Beth's Blog

Who knew a class on Settlement Procedures could be so interesting and informative? Many thanks to Kelly Cimino and John Hauer for an awesome, interactive session yesterday! I was pleased with the attendance and the energy in the room was awesome!

Did you feel the buzz in the market center yesterday? That's what happens when you have excited, passionate people working towards their goal - to build businesses worth owning! I love seeing all of you there!

Our newest associates - Laura Snyder, Janeece Chaplin and Lisa Cates were also in attendance and I was happy to see that they got a great taste of who we are as a company and what we have to offer. Each will be a tremendous asset to our office...please continue to help them along and feel welcome.

More to post later - I'm off to my son's first football scrimmage! Beth

It doesn't seem like that long ago that we witnessed the devastation of hurricane Katrina. Those images of people on their roofs, clinging to life and praying for assistance moved this country and our KW associates in a monumental way. I remember my prayer at that time "Please God, let us never see this suffering and destruction again."

Unfortunately, it appears that hurricane Gustav will hit the Gulf States region with a force that will leave behind tremendous damage. This is the last thing the residents of this area need; imagine the psychological impact of another storm that will certainly destroy homes, schools, churches, places of employment - not to mention KW market centers.

We need to come together NOW to lend a hand. It is hard in this economy to dig into our pockets and make a monetary contribution to KW Cares; that I understand. So I'm suggesting we pool our resources and energy and do things the old fashioned way!

What do you think of a company wide yard sale, bake sale, maybe even a car wash - THIS Saturday?

I know, I know - I'm springing it on you last minute. But we can do this! If we each grab stuff from our closets, basements and garages, and come together in one location, we can sell, sell, sell and then donate all proceeds to KW Cares. All we need is your willingness to lend a hand - and your no longer needed stuff - in order to pull it off. I was thinking we can get some of our older children to host a bake sale table, explaining to them why we are doing this and how their efforts are helping other children in our nation. This could be a tremendous learning experience for them, and a powerful lesson in culture.

We also do have time to promote this event via newspapers, Craigslist, etc.

WE CAN DO THIS - ARE YOU WITH ME?

I know many of you weren't affiliated with us back when Katrina hit. Many market centers were literally destroyed by the storm and that left thousands of our KW family members without jobs, resources, even their homes. KW Cares raised MILLIONS to assist them - and KW associates from across the nation opened their homes to house our folks temporarily. A light shined through that storm; one that proved that we as a company are stronger than ANY amount of rain, wind, or devastation!

I was tempted overnight to say "let's wait and see what happens". We can't afford to. If prayers are answered and all is well, we'll still be doing the right thing - raising money for our non-profit arm that will go to those in need. And I, for one, would rather be PROACTIVE than reactive!

Please respond to me by commenting to this blog. Your participation will require your time (Saturday morning), your stuff (and maybe a pan of brownies) and your willingness to share.

To whom much is given, much is required. We are blessed. Let's step out in culture and share our blessings.

Thank you for your consideration! Hugs, Beth

UPDATE:

The KW Cares website has posted information regarding hurricane Gustav. Click here to view: www.kwcares.org

Hello everyone - I am missing y'all but I am having an AMAZING time in Austin! The classes and networking have been just tremendous and I'm exhausted - but absolutely exhilirated and anxious to share great things upon my return.

Please, please mark your calendar for October 2 - the SHIFT tour is coming to Baltimore and I want to see 50 of us attend. I will be working on the details, so stay tuned!

Wait til you see the new KWConnect! Wait til you see the KW Luxury Homes and Commercial Divisions! Wait til you see the great opportunities that will be presented to each of you - so very, very exciting!

Next year -you gotta attend Mega Camp!

Is it time to pack for Family Reunion yet?

Can't wait to see you - get ready to SHIFT gears! Beth

Morning, y'all!

I'm having a great time in Austin! Last night I attended the KW Cares concert featuring a classic band from the 70's, America. To be able to see such talent in a room with only 300 people was awesome. These guys have been together since the 60's - they attended high school together - and it's pretty cool to think that they have built a business and a LIFE together as friends.

There are thousands of people here. I'm in sensory overload. I will post a couple of times each day, so I can share my "aha's" and "takeaways".

SHIFT is our morning topic - gotta run!

Beth

Deep in the heart of Texas!!!!

Obviously I'm excited - but I'm always excited when I get to go to Austin, home of Keller Williams Realty International. Thousands will be there this week to mastermind, share their successes and struggles, learn new skills and network. I plan on being in sponge mode  - soaking it all up - and will update you while I'm away, so stay tuned - Mega Camp is gonna be awesome!

The mission, vision and values of KW is what sets us apart, and events like this empower and inspire. How many of you have not attended Family Reunion? You don't know what you are missing! This is not a convention - it is a huge learning, networking and inspirational EVENT. Visit our Family Reunion room and check out the materials and view the DVDs...being held in Orlando in February, it is absolutely, positively worth your time and investment. I can tell you from personal experience - it wasn't until I traveled to Austin the first time and then attended my first Family Reunion that I felt truly "connected" - and I was blown away by the opportunity and potential I saw.

