Mindset is probably the most important trait that leads to success in sales, yet it is the least thought of in regards to importance. The mindset of a professional salesperson is similarly just as important as an engine to an automobile. A car may be beautiful and loaded with amenities. It may have all the bells and whistles but without …
Steps between Survival and Success
During my 42 year career in real estate I have seen and attended numerous seminars, online classes, read many books, taken correspondence courses, listened to tapes, CD’s, watched video’s and every other delivery method of a guaranteed programs that will help an agent become successful. Most of these programs have certain techniques that are productive and easily adaptable. However, courses …
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 …
This Is CE Year—What’s That?
CE is an acronym for Continuing Education. You choose the term you want to use for it but don’t forget about it. To a Realtor® CE is of most importance. In Alabama, every licensee that has an active license is required to take a minimum of 15-hour CE during a two year period prior to renewing their real estate license. …
“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 Four)
If you have followed the last three articles, you will have completed the personal evaluation process. Next we will analyze the number of days we worked last year as well as the number of hours we worked each day. We will also determine the number of listing we took during the year, and how many of those listings actually sold. …
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 …