Laurie Rushing

As I sat reading an article a few days ago, I began to think of how this particular article has impacted the real estate industry. The article was discussing the characteristics of the four generations that are in the same work force, and how each generation is struggling with the work practices and ethics of the other. It is clear that REALTORS are not exempt from the struggle, and we are all trying to find our place within our own offices and profession.

This is the first time in American history that four generations have occupied the same workspace. You have the Traditionalist those that were born before 1945, the Baby Boomers those born between 1946- 1964, Gen X'rs those born between 1965- 1980, and the Gen Y'rs those born between 1981- 2000. Each of these generations have very different views on work ethic, leadership style, and communication.

I find myself in the Gen X era, and I know from working with mostly Baby Boomers and Traditionalist in my office that challenges occur on a daily basis. The Boomers in the office are "all work and no play". True workaholics, their vacation IS work. There seems to be collegial sense of leadership style, and in the Boomers words- real estate is still an "in person" business.

Now the Traditionalist in my office, they are the rule players; they work hard and have a respect for authority. The leadership style of the Traditionalist is very in command and in control, however that communication style is totally lacking in the technology era. The Traditionalist has issues checking email, and we are lucky if they have a flip phone, and a "smart phone" to them is one that rings. They prefer to have communications in memo form and wanted it delivered to their desk in black and white, and not by email.

The Gen Y'rs are pretty much slim to none in my office, but there are a few. These are the ones that really frustrate the Boomers. (I know this because my Principal Broker- who happens to be my mother- is a Boomer, and she is always frustrated with the Gen Y'rs in the office.) The Y'rs are those that are the "whenever I want it- just a push of the button" generation. I have not put my finger on the leadership style of this generation, so that is still TBD. The work ethic is "get it done and move to the next thing", it's just a job and there are plenty of other jobs out there. Gen Y'rs don't answer the phone, but they will email or text you within seconds of contacting them in this form.

Of course that leaves us with the Gen X'rs, and in my opinion they are the most well rounded (of course I could be partial to my own generation). Gen X'rs want structure in the workplace, they work to eliminate a task, and seem to very skeptical. The leadership style of the X'rs is to ask why, treat everyone the same, and challenge others. Communication styles for the Gen X'rs are sometimes mistaken as rude or impersonal, because of the direct nature and the immediate response. Technology does not seem to be too much of a struggle for the Generation X, it's the use of it in a direct manner that seems to create the problems.

So what does this mean to the future of our industry.... Our business is based on understanding others. Most of us think the only way, is our way, and I am as guilty as anyone with that thinking. However, I have come to learn that in business, as well as in personal life, that is just not true. To increase productivity, work effectively and efficiently, we all need to understand how each generation is wired and learn to tap into their strengths.

What can I say, last night at the Can's For Kids Chili Cook Off was just one of those "feel good" moments that truly made me proud to be called a REALTOR®. The parking lot was full of the best professionals in town, and they were all there for one purpose and one purpose only and that was to raise funds to provide food for the underprivileged children in Garland County.

What started over 7 years ago as a lunch room conversation between my mother and I, has exploded in to one of the largest fundraising events in the history of the Hot Springs Board of REALTORS. Each year Trademark Real Estate host the Hot Springs Board of REALTORS Can's For Kids Chili Cook Off, and since its inception in 2002, it has been a tremendous success raising over $70,000. The best part of the whole program is the realization that EVERY penny of the money stays in the community and is spent on those that are in need.

This year the cook off featured over 30 chili and booth entries. There were REALTORS®, title companies, banks, mortgage companies, local retail businesses, and fitness gyms that participated. Each entry was judged not only on Chili but also on booth setup and costumes. There were booth theme's that ranged from Santa and Mrs. Clause to the Beverly Hillbillies. Not to mention a special appearance from Elvis and the Pink Ladies.

The Hot Springs Board of REALTORS® Cans For Kids Program was presented to the Board in 2002 by the incoming President at the time, Cris Salazar. From the beginning this program has provided food for the local school systems, and over the last several years it has provided weekly donations of food to the 7 local school districts. In 2007 this program branched out to also provide each of the 7 school districts with $500 a piece in school supplies at the beginning of each school year.

It is because of the REALTORS® of the Hot Springs Board, and what they offer to our community that I can honestly say that the mark of a TRUE professional is giving more than you get. My fellow REALTORS® came out in full force last night and did just that, they portrayed a TRUE REALTOR® spirit!

