There are a number of metrics which one can use to get a handle on the current housing market in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  However, the one which captures my attention as we head into what is traditionally the busiest season in real estate is the Spring Parade of Homes. Here's what I wrote about the tour last year...

It’s a spring time ritual in Grand Rapids, Mi.  For residents like myself and many others who love to peek into gorgeous homes and pick up the latest tips for home decor and furnishings, the Spring Parade of Homes Tour is an event which is highly anticipated.

However, this year, the Parade of Homes will feature a tour with significantly fewer offerings than in recent years.  In 2006, there were 200 homes featured in the Parade of Homes, last year (2007) the number was 133.  This year, 83 homes will make their debuts in the Parade…far fewer entries than just 24 months ago. (click here to continue reading)

This year, the Parade of homes will feature less than 1/2 of the homes entered in the 2008 year.  The 2009 Parade debuts with 42 homes as it marks 50 years.  A search for the nucleus of this story traces back to the number of building permits issued in Kent County in 2009.  A number which has been declining for the past several consecutive months to just 25 for the entire county in March of 2009; down from 61 in the same month of the previous year 2008 according to data obtained from the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors®.  

For the first quarter of the year, permits are being issued at about 1/2 the rate of last year 2008...which was already a less than stellar year for new home construction.

But, West Michigan has always been a resilient community which prizes innovation and creativity.  This year, the Parade of Homes will feature six Green Homes, a Brand New offering.  Not only will the public be able to view quality built, affordable, environmentally sustainable home construction, there will be classes available for those who would like to learn more.

Last year, I visited a green built home in my neighborhood.  I thoroughly enjoyed talking with the builder and learned a lot about how smart investments can save a future homeowner money and increase the enjoyment and comfort of the residence.  If you'd like to tour a Parade home, look for the signs which mark each home or visit this site for additional tour information including scheduling for the Green Homes which are open on Thursdays.

Visit www.auduhomes.com to view NEW home construction in all price ranges!

Copyright 2009 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved

Copyright 2009  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved 

It's one of those mornings when I'm rushing around trying to get too many things done before I rush out the door.  Yet, my eye catches the flash of my phone which I've turned OFF precisely to avoid this type of distraction. I can't help myself.  I pick up the call.

The voice on the other line is friendly...and unfamiliar.  I instantly regret my mistake in picking up the phone. He launches into a sales pitch. I'm always intrigued by people who do their jobs well.  This guy is good!  He starts out by telling me that he's got referrals that he has to get placed today.  Folks are coming in to Kentwood, Michigan and he needs to find an agent to help them.  Could he interest me?

I cut to the chase. "So...how much is this gonna cost?" Without hesitation, he answers..."only $99 per placement.  And if they don't work out, we'll replace them with a guaranteed fit.  In fact, we're so confident about our product, that I want you to know about a special deal.  Our clients are FOR SALE today!  We'll give you 10 of them for only $990!  WOW!

It's the phrase 'clients for sale' which stuns me momentarily.  I have never thought of the people I serve as products which I can trade or sell for profit.  He takes my silence as interest and continues.  "In fact, we're so confident about our service, we'll guarantee you ONE sale out of the 10.  All for $990!

I wonder WHO these clients are?  Did they consent to be used for chattel?  Are they aware that their names and the hopes and dreams they expressed when they filled in the innocent looking boxes for assistance with their home search would result in their information being sold and traded on the real estate referral market place?

And then I think about the agents who are going to buy these names today.  Sinking hard earned dollars for the hope of landing perhaps one real estate deal...after all the clients are on sale.  And I guess one could do the arithmetic and figure that you'd be ahead if you spent $990 and got a deal that netted several thousand in commission perhaps...This can be especially tempting if you're a new agent or struggling to get leads.

But what's lost in the frenzy of boiler rooms filled with fast talking sales persons looking for the next sucker willing to part with some money is the fact that real estate referrals are NOT about selling people's names. It's about creating human relationships.  People refer people whom they know, like and respect to others whom they know.  Referrals are personal.  And that's why things become a little dicey when we take the referral relationship out of the personal context.

It's also why social media and sites like Real Town Blogs and  Active Rain are so incredibly powerful.  Through blogging, engaging with people on the network through comments, building relationships on sites like  Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, answering questions as a local expert on Trulia, Zillow or Localism, we put into place the precious building blocks which build authentic communication.  

Picture of french fries courtesy of wEnDalicious photo-stream on flickr

Copyright 2009  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

You are welcome to attend Lola Audu's course on Blogging Ethics & Social Media for Business Professionals!  Lola is a Michigan Continuing Instructor and a graduate of the Bill Gove Training Institute for Keynote Speakers.

This will be a great learning experience for those who want to enhance their business model through the use of blogging & social technology. Social technology is here to stay and now is the time to get ahead of the curve.  

Lola will demonstrate how social media can play a significant role in growing your business by taking it to the next highest level online. Please see the instructions below on how to register for this awesome class!

You can resigister by going to www.auduhomes.com and click on the "Education" link. This will take you to your registration options. You can also register online or print out a download-able form and fax it over to AUDU Real Estate @ 616.791.0535. First come first serve as spaces are limited.

