WHAT’S YOUR PLUS FACTOR?

In today’s crazy world of work , more than ever we all need to focus on what we can do to stand out from the other people applying for the same job.  The key is in knowing what to do, which you can probably figure out. The question is, do you want to do what it’s going to take?

First you may want to look at your market. In real estate we have to look at competing properties, in life you have to look at your living, breathing, competition. In real estate we check the prices of competing properties so we are priced to sell but we also have to compete with other agents for the job. With the market being so competetive in just about every facet, when you compete today, you must have an edge. Something this will make that person want to hire you.

Try to find out a little bit about your potential ”employer” before you sit down to interview.  What is their goal? How quickly are they looking to make a decision? Is there anything special you should know?

  Many of us continue to do the same thing and for a long time it did work but now we have to work harder and be smarter because the competition has greatly increased and the potential employer, whether it be an owner needing to sell or a traditional job, has many choices.

REALITY CHECK— the world is not the same as it was last year OR the year before and won’t ever be the same ever again so adjust your business plan to the way business and interviews are done today and you WILL see results.

Social networking, blogging, smart phones, Web2.0, etc are just some of the things that have changed the way business is done.  Depending on your niche, you need to understand how you need introduce yourself, communicate and gain respect and loyalty.  You cannot complain that a customer/client was not loyal if you did not take the steps you need to to retain them.  More than ever you MUST sell your value.

So…the question remains….What IS your plus factor. With all the applicants for the same job, all having availability to the same information, what are you going to do to “sell yourself”. What’s your target market and how will you be appealing to them?

Just my two cents…..

So….what’s YOUR plus factor?? 

Carol

It May Be Green To You!

Permalink: http://carolmoson.wordpress.com/2009/12/18/it-may-be-green-to-youit-may-be-green-to-you/

As an instructor of a new Designation Course by NAR – Green, I have been talking up the concept of Green. The first response is usually a little distant but then talking about every day savings actually generates interest:   Here are 10 things you can do today, right now, to be Green. You see, being green is not necessarily buying organic foods, detergents, etc , it is just asking yourself daily – What Can I Do Today To Make The Planet A Little Better. We all need to live here for a long time so let’s make it the best planet it can be.

 OK – here are the 10 (you probably know them – just don’t do them)

1. Don’t run the water while you are brushing your teeth. Turn it on and off as you need it. Same for washing dishes

2. Unplug ALL electronics when not in use OR get a multi strip that will turn off several at one time

3. As your lighbulbs burn out, replace them with the new energy efficient bulbs that last 5-10 years, depending on what you buy.  YES they are more expensive but they last 5-10 years.

4. Turn of lights when you leave the room or are done in your closet

5. Try a small space heater if you only use one small area instead of heating an entire floor of space

6. Be sure to have all clock (programable) thermostats and program the heat/air to adjust appropriately when nobody is home during the day.

7. Put on a sweatshirt and lower the heat just one degree

8. Use re-usable water bottles instead of throwing away plastic bottles.

9. Try to find a use for food items you were going to throw away. (i.e. the other half of the lime or rest of the pasta)  You’ll be amazed at what you will come up with and you’ll save money and resources too)

10. Plan your driving route so you can use your gas and time wisely.

See how simple?  It IS easy to be green!

Carol Moson
CRS,ABR,e-Pro,GREEN,SRS
Sales/Instructor/Trainer
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
678-414-0760

Employer Assisted Housing Program

This is great!   NAR (The National Association of REALTORS®) has a program called Employer Assisted Housed and  at the recent convention I became one of a select few REALTORS® certified to teach and help implement the program.  The title of the program can be misleading, however the program is designed to work with employers to develop programs that will help their employees purchase a home.  There are several different approaches an employer can take to accomplish this.  At the bottom of this page is a link to the video that will give you a clear idea of what this program can do for you.

This program is a tremendous tool for recruitment, retention, revitalization and employer recognition.  If you or someone you know is interested on being a trend setter in the work force, please call me.  As trainers/instructors we are not limited to where we can assist with this program.  

If you have a REALTOR® organization that would benefit from training your members please contact me as well. This is a VERY exciting opportunity with perfect timing for our market.

I look forward to meeting with you.

Carol Moson, CRS,ABR,e-Pro,GREEN,SRS,EAH,SFR
Instructor/Trainer for NAR,CAR and GAR
678-414-0760
carol@carolmoson.com

Please see link below:

Here is a link to the video that explains the program very well. 

