ICA

Hello all,

"ICA"

Mark will be sending new ICA'S to everyone with his signature as the Broker through Docusign.

No changes to the Split Program, Monthly Fee or Office Space Programs.

The CAP number is going from $18,000 to $19,900 on the 80% program.

Mark or I are available to sit down with everyone to review your program for 2016.

Please watch the video for further explanation.

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

 

"The greatest pleasure I have known is to do a good action by stealth, and to have it found out by accident."

 

~ Charles Lamb (1775-1834)
 

 

GIVE IT AWAY!

 

Here's a "feel good" idea that pays big dividends to both giver and receiver: "Give something away every day!"

 

We all get caught up in our day-to-day routines and responsibilities. Between family and home, work and leisure, our daily schedules are usually packed with the things we do for ourselves. Managing to squeeze in a little time for others is often out of the question.

 

In the big picture, however, it is not what we do for ourselves but for others that really matters in life. We're not just talking about those who are "less fortunate" in this context. The world of "others" includes family members, associates, the elderly, those experiencing illness, those in our geographical, social, faith community, or the less fortunate.

 

So . . . what do you give away? Are we talking big money to charities or an endowment to the local university? Nope! What you give away is up to you. It might just be your time - something as simple as taking your grandchild for a walk, offering to take an aging neighbor grocery shopping, or donating a Saturday to Habitat for Humanity. On days when you lack ideas, just give away a smile, a compliment, or some encouragement.

 

Maybe you give away some of your material possessions. That might include a piece of furniture, an antique, a piece of family heirloom jewelry, or the like-new clothing in your closet that never fit right. Why not donate some of the kids' toys to a day-care center?

 

Whatever you decide to give away, do it quietly - and anonymously when possible. Make it a habit. It will bring you the special joy of knowing you've made a difference.

Happy Thanksgiving

Hello all,

"Happy Thanksgiving"

Wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you get to spend plenty of time with those that matter the most to you. Family first and let's try to put the phones down for a while... Please remember you can't pick your Sister In Law so spread the love throughout.

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

 

"The greatest pleasure I have known is to do a good action by stealth, and to have it found out by accident."

 

~ Charles Lamb (1775-1834)
 

 

GIVE IT AWAY!

 

Here's a "feel good" idea that pays big dividends to both giver and receiver: "Give something away every day!"

 

We all get caught up in our day-to-day routines and responsibilities. Between family and home, work and leisure, our daily schedules are usually packed with the things we do for ourselves. Managing to squeeze in a little time for others is often out of the question.

 

In the big picture, however, it is not what we do for ourselves but for others that really matters in life. We're not just talking about those who are "less fortunate" in this context. The world of "others" includes family members, associates, the elderly, those experiencing illness, those in our geographical, social, or church community, or the less fortunate.

 

So . . . what do you give away? Are we talking big money to charities or an endowment to the local university? Nope! What you give away is up to you. It might just be your time - something as simple as taking your grandchild for a walk, offering to take an aging neighbor grocery shopping, or donating a Saturday to Habitat for Humanity. On days when you lack ideas, just give away a smile, a compliment, or some encouragement.

 

Maybe you give away some of your material possessions. That might include a piece of furniture, an antique, a piece of family heirloom jewelry, or the like-new clothing in your closet that never fit right. Why not donate some of the kids' toys to a day-care center?

 

Whatever you decide to give away, do it quietly - and anonymously when possible. Make it a habit. It will bring you the special joy of knowing you've made a difference.

AVM

Hello all,

"AVM"

Thought this was a good read and a good approach.

Key Takeaways

• Price estimates are largely determined by an algorithm, as opposed to a real estate professional, and they often miss the mark when it comes to the final sales price.
• Consequently, agents are spending too much of their time addressing the misconceptions about AVMs, rather than focusing on the more important conversations they should have with their clients.
• Most consumers stick to one -- maybe two -- search sites total. When an agent presents clients with half a dozen other price estimates, it helps dislodge the clients' misconceptions. 
• Don't just use AVMS; overuse them.

