For those of you who are golfers or know golfers here's an idea for a good way to give to your individual community.  Among my other titles, I'm also a board member for our Women's Golf Association.  Every year we encourage our friends and neighbors to cleann out their closets and garages of all that old golf equipment that they no longer use.  We donate it to our local First Tee.  If you don't know about The First Tee, it's a World Golf Foundation initiative dedicated to providing young peopleof all backgrounds an opportunity to develop life enhancing values through sportsmanship and golf.  We believe it's a good cause and hope you do too. 03/02/2009

Yes, it is the lyrics of a song, but it makes sense.  How many realtors do you meet that have no positive thoughts?  The market stinks, their relationships are falling apart, their customers are leaving them for other realtors, their deals are falling through and so forth. I can almost guarantee that without a change in attitude, their life and business will remain the same.  They will continue to fail and as the failures mount all areas of their life will be impacted. We're taking a different approach when we are around others.  Instead of asking, "How are you?", or "How are things going?" we'll simply say "Tell Me Something Good!"  If they have no positive response, we'll run - and you should too!! 03/02/2009

We've been in Corporate Management for over 30 years and have seen a number of excellent people fail because they got in the way of their success.  In almost every case it was a matter of Attitude.  By that I mean their mindset is such that they can't see opportunities coming their way, or even worse, they get out of the way and let them pass by. The Real Estate Business is equally challenging.  In our business we are independent contractors and in most cases stand alone exposed to challenges that can make or break our business every day.  Many have no one to turn to for reinforcement and to keep on track.  Many don't see how dramatically our business has changed and continue to rely on practices of years past. Unless you welcome change, maintain a positive attitude and focus on things ... 03/02/2009

Perhaps it's our age.  Yes, our children are grown and our Granddaughter is now 7 years old.  Or perhaps it's the way we were raised.  Our belief system that a man's word was his bond and that the decisions we make in life will impact the life after. Many of our clients are younger and most are the same age as our children.  When we look at them we see how important their decisions in life are and that their real estate transaction is likely the most important financial decision they will make in their life. Yes, we treat them like family.  We inform them; we shelter them from harm and guide them through the process.  So perhaps that's why 80% of our business comes from referrals.  03/02/2009

It's rare to see 6 or more inches of snow in the Greenville/Spartanburg area.  But that is what we woke up to this morning.  As inconvenient as it is, it is one of the most beautiful things in nature. The dormant brown grass and red clay is covered with a pure white coating which glitters in the sunlight.  It's like everything was cleansed of impurities and ready for a fresh start. In this sight of beauty, I draw a parallel with the Real Estate Business.  The current market has been cleansed of non-productive agents who just can't make it on one or two transactions a year.  And for those who are the top agents it has provided a new landscape where we can sharpen our skills, knowing that those who provide the highest level of service for our clients will prosper in the months to come. Ye... 03/02/2009

It's been raining for three days now and I think it might be time to start construction of the ark.  We really need the rain - - but - - do we have to get it all at once.  We've had a very mild winter so far and now that it's March we're getting sleet, freezing rain and probably snow.  We're not really prepared here in the south for this type of weather.  We just all stay home and wait for it to melt.  Good thing we work from home.  Stay dry and warm!!! 03/01/2009

We just returned from Family Reunion and thought it was great.  The education offered, the inspiration and just networking with professional agents from all over the country.  I would love to hear from others who attended to learn what your biggest Aha was.  If you're not with Keller Williams and you don't know what an Aha is you don't know what your missing! 02/26/2009

So far, the Keller Williams Family Reunion going on right now in Orlando Florida has been great.  We had a wonderful and informative opening ceremony this morning in which Gary Keller talked about the market.  He's a wonderful speaker and so inspiring to hear.  The afternoon was filled with great breakout sessions in which other agents share what they have done to become successful.  So far the information has been priceless and we have two more full days!! 02/22/2009

Today is a very special day because my oldest son has turned 30!  All I have to say is WOW - how is that possible?  Where does the time go? It seems like he was born just yesterday.  I'm so very proud of him too.  He has grown up to be a wonderful and responsible young man that would make any parent proud! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY!!! 02/22/2009

One of the tools that we use at Keller Williams is the DISC profile.  Like many other personality tests used, this is helpful for Real Estate agents for a number of reasons.  Not only does it help you learn more about yourself so that you can work on you weaknesses and capitalize on your strengths but it also teaches you how to communicate better with your clients.  If you know how a person likes to be communicated with than you should be able to form stronger relationships.  This is a very helpful tool in all facets of your life; not just work! 02/20/2009

We're really excited to be in Florida for the Keller Williams Family Reunion starting tomorrow.  We're really looking forward to hearing some of the best in the business speak and teach.  There are so many break sessions that there's always something for everyone; new and seasoned agents alike.  We always bring back some much information and it's always very motivational.  I'll keep you posted!! 02/20/2009

