Excellence is a moving target

Hello all,

"Excellence is a moving target"

This one of my favorite sayings in life and in business. What it means is no matter how good we get at our craft things around us are always changing so we need to be constantly seeking knowledge and making changes in the way we do things to stay on top. I just spent three days at a commercial real estate symposium and I will be the first to tell you that 50% of the time it was a painful experience but very necessary. The other 50% was either a great learning experience or was spent networking with other agents which can be a great energy booster. We need to do theses things to be the best that we can be. The reason I bring this up is I would like to talk about the two training's we have coming up.

                                   

Fall Training Series- The full series is intended for newer agents and or agents who are looking to get a little jump start to there business. Combine this with the Peak Producers class after the first of the year whoever takes both should be well on there way to bigger and better things. However I would like everyone to take a look at the individual classes and see if there is a training that would help them out.

Verl Workman Seminar- This is a one day event and I fully expect as many of you to be there as possible. If you have a closing, something already scheduled... I understand that you can't make it. However if you have nothing going on and you just don't want to go you will be missing out. Verl is a very high energy high knowledge person and I guarantee you will come away with some items that will help you with your business, no matter what level agent you are. There will also be 100+ agents there from our offices and others, a great networking opportunity and energy booster. For our Mortgage and Title affiliates please feel free to invite as many of your people as you like.

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe   

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."

~ Unattributed

ELIMINATE THE BOX!

It was refreshing to read the article entitled "Thirty Under Thirty" in the REALTOR(r) magazine. Thirty agents under the age of thirty talked about their approach to real estate, and most seemed to "think outside the box." They didn't appear to be bound by conventional rules of marketing conduct.

Think back to when you were a young child. You were totally uninhibited by rules, so you weren't afraid to try new things. Back then, there wasn't even a "box" to confine your thinking or actions. You did whatever worked for you.

Then, you began to grow up and your parents, then your teachers, began building a box for you. "Stay in line, be quiet, don't touch this or that," they admonished. "Good little girls and boys don't talk back, eat snacks between meals, or chew with their mouths open."

The rules got more sophisticated as you got older, and you began to conform. Now you're all grown up, comfortable in the box the world built for you, and it's not so easy anymore to "think outside the box".

Not so for the newcomers - the youth of the real estate industry. They are enthusiastic, energetic, and with their "no rules" thinking, they're going to mop up on those competitors who are too comfortable in their box.

If you've been in the business for more than ten years, you have one powerful advantage over the newbies - real estate wisdom. You're a survivor and know your way around the business. Now it's just a question of combining that base of knowledge with some of the unfettered new thinking of the under 30 crowd. Old dogs CAN learn new tricks, after all!

"QE3"

Hello all,

"QE3"

As I always say we need to keep politics or debatable issues out of our business, however when it affects our business we need to know about it and have a talk track. Quantitative Easing is when the Federal Reserve brings liquidity to the market by printing money and buying financial assets from banks. With QE1 & QE2 the Federal Reserve did their thing and brought the money to the market by buying bonds. With QE3 the Federal Reserve plans to buy 40 billion in Mortgage Backed Securities every month until they feel that the economy is stabilized and the unemployment drops to where they are comfortable. Mortgage backed securities are bundles of mortgages that the banks sell in the secondary market to investors. The idea is that if the Federal Reserve buys the securities interest rates will stay low and the banks will have capacity to issue more mortgages. These two points are where QE3 will have an affect on the Real Estate market. One of the biggest problems after the mortgage crisis was that credit was frozen and the banks lost their capacity to lend, people who should have gotten a mortgage were now having a difficult time getting one. So over the next couple of years people who should get a mortgage will receive one and interest rates will remain low courtesy of the Federal Reserve. This may not be a savoir for the Real Estate market but it won't hurt either. Again, not trying to start an argument with anyone on whether or not QE3 should have happened. I just wanted to make sure you could explain it's affects on the Real Estate market with your clients if necessary.

Please remember sales meeting is this Wednesday 11:30 at That's Amore. 

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe

  

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"We need to learn to set our course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship."

~ General Omar Bradley 

FEELING LOST?

Do you find yourself drifting on an ocean of indecision, misdirection, unfulfilled aspirations? Feel like you're not getting as far along as your colleagues, or as far along as they say you should? It's probably time to throw out your compass!

While it can be helpful to look to others for inspiration, don't make the mistake of believing that you can or even should try to achieve the same accomplishments. Using a map of your own making, set your individual course according to where you want to go and how quickly you want to get there.

Indeed, you can set your sights much higher than the "landmarks" or "passing ships" of those people around you who tell you what you should do or what you shouldn't do. You'll lose your valuable perspective of the Big Picture if you pay too much attention to the advice or achievements of others.

