Christian Real Estate Professionals : Texas: Austin

If you don't mind, I'd love to hear some input and perspective from you. I have a number of decisions on my mind with our company, and I would welcome any helpful advice/direction. Please note that I said "helpful". :) I'm editing this opening paragraph now that I've finished writing the rest of the post and I realize that some of the stuff I wrote below seems a little disjointed. Hang in there if you can.

Here's the thing: I've been selling homes full-time in Austin for 15 years as of this month. I started my own brokerage just over 7 years ago. We've had some very good years (thankfully, 2011 was one of them) and a couple of very lean years, too. As we begin another year, my business partner and I are evaluating things to try to determine the best direction for ourselves and our company. I find myself going back and forth between two extremes: big-time company growth vs. streamlining, saving money, and focusing on my own sales.

We're paying way too much for office space, so we're likely moving down the hall to a smaller, much less expensive space. Most of our agents work from home, so it seems silly to pay for a large space with lots of barely-used desks. This downsize in physical office space will save us $1700/month, so that's a no-brainer. We will be moving.

I could use some of the savings for additional marketing/branding, I suppose. Again, I'd have to think about the most effective use of these dollars. I've used just about every type of print and internet marketing technique over the years, and it seems that the internet is the only one that makes much sense, outside of handwritten notes (not a joke). Again, I welcome your input.

We have a nice system in place for the leads from our website, and a relatively substantial number of new prospective buyers sign up every day. I would love to increase our conversion rate for these leads, since I worked so hard to get the traffic in the first place. It seems that this would probably entail more accountability, and a different system, although I have no idea how much this might cost to design and implement. I could focus on SEO, but since we're getting ample traffic, perhaps the site needs a re-design to maximize its effectiveness? Here's our primary website: http://www.austintexashomes.com

I DO offer something that seems to be in short supply based on my conversations with agents: I care. I genuinely care about the people who work for us, and I am available pretty much any time to answer questions or provide advice. I've never been involved in a lawsuit or mediation of any kind, because we really try to head off problems before they grow into full-fledged legal issues. I value honesty and integrity, which might be a hindrance to substantial growth, although I'd like to think otherwise. Maybe I'm not cut-throat enough, and I'm okay with that.

There's no easy way to say this next part, so I guess I'll just be blunt. I promise it's not sour grapes, just an observation. I have seen other local companies grow to 50 agents and beyond with seemingly less to offer, other than possibly bravado and aggressiveness on the part of the managing broker/owner. I don't begrudge them their success, and I'm sure I could learn something from their recruiting efforts. Having interviewed a few agents who went to work elsewhere, only to be disillusioned, I just can't bring myself to over-promise to agents. Yes, we have leads. No, I can't tell you how many to expect, nor do I want agents who are dependent on me or the company to produce all or most of their business.

I haven't instituted minimum production standards for our agents, partly because it struck me as disingenous, since I wouldn't have been given a chance with my original mentor/broker if these were in place, but I think I was a great addition to his team for 8 years. It reminds me of the classified ads I used to see for Dell Computers that required a college degree and 2-4 years of experience, when the CEO was a college dropout. That being said, I don't think I want very many brand-new agents, partly because of the time commitment involved in training. What are your thoughts on minimum standards for sales production?

I've managed up to 20 agents in the past, and I think I could handle a lot more (40-50+), under the right circumstances. Namely, if I weren't so dependent on my own sales to provide the vast majority of my income, and if the agents were at least somewhat self-sufficient. I recognize that this sounds obvious.

I guess the bottom line is that I am torn between building an actual business that can provide income for me on its own vs. continuing to grow my personal sales. I am now 41 years old. I don't think I want to drive people around showing houses (even if they're nice houses) when I am 60 or 70.

I need a plan.

Feel free to chime in below with ideas. I'm all ears.

Thanks for reading!

