We recently installed the newly elected and returning Board of Directors for the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors.
This will be my third and final term, I actually ran again because we were in the middle of two projects I wanted to see completed. One was interviewing MLS Vendors as our contract with mlxchange was up and one was extending our contract with Supra-E-Key.
Our main speaker was Charles Scrase from Google. Charles graduated from University of Michigan and recently moved back here to work in the Ad-Words division of Google. In his talk he went over many of the apps that we already know about, Google Analytic's, IGoogle, Cloud Computing etc...
One cool thing I learned on Google Maps was that now after you search a Google Map, there is a link under it for Public Transit and Walking distance. Those are great for Ann Arbor residents whom I have said many time value being withing walking distance to University of Michigan and downtown Ann Arbor.
Here is the story he told about his experience working with an Ann Arbor Realtor when he moved here from Durham, N.C.
- He and his wife thought they could do it on there own.
- They knew how to search for listings
- They knew how to plot them on a Google Map
- They knew how to do the research
However when push came to shove they needed a Realtor
- They needed a professional to get them in the homes
- They needed a Realtor to know the historical value of the neighborhood
- They needed a Realtor to negotiate the transaction
They were referred to Dave Dean an agent in my Keller Williams Ann Arbor office from someone they knew. They looked at over 64 houses in all parts of Ann Arbor, finally purchasing in Scio Township with Ann Arbor Schools.Dave got lots of kudos at that meeting and since he has been a Realtor in Ann Arbor for 30 years it was heart warming to hear.
On the day of closing
- Dave was at their home shoveling the sidewalks
- Dave brought by pizza the next day for his family and friends helping them get settled.
What I learned
- That even top employess of a Corporation like Google still need our help and advice
- That it is critical to serve the client after the sale
- That as good as all of our SEO marketing is, a personal referral from a friend or past client still is most important
- That only a handful of Realtors in the room knew anything about any of the apps Charles was talking about and most of the ones who did blog.
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Stay strong, stay faithful, stay honest, stay loving, stay true to who you are, most importantly stay true to who God is as you'll be who you are, and you'll be happy, you'll be you, you'll be free. -Jamie Caulk
Buyer's agents are worth their weight in gold... especially with your experience and integrity.
Great points, Missy. While there is a ton of information available on the internet that does not replace the Realtor. If anything ... it makes us more valuable because people are more likely to understand the depth and scope of what we do. It's not just "Hi, here's a nice house. Let's go sign the papers." like they want you to think on television.
"He and his wife thought they could do it on there own."
No doubt he actually could have. But, he would never have known whether or not he did it well.
Very good story. Shows the value of what we do here on AR and all the other sites some of us use. Chances are this is where the professionals like Charles will start their search for a Realtor, when they decide they need someone like Dave from KW!
This is a great story! They need us - but we also need to be nimble and learn new ways to get and keep business. (We need to give them a reason they need us!)
Missy: Thanks for a great, uplifting post. I think success in this case happened because... it appears that Dave Dean knew what to do "when push came to shovel." :)
Missy, pretty cool.
Hi Missy. My local MLS switched to Sentrilock from Supra last summer.
I like the Sentrilock.
I hope all is well,
Ken
Great story. Shows that the internet vs. REALTOR® is not an either or proposition. While looking for homes, online, is a good beginning, using a REALTOR® enhances the process, with their local knowledge and their skill in negotiating the transaction.
Bloggers rule! We are still waiting on the Supra change here, we are behind the times in that regard.
Missy: Great story about Charles and his home search.
As for lockboxes.... Many boards are leaving Supra and going to Sentrilock. Our board here in Clarksville has had this program for nearly 2 years and now our entire MLS system is going to Sentrilock. You would really like this system. I prefer it over the Supra any day.
@ Kristin: We in DFW have been using Supra for quite a few years... I think we are on their third version since we started. I find they work very well... I have never had a problem with them, and recommend them highly.
As always, very good post. I'm sitting here in Lexington Kentucky for a family reunion with my web page open to your post. Everyone was quite interested when I showed them your other post on home sales. (our hometown is A2-and everyone here lives somewhere between Alpena, South Carolina and Tennessee) Thanks for the great info.
Holly cow Missy...64 homes! You forget to mention that he made the agent work his tail off:)
Holly cow Missy...64 homes! You forget to mention that he made the agent work his tail off:)
Missy- Great post and kudos to Dave Dean.
We had a presentation on Social Media Networking and it was amazing how little most agents know about the internet and how to use it to get business.
Well, this is inspiring - except for the part about showing 64 homes. Given all the photos and videos that are used now, that seems unusual.
I wonder how many of us will use this example in our conversations with buyers at open houses!
Very cool Missy and good luck on your last year as a director. I hope you get ti accomplish everything you set out to do.
Missy, I love these stories! It's so true you never know who is going to find you and click with what you wrote. I love the business and personal aspects of AR too.
Great post. Congratulations to Dave Dean for a job well done. Thanks for sharing this story as I am sure many will use this when talking with their buyers.
Missy, Don't you know Dave Dean was walking in high cotton with that buyer! How exciting. How exciting for you also, serving your 3rd term. Congratulations to you!
Going above and beyond for our clients is what sets us apart from the rest. There are too many choices for buyers and sellers these days and we need to "show up" better than the rest :)
We ditched supra in Nashville and went with Sentri-lock. I loved Sentri. Now, in Huntsville, back to Supra. I much preferred Sentri.