Whether you are passing them or they are passing you, don't lose sight of what is guiding you and where. Your dreams and ambitions are the unmoving and constant "North Star" in your life. While everything else around you can change so quickly from day to day, it's your own beliefs and convictions that give you the steady course you need to successfully navigate those changes.

You'll never get anywhere by trying to determine the success or even the path of your journey by the "passing ships" around you. Stay focused solely on what you believe and know to be true, and ignore the nay-sayers! They may be gone tomorrow, but your dreams will be the stars in your sky forever.

Deja Vu All Over Again

Hello all,

"Deja Vu All Over Again"

There has been a lot of talk lately about jobs and the economy, jobs are always the lagging indicator of an economic recovery. The housing market moves in cycles just like the economy and the lagging indicator in the housing market is transactions. All of the right things are starting to happen, percentage of distressed properties are going down, buyer confidence is back, inventory is low, prices are going up and the basic rules supply and demand are taking over. However where are the transactions? Let's take a look at the history of transactions in 2 zip codes, this is over a time period of January 1st - August 31st of each year in 5 year increments.

 Year    20874      20850                                  

1997      409           242

2002     1,181         414

2007      697           374

2012      460           326

Both zip codes peeked in transactions in 2005. The up county zip code is a little more sobering but both show the same trend. It was in the late 90's that the housing market started coming out of it's slump and as things started to improve the transactions started to increase. Obviously after the bubble busted the transactions started to decrease. In my opinion we are in 1997 and it is "Deja Vu All Over Again" however with some mechanics put in place that will limit how far the market can run. For the most part only people who should get a mortgage will receive one. Prices going up should be gradual but the number of transactions coming to the market should go up significantly each year for the foreseeable future. So my question to you is and since we don't get paid unless we close a transaction... what are you doing in your business today to capture as many of these future transactions as you can?

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe 

 

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"It is best to act with confidence, no matter how little right you have to it."

~ Lillian Hellman

EVALUATE THIS!

So, when was the last test or exam that you took? Or have you experienced a recent evaluation of your work? Many of us, even if we're "the boss," have to go through a periodic appraisal of how well we carry out our jobs. Often, this assessment comes from outside - a supervisor "objectively" examines our performance. But what if you yourself could take the responsibility for your own evaluation?

The trouble with some people is that they give themselves poor grades, sometimes in spite of the fact that others may highly regard their work. Those who lack confidence in their own ability to lead and to succeed often dismiss evidence that clearly illustrates their potential. If you're not happy with your own work, it simply won't matter how others feel about it.

Remember that feelings don't depend on the facts. Feelings actually create the truth. Think of it this way: your feeling of confidence begins with the feeling, and it's that feeling that then creates the confidence! You become self-assured by first believing in yourself. You don't break out of the starting gate, dash first across the finish line, and then begin to believe you're a winner. That's putting the cart before the horse!

Beginning with the belief that you will succeed is the first and necessary step toward achieving your goal. Sometimes you will win and sometimes you will not, that's a fact of life. But as long as you carry your faith in yourself, you'll always possess that potential to win that some people simply lack. They haven't yet realized that improving their performance begins with improving their feelings about themselves.

Roy L. Smith said, "The man who cannot believe in himself cannot believe in anything else." So choose whatever goal your heart desires, but first choose to believe in your ability to reach it! 

Training Schedule

Hello all,

"Training Schedule"

But first... So about 2 years ago the state of Maryland decided that the Broker could no longer be on a team. My wife and her team had a little party and I was gone. However having the five children and other things that keep us busy inevitably I am going to be called on from time to time just to fill in when a body is needed. Last week I was covering a home inspection for the team, everything was going great and the place was in good condition. I had the buyers doing some things so I set off for the water meter read, looked everywhere and could not find the meter. So I went back upstairs and asked the buyers to take a look at something downstairs while I took a look around outside. This was a diversion so I could go outside and call Lisa, so I got my wife on the phone.

Joe- "Need help, looked everywhere and could not find the water meter"

Lisa-"Laughter"

 Joe- "This isn't funny, I need it before settlement"

Lisa" Laughter and You won't be able to find it"

Joe- "Please stop playing with me they are coming outside"

Lisa "It is on a well big guy"

So maybe the state was right...

Save the dates:

We are very pleased to announce that we are rolling out a 12 week training series starting on 9/27 and finishing on 12/20. Subjects include Social Media, Prospecting, Contracts, Time Management.... The entire series is intended for our newer and mid level agents but there might be one or two that will catch the attention of everyone. We could all use a little refresher course from time to time. We are going to back this up with Buffini's Peak Producers after the first of the year. Anyone who takes the 12 week training in the fall gets the Buffini training for free, we are of the mindset that if you take both courses you will be well on your way to improving your Real Estate career so we will cover the $400 for Buffini. More to come.

