Category Archives: Upcoming Events

Feb 23 2012

Real Estate Fun and You’re Invited

It’s Rainmaker Time and You’re Invited at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations, tonight!

Each Tuesday morning we have our Rainmaker meetings to share new listings, sources of business, learn something new about our industry and share ideas with one another.

And now we want to share another type of Rainmaker with all of you.  Hope you will join us this evening for our first “Rainmaker Business After Hours”.   So please join us tonight and share some good times.

Tonight beginning at 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at our office located at  6349 Piccadilly Square Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36609, 251-650-4030, www.BHGgo.com
Our sponsor will be Tammy Watley of First Federal Mortgage. Tammy has been a huge part of our family since the beginning and I’m happy to share this first experience with her!  Get up!  Dress up!  And show up! … RAINMAKER AFTER HOURS is a new sector of our BHGRE | GEN that was introduced during the 2012 concept meeting. It is a time for all in our industry to gather here at our local office and share fellowship with one another. Each month we will have a spotlight sponsor! Please feel free to invite your family, friends and clients

Call, click or contact DanaCarter@BHGgo.com or 251-610-6999 to take your real estate career to the next level.  Hope to see you this evening!

Feb 22 2012

Pinterest Marketing for Real Estate

As social media continues to evolve so do the tools.  Stepping up to the plate with a fierce vengeance is the new social media darling Pinterest. 

Tell a story about your city - This is a great way to use pictures you’ve taken around your city and highlight some of your favorite locations. Give buyers relocating into the area a good look at what certain neighborhoods or communities in your city look like.

  1. Home Styles & Architecture - Architecture and style are so different from one state to the next. Whether the homes in your area are New England colonial, Spanish Revival or Cape Cod, providing pictures will allow buyers to connect with the look and feel of your city.
  2. Historic Locations – Historic locations such as buildings, churches and monuments are a fun way for anyone new to your area to better understand the history.  What “insider” details can you share that offer unique insight into your towns past?
  3. Local Business Spotlight – Create a board that shares your favorite vendors such as local supermarkets, gas stations, hairdressers, pet store, auto repair, plumbers, electricians and more!
  4. Top Things to Do in Your Area – Spotlight fun things to do or attractions to see within your area. Choose the top sites exclusive to your neck of the woods.
  5. First Time Homebuyer Tips Pin your blog posts or links back to pages on your website.  What questions do first time homebuyers have?  Answer those on your blog and you have ongoing content for this Pinterest board!
  6. Tips to Prepare Your Home For Sale - If you are selling a home, what do you need to know?  Help prospects make an informed decision by answering questions about prepping their home for sale, how the appraisal process works, specifics about the community and how to correctly price their home.
  7. Curb Appeal – Curb appeal means different things to different people.  Pin colorful landscapes, cascading waterfalls and lush gardens to display the various looks within your area.
  8. Staging Tips –  Pin pictures of stunning before and afters that encourage re-pinning (think of retweets on Twitter) and paint a vivid picture of what a sellers home should look like to offer maximum appeal to buyers.
  9. Mortgage process – The stages of the mortgage process can leave anyone swimming in a sea of questions.   Offer answers to FAQ about the loan application process, what to avoid and how to make an informed decision.
  10. Guide to your city – Create a guide by pinning your favorite parks, museums, neighborhood restaurants and nightlife .  This can be anything you deem awesome enough that someone new to the area would want to visit.
  11. Pet friendly locations – As a dog lover and someone who frequently travels with my two little guys, I am always on the lookout for pet friendly places to hang out.  Pin restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, bars, dog parks and any other pet friendly location in your community.  Believe me, they will love you for it!
  12. Decorating on a dime – Everyone is looking to save wherever they can these days.  Offer home decorating “do it yourself” tips that are easy and affordable.  You can also pin shops within your area that sell unique but inexpensive home décor.
  13. Home improvement ideas – From a complete kitchen makeover to DIY; pin home improvement projects that inspire and advise!
  14. Gardening tips –  For new homeowners, learning basic gardening skills is important to the care and upkeep of their home.  Provide tips on how to cultivate a stunning garden and landscape.
  15. How to make a move with children – If you look at moving as an exciting adventure full of fun and new possibilities, your children will be more apt to get on board.  Help clients moving into your area go through this change minus the drama by offering the how-to’s of a smooth move.
  16. Cool coffee shops in your area – As a self diagnosed coffee addict, I am always on the lookout for local coffee shops with a cool, funky vibe.  I love anything with big, comfy chairs and a quiet atmosphere. Where do you enjoy spending your time?  You can bet your clients will too!
  17. Moving day tips –  When you’re making a move, you can use all of the tips you can find.  From checklists to supplies, planning a move is a huge undertaking.  Pin tips on how to find free boxes, how to best pack breakables and how to budget for all moving expenses.
  18. Things to do for free within your city – What sites can newcomers enjoy for free in your city?  Whether it’s a museum or a beautiful garden in the heart of the city, pin colorful pictures of your favorite locations.
  19. Pictures of annual activities – Pin pictures of popular annual events such as fundraisers, school events and town hall meetings that someone new to the area might be interested in attending.

