I am surprised by so much when it comes to our websites.

I am surprised by how much we have offered to us by point 2.  I am surprised mainly by how little people use the services. 

I was spending some time in my office moments ago and noticed the large number of handshake requests that were denied.

I almost always accept any request.  Why not.  Just more exposure for my listings plus I have had buyers contact me on other listings, just like with MLS.

Why do others not feel the same way?  What are the pros for not participating in a handshake agreement?

Thanks, Christina

www.Galveston4sale.com

www.SanAntonio4sale.net

www.LasVegas4sale.net

Every real estate agent needs some motivation for the day. 

Did you have one of those days.  your market getting you down.  We all need some motivation from time to time.  Real estate can be a very hectic and confusing profession.  As agents we should educate and support one another.  RELiberation has given us an opportunity to work together as one sharing idea, thought and headaches.  Lets share some motivation today.

Then give to the world the best you have. And the best will come back to you.
Madeline Bridges, O Magazine, December 2003

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.
Mother Teresa
Indian (Albanian-born) humanitarian & missionary (1910 - 1997)

Motivational story of the day.  Courtesy of www.helpothers.org

A True Santa Who Changed Our Lives

--posted by TmMajo on Aug 1, 2007

Shortly after my divorce, I had to quit my management job and take a factory job so I could spend more time with my three kids. I was only making 1/5 of what I was and things were getting really tight.  But I have never asked anyone for anything; my pride wouldn't allow it.

I didn't really know how I was going to continue making ends meet. To make it worse, Christmas was coming up and I couldn't even afford a tree or any gifts for my children. I was behind on rent and the light bill was past due.

I don't know where it came from or from who, but one day when I returned home from work, I was totally amazed. I just started crying and I couldn't stop. 

Someone had delivered so much stuff to my house. Gifts for all three children. Clothes, School supplies, toys. Enough food to last a month, Shampoo, soap, laundry soap, and the list goes on. Not too mention, my rent had been paid. I don't know to this day who the kind person was. Or how anyone even knew how bad I was having it at the time. I never revealed to anyone, not even my closest friends.

I do know that since then I have picked myself up and things are going really great for me and my family.  That was 10 years ago. But every year since then I have my children pick things out for other children and we deliver them in the same fashion. ANONYMOUSLY. Even with two of my children grown and out on their own, they still follow the tradition.

That act of kindness changed my life forever and I will spend the rest of my life hoping to make a difference in someone else and in sharing the kindness and love with a stranger.

Next time your client yells at you or your phone does not ring think of how much harder life can be.  Our business is difficult.  We shoulder 100% of our success.  Our outcome is what we make it.  Our clients need us to be perfect.  Well we are not.  Life happens.  The real estate business is difficult.  You are at the wheels of your own destiny.  Motivation is needed every day.

I just hope we can all motivate each other is some way.

Christina

www.SanAntonio4sale.net

www.Galveston4sale.com

www.LasVegas4sale.net

I know this may have been done before but not since I have become active with Relib.

I would love to know what your market is like.  Not necessarily good or bad as far as selling but what attracts new residents to your neck of the woods.  You never know what agent may have the perfect client or investor for you.

I work 3 markets.  I think we all might learn something if we share a little about the areas we love enough to work in each and every day.

1) Galveston, Texas.  Galveston, Texas is my home town.  I am a beach bum.  The ocean runs through my veins.  Galveston is a perfect vacation getaway centered on family fun.  Not to bad for that little romantic escapade.  We are located on the Gulf of Mexico.  We have some of the best fishing in the world. Snapper, Red Fish, Kingfish, Speckled trout, Redfish, Flounder, Red Snapper.  Our nightlife is developing.  We even have Mardi Gras, Dickens on the Strand, and annual bike rally, and much more.  We are right next to our big brother Houston making us accessible for tourism.  Our island is growing and developing daily.  We have attrations such as Moody Gardens, the Strand (our downtown district), and Schlitterbahn. We also have a cruise port offering cruises around the world..  Investors can dabble in the beach rental market or just look at buying a property that will turn a profit in the years to come.  You really can find beach property that is reasonable.  Love old Victoria homes?.  Our historical properties hold a history rich with beauty and fascination.  Visitors come from around the nation to tour these magnificent homes.

