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October 2008
Index of all
messages
from the Association President
Be involved to Make the Difference
By Barb Cline
As we look forward to the year ahead, I encourage each of you to make the most of what you have; you will make a difference, not only in the lives of those around you but also in your own lives.
You might wonder, “How can I make a difference?” Continue to be involved in the Association. Start with the Friday morning REALTOR® Update marketing sessions; put them on your calendar and make an effort to attend. The Speaker Committee works diligently to present guests who speak to us on relevant topics. Sure, some pertain to us more than others – but if you glean only one piece of information that you wouldn’t have otherwise had, you have helped yourself.
Get involved
I also suggest that you take advantage of the large selection of classes and Lunch ’n’ Learns that are offered. Many of these classes are free, and some even carry continuing education credit. And on top of that, they are full of good information that you can use. Again, if you learn one piece of information that helps you close a transaction, you have made a difference.
Our Association offers networking opportunities. The Affiliates sponsor Aurora After Hours once a quarter, happy hours where we can get together in a social setting simply to know each other (see your invitation on page 6). After all, aren’t we all more likely to do business with people we know, like and trust?
Annually, AAR hosts a bowling tournament and a golf tournament. Join in on these activities. It’s not about your bowling or golf skills – it’s simply about getting together. Attend these events just to be there and meet one another. When you do, you make the difference.
Increase your knowledge
Read anything and everything that has to do with real estate. We receive our NAR magazine, REALTOR®, every month. Take the time to read through it. The state Association’s monthly newsletter is online – it doesn’t get any easier than that! And at the local level, we receive our Aurora Outlook each month. All are full of pertinent articles. Read these publications to learn anything you can about our industry so that you can speak intelligently to the public about what is going on.
Alter perceptions
Knowledge is key to connecting with potential clients. Understand what is going on with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac so that you can explain it to the public. Understand and talk about the $7,500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and then mention this to others.
Another easy thing we can do to change the public’s perception about our market is to use SOLD signs on our listings. Often, the sign stays up for a while; people move in and the neighbors never know whether the home has sold or not. The buyer’s agents are allowed to put a SOLD sign up after closing with the buyer’s permission. We can make a difference in the public’s perception of the market and in increasing consumer confidence.
Connect and share
Share information with the REALTORS® in your office. When you are working on a transaction with another agent, mention what transpired in the last Friday morning meeting or talk about the upcoming Lunch ’n’ Learn you plan to attend or a free C.E. class coming up. Take the opportunity to share with the others in our business what you know. Encourage others to get involved! This is how you make the difference! |