There are always two sides to a story - right.  So now for the "5 Good Reasons Not to Buy a Home This Year" as stated by MSM.com.  1.  Prices are still dropping.  2.  This Sale will be on for a while.  3. You may not stay put.  4.  Job security.  5.  Your cash reserve will be eaten up.  Although some of these are valid concerns I have to believe that they are regional.  You just can't assume that every market is the same.  In the upstate of South Carolina, prices are not still dropping and sellers are not willing to give away their homes.  Also, homes are selling.  If you think a home's going to be there forever you might be surprised when the one you like goes off the market.  As a buyer, I believe you should consult a professional realtor to get a true picture of the localized market ... 02/20/2009

There was a great article on MSN.com this morning titled "5 Good Reasons to Buy a Home This Year."  As realtors, you already know what they are: 1. Affordability is better than it's ever been.  2. There is a really large inventory to choose from.  3. Builders are offering discounts.  4.  Mortgage rates are historically low.  5.  Now first time home buyers can get a true $8,000 credit.  O.K. we all know this is not rocket science but for once I'm thrilled that the "National Media" is singing our tune.  It is a great time to buy and for those that think this opportunity is going to last forever - - they are wrong.  Like all good things this too will end.  Don't miss it!! 02/20/2009

Are you feeling like an outcast?  Do you miss positive energy and lack of excitement in your office?  Are you friends with Top Producers in your office or do they avoid you?  Perhaps this is not the most positive environment for making your business the fantastic career you dreamed of. We care and are willing to help you meet or exceed your goals!  We offer free Career Development and Coaching in a friendly environment where everyone in the company works together as a team and freely shares their ideas and secrets for success.  There is a better way and a Great Company, because we only hire Great Agents. Sound like the team environment you would like to work in?  02/20/2009

If you plan on selling your home in the near future, there are a number of things you can do to "Spruce" up the home and make it more inviting to potential buyers.  Most of these projects are not very expensive and can add a lot of "WOW!" to your home.  New paint, updated light fixtures and bathroom fixtures as well as an inviting entrance and curb appeal can all help get potential buyers into your home.  As for additions and remodeling; they too will help position your home so it competes much better in today's market.  However, don't expect to get all your money back from your investment.  Latest statistics show that certain projects will bring you a greater return than others.  Kitchens and Bathrooms lead the way with an 80% to 85% return on your investment.  Depending on the age of ... 02/17/2009

Yes, that's the questions; why would you use a realtor.  You've done this before, bought and sold a house.  How hard can it be; right?  Wrong! According to the National Association of Realtors, 83% of home buyers and sellers used a Realtor.  Based on their survey here are the benefits provided by the Real Estate Agent during the purchase: Home buyers:  57% benefited by helping the buyer understand the process, 47% helped point out unnoticed features/faults with the property, 40% improved buyer's knowledge of search areas, 38% to negotiate better sales contract terms, 35% to shorten the buyers home search and 32% to negotiate a better price. Home Sellers:  91% to list and market  their home on the Internet, 75% to provide a broad range of services and manage most aspects of the sales tra... 02/16/2009

We've seen a lot of agents post their listings using postlets and they look really nice.  We've used a service called listing domains for about a year now. They provide property web sites for your listings along with a lot of other related services.  It's really easy to create a web site; you can create flyers, post to craigsligt and so much more. If you want to check them out you can go to listingdomains.com. 02/14/2009

Hope you are all taking a little time to celebrate with your loved ones today.  We've decided to spend a quiet evening at home and prepare a special meal that we both really enjoy instead of fighting the crowds at the restaurants.  We were out showing properties all day so it will feel really good to sit back and relax! 02/14/2009

When we first ventured into the real estate world we thought that all real estate companies were created equally.  Boy were we surprised!  Over the years we've learned at lot about how different business models are applied to the real estate business and below we've summarized our findings. How the business model for Real Estate has changed:  1997 vs. 2007 The Old Business Model for Real Estate Companies: Step 1: Open an officeStep 2: Design a company brand (logo, slogan, etc)Step 3: Hire as many agents as possible Step 4: Have those agents close as many transactions as possibleStep 5: Take a percentage of the commissionsStep 6: Reinvest a portion of profits into promoting the company brand The new Business Model of today and the future. Item 1: Recognize that clients follow agents, not... 02/13/2009

The temperatures are supposed to be in the mid to high 60's this weekend.  Not too bad for February.  We're playing golf this afternoon and fixing something on the grill!  Hope you have a chance to get outside and enjoy this lovely weather before the cold comes back. Before we know it the flowers will be popping up - - spring is right around the corner!  Enjoy the weekend. 02/06/2009