion: Many companies focus only on one or two forms of media and miss the opportunity to engage with today’s consumer. In recent times we have seen the major companies begin hiring “Social Media Directors” and Brand Managers in hopes of capturing the new business. Small Business owners have also gotten involved themselves trying to utilize the online tools and networks. The issue for small business owners is time and money. Even though some of the larger organizations have the financial resources to hire positions they are still missing out on the true opportunity to engage. We have also seen many National Speakers and Trainers speak on social media and online selling. Unfortunately, the majority of them are missing the mark. It is not the lack of resources that prevent companies from making money online it is their approach. They must begin today with a holistic philosophy for their company defined as Social Fusion. Social Fusion is the layering of multiple forms of media to integrate with the accessibility of today’s consumer. Social Fusion begins with an emphasis on the “whole” or your overall goal as a company. How does your company mission statement correspond with your online brand? Are you marketing your company in a way to attract today’s consumer? To find out more about this book go to: http://bit.ly/78ZyOM

Social Fusion with Spoken Word Seminars

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:47:16 -0800

So how do you market to today's consumer? How do you speak the right language to your audience? What should a small business focus on in order to make money and professionaly service the client? The answer is found within Social Fusion. Social Fusion is a term coined by James Nellis with Spoken Word Seminars. Social Fusion is "the layering of multiple forms of media to integrate with the accessibility of today's consumer." Social Fusion focuses on the consumer, the brand and the way to truly market as a company. Find more about Social Fusion at: Social Fusion: Leveraging your Brand

Sellabration 2009 - CRS Conference

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:32:37 -0800

WOW... What an amazing time... I know that many Realtors were unable to join us for the event. We had a great diversity represented. CRS even had over 50 Realtors from Spain at the event. Here is a photo: Many presenters shared the stage from Howard Brinton to Bob Wolff and even Chris Bird on the upcoming tax laws that will affect everyone. I had hoped to blog on the many things I learned at Sellabration. Each panel and session brought so many things to the forefront. We must treat Real Estate as a business. Many times it is in your best interest as Russell Shaw demonstrated to "walk away". If the Seller does not realize the data and the current market you are better off to not take that home as part of your listing inventory. James Nellis, Mike Parker, Rob Levy & Greg Gorman introduced many Realtors to Social Media and how it can be integrated within the Real Estate industry. Stay tuned as they are going to announce a new one day class that will truly give you the edge on marketing, branding and staying ahead in this emerging arena of doing Real Estate. Make sure you stay up on how to run your Real Estate company as a business. Kristan Cole from Alaska highlighted the difference between "Smart Money and Dumb Money". We must all reevaluate how we spend and how we preserve the net at the end. Leslie McDonnell also suggested cancelling your business credit card to find out how many monthly/annual fees were hitting your account- many of them that you do NOT use in your business today. Denny Grimes was one of the main presenters at the opening session along with Debbie Morris, Leslie McDonnell, James Nellis & Howard Brinton. Denny has created a new search engine. It is www.HOMEY.com - check it out today. It is at the initial stages but there are hopes that it will make the house searching a new experience for all involved: consumer, Realtor, etc. Hope to see you at the Next Sellabration... Until then- remember- "You are a new creation"

Referral VOID

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:20:12 -0800

There is a gap I refer to as the Referral VOID which is the chasm between knowing how to give and receive a referral and doing business the normal way. I have spent over 14 years in the Real Estate business and still marvel at how many in my profession do not understand the referral concept. A referral is a transference of trust from one individual to the other. So how do we not only endear trust but make sure that when given a referral that trust is not betrayed. There are 5 Key Principles to keep in mind the next time you are giving or receiving a referral: 1. Treat them as a CLIENT and not a SALE. So many consumers have been burned in various transactions by the salesperson simply wanting to sell and not wanting to help. Recognize their needs upfront and help them fulfill their needs and not your own. 2. Do NOT pass our your business cards. Everyone has a business card and it does not result in new business. 3. Trust- Trust is built in small and big ways. Being on time for appointments and following through on Q&A from each client. 4. 5. (For the remaining principles go to: http://snipurl.com/akapc)

