There are an unlimited number of ways to generate new leads for people wanting to buy or sell real estate. The most popular way in today’s market is internet generated leads. This is largely due to the number of people searching the internet to better educate themselves on real estate values. Through their searches, their contact information is captured creating …
Four Divisions of A Successful Career
A few days ago I was watching a training film by a prominent coach in the PGA circuit. He began breaking down the golf game into four major areas that good golfers need to focus on. As I listened to him strategically break down each area, I began to notice the same characteristics for a professional sales career. As a …
How Much Earnest Money Is Acceptable?
When it comes to selling real estate there is no standard, acceptable amount of earnest money to accompany an offer. First let’s examine what earnest money is. Earnest money is also referred to as “good faith” money. In other words, it is a payment made by the buyer at the time an offer to purchase is written that demonstrates to …
“Caveat Emptor” Buyer Beware
If you understand the title of this blog, chances are you are in a real estate related business. When buying real estate in Alabama the words “Caveat Emptor” is of utmost importance. Let’s take a look at the meaning of the term and how it affects Alabama real estate buyers. Caveat emptor (ˌkæviːɑːt ˈɛmptɔr) is Latin for “Let the buyer …
Managing Risk Saves Realtors
The practice of real estate is a very legalistic business and we take our jobs far too lightly. I think one of the reasons is because we haven’t had a transaction that ended up in litigation. In all my Risk Management CE classes, I use this illustration; “When you driving down the road and you’re speeding, then you look in …
Creating A Business Plan (Part Six) Time Management
I hope creating a business plan has been a pleasant experience for you. I can guarantee if you carefully create a business plan and then really commit to following that plan, it will be the best financial decision you have made in your entire life. I’m sure some of the large dollar volumes you need to produce in income from …
Creating A Business Plan (Part Five)
If you have read the last four blogs on this topic, you are getting tired of digging for information so you could follow the instructions. I know it can be difficult but if we truly manage our business the way we should, we track all this information on a weekly basis. If we don’t keep track of all our expenses …
Creating A Business Plan (Part Three)
Today we will continue building our business plan by honestly evaluating our past work habits, personalities, and job performance during the last year so we can realize the things we need to improve upon in the coming year. For those reading this article that reside outside Alabama, please keep in mind that Alabama law differs from surrounding states because Alabama …
Creating A Business Plan (Part Two)
If you didn’t read Creating A Business Plan (Part One), please do so before reading this blog so you’ll better understand how to build your business plan. As I told you last week, if you follow these instructions, you will be able to complete your own personal business plan. Since you must know where you are currently before you can …
Creating A Business Plan (Part One)
Success is all about realistic expectations, regardless of the industry in which you work. For some reason people enter real estate sales without giving careful thought to their income expectations. I think it is because they see real estate as being a lucrative profession. They see names on “For Sale” signs all over town and equate those signs with success. …