What Happens in Vegas...

I had the privilege over the last week of attending the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World yearly conference (The Summit) in Las Vegas.  Allen Tate Companies graciously sent their top 5% producing agents out there to learn, network, and relax.  While I greatly enjoyed the room service and quiet solitude of a single occupancy hotel room (remember, I am a mama to 2 little ones whom I love dearly.... but man are they LOUD sometimes!), my favorite part was definitely meeting agents from other parts of the country.  We attended educational breakout sessions, and there were numerous networking opportunities.  I am usually not the person who gets into "networking" so to speak (so why in the world am I in real estate??), but it honestly just happened naturally.  I was able to question agents from Arizona, California, Hawaii... even other Taters in other markets... about how inventory looked for the Spring, current buyer hot buttons, staging trends, etc.  It was almost overwhelming the wealth of knowledge contained in that one place! 

Anyway, my point in writing this is mainly to let you know that when I say "I know a great agent in that market", I mean it!  If you are moving or even thinking of moving, chances are I have a personal contact from your destination who will be more than happy to connect with you and help you in any way they can.  They can provide neighborhood research, school info, etc.  Even in markets where I don't have a personal contact, I can find you one... but to be able to say "I personally know such and such" is to me just a very cool thing and yet another example of how Allen Tate agents really are your trusted advisors! 

HGTV

Last night I watched a show I had DVR'ed and that I just love, but as so often happens, my ire was raised somewhat by some comments made by the potential purchasers.  Their agent was doing a very good job -- and that takes a lot for me to say as I am usually not a fan of how agents on these shows act! -- but this buyer was just crucifying them in the follow up interview.  They stated something like "they don't care about me... they just want their paycheck."

Wrong wrong WRONG!  If I worked each deal just to get to the paycheck, I would be broke and desperate.  I DO want the paycheck, of course, but I also want the FUTURE paychecks I will get from folks referred to me by the current customer.  So, if I don't truly keep their best interest in mind, put their satisfaction at the top of the priority list, and do my job thoroughly and efficiently, I have just cost myself countless referrals down the road.  I realize not everyone will like what I have to say at the time, but sometimes what we want to hear isn't what we need to hear.  if I tell you what you want to hear just to get through this deal, I am shooting myself in the foot AND doing you a disservice.  So, no, it isn't just about the paycheck...

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional

The following is borrowed from Steve Harney & his Keeping Current Matters blog.  I couldn't have said it better myself!

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional