The short road from “no thanks,” to “leave me alone!”

 Posted by Walter at 8:08 am
Jan 172012
 
“Leave me alone!”

Nearly every day I have to delete emails or “zip flyers” from other  agents who feel compelled to “market” their listings to me. In some cases these flyers come as huge files that take forever to download… in other cases they represent properties outside the area I tend to work in. Some clearly violate real estate/fair housing rules and a majority violate the “CanSpam” act.

I used to respond directly to the sender with suggestions and observations, but I found the odds were about equal. Half would thank me; the other half would basically tell me to “mind my own business” because they are busy doing their fiduciary duty to their client.

Since I’m pretty obsessive about fiduciary duty (there are actually seven listed in Maine Real Estate Law) I decided to do a little more research on the outside chance I was missing an opportunity to serve my clients. On occasion, I’ll ask my real estate students about “marketing” and what they think it means — especially in terms of fiduciary duty to the clients they represent. Many take the position that “all exposure is good.” I challenge that thinking with this suggestion: “Then I hope you are taping your business card to the wall of every public restroom you use.” How’s that for a technique that is low cost with lots of exposure!? (Pun intended.)

Maybe it’s because I’m an instructor that I tend to wonder what we are teaching our clients with some of the stuff we do and don’t do. I also tend to wonder how much our clients know and don’t know. I do know that when there’s an online real estate discussion, it is clear many do not know basic real estate law and practice. Heck, I see it in my own practice.

Now admittedly, a seller is unlikely to get into legal trouble if the agent representing them violates one of those laws previously mentioned. But a seller does need to monitor their agent’s performance to be sure their “marketing” program is efficient, professional, and not so intrusive that people are responding “leave me alone.”

 Education, Real Estate Business, Selling Real Estate  No Responses »

Keep Going!

 Posted by Walter at 8:01 am
Jan 072012
 

I recently announced that I was not making any new year’s resolutions, but I was adopting a slogan: Keep Going! After a week or so of operating with that simple slogan I’m convinced I made the right choice.

The beginning of a new year is always a good time to reassess and it’s no great surprise that the calls and emails currently reflect that. People do seem to be considering what they want to accomplish this year: buying a home, selling property, taking a course. It’s all good stuff, but the problem with resolutions is also the problem with goals. Enthusiasm can fade quickly–especially when external factors (like the market and the economy) seem to be constantly working against us.

That’s when we have to “Keep Going.”

All of those decisions (goals and resolutions) have an obvious financial aspect. One of the things that still amazes and distresses me a bit is the amount of “financial illiteracy” I encounter with students and real estate clients. However, I can’t be too critical of it–because I’ve found myself feeling pretty ignorant when I talk with my financial advisor. Things have gotten pretty complicated in the financial arena. Consider, for example, how many different program choices a buyer has when it comes to mortgaging. I’m convinced that one thing keeping prospective first time home buyers from acting is they just don’t want to deal with the complexity.

Conversely, I’ve worked with clients so determined to achieve their dream they didn’t want to deal with reality. “The bank won’t give me a mortgage I can’t afford; that’s what got them in trouble.” At the other end of the spectrum, this is easy–all that matters is what I want. Part of my job is to make sure buyers understand that the price of the house and the mortgage payment are only one small part of the cost of home ownership.

Those who might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all this financial “stuff” will find it easy to “keep going” but may not be thinking about where they are going to end up. (I’m reminded of the wisdom “If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.”)

One of the new courses I’m developing for this spring is “Cash as a Crop.” It’s part of a You Can Series we’re developing as a collaboration between the Piscataquis Valley Adult  Education Cooperative and Piscataquis County UMaine Extension. There are a number of courses geared to giving people information and skills emphasizing what you can do–some are very basic, but all are about facilitating a sense of independence and control. (That, by the way, is one of the driving motivations for owning your own home!)

