Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Real Estate, It’s not as hard as it looks
For forty years now I have watched the ongoing cycle of this business of thousands of people each year going into real estate while the same number leave the industry having failed or not liking it. In many cases the process damages these well meaning individuals financially and emotionally in significant and sad ways. Granted many were not suited for our industry or prepared for the realities of it but so many could have made it if pointed in the right direction earlier.
My belief is that we do not imprint new people properly. We actually tell them how tough this is and that they should be prepared not to make any money for a long time then allow them to sit and get ready for months when they could have been doing something to make money from minute one. Proper imprinting starts from the big picture first by telling a new agent what the point of all this is and what their real job description is.
Let me illustrate. In my coaching of new agents I try to get to see two things from day one. First, the point of a twenty year career in real estate is to end up wealthy with equities and residual income. From the days of John Jacob Astor we learn that most all wealthy people became so by investing in real estate. We therefore are working in the commodity of wealth! You get that? When we list and sell we are working for tips while someone else gets the meal. See from day one that you should see our profession as a means to learn to see good investments and to buy, sell, develop, manage real estate as soon as you can get the money to do so. We can get rich selling real estate we get wealthy owning it.
Second. Your job description is and I make them memorize this is, “Hello my name is Bob, I am a Realtor, I help people invest in Real Estate. Now when at a party or meeting people that is what you say. So where do I get leads? Put on a suit, get a chair and sit in the middle of your local mall with those words painted on a sign. Sit there for twenty minutes not saying a word just smile. Soon you will have a small line of people asking you questions, I guarantee it. One girl I trained I told her to get 15 business card each morning and leave home. Give all fifteen cards away during the day and say those words. Within two weeks she had three buyers and one listing. Stop being a “secret agent” and start telling folks who you are and what you do, the commodity will take care of the rest.
So could it be that easy? My belief is yes it could. Please know that you must take the time and energy to learn our business but at the end of everyday it is your job to get out there and get leads and that is not as hard as it looks.
Info on Home Buyers Tax Credit
Check out http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206291,00.html for FAQ about the tax credits available.
thx,
"I Am Building a Company, By Design, that Honors Success & Productivity."
For a short video on what is EXIT, go to www.ExitRealty.com and click "Up Close and Personal with EXIT"
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Check out the latest from NAR
HouseLogic, NAR’s new consumer Web site, offers everything home owners need to increase, maintain and protect the value of their home. The site provides free information and tools to help home owners with home improvements, maintenance projects, taxes, finances, insurance, and even community involvement. HouseLogic helps consumers make confident decisions about what is often their largest investment – their home.
thx,
"I Am Building a Company, By Design, that Honors Success & Productivity."
For a short video on what is EXIT, go to www.ExitRealty.com and click "Up Close and Personal with EXIT"
Monday, December 14, 2009
FREE ICE SKATING at Pleasant Valley Christmas
FREE event for the entire family, including outdoor ice skating & carriage rides. YES....ICE SKATING! There will be an ice rink built on the parking lot. Skates will be provided! I invite you and your family to this exciting event this weekend, December 18th - 21st. See the attached flyer for details.
thx,
"I Am Building a Company, By Design, that Honors Success & Productivity."
For a short video on what is EXIT, go to www.ExitRealty.com and click "Up Close and Personal with EXIT"
Friday, December 11, 2009
If You Don't Buy a House Now, You're Stupid or Broke
Have you read this article yet? It was featured in Business Week. To the point! The writer, Mark Roth, uses this title to get your attention to make excellent points for those who are on the fence. Namely, that interest rates are at an all time low, in fact, the lowest in 40 years. He noted that in the late 70s, rates hit a high of 18%! Can you even imagine buying a house at 18%? Generation X'ers probably would never dream of purchasing a home above 7% given all they have ever known are super low rates hovering between 5-6%. Mr. Roth points out the history of previous interest rates as well as the impact of rates on one's purchasing power. I happen to agree with his prediction that as the economy becomes more stable, interest rates WILL rise to hedge inflation. Predictions suggest that by this time next year, rates will have risen 1-2% at a minimum. For a typical Pulaski county home priced at $200,000, current mortgage would be around $1073. Next year? $1330. That is a 25% increase in your monthly principal payment! That is IF the price remains the same. Odds are prices of homes will continue to increase as well. Today’s $200,000 may cost you $205,000-$210,000 this time next year.
Get the picture! Reports suggest that 50% of the real estate transactions this year were first time home buyers taking advantage of the $8000 tax credit. The government is giving you FREE money in order to motivate you to make an investment in homeownership which has proven over time it is the best long term investment around. Now, current homeowners can also get FREE money…up to $6500 for buying their next home! Can I get an AMEN from the congregation?
Some buyers may be on the fence because they fear prices may drop further. All the economic statistics say we have reached bottom and can go nowhere but up from here. Pulaski County prices have remained fairly constant with moderate increases this year (2-3%). Next Years forecast - You spend more money per month plus at the higher interest rate, you pay more interest over the life of the loan, and you pay a higher price for the home. Real estate appreciation is always a cycle and as the economy stabilizes, values will level out.
Mark Roth summed up the article, "What I'm trying to impress upon everyone is that if you are planning on being a homeowner now and/or in the foreseeable future, or if you are looking to move your family into a bigger home, then pay more attention to the interest rates than the price of the home. If you have a steady job, good credit, and the down payment, then you really are being offered the gift of a lifetime."
EXIT Realty Deaton Group is here to help with this huge, yet extremely important, decision. If you are currently renting or considering purchasing a home and would like a FREE consultation, lets sit down and weigh your options. It’s the perfect storm – low interest rates, lower home prices, high inventory to choose from, and OH YEAH…the government is giving you up to $8000! Do I hear another AMEN!
thx,
"I Am Building a Company, By Design, that Honors Success & Productivity."
For a short video on what is EXIT, go to www.ExitRealty.com and click "Up Close and Personal with EXIT"
EXIT Realty Deaton Announces Preferred Partner of the Year Award
EXIT Realty Deaton Group’s 2009 Preferred Partner of the Year award was presented to All American Title & Abstract of Little Rock. “Michelle Howard and her team have been wonderful to our clients and to our team of REALTORS over the past 3 years. I am proud to have them as a partner, “ stated Scott Deaton, Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Deaton Group. This award is handed out annually to a service provider who consistently supports the clients of EXIT Realty Deaton Group with exceptional service.
Congratulations Michelle Howard and the team at All American Title & Abstract.
Needing title services? Contact All American at 501-954-9600.
thx,
"I Am Building a Company, By Design, that Honors Success & Productivity."
For a short video on what is EXIT, go to www.ExitRealty.com and click "Up Close and Personal with EXIT"