Cookie Social Sept 30th

Indulge your mid-afternoon sweet craving on Wednesday Sept. 30th as Commonwealth bank hosts a cookie social in the RPE kitchen featuring the award winning NAJLA’s cookies. Catch up with Amanda Breslin and David Graham of Commonwealth Bank and let them assist your clients with their lending needs. A Hometown bank with Hometown solutions!

cookie flyer

Closings, Listings, Commissions!

One of the greatest things about being in the real estate business is the day that you get your commission check. But in order for you to get that check you must go through the dreaded paper work. While there is probably not one person in this office that would wear an “I love paper work” t-shirt it is a necessary evil when you want to get paid.

But here is the good news, while the paper work is tedious and awful RE/MAX Properties East Sales  and Listing office is staffed with two lovely and very knowledgeable ladies that can answer all your questions, help you through the paperwork and get you a check within 30 minutes.

Jamie Banks and Jeannean Cochran are the two smiling faces that you will see in the Sales and Listing office. Both ladies have over five years of experience and both can help you with any question or problem that may arise. Their focus is on meeting a quick turn-around time on processing your commissions.

Here are some need-to-knows when heading to the Sales and Listing office

• Hours of Operation  are from 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday
• Fridays are usually our busiest days as we stop preparing checks at 4:30 every day in order to close the books for the day
• Cover Sheets are the colored forms, located outside the Sales and Listing office, and are to be used when submitting contracts or closings. *Please note there are no cover sheets for listings
• The gold sheet is to be completed with your contract and placed in the top slot of the  wall box.*Please note the checklist at the bottom of the page and check off which forms are with your packet  at the time it is turned in
• Jamie and Jeannean will go through the packet and check the documents. *Please note that anything missing will receive a pink slip or maybe highlighted and the packet will be placed back in your mailbox
• You can request your good faith deposit prior to closing by submitting an Escrow Request form, which can be found outside the Sales and Listing office door, or sending us an email to salesdepartment@4256000.com.
• The Sales and Listing office cannot return the Escrow deposit until it has been in the bank for 10 days. It is very important that you turn in the Good Faith deposit within 3 days of acceptance of a contract. *Failure to turn in the deposit timely may result in the deposit being deducted from your commission check at closing
• Blue cover sheets are for closings. Place the blue cover sheet along with a copy of the closing statement (HUD1) and your check in the wall box
• Again please make sure you have turned in all the needed documents prior to your closing as this will enable the Sales and Listing office to produce your commission check within 30 minutes
• The more accurate and detailed oriented you are the faster the packet can be processed

 

If you have any other questions or concerns or just want to say hello please stop by the Sales and Listing office.

GLAR LIST-IT System Issues

Hello Everyone,

 We wanted to send an e-mail out to let everyone know that the MLS system for GLAR (LIST-IT) is experiencing some intermittent technical problems.  The Board is aware of this and is working on a solution.  Currently we know of at least two areas where problems may occur:

 (1)    Searches/Results
Performing searches may be slow or results pages may take excessive time to load.

(2)    Listing Picture Uploads
You may experience various errors such as “Unable to connect to server” when uploading images for listings, especially when using the new Flash-based uploader.  Many agents have been advised to use the older upload utility (4 pictures per submission) instead, but that is also experiencing trouble occasionally.

 Since these problems are intermittent, the best solution for now may be to wait 10-15 minutes and try again.

 When we have an update from the Board regarding the problems being corrected, we will let everyone know.

 Thank you for your patience,

 Damon

IT’S TIME WE GET IT TOGETHER!

I’ve  just finished the last session of this year’s focus groups.  My goal in these groups is to find as many specific things we can add/change/improve to help each of you individually and to improve the office in the ways you want. We do this so we may continue to provide the optimum environment for an agent to be successful, productive, and to meet their individual goals .

I’ve been thinking about what I learned in these sessions in the broadest sense.  It is apparent to me that we have been doing a pretty good job of providing many, many specific tools and systems for you to use.  In fact, substantially more than any other real estate office in this part of the country.  This, and more importantly, the fact that the agents of  this office are more talented, knowledgeable, caring and have more “fire in the belly” is substantiated by the statistical facts year after year.

Looking at the broader picture, I’ve found 2 areas that we must improve to achieve further excellence and widen the gap between RPE and all other offices.  One is my fault, the other belongs to you.

