Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Platform Training
I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the free use of the Online Advantage platform and Sellers Online Advantage. You can literally manage many hundreds of leads and prospects easily and effectively. I can show you how to use the program in such a way that if you follow the process - you will never lose track of a client and you will maximize your opportunities for earning their future business and getting referrals. Whoever wants to learn how to use the Platform, please let me know. Hey, if you just want to see the platform in action before you decide whether to use it or not - I am available and would be happy to show you how this now free system can help you manage your leads effectively. You then can decide whether you want to learn to use it or not.
Bernie
Bernie
Sales Meeting Reminder
Sales meetings are now held on the first and third Thursday of each month. We are encouraging everyone to make a point of attending these meetings and attending previews. Anyone having a home previewed would like a high attendance of agents to both impress their owners but to also provide feedback and improve their chances of selling the home.
Thanks for your consideration,
Bernie
Thanks for your consideration,
Bernie
Monday, April 21, 2008
E-Team Announcement
Great News! The platform is now available for everyone and Prudential has eliminated the $55.00 a month charge and eliminated the technology fee and there will be no ongoing payment for repeat business on platform registrants. Additionally, the referral fee has been reduced and we will now be charging only a 15% referral fee on E-Team business. Basically, the referral fee is cut in half effective for all business pended after April 15th.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Duty Room
Just a reminder - this (like the other common area and equipment) area should be left in the same condition you got. Twice a week, our offices are professionally cleaned. The rest of the time, we need to keep it clean. Please dispose of coffee cups, printouts and so on. If you have left coffee stains and food debris in the room, please clean it up.
Thanks,
Bernie
Thanks,
Bernie
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Free Home Town Guide
We have been asked to distribute a very nifty mapbook of San Antonio that is a wonderful tool for you to give out to your buyers new to our city. It is called the Home Town Guide – has our name on the front cover and we have put 3 copies of the book in each agent’s fax box in the reception area. If you need more just let us know
Thank you
Bob
Thank you
Bob
Monday, March 31, 2008
Fingerprinting Location Update
According to IBT, two fingerprinting locations in the San Antonio area will be closed by the end of March. These locations are:
Closing at the end of March* CS innovative Insurance Solutions located on 9842 Lorene Lane, San Antonio, TX* Pathways Youth and Family Services located at 4243 E. Piedras, San Antonio, TX
Remaining OpenThe location at 1314 Hines St will remain open. (You can continue scheduling appointments online at www.ibtfingerprint.com and by phone for this location)
Another location that has opened for fingerprinting that is not listed on the IBT Web site is:6800 Park Ten Blvd, San Antonio TX 78213 near Vance Jackson and I-10. To schedule an appointment here, you must call IBT at 1-888-467-2080. You will not find this location on IBT's Web site at this time.
Closing at the end of March* CS innovative Insurance Solutions located on 9842 Lorene Lane, San Antonio, TX* Pathways Youth and Family Services located at 4243 E. Piedras, San Antonio, TX
Remaining OpenThe location at 1314 Hines St will remain open. (You can continue scheduling appointments online at www.ibtfingerprint.com and by phone for this location)
Another location that has opened for fingerprinting that is not listed on the IBT Web site is:6800 Park Ten Blvd, San Antonio TX 78213 near Vance Jackson and I-10. To schedule an appointment here, you must call IBT at 1-888-467-2080. You will not find this location on IBT's Web site at this time.
Fingerprinting Location Update
According to IBT, two fingerprinting locations in the San Antonio area will be closed by the end of March. These locations are:
Closing at the end of March* CS innovative Insurance Solutions located on 9842 Lorene Lane, San Antonio, TX* Pathways Youth and Family Services located at 4243 E. Piedras, San Antonio, TX
Remaining OpenThe location at 1314 Hines St will remain open. (You can continue scheduling appointments online at www.ibtfingerprint.com and by phone for this location)
Another location that has opened for fingerprinting that is not listed on the IBT Web site is:6800 Park Ten Blvd, San Antonio TX 78213 near Vance Jackson and I-10. To schedule an appointment here, you must call IBT at 1-888-467-2080. You will not find this location on IBT's Web site at this time.
Closing at the end of March* CS innovative Insurance Solutions located on 9842 Lorene Lane, San Antonio, TX* Pathways Youth and Family Services located at 4243 E. Piedras, San Antonio, TX
Remaining OpenThe location at 1314 Hines St will remain open. (You can continue scheduling appointments online at www.ibtfingerprint.com and by phone for this location)
Another location that has opened for fingerprinting that is not listed on the IBT Web site is:6800 Park Ten Blvd, San Antonio TX 78213 near Vance Jackson and I-10. To schedule an appointment here, you must call IBT at 1-888-467-2080. You will not find this location on IBT's Web site at this time.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
No Sales Meeting this Thursday
Just a reminder, we will not have a sales meeting this Thursday, March 27th.
Internet Advantages announced at Sales Convention
New Inline Marketing Strategy Announced at Sales Convention
During the 2008 Sales Convention, Prudential Real Estate President Laurie Keenan applauded Network members for their progress during this challenging market. She outlined the new inline marketing strategy and Web alliances designed to capitalize on ever-growing consumer traffic on the Web. Among them are marketing and advertising agreements with Trulia, FrontDoor.com and OpenHouse.com.
She said, "We're launching several fantastic new opportunities to drive immense consumer traffic to prudential.com, to promote the Prudential brand as a trusted source for real estate information and to generate consumer traffic for all of the Prudential Real estate listings and affiliates."
She also announced that effective at the end of April, the Online Seller Advantage will be universally available to all Prudential Real Estate sales professionals at no subscription charge. John Van Der Wall, CEO and chairman of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, also took the stage during Sales Convention where he acknowledged current challenges in the economy and the real estate market, and pointed to several factors that likely will bring stability to real estate. He cited long-term demographic trends that should drive real estate for years to come.
During the 2008 Sales Convention, Prudential Real Estate President Laurie Keenan applauded Network members for their progress during this challenging market. She outlined the new inline marketing strategy and Web alliances designed to capitalize on ever-growing consumer traffic on the Web. Among them are marketing and advertising agreements with Trulia, FrontDoor.com and OpenHouse.com.
She said, "We're launching several fantastic new opportunities to drive immense consumer traffic to prudential.com, to promote the Prudential brand as a trusted source for real estate information and to generate consumer traffic for all of the Prudential Real estate listings and affiliates."
She also announced that effective at the end of April, the Online Seller Advantage will be universally available to all Prudential Real Estate sales professionals at no subscription charge. John Van Der Wall, CEO and chairman of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, also took the stage during Sales Convention where he acknowledged current challenges in the economy and the real estate market, and pointed to several factors that likely will bring stability to real estate. He cited long-term demographic trends that should drive real estate for years to come.
Friday, February 29, 2008
April deadline to exempt your vehicle from tax
Don't ignore April deadlines to exempt your vehicle from taxation
Thanks to last year's amendment to the Texas Constitution, you aren't required to pay tax on any personally owned vehicle that is also used for business purposes. However, you may need to file an annual exemption form in order to avoid this tax.
Do I have to file an exemption?If you were taxed on your vehicle in 2007, you must file an exemption form to receive a rebate. If you’ve never received a tax bill for your vehicle, you may receive one for 2008 if you don’t file an exemption. Protect yourself from a tax you don’t have to pay: File an annual exemption.
How do I get an exemption? Contact your local appraisal district to see what its requirements are; a list of county appraisal districts with each district's contact information is available online. Some appraisal districts have created separate forms for 2007 and 2008 exemptions, while others are using the form published by the Texas comptroller's office (PDF). Use whatever form your local appraisal office requires.
What are the deadlines?Your exemption for 2007 must be filed by April 1; your 2008 exemption is due April 30. The annual deadline thereafter will be April 30.
What if my appraisal office doesn't have a form?If your local appraisal office fails to provide clear directions on how to exempt yourself from mixed-used vehicle taxation, the Texas Association of REALTORS® recommends that you file an exemption with your local appraisal district using the form published by the Texas comptroller's office (PDF).
What if I lease my vehicle?The exemption applies only to personally owned vehicles. Leasing companies owe the tax for leased vehicles. However, they may pass on the tax to you unless you have filed an affidavit (PDF) with the leasing company stating you use the vehicle for personal use 50% or more of the time.
Thanks to last year's amendment to the Texas Constitution, you aren't required to pay tax on any personally owned vehicle that is also used for business purposes. However, you may need to file an annual exemption form in order to avoid this tax.
Do I have to file an exemption?If you were taxed on your vehicle in 2007, you must file an exemption form to receive a rebate. If you’ve never received a tax bill for your vehicle, you may receive one for 2008 if you don’t file an exemption. Protect yourself from a tax you don’t have to pay: File an annual exemption.
How do I get an exemption? Contact your local appraisal district to see what its requirements are; a list of county appraisal districts with each district's contact information is available online. Some appraisal districts have created separate forms for 2007 and 2008 exemptions, while others are using the form published by the Texas comptroller's office (PDF). Use whatever form your local appraisal office requires.
What are the deadlines?Your exemption for 2007 must be filed by April 1; your 2008 exemption is due April 30. The annual deadline thereafter will be April 30.
What if my appraisal office doesn't have a form?If your local appraisal office fails to provide clear directions on how to exempt yourself from mixed-used vehicle taxation, the Texas Association of REALTORS® recommends that you file an exemption with your local appraisal district using the form published by the Texas comptroller's office (PDF).
What if I lease my vehicle?The exemption applies only to personally owned vehicles. Leasing companies owe the tax for leased vehicles. However, they may pass on the tax to you unless you have filed an affidavit (PDF) with the leasing company stating you use the vehicle for personal use 50% or more of the time.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
March 5th Training
Please keep the date of 5 March at 10 AM open for a good training session with Pam O’bryant on financing the Purchase.
A good learning for our newer agents and a good refresher for those of us who have been around awhile.
10 AM Next Wednesday.
Thank you
Bob
A good learning for our newer agents and a good refresher for those of us who have been around awhile.
10 AM Next Wednesday.
Thank you
Bob
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Prudential Update - click link for video
Attached please find your link to our fourth edition of "PruConnect," our video magazine spotlighting some of the latest information, tools and resources coming from PREA.
