About Saint Clair County, IL

So after a few weeks of driving by my curiosity got the better of me. What is this giant wooden horse and who is the guy on the ladder with a chainsaw? After driving by for days my curiosity got the better of me and I stopped. It seems Art is making a return to downtown O’Fallon IL ! David Perez is an artist (among other things) who has recently moved back here from Mississippi. His work is truly amazing and his ability to see a piece prior to carving is hard to grasp. As we spoke he pointed to a block of wood and explained what it looked like and what it was going to become. I of course nodded but truth be told it just looked like a block of wood to me. However, I have no doubts about his ability after seeing some finished product.

There is actually a bit of history in his carving as well. All the wood he is using was toppled during Hurricane Katrina; instead of it going to waste he has hauled it up here to work with. His influences range from Polynesian, Caribbean, to just whimsical. So stop driving by. Maybe purchase a piece or two while you are there. You will not be disappointed. You can find Dave and his creations next door to Full Circle Auto (the Old All Feeds Location) his hope is to fill that space with unique sculpture for display and or sale.

As you may have noticed there is no direct Real Estate tie in here so how about a new listing?

Just listed in O’Fallon IL!

The Holdens | RE/MAX Preferred | 618-531-4887 1204 Nottinghill Drive, O'fallon, IL 4BR/3.5BA Single Family House offered at $262,900 Year Built 2005 Sq Footage 3,186 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION IMMPECCABLY MAINTAINED GEM IN O'FALLON IL ON LARGE CORNER LOT. PRIVACY FENCE, 12 X 14 DECK, CONCRETE BORDERS AROUND LANDSCAPING BEDS, GREAT FAMILY ROOM WITH BAY WINDOW OPENS TO BRIGHT GOURMET KITCHEN AND BREAKFAST AREA. MASTER SUITE OFFERS VAULTED CEILING, LUXURY BATH WITH WHIRLPOOL TUB, SEPARATE SHOWER, & DUAL SINK VANITY. FANTASTIC BRIGHT FINISHED SPACE IN LOWER LEVEL WITH FRIESE CARPET BOASTS GAME ROOM,BATH AND OFFICE WITH EGRESS WINDOW. CARPETS & DUCTS JUST CLEANED. UPGRADED LIGHT FIXTURES/APPLIANCES. SEC.SYS. JUST MOVE IN & ENJOY! MINUTES TO SCOTT AFB! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Family room Living room Bonus/Rec room Office/Den Dining room Breakfast nook Dishwasher Microwave Basement Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Contact info: The Holdens RE/MAX Preferred 618-531-4887 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 26, 2009, 5:34pm PDT

Chris Sanders, CEO of the # 1 Keller Williams Team Internationally is coached by Bob Corcoran. We are excited and proud of his acheivements!

REALTOR® Magazine announced a new addition to our annual "30 Under 30" feature. While pouring through hundreds of applications, as usual they were lamenting the fact that we have way more worthy candidates than space to profile them. So this year, for the first time, they are asking for readers to vote on their top 50 semi-finalists. Users will be able to visit REALTOR® Magazine online and see a short profile along with your submitted photograph and vote for their favorite. Online voting will be active for one month, through April 30, at http://www.realtor.org/RMOsales_and_marketing/Articles/2009/30Under30_Vote. Get out the vote for your fellow Corcoran Consulting & Coaching client!!

The vote won't necessarily impact choices for their print feature, however, the winner of the online vote will be featured as the "Web choice" in an online exclusive and will be recognized at their Young Professionals Network Event if they choose to attend the REALTORS® Conference & Expo in November 2009.

Now, Let's get out the Vote for Chris Sanders!!!!!

http://www.realtor.org/RMOsales_and_marketing/Articles/2009/30Under30_Vote.

Bob Corcoran

If you want to give your team a boost, contact Corcoran Coaching today!

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Everyone knows commissions are negotiable, up as well as down. So, why is it that every time the discussion comes up with a seller or buyer, they want to know how much we will cut ours? Despite that, there are agents today who are getting above-average commissions. Others are maintaining their "preferred" commission. While still other agents are beat up on a daily basis. What is the difference among the three scenarios? A combination of skill, market knowledge and a willingness to negotiate makes the difference.

