Whoa…Upstart Agent Changes Wordpress Themes
Jul 30, 2008 Upstart Agent Site News
After looking at the same blog design over and over again, I usually get bored with them pretty quickly.
Today I’m trying out the brand new Blogohblog wordpress theme DailyPress. I still have a few tweaks to make but am overall very impressed with the design. I figured though since this is such a drastic change from the old theme, I better write a post about it so my readers know they’re at the right site.
I’ll be featuring some other great free wordpress themes for real estate agents on Friday, so if you’d like to Subscribe by Email you can be notified once the post is up.
I welcome any feedback on the new wordpress theme for Upstart Agent and of course I’m sure Jai over at BlogOhBlog would too. 
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How to Get That Buyer’s Agency Agreement Every Time
Jul 29, 2008 Uncategorized
Getting a buyer’s agency agreement is not always easy. Most states now have adopted and required some type of disclosure and buyer’s agency agreement however, so if you’ve been waiting until the sales agreement is drafted to get the buyer agency form signed, it’s time to start doing it before you even look at houses.
While the Buyer’s Agency Agreement (Or BAC as it’s commonly known as) is meant to protect the buyer, it is equally important for protecting yourself. It keeps you out of trouble, and if a buyer ever strays and works with someone else, you can have a chance to fight for your hard earned commission.
I have never had any problems ever in getting a buyer’s agency agreement signed. I don’t know if this will work for everyone, but this is exactly what I say to clients:
“This is a buyer agency agreement form. It allows me to fully represent you and your best interest and work solely for you. It provides that everything you tell me will be completely confidential. We can make this contract for a week, a month, just for the houses that I show to you so if you decide you wake up tomorrow and don’t like me you’re not stuck with me. But we need to have it so I can look out for you and fully represent your best interest.”
After I let them look at it and read it and answer any questions they had, I would ask them, “How long should I make this contract for? A day? A week? 3 Months?” I always explained it will automatically renew but after x amount of days they are allowed to cancel anytime for any reason.
Granted, Buyer Agency agreements are going to vary from broker to broker and state to state, and you may or may not have the flexibility I had with being able to change the dates, but it worked for me every time in securing the Buyer’s Agency Agreement.
How do you get Buyers to sign the Buyer’s Agency Agreement? Share your techniques in the comments below.
| 3.2 |
Tags: BAC, buyer's agency agreement, how to get buyers to sign a buyers agency agreement
Tips for Selling Commercial Real Estate
Jul 28, 2008 Marketing
Selling Commercial Real Estate is no easy task for the inexperienced. You can’t get experience without doing it however, so if you’ve always been interested in the commercial market, here are some tips for selling commercial real estate:
1. Get the Training: There are a lot of things about commercial real estate you probably didn’t learn in your real estate licensing classes. Check with your board and your broker to see if there are any classes you can take you learn more about the commercial real estate market.
2. Consider Partnering With Someone: Many experienced agents will be welcome to share a listing with you to help you gain some experience in commercial real estate. If you have a commercial real estate lead, instead of referring it out or trying to do it yourself alone for the first time, why not see if another experienced agent would want to co-list it with you?
3. Remember it Can Take Longer: Commercial Listings generally take a little longer to sell than residential listings. Be prepared that your commercial listing might sit on the market for months no matter what you do.
4. Look at New Marketing Avenues: With commercial listings, you’ll have a much different target market for selling the listing. Make sure you belong to commercial search directories such as CoStar, since many do not use the MLS for commercial listings. You will also want to target developers, investors, as well as the real estate and acquisition departments of both local and national companies. Networking with other businesses can also be beneficial when selling commercial real estate.
5. Be On Top of Zoning: Now is a good time to meet the zoning officer and talk about the commercial uses of the property. It will vary for every property, so it’s important to know what is allowed and what isn’t to make sure you stay out of trouble as an agent and protect your clients’ interests.
Have any other tips for selling commercial real estate? Feel free to leave them in the comments below.
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Keyword Luv
Jul 25, 2008 Uncategorized
Upstart Agent is a do-follow blog, encouraging & rewarding commenters with backlinks for anyone who leaves a comment.
We are now also a Keyword Luv blog, which enables you to leave your name AND get a keyword with the comment you leave. You can learn all about the Keyword Luv Plug-in here.
All you have to do is write your name in the name field like this: Your Name@Your Keyword (Example: Chelle@Real Estate Marketing)
Then write a MEANINGFUL COMMENT (spam, “fake” comments, and otherwise inappropriate comments will be deleted!)
Anyone else using this plug-in? I’d like to build a list, so if you’re using it, please let me know.
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Be Professional and Kind to Other Agents
Jul 24, 2008 Agent Life
This is a post I shouldn’t even have to write, but too often I see agents just being downright rude to one another. Some will bark orders or demand the sun and the moon from you, others will insult you for everything from your appearance to your success. Then of course there are agents with the “why should I do anything for you?” attitude and others who have nothing but dirty ulterior motives of stealing your clients and your business.
If you find yourself in an office full of these types, it can be very difficult to stay positive about your business. It can also be equally as difficult to not lose your temper or start snapping back at them. If you are one of these “not so nice agents”, chances are you’re not even aware how your actions and words might be reflecting on you.
So think about how you act in the office: Do you show up in blue jeans? Do you whisper about people behind their back? Do you act like you’re the only person in the office that matters?
I hope none of my readers have these problems, but remember to be professional and kind. It can go a long way, and maybe it will even rub off on the other not-so-proffessional-or-kind agents. If need be, consider changing offices or even having a meeting with your office manager.
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Tags: office professionalism
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