In that spirit, let me share with you several resources for getting your financial affairs in order. Here’s a great site with some very practical financial advice… http://www.thesimpledollar.com/. I liked his explanation of mortgage rates a lot… and found his advice to someone who is considering walking way from their mortgage interesting, because ethical considerations aside, there are some serious financial aspects that most people don’t consider.

Another resource is http://www.totalcandor.com. Frankly, it’s a bit self-promoting, but with some justification. I met Michael Rubin at a financial literacy conference and found his approach refreshing because it’s down to earth and he’s got a great sense of humor. You might check out his blog and consider his book “Beyond Paycheck To Paycheck.” It’s a good read.

I don’t think it’s too late to make a resolution, set a goal, or adopt a slogan. Given the financially troubled times we are living in can be discouraging, but let’s keep going!

 Buying Real Estate, Education, Financing, Home, Home, Home Ownership, Selling Real Estate  No Responses »

“Financial Wellness”

 Posted by Walter at 9:39 am
Oct 062011
 

For the past two years I’ve attended the Financial Literacy Summit and have been almost overwhelmed by the quality of the program and the resources and learning opportunities. The Office of Securites for the state of Maine plays a large role in putting it together.

On Saturday, October 15th they are also involved (along with a number of other organizations) in sponsoring a “Maine Consumer University–exercising financial wellnesss” program at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor. The program looks inviting with topics ranging from keeping safe from identity theft to understanding reverse mortgages.  While it’s not specific to real estate, financial wellness is an important aspect of buying and selling real estate… and real estate ownership is an important aspect of financial wellness. Based on the organizations involved, I’m confident this will be a good program.

But wait, there’s more! There is no charge for the program which includes lunch! And there’s even more! “This is an educational program and no sales presentations will be permitted during the program or on the premises.

There’s only space for 200 registrants.

To register go to www.saveandinvest.org/events/bangor or call toll free 866 862-0110.  It sure sounds like a pretty good way to spend a Saturday morning!

 Education, Financing  No Responses »

Broker Course Starts Soon!

 Posted by Walter at 8:46 am
Oct 022011
 

Many associate brokers somewhat automatically take 21 hours of continuing education and renew their licenses time after time perhaps because they think, “I never intend to be a Designated Broker.” Of course situations can change quickly and there are probably more than a few DB’s who did not arrive in the position intentionally. But the Designated Broker course is about a lot more than being a designated broker. In the words of some students in the last Bangor class,

I learned so much from the instructor and other other students… very interacting… it showed me what I didn’t know!

Our next class starts on Monday, October 17th and promises to be a great opportunity to improve yourself and the way you do business. Call the school (856-1712) or visit the Arthur Gary School of Real Estate website for more information or to register. You won’t regret it!

 Education  No Responses »

Public Speaking Course Date Changed

 Posted by Walter at 7:45 am
Sep 222011
 

We’ve rescheduled the Public Speaking Course… so it’s not too late to sign up and join us!  Call PVAEC at 564-6525 or visit the PVAEC Website:

Stand Up, Speak Up, Shut Up!

Public Speaking Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult

Do you get sweaty palms and shaky knees when called upon to speak in front of a group? This brief course doesn’t promise to turn you into a great orator, but it will help you get the butterflies in your stomach to fly in formation when you stand in front of a group by having what is called and “enlarged conversation.” Come prepared to participate and have a lot of fun! Bring your butterflies!

Class will be held on Thursday, October 27th and continues on Thursday, November 10th from 6:30-8:30 pm at SeDoMoCha in Dover Foxcroft. Fee for class is $20.

 Education  No Responses »

Adult Ed Class Schedule Announced!

 Posted by Walter at 10:30 am
Aug 012011
 

I’ll be teaching two courses this fall for the Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative:

No News is NOT Good News

Media Relations for Nonprofessionals

You may be making news, but is it news if nobody knows about it? This class will explore the basics of “getting the word out” through approaches that work for small businesses and non-profit organizations. Participants will learn the hows and whys of getting a story in print or on television, and take home samples of formats as well as a number of tips for maximizing their business or organization’s exposure in the press.