I’m especially excited about this "PruConnect" installment, as it provides the latest on our Yahoo! agreement, our advertising in "The Wall Street Journal" and our evolving postcard program. It also discusses our growing Web partnerships, and hints at some pivotal announcements I will make next month at Sales Convention relating to our new interactive marketing and online advertising. Our plans are big and bold, and will help transition our company to become the most progressive, interactive marketing resource for residential real estate. Sales Convention registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 so register today if you haven't already.
Click here and enjoy the show! http://preanews.com/ve/ZZys2892Cx92u98j311
I’m especially excited about this "PruConnect" installment, as it provides the latest on our Yahoo! agreement, our advertising in "The Wall Street Journal" and our evolving postcard program. It also discusses our growing Web partnerships, and hints at some pivotal announcements I will make next month at Sales Convention relating to our new interactive marketing and online advertising. Our plans are big and bold, and will help transition our company to become the most progressive, interactive marketing resource for residential real estate. Sales Convention registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 so register today if you haven't already.
Click here and enjoy the show! http://preanews.com/ve/ZZys2892Cx92u98j311
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Sales/Listing and Agent of the Year Jeanne Desha
Congratulations to Jeanne Desha on again sweeping our top awards at our annual awards breakfast on Valentines Day.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Word, Excel and Powerpoint online access
GOOGLE DOCS
5 February 2008
Google Docs is an online replacement for word processor (like MS Word), spreadsheet (like MS Excel) and Presentation software (like MS PowerPoint). It stores everything, on an offline server so you never need to worry about backing up your hard drive so as not to lose these files. The real advantage of this system is that we can share any and all documents that we generate with all staff and associates as desired. To use the system, please follow the below procedure to access the company's Google Documents website:
Type in the following link: http://docs.donjohnsoncompany.com and save as a bookmark or desktop icon once in the site. To save as an icon on your personal computers, click on "file", "send" "shortcut to desktop" There will be an icon on all company computers that says "Google Docs PDJC".
From this screen you need to sign into the site: Your sign on name is your first name and your initial password is "password" without the quotation marks.
You now see the main screen from which you will prepare a new document, spreadsheet or presentation. You can use these for presentations to your clients, to make fliers, any number of pieces for you business all at no cost to you as the sales associate or staff member.
To begin, simply click on your folder (there is a folder for each staff member and Sales Associate) then click on the word "New" at the top left and it gives you the option of whether you want a document, spreadsheet or presentation; click on whichever and begin your work.
Please see Bernie or Bob for any additional help needed should your exploring only frustrate you!
This system will replace the current MS Office system we have now on the computers as Microsoft discontinues updating and supporting the version of Office we currently have on our computers.
Good luck and we look for this to be a very productive tool for all of us.
Bob
5 February 2008
Google Docs is an online replacement for word processor (like MS Word), spreadsheet (like MS Excel) and Presentation software (like MS PowerPoint). It stores everything, on an offline server so you never need to worry about backing up your hard drive so as not to lose these files. The real advantage of this system is that we can share any and all documents that we generate with all staff and associates as desired. To use the system, please follow the below procedure to access the company's Google Documents website:
Type in the following link: http://docs.donjohnsoncompany.com and save as a bookmark or desktop icon once in the site. To save as an icon on your personal computers, click on "file", "send" "shortcut to desktop" There will be an icon on all company computers that says "Google Docs PDJC".
From this screen you need to sign into the site: Your sign on name is your first name and your initial password is "password" without the quotation marks.
You now see the main screen from which you will prepare a new document, spreadsheet or presentation. You can use these for presentations to your clients, to make fliers, any number of pieces for you business all at no cost to you as the sales associate or staff member.
To begin, simply click on your folder (there is a folder for each staff member and Sales Associate) then click on the word "New" at the top left and it gives you the option of whether you want a document, spreadsheet or presentation; click on whichever and begin your work.
Please see Bernie or Bob for any additional help needed should your exploring only frustrate you!
This system will replace the current MS Office system we have now on the computers as Microsoft discontinues updating and supporting the version of Office we currently have on our computers.
Good luck and we look for this to be a very productive tool for all of us.
Bob
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Class on Title Commitments
Please put on your calendars that we will have a class on Title Commitments and how to read them and what we as agents need to do with them. Class will be at 10 AM in our training room on February 6, a Wednesday. Texas Title Company will lead the instruction. We would like to see everyone who either questions what the commitment does or what responsibility we have in the process attend this class.
thank you very much,
Bob
thank you very much,
Bob
SA Military Major Expansion Construction
BRAC projects to increase S.A. military construction tenfold(Public Facilities : San Antonio) 1/16/2008
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is ready to bid out local projects set in motion as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure decision. The Corps will award 12 to 15 projects, for a total of $1 billion in construction, as part of the BRAC action during fiscal year 2008. The average yearly amount of military construction in San Antonio is between $65 million and $100 million. The BRAC construction will increase that tenfold. The BRAC action encompasses about 78 new and renovated primary facilities, which will total about 6 million sf and entail more than $2 billion in construction-related spending. The facilities will be located at Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, Lackland Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base. The construction for all the projects is scheduled to be completed by September 2011. The main projects taking place in San Antonio will be the renovation of Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) to handle all in-patient hospital care and civilian trauma care and the conversion of Wilford Hall Medical Center into an ambulatory care clinic that will focus on outpatient care. Additions to BAMC will include a tower to house emergency rooms, operating room and clinical and administrative space. An additional 250,000 sf of the hospital will be renovated. Brooke Army Medical Center will be renamed the San Antonio Military Medical Center North, and Wilford Hall Medical Center will be renamed the San Antonio Military Medical Center South. Another large piece of the BRAC puzzle includes the consolidation of all medical training programs for all military branches to Fort Sam Houston. That will involve the construction of the Medical Education and Training Campus which will include 2 million sf of dorms, classrooms, labs, training areas and dining facilities to accommodate an average daily student enrollment of more than 9,000. (Reprinted from 12/21/2007)[San Antonio Business Journal]
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is ready to bid out local projects set in motion as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure decision. The Corps will award 12 to 15 projects, for a total of $1 billion in construction, as part of the BRAC action during fiscal year 2008. The average yearly amount of military construction in San Antonio is between $65 million and $100 million. The BRAC construction will increase that tenfold. The BRAC action encompasses about 78 new and renovated primary facilities, which will total about 6 million sf and entail more than $2 billion in construction-related spending. The facilities will be located at Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, Lackland Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base. The construction for all the projects is scheduled to be completed by September 2011. The main projects taking place in San Antonio will be the renovation of Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) to handle all in-patient hospital care and civilian trauma care and the conversion of Wilford Hall Medical Center into an ambulatory care clinic that will focus on outpatient care. Additions to BAMC will include a tower to house emergency rooms, operating room and clinical and administrative space. An additional 250,000 sf of the hospital will be renovated. Brooke Army Medical Center will be renamed the San Antonio Military Medical Center North, and Wilford Hall Medical Center will be renamed the San Antonio Military Medical Center South. Another large piece of the BRAC puzzle includes the consolidation of all medical training programs for all military branches to Fort Sam Houston. That will involve the construction of the Medical Education and Training Campus which will include 2 million sf of dorms, classrooms, labs, training areas and dining facilities to accommodate an average daily student enrollment of more than 9,000. (Reprinted from 12/21/2007)[San Antonio Business Journal]
SA Population Growth increases infrastructure demands
S.A. population growth fills area roads, spurring expansion(Demographics : San Antonio) 1/17/2008
Population growth and the extension of residential development to the north, northeast, west and northwest of San Antonio have brought increased need for educational, retail and medical facility construction and expansion in these areas. Hill Country corridors along IH-10W and Highway 281 North are each seeing nearly 120,000 vehicles per day. San Antonio's far west side population off the area's IH-410 West/Highway 151 and Culebra/Potranco roads is now growing at record pace. These thoroughfares, stemming across the western section of the city, serve surging commuter traffic. Source: Cal Ivey, vice president of San Antonio-based Dominion Advisory Group, Inc.[Texas Real Estate Business]
Population growth and the extension of residential development to the north, northeast, west and northwest of San Antonio have brought increased need for educational, retail and medical facility construction and expansion in these areas. Hill Country corridors along IH-10W and Highway 281 North are each seeing nearly 120,000 vehicles per day. San Antonio's far west side population off the area's IH-410 West/Highway 151 and Culebra/Potranco roads is now growing at record pace. These thoroughfares, stemming across the western section of the city, serve surging commuter traffic. Source: Cal Ivey, vice president of San Antonio-based Dominion Advisory Group, Inc.[Texas Real Estate Business]
Friday, January 18, 2008
Third Party Financing Addendum-IMPORTANT
The new Third Party Financing Condition Addendum
by Ron Walker
On Feb. 9, 2004, the Texas Real Estate Commission promulgated the new Third Party Financing Condition Addendum. The most significant change in the addendum lies in the last few lines of the first paragraph of the form.
Under the prior version of the form, if the buyer did not obtain financing approval within the time required, the contract simply terminated. Under the revised form, the buyer must, within the time specified, give written notice to the seller that the buyer is not able to obtain financing approval in order for the contract to terminate and for the buyer to receive a return of the earnest money.If the buyer does not give the notice within the time required, the contract is no longer subject to the financing contingency described in the addendum. This means that the buyer will breach the contract if:
• The buyer does not give timely notice of termination under the addendum;
• The buyer is not able to secure financing approval; and • The buyer does not close as required by the contract. The buyer takes the risk if he is not confident he has obtained financing approval and does not send the termination notice under the addendum in a timely manner.The term financing approval did not change from the prior form. Financing approval occurs when the buyer has satisfied the lender’s requirements related to the buyer’s ability to borrow the money (e.g., creditworthiness, credit history, income, assets).Financing approval and loan approval are not synonymous. Loan approval is the unequivocal statement by the lender that the lender will fund the loan. Two major elements must be satisfied before the lender will typically give loan approval:
• Approval of the borrower, which is financing approval under the addendum; and
• Approval of the collateral, which is the property satisfying the lender’s requirements. The contingency in the Third Party Financing Condition Addendum deals only with financing approval.With respect to approval of the collateral, paragraph 4 of the TREC contract forms provides that the contract is subject to the property satisfying the lender’s requirements. The contingency that the property satisfies the lender’s requirements applies regardless of whether there is a financing contingency.It is critical for the buyer to obtain financing approval within the time required under the addendum. Another way to refer to financing approval is to be conditionally approved for the loan. Conditionally approved means that the lender has stated that the buyer is approved for the loan subject only to the property meeting the lender’s underwriting requirements (for example, appraisal and survey). To be confident that the buyer has obtained financing approval under the addendum, the buyer may ask the lender to provide the buyer with the Conditional Approval letter promulgated by the Texas Savings and Loan Department. Mortgage brokers are required to use this letter under TSLD regulations. Copies of the Conditional Approval and Conditional Qualification letters that mortgage brokers must use are available on TexasRealtors.com.Time is of the essence with respect to the addendum. Strict compliance with the specified time period is required. Buyers and buyer’s agents will want to “watch the clock” with respect to this addendum. It may be necessary to request an amendment that extends the time under the addendum if the buyer cannot obtain assurance of financing approval from his lender.