It will be hard to be away from you this week, so please - send me emails and let me know how you are doing. Text me with questions or concerns. Curious as to how other market centers do things? Consider me your ambassador and I will learn on your behalf. I can't wait to come back and share this experience with you!

SHIFT has arrived! Get your copy today! We'll be using this book over the next couple of months to bring you each into higher productivity, so start reading...don't forget our book club starts September 11 :)

I'm off to pack - have a great week! Beth

I know, I know - this is my second post this morning (see the other, below), but I had to share this Friday Funny selection wih you. I was laughing so hard my dogs started barking! Be sure to turn on/up your volume control.

ENJOY!

www.visualtour.com/applets/flashviewer/viewer.asp?t=830679&sk=46&dm=teamfisher.com

I'm so happy to write and share this post. I have had an incredible couple of days and I woke up bright and early this morning inspired and ready to share!

First, some background...I drive past a foreclosure property on my way to and from work every day that has been on the market FOREVER. I noticed that lights had been left on and it was obvious the home was vacant. Wednesday morning, on my way into the market center, I found myself in the driveway of the property. Long story short, I called the listing agent, introduced myself, and asked if I could go into the home for him and turn the lights off. His response "Wow! That's awesome of you to call, and so nice of you to offer!" My response:

"My pleasure - that's the Keller Williams Way!"

Someone told me once that when you extend yourself and do something kind, you make TWO people feel good - yourself and the recipient of your gesture - and it's true. That very small act (in my eyes) was the right thing to do, and was a much bigger deal to him. My hope? That he paid it forward, extending himself to another via a kind word, a favor, a helping hand.

Twenty four hours later I find myself in the market center, having to mentally adjust myself to a skewed schedule, as my Short Sale instructor had a last minute emergency and had to cancel. Saundra (bless you!) was kind enough to call our guests and advise them we had to reschedule, so I could assist an agent with a listing appointment.

When I joined this market center I had in mind a "Dream Team" of very high minded agents of integrity who would eventually join us here at KW. Kim Amrein is already here, and she's a wonderful addition to our team! Well, I had lunch with another of those on that list yesterday, and she agreed to come back to our office and take a look around.

While talking with her, I had a "special delivery" - a gift from one of you (and you know who you are, my angel!) left on my desk with a card. While showing this Mega Agent my office, she noticed the gift and said "Oh, isn't that sweet!" I asked if she minded if I read the card ( I'm like a little kid when it comes to gifts, I couldn't wait!) and I was so moved that my eyes filled with tears. I shared that card with the agent and said "This is why I do this job, this is what feeds my soul". And I mean that - what drives me is to serve each of you to the best of my ability - to inspire you to be the best you can be - to assist you to identifying and realizing your dreams. This Angel's gesture - which was HUGE to me - energized and inspired to me to finish my appointment with enthusiam and determination. I know what a tremendous company KW is - and I want others to know about it, too!

I am happy to report that the agent I met with yesterday will be attending Mega Camp in Austin next week! Did she see something in me, in the market center, in that card that speaks to who we are? I believe that people want to be deeply connected to others- to be supported and encouraged and validated. And to my angel with the gift - you did all of that FOR ME yesterday - and I am humbled and grateful.

Have a wonderful day, you're the best! Beth

ps. A BIG shout out to Tim for ALL of his assistance yesterday! You truly are "THE MAN"!!!!

Good morning - I'm on the run so this will be brief!

The changes in the market have affected everything - including the Appraisal Process. PLEASE stop by the office at 9:30 this morning as our guest appraiser gives you the updates needed to understand and navigate these increasingly difficult waters!

We need office participation in order to continue to get quality speakers and instructors to attend. Please support our special classes!

Jen is out for the next few days...Max Rash, who is working towards getting his license, will be handling the phones today and tomorrow. Can you make him feel welcome and offer your assistance?

Thanks, all - see you in the market center! Beth

Hey everyone - Did you know that KW has some of the best coaches in the nation? It's true! If you click on the link below, you can register for a FREE coaching call with Shon Kokoska. The call takes place Wednesday, and you will be given a call in number and access code to participate. This is an AWESOME benefit - hurry before all of the "seats" are filled! Run towards success!

Converting Buyers to Dollars with Shon Kokoszka Wed., Aug. 20 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.CDT

Good morning!

It's Marketing (and Mindset!) Monday - are you starting your week off right? Do you have a plan for today, tomorrow, the rest of the week? Productivity and success are no accident. What you accomplish is a direct result of what you plan and prepare for.

This requires the proper mindset, as well. You can make all the lists and phone calls and appointments possible - but if you are not working from a positive, professional mindset, your results may be less than stellar. The power to turn it all around - to believe "I'm an achiever, a victor" - lies squarely with YOU. YOU are writing your life story! You determine the level at which you will succeed!

