Our dynamic annual meeting of agents and brokers is the best-attended company event in real estate. More than 10,000 of our family members gather to learn, socialize and become inspired to accomplish even greater goals. Each year, our associates look forward to sharing in this informative and engaging Keller Williams experience.
This month not to be cliché is about Thanksgiving. We start by reflecting on the past year and really focusing on what we have to be grateful for. In our line of service there is much to be thankful for, although some may disagree. We certainly should be thankful for the opportunities given to us each and every day, whether we take advantage of them or not is a story for another month.
Our career choice also affords us the flexibility to spend time with loved ones and pursue passions outside of real estate. We should also take solace in the fact that we will have people to share the holidays with and that we will have warmth, shelter and food.
Yes, these are the tip of the iceberg of things we can all be thankful for. Now, we look at the equally important "giving" part of the holiday. Sometimes when our careers take a downturn or are not reaching the heights we have expected we are susceptible to feeling sorry for ourselves and possibly begin to blame circumstance for our perceived misfortunes.
This past year probably more so than ever, our industry has felt the belt tighten and a lot of agents are at a real crossroads, understandably so. I am here to tell you, that no matter how poorly of a year you may have had, you still have something to give. I would think that the majority of us have warmth, shelter, food and people whom care about us. Reality is though, that there are people out there who lack one or more of these, not to mention the capacity to seek for them. We have an opportunity to give, no matter how little we think we have. It can be in the form of money, various donations of coats, canned goods, blankets, etc. However, the one thing and probably the most impactful we could give is our time.
We have no excuse to not lend ourselves to our communities and to the people in them who truly need our assistance. They often have not had the luxuries and opportunities that we enjoy, and that no matter how down of a year we have had, we are often still in a place to lend a helping hand.
Believe me when I tell you, you will get back way more than you put in when you take the time to help those less fortunate, and who of us isn't looking for something to make us feel great.
Happy Thanks - Giving, I look forward to the tremendous impact our real estate professionals will have on our communities this year. Please share any and all of your stories, I would be delighted to share the light with everyone.
• Oct. 11, 2008 - Keller Williams Realty ranks among fastest growing companies in America
Emphasizing that "business ingenuity and economic leadership still start with entrepreneurs," Inc. magazine recently published its 2008 list of the fastest growing private companies in America. Not surprisingly, Keller Williams Realty made the list and was the only leading residential real estate franchise in North America to do so.
Quoting Keller Williams CEO Mark Willis, Inc. magazine cited key reasons for the company's growth:
Considerable resources are devoted to educate and train associates to be good business owners, not just sales people. "The public does business with the agent, not the company."
• Oct. 9, 2008 - HALLOWEEN SHOULD BE THE NATIONAL HOLIDAY FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Thinkabout it. You prepare for an appointment by putting together your presentation(candy bag), then you put on your business attire (costume), and proceedto your neighbors offering your services (trick) to get their home sold (treat).
Making sure you look, present and offer the best, has to be more than a façade.
Now more than ever people are unsure of what tomorrow holds given the
state of affairs and in turn are hesitant to commit to anything even if it's the right
thing for them to do. You as the professional have to be armed with every piece
of information available to you and be able to express it to your clients in various
manners. Translated to real estate terms, your physical materials need to be
accurate and appealing, your scripts and dialogues must be clear, pertinent and
allow for handling objections, lastly and most important you must deliver on
your value proposition.
Start by turning your old and dated CMA style presentation into an eye catching
& educational format that gets clients excited and offers alternatives to the despair
they are feeling. Practice your scripts, dialogues and presentations so you are
prepared when you knock on that door and the homeowner isn't the most
inviting due to recent circumstance, so they get the help they need and deserve.
Agents will often walk away after an objection if not prepped and who wins in that situation?
When you have put the client at ease and they now believe you can bring resolution to their situation, this is where the rubber meets the road and now you must deliver on your proposition. Knowing your numbers, how to effectively market, and maintaining communications are critical to a successful transaction.
