Keller Williams MegaAgent Camp 2011...just Happened!!!

While my brain is still reeling............I am talking about what MegaAgent Camp offered the past 3 days in Austin, Texas at the Convention Center in downtown Austin, Texas.

The first half day was totally technology!  I found out about "apps" that I had no idea even existed!  One of the really neat ones was an app that lets you enter a Chat room with anyone in a city.  In my business I can ask for leads of sellers or buyers...or referrals from other agents.  This one only works in Austin, Tx and NYC right now, but will be coming to our cities soon. 

Another point that was driven home is that it is NOT cool to simply use your social networking apps for marketing....It is more about showing that you are a person who is interested in others too.  I like that...because I am a people person and I love knowing about them....and what they are doing, so long it is not just an "in my face" kind of thing.

Also...we learned that fewer photos work better when you are marketing on Craig's List....The opposite of our MLS system where more is better....craig's list is the opposite...you want them to act on finding out about the property..............

As I looked around the 10K Keller Williams agents in the huge room in the Austin Community Center, I was amazed at the number of agents who were from other real estate companies...Lots of Coldwell Banker, Ebby Halliday, and C21.............KW invites all to our events...we share our information and never try to hide what we are doing.  That must be why we are the fastest growing real estate brokerage world wide....and our agents truly like to help one another.

I will admit that Gary Keller, Chairman and Founder of KW really holds his agents accountable for what they are doing.  As the most rigid task master, by his own description, he doesn tend to make you...me...feel guilty and think that I am never doing enough.  On that note: what it means to me is that he expects KW agents to be excellent.  I agree............you probably do too....if you have ever had a transaction with an agent who really either doesn't have the information to be better.....or is not being held accountable for their actions.

More tidbits later in the next post

A 3day Immersion in Keller Williams Rea Estate Practices

The past 3 days of 10000 real estate agents in Austin at Keller Williams MegaAgent Camp were exciting,fun, exhausting, and full of great information to help agents be the best that they can be! We began at 7:30 each morning and we had great energizing music to rev us up for the first session.

I will be posting several ideas in the next 5 blogs and whether or not you have a real estate career, you will gain some great ideas. Look for the next post tomorrow.

Fort Worth Real Estate: How's the market?.....Pay attention.

Everyday I visit with people in shops, having coffee, getting my hair done, or at actual buyer and seller appoinments and there is one major question that they have.  "What is the real estate market doing in our area?"

That question cannot be answered with a few words or a simple word. It requires discussion about the particular area that they are interested in knowing about.  More than even a general area, it requires discussing the description of the homes in an area and sometimes even more details to really know how to approach answering their question.

With 20% of our national economy in real estate, this is an important topic.  This question gets very personal and very local with each person.  In other words, it is not a "global" question.....it is a "local" down to the specifics of "my own neighborhood and my own home".  What is more important than your home to you....only one thing...your family....right?

Just yesterday I met with a lovely couple who are listing their home with me and also purchasing another one locally.  I have already supplied them with information about the market for their home and also information about the area where they want to purchase.  They asked a very good question:
"Why is the price per sq. ft. for the homes where we want to buy so much higher than the price per sq. foot of our home that we are selling?"  Great question.....and it illustrates exactly my point.


Homes are differenct depending on the age, area, size, neighborhood, and design................this home to the right, which is a newer home, would not be a good comparison to the older Vintage home below.

The homes they are considering to purchase are in an area with a little acerage, they construction is much higher quality, and there have been very few, if any foreclosures in that area.  The home they are selling is a nice starter home in a great neighborhood on a small lot, and with homes that are more the "tract home types" that first time owners are normally interested in buying.  While both where they are selling and where they want to buy are great areas...........they are just different.  Just like a 10 year old car in great condition, but still not a newer, more plush model.

This point is easily shown when I shar a market analysis with my clients.  I hope this is good information for you as well.  My next blog will talk about appraisals in our area.  I hope you will check back and sign up to be a follower.

