What an amazing year it has been! We have seen so much change in every aspect of our lives, and I'm sure many of you have too.
It's so easy to forget in these hard times that the true meaning of the holiday season is to give! It doesn't have to be purchased gifts. It can be your time, something homemade, or a kind word. It's easy to forget that there are so many other people out there who have so much less than we do (we being the collective whole of America).
My husband and I have worked hard to teach our kids about giving during this time of year, especially. This year more than any other, they had to be reminded that it isn't about asking for gifts and having a really bad case of the "I want's...". It's about "what can I do for someone else who is less fortunate that we are"? Each year we do the Giving Tree at the kids school so that they have a very tangible sense that there are kids that they go to school with who don't have enough money to put anything under the tree or warm clothes on their backs. They go with me to shop for these children and they are always so happy to give their wrapped gifts to the elves who deliver them.
My husband and I both volunteer our time constantly throughout the year coaching sports, sitting on a board of directors for their sports league, helping out in the classroom, and organizing fundraisers for their school. This helps our kids see that you don't always have to get paid to make a difference.
I recently saw a friend of mine who went through a divorce last year. She looks amazing, and is truly happy. When I asked her how she was doing, she replied, "I am doing the best with what I have. I am happier now than when I was married, and I keep a positive attitude. It's all about what you tell yourself. You get out of life what you put into it and I'm ready to put everything in!" She took a really bad situation and is making it into a great learning experience for her and her kids. She has taught them a valuable lesson and learned herself in the process.
This holiday season, take time to value what you have and give some of yourself to someone else. It doesn't have to be a lot of money or tons of time, but if you can manage to spend 1/2 hour either helping in the food bank or shopping for a child/family who can't afford Christmas...I promise, you and your family will benefit more than you can imagine!
Be thankful, even if you are in a tough situation right now. Change is the one constant in life and without it, where would we all be? Sometimes it takes something bad to happen in order for something good to come in its place.
Here is to a happy, healthy, and prosperous Holiday Season! May you enjoy the time with family and friends and enjoy the simple things. Think of others and you will reap the rewards.
Happy Holidays from me and my family to you and yours!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Giving Thanks!
It's unfortunate that we have to have a holiday to remind us to give thanks for all the wonderful things in our lives. We really should do it each and every day! I'm thankful for so many things in my life and what better place to mention all of them?
1. My family...this means all of them. My husband, my kids, my husband's family (yes, I did say that), my mom, my sister and her family, and on. My husband is my best friend. He's the one I call when something good or bad happens. My kids are just that...my kids. I love them so much and they bring so much joy (and occassional misery). My mom and my sister are my rocks. They always know what to say, good or bad. My in-laws are my family away from my family since I don't live in the same city as my family. They are warm, nurturing, and never miss my birthday! Without all of them, I would not be the person I am today and I would not have the life I lead every day.
2. My health...thankfully I am healthy and lead an active life with my family and friends.
3. My friends...they know who they are!! Without them I think I would go insane and wouldn't have near as much fun. We have cocktails when needed and turn to each other when times are tough. They are the people who pull me up by my boot straps and give me a good swift kick if I need one.
4. My work...yes, it's true, I love what I do. Without my family and my friends I would not have had the courage to start my own business much less keep it going in these difficult times.
5. Doctors. Yes, I said doctors. My father-in-law is battling cancer, and without them, we wouldn't have him. I am grateful for all they are doing and I am sure that with their knowledge and expertise, he will win the battle! Having been married 18 years, he's like my own dad and I am grateful to have him and my mother-in-law as part of my family.
6. Enough money to keep food on the table, the mortgage paid, the lights and water on, the cars running, clothes on our backs, and do the fun things. (Pray for the stock market and the economy as a whole).
7. Our fur-baby Callie. She is part of our family, and definately has character! She loves to play, but also loves to snuggle and definately gives me perspective (she sleeps in my lap as I type this). There is nothing like snuggling with a warm puppy.
8. Volunteering. I help at school in the classrooms, fundraising, and event planning, and sit on the board of directors for my kids' little league. It is rewarding to see the benefits of the time I put in for others.