So strap in, suit up and transform your business into what you want it to be. You have the ability to make it whatever you want and what better time than now to start, after all it is Halloween. Need a how-to guide, look no further than "SHIFT".
• Oct. 8, 2008 - Safety - Does it matter to you? It Should...
It should matter to everyone. There have been several reported incidents across the country where Realtors have been victimized. Of course you have to be aware that this may be the tip of the iceberg. Not all victims report their assaults. They are ashamed, embarrassed and often do not want people to know.
Maybe you're like most of us that believe that these things happen to others not us. Wrong! They can happen to anyone. Most of us walk around not even cognizant about our surroundings. We are too absorbed in our daily routines. We worry about what we have to do, who we have to call, etc. When doing this we are not concerned about what is happening around us. You do not have to be paranoid to be "aware", just observant. But first you have to accept the fact that you are vulnerable. You must first admit that you too can be a victim. Then you will consider taking what I call "common sense precautions" to lessen your vulnerability.
Your office should have a "Safety Policy" for all agents. Why? When you take strangers in your car to go look at usually vacant homes (the owners are not there) you are placing yourself in a vulnerable position. How to avoid being a victim is where the office policy can deter a criminal that is up to no good.
I know offices that the agents cannot go out with a client on a first appointment until a photocopy of the driver's license of the client is copied and placed in a file at the office. Some offices have their agents give a schedule of planned showings to the receptionist and the agent calls in at each location. If they are not heard from in a timely fashion the police are called.
Public Open Houses should never be conducted alone. Not that this is a guarantee to protect both agents but it is less likely that a sole perpetrator would attempt something under the circumstances. They'll go to the next open house where the agent may be alone! Less confrontation for them.
I personally think that it is your own safety you should be concerned about. If there isn't a policy in existence in your office, volunteer to have a meeting with the other agents and put one together. Have your office manager/owner/broker review the policy. I am sure he or she will want their legal council to check it out before implementing it. But once approved every member of the office must commit to abide by it. It is the only way it will work.
Even if you are in Oshkosh criminals travel around, do not be foolish enough to believe you are immune. In our own County of Westchester, NY, one hour out of Manhattan an agent was assaulted while she held a Public Open House in a mid-rise condominium building. You would think this would be a deterrent to a criminal, it wasn't. Some criminals thrive on the risk they take. Others do not want to get caught and will look for seclusion and do not want confrontation. You don't pick your attacker, they pick you and it is usually being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I'd rather be safe than sorry. I welcome your questions and concerns.
"Need help weathering the storm in today's real estate market? If so, reach for Gary Keller's new book, SHIFT- it's the lifesaver you need today to thrive tomorrow," stated Inman News columnist Bernice Ross.
In her weekly column on Friday, Sept. 12, Ross featured SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times. The article reviews the 12 tactics outlined in the book and states that SHIFT is "rich in easy-to-understand strategies, charts, and illustrations that show you exactly what you need to do to thrive in today's very challenging and 'shifted' real estate market."Click here to read the full article.
It was an intense Mega Agent Camp as 5000 Keller Williams associates gathered for the premiere event of the year in Austin Texas. It’s HOT in Austin in August but the cool Gary Keller assured us that this SHIFT that we are experiencing will only make us stronger. It is so important now to tackle the twelve tactics to push through tough times. In SHIFT Gary explains how to implement the twelve tactics. He said it himself, SHIFT happens.
Mega Agent Camp is a Keller Williams event that introduces new concepts, strategies and real answers to exactly what it takes to be your best. Inspirational interviews with Mark Zupan, (World class Paralympic athlete) Larry Carlton, (Grammy award winning musician) and Gilbert Tuhabonye, (Runner and coach extraordinaire) rounded out the Mega experience and magically paralleled the real estate industry. The Austin Convention Center is in the downtown 6th district where there is fine dining, entertainment and good times.
The gift of SHIFT: Think of it as an opportunity and embrace it. “Success never comes to the chosen few, but the few who choose. These can be the worst of times; these can be the best of times. You get to choose.