 9/17- Sales meeting will be at 11:30, venue to be announced soon.

10/18- Also very pleased to announce we have booked Verl Workman to come in for an all day training. It will be held on the main stage at the Black Rock Center. Much more on this to come soon but please mark your calendars and save the date.

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe  

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"Wise sayings often fall on barren ground,but a kind word is never thrown away."

~ Sir Arthur Helps

EASY AS 1-2-3!

Remember the old "Dirty Harry" movies? Clint Eastwood delivered the scowling expression and threatening phrase "Go ahead, make my day." The implication was that Harry's day would be complete if only the criminal facing the end of his gun barrel would just flinch and give Harry the excuse he needed to blow him away.

Okay, that doesn't sound like good fodder for an inspiring Coffee column, but it is a good pop culture reference to beg the question "What does it take to make YOUR day?" Or, even better, "What does it take to make someone else's day?"

You might think it challenging to find a way to really pick someone up, but remember that you don't necessarily have to be "down" to be lifted up. The truth is that we have absolutely no idea when we could be making a life-altering impact on somebody, with just a simple word or act of kindness.

Let someone you work with, out of the clear blue, how much you appreciate their contributions. Or tell them how much confidence you have in their work or their ability to complete an upcoming project with flying colors. You'll be amazed how their expression brightens, their pace suddenly picks up, and everything about them says, "You just made my day!"

We live in an increasingly fast-paced society, where more and better work - completed in less time - is simply expected. Make it clear at work and at home that while performance is expected, it is also nurtured and rewarded, if only with kind words and fair treatment. Soon you'll find everyone around you meeting and exceeding those expectations.

We know the old real estate adage: the three most important features of a property are "location, location, and location." In light of this week's topic, consider that Henry James said, "Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind."

The most wonderful time of the yrar

Hello all,

"The most wonderful time of the year"

My yearly note of appreciation for all of the hard working parents in the office! Please click on the link below.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwcYbo7pjto 

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." ~ William Shedd

"He that will not sail till all dangers are over must never put to sea." ~ Thomas Fuller

CAST OFF YOUR SAFETY NET!

Taken any chances lately? Have you a had a strong desire or some sense of wanderlust, but feared the consequences, or simply thought better of it? Just remember the old adage, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Of course we all desire a sense of security, and we don't relish the idea of courting danger. But look back on some of your most satisfying accomplishments - didn't they result from taking action that you or others first thought might be risky?

If we always stick to the path most travelled, we'll never discover anything new about our world or ourselves. Fearing the unknown will never allow us to understand it. Only by coming to understand the risks we might take can we develop the confidence and the courage necessary to overcome the dangers associated with trying to achieve our imaginative goals.

Don't allow yourself to be numbered among those who look back and wonder, "What if . . ." A well developed plan of action and some caution in its execution are advisable, but by all means move forward! Staying where you are and following the status quo is easy and safe, but it's likely that your dreams go way beyond where you are now. Don't let those dreams remain unrealized because you're afraid of the hazards involved in making them come true.

Like the ship in the harbor, you were built for greater things. It is the very meaning of life to struggle for what we most want and push the boundaries of our understanding, thereby improving the quality of our life and even of those around us.

Finally, consider the words of Brooks Atkinson, who said, "This nation was built by men who took risks - pioneers who were not afraid of the wilderness, business men who were not afraid of failure, scientists who were not afraid of the truth, thinkers who were not afraid of progress, dreamers who were not afraid of action."

Michelle Ladas

Hello all,

"Michelle Ladas"

I am very pleased to announce that Michelle Ladas will be starting with our company today and will have a dual role. I often tell people the biggest challenge of running the company so far has been the speed at which we have grown, trying to stay in front of it. Without a doubt our biggest weakness with this has been our intake system. When an agent transfers from one company to another the first 30 days can become cumbersome, learning 5-6 new systems at once is not fun. We also run into problems when we roll out things like Paperless Pipeline, Wolfconect... So Michelle's first roll is going to be "New Agent Coordinator" over the next 45-60 days Michelle will be learning our systems inside and out. After that she will be working with the new agents when they come aboard but she will also be YOUR one stop shop for help on any of our systems including:

Website

Paperless Pipeline

Wolfconnect

Remax Mainstreet Design Center & Leadstreet

Children s Miracle Network (program being rolled out soon)

Video Training, we are setting up video in Aspen Hill and she will be training the agents on how to create and edit video.  

Office Events, Golf Tournament...

