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

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.

END OF SUMMER AND THE REAL ESTATE IS BLAZING!

Here in Fort Worth at my Keller Williams office, we are all amazed at the calls that we are getting this week!  People who just noticed a new listing in Fort Worth, or folks who want to lease a home near a certain school.  ....Just as sure as the school calendar, when the tides turn to the beginning of school, people decide they need to move.........to or from the area!

Coincidentally, the end of Summer marks the time when motivated Sellers will be sure to consider a negotiated sales price, rather than the prospect of still having their home on the market in November!

My advise to BUYERS:  Get busy..........look, and make offers.  Your agent should be advising you on market values that are current.  Those values are your map to an offer.  MY advise to SELLERS:  Encourage your showings.  Don't be picky about the time notice of your appointment.........remember, unless they see it, they are not going to buy it!  When an offer comes in expect it to be low..........BUT just negotiate.  It is not a price or a deal until everyone has agreed.    If you do not have an offer within 10 showings, you need to step back and revisit the price of your home!  What is your exterior saying about your home........check the front door.  When you open the door, does it look inviting......lights on, ....as in the stage.....lights, camera, action!

We want the action on your home to result in an offer.  So get busy, and get aggressive about your home and what it says to your potential buyer!

Remember if you have real estate questions for Fort Worth, Texas area (Keller, Colleyville, Southlake etc.)
give me a call..........I want to help!

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.