Jeremy Williams
By Jeremy Williams
I encourage you today to fit in your schedule a time to drive to a parking lot of one of the most trafficked places in your community. Park your car. Turn off your cell phone. Clear your mind from your daily activities. This is an activity where the requirements are simple. Open your eyes and watch. What do you see? You see people from all walks of life, a “portfolio” of career types, and all dealing with different life situations.
What does it mean to you? Everyone of these persons could be a potential client. If they are not a potential client, then what are they to you? These people could be prospects, referral sources, and maybe even a future friend. You never know how life works. The key is to realize the potential and to keep an open mind.
So how does this correlate with the title of this post, “Market Does Not Matter?” In up or down markets, there will always be people needing the services of a REALTOR®. Realizing the potential in the market is key to your success as a REALTOR®. Look at all the people moving in and out of your market area. Go meet them in the places they congregate. You always here, “Everyone knows someone.” Why can’t this person be you? Realize that millions of potential dollars pass by you each day as a REALTOR® whether the real estate market is considered “good” or “bad” in your area. You just have to find your unfair share.
So again, I challenge you when you think the real estate market is tough, go through the exercise I mentioned above. Your potential is only set by the ceiling your create. Look at all the people that pass by you each day as either a direct piece of business or a referral source. Now the real estate market in the new perspective seems great all the time whether “up” or “down.”
Jeremy Williams of Keller Williams Realty NE in Kingwood, Texas specializes in the residential real estate market of Kingwood, Atascocita, and Humble, Texas. Visit his Web site at www.williams4yourhome.com.
Brooke Wolford
By Brooke Wolford
Random things are bound to happen when you show homes. There are always the typical things… the pictures online do not match the house, they didn’t show the dead squirrels hanging on the wall, they didn’t say that people smoke in the house, etc.
Recently, in one day I had the most abnormal things happen with one client. Now I do have to say, this happened all in one place.
So my clients were a husband and wife investor couple. We were looking at some properties that were rental properties. Here are the events as they happened:
House #1: It was a huge four-plex, the agent of course had talked me up about how terrific the place was. So there were renters on the property. I was told that none of them would be there. I knocked on unit #1. Nobody answered. I unlocked the door and walked in. Suddenly I screamed! To my surprise the renter was still there… sitting naked on the couch with a beer in his hands… passed out. I told my clients “Maybe we should move on to the other units and come back.” They said, “That’s, ok, we will just walk through.” I kind if chuckled and said, “OK, whatever you feel comfortable with.” Just then, the renter woke up and started looking around. He then decided to cover himself up. I said, “Hello! We have a showing scheduled.” He nodded and waved us through. Awkward, completely awkward! Continue reading »
Jessica Hickok
By Jessica Hickok
I recently got an e-mail from my Flickr photo sharing account stating that a map company had requested to use a photo I had taken. The photo was a tourist-y pic of Fremont Street in Las Vegas that was taken on a recent trip we made there last summer. The map company was requesting to use it for one of their online publication maps promoting the eclectic street.
Don’t get too excited, I’m not getting paid for them to use the photo, but I am getting a credit byline on the interactive online map.
Fremont Street
They asked me for the byline credit link and the default was set to my Flickr user name. Although I like Flickr, I mostly use it for personal photos and I don’t use it that often. So I changed the credit to be given to my Web/blog site instead of my Flickr user name. Within weeks, I was amazed that my Web tracking stats were showing hundreds of hits on my web site that were coming from this online map Web site!
Then it hit me, posting pictures on Flickr (real estate related or not) can be just another way to drive traffic to your Web site. I haven’t received any phone calls from someone wanting to buy that overpriced listing that’s been on the market since last summer, but you never know. Nonetheless I am getting people hitting my Web site and all I did was upload a random photo to my Flickr account.
The moral of the story: Never underestimate the power of social media and a life well lived outside your job as REALTOR®. You’d be amazed at how they all intertwine within themselves. However, be warned young Jedi Warrior, it goes both ways… You must think before posting those “other” Vegas pics.
Jessica Hickok, a self-proclaimed blogging- and Twittering-fanatic, is with Dizmang Properties in Springfield, Mo. Visit Jessica’s blog: www.jessicahickok.com.
The Greater Nashville Association of REALTORS® (GNAR) chapter of the Young Professionals Network held its “Academic Advising 101″ on Feb. 12 in the Hal Wilson Education Center.
This event provided an opportunity for new and young REALTORS® to get a better understanding of REALTOR® education, designations, and how to earn them.
GNAR President Lucy Smith and GNAR YPN President Hagan Stone kicked off the event by introducing a group of seasoned GNAR REALTORS® to give a brief overview of the major industry designations. They each discussed their own personal stories and experiences working with these designations and also explained how they have helped them to succeed in real estate. Continue reading »
Kelly Reark
By Kelly Reark
This week, I thought I would share some striking real estate statistics from my small local market area. Gasparilla Island is only a snapshot of what is happening locally, and hopefully what is or will be happening across our state and country.
In the first quarter of 2009, only two contracts closed on Gasparilla Island. The second quarter brought 14 closings, third quarter had nine, and the fourth quarter closed out with seven, for a total of 35 closed properties in 2009. This was down from the 2008 total of 41 properties closed.
Since the New Year, showing activity has picked up. Already this year, eight contracts have closed and 11 sales are pending on our island. Total dollar volume for the under contract and closed contract listings already tops 75 percent of what the total was for 2009. Many of what I considered to be our “best deals” have gone under contract. With a market area as small as mine, it only takes a few sales to drive up competition once again.
