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College Station, TX Real Estate News

By Matt Ratcliffe, REALTOR
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
The fact is that most company's training is geared toward mediocrity. Many companies are out of touch with whattop aspiring agents need to compete effectively in today's market. Most are not keeping pace with what top mega agents are learning and sharing in the industry. And, sadly, complete business career training of their agents because they have no business opportunity for them, thus, fearing eventually they will lose them.Most training in the industry - is usually inconsistent, ill-planned and targeted to the new agents. It usually relies on old-fashioned selling techniques and not modern business concepts.Keller Williams believes so strongly in agent career, business and life training that Keller Williams University was formed as a tangible extension of the company's ongoing commi...
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By Matt Ratcliffe, REALTOR
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
If you are not careful, every time you put a sale together, place a sign, advertise a property, or close an escrow, you could actually be building the company's business more than your own.Most companies secretly would like to charge you even more money and are always looking for ways to control or own a relationship with your customer. This may be particularly true of several of the national franchise systems. In fact, the royalties you pay just may be funding your own demise.Companies whose training focuses on the company image and whose promotions focus on attracting the customers to themselves are actually trying to build their own business, not yours. Is that in your best interest?At Keller Williams, we believe the company is best served by building the agent's career first and put...
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By Matt Ratcliffe, REALTOR
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
You're Not Really an Independent ContractorThe fact is, most companies are designed so that you really work for the company, are even essentially treated as an employee.Most agents really don't have a say in how their company operates. The issue isn't about telling you what you can or can't do. It's that there are discussions being made daily in your company that could dramatically affect your career! You may not even be aware of or involved in these discussions or decisions.Even at the most supposedly agent-oriented companies, you may find oppressive practices. The company may even restrict the use of your own name in promotions or require a dominant use of theirs. They may restrict the structure or compensation of your personal sales team. They may even restrict your income paths to s...
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By Matt Ratcliffe
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
Secret Number 7Your "Split" May Not Be as Good as You ThinkIt's not what you pay your company it's what you get for what you pay. It's not what you gross or even spend, it's what you net. But, you can't grow business or a career by cutting expenses. You can only be more efficient. At some point you'll have to invest money if you want to grow.Ask yourself this question, "Do you really need all the stuff companies claim to provide?" "Does that stuff promote you or the company?" And, here's an even better question, "What is effective help really worth?" Even if you're at a 100% company, you know you don't take home 100%. You have to pay your desk fees, maintenance, bill backs and other costs every month whether you take home money or not. By the way, stuff is stuff and you can get it anywh...
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By Matt Ratcliffe
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
When you see these people remind them that they helped a great cause and we appreciate each and everyone of them.  I know this is a long list and if we left someone of it was not intentional.  I appreciate each and everyone of you.   Thanks To All Who Helped:Martha Allen, Leslie Baker, Angela Bankston, Chelsie Breaux,Wade Breaux, Jessica Cessna, Kassie Cessna, Kimmi Cessna, Robert Cessna, Buddy The Dog Cessna, Mitzie,  John Flynn, Creed Flynn, Boone Flynn, Kim Green, Casey Jensen, Cynthia Jensen, Mrs. Terry Key, Mr. Terry Key, Missy King, Madi King ,Aaron Lauvre, Angie Medina, Neli O'campo, Sarah Pickard, Matt Ratcliffe, Terry Ratcliffe, Chadnlor Ratcliffe, Donathan Ratcliffe, David Shellenberger, Melina Shellenberger, Andrew Smith, Lisa Smith, Dan Warden, Bill Watkins, Susan West, Sam ...
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By Matt Ratcliffe
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
When I read this quote from an article on two offices becoming one I was surprised.   The first part of the quote really concerned me.  When we started in College Station with 17 agents and now at 41 in 3 months, I can say that growing agents and their businesses causes a real estate company to grow.  It sounded like the only choices they had in growth was to merge.  I hope I never look up and think that the only way to grow is to consolidate.  Growth happens one on one on a daily basis."The only way people grow is by consolidation. That drove us," said Bob Karisny on the reason for the union. "The main thrust of both companies is residential. It's our plan to have a commercial division." LinkIf their plans to have a commercial division would they not have consolidated with a commercial...
