December 15, 2011
Chances are if you’re reading this, you know a thing or two about the Internet and understand the role it plays in today’s marketplace. Selling a home is much different today than it was even 2 years ago; sellers have more choice of services in the form of DIY tools, they are more informed about the marketplace, and new gadgets, communication mediums and technologies have arisen. Some REALTORS® have been adapting to (and surpassing the limitations of) these changes, other’s haven’t. Agents should have exceptional answers to all of the following questions. If they don’t, ask yourself “is this agent and/or brokerage going to provide me with the best possible service and market my property to the widest possible audience?”
1. How will you market my property online?
You’ve heard this statistic before and the figure is increasing by the day: over 90% of buyers search for properties online before taking further action. How will your property stick out from the crowd? Will it be accessible to the maximum potential pool of buyers? What is the agent doing that is different from others?
2. How do you stay in touch with me and other agents?
Is the agent carrying a laptop, tablet and/or smart phone to every appointment? Will he have the time and resources to respond to your and other agent’s requests while on the road? Realtors spend a lot of time in their cars – their mobile office and ability to access information anywhere, anytime is crucial!
3. How do you transmit agreements and other written correspondence?
Via fax is the wrong answer here. It may seem like a small consideration, but deals can get snagged up over something as simple as illegibility or missing pages. Also keep in mind that your lawyer probably charges by the hour; don’t let her spend extra time scrutinizing an agreement due to the fact she needs a magnifying glass to read it. It’s nearly 2012 folks; by now all agents should be transmitting documents via PDF files over secure FTP or encrypted email systems. Furthermore, at the end of the deal, wouldn’t it be nice to have an electronic copy of all documents (as opposed to a messy file folder with wrinkled pages, covered in coffee stains)?
4. What special tools do you use that will help me as a buyer or seller?
Every agent claims to have a trick up their sleeve – a unique method or tool that no one else has access to. This is fine, but does this really add value, and is it something you could get access to yourself on the internet? Ask your agent if he uses proprietary technology such as GIS (mapping & measurement), CMA (market knowledge & analysis), cloud computing (information sharing & distribution), mobile targeting (text and QR codes), eCRM (automatic updates to her pool of buyers), and more. You might not know what half of those things are, but your agent darn well should.
5. I understand that technology is a big part of your business, and that’s great, but do you employ traditional methods as well?
My grandfather, a very wise man, always likes to remind me that “face to face wins the race, phone and mail take second place.” Despite my urging that you choose an agent who has entered the 21st century with confidence, you should also look for someone who is personable, punctual and a competent negotiator. A fistful of gadgets are worth nothing if your agent doesn’t have the professional and people skills to back himself up. That said, here is my litmus test suggestion. Initiate correspondence via email, and if the reply is quick and friendly, pick up the phone to see what he’s like on the line (his number is in his email signature line, right?). If he passes this second test, move onto the third – a face to face interview. You’ll know soon enough if this is the sort of agent who likes hiding behind a computer screen instead of going out and publicizing your property to real people in real environments!
Colin Crowell is a Realtor® specializing in residential listings & first time buyers with RE/MAX Banner Real Estate, the Annapolis Valley’s leading brokerage
Chat LIVE now with Colin! He is available to answer your questions about buying or selling real estate. No obligation, just friendly, helpful advice! Go to http://www.colincrowell.com/ and click the “Live Support” button in the bottom left-hand corner of the page.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Crowell
Technorati Tags: buying, communication, real estate, realtor, selling, technology
October 2, 2011
If you are a new REALTOR® or just getting started in your Real Estate Career, you have limited time to get your name out there to start generating leads. Because Real Estate Commissions are not paid until properties close, that means you are doing business now that will actually pay you months down the road.
If you are brand new in your real estate career, this could mean an early exit from the industry if you can’t get any deals done right away. Not having leads early on can put a lot of pressure on you and quickly change your overall outlook on this wonderful sales industry.
A quick way to let everyone know about your switch to a new and exciting real estate career is to use an Introduction Letter!
I have read many posts suggesting that the real estate introduction letter is dead and that it shouldn’t be used anymore. I agree that with the advent of social media technologies, that the introductory letter may not be used as much, however I feel it still can be a very important piece in launching your new real estate career!
Let’s face it, we don’t have time to waste in the first few months. We need to generate leads now! If people don’t know we are in the business they will look for help elsewhere. So why not let them know that we are here for them and see if we can help them with their Real Estate Needs now!
