Sheila Moran ~Broker Bits~

What exactly do seasoned and new Agents expect and need from their Broker?

I think this answer has definitely changed over the years.  Back in the day when you got your license you walked into your Brokers’ office on the “first day of work” and you were handed the GIANT Criss Cross directory and told to “get to work”.   Well, at least that’s what happened to me.

Say what?

With progress you text, e-mail and FACEBOOK your Broker now.  Agents work from their own offices, out of a “remote” office or sometimes still have the old fashioned “in the office, office”.   Heck, in some offices there is not a physical Broker in the same city!

What exactly do seasoned and new Agents expect and need from their Broker?

Are new Agents expecting a Broker that is in the office available for questions?

Looking for guidance and advice?

Looking for someone to feed them leads?

Wanting an online presence from their Brokerage?

Tell me what exactly it is that made you go to the Brokerage that you are currently at AND what keeps you there?

Toughen up Buttercup!  Selling your home is doing business, it’s not personal.

Dear Seller:

I can completely understand you not appreciating negative feedback from a Buyers’ Agent and/or their clients about the décor, floor plan as well as condition.  

Honestly, I was the one that probably said it to you at our first meeting.  You asked me what my “thoughts” were about the property and if you will recall I was open and honest (and very nice about it) and told you the changes that immediately needed attention.  I know you did what you could to make these changes and improvements.  Sometimes when working with a limited budget there is just so far that dollar can stretch.  I get this.  

Buyers that are looking for property these days, don’t get it.  

They just don’t.

In a housing market where it’s a beauty contest and pricing war you have to understand that Buyer’s are out looking for something that “fits” them.  Economically, lifestyle, location and yes, CONDITION.  We also have to be aware of your neighbors that might “outshine and out price” us.   Unfortunately, this is a fact that we have to deal with.

Knowing all of these details and the many conversations we have had regarding feedback I’m still surprised that you are thrown off kilter about some “comments”.  We asked these REALTORS® to provide to us their honest opinion.   Their honesty can help guide us in this journey we are taking together.  Let’s not make the road any bumpier than necessary by taking these comments personally.

That’s why I’m asking you again Seller to Toughen up Buttercup!  Selling your home is doing business, it’s not personal.

Your Buyer is out there and when we close it will all be Roses!

Proud to serve as 2012 President Elect for San Antonio Women's Council of REALTORS® with 9 other RE/MAX Agents in Texas !

The Women's Council of REALTORS® is like another family amongst my Real Estate family!  It's a place where I learn, educate, sharpen my skills as well as practice new habits and learned skills.  The friendships that I have created and the networking that I have experienced is INVALUABLE.

I am proud to be listed amongst these others that are also striving hard to make their communities a better place while being better Professionals.  If you know any of these other RE/MAX Agents that are committed this year to educating others, networking and learning then pat them on the back and recognize their efforts!

Inman's "Most Influential Real Estate Leader" is Dave Liniger founder of RE/MAX.  A guy with a dream in the 70's !

I'm so excited that Dave Liniger was named.  It's truly a representation of who he is and what he aspires to on a daily basis for RE/MAX INTERNATIONAL and his RE/MAX Brokers & Agents.

This is a guy that had a dream in the 1970's and went with it.  He grew his office by hiring women....yes, I said women back in the day when a Real Estate Consultant was a man and the women were their secretaries.  He saw what others didn't; what a woman could bring to a Real Estate transaction and mentored these ladies to be strong Leaders, like himself.  If you haven't read the book "Everybody Wins" by Phil Harkins and Keith Hollihan about the story and lessons behind RE/MAX its an incredible read of the struggles and journeys, I strongly suggest it."

Here is the actual press release:

"Change is going to overwhelm those who don't embrace it," Dave Liniger said to a crowd of more than 1,400 industry professionals attending Real Estate Connect in New York City on Thursday, just after he was named the Inman News "People's Choice" Most Influential Real Estate Leader.

The "People’s Choice" honor is given to the real estate leader who has made the most significant contributions to the industry during the past year, based on the popular vote in an online poll.

In addition to expressing his sincere thanks to Inman readers, Liniger also briefly reflected on the past 39 years that RE/MAX has operated. In particular, he called attention to changing technology as a symbol of the increasing pace of business – and the importance of keeping up.

"Very simply, two or three years ago, most of us had never even heard of an app or an iPhone, let alone an iPad," Liniger said. "Right now, 600,000 apps have been created for those devices in less than two years. That shows you the speed of change that's happening."

He added that agents can't stick their heads in the sand if they want to remain successful.

The RE/MAX organization is coming off one of the most dynamic years in its history. Among the highlights: earning two J.D. Power and Associates awards, launching the global.remax.com website, growing its worldwide presence, boosting its commercial standing, helping thousands of distressed sellers, and upgrading its programs in training, technology, social media and brand marketing.

Liniger credits the network’s top-producing agents for its ongoing success.

"The key to RE/MAX has been the quality of its Sales Associates," he told Affiliates in a New Year’s video message. "Individually, you are the best at what you do. Collectively, we’re a force that can’t be stopped."

Kristin and I as we received our awards at the RE/MAX INTERNATIONAL convention in 2011. 

p.s. He's was cracking jokes while we were taking this picture!

New Braunfels Independent School District Calendar for January, February & March 2012

With the start of January already here I thought this calendar might prove to be helpful to parents in planning for the next three months.  Make note that our Spring Break has been moved up a week this year.  Why you ask?  Go figure.  I have no idea and can't seem to get an answer, but, yes, it's happened.  So, plan accordingly and

GO BLUE!

2011 Blogging Challenge ~12~  We hired the property management guru!

Property Management in San Antonio is growing.  Along with that growth is the pains that come with it.  This time we made an excellent decision as we hired a gal that honestly has been in the business for over 30 years!

I know that I have known OF HER for over 20 years.  She is highly respected and knows her stuff.  I'm so excited to announce the addition of:

Leslye Baumann

with

Moran Property Management

Here are some of her credentials:

·        Native of San Antonio

·        Graduate Texas State University (SWTSU)

·        Married to Dennis, one daughter and son-in-law, 3 granddaughters

·        Teacher SAISD 10 years

·        Real Estate career began in 1982

·        Property Management since 1983

·        Consistent Million  Dollar producer in 80’s and 90’s

·        Experience working with relocation companies and listing bank foreclosures

·        Brokers License

·        SABOR Property Manager of the Year 2002

·        City of Live Oak Council member 1997 to 2005

·        Vice President Live Oak Economic Development Corp. 1999-2005

·        Founding member, Chapter President, Secretary, Director, San Antonio Chapter of NARPM

·        Member SABOR Property Management Committee, Chairman in 2003

·        TAR Professional Standards Committee member

·        Member Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce

·        Chairman of the Board Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce 2010

·        Northeast Lakeview College, Chairman of Citizens Advisory Committee for Programs

·        Alamo College District Citizens Advisory Committee for construction of NELV, and expansion of 4 other campuses

·        Member and Chairperson Citizens Bond Oversight Committee ACCD -2006-2010

·         Honorary Commander 12^th Flying Wing 2009

·        Honorary Commander 502nd Air Base Wing 2010

She is going to keep us organized and help continue to grow the portfolio with quality properties.

Thanks Leslye for helping us start the beginning of 2012 with a bang!

We welcome you!