9. For you. Yes, you. Think about it. You are important in some way to someone.
Even if you feel like everything is stacked against you, please take the time to think about everything in your life that you have to be thankful for. It only takes a few minutes, and might just even change your perspective.
Take time to live with purpose, laugh out loud, tell people you love them, and live life to the fullest. You will be rewarded, I guarantee it!
Happy Thanksgiving!
1. My family...this means all of them. My husband, my kids, my husband's family (yes, I did say that), my mom, my sister and her family, and on. My husband is my best friend. He's the one I call when something good or bad happens. My kids are just that...my kids. I love them so much and they bring so much joy (and occassional misery). My mom and my sister are my rocks. They always know what to say, good or bad. My in-laws are my family away from my family since I don't live in the same city as my family. They are warm, nurturing, and never miss my birthday! Without all of them, I would not be the person I am today and I would not have the life I lead every day.
2. My health...thankfully I am healthy and lead an active life with my family and friends.
3. My friends...they know who they are!! Without them I think I would go insane and wouldn't have near as much fun. We have cocktails when needed and turn to each other when times are tough. They are the people who pull me up by my boot straps and give me a good swift kick if I need one.
4. My work...yes, it's true, I love what I do. Without my family and my friends I would not have had the courage to start my own business much less keep it going in these difficult times.
5. Doctors. Yes, I said doctors. My father-in-law is battling cancer, and without them, we wouldn't have him. I am grateful for all they are doing and I am sure that with their knowledge and expertise, he will win the battle! Having been married 18 years, he's like my own dad and I am grateful to have him and my mother-in-law as part of my family.
6. Enough money to keep food on the table, the mortgage paid, the lights and water on, the cars running, clothes on our backs, and do the fun things. (Pray for the stock market and the economy as a whole).
7. Our fur-baby Callie. She is part of our family, and definately has character! She loves to play, but also loves to snuggle and definately gives me perspective (she sleeps in my lap as I type this). There is nothing like snuggling with a warm puppy.
8. Volunteering. I help at school in the classrooms, fundraising, and event planning, and sit on the board of directors for my kids' little league. It is rewarding to see the benefits of the time I put in for others.
9. For you. Yes, you. Think about it. You are important in some way to someone.
Even if you feel like everything is stacked against you, please take the time to think about everything in your life that you have to be thankful for. It only takes a few minutes, and might just even change your perspective.
Take time to live with purpose, laugh out loud, tell people you love them, and live life to the fullest. You will be rewarded, I guarantee it!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Customer Service!
As everyone knows, customer service is the key to any professional relationship especially in the Real Estate industry. Everyone your client comes in contact with during the transaction directly reflects on you and your business practices.
Choose your business partners carefully. All the members of your "team" should share the same vision and purpose as you do with regards to the way you do business. Your escrow officer, inspectors, lenders, and assistants (virtual or otherwise) should all provide the same exemplary service you would expect to receive.
A little story about a transaction I was just involved in for one of my clients:
Her buyers were purchasing an REO property and were getting an FHA loan which required a credit for closing costs. The lender was completely on top of everything, I processed the file and gathered all the necessary signatures/paperwork, and my client provided all the due diligence inspections, etc per the contract. The escrow company was based in Southern California and had no communication with me or my client the entire contract period. Everything was communicated through the selling agent. Halfway through the period, I notified the selling agent that I had not received the prelim yet. She finally tracked it down 5 days later.
Approximately 5 days prior to close, we scheduled an accomodation signing at one of our local title companies for the buyer. They signed and all the documents were FedEx'd back to the escrow company. In the meantime, I sent 10 emails and left 6 voice messages for the escrow company to make sure they had all the paperwork they needed to close successfully. Finally, the escrow company replied and said they had everything and had sent the package to the lender for funding.
On the day we were due to record, I left 4 emails and 4 voice messages to determine if we were on record. No one ever responded. Finally I received an email from the sellers agent that we had recorded.
