Posts Tagged ‘buy’

Sellers & Buyers Need Your “Complements”, Today.

Posted on: January 24th, 2017 by Tim Garcia

Howdy,

Tim here again, with a quick heads up – today (Tuesday, January 24th) is National Compliment Day.
As the old saying goes: you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.

Literal compliments are nice – but things that complement what your sellers and buyers need in life is even better. Agreed?

Today’s the perfect chance for you to send (via email or phone):
– literal “compliments” (i.e. – “You have a beautiful home/family,” “You’re my favorite client”, etc.)
– automatic, inspirational home values for your seller leads that “complement” their interest and wondering what their home is worth (+ remind them you’re the neighborhood expert).
– automatic, inspirational listing alerts (with all the juicy property details) for your buyer leads that “complement” exactly what they’re looking for in their dream home(s).
– any and all home care resources that will “complement” the home life of your homeowners (your sellers) and, effectively, keep you on their radar for when they’re ready to list.

By the way – did I mention how awesome you are? Keep it up.

Tim
408.213.4668
tim@propertyminder
Marketing Director

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

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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/

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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.

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You’re Elected: The Seller/Buyer Neighborhood Expert.

Posted on: November 8th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Election Day has us asking – have you ever thought of your marketing and brand as part of an ongoing election?

Like politics – catchy slogans, ads and gimmicks in real estate only get you so far.
Your “undecided voters” (your “undecided leads and clients”) don’t want sweet talk or short-lived remedies. They want honest answers and lasting solutions to challenges and issues they’re facing. So, how do you become the “elected” real estate neighborhood expert?

You need to rile up your entire base (your database, that is) of “undecideds”.
No. You can’t make someone buy or sell with (or “vote” for) you.
But you can make them think of you when they’re ready to make decisions. Here’s how:

 

 

  • Sway “undecided homeowners (sellers)” to your side by updating them on the ever-changing “homeland security” (the housing market) via Seller’s Corner. If they’re getting consistent, accurate answers (home values) from you – they’ll turn to you when they want to list. Earn additional trust, while you’re at it, by providing year-round home care resources via Homebrella.

 

Ultimately, you need allies (that’s us) to help you win every single campaign.
Whether it’s attending a free webinar, reaching out with a technical question for our Support Department, taking advantage of Unlimited Training, or requesting fresh content from our Marketing Department – we pledge to help out any way we can.

Tim
408.213.4668
tim@propertyminder.com
PropertyMinder Marketing

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Marketing: Perspective, Objective, Directive (Part I)

Posted on: September 15th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Marketing: Perspective, Objective, Directive: Part I.
Guest blog post by PropertyMinder VP of Sales & Marketing, Tawd Frensley.

The reason why companies have different types of commercials/advertising is quite simple: to connect with the different demographics of their target audience across all channels. Some people react to humor, others react to color and imagery, while some react to sound and/or melody.

 

Whether it is visual, audio, print, or social media in front of the target audience, it is the most effective when all variations are put together to form one cohesive message and lasting impression.

Let’s be realistic.

You don’t have millions of dollars to run national commercials. However, this does not mean that your marketing must be the same year after year. And if it is, it’s time to stop it. There are people in your database that will never react to any email you send to them, no matter the frequency or “clever” subject line. The average person opens 10% of what they receive, not what you send. If a client receives 100 emails per day, 10 will be opened.

 

If your email was 1 out of the 100, then you have only managed to occupy 1% of their inbox for that day. Now, if you are only emailing your clients only once a month, you have taken up exactly 0.03% of their inbox (assuming they only have one email account). Slim chance of success with those figures.

Note to self: Increase the open rate of your emails by notifying the person that you are sending them some information. You wouldn’t blindly set up a Listing Alert for a buyer without speaking to them first, would you?

So, is calling marketing? Yep, it sure is. (let’s reference the old phrase Tele-Marketing, meaning marketing via telephone).
We have phone scripts written for you, too. Ask and you shall receive.

Marketing, in its most basic definition, is reminding people that you exist. However, agents seem to not like calling people on the phone, anymore. As if the introduction of email could ever replace the warmth of a human being’s voice.

Perhaps you feel like you are impeding on their day or you simply hate leaving voice mails.
Perhaps you don’t know what to say or just do not want to put in the time.

Whatever your excuse may be, just know that there are people in your database right now, that would like to hear from you.

Who said you even have to speak about real estate? If marketing is reminding people that you exist, then you are just doing it over the phone. Check in with them. See how their life is going or how their family is doing. Career changes, recent vacations or events are always pleasantries to discuss. A heartfelt phone call to a past client or prospect will create a longer lasting impression.

Make yourself memorable, so that you are the only option when it is time to buy or sell.

Wait! There’s more.
Check out Part II of this featured tip.

 

Let me know if you have any personal email marketing content requests. I’m here to write for you, around the clock.

Have a great rest of the week,

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.

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Remind People You Exist In A Way That Works For Them.