Most importantly, have fun with it!  While we all know that using social media as a business-marketing tool is exciting, injecting ‘you’ into your social efforts is vital. Yes it’s great to connect with your past clients and prospects in an environment where you lead the conversation, but simply “pushing” out business info isn’t enough.

Pinterest gives you one more way to find and connect with your target audience and offers a little insight into your personality.  What are your likes, your hobbies, your passions?  Don’t be shy to share!

Get Started!  source: Rebekah Radice

Request an invite to Pinterest or email DanaCarter@BHGgo.com and I’ll send you an invite!

Don’t Forget!  Follow Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate on Pinterest

For other great technology ideas, contact Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate l Generations.  We understand, know and use technology to meet the needs of today’s consumers.  DanaCarter@BHGgo.com or 251-610-6999. 

Reminder, You’re Invited this Thursday eve:

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Generations, Rainmaker After Hours, February 23, 2012,  from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM,  at our office 6349 Piccadilly Square Drive, Mobile, Alabama  36609, 251-650-4030. Located just off Hillcrest/Airport, next to the Sportplex.

Feb 20 2012

Start out Right with Technology & the Internet

Starting early in planning and building an effective Internet presence will make a huge difference in the long run.   The successful real estate professional of the future will be someone who has embraced the Internet and it’s power in reaching a vast audience. They will understand the importance of a web presence that positions them as the real estate expert in their area.  

No matter what some of the “old-timers” may tell you, you NEED the Internet to market in today’s real estate world.  While some with many years in the business can continue to succeed due to referrals and past business over the years, you’ll need to use your website and social networking to get a foothold with today’s buyers and sellers.  Budget for a good web presence, though it really need not be expensive.

You’re Invited:
 Rainmaker After Hours
      February 23, 2012 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
        6349 Piccadilly Square Drive, Mobile, Alabama  36609
Our sponsor will be Tammy Watley of First Federal Mortgage. Tammy has been a huge part of our family since the beginning and I’m happy to share this first experience with her! Get up! Dress up! And show up!
RAINMAKER AFTER HOURS is a new sector of our BHGRE | GEN that was introduced during the 2012 concept meeting. It is a time for all in our industry to gather here at our local office and share fellowship with one another. Each month we will have a spotlight sponsor! Please feel free to invite your family, friends and clients.   For more information or to schedule an interview or sign up for classes, call, click or text, DanaCarter@BHGgo.com 251-610-6999

Come join us this Thursday for Rainmaker After Hours

Feb 8 2012

Real Estate is Action Packed!

Real estate accounts for nearly half of the privately owned wealth in the United States.  It serves as collateral for home mortgages and other financial assets.  Every business either owns or rents.  Every individual either owns or rents.

Real estate is frequently the largest part of the retirement process for most families.  Individual investors want the knowledge for their own portfolios.

Professional trade groups in real estate require certain levels of education as a prerequisite to obtain a license and most require continuing education every licensing period.  There are also opportunities to further your real estate education into specific areas of the real estate business as well as earning designations in these areas by furthering your real estate knowledge.

All states require course education prior to the application for a state real estate license and some states are reciprocal in licensing requirements.  Classes may be taken in the classroom or online in the convenience of your home.  Under Alabama Real Estate Commission guidelines you have one year from the time you start the class to complete the 60 hour prelicense course.  The online course is just $295.   For further details or to enroll in class today, call, click or text now: DanaCarter@BHGgo.com 251-610-6999

We also have classes for post license, broker Iicense, reciprocal and continuing education classes.  2012 has started out to be an awesome year in real estate.  Now is the time to enter the real estate industry.  Classes begin daily.

Feb 2 2012

Top 5 Qualities Real Estate Agents Share

Successful Realtors® do not happen overnight.  They happen because of their unbridled enthusiasm, unfailing determination and an insatiable desire to succeed.  They are hard working, diligent and consistent in all that they do and will not allow anything to deter their efforts.