5 days after recording, I received a message from the escrow company and an email with 21 pages of documents they needed our buyer to sign and no one had received their commission checks. After having a conversation with the escrow company, making them send the paperwork directly to our buyer (since we did not make this mistake, I wasn't going to hand them this stack of papers and make it look like we didn't do our job), and informing them that I had left numerous messages and emails prior to closing to make sure they had everything they needed...they hung up on me and the escrow officer basically told me that "I don't know what to tell you, I just work here and we need these items signed".
Every item that was in that packet was some sort of title document (Statement of Identity, addendum to the contract, insurance information, etc). Talk about poor customer service!! I realize that this escrow company is working for the bank, however they should never have treated anyone in this manner. Finally, 7 days after closing we received commission checks, and the escrow company is going to have to get the paperwork signed themselves if they need it.
Isn't it nice to know that your business "team" of professionals all treat your clients and other agents with the utmost respect and work with everyone to make your transactions close quickly and efficiently?? Customer service is the name of the game, and the only way to get referrals is to give the client the best service you have to give.
If you need help working on the daily tasks in your office so that you can provide superior service to your clients, give me a call. I guarantee, I will treat you and your clients with the utmost care and professionalism! If you know of anyone who could use my services, please feel free to give them my name. I promise to take excellent care of them!
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
---Lou Holtz
Choose your business partners carefully. All the members of your "team" should share the same vision and purpose as you do with regards to the way you do business. Your escrow officer, inspectors, lenders, and assistants (virtual or otherwise) should all provide the same exemplary service you would expect to receive.
A little story about a transaction I was just involved in for one of my clients:
Her buyers were purchasing an REO property and were getting an FHA loan which required a credit for closing costs. The lender was completely on top of everything, I processed the file and gathered all the necessary signatures/paperwork, and my client provided all the due diligence inspections, etc per the contract. The escrow company was based in Southern California and had no communication with me or my client the entire contract period. Everything was communicated through the selling agent. Halfway through the period, I notified the selling agent that I had not received the prelim yet. She finally tracked it down 5 days later.
Approximately 5 days prior to close, we scheduled an accomodation signing at one of our local title companies for the buyer. They signed and all the documents were FedEx'd back to the escrow company. In the meantime, I sent 10 emails and left 6 voice messages for the escrow company to make sure they had all the paperwork they needed to close successfully. Finally, the escrow company replied and said they had everything and had sent the package to the lender for funding.
On the day we were due to record, I left 4 emails and 4 voice messages to determine if we were on record. No one ever responded. Finally I received an email from the sellers agent that we had recorded.
5 days after recording, I received a message from the escrow company and an email with 21 pages of documents they needed our buyer to sign and no one had received their commission checks. After having a conversation with the escrow company, making them send the paperwork directly to our buyer (since we did not make this mistake, I wasn't going to hand them this stack of papers and make it look like we didn't do our job), and informing them that I had left numerous messages and emails prior to closing to make sure they had everything they needed...they hung up on me and the escrow officer basically told me that "I don't know what to tell you, I just work here and we need these items signed".
Every item that was in that packet was some sort of title document (Statement of Identity, addendum to the contract, insurance information, etc). Talk about poor customer service!! I realize that this escrow company is working for the bank, however they should never have treated anyone in this manner. Finally, 7 days after closing we received commission checks, and the escrow company is going to have to get the paperwork signed themselves if they need it.
Isn't it nice to know that your business "team" of professionals all treat your clients and other agents with the utmost respect and work with everyone to make your transactions close quickly and efficiently?? Customer service is the name of the game, and the only way to get referrals is to give the client the best service you have to give.
If you need help working on the daily tasks in your office so that you can provide superior service to your clients, give me a call. I guarantee, I will treat you and your clients with the utmost care and professionalism! If you know of anyone who could use my services, please feel free to give them my name. I promise to take excellent care of them!
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
---Lou Holtz
Friday, October 10, 2008
New VA Designation!
Just like Realtors, Virtual Assistants have several designations they can earn that will help them in their businesses. I have recently earned my CRESS (Certified Real Estate Support Specialist) designation from the International Virtual Assistants Association.
