Agent Services
Hire the best people.
Give them the best tools.
Get out of the way.
At Windermere, we implement this founding philosophy every day through the introduction of new programs that raise industry standards and give agents the resources they need to meet the needs of buyers and sellers.
The Best People
Windermere’s sales force is our greatest asset and our associates include experts in all areas of real estate. We are a collection of interesting, passionate, committed people who truly believe in building vibrant and livable communities. Our agents are intimately familiar with their local communities, allowing them to provide knowledgeable and high-caliber real estate services tailored to the client’s needs. We’ve found that because we’re very selective, everyone is happier.
The Best Tools
Windermere’s structure allows offices to operate independently while retaining the benefits of being associated with a respected brand. As part of the Windermere network, our agents receive a variety of innovative services and tools— including technology training, marketing support and continued education —that they can put to work in their local market.
The Best Support
We are —most definitely— not micro-managers. We figure you know what you’re doing and we respect that. Our managers are trained to help you grow your business, not to run it for you. They are available to answer questions, introduce new tools, teach classes and even offer complimentary one-on-one coaching.
If this sounds like an environment you’d enjoy, we should probably talk.
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If you aren’t ready to talk yet, keep reading!
Here are some articles you may find interesting:
- Meet our new President, Steve Rodgers
- Check out Scenes from our Company Meetings
- Full Service Real Estate at Windermere
- How Windermere Gives back to the Community
- What makes a Windermere Realtor Different?
- Windermere Gives Agents the best Technology
- Making Marketing Easier for our Agents
- What is so great about Windermere (hear it from our agents)
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The Optimal Way to Make an Open House Lead to a Sold House
Posted by Chad Basinger | Leave A Comment »
If you are going to be spending the middle of the day holding an open house, whether you are an agent or the homeowner, you might as well make it the most effective three hours possible. Similar to a professional athlete, you must put in all the necessary work before the actual game to make sure you have given yourself the best shot at being successful. With that being said, here is what you need to do:
To do List for when you decide to hold an open house:
- Make a professional looking flier ( I recommend Vflyer). Syndicate it to all the sites that Vflyer is associated with. It does not automatically syndicate to Craigslist, but we all know that reaches a huge audience, so fortunately Vflyer gives you the HTML code that you can copy and paste to Craigslist for a flier that will stand out above all others
- Print out these fliers and pass out to 50 homes in the neighborhood a day or two before the open house. Neighbors like to know what their home is worth and are curious to see what other homes in the area are like. It will ensure traffic during the open house, which always creates a lot more excitement than a Sunday home alone.
- Post the open house on your local association of Realtors website (here in San Diego, that is www.sdar.com, North County is www.nsdcar.com). If you are really ambitious, and since we are striving for maximum exposure, you can also call into the radio on Sunday morning to promote your open house. Inquire with your local association for more details
- As you all know, it’s all about exposure, so submit an ad in your local paper promoting the open house. Of course, social media is very prominent, so make sure to put it on facebook, twitter, your company website and any personal website
- Send out a quick email (you can attach the flyer) to your entire database informing them of the open house
- Make sure to have as much information at your disposal as possible, including but limited to the following: How to Buy a Home booklet, buyer net sheets, financing sheets, local area information….remember you are trying to sell the home, so you must be knowledgeable and enthusiastic!