Class will be held on Tuesday, September 20th from 6:30 to8:30 pm at SeDoMoCha in Dover Foxcroft. As a service to businesses and non-profits in the area, class fee is only $10!

Stand Up, Speak Up, Shut Up!

Public Speaking Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult

Do you get sweaty palms and shaky knees when called upon to speak in front of a group? This brief course doesn’t promise to turn you into a great orator, but it will help you get the butterflies in your stomach to fly in formation when you stand in front of a group by having what is called and “enlarged conversation.” Come prepared to participate and have a lot of fun! Bring your butterflies!

Class will be held on Thursday, September 22nd and continues on Thursday, September 29th from 6:30-8:30 pm at SeDoMoCha in Dover Foxcroft. Fee for class is $20.

 You can register for either or both of these classes by calling PVAEC at 207 564-6525 or visiting the Maine Adult Ed Website.

 Education  No Responses »

Fall Schedule of Real Estate Courses

 Posted by Walter at 3:39 pm
Jul 252011
 

Here’s a list of real estate prelicensing courses I’ll be teaching in Bangor this fall. Note that there are additional options and dates available… this list includes only the courses I am facilitating.

Sales Agent Course

The state of Maine requires that a person pass both the 55 hour Sales Agent Course and a state exam with a grade of 75% or better in order to qualify for a sales agent license. This Sales Agent Course covers all of the material required by Maine License Law and Rules. The course starts on Thursday, September 7th with most classes scheduled on the weekend. For additional information and the exact schedule, visit the Arthur Gary School of Real Estate website or call the office at 856-1712.

Associate Broker Course

The state of Maine requires that a Sales Agent pass the 60 hour Associate Broker Course with a 75% or better in order to qualify for an Associate Broker license. This Associate Broker Course covers all of the educational material required by Maine License Law and Rules to qualify for an associate broker license. The sales agent will also have to complete the  required “Documented Field Experience Form.” The course meets on Wednesday starting on September 28th. For additional information and the complete schedule visit the Arthur Gary School of Real Estate website or call the school at 856-1712.

Designated Broker Course

This 45 hour course covers all the educational requirements that are necessary to apply for a broker license. To qualify for a broker license the applicant must apply to the Maine Real Estate Commission and show proof of having passed the Designated Broker Course. The applicant must also have been licensed as an Associate Broker for 2 years within the 5 years immediately preceding the date of the broker’s license application submission. Classes meet on Monday starting on October 17th. For additional information and a complete schedule, visit the Arthur Gary School of Real Estate website or call the school at 856-1712.

 Education, Real Estate Business  No Responses »

Can I Succeed in Real Estate?

 Posted by Walter at 8:44 am
Jul 252011
 

As an instructor of pre-licensing courses, I’m of course intrigued and interested in the future of my students… I’ve not done any scientific analysis certainly–partly because success is one of those spongy terms that people actually get to define for themselves.

My sense is that many of the students who go on to acheive some level of success (defined here as staying at it for more than a year or two) do have some common characteristics:

1. Most have at least SOME experience in a service oriented job working with the public… waitressing, hair styling…they’ve learned a service mindset and how to deal with the public.

2. Most have a large degree of self-responsibility… they realize that success and failure are not things created by the brokerage company or employer. They have trouble whining.

3. Most have a decent sense of self-awareness. It may not always be accurate (“Will there be much math? I’m bad a math!”) but they are at least thinking about themselves and their skills. (As an instructor, one of my greatest joys is watching a student discover he or she can do something they thought he or she couldn’t.)

4. Most are almost obsessively curious… they WANT to know things well beyond the requirements for any state or course exam. I will always remember the returning licensee who matter-of-factly cited a large number of closings his first year. He later cited an equally large number of continuing education credits he’d earned even though they weren’t required. Gee, you don’t suppose there’s a correlation here, do you?

