Archive for December, 2016

January Holiday Roundup (+ Email Marketing Greeting)

Posted on: December 30th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

 

Below are featured (and sometimes overlooked) holidays in January, providing you with specific reasons to reach out, engage with your leads and clients, and be THAT (memorable) agent folks turn to when they’re ready to buy, sell, and refer.
January 1st: New Year’s Day – check your CRM for a greeting to send to leads and clients.

Friday, January 6th: Cuddle Up Day – deliver info that your buyers and sellers can cuddle up with today, to peruse and/or read (i.e. – exciting property photos/details, and home values & home care resources, respectively).

Friday, January 13th: Friday the 13th  / International Skeptics Day / Make Your Dream Come True Day: –  banish any superstitious bad luck, prove to skeptical folks you’re the neighborhood expert, and make clients (and your) dreams come true.

Monday, January 16th: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday – share a quote with folks, today.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?
The time is always right to do what is right.
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

Tuesday, January 24th: Compliment Day – whether it’s a literal compliment (i.e. – “You’re a generous individual and I appreciate your time.” / “You have a beautiful home/familiy, etc.”) or a listing alert for a buyer that complements what they’re looking for, or home care resources that will complement the home life of your homeowners (your sellers) – pay a compliment, a complement or two.

Wednesday, January 25th: Opposite Day – do the opposite of what the competition does – put in the time to reach out to folks over the phone. We’ve provided seller scripts and open house follow-up scripts to help guide those important conversations.

Food-Oriented Holidays – see accompanying email greeting, below – simply fill-in-the-blank, press send, and spark a conversation (and possible meet and greet):

Wednesday, January 4th: National Spaghetti Day
Thursday, January 19th: National Popcorn Day
Friday, January 20th: National Buttercrunch Day / National Cheese Lover Day
Sunday, January 22nd: National Blonde Brownie Day
Monday, January 23rd: National Pie Day
Friday, January 27th: Chocolate Cake Day


Hi there,

____, here. You’ve been so generous with your time this year. I’d like to express my gratitude.


*DATE is *HOLIDAY and I’d really like to celebrate it with you.
This way we can catch up over a delightful snack (on me) instead of just texting and emailing. My schedule is pretty flexible – let me know what works best for you and I’ll schedule something in a jiffy.


[Insert SELLERS or BUYERS target segment here].


SELLERS:
[While I’m at it, I’ll bring along some printed home values and home care resources as extra food for thought (no pun intended). I like to consider myself your one-stop shop for all things real estate. I hope you will, too].


BUYERS:
[While I’m at it, I’ll bring printed details about homes and properties that might be up your alley. I’ve been doing some extra research for you and would love your feedback to confirm whether or not I’m on the right track].

Looking forward to it!
_______________

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Newsletter | No Comments »

Top 3 New Year Market Predictions (+ Critical Tools You Need To Act & Respond)

Posted on: December 30th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

 

Here are 3 significant real estate trends popping up pretty consistently on multiple sources (+ the tools you need in anticipation of meeting each one head on) that we thought you should be aware of:

1) Young and old alike – there’s bound to be a spike (in market activity).*
Millennials are getting married and starting families, while baby boomers are continuing to retire.
Chances are the latter will be selling their home(s) and/or relocating/buying in new, warmer climate(s), while the youngsters are looking to establish a safe, secure familial foundation where they can build their lives.What are you doing to identify and reach out to each group?

Seller’s Corner will get them turning to you to sell their home, while our Custom IDX tool will empower you with automated, instant delivery of listing/property alerts that match their dream home. Your CRM is also an essential resource in terms of helping you recognize who is who (millennials, boomers, homeowners, buyers, sellers, etc), what folks are up to (retiring, college bound, looking to move, in need of home care resources, etc.) and keeping you mindful about reaching out for holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, or just a quick “hey, how’s it going?”


