Chris Farkas Bellingham Blog: December 2008

When in 2000 EXIT Realty Corp. International decided to support Habitat for Humanity's mission to build houses with families in need and help eradicate homelessness from the world, they never imagined that they would be touching the lives of so many in such a profound and lasting way.  In November, Habitat for Humanity organizations throughout the world celebrated as the organization marked a major milestone when construction began on Habitat's 300,000th house in Naples, Florida and 300,001st house in Zacapa, Guatemala.  EXIT Realty is extremely proud and humbled to have been a part of Habitat's journey that has helped more than 1.5 million people.

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT International is applied to its charitable fund and to-date, $1.5 Million has been pledged to Habitat for Humanity in both Canada and the U.S.  EXIT's 9th and 10th corporately sponsored builds are currently underway in Fredericton, New Brunswick and Las Cruces, New Mexico.  "I wanted to select a charity that was close to real estate and where we could see it helping people," said EXIT Realty Founder & CEO, Steve Morris.

The 300,000th  house represents a decade of major growth for Habitat for Humanity, which was founded in 1976. In 2000, Habitat's 100,000th house was built in New York City and 100,001st house in Plains, Georgia.  Five years later, Habitat dedicated its 200,000th home in Knoxville, Tennessee, and 200,001st house in Kanyakumari, India.    

Only one day after construction began in Naples with Habitat for Humanity of Collier County - Habitat's highest producing U.S. affiliate - volunteers broke ground on the 300,001st house in Zacapa, Guatemala.  Zacapa is a region which suffers one of the lowest levels of community and social development in Guatemala, and therefore the most in need of adequate housing. Habitat has already built a total of 1,236 houses in the region, reaching some 7,500 people.

Habitat is a worldwide movement that has a presence in nearly 90 countries, including Canada, all 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico.  On average, Habitat for Humanity serves a low-income family somewhere around the world every 10 minutes through new house construction, major house rehabilitation projects and with house repairs.  In 2007, Habitat served a record 49,000 families in need.

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a real estate sales person, on real estate franchise opportunites throughout North America, or how you could join EXIT Realty on a Habitat for Humanity build, please contact EXIT.

This article is also posted at www.realestateindustryleaders.com.

Pictured left: Chuck Olson, Regional Owner, EXIT Realty New Mexico and Laura Jaramillo, Habitat for Humanity recipient.

 

Pictured right: Deanne Boudreau, recipient of the Habitat for Humanity home in Fredericton, New Brunswick corporately sponsored by EXIT Realty

There is no doubt that this has been a tough year for the real estate industry.  Many offices have closed; many companies have cut back on conventions and training programs.  One Franchisor, however, continues to prosper and is paying thousands of dollars in bonuses as a special thank you to the people most often underappreciated in a real estate office - the secretarial staff.

Since the year 2000 EXIT Realty Corp. International has paid out Secretarial Bonuses throughout North America totaling over $1.5 Million.  Steve Morris, Founder and CEO, believed so strongly in the importance of the contribution of the support staff across the EXIT system, he built the payment of bonuses right into the renowned EXIT Formula.  A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT International is set aside and paid at the end of the year to the offices' administration staff.   "It was Mr. Morris' attitude towards EXIT's administrative staff that was a key reason in my leaving the brokerage where I worked as an Administrator for 11 years to join EXIT International 8 years ago," commented Susan Harrison, EXIT's Sr VP Web Development.

Here are comments from just a few bonus recipients from across North America:
 
Lindsay Maillet, EXIT Realty Metro, Bedford NS
I was fortunate enough to attend the first administrator training in Ontario in 2007.  It was here that I gained knowledge of the EXIT Corporation and began realizing just how important my role as administrator really was to the success of the company.  Steve Morris really drilled it to us that week that we were the glue, so to speak, and without us the machine can fail.  Coming off the excitement of a company that actually acknowledges its support staff was amazing.

The Secretarial Bonus is not something that is on my mind on a daily basis... and for the most part, it never crosses my mind (until the week I know it's due to arrive). It definitely allows for some peace of mind to know that I will have something extra to bank at the end of the year.  Whether it is to buy myself something I normally wouldn't spring for, a extra gift for my spouse, or a little something for someone in need; it is great feeling to know it is there for whatever I may need.  It's also a little incentive to put that extra little bit into the new year to make the next year better for everyone...a little goes a long way in this business.

