The RE/MAX Balloon Soars Over Plano and Beyond

The results from the Plano Balloon Festival are in, and we raised nearly $5,000 this year for CMN!

Of course, the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon took center stage at the festival. As a branding level sponsor, the balloon and other RE/MAX signage was highly visible to attendees of the festival’s 30th anniversary. Despite wet weather, visitors flocked to the event and the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon braved the elements for exclusive coverage by the local Fox News affiliates.

By selling RE/MAX blinky pins and balloon booth photos, we were able to raise a total of $4,281 for Children’s Miracle Network. We also had our first ever $100 donation from an attendee at the RE/MAX photo booth. It was a moment of amazing generosity.” Adding to that generosity was Michael Coburn of RE/MAX Town & Country, how donated 3,000 inflatable beach balls (along with a compressor to inflate them), which were distributed to the crowd. Afterward, Michael and some of his agents enjoyed a relaxing ride in the RE/MAX Balloon.





One funny event also occured during a low altitude over a Plano subvision. RE/MAX of Texas Aviation director Steve Lombardi spotted a house with a RE/MAX sign out front and its owners standing in the yard. "I couldn't resist," he said. "In the spirit of our famous TV commercials, I yelled down to the owners saying 'Hey, I just wanted to let you know we are working on getting you a contract for your house!'. The owner laughed and said that their agent was showing the house right at that moment. I told her to get the prospective buyers outside to see the balloon. It would be the sign they needed to buy the house!"

There’s more Balloon fun on the way as the Houston area prepares for the 16th annual RE/MAX of Texas Ballunar Liftoff Festival at NASA Johnson Space Center, sponsored by by the City of Nassau Bay. Canceled last year due to Hurricane Ike’s visit, the festival is on track to make up for lost time. Find out more about this excellent event by visiting www.ballunarfestival.com.

Managing Your Personal Marketing: Taking the Right Photo

A picture is worth a thousand words, and in today’s media it is sometimes the only thing the consumer looks at. Capturing the visual attention of an audience is something advertisers struggle with everyday. When the brand you are trying to sell is you, not just any visual will do.

“Any agent submitting a press release for publication in your local paper or real estate publication needs to be aware of how they present themselves visually,” says RE/MAX of Texas Marketing Manager Mike Sumerlin. “Not just any snapshot will do. Quite often, a good photo is more important to the publication running your story then the text. You want to be sure you are taking the best possible photo to accompany any announcement of your accomplishments.”

Taking a good photo to accompany a press release doesn’t require a professional photographer to be on hand. But there are some tricks that can help you maximize your marketing. You won’t need a high-tech digital camera to get the best quality photos for publication. An everyday digital camera should contain the proper functions for getting a publishable snapshot.

• If you are photographing an event, be sure to take many photos.

• Pick your locations carefully and use the highest quality setting your camera has, as many publications will need a high resolution in order to publish a photo.”

• If you know where and when you are going to be photographed for publicity, always be sure to wear colors that contrast with your surroundings.

• If you have any say in where you are photographed, try for a solid color background. This makes publishing your photo easier if a graphic or layout designer must manipulate your photo on the computer, resulting in a better finished product.”

“The final outcome of a published photo is very important to a Realtor’s personal branding, so make your photos work for you,” continues Mike Sumerlin. “If a consumer can’t distinguish you in a photo because the quality is poor or the photo isn’t engaging, you aren’t likely to make an impression. And most importantly, if possible make sure the RE/MAX Balloon is visible in your snapshot. Use the visual power of your brand to capture your future clients’ attention.”

RE/MAX of Texas Children’s Miracle Network CHALLENGE

Can the World’s Largest Real Estate Company Match the World’s Largest Retailing Giant Generating funds for Children’s Miracle Network®?
This is the world’s FRIENDLY-est challenge. Both RE/MAX and Walmart and our Associates and customers are legendary in their commitment and charity to CMN. For years the Walmart stores in Texas have led all contributors in donations to the nationwide alliance of non-profit children’s hospitals, with RE/MAX of Texas close behind.

“With this challenge, we are hoping to reach a number of ambitions that we have been carrying for many years,” says RE/MAX of Texas Charities Coordinator Whitney Peper. “Our offices have been doing an amazing job in doing their part to support local children’s healthcare, which in today’s economic client is more important than ever. But we want to go further than being the top Texas contributor to CMN, and we know how to do it.”