Photo credit:Joe Shlabotnik via Flickr.com Creative Commons license

I've been selling homes full-time in Austin since 1997. I've trained dozens of local agents, and coached many others around the country. As a broker and owner of my own independent real estate firm, I've helped with hundreds of transactions. Through my online networking efforts and "in person" conferences, I'm thankful that I've met hundreds (maybe thousands) of agents. 

Why do I mention this?

Well, it's pretty straightforward. Having encountered agents and clients of all types, I've noticed one trend:

Real estate is neither as easy as clients think, nor as hard as agents think.

Allow me to explain:By and large, I think the general perception from the public at large is that we real estate agents have it pretty easy. Show a home or two, help with some paperwork, then coast into commission town. I'm oversimplifying things, of course, but I know that I'm not far off here. I wish it were true that my job was that simple. It involves being really patient and diplomatic even in the face of major adversity, often from your own colleagues. Sometimes, clients aren't loyal. Often, lenders make mistakes that jeopardize sales. Frankly, there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to real estate sales, and a lot of juggling has to occur.

Having said that, real estate isn't rocket science, either. When agents are struggling (I've been there), it's easy to blame outside factors:

"The economy is in the tank."

"Banks have tightened guidelines, so no one can get a loan anymore."

"The media won't quit talking about how bad things are."

Believe me, I've had the same thoughts myself at times, but the bottom line is this: In any given market on any given month, people are buying homes. They might be buying fewer homes than they were 5 years ago, but there is business to be had everywhere. 

If you're a consumer reading this post, know that most agents work hard and a solid number of us are good at what we do and conduct business in a professional manner. If you're an agent, grab your share of the pie. The pie may not be as large, but neither is the number of people who want a piece anymore. Too much analogy? 

There's the paradox as I see it, and of course it's just my opinion. I've always found it interesting how different the perspective is from the outside vs. the inside of our industry. In my own naive way, I think it's probably the opposite of how doctors are perceived by others ("Wow, being a brain surgeon has to be a really hard job.") compared with their self-perception ("Brain surgery ain't hard."). Alright, in fairness, they probably don't say "ain't".  

What are your thoughts? I welcome your feedback.

Photo: rrenzoo Creative Commons 2.0

When dealing with real estate clients, one of the more difficult objections to overcome in the real estate industry is the fact that we are often perceived as predatory and unprofessional. If I had a nickel for every time I heard this phrase, "I haven't had very good experiences with REALTORS®", well, I'd have a whole lot of nickels.

My response? "Neither have I."

However, over the past couple of years, I am happy to report that I have rarely run across the types of agents who have traditionally given all of us a bad name. Yes, there are some who are still out there, but I get the feeling (I have no data to support this assertion) that many of the truly bad agents were driven out of business by the economic downturn we experienced here in 2008 and 2009.

As the broker and co-owner of a smaller independent real estate agency, I've trained dozens of agents on the sales process. I have tried to build my own business on a cornerstone of integrity and honest dealings, and I expect nothing less from my agents. If I have a client who's considering buying a property that seems like a bad decision, I say so. Conversely, if I see a buyer about to pass up the deal of a lifetime, I want them to recognize this, too.

Why?

That's an easy answer, and hopefully it's a common-sense one as well. If I do my job correctly, my clients will want to come back to me with all of their real estate needs. They'll also send their family, friends, and co-workers to me. Good service isn't always altruistic. It's good business, too.

Another reason that I strive to provide the best possible service is this: I will likely be called upon to help my buyers when they're ready to become home sellers later. If I helped them get the best property in the first place, it makes my job that much easier down the road. Again, not just a nice move, but helpful to my own bottom line also.

The best agents I've encountered are those who are good communicators, and unafraid to say, "I don't know, but I'm sure we can find out." There's no shame in not having encyclopedic knowledge, as long as you're willing to expend the effort to get the answer, right?

At any rate, my overarching point is that there are still plenty of "good guys" when it comes to real estate sales. And by "guys", I mean both men and women, just to clarify. Don't be frightened by any negative stereotypes that you've seen portrayed on TV or movies. Just because you had a friend or family member who was burned before, it doesn't mean that it will happen to you, unless of course you use the very same agent, in which case you're kind of on your own, eh?

