Judi and Don Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services in SE Oklahoma

Tell Me Something Good That Happened To You This Week! (Members Only) (edit/delete)

Re-blogged by 0 agents

Local Events Sunday September 13 - 14, 2009 McCurtain County Oklahoma (edit/delete)

Re-blogged by 0 agents

Chateau Lake Gary for Sale Lake Raymond Gary Cabin on 2 waterfront lots Fort Towson, Oklahoma (edit/delete)

Just because you've been around a long time doesn't mean that you don't have to keep up with the times! (edit/delete)

There is a lot to be said for experience. Longevity in business often means that a certain level of experience has been achieved, and that a business is successful.

But having experience does not preclude the necessity for keeping up with current changes in the way business is conducted. We live in a fast-paced high-tech world that demands constant adaptation in an ever changing marketplace.

So experience alone is not enough to survive in business today. Rather, it is the melding of experience combined with an acute knowledge of the current tools and technologies that allow a business to succeed.

You cannot rest on your laurels, you cannot get by on your past accolades, and you cannot do business the way you did twenty years ago!

We are nearly ten years into the 21^st Century, and the 20^th Century ways just don't get the job done anymore!

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily! We Do HUD bids in Georgia! 770-827-6225

If You Don't Respect Your Own Business, Then Why Should Your Customers? (edit/delete)

I've heard it time and time again. It typically starts out with "Business is slow..." and is usually followed up with, "It must be the economy." or "People just don't get it." (refering to the service they are selling). Now, I can't speak for other industries, but I'll share my experience of what I do know, what we all have been hearing and why it seems that I have been hearing it more and more.

Without showing my age (too much), long before I entered into Home Staging and Interior Design I worked for MANY years as a Human Resource Manager, Recruiter and Trainer for an Interntionally known "jeans & t-shirt" retailer (as well as many more before THAT) and I can't tell you how many times I wanted to slap the head of a teenager who would come to our "jeans & t-shirt establishment" for a JOB INTERVIEW in a tank top and flip flops and think that it was "ok".

That being said; why then do some "Professionals" feel it is acceptable to do the same when they are grown adults? If you cannot get to a meeting in decent attire then what is that saying about YOU and more importantly, YOUR COMPANY? Especially in a profession such as Home Staging where we often toute, "Your home gets one chance to make a great 1st impression." And this little rant of advice goes beyond mere image.

However, I have been told by two recent clients that the reason Platinum Home Staging, Inc. was awarded the job was because of how we came to the first meeting, or interview, with the Home Owners. Yes, we dress up just as if we were going to a job interview - because we ARE. One Seller even commented, and I quote: "The 'other' stager looked like she was in her pajamas and I didn't think we'd be able to get the home staged at the level we would like it be because of the way she presented herself." YOU only get one chance to make that great 1st impression, not only for YOU, but for your COMPANY!

If you didn't get the chance to read the comment left by Erik Hitzelberger in this blog post please do so. He says that 5 of 7 Home Stagers NEVER EVEN RETURNED HIS CALLS?!?!?! Maybe they are already out of business, and if they are not then they soon will be. Unfortunately I personally have heard this from a Realtor who's Sellers were willing to pay a premium price for our services to Stage a home since we had to travel outside of our normal service area. Why? Because THEY had called several Stagers, and THEY never got a return call either. Unfortunately, when I did try to refer them to Stagers in their area, 2 of the 3 were companies they themselves had already attempted to contact. What's the point of having a business if you can't ever answer your phone or check your voice mail? If you're too busy, at least call the client and let them know. If you are no longer in business, disconnect the number and stop advertising. If you are going out of town, update your voice mail to say so and when you will be returning.

Time is Money we all know it, we live by it, most industries charge by it. So why then would you show up to a meeting late? I try to make a point of always being early to appointments and nobody KNOWS traffic, like us in Los Angeles KNOW traffic - but you know what I'll admit it, I LOST a bid recently because I was late. And you know what, I deserved to lose that bid. That poor Realtor took time out of his busy day to meet ME and I was late - serves me right! On the other hand, I learned my lesson and on another recent bid I was 10 minutes early. The Seller specifically said that I was awarded the job, "Because in the land of late, you were early."

