7 Steps to Becoming a Dynamite Real Estate Agent

Most real estate agents want to be extremely successful.  Goals are set and then the hard work begins to reach those goals.  So what steps can you take to skyrocket your success as a realtor? Here are 7 powerful steps that will get you on the road to success:

1. Realize your Potential

In order to succeed as a real estate agent, you need to see that you have the potential to reach your goals.

2. Don’t Look Back

Everyone has failures or mistakes from the past.  To have success in the real estate industry, you need to learn from those past mistakes and learn valuable lessons from them.  After doing so, simply move forward and make better, more educated decisions from the lessons learned.

3. Dare to Dream Big

To succeed as a realtor, you need to have big dreams and aspirations.  Be honest with yourself as to what you want out of life and what you want to give of your life.  Allow your mind to dream and think big!

4. A Powerful Business Plan

Create a powerful business plan that will organize your strategies.  This plan will be the blueprint to your success.  The business plan should include prospecting, listing strategies, prospect follow up techniques, networking ideas, and ways to boost customer loyalty.

5. Don’t Give Up

To reach success as a real estate agent, you must persevere through difficult times.  Even Thomas Edison had to learn this.  When he was inventing the incandescent light bulb, it took him more than 10,000 times to get it right.  Keep striving even when the challenge seems to be overwhelming. 

6. Have an Unstoppable Attitude

You need to have determination in order to succeed as a realtor.  Be wary of close friends or family members that feel it would be better if you focused your attention in another direction or career.  Uphold your unstoppable attitude, determined to succeed.

7. Stop Complaining

You might think there is no correlation between complaining about you difficulties and success, but there is in fact a connection.  When you spend time complaining about the obstacles you are facing in you real estate career, you're wasting so much time being negative that you are actually missing out on chances to move your career forward.  Don't think of challenges as problems, think of them as opportunities.

7 Shortcuts to Internet Home Buying

Searching for a home is becoming easier every day with more access to web sites across the country Realtor.com is the king of real estate listings. There are real estate company sites such as ColdwellBanker.com and Remax.com where you can access the local affiliates and all their listings in the US, Canada, or International. Or a little back door play is to go to the state board of realtors where they list all the local realtor boards and the local MLS sites.

<b>1.Realtor.com –</b> The number 1 real estate web site bar none. It is comprised of all the local MLS realtor board listings. It has all the visual and virtual tours and more photos than the local MLS systems allow. Local real estate agents will pay to get good positioning on the webpages for advertising when their local area is requested you see them first or at least in the top six. You can also request information about any of the listings on the site and you will normally receive a response within 24 to 48 hours from the better agents. One draw back is that realtor.com is sometimes 3 to 5 days behind the actual listing date.


<b>2.ColdwellBanker.com –</b> The number 2 real estate web site. Has easy access to its real estate listings around the world. The <i>“Personal Retriever”</i> feature allows you to enter in your criteria and will notify you of any updates or new listing you can select to have the emails sent daily or weekly. Coldwell Bankers <i>“Lead Router”</i> system is state of the art in high tech features when you request information on any of their listings your request goes one stop and then directly to the agent’s phone who listed the home. During normal business hours you should get a return call within minutes with all the up to date information directly from the listing agent. No other real estate company or lead source has anything that approaches this system.


<b>3.Remax.com –</b> The number 3 real estate web site behind ColdwellBanker.com. Still has a long way to go your basic site allows you to search listings has local information available from the local franchise sites. Doesn’t approach anything like the <i>“Lead Router” or “Personal Retriever”</i> of ColdwellBanker.com. You can get easy access to their Remax listings.


<b>4.Realtor Pay for Leads Sites –</B>These companies sell you to real estate agents and mortgage brokers. You log on to the web site select the city and the zip code where you want to buy or sell a house and enter all your required personal information. The agents who have paid for you at $200, $400, $600 per month or $40 to $80 per lead decide based on your zip code and price range if they want to work with you in buying or selling a home. The pitch to you is that you pick the agent and there is a little truth to that because you do get to chose between 2 or 3 agents. The fact is that many people filling out all this personal information don’t get to choose an agent at all. The agents don’t take the leads because you are either buying or selling in the wrong price range or zip code. <i>Its one of those little steering or redlining things that slips under the federal and state government’s radar.</I>

<b>5.Realtor Association and MLS –</B> Searching local realtor associations by entering a search by state for realtor association this will bring up the state association and all the local associations within the state. Then you will have access to the public side of the local MLS. Some are now directing you to Realtor.com to see the listings.


<b>6.All the Other Sites –</B> Miscellaneous sites, sale by owner sites, agent sites, smaller real estate company sites, local company sites all have useful features but can’t give you everything you are looking for.


