Keeping Current with Short Sales

There are so many ways to diversify our business in this market, than ever before! PLUS I am finding that my buyers are well informed thanks to the Internet! SO here is my tip of the day . . CHANGE! If you are trying to do business the same way that you always have (even as little as two years ago) you may be missing out!! If you do not have a grasp on REO's, Short Sales, Loan Modifications, and everything in between you need to jump on board before you are left behind!

Steps to Change!

1.) Know your local market: Your MLS data base gives you endless reports on market conditions. If you do not know your DOM (Days on Market), Median Sales Price, or which sales bracket is selling, this is the BEST PLACE TO START. Becoming a local expert on trends, and neighborhoods that are holding their value in this ever changing market will mean $$$$$ in savings for your clients.

2.) Know your competition: Who are the agents that are making sales in your area? What properties are they selling? Aside from having a huge team, or 20 years experience, What is the X-factor that is keeping the agent afloat? If the only fact that you know each morning is that your sales pipeline is empty, then you need to check out who's tank is full before you can start rebuilding!

3.) Get Current: I cannot stress the importance of continuing education. If you do not know how to work transactions in this market, your career may not survive over the next 12 months. We all know that agent working at___________ part-time right now . . . .Get up to date on technology, get up to date on REO's and Short Sales, and PLEASE ditch the glamour shots from 10 years ago in your marketing campaigns!!! ( Yes I really did say it!!) Make sure to check out activerain.com, and other great real estate blogs (I like Zillow's as well) to see what other agents are doing to stay current.

4.) Stay Positive: Learn how to have fun and be positive. If you do not like your job, then change the way you do business so that you can enjoy it again. This is key! If you need some help getting started, check out a few books on revamping your attitude. There are some excellent books out right now that will help you gain a FRESH perspective on life and business.