• Jul. 1, 2010 - Real Estate Leadership for the 21st Century...What Will Be Required?
 What does leadership require? In an profession rocked by unprecedented upheaval, the importance of a good leader cannot be overestimated. In May, I attended the Real Trends Leadership Conference in Dallas. I was struck by how often the topic of visionary leadership was noted as being the single most important predictive factor for surviving the current chaos being experienced in the real estate industry.
A google search on the topic yields over 314 MILLION results! This is definitely a hot topic in. It is also a recognition that the role of leaders has changed significantly in response to the increased complexity of issues that we face as local and global communities.
At the top of the search heap was a link to an article by Lead2XL According to the author, Mitch McCrimmon,
"Our definition of leadership needs to change for a knowledge driven world that is no longer rigidly hierachical, stable or static but one that is fluid, fast changing and less formally structured."
So, what does this mean? According to McCrimmon, leadership involves the ability to influence, to promote, provide vision and to engage thought capital. Leadership is no longer a static entity based on the traditions of position based authority nor is it limited to the people 'at the top.'
What's at Stake...
The Grand Rapids Association of Realtors® is about to begin the process of selecting leaders again. These new directors will be tasked with carrying forward the vision that move us into the future. A responsibility of true significance. Recently a group of individuals met together to brain storm about the type of leadership that our association needs at this time. The discussion did not initially center on names or personalities... rather, it focused on ideas, character traits and vision. Through this sieve, several critical definers began to emerge.
What Will 21st Century Leadership Require...
We recognize that leaders in our association will require the humility to learn and lead. The willingness to communicate with transparency and the courage to change course when necessary. We need leaders who are curious and committed. Individuals who have a passion to serve and are willing to engage. Leaders who are willing to tackle difficult issues with tact and perseverance along with a recognition that the diversity of ideas and viewpoints ultimately strengthens the final decision.
Leading Through Tumultuous Times...
 Last year, I was appointed to serve as a Director on the Board of our association and then subsequently elected to the position of President-Elect. Serving our members during this tumultuous period has included radical redefinitions of our marketplace through short sales and foreclosures, engaging a consultant to advise on the implications of changes in our industry, facing the reality of having to significantly upgrade our educational offerings and tackling the process of converting/merging our MLS system to create a more unified and regional database of information.
Through this process, I am reminded of the bravery of the small band of settlers that made the shores of the New England coastline their homestead in the 17th century. They faced the unsettling task of dealing with unpredictable elements that also threatened their prospects of survival. Not entirely unlike some of the challenges faced in the real estate industry today. Due to the ferocity of the tumultous storms, they fashioned a home which could withstand gale force winds...a home style commonly known as the Cape Cod Style Home.
Lessons from the Cape Cod on Servant Leadership...
The Cape Cod was not a fancy house. It was usually only one story and had a hearth at the center. The shingles outside the windows were not decorative, but were meant to be pulled over the windows to protect against the wind. The steep roof allowed for adequate run-off and the small roof overhang added stability and security to the structure.
In some ways, that's how I view the task ahead. We need leaders who appreciate that serving is a calling to servant leadership. It's not a fancy task and may sometimes be a thankless one. An acronym for the world CAPE provides a base foundation for the issues which I think are important as we chart a course for the future. These include:
C ~ Community; the hearth as a gathering place symbolizes a recognition that we need to encourage the formation of strong relationships amongst our association members and to support the growth of communities and neighborhoods in the areas we serve. This is where our strength lies...we need to support each other and respect and encourage the core strengths inherent in our diversity.
A ~ Awareness; early settlers lived and thrived because they were attuned to the the changing dynamics of their environment and linked forces together. We need to be more proactive in engaging other sectors of our real estate industry and overall commercial sectors to pool resources, creative energy and expand opportunities.
P ~ Profitablity; directly related to Productivity. In an era in which we are seeing profits dry up and productivity per agent take a nose dive, we need to address issue of professionalism and open up frank discussion about what will be required to ensure that we have an industry which can adequately support the welfare of those it employs.