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1735797287/bctid1737010061

Going GREEN – A little at a time

OK – This is post #2 about the new GREEN designation with NAR.  I really am excited about teaching this class! The amount of information that is out there is extremely overwhelming so I thought some of you may want to have doses of many of the resources as there are just way too many to list at one time.

As per our manual, the NAR Green Designation “will help home buyers and sellers, developers, property managers, and commercial building owners who care about energy efficiency and environmentally sound building practices identify real estate professionals who can help them meet their green real estate goals.” This is the only one of its kind recognized by NAR.

With all that being said…. the first suggestion would be to learn some of the lingo
http://ang.live.mediaspanonline.com/images/assets/Green-Lingo_AngiesList.pdf is a great source.

Tip 2. Adapt your listing presentation and buyer counseling sessions to address concerns and desires of the green consumer. Awareness of green is at an all time high.

Tip 3.  Greenwashing will be an important word to know. It is basically when someone tries to make something sound more appealing than it is or misrepresents it’s real value

That’s all for now – still collecting my thoughts and information so I’ll write more tomorrow.

Please let me know if you think this is good information for you to receive. 

Carol Moson, CRS, ABR, e-Pro, GREEN
Associate Broker – RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
Instructor for NAR,CAR,GAR
    678-414-0760    
carol@carolmoson.com

OK – It’s GREEN Weekend!

How Will You Be Green This Weekend?

Did you know …..that in 1957, a geologist for Shell Oil Company predicted existing fossil fuel reserves would be depleted rapidly once the demand escalated. The impressive part is he predicted the critical time to be early 2000′s…..hmmmmm.  ( FYI – petroleum,natural gas and coal are termed fossil fuels. Greenhouse gas refers to the byproducts of fossil fuel).

• Here are some things you can do right now.
  Eat differently: Pre-packaged food, fast food,soft drinks require large amounts of materials in their production. You can try to purchase locally grown foods which would encourage products requiring less fuel to deliver to us
• Travel differently:
  Walk, ride your bike or take mass transportation as alternatives to driving cars.
• If possible try to work from home
  More and more employers are looking for ways to cut their energy costs as well.  It may not hurt to find out if working from home at least one day is an option.
  Also try to recycle and use more products made from recycled materials-you’d be amazed at products that are made from recycled goods.
  Finally for now – by re-usable water bottles that are dishwasher safe. Drinking bottled water and throwing away the plastic bottles just isn’t GREEN.  We are all guilty of that too!

As promised, here are some of the resource sites for being Green:

Federal Trade Commission, “Sorting Out ‘Green’ Advertising Claim www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/general.
Intelligentsia Coffee Social Responsibility Statement, www.intelligentsiacoffee.com
Grubb & Ellis Company, Green Operating Philosophy, www.grubb-ellis.com
Global Footprint Network,” Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity,” 2006, www.footprintnetwork.org
Carbon Footprint Calculators: www.earthlab.com www.conservation.org  www.carbonfund.org
REALTORS®  Field Guide on Wind Power   www.realtor.org/Library

Hope this stuff helps…have a great weekend , more next week

Carol Moson, CRS, ABR, e-Pro, GREEN
Associate Broker – RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
Instructor for NAR,CAR,GAR
678-414-0760    
carol@carolmoson.com

New Course Instructor

Carol is very proud she has just become one of the Nationally Certified Instructors for the new Green Designation AND the new Home From Work Program and she is looking for opportunities to teach it around the country. Green is today´s ¨buzz¨ so why not be on the leading edge!

If your company-office, your local Association or your State Association would like to add this very exciting course to their menu of offerings, it would be her pleasusre to talk with the person who manages the instructors and courses that are given in your area.

We have just started recording video testimonials so we are including them with this post.  They are for different classes but you will be able to see what students think of Carol.  In addition, she will be happy to provide your course providers with a resume and additional written recommendations upon request. 

Please view the link: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7335140674622101140&hl=en

  The best contact information for Carol is as follows
email   carol@carolmoson.com
Cell:    678-414-0760

Yours in Real Estate and in business,

Carol Moson, CRS, ABR, e-Pro, GREEN
Associate Broker – RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
Instructor for NAR,CAR,GAR
678-414-0760    
carol@carolmoson.com

DESTIN CONDO FOR RENT!

Need to get away!  Check out this link…

http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dgwrfmf_23g66kf2hh

Beautiful 2 bedroom 2.5 bath townhome style condo in Destin, Fl   Close to all shopping, restaurants, drug stores, etc.  Less than a block from the beach (which means you can easily walk).  Nightly, weekly or monthly rentals.  (3 night minimum)

Condo requires guests to be 25 years of age or older.

