|
I just read Peggy Chirico's post "I Don't Take Referrals!" and I must say, I'm amazed at how quickly many of the commenters there have jumped on an agent who chose not to accept a referral, calling him names without knowing his circumstances, all while claiming "I never turn down a referral!" Is it possible that the agent in question has a business plan that he's committed to, that works for him, that doesn't include paying out referral fees? Maybe he's got enough business that he's happy, and he's not interested in growing anymore? I can tell you that personally I do take referrals, but I'm choosy. I only take the ones that actually stand to compensate me for my time and experience. I will not take referrals that end up draining my resources (time & money). I've had agents call me to refer an $80,000 listing, expecting a 40% referral fee. If I were to take such a referral, I'd spend more money to market that property than I would gross after the referral, broker split, and taxes. That's not even taking into account the time I'd have invested in getting it sold. In the time I would've spent on that resource-drainer, I would instead work my client base and generat 2-3 other full-commission transactions. I also recently had a local agent try to refer me a referral, if that makes any sense. By the time all was said and done, I would've ended up paying 2 referral fees, totaling 50% of the commission. Again, not worth my time. Many facctors have to be considered when deciding whether or not to accept a referral; referral fee, sales price, how needy the client is, current market conditions, your hourly rate, etc. When I was a new agent, without much already going on, I was much more willing to take on referrals, and when the market slows, I become more open to them as well. But when the market's cruising along well, and I have a pipeline full of full-commission clients, why would I take time away from them to make less working with someone else? Any agent who's not taking these things into account, but instead just jumping up and yelling "YES" when they're asked if they'd like a referral, may need to re-think their business plan. Not ALL business is profitable business. Many times, the referring agent may be well-intentioned, but actually harm the client by restricting the receiving agent with hefty referral fees. Personally, if it comes down to it, I'd rather not receive a fee and know that my client is getting a top-notch experience, than to take a referral fee and know that the receiving agent may not put forth as much effort, due to a minimized commission. So, what say you? Are all referrals to be taken? |
Report card time's always a little unnerving isn't it? Will I be at the top, the bottom, or somewhere around average? What grade do you think our great city would earn? Better question; would you be at all surprised to find out that Oklahoma City got an A+ and ranked first out of the Top 100 Metros? I know I'm not surprised, but somehow, some folks still seem to miss just how great we have it here. According to MetroTrends.org,
Metropolitan Oklahoma City’s diverse economy – including government, universities, energy, and high-tech firms -- has held up well in the Great Recession. It didn’t fall victim to the housing boom and bust (2000 to 2007), so rents and house prices today are remarkably affordable and few homeowners are facing foreclosure. And the region scores high on lots of “top ten” lists -- most affordable (Forbes), most recession-proof (Forbes), and best to start a small business (Fortune Small Business).
Click through to see the entire ranking of the Top 100 Metros.
**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.
Try this quick test: Close one of your outside doors on a sheet of paper. If the paper pulls out fairly easily and doesn't tear, you're likely losing energy. You can also use the old candle or lighter test. Move a lit candle around your doors and windows (be very careful not to burn yourself) and see if that flame flickers.
Either test works, but that's real money leaking out between those gaps, so hurry and do something about it! if you need contractor recommendations, let us know, or if you plan to do the work yourself, here are a few how-to tips:
**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.
According to a recent USATODAY.com article, Oklahoma City is the best place for former soldiers to find civilian careers. The article states, "as the Iraq War winds down by year's end, tens of thousands of servicemembers are expected to return home, and many will seek second careers amid a sluggish economy and 9% unemployment." That said, we're proud to see Oklahoma City recognized as the top place for these honored veterans to plant their feet when returning home:
Oklahoma City is the best place for military retirees to find work, according to a ranking of 379 metro areas by Military.com and USAA, a financial service provider to military personnel.
More exciting news for the Oklahoma City economy, as Boeing announces that they'll be moving more well-paid employees here from Wichita Kansas, by late 2013!
