Thoughts on Leadership: A Message for Presidents Day

[image courtesy of biography.com]

By Gino Blefari

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we too will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” – President John F. Kennedy

This week my travels found me in Dallas to rehearse for the upcoming Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 2016 Sales Convention. (By the way, read more about that event here.) Because our hotel was only a few blocks away, while on a break from rehearsal I had the chance to make a quick visit to Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas, a landmark of American history and the site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated November 22, 1963.

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Does Writing A Personalized Letter For The Buyer Sway A Seller’s Decision?

By Victor Quiroz

A few months ago I helped contribute to a U.S. News & World Report article regarding the use of Snapchat in real estate. I must have made an impression on the writer because she called me again recently to ask if I would contribute to another article about personalized letters from homebuyers to sellers and how they can help persuade a favorable response. I gladly obliged and offered some insight into a practice that is becoming more common among buyers’ agents. Here’s what I had to say on the subject …

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Thursday Thoughts on Leadership: The NFL and Us

By Gino Blefari

This week my travels find me in New York City for Inman Connect, a yearly conference where innovation meets real estate and where leaders in our industry come together to brainstorm and share ideas. While at Inman, I participated in a panel discussion—“Creating Motivation Through Accountability”—and attended several events to talk shop with both new and old friends. (To see what other attendees are saying about the conference, scroll through #ICNY.)

Because New York is, well … New York, I’ve also had the opportunity to do some incredible networking while I’m here in the Big Apple like being at the NASDAQ Closing Bell Ceremony or, thanks to my pal, Max Paulsen who works at the NFL, tour the National Football League headquarters on Park Avenue.

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Thoughts on Leadership: Working Harder Always Wins

By Gino Blefari

This week my travels find me in Florida; I first flew to Panama City, grabbed my rental car and drove to Santa Rosa Beach for the launch of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, a fine company led by Hunter Harman, John David Sullivan and Price Rainer. Then, I drove up to Jacksonville for an awards celebration with Linda Sherrer, Christy Budnick and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty team.

The Florida Network Realty event was Olympics-themed with most attendees dressed in Grecian-style togas. Held at the enormous EverBank Field in Jacksonville, the celebration was filled with hundreds of Florida Network Realty agents eager to commemorate their achievements and get inspired for even more success ahead.

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Thursday Thoughts on Leadership: Beyond the Barn

By Gino Blefari

Good evening! This week my travels find me in Raleigh, NC for a meeting with Tommy Camp, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty and his fantastic managers. After talking leadership, best practices and recruiting with the team, we had dinner at the historic Angus Barn, a decades-old barn-turned-restaurant that is a celebrated staple of the local dining scene. (Our meal actually took place in the basement, an incredible space that featured a table so large it took up most of the room.)

The Angus Barn—also known as “Big Red”—was officially opened for business on June 28, 1960 with novice restaurateurs Thad Eure Jr. and Charles Winston running the show. Neither men had any experience operating a restaurant; perhaps this was why they so boldly disregarded their detractors who said the Angus Barn project couldn’t be done. Who, these critics questioned, would visit a restaurant located along a narrow, two-lane road, desolate save a few telephone stations dotting the way?

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Renting vs. Buying a Home

By Bryn Huntpalmer

Navigating the housing market and rental landscape can be an overwhelming and tricky task. There are so many factors to consider that when you are ready to finally take the plunge and decide, rent or buy, you might not even know where to begin!

I can certainly understand your struggle, so in an effort to help you make the best decision possible I broke down the process into an easy-to-read list of pros and cons for both. Just make sure to invite me to the housewarming party, OK?

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Thursday Thoughts on Leadership: Happy New Year

As 2016 approaches and 2015 comes to a close, I want to reflect for a moment on a fantastic year gone by.

Our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network has grown to more than 40,000 agents and 1,200 offices operating in all but three states. As important, we’re adding elite, new affiliates in key U.S. markets while our current family of brokerages continues to thrive. This year we announced our intentions to expand across the globe while making serious strides to capture the international buyer’s market here at home. Watch for more on this exciting initiative in 2016! In addition, we gave away $50,000 in a record-setting sweepstakes with HGTV superstars Chip and Joanna Gaines, launched at a packed Sales Convention in Las Vegas.

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Network Update from Gino Blefari, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC

Our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand keeps growing. We now count more than 40,000 agents and 1,200 offices in 47 states. Learn about our recently recognized agents as well as upcoming Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices events in HSF Affiliates CEO Gino Blefari’s network update.

A Mindset for Success – Part 1

In the first of a three-part video series, Paul Campanaro, agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties, Nevada Properties and California Properties explains the power of a positive mindset for sales executives. “Everything begins and ends with mindset,” he says in his video. With a powerful mindset, challenges and obstacles can be navigated to ensure business success. Watch the rest of Paul’s video and stay tuned for parts two and three, coming soon!

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Thursday Thoughts on Leadership: December Inspiration

By Gino Blefari

This week my travels find me in Irvine, CA at the HSF Affiliates LLC headquarters for a leadership meeting and a Town Hall with the entire Irvine-based staff. During these get-togethers, my team will discuss motivation and inspiration, reflecting on our past year and looking forward to a year of growth and prosperity ahead.

Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, once said, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” And in fact, the name of your game this December should be proactivity. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to think and plan out how to have a breakthrough 2016. To get you started, here are some ways to increase productivity and success in the new year:

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