What does this designation mean to current and prospective clients? It means that I am committed to serving the Real Estate community and believe that continuous education is the best way to ensure that you recieve the very best effort I have to give. I have promised to uphold a certain level of standards and abide by a strict set of regulations regarding the industry. This certificate shows that I am proficient in the rules and regulations of the Real Estate world.
In addition to this designation, I also hold a REPA (Real Estate Professional Assistant) certificate from the National Association of Realtors. All of this means that I promise to provide you with exceptional service regarding the Real Estate industry. Having been involved in all aspects of this industry for the past 10 years, I know all facets inside and out. I am here to help you succeed and make your business profitable and enjoyable.
I am always learning and trying new services to provide you with the best possible experience. Give me a call, send me an email, or check out my website and let's talk about how I can help you in your business!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Listing REO and Short Sale Properties
If you are one of those excellent agents who is blessed to be on the contact list for a bank that owns properties in your area, chances are that you are so busy you don't know what to do with all those listings! On the flip side, if you are on the list of mediation companies who are mitigating short sales in your area, you are also extremely busy!
Listings can be a profitable venture, or they can be a veritable money pit with no end in sight and a possible loss on your part if not done correctly.
REO properties (aka Bank Owned) are generally a little easier to work with than short sales. By the time a bank owns the property, they have decided they don't want to own it, and have decided exactly how much they want to receive in the form of an offer. They have a dedicated contact and get things done quickly.
Short sales are a little more tricky. They bank has basically agreed to a short sale and a price, however they are not quick to respond when an offer comes through and can take quite some time to put all the wheels in motion when an offer is actually accepted.
Either way, you still have to actually list the property. Generally speaking the average listing could cost you, the Realtor, approximately $500 or more to market. Minor tasks are uploading to MLS, creating flyers, uploading to websites, creating marketing pieces (newspaper, postcards, Homes and Land, etc), and keeping up with the market statistics that need to be sent to the banks monthly to determine how their listings are placed in the market. Then, the property actually has to sell! That's the topic of another blog entirely...
All of this is overwhelming for even the most seasoned agent. Some teams are so overburdened by these basic tasks that nothing else is getting done. Newsletters aren't being mailed regularly, "normal" clients are not being contacted, and basic customer service is suffering.
If you and/or your team are overwhelmed and just can't afford to bring in another staff member, give me a call or send me an email. I can take care of the listing "basics" for you so you can keep giving superior customer service.
Click Here to visit my website and find out more about how I can help you and/or your team. I look forward to talking with you.
"Remember, a real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided." ~ Anthony Robbins
Listings can be a profitable venture, or they can be a veritable money pit with no end in sight and a possible loss on your part if not done correctly.
REO properties (aka Bank Owned) are generally a little easier to work with than short sales. By the time a bank owns the property, they have decided they don't want to own it, and have decided exactly how much they want to receive in the form of an offer. They have a dedicated contact and get things done quickly.
Short sales are a little more tricky. They bank has basically agreed to a short sale and a price, however they are not quick to respond when an offer comes through and can take quite some time to put all the wheels in motion when an offer is actually accepted.
Either way, you still have to actually list the property. Generally speaking the average listing could cost you, the Realtor, approximately $500 or more to market. Minor tasks are uploading to MLS, creating flyers, uploading to websites, creating marketing pieces (newspaper, postcards, Homes and Land, etc), and keeping up with the market statistics that need to be sent to the banks monthly to determine how their listings are placed in the market. Then, the property actually has to sell! That's the topic of another blog entirely...
All of this is overwhelming for even the most seasoned agent. Some teams are so overburdened by these basic tasks that nothing else is getting done. Newsletters aren't being mailed regularly, "normal" clients are not being contacted, and basic customer service is suffering.
If you and/or your team are overwhelmed and just can't afford to bring in another staff member, give me a call or send me an email. I can take care of the listing "basics" for you so you can keep giving superior customer service.
Click Here to visit my website and find out more about how I can help you and/or your team. I look forward to talking with you.
"Remember, a real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided." ~ Anthony Robbins
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Marketing in Today's Market!
