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Sunday, August 24, 2014
Secret Project Progress
The secret project that I have been working all summer long is at a critical milestone. I will disclose it at the proper time, but as of now, it is a secret... so don't be asking about it.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Nestor-Mestor
~
I had forgotten how good looking we all were back then!
~
Hard to believe they both are gone, but I have to believe they are together in a better place.
~
Anne is Phil's youngest sister and she used to be a little pip squeak who would get in my face and call me Nestor-Mestor whenever I showed up on Collins Street Terrace in East Lynn.
~
She married a great athlete from West Lynn, Tony Hill, and matured into a beautiful woman..... But even though we are all forty years older, I still picture her as this little kid trying to torment me.
~Thank you, Anne, for sending me this memory.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Testing the Water
Maybe it's time to trade in the WhaleEye for a new model. Ryan and I looked at a nice MayCraft down at CoastlineMarine today. I was impressed with the dealer, and the boat seemed to be a solid no frills fishing platform.
We have to see what accounts receivable looks like at Nanepashemet Telecom.
http://www.may-craft.com/
We have to see what accounts receivable looks like at Nanepashemet Telecom.
http://www.may-craft.com/
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Seth Moulton for Congress
I'm thinking of throwing the coveted Nanepashemet Nod to Seth Moulton for the Sixth Congressional Massachusetts District.
He's a Marine veteran and I sense that there is a well of honesty and integrity. And yes, I know, He is a Progressive Democrat. That concerns me, but if he acts honestly, that would be exceptionally refreshing.
I offered a spot on my lawn for one of his campaign signs too.... so that should be enough to swing this gig for him.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Lives Lived Well
After Phil Freeman's services on Saturday, we had to attend services for Omer LeBlanc, Joanne's 93 year old uncle on Tuesday.
As sad as the ritual of death and dying is, the habit of coming together with old friends and family is very comforting and helps us cope and move on among the living. We honor their passage and our own problems fade from center stage for a
small time.
While the funeral is an ending, it is also a beginning to celebrate the time we have left with people who are important to us.
Phil and Omer were people that I knew since I was a little kid, and it is sad to see their passing, but their services revealed that both had lives that were lived well.
As sad as the ritual of death and dying is, the habit of coming together with old friends and family is very comforting and helps us cope and move on among the living. We honor their passage and our own problems fade from center stage for a
small time.
While the funeral is an ending, it is also a beginning to celebrate the time we have left with people who are important to us.
Phil and Omer were people that I knew since I was a little kid, and it is sad to see their passing, but their services revealed that both had lives that were lived well.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
B-17 Flying Fortress - A Mistaken Detail
Back in 1995, I bought this framed print at Kennedy Studios, and presented it to my cousin, the Late Attorney John Nestor, in commemoration of the fact that he had flown 125 missions in a B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II... an amazing feat.~
He stared silently at it for awhile.
~
First I though he was sizing it up and identifying inaccuracies, such as a turrent or gun not being in the right place.... but then I began to think that I had made a bad mistake, and that it was conjuring up memories that were best left dormant.
~
When I finally broke the ackward silence and asked, "Is there anything wrong?", he replied... "There certainly is."
"What's that?" I said with a bit of anxiety.
"Those fucking Messerschmidts would have never gotten that close.", John said.
He never hung that print in his office. And he never forgave the Germans or the Japanese.
John was a great man for many reasons. God rest his Soul.
(Thanks for Frank Iacono for placing the print on Facebook.)
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Philip Freeman - Lynn Daily Evening Item - Obituary
Philip G. Freeman, 62
Formerly of Lynn
Posted: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 3:00 am
ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — Philip G. Freeman, age 62, of Englewood, N.J., formerly of Lynn, Mass., passed away on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014. Born in Henderson, N.C., to the late Albert and Dorothy (Bradley) Freeman, Philip was a graduate of Lynn English High School, Class of 1970, where he was co-captain of the track team, setting a record only recently broken for the two mile run in 10.2 minutes.
He graduated from Boston College, Class of 1974, where he studied sociology. Philip had a successful career primarily in computer technology and later in financial services working at Pan Am, Exxon, PSEG, and PNC Bank.
Philip enjoyed music, domestic and international travel, sports and art. He made friends wherever he went with his charm and engaging personality.