Before we tackle the how, we believe we must look at the reasons behind the prevalence of commission cutting. With the growth of the Internet and the dawn of online, do-it-yourself realty, sellers and buyers feel they must bring up the question about reducing commissions. It is a matter of principle to both sellers and buyers. If they feel they can get you to work for less money, and often they can, why should they not ask? Too often, we are thought of as being just like other competing companies. They have looked at one, and they think they have looked at them all. Most sellers and buyers think it is only your commission that distinguishes you from another agent.

Nothing is farther from the truth. To warrant the commission we deserve, we need to create credibility to support what we are asking for. Often, the battle is lost even before it gets under way. The seller or buyer asks for a cut, and the agent agrees...simple as that. When agents are asked why they do not give their all to overcome the objection, they have said if they do not take it at a cut, someone else will. Or, they needed the listing or sale, or their broker said to take it no matter what, and on and on.

Other reasons why sellers and buyers ask are they need every penny they can get (protecting their net), the other agent said they would take it for less or they feel the commission is the most important thing to them. They are bargain basement shopping. This is the type of seller you may want to decide not to do business with. Smart agents know when to walk away from a seller or buyer. Remember, if it is not salable, it is a liability, not a listing.

For additional information and guidance on this topic we have posted an article on our website entitled "Overcoming Commission-Cutting Requests " for you to review.

Commitment for the Week:

Show us your commitment by commenting with your thoughts, plan and deadline below!

Make A Commitment: I will role play for 30 minutes each day!
Deadline: _________

Bob Corcoran

Yes, you can thrive...if you know your scripts!

As fun as the last few years were, to be in a piping hot real estate market, it is now time to accept and embrace the new reality, the buyer's market. You have two options:

1. You can moan and groan.

2. You can thrive.

Those who wish to moan and groan, well, you may want to go find another document to read. Now, for those who want to thrive, first you must know a little about buyers. NAR has found some rather revealing habits of homebuyers.

• 77% of homebuyers used an agent to buy their home.
• Buyers searched for a median of two weeks on their own before contacting a real estate professional.
• Over three quarters of homebuyers used only one agent in their home search.
• Buyers ranked reputation as the most important factor when choosing a real estate professional to assist with a home purchase.

The first rule in marketing is to know who you are targeting. Keep learning who buyers are and what their modus operandi is. After that, the best way to thrive in a buyer's market is this - know your scripts.

For additional information and guidance on this topic we have posted an article on our website entitled "How to Embrace and Thrive in Today's Buyer's Market" for you to review.

Commitment for the Week:

Show us your comitment by commenting with your thoughts, plan and deadline below!

Make A Commitment: I will learn my scripts and practice them daily!
Deadline: _________

Bob Corcoran

Home sales have begun a slowdown in many markets throughout the country. As a real estate agent, you must contemplate your future actions very carefully. Rather than be afraid of a slowing real estate economy, in order to be successful, you should view these changes in your market as an opportunity.

History dictates the best agents will continue to succeed, and many will even increase their production in such difficult times. While this may seem hard to believe at first, consider that in a strong market just about anyone can sell real estate. When homes are selling fast, inferior competitors may very well beat you out of listings, and gain the allegiance of buyers, simply based on the strength of their personalities. On the other hand, when the times get tough, many of your less professional competitors will falter as the easy transactions dry up. More importantly, consumers become much more likely to pay attention to the credentials, experience and quality of service that the better agents can provide.

By being confident regarding your professional skills, competency, and ability to survive, you can make plans now for a more successful future. You need to decide to take action now to ensure your success.

For additional information and guidance on this topic we have posted an article on our website entitled "Flourishing in a Slow Market" for you to review.

Commitment for the Week:

Show us your comitment by commenting with your thoughts, plan and deadline below!

Make A Commitment: I will learn to accept that the only thing that remains consistent in life is change, starting NOW!
Deadline: ________

Bob Corcoran