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Plain and Simple-It’s Business
This is not personal it’s business..
Its funny real estate industry professionals get so offended and upset about the success of REALTOR.com, Zillow.com and Trulia.com. Someone posed the question on Activerain.com how could this happen? As I read the post…it got to me…and again I’ll state it’s business!
These Messages Get Old and Are Repetitive!
The truth is these people who created these sites had two things going for them…one was vision…they are all visionaries who knew that technology changes and the use would become more and more relevant just as it is today!
Opportunity Knocks
Can’t fault them for that…an opportunity is an opportunity…and in truth anyone selling a home today more than likely would rather see their listing on those sites rather than your own..you know why? Traffic…real estate is a numbers game plain and simple! How much traffic do you have?
We Have To Blame Ourselves!
The 2nd thing they have going for them is real estate agents, REALTORS, corporations and companies. Being the marketing hogs that we are…they knew it would be easy to get all of this information and not necessarily having to upload it themselves…because they know…every agent wants to be number one…every agent wants to market properties to the public and expose the listing to as many people as possible. Nothing wrong with that…that’s part of the job.
I guess I am writing this because sitting in a different place today…its sounds so whiny and very repetitive its not like these sources just became available today. Clearly its not what an agent thinks best…but the traffic that each site receives….the numbers and ranking does not lie..don’t get mad or get offended…plain and simple… it’s business.
Today’s consumers are much more tech savvy… don’t think for a moment they do not do their own research….they do.
I’ve never been a fan of REALTOR.com but it really doesn’t matter what I think…its business…and our job is to expose consumer’s listings to anyone and everyone! Are your listings on the top 5?
hitwise-real estate-midori miller
Real Estate Tenants Beware
As foreclosures and shortsales have hit the country hard…one thing is certain…that tenants really should do their homework before renting a private home | apartment | condo or even commercial real estate.
Scenario: Tenant pays rent to landlord but landlord fails to pay their mortgage. At the end…home goes into foreclosure and landlord keeps the rent but the lender takes back the home. Tenant is evicted and possessions are put out on the street…not able to pack their own belongings…tenants did everything right their reward: homeless…humiliated…and moved their family in with a friend. What is wrong with this picture.
Tenants when renting from anyone…go to public records…I know each state varies but in most cases pending foreclosure information can be found. Just because you are doing everything right doesn’t necessarily mean the people around you are. Protect yourself before renting from a private owner and check periodically to make sure the property is not in foreclosure.
I know this happens as it happened to me when I first moved to Daytona ….fortunately I was served papers to give me plenty warning! If you are a tenant and in this situation…do yourself a favor…pack up and move..otherwise one day you could come home and find your life spread out in the front yard….but worse…homeless!
For years tenants have had their credit pulled…back ground check etc..etc…evaluated and scrutinized…I think its time for tenants to protect themselves and their families. Check public records and do your research on the property owner!
EDIT: Guy makes a point…I was not in a lease…and if you are…seek the advice of an attorney and read the tenant and landlord laws pertaining to your state.
The Basics | Why Skip Them?
Agents come to me often…maybe their career is not going in the direction they want it…or maybe they just do not know where to start…
There are a few simple things that might help an agent to go from mediocre to great….and often times it doesn’t come from a real estate designation…or some expensive training class. You READY?
Three basic things you should do for yourself..forget about Continued Education hours…for now..think about this.
Every year most board of REALTORS change their
- MLS systems with enhancements and tools
- Contracts usually change
- Listing agreements and attachments sometimes change
If your REALTOR board offers these types of classes annually think about taking them. I know every year most top agents review their expenses and the tools they use. Consider taking classes to find out how to use the vital tools in your business…a better understanding of sales contracts and listing agreements.
Often times when I ask agents about their mls…in most cases they do not want to sit through a boring class…yet they do not understand or know all of the pieces to make effective CMA’s or are not aware of the free tools right at their fingertips…in reality its not free..you join the board…and have education at your fingertips..yes its not glamourous but it sure is vital.
Sometimes the mls tools allow you to cut costs in areas of marketing and connecting. Many mls systems offer a way to stay in touch with your customer or offer fabulous mapping features and usually make changes throughout the year.
A professional real estate agent should be able to recite and explain the listing agreement and sales contract with their eyes closed..in layman terms…its kind like a professional athlete or celebrity…you have to know your moves…and your lines…otherwise..you appear amateur.
Why do some agents opt to skip the basics? I don’t know but it happens…..and usually one of the first recommendations that I make…is take them!
Midori Miller trains real estate professionals | writes for IWMonline.com and is a ghostwriter. If you found this post useful…please subscribe!
Reasons Why Buyers Buy!
We know as people we are emotional, no I don’t mean a train wreck or basket case but what I mean as people we all carry emotion..money tends to carry a lot of emotion with it.
Speaking for myself…when I have money to spend and can get what I want…I am a happy girl….and when I want something and it’s out of my price range…I’m not too pleased.
I don’t mind used items on some occasions…if I find a deal…I am very happy…and if I cannot or the item I buy is broken, torn or I don’t see the value…I get upset.
When they back order it for me and there is no guarantee that I will get it…I am anxious but at the same time very excited….I can’t wait..I get ansy…sometimes I get stressed.
Sorta sounds like a real estate buyer, don’t you think..we are all people but what causes people to buy? The reason that is..and what type of feelings are important to your buyer?
As real estate professionals or even someone selling their house on their own…you must be aware of these feelings and take note somewhere in the back of your mind…does your home offer any of these feelings to the buyer of your home?
Now I have been calling these important words feelings but really it’s reasoning..and in our minds in most cases we must justify why we do what we do! Home buyers are no different.
For some might be looking for
- Convenience
- Privacy
- Security
- Entertainment
- Economical
- Aesthetics
- Healthy
- Valuable
- Comfort
If we listen, communicate and understand what the buyer is looking for and the reason they would like to buy a specific home in a specific area with specific benefits….we have to consider how it makes them feel but more importantly the reason why they would want to buy a particular home!
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House For Sale-Three Years Later
This is an oldie but goodie and just so you know… Originally posted on Activerain 09/09/2007.
Update House For Sale-Three Years Later
As I was leaving this morning for work I noticed the house on the corner had a new for sale sign up. This would make listing agent number three.
Three different companies had taken that over priced listing. It’s been a year and a half and still no sale!
Did the seller really believe that if they changed the real estate sign their property would have a better shot at selling?
Do you think these agents really believe they had a shot at selling it with this property listed at 2004’s prices?
Are people so desperate for business that they would do this to a seller 3 different times?
The same seller and 3 different Realtors.
Why do professionals continue to make the same mistakes?
Walk away…just walk away! What’s it going to take? You can read the entire post here.
The point of the post really isn’t the post itself..its to point out this darn house has continually stayed on the market with very brief periods of being off the market..more than likely in search of another agent!
I lost track of the agents who have listed this house but I believe it is now real estate company #7.
A quick real estate training tip and reminder:
There is a price for everything! There is a reason why this house has never sold! It will sell if the price is right and easy to show and don’t forget to refresh the photos and information in your mls, your website, flyers and brochures.
Sometimes all it takes is a tiny bit of magic..dusting off an old listing giving it new appeal so when the buyer comes along…to them it will feel like home!
Not sure why this house has not sold but I know one thing…if you cannot sell it…don’t!
Don’t be REALTOR #8 unless you mean business!