2) Sellers’ Market will dominate.**
Yep – this is pretty much the consensus from economists and experts in the industry.
Skeptical? It’s all good. Even if this prediction doesn’t become a reality, we have your back up plan.Seller’s Corner will boost your inventory by reconnecting you with past clients and sparking critical relationships with homeowners virtually guaranteeing you’re the agent they choose to list

How? Gentle digital “touches” with info and content they will actually find interesting and appreciate (the value of their home) will keep you top-of-mind and in their good graces.
3) Folks will flock to the (more affordable) suburbs.***
Anyone living in one can tell you that housing, within or very near, a large city is increasingly costly (at least in the San Francisco Bay Area). Apparently, as a result, we can expect buyers to make that trek and shift to suburban life.

The only question now is: are you actively and habitually providing them with the resources and alerts they need to find a home that meets the needs of their unique lives and, perhaps most importantly, that they can afford? From HD Photos and the best schools nearby, to comparable listings and an interactive Map Search, the answers to all their questions, wants and needs are at your, and their, beck and call.

If people are looking for certain neighborhoods, our Custom IDX links will allow you to showcase a community, neighborhood, view, or amenity at the push of a button. If your focus is to get people on your website, why not make is as easy as possible?

 

Cheers to a successful and spectacular 2017,

Tim
Director Of Marketing
408.213.4668
tim@propertyminder.com

 

* http://www.realtor.com/news/trends/top-real-estate-trends-2017/
** http://www.inman.com/2016/12/13/will-2017-be-a-buyers-market-or-a-sellers-market/?utm_source=weeklyheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sundaysend&utm_content=20161216_readmore
*** http://www.cbsnews.com/media/9-real-estate-trends-to-expect-in-2017/4/

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Newsletter | No Comments »

The Grinch Who Stole Your Listings (+ How To Get Them Back In 2017)

Posted on: December 29th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Howdy,

Tim here – how’re things? Ready to wrap up December and head into 2017?

2016 has been rough.
So here’s a little holiday rhyme (inspired by the late, great Dr. Seuss)
to perk up your mood – and, very likely, your listings.

The Grinch Who Stole Your Listings (+ How To Take Them Back In 2017)

Every agent across the land enjoyed listing a lot,
But the syndicate Grinch portal lurking online did not.

The Grinch misinformed and confused! Every single season!
Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason.

It could be, perhaps, that he didn’t have the best sight.
It could be his system wasn’t set up just right.

But I think that the most likely reason of all,
May have been that his capacity to tell the truth was much, much too small.

But, whatever the reason, his eyes or his inability to speak the truth,
He grabbed, scattered, and hoarded listings, like a kid with a sweet tooth.

You’re a sneaky one, Mr. Grinch. You keep folks in the dark.
You allow others to steal. You’re really off the mark. Mr. Grinch!

Then, one day, at PropertyMinder Headquarters, we had a thought.
We saw the unfairness and figured it was time the Grinch got caught.

Maybe your listings, we pondered, don’t have to be lost,
Maybe your listings, perhaps, should remain yours at any cost.

And what happened then? Well, in Real Estate they say,
That PropertyMinder’s Seller’s Corner truly saved the day.

It reconnected past clients. It brought back seller leads.
It brought low inventory woes to a halt and met listing agent needs.

It branded listings to rightful owners. It delivered what really mattered.
It kept your homeowners safe and secure, instead of scarce and scattered.

It kept your clients from open houses, where other agents roam,
With Seller’s Corner, the Grinch and competition is clearly no match, when it comes to selling a home.

 

Cheers to a solid last week of 2016,

Tim
Director of Marketing
408.213.4668
tim@propertyminder.com

 

More marketing tips, advice and guidance can be found on our featured
Tip Of The Week Archive & Current Tip Of The Week webpages.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News & Tips Of The Week Archive | No Comments »

Your Sellers Need To Lighten Up.

Posted on: December 20th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Hey there,

Tim here. What’s new?

Heads up: Wednesday, December 21st marks both Winter Solstice (shortest day and longest night of the year) AND Look on the Bright Side Day.

Coincidence? I think not.
Your leads and clients will be deprived of extra daylight, which might make them extra cranky – especially if it’s chilly out.