“We call it the three birds with one milestone approach. If every RE/MAX agent in Texas donated $100 to Children’s Miracle Network, RE/MAX of texas would reach three new heights as a region,” continues Whitney. “First, we would certainly finish the year ahead of Walmart. Second, the contributions would qualify every office in Texas as a RE/MAX CMN Miracle Office, making Texas the very first ‘Miracle Region” in the history of our partnership with Children’s Miracle Network. Lastly, this would make Texas the RE/MAX CMN Region of the year for an astounding third year in a row.
The benefits for RE/MAX offices to reach these milestones with their combined donation efforts are astronomical. ”

No matter who comes out on top in this competition, the community will ultimately be the winner. RE/MAX of Texas is offering one additional boon to motivate agents and offices into winning the challenge. RE/MAX of Texas COO and General Counsel Charles El-Moussa has publically declared that should RE/MAX of Texas raise more funds than Walmart, he will allow his head to be shaved at February’s RE/MAX Statewide Convention in Fort Worth.




As RE/MAX International closes in on $100 million in total donations, RE/MAX of Texas challenges our members to match the contributions of Walmart in the year’s final reporting period (August 1 through December 31, 2009) in any of the 13 CMN Regions in Texas. To donate to this great cause and help us give Charles a cold head this February, visit RE/MAX of Texas Children’s Miracle Network CHALLENGE

Distressed Properties - Our Business for the Next Three Years

While there are plenty of optimistic signs in the market and in the media, the storm engulfing the housing market is not over. The recession may be bottoming out, but housing expert and RE/MAX Chairman of the Board Dave Liniger is cautioning the industry to be prepared. Distressed Properties will be a significant part of our business for the next two to three years. How can Realtors get ready for another wave of foreclosures and short sales? Statistics that prove why having the CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) Designation will only become more important to the of careers real estate professionals, and will arm them with the knowledge and resources to help clients during one of their most financially (and emotionally) trying times.

• There are currently 300,000 + monthly foreclosures in the U.S.
• There is another huge wave hiding; will get worse before getting better
• 5-7 Year ARMs will fail at a higher rate than even Sub-Prime loans
• Banks have been holding back on foreclosures at US Gov’t request, but are about to release them
• 1/3 of all US mortgages are in a negative equity position as of June 30, 2009, says industry analyst First American CoreLogic.
• Foreclosures should peak around Sept, 2011
• There is a severe lack of financing for higher end homes
• Highly likely that the $8,000 first-time-buyer Tax Credit will be extended

• 68% of all renegotiated mortgages go back into foreclosure
• Lender saves 20% of the loss by doing a SS versus a foreclosure
• 70% of all foreclosures never even talked to their Lender
• RE/MAX International being consulted by Congress, Federal Reserve, U.S.
• Treasury Dept about how to handle the flood of inventory and failing mortgages.

We can't stop the storm, but we can help others ride it out the best we can. Get educated today on how to help your clients through short sales and foreclosures and be prepared for what will continue to be a dominant facet of the industry for the foreseeable future. Find out about the CDPE designation today.

Generational Marketing - Age Appropriate Sales Tactics

Knowing how different generations approach the world can affect your bottom line.
That was the message Affiliates discovered during a featured session, "What Motivates Buying and Selling a Home for Gen X," at the 2009 RE/MAX International Convention.

Most people make a mistake in thinking that everyone views the world just like they do. But it's not true. Depending on which generation you belong to, your wants and needs can be completely different."

Understanding the differences between generations and then using that knowledge in your business can create customers for life.

People do business with people they like and who they think are like them. So you have to ask if you're distinguishing yourself in the right way to the generation you want to target. You need to know who you're working with now and decide if this is the generation you want to be working with in the future. And then you must ask, 'Am I marketing and advertising the way I used to, or am I keeping in mind the motivations of the people in the car with me? But remember, none of these tips trumps market knowledge and exceptional service. These are just the small things you can master to be more like the generations you work with.


The Mature Generation - 64 and older
Their view:


Experience is the best teacher.
Conforming is a good thing.
Still value moderation.
Expect some level of deference.
Believe in something larger than themselves.
Being a "regular Joe" is considered a complement.
Non-individualistic.
Expect value based on their terms.