Their success isn’t difficult to pinpoint, but it can be tough to recreate.   Unless of course, you pay close attention to a few of their shared traits.  Traits that are incorporated into the very fiber of their beings and woven into every conversation they have.

1.  Honest

This is number one on our list and should be at the top of yours for obvious reasons.  Honesty is not a quality a successful real estate agent can exist without.   While it would seem like a simple task to just tell the truth, there are certainly many thoughts that come to mind when you think of the “less than ethical salesperson.”

Honesty requires that you are upfront and transparent in all that you do.   Honesty is telling the truth, even when the truth isn’t pretty.  Honesty means that you conduct your business in a sincere and trustworthy manner at all times, no matter the consequences.

  2.  Passionate

Passion is a word tossed around so often these days, I fear it will become passé.  Passion is addictive.  It draws people to you as they sense the excitement you feel about what you are privileged to do everyday.

Successful real estate agents do not act like they are worn out, beaten down and kicked to the curb by the industry. Your enthusiasm is not some over-rated hype; it is undeniably one of the most important tools in any Realtors® arsenal.  It can and will make you indubitably attractive to those clients you wish to connect with.

  3.  Risk Takers

Building a real estate business will not allow you to take a back seat to opportunity.  Building a successful real estate business requires that you step out in faith and embrace the risk.  It is all about the risk and reward.

The greater the risk; the more willing you are to dive into the deep end of the pool….the greater your reward can be.

  4.  Tenacious

Successful real estate agents pick themselves up and dust off the fear; anxiety and self-loathing that seeped in from yesterday’s transaction.  They look rejection straight in the eye and roar into the day that can and will be.

Successful real estate agents are resolute in what their vision of tomorrow should look like.  They are bold, brash and indifferent to the small voice in their head telling them to let it go, pack it up and move on.

  5.  Compassionate

Potential clients want to know that they are important to you.  They need to “feel” valuable and know that you respect their needs, wants and desires.  their opinion.  If you can give people what they want, they will provide you with what you need.

Successful real estate agents are creative, inspirational, sensitive, endearing, responsive and so much more.  What success skills have you learned over your real estate career that you would pass along to others?

source:  www.bhgrealestateblog.com

At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations we Make Better Agents!  To join our tenacious team of Realtors, phone, text or email now: DanaCarter@BHGgo.com, 251-610-6999.

TODAY, February 2nd,  from 1 to 2 p.m.  Come join us at our office or watch from home on your own computer.  A real estate career event will be hosted by Sherry Chris, CEO & President of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.  

Register now:  
Sherry Chris will share our value proposition, talk about why and how we are a relevant real estate brand and cover the top reasons Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate can help today’s agent succeed with today’s buyers and sellers.   Sign up now!   To register online click link: 

http://bitly.com/yourbhgrecareer

OutPlanning – OutPerforming – OutStanding

PURCHASE RATES FOR ALL PROPERTIES
Program

1% Origination

Zero Origination
CONV 30

3.750%

3.875%
CONV 15

3.250%

3.375%
FHA 30

3.750%

3.750%
FHA 15

2.750%

3.000%
VA 30

3.750%

3.750%
VA 15

2.875%

3.000%
USDA 30

3.500%

3.750%
STEP UP

4.000%

N/A

Tammy Watley, Loan Originator, NMLS #491828

 First Federal Mortgage

www.applywithtammy.com

251-209-9020 – Cell

Feb 1 2012

Want to get an Alabama Real Estate Salesperson License

To become eligible to obtain a Real Estate  SALESPERSON license in Alabama, and applicant who does not hold a current real estate license in another state must:

  1. Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien or legally present in the U.S;
  2. Be at least 19 years old;
  3. Show proof of bona fide residency in any state in the U.S.;
  4. Show proof of high school graduation or GED;
  5. Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude;
  6. Not have had a real estate application or license rejected or revoked in any state within the past two years.
  7. After meeting the education and/or experience requirements, pass the licensing examination.

