No One Sells More Real Estate than RE/MAX!
RE/MAX Results agent Mark Bartikoski is no stranger to the listing presentation table. Mark has been with RE/MAX for over 20 years.
We spoke with him last week about how he is using listing syndication to gain clients and his perception that with the change in Edina Realty’s stance on listing syndication that their agents are “bringing a knife to a gun fight”
“Using listing syndication in my listing presentations is an important tool and it has certainly helped us get many listings away from our competitors.â€
“In working with expired listing clients, this is information that they never knew. Obviously an Edina Realty agent doesn’t sit down and tell you you’re not going to be on most of the biggest real estate related websites on the Internet. And clients are frankly quite surprised by that.â€
“ I think it all comes down to exposure – the more exposure the better. And if you list with EdinaRealty.com, you’re not going to be on some of the biggest sites on the Internet… This information should be incorporated into every RE/MAX agent’s listing presentation. If you’re going to be competing against an Edina [Realty] real estate agent, there should be no question that RE/MAX is the way to go.â€
I recently received an email with a photo attachment from Kelly Berkley with RE/MAX Results in Eden Prairie, MN. Her positive words and outlook on the current housing market were a nice reminder that, even though some national reports on the housing market and its recovery are glum, dreams are coming true daily and happy endings are a reality. I thought you might also like to see it:
“This young, newlywed couple could only afford a small, small mortgage payment. (“Find us a house that is cheaper than rent” said the buyers!).  They both work full time, and go to school almost full time. With a down payment in the bank, the search began. This little jewel of a cottage was found, negotiations were firm and quick, and they moved in before Halloween.  Their first new purchase was a big bag of candy to pass out to the little costumed trick-or-treaters!
Foreclosed properties can have a  happy ending, and this is a fine example.
This entry level segment of my my market will never make me rich. But these two have a ton of friends, and have already sent me 2 referrals. Working with sweet, solid young people is a great pleasure. They learned patience, endurance, and an entire semester of economics, business, and savings and loan procedures. They in turn teach their friends, and so on, and so on.  They are the future. They are a wonderful part of my sphere of influence. They also happen to be my son and his precious bride.”
Thanks for sharing, Kelly! If you have a positive story to share, email me at pr@remax-nc.net.
Passion for Pets – Chris Hansen, with the Lacina Team and RE/MAX Specialists in Lilydale, MN, has taken his passion for pets to a new level: he’s connecting clients in jeopardy of losing their home and their pets with pet foster care providers.
Chris is a short sale expert and says he’s constantly coming into contact with clients who aren’t just losing their homes. “I help my clients sell their homes in short sales. Throughout the process you talk, other things come up and one thing leads to another. I found a couple of different clients were really struggling with the idea of having to surrender their pets to the Humane Society because they couldn’t afford them or because they were moving to a place that wouldn’t allow pets. I just couldn’t accept the idea of these pets, my clients’ family members, being given up – so I called up some personal contacts and found a few foster care families.â€
Chris has been a pet advocate (he has four dogs of his own, three of which are rescue dogs) longer than he’s been a real estate agent but he says the two seem to fit together. “The real estate world is a great place to reach out because you meet and talk to so many people every day. And now, with having a few foster care families set up, I’m able to offer my clients a different kind of choice; when they think their only option is surrendering their pet I can put them in touch with a foster care family. It can be a temporary fix until they get back on their feet but I’ve also found forever homes for pets too.â€
Through his long list of personal and real estate connections, Chris has successfully found foster homes for five dogs, four of which he also found permanent homes for. He says he’ll continue to help his clients and their pets as long as there’s a need. “I’m constantly working to grow my network and each day I seem to come in contact with someone who either wants to help the pets or has a pet that needs help.â€Â
Chris, one of his pet foster care “moms†and two of his clients were recently interviewed on Fox 9’s morning show; to talk with Chris personally about his pet foster care plan contact him at (763) 286-5526 or chansen@mnhomes.com. You can also visit the Lacina Team website at www.lacinateam.com.
