Podcast Archives - Page 3 of 4

October 13, 2022 By Kim Hughes Leave a Comment

How To Choose A Transaction Coordinator

When you first start out in real estate and only have a few clients, it is easy to get it all done. Then you close a few houses, get a few referrals, list a few houses and the cycle continues and grows until you aren’t getting it all done at the end of each day. When you are busier than you can handle by yourself, how do you find help and what kind of help do you need? Think about the parts of your business that you can delegate to someone else and still get things done. Probably one of the easiest things you can get help with is finding someone to be your transaction coordinator. They will work with you and your clients to ensure nothing slips through the cracks allowing you to continue selling other properties while getting this one closed at the same time. Because they offer a systematic approach, they may even do this better than you do since you were pulled in so many different directions.

Sounds simple, right? It can be but the challenge is finding the right person to close your contracts. How do you go about finding someone?

Ask other local agents in your office or town how they handle this.
Find a newer agent that has closed a few deals but not built their business to where they want it to be yet. While this often means they may outgrow helping you at some point, you can work with them, they can learn more about the business and you get the help you need all at the same time.
Talk to your broker. They may know someone you don’t that would be able to help you with this.
Ask other home professionals that you interact with. They know who closes the most deals and does it well. Talk to your title company, closing attorney, home inspector, and anyone else that will tell you who gets properties closed.
Call Kim Hughes & Company. We offer transaction coordinators that will work with you to successfully close transactions all while keeping you and your clients updated. Having us handle this for you means you don’t have to find and train the right person. We already do this every day.

Closing transactions is a very important part of your job and it is critical to find the right person that will work on your behalf to deliver clients the best service each and every time. Your service is what determines your success, and you need someone that will deliver that as well as you do.

Are you ready to see the benefits of having Kim Hughes and her team of professional high-level transaction coordinators help you move your business to the next level, and help you become more organized so you can focus more on what is important to you? Schedule your 30-minute Strategy Call with my convenient online booking system. Just click on the link below to grab your best time.

Make sure you download my transaction management package by clicking on this link.

KimHughes.com
The Ultimate Expired Listing System
Social Media Success Tools
The Real Estate Assistant Handbook

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October 5, 2022 By Kim Hughes Leave a Comment

Episode 5: What Does Your Real Estate Listing Checklist Look Like?

As a real estate agent just starting out, it can be hard to build your business to the point where you have a consistent inventory of listings for sale. While buyer clients are great to have, they can take up a lot of time and sometimes after all that time, they decide not to buy or never find the house they are looking for. Building your business so that you maintain a steady inventory of homes for sale can help you add some consistency to your income.

When you first start listing houses, it can be overwhelming to figure out what you need to do for each house and not overlook something. If you are listing homes without a listing checklist, that’s like baking cookies without a recipe. The results will likely be inconsistent and less than desirable. Having a plan when you start the process will improve the service you deliver and allow you to manage your time better so you can serve more clients at one time.

When you start putting your checklist together, think of everything you do when you list a home and try to put it all together. Some items to include are

Putting the listing in MLS
Scheduling photo session
Creating brochures or fliers
Putting up the sign
Adding the Lockbox
Scheduling an open house
Preparing your Just Listed posts cards
eBlasting the listing to your database
Promoting the listing to your local and out-of-area agents
Promotion on Social Networks
Setting Feedback System
Scheduling Seller Reports

You can always choose to skip some items if they aren’t necessary for a certain listing, but you don’t want to forget them when you get multiple new listings in the same week and are trying to get everything done. Don’t forget the things you need to follow up on later in the listing. Everything won’t happen in just the first few days. Many other tasks will need to be done throughout the listing so include those as well.

Download this sample listing checklist to get you started but make sure to spend a little time customizing it to meet your needs. When you have a thorough listing checklist put together, you need to decide how you are going to manage your checklist, so you can keep up with what’s been done on each listing and when it is time to work on the next one. A good real estate CRM will have a section for managing listings where you can add your checklist and then apply it to each listing. As you work on different tasks throughout the listing, you will need to be able to track what you have completed and get reminders when it is time to complete the next task. The other nice thing about a CRM is it will keep track of the items you have done so you can share the information with your sellers to keep them informed.

Like anything, a little planning can make a big difference, and listing homes is no different. Take a little time to create a checklist that will take your business to the next level, and before you know it, you will be a listing machine.

Not to mention organized, excited about how your business is moving forward and your sellers are referring you to others because you are on top of it.

Need help putting together your real estate listing checklist, not sure how to set up your CRM, or just don’t have the time, but understand the importance? Reach out to me and let’s talk about how Kim Hughes & Company can help you put your business in order.

Free Download:

Click Here to Get Your Listing Checklist

KimHughes.com
The Ultimate Expired Listing System
Social Media Success Tools

September 28, 2022 By Kim Hughes Leave a Comment

Episode #4: 5 Tips to Organize Your Holiday Card Mailing

Leaves are falling, pumpkins are everywhere, and the days are getting shorter which surely means that fall is here. You probably feel like the holiday season is still a long way off, but it will be here before you know it. If you are planning to send out a Christmas or holiday card to your past clients, businesses, friends, family, neighbors, etc., you need to be thinking about that now. Depending on the kind of card you are sending and how many you plan to send, it may require a significant amount of time to get your cards ready to mail. Here are some great tips to help you get your card mailed by December 1.