Thought you might enjoy this excerpted article, below. I have added additional commentary, in blue.

Would love to hear about the successes you had and the challenges you faced over the weekend - I'll be in the office most of the day, so call or send me an email. I'm available for private consulting between 2-4pm. Have a great day! Beth

Philip White
Chief Operating Officer
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
www.sothebysrealty.com

There is a reason some agents manage to succeed-despite the market-and that reason is not luck. The best agents achieve and maintain success thanks to hard work and determination, skillful marketing and by making the most of the tools available to them.

Great agents are determined to succeed, and as a result of that singular focus, they are able to persevere.

• They set realistic expectations for the seller and strive to exceed them. This means pricing, anticipated sales price, expected number of days on the market, frequency of showings! 
• Moreover, they have a follow-up system that allows them to communicate regularly with clients and build those relationships in a professional but empathetic manner. ASK your clients "how would you like to hear from me (phone, email), and how frequently?" If you believe the clients' expectations are unrealistic, respond with "as a standard of my practice, I generally..." If you cannot get them in agreement or come to a compromise, think twice about working with them. Overly needy or unreasonable clients will drain you of time, energy and resources - and it's simply not worth it.
• Successful agents continually align their clients’ expectations with current market conditions. You've gotta show who their competition is, and watch it carefully. Buyers need to know what's happening in the ever-changing mortgage guideline universe. It's not just your job to show them houses - you are their ADVISOR, their CONSULTANT!and tell sellers
• They do the due diligence and preparation on the properties they choose to represent. Listings require a significant investment of time and resources; is it worth it? Are you proud to put your name on that sign? Will it attract the type of buyer you want to work with?
• Thanks to their knowledge and careful watch of the markets they serve, they are able to advise their clients with certainty on the current market value. Remember back in CAMP 443, when you were instructed to preview 5 homes a day? This is why! If you know the inventory, you'll know the market!
• They also bring to the table strong negotiation skills that they utilize on their clients’ behalf. Remember who you are working for and be relentless in representing them to the best of your ability...but maintain an even tone and a professional demeanor at all times! Good relationships with other agents are important, too!
• Successful agents set themselves up for success-not failure-by being well informed not only about market conditions but also competing properties. Again, preview, preview, preview!!
• Successful agents also cultivate a diverse sphere of influence and create a system for maintaining a connection through communication. You cannot afford to be a secret agent. You are out there networking and being visible in many ways. You ask permission to stay in touch!
• Top agents are using technology to keep their clients informed on a more consistent basis. Thanks to new technology tools, a top agent’s list of prospective clients can be much larger than in the past. Therefore, they should develop extensive contacts and creative marketing campaigns to connect with future clients. Email, blogging, ecards, enewsletters, notegrams, websites - if you're not utilizing these tools, you have some catching up to do. It's not too late!

Hope you found this worth the read! B

Good morning! Has this not been the most beautiful weekend of the summer or what? I'm looking forward to a fun day with my children, but wanted to share a few things with each of you first.

There has been much discussion in the media and in our market center about the shifting market and Gary Keller's lastest book, Shift, and there's a couple of things I'd like to announce:

• The book is being released this week and we are expecting delivery to our market center very soon!
• It will be the first selection of our Walk and Talk Book Club. Here's how it works - starting Thursday, September 11 at 9am, we will meet at the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air and walk - for 45 minutes - and talk - about the chapters assigned the previous week. We'll engage in great discussion, increase our heart rates and cardio vascular health, and enjoy some fresh air. Children in strollers are welcome! Laura, Sybil, and Janeece won free copies of Shift during our Home Staging Workshop - will you girls be the first to sign up for the club? I'm really looking forward to the dialogue we'll share during this time.
• Shift is hitting the road! Tony DiCello will be coming to Baltimore October 2, and what I'm really excited about is that he will be accompanied by my friends Katey Shinn and Dean Poole. They will show you how to shift into action using tools available through eAgentC and Top Producer, which are sorely underutilized by our associates. Katey and Dean developed this course and collaborated for months to make it truly relevant and information - rich. I can't wait to attend, and I hope you will join me!

What's inside SHIFT? Take a look at the Table of Contents ...

I am continuing to make modifications to my Team Leader web site, www.BetterCallBeth.com. Please check in peroidically to see what's been added! It's more than my blog and training calendar; I'm hoping it will introduce you to some of the tremendous resources that this wonderful company brings you. If something you see inspires you in some way, or gives you an idea for a class or workshop - please share! This market center wants to serve you at the highest possible level.

Enjoy this beautiful day! Beth

Good morning - Happy Friday!

We had a terrific class with Clint Tsao on Wednesday - and those of you attended (thank you!) earned 1.5 continuing education credits! What was also really exciting was to see the number of guests we had. Our value proposition was on clear display and we are providing opportunity to our fellow real estate professionals - and that's a very good thing.