ADDITIONALLY, A SALESPERSON APPLICANT MUST:

Prior to taking the real estate state exam, successfully complete an approved 60 clock hour prelicense course. (Salesperson applicants who started the prelicense course prior to October 1, 2004 have 24 months to pass the state exam after completing this real estate course.  Applicants who started the course after October 1, 2004 have 12 months to pass the state exam after completing the course. If these deadlines are not met, the course must be retaken.) AND
Must complete a 30 hour post license training course within the first twelve months of licensure in order to be issued an original (permanent) license. Further, the course must be completed and original license issued within the first six months in order to maintain an active real estate license. source:  Alabama Real Estate Commission website

A Successful Real Estate Career  is not about cold calls and scripted closing questions; it is being passionate about what you do and taking pride in your business. It is getting out and being active, getting involved in your community, caring and giving back. It is being apart of a creative team with a culture of learning and success where you are having fun and love what you do.

You have a new year ahead of you.  Make it your year and join us this Thursday for a special online real estate career event.  Come join us at our office or watch from home on your own computer.  The real estate career event will be hosted by Sherry Chris, CEO & President of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.  

Register now:  
Sherry will share our value proposition, talk about why and how we are a relevant real estate brand and cover the top reasons Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate can help today’s agent succeed with today’s buyers and sellers.   Sign up now!   Call, click or text now         251-610-6999 DanaCarter@BHGgo.com or register online: 

http://bitly.com/yourbhgrecareer

OutPlanning – OutPerforming – OutStanding

Pay it Forward – original author:  Menander, Dyskolos and below is  Benjamin Franklin’s version (wikipedia)

I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro’ many hands

PURCHASE RATES FOR ALL PROPERTIES
Program

1% Origination

Zero Origination
CONV 30

3.875%

4.000%
CONV 15

3.250%

3.375%
FHA 30

3.750%

3.750%
FHA 15

2.750%

3.000%
VA 30

3.750%

3.750%
VA 15

2.875%

3.000%
USDA 30

3.500%

3.500%
STEP UP

4.000%

N/A

Tammy Watley, NMLS# 491828, First Federal Mortgage, www.applywithtammy.com 

Jan 31 2012

The New Generation of Realtors – Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations


While the housing market has suffered a recession, there will be strong demand for prepared professionals to fill new positions as this cycle rebounds.  This cycle also will require the real estate professionals for the new generation of buyers and sellers.  Are you where you need to be?  Are you going to be apart of the next generation of Realtors?

You have a new year ahead of you. This is the new norm and you need to let us help you figure out how to thrive in it.  It is time to move forward, adapt to change and be apart of a real estate company that has the passion for all that you do.   Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations is full of passion, forethought, the latest technology and determination.

Join us this week for a free online career event that will make a difference in your real estate career.  

Online Real Estate Career Event   bhgcareer.com

You’re Invited to a Special Career Event HOSTED BY SHERRY CHRIS, PRESIDENT & CEO OF BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE WHEN? FEBRUARY 2, 2012 AT 1:00 P.M Central

Sherry will share our value proposition, talk about why and how we are a relevant real estate brand and cover the top reasons Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate can help today’s agent succeed with today’s buyers and sellers. Sign up now! Call, click or text now 251-610-6999 DanaCarter@BHGgo.com or register online: http://bitly.com/yourbhgrecareer

Take Your Career to New Levels in 2012 at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations

We Make Better Agents

Jan 30 2012

Be apart of the next Generation of Real Estate Leaders

Real Estate is What We Do

Goal setting without a strategic plan of action is similar to shooting darts in the dark.  You might occasionally hit the dartboard, but you certainly will not see consistent results.  Building measurable goals and inserting them into an actionable plan is key to the successful execution of a real estate business plan.

If you have not taken the time to create your real estate  2012 business plan yet, do it now before you move forward with tools to track your goals.  Lay the foundation first and then tackle implementation.

At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations it is our goal to help you create and put your real estate plans into action so that your goals are reached.   Our well thought out plan will result in helping you take your real estate career to the next level.

So what are you waiting for?  A real estate business plan without a strategy is nothing more than an exercise in goal setting.   Take action now and call us to be a part of the most dynamic generation of Realtors.  We are prepared to get you where you want to be.

Contact Dana Carter via text, cell or email DanaCarter@BHGgo.com or 251-610-6999 and let’s get your plan working for you today.

