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!

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!

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?

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

Be Nice Anyway!

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.

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!

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!