I do have a couple of pointers which come in handy, if you're a consumer looking for a real estate agent:

• Make sure that your agent sells homes full-time. Part-timers probably don't have the necessary experience or skill set to help if things get dicey during the transaction. Full-time agents have probably seen more scenarios in their career, and they can finesse things better.
• This is a big purchase for you, so dump your agent if he/she makes you uncomfortable. You'll be spending a lot of time with this person. If you get a weird feeling, move on.

I could go on, of course, but those two items strike me as supremely important to mention.

I hope you find the agent of your proverbial dreams.  Thanks for reading!

Photo credit: contemplativechristian - via Creative Commons (found on Flickr)

Last year, I blogged about this topic with solid results.  I hope to do so again.  If so, I can help out a good cause and my daughter at the same time.  

If you live in the general Austin area, let me know if you would like to buy some Girl Scout Cookies.  My 9-year-old daughter Aleah is selling them for the second time, and she wants to sell enough cookies this time around to win a tent.

If you buy at least three boxes ($10.50 or more, as they are $3.50 per box), and you live/work in the Austin metro area, my daughter and I will deliver them to you at your home or office (your choice).  

As a longtime salesperson, I am of the opinion that this could help Aleah to hone her burgeoning sales skills.  If you're nice, we might even hang out awhile.  :)  If you live outside of Austin, keep reading below.  

By the way, I already know what you're asking yourself.  YES!  They are still just as delicious as you remember them.  In fact, you might be doing my waistline a service by getting them out of my house.  They are really, really good, and I don't want to gain back any of the 56 pounds I lost this past year.  

if you want to support our cookie sales efforts, but you are:

• worried about your diet
• too far away, OR
• a crazy person who doesn't like the taste of the cookies

I have another idea for you.

It's called "Operation Cookie Drop". Basically, you donate $3.50 for each box of cookies, and they will be delivered to our troops overseas.

Cool, huh?

I have already bought and consumed cookies myself, but I think I may just go ahead and donate some extra money for this very special cause.

Here are a handful of benefits:

• You can keep your girlish (or boyish) figure intact
• You are directly helping our troops
• You are benefitting the Girl Scouts
• I will like you even more than I already do

Perhaps best of all, the donation is tax deductible!

In an effort to make it easier, you can pay via PayPal (any amount in $3.50 increments) by sending the money to our account at jasonpam@swbell.net. We will then write a check for the total and provide a receipt for your tax records if you like.

If you would like to pay by check (minimum donation of $14), you can make it out to "GSCTX" or "Girl Scouts of Central Texas" and mail it to my office at 3636 Executive Center Drive, #210, Austin, TX 78731. 

Help me demonstrate the power of social media and blogging.  :)  They also make great gifts. 

Feel free to re-blog or spread the word in any way you prefer.  

Thanks!

As part of our ongoing efforts to lose weight, I promised my son that he could have "special time" with me or my wife for every 5 pounds he lost.  I've lost roughly 50 pounds and he has dropped 35+ so far - we feel great!  About three weeks ago, he wanted to go for a hike at Zilker Park and explore a little bit. 

I had intended to make a longer video, but it was HOT that day, and we ended up changing our plans a bit.  Enjoy:

Originally Posted at: The Austin Dude

Over the past week or so, a number of people have mentioned and/or asked about my new blog header and the matching buttons in the signature of my posts.  Well, it's all part of a branding campaign for a site that I am "officially" launching today:  http://theaustindude.com. 

I intend to use this going forward as a place to write about local events, real estate stuff, and whatever else interests me.  I will share many of those posts here on ActiveRain as well. 

As part of our continuing efforts at 210 Consulting to provide our clients with a one-stop shop for their online marketing needs, we are now offering custom-designed WordPress sites at a reasonable price (starting at $750).  For more details and to see additional samples, visit this page.

Our turnaround time is typically very quick, and we strive for 100% satisfaction with the design process.