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By Matt Ratcliffe
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
When I talk to agents I hear this more then any other word.  When I ask them to join our company I hear it again.  I love loyal people, however I think it is a 2 way street.  How loyal is your current broker/owner/sales manager?  Let's look at the meaning of the word again:LoyaltyNoun1. The quality of being loyal.2. Feelings of allegiance.3. The act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action; "his long commitment to public service"; "they felt no loyalty to a losing team".Source: WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.Quotes:  John F. Kennedy 1961"To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends". (reference)Books:Book Titles: Loyalty Customer Satisfaction Is W...
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By Matt Ratcliffe
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
It always bothered me when I started my real estate career (1988) when my broker or sales manager (B/SM) competed against me.  I would go after a listing or a buyer later on to find out they only wanted to work with the broker/sales manager.  I think the integrity of the broker/sales manger comes into question when they cannot give that business to the people who work for them.  They are still going to make money on the sell.  If their business model want allow them not to sell, then maybe it is the wrong model.  I understand the 2-3 people offices, however when you have 20 plus agents it should be easy to allow the broker/sales manager to give that business back to the agents.  If the B/SM did concentrate on their agents, the net profit along with their bonuses would go way up.  Someti...
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By Matt Ratcliffe
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
Let's go back to Webster's dictionary again:IntegrityDefinitions: IntegrityIntegrityNoun1. An unreduced or unbroken completeness or totality.2. Moral soundness.It is about doing the right thing, no matter what, isn't it?  We all strive to be honest with others, yet sometimes we are not honest with ourselves.  We must be able to look in the mirror and be honest with ourselves first.  Take stock today and deicide today to do the right thing.Who you are in business with matters, till next time,Matt RatcliffeTeam Leadermattratcliffe@kw.com
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By Matt Ratcliffe
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
It is about seeking first to understand the other person's point of view first.  Where we miss this one is we want to talk or explain first.  When someone wants to visit with us about something we must close our mouths and listen to the story and try to understand their point of view first.  When we do this at a high level, we truly understand what to say or not say next.  Two ears, one month I wonder why?Who you are in business with matters, till next time,Matt RatcliffeTeam Leadermattratcliffe@kw.com
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By Matt Ratcliffe
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
I know I heard this statement long before I joined Keller Williams Realty, however I did not understand the total concept till 6 years ago.  You see I had to experience a Lose Win to fully understand it.  Once you lose and they win you will understand it.  Brian Tracy  and his blog will help you understand it better.  Here is what I try to do now with relationships, make them a win win.  You see it takes open conversations to create a win win situation.  We must be honest with each other to make it work.  Brokers to agents, agents to brokers, clients to agent and agent to clients.  Make it a win win!  Who you are in business with matters, till next time,Matt RatcliffeTeam Leadermattratcliffe@kw.com
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By Matt Ratcliffe
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
What is culture?  Here is what Webster's says it is:Definition: Culture CultureNoun1. A particular civilization at a particular stage.2. The tastes in art and manners that are favored by a social group.3. All the knowledge and values shared by a society.4. (biology) the growing of microorganisms in a nutrient medium (such as gelatin or agar); "the culture of cells in a Petri dish".5. A highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality; "they performed with great polish"; "I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose"; "almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art"--Joseph Conrad.6. The raising of plants or animals: "the culture of oysters".Source: WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved. ...
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By Matt Ratcliffe
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
Technology 2007Technology is in our business from the minute you pick up your cell phone.  If you have a Web based phone then you can get and reply to e-mail, search the MLS, write a contract (Zipform) and yes even do buyer and Seller nets (Palm Agent).  Your contact database from Top Producer 7i is on your phone along with your buyers and listings.  Then you can call www.jott.com and talk to a computer and it will e-mail or text your message to anyone in your database.  You can even make groups so one message can go to them.  If that is not enough you can call www.Jott.com and say WordPress and even post to your WordPress blog site.  What a world of technology we live in today.  More to follow...Who you are in business with matters, Till next time,Matt RatcliffeTeam Leadermattratcliffe...
