Marlboro, NJ

"People don't just care about what you know...they want to know that you care."

That's is a quote that my branch manager/broker, Barbara Berg, often repeats in our weekly sales meetings. It's also a an adage (as someone pointed out) used by the legendary trainer/speaker, Floyd Wickman. I've probably heard that quote a million times, but for some reason this past week it really sunk into my brain.

Now that I read Jennifer Allan's super "Selling Soulfully" more frequently, I've noticed her reinforce a similar theme throughout her posts. It reminds me of what Barbara had been saying all along, and suddenly everything became even clearer.

Here's how I see it:

Expertise is invaluable, education is definitely important, producing results are critical, but...

If you don't consistently show people that you actually care, all of those qualities may be exist in vain and your career could be destined for a bunch of "one-off" transactions and achievements.

Now don't get me wrong...By no means am I suggesting that one can't be successful in real estate or business, simply because they don't make a conscious effort to show clients that they care. In fact, I know of quite a few successful Realtors and other business people who don't show that they care about their clients, yet they do quite well for themselves. Actually, it's not always that they don't care about keeping in touch; some are just so overwhelmed and busy.

Regardless of why they don't stay connected, one thing I notice about that same collective of professionals is that the often have to keep generating new business leads and start from scratch to build new relationships constantly. They don't get as many referrals as they could.

I really believe it has to do with the fact that they barely keep in touch with past clients, and only reach out when they needed to make an additional sale to meet a quota, needed another commission check to pay a bill, etc.

My goal for 2009 is to make time for letting family, friends and clients how much I appreciate and care about them. I plan to do it first and foremost, because it's just the right thing to do. They deserve as much of my attention as they try to give me of theirs.

Even if it's a simple hand-written note or an occasional phone call. Something is better than nothing!

How about a surprise visit (like the one I made at my uncle Earl's home on Christmas day in Philadelphia)?

He gave me away at my wedding, July 26, 2008, because my father (who is also his brother) passed away from a battle with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) on October 25, 2007. I've been so caughtup trying to stay busy to get past the pain of losing my father, "doing my own thing," focusing on real estate and becoming adjusted to being a newlywed, that I hadn't even spoken to my uncle since my wedding.

When my husband (the handsome guy in the tux) & I showed up at his door unexpectedly on December 25th, he put his hand on his chest like he was gasping for air and told us the surprise of receiving our wedding "thank you" note a few weeks ago literally brought tears to his eyes.

**Yes it took me 5 months to write & mail all 170+ thank you notes, but I say "better late than never!"**

If I am rewarded with new or additional business as a result of my efforts to reconnect with people, then that's a cherry on top! If I don't get a single piece of business from it, I'll feel good knowing that I put good karma out into the universe.

Like Barbara always says, "People don't just care about what you know...they want to know that you care."

What are some ways you show clients and your sphere of influence that you care?

Stay motivated,

Amber

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." - Winston Churchill

As I began my day this morning, the quote above struck me and got me thinking. I thought about my own destiny, as well as those who are close to me who've shared their goals & aspirations for the 2009.

Our destiny is basically our destination for our life...it's the place where we intend to arrive after we put away the road map (figuratively speaking) or turn off the internal navigation GPS, once we finishing driving.

I recalled a conversation I had not too long ago with a recently former Realtor whom I relied on occasionally for my own accountability.

Each time we'd speak to one another he kept telling me about what he was "going to do" and "what he had been thinking about doing." However, he rarely could give updates on what he actually had done.

When I questioned him about what had been holding him back, his explanation was always the same.

He seemed to believe that the reason he hadn't achieved the majority of his 2008 business goals was because it "just wasn't his destiny."

Did he really believe that he was less worthy, capable, deserving or destined for success than the next Realtor?

I could not believe my ears!

Our destiny is not by chance; on the contrary it is the result of our intentions and our deliberate actions that follow suit.

Destiny isn't accidental, and it doesn't come through osmosis; you've got to think it, believe it, commit to it, do it, be passionate about it and achieve it!

So what are you choosing your career destiny to be in 2009?

Stay motivated,

Amber

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

Are you willing to be accountable in 2009?

It wasn't on a whim that media mogul, Oprah Winfrey, decided to share with the world her disappointment in allowing her weight loss goals to become sidetracked; it was definitely by design.

In fact, many articles have been written about the effectiveness of accountability. Many researchers agree that accountability can have a transformative effect on our lives.

We are expected to be accountable to a long list of people and entities.

1. The IRS - To avoid being penalized you try to pay your taxes on-time.

2. Your real estate broker/manager - To avoid being called into their office...lol!

3. Buyer & Seller clients - To keep them happy, as well earn their future business you honor your word.

4. Creditors - To avoid having bad credit you try to pay your bills on time.

5. Tax collectors - To avoid a lien on your property to pay your taxes in a timely fashion.

6. Banks - To avoid us overdrawing money that we don't actually have in our accounts.

7. Our family - To avoid letting them down, you try to be there when they need you the most.

Each of these groups have a system of checks & balances in place that expects us to do what we've committed ourselves to do, and holds us accountable.

