Register Real Estate Advisors

There is a formula to selling in this market:  Passion + Technology = SOLD.  It is working for my sellers.  Allow me to elaborate.

First, the house must be findable and appealing online because that is where 87% of the buyers start their home search.  This is essential to maximizing the value of your home in a timely manner.  It is not enough to simply add your home into the Multiple Listing Service. It is no longer enough to simply have “curb appeal,”  it must have “google appeal” as well and be search engine optimized and key word search-able for the scarce qualified buyer to find your home.  Professional quality pictures and video tours help turn visitors on the web pages into offers on your home.  As a Social Media Pro and ePro Realtor, I have geared my training to help me improve my web marketing and website to showcase listings with photos, videos, and information about the property that is trickled out to over 40 websites.  Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn also add to the listing’s “web footprint” and increase the odds of the right qualified buyer finding it.  I don’t leave the sale of your home to chance, I put it in front of buyers as well as the Realtors in the North West Houston area via e-fliers. 

Bottom line – my online marketing is proven to sell houses. I offer online home tours via videos and comprehensive real estate news and data and distribute this information through multiple channels. I am committed to cutting edge technology that improves your bottom line in real estate transactions.

Relocating to the area? With the tools for your research on my website, you can make a decision on a home without traveling or with a few days visit. I have recognized and responded to today’s consumer by staying on top of the market and the internet technology that ensures their home stands out from the crowd in any market. That’s why I can honestly tell my clients that Passion + Technology = SOLD.

Second, Passionate about Real Estate.  One of the ways I chose to drive traffic to my website is by writing my blog.  I have been awarded “The Best Real Estate Blog in Texas” according to The Mays Business School and Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University. 

To sell in this market, you must have a Realtor that knows the market and knows that in a down market, marketing and packaging matters.  Don’t let my use of technology intimidate you if you’re not a social media bug, just use it to sell your home.  I continue to use the traditional Realtor marketing techniques as well.  My marketing plan is proven to work even in a down market.  If you need to sell your home, call me for the help it is going to require to sell in this economy.  I’d love to help you and since I am a relocation specialist, I can help you relocate to anywhere in the world.  Of course, I think Texas is the best place to live.

By:  Vicki Fullerton, 2009 Chair of the Houston Association of Realtors, previously printed in the Houston Chronicle

While working with a Realtor to buy or sell a home, you may have seen “GRI”, “CRB”, or “CRE” after a Realtor’s name and wondered what those letters meant.  Like most industries that constantly are changing, real estate demands continuing education throughout a Realtor’s career.

A successful agent must keep up to date with current issues, evolving technology, changing laws and regulations, and other important aspects of the business.  After all, it’s that comprehensive knowledge that gives Realtors the ability to help consumers buy and sell houses successfully. 

The National Association of Realtor (NAR) offers advanced education designation and certification programs through its institutes, societies and councils for Realtors.  Though there are other designations, these programs carry an official endorsement from NAR.

Just as an MBA carries with it a certain distinction in the business world, so do the letters after a Realtor’s name in the world of real estate.  These designations and certification programs are tailored to every real estate specialty you’ve heard of, and probably some you haven’t, so if there’s an area of specialty you need, you almost certainly can find a Realtor who has it.

For example, your Realtor might have extra training as a buyer’s representative, land consultant, commercial investment expert, property manager, appraiser or brokerage manager.  Many Realtors earn several designations to keep as current as possible in multiple areas of the real estate industry.  You may want to work with someone who knows the ins and outs of a particular area.  After all, buying property is pretty complicated.  New technology, laws, procedures, and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at top professional levels, and consumers are demanding it.

GRI designation

One of the most comprehensive designations for Realtors is the GRI  (Graduate, Realtor Institute).  It’s a curriculum that requires Realtors to complete an advanced course series that includes 90 hours of classroom instruction.  There’s an emphases on technology, business development, sales and marketing, and critical legal and regulatory issues such as fair housing, brokerage relationships and environmental concerns.  State and local Realtor associations offer these classes, giving Realtors ample opportunity to stay on top of the real estate profession.

The GRI program gives Realtors an understanding of the industry’s finer points and that can only benefit folks who rely on that expertise to find the house of their dreams or sell their longtime residence.  And there’s more.

The following are NAR-endorsed designation and certification programs.  Look for these next time you need a Realtor with a specific area of expertise:

ABR:   Accredited Buyer Representative

ABRM:   Accredited Buyer Representative Manager

ALC:   Accredited Land Consultant

CCIM:  Certified Commercial Investment Member

CIPS:  Certified International Property Specialist

CPM:   Certified Property Manager

CRB:  Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager

CRS:  Certified Residential Specialist

CRE:   Counselor of Real Estate

GAA:   General Accredited Appraiser

GRI:  Gradate, Realtor Institute

Green:  Sustainable Property Designation

PMN:  Performance Management Network

RCE:  Realtor Association Certified Executive

RAA:  Residential Accredited Appraiser

SRES:  Seniors Real Estate Specialist

SIOR:  Society of Industrial and Office Realtors

Certification Programs:

AHWD:  At Home with Diversity Certification

e-Pro:  Certification program for online professionalism

RSPS:   Resort and Second-home Property Specialist

REPA:  Real Estate Professional Assistant

TNC:  Transnational Referral Certification

I am working hard to take my business to a new level.  With that said, it has been far too long since I posted to my blog.  I have been busy attaining my ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Rep.) Designation.  Then I got my certificate so I am a New Home Sales Representative.  Next Monday I will begin my ePRO Designation.  I feel the best way I can represent my clients needs will be through more education.  Just when I think I know it all…I learn something new.  Plus, things are changing.  If you don’t believe me, just look around.  Watch the National News.  Things have to change and I want to change with it.  I am prepared to meet the needs of my buyers and sellers in the future.  Many people in Real Estate are getting out because times are tough, but I am here to stay.  It’s a buyer’s market, but it won’t be forever.  Houston is still the most stable place in the country to buy a home, sell a home, and maintain employment.  I am a full service full time Realtor and I want to help you with all of your Real Estate needs.