Website Revamp

Maybe it's because I'm in the lull between Christmas and New Years, but I decided to take some time to re-vamp my website! It could also be because at least 5 people visited my site yesterday from Twitter. Then I started looking at the site a little more critically. Anyways, new additions include the links along the side to visit my Facebook page, see my blog, follow me on Twitter and sign up for my news letter. So many choices!
I also re-worded/re-spaced and added pictures and new links to the buyer and seller pages.

Hoo-rah!

Now I'm just waiting on Wix to include HTML on their websites. This will allow me to add searchable listings, actual online forms users can fill out (as opposed to my snazzy PDF files) for the property evaluation and buyer wish list. The last time I checked they are going to have it included by the end of January. *FingersCrossed*

I think I can

I picked up the Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale from the library today. I realized in this profession, self doubt needs to be thrown out the window. The only thing standing in the way of me and the kind of success I’m driven to achieve, is the little voice in my head that’s saying “Nooooooooo” (imagine little helium induced voice).

The little voice, I’ll call her Debbie (Debbie the downer), pops up at the most inconvenient times. Real estate agents are meant to be notorious networkers/mover/shakers; you know… the ones at the party that talk to everyone! Over the holiday season I found myself in many situations where, yes, I approached and talked to many people. But there was one thing missing. A little dialogue I can say over and over and over again in my head, but for some reason, will not leave my lips. Even if I’d start speaking it Debbie would chirp in “Noooo no no no”. I’m SUPPOSED to say “Hey, guess what, I’m in Real Estate! If you or anyone you know was going to buy/sell a home, do you have a Realtor you’d refer them to?”…“No? Well I’d love to be that person!”

It sounds easy right?

Then according to Buffini I’m suppose to ask them for contact information and tell them I’m going to send them some “Items of Value”. Helpful information that everyone finds useful! This is where it really gets sticky for me.

I can’t decide if it’s a generational thing or what, but the idea of getting mail once a month from a Realtor, kind of makes me cringe. If it makes me cringe, how am I supposed to endorse myself in this way? More self doubt!

The truth is, I have a database of friends/family/past co-workers and most of them have either an address, phone number or e-mail address. I have been told I should be contacting people to give a “gentle reminder” each month that I’m a real estate agent. Hi, remember me, I help people buy and sell homes! By doing this, when someone I know runs into someone they know who is buying or selling, voila, my name pops into their head and a referral is born.

I have not 100% decided if I’m going to go the e-mail route or mail route. Mr. Brian Buffini would not approve of e-mail; I have no doubt in that. Really, if it’s e-mail, people can unsubscribe! I guess I should not be thinking people will want to unsubscribe… (AHHHH, Debbie getoutofmyhead!)

So if you’re reading this… FYI, you may receive a gentle reminder sometime soon...
And you will like it!

Social Media Social Media

To blog or not to blog, that is the question.

There are so many outlets to post information to consumers these days; it's hard to determine which outlet is the best avenue! I've been posting real estate related info to my Facebook business page (see menu to the right) and on my Twitter page. I got the idea I should be doing the same for my blog. The original intent for my blog was to talk about my experiences in the real estate industry and to keep a personal log of my memories, opinions, challenges, and triumphs.

So from now on, all real estate related information will be posted to my Facebook/Twitter pages. My blog will be more of a personal account. Whether people want to read about my adventures or not is another question. I think when people are trying to choose a Realtor, they would prefer to know a bit more about them; know they're a real person with good intention as opposed to a blood sucking sales person :)

That's the interesting thing about blogs and other social media outlets. They increase the transparency between professionals and their potential clients/general public. It gives people the ability to get to know me before they've had a chance to meet me. Or maybe they have met me, but they would like to get to know me better before doing business! Whatever the case may be, I will keep on bloggin

Interest Rate Update

Good news for everyone, the interest rates are still quite low! First time home buyers and investors, this is a great time to enter the market! Sellers, it's always a good time to list your property. Many people I talk to think that no one wants to buy in the winter but the truth is, if your property is priced right, I guarantee it will sell.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail or by phone 250-384-7663

Top 5 Worst Reno Mistakes

Really great article in the Globe & Mail: The top five worst reno mistakes you can make! Really good stuff in this article especially if you're considering the resale value of your home!


Click here to read the article!

Christmas is coming!!

HOLY MOSES, it's December. Where did 2009 go? Only 22 more sleeps until Christmas and I don't even have an advent calendar! I guess this means I get to eat a whole bunch of chocolates when I finally get my act together... maybe the sugar high will motivate me to start Christmas shopping (*shudder*)

So apparently Realtors are busy people?! Who knew! But as I'm learning... there's "good busy" and "baaaaad busy". Or more like "productive" vs "just busy". I'm taking a course right now put on by Brian Buffini and we're learning how to be great in 100 days. It basically takes the principal that if you invest your time wisely in making sure your clients/future clients know they are the most important thing to you, you won't have to spend your time prospecting in other ways. That is to say, there will be no door knocking/cold calling for me! In other words, I will generate leads by providing great service and asking for referrals. This way I don't have to advertise and basically ask to work with weirdos/difficult people. I will work by referral and get to work with high quality people (such as yourself!). Now I just have to get the ball rolling...

Oh, and it's rolling!! I've been contacting a few people asking for their addresses because during my first year in business, I'm doing a friends and family referral program. It basically goes something like this... You know me, you trust me, and you would feel comfortable referring me to your friends and family who may be buying or selling a home. If I receive a referral from you and it results in a sale, I will send some cash (well.. cheque) in your direction! Now that's incentive. At least this will help get me started during my first year. After that, it's all about the client appreciation parties (and you're invited)!!

So if you're interested in receiving some information about my referral program by mail, please let me know! You can send me a Facebook message, write me an e-mail (click here!), or give me a call at work! (250-384-7663). I would love to hear from you.

Oh, by the way, I'm never too busy for your referrals!!