THE HIGHEST PAID EMPLOYEE
Posted in Professional Real Estate Investors By Julie Jones, Tuesday, March 10, 2009.In this market where both buyers and sellers are challenged by uncertainty and frustration levels rise rapidly to the surface, I think it is critical to remember one very important fact in terms of buyer and seller perceptions: As real estate professionals, we are their highest paid employee.
Buyers and sellers share the desire to exchange real estate. In my estimation, with a potential $30,000 pay-check for every million transacted, the buyer or seller deserves a white-gloved service.
So, next time the seller questions why their residence has not sold, or the buyer seeks your direction in terms of positioning an offer, or writing another offer, or questioning market indications, be sure to provide the information with a smile. After all, you may be on the verge of earning a pay-check. As a real estate professional, every telephone call or meeting is an opportunity to create business.
I am vigilant never to lose sight of my responsibilities in my role as a real estate professional. Presently, I manage an extensive luxury portfolio amounting to over $200M in current listings. The accountability is significant to ensure that the residences are maintained, secured, properly priced, marketed and sold. I work with sellers as a team, ensuring the correct results. This is an ongoing relationship, and in some respects, similar to my clients’ private bankers or investment managers (except, I only get paid upon results).
So when the days are long and the demands are high, let’s remember the potential to be a very highly paid employee. If we do an effective job, we’ll have the opportunity to keep earning through referral business. A referral, or letter of recommendation, is a great endorsement of a job well done as a highest paid employee.
Happy Selling!
Julie
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Submitted by Kaye Thomas on March 10, 2009 - 3:06pm.
Any agent who doesn't realize just who they work for needs to get educated fast. Our job is to give the client.. buyer or seller.. the highest level of service possible. They deserve the best from us.
Agents who find it too difficult to give their clients top notch service should seek other employment.
Submitted by Kaye Thomas on March 10, 2009 - 3:06pm.
Any agent who doesn't realize just who they work for needs to get educated fast. Our job is to give the client.. buyer or seller.. the highest level of service possible. They deserve the best from us.
Agents who find it too difficult to give their clients top notch service should seek other employment.
Submitted by Eve Thompson on March 10, 2009 - 3:21pm.
Eve Thompson
I find it alarming that we continue to have this discussion. Is it really a question that in exchange for the money we earn we should provide our very best service?
Submitted by Marcia Canady on March 10, 2009 - 4:12pm.
Hi Julie:
I agree! Agents should be doing everything possible to expose the seller's property to the largest group of buyers, right?
*Only 3% of buyers found a home from a Print Ad. So why do Agents STILL think that Print is the way to go?
*32% of buyers found their home via the Internet.
*87% of real estate Buyers start their
property search ONLINE.
*73% of Sellers say they would be more willing to list with an Agent who offered to shoot a property video.
We created a comprehensive Online Marketing program to help Agents learn how to use the Internet to sell more properties that includes video, social media, online and offline PR & Marketing and a link to a cause.
The site is: www.LuxuryRealEstate4Charity.com. It is in "beta" mode and has really only been launched in Newport Beach, CA, but we plan to launch Nationwide soon.
What I don't understand is that there is so much talk about Internet Marketing, Using Video, using Social Media....but when we meet with Agents, they are VERY hesitant to join our program...and right now, IT's FREE!
We have real estate backgrounds AND years of online marketing/social media experience. We have created a comprehensive, one-stop shop for Agents and they STILL are hesitant.
I don't get it.
Here's what we offer the Agent who joins the program:
1. Free monthly Membership (In May, the Membership Fee will be $49/month - that's less than a daily latte at Starbucks) and then $99/month starting in September when we are in full swing.
2. A FULL PAGE ad in the Orange County Business Journal (a $1,200 value) featuring the AGENT and their properties... see an example here
http://www.cbjonline.com/Issues/RE_Gallery_90216.pdf (the last ad on the page)
3. An Agent profile that can act as a webpage.
4. The Agent can upload an unlimited number of videos. We can either take their pictures and turn them into a video (for free!) or they can have our videographers film the Agent actually SELLING the house for $450!
This is the Agent's chance to show their expertise AND point out the unique features of the home. Again, 73% of sellers will list with an Agent who creates a video...for $450, it's a steal...especially in the luxury market.
5. The site includes all of the sharing tools:
a. Send the video to potential buyers - use it as a marketing tool.
b. Send the Agent profile to your "Sphere of Influence"
c. Post the video to Facebook/Twitter/Myspace etc. etc
d. Post the video to your blog or website.
e. Show your community that you are giving back...that you care about the community by sharing your very large commission with people who need help (through Habitat for Humanity).
Agents/Properties are included in our aggressive PR/Marketing Campaign based on the fact that they will give a donation to the Habitat for Humanity Affiliate in their community.
We are also starting a FREE weekly, online "Social Media Marketing Toolkit" class to teach agents how to use the site, social media tools, listings presentations etc. to secure more listings and sell more homes.
This is a well thought-out, turn-key marketing program. We are hand holding Agents through the process. I have even create email campaigns for free, sending out Agent's property videos.
We are giving so much value to the Agent, that for the life of me, I can't understand why we are having any kind of push-back.
See comments from Agents who have joined our program.
“Thank you Marcia. I am getting some nice calls from potential clients. No deals yet, but I feel it brewing... Keep up the good work.”
Top Real Estate Agent, Newport Beach
“Hi Marcia.. Have had a lot of calls…feedback has been very positive. Thanks again!!”
Luxury Specialist, Rancho Santa Fe,
Prudential California Realty
“Hi Marcia: I just got a listing for 6% because of the LuxuryRealEstate4Charity.com Program! The seller was extremely impressed with the video/marketing and the fact that I will donate to Habitat for Humanity. I have NOT been able to get a 6% commission in a VERY long time. Thank you so much for sending the Listing Presentation and creating this amazing program! It’s wonderful.”
Agent for 22 years in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Realty
I welcome feedback from Agents out there that are in the Luxury Real Estate Market so that we can help Agents.
Thanks.
Marcia
Marcia Canady
President & COO
2media.us
www.LuxuryRealEstat4Charity.com
marcia@2media.us
Tel: 949.544.1740