E ~ Education; in a world that is rapidly changing, standing still is going backwards. The early settlers learned to adapt to their environment and even today, the Cape Code Style home continues to evolve. As a real estate community, we must recognize that a new set of knowledge tools will be vital to success in the future.
I'm excited about the possibilities that will emerge for all who are willing to take up the challenge. In the final analysis, we are all leaders and every contribution has an impact. I'd like to encourage you to ponder the possibilities.... If this calling speaks to you, please volunteer to lead as a director or in the future in other capacities. You are important. We need your presence at the table!
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• Jun. 5, 2010 - Would You Buy Your Next Home at the Mall or Grocery Store?
 Remember the first time you went grocery shopping and rolled your shopping cart right past the newest location for your local bank? Today, ATM machines and banks are a normal part of grocery shopping all around the country. But, according to the latest Realtor magazine article, 'The Convenience Factor', this trend towards creating a broader shopping experience may soon be enlarged to include your neighborhood Real Estate Brokerage!
According to the article:
"Brokers are staking out space in supermarkets to increase their visibility and make their office more convenient for consumers" Keller Williams broker, Gerald Murphy of Keller Williams Gold Coast in Chicago who opened an office in side a Chicago Dominick's grocery store in 2009 is quoted as saying, "you've got to be where the people are. Dominick's customers are our clients."
In West Michigan, a similar concept which included mini kiosks in the mall has been experimented with. Several years ago, I stopped to have a discussion with an agent who was doing a shift to see what his experience had been with this form of marketing. Although he admitted to not having success with actually selling a home through his kiosk 'floor time', he did seem to feel that it was a good way to meet potential new prospects, somewhat similar to the time agents invest in Open House sittings.
I remember thinking to myself...'Would I buy a home in a mall?' I have the same sensation as I read this article...'Would I go to the grocery store to find my dream home?' In an age when the Internet offers so much flexibility at my fingertips, I admit to being somewhat of a skeptic.
But one thing is clear, the profitable real estate brokerage of the future will likely have a significantly different blue print than the models which dot the landscape today. Last month, I attended the Real Trends Leadership Conference in Dallas, TX. The conference features notable leaders within the national real estate community.
During the conference, Sherry Chris, CEO of Better Homes & Gardens spoke about some of the necessary changes which will shape the industry in the future. She indicated that as more agents work out of virtual offices and their homes, brokers will have to drastically reduce their investment in brick and mortar outlets to keep pace and stay competitive/profitable. Other leading brokers spoke about the move toward satellite offices where agents could access necessary conveniences and use office space as needed.
Does Perception affect Reality?
But a part of me is wondering if the grocery store really serves our perception as an industry? In an era in which the sub-prime and economic crisis have left an increasing number of Americans questioning the idea of real estate as a solid investment, do we further erode the value of our brand by putting the purchase of a home within the confines of a shopping cart experience?
I suppose the same sentiments could be expressed towards the home office movement in which an increasing number of brokers no longer maintain any corporate stand alone structure at all. Well, I'm curious about your thoughts. Do you think this trend is a good one, or one that will further deplete the value proposition of the real estate brokerage?
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• May. 13, 2010 - 5 Simple Things You can do TODAY to Reduce the Stress of Your Relocation to Grand Rapids, Michigan!
For over a decade, I've worked with individuals and families who were moving to the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. The stress of relocating is one of the most daunting aspects of the relocation process because it involves not only financial strain but also the emotional pain of leaving established relationships and seeking to form new friendships.
I'll never forget one encounter at a local grocery store with a lady who was pushing a cart with three toddlers. She stopped me and asked if I could recommend a local church. They had just moved and she didn't know anyone. We invited them to our church and they became good friends.
While it's not easy to move, I've discovered as I've worked with individuals who are relocating to the West Michigan area that there are some things which can you can do to help reduce the stress...often from the comfort of your current home.
Explore your community via the Blogosphere...
