The Northwest Florida chapter of CRS Agents (Certified Residential Specialists) recently conducted an open forum for local area Agents to attend as top listing Agents shared their secrets for success.  Ranae Stewart, Broker/Owner of Exit Realty N.F.I. led the panel.  Top listing Agents featured included Kathy Wilhelm, Sandy Blanton, and Alexis Bolin.

The purpose of the forum was to share with the audience the best ideas used by top producers in their market; to give other Agents and idea of what makes real estate easier, more productive, and earns them the most income.  The top agents hoped to share their secrets to “WOW”ing their buyers and sellers.

It was interesting to note the similarities in each Agents answers although they all worked in different office, specialized in different niches, and had varying levels of experience. The three most prominent similarities were as follows:

1. Qualify & Determine Motivation

Make sure to ask extensive questions and determine how the client came to call you, what their current motivation level is, who else they are interviewing as their Agent. Make sure to explain the commission process and the associated legalities such as procuring cause, ethics, etc.  Buyers and Sellers should outline their goals with the Agent and make sure their motivation and expectation levels coincide with current market conditions. The more you and the homeowner or homebuyer know the better!

2. Communicate Effectively And Often

In a market that changes almost daily it is extremely important to establish regular communication between the homeowner or homebuyer and their Agent.  Agents should always make sure their clients have current statistics for their market and are aware of upcoming legislation or economic events which may affect their decision on what or how they wish to buy and sell.  Buyers must know which homes have multiple offers, who has done recent price reductions, what interest rates are doing.  Sellers must be made aware of price per square foot averages in their market, what other homes are selling for, recent local market activity.  The better the communication between the Agent and their client the easier the purchase and or sale will be.

3. Website Promotion is King

Gone are the days where the largest phone book ad, or an ad in the local paper will sell a home.  These top producing Agents are shifting their focus more and more to internet advertising.  Sites like www.floridaexit.comoffer a one stop shop for clients to browse all local MLS listings, access local area foreclosures, and view Agent profiles.  The internet offers a constant stream of information at any time on any property.  Ads are not limited to particular properties or certain areas.  Clients have access to all available information and can even register for future searches or schedule showings.

With these three secrets Agents and clients alike can improve their odds of effectively accomplishing real estate goals in their local market.  For more information on the Northwest Florida CRS chapter contact Ranae Stewart at 850-477-EXIT or on the web at www.floridaexit.com.

Your mortgage company can help in several ways, but the key to keeping your home and your credit rating is to act early, say lenders, counselors, and attorneys.

The companies to whom you owe thousands of dollars are in the lending business, not the property business. In a housing market where prices are stagnant or declining and homes are hard to sell, a bank may have a vested interest in helping you keep your home. (more…)

The company specializes in residential, commercial, investment, and waterfront properties. Ranae has set herself apart as a true entrepreneur and supporter of the area; serving as a past President of the Santa Rosa County Board of Realtors, a past Director of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, and a well recognized success among the Exit franchises in the United States and Canada.

Now its time to give back to the community via our local news area. Here we will share everything there is to know about what’s going on with Northern Florida real estate and let buyers and sellers get the latest, updated news with little hassle. So please, come and join the coversation - we’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to send us an email or simply post a comment below -we’re here to help!