A Place of Your Own – He says his specializations are The Happy Couple, The Empty Nester and The Single Client – with an emphasis on the last one. Jeff Feldman, with RE/MAX associates plus in the Twin Cities, took the experience from his previous occupation and found success in real estate by concentrating on what he knows best – singles.Â
“I was the Membership Director for a singles company called Events & Adventures for four years before I earned my real estate license. When I started building my real estate clientele I realized that I already had a strong connection to singles and could help them through an incredible life changing experience. So, I focus on being an advocate for singles.â€
 Jeff says while there are definite pros to buying a home alone there are also some cons – but that’s what drives him. “When you’re single, you don’t have to ask permission; my single clients generally get what they want in a home without having to settle. There’s no negotiating of ‘he wants this, she wants that.’ There’s just one decision maker, one credit score and usually very good communication through the entire process. But…if they’re looking at homes alone they may also not have someone close to talk things through with and so they turn to me; they look to me as an advocate and really trust me to make a difference in their lives. I sometimes feel humbled by my clients.â€
While Jeff’s emphasis in working with singles is a business approach it’s also a personal choice and he says the real success has nothing to do with his production level. “I share the same lifestyle as my single clients and I think that really resonates with them. I think they feel more comfortable with me because I specialize in who they are and, therefore, I think they find my opinions and ideas more credible. I like knowing that I’m making a difference for them, that I’m part of a life transition; the end of one long road and the beginning of a new one.â€Â
To chat with Jeff about his specialization, contact him at jeff@jeffFeldman.com or (952) 887-1234. You can also check out his website at www.jeffFeldman.com.
Be Inspired – Bob Baudo with RE/MAX Realty 100 in Milwaukee, WI received the Community Citizenship award at the RE/MAX Awards Dinner this March for his volunteer work with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Several relief trips were planned. Bob has made five trips to New Orleans since the disasters struck the Gulf coast. He says getting involved has been truly inspiring. Â
“My church made an announcement after Hurricane Katrina that they were looking for men and women with skills to take a trip to New Orleans and help rehab homes. A church in the Orleans Parish has been rehabbed into a volunteers working camp complete with mess hall type food, and dormitory sleeping arrangements. And as a landlord I have picked up some electric, plumbing and dry wall trades over the years so I thought why not? On one of my trips I flew down with two bags, one with work clothes for New Orleans and one with dress clothes. I spent nine nights sleeping on a foam mattress bunk bed and working on rehab projects during the day. I then went to Las Vegas for the RE/MAX International Convention and went to sleeping on the 23rd floor of New York, New York. The dramatic change from one extreme to the next really struck me. I realized that some of the families working to reestablish their homes and lives may never have the chance to get it 100% back to normal, let alone be able to have it better than normal.â€Â
Bob says in the five years he’s taken his annual trip to New Orleans his conviction to help has only become stronger. “Every little bit makes a difference in the life of one. If I see someone in need and think that I can do something, can take a skill or talent, and spend some time to help them, even just a little bit, I will. And I really think it’s the little things you do that go the farthest.  If you don’t have money to donate get creative with your time and thoughts; we can all give something. But it’s tough to energize people; it has to come from the heart.â€Â Â
While Bob’s heart continues to grow volunteering is not something he uses to grow his business. “I don’t publicize what I do. I’ve gotten some recognition but I never expected it. I have successfully collected donations; people say ‘Oh, I wish I could help.’ I tell them to put their money where their mouth is and have collected nearly $8,000 in Home Depot gift cards, which I give to families in New Orleans. The pay back is the sincere thank you that comes from those I’m helping.â€Â Â
Bob’s heartfelt endeavors recently inspired another RE/MAX Realty 100 associate to do more – Matt Eisenhauer with the Hales Corners office just returned from his first trip to New Orleans. If you’re interested in joining the rehab effort, donating a gift card, or just learning more about Bob’s experience contact Bob at 262.784.9220 or findbob@wi.rr.com
You can also check out the website for the organization Bob works with: http://camprestore.org/.
