This is a time when many agents are considering their options...and they should be. In considering your options please ask yourself the following questions:1.     Does my company have a retirement program in place for me?  Do the owners share their profits with agents in addition to paying commissions?2.     Does my company's Risk Management program include training, E&O insurance and an attorney on call and does it cost $360 a year or less?3.     Does my company's commission structure limit (cap) the amount of money the company takes and allow me to go to a true 100% commission split?4.     If my company is a franchise does it limit (cap) the Royalty fee or franchise fee I pay? Do you pay 6%, 8% or even 12.5% forever, why?5.     Does my company offer an in-house training program for al... 01/04/2008

We here at Keller WIlliams Realty Brazos Valley would like to welcome to our famliy of agents Justin Whitworth, REALTORJustin Whitworth is a proud Aggie, Texan, and American. Originally from Austin, Texas Justin moved to the BrazosValley in 2000 to study at TexasA&MUniversity. In December of 2004 Justin graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science. Today Justin Whitworth is proud to call Bryan-College Station his home. When Justin isn't selling real estate he spends time with his family and friends cheering for his beloved Aggies. Justin is a member of numerous professional and social organizations including the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and the Bryan-College Station Board of Realtors, to name a few. Justin is the managing partner of a $3,000,000 residential rea... 01/04/2008

What great things could happen...*Rates could stay low*Prices could hold firm and rise over time.*Call 2 more people per day that we know and ask for business.*Get out of the office and be among people who could make you money.*Talk to builders*Get your vendors involved.*Become a great bloggerJust a few ideas for 2008Till Next TimeMatt RatcliffeTeam Leader 01/04/2008

We here at Keller WIlliams Realty Brazos Valley would like to welcome to our famliy of agents Justin Whitworth, REALTORJustin Whitworth is a proud Aggie, Texan, and American. Originally from Austin, Texas Justin moved to the BrazosValley in 2000 to study at TexasA&MUniversity. In December of 2004 Justin graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science. Today Justin Whitworth is proud to call Bryan-College Station his home. When Justin isn't selling real estate he spends time with his family and friends cheering for his beloved Aggies. Justin is a member of numerous professional and social organizations including the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and the Bryan-College Station Board of Realtors, to name a few. Justin is the managing partner of a $3,000,000 residential rea... 01/04/2008

We had our local FBI agent at our luncheon today.  The information we received was outstanding.  I think all Americans should have to sit down and listen to an explanation like we had today in regards to the threats and the thinking of the current terrorist groups.  What we learned will help us be better citizens.  One of the key things he said is that if it looks wrong, feels strange then report it.  They have stop or uncovered many things by citizens just picking up the phone and giving a license plate number, description etc...  I appreciate all the efforts of our armed forces and people like our local FBI agents who are keeping me and my family safe.Support you associations!Till Next Time,Matt RatcliffeTeam Leader 01/03/2008

New construction seems to be the one place where the mortgage crisis has hit the greatest.  What kind of deals are the builders doing to get their homes sold.  Are they discounting prices, paying more to buyer agents, more amenities or closing cost.  What is showing up in your area of the country.  We in College Station texas are just trying to stay ahead of the curve.  Please post your builder incentives in your rsponse.  Thanks rainers for all you do to keep this site up and running.  Blog on!Till Next Time,Matt RatcliffeTeam Leader 01/02/2008

What a great way to end the Holiday time this year.  We drove home to College Station and had a great drive. (7 hours)  We had a great time talking about life and work.  Something my wife said got me to thinking.  She said that in her line of work as a nurse, it lets her hear and see a lot of things in regards to human nature.  Here is what she said, "You know  when I tell my patience's that it is going to be all right, they believe me."  I said are they really going to be alright?  She said that if I tell them the whole truth they would panic and probable have greater stress or issues.  I told her that she was providing a service that she was preforming with her patiences. We need to practice the same service with our clients.  I know real estate is hard sometimes and we feel that we h... 01/02/2008

Dear Rainers,Happy New years to all and to all a great year.  I have been posting in the last few weeks ideas to get ready for 2008, guess what, it is time to put those in to practice.  Implementation is always the hardest thing to do when it comes to adjustments or corrective activities,  The other thing you have to get started on is someone to hold you accountable.  That means you will have tio share your ideas with someone else.  My question to you is can you?  I know it may be hard and yes it might hurt, but can you implement?Till Next Time,Matt RatcliffeTeam Leader 01/01/2008

I wrote an article on professionalism and the the response I got back greatly disturbed me.  Here is the link, Click Here .  The person who had a problem with said that we as agents could not attain the level of professionalism needed for our jobs.  I think they may need a wake up call.  It all starts with us to determine if we will be professional or have integrity.  Integrity is doing the right thing.  So what is the right thing?  It is anything that has to do with the best interest of or clients, not us.  If we take care of the clients first then we will get what we need from the transaction.  We must work to insure our industry can be as ever bit professional as a Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant etc...  We must make our industry the best and it starts with us, today, now.  Make 2008 the ... 12/31/2007

Professionalism is defined as:-noun 1.professional character, spirit, or methods. 2.the standing, practice, or methods of a professional, as distinguished from an amateur. Source:  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/professionalismHere is what makes us professionals:1)  We know our contracts forward and backwards.  We know what happens if you fill the blank in or leave it blank.  Plan on learning what your clients sign and be a professional.2)  Systems and Models that save your clients time and money.  We are suppose to know how to do our business.  The technology, the contracts, the procedures and of course handling all the problems that might come up in the transaction.3)  Code of ethics, do you know them, better yet do you believe in them?4)  How is your character?  What if we as... 12/30/2007