MIssy - just more testimony that while the Internet is a powerful tool to enable buyers in their home search, the best end result with come with the intrvention of a knowledgeable and committed REALTOR.
We have been using Sentrilock for over a year (Supra before) and it's great. Definitely a move in the right direction.
Jeff
Hi Missy~ If it takes 64 houses we do it. Whatever it takes, right? I think it is awesome that you are so involved with your board of Realtors!
Missy ... nice article. A helpful reminder in so many ways. Will you be in Orlando next month? I'll keep an eye out for you ... I am on a break-out session panel ... "Stump the Realtor" ... stay tuned for a post looking for some AR input.
Missy... Thanks for a great post. I love it... "That's what I'm talkin' about!" A very knowledgeable client will always need a great realtor!
Rene'
Missy, Thanks for sharing a great story. There really is nothing sweeter than a personal referral, not because you do not have to win over the buyer or seller but because you can simply get right into doing what you do best.
Missy, that is a great post. I agree with Lenn. They wouldn't have had the expert knowledge that Dave provided. Congrats on your third term on the Board of Realtors!
Missy,
Great story! And thanks for donating so much of your time to your board and committees! It's people like you that keep the R.E. wheels oiled and riding smoothly!
Kathy Opatka,Re/Max OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
Fantastic post! Even if you are the Web Guru, it really does help to have someone assisting you with the process and making sure that all the "T"s are crossed and "i"s are dotted.... especially when a buyer's agent is FREE to the home buyer.
I find that most professionals chose a professional (Realtor) to work with. They realize it isn't their field. They might be rocket scientists, but they don't negotiate sales prices and contracts every day.
Tuesday when President Elect Obama is being sworn in we're also installing new officers and directors. My term is up then and I think I'm taking a break from board politics for a few years.
Julie, Yes I will be there, we will definately meet. I'd like to have everyone from activerain together at one time to meet. I am on a panel too on getting caught in your web....I think on leads and then doing a session on the Blackberry in the technology room.
Kathy, I enjoy being on the board of Realtors, was MLS chairman last year, and Director Liason this year.
Barb, yes trust in already there when your friend has had a good experience.
Vicky, LOL well let's hope they all don't look at 64, but yea we do what they need.
Jeff, I know folks that use Sentrilock love it, I've posted on it before. We just have to make a good decision in tough financial times.
Monika, LOL it is a 3 year term so I will be around awhile.
Elaine, I don't know but I got a DM on Twitter from it.
Kim I looked around and seriously the agents who raised their hands all blogged. He explanined Google Analytics and I knew it was over their heads.
Roland, we extended for a year to see if they can work out some of our issues.
Cindy OH NO another A2. un- imagionable !
Marilyn, yes that is where the consumers start, but then they do need us and I found it goes quicker.
Lenn, :) yes too many FSBO's make that mistake too late.
Carol, Yes the TV shows make it short and sweet and it is usually not that rosy, is it?
David, let' hope so. I"ve been emailing today with a lead who has been reading my blog. She finally ask a question and the dialog begins.
Missy,
Good to know. But for the folks who prefer Sentrilock. I don't know the difference. Can you enlighten us all.
Missy - Wow ! Powerful post. A lot of information in there such as the value of a realtor and the importance of service and follow-up. It really provides a good story in terms of how imporant a strong Realtor is to a consumer, even a top exec from Google !
Missy this is the second post today that I read which focused on the relevance of agents. Yes there is a role for us to play.
Can't say Ihave every shown 64 houses to anyone.
Dave Dean was certainly busy with the Scrase's showing 64 houses. I can testify that I never new about the google apps until I joined AR and started blogging.
"That as good as all of our SEO marketing is, a personal referral from a friend or past client still is most important"
I have said this all along. All the SEO in the world won't always get or close the deal. :-)
Missy - Check out Solid Earth as a vendor! We just changed over here in GR and I love it!! Very powerful.
Missy- What an awesome post! I just loved reading this story and seeing how much a good Realtor worth their salt is valued.
I get so tired of hearing "I don't need an agent...". Reading this should be mandatory for all prospective home buyers. What an awesome job Dave Dean did in representing Mr. Scrase. Also, kudos to you for highlighting a fellow agent in your office for the wonderful job he did.
Missy - Your last point of "What I learned" is amazing. You have guys from Google stopping by to give talks and yet so many are missing the wide array of tools in front of them. I wish we had Google stopping by.
The three things you mentioned that they "needed" a real estate agent to do:
No doubt they could have done on their own, and depending upon who they chose as an agent, would have maybe done better on their own!
Let me explain: When we moved to IL (and look back on it now) the real estate agent chosen for us by the relo company got us in the homes all right...but didn't truly understand the neighborhoods, nor did he do a good job of negotiation or looking after our best interests. The home inspector was the worst (missed a foundation issue that cost us hundreds of dollars), and after the transaction, we never heard from him again!
Having the assistance of a real estate agent can help...or even hurt you. It's all about having the RIGHT real estate agent. Buyers need to interview their agents to make sure they know what they are doing, know the areas they are serving, and see testimonials from previous clients as back up.
Kelly, ditto to everything you said. That is why relo companies in many situations don't get it. They just randomly pick someone. I interview the agent before I give them a referral. It has worked out fine in all but two cases. Now I use Activerain so I feel I know them best through their blog.
Hi Missy, That's a well written post! Thanks for showing me how it's done... I was at the presentation & it was great to hear the accolades bestowed upon Dave Dean especially after getting dragged through 64 houses!!!