Client Centric Real Estate

Chris Griffith and Tony Arko sharing at NAR Mid-Year in 2008

Quick Video and Pics of 2008 NAR Midyears Social Media Class for new REALTORS

I’m still in the class, so I’ll write more about this later.  However, it’s fantastic to see NAR putting effort into this venue and seeing the future.  This is a great panel and they are doing a great job of presenting the resources.

 

The question is.... why shouldn't MLS systems join Zillow?

Of course I am idealistic.  I think that real estate is ever evolving and advancing.  I think that the consumer is and should be in control and that the industry needs to stop trying to make the consumer form to how practitioners want to do business, instead of the practitioner forming to meet the consumer’s needs.

Realtors have tried for generations to be the gate keepers of all information.   It isn’t working…

Zillow is the second most visited website, second only to REALTOR.com, which has had a substantial hold on that position for years, simple because of the marketing power and leverage.  However, consumers are finding more information in a easier manner on Zillow.  Yes, the Zestimates aren’t accurate, but I am sure they will get better.  I understand that they are within 10%, which has been a known variable between listing agent’s CMAs…

Recently I read an Association blog that was revealing that their workgroup was debating on if they should add their MLS listings to Zillow.  I don’t think the question should be, should we.  The question should be is there ANY viable reason for an MLS not to do so.  I don’t think there is.

Here are just a few thoughts on why local MLS systems should add their listings to MLS.

1.  The listings aren’t theirs – it’s the homeowners.  The homeowner hired the Listing Agent in the expectations that the agent would do everything legal and in their power to sell the listing.  With over 87% of buyers starting their search for homes online and 94% reporting that they used the Internet during their transaction why would you not add the listing to the second most utilized search system? 

2.  With Realogy (Century21, Coldwell Banker, etc…) and Keller Williams working toward putting their listings on Zillow, then this potentially puts other brokerages and franchises at a disadvantage to any knowledgeable agent who can use this information to solicit a listing.

3.  One of the reasons I’ve read, for MLS systems not adding their info to Zillow is that they already have ubiquitous platforms that they push out this info by IDX.  Who cares?  If I prepare a feast and my family is always accustomed to eating at home, but I take the banquet to a neighbors house and don’t put any indication of this choice at the normal dining area of the our house – no one gets fed.  Sure, they might stumble on the dinner at a neighbor’s house, but why not put it where they are going to eat!?!  My point is that agents get too wrapped on how much marketing they do, but spend very little time doing the RIGHT kind of marketing.  Take the listing information where buyers are going!

4.  Brevity:  To the best of knowledge putting your stuff on the second most visited site is free….  ‘nuff said

5.  It’s a lead generator for agents – where’s the down side in that?

OK, so I could go on, but I think you get my drift.  You’re welcome to give me some counter-arguments or other benefits, but I just can’t think of a negative to MLS systems populating Zillow or even Tulia for that matter. 

She is my gift...

Proverbs 31:28-29 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  

Fifteen years ago she said "I Do", five years later she delivered our first prodigy. Within a 5 year span she repeated that miracle two more times, for the three most amazing daughters anyone could ever ask for (and maintained an incredible figure ;) ).   Every day, since the first time that she held our first child in her arms, I have seen her pour herself into our daughters and exemplify everything I could ever hope to find in a mother for my daughters.  

  

As a homeschooling mother, Jennifer has taken on a task that few desire and even fewer can master. She has poured herself into training and raising Godly children, who have responded and continue to grow. We have the happiest and most social children I could have ever imagined. They love their mother and each one longs to be just like her. 

 

 Although the effort she puts into her calling, as a mother is significant, she has doesn't neglected our relationship. Jennifer is the most responsive and generous lover that I could ever desire.  She has tolerated things that no other might, and worked with me to develop our relationship to an amazing level. We've followed our belief that God has put us together and that out relationship is a gift.   

On this Mother's day weekend, I want to express how incredibly grateful I am that I have been granted the gift of my marriage and this amazing woman. I couldn't imagine the epic journey of life, with any other partner. I am excited and anxious to see how we continue to grow and how increasingly graceful and beautiful she will become as we grow together. She's by best friend, playmate, conscious and adviser. 

 

 

 

  

A few "helps" if you're listing a Short Sale

Like most real estate instructors, I am spending more and more time teaching on Short Sales and Foreclosures.  I firmly believe that starting off on the right foot, covering your bases and establishing expectations with the Seller is the key to getting these difficult transactions done. 

Part of the Listing Agent’s job, should they accept the responsibility of the Short Sale listing will be to work with the lender.  Negotiations and Asset Managers typically will not discuss the Sellers information without a release from the Seller.  Also, they are going to request from the Seller a lot of information.  Jennifer and I have put together a packet, from our experiences with Short Sales,  that we use to help with this process.  We’ve found them very useful.

Whereas, I am not an attorney, nor your broker; I am adding links to our forms below so that you can see the model that we use and hopefully make your life a bit easier.  You should confirm with your broker before using any forms with your clients.

Short Sale: Seller Packet

Short Sale: Permission to Negotiate

Short Sale: Permission to Obtain Payoff

Also, sellers who are in trouble should be going to www.995HOPE.com or calling 1–888–995–HOPE.  This is a resource setup by the government to help folks in trouble with their housing situation.  Even if they are listed this resource may help buy you time to sell the home.