Hope to see you this afternoon - you have the opportunity to earn another 1.5 credits learning what goes on behind the scenes during the settlement process. No matter where you are with your business, you're guaranteed to learn something new, so join us!

A quick note: I have updated my website - www.BetterCallBeth.com - to include links to a lot of really impressive and powerful KW resources. If someone is asking you about KW, send them to my site! What they'll find is sure to have them wanting more. You should spend a little time there, too - there's an awful lot that most associates don't think to tap into.

Many of you are familiar with the name Craig Proctor. He's a huge producer who also coaches and has developed a program that thousands subscribe to. I appreciate his perspective; lots of common sense stuff that's relevant in any market. What I like about the article I'm featuring here is that you can put these tools to work no matter what your current production is - and they will give you the confidence to accomplish more!

Enjoy the read, and see you around the market center! Beth

RISMedia Real Estate News, Industry Trends, Marketing - Residential & Commercial

First, a big good morning  - I'm off to a great start, how about you? I met with a young woman today who is considering joining us, and I'm very hopeful she will. As a Team Leader, it's always exciting to recognize talent and meet someone you know would be a good fit for our market center. Can you feel the energy that our new associates are providing? It's awesome! I'm thankful to each of you who has been friendly, helpful, and willing to share what you know. It's not easy to start in this business or transition from another company and you have been hugely instrumental in making things easier for them.

But I shouldn't be surprised, 'cuz that's the   Keller Williams Way!

Some of you missed a terrific Team Meeting yesterday...so much relevant and timely information shared! From the FSBO letter to the Workforce Mortgage programs, those of you who made this time a priority walked away with some valuable tools and tips. It is my goal to make these meetings time well spent; and remember, office policy requires your attendance at one meeting per month. Can I count on seeing more of you in September? I sure hope so!

Finally, please take a moment to check out: 

www.wealthbuildingwednesdays.com

It's one of the many, many tools that KW provides you with to enhance your personal and professional growth. Tune into one of Dave Jenks' many offerings - no matter where you are in your business. You'll benefit from a short, weekly visit to this informative site.

please stop by the market center today at 2pm for FREE CE credits! "Non-Contingent Financing in Today's Market" will be presented by Clint Tsao. Your participation will insure the continuation of this valuable benefit. Invite a guest - it's a great way to show off our market center and our Unique Value Proposition. Thank you!

See you 'round the office! Beth

I recently came across this phrase in a real estate magazine - sorry I can't credit the author, but it has stuck with me:

don't let the television tell YOUR vision!

Your goals, dreams and desires belong to you - and you cannot let them be taken away without your permission! So close your ears to the media and the people who say you can't thrive in this market...you can do exceptionally well in this industry if you remain in a positive frame of mind, surround yourself with like-minded people, and WORK SMART. That means having a plan and sticking to it...doing what highly successful people do...taking advantage of every opportunity to network and sharpen your skills...and deciding - KNOWING - that your success depends only on you, no one else!

I hope to see you at our Team Meeting this morning. We have many great things share with you, including:

• An awesome FSBO letter that has generated many listing appointments for it's author ( I should know - I wrote it! LOL )
• A "Mac Daddy" marketing plan for higher priced listings that will earn you more business
• Some great additional benefits that will be provided to you, starting September 1st. We're talking things that are going to save you big $$!
• Our "green plan" for the market center, modifications to the KW Kids room, and more!

The ALC meeting will follow. Folks, you're input and attendance at both meetings MATTERS and is so critical to the success of our office and allows us to support you better. We serve YOU...and we need to know what you need to grow and acheive your dreams!

It's a beautiful day. May you take full advantage of it! Beth

Good morning, y'all:

Let's get your Monday started with a little truth-telling:

 The truth is this: people struggle because they have limiting beliefs that get in their way of success and they get trapped in self doubt, fear and insecurity. Break through - the power is in your hands!

Don't doubt what you are capable of! Seek situations that may force you out of your comfort zone - successful people are prepared to take risks and try new things - because that's how you get rewarded!

This article (below) is relevant and to the point...and let me add another...lead generation should be a part of your daily schedule and devoting time to keeping your internet presence fresh definitely counts! Check out the site mentioned here - and spend some time checking out other agents sites...design and develop your site using our terrific KW tools - and don't delay!

Hope to see you at Power Hour! Beth

Commentary by Mike Parker

RISMEDIA, August 8, 2008-If you were attending an educational session at a major convention it is highly doubtful that two “HomeTown Girls” as they call themselves, from Amarillo-each a grandmother-would be featured on the program giving tips on how to succeed in online marketing. After all, who would think that two agents-one an agent five years, the other just three-located in a place that gets very little press-could have discovered something that would help sophisticated folks in New York or San Francisco?

The two agents, Debbie Moore and Karen Malone, are with Prudential ADA. Having sold 12 houses from their personal website this year (www.moreamarillohomes.com), these mainstream real estate agents are receiving about 20-25 good leads each week from their site. Even now, they are continuing to average more than one home sale each month from their site. What do they know that you don’t know?