Michelle's second roll will be accounting assistant working with Doty. We are starting to grow in this area as well and Doty could use a little help (by the way we have 52 scheduled closings the next two weeks so you might want to put an apple on Doty's desk). Michelle will be working with Doty in the afternoons in Germantown. Lastly and for the sanity of Al Cardany Michelle will be covering Carol's lunch break in Germantown everyday. Let's be patient will Michelle gets her feet wet but please welcome her aboard when you see her.

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe  

 

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

“All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.”

~ American book title (Robert Fulghum, author)

“The children are watching us.”

~ Italian film title (Vittorio De Sica, director)

BACK TO SCHOOL!

Turns out the children are listening, too. The question is, what are they learning and what are we teaching?

No matter whom we interact with, we should all take some time to reflect upon how our practices are matching up to our ethics and beliefs. We all have the potential to produce a profound effect on the people in our lives, both directly and indirectly. How we choose to act in our encounters helps define who we are: are we good stewards, good managers, good parents?

Consider the language we use when we deal with other people. Those who value power over action will use the language of judgment and superiority: “That idea is doomed..." or "You will never succeed..." or "That project is a waste of time.” Such language only serves to predict its own end and unfortunately, that end is often failure.

Now consider language that recognizes individuality while setting us up as collaborators: “I understand what you want..." or "I can only imagine how hard this is for you..." or "I'd like to help.” As we acknowledge the needs and feelings of others, we have better opportunities to show the same respect we’d expect in return. The encounter becomes a win-win situation.

As we interact with others, a good yardstick by which to measure our actions is to imagine how children would perceive them. Do we play by the rules? Are we being fair? Do we share? Are we doing unto others as we would have done to ourselves? During your next meeting, imagine a seven year old is watching the proceedings. Would you conduct yourself any differently?

Before children start to learn the later lessons of failure and success associated with competition, they first learn to “play well with others.” The politics of the playground still hold some powerful lessons for us, too!

"There, I said it"

Hello all,

"There, I said it"

Donna Pfeiffer on Lisa's team recently had a listing go on the market in Germantown. It was gorgeous, priced right and received 6 offers in the first 2 days. There were 2 offers that were very similar and the winner was chosen on Friday evening. Saturday morning while driving in the car Lisa received a phone call directly from the client of the contract that did not win. She was very disappointed and was trying to see if there was anyway the seller would reconsider. After the call I asked Lisa what had happened, she told me about the two offers and said the deciding factor was the call to the loan officer. The loan officer for the losing contract told Lisa that he had pulled credit but had not verified any of the information, income, assets... The loan officer for the winning contract had a full approval with all of the verification. My comment back to Lisa was "Shame on the agent for putting their client in that position in this competitive market". My first thought after I said it was that I could not believe how easily the words "competitive market" flowed out of my mouth with what we have been through. The second thought was I should probably say something to the agents in the offices. Folks, the bottom line is there is a serious lack of inventory and we are drifting back into a sellers market. If the house is in the right location, priced right and looks great there will be multiple offers. We need to start prepping and preparing our buyers for this. Any listing agent worth their salt is not going to accept a contract in a multiple offer situation without speaking to the loan officer first. It is imperative that you have your buyers go through the FULL mortgage application process before they are writing offers, if not they will be behind the 8 ball. This should be covered in the initial buyer consolation and we have loan officers in the offices at your ready to help you with this :)

Enjoy the coffee,

Joe 

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"If you take too long in deciding what to do with your life, you'll find you've done it."
-George Bernard Shaw

"Before enlightenment - chopping wood, carrying water. After enlightenment - chopping wood, carrying water." 
- Buddha

FEELING STRESSED?

Oh - the frustration of it all. The first quote for today deals with the importance of having direction - goals - in your life. You know - we've all heard it for years - our life will be happier, more prosperous, more meaningful if we have a plan, know where we're going, and work systematically at getting there.

If you've tried to do that, you've undoubtedly met with a great deal of frustration along the way. It's like the expression "Life is what happens to you while you're planning other things." No matter how hard you work at your plan, there are those constant interruptions that get in the way, and make it seem so difficult. You are not alone.

As important as the first quote is, think about the second one. A modern paraphrase might go like this: "Before setting and achieving your goals, and having control over your life, your days are filled with trivia, interruptions, hassles, disappointments, family responsibilities, etc. After working your plan and achieving all your dreams and goals - your life is filled with trivia, interruptions, hassles, disappointments, family responsibilities, etc."

Taking control of your life can result in great personal satisfaction, provided you understand it does not bring you to perfection. Intertwined in our desire to achieve peace, success, and enlightenment, there is still plenty of wood to chop and water to carry. The day-to-day responsibilities of life do not disappear. We simply gain the strength to bear them more readily - and with a smile.

So - carry on with your plans and your dreams. They are vital to a great life. Yet remember the words of Jules Renard, who said, "There are moments when everything goes well; don't be frightened, it won't last."