 2) San Antonio, Texas.  San Antonio, Texas is an amazing city filed with romance, fun, and adventure.  Perfect or the investor or family.  We have a variety of colleges and businesses that offer many opportunities for advancement. Our attractions include the River Walk, Fiesta Texas, Seaworld, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, and many rivers offering  the beauties of the great outdoors.  Rent a float and just ride down the river for a leisurely adventure.  Fish or just bask in the sun.  Bring your family to San Antonio for a world wind adventure.  Find reasonable housing in a city that is booming with prosperity.  Buy a property in the Texas Hill Country.  Watch deers walk through your yard as they grace the hillside with their daily presence.  San Antonio is a great real estate market with vast opportunities. 

3) Las Vegas, Nevada.  Las Vegas, Nevada is Las Vegas.  Need I say more.  World class cuisine.  Entertainment on every level.  You can have it all when you live in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas market has grown in leaps and bounds the last few years.  Prices are stabilizing as the market changes.  Find beautiful property in Las Vegas.  Not only do you live in Vegas but your big brother California is right next door. 

 I know we have some great agents in Houston, San Antonio and Las Vegas.  Please feel free to help me out as we educate other agents on the treasures on real estate markets hold.

 Add your love affair with the market you work in.

Christina Stevens

www.Galveston4sale.com

www.SanAntonio4sale.net

www.LasVegas4sale.net

I just logged on and noticed the message regarding the contest that Reib is starting in August.

What better way to make our creative juices flow.  Sometimes I breeze right by the messages that I think are already processed in my brain.  I noticed the new challenge and thought it would be fun.

 It gives us the chance to really contemplate some exciting new posts.

Thanks for giving us an extra incentive to have some thought provoking conversation (and of course some fun).

Christina

www.Galveston4sale.com

www.SanAntonio4sale.net

www.LasVegas4sale.net

I just got my dose of the nightly news brought to me by ABC. Real estate got another hit that we did not need.  Is it really our fault or do we just get the back lash?????

I just moved from the west coast where families are allowed financing for mortgages they could not afford. Many years ago a home loan was much harder to achieve.  You had to prove that you could afford the note.  These days are not the same. No doc loans are prevalent.  Why is this????  Variable mortgages have ruled the world recently.

It seems to me that the real estate market is taking the largest hit.  Individuals will always seek out a loan.  Lenders will always have a job.  Not saying that real estate professionals suffer a different fate but the press does not help.   I wish they could word their coverage focusing on the true reasons why our market is in disarray.

Take a hard look at the reports that are effecting the stock market.  The institution behind the lending are not even on steady ground.

My husband an  also build homes. We do post tension construction.  I see how this is affecting market nationwide.  Many construction workers no longer have jobs. 

A borrower should prove that he is capable of the loan they are granted.  Loose lending is what got real estate where it is today.

Christina

www.SanAntonio4sale.net

www.Galveston4sale.com

www.LasVegas4sale.net

I was just presented a contract by a really nice guy. He has called 3 times before showing the home with eagerness in his voice.  Loved his attitude.  He was almost enthusiastic when presenting the contract.  He told me all we needed to know before our counter offer.  I remember those days.  When uncertainty carried across the phone.  I want to make a guide that will help all new agents.

This field is very exciting.  When we get a contract we are ecstatic to service the client.  We feel accomplished. We want to make sure this offer goes well.  Newer agents tend to give away to much.  Experienced agents are also guilty of this crime.

How many times have you called to schedule a showing?  Often the LA gives you way to much information.  "My seller would take $5K less if you have a good buyer.  He is flexible".  I have learned to start a conversation with the LA because  often they are way to willing to give me what I need to know.

Share your experiences.  Educate the rest of us.  I have been in real estate for almost 5 years.  My husband has been an agent for almost 10. years  I learn something new everyday.  I always welcome any helpful information.  I have learned from my own mistakes and the mistakes of other.  I hope we can help each other with productive advice. All agents need to educate each other on the successes of our craft.

Thanks for your time.