So, what can you do to brighten their day?

You’re not God. You can’t manipulate the sun.
But you can provide a special type of brightness (the best and only kind that truly matters) by…
…enlightening sellers with automated home values proving you’re the expert…
…shining the spotlight on exciting and matching properties (including HD Photos) for your buyers…
…providing everyone with the essential home care resources needed to maximize their comfortability on this (and many other) long winter night(s).

Cozy up to folks. It’ll pay off.
The holidays are definitely revving up. Enjoy yourself, connect with people, drive safe, and let me know if there’s anything you need help with as we gear up for the New Year.

Tim
Director of Marketing
408.213.4668
tim@propertyminder.com

 

More marketing advice can be found on our featured
Tip Of The Week Archive & Current Tip Of The Week webpages.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News & Tips Of The Week Archive | No Comments »

Your Sellers Aren’t Afraid To Walk Away (A Holiday Warning & Remedy)…

Posted on: December 13th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Your sellers, buyers, clients & leads aren’t afraid to walk away…
…So make sure they’re not lead astray.

Question: are you a giver or taker this holiday season?

GIVE folks the right dose of care, nourishment and relevant information. And RECEIVE lasting results. See what we mean, below…

1) GIVE 10 minutes: Sleigh bells ring – make sure they’re listenin’!
Provide relevant information to 2 prospective sellers and/or past clients by adding them into your Seller’s Corner system.

*RECEIVE: Your website comes bearing gifts for both you and your clients. Delivering these merry updates will give your homeowners the information they need about home values, while simultaneously being directed to your personal website.


2) GIVE 10 minutes: Avoid being on the naughty list.
Reach out to one memorable client from 2016 reminding them of their value and your ongoing commitment to meeting their real estate needs. Request a brief testimonial from them endorsing your quality work.

*RECEIVE: A winter wonderland of approval. Even if it’s just one success story, these narratives further humanize you and build outside trust and recognition. Always strive to feature more reputable business highlights and affiliations on your website.


3) GIVE 10 minutes: Frolic and play, the realtor way!
Call someone once a day. Just say hello, start friendly conversation:
Any plans this holiday season?
Can you believe 2017 is almost here?
Do you have any big plans for the New Year?
The more you know about your clients and leads, the better equipped you are to meet their needs. If they don’t answer, leave a voicemail. Need scripted content to navigate conversations? Check out this Phone Script For Your Sellers and Phone Script For Your Open House Follow-Ups for guidance.

3 cont.) GIVE 10 minutes: Give your business card to 2 people this week.
Whether it’s at an open house, a client or homeowner you reach out to or cross paths with – this is your chance to engage in face-to-face encounters that put a warm and genuine image to your business.

*RECEIVE: Obtain insight about critical life happenings that will influence living situations for current and potential clients. And your efforts of contacting them will serve as a memorable (and favorable) lasting representation of your business. Enough said.
4) GIVE 10 minutes: Spread some cheer on behalf of others.
Promote other businesses that live up to your standards – and that your clients will appreciate (ex: reputable food drives for the needy, best gift shops, nicest cafes, tastiest bakeries, etc.).

Next, get creative. Think of another group for your contacts (ex: based on sports/athletic aficionados, pets-lovers, film buffs, etc.) Customize your e-mail marketing that reflects your versatility and range of satisfying people’s interests.

*RECEIVE: Enhanced branding of yourself as a diverse agent with a deep interest and consideration for your clients from all walks of life. And good karma when it comes to promoting other businesses- remember, what goes around comes around.
5) GIVE 10 minutes: Warm up to your clients on slower winter days.
Send out a personal holiday e-mail greeting sharing photos of you at your office, include quick home inspection tips for the rainy season (ex: checking leaky roofs), ask clients to send in photos of their home decorations and post your favorite on your blog. Share updates about neighborhood holiday activities. Come off as cozy, not “salesy”.