Open House Checklist-The Day of the Open House
- It is game day and you should be fired up to meet all the potential buyers. Make the home as appealing as possible. Stage the home by doing all of the following: turn on all the lights, open curtains or blinds, open windows for fresh air, play light music, have a welcome sign (and a sign if you would like them to take off their shoes or sign into a booklet), something to make them feel at home such as a bowl of candy, cookies, etc, and some cold bottles of water. Give them every reason to want to linger in the home. While I realize you are trying to appeal to all five senses, be careful about the smell part. As much as candles or air freshener may seem pleasant, often times people are allergic or simply do not like certain smells. Definitely inquire with the owner if you are holding open their home. I have clients who specifically will not go into a home that has any smells, so don’t give anyone else a reason not to come in
- Once the home is staged as if it were going to be in a magazine, you need to drive traffic to the home. Of course, all the prep work noted above should bring a steady stream of interested parties. However, they need to know how to get to the property and in the process of putting up the signs, it will drive others to your place. Put as many signs up as necessary (somewhere around 15….but be respectful of local laws and ordinances) and in all the key intersections
- Without being overly pushy, try to obtain the parties information so that you may follow up with them. The odds of someone coming through the open house actually purchasing that home are not necessarily great, but there is valuable information that can be learned from independent parties. Use that information to price your home accordingly or make the necessary changes to make it more desirable
- At the end of the open house, make sure to return the house to how it was before staging it. This will most likely mean turning off all the lights, closing blinds and windows, locking doors, cleaning trash, setting the alarm
- Everyone wants feedback. Be sure to take detailed notes on all the people coming through so that you can pass this information along to the homeowner (and also to serve as a talking point for when you follow up with the potential clients). Homeowners will appreciate your input and know that you truly care about getting the home sold
Follow Up
- Provided that you were able to capture some information (remember, most people prefer not to be bothered when going through an open house, so be respectful of that. You will find a particular style that works for you), send them a hand written thank you letter or give them a call
Summary
Holding an open house is all about exposure and giving potential buyers every reason to want to come into your home. With that being said, if safety allows it, I would encourage you to keep the front door open to give that welcoming feeling. Let the visitors know that you’d be happy to answer any of their questions and give them the option of checking out the place on their own or having you give them a tour. Most will opt to browse at their leisure. While this is fine, you do hope to engage them in conversation and get feedback, so be prepared to have a lot of talking points. If nothing else, simply ask, “So, would you like to buy this house?“ This is sure to elicit a chuckle or two, lead to a conversation, and perhaps even a sale!
Chad Basinger, REALTOR®, CPA, CFP®
Windermere Exclusive Properties
858.997.3704
Related Posts: Agent Services, Home Improvement, Homeowners, Moving Tips & Advice, Open Houses, San Diego, Windermere, Windermere Agents, homes for sale
Puzzled by Real Estate Lingo?
Posted by Nancy Canfield | Leave A Comment »
Puzzled by the various Descriptions of Properties when you are searching?
Here are the current Definitions of Residential Styles from Sandicor, which should make searching a bit simpler.
Detached:
Neither the residence nor any attached garage shares any wall with another property. This category also includes zero lot-line properties. The residence and/or attached garage is separate, disconnected and shares no common façade, roof or exterior wall.
Twinhome:
One of only two units attached by a single wall, façade, ceiling, roof or garage.
Townhome:
One of 3 or more units attached horizontally; each unit is typically 2 or more stories, but can be single story; no unit located above or below the subject unit; can be attached on one or two sides, but not on three sides; typically would have a front entrance and access to a yard or patio at the rear or side of the unit.
Row Home:
One of three or more units that are attached by a façade, roof or walkway.
All Other Attached:
An attached unit that does not fit the definition of Twinhome, Townhome or Row Home. Is typically part of a larger building with units above, below or on three sides. This style is meant to convey the characteristics of the building not just the unit listed. The “Unit Location” field gives additional info about the specific unit. For example, if the subject property is a penthouse or end unit attached at only one wall but part of a large multi-story building, it should be placed in the All Other Attached category.
Manufactured Home:
Includes all homes which were constructed in substantial or in part at a location other than the final property address. This category is independent of whether “real estate is included”, the property is on a foundation, HCD documents have been filed, the form of ownership, or the property is on the tax rolls.
Modular Home:
Modular homes are built in sections at a factory. Modular homes are built to conform to all state, local or regional building codes at their destinations. Sections are transported to the building site on truck beds, then joined together on site. Local building inspectors check to make sure a modular home’s structure meets requirements and that all finish work is done properly.
Any Questions? Please Contact:
Nancy Canfield
ncanf@san.rr.com
www.NancyCanfield.com
(619) 871-9333
Related Posts: Agent Services, Area Information, Real Estate News, San Diego
Windermere Exclusive Properties Community Service Day Fair 2010
Posted by The Windermere Team | Currently 1 Comment »
Windermere agents in more than 400 offices and 10 states took the day off to GIVE BACK to their communities for the 27th year in a row! Windermere Exclusive Properties of San Diego used the day to to host a full blown Community Service Day Fair!