Christina Stevens

www.Galveston4sale.com

www.SanAntonio4sale.net

www.LasVegas4sale.net

I know we have a delete thread but this post deserves it's own glory.

I am a child at heart so Saturday morning I was at my local grocery waiting for Harry Potter.

For the last 2 days I have posted no comments since I have been engrossed in 8-- pages of pure fun.

I laughed, and cried.  It was great.  I can't wait for my kids to read it.

I think as adults we need a release but be warned that you better like to read.  I have read the last 3.  It's fun.  Makes you forget about the mean FISBO's, CBS's attempt at dogging agents, plus a whole lot more.

It really was fun.  The end was definitely worth the wait.

Christina

Just a warning to any of your Ford owners.  Particularly the 2003 Expedition.

I LOVED my car.  It had what my family and real estate business needed.

Had the Little Mermaid in the DVD player and lets just say that she came swimming right on out.

Ford made it to where my sunroof drains into the car.  Seems they knew about this little problem but decided to not make it an official recall in all areas of out nation.

I lived in Las Vegas till October so it was never an issue.  Never rains in Vegas plus my car was always in the garage.

I live now in San Antonio, Texas where apparently the flood gates have decided to open on a daily basis.

We moved back in October.  We live on 10 acres and often my car is not parked in the garage.

I have been smelling an odd odor for a few months.  I of course blamed my kids and have banned all eating and drinking in the car.  Needless to say it was not them.  Rain water has been draining into my car via the roof for months.  I noticed a few odd things this last week.  Water on the carpet for no reason.  My battery died after it was just replaced last year.  Odd stuff.  Anyway this weekend we found my car swimming in it's own little pond.  It smelled like mildew and was soaked.   Buckets of water poured out of all my ac vents. Ford of course has no idea why they should be responsible since my warranty just expired.  Try the fact that you morons sold me car that leaks into my interior roof.  Maybe this is why we all have had a cold for 6 months.  Who knows.

To top it all of. My lovely insurance agent did not realize that she forgot to renew my rental coverage this last term. 

Needless to say Ford is rude and after reading the advisories regarding their product I will not be purchasing another Ford or Lincoln EVER.  If you are buying a car research the recalls b/c they will shock you.  I am scared to even look now that mine most likely will be declared a total loss.  

Needless to say the little mermaid swam her way right out of my DVD.  I wonder it I will get my $20 bucks back on the claim.

Just like an agent research what you buy no matter how nice you think it may be.

Christina 

We may need to start a rehab for this forum.  I am starting to feel like a junkie.

I would like to thank Bill for this brain storm.  His post regarding splits today gave me this idea.  When I was responding I thought back to the days when I actually was on a split.

I did get some great leads and benefits at Coldwell Banker but in hind sight I realize I could have done all of that without giving them 50% of my hard earned money.  It was a great deal during the learning process so no complaints.

I went to Vegas and worked with a brokerage for a 70/30 split.  I thought I was really cool until I realized I was an idiot (nothing new).

They did not one thing for their 30%.  Nothing like my CB experience where I got to work with Cendant plus much more.  I had to pay for any magazine ads or exposure through there end.  I also had to pay a desk fee for even walking in their office once a month.

Loved Bills's question so lets just say THIS IS PART 2 (us Texans stick together- and no we don't wear those silly hats or have farm animals in all our front yards).

IF YOU ARE ON A SPLIT WHAT BENIFITS DO YOU GET?????

Are they worth it and if so do you think you will even feel the need to get ride of your split.

Christina

Special Thanks to Bill for giving me this brain storm that has most likely been discussed here before.

I was sitting her thinking about all the great posts we ALL contribute.

Just wanted to know exactly what Reliberation has done for you both mentally and of course in relation to your website. 

Have you taken the advice of others applying it to your practice, not to mention ethics?

This question may have been posted before so forgive the newbie.

I specifically would LOVE to know how it has effected any of your SEO rankings????  I see that when I start a topic it is noticed.  I have only been actively using this forum for about a month so I am not sure what benefits my sites will enjoy.  I would love to know what I can hopefully expect. 