Posted on: July 12th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Question your referrals: who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Step 1 “Who”: Segment your database into 2 groups: People WHO have referred you business the past 5 years and the one’s that haven’t (yet!)

Step 2 “What”: WHAT was your last form of communication with the referring group (email, text, phone call, post card)?

Step 3 “When”: WHEN did the referral occur in relation to the last form of communication (hint: client received your email and 4 days later referred a friend to you)?

Step 4 “Where”: Look at your relationship with each referring client, WHERE did your relationship come from (family, friends, past co-workers, past clients)?

Step 5 “Why”: This one is pretty easy. Literally ask yourself “WHY did they refer business to me?” (They thought of you first in a situation they didn’t have to).

Step 6 “How”: Next ask yourself the most important question “HOW can I get more?”

 

If you can make it all the way through these 6 steps, you will be able to truly see how to create referrals (instead of waiting for them).

Rate your database, it’s really important. (1 to 5, 5 being high)
Measure the likelihood and probability of business:
What is the likelihood that this person will ever refer business to me?

If someone is currently rated at a 1 (unlikely to refer), what do you have to do to increase the probability of a referral?
– A personal phone call
– A heartfelt card sent in the mail
– An engaging email asking them how they are
– A text message, because 98% of them are opened.

So many agents operate their business in the dark.
Eyes closed, lights off trying to cultivate a relationship with no sense of direction.
Marketing is not: Your overly confident slogan or photo with your arms crossed (or even better, holding a phone to your face)
Marketing is not: Your email signature telling every human being that you appreciate referrals (we get it, you like free business)
Marketing is not: sending recipes or monthly pictures of your domestic cat petting zoo.
Marketing is: Reminding people that you exist in the way that works for them, not you.

Some people prefer texting because they hate talking on the phone.
Some people prefer a phone call because they don’t know how to use their smart phone.
Some people need a greeting card because they haven’t opened their AOL account in 7 months.

Marketing cannot be just one thing. Everyone you know thinks, acts, and reacts differently.

– Tawd Frensley, PropertyMinder VP of Sales and Marketing
tawd@propertyminder.com

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

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The “Real Estate High-Five”: Listings & Referrals By The Handful.

Posted on: April 6th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Look at your hand.
You’ll see it has 6 parts to it; your index finger, your thumb, your ring finger, your pinky, your (sometimes notorious) middle finger, and, of course, your palm.

So, what’s the “Real Estate High-Five?”
5 at-your-fingertips marketing elements that ensure you have folks in the palm of your hand when it matters most: when they’re ready to buy, sell and refer. Let’s take this, digit-by-digit.

1) Index (Contacts).
The average person knows 2 agents. Stay #1 with your CRM (your personal index).
Blast mass or one-on-one emails (holidays, open house follow ups, extra listing info, etc.) tailored around individual contact details. Organize people into groups (sports fans, June birthdays, anniversaries, retirees, etc.) and touch base accordingly, to demonstrate your thoughtfulness and interest.

2) Ring (Marriage).
Get homeowners to love, honor and list with you, with Seller’s Corner. What’s included? Accurate MLS data, HD photos, details and comparables, market trends, CMA lead capture, average and median listing price – deliver the goods and secure a lifelong bond of listings and referrals.


3) Middle (Cautionary – Not Offensive).
Be bold with dynamic and engaging marketing content (drafted for PropertyMinder customers by our skilled writers) that sends a strong message to your competition: your leads & clients don’t belong to any other agent (or broker). They’re yours. Period.


4) Thumbs up.
Earn well-rounded approval of your “All Things Real Estate” business (including home care and home improvement resources). Homebrella makes this possible.

5) Pinky swear.
Silently pledge to your leads and clients that you’ll stay informed and up-to-date on the latest technology and best practices to better meet their needs. Hop on just 1-2 short, sweet and informative LIVE webinars per month. Schoolhouse Rock was right: knowledge is power.

 

Let’s take another look at the middle finger (#3).
Sure, you can send out automated, pre-written alerts left and right – but are you taking the time to send out non-template-based, personalized touches?

Whether it’s a few minutes via e-mail or 5 minutes over the phone, your “non-salesy” voice and branding are what keep you memorable with your contacts and, as previously stated, get a clear point across to your competition: Back Off.

Also remember that having in-hand conversation-starters and content to smoothly navigate through phone calls (or e-mail exchanges) can undoubtedly lessen your anxiety and improve the quality of your relationships. However, the trick is to not come off as “scripted” in your tone and delivery of words. Be professionally casual and honest. Ad libbing is a nice touch, too. Need someone to “rehearse” with? We’re all ears.

If you want people..
to hand you over referrals…
to hand you over their trust…
to hand you a considerable income…
and to hand you over their valuable contact info…
…you need to deliver hand-picked, quality and relevant content, 24/7.

Keep in mind that we’re always here to lend a helping hand.

Virtual high-five!

Tim
408.213.4668
tim@propertyminder.com
PropertyMinder Marketing

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

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