Truly, todays market is a bit of a roller coaster for everyone. Buyers, Sellers, Realtors, Lenders, and Investors are all cruising up and down this coaster hoping to get off the ride at some point.
Realtors are having to get very creative just to bring business in the door. Listings are a hot commodity, however they are taking a lot longer to sell (the average short sale takes approximately 6-8 months from start to finish). Commissions are being cut by lenders on "bank owned" properties in order to retain as much of their money as possible.
One of the biggest complaints from Realtors is "How do I market myself and my listings in this crazy market?" Several of the tried and true options are always available: newspaper ads, Real Estate magazine ads, postcards and newsletters. Honestly, how many leads have you obtained from these sources? Statistically, not many. Some of the new methods are: web advertising (CraigsList.com, your own website, property websites, and blogs...just to name a few), e-newsletters/flyers, and TalkingHouse.
If you need help learning about some of the new ways to market properties, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. Let's get those homes sold!!
"Watch, listen, and learn. You can't know it all yourself.. anyone who thinks they do is destined for mediocrity." --Donald Trump
Realtors are having to get very creative just to bring business in the door. Listings are a hot commodity, however they are taking a lot longer to sell (the average short sale takes approximately 6-8 months from start to finish). Commissions are being cut by lenders on "bank owned" properties in order to retain as much of their money as possible.
One of the biggest complaints from Realtors is "How do I market myself and my listings in this crazy market?" Several of the tried and true options are always available: newspaper ads, Real Estate magazine ads, postcards and newsletters. Honestly, how many leads have you obtained from these sources? Statistically, not many. Some of the new methods are: web advertising (CraigsList.com, your own website, property websites, and blogs...just to name a few), e-newsletters/flyers, and TalkingHouse.
If you need help learning about some of the new ways to market properties, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. Let's get those homes sold!!
"Watch, listen, and learn. You can't know it all yourself.. anyone who thinks they do is destined for mediocrity." --Donald Trump
Monday, August 25, 2008
Why Hire a Virtual Assistant?
I have been asked so many times "Why should I hire a Virtual Assistant instead of someone who sits in my office?" Truthfully, the choice is yours. Virtual Assistants, however, are generally specialized in their fields, cost less in the long run, and can get more done in less time.
Real Estate is a perfect example. A Real Estate VA (Virtual Assistant) specializes in helping Realtors with their business. We take care of all the things that you don't need to be bothered with. Examples include: uploading listings to your website, creating virtual tours, creating flyers, writing ad copy, and transaction coordination.
Wouldn't it be nice to send someone all your listing paperwork and have everything taken care of for you? Your property would be active on the MLS, virtual tour completed, flyer in your inbox ready for printing, and the list goes on.... Your clients would appreciate the fact that you do what you say you are going to do, when you say you will do it. No more staying up until all hours to finish listing a client's property!
"But VA's are so expensive!" When you truly look at the cost breakdown of what a VA costs you vs what you would pay an assistant sitting in your office, the difference is HUGE! Since a VA is an independent contractor, she would pay her own income taxes, has her own equipment, doesn't require additional office space, and because your business is what they do all day they can get more done in less time! A typical VA can get 8 hours worth of work done in 4! Less time spent chatting, taking lunches, answering the phone, etc means more productivity for you.
Click here for an interesting article on my website with hard facts about how much a VA can save you! What are you waiting for? Give me a call or send me an email and let me know how I can help save you time and money!
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to leave them here or contact me directly. I'd love to hear from you!
“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.”
--Jim Rohn
Real Estate is a perfect example. A Real Estate VA (Virtual Assistant) specializes in helping Realtors with their business. We take care of all the things that you don't need to be bothered with. Examples include: uploading listings to your website, creating virtual tours, creating flyers, writing ad copy, and transaction coordination.
Wouldn't it be nice to send someone all your listing paperwork and have everything taken care of for you? Your property would be active on the MLS, virtual tour completed, flyer in your inbox ready for printing, and the list goes on.... Your clients would appreciate the fact that you do what you say you are going to do, when you say you will do it. No more staying up until all hours to finish listing a client's property!