Your objective with this introduction letter is to let your sphere of influence know that you are in the business and to offer value on an ongoing basis. After all, by providing Value is what will separate us from all the other Real Estate Agents out there! We need to be different, we need to stand out from the crowd.
The more Value you can offer, the more clients you will retain. Why would anyone switch Agents when their current agent is providing everything they need?
I have included a sample introduction letter please visit my website at the bottom of this article to get your free sample. Please feel free to use it and modify it as needed for your business.
Make sure you include your contact information on all social platforms as well. We want to make it easy for potential clients to find us. So add your Facebook, LinkedINN and Twitter accounts as well as your Website.
Even if you are not new to the industry, you can still use an introduction letter. Instead of saying that you are launching your new Real Estate Career, mention that you are starting a new Marketing Plan and lay out how you are going to stay in touch with them.
The key is to stay in touch! You need to contact everyone once your letter has gone out. Make sure they’ve received the letter and don’t forget to ask them if they know anyone who may be thinking of making a move and needs your services.
Good luck!
As always, comments are welcomed and encouraged. Thanks!
MARTY GREEN
P.S. This post is brought to you by www.realestatecareermentor.com Please sign up for our FREE newsletter with more great updates and Real Estate training info on how to make sure you achieve all your Real Estate Goals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marty_Green
Technorati Tags: new to real estate, real estate career, real estate introduction letter, realtor introduction letter
November 30, 2010
Selling one’s home can be a pretty stressful experience, and throughout the whole ordeal, your companion would have to be the Real Estate Agent. He will handle the more delicate parts of selling your home and will be a major factor in the success or the failure of the sale. Having a bad real estate agent can ruin everything for you and may cost you several thousands of dollars. This is why you need to spot a bad real estate agent right away.
One of the tell tale signs of a bad real estate agent is unavailability. There are some agents who are pretty hard to contact and who always seem to be in a rush. If they’re not willing to stop for a while and entertain your questions, then they’re not worth your time. You’ll notice that bad real estate agents prefer to hand you bold promises instead of discussing the logistics at length. Communication is an important part of making the sale, especially since there are three parties who need to come to an agreement. If there’s a communication barrier between you and your agent, then you’re not likely to end up with a good deal at the very end, even if your house does get sold.
Another clue that your choice of an agent is poor is if he has a tendency to avoid too much information. Good real estate agents believe that the more information there is about a house, the better. Bad real estate agents, on the other hand, prefer to disclose as little information as possible. They prefer house inspectors who are not meticulous and are given to using broad and vague descriptions about the house’s qualities. Remember that there is such a thing called sin of omission, and to avoid disclosing details about the house is tantamount to such.
Next, try to notice if your agent offers useful advice or not. Good agents don’t keep mum about their opinions, even if they might be potentially offensive. Even if a piece of advice may upset you, the good agent will say it. On the other hand, the bad agent will keep feeding you platitudes in order to keep you happy and, of course, to keep himself in your payroll. On that note, agents who don’t offer advice are often apathetic and are less likely to be proactive in the process of selling your home.
Finally, just listen to your gut. If you think the guy is sleazy, then he probably is. If you think he’s lazy, then there’s likely to be a reason behind your impression. If you find that you need to raise your voice so that the agent will listen to you, stop and analyze your situation. Wouldn’t it be better to find an agent that suits you rather than stick with a bad one?
Technorati Tags: real estate agent
October 26, 2010
Sometimes, it takes years and years to sell a house but there are times when it only takes a few months. People usually attribute this to luck though the truth of the matter is that the secret to a successful sale actually lies in a good real estate agent. Real estate agents hold more influence over the outcome of the sale than you think. This is why choosing the right real estate agent is actually of prime importance, even more so than staging your home to look perfect.
However, the problem is: how exactly does one go about finding a good real estate agent? The answer: definitely not by watching TV. There are so many real estate agents out there who have chosen to saturate television with cheesy ads, all claiming that they’re the best at what they do. But the thing is, the opposite is often the case. Real Estate agents with a penchant for making themselves local celebrities are often not the best choice. These agents often have too many clients and their success rate often suffers.
Your best bet would be to go online and look for listings of houses on sale and those that have already been sold. Then, look for the real estate agent who has the best ratio of unsold to sold houses. It doesn’t matter if they don’t have a lot of clients. The best real estate agents choose to take only the work load that they can handle so that they can provide the best service they can. The worst ones keep on taking jobs even if they can no longer assure quality service.
