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- MORTGAGE OPERATOR
- Contributions:2081
I totally agree with you Scott.. look at Japan.. almost everyone works from Home due to office space costs and availability. The Internet changed how we work.. we're still humans but with Live webconferencing tools, it added more opportuniites to the way we do business. For examples.. we at Amerisave are total Paperless... everything is scanned and electronic storaged.. no more file cabinets or boxes with customer's files..also helping us retrieving and sharing the information. IT is Businessss.and Business is IT today.
- 13231 1213213, "321321"
- Contributions:138
I have noticed that listings recieve less showings because of the internet and gas prices. It is important to educate our sellers about this and to say while people may not be coming into your home, they are viewing it.
- scott daniels, "floridalistforless"
- Contributions:755
RR,
You bring up a very important issue. One in which many need to explain to their clients.
You bring up a very important issue. One in which many need to explain to their clients.
My wife and I have worked from home for the last 2 years. We put 5k on our escort, and 5 k on our Hylander hybrid .
We spent about $800 in gas a year.
We spent about $800 in gas a year.
- 13231 1213213, "321321"
- Contributions:138
When I was on a real estate team, I would be incharge of calling the sellers of our listings with a progress report about how many viewing on each of the websites where we published the listings.
It really helps when there were no actual showings in the home that week.
It really helps when there were no actual showings in the home that week.
- scott daniels, "floridalistforless"
- Contributions:755
RR,
You put a smile on my face... Someone I see "Gets It"...:)
You put a smile on my face... Someone I see "Gets It"...:)
- Rate A Home
- Contributions:125
Scott: Your right on the money! Your quote of "Technology will be crucial for our survival."
Agents are going to have to start utilizing the services and tools available to them, to streamline the buying process. Working smarter is the key. Floundering through the decision making process with the buyer is more common these days with so many choices on the market. Eliminating those wasted return trips because the buyer can't decide which home is best for them, or worse yet recall what a home featured will continue to erode the income of the agent that thinks business today can be conducted as it has for the past 50 years. The buyers shouldn't be responsible for added fuel cost, they are the client, it's our responsibility as agents to work smarter for them.
Agents are going to have to start utilizing the services and tools available to them, to streamline the buying process. Working smarter is the key. Floundering through the decision making process with the buyer is more common these days with so many choices on the market. Eliminating those wasted return trips because the buyer can't decide which home is best for them, or worse yet recall what a home featured will continue to erode the income of the agent that thinks business today can be conducted as it has for the past 50 years. The buyers shouldn't be responsible for added fuel cost, they are the client, it's our responsibility as agents to work smarter for them.
- scott daniels, "floridalistforless"
- Contributions:755
Todays agents will no longer be conducting business as we did 5 yrs ago..
Old School teaching is over..
Old School teaching is over..
- Rate A Home
- Contributions:125
Your right Scott, the agent shouldn't conduct business as they did even 1 year ago. The industry is becoming like the technology industry by changing daily.
- Dave Mason, "DebtFreeDave"
- Contributions:1315
I'm either going to get a jetta diesel or prius, I car pool a lot more now.. at least 3 days a week.
- anonnonenone
- Contributions:51
I wouldn't dream of charging a "gas fee" to my buyer clients. Gas and car maintenence is part of the cost of doing business. But having said that, in the upcoming year, I plan to focus less on buyers on more on sellers, to avoid the overhead that comes with having to drive buyers all over town in my car.
- scott daniels, "floridalistforless"
- Contributions:755
Urban,
Doesn`t that defeat your chances of dealing with both?
The point is, old school thinking is out!
There is a new movement in Real Estate and doing things the traditional way,seems obsolete.
10 years ago, i was told to work a farm area.That was the way Real Estate was sold back than. I once had an agent who farmed 3 miles away offer me a referral fee if I could take her client to my farm area, because it was too far for her to travel.
Real Estate isn`t done this way anylonger,nor is dealing as a Buyers/Sellers agent.
The market continues to evolve.
Doesn`t that defeat your chances of dealing with both?
The point is, old school thinking is out!
There is a new movement in Real Estate and doing things the traditional way,seems obsolete.
10 years ago, i was told to work a farm area.That was the way Real Estate was sold back than. I once had an agent who farmed 3 miles away offer me a referral fee if I could take her client to my farm area, because it was too far for her to travel.
