WSJ: “Struggling Real-Estate Giant Realogy Strikes Deal With Amazon” [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire, and competes with Realogy subsidiary Coldwell Banker Burnet.] “We lose money on every...Read More
Savvy Strategy for Getting Realtor Referrals Smart Realtors know that the most important people coming through weekend open houses aren’t necessarily checking out the house. Rather, they’re checking out them. Specifically, the open house visitors — often neighbors — want to see if the agent is doing a good job marketing the home, is knowledgeable, easy to talk...Read More
Competing Business Models: Referral Fees vs. Advertising (Wanna Guess From Whom??) [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire.] With artificial intelligence gaining momentum, it was only a matter of...Read More
Not every client lead is a home run — many, in fact, are duds. Similarly, not every contractor referral from colleagues is a good fit. However, in both cases, there’s only one, appropriate response from the Realtor on the receiving end: a heartfelt “Thank You!” Rationale There are two reasons for that. One. If you...Read More
Victims of Success? How do Realtors get good at listing presentations? (job interviews for agents to represent a home seller). By doing lots of ’em. New agents have no choice: with no clients, track record, or reputation to speak of, that’s how they land business. Trappings of Success – Literally Now fast forward 5 —...Read More
“For Sale” Signs, Contractors, and Umbrellas (Umbrellas??) Neighbors — at least once upon a time — used to borrow a cup of sugar from one another. What do Realtors borrow from each other? Far and away, the number #1 request is for Open House signs (typically, the person requesting them is a newer agent who...Read More