Personally I am having a blast.  I never shut up so this gives me adults to talk to.  It gives me a place to enjoy the business even more.  It also gives me a chance to improve my real estate skills.  The great advice I am getting gives me my dose of new information for the day.

Please let me know how you all have benefited from Reliberation.  I think the real estate market is at an advantage thanks to this tool.  We can all take the time to learn from one another colleague to colleague.

Thanks for the wealth of knowledge.

Thanks, Christina Stevens

My last post regarding our safety at open houses made me think of another point I want to elaborate on.

What do you bring when you have an open house?  This is what I like to have on hand. 

1) Refreshments.  Cookies for the kids, crackers and cheese, (I am just talking about your standard open- not a broker open or any special open such as an evening open) something along the snack food line.

2) I like to have a little take home gift such as a tasteful, economical candle.  Something that is not necessarily littered with my info stamped on it permanently.  I do attach a card to whatever I find.  I often find the cutest things at nice dollar stores.

3) Something for the kids to look at or play with.  Something that they can take home with them just to make the meeting seem a bit more personal.  Often another dollar store treasure.  My son has fun helping me pick out toys like little balls, or plastic animals for the boys.  I forget what I got for girls last time.  I put them all in a big grab basket like the kid doctors often have.  Ad some stickers and what not.  Don't do candy b/c some parents FREAK OUT about that stuff.  I could care less if my kids have candy but the last thing I want is a wound up kid wreaking the sellers house.

4)  I also have a grab basket for animals.  Silly cat balls and small bones for dogs.  Many of us are parents to 4 legged friends.

5) Now to the important stuff.  I bring title, mortgage, inspection, and of course my brochures to the closing.  Cards are always a must.  I sometimes advertise a drawing for a free home warranty. I have make deals with mortgage reps to pay small fees if they qualify. They of course have to use me for their agent to get this benefit since all my prices are not collectible until the closing.  I advertise whatever drawing I am having on my flyer's and in ads before the open house.

6) I bring a copy of ALL my contracts just in case.  I have pre- made packages ready in case they would like to review a buyers or sellers agreement after they leave.  I usually include a blank copy of every essential agreement.

7) I bring my lap top in case I need it for access to MLS, plus I have it for my boredom if needed.  No laptop, bring a book or mag.  You may need it.  Not all opens are packed, much less even have visitors.

8) Bring napkins, plates, and paper towels so I don't end up using the sellers stuff.

9) I bring a candle to light just in case I need it for a centerpiece. 

10) If the house is vacant make it look lived in.  But something in the bathrooms (please bring toilet paper for God sake).  Just something neutral and decorative.  I even brought some neutral wicker furniture to an empty home that was very small.  It sold as soon as I made it look lived in, Plus I had somewhere to sit during the open.

11) Balloons- of course we have to have those darn balloons.  I hate balloons.  Do bu ya  helium tank if you do a ton of opens.  They are cheap and you don't have to wait or pay the grocery stores.  Saves a ton of time.

12) Ample signs.  Bring a sign for every entry point to the neighborhood.  Also bring a few for the streets around you.

I have never been a pushy agent.  I try to make the open visitors feel like they can browse in peace.  I save my spill regarding the home and my services till after they have looked around.  I do thins when showing as well.  I think if we can make our opens a little personal then they want feel like it is an awkward situation.  I never liked visiting opens before I was an agent.  We build all over the country for years before I got my license so I spent a ton of time in builders model homes.  I used what I did not like about visiting opens and models to make my open houses a bit more inviting.  They just sometimes seem very stiff.

I still believe opens only really benefits me and I explain that to my clients.  You never know.  My husband has sold 2 homes in 8 years with opens.  He really avoids them since generally they have been a waste of his time.

Christina Stevens

www.SanAntonio4sale.net

www.Galveston4sale.net

www.LasVegas4sale.net

I have read some horror stories regarding robberies and deaths at open houses across the country.  I remember a lady who work for a builder from Dallas not to long ago.  She was robbed and killed.

I have never been scared to do hardly anything until the day a weirdo walked into one of my last opens.