OK, lastly I have to mention websites. I do NOT have the most professional, glitzy nor glamorous website on the web. What I DO have a pretty darn good SEO and Google juice (might I add I designed and maintain my website MYSELF from scratch) and I am updating it constantly. As Stagers we are constantly mentioning how Buyers shop the internet for homes first, well you know what? They shop the Internet for Home Stagers first to! One local Home Stager website has a picture of the Owner in a strappy tank top, floppy sun hat with dark sunglasses and shorts. Now I'm just saying, but I felt like hanging a sign around her neck that reads, "Would you hire me?". You also need to make sure that YOUR website photos are of your best Staging work and that they are updated frequently WITH YOUR OWN WORK. Don't just throw up some pictures and think that you're "done" - your website is your virtual business card.

This blog is NOT a rant. I am just trying to put it out there that YOUR BUSINESS and success of it is completely in YOUR CONTROL! If you can't respect your own business, then why should your clients? Just my $.02 spend it how you wish.

************************************************************************************

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Home Staging Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Malibu

Real Estate Negotiating. It's not rocket science. (edit/delete)

Hi folks. Let's talk a little bit about negotiating. Negotiating is one of the things I enjoy most about my job. I would be perfectly happy to never do anything but sit at my desk and negotiate deals over the phone.

Negotiating is an acquired skill that anyone can learn. It's one of those things that the more you do it the better you get. I also think everyone has their own way of doing it so I'm just going to try to explain what works for me and then you can tweak it or add to your current way of doing things so that it works for you and your market. And hopefully, you will be able to add some suggestions or techniques, in the comments, that will help me to improve. So here goes:

One of the first things I've learned about negotiations is that unless the offer is acceptable I always suggest to my Sellers that they counter offer. We rarely out right reject an offer. I've had offers that started out extremely low where the Buyers eventually came up. There are some Buyers who just have to get the low ball offer out of their system. It could be a cultural thing. It could be they have watched too much late night TV. Whatever the reason.....it's just an offer. Don't let the Sellers take it too personal and get upset over it. Counter it.

When I receive an offer on one of my listings, the first thing I do is call the agent and go over the offer with them. I do this for two reasons. One, I want to make sure I have the entire offer and I'm not missing an addendum that may have additional terms on it and secondly, I want to open up communications and get friendly with them. Why? Well, it's simple, they may tell me something that my Sellers and I can use while negotiating. You would be surprised at the things I've learned during the course of a conversation.

Next I call the loan officer or mortgage broker. Same strategy, ask questions and listen. You can find out quite a bit of information. But most importantly, I want to make sure the Buyers truly are qualified. You can usually tell if the LO is being truthful with you or not.

Now folks, I'm not working for the Buyer. I work for the Seller and my goal is to get as much money as I can for my Seller's property. There is nothing wrong with me asking questions. If the Buyer's side chooses to answer something they shouldn't, well that's their problem not mine.

Once I have taken these two steps, and I'm satisfied with the answers, I prepare a Net sheet and transaction outline for my Sellers. Now I'm ready to get with my Sellers and go over the offer. Initially I prefer to present the offer via Email or by phone. At this point in the negotiations I've just found it easier on the Sellers if I'm not burying them in paperwork right up front. I present the offer by using the Net sheet and transaction outline that I have prepared. I want the Sellers to concentrate on the things that are important to them not 10 pages of useless disclosures and addendums. We can go over that stuff later.

I suggest to my Sellers that they make a strong counter offer. We want the Buyer to be tempted to accept our counter. I also suggest they agree to as many minor things as they can i.e warranties, closing costs contributions, closing dates and the such. If the costs/terms are within reason, accept them. Give the Buyer the small stuff. It's easier to get a counter accepted if you are not changing or denying every little thing the Buyer is asking for. If the Buyer wants closing costs and warranties, these items are just reflecting in the counter offer price anyway......so why not leave them in?

Once the Seller has decided on a counter offer we make the changes on the contract and mark where the Buyer needs to initial. Now this step, may be a little controversial and some may not agree but here goes, my Sellers do NOT sign or initial the counter offer. I Email it to the Buyer's agent with no signatures or initials. "But Broker Bryant, why do you do that?" Well, let me tell you, I want the Buyer to commit before my Seller signs off on it. My Seller ALWAYS signs last.

