RE/MAX Hallmark Blog

Showtime

I have a great realtor friend of mine who taught me so much about being engaged in life. He had it all when it came to doing what was necessary to build his career. 

He had this habit of clicking his heels together whenever he had to spring into action. This habit reminded him to step up his game, to be in charge of his energy level, to be totally and mindfully engaged in what he was doing. Almost magically his voice would rise after his heels connected - he was there.

It was showtime.

What's your energy trigger?

Live Large

Am I being the way I want you to be?

I think we complicate and worry about things and issues we have no power over. At least I did at one time.

I went through life trying to fix things, to make people think and act like me. I would get all caught in the the drama of it all. It was driving me nuts with anxiety and worry.

I finally came to the realization I could only control my own actions and choices. Really nothing else. That is not to say that I couldn't impact and influence others, but their choices were their own. This realization gave me so much energy, and freedom to be myself and focus on my way of being. 

What does all of this have to do with real estate and being a real estate broker you may ask. 

A great deal.

Being a realtor means we all have to work with others, to collaborate. If we don't we likely won't survive in this business. We need to get along, play by the rules at least until the rules need to be changed for the better..For me, being a realtor means we all have an obligation to make a difference for our clients, our peers and industry and certainly ourselves. 

When we do the best we can about who we are being, and deliver the best we are able to deliver - naturally our clients and peers win and we relish in the benefit of that.

I would much rather focus on how I am being rather than how others are being.

My mantra, "Am I being the way I want you to be?"

All of this was on my mind this morning as I prepare for another great day - hope your day is as great as you want it to be. 

Live large.

 

Another 30 year anniversary........

Sometime last week I received a call in the early evening. "Happy Anniversary," the caller said. No hello or hey - just right into "Happy Anniversary."

I have to come clean - the first thought which raced through my mind was - damn - I am in trouble - I forgot an anniversary....

The caller went on to congratulate me for 30+ years in RE/MAX. Whew - my mind settled and we went on to discuss some of the many aspects of the real estate journey I have been on. It has been incredible and I am so grateful. This kid from Red Deer Alberta is living the dream - started so many many years ago with my first door knock and open house. I was lucky to start from literally nothing and to expand that start to where I am. I cherish every up and down which formed me along the way and continues to. 

It's not over yet, my engagement is stronger than ever and I am so excited about the future and all it has to bring.

But along the way I made a significant shift with myself.

This week I was reflecting on the 30+ years when it hit me - not only have I been blessed to be part of the RE/MAX family for all of these years BUT I also have another celebration of sorts to be thankful for. 

30 years this August I quit drinking - haven't had any alcohol for all of these years - not a drop. I don't think about it very often - but the RE/MAX anniversary brought it to my attention.

I remember when I drank and how I felt. I was what one would call a silent drinker - no one really ever knew I had a problem. I would abuse alcohol alone, tucked away safely in my home late at night. My habit at the end was to literally drink myself to sleep, wake up the next morning with the after effects and start the day as any other. This pattern continued until I was able to recognize it as a pattern. I got scared and aware.

It wasn't easy for me to quit, took me several visits to my doctor and three attempts at cold turkey to have it lock in. I have now come to understand that everyone who quits is different with varying degrees of success. I consider myself lucky.

The impact of not drinking on my life has been profound - the choice of drinking today or not drinking is an easy one for me. I have been able to take that distraction away and focus on what really mattered and matters in my life. The discipline required at first was difficult but I was determined and frankly stubborn. I wanted to live a full life and realized having alcohol in it would not allow me to experience all that life had to offer.

I am incredibly thankful for this anniversary and for the decision I made 30 years ago for me.

 

 

 

10 Things I love about being a Realtor

 

No one can come along to make me redundant - my destiny depends on the work I do and how I do it

Each day and week is different

Each client is unique, makes the job more fun and interesting

I don't have to buy inventory (houses - condos) to sell it

I get paid for being me, don't have to put on another hat "at work"

Never have to retire

Men and Woman are rewarded for the work they do, not their gender

Never a dull moment when I am working with clients or other realtors

If I do it right, the money isn't bad

People are actually grateful for the work I do when I do it right

 

This list is in no order of importance - what can you add to it?