Call Carol for more details
678-414-0760

WOW – I did not know….

You know the more we get into this Green thing the more I am stricken with “shock and awe” 

I had a class with an engineer who works for a large corporation. His job is to work with the jet engines. He told me that they are working on a technology that will recapture the water given off by jet fuel (which apparently has a lot of water) which is then flash cooled and used for other resources.  That was pretty interesting!

While doing research we are learning that many companies are starting green practices – good thing to know! (websites in a second)

Did you know….40% of REALTORS say green building is important to their business?  87% say it will be more important a year from now ( do you agree?)

Here are some sites to share with you about Green companies:

http://www.pluggreen.com/?gclid=CI-8wfPljpcCFQKfnAodQXqi9Q

www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/2008-01-30-greenbiz-green-companies_N.htm

http://www.workingmother.com/?ervice=vpage/1844

 Make it a great one!

Carol Moson – NAR Ceritified GREEN Instructor

678-414-0760
carol@carolmoson.com

 

 

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It’s Back To Basics – What????!!!

OK – agents OFTEN ask me …..”What am I not doing?” or “What do I need to be doing?” but they don’t want the real answer.  With so many lead generating sites and others taking advantage of the desperate agent looking for an easy way, it is hard for some (especially newer) agents to embrace the concept of “the basics”.

Question:  Have you ever just sent so many text messages to  someone that you just want to hear their voice and when you call and they answer there is an immediate connection? 

Whether you are and avid blogger, Youtuber,  posting animal, streaming video nut or whatever you are using for your latest and greatest tech tools, you still have to “do it” or it won’t work.  It’s sort of like the treadmill you bought but haven’t quite figured out when you’re going to get on it.  It won’t work if you don’t do it!

Yes we have the generational differences that require different communication techniques but at some point, in most cases, you will actually have to talk with the person.  Yes we have people that would rather receive a text message or an email than talk on the phone but you need to at least do that -bottom line – just communicate, however you do it best, just communicate!  We all know that the #1 complaint from customers/clients is the lack of communication……HELLO!!!!

So….when all else fails – just go back to the people you have already done business with (they probably already like you) and touch base with them… AND, however you communicate with them, ask them who they know that is even thinking about doing business now or in the near future, regardless of what your industry is.

We can all have a productive year but we MUST re-evaluate our business’ and go with the basics first – they WILL NOT fail you!   I propose that personal contact, some form of communication, is the most basic, sustaining element in business that we have.  Don’t underestimate it’s value!

Carol

Carol Moson, CRS,ABR,e-Pro, GREEN
Trainer/Instructor/Sales
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
678-414-0760
carol@carolmoson.com

I’m Thinking of Buying a Home – How Do I Get Started?

http://carolmoson.wordpress.com/2008/12/07/im-thinking-of…-i-get-startedim-thinking-of-buying-a-home-how-do-i-get-started/

If you have been listening to all the media and reading all the print information about the real estate market you probably feel like your head is spinning so hard it is about to explode! 

The home buying process can be overwhelming but doesn’t need to be.  Here are some simple steps to take to put you on the right track and links to go along with them.  If you have any questions you can ALWAYS call us, text us or email us for more information.  Direct 678-414-0760 (use for text too)  email: carol@carolmoson.com

We look forward to helping you – here is your info:

          1. Set a Budget – here are some budget basics
               http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgwrfmf_153kwb6hd3&pageview=1&hgd=1&hl=en

          2.  How to do your home search – here is a guide
               http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgwrfmf_11f9ppgcdf&pageview=1&hgd=1&hl=en

          3. What determines my credit score – here are 5 main factors
               http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgwrfmf_68f37ckhd&pageview=1&hgd=1&hl=en

          4. What do I ask my lender? – Here are 10 key things to ask.
               http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgwrfmf_145ckxqmm2&pageview=1&hgd=1&hl=en

          5. Do I need to use a REALTOR® ? (There is an important difference between a REALTOR® and a real estate 
                agent. ) 
                      http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgwrfmf_166ntskrnhg&hl=en
               

We hope this helps – just let us know when you are ready to look for homes!  (Of course if you need more information and/or have more questions, PLEASE call us, text us or email us.  We respond very quickly!

