The old saying "No good deed goes unpunished" gave new meaning to me this week. As a Real Estate Broker of a large Keller Williams Realty office in Birmingham, Alabama during a change in the market, tensions are getting high for agents and for clients. Clients, more than ever, are trying to side step agents that work extremely hard for their money and for their client's best interest. Our hard working and right minded agents are going above and beyond for non-appreciative clients that are pulling out accusations anywhere from racial discrimination to being in desperate need of a paycheck. I don't take negative comments about the Realtors I work with lightly. There is a serious problem in our society when people are in the wrong themselves, yet create a "smoke screen" of half truths and assumptions in order to deflect their own actions. It makes me sad for humanity.
What ever happened to PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY? I never want to be cynical or suspect the motives of the people around me. But, it seems the more you do for some the less it is appreciated. I DO NOT WANT TO BE IN BUSINESS WITH THESE PEOPLE NOR DO BUSINESS WITH THESE PEOPLE! In the words of one of my agents, "I still have hope in human kind."
So, no matter how ugly people can be or resentful or even down right hateful, I will ALWAYS be nice anyway.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
A Real Estate Broker Gets Thankful!
Wake up! Get Thankful for the steady market we have in Birmingham, Alabama. We are so blessed to be living in such a beautiful city with a great group of agents that all have a spirit of cooperation, for the most part. But, what's even better is that we are not hurting as badly as other parts of the country. The leaves on the trees are changing colors, filling our mountainsides with views of vivid golds, bright reds, and autumn browns. And, our most deligent Real Estate Agents are making greens; even more of it than last year.
As the Broker / Team Leader of the #1 Keller Williams Realty office in Birmingham, AL, I can say it's time to go to work. This market won't allow us to sit back and answer the phone. Every lead chasing and lead attracting tool must be implemented at this time.
People buy houses in ANY market. And, what are they buying? Listings. I am thankful for our agents that see that listings are still our most valuable business asset. I'm thankful for our clients who put their trust in us; even though they know their homes will be on the market for a longer period of time. I'm thankful that 100% financing is STILL AVAILABLE for our buyer clients. Hurray that many mortgage options are still out there to get these homes sold.
I'm thankful for so many things, such as:
* having the support and training from a wonderful company - Keller Williams Realty
* profit sharing that can and will change people's lives
* a shift in the market that will separate the business minded Realtors from the dabblers
* being in business with learning based Realtors that thrive on learning as much as they can
* the positive attitudes of the Realtors and the alliances I work with everyday
* the love of family and friends.
We are truly blessed to be living in Birmingham, Alabama in a market that isn't bad. It's great! It's just different. And, we as Realtors have to change the way we do business to adapt to the change in the market; just like all smart business people do. I'm excited about what December is bringing as far as sales for our Realtors, for our office, and for our clients! Join me in being THANKFUL! Nobody wants a negative Realtor!
As the Broker / Team Leader of the #1 Keller Williams Realty office in Birmingham, AL, I can say it's time to go to work. This market won't allow us to sit back and answer the phone. Every lead chasing and lead attracting tool must be implemented at this time.
People buy houses in ANY market. And, what are they buying? Listings. I am thankful for our agents that see that listings are still our most valuable business asset. I'm thankful for our clients who put their trust in us; even though they know their homes will be on the market for a longer period of time. I'm thankful that 100% financing is STILL AVAILABLE for our buyer clients. Hurray that many mortgage options are still out there to get these homes sold.
I'm thankful for so many things, such as:
* having the support and training from a wonderful company - Keller Williams Realty
* profit sharing that can and will change people's lives
* a shift in the market that will separate the business minded Realtors from the dabblers
* being in business with learning based Realtors that thrive on learning as much as they can
* the positive attitudes of the Realtors and the alliances I work with everyday
* the love of family and friends.
We are truly blessed to be living in Birmingham, Alabama in a market that isn't bad. It's great! It's just different. And, we as Realtors have to change the way we do business to adapt to the change in the market; just like all smart business people do. I'm excited about what December is bringing as far as sales for our Realtors, for our office, and for our clients! Join me in being THANKFUL! Nobody wants a negative Realtor!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Spread the Love During a Buyer's Market
Yes, inventory is stacking up with many homes on the market in Birmingham, Alabama. This buyer's market is causing homes to stay for sale longer. It's making our clients frustrated because it puts their lives on HOLD.