One of the hottest discussion topics in real estate today is the presence of automated valuation models (AVM) — the estimated property prices on third-party search sites. Those price estimates are largely determined by an algorithm, as opposed to a real estate professional, and they often miss the mark when it comes to the final sales price.

Real estate agents are continually frustrated by consumers who see these price estimates and take them as a gold standard for what the asking price should be.

Real estate agents are continually frustrated by consumers who see these price estimates.

CLICK TO TWEET

Consequently, agents are spending too much of their time addressing the misconceptions about AVMs, rather than focusing on the more important conversations they should have with their clients.

The reality is that these AVMs aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and since they are now a part of the real estate landscape, here’s an approach real estate agents use to make the most of them.

The best AVM approach to take

Let’s take the typical scenario where a client comes to you already having looked up what their house is worth on a third-party search site. They have that number firmly in mind, and now your hurdle is to get them to see a price that is more in line with the local market trends.

Typically, a real estate agent’s response at this point in the conversation is to point out the fundamental flaws with AVMs and steer the conversation toward why they — or any agent — are more qualified than a computer algorithm to come up with an estimate.

While this might be true, one drawback is the client’s skepticism that comes when they hear an agent trying to defend their role in the process.

Instead, try this approach.

When clients mention they saw the estimate on a website, pull out your own stack of AVMs from as many search sites as you can find.

Why it works

Most consumers stick to one — maybe two — search sites total. When an agent presents clients with half a dozen other price estimates, not only does he or she demonstrate being well-versed in what’s going on online, but they also immediately prove that any individual AVM is just a ballpark figure.

When a client sees six different price estimates for the same property, they can’t help but realize that the one they researched isn’t set in stone.

When a client sees 6 estimates for the same property, they realize theirs isn’t set in stone.

CLICK TO TWEET

This little preparation helps agents tremendously during a listing presentation because they don’t have to spend nearly as much time correcting misconceptions or trying to find that delicate balance of proving their value as an agent without coming across as defensive.

In addition to the free, public sites available on the Internet, Cloud CMA and Homesnap both provide comparative market analyses and include price estimates in their reports.

In short, don’t just use AVMs. Overuse them.

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

 

"Opportunities are seldom labeled."

 

~ John A. Shedd
 

 

FILL IN THE BLANK!

 

From "Wellsprings of Wisdom" by Ralph Woods comes this story:

 

A successful businessman was invited to address a group of young executives on the subject of opportunities. He began his talk by tacking to the wall a big sheet of white paper and placing a black dot in the middle of the sheet. "What do you see?" he asked, pointing to the paper on the wall. "A black spot," called out everyone in the audience. "Yes, I see a black dot too," replied the speaker, "but none of you saw the much greater expanse of white. This is the point of my talk on opportunities."

 

While it is so easy to focus on the "black dots" - the immediate tasks that face us each day - how often do you grasp the opportunities that no one else notices in the white space? Don't answer that you haven't the time to notice the white space. Do you ever find yourself daydreaming? When you do, you're visiting that white space. The question is: Do you recognize your ability to bring those daydreams to fruition?

 

Look around you. Do you find yourself envying what others accomplish? Perhaps you can learn from their example. All they have done is to act on their dreams - to recognize the value of their white space and put it into motion.

 

So - what's missing in your life? Why not try filling in the blanks - the white spaces - with the achievement of your dreams? Maybe a legal pad and pencil can help. Try making a list of every dream you've ever had. Write them all down, all of them. When you finish, place an asterisk next to the five you would most like to accomplish or experience.

 

Finally, make those five items the "black dots" upon which you will focus until completed. Once identified, it becomes much easier to concentrate your attention on them. Opportunity knocks!

GCAAR Dues

Hello all,

"GCAAR Dues"

This is my annual email reminder about your GCAAR dues. I understand it can be difficult pill to swallow this time of year. However it is a bill that must be paid so we need to budget for it accordingly. Everyone Agent in the office must be a member of either GCAAR or FCAAR to be part of the office, no exceptions. We will start sending reminder emails to anyone who has not paid towards the end of the month. The bill must be paid by the end of the year. If the bill is not paid by the end of the year the Broker can become responsible for it. Please plan accordingly and thanks for understanding.