Here's an idea for the 2009...Why not find accountability partners? These can be one person or a few people whom you trust and feel comfortable sharing your best & worst moments with. They can either work in the same profession as you, or work in a different field.

If you're prefer to be accountable to someone who doesn't work in your same local area, then find an accountability partner(s) who works in the same industry but in a different part of the country.

The great benefits of having an accountability partner are:

1. You develop a support system and a trusted confidante.

2. You develop a give & take relationship with someone who wants to see you succeed, while getting satisfaction from helping them achieve their goals as well.

3. You have an objective source to share creative ideas, as well setbacks with.

4. You learn valuable tips that will help you grow your business.

5. You develop better listening, fidelity, leadership and communication skills which can help you in many areas of your life.

6. You gain a buddy who will hold you accountable so you do what you say you're going to do help propel your own career.

Accountability can be a catalyst to help your business flourish. Will you give it a try in 2009?

Stay positive & motivated,

Amber

AMBER NOBLE-GARLAND
Weichert, Realtors
455 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
917-723-5645 - cell
732-536-4400, ext 199 - office

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com

www.AmberNobleSellsHomes.com

"Your Reliable Resource For Real Estate, Local Info & More"

In my work as a Marlboro Realtor, as well as, my life as a Mom and Marlboro area resident, I've been collecting links to some great websites where you will find information on life in Marlboro, New Jersey.

I think it would be great to build upon and share this list of resources.

Please email me and I will add your favorite links!

Marlboro Township Information

The Official Marlboro Township Website

Marlboro Township Important Phone Numbers

Localism Information on Marlboro Township

Marlboro Township Census Information

Marlboro Neighborhood Walk Score

Monmouth County Library (Manalapan Headquarters)

Marlboro School System

Marlboro Township Public Schools

Freehold Regional High School District

High School Learning Centers and Academies

Marlboro High School

Monmouth County Vocational School District

Department of Education - Marlboro Township School Report Card

Data for the Marlboro Public School District

Data for the Morganville Public School District

Great Schools Information for Marlboro, New Jersey

Commuting to New York City

New Jersey Transit

Academy Bus Lines

New Jersey Government Information

New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government

Monmouth County Information

Monmouth County Website

Financing Information

Understanding Different Types of Loans

Refinancing

Closing Costs

Marlboro Realtor

JoAnna Siminerio, Weichert Realtors

Jo

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro/Manalapan
JoSiminerio@optonline.net
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Yesterday I showed my buyer clients four wonderful homes in the areas of Old Bridge, South Amboy, Marlboro and Manalapan...desirable towns in Monmouth and Middlesex County New Jersey.

Each home was beautiful in it's own way; amazing views, upgraded galore inside, granite countertops, premium cabinetry...you name it, these homes have it!

However, there were two unwelcoming and undesirable features that 3 of the 4 homes offered, and frankly these things overshadowed many of the home's key selling points.

ICY FRONT STEPS AND AN ICY DRIVEWAY!!!

My buyer client (the husband) spent 10 minutes each (20 minutes total) at 3 of the 4 homes, helping me (his agent) and his wife (the other buyer) up and down the driveway and steps. In a brief moment of panic his wife nearly slid down the driveway, and I almost busted my knee on the icy rear steps trying to put the keys back in the lockbox. It was absolutely ridiculous!

I couldn't believe that anyone who is in the process of trying to sell their home, would leave their home's exterior so vulnerable, especially considering the snow and rain stopped 24 hours prior.

So, instead of the final moments of our time together in the frigid cold being spent on recapping the appeal of the homes, my clients instead expressed how annoyed and turned off they were. They were so disgusted by the way the homeowners neglected to remove the ice from the property.

Not only have those sellers of 3 of the 4 homes compromised their potential for a sale, but they've also put themselves in jeopardy to be sued. If someone goes to view their home, and they slip & fall, they might file a lawsuit!

WHO LOSES IN THIS INSTANCE & WHY?

1. The seller loses...Why? They may lose great buyers (like mine) whose current home is paid off, and they don't need to sell it in order to buy a different home.

2. The seller loses...Why?They may get sued if someone falls and gets hurt, thus making their homeowners insurance premium go up!

3. The buyer's agent loses...Why? They could fall, get hurt and then be out of work with no income coming in. Then what? If they don't have disability insurance they're going to be in trouble.

4. The seller's agent and the buyer's agent lose...Why? They both could lose out on their commission, thus compromising their potential income.

WORD TO THE WISE...

• Listing/Seller's Agents: Double-check each of your listings, and make sure you sellers have have shoveled, put salt down and taken measures to remove any snow and/or ice.

• Home Sellers: Please double-check to make sure you have no icy walkways, steps or driveways, before you have the next buyer take a look at your home.

I'd like to think that most people are honest (like my buyer clients whom I showed those four homes). However I am not naive, and I realize there are unscrupulous people in the world who would deliberately take advantage of others for their own personal gain.

Don't forget folks...we ARE in a recession and some good people just desperately need money.

Let's not give anyone opportunity to prey on homeowners trying to sell their houses...Please REMOVE the snow & ice!

Stay motivated,

Amber

www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com