Here's a screenshot from the main page of the "Dude" site (click through to check it out if you like):

What’s included in our WordPress Package?

• Installation of latest version of WordPress
• Installation of 15 of the latest versions of powerful plugins designed to help bolster your sites SEO & social presence.
• Creation of custom header and installed on site.
• Theme customized to colors of your choice.

Here are a couple of screenshots from other sites we made recently:

If you have any questions at all, feel free to call or email me anytime, or visit us at http://210consulting.com.

We would love to help you with a new site of your own!

Our company has listed a handful of units in the Courtyards at Onion Creek.  All of our listings are being sold directly from the developer, and they are ready for immediate move-in. 

Unit 1103 is offered for sale at $229,000, and it features the following:

• 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
• 1827 square feet per tax records
• 2-car garage
• Gated community
• 2-story unit with master bedroom downstairs
• Granite counters
• Wood floors
• Tile
• Stainless appliances
• Rounded corners
• High ceilings
• Private back yard
• Seconds from I-35 and 8-10 minutes to downtown Austin

If you're interested in making an appointment to see this property or ANY other in the Austin MLS, please call us anytime at 512-328-8000 or email me at jason@austintexashomes.com.  If you would like to search all Austin TX real estate and homes for sale, visit our website at www.austintexashomes.com.  Thanks, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Our company has listed several units in the Courtyards at Onion Creek, located just a few minutes south of downtown Austin, Texas. 

Unit 1204 is offered at just $199,000, and it features the following:

• 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms
• Master bedroom downstairs
• 1516 square feet per local tax records
• Built in 2008 - being sold by developer
• 9' - 18' celiings!
• Granite counters
• Wood flooring
• Tile
• Stainless appliances
• Rounded corners
• Private back yard
• 2-car garage with driveway
• Ready for immediate move-in!

If you're interested in making an appointment to see this property or ANY other in the Austin MLS, please call us anytime at 512-328-8000 or email me at jason@austintexashomes.com.  If you would like to search all Austin TX real estate and homes for sale, visit our website at www.austintexashomes.com.  Thanks, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

We recently listed a handful of units in the Courtyards at Onion Creek development in south Austin, minutes from downtown.  As with all of the units, Unit 1102 boasts an amazing finish-out, including:

• Wood flooring
• Hardwood raised panel custom kitchen cabinets
• Granite counter tops
• G.E. stainless steel appliances with gas stoves
• Built-in microwave and dishwasher
• Stainless steel double-sink
• 9 to 18-foot ceilings with crown molding in living and dining areas in two-story homes
• Direct vent fireplaces with gas logs and glass doors
• Ceiling fans in all bedrooms and living room
• Pre-wired for security system
  
• Generous storage areas

This 2 bedroom unit has 2 full bathrooms, and 2078 square feet per the tax records. 

It's priced to sell at just $219,000.

Along with the purchase, the new owner will get a membership at the Onion Creek Club valued at $10,000!

This particular unit is vacant and ready for immediate move-in.  The entrance to the community is only a few hundred feet from I-35, and the distance to downtown is about 8-9 miles. 

If you're interested in setting up a time to take a look at this property or any other home in the Austin, Texas area, feel free to call me anytime at 512-796-7653 or email jason@austintexashomes.com.  You can also search all Austin Tx real estate for sale by visiting our website at www.austintexashomes.com.

One of our agents, Christi Baylor, has a new listing in highly desirable Avery Ranch.  It's only three years old, and supremely clean.  Based on how the market seems to be moving lately, I doubt that this one will be on the market very long. 

Features:

• 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms
• 1904 square feet per tax records
• Built in 2007
• Island kitchen
• Granite countertops
• Gas range
• Stainless and black appliances
• Refrigerator conveys
• Covered Patio

If you would like to see this home, please call Christi at 512-788-3698.  If you would like to search all Austin homes for sale, please visit our website anytime at www.austintexashomes.com.  We hope to hear from you soon!