Don`t be Shy. Potential clients need to know you`re capable of selling their home..

I`m a listing agent who averages 4-8 new listings per week.
Our clients reside all over the country and the world.Many I have never seen except through the net and telephone.
It`s crucial for them to locate an agent whom they have confidence in.
Selling a home in a slow market isn`t easy, nor is the interview process to gain their respect.
I like to send potential sellers a list of both "Active Sales and Closed Sales" as a reference guide for the client to see.

We`re proud of what we do, which is important for the client to know.
A person listing their home is entitled to view your references. It`s a way of showing them your abilities as a professional.
The initial interview is normally through email,therefore it`s important to supply the client with a list of activity you`re involved in each and everyday.

Our Internet business has doubled since last year.

The Traditional Approach to listing and selling a home have changed in the last three years.
With more people searching the Internet you`re approach to addressing these clients must change as well.

Presentation is crucial when showing you`re home!

We showed a listing yesterday in Margate,Florida. The home was situated on a golf course with outstanding views of the lake.

The home is priced right, yet has remained on the market for 15 months, why?
The home is filthy from the floors,walls,kitchen,bedrooms and windows.
Apparently, the sellers don`t see it, nor does the agent.
Our client took one look and within two minutes decided to leave.
In a tight market you have to insure you`re home is properly presented, whether it`s staging, or simple cleaning, a clean home sells, a dirty one won`t.
The agent called me two hours later asking "Why the buyer left so fast".

I truly didn`t have the heart to tell them why.

Does Realtor.com have any control of their horrible mistakes? Do they even care?

Many of us have issues with the way Realtor.com conducts business.
Make no mistake about it, they are the "Grand Daddy" of Real Estate marketing,but they`ve become complacent over the years and it shows!

We have a rental in Pembroke Pines, somehow Realtor.com has it as a FOR SALE instead of stating it`s a Rental!
A huge No-NO!

The price is showing the home is being sold for $25,500!

Can you imagine the amount of calls we`re receiving from those eager enough to believe they can buy it for that price!?!
Homes in Pembroke Pines don`t sell for this insane price, try telling that to Realtor.com!
Yet, it`s clearly on their site and guess what?!
It`s next to impossible to contact Realtor.com and explain the problem,why? Because they don`t care!

Last year Realtor.com attempted to "Shake Me" down for having too many listings. They wanted to charge us $4200 per year for the privilege of placing our listings with their service, the price doubled from the previous year.
Realtor.com is indifferent to the majority of their clients and it shows.

Now, I have to field inquiries on a home that doesn`t exist and it`s painful "Getting Yelled" at for something I have no control of, it really does suck!!!

I hope Realtor.com will one day check their own web site,knowing them as I do, they`ll put a great spin on the situation....
If any of you have a similar problem, please let us know.

Maybe if enough of us complain,they`ll start to listen, but than again, knowing Realtor.com I highly doubt it!!

Attention Broward County Florida Realtors:We have Buyers for your Short Sales.

Yesterday, was a very productive day for my staff and I.
Six months ago we met with Investors who expressed their interest in purchasing Short Sale Single Family Homes in Broward County, Florida.

It was our opinion back than the market still had some correction left in it and we believed based on experience we would see more carnage.
I felt since they were interested in purchasing in Bulk we had a better opportunity to wait on the sidelines and see where the market would go.

We had a conference call in our office last night and i expressed to this group of investors that "Now is the time to start Buying",they fully agreed and we began to send them homes to place.

We have targeted Single Family Homes in Broward County. Therefore, we`re asking our fellow professionals to send us Short Sales of interest.
If you have a "Short Sale worth noting that`s in descent condition, than by all means please feel free to contact our office via email or by calling me directly at 954-275-0200.
Our investors are in place and they fully know how the Short Sale negotiations work, so it`s not a problem getting the transactions completed.
One thing I need to mention. We will not be using you`re title company or mortgage lenders,therefore, please don`t insist on how we complete the transaction.
That being stated we look forward to you`re homes of interest and review.

Weekend at Bernie`s. Lender doesn`t understand the clients are deceased.

In our ever continuing saga of SHORT SALES, lenders, and operational procedures, every now and than you get one where you just burst out laughing!!!

The laughter is over the mere fact, many lenders don`t quite grasp what their doing,nor do they seem to comprehend.
Why!?!

I guess when you have $10 per hour people working on "Short Sales" with little or no training,they don`t seem to be properly trained.