When was the last time you thought about those who helped you in your business? When I think back over the last 20 years I can think of several people who I owe a great thanks to: My Mother Ted Ratcliffe, Broker, Builder and Father. Royce Newsom Linda Ferguson Mary Ann Grafft John Walton Tim Minnix Debbie Frapp Doug Eastland Jeff Bird Sam White Andrew Smith My ALC All of the agents in Bryan College Station and Lubbock Our Market Center I know I missed some, to those I say thank you. Till Next Time, Matt Ratcliffe Team Leader 12/30/2007

I woke with the realization that this was tha last Sunday of 2007 and it got me to thinking.  What changes has our industry been through this year.  On of our major achievements in Texas is the voting in Proposition 6 which allows us to exempt our autos from our real estate business in regards to State property tax.  That saved most agents around $600 dollars a year.  Our State Association continues to us our TREPAC dollars to help us save money.  The other change that happened was around September when the finance market shifted.  We did not know how this would affect us in Bryan College Station.  It appears that it will not affect us near as bad as the larger towns.  We have a fairly strong conventional market.2008 will brings changes as the election nears... so changes will continue ... 12/30/2007

Here is the current article 12 from the NAR site.  I find that most agent have violations related to this issue, a true picture of... We never want to mislead the public in what we do and or advertise in trying to find new business.  I know we have a long road to go, however a gentle reminder for 2008 comes to mind for me and my office.  It would be a great time to review you web strategy and make the appropriate changes.  The Internet has truly changed and is changing our world of real estate.  Do you have your Internet strategy setup for 2008?  If not then get after it, because 2008 is just a few days away!*****************************************************************2008 Article 12Article 12 REALTORS® shall be honest and truthful in their real estate communications and shall prese... 12/29/2007

What is a Team Player?1)  Be Responsible-  Take charge of opportunities.  Do not what for others to pick up the activity, just get it done.2)  Coach-  If you are good at something teach someone else to do it as well.  You have to give to get.3)  Be Open- Listen to what others are sying.  Do not just respond, listen to what you can do to help them.4)  Be Generous-  Be willling to give credit where credit is due.  We must recognize the ones who got the team to where it was going.  Next time it may be you.5)  Set The Example- What you mean is that I have to set an example of how I want people to behave? Yes you do!6)  Build Relationships- Trust is a hard thing to earn, however it is easy to loose.  Never Gossip, never talk about anyone behind their back.These are jus a few that I have disc... 12/29/2007

It is a cold morning and it is 4:00am, you and your hunting partner are out in the deer blind near the feeder hung from the oak tree.  When from the distance you hear branches crunching...what could it be, a deer, a hog, a buck?  You use the hearing sense and the high powered scope on your gun to locate the the disturbance.  You search and then you find the target and determine that it is an 8 point buck.  Your breathing starts to quicken and then you squeeze the trigger.  The buck is hit but runs and it will be daylight before you can claim a complete success.How does that relate to real estate, here goes:You wake up in the wee hours of the morning and check your MLS for expired listings.  You then locate the homes that you wish to list.  You call for an appointment to size up the targ... 12/29/2007

Here aree a few brief facts about the Texas economy.The state's professional and business services industry gained 56,600 jobs from October 2006 to October 2007, an annual growth rate of 4.5 percent, and ranked second in job creation (Table 2 and Figure 3). Jobs gained consisted of 33,400 in administrative and support services, 18,100 in professional, scientific and technical services and 5,100 in management of companies and enterprises.  for more information on the Texas Workforce then go to the Texas A&m Real Estate Research website;  Click Here.For  more information on the October Workforce report then click here.The Local economy in Bryan College Staion is well in check.  The economy is in expansion and appears to be that way for another few years.  There is nothing on the immediate... 12/29/2007

When the national media continues to ponder where the housing industry is headed, we in College Station and Bryan know that our year has been one of the second best on record.  According to our local numbers we see a continued performance of the real estate market.  Will we be affected by the sub-prime fallout, to some degree, however according to most lenders in the area, sub-prime was not a tool that was used in our area.  The builders will need to put the maximum marketing effort to compete with the preowned market.  2008 appears to be another opportunity for great success.Till Next Time...Matt RatcliffeTeam LeaderKeller Williams Realty Brazos Valley 12/29/2007

You have decided to go into sales, you are now a real estate agent.  I believe that you are a "Consultant", not just a real estate agent.  Here is the difference, you must ask questions and listen.  When we listen what we hear is what the client needs, wants or desires.  When we listen we understand our client and and thier motivations.  If you find yourself talking all of the time, then ask a question and stop talking.  Listen for a change then respond to what they say.  I think you will find that you will make greater opportunities for yourself.Till Next Time,Matt RatcliffeTeam Leader/Business Coach 12/26/2007

I was just wondering if anyone else was thinking about the last few days of 2007?  I know I'am doing just that, and here is what I discovered:*I started the year as a Production Coach for Keller Williams Realty Lubbock with over 30 new agents that I was in charge of at the time.*Then summer came and I and I found out that I had an oppurtinuty to severe a brand new Market Center in College Station Texas.*Moved my family to College Sation*August 2007 a new real estate company was opened in College Station, Texas.*We are ending the year with 41 agents and profit after only being open for 4 months.Now that 2008 is upon us, I wonder where the year will take us?Till Next Time,Matt RatcliffeTeam Leader/Business CoachKeller Williams Realty Brazos ValleyBryan/College Station Texas 12/26/2007

Dear readers,It quiet here in College Station, Texas as the last of our Texas A&M University students have left town for homes around the world. Truly, the peace is nice....no more waiting for our favorite restaurants. But with the kids, go the money.I was in the McDonald's on University Drive yesterday and it was like a foreign students convention. It made me thankful that I have a home for Christmas.To our student friends, drive carefully, have fun and we'll see you in January!Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com 12/22/2007