comments

Emily,

Welcome to this great group. If you need any housing help, give me shout.

Blake

Don't miss Jeff's first event, he rocks!!!!

Welcome and good luck finding all that you seek.

Eric,

Whenever I hire someone for professional services, the first thing I look for is a prompt response to my request. In this fast paced climate, I am looking for someone who returns my email or phone call quickly. Next I am looking for someone who shows up on time to our first, and subsequent appointments. The person showing up should be prepared to do business, either writing a contract or getting to work. Finally, the job should be completed in a professional maner, and according to the terms we agreed to at the begining of the project. (the last painter I hired, who recently painted my entire interior, did all of the above)

I get no greater pleasure than giving out a great referral. I tell everyone who I meet through biznik and elsewhere, don't just think about what you can do for me, but what I can do for you as well. I love being a source of information for my clients, and anytime I can make a great referral to my client, it helps them, it helps the person I referred, and makes me look great.

All business people should think about how far they can get with a job well done.

I hope this helps.

If you don't have dreams, you have nightmares.

If you fly with the eagles at night, you pick sh*t with the chickens in the morning.

Ben,

Definately going to check it out. I meet a ton of fathers in todays world that feel half the s**t publsihed does not take inot account the true split of responsibilities in todays households.

Howard,

Sorry I can't make it this week, but I would hate to see this event disappear.

I think it is difficult for people to take full advatage of biznik unless they are attending at least a few events on a regular basis. As many of the memebers who attend the regular meet, greet and eat have commented, including myself; you need to follow up online contact, with face to face contact to be most effective.

I am currnetly attending about 4 events per month. A regular weekly lunch event, and then I pick and choose 1 or 2 more evening events.

I make at least 2 new contacts per event, and usually take away a few networking pearls as well.

try vrbo.com

I use it for my own listings, as well as searching for vacation properties for myself. Most listings will list ammenites, like DSL.

Good Luck

I like the idea of meeting many people in a short amount of time, but I must agree that it might take more than a few minutes for me to get to know someone, and for me to reccomend them. I think referring someone is a reflection of me and my business, so a 10 to 15 min period may be better.

FYI-Howard Howell hosts 1 or 2 lunches a week where each memeber attending is given 10 min or so to speak to the group, (small 10 people per event) to highlight their business, and tell others what they are looking for. I have attended one, and I plan on going on a regular basis. I think this serves a very similar purpose, but does a bit less of the one on one. I have used the intorductions to then follow up one on one.

I think both are good ideas, and would be interested in attending either.

I recently saw the biggest pair of fluffy dog shaped slippers that were quite a hit at the last gift exchange. I'm sure you can find them for about 10 bucks.

Just a quick comment about new vs. used. I always remind clients of the hidden cost in a new home, window treatments & blinds, additional landscaping, since most builders put in very little, and other small interior items that most homeowners add and leave behind. All these items really add up and can make the difference between buying new or pre-owned.

Jennifer,

I can offer a few key words with regards to today's market.

Motivation-Ask yourself how motivated you are, do you have to move now, or do you just want to move? People who have to move immediatley are more motivated than those who just want to put their home on the market and see if it sells.

Price-It still comes down to pricing. Motivated sellers put their home up at a price close to or equal to market value, unrealistic sellers put it above the market price.

Price 2-You may feel that you will get less for your house in the current market, but you will also be able to buy more house in a down or Buyer's market. This is the huge bonus to being in the current market. Your gains will offset any potential money left on the table.

As a RE professional I could go on and on but I will spare you, but I do have one other comment. If you put your home up prior to the spring bump, most of the Buyers in the market at this time are serious, and although the showing activity may be slow, the quality is high.

Hope this helps.