Such was the case yesterday in which we`re involved in a $67,000 Estate Sale.
The people who owned this condo passed away 2 years ago.I thought we notified the lenders about this situation by sending them "Death Certificates" verifying the couple were in face deceased!

Weekend at Bernies anyone?!

There is no funds in the estate. The family walked from the condo in January.
The comps in the area indicate closed sales average $65,000.
We thought this would be a "No Brainer" for all parties involved,except when it came down to closing.
The lenders decided the BPO which was done two months ago, needed to be reordered.
This time the lenders decided the Condo was worth $79,000.

The conversation is as follows:

Lender: We ordered another BPO, this time we`re assured the value is $79,000. We won`t agree to the $67,000 sales price.
Me: What do you want our client to do?
Lender: We want them to agree to a sales price of $79,000.
Me: After you already agreed to $67,000? Why would anyone do that?
Lender: That is our net figure.
Me: After 12 weeks of going back and forth over an Estate where the couple is deceased this is the best you can do? If I were in your shoes, I`d take the $67,000 and RUN! Didn`t you folks see the comps?
Lender: We need to clear $79,000 and there is no COMMISSION left for you and the other agent!
Me: Really?! Well, I guess there is no sense in going further. In the end it will cost you and additional $20K in legal fee`s etc. to bring this to foreclosure,thereby netting somewhere south of $50K. That makes more sense.. I get it!

I kept thinking the movie "Weekend at Bernie`s".
I never had so much fun in my life attempting to figure out what the heck the lender was doing!

A Single Mother's Quest to Become a Realtor, Finally Happens.Part2

A year ago I wrote about a Single Mother named Patricia Fernandez .(http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Single-Mothers-Quest-to-Become-a-Realtor,-Finally-Happens&id=651923).

She was determined to make a career for herself in Real Estate.
Easier said than done,especially when the Real Estate Bubble was already bursting.
Yet, through it all Patricia worked extremely hard and applied her trade.

Yesterday, I watched her close another transaction. She makes it look so easy.
Somehow, she`s able to gain her clients confidence in a passionate way.
She shares her life experiences with her clients,which is truly inspirational.

I`ve watched Patricia juggle her busy schedule. Sometimes her 3 year old son Jalen accompanies her on appointments.
The clients never seem to mind. She has built quite a referral business for herself and is busy in a slow market.

It`s remarkable how hard this person works.
Patricia isn`t the only Single Mother out there in this world forging ahead. There are hundreds of thousands of these women who are able to do the impossible day after day.

When I look at Patricia and her son Jalen, I`m always reminded how she came to our office so determined to be a "Top Producer', in our opinion she truly is!

Dog Day Afternoon. Former Tenant refuses to vacate.

We`re standing outside a home where the tenant we represent in a rental is attempting to move in while the former tenant who was supposed to be "moved out" is inside the home sleeping!

Three weeks ago we executed a signed lease, the move in date was scheduled for June 23rd.
We called the other Realtor on Saturday to confirm the walk through,we agreed to meet Sunday morning at the home.
The other agent and the owner had no idea the former tenant was still in the home.
They were supposed to vacate last Wednesday.
The landlord was mildly shocked, the tenant was visibly upset and the former tenant was asleep and refused to "Get out" insisting they had no where to go!

The conversation is as follows:
Sleepy Tenant: I`m not leaving, i have no where else to go!
Landlord: Move into a Hotel. This is my home!
New tenant: I start my new job on Monday. I need to move in today.
Me: Let`s call the police. The former tenant is trespassing.
Sleepy Tenant: Why are you throwing me out?
Landlord: Our lease expired,we sent you your security deposit! You have to leave now.

For the next two hours we stood outside awaiting the former tenants next move. The landlord contacted the police. The new tenant began to move in, the former tenant remained in the house, pretending to vacate,but moving at a snails pace.

It reminded me of an Al Pacino movie entitled "Dog Day Afternoon" as we attempted to negotiate with the former tenant.
After much discussion and with the Broward County Sheriff's Office persuasion the tenant relented and finally moved....

Foreclosure Insanity.Billions in inventory sit! Why are the banks sitting on these homes?

We`re looking at 16 transactions awaiting the lenders approval to close!
The amount of time the lenders take is really incredible.
We have 3 "All Cash Offers", while others are near asking price, yet they sit idle,waiting for the "Loss Mitigation Depts." to make a decision.

I`m really tired of hearing the Media reports about the increase of Foreclosures,yet doesn`t make an effort to report the other part of the equation.Is it any wonder people are scared?!

