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Market Conditions – Not New Carpets – Determine Market Value!

Real estate professionals get asked on a regular basis by sellers about what improvements sellers should make to their homes to get them in tip-top shape and ready for the market. While things like cleaning the house, improving curb appeal and getting rid of clutter are obvious answers, that is not what this article is […]

The Number One Client Communication Mistake

Do you ever wonder how some people seem to have such a way with words and have absolutely no problem talking to anyone?  Others, however, stumble and find it hard to engage potential clients in a conversation that is anything more than superficial. When I think about my own real estate journey over the years […]

Questions About Developing Property – Are You Ready to Answer?

Do you have clients sitting on undeveloped properties? Or maybe you have clients looking for undeveloped properties? If you do, then they will eventually ask you when and if they should subdivide or develop that property. When they do, it is critical that you slow down and NOT answer that question too quickly.  There is […]

How to talk to clients about developing their land. How to talk to clients about developing their land.

Wildly Successful Wild Ideas

I was recently asked this question about gifting. Agents often have a great idea, but then when they tell a few people, that initial great idea can get muddied in the spirit of others helping. If you know an idea is a good one, trust your instinct unless you are concerned that it crosses a […]

The First 5 Minutes

Successful Presentations Follow The Presentation Triangle Real estate professionals are constantly meeting new people and making strong first impressions. Sometimes these impressions are good and sometimes those impressions are not so good.  Whether you are meeting a new potential buyer or seller or even meeting with a client to talk strategy, you must communicate your […]

Market Conditions – Not New Carpets – Determine Market Value!

Posted by Denise Lones on March 21st, 2019

Real estate professionals get asked on a regular basis by sellers about what improvements sellers should make to their homes to get them in tip-top shape and ready for the market. While things like cleaning the house, improving curb appeal and getting rid of clutter are obvious answers, that is not what this article is about today. Today, we need to address the liability that you may be opening yourself up to by making claims about improvements that will increase the sale price – when in fact they may not. Read more »

Ask Denise: Spring Cleaning

Posted by Denise Lones on March 21st, 2019

Q: “Denise, I know you aren’t a fan of “fluff” mailers like setting one’s clock forward. But what do you think about information on spring cleaning?”

A: A timely question! If you can put it in the context of real estate, that is just fine. Remind homeowners that ongoing maintenance will put money in their pocket when it is time to sell. Improving curb appeal such as installing a new door is not only good for giving your home a fresh look, it can increase the value. Provide a few ideas about what buyers are looking for in homes today that should be on the top of homeowners’ spring cleaning list.

Spring cleaning does relate to real estate. Share that info!

Branding Spotlight: Neressa Carr

Posted by Denise Lones on March 21st, 2019

Neressa Carr’s love of the Pacific Northwest coastline was the key inspiration for her new Mastery brand. Neressa chose imagery of our local coastline, beach strewn pebbles, sun-bleached driftwood, and Adirondack chairs with a view. Even the white-washed wood texture in her footer conveys the modern and easygoing Puget Sound lifestyle. Her hexagonal monogram is filled with colored wood grain as a nod to the iconic forests in our area. A flood of deep turquoise on select pieces is eye-catching and calming, which matches Neressa’s cool personality and cutting-edge professionalism. She’s ready to take on fresh challenges with her natural and understated marketing style.

Read more »

March Client Mailer Content has Arrived

Posted by Denise Lones on March 19th, 2019

Every month, Club Zebra Pro subscribers receive ready-to-mail content that they can send, attribution free, to their client database.

This March we have three new articles, each in long form and with shortened versions suitable for a jumbo postcard. First up, what your clients should know about leased property and the different kinds of leases, with room for additional information for your market. Next, we have Water-Wise Home Ownership, with advice for buyers on water conservation technologies. Finally, We have a piece for your seller prospects highlighting the power of photography.

Get your March mailer content right here! Not a subscriber? Become part of the herd!

The Number One Client Communication Mistake

Posted by Denise Lones on March 14th, 2019

Do you ever wonder how some people seem to have such a way with words and have absolutely no problem talking to anyone?  Others, however, stumble and find it hard to engage potential clients in a conversation that is anything more than superficial.

When I think about my own real estate journey over the years and evaluate which agents really connected with me, I can pinpoint a very common theme. Some of them just bombarded me with sales tactics and questions that felt scripted, while others really listened to me and engaged me in meaningful conversation.

If you don’t know someone well, or if you have just met them at an open house, don’t overwhelm them by trying to get them to answer questions. Instead of pushing for answers they may not be ready to give you, you are far better off trying to get their thoughts. Read more »

Ask Denise: Reporting the Highs and Lows

Posted by Denise Lones on March 14th, 2019

Q: “Denise, although I am not too worried about this since buyers seem to be back out in droves, prices in our market did make an adjustment over this time last year. I always report on year-over-year stats, but what do I do if prices have adjusted downward? Do I still report the information?”

A: This is a question I have been getting a lot lately because in some markets, we did see a small price adjustment. No matter if it is a small adjustment or a large adjustment, your job is to report the facts and provide your expertise. Read more »

Branding Spotlight: Teresa Willard

Posted by Denise Lones on March 14th, 2019

Teresa jumped into her custom mastery brand with both feet and came away with an incredible customized icon collage to tell her story.  As an expert in matching unique houses with the perfect owners, this personal pattern includes horses, keys, doors, windows, houses, plants, mountains and more. It is colored with muted tone-on-taupe shades to avoid overwhelming her content. With so much going on in the structure of her design, she opted for a single font for her headlines and body copy with a signature font used sparingly for a personal touch.  With a vintage key logo that elegantly ties in her love of horses, her new branding is sure to help Teresa make her mark.

Read more »

Questions About Developing Property – Are You Ready to Answer?

Posted by Denise Lones on March 7th, 2019
How to talk to clients about developing their land.

Do you have clients sitting on undeveloped properties? Or maybe you have clients looking for undeveloped properties? If you do, then they will eventually ask you when and if they should subdivide or develop that property. When they do, it is critical that you slow down and NOT answer that question too quickly.  There is a lot of information and fact gathering that must occur before you answer that question.

Here are my top 11 things that every homeowner who is considering developing must know. Read more »

Branding Spotlight: Terry Vehrs

Posted by Denise Lones on March 7th, 2019

With over three decades of experience, Terry Vehrs’ new Mastery Brand creates a elegant and commanding backdrop for his marketing campaigns. His gold monogram, floating over a modern home image, conveys his specialty in waterfront communities. Fields of teal-navy lend strength and sophistication while a rough brush font adds personality and approachability. The simplicity of the linear structure perfectly frames his content and is easy to work with. Terry’s sea-inspired brand is “shore” to make a splash in the Edmonds-Woodway housing market.

Read more »

Ask Denise: Beyond Social Media

Posted by Denise Lones on March 7th, 2019

Q: “Denise, I am an older agent (three years until retirement!). I keep feeling like I am missing the boat when it comes to social media. I don’t want to Tweet! I don’t want to waste my time on Facebook or Insta-whatever! And I certainly don’t want to chat on any Snap-thingy. I don’t need to worry about any of this at this point in my career, do I?” Read more »

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