Philip was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marva (Braithwaite) Freeman. He is survived by his loving daughter Melissa Brown (Freeman), his son-in-law Lance Brown and granddaughter Leah; brothers, Edward J. Freeman (Cynthia), Thomas J. Freeman (Jessica), Ronald A. Freeman (Ginette), Leon H. Freeman (Michele), Richard E. Freeman (Fiona), sisters, Marcia I. Leffler (Lee) and Anne M. Hill (Tony). He is also survived by his aunt, Alice Boykin; father-in-law Jack C. Braithwaite; sister-in-law Karen Singleton; and brother-in-law Richard Emmanuel. He was predeceased by his brother Albert C. Freeman (Gretchen) and mother-in-law Germaine Braithwaite.
Philip was a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many cousins and a magnitude of great friends.
Service information: Visitation at BARRETT FUNERAL HOME, 148 Dean Drive, Tenafly, N.J., on Saturday, 9-11 a.m. Funeral Mass Saturday, 11:30 a.m., at St. John’s Church, 470 Broad Ave., Leonia, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Phil Freeman - RIP
Jeff Middleton called Joanne today and said that Phil Freeman had died in the last day or so. He had a brain embolism or something, slipped into a coma and passed away....and had suffered a stroke in the last ten years and endured kidney problems. His beautiful wife, Marva, had died of cancer in 2012. He was 62.I first met Freeman when I was in the 2nd grade at St. Joseph's Sunday school. He lived down by the Meadows where the East Lynn colored people lived, and I lived in the Highlands, so we didn't go to the same elementary school, but just seemed to hit it off on Sunday's at St. Joseph's. When we both went to Eastern Junior High School, in the seventh grade, we joined the St. Joseph's CYO Basketball team and would hang out on wintry afternoons after games or practices down on Green Street and Union Street in Lynn.
Phil and I were not exceptional basketball players, we didn't have the size and basically just held our own. When we were Sophomores at Lynn English High, Phil went out for the cross country team and became a standout. I was thinking of going out for the swim team, but after a couple of gym calisthenic workouts, and watching the cross country team come back in the locker room, I joined the team prior to the beginning of the indoor track season. My mental reasoning was precisely this.... "If Freeman can be this good, then I should be able to do really well, because I'm at least as good as Freeman." I was wrong.
Freeman was a gifted long distance runner and I was a plodder at the back of the pack. It was incredibly difficult for me to mold my pudgy developing body into the type of shape that it would take to compete, but Freeman was my inspiration. He had a beautiful fluid stride, and a lot of guts.
How could he be this good and me be that bad? !!!
Gradually, throughout that Indoor Track season, I improved until I was the second fastest Sophomore miler on the team... behind Phil.
Then at the beginning of the outdoor season, I pulled a muscle in my hip and was just limping through races. Phil knew that I was not improving and I remember the day when we sat on the bus on the way home from a meet at Peabody High, and he thought he could console me by suggesting that I try to throw the discus or the javelin. I don't think he ever knew how annoyed I was with that comment, and that really motivated me to become the best runner possible.
By the time we were Juniors, Freeman and I were within the top five varsity cross country members of the team, He was number two behind Fred Doyle and I was number four behind Rick Jankowski. We went on to be the Essex County Champions of 1968 and at the end of the year, Phil and I were named Co-Captains of the Lynn English High Track Team for our senior year.
In our senior year, we had begun to be known in local track circles as Freeman and Nestor from Lynn English and we were contenders in Essex County and the Massachusetts State Meets. Any race that I ran with Phil, I was content to be second and at least beat the other guys. The only Cross Country race that I ever won was the time that Phil was home sick from school.... and I took the opportunity to beat the crap out of the Peabody runners who had no idea that I was grabbing what I thought was my one chance to come in first. I did beat him once, when I had a great run at the Essex County Cross Country Championships our senior year, finishing third,.....and Phil came in sixth. It was the only time I ever beat him cleanly. He was genuinely happy for me, and I sensed a feeling of pure friendship from him.
Later that winter, Phil was third in the Division I Two Mile and I came in sixth on the boards in the old Boston Garden... I was happy and proud to see him ahead of me with the leaders, and earn a State Medal.
Freeman was a great dancer at the CYO dances and the girls liked him. Phil told me every sordid detail of his encounters with women and I truly got a good portion of my sex education listening to him. But Phil was a genuinely kind person and I remember how he acted when he told me about the girl in my neighborhood who said that she loved him. He was really moved. We would stand around for hours, leaning against a Mailbox on the street corner, telling each other things that we were feeling. and observing in those formative years.