The entire system is in turmoil, and BILLIONS in inventory sits!
The typical scenario,normally takes the lenders 4 weeks to review an offer, 2 weeks to order a BPO, another week to review the BPO, another 2 weeks to decide.
It takes 9 weeks for the lenders to move,why?

Most buyers are willing to wait 30-60 days to close!
Why should the buyers be burden with this mess?

Once upon a time, Countrywide loan officers would brag "How they could approve a loan in 24 hours and close within 72!"

Today, we`re lucky to know the name of the person we`re dealing with on the other end of the telephone,because majority of the time their in meetings or simply don`t respond to you. EVERYTHING is done by emails..

There`s no excuse for inept decision making.

The truth is there are BUYER~S looking at these homes, the problem is the BANKS are turning these people away as if they don`t want them to purchase!

The media is killing the housing market. People are walking away from their homes for all the wrong reasons now!

When people listen to the media they start believing all the "Doom and Gloom".
Many continue to listen to "Housing Reports" and start thinking "Maybe i should walk away from my home".
It`s happening more and more.
Yesterday I saw it up close..
I went to a listing appointment in Hollywood, Florida where the home in question was purchased 5 years ago.
The seller purchased the home before the market went off the charts! Their mortgage is $1250 per month.
The couple who own this home told me they "No Longer" want to continue with the mortgage payments.
They called the lenders asking them to "Take back the home"..
They believed the market would tank further, in their minds it`s easier to walk now before it`s too late.

It`s not good sound logic, yet these people were under the impression "The Sky was falling!"..

The Conversation is as follows:

Me: You owe $99,000 on your home. Why go into default now?
Sellers: We watched our home drop almost $130,000. It`s not worth keeping anymore.
Me: You bought the home for $140,000, it`s beautiful.
Sellers: Yeah, we`re watching the TV, we`re afraid the prices will drop even more!
The economy appears to be heading into the abyss.
Me: You have a very inexpensive mortgage. What do you think you can rent a home for?
Sellers:We don`t really know,but we`re afraid of what might happen.

Everyday across America people tune into the news. The media pundits on TV like Jim Cramer encourage people to walk for all the wrong reasons.
If you`ve ever watched Cramer speak it appears he`s on heavy medication.
Yet, they allow this "Talking Head" to scare the daylights out of people.
Naturally Cramer isn`t the only one.

People believe what they hear more often than not! They worry about the chaos of the world and sooner rather than later it hits home.
In the case of these sellers, it`s hit them right where they live!

How many different hats do you wear in running an office?

Yesterday, we executed a contract for a home in Boca Raton,Florida.
Our agent requested the HOA docs and was told we would receive the Docs the day of closing which is a major No-No...
Our agent got into a "heated Discussion" with the other agent so i decided to intervene.
Clearly, the other agent was incorrect.
I wear many different hats in our office.In many ways our job is similar to that of a referee...

If you`re running an office your job is to "Put out fires" as they arise.
I know i`m available to assist our agents 7 days a week, with an open door policy.
Our agents are comfortable knowing there`s someone around to assist them.

Richard Weisser wrote Are things really looking up? Well, maybe that's entirely up to us!
His post was about "Attitude" which is dead on!

In today`s business world there has to be a "Leader" who`s job is to be like a "Father, Son, Shrink, Confident,Judge,Motivator", basically a person who wears many different hats...
Running a Real Estate isn`t easy, it requires skill and a deep understanding of how to motivate your agents.
We`ve survived because we`re able to assist our agents and do whatever it takes to get the job done!

Experience is not required to become a Florida Real Estate Broker. The rules need to change!

That`s right! In Florida the law allows you to become a Broker by obtaining an associates licnese for one year and passing the 45 hour post licensing requirements.

It doesn`t take into consideration to become a Broker you need to have experience, especially if you want to run an office.

That being mentioned we`re attempting to negotiate an offer with an agent who is on sabbatical.
The agent seems to have left the business! It`s been 10 days since we sent an offer to the office. No Luck!
Yesterday, I decided to call the office to see if the Broker was available.
As luck would have it they were in.
I immediately got into my car and went with the intentions of finding out why our offer wasn`t yet presented.