How to work with them:


Show your value by focusing on your experience.
Ask them to talk about good experiences they've had and then match what you do to those experiences.
Ask them for their rules of engagement. "What do I need to do to work with you?"
Testimonials from institutions are still highly valued. RE/MAX company history, size and accomplishments are a selling point.
Quality is very important, but must be measured through their experience. Ask them "How do you define quality?"
"Standard" and "prepackaged" is considered a positive.
Never mention that something is good for their age group. This is rude unless you're a member of their generation.

Baby Boomers - ages 45-63

Their view:


Defined by job.
Busy people and have been for a while.
Workaholics.
Competitive.
Love their trophies. Success is visible.
Team players.
Optimistic.
First "me" generation.
Forever young and rebellious.

How to work with Boomers:


Sell downsizing as a preference. They're not downsizing; they're moving to a preferred lifestyle or a preferred location. This can be a home near their kids or friends or a home that costs less so they have extra cash flow and a better lifestyle.
However you define success, the Baby Boomers are the ones who are going to make it happen as either your customers or your employers. Remember that this is the most influential generation.
Emphasize the time-saving elements you provide.
Help them gain control of their surroundings with your service.
Don't assume they're pro-technology. Discover if they like technology and then work with them accordingly.
Help them feel victorious when they make a decision. Tell them they made a "good decision" or "the right move."
Be optimistic.
Become a member of their team. Use dialogues such as, "I intend to be a part of your team." Teamwork means something special to this generation.
Remember that Baby Boomers are the first "me" generation. Tell them how you can customize your service to fit their needs. Ask them what works with their schedule. Use dialogues like "Here's what I can do for you."
Their children's opinions are important. Involve them in the process.



Generation X - ages 30-44
Their view:


Driven by individuality.
"Seize the day" worldview. They think three to five years ahead at the most.
Cynical.
Pessimistic.
Taught to always question authority.
Have no shared heroes. Heroes are a parent, grandparent or a coach ? someone who they've tested and retested.
Prove-it-to-me attitude.
The most loyal of all generations. They find people they can trust and they stay close, but they'll run you through the ringer in the process.
Look for short-term solutions.
They don't buy, they stalk. They gather a lot of information before buying.
They want to be involved. They use technology to double check everything.
Value their time above relationships.
Are in a position to buy and keep on buying.
Murphy's Law exists for this group. They're always looking for a Plan B.

How to work with them:

You, by doing what you do, are an authority. They were taught to question all authority so be ready to answer a lot of questions.
List every thing you have to offer them. All your service options, everything.
Have a pocketful of references from other Gen X'ers ready to give them.
Be prepared to answer "What have you done lately?" You and your company's history is not important.
Provide short-term solutions. Use dialogues such as, "We can have this done by the end of the day."
Provide backup plans. If something doesn't work out, have a plan B and C ready, and let your clients know what these are.
Involve them in the sales process. Give them the information you have and help them double-check your findings.
Your marketing should sell the steak. Tell them what it is, what it does and what it's for. No fluff, just the facts.
Be prepared to answer the question "why" a lot. This is not an attack on your credibility; it's how they were taught.
No hard sales.
Either enjoy, or appear to enjoy, your work. Have fun.
Create an e-mail list for this group and e-mail them neighborhood statistics and deals on homes in neighborhoods they might want to move to. Personalize these e-mails and then give your clients the choice to opt out.
Prove that your service can give them back their time.

Millennial - ages 29 and younger
Their view:


Optimistic
They've always been well-cared for.
Group oriented. They travel in packs.
Busy and stressed at a young age.
Future is short term. Instant gratification.
Raised as their parents' friends.
Not adolescents and not yet adults.
Huge goals, but are clueless on how to achieve them.
View adulthood as something they'll get to later. The Millennial at 28 or 29 was the Boomer at 21.
Peer-to-peer interaction is important.

How to work with them:

Remember, you can't look at someone who is 29 and think that you remember what it was like to be that age and it should be similar. It's not.
Whatever you do must have an immediate application to them. "Before the end of this meeting, this is what I'll do to help you." "Before this end of this phone call, this is how working with me will benefit you."
Tailor your business for them. What you do must be unique for them.
Show interest in them. Spend time with them. Answer questions. Become a non-stressful provider of information.
Capitalize on the group mentality. Find one that is well respected (not your kid) and take him and a group of his friends out to lunch. Then have them fill out a simple questionnaire about themselves, what makes them different and what those differences would look like in a home. Then teach them. Make them the experts.
Never sell to this group. Offer to help.