I encourage each of you to find statistics like these for your local market area. When I get a walk-in to our office with the familiar question, “So how’s real estate been lately?” I can answer with facts that will really grab their attention. It lets them know that the sky is not falling and quiets the Chicken Little response they were expecting. A response like this gives me credibility, puts the focus on my knowledge of my market, and puts them on track to look at property with the mindset that I want them to have.
Kelly Reark is a native Floridian and e-PRO REALTOR® with Gasparilla Properties, Inc. in Boca Grande, Southwest Florida. Visit her blog: www.BocaGrandeRealEstateNews.com.
Brandon Rodriguez
By Brandon Rodriguez
In real estate we always talk about the best technology, the social networking, the closing of a sale. We sometimes forget we are not super heroes, we are human. Our livelihood is dependent on our personalities and how we deal with stress. We all know real estate can be stressful. So how does one move on? The same determination, ambition and will-power that got you in the business will get you over the obstacle.
I see this day in, day out, practitioners give up because life placed a mountain in front of them that seems impossible to climb and overcome. That agent that was moving forward has now decided to get out of the business because of financial or personal issues. It does not have to be that way.
Why am I talking about overcoming life obstacles? I want practitioners to know they are not alone and to stay in the business. In December my grandmother was placed in ICU. She raised me from birth and I called her mom. My business was doing great, I won a national award, and then tragedy happens. I placed everything on hold to be by her side. She was bad and we had to make tough life changing decisions. Mid January she passed away. My heart was torn, and my mind confused. I could of fallen into a deep depression, and given up on my company, agents, and business. This was not something I was expecting, nor ready to deal with. This obstacle could have ended my career. Continue reading »
Crystal Webster
By Crystal Webster
Insert the popular 60’s song here.
My mentor reminds me of this on a regular basis. What’s the use of being in real estate (or insurance, or sales, or anything for that matter) if no one knows? You’re not a super spy, you’re not doing covert ops, and you’re not incognito.
Be proud of what you do, carry business cards with you (and don’t be afraid to give them out!), talk about the industry and provide advice (Although, I HAVE found there’s a fine line between being an attention hoarder and being helpful – and not many people like attention hoarders so don’t be ‘that person’…)
People want “easy” and that’s exactly what you do for them; you make the home buying/selling process easier. There’s no reason to keep that a secret. Get out there and don’t be so James Bond about it!
Now, I COULD sell you a house, but then I’d have to kill you 
Crystal Webster is a REALTOR® in the Kansas City area. Visit her networking site at www.kcyoungprofessionals.com and her Web site and blog at www.theheritagehometeam.com.
Brooke Wolford
By Brooke Wolford
I was recently invited to attend my first YPN group in Minneapolis by fellow Lounge blogger Nobu Hata. As many of you know, the Minneapolis YoPros were just named Chapter of the Year — I now understand why.
I went in not knowing what to expect. I have attended other local networking groups in the past and kind of walked away with a “well whatever” feeling. However, the Minneapolis YoPros chapter is different.
I left there completly amazed and energized. It seemed as if everyone there was in love with real estate, just as I am. I learned so many valuable things. They have clear goals and agendas. They make the events worthwhile for everyone.
Now I feel as if I can conquer the world! …Well, at least the Twin Cities. It really made me see how I can take my career further and it gave me the tools to do it. At the same time, it also made me want to get more involved with the industry nationally.
If you haven’t had a chance, attend your local YPN chapter events. It will truly benefit your career.
Brooke Wolford is a REALTOR® with Edina Realty, Hastings, Minn. Follow her blog at strugglingrookierealestateagent.blogspot.com.
Dawn Miller
By Dawn Miller
I didn’t think I would be that excited to get “rid of the old and in with the new!” It’s a new year with a renewal of focus. How was your first month of 2010?
I am fortunate to be a REALTOR® in a real estate company that is consistently on the NAR’s top private brokerage firms, as seen in REALTOR® Magazine annual issue. The company is committed to its agents and to top-notch training.
Mike Staver visited our company at the beginning of the January and his seminar stuck with me!
I want to share some of my notes from the seminar. I have embraced this philosophy. I am more openly accepting new challenges and creating new opportunities for myself.
Let’s ATTACK this new year with the following focus:
A
Accept circumstances
Accept circumstances as they actually are. Don’t make things better than they are. In real estate business, this means generating more leads, making more appointments until I meet a seller or a buyer that has the right criteria in place to sell or buy successfully. Most importantly–have courage to face reality. Continue reading »
Stefanie Hahn
By Stefanie Hahn
LinkedIn- www.LinkedIn.com: This is one social media tool that I recommend for all real estate agents. LinkedIn is your Web 2010 resume. When consumers Google your name – and they are Googling your name – you want your LinkedIn profile to show up in the results.
What is LinkedIn? In a nutshell, it’s your online resume, complete with recommendations. Spend some time setting up your LinkedIn profile and really building out your information, start connecting with your sphere of influence: former colleagues, classmates, group members, vendors, and your past clients; then work on scoring a few solid recommendations.
If you are new to social networking, LinkedIn is a nice smooth way to slide into the hot tub. You have to put the work into your profile initially and then spend some time reaching out to your connections, but after that, LinkedIn can become pretty passive. You can easily manage your profile and connections in just five minutes a day.
There are a few questions/concerns that I seem to get over and over again with regard to LinkedIn that I am addressing specifically in this post. Continue reading »
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