Carol Moson, CRS,ABR,e-Pro,GREEN
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
678-414-0760 (direct and text)
carol@carolmoson.com
www.TalkToCarol.com
www.CarolMoson.com

 

 

 

Are Some Owners Purposefully Falling Behind??

http://carolmoson.wordpress.com/2008/12/12/ownersfallingbehind/

OK- Here’s quote….(from USA Today)

Are Some Owners Purposefully Falling Behind?
Housing experts are growing increasingly alarmed that programs to bail out troubled home owners might have the unintended consequence of encouraging people to miss mortgage payments in order to qualify for easier loan terms.

Such initiatives typically require that borrowers be 60 to 90 days late on payments to get a mortgage reworked.

In an attempt to prevent abuses, lenders are scrutinizing home owners’ financial status–by poring over tax records, pay stubs, investment accounts, and bank statements–to determine if they really need a loan modification to avoid foreclosure.

Source: USA Today, Stephanie Armour (12/10/08)

Haven’t they left somthing out?I don’t know about you but you but I have spoke to several homeowners who are not in trouble now but know they will be and when they call their bank IT IS THE BANK telling them that they need to be behind in order to be considered for a special circumstance and refi.   There is something fundamentally wrong right there!!!   Let’s see – be 90 days late and REALLY ruin you credit because 60 days wouldn’t ruin it enough and then we’ll see if you are in tough enough shape to help.  I don’t get it!  Don’t get me wrong, I understand ther are those that will always abuse and take advantage of the system, but for the most part, those that are asking for help genuinely need it and are trying to save the angst of being late on their loans.

What’s your opinion?

RE/MAX Regional Spotlights Carol Moson

http://carolmoson.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/remax-spolights-carol-mosonremax-spolights-carol-moson/

RE/MAX Regional periodically chooses an agent to spotlight recognizing achievements and goals. It is truly an honor to be chosen as that agent for this edition of  “The Wire”. Please review so you can see for yourself the dedication and committment Carol has to her chosen profession -  Click the link below to read the article – this blog is Carol’s  ”Brag Blog”

http://docs.google.com/View?docID=dgwrfmf_197gxxxd4fm&revision=_latest

Are You Going?

Carol’s going – Are You?

http://docs.google.com/Present?docid=dgwrfmf_240fq7zmqr6&hl=en

Got ABR?  This is the perfect time to renew yourself.  Today’s buyer is different  so stay ahead.  Find out how or business is changing and what we need to be doing differently.

WHY WOULD YOU BOX YOURSELF ANYWAY??

I don’t know about you but this “outside and inside the box” thing is a little overplayed.  REALITY….There is NO box so why would you make one and put yourself in it?

POINT – market is changing, the buyers are changing and the sellers have been deeply wounded

QUESTION: With the point above as a thought don’t we have to change our business model at least a little bit?  Does change = outside the box?  If that is true for you let’s re-think the business model you are using.

Thoughts:  Get back into the basics of our business AND learn something new.  Many agents have asked me what to do.  The quick and dirty answer is…..do the things you don’t want to do.  This means touching base with people you have already done business with (warm touches).  It also means you MUST embrace the new age of technology AND grasp an understanding of the generational differences because in todays’ business world that is a very key component to success. Don’t be afraid to do something new and work at losing the “box” mentality.

RE: generational understanding – many feel that particularly the Y generation will change the workplace and even though you may be an independent contractor you still work in the world that will change.

Believe that knowledge is power and seek classes and/or designations that will mobilize you forward. All businesses are so competitive today so why not seek to have the competitive edge?

 Check out this link from NAR

 http://www.realtor.org/archives/designatioartarchive1996aug   

If there really was a box nothing would change…..Make it a great one!

Carol
Carol Moson
CRS,ABR,e-Pro,GREEN,SRS
Sales/Instructor/Trainer
678-414-0760wh

What’s My Home Worth?
http://wp.me/pt4gY-53

If you are getting ready to buy a home and don’t know what steps to take, visit this link for organized steps http://wp.me/pt4fN-4l

FAQ – what’s the return on my dollar for home improvements and additions Click the link for NAR’s annual report http://wp.me/pt4gY-4J

view my latest housing trends newsletter http://ping.fm/A0N45

Wow – this is great!http://ping.fm/8fxSY

http://ping.fm/EGlyV

Are you a business looking for more exposure? http://ping.fm/LwTLl

NEW AND EXPANDED HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

WOW! Great new from our Congress- the the $8000 Homebuyer Tax credit has been extended for the first time buyer AND current homeowners can now purchase a new primary residence ( not necessarily new construction, just knew for you).  You can rent your current home or have it up for sale and if you qualify for a mortgage you can still buy another home as long as it is your primary residence.  Sweet!

For all the details follow this link:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html