Angie's List: Best & Worst

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:52:00 -0800

Angie's List (www.angieslist.com) is a compilation of "quality contractors, service companies and health care providers." I stumbled upon them years ago when as a Realtor I wanted to be able to recommend multiple companies to my clients. In general I have been very satisfied with their recommendations. Recently Angie's List published their Best & Worst of 2008. It was quite comical as many of the "worst" contractors had literal mug shots from the County Jail or courthouse. To see the worst click here: Worst Contractors Check and see if any of their Best Contractors are in your area. If you are looking for the best contractors in Northern Virginia or Washington DC contact The Nellis Group direct to know which contractor or service company will take the best care of you. The Nellis Group can be found at www.NellisGroup.com

Staying Connected via Smart Phones

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:49:22 -0800

As the technology has evolved many Realtors and consumers have moved over to smart phone technology from the basic cell phone. The problem is in a marketplace that has sooo many which cell phone do you buy? Go to the Tech Review to see the comparison of the Blackberry Storm and the I-Phone.

Schools Matter...

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:15:37 -0800

We have seen it over and over again... It does matter which school district your home is located within... There was a big disturbance recently when there was a rezoning in the Oakton High School District in Oakton, Virginia. Homes that had always been zoned for Oakton were now getting absorbed into South Lakes High School district. Oakton is a TOP 100 school in the USA. The Northern Virginia market actually boasts 3 out of the TOP 100 in the Nation. We always encourage our clients to review the school rankings and school reviews whenever looking at locations and homes. There are two sites that I would encourage any buyer or seller to review: www.greatschools.net - this provides mainly insight from parents that have had personal interactions with the schools. It can be very valuable. www.schoolmatters.com is an excellent service which allows you to rank schools side by side and compare the school your children currently attend with a new one... Keep in mind that each class, school system and district is only as strong as the individual teacher and participation by the many volunteers. Stay committed to your district, school and child as we all seek a better education for the next generation!

New Bluetooth Ear Pieces

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 03:21:16 -0800

It seems like there is constantly a new device coming out on the market! Check out a more detailed review I did of a new Plantronics device that is far above the rest of the competition especially when you consider the price. 150.00 - cheaper if you shop around.... Go to: http://www.jamesnellis.com/new-bluetooth-ear-piece James & The Nellis Group

Lessons Learned- Money Found, Money Lost

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:54:55 -0800

What are Lessons Learned?? These are the issues that hit every small business owner. Money that is found and money lost... Money found is based on smart decisions that give you a minimal return of double or triple the cost of the investment. Money lost is the painlful trial and error found by most business owners when an idea (costly idea) goes bad... One example of Money Found OR Money Lost is below: Shopping Carts: $7,500 for 6 months (3 stores) or $15,000 a year. This is for the advertising rights on the individual shopping carts at a local Safeway or Giant. The idea is focused on Name Branding and securing new business. We did get acknowledgement from our clients and nice comments from them but we tracked ZERO direct return from this investment. This type of advertising resulted in Money Lost. We now consider it "EGO" branding... it did not secure as new or more business but it did lighten our wallets every year. Make sure as 2009 approaches you look to secure Money Found and not Money Lost. James & The Nellis Group

Resources

James Nellis (The Nellis Group- RE/MAX) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:27:01 -0800

I have begun to gather recommended resources for my primary website. Each of these resources are used in my daily Real Estate business. It is important to stay ahead with Technology & Additional Resources for new business. You will find up-to-date technology both FREE and paid... You will also find an application to one of our better sources for Real Estate business!! Go to Spoken Word Seminars to find them... www.JamesNellis.com - click on Resources. Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Selling! James & The Nellis Group