Real Estate isn`t done this way anylonger,nor is dealing as a Buyers/Sellers agent.
The market continues to evolve.
- anonnonenone
- Contributions:51
I think charging a "gas fee" is ridiculous. Gas is part of the cost of doing business.
- 13231 1213213, "321321"
- Contributions:138
I do agree that charging a gas fee is ridiculous, but I think the point Scott is trying to make is that in the current market we have to change our thinking. Right now I am focusing on the internet and my personal sphere to get leads. I am also really interviewing buyers and sellers making sure that they are truly ready to do business when I have to front money- gas or advertising.
- Lela Ashkarian, "Lela Ashkarian"
- Contributions:95
I agree all that is said by Scott.. way to go Scott.. I might ad ..
pre-qualifying is the #1 Key for our success... before even they come down to look at properties have them do their homework of getting a pre-approval, or commitment letter I should say. Internet Marketing is the 2nd Key.
pre-qualifying is the #1 Key for our success... before even they come down to look at properties have them do their homework of getting a pre-approval, or commitment letter I should say. Internet Marketing is the 2nd Key.
- Wayne Brown, "SDMortgagefinder"
- Contributions:1433
I don't think the Gas Fee or any such fee will fly. At least here in CA, I am certain the CA DRE would find it unlawful and in Violation of Licensees Conduct.
Like many said, it's part of business and we just have to adapt to the changes in the market.
Making Certain a buy is Pre-Approved vs Pre-Qualified will also play an important key especially in these times of uncertain loan guidelines and daily changes to them.
Best Regards
Like many said, it's part of business and we just have to adapt to the changes in the market.
Making Certain a buy is Pre-Approved vs Pre-Qualified will also play an important key especially in these times of uncertain loan guidelines and daily changes to them.
Best Regards
- scott daniels, "floridalistforless"
- Contributions:755
Wayne,
In this business never say never!:)
In this business never say never!:)
- Randy Henderson, "Randy Henderson"
- Contributions:111
Folks, do the math. At least for me- and I live in a fairly small market- I drive about 30k miles a year. If gas goes to $4.50 a gallon, and I get around 20 mpg, my fuel cost, for the year, goes up about $2200. Signifigant, but not a number that is going to make me change the way I do business. My solution would be to buy a Ford Escape hybrid, and bring the cost back down by increasing mileage, or cutting back on my advertising expenses.
I can't sell homes if I can't show them.
I can't sell homes if I can't show them.
- scott daniels, "floridalistforless"
- Contributions:755
Randy,
Why are so many afraid of change?
Why are so many afraid of change?
- Wayne Brown, "SDMortgagefinder"
- Contributions:1433
Scott
Here in CA that would be a Clear Violation of the DRE if you levied a Gas Charge. LOL I'd Assume the same would Apply to Florida.
Here in CA that would be a Clear Violation of the DRE if you levied a Gas Charge. LOL I'd Assume the same would Apply to Florida.
- Marc Guzman, "MarcGuzmanHomes"
- Contributions:69
Hey, business expenses are on the rise and so is my commission!
Get the buyer to sign a buyer/broker agreement and add that the buyer agrees to reimburse all expenses should they choose not to purchase in 90 days. This helps weed out the not so serious ones.
Or do what I've done a few times, have the buyer drive the agent around while showing homes. After seeing their gas expense go up, they'll be quick to buy something. Only try this with loyal clients.
Get the buyer to sign a buyer/broker agreement and add that the buyer agrees to reimburse all expenses should they choose not to purchase in 90 days. This helps weed out the not so serious ones.
Or do what I've done a few times, have the buyer drive the agent around while showing homes. After seeing their gas expense go up, they'll be quick to buy something. Only try this with loyal clients.
- scott daniels, "floridalistforless"
- Contributions:755
Wayne,
Actually we can charge a fee in advance when using a Buyer Brokers Agreement.
Actually we can charge a fee in advance when using a Buyer Brokers Agreement.
- Pam Miller, "Smart Solutions"
- Contributions:5
Real estate involves, doing what it takes to sell a home. Pamper your clients, treat them the way you would want to be treated, regardless of the price range. Whether someone is buying in a $300,000 or $3,000,000 home people want to feel that they are special...Human nature. Go above and beyond what their expectations will be. The last thing you will have on your mind are gas prices, you will be to busy dealing with the referrals from all of those EXTREMELY happy and pampered clients. Look outside the box. Exceed their expectations and focus on the positive. It will pay of :-)
- Pam Miller, "Smart Solutions"
- Contributions:5
Another thought....Put it into context....If your cleaner came to you and said..." I have to charge you gas for coming here." What would you reaction be? Or the mail man, gardener etc....