We would be down at the Meadow Playground playing basketball in the summer and passing pucks back and forth with hockey sticks and no skates when the Meadow would freeze over in the Winter.
I think our friendship was obvious to others, and we never really discussed race issues which were rising in intensity at the time. It was 1967, 68, 69 Sherwin Wheeler, a Black kid who lived across the street from Phil, once got in my face and asked if I would let my sister date Phil... I could sense where he was going ..... "I don't care if she dates Phil... I just don't want her to date you!", was my reply... and Sherwin knew full well that I didn't have a sister.
Outside of that, I don't remember the issue ever coming up. I was bothered and embarrassed when the Lynn English Yearbook had a picture of me at the end of our Senior Year captioned " John Leads the Way". At best it was stupid and naive, and at worse, it was racist. Freeman lead the way, I was a solid second. And I was confused when I came back from my Freshman year at UMASS Amherst, went over to see Phil who was home from Boston College, and asked him if he wanted to go to some nightclub in Boston. Freeman declined, saying it was "Too White Oriented".
I just shrugged it off at the time and didn't give it much thought until I got back to school the next semester when I wrote up the incident in a College Journalism class, and the UMASS Professor told be that my short story should be published. But I never followed up.
After College, Phil got a job in New Jersey and married a beautiful girl, Marva, from Brookline. I remember being at his wedding in Boston, which was incredibly done, and getting really misty for a while as I contemplated how far he seemed to have come from those old days when we would push each other in the St. Joseph's Sunday School lines. He had carved out beautiful life for himself.
We faded away from each other. I last saw him at this father's wake at the Solimine Funeral Home in Lynn in the late 90's. For some reason, I got really emotional, dragged him out into the parking lot and told him that I was always bothered by that yearbook notation and that I felt it was racist. He just shrugged and smiled.
So when I talked to Jeff this afternoon, and he told me how Phil had died with declining health in the last ten years, every detail came rushing back to me. I couldn't speak and just blubbered into the phone with Jeff for awhile. Pretty sad... I would try to Google him from time to time and even Google mapped his house in Englewood, NJ a couple of years ago. I should have called him, but it was enough to know that he was still walking the Earth.
But now he isn't... and I will miss him.
~
JT Hackett1:28 PM
Jay, very nice piece that brings back a lot of good memories of running track with you two at LEHS. Greatly saddened by the news. Phil was a really good guy and an awesome runner. As you said, he will be missed. John T. Hackett III
Friday, July 25, 2014
56 Tips for an Awesome Real Estate Listing Presentation
May 7, 2013 Luke Montgomery Meeting with Clients
listing presententation ipad
Seven seconds.
That’s how much time it takes to make a first impression. As an agent, your first impression has to be fantastic in order to convince a seller to list with you. Proper planning and preparation will gain you an edge over the competition and earn your potential seller’s business.
In this post, you will find an extensive list of listing presentation tips to help you stand out, look great and increase your chances of winning the real estate listing.
Do Your Research
listing presentation research
1. Learn everything relevant that you can about the listing property and seller. Check tax records for details on the property. You should also try a simple Google search to see if your potential client maintains an online presence on sites like LinkedIn or Facebook.
2. Drive by the property to get a sense of the neighborhood and snap an image for the listing presentation. Unless the property has been listed in the MLS before, you will need a subject property photo to enhance your CMA.
3. Check and see if the property has sold and in past MLS records. Make a mental note of previous pricing trends.
4. Bring along a list of basic repairs and checks that will improve the prospects of a listing. These should apply to any home and should be easy to fix or implement, with a good return on investment. For example:
Raising blinds and shades to open a room and bring in more light
Painting, especially over flaws in the current paint
Updating the landscaping
Staging the main living areas—placing patio furniture, dressing up the spare room, etc.
Cleaning out cluttered storage areas
Simplifying over-complicated decorations
Fixing and replacing broken or burned-out light fixtures
5. Understand the client’s reasons for selling. A seller reacting to a life-changing event such as a new job or a child’s departure for college may need different guidance than an investor ready to flip a valuable property.
Scheduling Listing Presentations
6. At open houses you host, soft sell to possible clients who come through the door. Master active listening and be specific about how you express interest in helping them to show that you understand their unique situation.
