By Kevin Ostler
Broker Mandy Robinson’s Prudential Cape Shores Real Estate brokerage becomes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Cape Shores Real Estate May 19. The broker this week received an early transition present while on a listing presentation in her Cape Cod, MA market.
By Gino Blefari
This week, my travels took me from Denver to Omaha to St. Louis but our story begins west of the Gateway City, in Irvine, CA at the HSF Affiliates headquarters …
Each morning in Irvine, I try to follow the same routine: I wake before sunrise and walk to the hotel coffee shop near our offices for some quiet, meditative moments to prepare for the day ahead.
By Carrie Foley
I always strive to keep a positive attitude, see the potential in everything and remain optimistic in all my dealings, professionally and personally. I recently came to the conclusion that it is not always in our clients’ best interest to be perpetually optimistic, particularly with homesellers.
Previously, I would tour a client’s home, praising their gorgeous kitchen counters, cooing over the natural light and becoming giddy about some other upgrade. But with these reactions, I was artificially stroking the ego of the seller and setting them up to expect this same warm feedback from picky homebuyers. They would love my enthusiasm for their home, but when the first few showings resulted in no offers and less than flattering feedback, the sellers were dismayed – and angry with me.
By Gino Blefari
For the past few years, I’ve shared my experiences and research on the importance of leadership. Here’s one thing I’ve learned during this ongoing project: As leaders, we lead by how we act but we also lead by what we say. Our words convey the “why” behind all that we do.
By Gino Blefari
Knowledge is an important component of leadership. If we’re diligent about it, knowledge is an ever-changing, evolving thing, allowing us to continually improve, progress and grow.
Recently, I was in Washington, D.C. at the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals® (NAHREP) White House Briefing. The meeting proved an exciting opportunity to learn about the latest trends affecting the Hispanic population and how Latino preferences and buying power will shape—and reshape—the landscape of our national real estate market.
NAHREP®, cofounded by Gary Acosta and Ernie Reyes, is a passionate organization made from dedicated professionals across the country, proud champions of homeownership within the Hispanic community and The Voice For Hispanic Real Estate®. I’m honored to serve on the NAHREP® Corporate Board of Governors and help advance this cause.
By Gino Blefari
This week my travels took me to the majestic state of Montana, to Big Sky Country, to the heart of Lewis and Clark’s westward expedition. I began my trip in Bozeman speaking with the outstanding agents, managers and staff at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Montana Properties then traveled along Interstate 90 toward Missoula for another presentation with the Montana Properties team.
For those who have never driven on I-90, it’s a highway famous for its scenic surroundings, a modern-day trail through America’s unspoiled territory, where “Home on the Range” comes to life in meandering rivers, roaming antelope, dense forests and snowcapped mountains. I was lucky enough to drive with Montana Properties Broker/Owners Mike Basile and Dan Ermatinger, who had much to say about the highway and Montana’s awe-inspiring landscape.
By Gino Blefari
This week, while working from California, (average temperature, 85 degrees) I was reviewing Real Living’s Premier Service® 2014 National Customer Satisfaction Results, and I’m happy to announce that for a seventh consecutive year, our Real Living agents scored a 96% customer satisfaction rating, significantly exceeding the industry average. This number speaks to the strength of Real Living’s customer service culture and its hard-working brokers and agents but it also gets to the heart of an issue that must always be top-of-mind for all leaders across any industry: service.
By Lynn Minnick
A few years ago, after binge-watching 30 Rock on Netflix, I reflected upon the lessons Tina Fey taught me that applied to my real estate career. Today, it’s Amy Poehler’s turn, through her unforgettable Parks and Recreation character, Leslie Knope.
Leslie helps to inspire my business in several ways:
By Gino Blefari
“Now the first of December was covered with snow, and so was the turnpike from Stockton to Boston. The Berkshires seemed dream-like on account of that frosting, with ten miles behind me and ten thousand more to go.” – James Taylor, Sweet Baby James, 1970
Last week, my travels took me to the magnificent Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Connecticut to attend the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties Awards and Service celebration hosted by president and CEO Candace Adams and her fantastic team of agents, managers and staff. After years of living in California, enjoying the Golden State’s ever-present palm trees and perpetual sunshine, I had a distinct sense of nostalgia spending time in the decidedly chillier Northeast. Something about being back among the charm of a snowy New England town made this visit feel like a trip home.
By Gino Blefari
One of the stops on my travels this week was to Indianapolis where I met with the fine agents and managers at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty and spend time with Kevin Kirkpatrick, CEO; and John Dick, who recently retired as co-owner and president. I’ve known John and Kevin for about 14 years and they’re more than my colleagues; they’re my friends. Friendship is sometimes overlooked in business but it’s one of the most important assets in every company, office … and even sports team that has ever found lasting success. I’ve always said that I love what I do largely because of who I get to do it with. I get to work with my best friends in the world.
Thoughts on Leadership 