<b>7.Your Real Estate Agent -</b> When you get down to working with an agent, the internet savvy agent will have all you need. They will set you up on a <i>VIP Buyer or Seller program</i> very similar to Coldwell Banker’s <i>“Personal Retriever”</i> and your access to your agent will be better than <i>“Lead Router”</i> because you will have all of the agents contact numbers.


Searching for your home on the internet can be easy if you take your time and don’t get sucked into any on-line site that sells you and your information to the highest bidder. Remember local Chambers of Commerce, School Districts, and City web sites have great information about the local area. Keep a file in your favorites of all the websites you find useful.

7 Reasons to Buy Land for Sale in Arkansas

When it comes to deciding where to buy land for sale, Arkansas probably isn't the first place that comes to mind. However, there are a number of reasons why you should buy land in what Arkansans call The Natural State. Here are seven:

1. The property is undervalued. Experts agree that the pricing of land for sale in Arkansas is about two decades behind other parts of the country. In other words, you can get much more land for your money. In fact, a quarter acre of real estate can cost as little as $7,000. Whether for investments or for future home sites, Arkansas has unbeatable bargains.

2. The property taxes are low. Arkansas may have the lowest property taxes in the nation, with undeveloped land often having annual property taxes of less than twenty-five dollars.

3. The state has unparalleled natural beauty. With an eastern border along the Mississippi River, and encompassing the Ozark Plateau, the Ouachita Mountains, and the Boston Mountains, the state has rich forests, fertile plains, and an abundance of both mountains and valleys.

Because it doesn't have a dense population, there are many parts of Arkansas that are pristine, and miles away from factories and freeways. The land for sale is often in the midst of hardwood forests, with abundant wildlife and birds. The air is clean and fresh, bringing a welcome relief to people who move their from more densely populated areas.

4. The climate is mild. Arkansas definitely has four seasons, but winters are mild enough that people can enjoy pastimes like golf all year long. Although it's not far from the Gulf of Mexico, it is far enough away from the coastline to be safe from hurricanes.

5. There are budding private communities. There are some landowners in Arkansas who have had the foresight to plan for future private communities. In anticipation of the waves of Baby Boomers who will retire in the next two decades, the landowners are planning affordable and coveted golf communities that include rivers, private lakes, marinas, recreation centers, nature trails, and more. Buying land in one of these areas is certain to be a sound financial decision.

6. The landowners are often unique. Unlike many other areas in the country, many areas of Arkansas have land for sale by owner (or FSBO). Buying directly from the owner can cut out the high costs of a middleman. Even when a landowner has help, he or she typically uses someone local who has years of experience as an owner or seller of private building lots in Arkansas.

7. The financing is affordable. Because the land for sale is inexpensive, and because much of it is FSBO, owners often do their own financing. This means low, fixed interest rates and no credit checks. In other words, you don't have to go through a mortgage approval process. Instead, you can make a small payment each month and, at the end of the loan term, receive the deed to your property.

Buying undiscovered, pristine land for sale in Arkansas is a smart move, whether you plan to build a home and retire there or simply want to make sound investments.

6 Reasons Why You Should Buy Real Estate in December

December and New Year's Day give you the perfect occasion to buy real estate. Not only can you pick up a bargain property from a motivated seller, you can save on your purchase expenses.

1.  Home shoppers put off looking for a home because of holiday decorating, shopping, and parties. Plus, the cold weather makes home buyers prefer to stay home; they wait for warm weather to buy real estate. Get the edge with little competition from other buyers.

2.  Home sellers who didn't sell during the recent buying frenzy are worried that their home will not sell. Any seller offering their home for sale during the holiday season is motivated.

3.  Real estate agents need to keep their momentum going and can't afford to take too much time off. When the agents aren't as busy, you get better service. Plus, they're more likely to take low offers seriously. Agents love investors ready to buy real estate during December.

4.  Interest rates continue to creep up. <i>Who knows what the rates will rise to next year?</i>

5.  Lenders threaten to tighten up qualifications next year. Last summer, loan officers were able to get through almost any loan. Today is your best shot to buy real estate and get a great rate with the easiest qualifications.

6.  Appraisers need work. Too many individuals became real estate appraisers when there was too much work. It used to take a week or more to schedule an appraisal. We just ordered an appraisal and the appraiser wanted to come out the same afternoon! Also, appraisal fees cost less today than last month.

Clear some time from your busy holiday schedule and go find a bargain house. Make many offers. You won't get this break for another year.

Copyright © Jeanette J. Fisher.




Word Count:
293

Summary:
December and New Year's Day give you the perfect occasion to buy real estate. Not only can you pick up a bargain property from a motivated seller, you can save on your purchase expenses.


Keywords:
buy real estate,bargain property,home shoppers,home sellers,Jeanette Fisher


Article Body:
December and New Year's Day give you the perfect occasion to buy real estate. Not only can you pick up a bargain property from a motivated seller, you can save on your purchase expenses.

