Friday, June 13, 2014

Super Agent: How Real Estate Agents Go from Good to Great




Real estate agents are rock stars. They are tenacious, organized, consistent and accountable. The secret ingredient to real estate success is really no secret ingredient at all. It all comes down to effective habit building and daily planning. By nature, most agents embody all of these traits and more. But what sets apart a super agent from the rest of the flock? 
Perspiration
Great success requires effort—and lots of it. And much of that effort revolves around learning: about your people, your operations, your industry, and yourself. Be relentless in your pursuit of knowledge about everything in your business
Vision
Develop a clear vision for what your goals are, and don't lose faith. Know in your heart that you and your team can accomplish anything you set out to accomplish if you work together and believe in one another. You will undoubtedly encounter setbacks, but don’t be deterred. Learn from failure and remain confident.
Communication
Great agents communicate sincerely, often, and in many different ways to everyone in their organizations. They inform, provide feedback, and motivate--intelligently and honestly. Connect with all your people and cultivate multiple channels for two-way. When you hear your own words and messages repeated back to you from your teammates, or when your employees talk among themselves using your words to describe your vision and goals, then you know you’re making an impact.
Collaboration
Form teams that are constituted for maximum effectiveness. Recognize that in order to do their very best work most teams need consistent support and input from leaders and fellow agents. When you create this kind of environment, you'll see an immediate impact on productivity and effectiveness--as well as morale. This goes for your client base as well. Clients do not want to feel like they are having a service pushed upon them. Develop a collaborative relationship with your clients and you will be sure to maximize results. 
Decisiveness
Super agents are decisive when called upon to make tough calls quickly and confidently. Take a moment to assess a difficult situation and then calmly and rationally consider your options. As soon as you have the information you need to make an informed decision, make it. Don't let fear of being wrong prevent you from making what you know is the right call.
Integrity
There are few traits that are valued more than integrity. As a super agent, your integrity is what determines your reputation among clients and colleagues . Always be candid, forthright, honest, and fair. Treat your people as you want to be treated. 
Inspiration
When times are tough, be the person that people look to for inspiration. Don't just talk, act. Reassure your clients and help them overcome their own doubts and anxieties. 

There is no magic pill for overnight success as a real estate agent. But by implementing these key traits into your everyday transactions, your transformation into “Super Agent” is inevitable. 


Super Agent: How Real Estate Agents Go from Good to Great

Keller Williams Ranked #2 On Training Magazine's Top 125 List

Keller Williams Ranked #2 On Training Magazine's Top 125 List

Top 125 List

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 5, 2014
2014 is starting off to be already a great year for Keller Williams Realty. In addition to the awards and accolades they received during 2013, they have just been named the No. 2 training organization in the world by Training Magazine. 
Outranked only by Jiffy Lube International, Keller Williams was joined in the top five by Capital BlueCross, Mohawk Industries and CHG Healthcare Services. Training magazine recognized the 2014 Training Top 125 winners and revealed their rankings during the Golden Gala, held on February 3rd during the Training 2014 Conference & Expo at the San Diego Convention Center. Companies that wish to be considered for Top 125 ranking complete a detailed application, which is scored both quantitatively (70 percent of total score) by an outside research and statistical data company and qualitatively (30 percent of total score) by Training magazine editors and Top 10 Hall of Fame representatives. “We want to thank all of our coaches, course writers, instructors and associates for embracing these training programs and delivering extraordinary results,” said Dianna Kokoszka, CEO of KW MAPS Coaching and Keller Williams University.

Some of the training resources Keller Williams was recognized for included:
    BOLD (Business Objective: Life by Design) – a transformative program that helps real estate professionals increase sales through the relentless pursuit of leads and business-building activities. Over the course of seven weeks, BOLD conditions agents with powerful mindset exercised, language techniques and lead-generation activities. Participants are assigned to accountability teams and challenged to push each other to achieve big results. BOLD attracts real estate professionals from brokerages and brands throughout the industry, many of whom sign up every time it is offered. Last year, BOLD graduates increased their closed transactions by 50 percent and their income by 114 percent compared with agents who did not take BOLD.
    RSTLM (Recruit, Select, Train, Lead and Motivate) – a comprehensive training course for finding, hiring, training and leading talent. RSTLM is an intensive, four-day training program. Leaders use it to recruit and retain talent. Agents use it to hire teams so they can grow and work effectively. Leaders who have taken the series and use the models and systems have shown a 63 percent increase in franchise office profitability compared with other leaders, contributing to the record 95 percent market center profitability Keller Williams offices achieved in 2013. Agents using RSTLM reported a four-fold increase in income, from $50,000 to $212,000.

Keller Williams prides themselves on being a “education-based, technology-driven company”, which is just another reason why agents flock to work for their organization. Employees with access to training and development programs have the advantage over employees in other companies who are left to seek out training opportunities on their own. The investment in training that a company makes shows the employees they are valued. The training creates a supportive workplace. Employees may gain access to training they wouldn't have otherwise known about or sought out themselves. Employees who feel appreciated and challenged through training opportunities may feel more satisfaction toward their jobs. 
A commitment to training and coaching at every level is at the heart of what sets Keller Williams Realty apart from other organizations. With valuable resources such as Keller Williams University and KWConnect, there’s no easier way or better time to get your foot in the door at Keller Williams.

