When market conditions change, Realtors must increase prospecting while reducing expenses. It's the only way to survive and THRIVE!
How do you get rid of spending thousands of dollars each month in this business?
The first place to cut back is with E&O insurance. Most companies ask for a large lump sum payment once per year of up to $600. Some will spread this over a 3 month payment plan. But, when times are tight, this fee can be detrimental to your business. Keller Williams Realty pro-rates this fee annually. There is never a lump sum charged to you. In fact, at the Birmingham-Vestavia office, we include E&O coverage, in addition to many other services, within our LOW monthly fee of $72.50.
Secondly, get rid of desk fees. Desk fees can cost you up to $1500 per month with some companies. Our Keller Williams office has free work stations for you. And, if you want a private desk, it's only $75 per month. We don't get paid unless YOU close a sale. So, we have a vested interest in supporting you in your business. It's the only way we get paid. Imagine your life without all the Pressure to pay large fees to your broker. Your sales will naturally increase because you won't be worried about how to get the money you need.
Lastly, get rid of marketing that doesn't work for you. When you spend $1, you need to earn $2. In other words, ensure the marketing you are using is providing results by getting you leads. If your marketing is not producing leads, get into consulting and coaching with your broker to adjust your message and your methods. Become a master of direct response marketing and your business will sky-rocket with LESS expense. Also, watch your printing and copying costs. Our KW office charges only 10 cents for color copies and 5 cents for black and white. This is less than the cost of printing fliers yourself on your own printer while providing your clients much higher quality.
Of course, the BEST way to keep more of your own money is by transferring your business to a 100% program. At KW, after you close approximately $2 Million in volume, you get 100% of every commission you earn. How's that for THRIVING? And, no. I know what you're thinking. We don't jack up desk fees at this point. It's still only $72.50 per month. We care about your survival! That's why our low liability, low risk value proposition is a WIN-WIN!
Don't you DARE think about quitting your business because you just can't write another check. Call me for a free business consultation to see exactly what needs to be adjusted to take you from surviving to THRIVING!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Why Pay for the Priviledge to Compete with Your Broker?
"Why list with that agent when he works for ME? If I'm the Broker and or Owner, don't you think I have ALL the better resources to market and sell your home?" I can't tell you how many times I've heard this statement from sellers and from agents commenting on how the broker / owner of a particular brand competes with his or her own agents. Not just here in Birmingham, Alabama, but all across the country. Why pay large upfront fees and or huge commissions to be treated like this?
Your broker should be a place of support, someone that can help you get through tough times, someone who motivates you to take your business to the next level. And, during a market change your broker needs to provide you with the right tools and education to power through and come out on the other side with even more market share. Don't you deserve this type of support?
As a former RE/MAX agent, I can say that competing against your owner destroys your mindset; especially when you write out that large check at the first of every month to him or her. When times are good and everyone has the opportunity to get his or her fair share, a competing broker may not affect you, your mindset, or your business. But, when you notice one or two agents within your office get lots of listings and leads and you suddenly realize that your broker / owner is handing the business he doesn't want, after cherry picking the best, to these agents, you feel cheated. Why aren't you getting any of these leads? Yes, she has the right to distribute leads to anyone she wants because it is her business. But, don't you pay just as much or not more to the office as the other agents? Have you just not kissed up enough to be on this list?
As a broker, team leader for Keller Williams Realty, I DO NOT COMPETE with our agents. My job is to coach, consult, train, support, motivate, encourage, and HELP you get your business where you want it to be. The best part is, our agents get this level of support without paying out a large upfront check every month. And, in many cases while they are earning 100% of their own commissions AND receiving a profit sharing check deposited into their account on the 21st of each month. That's a WIN-WIN!
If you're tired of the cut-throat competition and DEMAND more support and a REAL difference, call me at 205-397-6500. A positive environment can change your world!
It truly is a GREAT day at Keller Williams!
Your broker should be a place of support, someone that can help you get through tough times, someone who motivates you to take your business to the next level. And, during a market change your broker needs to provide you with the right tools and education to power through and come out on the other side with even more market share. Don't you deserve this type of support?
