Greg,

You are right about being busy compared to closing deals....There is a huge difference.  Luckily, I have been able to keep very busy along with closing more deals this year than last...year to date; I have closed 41 deals & have 5 more on their way to the closing table over the next couple of weeks.  Thanks for the complement!  Most of my drive comes from a Floyd Wickman Instructor back in 1997 when I took the Sweathogs Training Class...The trainer's name is Paul Starner.  Not sure if you have ever attended a Floyd Wickman class, but they are very intense.

Velda,

I will send you the outline for my class as soon as I have it completed.  Every time that I hit the save button and start something else, I think of something else to add.  It is hard to pinpoint all of the activities that lead to more business.  I guess in a nutshell....it's a lifestyle.

We are having a very hard time with financing in my market.  Not sure if you are familiar with Flint Michigan...the ex home of General Motors & 100,000 GM workers.  These days, there are about 10,000 left and that number is rapidly decreasing.  I drove by the old Delphi World Headquarters this afternoon and stopped to watch the Wrecking Ball tear down the exterior walls of the building.  That brought back the memories of a couple years ago when they tore Buick City down.  

The financing tightened up so much in Flint earlier this year, ANY buyer regardless of credit rating had to put an additional 5% down than what they qualified for or the banks would not loan the money.  I have had 2 deals fall apart this year where I was the listing agent, both homes were over 240k & the buyers were well qualified, and the banks told the buyers they needed an additional 10% to do the deal.  

Things seem to be a little better over the last couple of months, but it is still a major challenge.  We are doing a lot of FHA 203 B & K rehab mortgages on the HUD homes but most lenders will not hold more than a $2500 escrow for repairs.  This would not be a problem if the homeless people would stop stealing all of the copper, sheet metal, sinks, copper wiring, aluminum siding, and anything else that might be worth a buck.  So far, I have had good luck with a couple of private local mortgage companies that hold their own notes.

As soon as I get my class outline put together, I would be happy to share with anyone that is interested.  

Have a great day & thanks for the comments!  

Rob

Velda,

one of the other clases that my broker is putting on is a financing class.  I am going to be taking notes and will be happy to share any of the info with anyone interested.

Have a good one!

Rob

The class on how to Generate Business in a Down Market was a huge hit yesterday.  We discussed all kinds of ways to stir up business with most of the time spent on internet marketing, blogging, and social networks.  Some of the other topics were installing “sold” signs on homes that have sold and customized “just sold” postcards.  Everyone seemed to really like the idea of sending the “just sold” post cards out for clients that have just moved into their new home.  As we are getting ready to close a deal, I ask my clients to e-mail me their Christmas card mailing list so I can send all of their friends and family the “just moved” postcard.  The clients love it since they do not have extra time to do that when they are moving into their new home.  The other benefit is I gain lots of warm leads to prospect.  

I will get the outline of the class e-mailed out to all that have asked later today….

Rob