5 cont.) GIVE 10 minutes: Sneak a peek. No – not at the gifts under the tree.
Review your client tracking activity – take note of patterns in MLS searches and send out friendly reminders: I noticed your search history includes 2 bathrooms, you might be interested in these listings…. Stuff their stockings, while you’re at it: MLS Searches should not be at 0. Set up a few for clients based on their activity history. Make that list and check it twice!

*RECEIVE: Jingle all the way to 2017. Engaging with clients will continue to foster better relationships into the New Year.

 

 

Take a 30 Day Free Sleigh Ride with us.

Not ready to sign up? Questions?
Consider us the Rudolph to your real estate business.
Lighting the way to your success. When it matters most.

Tim
408.213.4668
tim@propertyminder.com

More marketing advice can be found on our featured
Tip Of The Week Archive & Current Tip Of The Week webpages.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News & Tips Of The Week Archive | No Comments »

What Rise In Interest Rates Really Mean…

Posted on: December 3rd, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Howdy,

 

You may have read in the news recently that interest rates are starting to climb. As interest rates increase, it could have a ripple effect that includes the decline of property values, less folks buying homes, a surplus of homes remaining on the market and more.

As you can probably imagine, your clients may have just a few of the following questions:

 

  • What does this mean for my family and me?
  • Will there be an influx of bank-owned homes about to hit the market?
  • Will this create a flood of listings on the market?
  • Are we about to shift to a buyer’s market?
  • Are we finally facing equilibrium?

 

These are just a few examples of the potentially dozens of questions your clients and leads might have.

So what do experts in the industry think about these questions and more?

Today we’re going to take a quick tour around the web to show you what some of the top journalists and researchers are saying about interest rates suddenly shifting skyward.

—

Mortgage rates surge, but homebuyers advised to be patient

Marcy Gordon and Josh Boak, Associated Press

“The low rates have helped boost home sales and prices this year. But there are economic unknowns as the new administration’s economic policy starts to take shape. And constraints on home purchases like tight credit standards and affordability remain, bolstered by market expectations of further rate increases.

Steadily rising rates would ultimately limit the number of possible buyers and how much they can afford to pay. And existing homeowners who might otherwise be looking for an upgrade could choose to stay put rather than face higher interest costs.”

—

Mortgage rate increases dampen refinancing

Nathan Bomey, USA TODAY

“Mortgages issued to purchase homes, rather than refinancing existing mortgages, are still humming along at an encouraging clip. Some “fence sitters” are buying now to avoid higher rates later. What’s more, the strong housing market and wage increases are encouraging many buyers to take the plunge. Even some notoriously cautious Millennials are increasingly jumping into the market. Rent increases averaging 5% might be a contributing factor for them.”

—

The era of super-low interest rates might be ending. What’s in it for you?

Jim Puzzanghere, Los Angeles Times

“The sudden increase has cooled the market for mortgage refinancing and is likely pushing some prospective home buyers to rethink how much house they can afford.

When mortgage rates are low and dropping, refinancing activity rises as homeowners look to replace higher-rate loans with cheaper ones. With rates now headed the other way, refinancing activity is expected to drop off in 2017, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.”

—

Mortgage Applications Drop 9.4 Percent as Interest Rates Continue to Soar

McGuire, Newsmax

“With mortgage rates going up, affordability is down. But affordability is still at a fairly high level. Even though mortgage rates go up doesn’t mean people will buy fewer homes.

To be sure, a sustained surge in borrowing costs could further hinder first-time purchases at a time when rising values are already hurting affordability and pricing out buyers in many markets.”

 

—

What are your thoughts on interest rates going up? We’d love to hear from you.

More marketing tips, advice and guidance can be found on our featured
Tip Of The Week Archive & Current Tip Of The Week webpages.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News & Tips Of The Week Archive | No Comments »

Win Listings & Buyers With The Best Of Both Worlds (+ December Marketing Checklists)

Posted on: December 1st, 2016 by Tim Garcia

2017

Without the right, polished marketing content (simply put – your choice of words) that reflect your good-nature, care and consideration, your use of marketing technology can come off bland, sterile and cold, in general.