 

 

 

30 Years

"Happy Anniversary" the caller said. Late afternoon Sunday evening my phone rang and I heard these words. Immediately my mind raced to what I forgot - what anniversary was floating out there which slipped by and how much trouble was I going to be in.

"What do you mean?" I responded. 

"Do you know 30 years ago TODAY you joined RE/MAX?"

My thoughts immediately went back to that day and who I was and frankly to where I am now.

So, who was I back then and what was I thinking? At that time, I had been in the business of real estate for about 7 years, building up a reasonably good business servicing the many clients I now had. My start was different from most.

I moved to Toronto from Alberta and got into the real estate business because I knew I always would. I didn't sell real estate out west, but when the opportunity surfaced in Toronto, I jumped. I didn't know anyone in Toronto, no friends, influencers or family. Just a desire to make it and a way of thinking of the possible not the impossible.

The first three companies I went to interview, with my freshly certified license, wouldn't return by call, didn't show up for the scheduled appointment or wouldn't hire me because in his mind, I wouldn't make it. Not the kind of start I expected but I didn't care what they thought or did.

I jumped into the industry knowing I wouldn't fail, that I had found what I was meant to do. Were the first few years tough - absolutely. Did I waver from my belief that success was right around the corner - never. 

Eventually this new start up called RE/MAX began appearing in our industry. At first I wasn't "ready" to be interested but the more I thought about actually running my business as a business, the more my interest peaked. For you see, being a realtor was never about selling houses to me, it was about and remains about running my business.

When I joined RE/MAX in 1986, my mindset automatically changed. I now was working in a different environment, surrounded by realtors who worked this business differently. I started building a business within the company I worked for. For me it was a major shift, a shift which created my future.

I stopped chasing the deals, instead I focused on building my career for the long haul. Possibilities occurred to me because of the work I did and the environment I now called home.

My business eventually took me to ownership and now 30 years later, all I can say is I am grateful. Grateful for the people in my life, grateful for the opportunity of working in an industry which allows me to flourish. Grateful to be able to ride alongside the many many outstanding people in my RE/MAX family.

To all who have helped me along the way, I thank you. 

It doesn't end at 30 years. I continued to be engaged, fulfilled and encouraged about the next 30 or so years. I am not tired by it all, but so excited about the journey ahead. Opportunities to grow, to make a difference and to experience.

 

"forty-seven kisses"

Thanks for looking after us today, what is your name? She smiled and said Christina.

For many years now I have taken up the habit of being "present" with people helping me or providing a service. Looking them in the eye, asking their name, about them. It is a habit I picked up from my father. He would always pay attention to his restaurant servers. It  made for interesting conversation and learning.

Today was no different for me. Christina was a bright young woman who had been on the job in this restaurant for a couple of months. I was to learn she was 23 and lived at home with her mother - occasionally spending time with her father who lived in the city as well. She was full of passion and ideas. When I asked her what she wanted to do, she told me she wanted to perhaps go to university and get a degree.

Are you in real estate she asked? She noticed the pin on my lapel. I am saving to buy a condo - my mother has told me she will match any money I save to help me with my down payment.

We talked more about the benefit of home ownership, especially starting at such a young age. Christina got it and was intent on making it happen. She was living at home to save as much money as she could.

About this time, I noticed a tattoo saying on her shoulder - it was a hot day and Christina was wearing a light top.

What is that I asked and what does it mean?

"forty-seven kisses"

Christina went on to tell me the most beautiful story about her and her dad. She said  each time her dad said goodbye to her, from an early age, he would throw her forty-seven kisses. forty-seven kisses were hers to take with her along her way.

I looked at her in amazement - the impact of the love from her dad and his words. The difference it had made in her life. I said to her, dad must be one incredible man. Of course she said, he is my dad.

Christina carries the reminder of her dads saying on her shoulder and will for the rest of her life. I don't think she really needed the tattoo as a reminder but I am glad she has it. Her story touched me.

It is amazing the impact of being engaged can have on ones life. I am so glad I got to talk to Christina and thankful for her forty seven kisses tattoo story.

 

 

 

 

Clients thought they were being set up

Sometimes you can't win.