RE/MAX Offers Agents Healthcare Option

Unveiled at the Summer Broker/Owner Conference in Chicago, RE/MAX is taking a proactive approach the national healthcare crisis by offering healthcare options to agents in the United States. The new RE/MAX Heath Plus Benefits Plan offers comprehensive and affordable insurance options.

“No matter what position you take in the healthcare debate, there is no denying that millions of Americans are struggling to gain affordable health insurance for themselves and their families,” commented RE/MAX CEO Richard Filip, who noted the particular disadvantage Real Estate professionals often have in the area of affordable, comprehensive healthcare.

“Being independent contractors, Realtors often omitted from the health insurance benefits that others in our country enjoy, and often bare the hard expense of private insurance. We are happy to be giving our RE/MAX another option in safeguarding their health.”

Tell us what you've been doing to stay ahead of the Healthcare struggle.

A Day of Service

As we walk through the 8th anniversary of the September 11th Terror Attacks, our focus as a nation has begun to turn from mourning to service. If you watched any of the memorial ceremonies at Ground Zero or the Pentagon, you heard from the dozens of volunteers representing thousands of others who responded to the disaster eight years ago. Public officials and politicians from the President to the current and former Mayor of New York spoke about the importance of giving service to your community, your nation and your fellow man.

At RE/MAX of Texas, we feel this is a lesson Realtors know well. Our industry has always been about more than selling houses, but about being one of the many architects of the community. Community involvement, volunteerism and service are not merely ways to drum up business. They are ways to develop the community, increase your responsibility for its prosperity, and to help raise it up during or after crises.

At RE/MAX, we’ve taken a number of causes to heart, such as Children’s Miracle Network, to which we have donated nearly $100 million since 1991. We also support Komen for the Cure Foundation, something that hits close to home as we have many breast cancer survivors in our network. Their courage and fortitude inspires us to give more and help fight this deadly disease.

On a more local level, RE/MAX of Texas treasures its support of Happy Hill Farm Academy and Home, an accredited school and home located in Granbury Texas for seriously at risk children. Recently, RE/MAX of Texas was honored to be among the founding members of the Texas Sentinels Foundation, which provides life scholarships for seriously wounded veterans. These scholarships enable these veterans and their families to start rebuilding their lives and futures. On September 1st, we welcomed our first Texas Sentinel, Marine Corporal Donny Daughenbaugh and his family, who will receive a new home (courtesy of the Bay Area Builder's Association) as well as four years of funding for college and health insurance.

We aren’t saying this to pat ourselves on the back, but to illustrate that we are on the right track, that every day can be a day of service to the community. Everyday, Realtors from across the industry, from every franchise and every brokerage are doing their part to build up their community. Helping homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership is a reward in itself. But just as we go a step beyond in our customer service, so can we go a step beyond in our community service.

Tell us what you have been doing to build up your community?

Keeping Safe During Showings

All agents need to consider their safety during showings, especially with the rise of vacant and foreclosed homes. The market is rife with short sales and foreclosures, and there's good business to be had there. But getting that business may entail showing vacant homes to strange men in bad neighborhoods. Crimes against Realtors are not unheard of and have actually become more frequent. Take bold steps to be safe.

1. Stand on the curb outside and wait for a prospective buyer to arrive. Keep your cell phone in your hand and call your office receptionist. Speak loudly enough to be heard by the client and tell your receptionist or coworker where you are and who you are meeting. Be sure to give the clients name, the address of the showing and a description of the car. It may annoy the client, but simply explain that this is company policy. Having heard this information given to a third party, the client is less likely to become an assailant.

2. Create a system with your office using code words. A good system is the "file system". If you feel at risk during a showing, call your receptionist and ask them to pull the "red file" on the address you are showing. The term "red file" will be a code for "Call the Police".


3. Never show a house when the office is closed. If you do, you lose part of your protection. Also, avoid showings at night.