The Conversation is as follows:
Me: We`ve been looking for response from the seller of this property. We`re told the agent is no longer available.
New Broker: Yes, that`s right. We can`t present without the agent. It`s not right!
Me: Not right!? The agent is MIA, you`re the Broker of record to this office. You can contact the seller right now!
New Broker: It`s not my listing, I really shouldn't`t be involved.
Me: Wait a second, you`re the Broker, guess who owns the listing?!
New Broker: The agent!
Me: No you do! You can call the seller and present the offer.
New Broker: Who told you that?
Me: How long have you been in the business?
New Broker: I`ve had my license for two years, but don`t have much experience.
Me: So you still went ahead and took the Broker`s exam?
New Broker: Well, my husband couldn`t pass the test, so I took the class than the state exam and passed.
Me: who runs this office?
New Broker:Actually, my husband, but I`m the Broker.

It`s quite amazing, I`m in the midst of losing a client because the Broker of record doesn`t know the rules. The office is left to a person who was able to pass the State Exam, but doesn`t really understand the rules.
There`s something very wrong with this picture. Brokers should be required to have a minimum of 5 years experience in this business.
You can be a broker by default i guess!
I left the office shaking my head,not knowing what else to do!
Sad,but very true!

when FEEDBACK becomes annoying. How do you handle the situation?

Last week we showed a home in Miramar which our client wanted to view.
It was a nice home but, needed some work inside.The client decided to view others on our list.

That night I received a call from the Listing agent who wanted Feedback.
We told the agent what our buyer thought "Thanked Them" and hung up.
I believe Feedback is important to a point.It allows the seller to have an understanding what others think, about their home. Some sellers enjoy the opinions, others get insulted, we`ve all been on both sides of the fence.

On Saturday, we received another call from the same agent once again requesting Feedback, for the same house.
I told the agent for the second time the buyer wasn`t interested in the home.
"Thanked Them" again and hung up.
I thought it was rather odd,maybe the agent forgot they called,who knows, i didn`t really mind.I felt the agent was dong a good job.

Yesterday, guess what happened? We received a call from the Agent asking a 3x time Feedback from a home we`ve already discussed twice before!!

This time I told the agent not to call again in regards to Feedback.Now they were annoying!
The conversation is as follows:
Me: Why are you calling me a third time?

Feedback Agent: My seller wants to know if we can convince the buyer into purchasing our listing!

Me: You`ve called 3x`s whats changed?

Feedback: Nothing, i figure since you`re only the 4th agent to see our home, we`re trying to sway you into showing our home once again!?

Me: For What? The home needs work, the buyer was indifferent to the house, please stop calling me!

Feedback: Please tell the buyer we`ll do anything they want! I`m getting alot of angry telephone calls from the seller.

Me: So why take it out on me?I`m only doing my job which is to show the buyer homes of interest.

It`s becoming a tough market for everyone, sellers want answers, buyers want bargains and the Realtors are attempting like crazy to satisfy all parties involved.
Anyone who thinks our business is easy, guess again!

Monday is the most important day of the week in Real Estate.

I love to start my Monday`s early!
I know many will disagree with me but I truly love Monday!
To me Monday`s really gives me direction on how the rest of the week will turn out.
That`s why I love getting an early jump on the day.

I awake each morning at 5AM and begin answering emails. I have a habit of getting everything i need to complete by 10AM,leaving the rest of the day available to what needs to be addressed in our office.

I`ve learned to be flexible.
Everything we do is planned in advance.
I schedule our listings appointments, buyer`s and investors presentations in advance so if any changes need to be made or adjusted we`re not rushed nor is the allotted time we spend with our clients.They deserve our full attention.
Preparation is crucial in delegating and motivating those who work with you!
I`ve noticed how it rubs off on others as well.
If you`re motivated many of your agents are as well.
How do you begin your Monday`s?

Beware of Agents who are Gaming the MLS!

It clearly states on the MLS this home is listed for $239,000. It`s a 3bed,2ba,2cg home in mint condition with an in-ground pool!
The remarks don`t indicate the price is a starting point, the agent has 4 offers on the table and is bragging how they "Fooled Everyone" into believing this was the actual sales price.
I kid you not!
The new game of misusing the MLS is upon us and appears will get much worse before it gets better!
We called the agent this morning to show this gem.
The Agent began to explain the price wasn`t the Actual price,it was a way of attracting buyer`s.

It`s fraudulent at best,as I questioned this agent for more details they told us their broker gave them permission to do this!

The company is a national company which if true, encouraging agents to give out false information on the MLS could lead to major headaches down the road..
Many agents use the MLS to attract buyer`s at any cost not fully rationalizing the implications this can lead too...
After all the MLS feeds are placed on Realtor.com within 24 hours.
Deceptive practices hurt the entire industry.
Either way be careful if a home is priced out of the ordinary, make sure it`s real!