This morning I received a call from a "senior" realtor with Hallmark. The senior part reflecting years of experience.

This realtor went on to relate an experience which occurred within the last few days. The realtor wanted to give me the "heads up" in case I heard from a member of the public on the matter.

It seems this realtor had met these "clients" in the usual way. The realtor determined their wants, needs and price point. A thorough meeting took place prior to any showings. These clients and the realtor had a meeting of the minds and decided to work together. Life was good for all.

Eventually a property of interest showed up which checked off everything for them. The discussion got around to doing a "pre-emptive" offer on the property. The realtor called the listing broker to get some background info. It was all a go.

Within hours, this realtor was informed by the listing broker that another offer was coming in. The realtor had a meeting with the clients and the decision was made to not compete. No worries - the realtor informed the listing broker that the clients would not be coming with an offer.

Next day, it was determined that the competing offer wasn't accepted and the property was still available.. The realtor informed the clients and all hell broke loose.

The clients went up and down on this realtor - throwing accusations about how it was all a set up and that there never was another offer. The realtor offered all the supporting info but to no avail. In the mind of the client, it was all a ruse to get them to offer and put in a higher price. It wasn't of course - with a fast moving market - things change.

A small part of me can understand the thought process of the clients - they didn't trust the "game" Not sure what the realtor could of done to gain their trust - with all of the press about realtors playing games with the public. This realtor runs business in a straight forward, transparent manner. Communication was key and intentional.

Because of the thought pattern of the clients, they are not bidding on the home which they wanted. They came to a conclusion which was wrong.

So what is the lesson in all of this? I didn't offered anything to this realtor which would of been different from what was done. The clients were intent that they were being set up, and that goes a long way to speaking to the state of our industry.

When it is all said and done, we can only continue to run our business in a transparent manner, ethical and with integrity. Some people will expect to be "taken" and perhaps they will eventually scope out someone who will - unfortunate as that is for all of us.

 

My Sunday morning with a Scam

I try to go through life "expecting" people to be and act good. You know, always assuming intentions are honourable - tending to give people the benefit of doubt. I believe most people are good - until they prove me otherwise. 

Yesterday was one of my "otherwise" days. 

Let me explain.

I got a call from one of my realtors - she somehow found out one of her listings which she had for sale was being offered for lease on Craigslist. And at a price which was too good to be true. All of her photos and her description of the property were hijacked onto Craigslist as a rental.

Of course, she alerted her seller, and the police as she prepared for her public open house that day. Of concern for her were the people who would be coming to see the house prompted by the bogus ad, and the many more who would just commit to "rent" the property from the ad.  The Craigslist ad showcased the address of the property "for rent."

I went to the ad on Craigslist and began an engagement with the "owner" of the rental property. I used an email address which couldn't be traced to me. I wanted to find out how this "guy" played out his scam and hopefully get him to slip up in some way useful to finding him.

My first emails to this guy were pretty basic, of the inquiry type. His response was predictable - "give me your full name" and provide me with references. He said he was concerned about renting to people who wouldn't look after the property - how very considerate of him I thought.

I "told" him I was moving back to Canada from Florida and that this property was perfect for me. Would he hold the property for me until I provided references on Monday? Perhaps I could email him a security deposit. 

The security idea worked - he said send him $550.00 to his email account, he provided me with a password and encouraged me to do so as soon as possible.

Perfect I said, so relieved I could have the property - and one other thing I told him. How can I be sure he owned the property? This is when he started going deeper. He said his wife and him only wanted to rent to people who would look after the property and he would never risk his standing at work or in the community by trying to scam someone. 

I then sent him the name of the owner of the property, telling him that I found the name by searching the street address. Is this you I asked?

Yup was his reply. Great I said.

At this point I had had enough "fun" with him and sent him an email telling him  he was a "scumbag" and that he should watch his back, cause someone was coming for him. 

He didn't answer.

A post was placed on Craigslist alerting users of the scam and within hours the bogus ad was taken down. Several people visited the open house with the intent of viewing the "rental" We have been told by the police this jerk and others like him have been scamming people in the area for many weeks now.