“My clients think I am on the ‘cutting edge’ of real estate marketing,” says Moore. “The Internet is a major factor in the way we do business. We knew that the Internet would only get stronger as time went along and because we are so easy to find on the Internet, we are selling homes to folks from outside our basic marketing area as well as within it.

“We had one buyer who was moving here from the East Coast and found our website. They began to correspond with us and soon I was setting up property searches for them so they could ‘shop online.’ I previewed a home for them and sent them additional pictures. They wrote the offer and put a home under contract with us without ever having set foot in our town. They came to town in time to sign the papers, pick up their keys and move in. Another time we were working with two out-of-town agents helping a family relocate here. They told us that they put in all sorts of different searches online and that we kept coming up, so they figured we knew what we were doing in real estate, since we obviously seemed to know about online marketing.”

According to Moore, early in her career, she would sign up for ‘Internet leads’ from lead providers.

“Some of those sources worked, but most did not,” she says. “I had enough success to realize that there had to be a better way of attracting buyers and I believed that the Internet was the way. Karen and I signed up for a good template website and for CompassSearch. Nothing happened from the website, but once I added the search we started to sell homes to Internet buyers. Karen and I are very good friends and both of us are grandmothers. Our goals are to take very good care of our clients and to spend lots of time with our families. We’re in the real estate business and we love it. We may never be “top producers,” but we play just as hard as we work and we kind of let the numbers take care of themselves. We just do our best in every situation and enjoy the journey.”

According to Moore, her Web presence not only helps sell homes, but helps her gain listings, too.

“I use our Internet presence as a selling point by taking some of our website reports to listing presentations to show prospective sellers that we receive plenty of traffic and lots of inquiries from our site,” she says. “They all are impressed because they know that selling homes involves the Internet, today. They are all very impressed that two Grandmothers who bill ourselves as ‘The HomeTown Girls’ can actually be so technologically strong. They know we have the local knowledge but they are sold when we show them our Internet positions.”

Moore and Malone specialize in Canyon, Bushland and Amarillo, Texas Real Estate. The total population of these three cities and towns is about 266,000 people. There are plenty of real estate agents servicing that population, too, but if you go to Google® and type in Amarillo TX Real Estate, you’ll find Karen Malone and Debby Moore right there on page one, currently in the number two listing, just below Realtor.com.

“We work with a lot of first-time home buyers and people relocating to the Amarillo area, thanks to Internet leads. We don’t have a specialty as far as type of property we sell. We just sell great homes to wonderful Panhandle people,” says Moore. “And if anyone asked for my advice, I’d tell them this: never give up. If you are practicing traditional real estate strategies that aren’t working for you anymore, you might want to embrace the newer technologies and marketing strategies that utilize the Internet.”

Compare how you go about selling today to how these Grandmothers are succeeding in their part of the world. Is there something you can learn from them? If people can’t find you online, you need to make it so they can. If you don’t have a personal website, you need to get one. When you have those two things, you can work smarter at succeeding in the part of real estate that everyone wants to succeed in, but that very few do succeed in: online marketing. It’s where 84+% of residential real estate sales start today and it’s the place where 80+% of Internet buyers find their agent-through a major search engine.

The Internet is just too important to not be a part of your plan to succeed. The Internet is the great leveler: You can be as savvy as they come from a big city and succeed, or you can be relatively new from a small area and succeed. The key thing is that you can succeed. Just ask Debbie Moore. 

1. Come to Power Hour Monday and Friday morning at 9am, and get your day started right with an hour of lead generation! Last Friday Sybil earned a listing appointment, and my Team Leader Power Hour netted me four appointments with agents! When you are focused and give yourself an hour, great things will happen!
2. Attend our monthly Team Meeting Tuesday at 10am SHARP...lots to share with you! The ALC meeting will follow; all are welcome.
3. Earn 3 credits by taking advantage of the FREE Continuing Ed being offered on Wednesday and Friday! Topics: Non-Contingent Financing in Today's Market and The Settlement Process. Please call Jen ASAP to reserve your seat.
4. Master our ON-LINE contract forms by attending Thursday's webinar.
5. Sign up for a personal coaching session with your Team Leader. Available times vary by day; please send an e-mail to bettercallbeth@comcast.net and we'll get you set up!

Many, many  thanks to our awesome MCA Tim for all he did around the market center Friday...we now have a computer desk in the KW Kids room, and our listing/sales board has been installed by the copy center! Sweet!

Here's to a fun, productive week! Beth

Yesterday's Home Staging Clinic was a tremendous success! The sellers were thrilled with the results - we transformed their home in under 3 hours with amazing results...the living room is more open and welcoming...the kitchen and dining areas seem larger and better appointed...the deck now seems like an extension of the interior living space, not a storage area...the master bedroom is now a soothing retreat, and the lower level - WOW!!! From an afterthought to an amazing family/play room!