7. Always keep a stack of your professional marketing materials on hand to give out. Keep a spare stash in your car as well as on your person.
8. When meeting a potential client, ask the Five Ws (and one H):
Who makes up the family (how many adults, children, and pets)
What they are looking for (from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms down to the style of home they prefer)
When they are interested in moving or selling
Where they would like to live
Why now is the time to make a change
How they plan to proceed (what is the first/next step? Do they have an agent yet?)
9. If a potential client expresses interest in sitting down with you, ask to set an appointment after they have spoken with any other agents they are considering. Being the last to interview can give you a huge advantage, since you will be fresh in their minds.
Come Prepared for Success
average of comps
10. Whether you have crafted them into a CMA or just printed a copy off your MLS, bring along the latest market statistics and trends to back up your statements.
11. Make sure you have appropriate marketing sheets with you.
12. A beautiful, full-color market analysis and presentation will go a long way towards snagging and keeping the attention of any client.
13. Clients want to see where their home sits on the market. Show them with graphs and other visual methods of interpreting data.
14. Put together a pitch for why you are the best agent for this specific client. Cite area expertise, previous similar transactions, your personal ties to their reasons for moving, and more.
15. Bright, gorgeous brochures are great for leaving behind with an interested client.
16. Know who you will use to take the professional photos of the home and bring along a sample of their work.
17. Offer to craft a visual walkthrough of the home, if possible. Again, bringing samples of the work you can provide—whether you do the walkthroughs yourself or hire a professional—will go a long way towards convincing a client you are prepared to be their agent.
18. Know your strengths as an agent. Be confident in the value of your knowledge, expertise and resources.
Stand Out from the Competition
real estate agent collateral
19. Never speak ill of your competition. Talk respectfully about your fellow agents, and you’re more likely to receive the same courtesy in return.
20. Provide the same high level of service, no matter the value of your client’s property.
21. Encourage sellers to interview multiple agents to ensure they are working with the right person.
22. Never put pressure on potential clients. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, but pestering will not win you business.
23. Be informative without being aggressive or pushy.
24. Be honest. Share the good and the bad and be constructive with your advice, but don’t sugarcoat the situation.
25. Dress well and appropriately for the client and situation. For example, if you are meeting at a coffee shop, you may dress more casually than if you are meeting over dinner on the waterfront.
26. Smile and make eye contact. It will increase your likeability and make you seem more accessible.
27. Speak clearly and with confidence.
Following Up
writing a personal thank you note
28. Always follow up with a personal note. Don’t use a form letter. Try to send a handwritten note if you can.
29. With their permission, add the potential client to your mailing lists so you can keep in contact with them even if they choose a different agent or decide to wait to list their property.
30. Send potential clients a monthly market update via email –whether a newsletter, statistics or just some helpful information they can use. When they are ready to sell, your name will be stuck in their minds.
31. Send a small, thoughtful gift, and personalize it if you can, to show you are willing to go above and beyond what is expected.
32. Follow the two-day rule: wait at least 48 hours after the presentation to follow up. Have a very specific question ready when you do follow up: “Are you ready to list your property?” or “What are your concerns about listing at this time?”
More Tips
33. When crafting marketing language, try to avoid the word “sales” to describe yourself or your business. Unfortunately, the term “salesperson” is perceived to be dishonest in a marketing-heavy world. Instead, portray yourself as a trusted consultant, pledged to provide the highest quality service and reach the client’s desired outcome.
34. Always focus on the prospect’s needs as the foundation of your discussion. Demonstrate that you are the best person to represent them and show your understanding of their needs as your starting point.
35. Guide the prospect to the answers. Instead of reading off your slides or drawing your own conclusions, allow them to interject in what will feel like a “Eureka!” moment for them. If you can get a prospect to speak the key points you are trying to make, they will feel like they have arrived at the answer themselves and it will be stronger for that.
36. Keep the presentation focused on the client. Talk about yourself, but put it in the context of how you can help them.
The Don’ts
37. Don’t show up late. Make a great impression and show up a few minutes early. You should treat it like a job interview–after all, it is!
38. Don’t carry strong smells on your person. Pets, cigar or cigarette smoke, alcohol, strong cologne or perfume, garlic–these can be immediate turn-offs and make up someone’s mind before you even have a chance to speak.
39. Don’t neglect your homework. Know the seller’s motivations for their life change, the general condition of their home and how much work they are willing to do to get their house ready for the market.