Good luck with that gas fee thing...
You might notice that there are alot less transactions today, then last year... and still a lot of realtors... Therefor any increase to price structure will be unlikely to survive...
Ever heard of Supply and Demand? If anything, realtors will be bending over backwards to do deal through the next 5 years...
You might notice that there are alot less transactions today, then last year... and still a lot of realtors... Therefor any increase to price structure will be unlikely to survive...
Ever heard of Supply and Demand? If anything, realtors will be bending over backwards to do deal through the next 5 years...
- scott daniels, "floridalistforless"
- Contributions:755
azr,
Supply and demand works two ways, as i`m positive you`ll agree.
Supply and demand works two ways, as i`m positive you`ll agree.
- Joanne Christopher, "Joanne Christopher"
- Contributions:292
Face it, we get paid pretty well for what we do. There are times when we find we have wasted time & money (including gas) with those who end up being non-Buyers. However that is par for the course. We just need to have good communication with our Buyers and establish certain boundaries & standards so that we are not taken advantage of by them while we are pampering them.
What I do find unacceptable however is when a broker has me haul 21 miles into the boonies to go meet him and his client (on my one day off) to view one of my developments and he doesn't show up. (Grrrrrrr)
What I do find unacceptable however is when a broker has me haul 21 miles into the boonies to go meet him and his client (on my one day off) to view one of my developments and he doesn't show up. (Grrrrrrr)
- scott daniels, "floridalistforless"
- Contributions:755
Is this your broker?
- Joanne Christopher, "Joanne Christopher"
- Contributions:292
This was actually a Buyers broker showing his client my listing.
Wasted: Four gallons of precious gas, 3 hours of my time (on a valuable and rare Sunday-day off with special plans that had to be broken).
Yes, the broker knew I was canceling a day trip with my husband in order to come out to meet him. (Grrrrrr)
Wasted: Four gallons of precious gas, 3 hours of my time (on a valuable and rare Sunday-day off with special plans that had to be broken).
Yes, the broker knew I was canceling a day trip with my husband in order to come out to meet him. (Grrrrrr)
"supply and demand works two ways..."
Whatever... this is were 90 hours or real estate education meets graduate study and research...
An increase in supply results in a lower equilibrium price, a decrease in demand also results in a lower equilibrium price. This isn't english grammer where 2 negatives equals a positive... Marketing forces are that realtors will compete for buyers and listings, and astute clients will bargain down commissions; expect this to continue till sufficient realtors leave the business.
Whatever... this is were 90 hours or real estate education meets graduate study and research...
An increase in supply results in a lower equilibrium price, a decrease in demand also results in a lower equilibrium price. This isn't english grammer where 2 negatives equals a positive... Marketing forces are that realtors will compete for buyers and listings, and astute clients will bargain down commissions; expect this to continue till sufficient realtors leave the business.
How will Real Estate Change once gas reaches $4.50 per gallon? Many will charge a Gas fee.
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Contributions:755Many Realtors will have to adjust their strategy when showing a home or meeting a client. It will cost an average of $90.00 to fill your vehicle. This will alter the way we all travel.
Majority of us drive clients in our vehicles. We take our clients to an average of 5-7 homes in a two hour time frame.The amount of miles is usually between 20-75 miles per outing.
Looking at the numbers,driving clients won`t be an option unless these clients are pre-approved. The days of allowing a client to get a feel for the area will be over.Conducting business will change.
It will be a challenge for many.Technology will be crucial for our survival.
Simply put, more homes will have virtual tours,additional photos,as well as charging a potential client a fee to cover the expense of travel.Who knows maybe some will charge the sellers a "Gas Fee",paid at closing!
It will be interesting to see. I`m under the impression Real Estate and the way we conduct business will drastically change.
I read a post the other day where a Broker was questioning a "Transaction Fee" paid at closing, I`m here to tell you more and more Realtors will be charging a fee to cover expenses or their survival will diminish.
Some question why a "Transaction Fee" is necessary.l guess if you start breaking down you`re expenses, you`ll come to a conclusion,it may not be.
The future of Real Estate is changing in front of our eyes.
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