What makes this Team Leader so happy? The teamwork I witnessed during the staging process! The collaboration, cooperation and compromise I saw was truly inspiring.

Janet, Lana, Dani and Sybil...Laura M and Joanna...Jeneece, Ashley, Laura S...Deanna, Saundra, Judy and Patrice...BRAVE Jason (LOL)...Bob and Teresa-THANK YOU for your participation!

The prize for "Most Transformed Room" goes to Sybil, Laura S and Jeneece - you each will receive a copy of Gary Keller's new book, "SHIFT". Great job - the lower level has been transformed to a space that serves the family and makes the home more marketable. BRAVO!

For those of you who couldn't attend, rest assured that we will be repeating this clinic in the not too distant future. Those in attendance agreed that staging is best learned hands-on, and a group staging effort was fun, informative and rewarding.

It was suggested that we all try to help each other when one associate has a home that could use staging. Excellent idea! Please let me know if assistance is needed. Check out the photos below, and enjoy your evening ~ Beth

LIVING ROOM BEFORE

LIVING ROOM AFTER

FAMILY ROOM BEFORE

LOWER LEVEL AFTER

So many things to be excited and happy about here in the market center, but before I do that, I want to give a few "shout-outs" to a few of you...

Lana, for caring and for sharing...Patrice, for your energy and the smile you were wearing yesterday - keep up the GREAT WORK!!!...Jen, for ALL you do, you are the best...and for my beloved OP, Di, for an awesome cuppa cawfee this morning, I needed it! 

Great news, guys - July was a profitable month and August is looking AWESOME!!! It is due solely to your effort and hard work! Don't let anyone tell you what you can accomplish - you are proof that success is a decision and a habit!

Thanks to those I had one-on-ones with yesterday. Again, the commonality is striking - we each are passionate, committed people  - intelligent people - who have chosen this company for all the best reasons. Don't just scratch the surface - DIG DEEP and take advantage of all KW has to offer! If you're not sure where to start, reach out - ask a question, take a class, get plugged into KWConnect - it's all there for you, guys!

The Thursday Home Staging Clinic is gonna rock, guys! Come a little early - breakfast will be served, lunch too - and wear casual, comfortable clothes. Bring a camera - you can use the photos taken from the home we transform for your listing presentation binder. 

Here's another great article about website content, forwarded to me by Lowes Realtor Benefits. Do you need assistance with your website? Not sure where to start? Sign up with Tim for personal, hands on training. The sign up sheet is on his front door!

By Kurt D. Lynn

RISMEDIA, August 6, 2008-In the real estate world, the Internet is often held up to be some sort of utopia that offers an alternative to real estate professionals from conventional real estate marketing and sales methods. The result has been that thousands of Realtors have rushed toward the use of websites, but do they know how to be profitable from it?

While everybody wants the utopia of the Internet, however, many real estate professionals along the way have become distracted or disenchanted from the true goal of such technology.

Here are 10 website “must-haves” that are needed to ensure success in an Internet-based real estate practice today:

1. Remember: There Is But One True Goal - Sales

If you have, or are planning to create a website, it is essential that you keep in mind that the only goal of a website, ultimately, is sales. Don’t get caught up in the vanity or technology surrounding websites (which is all too easy to do). Make sure everything on your real estate website is oriented toward your “One True Goal.”

2. Prioritize Lead Capture

If the “One True Goal” is sales, then focus on capturing leads. Don’t waste your time (or the time of your visitors) on other objectives. Make sure your website includes calls-to-action and offers that will result in hard leads-on every page.

3. Create a Meaningful Brand

Your name is your brand. Protect it at all costs. The goal of any brand is to ensure that it equates with a “value proposition” that is meaningful to your prospective buyer or seller. Make sure that your brand-i.e. your name-is clearly associated with attributes that will be valuable to your website visitor. (Suggestion: It’s worth taking a pencil and paper and writing down what you think your value proposition is or should be.)

4. Keep Your Site Fresh

Keeping the content of your website fresh is important. Fresh content is more interesting to visitors and to search engines. Set aside a specific time and day, each week, to review and maintain your website’s content and structure. Make changes accordingly.

5. Use IDX and Syndication

Again, if the goal is sales, the only way to achieve that is by helping your website visitor get access to any listing of interest and by making your own listings known far and wide. To achieve the former, make sure your website incorporates an IDX solution-not just framed access to the local MLS listings-but an IDX that truly adds value to your visitors’ searching. To advance your own listings, syndicate all your listings with Internet real estate marketplaces like Google Base, Trulia®, and Zillow®. It’s free, so what do you have to lose?

6. Create an Environment of Trust and Confidence

Capturing leads, and getting sales, depends on your visitor having trust and confidence in you. Your website will be the first chance your visitor has to find that. Make sure your website is accurate, informed, and useful. Make sure you include information about yourself that will help visitors identify with you and understand your values.

