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Maximizing Your Website’s ROI

Blog Contributor Helpful Tools, Professional Development, Technology & Social Media 2 Comments

By Ryan Gervais The first thing almost every new REALTOR® is told when they get in the business is to get a website. New agents usually ask their broker or fellow agents where to go to fulfill this seemingly important task, and they usually choose an out-of-the-box template solution. These cookie-cutter solutions do offer the convenience of getting up and …

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How to Communicate by Actually Having a Conversation

Blog Contributor communication, Technology & Social Media 3 Comments

By Jared James I was thinking about our culture recently in this time of voicemails, emails, and social media, and it appears that everyone has a greater desire to communicate, but a lesser desire to actually have conversation.Believe it or not, communication and conversation are two completely different things. The actual definition of the word “communicate” is the activity of …

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A Real Inspiration

Blog Contributor communication Leave a Comment

By Hilary Hale Brown I had the pleasure of spending most of a recent afternoon with Avis Wukasch.  For those of you unfamiliar with this vivacious woman, Texas Real Estate Commissioner, and 2012 Texas REALTOR® of the Year, I highly recommend spending a few moments to read her bio online.  She reminds us all of what we can accomplish in …

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REALTOR(R) University’s Graduate School is Open for Business!

Blog Contributor Classes & Education, Professional Development 1 Comment

REALTOR® University launched its first Master of Real Estate course, Real Estate Law (RE520), on February 27. The Master of Real Estate curriculum emphasizes the practical skills and concepts the real estate industry demands from real estate professionals and blends theory with real-world applications. Even if you missed the first class, four eight-week sessions remain in 2012. The next session …

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How Do You Know When it’s Time to Hire an Assistant?

Blog Contributor Business Challenges, Helpful Tools, Managing Your Office, Professional Development, Work/Life Balance 1 Comment

By Alex Milshteyn I am writing this 30,000 feet in the air as I fly to St. Louis, Mo., where I’ll be participating in a “30 Under 30” panel discussion during the St. Louis Association of REALTORS®’ YPN second anniversary celebration. As I’m writing this, I feel very little stress, which is a giant contrast from just a few years …

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There Are Givers and There Are Takers: Taking an Active Role in Your Profession

Blog Contributor Personal Fulfillment, Political Action & Involvement, Professional Development Leave a Comment

By Brett Caviness From the first year I got my license as a college student, I knew I wanted to be involved in the real estate business as much as possible.  I started by attending the Iowa REALTORS® Legislative Bus-in where I quickly realized the power we as individuals have to take part in the political landscape that is our …

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You’re Too Honest: A Recap of My Recent Listing Appointment

Blog Contributor ethics, Sales & Marketing, Working with Clients 5 Comments

By Laura Rubinchuk Schwartz I met with a very nice couple looking to retire and relocate out of the area, which means selling their home of 20+ years. It had been many, many years since they needed the services of a REALTOR® or learned of the new way things are being done to sell a home, prepare for listing, and …

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Where’s Your Focus?

Blog Contributor Business Challenges, Professional Development Leave a Comment

By Chris Nichols I just got back from some meetings in Orlando, Florida. There are many beautiful golf courses in the area, and I had the opportunity to drive by Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and see this phenomenal golf hole. Surrounded by water and sandwiched between two sand traps, this hole could easily be summed up as “challenging”! …

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Cracking Necks, Setting Expectations

Blog Contributor Commitment to Excellence, Professional Development, Sales & Marketing Leave a Comment

By Toby Boyce The sun rose over the eastern sky as my alarm went off on what was quite the unusual March morning. Well beyond the fact that it was nearly 50 degrees, I decided to take my wife’s advice and go to the neurologist and chiropractor after six days of constant migraines. As I sat in the chiropractor’s office, …

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Being Unattached to the Outcome

Blog Contributor Business Challenges, Closing, Professional Development, Sales & Marketing, Working with Clients 5 Comments

By Dave Robison Ever had a buyer working with more than one agent? Ever had a seller who you spent a ton of time with, gave them your advice, and then they used a discounted service? Ever had a buyer who kept changing their mind or made offers on a lot of properties? I knew an agent who had a …