First, select the kind of card you want to send. You have several options of where you purchase your cards. You need to decide where you will purchase them. Maybe at the local superstore, order luxury personalized cards to have shipped to you, or will you use an online greeting card company to handle all the details? You can order a custom card from many websites such as Zazzle, Shutterfly, WalMart or Snapfish that allows you to upload photos, add a personal greeting, and will then print the cards for you to pick up in the store or mail them to you. Save a step by having them print your return address or even your mailing address if you upload the list to them. They will even complete the process for you by stuffing your cards, adding postage, and mailing them. While this may mean your cards get out sooner, it does mean you won’t be able to add a personal greeting to the card so make sure you are comfortable with that trade-off. If you want these extra steps done by the company, it will take additional time over just printing your card so make sure you factor that into your time frame so your cards arrive when you would like them to.

Now that you know the different options and have hopefully decided the approach you want to take, follow these steps to get your card mailed out on time and without too much effort.

Decide what kind of card you want to send.
Put your list together with names and addresses.
Either purchase greeting cards or order your card online with your personal content.
Purchase stamps if you are mailing yourself.
Address the cards, stuff them and mail them.

While this task is broken down into just a few steps, some steps may take significant time if you aren’t organized. Locating pictures for your card, putting your address list together, and even stuffing your cards if you are sending out a large quantity can take a lot of time. If you really want to send out cards but don’t have the time to invest in this task and get them sent out at the right time, we can help. From organizing your database to stuffing and stamping your cards and everything in between, we can handle as much or as little of the work as you need us to. We truly believe your holiday cards should personally represent you so we will work with you to identify the right kind of card that fits your style and your budget and execute all of the necessary steps, so your cards are on time and memorable. Let us know if you would like to schedule a free consultation today.

Free Download:

Click Here to Get Your Holiday Card Checklist

You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio to name just a few.
Do a search for Unstoppable Real Estate Agents on your favorite program.

KimHughes.com
The Ultimate Expired Listing System
Social Media Success Tools

September 21, 2022 By Kim Hughes Leave a Comment

Episode #3: 7 Tips for Organizing Your Database

“You need to build your relationships with your real estate clients”. I’m sure you hear this all the time. You probably have been given quick tips, gimmicks, and ideas even though you already know what you need to do.

How do you build these relationships, you ask? You need to organize your client database and keep it organized.

I can hear you right now saying….” Yeah, right – I know this, but I’m busy – I don’t have time and I don’t have a good system in place.”

This should be the #1 priority on your list every day. You can’t afford to NOT find the time! I know your schedule is packed. Starting when you wake up, you have your 5-minute motivational meditation moment, then it’s time to go over your day, make sure you have your appointments scheduled, email checked, social media checked, and family obligations done, then it’s time to get dressed, eat breakfast, make 25 calls between 10 and 12, and the list goes on.

But what if you stopped for a minute and thought about this….

Your database consists of people who know you and who have either bought or sold with you already. These are your people, they matter to you, but how do they know this?

Now think about this…

What if you spent 20 minutes every day organizing your database? Now, you might have a database of 5,000 or 50. It doesn’t matter what your database looks like because we are going to scrub it clean.

As I give you these tips keep in mind, this is not a marathon. The size of your database will determine how long this takes you. The goal is to take your time, think through each person, and do it right the first time. Then you will know how to manage it going forward.
Where is your database right now? It might be in a real estate CRM program, your Google contacts, smartphone, an Excel Spreadsheet, etc. Let’s think about what is the best option for you to keep track of your database, and how you want to manage it moving forward.

Now, let’s determine if you have any method for your database currently. If not, that’s ok. We are going to create that method. Right now, just look at your database and determine if you have a method today or did you start a method and didn’t follow through.
Who is in this database? All leads, past clients, vendors, family, friends etc.? We need to start separating them. So first, you need to create groups.
What are you going to call each group and what are the qualifications for that group?
This is where you will spend some time – again depending on the size of your database – we will determine your investment of time.
Start sorting the people in your database by group.
Now, go through each person and decide what information you need on that person.
Full name of all parties
b. Correct address
c. Email address
d. Phone numbers
e. Birth date along with some kind of reminder in place so you acknowledge it
f. Anything else you want to include? Maybe pets, children, interests.

Now that you have the database sorted, next decide how you want to connect with them.

Take time to write out your script or bullets so you know what you want to say. Think about what information you want and if you need to mention anything.

As you speak to each person, you will want to update any information, add notes, birthday, etc. I find that having a Client Information Sheet to write on makes it much easier to organize information. As you are talking you can jot down information, notes, and anything else important, then transfer that information into your CRM. This way, you are not rushed to type it in, and that enables you to have a great conversation with them. Always leave the call on a good note.

Many agents will ask me, “Where do I begin in organizing the people in my database?” I say, start with your past clients and go from there.