Ron Walker is director of legal affairs for the Texas Association of REALTORS®.
by Ron Walker
On Feb. 9, 2004, the Texas Real Estate Commission promulgated the new Third Party Financing Condition Addendum. The most significant change in the addendum lies in the last few lines of the first paragraph of the form.
Under the prior version of the form, if the buyer did not obtain financing approval within the time required, the contract simply terminated. Under the revised form, the buyer must, within the time specified, give written notice to the seller that the buyer is not able to obtain financing approval in order for the contract to terminate and for the buyer to receive a return of the earnest money.If the buyer does not give the notice within the time required, the contract is no longer subject to the financing contingency described in the addendum. This means that the buyer will breach the contract if:
• The buyer does not give timely notice of termination under the addendum;
• The buyer is not able to secure financing approval; and • The buyer does not close as required by the contract. The buyer takes the risk if he is not confident he has obtained financing approval and does not send the termination notice under the addendum in a timely manner.The term financing approval did not change from the prior form. Financing approval occurs when the buyer has satisfied the lender’s requirements related to the buyer’s ability to borrow the money (e.g., creditworthiness, credit history, income, assets).Financing approval and loan approval are not synonymous. Loan approval is the unequivocal statement by the lender that the lender will fund the loan. Two major elements must be satisfied before the lender will typically give loan approval:
• Approval of the borrower, which is financing approval under the addendum; and
• Approval of the collateral, which is the property satisfying the lender’s requirements. The contingency in the Third Party Financing Condition Addendum deals only with financing approval.With respect to approval of the collateral, paragraph 4 of the TREC contract forms provides that the contract is subject to the property satisfying the lender’s requirements. The contingency that the property satisfies the lender’s requirements applies regardless of whether there is a financing contingency.It is critical for the buyer to obtain financing approval within the time required under the addendum. Another way to refer to financing approval is to be conditionally approved for the loan. Conditionally approved means that the lender has stated that the buyer is approved for the loan subject only to the property meeting the lender’s underwriting requirements (for example, appraisal and survey). To be confident that the buyer has obtained financing approval under the addendum, the buyer may ask the lender to provide the buyer with the Conditional Approval letter promulgated by the Texas Savings and Loan Department. Mortgage brokers are required to use this letter under TSLD regulations. Copies of the Conditional Approval and Conditional Qualification letters that mortgage brokers must use are available on TexasRealtors.com.Time is of the essence with respect to the addendum. Strict compliance with the specified time period is required. Buyers and buyer’s agents will want to “watch the clock” with respect to this addendum. It may be necessary to request an amendment that extends the time under the addendum if the buyer cannot obtain assurance of financing approval from his lender.
Ron Walker is director of legal affairs for the Texas Association of REALTORS®.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Note from Open House Show Producer
Dear Advertiser,
Congratulations! According to HousingPredictor.com, San Antonio's real estate values are forecast to appreciate 3.9% in 2008, and San Antonio is ranked in the top 20 real estate markets nationwide! We at The Open House Show wish you a prosperous new year!
In our effort to improve our product for your success, The Open House Show has begun airing 30 second commercials on KABB to advertise the show. I've attached a QuickTime version of the ad so that you can see it.
You have also been receiving clips of your homes! As a new, free service, we will e-mail you a clip of each new home you submit. Simply drag it to your desktop and use it to e-mail to clients or post on Realtor.com.
Even though the Holidays is a "slow" time for real estate, TheOpenHouseShow.com still received 27,258 unique visitors since December 1st. Our Nielsen Ratings continue to be strong.
Ultimately, The Open House Show is a listing tool. Please remember we have sign riders, listing flyers, and other artwork available to download free to use in your presentations. Click here: http://theopenhouseshow.com/San_Antonio/artwork.php
Thank you for advertising with us. Feel free to call me, Amy, or Jaime at any time for any reason.
Robert Bettes
cell 915.474.3188
Congratulations! According to HousingPredictor.com, San Antonio's real estate values are forecast to appreciate 3.9% in 2008, and San Antonio is ranked in the top 20 real estate markets nationwide! We at The Open House Show wish you a prosperous new year!
In our effort to improve our product for your success, The Open House Show has begun airing 30 second commercials on KABB to advertise the show. I've attached a QuickTime version of the ad so that you can see it.
You have also been receiving clips of your homes! As a new, free service, we will e-mail you a clip of each new home you submit. Simply drag it to your desktop and use it to e-mail to clients or post on Realtor.com.
Even though the Holidays is a "slow" time for real estate, TheOpenHouseShow.com still received 27,258 unique visitors since December 1st. Our Nielsen Ratings continue to be strong.
Ultimately, The Open House Show is a listing tool. Please remember we have sign riders, listing flyers, and other artwork available to download free to use in your presentations. Click here: http://theopenhouseshow.com/San_Antonio/artwork.php
Thank you for advertising with us. Feel free to call me, Amy, or Jaime at any time for any reason.
Robert Bettes
cell 915.474.3188
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Online Search Activity has increased over 30% in the past week
Online search activity has spiked by over 30% in the last week. San Antonio's strong economy and the solid value building market of existing homes is attracting outside investors and local purchasers.
Existing home sale prices increased for 2007
New home starts have substantially declined over the past year - recognizing that builders have been overbuilding and reflecting a decline in the sub-prime mortgage market. However, existing home sales have remained strong and prices actually increased - following a consistent trend of price increase for nearly a decade.
Here is a link to the Express-News story.
Here is a link to the Express-News story.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year
I hope everyone had a great holiday season. I can see the activity already picking up with the phone calls and increased internet searching. It's a great time to call your past clients - you know - the folks that have used you and respect your skills. It's a great time to say "Happy New Year" (the reason for the call) and finish with "who do you know that is interested in buying or selling real estate?" If make 30-40 calls like that, I am certain you will pick up plenty of new business.
There will be no sales meeting tomorrow and we will have our first meeting of the year next week.
There will be no sales meeting tomorrow and we will have our first meeting of the year next week.
Monday, December 31, 2007
MLS Access Problem
At some point today, some agents with our company have noted that they could not get access to the MLS.
Bob finally got through to SABOR and the problem has been resolved. MLS access should be restored.
Bob finally got through to SABOR and the problem has been resolved. MLS access should be restored.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas! I hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful Christmas. Our office closes at noon today and will re-open again on Wednesday. Enjoy your egg nog!
Bernie
Bernie
Thursday, December 20, 2007
E-Team Assignments
Just a reminder, to receive future assignments, you must have a current appointment for all prospects in your inventory. There are no exceptions. If you have been notified that your inventory is not current, please correct the problem and let management know when you are current. Additionally, it is important that you delete your old appointments. If there are old appointments on the calendar, management can only assume that you did not keep that appointment. If there are any appointments on the calendar for the current and previous months, no new assignments will be made until those old appointments are either deleted or rescheduled.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
New Agent Safety Policy
AGENT SECURITY POLICIES
Emergency Calls To The Office
If an agent feels threatened by their customer/prospect while showing a home and needs help they should excuse themselves, make up a story about needing disclosures on that home from the office and call the office for information on the particular address you are showing. This will alert the office that there is a problem at that address and we can call the police and management, in that order.
The message should be something like:
“This is ______ _____________ and I need you to check the red file on, i.e., 123 little john road for any disclosures.” Please call me on my cell with that info as soon as possible. Thank you”
The red file reference is the receptionist’s clue that you need police help and reception will make that call and explain to the police that it is an emergency and you need help.
Reception will then call the manager to keep them up to date on the incident.
Emergency Calls To The Office
If an agent feels threatened by their customer/prospect while showing a home and needs help they should excuse themselves, make up a story about needing disclosures on that home from the office and call the office for information on the particular address you are showing. This will alert the office that there is a problem at that address and we can call the police and management, in that order.
The message should be something like:
“This is ______ _____________ and I need you to check the red file on, i.e., 123 little john road for any disclosures.” Please call me on my cell with that info as soon as possible. Thank you”
The red file reference is the receptionist’s clue that you need police help and reception will make that call and explain to the police that it is an emergency and you need help.
Reception will then call the manager to keep them up to date on the incident.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Automatically Insert Holidays in Outlook
Automatically add holidays to Outlook's calendar
You know that New Year's Day falls on January 1 every year, but not every holiday is as easy to remember. Pesky ones like Memorial Day, Presidents Day, and Thanksgiving slide around the calendar. Make sure you don't plan for a closing or other important meeting on a holiday by automatically adding them to your Outlook calendar. Go to Tools > Options and select Calendar Options. Click the button labeled Add Holidays.
If your calendar doesn't display holidays after you follow the above steps, it's probably because your version of Outlook is too old. Outlook 2000, for example, doesn't support holidays past 2007 even if you've downloaded all its updates. If your Outlook version is newer than 2000 and you still don't see the holidays listed, visit the Microsoft Download Center and type Outlook holiday update in the search box. You can download a free holiday update that will take you through 2012.
You know that New Year's Day falls on January 1 every year, but not every holiday is as easy to remember. Pesky ones like Memorial Day, Presidents Day, and Thanksgiving slide around the calendar. Make sure you don't plan for a closing or other important meeting on a holiday by automatically adding them to your Outlook calendar. Go to Tools > Options and select Calendar Options. Click the button labeled Add Holidays.
If your calendar doesn't display holidays after you follow the above steps, it's probably because your version of Outlook is too old. Outlook 2000, for example, doesn't support holidays past 2007 even if you've downloaded all its updates. If your Outlook version is newer than 2000 and you still don't see the holidays listed, visit the Microsoft Download Center and type Outlook holiday update in the search box. You can download a free holiday update that will take you through 2012.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thanksgiving
Have a great Thanksgiving! We all have a lot to be thankful for - not the least of which is working with a bunch of great agents and staff.