7. Use Specific Key Words for Optimal Search Engine Rankings

Search engines like Google, Yahoo!, and MSN are a source of free leads. Search engines do their best to ensure that people looking for information find what they need. You have to do your part. Do not water down your content with useless, generic terms or broad-brush terms like “real estate” or “home buyers.” If you want to be found, use specific and relevant terms like “Chicago Real Estate” or “Philadelphia Condos” or “Walnut Street Homes” to help the search engines get you placed better and more appropriately in their listings.

8. Make Sure Your Site is User-Friendly

Like with you, a website visitor’s time is money. Don’t waste it. When someone visits your website, make it easy for them to find what they’re looking for. This means that most of your content should be visible or accessible from the home page. It also means that you will offer information that is relevant and useful to the prospective buyer or seller. If you do not, if you waste their time, you won’t get a second chance - they’re outta there.

9. Don’t Post Bad Content

Not only does bad content waste the time of your visitor, it kills trust and confidence in you, confuses search engines, and reflects poorly on your brand. Likewise, old content is stale, uninteresting content. While most websites come with pre-packaged content of some sort, make sure you take the time to edit it and augment it with local information and comment that will make it truly useful. Freshen up your site’s content regularly and always be on the lookout for tidbits of information that might be useful to your real estate website visitor.

10. Focus on Your Goals - Not Your Competitor’s

Lastly, keep your focus on your website. Do not get distracted by the bells, whistles, or glitz of the website from the agent down the street. Simply because another agent has a site with really cool gadgets, doesn’t mean it serves the ‘One True Goal.’ Stay focused on the results of your website. Your goal is to ensure that it works. If you ensure that you adhere to the first nine must-have’s, then the 10th won’t be necessary, and you will certainly arrive at the utopia of successful Internet marketing.

Have a wonderful day! Beth

	Starts Monday, August 4th! Date:  Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday til mid September. Time:  11:00am - 1:00pm Location:  Our market center training room  Come join Beth for an interactive, multimedia CAMP 443! Materials provided. Prizes, field trips, fun - and an opportunity to build your business RIGHT! You haven't experienced this CAMP 4-4-3!

SO, YOU THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING?

IF SO, GREAT - COME HELP ME TEACH!

IF NOT -  JOIN UP, SHOW UP AND LET'S GET BUSY!

Short and sweet:

Last night I traveled to the Lancaster area to attend Dave and Kathy Gowl's 50th anniversary party. Their daughter, Jackie McDonald, and I became friendly 8 years ago when our children were in preschool together. Over time our kids each went off to different schools, and Jackie and I would catch up maybe twice a year. Life just had us going in different directions.

Jackie's marriage ended and after renting for over a year, she contacted me and asked me to help her purchase a place for her and the kids. Naturally I was delighted and excited to help her establish a new, "real" home for herself and the kids.

This house hunting process included her parents Dave and Kathy, who Jackie was relying on for advice and support. I instantly just adored them - they are lovely, lovely people, very devoted to their two daughters and four grandchildren.

We initially spent time looking - and looking - and looking at townhomes that needed work. Nothing felt right, and Jackie never seemed very excited. Here's the funny part - I had already found "her house"...but I made a point of NOT showing it to her right off the bat because I needed her to feel she had really looked around and knew what she didn't want.

So one day I called and said, "Jack, just for giggles, I'd like to show you this adorable little single family home in my neighborhood". She hesitated at first - it was at the absolute top of her price range - but I persisted. Her parents met us there and it was that moment that agents dream about. Jackie walked in, her eyes got all big and she broke into a smile...her parents nodded in agreement, and today she lives in a home she loves and her kids are really happy in. They are walking distance from my home and these two single moms and their kids now have a great support system. WIN-WIN!

Oh yeah, she got a 5% 30 year fixed loan, too. Was God smiling on her or what?

I was so happy to be included in her parents' celebration last night. And so happy to be reminded that we do more than sell houses - we help change lives!

Enjoy your day, Beth

Good morning, everyone. The 5am thunderstorms had me up bright and early, brainstorming for our upcoming CAMP 4-4-3 sessions and the other great educational offerings you'll find in the market center this month! Remember, our classes are open to all - and with 3 FREE CE CLASSES this month, you have a great opportunity to be in culture and invite practitioners from other brokerages. By sharing what we have to offer with all, we raise the standard in the industry and contribute to a community of professionals where all are operating their businesses at the highest possible level. Professional training and education counts...and it never ends...and it STARTS WITH YOU!

Many thanks to Matt Kutcher from Affinity Mortgage for reminding me that last week's mortgage reforms, signed by President Bush, will have a profound impact on your business and will benefit your clients enormously. Here's what I received from Matt this morning:

On Wednesday, July 30, 2008 President Bush signed into law H.R. 3221, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

After months of negotiations between the House and Senate, as well as an initial veto threat by the White House, the final version of this bill should serve as a foundation for responsible solutions to the current market realities today and into the future.