40. Don’t overlook the seller’s financial situation. Finances are a touchy subject, so you may not want to ask directly, but infer what you can from what they say.
41. Don’t treat the real estate listing appointment too casually. Take your clients (or prospective clients) seriously!
42. Don’t try to hard-sell yourself in an area you know little about. Keep a list of experts you trust and refer your clients to them if you aren’t sure of an answer.
43. Don’t display architectural ignorance. If you aren’t familiar with the type of home your clients have, do a little reading beforehand.
44. Don’t move too quickly through your presentation. Speak slowly and clearly and stop for questions.
45. Don’t forget to tailor your presentation to the specific audience. You may have a standard set of marketing materials, but some may not be appropriate for every situation.
46. Don’t talk more than you listen.
47. Don’t ignore anyone at the presentation. When a couple or family is present, it isn’t always easy to tell who the real decision maker is, so it is best to assume that if they are at the listing presentation, they have some weight in the final decision. Address the needs of all present.
48. Don’t ignore the client’s pet(s). If you are uncomfortable with an animal, politely request that it be removed from the room, but otherwise be friendly.
49. Don’t be ignorant of the surrounding neighborhoods.
50. Don’t forget to explain your personal system of success. Be up front with how you market and negotiate.
51. Don’t appear disorganized.
52. Don’t fail to recommend improvements that you truly believe would raise the home’s value.
53. Don’t let your cell phone interrupt the conversation.
54. Don’t bring a bad mood to a meeting.
55. Don’t overlook the power of mirroring.
56. Don’t forget to thank the sellers for their time and for allowing you in their home.
The tips on this list are meant to be a reminder and a set of guidelines–not every suggestion will apply to every situation, and you may have your own protocol for winning listings.
Good luck on your listing presentations!
If you found this post useful, your friends might too. Please consider sharing. Thank you!
May 7, 2013 Luke Montgomery Meeting with Clients
listing presententation ipad
Seven seconds.
That’s how much time it takes to make a first impression. As an agent, your first impression has to be fantastic in order to convince a seller to list with you. Proper planning and preparation will gain you an edge over the competition and earn your potential seller’s business.
In this post, you will find an extensive list of listing presentation tips to help you stand out, look great and increase your chances of winning the real estate listing.
Do Your Research
listing presentation research
1. Learn everything relevant that you can about the listing property and seller. Check tax records for details on the property. You should also try a simple Google search to see if your potential client maintains an online presence on sites like LinkedIn or Facebook.
2. Drive by the property to get a sense of the neighborhood and snap an image for the listing presentation. Unless the property has been listed in the MLS before, you will need a subject property photo to enhance your CMA.
3. Check and see if the property has sold and in past MLS records. Make a mental note of previous pricing trends.
4. Bring along a list of basic repairs and checks that will improve the prospects of a listing. These should apply to any home and should be easy to fix or implement, with a good return on investment. For example:
Raising blinds and shades to open a room and bring in more light
Painting, especially over flaws in the current paint
Updating the landscaping
Staging the main living areas—placing patio furniture, dressing up the spare room, etc.
Cleaning out cluttered storage areas
Simplifying over-complicated decorations
Fixing and replacing broken or burned-out light fixtures
5. Understand the client’s reasons for selling. A seller reacting to a life-changing event such as a new job or a child’s departure for college may need different guidance than an investor ready to flip a valuable property.
Scheduling Listing Presentations
6. At open houses you host, soft sell to possible clients who come through the door. Master active listening and be specific about how you express interest in helping them to show that you understand their unique situation.
7. Always keep a stack of your professional marketing materials on hand to give out. Keep a spare stash in your car as well as on your person.
8. When meeting a potential client, ask the Five Ws (and one H):
Who makes up the family (how many adults, children, and pets)
What they are looking for (from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms down to the style of home they prefer)
When they are interested in moving or selling
Where they would like to live
Why now is the time to make a change
How they plan to proceed (what is the first/next step? Do they have an agent yet?)
9. If a potential client expresses interest in sitting down with you, ask to set an appointment after they have spoken with any other agents they are considering. Being the last to interview can give you a huge advantage, since you will be fresh in their minds.
Come Prepared for Success
average of comps
10. Whether you have crafted them into a CMA or just printed a copy off your MLS, bring along the latest market statistics and trends to back up your statements.