We keep the property on the market and take showings and offers until the Buyer has agreed and signed and initialed everything AND put up his escrow deposit. I want my Sellers to be in a position to negotiate and accept another offer if one should come in that's better. I don't want the Buyer to sit on my Seller's counter for two days while they decide whether or not to accept it or counter it.

Also, NEVER give an ultimatum in negotiations. Don't say, "This is my Seller/Buyers final offer, take it or leave it." It slams the door shut on any further negotiations and it's not true. I can assure you, if my Seller comes back within $500, your Buyer will probably accept it. So just don't give ultimatums. Negotiate until the deal is accepted or dead and buried.

That's how I do it. Any questions or suggestions?

***More videos from ROAR!! Productions

Available Short Sale Training:

• The Negotiator Interview $27.00
  
• www.ShortSaleSuperStars.com FREE
• Short Sale Agent Training Webinars 8 Hours of training and materials for $197.00
• Short Sale Listing/Submission Package $47.00 Click for details
  

Bryant Tutas
Broker/Owner
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
http://CentralFloridaShortSales.com

http://ShortSaleSuperStars.com

Are you a Florida REALTOR(R) looking for a change? Check it out.

CENTRAL FLORIDA REALTOR(r) OPPORTUNITIES

Copyright © 2009 http://www.brokerbryant.com/ | All Rights Reserved

Active rain, the world, and you (edit/delete)

I going to get a little deep here tonight. What are we really here for? What mark are you going to leave on the world? Let's face it we aren't Albert Einstein or Barack Obama or Mother Theresa or Ghandi. We are simple people but.....

We can still make the world a better place even if it is just small things we do. Here on active rain we give free information out to buyers and sellers. We give our time and knowledge to help people. Sure we have an ulterior motive of getting customers out of it.

But other people call too. People in foreclosure, people who have bought and have issues, people that have questions. What I say to you is talk to them, sure they don't bring you money but.... Talk to them and spend the time they need to answer their questions. Sure they may not be a real buyer.

The key to this world isn't about making money. The key is to make this world a little better place because you were in it. If everybody did this I think this world will be a little better place. So take the time and help somebody today.

Nobody can take that away from you.

Russ Ravary your metro Detroit Realtor

Re-blogged by 0 agents

Speechless Sunday - The Cucumber Chewing Thief (edit/delete)

Tell Me Something Good That Happened To You This Week! (Members Only) (edit/delete)

Re-blogged by 0 agents

Local Events Sunday September 13 - 14, 2009 McCurtain County Oklahoma (edit/delete)

Re-blogged by 0 agents

Chateau Lake Gary for Sale Lake Raymond Gary Cabin on 2 waterfront lots Fort Towson, Oklahoma (edit/delete)

Just because you've been around a long time doesn't mean that you don't have to keep up with the times! (edit/delete)

There is a lot to be said for experience. Longevity in business often means that a certain level of experience has been achieved, and that a business is successful.

But having experience does not preclude the necessity for keeping up with current changes in the way business is conducted. We live in a fast-paced high-tech world that demands constant adaptation in an ever changing marketplace.

So experience alone is not enough to survive in business today. Rather, it is the melding of experience combined with an acute knowledge of the current tools and technologies that allow a business to succeed.

You cannot rest on your laurels, you cannot get by on your past accolades, and you cannot do business the way you did twenty years ago!

We are nearly ten years into the 21^st Century, and the 20^th Century ways just don't get the job done anymore!

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily! We Do HUD bids in Georgia! 770-827-6225

If You Don't Respect Your Own Business, Then Why Should Your Customers? (edit/delete)

I've heard it time and time again. It typically starts out with "Business is slow..." and is usually followed up with, "It must be the economy." or "People just don't get it." (refering to the service they are selling). Now, I can't speak for other industries, but I'll share my experience of what I do know, what we all have been hearing and why it seems that I have been hearing it more and more.

Without showing my age (too much), long before I entered into Home Staging and Interior Design I worked for MANY years as a Human Resource Manager, Recruiter and Trainer for an Interntionally known "jeans & t-shirt" retailer (as well as many more before THAT) and I can't tell you how many times I wanted to slap the head of a teenager who would come to our "jeans & t-shirt establishment" for a JOB INTERVIEW in a tank top and flip flops and think that it was "ok".