Majority of Realtors understand the Short Sale process can take 90 days or longer to close.

Recently, we`ve received a rash of Realtors who continue to send us offers for our SHORT SALE listings, with closing dates which become unattainable.
It`s impossible to have a closing in 30 days or less with contingencies.
That being said an offer came to our office yesterday with a closing date of 20 days.
I wish we could accommodate the buyer, the lenders are not capable of moving this rapidly, which is one major headache in itself.
I`m not in any position to "MOVE THE MITIGATION" departments because they can take up to 72 hours to return a call.
We called the buyer`s agent and naturally, they weren`t aware of the amount of time necessary to close.
With "Foreclosures and Short Sales" on the rise, you would expect the lenders to have their collective committees streamlined and ready to react to any and all offers.
The system is in dire need of a major overhaul, whether it`s inside their intuitions or privatized.
In the meantime, I continuously feel like a gun is placed to our heads each time an offer arrives....

Trulia Voices can be a source of misinformation! Be careful what you tell potential clients.

Warning: Advice & Opinions on Trulia Voices can become a vast source of misinformation.
We had to attend a mediation hearing yesterday with our client because of an escrow dispute.
Apparently, the buyer decided two weeks before closing they no longer wanted to purchase a home.

They sought other Realtors opinions on Trulia Voices for a way out of a binding contract.
The buyer was under the impression they could simply walk from the contract, demand their escrow back ith no problems!
Part of the reason was based on information they received from other Realtors who gave their opinions on Truila Voices.
It seems the buyer sought these opinions on-line from other Realtors who explained to this particular buyer they believed it would be alright to terminate the contract based on the belief the buyer wanted to place a new offer on another home.
One thing lead to another, naturally the seller believed the buyer was in default.
The seller instructed the Title Company they would not agree to a "Release and Cancellation" of the executed contract signed by both parties.
The two parties went back and forth,eventually we ended up in court settling the escrow dispute in front of a mediator.

The buyer should have contacted an attorney,but that`s another story.
They did use information they received from Trulia Voices as part of their case, that was a huge mistake.

In our opinion we have read too many comments on T Voices from Realtors who quite frankly are not qualified to givefactual information.They shouldn`t become Realtor Advocate`s which is troubling.

The opinions given on T Voices are an opinion,but,when you start advising people to walk from a transaction, I have to question the actual motivation of these Realtors.

In the case of this buyer, they spoke to another Realtor who assured them, they can "Get Out" of our transaction.
They didn`t explain the actual process of what might transpire or where it would lead too.
It lead to a "Hearing" which is the last place anyone really wants to be!

FSBO believes they can sell a home TWICE!

It`s important to really know what a contract is when selling a home.Many think our jobs as Realtors require little or no skill.
We showed a home yesterday which we have listed. Next door is a FSBO who approached us about selling their home.
We met a few hours later,to discuss the best strategy in marketing the home.
After 20 minutes the FSBO wanted to know if we could "Sell a Home" which is already in contract!
That`s a hard one to beat! As i asked them a few questions I began to realize they wanted to sell their home twice.

The Conversation is a follows:
FSBO: We made a horrible mistake! We feel the contract we signed two weeks ago should be "Null and Void" our attorney disagrees.

Me: You`re under a contract, it`s binding. We can`t list the home if it`s already sold.

FSBO: Why not?! We`re going to stop the sale of our home, we were cheated.

Me: Cheated, how? You signed the contract knowing full well what the sale`s price was, right?

FSBO: We didn`t think these people could qualify! We don`t want to sell now, it`s our right to change our minds.. What kind of a country is this?!

Me: I don`t know what to tell you! We can`t sell a home twice, it`s illegal.

FSBO: My wife and I won`t go to closing!

There is a fine line when it comes to executing a contract.

Often FSBO`s get into trouble because they`re not quite familiar with a contract. In this case, the FSBO now feels cheated for naming a price, agreeing to sell and feel it`s within their rights to cancel a contract.
Good Luck i told them as I started for the door, shaking my head in disbelief...

More and more people are considering moving closer to their jobs.

As gas prices continue to head higher many people are starting to feel the crunch in their pockets! It`s not good!
Some are seeking alternatives which means moving much closer to work.
This past month alone we`ve received inquiries from residents in Palm Beach who commute to Broward. They`re looking for homes in the area they work in.
The average ride from Palm Beach to Broward is normally 120 miles round trip.
Multiply that per week, Majority are having a very hard time factoring these additional expenses.
It`s unrealistic to believe this country will be able to sustain itself with higher costs.Something has to give!
Gas prices are taking a toll in our state, and country.
The cost to operate a vehicle has become an expense endeavor for most of us.
More people are back to "Car Pooling" while others have begun to seek mass transit to offset the cost of riding in their cars.

