Tammy Laakso

The phrase, "it's not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you".

1. You may have clients that have two different measurements for their homes. Which one do you go by? Do you take the bigger number and go with it? Do you take the tax record number? Have they "added on" since the last measurement was taken?

As a real estate appraiser, I am able to solve this by going out and remeasuring the property to give an updated professional measurement. What will this do for you?

To have an appraiser come out and remeasure the property, you gain trust from your client by looking out for their best interest. If their property is larger than measurement on record, this will add value to their property.

2. You look at comparables in the area and see the market for the area vary with a widespread. I am able to do an appraisal for the property you are wanting to list and give your client piece of mind to put their property on the market for the price that will best suite their market. This also builds trust between you and your client.

So, how can I, a Real Estate Appraiser help you the Realtor? I can help you build trust with your client, and I can help you put the property on the market for the best suited price in their market.

By doing this you will not only build trust with your client, but also gain other clients because your client will want to pass your name around to their relatives and friends.

So, contact me through Activerain and "let's talk about what I can do for you".

In the last year I have learned of so many ways to network. Activerain, linkedin, facebook, face to face, and networking groups. These are to name a few.

I have a question. WHEN IS TOO MANY, too many?

I was speaking to a colleague about this. The question was how much time do you spend networking and getting your name out? We were discussing the vast amount of ways to network and how much time it takes each day to promote yourself and business.

So you out there in the Activerain arena, help out with this question. Give imput on how much and where are to RIGHT places in which to promote your business.

I have been involved in a networking group for several months of late. One of the things that impresses me about the group is their motto, "Givers Gain". Some may ask, "what does that mean".

It works like this, when you refer people to other members of the group, they gain from the referral, and you gain as well.

Ok, so how would I gain if the business isn't actually coming to me?

When you refer to others, they in turn will look to refer to you to return the favor.

The great thing about networking groups is when you are involved and you get to know how others conduct their business, you will begin to trust and want to refer people to them.

All of us small business owners are looking for ways to build our businesses. Send business to the people you are networking with, send referrals their way, it will pay off!

Don't take my word for it! Try it and see for yourself!

I have searched the internet far and long. I have read many blogs, news articles, and advertisements. I have looked at so many pictures my eyes were getting crossed.

So, what answers have this vast search come up with?

The answer is really quite simple.

1. Affordability

2. Location

3. The perfect fit for the family or individual

4. Time of travel to work and school

5. Family

6. Place of worship

So, if these six items are really quite simple, WHY, does it take some families 2-3 months of looking?

They go from internet, to realtor, to loan company, to locations, from house to house to house! (not necessarily in that order)

How can we stop this cycle for our clients?

Have a network of people that with just a phone call we are able to help calm the rollercoster ride our clients feel they are riding.

When we are able to utilize our network of people we are able to give our clients referrals of people we trust and know they can trust. It's a WIN, WIN for all.

Today the sun is shining and the weather is actually quite warm for Oklahoma at the end of January!

What does this have to do with Real Estate you ask?

I say a lot. People tend to get out more when the sun is out. They start looking at what the year will bring forth. People begin thinking about the possiblity of buying and selling homes.

This is a day when cell phones will ring and open houses will have traffic.

It is one of those days when if you are prepared and already have your name out there, you will get calls.

Marketing is key. Stay on top of your marketing and have your name passed around. This is the time it will begin to pay off.