1.  Home shoppers put off looking for a home because of holiday decorating, shopping, and parties. Plus, the cold weather makes home buyers prefer to stay home; they wait for warm weather to buy real estate. Get the edge with little competition from other buyers.

2.  Home sellers who didn't sell during the recent buying frenzy are worried that their home will not sell. Any seller offering their home for sale during the holiday season is motivated.

3.  Real estate agents need to keep their momentum going and can't afford to take too much time off. When the agents aren't as busy, you get better service. Plus, they're more likely to take low offers seriously. Agents love investors ready to buy real estate during December.

4.  Interest rates continue to creep up. <i>Who knows what the rates will rise to next year?</i>

5.  Lenders threaten to tighten up qualifications next year. Last summer, loan officers were able to get through almost any loan. Today is your best shot to buy real estate and get a great rate with the easiest qualifications.

6.  Appraisers need work. Too many individuals became real estate appraisers when there was too much work. It used to take a week or more to schedule an appraisal. We just ordered an appraisal and the appraiser wanted to come out the same afternoon! Also, appraisal fees cost less today than last month.

Clear some time from your busy holiday schedule and go find a bargain house. Make many offers. You won't get this break for another year.

Copyright © Jeanette J. Fisher.

6 Key Factors Successful Vacation Rental Owners Always Use

If you are going to spend money advertising your vacation rental property on vacation rental websites, you want to make sure it is a success. Here are 6 things you can practice which will help ensure you receive the most "bang for the buck".

1. SET RENTAL RATES APPROPRIATELY - If you want your vacation property to rent, you must be realistic, optomistic, but not greedy! Set realistic rental rates for your property and ensure that the rates are correct on the site(s) your listing and regularly reviewed as the market changes. Search for comparable properties ("comps") in the same location as yours. Only charge a premium if your property has some distinct features. And, be willing to discount your property on occassion as needed. In this business, if you lose money for a week long rental, you can't make that up!

2. CHECK E-MAIL REGULARLY - When using an internet vacation rental property website such as http://Rentals2Remember.com or http://eVaca.com, remember your users. They are typically Internet "savvy" and probably check their e-mails frequently...especially if they have requested some info. Also, be sure your phone number is listed on sites that allow you to as sometimes people choose to just call you directly, so be sure to check phone messages.

3. RESPOND IMMEDIATELY - Vacation goers usually see a few properties that are of interest to them and then contact those owners. The faster you respond, the better chance (most of the time) you have of winning them over. There have been times I have rented properties in the past and because it took an owner 24 hours to respond, I had already chosen another property. A timely and efficient response gives the renter confidence that the rental experience will follow suit.

4. YOUR LISTING SHOULD BE ACCURATE AND COMPLETE - Be sure that your listing details are kept up to date and are complete. Review your online listing frequently to be sure that your contact information are up-to-date. Also, be sure that it is accurate on the description of your property and its amenities. This will help you with repeat customers, but will also keep you out of trouble with rental contracts or laws in regards to such things.

5. GREAT PHOTOS - It is true what they say, "a picture speaks a thousand words". Remember, renters are considering staying at your rental based (most of the time) solely on your pictures and your word. The more pictures to help them be comfortable with the decision, the better. Here is how I look at it. If you were going to buy a used car, would you do so over the Internet without a good look at the outside/inside of the vehicle, the engine, etc. Not exactly the same, but you get the picture. The more pictures and the prettier, the better. Be sure to have pictures of your rental amenities such as a pool, the beach, a mountain view, the lake or a golf course - these are top vacation rental sellers!

6. BOOST YOUR EXPOSURE - There are many "hot spots" for vacationers throughout the world. Before we owned property, my family used to head to Destin every year, usually twice. There are thousands of vacation rental properties in the Destin, Panama City Beach area. In areas like this, boost your exposure by getting to the top of your sites search engine. If it costs you $20, $50, even $100 to do so but that gets you one extra rental a year, that makes it more than worth it.

5 Useful Tips in Buying a House

Buying a house is a very serious matter that comes in to people’s lives. It is very risky to invest your money in buying just any house you find. You must have some guidelines that can help you decide which house is the best for you. Here are some:

1.    Determine your rights

When you are ready to buy your own house, be sure you understand your rights as a homebuyer. Knowing the process of buying a house prevents you from getting scammed. You can personally do your home work or seek for a knowledgeable person like a real estate agent or a broker. Make sure that the agent you hire is licensed and have a wide knowledge regarding the area.

2.    Make sure you can afford it

Your budget is really a big deal in buying your own house. What you want is different from what you need, so be practical. You don’t really need a big house if you’re just one person that travels everyday, right? Make sure that you make the best for your money. Seek help or ask for suggestions especially for those who have knowledge in real estate prices. If you can’t stay for at least a year, buying a house is inappropriate for you. You may save a whole lot more of money if you sell it urgently.