Within the next few months it`s going to get worse, moving closer to places of work makes financial sense.

About Florida List For Less Realty,Inc.

Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. is a full-service real estate company that owns, acquires, develops and manages office, retail and multi-family properties throughout the state of Florida..
Since its founding in 2005, Florida List For List For Less Realty,Inc. has developed, restructured or acquired properties in the South,Central, West Coast,and North Florida.
Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. has four integrated areas of business focus:
Property operations: A geographically diverse portfolio of properties in which Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. owns an interest in or manages. This includes rental operations, property management, asset management, and leasing
Property acquisitions: Florida List For Less Realty,Inc.has an active and successful record of acquiring properties both for its own account and that of third parties, targeted at three categories of properties: “core,” consisting of properties that are stabilized at the time of acquisition; “core plus,” consisting of under-performing properties that we believe can be brought to market potential through improved management; and “value-add” properties, requiring redevelopment, repositioning and investment to achieve desired returns
Property development and redevelopment: Our senior management team has significant experience pre-leasing and developing or redeveloping commercial space in various parts of Florida specifically in Broward and Marion County.
Investment management: Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. advises institutional investors on property portfolios.
Florida List For Less Realty,Inc.maintains offices in Florida.

About Us:
The company provides home sellers and buyers with an innovative real estate solution. By using the efficiencies of the Internet, we have streamlined the real estate process and are able to pass significant savings on to our clients. Our licensed Agents have years of experience in the areas they serve, allowing you to save thousands, without compromising on service. Our company trademark is "Pioneering the New Age of Real Estate" which we believe we are.
Mission StatementTo create an enjoyable, convenient, and affordable home buying and selling experience by providing innovative Internet solutions and excellent service.
Our ServicesOur neighborhood Agents have years of experience in the areas they serve and are active members of their local, state and national real estate and MLS associations. In addition, our website provides a step-by-step approach to guide our clients through the home selling and buying processes.
Our HistoryOur company was founded on the belief that selling or buying a home could be faster, easier and more efficient. On August 29, 2005, this belief was turned into a reality when Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. was launched. Three days later, on November 15th,2005, we celebrated the acceptance of its first real estate offer. Since then, the company has continued to expand its services, offering excellent service, savings, and convenience to clients nationwide.
Profitable Lead GenerationToday's brokers and agents are seeking to align themselves with a company where leads are supplied to them.Our system is geared towards these Realtors.We offer superior web marketing that generate consumer inquiries. Our agents have pre-set appointments thereby concentrating on sales rather than cultivating clients.
Technology and Web Sites:
Florida List For Less Realty,Inc. web technology offer`s the consumer a wide variety of opportunities using IDX and the MLS directly from their home.
We offer:
On line listings manager.
Personal Web site builder with full MLS integration
Complete contact management
Online and print flier generation
Presentation builder
Transaction management
Online forms
Electronic faxing
Web mail with mobile device synchronization
Online reporting and commission tracking
Print, TV and radio ad wizard
Tools for blogging, podcasting and Web video
Web sites:
1- http://www.listfloridahomesforless.com/ site receives 10,000 unique visitors per month.
2-www.browardbesthomes.com one of the leading sites in Dade,Broward and Palm Beach for web traffic.
3-www.ocalabesthomes.com,top 20 in google and yahoo placement in Marion County,Fla.
By offering a "Full Service Discount" concept to the Traditional side of Real Estate the company soon filled a niche to those who were seeking to both buyer`s and seller`s.
The concept has proven very successful. Sellers seek to receive a discount when listing a home and buyer`s expect a rebate when purchasing.We offer both. We work closely with mortgage lenders as well as Title Company`s and offer a complete "Turn Key" experience for the prospective clients.

Marketing for Builders and Developers.
In 2005, the company began working with major builders( Mercedes Homes, DR Horton,Kinder Homes) in the process of marketing excess inventory from builders and developers.Our marketing programs have assisted these builders by releasing inventory which had been on the market for longer periods of time. In many instances we located investors who were purchasing in bulk at prices below appraised value.
We have an on going relationship with these builders and continue to market their services today.