A great way to say, “thank you for your time”, is to have a stack of note cards, envelopes, stamps, and business cards on your desk. After each call update their contact record, then the next step is to write them a thank you card. Address the envelope, put 2 business cards and the note in, seal it, stamp it, and put it in a place so you can drop it off on your way out that day. This step is critical, as you are still fresh on their mind when they receive the card, and they will appreciate the small gesture.

When you get off the phone, if your client mentioned something such as an upcoming surgery, new baby, or vacation, schedule yourself a reminder to follow up with them to see how it went. The follow-up is what builds lasting relationships.

As you go through your database, you also need to decide what the people want and need. This could be a question you ask when you talk to them. Ask them what they would find interesting and beneficial from you. They might say they don’t want anything. Respect those wishes, but also ask if you can give them a call now and then. But always remember to send them birthday and holiday cards. I find agents get really positive results when they send a Thanksgiving or Happy New Year card. You’re not fighting for attention during these two holidays.

Another thing you need to do is consider how to start taking your past clients to the next level in referral relationships. Remember, past clients, business associates, and your community is going to be the ones sending you referrals. Nurture these relationships now and before you know it, your database will be running your business. And, that my friend, is how you grow your business.

So, how are you going to find time to start this project? One day at a time, stay focused, be determined, and instead of turning on Netflix tonight, take that time to work on your database. The return on investment is so amazing. You will be proud of yourself when you have this area of your business organized and a strategy in place to move forward…

Got a tip to share on how to manage your database? Let’s hear from you. Please comment on your tip below and share it with the world. Sharing is a wonderful thing!

Free Download:

Click here to get your Client Information Sheet

KimHughes.com
The Ultimate Expired Listing System
Social Media Success Tools

September 14, 2022 By Kim Hughes Leave a Comment

Episode #2: 4 Ways to Turn a Client into a Raving Fan

Lee Iacocca once said, “Business, after all, is nothing more than a bunch of human relationships”. This is true in many businesses but especially true in real estate. Real estate is personal and because of that you can sell a house one time to anyone but if you want to have clients that call you every time and refer you to every friend, coworker, and family member, you must build lifelong relationships and stay in touch with your clients.

Relationships are about connections and how you connect with those you may not know all that well yet. Here are four easy ways to connect on a personal level to turn your acquaintance into a raving fan of your business.

Start on Facebook. Go through your list of friends and make a list of birthdays you don’t want to forget. Then make yourself a list, find their mailing addresses, purchase cards and sit down once a month and prepare them to mail out. Any Facebook user knows they will be bombarded with birthday messages on their birthday but how many cards will they receive in the mail? Be the person that stands out from the crowd.
While you are on Facebook or Instagram, dig a little deeper. How many times do you scroll through Facebook and offer casual comments but not go beyond the surface? Don’t worry, I am not suggesting you get super personal on Facebook but use the knowledge you gain there to go a little further. Did someone share they were sick or had surgery? Follow up in a few days to check on them or send a card. Did someone post pictures of an awesome vacation you have always wanted to take? Call them the week after they return and ask to meet for lunch so they can tell you all about it. New pet post? Drop off a bag of treats to the newest member of the family. Proud parent post? Send the child a card congratulating them on their accomplishment. Reaching out to people in small ways will make you stand out and allow your relationship to grow to the next level.
Have you ever hosted an event for your past clients? Small events are a great way to visit with your clients and do something nice for them. Events don’t have to be fancy or complicated. Invite everyone to join you for a local baseball game, meet at the coffee shop or ice cream store or even host a food drive and invite your clients to drop food off at a certain time. After the event, follow up with those that came to share a photo and thank them for coming.
Do something with a group regularly. Are you part of a book club, workout group, bible study, or any other small group activity? Many times we get so busy these items become nothing more than another item on our to-do list. Stop that mindset and focus on your time there. Don’t overcommit yourself and these will feel less like chores. Whatever group you are a part of, be all in and truly engage with those in your group. Don’t just show up to each meeting and then dash out the door when it’s over. Take time to talk to those involved and ask what they have going on. The same way you follow up from social media posts, apply that here too. When you talk about something that is going on, follow up later to see the outcome. If you aren’t currently a part of a group like this, find one that applies to your interests and fully participate.

As you complete all of these activities, you don’t have to constantly talk about real estate but as your relationships strengthen, your connections will think of you when real estate comes up. None of these activities should take you days and weeks to implement. They are about being fully engaged on a daily basis and nurturing the relationships you already have so that those relationships become stronger and last longer. These are the keys to your long-term success.

I hope you walk away from this podcast with some ideas on how to take action right now with how you will nurture your clients to build a business on referrals and past clients.

Let me know in the comments and if you have a topic you would like for me to cover, please let me know.

KimHughes.com
The Ultimate Expired Listing System
Social Media Success Tools

How To Choose A Transaction Coordinator

Episode 5: What Does Your Real Estate Listing Checklist Look Like?

Episode #4: 5 Tips to Organize Your Holiday Card Mailing

Episode #3: 7 Tips for Organizing Your Database

Episode #2: 4 Ways to Turn a Client into a Raving Fan

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