The office will be closed on Thursday, but we will be open Friday and, of course, thru the weekend.
The office will be closed on Thursday, but we will be open Friday and, of course, thru the weekend.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Thursday Thanksgiving Potluck
Folks,
Please remember that we have duty lottery this Thursday morning and we have our annual Thanksgiving Potluck lunch here at the office this Thursday at noon.
Look forward to seeing you all. Bring your favorite dish (or, whatever you signed up for) and come enjoy.
Regards
Bob
Please remember that we have duty lottery this Thursday morning and we have our annual Thanksgiving Potluck lunch here at the office this Thursday at noon.
Look forward to seeing you all. Bring your favorite dish (or, whatever you signed up for) and come enjoy.
Regards
Bob
Monday, November 12, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
Great Eats at Perry Homes Open House
Here is a link to the info regarding a scrumptious lunch at Perry Homes in Trinity Oaks on the 13th.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Duty Lottery
We will hold our duty lottery drawing and scheduling on November 15 at 8:30 sharp just prior to our regular sales meeting.
Thank you
Bob
Thank you
Bob
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
November 6 Election - TAR Recommendations on Amendments
Nov. 6 constitutional-amendments electionTexas Association of REALTORS® recommendations on constitutional amendments
There are 16 proposed amendments on the ballot November 6. The Texas Association of REALTORS® recommends supporting the following propositions:
Proposition 3 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide that the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem taxation is limited to the lesser of the most recent market value of the residence homestead as determined by the appraisal entity or 110 percent, or a greater percentage, of the appraised value of the residence homestead for the preceding tax year."
Proposition 6 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation one motor vehicle owned by an individual and used in the course of the owner's occupation or profession and also for personal activities of the owner."
Proposition 7 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment to allow governmental entities to sell property acquired through eminent domain back to the previous owners at the price the entities paid to acquire the property."
Proposition 8 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment to clarify certain provisions relating to the making of a home equity loan and use of home equity loan proceeds."
Proposition 9 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt all or part of the residence homesteads of certain totally disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation and authorizing a change in the manner of determining the amount of the existing exemption from ad valorem taxation to which a disabled veteran is entitled."
Proposition 12 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds by the Texas Transportation Commission in an amount not to exceed $5 billion to provide funding for highway improvement projects."
There are 16 proposed amendments on the ballot November 6. The Texas Association of REALTORS® recommends supporting the following propositions:
Proposition 3 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide that the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem taxation is limited to the lesser of the most recent market value of the residence homestead as determined by the appraisal entity or 110 percent, or a greater percentage, of the appraised value of the residence homestead for the preceding tax year."
Proposition 6 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation one motor vehicle owned by an individual and used in the course of the owner's occupation or profession and also for personal activities of the owner."
Proposition 7 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment to allow governmental entities to sell property acquired through eminent domain back to the previous owners at the price the entities paid to acquire the property."
Proposition 8 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment to clarify certain provisions relating to the making of a home equity loan and use of home equity loan proceeds."
Proposition 9 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt all or part of the residence homesteads of certain totally disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation and authorizing a change in the manner of determining the amount of the existing exemption from ad valorem taxation to which a disabled veteran is entitled."
Proposition 12 - TAR recommendation of support"The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds by the Texas Transportation Commission in an amount not to exceed $5 billion to provide funding for highway improvement projects."
The Texas REALTOR® license plate is now available!
Let everyone know you are proud to be a Texas REALTOR®
Frequently asked questions
How much do they cost?The plates cost $30, plus the amount of your regular registration fee. Renewal each year will cost $30, and replacement plates will cost $5.30. Personalized "vanity" plates cost an additional $40. (TxDOT may change these prices in the future.)
Must I be an active REALTOR® to purchase a plate?Yes. The "I Am A Texas REALTOR®" license plate is only for use by active Texas REALTORS® .That means you must be a REALTOR® member of the Texas Association of REALTORS®. The plate is not available to other member classes of the association; nor is it available to real estate agents and brokers who are not REALTORS®.
How do I order my plate? Texas REALTORS® can download the TxDOT application (member login required).
Is there some type of pro-rated fee to synchronize my new plate with my current vehicle registration? Yes, assuming you’ve already renewed your vehicle registration and then decide you want the specialty plate. In this case, your vehicle registration expiration date will need to be adjusted to correspond with the expiration of the specialty license plate. If necessary, additional fees will be collected to make this adjustment. Usually it’s $5 to $6 per month for several months to get your vehicle and new plate “synchronized.” You may be required to exchange your current windshield validation sticker to your county tax assessor-collector for a new one. All this will be worked out when you pick up your new specialty plate.
Does the state get this money?$22 of the proceeds received from the sale of this plate will go into the Texas Association of REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation established to promote affordable housing in Texas.
Can I get a personalized "vanity" plate with the "I Am A Texas REALTOR®" design?Yes, for an additional $40, you can get a personalized plate of up to five characters (subject to TxDOT requirements).
Let everyone know you are proud to be a Texas REALTOR®
Frequently asked questions
How much do they cost?The plates cost $30, plus the amount of your regular registration fee. Renewal each year will cost $30, and replacement plates will cost $5.30. Personalized "vanity" plates cost an additional $40. (TxDOT may change these prices in the future.)
Must I be an active REALTOR® to purchase a plate?Yes. The "I Am A Texas REALTOR®" license plate is only for use by active Texas REALTORS® .That means you must be a REALTOR® member of the Texas Association of REALTORS®. The plate is not available to other member classes of the association; nor is it available to real estate agents and brokers who are not REALTORS®.
How do I order my plate? Texas REALTORS® can download the TxDOT application (member login required).
Is there some type of pro-rated fee to synchronize my new plate with my current vehicle registration? Yes, assuming you’ve already renewed your vehicle registration and then decide you want the specialty plate. In this case, your vehicle registration expiration date will need to be adjusted to correspond with the expiration of the specialty license plate. If necessary, additional fees will be collected to make this adjustment. Usually it’s $5 to $6 per month for several months to get your vehicle and new plate “synchronized.” You may be required to exchange your current windshield validation sticker to your county tax assessor-collector for a new one. All this will be worked out when you pick up your new specialty plate.
Does the state get this money?$22 of the proceeds received from the sale of this plate will go into the Texas Association of REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation established to promote affordable housing in Texas.
Can I get a personalized "vanity" plate with the "I Am A Texas REALTOR®" design?Yes, for an additional $40, you can get a personalized plate of up to five characters (subject to TxDOT requirements).
Monday, October 29, 2007
Please do not despair the current market
POINT OF VIEW: From the President of The National Association of REALTORS®
Stay PositiveWell, it has been quite a year to be president of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®! The old saying “timing is everything” certainly plays out in today’s marketplace.The year 2007 has been full of surprises, both positive and negative, that have had a direct impact on your business and mine. Our business environment is more competitive than ever, and the media have risen to new heights in trying to discredit our industry. Yet, we carry on with our heads held high and our REALTOR® ideals intact.Meanwhile, we’ve all read the stories of doom and gloom in the housing markets. Our business (like everything in life) has cycles. But home buyers and sellers haven’t disappeared. In fact, NAR expects the volume of home sales this year to be comparable to that of 2002, the second year of the housing boom. Next year, we expect that continued low interest rates and reduced prices will bring even more buyers into the market. NAR is forecasting more than 6.2 million existing-home sales in 2008, up from an estimated 5.9 million this year.As REALTORS®, we need to make sure that consumers see more than the media’s picture of our industry. The great thing about being a REALTOR® is that we don’t have to do it alone.Every day, your association leadership and staff speak to reporters about a wide range of issues, including the housing markets. We emphasize that conditions in many markets are positive and suggest that consumers talk to a REALTOR® about opportunities in their market. Our Public Awareness Campaign is helping to get the word out, too, that now might be a great time to buy.An African proverb says, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” I believe today’s competitive environment presents us with a significant opportunity — a chance to improve our skills and to prove that we’re the first and best resource for anyone looking to buy or sell real estate. If we stay positive and use all of the resources available to us as NAR members, we’ll continue our great success — today, and for many, many years to come. This month’s magazine, in fact, talks with REALTORS® who are honing their skills to become even more effective and efficient in the current market. At REALTOR.org, you’ll find a huge range of business tools to help you do the same. Take the time to check it out!It has been my great privilege to serve you and to represent our industry during 2007. As we move into 2008, I ask you to take to heart this poem, published anonymously, that I think puts our challenges, as real estate professionals, in perspective.Take time to work. It is the price of success. Take time to think. It is the source of power.Take time to play. It is the secret of perpetual youth.Take time to read. It is the fountain of wisdom.Take time to be friendly. It is the road to happiness.Take time to love and be loved. It is nourishment for the soul. Take time to share. It is too short a life to be selfish.Take time to laugh. It is the music of the heart.Take time to dream. It is hitching your wagon to a star.
Stay PositiveWell, it has been quite a year to be president of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®! The old saying “timing is everything” certainly plays out in today’s marketplace.The year 2007 has been full of surprises, both positive and negative, that have had a direct impact on your business and mine. Our business environment is more competitive than ever, and the media have risen to new heights in trying to discredit our industry. Yet, we carry on with our heads held high and our REALTOR® ideals intact.Meanwhile, we’ve all read the stories of doom and gloom in the housing markets. Our business (like everything in life) has cycles. But home buyers and sellers haven’t disappeared. In fact, NAR expects the volume of home sales this year to be comparable to that of 2002, the second year of the housing boom. Next year, we expect that continued low interest rates and reduced prices will bring even more buyers into the market. NAR is forecasting more than 6.2 million existing-home sales in 2008, up from an estimated 5.9 million this year.As REALTORS®, we need to make sure that consumers see more than the media’s picture of our industry. The great thing about being a REALTOR® is that we don’t have to do it alone.Every day, your association leadership and staff speak to reporters about a wide range of issues, including the housing markets. We emphasize that conditions in many markets are positive and suggest that consumers talk to a REALTOR® about opportunities in their market. Our Public Awareness Campaign is helping to get the word out, too, that now might be a great time to buy.An African proverb says, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” I believe today’s competitive environment presents us with a significant opportunity — a chance to improve our skills and to prove that we’re the first and best resource for anyone looking to buy or sell real estate. If we stay positive and use all of the resources available to us as NAR members, we’ll continue our great success — today, and for many, many years to come. This month’s magazine, in fact, talks with REALTORS® who are honing their skills to become even more effective and efficient in the current market. At REALTOR.org, you’ll find a huge range of business tools to help you do the same. Take the time to check it out!It has been my great privilege to serve you and to represent our industry during 2007. As we move into 2008, I ask you to take to heart this poem, published anonymously, that I think puts our challenges, as real estate professionals, in perspective.Take time to work. It is the price of success. Take time to think. It is the source of power.Take time to play. It is the secret of perpetual youth.Take time to read. It is the fountain of wisdom.Take time to be friendly. It is the road to happiness.Take time to love and be loved. It is nourishment for the soul. Take time to share. It is too short a life to be selfish.Take time to laugh. It is the music of the heart.Take time to dream. It is hitching your wagon to a star.