Researching a new locality can be daunting especially when your search results continue to land on commercial sites which are designed more to get your pay per click advertising dollars than to deliver helpful lifestyle information.
One way to get a taste of the local fare is to specifically search blogs. Reading blogs will give you insight into what is important to the locals and will often provide pictures of different aspects of the community as well as reviews.
Simply input the geographic location followed by "blogs" in the google search bar and browse. If you want to be more specific, you might try searching for a specific type of blog such as a local real estate blog.
Research Hotels & Restaurants...
Finding places to eat and a good hotel can make all the difference in the world in setting a good tenor for your stay. A couple of years ago I was introduced to an excellent site called Yelp. It has proved an invaluable user guide when travelling to strange locations. I also like Trip Advisor. Often times, you'll find that the 'wisdom of the crowd' has true value in steering you aright.
Plan a Trip to See the Area...
This can be really beneficial. It's important to get a feel for what a city feels like apart from the limited perspective you might get during an interview session. This can be accomplished by staying an extra few days after your interview to simply sight-see, check out local restaurants, schools and points of interest.
Connect with a Good Real Estate Agent...
Not every agent is experienced in dealing with the unique challenges of a relocation. It is not uncommon to find a wide range of service options and customer service levels. One of the best ways to ease the stress of relocation is to interview the agent yourself and ask the questions which are important to you. This can be especially important if you are assigned an agent through a relocation company.
Here are some questions which you might want to pose:
How many relocation clients have you assisted?
What fee do you charge for your services?
What type of community research will you provide?
Can you provide video tours or pictorial guides?
Will the home listings you provide be supported by pictures?
How often will I be updated?
Are you able to provide short term rental assistance if needed?
Can you provide a list of references?
What is your plan to make sure my time is used efficiently?
Be Kind to Yourself...
And to your partner and family. The stress of a relocation move can bring out the worst tendencies in all of us. Sometimes in surprising ways. Living in the cramped space of a hotel room and dealing with the uncertainties of an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar faces can be emotionally draining.
Make an effort to be polite to those who matter most...your family. Don't rush into making a hurried decision if this is not necessary. Talking about the pros and cons together will usually result in an outcome which is better than a position reach through division and strife.
If you'd like to discuss your move or relocation to the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, please contact us at 616-791-0511. We're here to listen and to help.
Here's a link to a great site for relocation information.
Here's a link for other articles about Relocation by Audu Real Estate |
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• Apr. 29, 2010 - First Ever Social Media Summit for Grand Rapids Association of Realtors® Features Jeff Turner ~ 'Social Media & Social Values'
 Members of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors are looking forward to welcoming Jeff Turner of Zeek Interactive and Real Estate Shows to the Grand Rapids, MI area on May 12th, 2010. Jeff will be kicking off a three part summer series called the Social Media Boot Camp which is designed to help real estate agents understand the WHY, WHERE and HOW TO for creating intelligent strategies and solutions that provide value within social networks.
By now, much of the business community has come to terms with the fact that social media and social networks are ideas which they need to understand. Many in the business community have latent or expressed fear about the vulnerability which comes from not having control of the medium. And...there's a ton of confusion about what to do and how to do it...
At the root of all this confusion is an underlying frustration that something is missing. That's one of the issues that Jeff Turner will be addressing as he speaks to members of the real estate community. The topic will be 'Social Media and Social Value." What do our value systems reveal about us and how does this inform our engagement within social media? And...WHY does this matter? It promises to be a fascinating and insightful discussion.
I've always appreciated the clarity and insight which Jeff brings to the complexity that swirls around the online world. Really looking forward to welcoming him to the West Michigan area. The event is open to members of the public. Click here for more information or registration.
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• Jan. 14, 2010 - How to Make Sure Your Home Makes the Cut for Pre-Views in a Comptetive Home Buying Market!
 She's as pretty as she can possibly be. She's been shined to 'squeaky clean'...every square inch has been dusted, scrubbed and waxed.