We have combined both Retail Marketing and Investment Opportunities to consumers who we`re looking to capitalize on purchasing both Foreclosures and Short Sale property with huge savings.
The company primarily targets Foreclosures,Short Sales, REO, Corporate Relocation`s, and Executive Rentals in South Florida, Orlando and Marion County.
By concentrating on these properties we`ve developed a working relationship with many major lenders who seek our services to market and sell these properties.The company has 65 "Full Time" Realtors in Florida.
Rather than charge the agents a traditional desk fee, the company charges a per transaction concept.
Expansion and developing new agents:
The "Virtual Realtor" concept is in it`s infancy, the company believes they can capitalize on this trend by offering agents a "higher commission split" while receiving a $395 transaction fee paid at closing.
It is our opinion we can grow this division upwards of 300 agents within a two year period.

Sales and Projections:
Since January of 2008 the company has completed $7 million in closed sales..Our total sales since 2005 has been $40million.
With the Sunbelt States leading the new employment market we believe Florida poised for continue growth.
The trend of foreign investors are most nobably from England and Germany.
The Florida housing market has exploded over the past 10 years. Despite record-setting hurricane seasons, Florida remains a top property market, particularly for foreclosure investing.

Property Management:
The company has been actively involved in property management of strip centers located in Broward County, Florida. We hold a Community Association Manager license.

Rental Properties:
The company generates $88,000 per year from rentals.
The rental market continues to grow.

Franchise Opprutunities:
The company believes our concept of marketing Real Estate is a perfect oppurtunity to explore the possibilities of marketing Franchises to interested parties.
In our opinion we can develope between 5-10 new franchises within the first year.

Future:
The company plans to Open in other states. We recently expanded into North Carloina.It is our opinion the "List For Less" marketing concept will be well recieved in other states.

Investment and Operating Strategy:
The company`s primary investment goal is to invest in assests that provide the opportunity for cash flow growth and capital appreciation in real terms.
Our strategy is to achieve this goal includes the acquisition of income producing properties at attractive prices,the development of property presently owned by the compny which includes commercial and residentail properties and the lease up of Future develpoed projects.
The company may also make selected sales of assests.
In addition,the company engages in strategic planning with the view to focusing its business plan of growth.

In the future years the company will concentrate it`s efforts principally on the development of high quality commerical office buildings.A significant part of the company`s growth will be to enter into joint venture arrangements with financially strong business partners that will become tenants for a substantial porion of the space as well as co-owners.

Subconsciously do some Homeowners really want to sell?

We received a call yesterday from a client who wanted a status report on their home.
I thought it was a bit odd considering this seller has missed 3 different showings because they weren`t home, weren`t ready and forgot to be home when an appointment was confirmed.
Sellers are by all means entitled to accountability from the people they hire, but in all sincerity, our responsibility as Realtors ends when a person refuses to let someone into their home.

After 10 minutes of discussion we mentioned using a Lock box in order to insure Agents can gain access to the home, the seller politely refused, believing Buyer`s would work around the sellers schedule.
It`s not realistic!

Upon further discussion I told the seller this will probably happen again.

The market is experiencing radical changes, interest rates inching higher, less people viewing homes because of gas prices and the flexibility to allow someone into you`re home is most important.

In all likelihood, I doubt this seller truly wants to sell!

Expansion continues to surge in South,Central and North Florida.

Take a drive on the Florida Turnpike from South Florida to Orlando and see for yourself what`s occurring.
Whether it`s commercial development or residential property the State seems to be attracting new business and residents.
I realize we`re in a recession,but within the last 8 months it appears many believe we`re coming out of an economic funk which has plagued this state for 2 years!
Florida is a growing state in spite of what the media expounds.
The growth rate in our state will continue.

Florida's economic growth is one of the success drivers for businesses that choose to locate in Florida. With a growing consumer market, an expanding talent pool, a supportive government and a strong asset base, Florida offers companies the right conditions for long-term success. The state’s vitality and economic growth are evident in its strong business and economic indicators.

Florida’s booming economy supports a higher standard of living. The state's total personal income lands it at the #1 spot in the Southeast, and its 2006 per capital income of $35,798 places it at #2 in the Southeast and #20 in the nation.
Florida's economy encourages the growth of high tech companies. Florida led the Southeast and ranked 4th nationwide in high tech employment in 2006. Some of the other industries that have recorded significant economic growth in the state include professional & business services, trade, transportation, construction, leisure and hospitality, education and health services, and others.
Florida leads in international trade and investment. The total value of merchandise trade flowing in and out of the U.S. via Florida has nearly doubled in the last decade, reaching $109.75 billion in 2006. Similarly, total foreign direct investment (FDI) in Florida reached $35.3 billion, making Florida one of the top states for FDI and FDI-related employment and further boosting the state's economic growth.