That being said; why then do some "Professionals" feel it is acceptable to do the same when they are grown adults? If you cannot get to a meeting in decent attire then what is that saying about YOU and more importantly, YOUR COMPANY? Especially in a profession such as Home Staging where we often toute, "Your home gets one chance to make a great 1st impression." And this little rant of advice goes beyond mere image.

However, I have been told by two recent clients that the reason Platinum Home Staging, Inc. was awarded the job was because of how we came to the first meeting, or interview, with the Home Owners. Yes, we dress up just as if we were going to a job interview - because we ARE. One Seller even commented, and I quote: "The 'other' stager looked like she was in her pajamas and I didn't think we'd be able to get the home staged at the level we would like it be because of the way she presented herself." YOU only get one chance to make that great 1st impression, not only for YOU, but for your COMPANY!

If you didn't get the chance to read the comment left by Erik Hitzelberger in this blog post please do so. He says that 5 of 7 Home Stagers NEVER EVEN RETURNED HIS CALLS?!?!?! Maybe they are already out of business, and if they are not then they soon will be. Unfortunately I personally have heard this from a Realtor who's Sellers were willing to pay a premium price for our services to Stage a home since we had to travel outside of our normal service area. Why? Because THEY had called several Stagers, and THEY never got a return call either. Unfortunately, when I did try to refer them to Stagers in their area, 2 of the 3 were companies they themselves had already attempted to contact. What's the point of having a business if you can't ever answer your phone or check your voice mail? If you're too busy, at least call the client and let them know. If you are no longer in business, disconnect the number and stop advertising. If you are going out of town, update your voice mail to say so and when you will be returning.

Time is Money we all know it, we live by it, most industries charge by it. So why then would you show up to a meeting late? I try to make a point of always being early to appointments and nobody KNOWS traffic, like us in Los Angeles KNOW traffic - but you know what I'll admit it, I LOST a bid recently because I was late. And you know what, I deserved to lose that bid. That poor Realtor took time out of his busy day to meet ME and I was late - serves me right! On the other hand, I learned my lesson and on another recent bid I was 10 minutes early. The Seller specifically said that I was awarded the job, "Because in the land of late, you were early."

OK, lastly I have to mention websites. I do NOT have the most professional, glitzy nor glamorous website on the web. What I DO have a pretty darn good SEO and Google juice (might I add I designed and maintain my website MYSELF from scratch) and I am updating it constantly. As Stagers we are constantly mentioning how Buyers shop the internet for homes first, well you know what? They shop the Internet for Home Stagers first to! One local Home Stager website has a picture of the Owner in a strappy tank top, floppy sun hat with dark sunglasses and shorts. Now I'm just saying, but I felt like hanging a sign around her neck that reads, "Would you hire me?". You also need to make sure that YOUR website photos are of your best Staging work and that they are updated frequently WITH YOUR OWN WORK. Don't just throw up some pictures and think that you're "done" - your website is your virtual business card.

This blog is NOT a rant. I am just trying to put it out there that YOUR BUSINESS and success of it is completely in YOUR CONTROL! If you can't respect your own business, then why should your clients? Just my $.02 spend it how you wish.

************************************************************************************

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Home Staging Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Malibu

Real Estate Negotiating. It's not rocket science. (edit/delete)

Hi folks. Let's talk a little bit about negotiating. Negotiating is one of the things I enjoy most about my job. I would be perfectly happy to never do anything but sit at my desk and negotiate deals over the phone.

Negotiating is an acquired skill that anyone can learn. It's one of those things that the more you do it the better you get. I also think everyone has their own way of doing it so I'm just going to try to explain what works for me and then you can tweak it or add to your current way of doing things so that it works for you and your market. And hopefully, you will be able to add some suggestions or techniques, in the comments, that will help me to improve. So here goes:

One of the first things I've learned about negotiations is that unless the offer is acceptable I always suggest to my Sellers that they counter offer. We rarely out right reject an offer. I've had offers that started out extremely low where the Buyers eventually came up. There are some Buyers who just have to get the low ball offer out of their system. It could be a cultural thing. It could be they have watched too much late night TV. Whatever the reason.....it's just an offer. Don't let the Sellers take it too personal and get upset over it. Counter it.

When I receive an offer on one of my listings, the first thing I do is call the agent and go over the offer with them. I do this for two reasons. One, I want to make sure I have the entire offer and I'm not missing an addendum that may have additional terms on it and secondly, I want to open up communications and get friendly with them. Why? Well, it's simple, they may tell me something that my Sellers and I can use while negotiating. You would be surprised at the things I've learned during the course of a conversation.