• Aug. 12, 2008 - Keller Williams Realty Partners is proud to ANNOUNCE
Keller Williams Realty Partners welcomes Doreen A. Mastroianni as the newest member of our team. Ms. Mastroianni received her Associates Degree in Criminal Science as well as a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science . She spent Many years working in a family owned and operated Business, Dry Cleaning by Fredericks, which has 15 locations throughout the Westchester and Conn. areas, where she worked with the public everyday and developed a true sense of how to handle a huge spectrum of business interactions. She has found this experience to be invaluable as a professional in the career of Real Estate.
Before joining Keller Williams, Ms. Mastroianni worked as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Century 21 Wolff in the White Plains location. Doreen's knowledge of Mid-Westchester real estate is natural to her since she was born and raised in WP & Purchase. Since moving to Yorktown Heights in 2000, she has broadened her area of expertise. Doreen is always up to the challenge of the impossible. Nothing is too difficult for her clients. She always goes the distance to get the deal done!
Keller Williams is very happy to have her with us and Doreen is happy to be here.
• Aug. 9, 2008 - Keller Williams Realty Partners Supports C.H.O.P.
Established in 2003, KW Cares is a 501(c)(3) public charity that raises money through Keller Williams offices across North America, in order to provide emergency financial assistance to any member of the KW family in need and other charities aligned with the mission and values of Keller Williams Realty.
In keeping with the mission of KW Cares and our market center we are supporting CARING FOR THE HOMELESS OF PEEKSKILL, INC. (C.H.O.P) to raise awareness in helping alleviate hunger and homelessness in the community. Caring for the Homeless of Peekskill, a not for profit organization serving the greater Hudson Valley reaches beyond the Peekskill area to assist any resident of Westchester County. Programs include, The Sunny Donut, a free breakfast program which has been selected as the 2008 Food Bank for Westchester Hunger Heroes Service Provider Award winner; the Jan Peek House - Shelter for the Homeless; the Jan Peek Food Pantry and the Clothing Attic.
We are proud to be involved and assist in CHOP's 5TH Annual Dinner Dance to be held on Thursday,
October 16, 2008 at Colonial Terrace, Cortlandt Manor, NY, so please save the date. If you or someone you know would like to become involved or for more information please contact Elisa Bruno-Midili or Florence Snarr at 914-962-0007.
We focus on helping associates realize their fullest potential. You will find opportunities for growth, support for achieving your objectives and a true sense of family and belonging.
Our Difference:
Knowledge Powerful curriculum through Keller Williams University keeps our associates ahead of trends,
tools and advancements in the real estate industry.
Teamwork
Unlike other real estate companies, Keller Williams Realty was designed to reward agents for
working together, to serve our clients better.
Reliability
Keller Williams Realty was founded on the principles of trust and honesty, emphasizing the
importance of having the integrity to do the right thing and always putting our clients needs first.
Speed
Leading-edge technology solutions accelerate our associates efficiency and productivity.
To find out more, contact Walter Sadowski.
Keller Williams Realty is a company built and shaped by talented, driven real estate professionals who know the value of having a great career, accomplished colleagues, work-life balance, and a reputation for being the best in the business.
Profit Sharing is a "gift", a simple thank you to the associates that help
us grow our company with like minded, productive associates...
It Is:
• Residual (lasts a lifetime)
• Transferable (to heirs)
• Vested (after three years)
It Allows:
• Actual equity in the company
• Leverage in your business
• Economic freedom
Facts:
• Profit Share Does Not Come From Associate commissions
• Profit Sharing is a means for distributing the wealth and rewarding associates for growing the company.
• The Keller Williams® Realty Profit Share System was designed to reward its associates for building the company.
• The program allows any Keller Williams® Realty associate, affiliate broker, or employee the opportunity to participate in the profits they help generate without assuming any financial risks.
• Aug. 5, 2008 - KW Realty Partners - First in Area 1 with Latest Technology
Keller Williams Realty Partners will be the first real estate company in Area 1 to utilizing CellularRE as an opportunity to extend exposure to their property listings.