First,  I need to find a better way of keeping every agent in this office aware of the tools that are available.  There are times when you forget that some of these are available to you.  I need to do a better job of showing the advantages of specific tools, what they can do for you, and how they will be an asset to you in achieving your goals.   I need to do a better job of providing:  training and helping you to understand what each tool or system does; how it will fit into the way you work;  why it will work for you; the value and advantage it gives you; and how to use each tool efficiently and effectively (hands on training), to create  value ($).

Second,  YOU, need take the time to explore the new tools that become available and make an effort to see the possibilities of enhancing your business through these tools.  Too many agents remain set in their ways and reject change.  They would rather stay in their comfort zone and look for a multitude of reasons their business is down.  The old phrase “If you do what you always do, you’ll get what you always got”  is no longer true in our business.  Challenge yourself to MAKE time to come to office meetings and training sessions. Challenge yourself to be proactive and ask questions about tools and systems. Challenge us when you see changes or adjustments to these that would improve them for everyone’s benefit.  Continuously look for ideas to use these in unique ways no one has ever considered.

WE will not only remain the top office and agents in Metro Louisville, we will extend our lead by leaps and bounds and you will grow your business by becoming more efficient and effective than you ever thought possible.  Success is never easy, but the rewards are great.

A person’s true happiness comes from being able to look back in their life and feel they worked hard to achieve something and, in fact,…..achieved it!

You deserve true happiness!

Dedicated to your success,

Harrell

Congratulations to Katie and Michael

“Grab that net and catch that beautiful butterfly pal! What do you like better, Christmas or Wedding season?” (quote from Wedding Crashers)

 And for Michael McCarty it is wedding season. Michael and his fiancée Katie Williamson will say their I do’s on the front lawn of Katie’s parents house in front of 130 of their closest friends and family in Louisville on October 3, 2009. Katie and Michael met while playing spin the bottle in 8^th grade and have dated on and off  ever since.

 Michael says that he has really enjoyed planning the wedding as his tasks have included getting measured for his tux and talking to the booze guy. He says, “Everything else needs to be credited to Katie.”

 Michael says he is most looking forward to the honeymoon as the couple will be cruising on the Atlantic side of the Caribbean porting in Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Key West. However, he is not looking forward to being the center of attention on his wedding day.

 Katie and Michael currently reside in Louisville and other then going back for UK games have no plans on returning to Lexington.

 From the entire RE/Max Properties East office Congratulations to Katie and Michael!

Tips for Generational Marketing

Baby Boomers – Generation X – Generation Y

 As the generation gap widens, it’s more important than ever that, you can communicate and motivate clients of all ages. It’s not an easy task. For the first time in history, the way we communicate is determined by our age.

 Bernice Ross, real estate coach and author, offers a few tactics for successfully interacting with different generations.

 Baby Boomers and Traditionalists: Relationships count.

 For the 137 million Americans 45 and older, the old rules still apply.  They value face-to-face interaction, they want to build relationships, and they like expertise and experience.

 Niche markets:  Boomer women control $9 trillion in wealth, and this generation is in its peak buying years for second homes.

 Generation X:  Information, not relationships, matter.

 For the 48 million Americans in their 30s and early 40s, face-to-face relationships take a back seat to information and independence.

 They want to maintain control of their time and their careers.  So don’t expect Gen Xers to eagerly set appointments. Do expect them to ask probing questions. They are naturally analytical.

 Niche markets: Single Gen X women are eager home buyers.  Gen Xers also are avid investors.

 Generation Y:  Collaboration and community are king.

 For Americans in their 20s and early 30s, success can’t come fast enough.  Like Gen X, Gen Y doesn’t rely on authority figures for information.  But while Gen X likes to research things for themselves, Gen Y leans on their friends for information.  Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are key for this group. 

 Niche market:  Gen Y mommy market.  Unlike Gen X, these kids want kids.

 We all know clients of any age want to be treated with respect and honesty, and respond well to an approach that doesn’t feel manipulative.  After all it’s ultimately their decision to buy or sell.

Eric’s recovery

They figured out how to get all the tubes, etc to be utilized outside the hospital and so Eric did, in fact, get to go home about 7 last night.

I’ve been told Eric’s recliner corner is looking like a mini hospital now- w/ IV pole, table w/ BP machine and assorted meds etc…

Before long I suspect you will be getting Eric updates from Eric himself.  As much as we all try, I am sure the old saying  “you can’t keep a good man down” will be happening!