How many times do you hear this statement? Probably not nearly enough, but why? I tend to believe it is because we doubt it ourselves. But why should we doubt? Is it not true that we are the creators of our own future? What would happen if you told yourself everyday "My future is so bright, I gotta wear shades!"?

The answer to that question...A future so bright you BETTER wear shades!

You are what you see yourself being. If you see yourself with no money, no job and no future that is exactly what you will get. It it time to change your thinking pattern. Think of the things that you want to be, find a place to write it down, visit the list frequently, and don't forget to continue to add to the list. It is amazing how your mind will start to work to make your list a reality.

See you at the top..................

To Tweet or not to Tweet? That is THE question.

It seems that everyday, I have an agent come into my office and ask a question that has something to do with technology regarding the real estate profession. The majority are just being to look at the options that are available to become a part of, while others are even more far advanced than myself.

However, one of the ever rising question seems to be regarding the infamous "Twitter". Most want to know exactly what Twitter can do for them, and is it just another piece of technology that they have to maintain everyday.

What I can see there are some key reasons why REALTORS should be "tweeting":

• INSTANT- One of the key advantages of Twitter is that it provides instant information to a large audience. You could look at being on a loud speaker to the world. It is more effective than email, because it goes to all of your "followers" where as email will only be delivered to a selected group.
  
• MOBILE- You can use Twitter to broadcast messages to the world from your computer, your cell phone, or any internet devise.
  
• VIRAL- If you send out a message and someone likes what you have said, they can immediately send it to their followers. This is a method that information can go viral quickly.
  
• JOIN IN- When you see a conversation on Twitter that is of interest to you, you can chime in at anytime and no one is offended. So if you are one of those that like to interrupt in conversations, Twitter is the perfect spot for you to hang out!
  
• BREAKING NEWS- Twitter has tools that can help you search millions of conversations that are being said about certain topics. You can even automate searches to have updates sent to your regularly on topics that are of interest to you.

So with all the advantages, you should at least try it out. While you are out there follow me @TrademarkRE

Can't wait to see you "tweet"!

Trademark Real Estate is excited to announce a partnership with Fowler Auctioneers in Hot Springs. The goal of our partnership is to find the best and fastest possible way to market property for our Sellers. With the team work of the two organization, it is one of the best options that Hot Springs has seen for prime marketing of property.

Once the process of an auction property begins, it is just a few weeks until buyers will be standing outside your property. The auction process causes multiple buyers to compete at the same time and place to purchase property.

Keep in mind that with other selling methods, the buyers are in control of the process, starting with an asking price, negotiating down, and with no time pressure to close the deal. With almost every other method, competition exists only between sellers.

Auctioning is the exact opposite; competition exists between buyers. After the opening bid, negotiations only go up; buyers know that they have only a limited time to make their purchase. Bidders are caught up in the rush of a timed auction, and competitive bidding drives selling prices higher and higher.

There are two basic approaches to selling your property at auction:

In an absolute auction, the seller agrees to sell the property regardless of the price. Generally, absolute auctions tend to bring much larger crowds of buyers who have already researched the properties for sale, which gives the seller a definite edge. Also, bidders have the knowledge that the property will be sold no matter what, which leaves the highest bidder position infinitely open in the mind of potential buyers. This makes for more fast-paced, intense bidding which in turn tends to drive selling prices to their highest available amount at that time.

Reserve auctions, though not as intense as absolute auctions, provide a safety ledge for sellers. This is due to a reserve amount the seller requires to be met in bidding. Even though this type of auction is generally not quite as popular, if it is properly done with a realistic minimum set, it does share many benefits with absolute auctions: both types always bring the highest available sale price at the time and the buyers are competing with each other instead of sellers, constantly driving the sale price higher and higher.

Benefits of an Absolute Auction

• Absolute auction tells the public that the property will sell regardless of price.
• Brings serious buyers who know the property will be sold right then and there and have already done their homework concerning the property for sale.
• Buyers compete more urgently while constantly raising the sale price
  • Allows you to be confident of selling at the highest price available at that time.
• When selling your real estate, from the time you choose to have a Fowler Auction, your real estate can be SOLD in eight to ten weeks, or by whatever schedule you choose.

For more information on our newest service contact Trademark Real Estate today at 501-318-3200.