CellularRE is the latest real estate marketing tool offering information on properties for sale through text messaging. The consumer has the ability to get price, square feet, taxes, photo, videos and more ALL ON THEIR CELL PHONE. Yard sign riders with a keyword will be displayed on each Keller Williams listing sign. The customer texts the keyword to the phone number on the sign, click on the link to view the property with photos/floor plan and specifics.
SMS(Text Messaging) is a breakthrough communication medium as evidenced by growth year after year. As of December 2006, over 18.5 billion text messages are sent every month - and that number has grown by 250% each month. (stats from www.messagebuzz.com).
As we look back on what we have accomplished in just a few months, the positive impact we have had on peoples' lives, we are ever thankful for what we have, what we have learned and what life has yet to bring us.
Ups and downs, we are thankful for what our experiences have made us as people, for the gift of being able to experience life and learn from our encounters with others.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, may you have as many things to be thankful for, from all of us at Keller Williams Realty Partners.
A picture of some of our team from this past summer:
From left to right:
John Kope, Myriam Ramos, Elisa Bruno-Midili, Phil Risi, Gina Jannace, Frank Watson, Charyn Watson, Anna Garramone, Carole Fitzpatrick, Peter Procino, Louis Cardillo, Mike Nelson.
• Oct. 20, 2006 - 46 & 47. Lori Lipton, Associate Broker & Mike Dennerlein, Licensed Salesperson - "KW Welcomes another Husband & Wife Team to the Family"
• May. 19, 2006 - 14. Anna Garramone, Licensed Salesperson, "Anna Earns More Green From the RED Team"
Keller Williams Realty Partners HAPPILY welcomes Anna Garramone (affectionately known as "Anna G") to the RED Team.
Anna Garramone's no-nonsense approach to her real estate business is a breath of fresh air to her clientele. A naturally driven person, not only will Anna "tell it like it is", but she'll often be the first one to volunteer to help out. Anna exhudes self-confidence and her "can-do" attitude propels her head and shoulders above her competition.
Anna's straight-forward style has endeared her to us all. It is no wonder that customers all over Putnam and Westchester counties look to Anna for their real estate needs time and time again.
Anna is a valuable addition to the RED Team and we are grateful to have her with us.
• May. 18, 2006 - 13. Len Lehrer, Licensed Salesperson, "Rockland Red Joins the KW Team"
Len Lehrer, our partner and friend across the river, joins the Keller Williams Realty Partners Family.
If we were forced to describe out latest star Len Lehrer, in one word, it would be "versatile". Len brings with him a desire to win and the tenacity to succeed. Len's professional approach to running his real estate business is one of the many aspects of his practice that puts his clientele at ease.
We at Keller Williams Realty Partners are proud to add a partner like Len to our team! Expect to see more RED KW signs springing up like dandelions wherever Len may roam.
• May. 15, 2006 - 12. Frank Watson, Licensed Salesperson, "The Watson Team Joins the RED Team"
Keller Williams Realty Partners is PROUD to announce that
The Watson Team has joined our KW Family.
The husband and wife team of Charyn Watson and Frank Watson have joined the KW family from Weichert Realtors in White Plains. This dynamic duo is licensed to do work not only in New York, but also Connecticut and Hawaii. Frank has spent the past thirty years working in the financial field, working in bank trading rooms and corporate treasury departments. His professional experience is now being applied to push The Watson Team to new heights in the real estate industry.
Frank's friendly and frank demeanor has a way of clearing the fog when The Watson Team is faced with a challenge. Frank continually strives to service his team's clientele in more effective and efficient ways. We are excited to have Frank and Charyn join us at Keller Williams Realty Partners.
• May. 15, 2006 - 11. Charyn Watson, Associate Broker, "The Watson Team Joins the RED Team"
Keller Williams Realty Partners is PROUD to announce that
The Watson Team has joined our KW Family.