HEADS UP FOR RELOCATION ASSOCIATES
Pass It On: Online Relocation Certification Deadline
Please make sure that your relocation leaders are aware of an important upcoming certification deadline. Due to the steady increase in volume, all those handling inventory properties must be re-certified in that discipline by Dec. 31. In addition, anyone in your company accountable for relocation-including relocation-certified sales professionals who were previously certified by our written exam-must be re-certified via Prudential Relocation's online modules for Marketing and Destination Assistance by May 1, 2008.
Relocation directors/contacts must complete and pass all three modules: Marketing Assistance, Destination Services and Inventory Property. All sales professionals who receive Prudential Relocation Referrals must be certified in the area of the referral. Please note that the non-PREA Relocation Network backup brokers had to be re-certified by the end of 2007's first quarter.
If you need your relocation ID number and/or instructions on how to access the program via PREA Center, or have additional questions, contact your Broker Alliance Management specialist.
Please make sure that your relocation leaders are aware of an important upcoming certification deadline. Due to the steady increase in volume, all those handling inventory properties must be re-certified in that discipline by Dec. 31. In addition, anyone in your company accountable for relocation-including relocation-certified sales professionals who were previously certified by our written exam-must be re-certified via Prudential Relocation's online modules for Marketing and Destination Assistance by May 1, 2008.
Relocation directors/contacts must complete and pass all three modules: Marketing Assistance, Destination Services and Inventory Property. All sales professionals who receive Prudential Relocation Referrals must be certified in the area of the referral. Please note that the non-PREA Relocation Network backup brokers had to be re-certified by the end of 2007's first quarter.
If you need your relocation ID number and/or instructions on how to access the program via PREA Center, or have additional questions, contact your Broker Alliance Management specialist.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Rotary Wild West Day
http://cid-38feea6b6da96b9e.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Prudential/wwd.pdf
Do You Want Great Family Entertainment This Saturday, October 20. Please click on the above link and come on out.
Do You Want Great Family Entertainment This Saturday, October 20. Please click on the above link and come on out.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Justify Your Commission and Don't Make these mistakes
The link below will take you to two .pdf files with some very sage advice and good training for all of us.
Good Reading
Bob
http://cid-38feea6b6da96b9e.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Prudential/
Good Reading
Bob
http://cid-38feea6b6da96b9e.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Prudential/
Another Positive Report on SA Foreclosures
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
San Antonio foreclosure rate down, recent study reports
San Antonio Business Journal - by Tricia Lynn Silva
On a recent Top 100 list, San Antonio didn't even rank in the Top 20.
And that's a good thing.
Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac Inc. has released its list of the Top 100 cities with the highest foreclosure rates.
Between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2007, San Antonio reported 6,409 foreclosure filings -- which equates to a rate of one filing for every 112 local households. The city's current foreclosure rate earned it the No. 43 spot on RealtyTrac's dubious Top 100 list.
The current foreclosure rate here marks a 15 percent decline from the rate posted just six months ago, according to RealtyTrac. On a year-over-year basis, San Antonio's foreclosure rate was down 1 percent as of June 30, 2007.
The cities that had the luck to be in the bottom three of RealtyTrac's Top 100 list were McAllen, Texas; Greenville, S.C.; and Richmond Va.
The McAllen/Edinburg/Pharr metro reported a foreclosure rate of one filing for every 1,494 households, according to RealtyTrac's mid-year report. Greenville and Richmond reported one foreclosure filing for every 1,721 and 2,319 households, respectively.
"This report clearly demonstrates that not all local housing markets are flooded with foreclosures," says RealtyTrac CEO James J. Saccacio. "... Foreclosure activity seems to be subsiding in parts of Texas, South Carolina and other states ... ."
The cities taking the top three spots: Stockton, Calif.; Detroit and Las Vegas. Stockton recorded a foreclosure rate of one filing for every 27 households. Detroit and Las Vegas recorded a rate of one filing for every 29 and 31 households, respectively.
RealtyTrac (www.realtytrac.com) operates a national online database of available properties for sale.
All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved.
San Antonio foreclosure rate down, recent study reports
San Antonio Business Journal - by Tricia Lynn Silva
On a recent Top 100 list, San Antonio didn't even rank in the Top 20.
And that's a good thing.
Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac Inc. has released its list of the Top 100 cities with the highest foreclosure rates.
Between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2007, San Antonio reported 6,409 foreclosure filings -- which equates to a rate of one filing for every 112 local households. The city's current foreclosure rate earned it the No. 43 spot on RealtyTrac's dubious Top 100 list.
The current foreclosure rate here marks a 15 percent decline from the rate posted just six months ago, according to RealtyTrac. On a year-over-year basis, San Antonio's foreclosure rate was down 1 percent as of June 30, 2007.
The cities that had the luck to be in the bottom three of RealtyTrac's Top 100 list were McAllen, Texas; Greenville, S.C.; and Richmond Va.
The McAllen/Edinburg/Pharr metro reported a foreclosure rate of one filing for every 1,494 households, according to RealtyTrac's mid-year report. Greenville and Richmond reported one foreclosure filing for every 1,721 and 2,319 households, respectively.
"This report clearly demonstrates that not all local housing markets are flooded with foreclosures," says RealtyTrac CEO James J. Saccacio. "... Foreclosure activity seems to be subsiding in parts of Texas, South Carolina and other states ... ."
The cities taking the top three spots: Stockton, Calif.; Detroit and Las Vegas. Stockton recorded a foreclosure rate of one filing for every 27 households. Detroit and Las Vegas recorded a rate of one filing for every 29 and 31 households, respectively.
RealtyTrac (www.realtytrac.com) operates a national online database of available properties for sale.
All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved.
San Antonio Unemployment at 7 Year Low!!!
San Antonio's August 2007 unemployment rate report - 9/21/2007(San Antonio: Employment)
San Antonio's unemployment rate fell to a seven-year low during the month of August, according to figures released by Alamo WorkSource. Total nonagricultural employment in the San Antonio metropolitan area grew by 2,300 jobs during the month of August 2007. For the entire 12 months ended in August, San Antonio employers added 14,400 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.8 percent. Education and health services added 1,200 jobs during the month, while government employers added 800 jobs. The leisure and hospitality sector lost 600 jobs while the information sector lost 100 jobs during the month of August. The trade (which includes retail), transportation and utilities sector added 900 jobs in August and the financial activities sector added 100 jobs in August. For August, the unadjusted unemployment rate of 4 percent is lower than the 4.6 percent recorded in July. State and national unemployment rates for August were 4.2 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively. [San Antonio Business Journal]
San Antonio's unemployment rate fell to a seven-year low during the month of August, according to figures released by Alamo WorkSource. Total nonagricultural employment in the San Antonio metropolitan area grew by 2,300 jobs during the month of August 2007. For the entire 12 months ended in August, San Antonio employers added 14,400 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.8 percent. Education and health services added 1,200 jobs during the month, while government employers added 800 jobs. The leisure and hospitality sector lost 600 jobs while the information sector lost 100 jobs during the month of August. The trade (which includes retail), transportation and utilities sector added 900 jobs in August and the financial activities sector added 100 jobs in August. For August, the unadjusted unemployment rate of 4 percent is lower than the 4.6 percent recorded in July. State and national unemployment rates for August were 4.2 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively. [San Antonio Business Journal]
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Foreclosure Increase Slightly for Year - October Foreclosures Decrease!
Delinquent mortgages have led to a total 7,525 foreclosure filings over the course of this year in Bexar County, according to the latest report released by Foreclosure Listing Service Inc. (FLS).
The data is based on filings for real estate properties that are to be auctioned off on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse. The figures are current as of Sept. 11, which was the deadline for filing foreclosure notices for the Oct. 2 auction.
The year-to-date figure of 7,525 filings marks only a 4 percent increase from the 7,235 foreclosure filings posted over the same period last year, the FLS report states.
The foreclosure filings encompass all types of real estate assets, including residential and commercial properties, vacant land and vacant residential lots.
As for what is on the plate at the October Bexar County auction, a total of 726 foreclosures filings have been posted for the upcoming event -- a 2 percent drop from the 711 filings posted for the October 2006 auction.
In the metropolitan area, FLS reports that there were 796 foreclosure filings for the upcoming October auction. That figure marks a 2 percent decrease from the 809 postings for the October 2006 auction, FLS adds.
The San Antonio metropolitan figures include foreclosures in three counties -- Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe. October 2006 figures for the three-county region were not available.
Carving out figures for residential foreclosures for Bexar County, a total of 641 postings were filed for the upcoming October auction -- virtually unchanged from the 639 postings reported last year.
For the San Antnonio metropolitan area, a total of 697 residential postings were recorded for the October auction -- down 1 percent from the 701 filings last year, FLS reports.
While any sign of a slowdown in the foreclosure rate is welcome news, San Antonio may not be out of the woods yet, according to FLS President George Roddy Sr.
"In San Antonio, the foreclosure pace may be slowing for a moment, but the road is still very long," says Roddy, who points out that, on average, the mortgages being foreclosed on now date back to mid-2002.
"So without even considering the subprime factor in this equation, a tremendous amount of financing and refinancing has taken place during the last five years," Roddy continues. "That's a strong indicator that we will be dealing with this fall-out for at least four or five more years in San Antonio, if not longer."