Next I call the loan officer or mortgage broker. Same strategy, ask questions and listen. You can find out quite a bit of information. But most importantly, I want to make sure the Buyers truly are qualified. You can usually tell if the LO is being truthful with you or not.

Now folks, I'm not working for the Buyer. I work for the Seller and my goal is to get as much money as I can for my Seller's property. There is nothing wrong with me asking questions. If the Buyer's side chooses to answer something they shouldn't, well that's their problem not mine.

Once I have taken these two steps, and I'm satisfied with the answers, I prepare a Net sheet and transaction outline for my Sellers. Now I'm ready to get with my Sellers and go over the offer. Initially I prefer to present the offer via Email or by phone. At this point in the negotiations I've just found it easier on the Sellers if I'm not burying them in paperwork right up front. I present the offer by using the Net sheet and transaction outline that I have prepared. I want the Sellers to concentrate on the things that are important to them not 10 pages of useless disclosures and addendums. We can go over that stuff later.

I suggest to my Sellers that they make a strong counter offer. We want the Buyer to be tempted to accept our counter. I also suggest they agree to as many minor things as they can i.e warranties, closing costs contributions, closing dates and the such. If the costs/terms are within reason, accept them. Give the Buyer the small stuff. It's easier to get a counter accepted if you are not changing or denying every little thing the Buyer is asking for. If the Buyer wants closing costs and warranties, these items are just reflecting in the counter offer price anyway......so why not leave them in?

Once the Seller has decided on a counter offer we make the changes on the contract and mark where the Buyer needs to initial. Now this step, may be a little controversial and some may not agree but here goes, my Sellers do NOT sign or initial the counter offer. I Email it to the Buyer's agent with no signatures or initials. "But Broker Bryant, why do you do that?" Well, let me tell you, I want the Buyer to commit before my Seller signs off on it. My Seller ALWAYS signs last.

We keep the property on the market and take showings and offers until the Buyer has agreed and signed and initialed everything AND put up his escrow deposit. I want my Sellers to be in a position to negotiate and accept another offer if one should come in that's better. I don't want the Buyer to sit on my Seller's counter for two days while they decide whether or not to accept it or counter it.

Also, NEVER give an ultimatum in negotiations. Don't say, "This is my Seller/Buyers final offer, take it or leave it." It slams the door shut on any further negotiations and it's not true. I can assure you, if my Seller comes back within $500, your Buyer will probably accept it. So just don't give ultimatums. Negotiate until the deal is accepted or dead and buried.

That's how I do it. Any questions or suggestions?

***More videos from ROAR!! Productions

Available Short Sale Training:

• The Negotiator Interview $27.00
  
• www.ShortSaleSuperStars.com FREE
• Short Sale Agent Training Webinars 8 Hours of training and materials for $197.00
• Short Sale Listing/Submission Package $47.00 Click for details
  

Bryant Tutas
Broker/Owner
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
http://CentralFloridaShortSales.com

http://ShortSaleSuperStars.com

Are you a Florida REALTOR(R) looking for a change? Check it out.

CENTRAL FLORIDA REALTOR(r) OPPORTUNITIES

Copyright © 2009 http://www.brokerbryant.com/ | All Rights Reserved

Active rain, the world, and you (edit/delete)

I going to get a little deep here tonight. What are we really here for? What mark are you going to leave on the world? Let's face it we aren't Albert Einstein or Barack Obama or Mother Theresa or Ghandi. We are simple people but.....

We can still make the world a better place even if it is just small things we do. Here on active rain we give free information out to buyers and sellers. We give our time and knowledge to help people. Sure we have an ulterior motive of getting customers out of it.

But other people call too. People in foreclosure, people who have bought and have issues, people that have questions. What I say to you is talk to them, sure they don't bring you money but.... Talk to them and spend the time they need to answer their questions. Sure they may not be a real buyer.

The key to this world isn't about making money. The key is to make this world a little better place because you were in it. If everybody did this I think this world will be a little better place. So take the time and help somebody today.

Nobody can take that away from you.

Russ Ravary your metro Detroit Realtor

Re-blogged by 0 agents

Speechless Sunday - The Cucumber Chewing Thief (edit/delete)