**Originally posted on ShowMeOKC.com, where you’ll find out more about Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, and beyond.
 |
|
|
New-Media Marketer, Listing Specialist and Team Lead of the ShowMeOKC Team, a residential Real Estate Team based in Edmond, OK specializing in existing and new homes in Metro OKC, Edmond, and beyond.
I am happily married and father to 5 amazing children. My oldest son, 19, plays baseball and is in the midst of his sophomore year of college; My daughter, 16, plays softball and is heavily involved in DECA and STUCO; My middle son, 9, who competes in track & field and basketball is a ball of fire, full of personality and joy, just lights up a room when he enters; my 3 year old son already gives us so much joy and laughter and just completed his first season of t-ball. He is undoubtedly our orneriest one yet; Then there's Cinco, the youngest of the crew, changing every day and beginning to show that he does, in fact, have what it takes to keep up with the other 4. We are truly blessed with amazing, caring children and a large circle of supportive friends and family. We are proud active members of Lifechurch.tv and strive to improve ourselves and help others in everything we do.
I have about 17 years of sales/marketing experience and enjoy the personal aspect of helping others achieve their Real Estate goals and discover their surroundings. The majority of my "free time" is spent with my family, whether at school functions, practices & games, or huddled around a good board game. We also really enjoy being a part of local sporting events, such as OKC Thunder Basketball, OKC Barons Hockey, Oklahoma City Redhawks Baseball, and the University of Oklahoma Sooners (Mens and Womens sports), BOOMER SOONER! We even got to enjoy watching the USA Womens Softball Team beat Japan in the World Cup of Softball, July 2007.
With Oklahoma City's newfound national stage growing rapidly, we're really excited about the possibilities of where it will take us. Having been a big part of the Hornets recent stay in Oklahoma City, we got to witness firsthand that our city really is ready to take on and support the Pros and we're anxious to see how everything progresses with the new Oklahoma City Thunder. Pro Basketball is finally in OKC to stay and it's just a matter of time before we see even further expansion into who knows what... baseball, football?
After seven years in the Insurance business and much prompting from my mentor and several other close friends, I made a transition into the Real Estate field in 2002, going to work for Newhaven Homes, one of the largest home builders in our area.
My job as a Community Manager quickly showed me that Real Estate is where I am meant to be. My sales background allowed me instant success but the knowledge I obtained working with developers, builders & contractors, as well as being directly involved in the struggles between builder & buyer, was much more valuable and gave me the knowledge necessary to do what I enjoy... smoothing out the home buying & selling process for my clients is my goal. Helping others enjoy the process and realize their financial/real estate goals in highly fulfilling.
I now have a team of associates and an amazing support staff whose combined goal is to minimize the stress our clients experience. By combining personal, one-on-one attention with today's most cutting-edge technology, such as dynamic web and email resources, wireless real-time mobile updates, and a full-service support team, we're able to provide 24/7 market coverage for our clients. We ARE the most technologically advanced team in the Edmond Real Estate market, but we haven't sacrificed good old-fashioned customer service in the process. Our listings are currently selling in an average of 59 days, in a market with an 92 day average. Our clients love us and you will too! Check out our Edmond Real Estate Blog to find out more about us.
Member Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of Realtors (OKCMAR)
- Vice President, 2011
- Director, 2010-2013
- Head of MLS R&D Workgroup, 2010
- Member, Green Resource Council, 2010
- Member, GenNEXT Network Task Force, 2010
- Member, Education Committee 2008-2010
Member Oklahoma Association of Realtors (OAR)
- Member, Legislative, Political & Regulatory Committee, 2011
Member National Association of Realtors (NAR)Member Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association (COHBA)
- Member, Sales and Marketing Council
- Member, Associates Council
Ultimately, my only goal is to obtain exceptional results for our clients. This turns our friends and clients into fanatical supporters of what we do. We know that as long as we achieve that goal, everything else will fall into place, giving us the ultimate network and allowing us to leverage our experience to help more people in their real estate ventures.
ALL AGENTS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2012 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