The data is based on filings for real estate properties that are to be auctioned off on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse. The figures are current as of Sept. 11, which was the deadline for filing foreclosure notices for the Oct. 2 auction.
The year-to-date figure of 7,525 filings marks only a 4 percent increase from the 7,235 foreclosure filings posted over the same period last year, the FLS report states.
The foreclosure filings encompass all types of real estate assets, including residential and commercial properties, vacant land and vacant residential lots.
As for what is on the plate at the October Bexar County auction, a total of 726 foreclosures filings have been posted for the upcoming event -- a 2 percent drop from the 711 filings posted for the October 2006 auction.
In the metropolitan area, FLS reports that there were 796 foreclosure filings for the upcoming October auction. That figure marks a 2 percent decrease from the 809 postings for the October 2006 auction, FLS adds.
The San Antonio metropolitan figures include foreclosures in three counties -- Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe. October 2006 figures for the three-county region were not available.
Carving out figures for residential foreclosures for Bexar County, a total of 641 postings were filed for the upcoming October auction -- virtually unchanged from the 639 postings reported last year.
For the San Antnonio metropolitan area, a total of 697 residential postings were recorded for the October auction -- down 1 percent from the 701 filings last year, FLS reports.
While any sign of a slowdown in the foreclosure rate is welcome news, San Antonio may not be out of the woods yet, according to FLS President George Roddy Sr.
"In San Antonio, the foreclosure pace may be slowing for a moment, but the road is still very long," says Roddy, who points out that, on average, the mortgages being foreclosed on now date back to mid-2002.
"So without even considering the subprime factor in this equation, a tremendous amount of financing and refinancing has taken place during the last five years," Roddy continues. "That's a strong indicator that we will be dealing with this fall-out for at least four or five more years in San Antonio, if not longer."
Three Nonverbal Keys to Negotiating
Three Nonverbal Keys to Negotiating
Pat Mayfield, for Yahoo! HotJobs
Whether settling a contract or nailing down salary terms, successful negotiators use nonverbal techniques to increase their power and enhance their impact on the outcome. Here are three focal points that will help build your negotiating power.
The Power of Body Language
Using body language is as important as reading body language. Practice these guidelines until comfortable. The power standing position is: feet slightly apart and planted to the floor; shoulders comfortably back; neck straight, not tilted; stomach in; and arms comfortably by your side. Also use this stance when entering a room, except walk with a comfortable stride -- not too slow and not too fast.
Posture and Stance:
Stand or sit up straight. Don't slouch or lean against anything.
When seated, place both feet flat on the floor, not crossed or tucked under the chair.
Lean forward to exude energy, or lean back to appear more relaxed.
Don't cross your arms across your chest as a defensive move.
Hands:
Don't touch your face or cover your mouth.
Don't touch the other party except for the handshake.
To increase trust, keep both hands out in the open, not in your pockets or under the table.
Do not grip your hands or clasp in the prayer position.
The Power of the Eyes
Most people show their true feelings through their eyes. To build confidence:
Do:
Make direct eye contact with everyone involved.
Smile comfortably with your eyes as well as your mouth.
If possible, watch the pupils of their eyes. Pupils dilate when they see something they like.
Don't:
Stare or glare.
Look away when someone is talking to you.
Roll or rapidly move your eyes.
Blink often. The more a person blinks, the less he or she is trusted.
External and Internal Power
External power is having a strong appearance. If the negotiation is on your turf, your work area is part of the external power. Internal power is having genuine confidence.
Why are these types of power so important? Because if your external appearance or internal attitude turns off the other party, you may never get them to agree with you.
To increase external power:
Keep the negotiating environment appropriate to the situation.
Be dressed and groomed appropriate to the situation.
Speak slowly and clearly, and project with a strong full voice. The other party must be able to hear and understand you before you can get what you want.
Lower your voice tone to avoid a weak, high-pitched tone.
Be courteous.
To increase internal power:
Practice a mock negotiation several times. Practice is the best-kept secret of great negotiators.
Be thoroughly prepared. Know what you want and what you will give. Predict what the other party will want and will be willing to give.
Have everything you need with you to keep from getting flustered.
Truly believe in yourself.
Pat Mayfield is the president of Pat Mayfield Consulting, LLC, based in San Francisco and Pleasanton, California. She specializes in sales and marketing solutions, working with companies of all sizes.
Pat Mayfield, for Yahoo! HotJobs
Whether settling a contract or nailing down salary terms, successful negotiators use nonverbal techniques to increase their power and enhance their impact on the outcome. Here are three focal points that will help build your negotiating power.
The Power of Body Language
Using body language is as important as reading body language. Practice these guidelines until comfortable. The power standing position is: feet slightly apart and planted to the floor; shoulders comfortably back; neck straight, not tilted; stomach in; and arms comfortably by your side. Also use this stance when entering a room, except walk with a comfortable stride -- not too slow and not too fast.
Posture and Stance:
Stand or sit up straight. Don't slouch or lean against anything.
When seated, place both feet flat on the floor, not crossed or tucked under the chair.
Lean forward to exude energy, or lean back to appear more relaxed.
Don't cross your arms across your chest as a defensive move.
Hands:
Don't touch your face or cover your mouth.
Don't touch the other party except for the handshake.
To increase trust, keep both hands out in the open, not in your pockets or under the table.
Do not grip your hands or clasp in the prayer position.
The Power of the Eyes
Most people show their true feelings through their eyes. To build confidence:
Do:
Make direct eye contact with everyone involved.
Smile comfortably with your eyes as well as your mouth.
If possible, watch the pupils of their eyes. Pupils dilate when they see something they like.
Don't:
Stare or glare.
Look away when someone is talking to you.
Roll or rapidly move your eyes.
Blink often. The more a person blinks, the less he or she is trusted.
External and Internal Power
External power is having a strong appearance. If the negotiation is on your turf, your work area is part of the external power. Internal power is having genuine confidence.
Why are these types of power so important? Because if your external appearance or internal attitude turns off the other party, you may never get them to agree with you.
To increase external power:
Keep the negotiating environment appropriate to the situation.
Be dressed and groomed appropriate to the situation.
Speak slowly and clearly, and project with a strong full voice. The other party must be able to hear and understand you before you can get what you want.
Lower your voice tone to avoid a weak, high-pitched tone.
Be courteous.
To increase internal power:
Practice a mock negotiation several times. Practice is the best-kept secret of great negotiators.
Be thoroughly prepared. Know what you want and what you will give. Predict what the other party will want and will be willing to give.
Have everything you need with you to keep from getting flustered.
Truly believe in yourself.
Pat Mayfield is the president of Pat Mayfield Consulting, LLC, based in San Francisco and Pleasanton, California. She specializes in sales and marketing solutions, working with companies of all sizes.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Death, Divorce and Real Estate
Please put on your calendars this training date.
Collete Jensen and her United Title staff will lead us in a discussion of "Death and Divorce" how it affects the contract and closing. Probably something we should all be aware of.
10 AM here in our training room
Wednesday 17 October
Thank you and have a great weekend.
Bob
Collete Jensen and her United Title staff will lead us in a discussion of "Death and Divorce" how it affects the contract and closing. Probably something we should all be aware of.
10 AM here in our training room
Wednesday 17 October
Thank you and have a great weekend.
Bob
Short Sale Article
Please click on the link below which will take you to a .pdf file on short sale. It is a good article that makes working a short sale easier to understand.
http://spacklequeen.googlepages.com/shortsaleprimer
http://spacklequeen.googlepages.com/shortsaleprimer
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Open House Show Taking Off!!!
Note from the Shows Producer:
Dear Bernie and Bob,
I wanted to thank you personally for advertising on The Open House Show. We hope we become not only a powerful listing tool for your agents, but also a powerful venue to advertise your homes.
Our Nielsen overnight ratings are in for our first and second episodes:
On Sunday, 9/16, we received a 0.4 Household Rating, or 3,100 homes.
On Sunday, 9/23, we received a 1.1 Household Rating, or 8,500 homes!!!!
Let me put that into actual viewers. A household has an average of 3.5 -4 people. That's around 34,000 viewers! Imagine where the show will be in six months when people start to change their viewing habits to watch the show! We strongly encourage you to place our logo on your website to further grow our exposure. Don't forget we have sign rider artwork and listing flyers that you can print up from our website.
Further, the website is receiving around 1,019 unique visitors every day. Imagine where that number will climb as the ratings climb.
By suggestion from one of our San Antonio clients, we have made the agent photos significantly bigger for next Sunday's show. I have actually applied the graphics change to all our shows in all our markets.
Again, we are a small company that wants to provide you with inexpensive, quality advertising. We know our clients work hard for their success, so do not hesitate to call me, Amy, Jaime, or Esther for any reason or with any suggestions. We want to help you succeed.
All the best and with much thanks,
Robert Bettes
Dear Bernie and Bob,
I wanted to thank you personally for advertising on The Open House Show. We hope we become not only a powerful listing tool for your agents, but also a powerful venue to advertise your homes.
Our Nielsen overnight ratings are in for our first and second episodes:
On Sunday, 9/16, we received a 0.4 Household Rating, or 3,100 homes.
On Sunday, 9/23, we received a 1.1 Household Rating, or 8,500 homes!!!!
Let me put that into actual viewers. A household has an average of 3.5 -4 people. That's around 34,000 viewers! Imagine where the show will be in six months when people start to change their viewing habits to watch the show! We strongly encourage you to place our logo on your website to further grow our exposure. Don't forget we have sign rider artwork and listing flyers that you can print up from our website.
Further, the website is receiving around 1,019 unique visitors every day. Imagine where that number will climb as the ratings climb.
By suggestion from one of our San Antonio clients, we have made the agent photos significantly bigger for next Sunday's show. I have actually applied the graphics change to all our shows in all our markets.
Again, we are a small company that wants to provide you with inexpensive, quality advertising. We know our clients work hard for their success, so do not hesitate to call me, Amy, Jaime, or Esther for any reason or with any suggestions. We want to help you succeed.
All the best and with much thanks,
Robert Bettes
Open House Directionals
We are down to 3 Open House Directionals and we need to ask everyone that if they have any hiding anywhere (even in plain site) that you bring them in ASAP.
Thank you
Bob
Thank you
Bob
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Thursday - Town Hall Meeting and Previews
We do have three previews and a REALTOR open House of Jeanne and Andy following the Townhall Meeting. We will meet back at the office after the Townhall at about 10:15 and leave from there for the previews and open house.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the Townhall Meeting and then the previews.