11. Make sure you have appropriate marketing sheets with you.
12. A beautiful, full-color market analysis and presentation will go a long way towards snagging and keeping the attention of any client.
13. Clients want to see where their home sits on the market. Show them with graphs and other visual methods of interpreting data.
14. Put together a pitch for why you are the best agent for this specific client. Cite area expertise, previous similar transactions, your personal ties to their reasons for moving, and more.
15. Bright, gorgeous brochures are great for leaving behind with an interested client.
16. Know who you will use to take the professional photos of the home and bring along a sample of their work.
17. Offer to craft a visual walkthrough of the home, if possible. Again, bringing samples of the work you can provide—whether you do the walkthroughs yourself or hire a professional—will go a long way towards convincing a client you are prepared to be their agent.
18. Know your strengths as an agent. Be confident in the value of your knowledge, expertise and resources.
Stand Out from the Competition
real estate agent collateral
19. Never speak ill of your competition. Talk respectfully about your fellow agents, and you’re more likely to receive the same courtesy in return.
20. Provide the same high level of service, no matter the value of your client’s property.
21. Encourage sellers to interview multiple agents to ensure they are working with the right person.
22. Never put pressure on potential clients. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, but pestering will not win you business.
23. Be informative without being aggressive or pushy.
24. Be honest. Share the good and the bad and be constructive with your advice, but don’t sugarcoat the situation.
25. Dress well and appropriately for the client and situation. For example, if you are meeting at a coffee shop, you may dress more casually than if you are meeting over dinner on the waterfront.
26. Smile and make eye contact. It will increase your likeability and make you seem more accessible.
27. Speak clearly and with confidence.
Following Up
writing a personal thank you note
28. Always follow up with a personal note. Don’t use a form letter. Try to send a handwritten note if you can.
29. With their permission, add the potential client to your mailing lists so you can keep in contact with them even if they choose a different agent or decide to wait to list their property.
30. Send potential clients a monthly market update via email –whether a newsletter, statistics or just some helpful information they can use. When they are ready to sell, your name will be stuck in their minds.
31. Send a small, thoughtful gift, and personalize it if you can, to show you are willing to go above and beyond what is expected.
32. Follow the two-day rule: wait at least 48 hours after the presentation to follow up. Have a very specific question ready when you do follow up: “Are you ready to list your property?” or “What are your concerns about listing at this time?”
More Tips
33. When crafting marketing language, try to avoid the word “sales” to describe yourself or your business. Unfortunately, the term “salesperson” is perceived to be dishonest in a marketing-heavy world. Instead, portray yourself as a trusted consultant, pledged to provide the highest quality service and reach the client’s desired outcome.
34. Always focus on the prospect’s needs as the foundation of your discussion. Demonstrate that you are the best person to represent them and show your understanding of their needs as your starting point.
35. Guide the prospect to the answers. Instead of reading off your slides or drawing your own conclusions, allow them to interject in what will feel like a “Eureka!” moment for them. If you can get a prospect to speak the key points you are trying to make, they will feel like they have arrived at the answer themselves and it will be stronger for that.
36. Keep the presentation focused on the client. Talk about yourself, but put it in the context of how you can help them.
The Don’ts
37. Don’t show up late. Make a great impression and show up a few minutes early. You should treat it like a job interview–after all, it is!
38. Don’t carry strong smells on your person. Pets, cigar or cigarette smoke, alcohol, strong cologne or perfume, garlic–these can be immediate turn-offs and make up someone’s mind before you even have a chance to speak.
39. Don’t neglect your homework. Know the seller’s motivations for their life change, the general condition of their home and how much work they are willing to do to get their house ready for the market.
40. Don’t overlook the seller’s financial situation. Finances are a touchy subject, so you may not want to ask directly, but infer what you can from what they say.
41. Don’t treat the real estate listing appointment too casually. Take your clients (or prospective clients) seriously!
42. Don’t try to hard-sell yourself in an area you know little about. Keep a list of experts you trust and refer your clients to them if you aren’t sure of an answer.
43. Don’t display architectural ignorance. If you aren’t familiar with the type of home your clients have, do a little reading beforehand.
44. Don’t move too quickly through your presentation. Speak slowly and clearly and stop for questions.
45. Don’t forget to tailor your presentation to the specific audience. You may have a standard set of marketing materials, but some may not be appropriate for every situation.