 

Harrell

SEASON OF FIRSTS

There are a few truly defining moments in each of our lifetimes and on August 18, 2009 Michael Higdon and his wife Kelly’s world changed forever.  Radio DJ, Kelly K of 99.7 WDJX delivered Jacob Ryan into the world kicking and screaming and the doting parents couldn’t be happier!  Jacob weighed in at 7 lbs and 10 oz. and 20 inches long. 

 The Higdon’s officially became a family that day and all the anticipation of the last nine months, all the worry, all the questions were finally answered.  While they were checking for ten little fingers and ten little toes they got acquainted with their first born son.

 As many of you know, Michael is a planner, so gone are the days of the Toyota Camry and VW Bug…  Hello 4 Door Lexus and SUV complete with baby carriers and knapsacks.  Let’s not forget the Jungle themed baby room completed four months in advance!  In the hospital room Michael was taking pen to pad and working on Jacob’s first year goals which have now been posted on the musical mobile above his bed to watch and review daily.   He also has a progress chart on the wall because we’ve learned from Michael that  “what gets measured gets done.” 

 Life became a bit more chaotic the day Jacob Ryan was born but with it came the gift that only Jacob could provide, a season of firsts.   First tooth, first word, first step, first Christmas, first birthday, first day of school, first little league game, first golf lesson, first car, prom, graduation, a list full of memories with friends and family that will be weaved into Jacob’s lifetime, too many to count, too priceless to miss.  So on this special day we toast to Michael and Kelly:

 May your arms and hearts always be full
May your home be full of laughter and sunshine
May Jacob grow with wisdom and love
May your home be a home of love and forgiveness

 

Service Across State Lines

Whether your customer lives on Wisteria Landing in Buchel or in Wisconsin, we can cater to their needs.

In May I took an application from a client of an RPE Agent who had just been transferred to Louisville from Wisconsin and was living in a hotel until he was able to sell his home in Wisconsin and move the family down here.  As if all of that weren’t stressful enough, the home he was purchasing in Kentucky was a short sale!  Because of his very hectic work and travel schedule, he and I communicated solely through email and phone.  I sent his disclosures via Fed Ex and had him scan and email all of his application information.

The tricky part was coordinating his Kentucky closing (as we all know, short sales have to close per contract-NO exception) with the closing in Wisconsin because he needed the proceeds the day of closing here for down payment.

For the sake of time, I suggested he open a checking account with CB&T and have his proceeds wired to that account rather than take the chance that his local bank in Wisconsin would put a hold on that large of a check.  We successfully set up a checking account remotely, while he was driving the moving van down I-64 and had the funds wired that same day.  When he arrived in Louisville the next morning for his closing, we had a Branch Manager greet him with a smile and a certified check for the closing. 

“Doing more is what we do best!”

Clothes Closet Audit

It is a good time for a periodic purge of clothes as a new season is coming upon us!
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you look at your clothes closets:

September Tips:
1.Keep what you love and actually wear, not what you MIGHT use someday.  
  Consider doing this: Turn all the hangars from back to front. Each time you wear something, turn the
   Hangar around. After 12 months get rid of any clothes still hanging in the wrong direction.
2. Pack away seasonal clothes, making more room for what you are currently wearing.
3. Consider donating or selling items you can part with, see below for consignments locations.
4. Keep donation box very accessible so when you have a garment to donate it can be put there immediately.
5. Containerize similar accessories such as scarves, bathing suits and use colorful or attractive containers.
6. Use wood, plastic or sturdy hangars, making a neat cohesive look.
7. When you buy something new, get rid of something old.
8. Use your vertical space efficiently, consider hooks, hangars, shelves, etc.
9. Keep loose items off floor by using shoe racks and baskets.
10.Once your closet looks good, remember it needs to be maintained on a regular basis!
 
Most consignment shops are now accepting fall clothing:
Women’s Clothing
Judy’s Finest Consignments – 245-5425
11602 Main St., Middletown
50/50 split, if more than $200, 55/45 split
(No more than 2-3 years old, on hangars, no spots)
 
Margaret’s – 896-4706
2700 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY
50/50 split
(On hangars, high end clothing)
 
Sunny Daize – 244-5580
11809 Shelbyville
45-you/55–them, $5-season fee
Sizes 0-3x, on hangars

If you are overwhelmed by the task, don’t worry. We are here to help.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START? TRY A FREE CONSULTATION.
If you would like to find out how organizing and Feng Shui can help you, contact Melanie Stokes at 502.417.7123
and schedule a FREE 30 minute phone consultation to evaluate your needs and to see how we can help you.

 

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