5. Most (particularly in the current market) are not dependent on real estate income for their survival. (My prophecy to future sales agents is ” the biggest mistake you will make is to not have money because it will make you stupid.”) Maybe a more accurate way to describe this is that most have a value system that forces them to put their clients’ needs first consistently.

Some would say you have to be an entrepreneur, but there is a difference between being self-employed and being in business and, at some level, successful people come to understand this… what I find interesting is that some  alumni start out being self-employed and end up with a business. But I also know licensees who’ve been at it for a lot of years who are really still just self-employed–they leave the business to the agency/brokerage, ride along, apply their social and interpersonal skills and make a living. I’m not sure one approach is right and the other is wrong.

Can you succeed at real estate? For most the answer will be “yes,” once you determine how you will define that success.

Many recent students have said that they think it’s a great time to get started. They understand that while the market is tough, that also means they will have to truly earn the business and they’ll have time to learn and develop at a slow and deliberate pace. That makes a lot of sense if you think about it. We might illustrate this with a “learning to drive” example. Would you rather get spend some time in class before getting behind the wheel or jump into a car that’s already traveling down the road at 50 miles per hour?

Classes are starting this fall!

 Education, Real Estate Business, Uncategorized  No Responses »

New Class for Fall…

 Posted by Walter at 5:51 am
Jul 152011
 

I know you don’t want to think about fall… and back to school… but you might enjoy hearing about a new class I’ll be offering in conjunction with the Pisctaquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative. Not all the details (date, place, etc.) are available but the fundamentals are.  Designed for non-profit organizations and small businesses, this program will be based on the theory that the best advertising is often free!

No News Is Not Good News—Media relations for nonprofessionals

You may be making news, but is it news if nobody knows about it? This class will explore the basics of “getting the word out” through approaches that work for small businesses and non-profit organizations Participants will learn the how’s and why’s of getting a story in print or on television and take home samples of formats as well as a number of tip for maximizing their business or organization’s exposure in the press.

Check back here for details–probably in three or four weeks–or visit the PVAEC website for additional information.

 Education  No Responses »

Your Face on Facebook

 Posted by Walter at 7:24 am
Jun 142011
 

I’ve reported before: I’m not anti-Facebook, but I’m also not a huge fan, either.  Yes, I have a page. But I do not use that page to discuss my business or my clients. I’m also fairly sure the world isn’t all that interested in my daily activities, what I had for breakfast and any other personal drama. I don’t fault the developers of Facebook for making this possible. My larger “complaint” is with users who somewhat blindly accept the technology without understanding the ramifications of what they do and say. Here’s an article reprinted (with permission) from a weekly newsletter published by Oakley Signs and Graphics. If it doesn’t scare you it ought to make you nervous.

Privacy Alert: Facebook Photo Tagging

Opt-out of Facebook’s face-recognition software now.

Recently Facebook began using a face-recognition algorhythm to try and “find” you in photos your friends have taken and posted online. Once Facebook thinks it’s found you, it recommends your friend “tag” you in the photo. Being tagged in a photo associates your name with the photo (and even links to your Facebook page, once tagged).

This might not sound like a big deal… until a friend happens to upload a candid picture of you unwinding that you’d rather not have pasted all over the internet.

The good news? You can opt-out of this setting. For a video tutorial on how to turn this “feature” off, check out this original article by Whitson Gordon on Lifehacker.com:

http://lifehacker.com/5809657/how-to-stop-facebook-from-automatically-tagging-you-in-photos

(end of article)

Ironically today’s Bangor Daily News is carrying a story about a scam in Maine involving somebody who seems to have a fair amount of personal information about the people he’s calling… Gee, I wonder where he’s getting it?

 Education, Real Estate Business  No Responses »
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