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By Sam White, Integrated Marketing - Bryan College Station,
Dear readers,Brazos Valley residents will have the opportunity to see the International Space Station and docked space shuttle, tomorrow morning (Sunday). Here is the sighting information:SATELLITELOCALDURATIONMAX ELEVAPPROACHDEPARTUREDATE/TIME(MIN)(DEG)(DEG-DIR)(DEG-DIR)ISSSun Nov 04/05:59 AM58111 above SW11 above NEThe second best opportunity is Tuesday:ISSTue Nov 06/05:12 AM26262 above ENE11 above NE With our beautiful fall weather, the Sunday morning sighting should be great!Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com
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By Sam White, Integrated Marketing - Bryan College Station,
Dear readers,It is that time of year when we "turn"our clocks back an hour. Normally, it would have occured last weekend, but lawmakers chose to extend Daylight Savings Time beginning this year.So, if you don't remember the routine, "turn" your clocks back one hour when you go to bed, lest you be late to the drop zone in morning.Luckily, most of us have it figured out by Monday.I hope your weekend is without conflict.Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com
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By Matt Ratcliffe, REALTOR
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
 Time Does Fly...  Sometimes I get in a place where I just want to sit and think about the past week and look forward to next.  I take Saturday mornings and have what I call "Reflection Time."  It allows me to think through the ideas and concepts that I have in my real estate business.  Sometimes the greatest time to have new ideas is at this time.  If you have not slowed down in a while, then plan a time that you to can simple shut out the world for about 30 minutes and think it through.  You might find that things become clearer and your next steps in your career or life may be better.  We face a lot of problems everyday and sometimes we need to just relax and unwind too.  Take time for you!  Take time for your family!  I guess what I'm trying to say is "Take Time."Till next time,Matt...
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By Sam White, Integrated Marketing - Bryan College Station,
Dear readers,College Station and Bryan are fortunate to be the home of the George Bush Library and Museum. The Bush's love Texas A&M and spend a lot of time here.Some have wondered recently about his health. I am happy to say that I saw him last Friday, and he is looking and sounding good. He was in College Station to present the George Bush Awardfor Excellence in Public Service to former Texas A&M President Bob Gates (see my blog from last week).During his remarks, the elder Bush was witty and on the mark, and it was great to see Barbara was by his side.I wish them many more years here in Aggieland.Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com
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By Matt Ratcliffe, REALTOR
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
While all the experienced agents were away, the new agents decided to continue to work at their business.  While others rested the rest worked.  If you are an experienced agent and you need to close shop from November to March, the new agents thank you.  You see if it were not for you taking time off the new agents would not have anything to do.  You see buyer's still call and yes seller's still sell no matter what time of year it is or how bad the market gets.  Here are some basic things to do to keep business going:1)  Lead generation must happen all the time no matter what.2)  Database, database and database...3)  Sphere of Influence must be contacted now.4)  What expenses and lead with revenue. Till next time,Matt RatcliffeTeam Leader
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By Matt Ratcliffe, REALTOR
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
I spent time in Houston today at a Regional meeting with Jeff Bird, Operating Principal of the Keller Williams realty Brazos Valley Market Center.  What we learned is Keller Williams will be offering 4 new classes.  They are:1)  Short Sales2)  Customer Service Experts3)  A Buyer's Market4)  A Seller's MarketWhat a great company that looks forward to the need of the agents.  It has been a year of change in Brazos Valley and there is more on  the way.  I look forward to 2008 where the changes will be even greater.  We are at 40 agents know and working daily to build a legacy in Brazos Valley. Till next time, Matt RatcliffeTeam Leader
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By Matt Ratcliffe, REALTOR
(Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)
When you see these people remind them that they helped a great cause and we appreciate each and everyone of them.  I know this is a long list and if we left someone of it was not intentional.  I appreciate each and everyone of you.   Thanks To All Who Helped:Martha Allen, Leslie Baker, Angela Bankston, Chelsie Breaux,Wade Breaux, Jessica Cessna, Kassie Cessna, Kimmi Cessna, Robert Cessna, Buddy The Dog Cessna, Mitzie,  John Flynn, Creed Flynn, Boone Flynn, Kim Green, Casey Jensen, Cynthia Jensen, Mrs. Terry Key, Mr. Terry Key, Missy King, Madi King ,Aaron Lauvre, Angie Medina, Neli O'campo, Sarah Pickard, Matt Ratcliffe, Terry Ratcliffe, Chadnlor Ratcliffe, Donathan Ratcliffe, David Shellenberger, Melina Shellenberger, Andrew Smith, Lisa Smith, Dan Warden, Bill Watkins, Susan West, Sam ...
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