Ronda Kaufman

Prospects trying to cancel drips

Ronda Kaufman — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:54:00 GMT

Note: this discussion has moved to the Point2 Agent Message Board (link).

Has anyone been to a Dave Kohler seminar?

Ronda Kaufman — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:31:00 GMT

My broker is offering a seminar with Dave Kohler and his "proven (acceleration)2 program". Has anyone ever been to one of his seminars or is anyone familiar with him? I went to his website and didn't get alot of info. I haven't signed up for the course yet. I want to know if its worth it to go because it is going to mean over an 1 1/2 -2 hour commute with traffic one way.

Safety Tips

Ronda Kaufman — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:27:00 GMT

REAL ESTATE SAFTEY TIPS:

Know who you are dealing with. Pre-qualify potential clients. Therefore, all their identification and information will be noted. Meet your customers and clients in your office and ask them to fill out a customer identification form. Verify information and most importantly, photocopy or scan their driver’s license. If they question it, tell them it is office policy.
Live by the 3 W’s. Tell someone who you are meeting, where you are going and when you will be back. If possible, make sure your prospect knows that you have shared this with others. An office itinerary form is one way to take care of this.
Keep a charged cell phone by your side. Keep your cell phone fully charged and by your side. A cell phone in your purse will not be very accessible. Program 911 into your speed dial.
Wireless Panic Buttons for Subdivision Agents. Most security companies now offer wireless panic buttons that can be worn around your neck.
Car Safety. Take your own car. If you must take one car, you drive. Always have your keys with you. Park in well lit areas. Keep your car in good running condition.
Trust Your Instincts. If your gut feeling tells you something isn’t right, trust it. It’s better to walk away and play it safe.
Dress Safely. Your image is important; however, dress for safety as well. Expensive jewelry can attract the wrong attention. Wear your cell phone on you (not in your purse) and put on shoes that you can move well in.
Marketing. Think twice about placing your home phone number on your marketing materials and business cards. Limit personal information that you share.
Let customers lead. During a showing, always walk behind your clients. If possible, leave the front door open and leave all interior doors open. Avoid showing attics and basements unless it is really necessary.
Open Houses. Use the buddy system and take a friend, wear your cell phone and be aware of your surroundings. Worst case scenario, if someone is creepy, leave the home and seek assistance.
Have Prearranged Distress Signals (or Code Words). For example, you can tell a caller that it is in the red folder, yellow folder or green folder. Red means it is the other person’s duty to call 911 now. Green means you are ok and yellow means you are feeling a bit shaky. You can tell someone in the office or your spouse; It is in the red folder that has 123 Main Street (the address you are currently at.) If possible, tell the customer that the reception in the house is bad and you need to go outside to make the call. Don’t go back in.
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover. You can not always tell by looking at someone if they are dangerous. Expect them to dress well and drive a nice car.
Don’t be Alone. If you are worried, you can tell your client that another real estate agent will be joining you all any minute now to look at the property. When alone, have others call you on your cell phone to track your safety and whereabouts.

Originally posted by FMLS in GA to honor 2 agents who were killed in November of 2003. I thought that we might need to remember these tips when showing homes.

Does anyone use checks with Real Estate designs?

Ronda Kaufman — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 19:14:00 GMT

I need to order new personal checks and I want to order some with RE designs. Does anyone know if and where to order them?

When to Fire a Seller?

Ronda Kaufman — Wed, 23 May 2007 20:05:00 GMT

I have a seller who's house is now overpriced. They weren't 3 weeks ago when we listed it but since then every house for sale in that sub is now $15-20,000 less than we are. They purchased a restaurant about 1 1/2 hrs north of here and work there 6 days a week and are gone over 15 hrs a day. I have marketed it in every place I normally do and I have put out a 2 page flyer with lots of pictures. Seller now wants a "fancier" flyer or she will remove the flyer box.. They have a dog and I was told that the dog wasn't going to be at the house but with them at the restaurant. The dog is always there and everytime I've been there I have found "presents" in the kitchen where they have him gated up..They are refusing to lower there price and aren't answering when I call to discuss anything with them. My problem is it was a referral from an agent where there restaurant is and she is the only one who contacts me. I've asked her to have them call me and she said since she sees them I could just relay all the messages thru her.

I did a caravan and I have alot of feedback to give them. I emailed her all of it and she told me to call them and tell them. I explained the calling issue and she acted as if I were crazy. She is now telling me I need to do more for her clients. When did they become hers?? I'm not for sure if the clients are the pain or the other agent is.I seriously think they both are. Should I fire them and let her drive the almost 2 hrs to deal with it or am I being overly sensitive. I am a red-head and I do sometimes over-react.. I like the listing but not the sh** I'm having to put up with.. There is more to this..

A Home Seller's Survival Kit

Ronda Kaufman — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 17:44:00 GMT

I just ran across this at another website and thought it was interesting to give to your seller's. Send it in a basket and they will remember you. The card on the basket says it all:

A Home Seller's Survival Kit.

A stick of gum to remind you to stick with it.
A Chocolate Kiss to remind you that you are loved!
A Starburst to give you a burst of energy.
A Snickers to remind you to laugh.
A Tootsie Roll to remind you not to bite off more than you can chew.
A Smartie to help you on those days when you don’t feel so smart.
A bag to help you keep it all together and to give you food for thought.
You’re Very Special to Us!
Thank you for choosing us to help you sell your home! - (your name)

I think I'm going to try it with my seller's now. Some are starting to go looney with the market right now.. What does everyone else think about it?

Sharron and Steve are the best

Ronda Kaufman — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 01:30:00 GMT

I just want everyone to know what Sharron and Steve are the best ever. I had an agent in my office get a call from a client about a house that was not in our MLS area. I was sitting talking with her and she asked me if I knew anyone in the N GA MLS and the first people I thought was Sharron and Steve. I told her how I knew who they were and then I called Sharron. She was so nice and told me to use her website to find the info I was looking for. I did and it was there. I had planned on calling Sharron back to thank her but she called me to make sure I got what I was looking for. I know we are all in the same business but that was a very sweet thing for her to do. I have never meet her but if I ever get a referral in Blairsville she will be getting that one.. THANKS SHARRON....You deserve more than 5 stars....