Janice Clements, EXIT Realty Specialists, Saint John NB
I have been working with EXIT for two years and it has been a wonderful experience.  Having worked in the industry with other brokerages for 10 years [I always heard] "if the brokerage had the funds" or "if they had a good year"; always some excuse - some good people got nothing.  Steve is such a role model to all the Franchisees and this recognition makes Administrators feel great and appreciated. EXIT Realty Specialists' agents are "special people" and hard workers and have made [it possible] for us have this great bonus.

Noreen Ballard EXIT Realty Specialists, Saint John NB
I have been with EXIT Realty Specialists since its doors opened in July of 2006.  [The Secretarial Bonus] not only helps financially this time of year but it is nice to be remembered by EXIT International. It is so unusual for a company to do this. I feel here in this office the agents show their appreciation everyday whether it be a coffee, a friendly greeting, or a lunch, but a bonus from head office says WOW!

Nadine Lapointe, EXIT Realty Citadel, Halifax NS
I sure do appreciate this recognition. In so many workplaces top salespersons are recognized for their hard work throughout the year, but the reality is that if they did not have any support staff for help, maybe they would not be at the top. I know I have been successful when "my agents" are successful. Getting this bonus just makes it even better! The higher it is, the better I did! It has been a privileged to have been chosen among other applicants to become the Administrator of EXIT Realty Citadel. Instantly I felt part of the family, not only in the office but also with my interactions with Head Office. As an administrator of EXIT, you are always invited to any functions for the Agents, because after all we are one big team."

Patricia Quiiano, EXIT Realty Charleston Group, Charleston SC
[The Secretarial Bonus] was a wonderful surprise!  I was able to do all my Christmas shopping with my bonus and still have money left over.  The bonus made me feel that I was a valuable asset to the company and that I truly had a part in helping to make the company a success, and was no longer "hired help."  You always hear how corporations forget about the little people. This bonus says to me that all that I do for my agents, my office and my company is important and has been noticed. I am an integral part of this company and hope to continue to be so for many years to come!

Rachel Manning, EXIT Realty of the Valley's three locations; Huntsville, Madison and Decatur AL
I am very grateful to Steve Morris for recognizing and rewarding office staff.  Oftentimes, administrative employees are overlooked and underappreciated by their companies, but that is not so with EXIT.  [The Secretarial Bonus] reminds me how hard I've worked, how great my Franchisees and REALTORS® are and how that bonus check will come in just before Christmas and my annual vacation. 

Any company is nothing without a solid foundation and I am proud to be part of EXIT's foundation.  If my REALTORS® are not successful, then I have not been successful.  This check is a great inspiration to work even harder the next year and is an excellent tool when seeking talented administrative staff. 

Kerri Barwell, EXIT Grand Strand Properties, Myrtle Beach SC
[The Secretarial Bonus] really does mean a lot, especially when you work so hard throughout the year, to receive that at the end feels very rewarding and just makes you feel good overall.

[I have been able to] travel to Canada for EXIT's Administrator/Broker Training and it was one of the best trips I've ever had.  The training was unbelievable!  And the energy, passion and dedication I saw in the EXIT International staff was just amazing to me!
 

Maria Panzino, EXIT Uptown Realty, Vineland, NJ
When I was notified that this bonus was offered, I was excited to know that there were individuals like Mr. Morris that thought so deeply about his extended staff.  Mr. Morris' gratitude and professionalism shines through with his gestures which makes him an outstanding individual.  It has been a pleasure to be part of the big picture "EXIT" and to have had the opportunity to work with a person of Mr. Morris' caliber.

 

 

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a sales representative or for real estate franchise opportunites across North America, please contact us.

Sharron Richardson, Franchise Support Manager with EXIT Realty Corp. International, publishes a monthly newsletter for EXIT Administrators.  In the December issue, she urges them to plan now for the year ahead.

Some may argue that the most wonderful time of the year is when the kids go back to school in the fall, but there is certainly something to be said about the holiday season which coincides with year end. It's a time of reflection and new beginnings. It's a time to examine the past year to determine where you are and where you want to progress, and a time to look ahead to create and execute a plan of action for the new year. This applies personally and professionally. Let's take a look at some of the activities to focus on at this time, from the practical to the professional to the personal:

