Chris Nichols
By Chris Nichols
There’s a story about a group of students that goes a little something like this:
A Harvard professor was fielding questions from his class regarding the upcoming midterm exam. The questions were varied, but all seemed to carry a similar theme. Upon realizing this, the professor stopped the questioning and said, “Even though your questions sound different, they are essentially all the same; ‘What is the minimum I have to do to pass this test?’”
As of writing of this blog post, the London 2012 Olympics are just two weeks away. Athletes from around the world will be gathering to compete in various events. I can guarantee you, without a doubt, that none of these world-class athletes are asking themselves, “What is the minimum I have to do to get a gold medal?”
There is no question that the real estate business can be viewed as a “test” at times. But are you falling into the trap of finding ways to do the minimum necessary to just pass this test? If you are, I’d recommend you find a way to adjust your thinking and instead “GO FOR THE GOLD!”
Chris Nichols is a REALTOR® with Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate in Orem, Utah. Learn more about Chris at utahrepro.com or @utahREpro.
Anand Patel
By Anand Patel
One of the most helpful pieces of advice I received several years ago that I continually advise my agents to do today is to recap, in writing, your conversations with clients, attorneys, title companies, appraisers, fellow agents – any and all parties involved in your transactions. These details will help clarify the conversation you have, leaving no confusion about who said what. It will help cover your “assets” if things go sour in a transaction, and it will aide you in solidifying and growing your relationships.
Here’s what I recommend:
TAKE NOTES
Take detailed notes of your phone calls. I keep a notebook by me at the office at all times and also take it on the road with me. When I’m at the office, if I’m on the phone with you, I probably have you on my hands free set and am taking notes at the same time. If taking a call on the road, once I get to my destination I’ll jot down some notes in my notepad (or sometimes in Evernote on my iPad or iPhone).
Things to write down: Continue reading »
Anand Patel
By Anand Patel
With 2011 coming to a close it seems everyone is talking, blogging, and tweeting about setting new goals for 2012.
Well, let’s not jump the gun! What about the goals you already set for yourself that you haven’t accomplished? Whatever you do, if they are worthy goals you truly wish to achieve, don’t abandon them just yet!
Before giving up and setting new goals, why not seriously look at what you have already set for yourself. Do you know what these goals of yours look like? I mean, deep down inside, can you visualize, feel, smell, and even taste these goals? If not, maybe your vision is getting bored, and it’s time to get your goals down on a VISION BOARD.
A vision board is just that — a board that helps you visualize your goals. I put my first vision board together this past August to help me really ingrain some of my short-term and long-term goals. If you’re a visual person like me, there is something very powerful and moving about having real pictures of what you hope to achieve laid out right in front of you to look at every day.
If this sounds like something you want to give a shot as we prepare for 2012, it’s very simple to get started:
- Get a poster board. I went to Staples and purchased a 20″ x 30″ sturdy board. Get whatever size you think will work best for you.
- Get away from any distractions. Find some quiet time, either late in the evening or early morning with a notepad and “brain dump” your current goals and all that you want to have, do, become over the next three, five, 10 or even 20 years. Think BIG and don’t hold yourself back. Don’t let your mind tell you that it’s too crazy if it’s something you REALLY want to achieve.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to help get the juices flowing:
- How much money do I want to make per year? $250,000? $800,000? $2 million? (Why Not! Think BIG!)
- What kind of clients do I want to work with? First-time home buyers? Investors? Retirees? Celebrities? Continue reading »
Brian Copeland
By Brian Copeland
Over the past few months, I’ve been catching wind of a LOT of referrals between YPNers. As Daddy Goose, I’m so proud! As Daddy Goose, additionally, I think it’s important we chat a little about how to handle those agent-to-agent referrals.
Three weeks ago, I sent out three referrals to three different REALTORS®. None of those agents followed through, forcing me to back step and save face with my clients. Now, I know none of you reading this would have done that, but just in case one of those slackers stumbles upon this, here’s my good, ol’ fashioned checklist of best practices.
1. When you’re contacted by an agent, respond in his or her contact medium. Simply put, if he/she emails you, email them back. If he or she calls, pick up the phone and call them back. Now, if he or she says on the voicemail, “You can just email me at…” then you’re good, but Daddy Goose calls communications faux pas for any other behavior.
2. Include the agent in all client communications until he or she asks you not to. Over-communication is better than no communication. Even if you send a simple email that says, “Hey, Joanne. Just wanted to let you know, it’s been three weeks, and your buyer is still receiving daily listings, but won’t be in for another two months. I wanted to touch bases to let you know. Thanks, again, for trusting me with your buyer,” that’s a perfect way of giving that agent peace of mind.
3. Get the referral agreement to the referring REALTOR®, ASAP. Last week, I heard a horror story of a YPN who “trusted” the REALTOR® to do the right thing when she sent the referral. She didn’t see her money and had no documentation to support anything. Will she ever refer to that agent again? Of course not, and this was a supposedly a good friend! We have contracts and written agreements for a reason. Use them quickly, clearly and wisely.
4. Make contact with the REALTOR®’s referral your top priority. If an agent calls/emails/messages you at 10 a.m., you need to have reached out to his referral within the hour. No matter if they answer or not, let the agent know you have been in touch. It will give him the assurance he called the right REALTOR®! Continue reading »
Laura Rubinchuk
By Laura Rubinchuk
Millions of people tuned in last night to watch football, commercials, eat junk food and drink beer, or maybe you were just waiting to see when it would be over to catch the new episode of Glee. Regardless of your motivations, the Superbowl is the largest television audience all year, giving advertisers the ability to spread their brand awareness tremendously! Here’s what I learned from the game, and how I applied it to my real estate career:
The Green Bay Packers
Losing Woodson and Driver early, the Packers went up against more odds and yet somehow pulled together to pull off a great down-to-the-last-minute win. In real estate, we often encounter bumps from contract to close, so it’s imperative you work with a group of people who know how to get their jobs done.
The Pittsburgh Steelers
Favored to win, the Steelers had too many interceptions and not enough defense to win this game. Feeling entitled and like you’ve got this “in the bag” won’t actually get you anywhere – in football or in real estate. Keep working, everyday, to get better.
Christina Aguilera
If you’re hired to do a job, it’s best you come prepared to actually perform. Forgetting lyrics and screeching musical notes don’t qualify as a good performance or doing your job. Much like in real estate, if you come unprepared, you’ll get ripped apart as well. She also taught me that it’s not about me – it’s about you (the client). She butchered the National Anthem to try to show off her musical talents, but failed to actually do the song justice or properly honor the history of the Anthem. Don’t look out for only your own benefits, look out for theirs. Continue reading »
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