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What are you doing to survice the market during slow times? Here is what I have been doing........it may help!

By
Real Estate Agent with Re/Max South County

I started real estate a little over a year and half ago.  The market was good or so I thought, because I did not know it to be any other way. I have found ways to "survive" when things are slow.

1.  BPO - Broker Price Opinions - I am sure everyone has heard of these, I had not!  It took me months and months to email and get on the lists of banks to do "their BPO's" - no one wants to "share" things with people, so I had to self taught........  I am willing to share if you are interested.  I purchased a book, and then just went on line and registered with 100's of companies - I now have a nice database of BPO purveyors, that I work with.  They pay from $40 to $125 for a BPO.  You can usually negotiate a fee to if necessary.

2.  Mobile Notary Services - I got my notary seal, and started advertising Notary Services, banks, love to send a "notary" to a refi rather than an attorney.  The documents are emailed or overnighted to me and I go to a closing, about 1 hour, and "witness the signatures" - I offer no advise, and if there is a  problem I call the lender.  These fee's range from $75 to $150 per closing.  Everyone says to me, "I never charge for notarizing something" - and neither do I, not for family, friends or neighbors.  But as a business entitty I charge.  Someone needs something notarized on a weekend, or holiday, I will travel to their home and do it for a fee.

3.  Hook up with a lender, title company, appraiser, home inspector, attorney, and advertise together.  I set up a web site, "Shop Under One Roof" - I persuaded local service providers to join my site for a nominal fee, this way they would get referrals from me.  I sell a house, and I tell my buyer's go to my site to see where to find "local service providers" - people that I have known for years, who are willing to "take care of you" - New to an area, this is soooo important!  Who do you call??  Word of mouth or my website.  I need home inspector, appraiser, title company, cleaning services........... call me to join today or go to my website and send application!

Testimonials:

DiRoma Roofing, Frank DiRoma, I got 4 jobs, for roofing, windows, and siding from advertising on this site.  Call me today for information, I was shocked!

Seacoast Mortgage, Ann Sabbagh:  I got 6 loans from Sandy Bliven, Re/Max South County

MLS Properties. Laurie and Mark Charpentier:  I received Rental referrals and clean out services from this website

Lifestyle Interier:  I cannot mention all the clients that I got from advertising with Sandy Bliven's Networking Concierge Services

Eastern Bank, Laurie Lisi, Sandy's website gave me leads for 3 loans in the last 4 months!

                        

Call me if you would like to join my networking services!  Everything works and nothing doesn't!

 

Posted by
Sandy Bliven, your 24/7 e-PRO Concierge!
Named #1 Realtor in State RI for Coldwell Banker 2011 & Recipient of"The Circle of Excellence Award" - 3rd Top Producer in South County and e-PRO Certified Concierge.
I am available to my clients 7 days a week. My services do not end after the closing.
Cape Coral Florida Golf Course and Waterfront Homes
Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc. - Cape Coral, FL
Great ideas....and they will carry through to a better market, as well.  Scratching out a living is a character builder, I am told.  I think that all of us are "character built" at this time and I am glad that the market is finally turning up.
JimG
Apr 28, 2008 05:45 AM
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!

Hi Sandy, I see you have been here a few weeks and I would like to welcome you (belatedly:)!! BPO's are a good way for extra income and there are several BPO and REO groups here in the Rain where you can share and find out even more.

I have also considered doing the notary thing. I am a notary already, so it would not be a great leap. There is one BPO company that has just started offering it also.

Enjoy Active Rain and be careful not to get too addicted!!

Apr 28, 2008 06:45 AM
Karen Gentry>>Charlottesville, Virginia Real Estate Professional
RE/MAX Excellence-Charlottesville VA - Charlottesville, VA
Thanks for sharing with us.  That's the best thing about Active Rain, the sharing of great information.
Apr 28, 2008 10:20 AM
Tracy Otsuka
Sotheby's International Realty - Petaluma, CA
Esq.
sandy, would you mind sharing what book you bought? thanks.
Apr 28, 2008 07:10 PM