1. 1.  This is the time for clean up. A new year is like a clean sheet of paper or a blank monitor screen: it's full of possiblities. Before moving on to the new, take some time to properly and completely finish off the old. Ensure all your MEMO data is current and correct. Make certain your accounting records are up to date; 1099 and T4A time will be here before you know it (have you noticed how quickly time goes or is just me?). Clean out your desk and your filing cabinets. Get organized! Examine any unfinished projects and determine what to do with them: Do it, delegate it, or ditch it!
2. Schedule a meeting with your Broker to discuss goals for the new year. Running a successful brokerage is always a team effort and a year end meeting to determine the office's goals will ensure a unified effort.
3. Think about your specific contribution. Take this opportunity to examine the policies and procedures which are in place. Is your documentation out of date? This is the time for performance reviews - do you have job descriptions for your people? Is your new agent orientation procedure adequate? Does your duty roster system need updating? What needs to be discussed at the sales meetings?
4. If you are in an area where business has been challenging, use this time to position your brokerage for success when business picks up again. Plan events which get your brokerage out into your marketplace for visual impact. It needn't be expensive, be inventive! Hold a food, book, or clothing drive to provide for the less fortunate. Host a walk-a-thon, sponsor a community event or team. And then send press releases through EXIT Shoptok to your grassroots media. Use this time to position your brokerage as the expert in real estate for your market area.
5. Maybe this is the time to examine your own life. Maybe the main change you want next year is to bring the best you to the job every day. Maybe you should conduct a performance review with yourself to determine if you did well last year, and what you can do or become in the new year to excel.
6. Once you have your professional and personal goals outlined, make sure they are SMART goals:
   
   Specific: A goal must be specific in order to have the best chance of success. "I want to run my brokerage more efficiently" is a noble idea but too vague. Determine what it will take to run your brokerage more efficiently and break it down into specific goals: "I will implement a policy of accountability where the agents submit a completed checklist before deals are processed."
   Measurable: In order to confirm you are making progress, you must be able to measure your efforts. Creating a spreadsheet to monitor budget compliance or seeing your filing cabinet become organized are examples.
   Attainable: The goal has to be something that is within your own power. My goal might be for Lance Armstrong to win the Tour de France in 2009 but that is not something I have control over.
   Realistic: Your goal must be based in reality. Sure, we want you to think big. We believe that if you set a goal, affirm it, and direct your positive energy towards it, you will find that the Law of Attraction kicks in to help you along. You want every agent in your marketplace to join you? Go for it. You want every agent in North America to join your brokerage? Well, it's possible, but it's not realistic.
   Timely: Your goal must have a deadline. An open-ended goal isn't a goal, it's a wish. A deadline creates accountability and a sense of constructive urgency. Certainly you should be flexible enough to extend deadlines because life happens, but a goal without a deadline is like heading out on a road trip from Toronto to Utah without a map. Sure, you might get there by accident, but you'll run out of gas, run out of resources, and hit a lot of dead ends along the way. Thelma and Louise didn't have a destination, and look what happened to them (okay, they met Brad Pitt but that's not the point). In other words, you will waste a lot of valuable energy without a clear deadline in mind.

The end of the year is a practical and psychological cleaning of the slate (for those of you under 30, that means wiping the chalk board clean). It's a time to reflect, to plan, and to enjoy what really matters: the human connection. Given the commercial nature of this season, it's important to remember what really matters. As a single mother, I had several holidays before joining EXIT where not only was there nothing under the tree, there was no tree. And while it may sound like a cliche, those holidays were memorable not because of lack, but because our focus was on what we had, and that was our health and each other.

This article is also posted at http://realestateindustryleaders.com

Since 2004, EXIT Realty Corp. International has been an enthusiastic corporate sponsor of 10 Habitat for Humanity home builds. The ninth build was concluded with a dedication ceremony held on December 15^th, 2008 in Fredericton, NB.

"EXIT Realty couldn't be a prouder sponsor of Habitat for Humanity," said EXIT's Corporate Habitat Representative, Christine Ireborg. "We wanted to identify with an organization that shares our values and philosophies; an organization based on giving back."

An ecstatic Deanne Boudreau, mother of four and the proud recipient of this new home said in a recent interview, "It's like winning the lottery! It has changed our lives and it has changed our kids' lives. Thank you EXIT Realty for everything you've done."

Shawn Berry of Fredericton's The Daily Gleaner picked up the story. 

[The Boudreau family] took possession of a new home Monday from Habitat for Humanity. The house was built thanks to the support of EXIT Realty. "I can't wait to have my kitchen table in my own house," Boudreau said. "And I don't have to tape the door up here to keep the heat in here."  But most importantly, her family - which has had to move an average of once every year since 2004 - has a place to call home.

Read the entire story here. 

