Frances C. Rokicki, Broker~Mentor,CRS

When your day has ended, what have you accomplished? Did you help someone on there way? Do you feel appreciated? Did you make your calls to your clients today? Did you Win the Day? We all face hurdles and fears, but, don't blame the market, don't blame others, just go forward and get yourself going. Face your fears, find answers, cross over the hurdles. Each day, make a list. Keep on task with it. Look at it during the day. By the day's end, you will have crossed off those things that you were able to complete. If they are not all completed, don't be disappointed. Make them the priority tomorrow.

If you are short on funds, look at what you are spending your funds on. Do you need that newer vehicle? Do you go out to eat? Where is your dollar going during the day? You will need to look closely. We all can cut back, but, sometimes forget the obvious. Maybe, stop blaming other people and things, and work on your budget. Work it to be sharper and leaner. Start with the small things, so that your accomplishments are easy in the beginning. This is a new year, go forward with a fresh start. We are all entitled to that fresh start every January. They say that once you do the same new task for 100 days, it will become a habit. Think about how good Brian Buffini's 100 Days to Greatness Course is! Many of you have gone through this course. It works! Start a new habit today! Here is a poem that will help you to focus today. www.dashpoemmovie.com

It's a Good Life!

Fran

Here is an idea that a video man gave me years ago. He was our are representative for video tours on Realtor.com, oh, so long ago! However, it is still a good tip today. When you take photos of that newly listed property, you take interior and exterior shots. How about the street view? Are there sidewalks? Is their a neighborhood playground? Maybe, a picnic area? Walking trail? These photos are ideal for people who may be relocating from out of state and looking for that perfect neighborhood. On most sites, even the mls, you can post ten or more photos. Try making some of them with different views of the neighborhood. It is most helpful to the buyers!

I have seen this now, twice in the last few weeks. Honestly, it has never come up before, in my 22 years as a Realtor. The bank that my client went to for his loan just before Christmas, had not called him or me about his pre-approval. I thought this was odd, so, I called. The mortgage officer was away, so, I would assume someone would call on her behalf, to give us an update on the file. I called and called. Left many messages. Finally, I call and get directed to the processor. She said she was unable to give me any information because I was not listed as an allowable contact on the file. Hmm! This was news to me, I gave them the client.

Next client, same thing, but, much easier. Client asked me to call the processor for him so that they would have an idea of taxes that might be added to his payment. I called. Very lovely and professional woman, informed me of the Privacy of Information Act, and her duty of keeping the consumer's financial information private. Okay, what to do. Easy, she explains to me. Have them sign a form giving permission for them to inform me of its status and details, if I needed them. Clients signed the form, we are all set.

Now I realize that the bankers that I have used for years, are truly paying attention. These forms were always signed by my clients and included in the file, when they signed their application. This gives me a renewed appreciation for the mortgage officers that I have worked with previously.

It's a Good Life!

Fran

This home is going to have a new owner! It is ready to go, just like a new vehicle, it has been shined, painted and had appliances replaced with new ones, along with the kitchen cabinets. It is vinyl sided, has thermal replacement windows and it on a nice street of similar homes. Nice way to start off the new year, moving into your new home. To the Sellers, congratulations on accepting the terms of the contract. To the Buyer, how exciting for you! Congratulations on being on your way to homeownership!

Oh, By the Way...I am never too busy for your referrals!

While we go through our daily routine of checking messages, emails, completing tasks for the pending contracts, etc., have you thought about how many people you meet every day? Make a list, you'll be amazed at what you'll see. Do you grab a coffee somewhere in the morning? See the same waitress or window staff? Do they know that you are in business for yourself? Have you offered them your card? How about at the town hall? Have you stopped in there to check on a deed or daybook? Do you walk your dog everyday? Do you have cards on you to give out? Here is my suggestion to you, including the exercise of making the list. Let them know what you do for a living. Whether you are a Realtor, Mortgage Officer, Stager, etc., let them know. They have family and friends. They might need your card and you wouldn't even know it!

Your favorite restaurant, the cleaners you stop at, your insurance agency, the gym, etc. We all have different tasks to complete each day. Try to incorporate this daily. Try it for one day, just to gain confidence. I went shopping yesterday for a new can opener. In the store, the clerk who assisted me took two cards of mine. One for him, another for his friend who is looking to buy soon. My point is, once you are in the habit of mentioning what you do for a living, it will become a part of your routine no matter where you go, every day.

Ask them if they would like to be included on your customer list. Then, you can stay in touch with them throughout the year! Mailers, note cards, phone calls, email blasts and then, invite them to your client events. There are so many good consumers looking for good business people, help them to find YOU!

Go Out and Go After It!

It's a Good Life!

Fran