What's Going on in Texas? We are Talking Real Estate in Tarrant County/Fort Worth

From where I sit in Fort Worth, Texas (Keller Williams), I am looking at stats and wondering how in the world does the normal consumer feel about what they are seeing and hearing about local real estate?

The phone calls stopped by 1/2 when the tax credit for first time buyers expired recently.  On top of that, the lenders have really tightened their belts and it is much more difficult to get financing for any buyer. I have spoken and worked with buyers over the last 4 weeks who say they can buy...say they have approval....then when the pen and paper of a loan application meet.......the story changes.  Certainly not for everyone, but I am simply saying that the rules have changed.  Who knows when they will loosen...........

Now for what I refer to as my favorite quote, which I use in my marketing often: "I seldom recognized an opportunity until it had ceased to exist"....Mark Twain  We are in a fabulous market for folks who really are financially healthy..........Prices are low (and may be going down further), Interest is almost nonexistent, and Sellers will, (I repeat, WILL) negotiate.  This is a true opportunity and the buyer who has a desire to move to bigger.....or different.....has available a huge inventory of choice.  My pride of being a good agent, is the fact that I ALWAYS represent my client........and I am not shy about negotiations.  Just like in love, until you ask, you don't know!  So if you love that home and wonder if you could get a good or great deal.......I tell you to take the risk....go for it!  Don't sit on the sidelines.........which brings me to another of my favorite subjects...
SPORTS...
..........oh I will save that for another blog........but .....take a look at the Sooners and their projections if you have a moment........my dog Minnie already has her gameday outfit....!

Please contact me if you want to know more about Fort Worth and Tarrant County real estate.  I love calls and love to try to answer your questions.........

Why Fort Worth is a Great Place to Call Home!

Ok, I may be partial to wide open spaces and clean air, and the fact that within 45 miles there is the "best of the best" in anything that you want! Take into consideration that Fort Worth has these things to just love:

Some of the best Museums in the country

(Kimbell, Amon Carter,the Modern, and more)

One of the best concert venues (Bass Hall) nightly

The Botanic Gardens which is fabulous year round

A great Symphony, Ballet,Opera etc.

Neiman Marcus...and most other big stores

All of the smaller, national chain decor stores, etc.

Sundance Square (downtown) with activities daily

Fort Worth Camera Club which is one of the best in the nation

Good Schools, both public and private

Large Lakes nearby, Eagle Mt. Lake, Lake Grapevine, Lake Joe Pool and more

Granbury 30 miles away with quaint shopping and a large lake

Affordable housing which is much lower than the national average

The nicest people you will ever meet!

Low Crime rate

Billy Bob's Texas.......nationally known music and entertainment venue

20 min. from DFW International Airport

30 miles from Dallas...for anything that you might "think" you need

Short commute times for most areas

and the list goes on and on.

If you live in Fort Worth and want to add to this list...just add your comments.

I sell real estate and it is a pleasure to drive Tarrant County on a weekly basis and see the positives that we have to offer.........it is one the the Top places to Live in our great Nation.........Move here, and help us keep it that way.

Tarrant County and What is Happening in Real Estate

Calling all buyers! This is the time to be a first time buyer. The announcement came yesterday that first time buyers can use the $8K in tax rebate for their closing costs, but not their 3.5% downpayment on FHA loans. This is huge! The issues that I have seen in first time buyers is that they could qualify for the loan, but did not have closing costs........Well now there is a different source! Take advantage of this........IT WILL NOT LAST FOREVER!

The house to the left is an example of a great house for a first time buyer.It is in the 76137 zip code and is NOT A FORECLOSURE. Therefore, it is move in ready and very cute!

---------------ON A DIFFERENT SUBJECT: What is you are having trouble making your mtg. payments? Have you missed some? How many? ETc. I can help any seller if they call soon and avoid their foreclosure. I have had good success with Short Sale transactions and this is a good solution. You will be selling your home and not having a bad credit ding on your record for years to come. CALL TODAY IF THIS WOULD HELP SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS.

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dianne@diannearnette.com

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