As a former RE/MAX agent, I can say that competing against your owner destroys your mindset; especially when you write out that large check at the first of every month to him or her. When times are good and everyone has the opportunity to get his or her fair share, a competing broker may not affect you, your mindset, or your business. But, when you notice one or two agents within your office get lots of listings and leads and you suddenly realize that your broker / owner is handing the business he doesn't want, after cherry picking the best, to these agents, you feel cheated. Why aren't you getting any of these leads? Yes, she has the right to distribute leads to anyone she wants because it is her business. But, don't you pay just as much or not more to the office as the other agents? Have you just not kissed up enough to be on this list?
As a broker, team leader for Keller Williams Realty, I DO NOT COMPETE with our agents. My job is to coach, consult, train, support, motivate, encourage, and HELP you get your business where you want it to be. The best part is, our agents get this level of support without paying out a large upfront check every month. And, in many cases while they are earning 100% of their own commissions AND receiving a profit sharing check deposited into their account on the 21st of each month. That's a WIN-WIN!
If you're tired of the cut-throat competition and DEMAND more support and a REAL difference, call me at 205-397-6500. A positive environment can change your world!
It truly is a GREAT day at Keller Williams!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Don't Become a Prisoner in Your Real Estate Office
Imagine the day you join a Real Estate office. You order your new business cards, order your signs, pick out your desk, and get issued a company uniform; a jumpsuit with horizontal black and white stripes. What? Yes. It also comes equipped with handcuffs, a ball and chain, and an expensive buy out clause.
Be CAREFUL what you sign. As an agent, you are an independent contractor. But, different companies have different independent contractor agreements and requirements. Know what you're getting yourself into before you sign anything. In other words, know your exit strategy. You could get yourself into a costly situation. And, worse, get yourself stuck in an environment that ruins your mindset.
Things to look for when signing an independent contractor agreement:
1) If I leave this company, do I get a reduction in commission on my upcoming closings I've already turned in to the office? Some companies reduce your commissions to a 50/50% split on contracts you've already turned in to the office preparing for closing.
2) Can my seller clients transfer their listings to me at my new company without penalty? Yes, listings are technically the property of your broker. So, make sure you know how he or she deals with the transfer of listing agreements.
3) Do I have a penalty to pay if I ever leave? Some brokerages charge a large fee or 2 to 3 months of previous rent. Some may require a 60 day or longer notice to waive any of these fees.
At Keller Williams Realty, we have a different philosophy. Your business is YOUR business. We know that people are only doing business with us because of YOU. So, if you ever decide you want to leave us, we let you transfer your listings easily. There is never a penalty or a fee either. We make doing business with us very EASY.
Your mindset is the most important equipment you have to succeed in Real Estate sales. So, protect it by knowing what you're signing. You don't want to become a prisoner in your own office; especially if it's an office that is NOT committed to seeing your business grow and flourish and you as a person reach new levels of growth, as well.
If at any time you'd like to experience freedom, shed the jumpsuit and call me at 205-397-6500. Let's get your business on track so you can buy your own uniform!
Be CAREFUL what you sign. As an agent, you are an independent contractor. But, different companies have different independent contractor agreements and requirements. Know what you're getting yourself into before you sign anything. In other words, know your exit strategy. You could get yourself into a costly situation. And, worse, get yourself stuck in an environment that ruins your mindset.
Things to look for when signing an independent contractor agreement:
1) If I leave this company, do I get a reduction in commission on my upcoming closings I've already turned in to the office? Some companies reduce your commissions to a 50/50% split on contracts you've already turned in to the office preparing for closing.
2) Can my seller clients transfer their listings to me at my new company without penalty? Yes, listings are technically the property of your broker. So, make sure you know how he or she deals with the transfer of listing agreements.
3) Do I have a penalty to pay if I ever leave? Some brokerages charge a large fee or 2 to 3 months of previous rent. Some may require a 60 day or longer notice to waive any of these fees.
At Keller Williams Realty, we have a different philosophy. Your business is YOUR business. We know that people are only doing business with us because of YOU. So, if you ever decide you want to leave us, we let you transfer your listings easily. There is never a penalty or a fee either. We make doing business with us very EASY.
Your mindset is the most important equipment you have to succeed in Real Estate sales. So, protect it by knowing what you're signing. You don't want to become a prisoner in your own office; especially if it's an office that is NOT committed to seeing your business grow and flourish and you as a person reach new levels of growth, as well.