With that said – we have a proposal for you:
Combining, blending and employing the empowering efficiency of automated technology with a considerably warmer, gentler and memorable flair.

Yes, you CAN have the best of both worlds (with us, at least).

Reconciling the relationship between the tech world and the inherent human warmth of real estate marketing is what we’re all about. We’ve outlined and provided the essential resources (see below). The least you can do is take advantage of them.

What can you do in 31 days? A LOT (namely, pre-pave buyer and seller momentum for the rest of the year).

listing

Listing (Seller) Agent Resources

Technology giving you more time, with less to manage:
– Seller’s Corner: Your Automated Listing Generator
– How To Make Switching Utilities WAY Easier
– Deliver All The Home Care Resources Folks Need

Email & Outreach Content to humanize your communication:
– How To Convince Sellers They Need You To List Their Home
– Reassure Sellers You Can Secure The Best Offer On Their Home
– Easy, Engaging Script For The Next Phone Call With A Seller Lead
– Home Staging Checklist (+How To Gain More Sellers That Need This)
– Engaging Open House Follow-Up Phone Script
– A Warm, Timeless Holiday Greeting

 

buyeredit

Buyer’s Agent Resources

Technology giving you more time, with less to manage:
– Custom IDX: Search Faster. Capture More. Notify & Track Buyers Better.
– How To Make Switching Utilities WAY Easier
– Deliver All The Home Care Resources Folks Need

Email & Outreach Content to humanize your communication:
– Reach Out To Buyers With Quick Email and/or Phone Text
– Engaging Open House Follow-Up Phone Script
– Quick Open House Follow-Up Email
– A Warm, Timeless Holiday Greeting

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Newsletter | No Comments »

December Holiday Roundup (+ Email Greeting)

Posted on: December 1st, 2016 by Tim Garcia

 

We’ve once again taken the liberty of highlighting a few special (and sometimes overlooked) holidays in December as reasons to reach out, engage with your leads and clients, and be THAT (memorable) agent folks turn to when they’re ready to buy, sell, and refer.

-Wednesday, December 21st: Winter Solstice – shortest day and longest night of the year – remind folks you have all their home care resources this winter!
– Saturday, December 25th: Christmas Day – log in to your CRM for the latest greeting we’ve written for you.
– Sunday, December 25th: Hanukkah – log in to your CRM for the latest greeting we’ve written for you.
– Thursday, December 31st: New Year’s Eve – log in to your CRM for the latest greeting we’ve written for you.

Honorable Mentions:
– Monday, December 12th: Pointsettia Day
– Wednesday, December 21st: Look On The Bright Side Day – brighten someone’s day by sending home values to your sellers, property details (including HD Photos) to buyers,

 

Food-Oriented Holidays – see accompanying email greeting, below – simply fill-in-the-blank, press send, and spark a conversation (and possible meet and greet):
– Sunday, December 4th: National Cookie Day
– Thursday, December 8th: National Brownie Day
– Friday, December 9th: National Pastry Day
– Thursday, December 15th: National Lemon Cupcake Day
– Friday, December 16th: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
– Saturday, December 17th: National Maple Syrup Day

 

Hi there,

____, here. You’ve been so generous with your time this year. I’d like to express my gratitude.


*DATE is *HOLIDAY and I’d really like to celebrate it with you.
This way we can catch up over a delightful snack (on me) instead of just texting and emailing. My schedule is pretty flexible – let me know what works best for you and I’ll schedule something in a jiffy.


[Insert SELLERS or BUYERS target segment here].


SELLERS:
[While I’m at it, I’ll bring along some printed home values andhome care resources as extra food for thought (no pun intended). I like to consider myself your one-stop shop for all things real estate. I hope you will, too].


BUYERS:
[While I’m at it, I’ll bring printed details about homes and properties that might be up your alley. I’ve been doing some extra research for you and would love your feedback to confirm whether or not I’m on the right track].

Looking forward to it!
_______________

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Newsletter | No Comments »