"But VA's are so expensive!" When you truly look at the cost breakdown of what a VA costs you vs what you would pay an assistant sitting in your office, the difference is HUGE! Since a VA is an independent contractor, she would pay her own income taxes, has her own equipment, doesn't require additional office space, and because your business is what they do all day they can get more done in less time! A typical VA can get 8 hours worth of work done in 4! Less time spent chatting, taking lunches, answering the phone, etc means more productivity for you.
Click here for an interesting article on my website with hard facts about how much a VA can save you! What are you waiting for? Give me a call or send me an email and let me know how I can help save you time and money!
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to leave them here or contact me directly. I'd love to hear from you!
“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.”
--Jim Rohn
Monday, August 18, 2008
Website Tips for Realtors!
Many people have asked me, "Do I really need a website?" The answer is ABSOLUTELY! Especially in the Real Estate industry. NAR statistics state that approximately 85% of all buyers start their home search online.
A key question to ask yourself is "What do you want to achieve with your website?" Some of the potential answers are: customer service, lead generation, informational, etc. How are you going to promote your website? Some common ways are: your signature line in your emails, your letterhead, your newsletter, and any postcards you mail.
As a Real Estate Professional, you need to hire someone who clearly understands Real Estate to build your site. There are several companys who specialize in building sites for Realtors. Z57.com, TopProducer.com, and AgentImage.com are a few. You can build a "template" site, semi-custom, or completely custom depending on how much you want to spend.
The best Realtor websites have the following items:
A key question to ask yourself is "What do you want to achieve with your website?" Some of the potential answers are: customer service, lead generation, informational, etc. How are you going to promote your website? Some common ways are: your signature line in your emails, your letterhead, your newsletter, and any postcards you mail.
As a Real Estate Professional, you need to hire someone who clearly understands Real Estate to build your site. There are several companys who specialize in building sites for Realtors. Z57.com, TopProducer.com, and AgentImage.com are a few. You can build a "template" site, semi-custom, or completely custom depending on how much you want to spend.
The best Realtor websites have the following items:
- Search capability--no one will visit if they can't search for homes, after all isn't that what they are looking for in the first place?
- Mortgage calculator--you don't want them to leave your site to find a calculator to determine what their payments would be
- List of your services--you can compare your services to other company's services
- Area links and resources--by having area information available, you are setting yourself up as a neighborhood resource
- Your area of expertise--state your "niche". What do you specialize in?
- Meta Tags--these keywords get your website into the top of the search engines. You may consider hiring someone to do this for you. It is a time consuming process and one that is best handled by someone who does this for a living!
- Design--if your website doesn't look great, prospective clients won't stay on your site. Look at some other agent sites and determine what you like and don't like. Use some creativity.
- Navigation--enable your clients to get around your site quickly and easily. Don't use a lot of links that take you outside your site.
- Easy contact forms--don't make visitors provide too much information to get connected to you. Name and email are usually enough.
- Less flash--flash animation should be kept to a minimum, it can detract from your content
- Content-rich--give visitors what they are looking for. Provide articles, research, links, mortgage information. This way, visitors don't have to go anywhere else to get information.
- Statistics & research--visitors are always looking for statistics regarding everything from market trends to sales information.
- Photography--use photos that are vibrant, colorful, and relevant to your content. Be aware of copyright infringement.
- A welcoming feel--you want visitors to be attracted to your site. Don't be high pressure, be personal.
- Regular updates!--update content at least once per month. People need to know you are in business.
Ask your clients and friends what they think of your website...and then listen to the feedback. It will help you build a site that is purposeful and useful.
The best advice is to hire a professional to make you stand out from the rest, and to advertise your site every chance you get. Your website is an extension of you...make it special! On that note, visit my website www.JLAssists.com and let me know what YOU think.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." ----Thomas Edison
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Who Knew?
Today I venture into the "virtual" world once again and decide to try Blogging. Seems logical for someone who makes a living in the virtual world that I not let the technology pass me by!