H.R. 3221, perhaps the most significant piece of housing-related legislation we have seen in recent years, implements necessary consumer protections while promoting stabilization of the current market and industry through reforms to the Government Sponsored Enterprises, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, (GSEs) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) program.

Among the bill's provisions are several that directly affect our industry:

• All-Originator Registry: Establishes a nationwide loan originator licensing and registration system that will set minimum standards for loan originator licensing substantially improving the oversight of all originators. In addition, all loan originators - lenders, banks, credit unions and mortgage brokers - must register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry and go through a criminal background check (except loan originators working for Federally-chartered institutions).
• First Time Homebuyer Credit: Allows first-time homebuyers of a principal residence in the United States to take a tax credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of the residence (not to exceed $7500). The credit will begin to phase out if single taxpayer's income exceeds $75,000 per year or the couple's income exceeds $150,000. The credit will be paid back over 15 years and applies to residences purchased between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009.
• FHA Modernization: Effective January 1, 2009 it increases FHA loan limits for single-family residences to the lesser of 115 percent of the local area median home price (but no lower than a floor of 65 percent of $417,000) or 150 percent of the GSE high cost loan limit of $417,000 or $625,500 (similar increases for other 2-4 unit single-family properties); establishes a 12-month stay on FHA's proposal for risk-based premiums; sets the down payment requirement at 3.5 percent; and prohibits seller-funded down payment assistance (both direct or through a third party). Authorizes a $25 million appropriation to improve technology, processes, program performance, eliminate fraud and provide appropriate staffing.
• GSE Loan Limit Increases: The loan limits were set at the greater of 115 percent of the local area median home price or $417,000 for a mortgage secured by a single-family residence, $533,850 for a 2-family residence, $645,300 for a 3-family residence, and $801,950 for a 4-family residence. These limits will take effect January 1, 2009. For high-cost areas, the loan limits are adjusted to a cap of 150 percent of the GSE limit of $417,000 for a one-unit property or $625,500. These limits will take effect January 1, 2009.
• GSE Oversight Reform: Creates a new regulator (five-year term, appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate) with oversight authority similar bank regulators, establishes a new affordable housing fund and capital magnet fund to be funded by a 4.2 basis point fee on all new loans, significantly changes the affordable housing goals and raises the conforming loan limit to the higher of $417,000 or 115% of the local median home price, not to exceed $625,500 (effective January 1, 2009).
• FHA Rescue: Creates a voluntary program for lenders to write down the loan balance in exchange for an FHA guaranteed loan not to exceed 90 percent of the newly appraised value of the home. The lender would pay a 3 percent FHA loan origination fee. To qualify, the borrower must have a debt-to-income ratio above 31 percent on the original loan. The program is capped at $300 billion.
• GSE Stability: Authorizes the Treasury Secretary to temporarily increase the GSEs' line of credit and to, if necessary, buy equity in the GSEs in order to provide confidence to credit markets. Also provides a role for Treasury and the Federal Reserve in GSE oversight to ensure safety and soundness.
• TILA Reform: Requires TILA disclosures to be delivered seven days prior to loan closing, requires that disclosures include examples of how payments would change based on rate adjustments in addition to disclosing the maximum possible payment under the loan terms and mandates that the consumer receive early disclosures before paying anything more than a nominal fee that covers the cost of a credit report.

Matt will continue to keep us updated on additional changes and reforms; should you have any questions, you may call him at (410) 893-2360, ext.15, or send him an email to matt@affinitymort.com

Thanks again, Matt!

I hope each of you has an enjoyable weekend. Look for additional posts from me over the weekend, as there is a lot of great stuff going on the market center and I'm excited to share it with you! Beth

Well, here's a great way to start off our month - let's give a warm KW welcome to our two newest associates, Laura Snyder and Jeneece Chaplin! Both are bringing with them tremendous energy and professionalism, and I know they will be a wonderful addition to our market center. Please be sure to extend yourselves these sharp young women and offer your assistance as they become familiar with their new surroundings.

Another great reason to get 'psyched - the start of POWER HOUR, Monday at 9am. Several of you have already made the commitment to be here, so don't get left behind!

with an overwhelming majority of you commenting to me that lead generation is the greatest challenge you face, I sure hope to see the majority of you here Monday morning, taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity! Power Hour Rocks!

Also starting this Monday - a hip and happening version of CAMP 4-4-3. Forget what you may have experienced before - this time around it will be interactive, multimedia enriched and will include the kind of real world "field trips" you need in order to launch or business OR sharpen your skills. I promise this will be time well spent. If you have taken it before, take it again and become a master at what you do!

Please show your support and participate in the educational and professional offerings here in the market center. YOU WIN - with more knowledge, confidence and credibility. WE WIN - by being represented by the most dedicated, informed, professional practitioners in the industry.

And you'll make your team leader very happy, too!

Have a great weekend! Beth