If at any time you'd like to experience freedom, shed the jumpsuit and call me at 205-397-6500. Let's get your business on track so you can buy your own uniform!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
RealtySouth Agents Earn 31% More with Keller Williams
Imagine putting $20 to $40,000 more into your very own pocket this year by selling Real Estate. The same thing you did last year. Well, you can do just this by simply transferring your business to Keller Williams. According to company statistics, an agent's business increases by 31% by simply making the move to KW. And, in Birmingham, Alabama, it is proving to be true. Carol Rodden Lowe recently moved to our Birmingham - Vestavia office from RealtySouth. Her business has increased right at the 31% in just 3 months. She will cap in June and will receive 100% of the commission she earns. Wow! Call Carol and ask her how she feels that she finally made the move. Let's keep up with her progress as she learns and implements more of Keller Williams business models into her own Real Estate. How excited would you be to put this extra money in your pocket?
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Systems to Explode Your Real Estate Business in Today's Market
Stop scrambling around trying to figure out how to get your business back on track in this market. Two years ago, you didn't have to work so hard making your phone ring. You just had to put in long hours getting to everyone that needed you. Times have changed; the market has changed. You have to adapt to it. But, how? After all, you've gotten comfortable just answering your phone. Where do you start when you need to rebuild your business?
Here are a few tips on how to get focused and how to get that phone ringing again:
1) Analyze your database. Is everyone in it? Review it and make necessary changes to it. Don't forget the top 25 alliances that you do business with on a regular basis, like the owner of your favorite restaurant, your barber or stylist, your banker, your bank teller, your dry cleaner, etc. These people will promote you as foot soldiers. Make sure you include them and market to them!
2) Pick up the phone and call the people in your database. When times are overwhelmingly good, agents tend to put these relationships last. They are just too busy. It's time to rekindle this referral network.
3) Meet new people DAILY. But how? Practice the 3 foot rule. One of our agents is the master of this. Just this week, she met a man and asked him if he knew anyone who wanted to buy or sell a house, her usual question. "Why yes, I want to buy a house in Homewood. Oh, and I have 40 houses I need to sell. Can you help me with that?" he said. Gee, what do you think she said? You have to ask those around you and add people to your database everyday.
4) Market to these people constantly. If you don't have a marketing budget that allows you to keep contact by postcards, call them and visit them. This is your greatest tool!
By doing just this, you'll get immediate results in ANY market. So, don't be discouraged. Get yourself into an office that helps you put the right systems into your business so you can be the success you deserve to be. And, remember to stay POSITIVE. Don't buy into the negative talk about the market. Buyers and sellers need you more than ever right now. The best value and service will rise to the top and take over market share. If you're interested in becoming one of these agents, call me! I'm on a mission to see you get what you want at Keller Williams Realty - Birmingham-Vestavia. 205-397-6500
Here are a few tips on how to get focused and how to get that phone ringing again:
1) Analyze your database. Is everyone in it? Review it and make necessary changes to it. Don't forget the top 25 alliances that you do business with on a regular basis, like the owner of your favorite restaurant, your barber or stylist, your banker, your bank teller, your dry cleaner, etc. These people will promote you as foot soldiers. Make sure you include them and market to them!
2) Pick up the phone and call the people in your database. When times are overwhelmingly good, agents tend to put these relationships last. They are just too busy. It's time to rekindle this referral network.
3) Meet new people DAILY. But how? Practice the 3 foot rule. One of our agents is the master of this. Just this week, she met a man and asked him if he knew anyone who wanted to buy or sell a house, her usual question. "Why yes, I want to buy a house in Homewood. Oh, and I have 40 houses I need to sell. Can you help me with that?" he said. Gee, what do you think she said? You have to ask those around you and add people to your database everyday.
4) Market to these people constantly. If you don't have a marketing budget that allows you to keep contact by postcards, call them and visit them. This is your greatest tool!
By doing just this, you'll get immediate results in ANY market. So, don't be discouraged. Get yourself into an office that helps you put the right systems into your business so you can be the success you deserve to be. And, remember to stay POSITIVE. Don't buy into the negative talk about the market. Buyers and sellers need you more than ever right now. The best value and service will rise to the top and take over market share. If you're interested in becoming one of these agents, call me! I'm on a mission to see you get what you want at Keller Williams Realty - Birmingham-Vestavia. 205-397-6500
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