President's Perspective

Keep your head up and take time to grow

Chris Reese
President

There may be some of us that are feeling a bit anxious because of the number of listings currently on the market. I know I am. Many of us are feeling the pinch of the marketing dollars needed to promote our listings in the best possible way. Sellers do expect us to advertise, print quality brochures, generate showing activity, and ultimately get their house sold in a timely manner.

So, with all the competition of active listings, and the dollars we are spending, how do we keep our attitude up, keep our sellers happy, and persevere?

We, who have been in this business for a while, know that this market will turn around. It always does. We also know that we must spend money to have the tools to make our job easier, and keep up the advertising.

We know that the business is constantly up and down and we need to remember to keep doing the things that make us succeed. That is calling back all ad and referral calls, qualifying buyers to make sure they are motivated, making appointments, and prioritize. There is a great article in this magazine about just how to sell your listing in a buyer's market. Check it out!

We also need to dedicate some of this "down time" to improving our professionalism. Look at the great courses offered this month here at CBR. Of course there are the CBR Tempo? classes. If we haven't really mastered CBR Tempo?, we are not doing ourselves justice.

It is also paramount that we UNDERSTAND every aspect of our latest purchase contract. There is a contract course offered this month, September 28. In representing our client's best interests, it is imperative that we are experts in contract language, phrases needed, and negotiation.

Another class offered on Sept 15, is VITAL to our safety in everyday showings & open houses. It is a Safety Seminar, teaching the basics of self defense and the practical tactics needed to protect ourselves.

Also, plan on attending the OAR Convention, September 17-20 and Sales Associate's Day on October 26 where we will have the opportunity of hearing a fabulous speaker -- Terry Watson.

We must educate our buyers in the fact that now truly is the best time to buy. As I am writing this, I have noticed that interest rates have GONE DOWN! How can there be a better time to buy a house, with great inventory, AND great rates! If we don't persuade our buyers to take advantage of this market, we are not doing our jobs.

Speaking of jobs?.did you know that this is the time to send in your application to be a director or an officer. The election notice and director job description are included in this magazine. If you have never been a director, and would like to represent your fellow REALTORS®, please do this. Give some back and "Pay it Forward." It is a truly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally, and you are NEEDED. Also, if you have been a director, chaired committees, and feel you know our Board, please submit your resume to be an officer. I only wish you all could experience the knowledge & fulfillment I have gained with this whole experience.

And last, but not least?..I HAVE GREAT NEWS! CBR is providing us with a MAJOR BENEFIT! It is called Mobile Technology (Tempo Wireless). We will be able to log on to our CBR Tempo? System right from, and formatted to, our CELL PHONE! That's right, anywhere there is cellular service, we will have access to primary pictures, searches, listing data, remarks, directions, solds, membership roster, email, etc?up to 35 fields. This is ideal for BlackBerrys, Palm Treos, Pocket PCs, and works on most newer cell phones. We will have to pay for our minutes (just get unlimited Internet access), but CBR is providing this to us as a member benefit! Look for more information to come. (It's better than having an MLS book!) Happy Selling!