Toluu : agentgenius.com

agentgenius.com

Real Estate NEWS - MAG - SPHERE

Get out of your feed reader and comment on this post- we PROMISE that the ShamWow guy won\'t pop out when you do...

Showing Feedback

I think this is one of the most benign issues that takes up our time….I do. I know that regardless if it’s expressed in the comments or not, someone will get angry that I wrote this….they will. I think this issue is detrimental to buyers….here’s why.

The Expectation versus Reality

The question came from a class several months ago, when an agent asked what statute required a buyer agent to answer the Listing Agent’s request for showing feedback. I answered that in our Commonwealth, there is no statute, lockbox agreement, standard of practice or MLS rule that gave the Buyer Agent an affirmative obligation to disclose their client’s thoughts about a home. The class erupted… As I typically do, I ask for folks to prove me wrong - show me where it was a rule. No one could. I have a friend who tells people that if they are going to choose to practice law without a license - be right.

The agent’s primary argument is that they somehow deserve feedback and the buyer agent should be compelled to do it. I agree that returning calls or e-mails is refle

Avoid the 7 Deadly Sins of Real EstateToday

Get out of your feed reader and comment on this post- we PROMISE that the ShamWow guy won\'t pop out when you do...

I have been watching the History Channel’s series on the 7 Deadly Sins, and it got me to thinking about real estate. (I am pretty good at linking just about anything to real estate…) I realized that there are many ways that these 7 deadly sins creep into MY life, and I am sure there are times that they creep into ALL of our lives.

Also, I’m sure there are about 10 more real estate-specific deadly sins, but today I’m just touching on the traditional 7.

1. Pride

Real Estate pride the overtly excessive belief in one’s own abilities (or refusal to notice weaknesses) that leads to the interference of the agent’s own business and eventually to the harm of their clients.

Avoid real estate pride, by:

Asking for help when you need it
Not taking listings outside of your expertise (commercial, out-of-area, short sales, etc. …)
Not representing Buyers who have needs that you cannot meet (investors, if you are not investor-savvy, relocating clients, if you do not understand the relo

You Paid Your Money. Where’d That Get YOU?Today

Get out of your feed reader and comment on this post- we PROMISE that the ShamWow guy won\'t pop out when you do...

Glancing In Your Rearview

You shrugged. You shook your head. You exhaled relief.

You Thought It Through

You furrowed your brow. Scratched your head. Nodded. Wrote your advertising plan for 2009.

Money Talks

You’re about to spend your hard earned, American dollars on advertising/marketing/promotions.

Whoa!

Double check yourself - the purpose of investing mo

The Wild West or Playing Nice in KindergartenYesterday

Get out of your feed reader and comment on this post- we PROMISE that the ShamWow guy won\'t pop out when you do...

Where is Wyatt Earp when you need him?

I love a good discussion. It is stimulating, and if folks stay on topic, and debate the issue both sides can come away learning from each other and gain a new perspective.

Opinions

There are lots of opinions floating around in the blogosphere, there are dozens of techniques to marketing and there are varying opinions on what works and what does not work in any given market.

Last year, I met a Realtor online through Activerain. She has a huge business. But, how she grows her business is not what is comfortable for me. She really wanted me to try the program she was involved in and had built her business around, but I told her, “I’m sorry I just don’t do cold calls”. (Never have and never will).

Some agents love OPEN Houses and swear by them. (I did one this whole year.)

I love my Pay per Click campaigns and yes, I love capturing and engaging those leads. Yet there are many people that don’t agree and want to generate all their business organically. (54% of all closings this year via PPC.)

My point

We can learn from one another

REALTOR - Educate Thyself!Yesterday

Get out of your feed reader and comment on this post- we PROMISE that the ShamWow guy won\'t pop out when you do...

It’s a New Market

There’s quite a bit of talk about the number of agents who may be leaving the industry this year. The pressure of staying afloat in a new and challenging business environment has proven to be the straw that broke the camels back. In real estate words, another transaction that didn’t close! Or another client who didn’t qualify! In one week, when my team had 10 buyers who didn’t qualify, you almost want to try something new.

On the flip side are agents who are staying around, grasping at straws, trying anything new to stay afloat. I commend those who are searchng for ways to expand their business. Many are changing directions into the short sale business. I caution agents to not jump on this bandwagon if their heart is not in it. It is not a task for the faint of heart or those without some training.

The Code

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires we protect and promote our clients interest:

Article 1
When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client

Article 11
The services which REALTORS® provide to their clients and cus