Primping and stylin' has brought in the latest accessories; new plumped up throw pillows, flowers on the table, colorful throw rugs on the floors and perhaps a few pictures.
All the clutter is gone - banished to storage sheds or the basement. She's ready for the show, except for one problem...her date is taking awhile to appear. NO ONE IS CALLING TO SCHEDULE A HOME SHOWING PRE-VIEW!
If you've ever sold a home or are trying to sell a home, you might relate to the description above. In the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, there are thousands of homes on the market right now. Last year over 29,000 homes went on the market throughout the year with an average number of just under 10,000 homes on the market at any given time. The total number of homes SOLD was 11,033 in 2009 which accounted for under 1,000 homes SOLD per month on average.
SO...there were a lot of homes which got all 'prettied' up with nowhere to go. While these numbers may seem a little daunting at first glance, there are some things you can do to increase the probability of being on the list when home buyers pre-view homes. Here they are:
1. Price to Surprise!
Today's market has really taken a hit on home prices. In the greater Grand Rapids, MI area some communities have seen average home prices decline 24-40 percent within the last 3 years. Those who are serious about selling a home today need to understand the importance of pricing to sell.
The good news is that this is something ENTIRELY within your control. YOU set the price! Your real estate can offer intelligent counsel. Choose an experienced agent and listen to their advise. Take your time to review the comparables and understand your competition. And then...price your home to beat the competition. This includes...
2. Stage to succeed!
Staging your home to sell is not optional if you want a home buyer's visit to your home to linger in memory even after they've left your residence. Setting the stage for a successful sale involves not just cleaning the home and clearing out the clutter but also determining WHERE the sale is likely to take place in your home and setting the stage to make that happen.
A properly staged home leads the buyer to a buying conclusion when the setting is arranged correctly. From the moment a prospective client steps onto a property, an artful seduction can lead to a mutually satisfying conclusion as they come to the realization that this home really should belong to them!
3. Be Ready for the Party!
When your home becomes available to the buying public, make sure you're ready to respond to prospective buyers even if this is at short notice. I advice clients to clear away clutter in a big way at the beginning and then keep things that way.
To aid in this process, we suggest that our clients obtain a few boxes for the main areas of the home such as the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. This allows everyday items to be discretely stored out of site when showings take place. Then, these items can then be easily accessed once the showing is over. This exercise will also help you to determine what you really need on a day to day basis. It's often a lot less than you think!
Paying heed to these 3 simple issues will greatly increase your chance of being picked when prospective buyers go out to check out the latest inventory. |
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• - Blog Disclaimer
BLOG DISCLAIMER
The information contained in the articles on this, blog is the property of Audu Real Estate. Comments posted in response to individual blog posts are the opinions of the respondents. Audu Real Estate is not responsible for the opinions, thoughts or ideas expressed by visitors to this blog nor for any liability for any damages or losses direct or indirect that may result from the use or reliance on information contained herein. The information provided is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This blog is provided for informational purposes only. Readers are advisedto contact a real estate professional for specific counsel related to their individual real estate needs. |
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• - NEW! Blog Coaching Sessions...
.jpg) Blogging is taking the nation by storm. In case you haven't noticed...they're everywhere! Infact, according to Technorati, a leading aggregator of "all things blogs related," over 175,000 new blogs are being created every day.
Blogs are becoming a part of every type of business. They span the relm of politics, religion, education, sports, real estate, retail, electronics, medecine...you name a topic or interest...someone, somewhere in the world is blogging about it.
Perhaps, you have wondered how to start a blog. You may have even bought a book or taken a class to help you get started. But you still find yourself stumped. You're paralyzed at the prospect of starting or...maybe, you just need a little personalized direction to help you to develop your blogging voice.