Regards
Bob
Attendance of sales meetings and previews is a vital part of a company's well-being. If you are participating in company referrals - Prudential or E-Team - attendance is expected.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the Townhall Meeting and then the previews.
Regards
Bob
Attendance of sales meetings and previews is a vital part of a company's well-being. If you are participating in company referrals - Prudential or E-Team - attendance is expected.
Take Care with E-Cards
Just a reminder to our great agents. Please be careful about how many e-cards you submit to our database of San Antonio agents. Please limit your announcements to the entire mls agent database to 1) New Listings 2) Price Reduction 3) Other new incentives or bonus.
Please remember, agents can choose to opt of out receiving our E-Cards.
Please remember, agents can choose to opt of out receiving our E-Cards.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Prudential Don Johnson Privacy Policy
Please click on the below link which will bring you to a .pdf file with our Privacy Policy. It is extremely important that each one of us reads and understands this policy and follow it to the letter. The fines for not protecting our customers/clients privacy are very steep and we do not want the fame.
http://spacklequeen.googlepages.com/prudentialdonjohnsonprivacypolicy
http://spacklequeen.googlepages.com/prudentialdonjohnsonprivacypolicy
Yahoo Article on Impact of Fed Rate Cut on Housing
Will Fed cut boost housing?
The Federal Reserve's aggressive half-point cut could bring more buyers to the housing market. » Analysis
The Federal Reserve's aggressive half-point cut could bring more buyers to the housing market. » Analysis
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Option Period and Seller Repairs
Source: TAR
After the buyer finished his inspection of my client's home, we negotiated several repairs to be completed by the seller, and the parties signed an amendment (TAR 1903) reflecting the items to be repaired. Three days later, the buyer sent the seller a notice that he was terminating the contract under his termination option (Paragraph 23). We are still within the option period stated in the original contract. The seller is upset because he already repaired two of the five agreed-upon repair items. Can the buyer still exercise his right to terminate the contract under the termination option after the parties have agreed to the repair provisions contained in the amendment?
A buyer does not automatically give up his right to terminate the contract under the termination option because the parties negotiated and signed an amendment that provides that the seller will do repairs to the property. If Paragraph 7 of the amendment was checked, indicating the parties had included the buyer's waiver of his right to terminate the contract under the termination option in the amendment, then the buyer could no longer exercise that right to terminate once the amendment became effective. If the buyer has not waived his right to terminate under the termination option, the buyer is still entitled to exercise that right within the option period stated in the contract. Careful preparation of the amendment to reflect the parties' intent concerning the waiver of the termination option by checking (or not checking) Paragraph 7 of the amendment is important.
It should be noted that under the provisions of Paragraph 7 of the TREC contracts, the seller is obligated to complete all agreed repairs prior to closing (unless the parties have otherwise agreed in writing). A seller might want to consider waiting to do repairs until after the buyer's right to terminate under the termination option has expired or has been waived according to the terms of the contract.
For other legal topics, visit the Legal FAQs on TexasRealtors.com. Top
After the buyer finished his inspection of my client's home, we negotiated several repairs to be completed by the seller, and the parties signed an amendment (TAR 1903) reflecting the items to be repaired. Three days later, the buyer sent the seller a notice that he was terminating the contract under his termination option (Paragraph 23). We are still within the option period stated in the original contract. The seller is upset because he already repaired two of the five agreed-upon repair items. Can the buyer still exercise his right to terminate the contract under the termination option after the parties have agreed to the repair provisions contained in the amendment?
A buyer does not automatically give up his right to terminate the contract under the termination option because the parties negotiated and signed an amendment that provides that the seller will do repairs to the property. If Paragraph 7 of the amendment was checked, indicating the parties had included the buyer's waiver of his right to terminate the contract under the termination option in the amendment, then the buyer could no longer exercise that right to terminate once the amendment became effective. If the buyer has not waived his right to terminate under the termination option, the buyer is still entitled to exercise that right within the option period stated in the contract. Careful preparation of the amendment to reflect the parties' intent concerning the waiver of the termination option by checking (or not checking) Paragraph 7 of the amendment is important.
It should be noted that under the provisions of Paragraph 7 of the TREC contracts, the seller is obligated to complete all agreed repairs prior to closing (unless the parties have otherwise agreed in writing). A seller might want to consider waiting to do repairs until after the buyer's right to terminate under the termination option has expired or has been waived according to the terms of the contract.
For other legal topics, visit the Legal FAQs on TexasRealtors.com. Top
DirectTv Realtor Referral Benefit
Introducing great customer/client benefits. You win too. Refer your customers to Direct Sat TV for their DIRECTV service and you will earn $40 USD. When your customers activate DIRECTV service on your recommendation, we will send you a check for $40. Customers receive a four-room DIRECTV system, a Digital Video Recorder or High-Def receiver (after mail-in rebate), free professional installation, and a $50 gift certificate to Lowe's Home Improvement Centers. Details at http://www.directsattv.com/realtor-referral.asp
Phone: 910-693-3000 ext. 1419 or ext.1409
Contact Heather Adams or Kim Whitaker
Email hadams@tridentmarketing.com or kwhitaker@tridentmarketing.com
Website
www.directsattv.com
Phone: 910-693-3000 ext. 1419 or ext.1409
Contact Heather Adams or Kim Whitaker
Email hadams@tridentmarketing.com or kwhitaker@tridentmarketing.com
Website
www.directsattv.com
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Duty Lottery
The duty lottery for October and November will be held this Thursday morning (9/20) beginning at 8:30 sharp, before the sales meeting.
Anyone interested in duty shifts please be here.
Regards
Bob
Anyone interested in duty shifts please be here.
Regards
Bob
Monday, September 17, 2007
9-13 Sales Meeting Notes
The link below will take you to a .pdf file with notes from last week's sales meeting.
http://spacklequeen.googlepages.com/9-13salesmeetingnotes
http://spacklequeen.googlepages.com/9-13salesmeetingnotes
Prudential Spirit of Community Program
The link below will take you to a page with a .pdf file explaining all you need to know to get the youth in your life to participate in this great program.
Please read it and get the youngsters
http://spacklequeen.googlepages.com/prudentialspiritofcommunityprogram
Please read it and get the youngsters
http://spacklequeen.googlepages.com/prudentialspiritofcommunityprogram
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Don't Quit on your E-Prospects
The internet has changed the dynamics of marketing. The process is very different from, for example, a duty call. With the internet, we are often dealing with consumers often in the very early formative stages of buying. The internet is like the famed Library of Athens in ancient times. It is a repository of virtually all information. People using the library, like the internet, often simply start out just browsing. They want to be left alone to browse the library until they are ready to check out. You need to give them some space. However, a browser can easily become a buyer. Do not make the mistake of pigeon-holing browsers and assuming they remain just browsers. Internet browsers often like the anonymity that the internet allows. They can come and go as they please and often do not feel they owe the professional providing the service the most common of courtesies. For that reason, it is rarely a good idea to dispose of an internet lead merely because someone has become unresponsive. If contact has been made, you should keep the avenue open until they tell you to go away. To illustrate this point, I will use a true story involving one of our sales associates and an interent sales experience.
Some months ago, this agent received a scrubbed internet lead. The prospect had been spoken to and had accepted being contacted by a sales associate. After an initial contact, the prospects did not return any calls or e-mails. However, this did not dissuade the agent from periodically calling or e-mailing. After many months the agent was ready to give up on them. However, she kept the prospect in her inventory. One day, out of the blue, the prospect called and indicated they would be in town the next day and wanted to see homes. After a day or two of showings, the prospects left town and once again would not respond to e-mails or return phone calls. This went on for several months until once again the agent was contacted once again to let her know that they had entered into a new home contract and the agents name had been entered on the contract. Once again the buyers left town and, guess what? They are still not responding to e-mails or telephone calls. However, the contract is real and is a very nice sale.
I find that behavior very interesting and in a sense unique to the internet side of our business. Although the above example is very unusual, it is not at all uncommon for agents to quit on internet business because they are unable to maintain steady contact. However, agents should always keep in mind that often the time frame for the internet is substantially longer than almost all other leads. It is not uncommon for someone to begin searching a year or more out from buying. They are not in a hurry and make sure that your approach is not in a hurry. Tailor your communication efforts keeping that in mind. They will generally not want to be deluged or chain called - especially if they are many months away from buying. However, keep in mind also that they do not know you (like a duty call) and the internet sense of anonymity often allows a consumer to be somewhat less considerate with your professional feelings. The bottom line is to not quit on a internet prospect because they are highly unresponsive - especially if you know they are long term in nature. Keep reaching out. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Some months ago, this agent received a scrubbed internet lead. The prospect had been spoken to and had accepted being contacted by a sales associate. After an initial contact, the prospects did not return any calls or e-mails. However, this did not dissuade the agent from periodically calling or e-mailing. After many months the agent was ready to give up on them. However, she kept the prospect in her inventory. One day, out of the blue, the prospect called and indicated they would be in town the next day and wanted to see homes. After a day or two of showings, the prospects left town and once again would not respond to e-mails or return phone calls. This went on for several months until once again the agent was contacted once again to let her know that they had entered into a new home contract and the agents name had been entered on the contract. Once again the buyers left town and, guess what? They are still not responding to e-mails or telephone calls. However, the contract is real and is a very nice sale.
I find that behavior very interesting and in a sense unique to the internet side of our business. Although the above example is very unusual, it is not at all uncommon for agents to quit on internet business because they are unable to maintain steady contact. However, agents should always keep in mind that often the time frame for the internet is substantially longer than almost all other leads. It is not uncommon for someone to begin searching a year or more out from buying. They are not in a hurry and make sure that your approach is not in a hurry. Tailor your communication efforts keeping that in mind. They will generally not want to be deluged or chain called - especially if they are many months away from buying. However, keep in mind also that they do not know you (like a duty call) and the internet sense of anonymity often allows a consumer to be somewhat less considerate with your professional feelings. The bottom line is to not quit on a internet prospect because they are highly unresponsive - especially if you know they are long term in nature. Keep reaching out. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Jumpstarting Your Business
September 11, 2007 –Excerpted from Realty Times
Feature Article by Brian Hilliard
Step #1: Create a "Hit List" of friends and family
How extensive should this list be in terms of the number of people, and how far back should they go? Start with an 18 to 24 month window, and write down any friends or colleagues they've had a relationship with over the past 1.5 to 2 years. Obviously family members are excluded from this criteria since presumably, you've known them longer than that. But for people you met in the Garden Club or from a past Professional Association, I'd say 2 years is the maximum amount of time where I'd feel comfortable calling up someone to let them know what I'm doing.