Join us this week for an exciting real estate career event hosted by Sherry Chris,  President and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

This Free Online Career Event is coming this Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 1 to 2 Central Time

Sherry will share our value proposition, talk about why and how we are a relevant real estate brand and cover the top reasons Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations can help today’s agent succeed with today’s buyers and sellers.  Sign up now!    Click here to RSVP today!
Jan 27 2012

Open Houses Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Come see these wonderful homes and meet some of our fellow Realtors

*OPEN THIS SUNDAY 1/29 2-4PM* Be the envy of the neighborhood in this fabulous home!!Step into the inviting foyer with a breathtaking view of the large open formal dining area and majestic great room combination.Soaring cathedral ceilings and a cozy corner fireplace that’s never been used. From the Great room, step into the gourmet kitchen with beautiful cabinetry & granite counter tops, built in desk, stainless steel appliances, large pantry, center island, breakfast bar & large pantry all in a well planned layout. The spacious Master suite you deserve, features an enviable Master bathroom with two separate closets, linen closet, separate tub and shower plus his/her separate vanities. From the master suite continue to 3 additional bedrooms with 2 full baths. Great for multi generations as the floorplan lens convenience for everyone. The front yard boast of luscious landscaping with beautiful sago palms. Large covered back porch for entertaining, a double garage and a wonderfully private backyard space. This home is immaculate, “Mr & Mrs Clean live here! Shows like brand new. Don’t wait, call today for your private tour of this awesome home.  Deborah Robinson 251-458-4123

Southern Grandeur at it’s finest! Come see this stately former Parade Home. Relaxing wrap around front porch overlooks huge corner lot with mature landscaping. This home has been updated throughout. Library/Office has built in bookcases. Formal Dining has heavy moulding with gorgeous faux painted ceiling. Kitchen has Bosch appliances with a smooth cooktop/convection oven and granite countertops and opens to cozy breakfast area. Living area has fireplace with hearth and built in bookcases. Large Master Bedroom on main level with Master Bath that has a 6ft tub and separate shower with updated faucets and double vanities with granite. 3 Bedrooms upstairs with updated hall bath that has granite countertop on vanity. Enjoy cooking out and entertaining on the private patio in the fenced backyard. This home boasts unsurpassed elegance. A must see! Call today for your tour of this spectacular home.  Becky Ray, 251-421-4909

Also reminder about a Free Online Career Event this coming Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 1 to 2 Central Time, hosted by President and CEO, Sherry Chris of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

Sherry will share our value proposition, talk about why and how we are a relevant real estate brand and cover the top reasons Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate can help today’s agent succeed with today’s buyers and sellers.  Sign up now!    Click here to RSVP today!

To join the exciting field of real estate, contact Dana Carter via text, cell or email 7 days a week.  DanaCarter@BHGgo.com 251-610-6999

Jan 27 2012

Make your real estate business a referral magnet

Tip 1 in our new series “How to Become a Referral Magnet” is simple…always know what you will say BEFORE you pick up the phone. Too often we shy away from just “asking” for the real estate referral because we don’t know what to say.

Don’t fumble for the right words…write them down before you call. This DOES NOT mean that you should sound like you’re reading a script. You should be at ease with what you are asking for.

Get comfortable by talking it through out loud, speaking it into your voicemail & then listening back or role-playing with a friend or colleague. Whatever you do…ASK for that real estate referral! How do you “ask” on a consistent basis?

To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate globally and locally sign up now for this free online career event next Thursday, February 2, 1:00 p.m. Central and 2:00 p.m. Eastern.  

You Are Invited to a Special Career Event

Hosted by Sherry Chris, President & CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

 Click here to RSVP today! 

-          Have you been thinking about a change?

-          Have you heard the value Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate provides agents?

-          Are you curious about your future in residential real estate?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, or you are thinking about making changes in your real estate career, we invite you to attend our free one-hour virtual career event.  Learn how a brand with 97% brand recognition provides real estate agents with the right tools for today’s buyer.  You won’t want to miss this event!

Sherry will share our value proposition, talk about why and how we are a relevant real estate brand and cover the top reasons Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate can help today’s agent succeed with today’s buyers and sellers.  Sign up now!

Feel free to call, text or email me anytime for a confidential interview

Dana M. Carter, DanaCarter@BHGgo.com, 251-610-6999

“A project is complete when it starts working for you, rather than you working for it.” – Scott Allen

Today’s rates

PURCHASE RATES FOR ALL PROPERTIES
Program 1% Origination Zero Origination
CONV 30 3.875% 4.125%
CONV 15 3.125% 3.500%
FHA 30 3.750% 3.875%
FHA 15 3.000% 3.250%
VA 30 3.750% 3.875%
VA 15 3.000% 3.250%
USDA 30 3.750% 3.750%
STEP UP 4.000% N/A

Tammy Watley, NMLS# 491828, First Federal Mortgage, www.applywithtammy.com