Use the Design Center & Keep it Simple – Gigi Saharsky and her husband, Mike, joined RE/MAX Select REALTORS in Green Bay, WI a year and a half ago. When they joined, Gigi grabbed Design Center by its horns and isn’t letting go. Â
Gigi explains, “I came from a company where you had to pay for everything. When I joined RE/MAX I decided to take advantage of all the free products they have to offer. I immediately created and sent out a “Look Who’s New†brochure, found out how easy it is and now there are three things I consistently do that I think everyone should do.â€Â
You may be asking yourself, “What are these three things?†Gigi shares, “Four times a year I write a Newsletter using a template from Design Center. But,†and but was emphasized, “I tweak the bottom. I made my own template that allows me to include 4-8 pictures and information of homes I currently have listed. I also include a letter with local market stats.†Gigi continues, “The second thing I do – I take the “Sign You Want, Agent You Need†card and add personal testimonials in there. I have past clients’ emails that work as great testimonials. I put those on the page using both sides. This can be used in CMAs, leave it in a doctor’s office or at the bank with your lender. I think agents would be shocked at how often they’d use this.â€Â
The third thing Gigi does using the Design Center, and explains is her biggest resource, is creating Web commercials and virtual tours but, again the but was emphasized, she transfers them to discs. Gigi says, “This is something anyone could do. I’m 59 and if it was complicated I wouldn’t do it. I literally take pictures of every house, I put the pictures up with very little writing – seriously, I write something like ‘welcome to your new home,’ show the pictures and then at the end put up Mike’s and my picture with our contact information – I then send it to other agents, put it on Facebook, but the most important thing I do is put the virtual tour and web commercial on a disc. I make a jazzy label with a photo of the home and of course our info! It’s not made to go on a disc, which is frustrating, but I do it. I always have 5 or 6 copies for the seller and take them to open houses. Sellers think that we are the greatest thing since sliced bread! And it is all the Design Center. I have had sellers and their families ask for more discs to give to their friends, they are my little soldiers. I make copies and bring it to every client I’m trying to get a listing from. I ask if they want to keep the disc and about 80% do. They think it’s great and it sets Mike and me apart from other Realtors. They hear what other agents ‘say’ they’ll do for them but they can ‘see’ what I’ll do for them. They say ‘Look at what Mike and Gigi can do!’â€Â
Gigi says utilizing these three tools in the Design Center has certainly helped her business but there is one important thing to remember. “These materials help me promote Mike and me as Realtors, RE/MAX as a brand, and promote the professionalism of our industry. The hardest part of the Design Center is getting your profile up, the rest is easy! It takes me less than 5 minutes to create my web commercials, and most of that time is creating my label! But I keep it simple: I use music, a small number of words, and my contact information. Get started and dive in! It’s fun, inexpensive, and will set you apart from the competition!†Â
If you’d like to chat with Gigi about her Design Center experience and insights into the “Keep it Simple†method, contact her at (920)217-1462 or gsaharsky@gmail.com.
Catch Some Air: Jim Ronding and Gary Kalligher, owners and agents of RE/MAX 1 in Superior, WI & Duluth, MN respectively, are finding success with a weekly radio show. The two co-hosts of the Twin Ports Real Estate Show, which can be heard on KDAL 610 AM every Saturday from 12:30pm – 2:00pm, agree that it sets them apart from the rest.Â
Ronding, who secured the radio program after attending a BNI networking session, says it took a lot of hard work to round up sponsorships and interest but now that things are in place, it’s working. “Nothing is off the table in regards to real estate related topics. We talk about politics if it affects real estate; and it works because Gary and I tend to have opposite views so we go back-and-forth with opinions and ideas. We take calls to talk about the bank bail outs and that can get very controversial. But we also talk about the Tax Credit, market stats and how to buy or sell a home. People are listening; they think we’re interesting and entertaining and have come to find us as experts.â€Â
The two co-hosts don’t assume the entire show.  Kalligher says they often have interviews scheduled and speakers that call in. “While ‘hot button’ political issues and local real estate stats are a big hit, we are able to offer our listeners advice from a number of real estate experts. Verl Workman, Rich Levine, and Frank Wible from RE/MAX New Jersey have all made appearances and brought their own personality and expertise to the show.â€Â Ronding adds, “David Knox, Alex Charfen and two VPs from NAR have joined us and Margaret Kelly, RE/MAX’s CEO, has agreed to come on. We’ve also been joined by non-real estate professionals including David Oreck of vacuum fame. My ultimate goal is to get the President to call in!â€Â
While having President Obama on would undoubtedly boost ratings, the two co-hosts seem to be doing something right already. “The numbers show that we are a resource that people come to,†says Kalligher. “KDAL tells us our listening audience has increased more than 15 times since we started in September 2008.â€Â Ronding likes to say, “We’ve made dead air time into a real hot spot.â€