46. Don’t talk more than you listen.
47. Don’t ignore anyone at the presentation. When a couple or family is present, it isn’t always easy to tell who the real decision maker is, so it is best to assume that if they are at the listing presentation, they have some weight in the final decision. Address the needs of all present.
48. Don’t ignore the client’s pet(s). If you are uncomfortable with an animal, politely request that it be removed from the room, but otherwise be friendly.
49. Don’t be ignorant of the surrounding neighborhoods.
50. Don’t forget to explain your personal system of success. Be up front with how you market and negotiate.
51. Don’t appear disorganized.
52. Don’t fail to recommend improvements that you truly believe would raise the home’s value.
53. Don’t let your cell phone interrupt the conversation.
54. Don’t bring a bad mood to a meeting.
55. Don’t overlook the power of mirroring.
56. Don’t forget to thank the sellers for their time and for allowing you in their home.
The tips on this list are meant to be a reminder and a set of guidelines–not every suggestion will apply to every situation, and you may have your own protocol for winning listings.
Good luck on your listing presentations!
If you found this post useful, your friends might too. Please consider sharing. Thank you!
Monday, July 14, 2014
Out of Executive Order
Apparently, President Obama misunderstands that the Executive Branch of the United States Government administers government programs, but does not dictate policy, The President expressly has the ability to veto an Act of Congress, but even that can be overturned by Congress..
Laws are initiated and passed by Congress, the Legislative Branch, they are administered by the President, the Executive Branch, and are interpreted and clarified by the Supreme Court, the Judicial Branch. None of the three branches of government hold sway over the other.... this is what our system of checks and balances was designed to do. It is a system that has blessed our country with exceptional stability and strength.
When Obama feels that he can circumvent Congress, or the Supreme Court.... he is acting contrary to the laws of this Republic.
So what's the deal with his Executive Orders, which are supposed to be for highly specialized situations????
Below is the current status of Executive Orders issued by modern US Presidents.
Laws are initiated and passed by Congress, the Legislative Branch, they are administered by the President, the Executive Branch, and are interpreted and clarified by the Supreme Court, the Judicial Branch. None of the three branches of government hold sway over the other.... this is what our system of checks and balances was designed to do. It is a system that has blessed our country with exceptional stability and strength.
When Obama feels that he can circumvent Congress, or the Supreme Court.... he is acting contrary to the laws of this Republic.
So what's the deal with his Executive Orders, which are supposed to be for highly specialized situations????
Below is the current status of Executive Orders issued by modern US Presidents.
Eisenhower- 2 in 8 years
Kennedy - 4 in 3 years
LBJ - 4 in 5 years
Nixon - 1 in 6 years
Ford - 3 in 2 years
Carter - 3 in 4 years
Reagan - 5 in 8 years
Bush - 3 in 4 years
Clinton - 15 in 8 years
George W. Bush - 62 in 8 years
Kennedy - 4 in 3 years
LBJ - 4 in 5 years
Nixon - 1 in 6 years
Ford - 3 in 2 years
Carter - 3 in 4 years
Reagan - 5 in 8 years
Bush - 3 in 4 years
Clinton - 15 in 8 years
George W. Bush - 62 in 8 years
Obama - 923 in 3 1/2 years
Who is this man to unilaterally change the way our Government has been established???? There is a fundamental change occurring in this country.
I hope we are strong enough in our institutions to countermand it.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Time for Vacation
Does it seem to you like Obama is almost disintegrating? That he is going through the motions, and wishes he has never left his Chi Town ideological thug cronies for this life in the fishbowl?
He has scheduled his two week Martha's Vineyard August vacation and I'm jealous.
~
I can't take my hands off the steering wheel of Nanepashemet Telecom for more than a few days without getting my Ass kicked..... but here is a guy with arguably the most important job in the world.... who can kick back with the fam for multiple weeks at a time.
~
Maybe the Mountain of a Man should run for President, so that I finally can finagle a Vaca every few months or so.
He has scheduled his two week Martha's Vineyard August vacation and I'm jealous.
~
I can't take my hands off the steering wheel of Nanepashemet Telecom for more than a few days without getting my Ass kicked..... but here is a guy with arguably the most important job in the world.... who can kick back with the fam for multiple weeks at a time.
~
Maybe the Mountain of a Man should run for President, so that I finally can finagle a Vaca every few months or so.
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