La Quinta California Real Estate

We all have had days where we are running around going from place to place and realize we need to make a call but do not know the number.  Remember the good old days when we could call 411 for free and a real live operator would not only give you the information but also ask about your day? I realize that was pre cell phone days, but it sure was nice.

A few months ago when I received my cell phone bill I was astonished to see all the charges for 411 calls.   Being the economy is tough I started asking around and found a much easier and free way to get the information I need when on the road.  Google has once again made major points with me.  

Dial  1-800-goog411 from your cell and not only do you get the number you need but it also connects you direct.  No need to worry about finding something to write on or dialing another number.  This has saved me much frustration and made my cell phone bill go way down.  Just wanted to pass along the tip, hope it makes your life a little easier too.

I know I freak out if I cannot find my phone or have it with at all times. Since I got used to texting and email on my phone, I feel I am in constant communication at all times with just about everyone including my 82 year old mom who just started on the computer this year. I am so proud of her! I have used the phone for over 30 years and wonder about all those electrical issues and brain tumors etc. I had a car phone back when they were over $300 a month on the advice of my accountant who told me that one sale a month more than made up for the cost. This really hit me when I saw it on the local news. I guess there are worse things to being addicted to than the phone- especially when you are a Realtor!
1. You know you are addicted to the phone when your phone breaks and you feel like you lost it.
2. You know you are addicted to your phone when it loses it charge from using it in less than a day.
3. You know you are addicted to your phone when you take it into the bathroom with you and actually use it in the bathroom!!!!
There you go! There are alot of us that really use our phone- albeit for positive and beneficial reasons. This is very interesting how dependent we are on our phones.

I was sitting here this morning thinking about how fortunate I am that I have a reliable team of people around me.  From the agents on my team all helping each other to our escrow officer working to get a deal closed, all are so important to our company and its high success rate. We have a handyman named Mr Happy who we can call whenever something needs repaired, a title rep who is always available to answer questions, a lender who keeps us up to date and a Home Warranty Rep who is around as well.  It makes like so much easier, our clients feel more secure in their transactions and as a whole the team more united in helping others.

So besides my office assistant, transaction manager, marketing manager we have so many more people who add to our rate of success.  Who do you have in your office that you could not live without?

As we move through life, this is a very profound statement. My children cannot remember black and white TV's or TV's without remotes. I remember when a fax machine was unbelievable to me and now they are basically obsolete. I got behind on the technology several years ago and resisted the changes for several years. Getting caught up has been really hard for me. I have felt learning disabled for a very long time. Recently I got a PDA and really worked on getting up to speed on social networking, scanning, marketing online, and most of my communication online. It has saved me so much time and energy. The efficiency and professionalism is really impressive. I also realize we have barely touched the surface of what is out there and what is left to come.
 I think back on what has been invented since I was a teenager- #1 computers, cell phones, flat panel TV's, air conditioning everywhere and in cars too, garage door openers, microwaves, remote and keyless entry devices, wireless alarms, cordless phones, double pane windows, leaf blowers, and on and on and on. It truly does make me feel old, but also very grateful that I have lived in a time of so many wonderful inventions to make life enjoyable and easier.
 What did you not have as a teenager? Your children? Your parents? Where is this headed 10 years from now? 20 years from now? We are so lucky to be in a business where we can really benefit and take advantage from these changes as they come.

I about fell off my chair a few days ago when I got a request to confirm my 81 year old mom as a friend on Facebook. She had just got her first computer and and hooked up with Facebook. Within a few hours members of my family that I had not spoken with for several years were friends as well. The best was that we can all communicate together at the same time from all over America just like we were in the same room and at no cost and in the comfort and convenience of our own home. There is no preparation, no cooking, no clean up. The photos and videos are fun too. We and choose what to post and when to post it. I have been using Facebook to stay connected with my friends and clients. I am now really excited how it can also be so personal and fun with family

I had no intention of getting a new car for several years due to the economy as well as I drive a Lexus SUV and the style does not change. I also do not drive a lot of miles. Well, last Sunday morning that all changed when enroute to my office, I had a car accident due to a mechanical issue. I was offered a great deal on a new car and took it. I love the new car- the clean, the smell, the smooth ride, the remote start- fun. Most of all I like the blue tooth. I have a portable blue tooth, but the one in the car is fabulous. It is run on the steering wheel.You can hear well. It is very easy to operate. Best of all it is so much safer than any other way I have found to talk on the phone in the car. I use my car time to do a lot of my calls and done so for years. It is private and quiet. I feel I am good at being on the phone in the car, but the bluetooth is for sure the way to go. Like my husband says, this device will save lives. The car may have cost some money I did not want to spend and particularly not at this time, but if more us would take the plunge, we could save way more injuries and accidents. Are you next to buy a car with blue-tooth or do you already have it in your car?

Don't throw away prospects" telephone numbers, but use them more carefully and creatively as you hunt for business under the glare of the National Do Not Call Registry.
1. Know whom not to call. You can check the website https://telemarketing.donotcall .gov
2.Continue to call those not on the list as well as close personal contacts who will not be offended or surprised by your call
3. When you do call, include a discreet Real estate sales pitch such as_ Hi Barb. I am updating my database for my e-newsletter and wondered if you would share your current email so I can include you. The newsletter features community events I think you will like.
4.Send letters to prospects whose names are on the list. Tell them you respect their wishes and are available if they wish to buy or sell.
5. Stay in touch with buyers and sellers you have recently worked with.
6.Follow up with those who have recently called about a property
7.Call FSBO's with an advertised phone number but only if you have a buyer interested in the property
8. Contact FSBOs and expireds by door knocking. Agree to a short listing period if they are willing to price their property to sell.
9. Follow up a phone call or visit with handwritten note on nice stationery. This will keep you name in your buyers minds.
I find this really works to build and retain clients with a minimum of 3 calls per day consistently.

One of the most fun times of our week is our team meeting on Monday morning at 8:30 - 10:30. We put segments youtube to share with our friends and clients. The meeting is an update of our lives and our business. We share what has happened the past week and what is coming up. We role play situations both in our business and personal life. Each agent gives an update on their business and victories of the week. It is fun, funny, uplifting, educational, inspirational, and just an all around good time. Join us on youtube.com.