Also, it’s better if you rely on word of mouth rather than on the ads in TV or in print. These promotions are exactly what they are – promotions – and they can be very misleading. On the other hand, if you ask your family and friends whether they know of any good agents, you’re more likely to get an honest opinion.
Next, do your own research. Surf the web for customer testimonials but be wary for those that are too flowery as they might be falsified. Also, check the real estate agent’s own site and study his credentials and his portfolio. You could also try sending an email to one of the people who have been his or her client before. This will help you get a reading of how good the agent is and how reliable he can be.
Finally, find out if he calls himself a realtor or a real estate agent. Few people know that there’s a difference between the two and often use these terms interchangeably. But the truth is, there’s an organization called National Association of Realtors, and only their members can be aptly called realtors. Members of this association are bound to uphold a code of ethics that requires them to follow parameters that are tighter than that of the law’s. Your best bet would be to hire a realtor instead of a real estate agent, even if they may cost more.
Technorati Tags: Good Real Estate Agent
October 1, 2010
For more information contact:
Jan Wagner & Lori Wantland, REALTORS®
(831) 423-6700
jansantacruz@cruzio.com
http://www.davidlyng.com
GREAT VIEWS OF VALLEY GARDENS GOLF COURSE-YET PRIVATE FENCED YARD-PATIO + UPPER DECK–WALK TO ALL SHOPPING & THEATER,RECREATION & DOG PARK -LOTS OF NEW- ALL 2.5 BATHS RE-DONE- MARBLE & WALK-IN CLOSET IN MASTER-SUITE- SML OFFICE OFF KITCHEN-COULD BE LAUNDRY/STORAGE–BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED GROUNDS + GUEST PARKING- Scotts Valley SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS BEST COUNTY SCORES- YOU’LL LIKE IT!
Duration : 0:1:50
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Technorati Tags: aptos, bank owned, beach, boardwalk, bonny doon, California, capitola, coast, condo, davenport, david lyng, david lyng real estate, felton, fixer upper, for sale, foreclosure, home, house, investment opportunity, listing, listing videos, live oak, mountain, ocean, ocean view, pajaro dunes, property, real estate, realtor, redwoods, reo, rio del mar, santa cruz, Scotts Valley, seacliff, seascape, single family, soquel, surf, Tour, video, Watsonville, west cliff, white water
September 21, 2010
Jan Wagner & Lori Wantland, REALTORS® – DRE# 00769068
Phone: (831) 423-6700
E-mail: jansantacruz@cruzio.com
BEST VIEWS IN Scotts Valley- GLORIOUS SUNSETS- 5 MINUTES TO SHOPPING- BUT QUIET AND PRIVATE – MOVE RIGHT IN – FRESH PAINT – ALL LIKE NEW – SUPER SIZED KITCHEN -LARGE ADJOINING LIVING ROOM – HIGH OPEN BEAMED CEILINGS – LIGHT & AIRY – FOUR BEDROOMS & 3 BATHS + FABULOUS POOL & SPA + CABANA AND STUDIO -IDEAL LIVING & GREAT FOR THE LARGE FAMILY WHO WANT SCOTTS VALLEY SCHOOLS-PLENTY OF PARKING TOO!
http://www.davidlyng.com
Duration : 0:1:35
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Technorati Tags: aptos, bank owned, beach, boardwalk, bonny doon, California, capitola, coast, condo, davenport, david lyng real estate, fixer upper, for sale, foreclosure, home, house, investment opportunity, listing, listing videos, ocean, ocean view, property, real estate, realtor, reo, rio del mar, santa cruz ca, santa cruz ca real estate, santa cruz real estate, Scotts Valley, seascape, single family, soquel, surf, Tour, video, Watsonville, west cliff, white water
September 12, 2010
Janet Romanowski, REALTOR® – DRE# 00826867
Phone: (831) 464-4412
E-mail: janetrom@pacbell.net
Website: http://www.janetromanowski.com
Clean, well-maintained home on a quiet, dead-end street with relaxing views of the trees and very convenient to SV shops, schools, and Hwy 17. Sun-drenched living room w/vaulted ceilings, two skylights & a wood-buring fireplace, good-sized master suite with access to the backyard, laundry room, 2-car garage, extra closets, fenced yard and a nice deck off the living room for taking in the views.
