By Jeremy Williams “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James II: 2-3. If you are in the real estate business for a period of time, you …
Open Mouth, Insert Foot
By Crystal Webster When I first got into the business I thought I knew it all – rookie mistake. I knew everything there was to know about Kansas City (yes, the whole GIANT city). My business was the perfect model. My processes were the best to be had. And my broker was the best broker anywhere in the world – …
Life After the First-Time Home Buyer Craze
By Michelle Flaherty Does anyone else miss working with people who want to buy AND sell? In a market marked by bank sales, short sales, and first-time home buyers, it’s easy to lose sight of what lies beyond this year’s surplus of single-sided clients. The year 2009 was without a doubt the year of the first-time home buyer. Already, …
I Would Like a Cheeseburger, But Hold the Cheese.
By Jeremy Williams What would happen if you ordered a cheeseburger at a fast food restaurant, and in ordering asked to hold the cheese? What reaction would you expect when you pulled up to the window to pay? The reaction would most likely be confusion because the restaurant’s expectation is that when you order a cheeseburger from the menu that …
Superstitous Buyers or Sellers? These Tips May Bring You Some Luck…
By Heather Soldonia In the spirit of October and Halloween, I think it’s a perfect time to discuss the many superstitions, beliefs, and practices held by home buyers (and sellers). As I’ve implied before, the San Francisco Bay Area is a cauldron pot of ancestries, religions, family, and marital statuses. But with that diversity there is a cobweb of belief …
Obstacles I Have Overcome as a Young Professional
By Kenneth Culbertson “Who are you to tell me that I need to bring $10,000 to the closing table? You’re just a kid!” ~ Seller These are the types of words I would hear when I was first selling real estate back in 1995 at 23 years of age. How would I overcome such critique? FACTS and STATISTICS! The …
Rethinking Lead Generation
By Jeremy Williams Depending on which real estate company you are currently operating with, there is one truth that you probably have heard expressed over and over: Lead generation is the key to a successful real estate business. Without generation, the well can dry up and the next thing you know your scrambling to find that next client. Methods of …
Does Social Networking Result in More Closings?
By Drew Burks Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Blogging … I get asked this question all the time: “Can I really close more business using social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and a blog?” The answer is YES! I know that many are skeptical, so I interviewed quite a few REALTORS® to find out what their experience has been over …
Why is it so Hard for REALTORS® to Go On Vacation?
By Michelle Flaherty This week, I went on a quick trip with my fiancé to visit the site of our upcoming wedding in Marco Island, Florida. With my work week reduced to Monday and Tuesday, I went into action mode, arranged coverage for the week, and packed my laptop so I could take care of business from the beach. Of …
Every Coin Has Two Sides: This REALTOR® Experiences Life as a Buyer
By Crystal Webster I’m in the market for a new home. Wow, I’d almost forgotten what it’s like to be on the other side of the transaction! It’s actually been a great experience to help remind me what it’s like to be the client. I’m normally a very rational, logical person. But house hunting does crazy things to people. I’ve …