A recent consumer survey shows that RE/MAX is still “Above the Crowd” and #1 in Real Estate.  I’ve know for a long time that RE/MAX is the place to be, but it’s always nice when I have statistics to back up what I feel to be true.

The survey results show that RE/MAX is the most recognized name in real estate and RE/MAX is often the first to come to mind when consumers are asked to name a national brand.

In addition to brand recognition, J.D Power and Associates 2011 Home Buyer/Seller Study gave RE/MAX the “Highest Overall Satisfaction For Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” and “Highest Overall Satisfaction For Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms”

What can be concluded from these results?  RE/MAX has outstanding agents and outstanding results!  If you are an exceptional Real Estate professional you should be working with RE/MAX.  If you are a home buyer or seller, you should look for a RE/MAX Agent to assist you with your needs. 

I am honored to be the Co-Owner of RE/MAX Associates, Utah and a full time agent in this great industry.  I am truly lucky to have the opportunity to work with such excellent individuals.

Thornton Wilder said, “Seek the lofty by reading, hearing and seeing great work at some moment every day.”

I am a huge fan of motivational, self-improvement and business books.  Starting my day with a bit of inspirational or motivational reading, gives me a charge that carries throughout the whole day.

I also enjoy meeting regularly with likeminded people to discuss motivational reading.

We recently enjoyed “Go for No” by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz.  This easy read will change the way you look at rejection and, more importantly, the sequence of events that generally lead to success.  People tend to think “yes” means success and “no” means failure.

Is that your view?  It’s not mine.

Instead of merely tolerating the word no, you should strive for it intentionally.  Every “no”, after all, is just another step toward the next “yes.”  Success and failure are not opposites, but different points on the same path.  You must navigate through failure before you reach success.  Once you embrace this view you will eagerly seek “no” knowing that your next “yes” is right around the corner.

This is a principle for living life, not just performing in your profession.  If you are struggling to embrace the thought of being told “no”, imagine yourself as a young child again, eager for that cookie.  Ah, yes, the persistent child, who did not accept “no” as the answer, but instead wore down their mother, until they achieved their desire.

Be persistent, seek the lofty, and don’t every shy away from hearing the word no.

For most of us, the Real Estate transaction has a multitude of tasks that need to be constantly monitored and attended to.  Here are a few: on time deposits, home inspection complications, low appraisals, fraudulent mortgages, title insurance discrepancies, boundary issues, closing accuracy delays and observing the responsibilities of all parties.

Today I wish to write about the most important- this being the relationship that is created between the people who buy and sell their home and the Real Estate professional (Realtor) who assists them in doing so.

There is no greater satisfaction in this industry than sitting with a family you have assisted in selling or purchasing their home at the closing table and have them express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to you.  Not only for helping them, but also for being there for them and knowing that they trusted you with possibly the largest investment in their lives, and you did everything you said you would and more!

I know that the most dedicated and caring Realtors in our industry today are those who truly put the relationship before their commissions.  It would be great if we could all look our clients in the eye and tell them that their best interest will always be put before the money.  Some of my greatest friendships have come out of this industry!  It is always discouraging to hear of a consumer who has had a bad experience or who has felt that an unscrupulous Real Estate Agent took advantage of them.  Though few in nature, these instances should not be a “black eye” to the industry.  Realtors are a very dedicated few who live by a strict set of standards that are set forth by their local and national associations.

Although a fairly easy industry to enter- the time, skill, and caring involved in making it a career make it a very difficult trade to have consistent success over the long haul, unless you are willing to put in the hours and sacrifice that any new business requires.

As our marketplace continues to stabilize it is my hope that our local Realtors will look first to the relationship and the care they give to the consumer, and the consumer will come to have a greater respect for their Realtor.

As a RE/MAX Broker/Agent I watched this video and laughed.  The situation seems so comical and exaggerated that it is non-stop laughter.  I’m sure most Real Estate Agents have similar reactions.  I am also certain, that after the first chuckle has passed; comes the realization for so many people trying to sell their homes, this is a fact.

Yes, after the initial reaction comes the concern and compassion that is inherit in RE/MAX Agents.  While the woman in the video doesn’t seem to realize her agent is avoiding her, we know that there are concerns and stresses that, that seller has.  We know that every client wants to know, on a regular basis what is happening with their listing.  That only consistent communication (positive or negative) can satisfy their concerns.

At RE/MAX Associates our Agents know that communication is the basis for our relationships.  Even when there is no news to report, contact must be made.  Our clients need to know, if there is interest in their homes, and if there isn’t.  We make every effort to keep our clients informed and educated about market trends, pricing and economic developments that impact our market.

How do I know if real estate is the right career for me? If you are asking yourself this question you need to consider a couple of key factors. Real estate is an amazing career that enables a person to make a lot of money if they are ready to work. Money won’t just fall into your lap, so you will need to have a strong work ethic, and impeccable people skills.

A person should speak with a licensed real estate agent and ask detailed questions about their personal experience in the business. This will help clear up any doubts or concerns you may have before entering into real estate. Having realistic expectations about income is important. You will experience highs and lows in this industry it’s very important to prepare yourself for slow months where you may not sell a property.

Obtaining a real estate license is required if you choose to become a real estate agent. This can be done in a relatively short period of time. Once you have your real estate license you should consider speaking with an established real estate company and ask if they are hiring new agents. If you find a good real estate company they will be more than happy to help you become a successful agent.

As a real estate agent having impeccable people skills is very important. You will be responsible for finding your clients a property that fits their specifications and being a good listener will be necessary. Marketing yourself is also going to be a huge factor to becoming a real estate agent. Tell everyone you know that you are a real estate agent and you are the best in the business. If you do a good job for a client they will refer you to their friends and family members.

With the housing market being bombarded with foreclosure and short sale homes, selling your home can be a nightmare. This is because buyers now have the option of choosing from countless homes. Because of this, it will be very challenging to get the desired price for your home or to get it to sell quickly. To ensure that your home sells quickly, there are a few tips that you may want to consider to make your home as attractive as possible.

• Add a fresh coat of paint to the interior and/or exterior of your home.

• Add new flooring if the old flooring is of poor condition. Sanding and polishing existing hardwood floorings is also an excellent way to ensure that your home sells quickly.

• If your budget allows it, you may also want to consider changing any old lighting fixtures.

• Have your home cleaned and any garbage removed.

• Tend to the lawn by having the grasses well-trimmed and edged. Planting some beautiful flowering plants or other foliage will also enhance the exterior beauty of your home.

Majority of buyers would prefer to buy a home that is in move-in condition. As such, by following these tips provided, the prospective buyers will definitely consider purchasing your home. If you would like more information about real estate in your area or would simply like a few tips to ensure that your home sells quickly, give me a call and I will be very delighted to help you.