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe 

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

 

"Temperance in all things!"

 

~ Harry S. Truman
 

 

Extreme or Temperate?

 

You can see it on TV almost every day - extreme football, extreme wrestling, extreme police chases, extreme everything. The TV networks seem to be competing to capture our attention with one-upsmanship to the extreme.

 

If you're in your 20's to mid 30's, doing things to the extreme may be attractive to you. If you're 35-45, you may be starting to question whether it's necessary to carry things quite so far. If you're over 45, your age of wisdom may have set in - leading you in another direction - towards temperance. The good news is that it's beneficial at any age.

 

Recently on TV, there was an old interview with Harry Truman at the age of 77. The interviewer David Susskind asked, "To what do you attribute your energy and vitality at age 77?" Truman shot back with noticeable conviction, "Temperance in all things. I take plenty of rest, sleep well at night, and eat the right foods. That leaves me ready to face the challenges of being president."

 

What a simple word - "temperance." Webster defines it as "moderation in action or thought; restraint; marked by moderation, as in keeping within limits." It does not mean total abstinence or prohibition of action. It is merely a concept that takes into account reasonable, self-imposed limits.

 

Some see temperance as "clean living." By whatever name, it can bring peace, tranquility, good health, high self-esteem, satisfaction, and financial freedom. What are your self-imposed limits?

Coaching

Hello all,

"Coaching"

Pleased to announce I recently accepted a part time position with the Tom Ferry organization as a part time coach. I am very proud and honored by this. The overall reason for me to do it is to be a part of their ecosystem so I can bring back exciting, up to date ideas for the agents in our office. It would be impossible for me to coach everyone in the office however I will be turning my monthly training into a group coaching session. Free for all and the more the merrier! However it will come with accountability and homework so if you would like to participate please be prepared for both. This is not intended in anyway to replace one on one coaching that some of you are currently in with Ferry or any other organization. First session will be 11/16 at 10:30 in Germantown.

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

 

"Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it comes softly and sits on your shoulder."

 

~ Anonymous
 

 

DRAW YOUR OWN MAP!

 

Imagine you've planned the trip of your dreams - say from North Carolina to Colorado. You've charted all the roads, have a fist full of maps just in case, and have your priorities straight in your mind. You get started on a beautiful sunny day, and begin enjoying the ride.

 

Late in the day, as you approach the Mississippi River, you drive straight into a bank of heavy fog. You turn on your lights, but still cannot see 10 feet ahead. Just because the highway is out of sight doesn't mean you've lost your way. Continuing on the path you've set for yourself, you soon break out into the sunshine again - still headed in the direction of your dreams.

 

In perspective, consider that the trip represents your life's goal - your first priority. Steering your vehicle down the highway hour by hour represents your efforts to reach your goal. The fog bank illustrates the momentary interruptions and obstacles encountered on your journey.

 

As day #2 begins, you find that you've come to an unexpected intersection - one that's not on your map. Confused, you pull over and examine the map closely. Stay to the right and you'll end up in Colorado. Take a left and you may arrive at an unanticipated, yet equally wonderful destination.

 

OK, let's cut to the chase! Sometimes your priorities change, don't they? Just as you think your goal is in sight, a new opportunity arises. Remember the saying that "life is a journey - not a destination"? What's exciting is that YOU are in control of the steering wheel, and whatever destination you choose is OK - so long as it's YOU who has made the choice.

 

Happy motoring!

Best Winter

Hello All,

"Best Winter"

I consider myself a cautiously optimistic person. I believe the office is full of good hard working agents and in the long run things will always work out (optimistic). However I am always looking for bumps in the road or hurdles we need to get through to achieve success (cautious). The biggest hurdle we face every year is the winter slowdown. I usually write a piece this time of year advising everyone to store their nuts because it is slowing down and the winter months can be difficult to navigate financially. All signs in the market and in the offices suggest this winter might have a different outcome then recent winters. Inventory remains as strong as it was in the spring, activity is steady and it seems as if most everyone has business going on. No promises and knock on wood... This could be the best winter we have had in a long time. 

