Media Releases

Release Date:
October 2, 2006

CONTACT:
Greg Berkemer
(760) 346-5637
(Media Only) John Hussar
PRNewsWorks (760) 567-8073

Desert REALTORS® Learn Tips On Real Estate From Top Producers

PALM DESERT (Calif.) - Passion, a positive attitude, and the Internet need to be a Realtor's best friends, a panel of top producing real estate agents told members of The California Desert Association of REALTORS® recently.

About 200 real estate agents and real estate industry representatives heard tips and strategies for dealing with today's market from a panel of well known, successful Realtors. The panel consisted of Bruce Blomgren, of Dyson & Dyson Real Estate Associates, Bill Taylor of Village Realty and Niloo and Negin Shams of RE/MAX Real Estate. Ginny Becker, of First Team Becker & Becker, was the moderator for the Sept.14 event at The California Desert Association of REALTORS® board office.

"You definitely have to think smarter and work harder," Taylor said. "You really have to have passion for this business in order to make it."

A softening market and high inventory will motivate real estate agents to spend more time previewing properties to more quickly help clients find their dream home.

Agents were also urged to make sure buyers were pre-qualified to afford a home in their price range to be honest with sellers about realistic market conditions to determine selling prices.

Blomgren said agents need to "determine early how motivated sellers really are before taking their listing. Becker said all agents have to continually "keep their pulse on the market" to inform their clients. One way for agents and consumers to keep tabs on a changing market is logging on The California Desert Association of REALTORS® new consumer-friendly Web site, www.CalDesertRealtors.com

Marketing is also a key essential in a competitive market. The telephone, the Internet, and, of course, an advertising budget is essential. Panel members said they spend a significant portion of their gross incomes for marketing properties to best serve their clients.

While referral business of existing clients recommending an agent to their friends is tried and true, Negin Shams said she works on a prepared script before "prospecting" or calling new clients.

An up-to-date database, emails and electronic newsletters are essential for a successful Realtor. The Shams said about 35 percent of their business comes from their Web site.

The panel also emphasized agents have to build strong relationships with clients to have a successful business.

"You have to build relationships by turning every client into raving fans," said Niloo Shams. "Just be yourself. Be positive."

Added Negin Shams: "Statistics show that 80 percent of people will do business with the first agent they meet."

But Taylor said agents need to be confident in meeting clients for the first time. "I call it the 30-second rule. You have 30 seconds to convince that client that you are the agent they want to work with."

The California Desert Association of REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate® for the Coachella Valley, represents more than 4,000 estate professionals from Palm Springs to Coachella.

For more information, please call (760) 346-5637 or visit online at www.CalDesertRealtors.com