Don't worry. Help is on the Way! We have developed two Training Options for professionals who want more in depth instruction about blogging. These tools are designed to:
1. Help you to overcome Your Resistance to Getting Started
2. Evaluate the Focus of your Blog.
3. Suggest Topics to Write about
4. Enable New Bloggers to Find their "Voice."
5. Provide helpful critiques to enhance the effectiveness of a blog post
6. Teach Blogging Etiquette.
7. Make Your Blog an Effective Lead Generation Platform
The following class options are available:
.jpg) Blogging TherapyTM ~ Individualized Coaching Sessions (one hour) These sessions are designed to allow for individual attention. They are available for Brand New Bloggers and more experienced Bloggers.
Sessions are tailored to address specific issues such as: Creating an Effective Blogging Style, Making a Blog Post Attractive, Cultivating a Blogging Community, Developing a Blog Theme, Optimizing & Expanding your blog's Reach On Line, Generating Leads & Profits from your Blog.
Requirements: Access to a computer, phone and Internet connection. Highly recommend high speed wireless connection to make the best use of the session training. Payment for all sessions must be received in full prior to commencment of training.
*Training for Individual coaching sessionswill be conducted via telephone by appointment. Live coaching sessions are available. Please call for price quote.
Cost per session: $120. Call or e-mail for quote regarding a Package of 3 Sessions.
.jpg) Option #2 ~ Blogging Boot CampTM~ This option is available for groups ranging between 5-10 individuals per session. Group Sessions are 2 hours in length. Topics covered include many of the topics available in the Blogging TherapyTM option. Group sessions can also be customized by written requests recieved at least 1 week in advance of the session. Customized requests are not guaranteed.
Group sessions can be conducted at client's premisis. These sessions will require participants to bring a laptop. A room rental fee of $150 will be assessed in addition to Blogging Boot CampTM costs for groups of 6 or more individuals unless suitable accomodations are available at the clients premisis to include access to computers with high speed internet availability.
Blogging Boot CampTM Costs: $100 per person for a 2 hour session. A Non-Refundable $100 Fee is required to reserve a date for Blogging Boot CampTM. Payment must be received in full prior to the commencement of training. An Advance booking of at least 2 weeks is strongly suggested to reserve a date for Blogging Boot CampTM.
Cancellation policy: Full refund 10 days prior to the event, 50% refund 5 days prior to the event. All other cancellations less than 5 days prior to the event will be charged the full fee. A Non Refundable Deposit of $100 is required to hold and reserve a date for the Blogging Boot CampTM.
NEW OFFERING 2008!
Marketing Your Brand in a Web Connected World!
Did you know that "Who You Are" online has become a very valuable commodity? Your online Branding is key to your success in the emerging business marketplace. Learn how to create a Successful online presence and connect to new opportunities for business and networking in this interesting and interractive course.
Time: 2 hours
Cost: $75
For further inquiry or to book a Session, please e-mail: laudu@grar.com. or call 616-791-0511.
To Read articles that Lola has written about a Variety of Blogging Related issues...Click here
Visit Lola's Blogs on line:
http://www.activerain.com/blogs/auduhomes
http://laudu.realtownblogs.com
*Policy is subject to change without notice.
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• - About Lola Audu...
Audu Real Estate, 3569 Alpine NW, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, Mi 49321
Lola Audu, CRS GRI e-PRO
Associate Broker & Owner - Audu Real Estate
Curriculum Vitae
"(3).jpg) As Lola's Mom tells it, Lola began her informal teaching career in kindergarten! At five years old they were surprised to find her holding a "studio session" with a dozen kids in rapt attention as she regaled them with stories! But since then, Lola has been involved in formal teaching and training for almost 20 years. In addition to coaching and mentoring real estate agents, she has also mentored many young adults and been involved in writing and teaching a variety of courses which relate to professional and spiritual development.
Lola's teaching style is expressive and enlightening. She invites everyone to engage in thinking "outside the box”. Using humor and storytelling as well as practical wisdom, she "connects the dots" in ways that you may not have considered before.
