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Embracing Technology....or forced to shop?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with !Daley Real Estate

So with all of my research and learning in the past 6 months, a hovering cloud of irritation has settled over my office for 6 months. Let's face it. There are things we can change and things we can't change and then there are phone contracts. So I have been living out the last 6 months of a ridiculous phone contract just waiting to dump my carrier. So I shopped phone services. Same bad service, same "we don't really care who you get a commercial account through" attitude coupled with the outrageous markups for business lines (as opposed to residential).

Then I found wireless. No quotes from the cable company arguing about who will pay for them to lay the cable (why wasn't this done 3 years ago at construction-before the parking lot would have to be ripped up and re-laid). But alas, I wasn't aware of wireless options. We no longer need wires (or computers anymore) to access the internet. So I am embracing the signs of the times. I am taking a moment in this positioning market to get myself ready for attack. I am implementing !Daley 2.0 . Here's the thing. I need internet and phone, but I know that I can get a deal if I shop around and I am not prepared to give my money to anyone who doesn't want to look out for me.

Do you see where this is going?  Bear with me

Let's change it up and you can see my parable.

Over the past 6 months, buyer have been researching and learning about our industry, real estate. Buyers know there are market forces they can't change, but there are habits that can change (consumer credit card debt, going for convenience instead of economy, not monitoring credit scores).

There's another way!

Most renters know that renewing lease after lease is not a great idea, but they have ideals set for what "they deserve" and they have convinced themselves that outrageous markups are justified because that's the way it is. They would rather over-pay rent than settle for a well priced starter home without the bells and whistles that come with apartment communities. Are you paying for fitness centers, pools, landscaping and parks that you don't use? Think about how those are built into your monthly payment. Why not invest in a starter home? Can't give up the amenities? Why do you think condos and townhomes were invented? Best of both worlds!

Many agents pay extrordinary fees for brokerage services they were sold on years ago, but haven't ever used (online resources, mailout services, training, etc...). In markets like this, owners owe it to their agents to re-structure their business to make it as cost-effective and efficient as possible. It isn't always convenient, and takes quite a bit of time and number crunching, but I know my agents appreciate the extra boost on their commissions that trickle down as a result. So, give yourself an economic stimulous package and shop yourself around. Odds are you won't be giving up as much as you get in return.

Why not switch to a company that cares for you and treats you like your business matters and is important and valued. This company will work at your side for as long as it takes to educate you about your market and options, to make sure you are getting the best deal on the market that works for your lifestyle.  Renters: You would be amazed at how far your money will go when you pay your own mortgage instead of your landlord's! This is a buyer's market. Get an agent that will work to get you the most bang for your buck! Agents: You will be amazed at how much you still love our industry when you have a company that works with you, especially in markets like this!

Visit DaleyRealtor.com for more contact info or call/email/text me directly. Check us out! We are turning Real Estate on its ear in Savannah! We are happy to share personal references!

 

Comments (2)

Mary McGraw
GLREA - Rockford, MI
2015: Solar Energy Is Still A Simple Machine!

Hi Kelly! This post really hit home after struggling with a telecommunications company over the past week! As consumers look at services they are purchasing great customer service like yours will also be part of the decision making process!

I like the way you have created the parallel with renters. It's a great time to buy with so many choices on the market!

Jan 15, 2009 09:04 PM
Kelly Bringman
!Daley Real Estate - Savannah, GA

Thanks so much for your comment Mary. Great Attitude with '09 will be FINE. Check out my next post to see if you can add any good stats...I am gathering info.

Jan 21, 2009 03:14 PM