I am always looking for new and innovative ways to help me and my clients be more productive. Working in the Real Estate industry has always had its challenges, but now more than ever agents and their staff need to be creative and find new ways to impress clients. One great program that not only saves time, but gives your clients consistent feedback on their property is HomeFeedback.com. I recently helped a large office (approximately 50 agents) get their company account up and running. This program allows agents to send an email to other agents who have shown their listings to obtain feedback. No more calling and leaving messages to get some small tidbit of information for the seller--if they ever return your call in the first place. As soon as the agent responds to the email, a notice is sent directly to the seller where they can see exactly what the showing agent thought of their home. All of this can be automated through HomeFeedback's beta program Showing Sync. Once you set up Showing Sync, all showings will be automatically pulled from the lockbox on the property and sent for feedback. How about that, your client got feedback and you didn't have to do anything except spend 5 minutes setting the listing up (a great way to use a Virtual Assistant if you ask me)!! Visit their website for more information www.homefeedback.com.
Another one of my favorite programs is Top Producer. By far, a program no agent should be without! It allows agents to keep track of EVERYTHING including conversations with clients, birthdays/anniversaries, listings/closings, and create action plans for everything. There are so many more capabilities, but these are just the "bones" of the program. How would it feel to know that every time you have a closing, there is an action plan in place that will tell you exactly what you need to do and when you should do it?? Granted, it takes a little time in the beginning to set everything up, but once it's done...it's automatic after that! This is easily something a Virtual Assistant (see how I got that plug in there--smile) could help you set up. Visit their website at www.topproducer.com and see how they can help keep you on the track to success.
How are you going to be more productive and offer more to your clients?? I'd love to hear your thoughts and know what works for you. As most people say, "there just isn't enough time in the day!" Instead of hiring an assistant to sit in your office, hire a virtual assistant to help when the business gets to be too much for you to handle. Back office items are not your Dollar Productive Activities. You need to be out with the clients showing property and making contacts. Contact me today to see how I can help you be more productive and make more money!
I leave you with a quote, until next week:
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."
--Aristotle
I am always looking for new and innovative ways to help me and my clients be more productive. Working in the Real Estate industry has always had its challenges, but now more than ever agents and their staff need to be creative and find new ways to impress clients. One great program that not only saves time, but gives your clients consistent feedback on their property is HomeFeedback.com. I recently helped a large office (approximately 50 agents) get their company account up and running. This program allows agents to send an email to other agents who have shown their listings to obtain feedback. No more calling and leaving messages to get some small tidbit of information for the seller--if they ever return your call in the first place. As soon as the agent responds to the email, a notice is sent directly to the seller where they can see exactly what the showing agent thought of their home. All of this can be automated through HomeFeedback's beta program Showing Sync. Once you set up Showing Sync, all showings will be automatically pulled from the lockbox on the property and sent for feedback. How about that, your client got feedback and you didn't have to do anything except spend 5 minutes setting the listing up (a great way to use a Virtual Assistant if you ask me)!! Visit their website for more information www.homefeedback.com.
Another one of my favorite programs is Top Producer. By far, a program no agent should be without! It allows agents to keep track of EVERYTHING including conversations with clients, birthdays/anniversaries, listings/closings, and create action plans for everything. There are so many more capabilities, but these are just the "bones" of the program. How would it feel to know that every time you have a closing, there is an action plan in place that will tell you exactly what you need to do and when you should do it?? Granted, it takes a little time in the beginning to set everything up, but once it's done...it's automatic after that! This is easily something a Virtual Assistant (see how I got that plug in there--smile) could help you set up. Visit their website at www.topproducer.com and see how they can help keep you on the track to success.
How are you going to be more productive and offer more to your clients?? I'd love to hear your thoughts and know what works for you. As most people say, "there just isn't enough time in the day!" Instead of hiring an assistant to sit in your office, hire a virtual assistant to help when the business gets to be too much for you to handle. Back office items are not your Dollar Productive Activities. You need to be out with the clients showing property and making contacts. Contact me today to see how I can help you be more productive and make more money!
I leave you with a quote, until next week:
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."
--Aristotle
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