Lola grew up in West Africa, in the cities of Lagos, and Jos. These two locales were about as different as any two places on the earth. The contrast of the steamy, chaotic, messy commerce driven city of Lagos where her family resided was a 180 degree opposite to the small educational community with quaint little homes, dormitories and scenic gardens of her boarding school experience in the small village of Miango, Nigeria. The juxtaposition of these two environments were critical in shaping a manner of thinking and relating which incorporates and finds meaning in elements which are seemingly contradictory. A comment frequently articulated after individuals experience a teaching or training session is: "I'd never thought of it that way!"
Resume:
2009 - Elected as President - Elect for the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors
2008 - Appointed to serve one year term as Director for the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors
2007 - Appointed to serve 3 year term on Professional Standards Committee of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors
2007 - Appointed to serve on Grand Rapids Association of Realtors 3rd Party Taskforce
2006 - Earned Certified Residential Specialist Designation- CRS Top 4% Realtors nationwide
2005 - Opened Audu Real Estate Brokerage Company
2004 - Appointed to serve on Grand Rapids Assocation of Realtors Legal Action Committee
2003 - Completed Educational requirements for Real Estate Broker's License
2002 - Elected by 3000+ members of Grand Rapids Association of to serve as Director
2001 - National Real Estate Designation- E-Pro Designation for Competence in on-line transactions
1999 - Graduate Real Estate Institute Designation- National Designation
1997 - Real Estate Marketing Institute2001
1995 - Obtained Real Estate Salespersons License
1987 - Bachelor of Science University of Wisconsin - Madison
Comments from class participants.....
"Lola is very good at putting the training in very practical situations and life experiences"
"The training was beneficial in opening my heart and eyes to be more transparent and loving. I now enjoy people more"
"I was very interested in Lola as a teacher. It was very good, I would recommend it"
"Various aspects of relationships were illuminated in such a way that honesty to oneself was unlocked"
"the relevance of this material addressed the very foundational problems that so plague the lives of people. I needed to hear the truths and experience a new and fresh working in my heart"
"Quite frankly, I didn't think I would learn a great deal, but I was confronted weekly with revelatory knowledge..."
"Lola has been so good at relating the truth to us, also her articulation is excellent!"
"the instructor has a lot of fun in the class and makes you feel very comfortable"
In addition Lola has written and taught a variety of classes at the following organizations:
Grand Rapids, First Assembly of God, Wyoming, Michigan
Beckwith Hills Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michgan
First Evangelical Free Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Five Star Real Estate, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Audu Real Estate, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Presentations & Seminars
For a Complete and Updated List of Class Offering provided by Blogging Seminars, visit: Http://www.bloggingseminars.com.
Follow Blogging Seminars on Twitter
Personal Growth & Development Classes
A Diamond in Your Pocket - Unlocking the potential in your Life
Overcoming Adversity
Succeeding Successfully
Spiritual Growth Classes & Series
The Fruit of the Spirit Series (10 Lesson Series)
Radically Real Relationships Series (6-8 Lesson Series)
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An in-depth look into the dynamics which underly relationships within the context of diversity and the power of the cross. Topics include: The Spirit of Truth, The Leven of Hypocrisy, The Nature of Division, The Ministry of Reconcilliation....
Inward Reach Series (5 Lesson Series)
Wrestling with God - A Meander Through the Life of Jacob (1 Lesson)
Sit, Stand & Walk - Lessons in Spiritual Maturing (3 Lessons)
Please contact Lola Audu at lola@lolaaudu.com or call 616-791-0511 for additional information about the course selections or to book a class.
Audu Real Estate is a Michigan based Real Estate company which serves the residential real estate community and investors in the West Michigan real estate market. The company utilizes the use of technology and advanced agent training to provide superior service to residents of the Greater Grand Rapids community.
© 2007 Audu Real Estate All rights reserved
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Information about local real estate in Grand Rapids, Michigan & surrounding communities including Grandville, Wyoming, Jenison, Kentwood & Walker. Also, Lola Audu, CRS, an experienced Real Estate Broker shares insights and general wisdom about life and personal growth. Lola welcomes your thoughts & insights about the information shared on this Web Log.
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