This open was fairly busy do to my excessive canvasing of the area with flyer's.  I was desperate to get these people out of a dreaded loan issue so I over did it a bit.  The guy comes in with a loan companies booklet.  He explains that he is a mortgage representative for so and so company.  He proceeds to hand me his brochure and then states that he has since moved to another company but thought it did not matter, so he would give me the old info anyway.  He could not remember the info for his new firm.  The entire time he is saying, as he moves closer and closer, that it has been a long day and he is hot.  I tried to keep a comfortable space between us but he was not getting the picture.  I had some snacks and refreshments out.  He ate 50 cookies (no exaggeration- I tend to over feed at these things) as if he had never eaten before.  He drank 2 bottled waters right in front of me (it was hot but it's not like he was at a marathon).  All the time he remained  right beside me.  He smelled and did not have a professional appearance.  I finally keep inching my way to the door and made my way out to the front yard.  I continued to conversation in the yard so that the neighbor beside me could see both of us (she had offered to look out for me when I was having an open-sweet lady).  He left after I told him he needed to go so I could close up.  I called my husband who was 2 streets away at out home.  This was not some bad area of town.  I was in a  $400K house.  He came over, with our kids to help me close up just in case the weird guy reappeared.

Later that night (around 9:00) some man started calling my real estate cell.  I had offered a small gift (which was a dollar store candle) to anyone who was interested in visiting the home.  The man, who sounded like the same guy, called me every curse word in the book.  He called 3 times (2 he spoke with my husband) before we told him the police were being called.  The main portion of his call was to curse me out b/c he did not remember to get his visiting gift.  May have been a weird coincidence but that guy was just not right.  I can't even put it into words.

I guess there are weirdo's everywhere.  I just have not felt the same about an open.  I will do them if needed to passive  a client but not alone, not ever again.  It just does not seem worth the risk at such a small return rate.

This brought up quite a bit of conversation in our home.  Should a female or male agent consider some type of protection?  Should we work on a buddy system?  My grandmother practically forbid me to do an open again.

Before I left Coldwell Banker we had to copy the ID of any client we were taking in our car.  We were to do this in front of our office secretary so they knew another person laid eyes on them.  The brokers at CB United wanted us to buddy up when showing (as if that was going to work when dealing with  commission).  I was always fine since I had my husband.  I did not get any type of uneasy feeling until I went the real estate business solo in Vegas.  He just did not have the time to get his license when we were out that way for a year and a half so I had no choice.

I just think as agents we need to worry about ourselves a bit more then the sale sometimes.  I think we are any easy target for criminals (not to mention dead beat prospects).

Would love to hear your experience or thoughts.

Ok here is a picture of my boys.  This is the better half of our real estate Team.  At least the half with the majority of the knowledge.

My other little real estate helper truly has helped set up open houses.  He is very good at picking out little take home gifts for our open house visitors.

He earned a dog before we left Vegas due to his open house dedication.

I hope this answers my obligation to the call for fresh pictures.  I hope it also puts an additional face to our small little husband and wife team.  I would have found a pic of us together but once you have kids that never happens.

I stumbled upon www.Wannanetwork.com when I got an invitation from them to be a friend on MySpace.com (yes I am way to old for myspace.com  but it gave me an opportunity to meet others and to also again establish a few on way links).

Check out Wannanetwork.com if only for the one way link opportunity.  It is run by some agents from Vegas.  They are looking for writers in various cities across the nation.  I recently submitted an article regarding the history of Galveston, Texas.  They consider the writers the experts for that area and will only allow one contributor for each city.  I am working with them on Galveston and San Antonio (yet I am still proofing my San Antonio admission).

The site is fun and you can meet some new agent friends outside of the point 2 network.  Mortgage and other real estate related professionals also use this site.  It is growing in popularity. 

They also have some paid services in an effort to become part of their listing system.  You can pay to provide them with your MLS IDX link becoming the agent for your city.  I would not do it but some of you may wish to do so.  I think it is over priced, especially since they are still working on popularity.  I think our NLS system is better but they do offer exclusive coverage for your city.

Hope it helps and thanks for reading 

Christina

www.SanAntonio4sale.net

www.Galveston4sale.com

www.LasVegas4sale.net