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe 

 

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

 

"Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it comes softly and sits on your shoulder."

 

~ Anonymous
 

 

DRAW YOUR OWN MAP!

 

Imagine you've planned the trip of your dreams - say from North Carolina to Colorado. You've charted all the roads, have a fist full of maps just in case, and have your priorities straight in your mind. You get started on a beautiful sunny day, and begin enjoying the ride.

 

Late in the day, as you approach the Mississippi River, you drive straight into a bank of heavy fog. You turn on your lights, but still cannot see 10 feet ahead. Just because the highway is out of sight doesn't mean you've lost your way. Continuing on the path you've set for yourself, you soon break out into the sunshine again - still headed in the direction of your dreams.

 

In perspective, consider that the trip represents your life's goal - your first priority. Steering your vehicle down the highway hour by hour represents your efforts to reach your goal. The fog bank illustrates the momentary interruptions and obstacles encountered on your journey.

 

As day #2 begins, you find that you've come to an unexpected intersection - one that's not on your map. Confused, you pull over and examine the map closely. Stay to the right and you'll end up in Colorado. Take a left and you may arrive at an unanticipated, yet equally wonderful destination.

 

OK, let's cut to the chase! Sometimes your priorities change, don't they? Just as you think your goal is in sight, a new opportunity arises. Remember the saying that "life is a journey - not a destination"? What's exciting is that YOU are in control of the steering wheel, and whatever destination you choose is OK - so long as it's YOU who has made the choice.

 

Happy motoring!

       

End of Year Events

Hello all,

"End of Year Events"

We talked about this at the sales meeting last week. There are three all office events coming up, the details are attached. This Rel Estate thing can be difficult, we are fortunate to have an atmosphere of sharing and helping out. These three events are a great opportunity to spend some time with your office mates and celebrate the wonderful year we have had! Short version... Parties coming up and I want to see as many of you there as possible. 

                                   

Thursday, October 22nd 5:30pm-8pm

Park Potomac Office-RSVP to Max!

Tuesday, November 17th 11:00am-2pm

Montgomery County Fairgrounds

PLEASE RSVP to Carol’s Potluck Invite

Monday, December 14th 6pm-10pm

Grillmarx in Clarksburg

Stay tuned for invite!

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

 

"Things themselves don't hurt or hinder us.
Things simply are what they are.
How we view these things is another matter.
People think what they will think; it is of no concern to us."

 

~ Epictetus
 

 

DON'T LISTEN!

 

Someone once said, "When I was in my twenties, I worried about what others thought of me. When I was in my forties, I didn't care what they thought of me, and when I was in my sixties, I realized they weren't thinking about me at all." Who hasn't had a parent or friend tell us "What will people think?"

 

How easy it is to let the influence of others govern our actions. By listening to others, then carrying out our lives to the tune they wish us to play, we are but puppets. One of "Aesop's Fables" addressed the same issue.

 

It told of an old man, a boy, and a donkey making their way down a hill. As the boy rode, while the old man led the donkey, they overheard a neighbor comment about the shame of making the old man walk. The next turn in the road saw both man and boy astride the donkey, and the next passer-by shook his head at the shame of putting such a load on the poor donkey. By the time the two reached the final turn in the road, they were seen carrying the donkey on a pole.

 

The message, of course, was that we should not live our lives to satisfy the expectations of others. It is up to us to set a clear direction for our own lives, and then follow that path to the exclusion of others.

 

It's really about choices, isn't it? We get to make our own choices in life. When we fail to do so, we have still made a choice - that being to let others make our choices for us. As the final days of the year approach, it's an excellent time to let your vision take hold, to set a bold new direction for your life in the coming year. Make some choices - no matter what "they" think!