Hot Summer Real Estate Tips



In just a few short days, we will be moving into the first week of summer, and just like the weather conditions, real estatemarkets are usually hotter inside the summer season. You can find generally a lot more customers out there trying to find properties, plus more vendors record their particular homes for sale. In case you are putting a fresh residence on the market or are helping a client find their new dream home, here are few suggestions to help get you through these summer months.

1. Don’t forget the outside
In the course of summer season, landscaping design and also yard are specially crucial factors of your property selling. Take full advantage of the room simply by preserving the surface clear, arranged, and also appealing. Clean the pool, wash the windows, and let those summer flowers flourish!

2. Don’t forget the inside
It could be an easy task to acquire swept apart by way of a fantastic fenced garden, swimming, terrace, as well as other external characteristics, specifically if you are residence looking on the top regarding summer season. Yet do not let ideas regarding out of doors leisure and also engaging distract an individual coming from some other crucial residence characteristics or perhaps sway an individual directly into ignoring internal worries.

3. Keep it comfortable
It may seem obvious, but probably the No. 1 tip is to make sure that air conditioning and fans are working. Even in homes without central air, fans should be running or window units working properly in all rooms. When potential buyers come to look at a house in the summer, they’re hot and thirsty. Have a supply of icy-cold drinks on hand and make sure the keep the air moving at all times. 

4. Be Flexible
It’s summer time, which also means it’s vacation season. Be prepared and willing to be more accommodating to those who are traveling on weekends and are only available on a Monday night at 7pm. Being flexible and understanding of their time restrictions will also give a boost to their confidence in their real estate agent, thus making them more open and likely to return as clients. 
Real estate agents can make the most of the summer weather by taking time to showcase a lush garden, beautiful flower beds and that in-ground pool. Buying and selling in the summer is about creating a comfortable, cool environment where potential clients can see themselves happily relaxing or entertaining. So mix up a pitcher of lemonade, crank up the AC and get ready to utilize the beauty of summer!


Monday, February 10, 2014

Great time to sell your home in Spring Hill TN

Now is a Great Time to Sell in Spring Hill,TN



Many now realize that it is a great time to sell your home in Spring Hill, TN. It might also be an opportune time for buyers to find their dream home.   Here are the five reasons why I believe now would be a perfect time to put your house up for sell in Spring Hill, TN.
1. Not Enough Homes to Fulfill the Demand
(NAR) The National Association of Realtors released a report on the most recent Existing Home Sales and it show a double digit percent increase in sales year-over year; sales have remained above last year’s levels for over 25 months.  There are buyers out there right now and they are serious about purchasing. The time is now to sell your home in Spring Hill, TN. With less than a 3 months’ supply of houses being listed now is a great time to sell your home in Spring Hill, TN.  



2. Supply Is Beginning to Increase. Why Wait?

Total housing inventory is slowing beginning to rise. Across the nation we have seen supplies approaching historic norms of a 5 month supply compared to the recent less than 3 months supplies.   Many expect inventory to continue to rise as 3.2 million homeowners escaped the shackles of negative equity in the last 12 months and an additional 1.9 million are expected to enter positive equity in the next 12 months.  Now is a great time to sell your home in Spring Hill, TN while demand is high and before the supply increases now is the time to sell because it may bring you your best price. Feel free to contact Tiffany Bethmann at Keller Williams your local Spring Hill, TN Realtor. Tiffany Bethmann is known as not your typical Realtor and would be happy to help you and your families evaluate your situation and determine if now is a great time for you to sell your home in Spring Hill, TN.  


3. New Construction Is Coming Back

Over the last several years, most homeowners selling their home did not have to compete with a new construction project around the block.  In Spring Hill, TN we have over five plus new home construction developments.   So why wait to compete with the new construction and unbeatable incentives the offer in the spring time? Now is a great time to sell in Spring Hill, TN.  As the market is recovering, more and more builders are jumping back in.  These ‘shiny’ new homes will again become competition as they are an attractive alternative for many purchasers.
4. Interest Rates Will Again Rise
Interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have softened recently; however most experts predict that they will begin to rise later this year.  The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in sync forecasting that rates will be up almost a full percentage point by this time next year.
Whether you are moving up or moving down, your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home. Just one more reason why now is a great time to sell and buy in Spring Hill, TN.
5. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

Before selling or buying a home in Spring Hill, TN you should always take a look at the reason you are thinking about selling and decide whether it is worth waiting.  I typically suggest to my clients to ask themselves these questions depending on their situation.  Is the possibility of a few extra dollars more important than being with family; more important than your health; more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

Typically we all would answer the questions the same. Well right now in Spring Hill, TN you have the power to take control of your situation by using the market to your advantage and selling now. I hope these five reasons will help you in making the decision on why now is a great time to sell in Spring Hill, TN.