Both Ronding and Kalligher share that the radio show has given them measurable business but they don’t see it at it as a business maker. Ronding says, “Sure, we’ve listed and sold properties due to listeners hearing us on the radio and connecting with us but we don’t look at it like that. We do this to help our community understand what’s happening in the industry and to let them know we’re a point of contact for them if they have questions. Buying a house is most people’s biggest purchase and we want to make sure they understand all that goes into it.â€Â Kalligher agrees, “The radio show takes a lot of work. We don’t just show up to talk, we don’t take this lightly; we read a lot of content to prepare ourselves. We are on-air for a reason and want to deliver accurate and timely information to our listeners.â€Â
Listeners will soon be able to listen to the Twin Ports Real Estate Show via live web streaming! For now, as mentioned, the show is Saturdays from 12:30pm – 2:00pm on KDAL 610 AM. If you have questions for either Jim or Gary about their radio show or their real estate business, you’re welcome to contact them at:
Jim Ronding:Â jimronding@remax.net / 715.392.1111 / www.jimronding.com
Gary Kalligher: Â garykalligher@remax.net / 218.722.2810 / www.duluthmnhomes.com
Go Above and Beyond – Colleen Johnson with RE/MAX Action West in Minnetonka, MN firmly believes in making sure people who are new to the area are completely satisfied with their new home and location. She believes in it so much that she went above and beyond the real estate “call of duty!â€
Colleen explains her unique situation. “I was working with a buyer who was relocating his family to the Minneapolis area from Chicago. The family wanted a lakeshore property west of the cities. We looked and looked but nothing felt right to them. We started getting pressed for time because they needed to enroll their daughter in school; so I suggested renting a home. The idea of renting a home was fine with them but none of the rentals felt right either. After working with them for so long I knew what they were looking for and my house fit the bill so I offered it as a rental.â€
Within a week Colleen and her husband moved all of their personal possessions out of their house leaving just the furniture. The family moved in but Colleen says they were still out looking at houses weekly. They did so for nearly a year and, finally, this fall the family closed on a short sale property – and it just so happens they are now Colleen’s neighbors!Â
Colleen says the situation wasn’t without hiccups. “We own a few small rental homes and were able to move into one of those. But while we were living there we found a renter for it and she needed it before the short sale closed. So my husband and I actually had no home for about 30 days! Luckily we had some friends to stay with.â€
Regardless of the inconveniences Colleen says the quirky situation worked out perfectly in the end. “I really wanted my client and his family to be happy with their new house and location. I work closely with his company and have always built clients by referral. My goal is to make sure they’re happy in the end and hope that they refer my name when they hear of others needing to buy or sell a home. I guess I just believe in good karma: if they’re happy in the end, they’ll send me more clients. It always comes back around.â€Â
To chat with Colleen about her house-renting experience or to learn more about her business, contact her at 952.470.7600 or cjsold100@aol.com. You can also check out her website at www.cjsold.com.
Expand your Horizons – This past fall, Jyoti Choudhari with RE/MAX Results in Apple Valley, MN, was approached by a friend and invited to join a group of local Indian business owners who wanted to form an India Chamber of Commerce. After hearing more about the group and their goals, Jyoti was excited and eager to get involved. That was four months ago; since then Jyoti’s seen the group develop into the India Chamber of Commerce. It was launched on November 21st and inaugurated by Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Minnesota’s First Lady Mary Pawlenty. This has grown Jyoti’s business contacts and has opened new doors for her.
As Jyoti (3rd from the left) explains, the local Asian Indian community has several social, religious, professional, technological networking organizations but none serving the entrepreneurs. India Chamber of Commerce fills up this void. “It is a national organization and will serve as a conduit to existing and new business owners get established by providing expertise in various Industries. We’ll also host public functions every other month. These will promote business and provide value to local community members.â€Â
 Jyoti’s role with the India Chamber of Commerce has helped her business. “This has definitely opened up contacts for me. I’ve met private investors and new business entrepreneurs. And I feel my name recognition in the community is growing, my networking circle is bigger.â€Â Her involvement has also given Jyoti a new title: Advisor of Women’s Business Council. “I am one of two women on the Women’s Business Council. I work to encourage women to become a part of an organization and help them to be successful in their business.â€
As mentioned above, the India Chamber of Commerce holds bi-monthly public events – in fact, one is tonight. They’re hosting a workshop titled “Business Financing 2010,†which will cover various funding opportunities and will include a keynote speaker. For more information on this event and the India Chamber of Commerce visit their website at www.indiachamber.org.
To learn more about Jyoti Choudhari, her role with the India Chamber of Commerce or her RE/MAX business, contact her at 952.221.6495 or jyoti@minnesotahomes.com.
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