And as far as an ideal number of people is concerned, that really depends on what you did before your new career. But don't worry, whether your list is 5 people or 50, just focus on the folks who you think would be interested in helping you out, and we'll take it from there.
Step #2: Schedule some time in the day and start making your calls. Ideally, you'd like to knock out your calls in the shortest time possible, but with so many other things going on, that might not be feasible. Try starting off with an hour a day, say between 8:30 and 9:30 am if you're calling people at work, or 8 and 9 pm for family or calling folks at home.
You figure about 10 calls per hour, about half of which you'll need to leave a message, and that should get you through the list at a pretty fast clip.
In terms of the exact conversation itself, that really does depend on how well you know this person, when was the last time you talked, and things like that. So a hard and fast "script" is nearly impossible for me to provide. However, here are some things to keep in mind:
Feature Article by Brian Hilliard
Step #1: Create a "Hit List" of friends and family
How extensive should this list be in terms of the number of people, and how far back should they go? Start with an 18 to 24 month window, and write down any friends or colleagues they've had a relationship with over the past 1.5 to 2 years. Obviously family members are excluded from this criteria since presumably, you've known them longer than that. But for people you met in the Garden Club or from a past Professional Association, I'd say 2 years is the maximum amount of time where I'd feel comfortable calling up someone to let them know what I'm doing.
And as far as an ideal number of people is concerned, that really depends on what you did before your new career. But don't worry, whether your list is 5 people or 50, just focus on the folks who you think would be interested in helping you out, and we'll take it from there.
Step #2: Schedule some time in the day and start making your calls. Ideally, you'd like to knock out your calls in the shortest time possible, but with so many other things going on, that might not be feasible. Try starting off with an hour a day, say between 8:30 and 9:30 am if you're calling people at work, or 8 and 9 pm for family or calling folks at home.
You figure about 10 calls per hour, about half of which you'll need to leave a message, and that should get you through the list at a pretty fast clip.
In terms of the exact conversation itself, that really does depend on how well you know this person, when was the last time you talked, and things like that. So a hard and fast "script" is nearly impossible for me to provide. However, here are some things to keep in mind:
Re-introduce yourself, tell them where you know them from, and see if they have a minute to talk.
Let them know that things have really been busy lately and you're sorry that it's taken so long to catch up.
Ask what's been going on in their life since the last time you spoke.
Listen for ways where you might be able to help them.
Tell them a little bit about what you've been doing, and how you've taken up a career in real estate.
Ask who they know that is interested in buying or selling real estate. Ask if they wouldn't mind being included in your online newsletter, where they can get "tips and tricks for buying and selling their home." (Don't worry if you don't have an online newsletter yet)
Thank them for their time and promise to keep in touch.
Cost of Living Comparison Calculator
There are a number of web sites that provide cost of living comparisons. Here is a link to one that I like. It not only compares the cost of living between your current city and your proposed city, but it also gives you a feel for how much more you can expect to pay. For example, San Francisco costs 155% more to live in than San Antonio, which means that it would take a $255,000 salary to equate to a $100,000 salary in purchasing power in San Antonio. However, similar jobs may only expect to receive about 37% more in salary if they make the move. That is not a good trade-off.
Monday, September 10, 2007
2007 Christmas Party - Calendar Heads-Up
Thanks to our staff for arranging our Christmas party. We had such a great time at La Hacienda for Ann's 8oth birthday that we decided it would be a great location for the Christmas Party.
We have scheduled our Christmas party for December 7th at LaHacienda at 7:00 P.M. More details will follow.
We have scheduled our Christmas party for December 7th at LaHacienda at 7:00 P.M. More details will follow.
Wednesday Training
Please remember that this Wednesday we are going to go over the preparation of the ERC/BMA (Employee Relocation Council/Broker Market Analysis). This is the form we all use for relocation business. All are welcome but we really want to see the folks that are uncomfortable filling out the ERC/BMA at the class. This is also a good exercise for the proper preparation of any market analysis that we might need to do for buyers or sellers.
See you on Wednesday - 10 AM.
Regards
Bob
See you on Wednesday - 10 AM.
Regards
Bob
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Affiliate Assistance Hotline
Have any questions about Prudential resources? Looking for a Prudential Resource? Having a problem with E-Cards? Need more information on Online Seller Advantage? Need help identifying or understanding various Prudential benefits?
The Affiliate Assistance Hotline is manned by knowledgeable Prudential staff. Their goal is to answer all your Prudential questions. If they don't know the answer they will find it.
You can reach the Affiliate Assistance Hotline at 888-732-5778.
The Affiliate Assistance Hotline is manned by knowledgeable Prudential staff. Their goal is to answer all your Prudential questions. If they don't know the answer they will find it.
You can reach the Affiliate Assistance Hotline at 888-732-5778.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Dress for Success
I saw this on the internet - and although it refers to promotion it really applies to all aspects of our business and social life:
Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs
"Fashion really does make a statement -- especially in the workplace. What you wear on the job could help determine whether you get promoted, according to a new survey.
In a Yahoo! HotJobs poll on workplace fashion issues, a majority of the general workforce (68%) and HR professionals (82%) believe that how employees dress at work affects their chances for a promotion.
"How you dress at work definitely shapes how others perceive you," says Susan Vobejda, vice president of marketing for Yahoo! HotJobs. "Our survey shows that it's worthwhile to choose your work attire carefully, because those choices could help to move your career forward." More than half of the survey respondents (57%) said they would be willing to buy a new wardrobe in order to get a promotion."
In this day and age, the suit is still in fashion, but we have seen a trend that allows quality collared shirts, However, unless you are selling farm and ranch - blue jeans are never a good idea.
Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs
"Fashion really does make a statement -- especially in the workplace. What you wear on the job could help determine whether you get promoted, according to a new survey.
In a Yahoo! HotJobs poll on workplace fashion issues, a majority of the general workforce (68%) and HR professionals (82%) believe that how employees dress at work affects their chances for a promotion.
"How you dress at work definitely shapes how others perceive you," says Susan Vobejda, vice president of marketing for Yahoo! HotJobs. "Our survey shows that it's worthwhile to choose your work attire carefully, because those choices could help to move your career forward." More than half of the survey respondents (57%) said they would be willing to buy a new wardrobe in order to get a promotion."
In this day and age, the suit is still in fashion, but we have seen a trend that allows quality collared shirts, However, unless you are selling farm and ranch - blue jeans are never a good idea.
Market Update with Legacy Mortgage
Thanks to Bob Gardner for once again providing a highly informative market update. Bob pointed out that are market remains strong. Although down from the previous year, it is important to note that we have had record markets year after year. Our current market would have been another record market two years ago. We will post their report information as a scanned document to this post later. It will be very useful for marketing purposes.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
E-Team Meeting
Thanks to the E-Team members that showed up for the E-Team training session with Leslie Walsh of Prudential. Several great items she shared: (1) you can create a saved search for your registrants who have not saved a search (2) you can save a listing to their portfolio; and (3) you can turn on subscriptions. These are all great ideas. However, we do recommend that you send an e-mail telling your registrant what you are doing and giving them the chance to respond with an opt-out for the change you made to their profile.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Open House Show - Update
Just a reminder, if you committed to the Open House Show, you need to come into the office today and sign the contract and credit card agreement. The contract was supposed to have been returned to their offices yesterday (o8/27).
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Congratulations to our E-Team
Last December, our E-Team conversion rate was at 8%. We overhauled the process and by February, the new system was in place. Essentially starting over, with a new E-Team the conversion rate for the last 12 months now stands at 14% - a 75% improvement. Although our 14% rate is the best in the San Antonio market, it does not reflect where the E-Team's numbers will be. The numbers reflect over a half a year under old policies and really only about 4-5 months under the new program. Since much of the E-Team business is long-term - we have not fully tasted the fruit of our hard work.
Once again, congragulations to our E-Team and we look forward to even more substantial improvements in the future.
Once again, congragulations to our E-Team and we look forward to even more substantial improvements in the future.
Welcome to Mary Longi
We have a new agent in our office. Mary Longi is good friends with Debbie Brasseaux. She has been grabbing duty and really getting after it. When you have a chance, please give Mary a friendly Hi!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Open House Show
If anyone is interested, things need to happen pretty quickly. Amy just e-mailed me and there are only 9 spots remaining out of the 30 for the entire show.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Sales Meeting Notes from 16 August
http://spacklequeen.googlepages.com/august16salesmeeting
Please click on the above link to read some very interesting articles that I had prepared for yesterday's sales meeting
Please click on the above link to read some very interesting articles that I had prepared for yesterday's sales meeting
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The Open House Show
Amy Bettes gave a nice presentation at our sales meeting regarding a new TV show that will be aired on Fox on Sunday mornings (as I recall) that had an interesting format. For $95 a week an agent (or group of agents) can commit to a spot to advertise their listings on the show. For example, if six agents decided to share a spot - once very six weeks an agent would essentially be responsible for paying the $95 and getting their spot. The advertising agent will receive a DVD of the show where their spot runs and they will generate and host a virtual tour for the agent. The virtual tour could be linked to our MLS and looked preety cool. If you want to see more, please go to the http://www.theopenhouseshow.com/ .
Now here is the cool kicker. If a group of agents get together and make a commitment (they sign the commitment - not the company), then the company will match that commitment. For example, let's say that 8 agents got together and committed. Instead of having one spot every 8 weeks, they would have one spot every 4 weeks - basically reducing the cost to $45 for the spot.
That is an awesome deal and I would encourage a group of agents to make a commitment.
Now here is the cool kicker. If a group of agents get together and make a commitment (they sign the commitment - not the company), then the company will match that commitment. For example, let's say that 8 agents got together and committed. Instead of having one spot every 8 weeks, they would have one spot every 4 weeks - basically reducing the cost to $45 for the spot.
That is an awesome deal and I would encourage a group of agents to make a commitment.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Hilarious Real Estate Site
Courtesy of Debora Longoria and and the Virginia Association of Realtors - check out this link to check out the site
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