3.    Make sure it fits your lifestyle

Make your house a home. Be sure it really fits your way of life and you are comfortable with it. A good example of this is if you’re working in an office, a good place to find is near or in the vicinity of your office. If you love nature, a good place to find is outside the city with clean air, near parks, has a mountain view or near at the beach. Your personality really matters in finding a good house. Make sure to look at its suburbs first and try to gather some information about the area and its surroundings. Try also to consider the kind of neighbors you will have.

4.    Consider your future plan

If you’re newly married, you might to consider how many kids you want to have. You can assume the number of rooms or the home space you need. If you can afford a house that is near to a good school, it is better. School districts are more important to home buyers, therefore, it will increase your property values.

5.    Be organized

It is very important to make your document files organized and safe. Because it will prove that you own the house. It will help you a lot especially when it comes in paying your house payments (taxes and amortization).

5 Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Value When You Sell

1) First, do your homework.   Find out the local market conditions for your neighborhood.  Depending on your area, there may be better/worse times to sell.  Once you’ve decided to sell, there are three different levels of service that you may want to consider:

• Sell the home yourself (FSBO)
• List your with a Discount / Flat fee broker
• Utilize a full service real estate agent/brokerage

If you are inclined to sell the home yourself, note that you will bear the responsibility for marketing your property, along with full legal disclosures, inspections, appraisals and the like.  You should be very comfortable with real estate related documents, and comfortable with the legal implications resulting from the transaction.

You can also choose to use a discount or flat fee broker, who will assist you to sell your property.  Depending on the broker you select, you may be able to get some assistance with marketing, open houses, disclosures, title/escrow, etc.  Make sure that you understand exactly what services you are willing to pay.  Make sure you understand what services are covered under each pricing plan.  Find out if your listing will be posted on the website, what signage will be available to you; find out if you are posting the home to the respective MLS (multiple listings service) in your area. Each broker is different, so make sure to get references from former clients. 

If you want to market your property to the largest pool of possible buyers, list your property with a full-service real estate broker/firm.  Now, before you pick up the phonebook or check that postcard you received in the mail, make sure to take the time to interview more than one agent/agency. 

Find out if they are a REALTOR® -- a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, a trade organization of nearly 1 million members nationwide.  Members of NAR subscribe to a stringent code of ethics to guarantee the highest level of service and integrity.  You may also want to know if they have any special REALTOR® designations, such as GRI and CRS, which require that real estate professionals take additional specialized real estate training.  In addition to qualifications, you should check references of the agent.  Make sure to speak with former clients to see if the agent is responsive and is available to keep you up-to-date with progress.   You need to have direct contact with your agent, so you will need to be as comfortable as possible.  The agent that handles your listing should:

• Detailed marketing plan for your house, including online and offline marketing
• Prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of properties in your area that have sold, as well as properties currently listed
• Help you determine the best selling price for your house
• Advice on suggested home improvements

During the time that your house is on the market, potential buyers will make appointments to view your home, along with the planned open-houses that you or your agent may schedule.    Try to evaluate the house as if you are seeing it for the first time. Buyers need to envision themselves living in the home, so take care to present the property in its best light.  Put yourself in the position of a potential buyer and view the property starting at the front, itemizing the most cost-effective enhancements to make.

2) Clean up as much as possible.  You may want to paint walls (neutral colors are best) or spruce up wallpaper.  Replace old flooring and worn carpets.  Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers.  If possible, hire a cleaning service. Display your best linens, towels, and shower curtains. Make up beds, and put fresh flower arrangements on the table.  Make sure that there are no offensive odors in the house.  Odor is the first thing buyers notice, and often a permanent turnoff.  

3) Make your house their new home.  Put away or pack small appliances and other items that might be sitting on countertops or tables throughout the house. You want buyers to visualize the space in each room, so it is best to remove as many smaller items as possible.  Remove personal items, pictures and items to present clear shelves, book cases and walls.  Move excess furniture to make rooms more spacious. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.  Clean and organize the closets. If you must, store boxes in an out of the way location.  You may also want to rent a temporary storage unit, to allow you to de-clutter every part of the house.

4) Don’t forget the outside!  The right landscaping can enhance the curb appeal of a home.  Eliminate weeds, patch bare spots, fertilize and water. Take a good look at the shrubbery. Bushes that have grown to cover windows should be pruned to let sun and light into the home.   Fill in bare spots with small shrubs and colorful, fast growing annuals, such as impatiens and petunias. A few well-placed flower pots by the front door can be very inviting. Today's buyers want low maintenance. Your goal should be a beautifully maintained yard that looks easy to care for.

5) Allow your agent/representative to show your home.  Buyers don’t want to offend current owners, so they may be more hesitant to consider your home if you are present for open-house events.  Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner you’ll find a seller.