"It would seem obvious that Habitat for Humanity would be EXIT Realty's charity of choice because of its real estate connection," said Joyce Paron, President of EXIT Realty's Canadian Organization (pictured below with the Boudreau family at Monday's dedication). "However, equally important is that, like EXIT Realty, Habitat for Humanity provides new opportunities for a better quality of life for individuals in the local community.

"There is something very special about what has happened here over these past months.  People who are strangers to each other, have come together to make a dream come true for Deanne and Andre Boudreau.  In fact, most of the volunteers who gave of their time, money or materials, didn't know Deanne and Andre before coming to this site.  This entire project has been an expression of love and giving and has provided the opportunity to remind all of us how simple it really is to feel good about ourselves through the course of action of helping others.

"Over the years working with Habitat for Humanity, we have all come to understand that the emphasis is on the Humanity.  And the volunteers, suppliers and the staff of the Habitat for Humanity organization, that have given so generously, have now brought the dignity of home ownership to the Boudreau family and for that we give you our heartfelt thanks. 

"On behalf of everyone at EXIT Realty Corp. International, our local franchisees Philip Duplisea and David Sawler and the sales associates of EXIT Realty Advantage, we congratulate the Boudreaus on their new home.  Home ownership is indeed one of the greatest dreams of every adult in this country.  And being a part of making this dream come true is why EXIT Realty Corp. International is proud to call Habitat for Humanity its charity of choice," Paron concluded.

In an essay read by her mother, 10-year-old Samantha Boudreau told the crowd gathered what having a home of her own means.  "Now that we have a house, we have privacy - it means so much to me. A home is a place where a family can meet together and forget about all their other problems in life. We can have a really good future. Happiness is the best thing you could ever have in a home."

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT International is applied to its charitable fund and to-date, $1.5 Million has been pledged to Habitat for Humanity in both Canada and the U.S.  Please contact EXIT Realty Corp. International for more information.

I have a listing that has been on the market for about a month now. It was previously listed at a ridiculously high price. Well, it didn't sell then, and I am still having trouble getting it to sell now. So, I have re-evaluated the listing and the home and here is what I have come up with to help get it sold.

1. Begin using a 1-800 number for 24/7 recorded info that will get me the number of the caller so I can immediately call them back.
2. Switch up the flyers - I am going to do indoor and outdoor flyers, with less information on the outdoor flyers.
3. I have spoken with the seller and recommeded staging. We are going to be scheduling consultations next week, and hopefully the seller will agree to full staging.
4. There are some things that the house needs work on:
   
   • a new sliding glass door on the front porch
   • new counter top in the kitchen (right now it is a pink-marbled color)
   • a refrigerator
     
   • washer/dryer
   • the vinyl flooring taken out and the hardwood floor refinished
   • a new screen door for the shop
   • the garage and shop need to be de-cluttered
   • a new bathtub insert
5. I would like to talk to the seller about increasing the commission .5% in order to offer the buyer's agent an additional half percent of commission (it works out to about an extra $1,000).
   
6. Better marketing of the home to agents in my area

So, for #6 I am not sure exactly how to go about accomplishing this. I do want to host a broker's open but not until we are able to get the home staged. This home is a relative's home, so it has been a little easier for me to get them to see why they should spend the extra money on staging, but hopefully I can get them to agree to doing it.

Also, the home currently does need some cosmetic work like I listed above. It is priced right for it's current condition and the market. I am not going to increase the price with the work being completed or the staging, I am just hoping that the home will stand out enough to get it sold!

Rates Fell to Earth Today! If EVER you wanted to buy or refinance a home today the time has come! The mixed financial news hitting Wall Street has resulted in amazingly low rates and lenders eager to fund! A flight to Bonds has this effect. Today we are quoting Conventional 30 year fixed terms from 4.875-5.0% for purchases or rate and term refinances with 680 FICO scores.

Lower Rate Promises? Refinances are very unlikely to be on the low rate priority list the Fed is promising in the new year. We 'hear' that the lower rates will apply to distressed borrowers in modification mode and first time buyers as an incentive to get (and keep) more folks into homes.

The Kicker is Timing. Before Christmas we are careful to place loans that will either close NOW (streamline low hassle files) or time them for the New Year when underwriting teams are running skeleton crews...and patience is the name of the game.  If you have a purchase contract on the table, allow those holidays and add a week or so to your closing dates.