Did I accomplish anything by engaging with this guy? I wasn't able to figure out who he was - so other than learning a bit about how he worked the scam - no.

But the event was a sharp reminder to always be on the alert for guys like this. Postings are not always what they appear to be. One should never send money to anyone they "just met"  If a price is too good to be true, it isn't.

I have heard of other scams involving the sale of properties - people posing as owners and actually "transferring" title for cash. 

Never assume anything - and never ever transfer money or personal information to people unknown to you. 

Another great reason to use a realtor to help you.

 

 

 

Price does matter, but it isn't all that matters

Price is important. Not many of us blindly buy an item or service without first doing some comparable shopping. It makes sense.

But I think it is more than just the price that matters. Lets look at it from both sides, the consumer and the service provider.

The consumer has an obvious goal of getting the best price he or she can. Parting with hard earned money is difficult. But price alone isn't always the deciding factor for most consumers. They want "value" for their consideration. If consumers only made choices based on price, stores like Holt Renfrew, Whole Foods, Four Season's Hotels to name a few would not exist. Our city would be populated by Dollar Stores, Wallmarts and Budget Hotels. Consumers make choices on items and services based on a combination of price and value. Service, knowledge and the experience matters to most consumers. Consumers take into consideration the over all experience delivered when securing an item or service. It matters to them how they are treated, and how the product or service is backed up. Buying from an experienced and reputable dealer matters. A consumer considers the price, service, knowledge of the service provider and reputation when making their choice.

For the service provider, being competitive is critically important. But it is not just the price a service provider sets that makes the difference.. Assuming consumers make their choices based on many factors, a service provider must balance their product and service and deliver a clear choice to the consumer. Service providers which sell solely on price will always be undersold. In the price game, another service provider is sure to come along which will beat your price. Selling your product or service with price as the dominant factor is a sure receipe for a failed business. It's tricky for a service provider. They certainly want to work with as many clients or customers as they can, and hate getting beat out by price. A service provider who begins competing with others based on what their price is, without looking at the value offered with that price will have a failed business eventually.

So in a competitive market, what is a service provider to do? First - never sell on price. Second - be clear as to what you are selling and what value you present for consumers. Third - make the difference between you and your competitors evident to your consumers. Fourth - don't play the game of others - sell who you are. Fifth - make sure what you are selling has value. Six - repeat over and over again.

Markets have always been competitive and consumers have always had choices. Take a look around next time you are driving. How many models of cars do you see? Each and every one of these vehicles can get you from A to B. When looking at the various models and brands I am sure you not only think of the price of the vehicle, but what it represents in value, service and reputation. Each vehicle tells a different story and to be an effective and a growing service provider you need to as well. 

Price does matter, but it isn't all that matters.

 

Am I being the way I want you to be?

Am I being the way I want you to be?

I can remember when I first heard this expression or perhaps way of being. it was taught and demonstrated to me from a course I took in the early 90's. 

The course was called Pursuit of Excellence. Think adult development. I can frankly say taking this course changed my life, how i dealt with life and eventually helped mould me into who I am today. 

Timing is everything. At the time I was trying to figure out a lot of things in my life, both personal and business. The course gave me a clearer understanding of how to deal with my emotions and the journey of life. I am not sure if they are still in business today, but the turning point which occurred in my life at that time has stayed with me all these many years.

Am I being the way I want you to be put the emphasis for change on me instead of waiting for others to become who or what I wanted them to be. I realized in order to create a better environment I needed to change myself first. If I wanted to be surrounded with loving people, I had to show more love. If I wanted to have loyal clients, I needed to be loyal to them. If I wanted my community to be more open, I needed to be more open first.

I became aware of the changes I needed to make a difference in all aspects of my life.

I no longer waited for others to get it, instead i made an effort to get it myself and to demonstrate. 

In business it meant being the realtor or broker owner I wanted others to be. I thought if I did my very best, others would as well. I tried not to blame the herd but to indicate a better way of being. 

If I wanted realtors to be better with their peers, I needed to first be better myself. If I thought our industry needed to raise the bar, first I had to raise the bar. It isn't about perfection, but more of true accountability. Our industry will only get better if I get better at what i do.

In order to create a better whatever, I had to first start with me.