What do our seller clients need right now? The same thing we as Realtors need; support and comfort. More than ever our clients need someone to listen to their frustrations and to simply care. As Realtors, we desperately need a SAFE place where we can rejuvenate our spirits and feed off a positive environment. That's what our Keller Williams Office has always been. Because of the spirit of cooperation within our office, our agents can face the world in any market. My fear is that we have grown so quickly that agents may not be getting to know each other as well. And, because my attention as a team leader in growing this office has to be diverted in many other directions, it's almost impossible to ensure that everyone gets the love he or she needs to be productive.
Yes, this is a business of listing and selling homes. But, it's also a PEOPLE business. As a highly skilled Keller Williams Real Estate agent, you must provide a higher level of understanding and care as you help your clients achieve their goals. Also, keep this in mind as you get back to basic prospecting. Clients are looking for agents that produce results; but agents who also care about their goals.
Your affiliates are no different. Your mortgage lenders, closing attorneys, home inspectors, etc. will all be feeling frustrated and neglected. Make it a point to ensure your relationship is a loyal and strong one.
The good news is; no, the GREAT news is, you will see agents fleeing out of this business. As Gary Keller says, "This market will get rid of all the pretenders." It's a wonderful time to be a Realtor. Just remember to spread the love!
What do our seller clients need right now? The same thing we as Realtors need; support and comfort. More than ever our clients need someone to listen to their frustrations and to simply care. As Realtors, we desperately need a SAFE place where we can rejuvenate our spirits and feed off a positive environment. That's what our Keller Williams Office has always been. Because of the spirit of cooperation within our office, our agents can face the world in any market. My fear is that we have grown so quickly that agents may not be getting to know each other as well. And, because my attention as a team leader in growing this office has to be diverted in many other directions, it's almost impossible to ensure that everyone gets the love he or she needs to be productive.
Yes, this is a business of listing and selling homes. But, it's also a PEOPLE business. As a highly skilled Keller Williams Real Estate agent, you must provide a higher level of understanding and care as you help your clients achieve their goals. Also, keep this in mind as you get back to basic prospecting. Clients are looking for agents that produce results; but agents who also care about their goals.
Your affiliates are no different. Your mortgage lenders, closing attorneys, home inspectors, etc. will all be feeling frustrated and neglected. Make it a point to ensure your relationship is a loyal and strong one.
The good news is; no, the GREAT news is, you will see agents fleeing out of this business. As Gary Keller says, "This market will get rid of all the pretenders." It's a wonderful time to be a Realtor. Just remember to spread the love!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Does God Exist in a Real Estate Office?
Big question. I used to ask this question in general, Does God Exist? Funny thing about Real Estate. God proves to us He exists everyday. When our clients cry their eyes out because they've lost THE home they thought they couldn't live without, what happens? Normally, the most wonderful home that fits all of their needs suddenly appears at a better price with much less hassle. I've witnessed it too many times during my career. Or, how about a negotiation that just won't happen? Yes, our clients are disappointed, UNTIL they get the relocation notice from their employer. So, He's definitely guiding our lives. But, can God Exist in a Real Estate office?
Even in this politically correct world, in a large office with over 120 agents right in the middle of Birmingham, Alabama, I can say with certainty, God does exist. How proud I am to work for a company so BOLD that stands behind its Christian principles, but at the same time accepts people of all faiths. In our Keller Williams office, we don't ask you to leave the core of who you are outside the front door. And, because we are of such faith, our office is a better place to work. People aren't ashamed to claim their blessings, nor to pray for our clients and our fellow agents. When God exists in your workplace, a spirit of cooperation develops among the people and the tasks at hand.
I see God everyday in our office. It shows in the excitement on the faces of our agents that stuff the God Box full of prayers that sits on my messy desk. It's a feeling everywhere. The unusual or painful situations that happen to bring the people in our office closer so they know they are not alone. The gutt feeling of just knowing you're in the right place to develop your career and your life. It's God. I've worked in our other Real Estate offices that were hollow; where not a word was spoken of Him. It just isn't the same. Thankfully, we do actually SELL Real Estate in our office and not attend a church event everytime we walk in the front door. But, He's here and He has a hand in all we do. What do you think? How's your workplace?