Beautiful Homes for Sale in Spring Hill,TN

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Why you should use a Realtor in New Construction in Spring Hill, TN

Why you should use a Realtor in New Construction in Spring Hill, TN

In the past week I have had several buyers ask me Why should you use a Realtor in New Construction inSpring Hill, TN? I think that is a great question to ask! When having a new home built by a builder or developer buyer feels they can save their pocketbook if they go through the process without a Realtor and just use the builder to guide them.   

Let’s take a closer look on why you should use a Realtor in New Construction in Spring Hill, TN:
Think about when you make any sales transaction whether that is a new home, or a car. You typically will have two key players in the transactions that you are dealing with, and those are the consumer and the sales person trained to sell the product and get the most for it.   If the sales person is the sole representative of the car dealership, or the builder whose interest do you think they will be looking out for:  Yours, theirs, the owner of the car dealership, or the builders of the New Construction in Spring Hill, TN? Bottom line they are looking out for the interests of who hired them and pays their paycheck.
As a buyer looking to purchase in a new development in Spring Hill, TN would you know what questions to ask, would you know what fine points and terms of a sales contract could cost you more than you thought you bargained for?  Why do you think builders themselves hire Realtors like me to represent them?  It’s because builders and developers also recognize the value a Realtor brings to the negotiating table when purchasing/selling a home in new construction. The builder wants to ensure that their interest is represented the best way possible, and stick to what is they do best build homes.   They know when it comes to negotiating the deal; a Realtor has the skills and knowledge necessary to make it a win-win for them at the table.  The buyer feels they will save money by not using a Realtor. Unfortunately, this is not true and often times ends up costing the consumer more. The most common reason/excuse I hear why when purchasing New Construction they don’t need a Realtor is because they feel the commission the buyer’s broker earns will be given to them (the buyer) in upgrades or knock it off the price if they do not use a Realtor.  If a buyer proceeds without representation, the commission the builder has already set aside is either then kept by the builder or given to their own representative, it is never given to the buyer.  Additionally, other terms in a sales contract, such as builder and buyer splitting the sales transfer tax, can be overlooked by a buyer and end up costing the buyer several thousands of dollars.

Another negative to not having a Realtor in the process you might not realize your different rights to bring in third party vendors for neutral insight by obtaining an independent home inspection, or to use the title company or lender of your own choosing and not the builders. 



The fact of the matter is New Construction developments in Spring Hill, TN are on the rise and if you are considering building a new home make sure you bring a Realtor to represent your interest in the deal because a Realtor brings leverage to the table.  The builders value Realtors because they recognize the fact that Realtors bring buyers and they respect their representation. Builders know there is a symbiotic relationship between good deals and future business. If you work without a Realtor on your side, the builder knows it won’t be you bringing them future clients and they don’t have the same degree of vested interest in keeping you happy.  Your Realtor is there for one purpose, to make sure your needs as the buyer, are taken care of and this is why you should use a Realtor in New Construction in Spring Hill, TN.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Frugle Ideas of Things to Keep in your Fridge to help with those Cooking Burns


       For us with small children we at some point are going to hear the phrase. "Momma, I just burned my hand."   So here is just one crazy item to keep in the fridge to help ease the pain, and possible prevent blisters.    

So before you rush off to the sink and place that cold burn under the water. Read the story of a lady below who took the advice of a Vietnam vet.  

Here is the  lady's story and how she treated the burn with a bag of flour. ....
Some time ago I was cooking some corn and stuck my fork in the boiling water to see if the corn was ready. I missed and my hand went into the boiling 
water....A friend of mine, who was a Vietnam vet, came into
the house, just as I was screaming, and asked me if I had some plain old 
flour... I pulled out a bag and he stuck my hand in it. He told me to keep 
my hand in the flour for 10 minutes which I did. He said that in Vietnam, 
there was a guy on fire and in their panic, they threw a bag of flour all 
over him to put the fire out...Well, it not only put the fire out, but he 
never even had a blister!!!!

... Long story short,  I put my hand in the bag of flour for 10 mins, pulled 
it out and did not even have a red mark or a blister and absolutely NO PAIN. 
Now, I keep a bag of flour in the fridge and every time I burn myself. *Cold 
flour feels even better than room temperature flour.
I use the flour and have never ONCE had I ever had even a red
spot/burn mark, or a blister! I even burnt my tongue once, put the flour on 
it for about 10 minutes .... the pain was gone and no burn.

Try it . . . Experience a miracle! Keep a bag of flour in your fridge and 
you will be happy you did! BTW, don't run your burn area under cold water first, just put it directly into the flour for 10 minutes


Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Is your Electricity Out? Here are some helpful tips to stay warm.




With much of the US being hit with the winter freeze and cold weather. I just read  an interesting article on Pintrest that someone had pinned.  I thought this blog had some wonderful helpful tips.  Check out the link below.

http://longtimemother.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-keep-warm-in-the-winter-without-electricity-and-keep-cool-in-the-summer