Foreclosures Are Hot! Most private investors are buying with cash on the courthouse steps these days. There are hard money Capital Funds for short term cash to help out...again at a price. If you find a home that needs a little work you could accomplish inside 60 days the terms are quite good. Plan to refinance once you have improved the deficiencies. We go for a conventional loan to hold for six months or more. Our new Washington State contractor law adds a few twists --have a licensed and bonded contractor perform the work if you intend to sell within 2 years.

Construction Loans Better! The LIBOR and other short term rates are making construction loans look pretty sweet especially if you can lock your final mortgage 12 months later...need I say...don't wait!

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 Click this Credit Linkto order your tri merge lender report on our secure site. Our agency report is about $30 compared to $50 on MyFico.com for a retail version. I'll be happy to discuss your report in person or over the phone at your convenience, no strings attached.

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washington loan officer license 510-LO-31434 branch license: 510-MB-24707-50145

 

In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to stay in front of your customers. Pick up the phone, send a greeting, or consider e-mail. One of e-mail’s competitive advantages is its ability to help you optimize your most valuable asset - loyal customers - especially in a down economy.

According to a study by Forrester Research, 97% of consumers and 94% of marketers are using e-mail. However, don’t get caught up in the excitement and start haphazardly zipping off messages just because your customers gave you their address. Consider these 7 guidelines before you send out an e-mail and you’re bound to achieve success.

1) Get permission.

Ask people to “opt-in” to your e-mail list. Collect their names online by offering a free report or newsletter. Industry statistics show that consumers who have opted in, buy 5-7 times more frequently than those who visit your site anonymously.

2) Don’t overdo it.

Even when people have opted-in to your list, it doesn’t mean you should overwhelm them with constant messages. My criteria? Send customers a message only when you have something of value to share with them.

3) Give careful thought to your content.

a. Choose your words wisely. Before clicking “send,” ask yourself, “Is the reader going to find this valuable?” and “Would I be happy receiving this message?”

b. Start with a compelling or personal subject line. Like an OE teaser, your subject line should be meaningful or the message won’t be read. Make sure it doesn’t sound like spam.

c. Talk to your customers in a friendly, conversational tone. Remind recipients that they’re getting this message because they gave you permission.

d. Personalize your message. When possible, insert the customer’s first name in the greeting. A personalized message saying “Dear Mary” works better than “Dear Friend.”

4) Get to the point.

• Keep it simple.

• Make it easy for readers to determine what you’re offering them.

• Give them benefits

• Don’t forget a CALL TO ACTION. Tell them what you want them to do (i.e. reply with a “yes,” link to your Web site, sign up for an event).

5) Choose your time wisely.

Ask your customers what works best for them. Middle of the day is a good time (because people often have a lot of messages first thing in the morning). Some professionals say “try Wednesdays around 12:30."

6) Respond promptly to inquiries and questions.

Do so within 24 hours. Don’t ignore responses from customers. Call them if it’s appropriate.

7) If customers ask to be removed from your list, remove them.

Don’t e-mail people who don’t want to hear from you. Honor their requests promptly. According to the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003, you must honor opt-out requests within 10 days of receipt. I say, “do it sooner.”

Times may be challenging, but we’ve faced challenges in the past. Consider these 7 e-mail strategies and you may find they’re very successful in not only getting your name out there, but keeping your name in front of those people who count the most - loyal customers and qualified prospects.

[NOTE: This is an excerpt from How-To Report #300F “Taking Advantage of E-mail: Eight Guidelines for Using The Latest Marketing Weapon Wisely.” Order the full report at www.writedirection.com/how-to.htm]

Hope you find this helpful when marketing in turbulent times.

Debra A. Jason, RA, ABR

When paradise is calling you, call me!
(808) 826 1846 cell: (808) 635 8031

Vision Realty All Islands Kauai - located on the highway in Hanalei, Kapaa, and Lihue

www.kauai-hawaii-realestate.com

Kauai Realtor-Associate Debra A. Jason is past president of the Rocky Mountain Direct Marketing Association (RMDMA) and a recipient of their “Creative Person of the Year” award, She is also a seasoned copywriter with 20+ years of experience in the field of direct marketing. Based in Kauai, HI, her business, The Write Direction, specializes in writing Web & direct marketing communications. She has been quoted in books and articles, authored numerous articles & spoken on the subject of writing and Web marketing.

You may reach her marketing business by phone at (808) 826-1846, e-mail: debra@writedirection.com, or visit her online at http://www.writedirection.com.

©Copyright 2008 Debra A. Jason dba The Write Direction. All rights reserved. No portion of this paper may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or using any information storage/retrieval system now known or to be invented, without written permission from the author.