David Lyng Real Estate
http://www.davidlyng.com
Duration : 0:1:51
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Technorati Tags: aptos, bank owned, beach, boardwalk, bonny doon, California, capitola, coast, condo, davenport, david lyng real estate, fixer upper, for sale, foreclosure, home, house, investment opportunity, listing, listing videos, ocean, ocean view, property, real estate, realtor, reo, rio del mar, santa cruz ca, santa cruz ca real estate, santa cruz real estate, Scotts Valley, seascape, single family, soquel, surf, Tour, video, Watsonville, west cliff, white water
September 2, 2010
Jane Mott, REALTOR® – DRE# 01504972
Phone: (831) 477-2525
E-mail: jmott@davidlyng.com
Website: http://jane-mott.com
PRIME Scotts Valley LOCATION & SV SCHOOL DISTRICT.SPACIOUS SINGLE-LEVEL HOME AT THE END OF A QUIET CUL-DE-SAC.SEPARATE LV,FAM RM & SUN/BONUS RM OFFER GREAT SEPARATION OF SPACE AND FLOWS NICELY TO FRONT YARD AND SIZABLE BACK YARD & PATIO FOR INDOOR/OUTDOOR LIVING. 3 GOOD-SIZED BEDROOMS & 2 BTHRMS SIT AT ONE END OF THE HOME. SPACIOUS 4TH BEDROOM W/FULL BTHRM OVER GARAGE.GREAT OPPORTUNITY!
David Lyng Real Estate
http://www.davidlyng.com
Duration : 0:1:38
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Technorati Tags: aptos, bank owned, beach, boardwalk, bonny doon, California, capitola, coast, condo, davenport, david lyng real estate, fixer upper, for sale, foreclosure, home, house, investment opportunity, listing, listing videos, ocean, ocean view, property, real estate, realtor, reo, rio del mar, santa cruz ca, santa cruz ca real estate, santa cruz real estate, Scotts Valley, seascape, single family, soquel, surf, Tour, video, Watsonville, west cliff, white water
August 23, 2010
Marilyn Torres, REALTOR® – DRE# 00904026
Phone: 831-234-6873
E-mail: mtorres@davidlyng.com
Stunning 5 Yr New Executive Home in Community w/Tennis, Pool & Equestrian Facilities (Henry Cowell Trails Close By), on Gorgeous Half Acre w/Oaks,Brook Knoll/S.V.Schools.4018 SF of Breathtaking Interiors, 5 BR 4 BA (2 MBR’s) plus Study & Lndry, Excellent/Graceful/Flowing Floor Plan,25 ft Ceilings,Hardwood,Crown Molding,French Doors,Plantation Shutters,Butler’s Pantry,3 Fireplaces,A/C,3 Car Garage
David Lyng Real Estate
http://www.davidlyng.com
Duration : 0:1:52
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Technorati Tags: aptos, bank owned, beach, boardwalk, bonny doon, California, capitola, coast, condo, davenport, david lyng real estate, fixer upper, for sale, foreclosure, home, house, investment opportunity, listing, listing videos, ocean, ocean view, property, real estate, realtor, reo, rio del mar, santa cruz ca, santa cruz ca real estate, santa cruz real estate, Scotts Valley, seascape, single family, soquel, surf, Tour, video, Watsonville, west cliff, white water
August 13, 2010
Kimberli Davis, REALTOR® – DRE# 01196195
Phone: 831-466-6096
E-mail: kimberly@davidlyng.com
Website: http://www.santacruzoceanfronthomes.com
Immaculate 4 Bd 2.5 BA Gorgeous Kitchen Stainless Appliance Granite Counters Cherry Cabinets Sunny Family Rm With Rock Fireplace Cathedral Ceiling And Skylights. Formal Dining And Living Room New Windows Private Back Yard With A Small Stream. Plumbed For Hot Tub Located On A Small Court Walk To Vinehill Or Scotts Valley High School. Easy Access To Hwy 17. Quick Easy Close Not REO Or Short Sale!
David Lyng Real Estate
http://www.davidlyng.com
Duration : 0:2:5
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Technorati Tags: aptos, bank owned, beach, boardwalk, bonny doon, California, capitola, coast, condo, davenport, david lyng real estate, fixer upper, for sale, foreclosure, home, house, investment opportunity, listing, listing videos, ocean, ocean view, property, real estate, realtor, reo, rio del mar, santa cruz ca, santa cruz ca real estate, santa cruz real estate, Scotts Valley, seascape, single family, soquel, surf, Tour, video, Watsonville, west cliff, white water
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