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 Todd Waller
The decision to sell your home, the place you have lived for years and where you created memories, is no easy decision.
Still, the process of selling your home should be as smooth as possible. Proper research, pricing and marketing will produce a sale in the shortest amount of time possible, for the highest price, and the least amount of inconvenience.
By Lisa Schultz
Pinterest is an excellent platform to build relationships with prospective clients and promote your business. If you’re already a Pinterest user, you might have noticed messages and emails letting you know you can now add a map to your Pinterest boards. If you haven’t tried “Place Pins” yet, now is the time to start. These pins are quick and easy to create, and can add immense value to your profile.
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 Darrin Friedman
Choosing the right real estate agent can sometimes be a confusing experience. After all, there are choices everywhere! From your aunt who has been in the business so long she used to complete transactions on typewriters, to your ex-roommate who got his license six months ago; your options are numerous.
But that’s not what this blog is about.
By Jake Breen
In America, homeownership has always been considered a lofty goal, a dream that millions upon millions hope to make real. However, before these would-be buyers find homes, they usually rent. In the age-old rent vs. own debate, each generation seems to have its own idea about what is right. Baby Boomers tend to ask, “Why rent when you can own?” And millennials typically assume it’s always better to rent than own, at least when you’re first entering the job market and disposable income is limited. As rates of homeownership fluctuate, economists look to these differing ideologies to try to figure out just where America stands.
So, when is it better to rent than own? In the long run, it’s always better to buy. Buying a home is an investment in your future. However, many factors come into play when purchasing a home including timing and local market conditions.
By Gino Blefari
Last week, I wrote about former Navy SEAL Mark Divine and how his book, Unbeatable Mind, has recently inspired me in my career. At the same time my post was published, an email from Mark came in, which might seem like a coincidence but we all know it’s the universe at work.
Mark’s email delved deeper into the topic of trustworthiness, a cornerstone of any successful real estate operation and a character trait every great leader must possess. In light of the importance we, as leaders, should place on trust, I found Mark’s comments particularly insightful and would like to share them with you now:
By Adam Briley
Are you looking for new and different ways to market to potential clients? Watch this video by Adam Briley of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate for more!
ADAM BRILEY is a real estate innovator and agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate. He is also a member of the REthink Council. Visit his website www.brileyhomes.com, find him on www.facebook.com/BrileyHomes or tweet him @BrileyHomes.
By Maggie Aiken
Dear Future Buyer,
I am so excited to start this journey of finding a house with you. Let me start by telling you a little bit about what I do as your real estate agent and how I am going to make this process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
I have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) along with an outlet of agents who work together to make sure we know about all properties that are on the market or coming on the market in your area. I also have access to all houses that are listed, so you don’t have to worry about calling owners and listing agents yourself to schedule showings. Another huge plus is that the vast majority of sellers will compensate me to represent you – so there is really no reason to try to take on this process alone! The seller is represented by a listing agent, who is working in the seller’s best interest. Considering this is one of the biggest financial purchases you will make in your lifetime, don’t you want to have someone who is solely representing you throughout the entire process?
Thoughts on Leadership 