4. Follow your intuition. If you feel very uncomfortable, don't go in the house. Open the door and step aside to let the client in. Tell them if they have any questions to come outside and speak with you. The point is to stay in public where the possibility of witnesses will deter an attack.

As foreclosures continue to swell in the market and agents find themselves showing vacant homes, we want to know YOUR methods for assuring your own safety or that of your agents during these showings. Please share your strategies with your fellow agents and let us know your best method for avoiding danger.

Decoding the $8K Tax Credit for Consumers

For a struggling house market, the $8,000 tax credit has been an invaluable step toward recovery. But many potential first-time homebuyers are uniformed or confused about the specifics of this government initiative. Lack of awareness about these finer details can prevent new clients from recognizing the great opportunity of homeownership. It’s now up to real estate professionals to keep consumers fully informed. So what are some of the first things Realtors need to explain to the consumer?

1.)What is a first-time homebuyer? A first-time homebuyer can be anyone who hasn’t owned a principle residence in the last three years. If your client is married, this means your client OR their spouse. Clients need to know if they qualify. If they think the credit doesn’t apply to them at the get-go, they won’t bother asking about it.

2.) Is the credit really $8,000 and will it need to be repaid?
The credit is 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to $8,000. It is a true credit and the only repayment requirement is if the home owner sells the home within three years of purchase. Remember, many of the new first-time homebuyers are from the Millennial Generation. They are marked by their skepticism and sometimes even cynicism. They are always looking for the catch. Be sure to communicate that the tax credit is, indeed, free money.

3.)Are there are income restrictions? The limit on income is $75,000 for a single person or $150,000 for a couple to receive the full $8,000 credit. Credit doesn’t phase out completely until income reaches $95,000 for singles or $170,000 for couples. By the time you’ve answered this question, you’ve probably got a qualified and interest buyer on your hands. Be forthcoming about exactly what the buyer will be entitled to from the tax credit.

To aid consumers in understanding their all options, RE/MAX recently released a comprehensive program aimed at connecting first-time homebuyers with experienced RE/MAX agents to get the answers and find how they can become eligible for the tax credit before it expires on Nov. 30. First-time homebuyers are a critical component of the housing market recovery. The more homebuyers that know about and take advantage of this credit, the less inventory we’ll have on the market and the more home prices will stabilize.

So how are you promoting the $8K Tax Credit in your market?

How Green is Your Valley?

Demand for green is growing nationwide, and so is consumer savvy on the subject. While some companies are embracing green as a trend and revamping their products and services to be environmentally responsible, others are “green washing”, attracting clients with pseudo-green business practices that are more marketing than reality.

In the housing industry, the business of sustainability is complicated, and the need for expert guidance from Real Estate Professionals competent in what makes a home energy efficient and environmentally-friendly is greater than ever. Real estate professionals well-versed in sustainability and green building are in the best position to provide value to clients and to educate them on the difference between green and green washing.

But before you launch your business into the green movement, determine if it’s worth your while by looking at your resources. Now we aren’t telling you to ignore environmentally-friendly business practices, just make sure the needs of your market justify any shift in your business plan.

Some places to get started

1.) Evaluate your market:
What is the demand for Green homes and sustainable features in your market? Better yet, what does the inventory look like? Are there city-spawned initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability? Talk to your colleagues and put the feelers out for any indication that buyers in your market are indeed interested in green homes, but may need the guidance of an experienced REALTOR to find what they are really looking for.


2.) Get Educated
More green educational opportunities are developing every year in the housing industry, from the NAR’s Green Designation, to the groundbreaking EcoBroker’s Green Designation and other green REALTOR education programs throughout the country. Do some research and find out which educational avenue suits your needs and your schedule. The designation will show your client that Green has more than a vague meaning to you. For our RE/MAX Agents, don’t forget that earning anyone of the NAR recognized designations entitles you to use of the RE/MAX GREEN marketing materials available on RE/MAX MainStreet.



3.) Hook up with a Builder or Green Remodeler
Builders appreciate REALTORS who express an interest in their product, and are interested in working with professionals who can best represent that product. Green builders are the best source for learning the smallest details about sustainability in building and are valuable contacts. A quick Google search can help you determine what’s available and where.


So what’s green been doing in your market? Leave a comment and let us know about local demand for greener housing practices and how it’s affecting business in your area.