Can You Say Convenience?
June 10th, 2009 categories: Real Estate News, Relocating
As an old friend used to remind us, “We all going to make a little bit money, but none of us is going to get any more time.” Wasting time is something none of us can afford to do (well, at least I can’t). But, it seems that no matter how hard we try, it’s “built into the system”. In other words, it’s just part of life. Many of the processes we’re involved in are controlled by others. We don’t control all the moving parts, the timing, the content, or, the logistics of getting to the finished product. But, what if we could find a way to make things “better, faster, cheaper”, would we?
Callaborative platforms or software allows us to do just that. Collaborative management tools like videoconferencing, online chats, instant messaging, application sharing, Wikis, and many others, allow us to leverage technology to, in essence, make it easier to accomplish a task. Among other things, it provides users with access to the same material or event at the same time. In other words, simultaneous task accomplishment.
In yesterday’s real estate Google Alerts I ran across the article, New Business Eliminates Real Estate Paperwork, highlighting an effort by a couple of agents in Cincinnati, Ohio, to develop software that provides those involved in reale estate transactions the capability to track negotiations and complete transactions online, and yes, that includes using electronic signatures. The software is called MLS Contracts and is currently being Beta tested by their brokerage firm.
This looks like another tool to improve our business process. It’ll make the process more convenient and productive for agents and their clients. Let’s hope the Beta test is without too many hiccups, and before we know it, we’ll all be using MLS Contracts, or something similar.
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We’ve Seen The Enemy
May 13th, 2009 categories: Military Installations, Real Estate News, Relocating
One of the benefits of being a teacher or instructor is the interaction with peers. The opportunity for feedback is almost limitless. Discussions with students are almost always entertaining, and hopefully instructive. And the “instructive” aspect goes both ways. As many teachers will tell you, we, more often than not, learn more from the students than they do from us.
This column has been in the works for weeks. Well, at least I’ve mentally started it on various occasions. But, as life tends to do, other, more pressing tasks have, in the meantime, overtaken my schedule. But, yesterday, after coming across an article on the Real Estate blog, Agent Genius, written by our local Association’s Education Director, Matthew Rathbun, I was reminded of my article-to-be . Our director’s article echo’s the many complaints I’ve heard from students since stepping into the classroom as an instructor a little over a year ago. Their biggest complaint isn’t about the real estate process, or the contracts that they have to use, or the mortgage industry, or even the erratic appraisal business. Their biggest complaint is about other agents. And, it isn’t even close!
Complaints about agents aren’t something new. We’ve heard it for years from home buyers, home sellers, and yes, other agents. But, it reminds me of the outrage and uproar about members of Congress. How they are all crooked and self serving. Well, all of them except my Congressman or Representative.
What are the complaints about Realtors? They run the entire gamut, from lack of communication to various forms of “unprofessional” behavior. These include, in no particular order:
- Lack of communication – Difficult to get ahold of, not updating clients or other agents on the status of a property, not returning phone calls or e-mails, etc (you get the picture)
- Unaware of what real estate contract verbiage says or means – Unable or unwilling to explain what contract documents say to their clients, negotiating contracts based upon false assumptions or a misunderstanding of what the contract says (Do you know what broom swept or clean means?….and that’s the easy part)
- Not showing up – have you ever heard the term, “required formation”?
- Not being on time – agents are notorious for being late (and, yes, so are clients)
- Others….
Every profession has its share of complaints about the way business is conducted. But, normally, the majority of the criticism comes from consumers, or from the “cheap seats” (those critical of the business but not involved in it). But, our profession, the real estate industry, probably hears more criticism from its’ members than it does from outside sources. Are we just a profession of whiners or is the criticism justified? More importantly, if the critics are even close to the mark, how do we improve the way conduct business?
We’ll get into that on Page 2.
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Going “Sideways” on I95 Just South of the Beltway
March 10th, 2008 categories: Entertainment
You been out with the same clients for two weeks, up and down the Interstate 95, battling traffic, seen over sixty homes (I mean, why not, there are so many choices…..and, there are all those good deals they just have to see!) and you’ve finally had a contract ratified on the fourth REO property you’ve written on. Now your clients would like to relax a bit, and have asked you where you can go to unwind. So, what’s a Realtor to do? Outside of the typical eateries, what’s there to do? A new offering you’ve got to try, just off the Interstate, north of Stafford, to relax and enjoy the tastes of Northen Virginia, is Potomac Point Winery http://www.potomacpointwinery.com/index.php.
While Northern Virginia doesn’t offer quite the same variety of choices you may have seen in the 2004 Oscar winning movie “Sideways“, which, you may recall, involved a “road trip” through California’s wine country, you can find some very appealing local wineries with wine choices to suit just about anyone. Additionally, Virginia’s temperate climate, and scenic countryside make an afternoon at Potomac Point more than just a stop for lunch. And, besides, aren’t we all looking for that refuge from the everyday hustle and bustle of life? (What we wouldn’t do for a few minutes of peace and quiet!)
Since their Grand Opening last July, many locals have taken advantage of the fine wines offered at the the Point. There are a variety of choices for everyone’s taste, including:
- Norton
- Viogenier (gold medal)
- Rabelos & Vidal Blanc dessert wines
- Cabernet Franc
- Bordeaux, Italian & Portuguese styled red wines
- Chardonnay (gold medal)
Fortunately, the Point doesn’t end with wine tasting. You can also enjoy their assorted olive oils available for tasting, or the appealing soups and sandwiches available. Finally, for groups, special arrangements are possible for private get togethers on the grounds, or catered service if you so desire.
While house hunting, the I95 traffic can sometimes get the best of us. The Potomac Point Winery is just “A Step Away From Your Everyday”. So, once that contract is signed, sealed and delivered, treat yourself to an enjoyable few minutes of relaxation at Potomac Point Winery. For wine lovers, or just those that like a place to get away from it all, the Point is an ideal refuge.
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