Please confirm your registration by 5pm on Tuesday, April 14^th

Date, Time, & Place:

Friday, April 17th 2009

9am-12:45pm

Country Inn & Suites~East

3251 Deposit DR NE 

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

 Payment:

The cost is $50 for 2 courses. $65 for walk-in. You can pay in advance via credit card or check. You can also pay by cash,credit, or check at the door, however you must still confirm your registration by submitting your registration form by the April 14^th deadline.

Important Note: It is recommended to bring a laptop if you have one. Wireless access will be provided. If you do not have a laptop, you may follow along with the instructor.

Blogging Ethics for Real Estate Professionals ~ Continuing Education ~ 2 Credits ~ K1062  Sponsor Code K355

Social Media for Real Estate Professionals ~ Workshop ~ Not Continuing Ed.

Please email Takara Taylor at Takara@grar.com  for questions or concerns or call 616.541.2312.

Related Post:

Why Real Estate Blogging is Like A Peanut Butter Sandwich...

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Snacks & Beverages will be provided! Course Agenda is listed below! This workshop is not limited to Real Estate Professionals. This course is considered to be a viable resource for many other professions.

Well over a decade ago, I read Michael Gerbers' famous book, 'The E-Myth.'  I am the daughter of two entrepreneurs and an entrepreneur myself.  I have lived through the 'technician syndrome' that Gerber described in which vast amounts of energy are siphoned from the entrepreneur who must run their business on a daily basis and subsequently becomes a slave to the work rather than the inspiration driving the company.

So, when the idea of making a business 'Idiot Proof' was introduced during a professional real estate seminar, I was eager to embrace the method.  The process involved systematizing a business by breaking each action/segment into small, clearly defined steps.  The BENEFITS: a precisely written manual which ensured that anyone could replicate the same results every single time with the aim of creating a consistent consumer experience.

To illustrate the point, the presenter used the example of the methods that fast food companies have perfected through their training systems to ensure that your burger is pretty much the same anywhere you get it.  If you've ever worked in a fast food joint, you know that every single item that impacts the business is detailed in the manuals. 

The system is fully automated with cookware that tells you when the fries are done and guides you through the process of making every menu item.  Most workers are hired to do one little segment of the work and not much else.  Even the cash registers are coded with pictures to make sure that the right order is processed and the correct change returned.  The RESULT: workers who know a few details very well, but may be largely ignorant when it comes to understanding how the operation works. 

The problem with this type of system is that it thrives primarily within a stable environment.  An environment in which the delivery truck can be expected to arrive at the scheduled time carrying the necessary supplies.  The system requires tremendous amounts of coordination and performs with supreme efficiency when that order is present.  However if there is inadequate staffing or the supply chain breaks down, the system becomes vulnerable.  Ultimately the problem with this type of system is that LIFE IS UNSTABLE. 

In the real estate industry, we have created our own versions of Idiot Proof systems.  In a sense our Forms and transaction management systems have allowed many of us to facilitate millions of real estate transactions with efficiency and speed.  These systems have also made it possible for anyone off the street to enter our profession with a mere 40 hours of training and then sit down with a client to list a Million dollar home. The agent simply needs to know how to fill in the blanks.  

However, just like the fast food industry, the real estate system of transaction management may be inherently vulnerable precisely because it requires certain 'anticipated conditions' to operate efficiently.  When the stability of those conditions is threatened or upset entirely, as we are currently witnessing in the mortgage crisis, the entire house of cards is in peril, not unlike the perilous times in which we currently live.

Perilous times require creative, innovative individuals who possess the critical thinking skills to make intelligent assessments and respond to unforeseen and unexpected circumstances. 

Idiot Proof Mechanisms are guaranteed to fail in perilous times, because the conditions necessary to support them are wobbling or have crumbled entirely. The hidden gift of perilous times is that we are given a fresh opportunity to re-evaluate the true effectiveness of systems we have used without questioning.

So, I'm in the process of dis-assembly.  Although we still use and appreciate our board supplied real estate forms, our agents are being challenged to not rely on forms to do the critical thinking.  Agents are required to think through solutions and to be ready to explain WHY they think the options they are suggesting merit consideration.  The days of using systems without thinking about what you're doing are numbered  OVER, because fewer real estate transactions are falling into easily defined categories!

Today's real estate transaction involves, amongst a host of other critical skill sets,  having the negotiation skills and patience to see a Short Sale through to the end.  Being a competent agent means having the ability to utilize the Internet to create important professional networks and prospect for future business.  Today's agent needs to understand what is happening in the financial world and be informed about the developments in ancillary services like the inspection and title industry.  In my opinion, the days of 'cookie cutter' real estate are over...if they ever truly existed in the first place. 

Copyright 2008  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

Picture of french fries courtesy of wEnDalicious photo-stream on flickr

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.

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:

Blogging Therapy^TM ~ 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.

Option #2 ~ Blogging Boot Camp^TM~ 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 Therapy^TM  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 Camp^TM 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 Camp^TM Costs: $100 per person for a 2 hour session. A Non-Refundable $100 Fee is required to reserve a date for Blogging Boot Camp^TM. 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 Camp^TM.

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 Camp^TM.

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.