Lately, I've had several agents suggest to me that I should approach real estate as a numbers game...that is, that I should concentrate on listing as many homes as possible because in today's market, many listings are expiring or being cancelled and re-listed with another agent before they are finally sold. In other words, in order to have the same volume of sales in the coming year, I would need to list up to twice as many homes as last year.
I understand that it is harder to sell homes than in recent years. Market times are up, and it is more difficult to keep sellers happy. I understand the theory behind this practice of listing everything that has four walls and a roof. However, failure is unacceptable to me, always has been. When I list a home I expect to sell it!
What about all of those unhappy sellers whose homes I do not sell? Am I just supposed to walk away from them without a care in the world? What happens to my reputation if I do that? I simply cannot fathom wasting any of my budget, time, energy or life failing my clients. What is the sense in that?
This doesn't mean that I won't be prospecting and actively seeking as many listings as I can reasonably handle while still providing top-notch service. What this means is that if I don't believe I will be successful selling a particular home, I will not take the listing. Why take a listing just to take a listing?
Taking listings and selling homes is not a "game" to me. It is serious business. This is real life, with real people, real homes and real money. I'm not going to "play" with a listing on the off chance that it will sell. My reputation is everything to me, and I am building it based on the fact that I can get the job done.
No, this strategy won't work for me. Failure is not an option.
Sellers are stressed out. Buyers are stressed out too. Part of my job as an agent is to do everything in my power to provide an experience that is as stress-free as possible. In today's market, that's not easy. Both buyers and sellers are worried about what the media is reporting, they're worried about whether financing will be secured, they're worried that this is not the "right" time to buy or sell...they're just plain worried. And worry causes uneasiness, anxiety and stress.
To help alleviate buyer and seller stress, I pledge to give my clients the facts. The whole truth and nothing but the truth. Like how long it might take to sell their home. Or how many showings they can expect in a given period of time. I will make certain they have an excellent mortgage professional to guide them. I will provide them with as many facts, graphs, charts, reports and analyses as they need to feel secure. I will listen carefully to their needs and communicate with them when, where and how they want me to.
I will quite simply handle every detail of their transaction...and if that includes holding their hand then you can bet I'll be right there beside them.
But, sometimes, all they really need is to kick back and have a little fun. This week I gave my clients the ability to forget about real estate for one whole night! A little escape into the make-believe world of the movies.
On Wednesday, I made up some stress relief kits for my buyers and sellers. Each kit contained a Blockbuster gift card, a package of microwave popcorn, assorted candy (chocolate of course, the ultimate in stress relief) and this little note:
If you are a buyer or seller and you want a real estate transaction that is as stress-free as possible, give me a call!
I'm here to help.
If you were among the first to register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, it may be time 
to re-register if you want to avoid those annoying calls from telemarketers.
Simply visit www.donotcall.gov to re-register and enjoy an additional 5 years of peace and quiet!
If you are not sure which number(s) you registered or when your registration expires, you can verify your registration information on the website as well. I found out that my registration doesn't expire until December 23, 2009.
Now if only the Do Not Call Registry prohibited those "recorded messages" from political candidates...ah, well, nothing is perfect.
Remember, unless you specifically request that I contact you by telephone, I will not call you. I respect your privacy, both online and at home. For more information on my policies for website visitors, please read my previously posted blog: No Thanks, I'm Just Looking
If you are considering buying or selling real estate in Lake Zurich or the surrounding areas, please contact me. I'm here to help.
What does it mean when someone claims they don't have the time to do something? Have you heard any of these lately?
"I don't have time to exercise"
"I don't have time to cook"
"I don't have time to watch TV"
"I don't have time to blog"
The truth is, we all have the same amount of time in each day...it's all about how we spend it. "I don't have time" usually translates as "I don't want to."
Not that there's anything wrong with not wanting to do something, but why hide behind the "I don't have time" statement? We all juggle multiple activities as we try to balance work and home life. We make time for the things we really want to do.
How about the "I don't have time to blog" statement? I've heard that one from countless real estate agents that I've encouraged to jump on the blogging bandwagon. When it comes to enhancing business for myself and for my clients...I DON'T HAVE TIME NOT TO BLOG. Okay, that's really bad grammer but you get my point. Seriously, what could be better for my own business and my clients than me taking the time to blog? When I blog, I increase my google ratings and my internet presence. Everytime someone logs onto my website they see my Featured Properties. If you are my seller, your home is one of my Featured Properties. My blogging is going to make my seller's money! If my seller makes money, so do I. It's a no-brainer.
Do I have more time in the day than the other real estate agents in town? Nope. I just make the most of my day and make sure to include blogging regularly.
As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing."
What's happening in the market? A common question these days, one I hear often.
Personally, I think graphs are easier to understand than a bunch of numerical statistics. This graph clearly shows how the market has changed over the past few years and also highlights the cyclical nature of real estate throughout the year.
What does this mean for you, Mr. & Mrs. Seller? Accurate and competitive pricing is more important than ever since you are competing for fewer buyers in the market...and choosing a REALTOR with an outstanding marketing program is absolutely vital to your success.
When you are ready to buy or sell, call me!
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My take on the local real estate market, as well as my favorite people, places and things to do in Lake Zurich and the surrounding communities.
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