Enjoy this video tour of our day in the community.
Charities helped: San Diego Community Resource Center, Interfaith Community Services, San Diego Bone Marrow Donations, Rady Children’s Hospital, E-World Recyclers, Child ID Services, American Red Cross Blood Bank, Helen Woodward Animal Center, Leez PJ’s 4 Kids,Family & Friends Community Connection, Shred-It, and more!
Related Posts: Activities & Events, Agent Services, Community Service, Just for Fun, Lifestyle, Real Estate News, San Diego, Windermere Agents, WindermereSanDiego.com, windermere foundation
A Community Stands Behind Its Friend
Posted by The Windermere Team | Leave A Comment »
Zarina Rahman, an employee of Windermere Real Estate in Carlsbad, needs help from her community. A recent accident in her new home left her with a broken neck, weeks in intensive care and now facing months of rehabilitation to regain control of her lower body.
Originally from Singapore, Zarina has been a high achiever throughout her young life. Twelve years ago, she came to the United States to earn a M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations. She has accomplished that and so much more.
Since the accident, Zarina faces mounting hospital and rehab expenses far beyond her means. Zarina needs your help.
In support of Zarina, our community has wrapped its arms around her, in hopes that we’ll be able to lighten the impact of this tragic accident. As friends and colleagues of Zarina, we’ve decided to pull together as one by holding an event on her behalf to raise money to support her throughout this journey. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 24 at the Sheraton in Carlsbad, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008 from 4:00-7:00 pm. If you are unable to attend, any contribution you’re able to make would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact Holly at BASECAMP International Coaching – 858.369.3405 or email holly@thebasecampexperience.com – to purchase tickets or to make a contribution. Tickets for the event are $20 each.
Please make checks payable to: Windermere Foundation (memo: on behalf of Zarina Rahman) c/o BASECAMP, 125 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Sponsorship Opportunities:
SILVER SPONSOR $500 5 TICKETS TO THE EVENT EVENT SPONSORSHIP BRANDING
GOLD Sponsor $ 750 8 TICKETS TO THE EVENT EVENT SPONSORSHIP BRANDING
PLATINUM SPONSOR $1000 12 TICKETS TO THE EVENT EVENT SPONSORSHIP BRANDING
Video Message From Zarina http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAckuuuK-jE
Related Posts: Activities & Events, Agent Services, San Diego, Windermere Agents
The Selling Season
Posted by Bill Menish | Leave A Comment »
A realtor friend who I respect immensely made a comment to me about the end of the season. Not football, baseball or soccer, but the end of the “Selling Season” in Real Estate. It had been a good season for her, but it was over, or so she said. I was shocked. Here it is, early June, and according to my friend, the market was going onto life support, with just a hint of a pulse remaining.
Now as a former journalist, I am programmed to be skeptical, but this time, no programming was needed. I just didn’t believe what I was hearing. Prices are ridiculously low, especially in the high end market and interest rates keep dropping. As I am writing this, rates have dropped again to as low as 4.25%. And the season is done? I don’t think so.
Now I don’t know why so many buyers are still on the fence. Is it the job market? Is it cable news stations and their never ending diatribe of gloom and doom? Is it the European markets? Or is it all of the above?
All I know is that in my lifetime, there have been many times when I have looked back and said, “I should have done that.” Whether it was being too afraid to ask out a certain girl, only to find out after she was married that she had wanted me to, or that certain stock that I should have gambled on, and all the ones I shouldn’t have.
Yes, hindsight is 20/20. But you don’t need perfect vision to see the opportunity before us now. When a nearby house is on the market for $1.4 million, down from $2.3 million, that is a good buy yesterday, today and tomorrow. When you can get an interest rate on a home as low as 4.25%,that is a great opportunity yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Folks, the season is not over. In fact, in my estimation, we are in the early innings and I expect some serious action in the not too distant future.
Related Posts: Agent Services, Industry Updates, San Diego
