James Dray

That's right you heard me, as Americans (my generation anyways) was taught if we have a problem or competition just throw enough of the green backs out there and you'll win. Not so lately think of all the ways an agent can market themselves and do so at a nominal cost. Just because you have a large wallet does not mean you can win.

We all want to be winners (another post) but now you must outthink the other agent to get that listing, write the contract, bring the buyer to you, and so on...

Obviously you are going to have a difficult time up against the large corporations but you can compete and find your niche. You know what works in your area of the planet and it's not for me to say what will work. Just because something works here does not mean it will work wherever you're at. Do your research find out what work in your area and apply it happy days to you remember: "It's a great day to buy sell or lease a home."

Visit me at www.sellnwa.com

When I was in my 60 hour pre license class the instructor told us to be sure and try to find an agency that has training and lots of it. In my last two years of my former profession I was the training coordinator so I knew and appreciated training.

We have agents coming in from other agencies; they (not all) have told me there was no training at the other agency. They would give them a cubicle or desk and congratulate them for joining the company and that was it... Unless they asked no one would guide or assist them in getting their business started. For you newbie's this can be a little overwhelming. Don't go getting bent out of shape here there are plenty of agencies who do train and help their agents... Training also makes the agents more proficient and confident in their abilities to get the job done and get it done right, which is what we all want.

Well I'm here to tell you I HIT THE JACKPOT at my agency. We train every week on different subjects. Ms. Carrie and Ms. Deb make it interesting, interactive and fun, which makes the agents want to show up. Best of all its on Monday morning which kicks off the week and gets everyone pumped up ready for the day and week. I know this may sound strange but I actually look forward to Monday mornings, WHAT A RIDE. Looking forward to Monday I'll see ya until then remember: "It's a great day to buy or sell a home."

Visit me at www.sellnwa.com

You know and I mean you just know I can't make this one up. Since I started in real estate I have worn jeans and a pull over shirt. Every once in awhile I would wear slacks but my dress code was jeans.

This week I changed and started to wear slacks and I was asked to start the Property Management Division of my agency which of course I gladly accepted. Anyway there is this agent and I already told him I was going to do this so it won't come as a shocker to him. He wears slacks all the time I asked him where he had his slacks cleaned and he stated ABC (not true name) cleaners. I asked him what he paid and he did not know but he received a 10% discount because he was a realtor. Okay I get mine done at XYZ cleaners (not real name) at 3.75 per pair. I drove to ABC and asked them what they charged for a pair of slacks and they said 4.25.

Well if you discount it 10% your still paying .08 more per slack than I am but this agent thought he was getting such a deal because he got a 10% discount... Since I have a great deal of respect for this agent I say no more.

Have a wonderful day and remember: "It's a great day to buy or sell a home."

Visit me at www.sellnwa.com

So tell me what you think about yourself. Do you think you're a good person? Do you think you're in the right business (real estate) that is?

Everyone can or should have an immediate answer for that one but those of you who don't that's okay to.

I for one know that I'm where I belong. Despite rumors to the contrary I turned down another job last week with a guaranteed pay check. For me and some other agents in this market that's a hard pill to swallow but that's what I did. I have a great broker, she has brought together a team I fell (my opinion) is the best in the State. There are places where you have worked or are currently working and you know you just know you're where you belong. That's where I'm at and I love it.

If you don't have those same thoughts take a look and think about it, you might need to make a change remember: "It's a great day to buy or sell a home."

Visit me at www.sellnwa.com

I been there done that so here we go... I know you've seen those agents (people) who constantly say "Oh I can't go there, or I can't do that."

I just don't understand because I believe if you want something and are physically and mentally able nothing is unattainable (there are exceptions under those circumstances) so don't come crying to me saying I can't make another call, I can't knock on another door, I can't (you get the picture)?.. Don't get me wrong there are client's you can't and I do mean can't deal with. They are just as stubborn as I am if not more so and as much as I hate to say it you may need to drop them and say NEXT. That's the kind of can't you can't do nothing about, otherwise can't should not come out of your mouth or be used in your language. As George Reeves said "Knock the t off of can't." Be the I can get it done agent and get ur done..

If you do send them to me I will. I will take that listing you can't, I will write that offer you can't, I will write that blog you can't and so on and so on. Just don't send me any of those stubborn clients no one can deal with...

Thanks and remember: "It's a great day to buy or sell a home."

Visit me at www.sellnwa.com