The husband and wife team of Charyn Watson and Frank Watson have joined the KW family from Weichert Realtors in White Plains. This dynamic duo is licensed to do work not only in New York, but also Connecticut and Hawaii. Charyn has earned numerous awards through her efforts, including "Top Lister" and "Million Dollar Club Member" awards.
Charyn's spirited and cheerful approach to life transcends into her practice of real estate. Charyn takes a learning-based approach to her business; always striving to improve herself for her family and her clientele. Not one to toot her own horn, Charyn might not mention that she has earned a Masters degree in Marketing from Columbia University. Charyn truly lives her life according to a value system based on God, family, then business; and business is good.
• May. 15, 2006 - 10. Jaime Lynn Ferrucio, Licensed Salesperson, "Gives a Cheer for the Red Team"
Three Cheers for Jaime Lynn Ferrucio, the latest teammate to join Keller Williams Realty Partners.
We welcome our resident cheerleader, Jaime Lynn Ferrucio to the RED team. Jaime Lynn had a very brief hiatus from her rapidly growing real estate career after working with Weichert Realtors in LaGrange. After seeing all that Keller Williams Realty has to offer both the agent and the client, Jaime quickly joined the game again and we are happy to have her with our team!
Jaime Lynn is a perfect fit for the Keller Williams Realty team, with her positive attitude, her great work ethic and her professionalism, she is set to take the Putnam real estate market by storm. We are certainly fortunate to have such a great addition to our KW family.
• May. 15, 2006 - 9. James Cardillo, Licensed Salesperson, "A Brother To Us All"
James Cardillo joins our Keller Williams Realty Partners family.
James Cardillo, formerly of Weichert Realtors in White Plains, follows his brother Lou's lead and makes our KW family proud. It seems that success in real estate runs in Cardillo blood and James is no exception.
James services his clientele with exceptional service and makes real estate seem easy. It is these skills that contribute to his recipe for success. With his large sphere of influence in Westchester and Putnam counties, expect great things from James.
Keller Williams Realty Partners welcomes with open arms its newest family member, Tammy Peters.
Tammy, formerly of Weichert Realtors in LaGrange, takes the next step forward in her real estate career with Keller Williams Realty. Tammy has proven her merit with her "can-do" attitude and her results-oriented style.
Tammy is an immediately likeable and unforgetable person with a drive that cannot be hindered. She is another rising star to keep your eye on in the Dutchess scene and we are lucky to have her on our team.
• May. 15, 2006 - 7. Phil Risi, Associate Broker, "Every Red Cent Makes Sense"
Phil Risi paints Putnam & Dutchess Counties RED with
Keller Williams Realty Partners.
Associate Broker, Phil Risi brings his brokerage and his 18 years of real estate experience to the Keller Williams Realty Partners family. Phil's track-record of integrity and voracious work-ethic precede him.
Phil is the kind of person to give you the shirt off his back and this is both recognized and appreciated by his peers and his clientele. He is truly an asset to our team and we are a better company for having Phil onboard.
• May. 15, 2006 - 6. Kerry Massi, Licensed Salesperson, "The Red-er the Better"
It's a Red-Letter Day at Keller Williams Realty Partners with the addition of Kerry Massi.
Kerry Massi joins the Keller Williams Realty Team and we are glad to have her. Previously a top producer with Schiller Real Estate, Kerry has joined forces with Walter "Dutch" Sadowski with the creation of "The Producers Sales Team". Kerry's practice of "building client relationships that last a lifetime" is one of the many reasons for her success.
Kerry's positive attitude and effervescent personality endear her to all that she comes in contact with. We are proud to have Kerry as a partner for the long haul.
Here at Keller Williams Realty Partners treating agents as business partners is one of our core values. We realize that our agents are our stars, thank you for stopping by to meet them!
"Need help weathering the storm in today's real estate market? If so, reach for Gary Keller's new book, SHIFT- it's the lifesaver you need today to thrive tomorrow," stated Inman News columnist Bernice Ross.
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