Even in this politically correct world, in a large office with over 120 agents right in the middle of Birmingham, Alabama, I can say with certainty, God does exist. How proud I am to work for a company so BOLD that stands behind its Christian principles, but at the same time accepts people of all faiths. In our Keller Williams office, we don't ask you to leave the core of who you are outside the front door. And, because we are of such faith, our office is a better place to work. People aren't ashamed to claim their blessings, nor to pray for our clients and our fellow agents. When God exists in your workplace, a spirit of cooperation develops among the people and the tasks at hand.
I see God everyday in our office. It shows in the excitement on the faces of our agents that stuff the God Box full of prayers that sits on my messy desk. It's a feeling everywhere. The unusual or painful situations that happen to bring the people in our office closer so they know they are not alone. The gutt feeling of just knowing you're in the right place to develop your career and your life. It's God. I've worked in our other Real Estate offices that were hollow; where not a word was spoken of Him. It just isn't the same. Thankfully, we do actually SELL Real Estate in our office and not attend a church event everytime we walk in the front door. But, He's here and He has a hand in all we do. What do you think? How's your workplace?
Monday, August 27, 2007
Winners That Whine in the Real Estate Industry!
Winners That Whine in the Real Estate Industry.
It's funny how a slowing market brings out the absolute best in business minded Realtors. But, at the same time, a lot of whining comes from those agents that have always been successful by waiting on the phone to ring. Yes, we're in a buyer's market. So what. Professionals do what professionals do. They take the bull by the horns and get back to 1 on 1 contact; direct prospecting. Thankfully, Birmingham is in a much better position than many other cities across the nation. Our Keller Williams listings are still selling quickly if PRICED RIGHT. Our agents Must get back to pinpointing the exact science in which a property has the highest propensity in selling. It's not magic. It's EXPERIENCE.
When agents whine about the market being so terrible, it makes me angry. Get out and get some business. Gary Keller said at Mega Agent Camp that, "We are unemployed until we are face to face with a client." So, stop your whining and get face to face. Be a foot soldier and get back to basics. No more waiting on the phone. It's not going to ring. But, if it does, it will ring while you're out seeking new business.
Why is it that some agents embrace a buyer's market? It's because the Best ones KNOW that this is the time of opportunity; the time when sellers need a Realtor who is serious about getting their Birmingham property SOLD. Just imagine if You had the right tools and systems in place in your business to make a difference and take advantage of the changing market. What would your life be like?
Let's discuss it more. Contact me at getarealestatelife@gmail.com
Genny Williams
Team Leader / CEO
Keller Williams Realty - Birmingham Vestavia office
205-397-6500
It's funny how a slowing market brings out the absolute best in business minded Realtors. But, at the same time, a lot of whining comes from those agents that have always been successful by waiting on the phone to ring. Yes, we're in a buyer's market. So what. Professionals do what professionals do. They take the bull by the horns and get back to 1 on 1 contact; direct prospecting. Thankfully, Birmingham is in a much better position than many other cities across the nation. Our Keller Williams listings are still selling quickly if PRICED RIGHT. Our agents Must get back to pinpointing the exact science in which a property has the highest propensity in selling. It's not magic. It's EXPERIENCE.
When agents whine about the market being so terrible, it makes me angry. Get out and get some business. Gary Keller said at Mega Agent Camp that, "We are unemployed until we are face to face with a client." So, stop your whining and get face to face. Be a foot soldier and get back to basics. No more waiting on the phone. It's not going to ring. But, if it does, it will ring while you're out seeking new business.
Why is it that some agents embrace a buyer's market? It's because the Best ones KNOW that this is the time of opportunity; the time when sellers need a Realtor who is serious about getting their Birmingham property SOLD. Just imagine if You had the right tools and systems in place in your business to make a difference and take advantage of the changing market. What would your life be like?
Let's discuss it more. Contact me at getarealestatelife@gmail.com
Genny Williams
Team Leader / CEO
Keller Williams Realty - Birmingham Vestavia office
205-397-6500
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