Favorable Business Climate: Florida is consistently ranked as one of the top pro-business states, and for a number of good reasons. It has a favorable business environment, with a low corporate income tax rate and no state personal income tax. In addition, Florida offers competitive cost-of-doing-business, especially when compared to other high tech states. The state is also one of only a few right-to-work states in the U.S.

Proactive, Pro-business Government: Florida’s government and economic development leaders are working together to ensure the state’s economic growth and competitiveness by implementing needed legislative, fiscal and marketplace initiatives. From tort reform targeting rising insurance and worker compensation rates, to building a strong culture of preparedness, and providing targeted industry incentives, Florida offers businesses the right conditions for success and growth.

Competitive Edge in Innovation: Florida is one of the emerging forces in the Innovation Economy due to the state's sustained efforts to create the right conditions for creative, knowledge-based businesses. The state is strategic about its economic development activities, which include funding research & development, attracting venture capital, building state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering innovative high tech firms, and preparing the qualified workforce to work in them.

Virtual Office concept catching on in the Real Estate Community.

We`ve added 7 new agents in the last 30 days. Many of these Realtors are experienced agents seeking to locate a company to work from and maximize commissions.
With the economy shifting many of these agents are working from their homes conducting business.
Many have expressed to us the "Franchise" concept is not working as it once was, nor do they need the support they once did.They feel additional fee`s have eaten away their commissions.
The Virtual Office Concept isn`t for everyone. Some agents need to be motivated each day to go to work, others need the camaraderie of the office atmosphere.
The virtual office allows the agent to structure an individual business model and become more accountable to themselves not the Franchise.
As the shift in Real Estate continues we`re looking at an increase of Agents working under the VO concept.

There are No Such Things as a MAYBE OFFER!

Our offer for a Corporate Relocation was placed last Thursday.It`s a strong offer with no contingencies.

The Listing Agent sent the Corporate Addendum,which our buyer agreed to sign.

We heard back from the Listing Agent last night. They wanted to discuss our offer for the 3rd time in three days.
I`ve written thousands of offers, I`m very familiar with "putting together" an offer,so became very curious where this agent was coming from.

The Conversation is as follows:
Listing A: We were wondering can you`re client "Up the offer?"...

Me: Did you receive a counter offer from the Relo Company?

Listing A: Actually No! We may have another offer arriving within the next day or so..

Me: A MAYBE OFFER? You`re kidding me, right?

Listing A: Well, it would be better if you spoke to the Buyer just in case!.

Me: You want me to call our buyer and tell them to Up an offer based on a Maybe Offer, is that right?

Listing A: Yeah! That way your Buyer can be assured they have the home!

I don`t about you, but there is no way in God`s Green Earth I`ll call a buyer and explain to them increase their offer based on a "Maybe Offer" that hasn`t yet arrived...

It`s like biding against yourself.

Think Experiences doesn`t count? Guess Again...

Sometimes people list homes with their relatives and friends. They don`t really know if they`re qualified or not.
Selling a home involved in a "Foreclosure or Short Sale" requires someone who has experience in dealing with these type of transactions.
Bringing the home to the closing table is difficult,it requires time and the knowledge to ask the right questions to the lenders.

Two days ago a client came to our office seeking advice on how to proceed with a short sale that has been in limbo for 7 months! Apparently, the reason the sale hasn`t been approved is due to "Sale Price, Liens placed on the home by the HOA and citations from the city of Davie, Florida.
The agent who took the listing wasn`t too familiar with dealing with liens,nor did they know about the citations the city levied on this home.
They also didn`t recommend an attorney who could assist with the transaction.

The owner has been served with Foreclosure and will eventually see their home sell on the court house steps.

Could this have been prevented?
When dealing with a "Short Sale" the first 60 days are crucial! Either you`re satisfying the lender or the HOA within that amount of time or face the possibility of not closing.
Lenders, have committee`s who prioritize homes with the right paper work, they don`t like to chase paper work. In the "Loss Mitigation" department papers tend to get lost or misplaced on a daily occurrence.

Without the correct follow- up, it`s almost impossible to get these transactions closed.
The seller who came to our office needs to hire an attorney to deal with the city and the HOA.
Had this been done once they received the offer, i`m positive this home would have closed already.
The hiring of a Realtor does matter.