Big-Name Brokerages Don’t Always Mean The Best Realtors

When I started my career as an Orlando Realtor back in 2004, I started working for one of the big-box brokerages thinking that it was a good way to get started in Orlando real estate and become a successful realtor. Working for a nationally recognized brokerage franchise can be great for new-bee real estate agents. They are constantly training new agents on how to prepare a listing agreement properly, how to use the MLS, create CMA’s, etc. I think it was a great experience for me as a new agent just learning the ropes.

With that being said, I also experienced the negatives of working for a big-box brokerage. The reason that everyone knows about national brokerage franchises is because of the massive amount of marketing that they do nationwide. These brokerages have a large budget to spend on marketing so they stay pretty busy. The problem is that many times these brokers get so busy that they have trouble keeping up with all the buyers and sellers that are contacting them to buy or sell a house. Unfortunately, sometimes this means that the potential buyer or seller ends up getting either poor service or no service at all.

It was then that I realized that it was time to branch out on my own. At first, it was tough as it is with starting any new business. However, through hard work and perseverance, I made it happen. I was fortunate enough to realize early on that people really appreciate personalized service when it comes to buying or selling a house. I mean think about it,… buying or selling a home is or will be one of the most if not the most important transactions of a person’s lifetime. I learned that if you do your job by providing the above-and-beyond type of service to people then you will be successful as an Orlando real estate agent. The Best Realtors believe that if you make it is not about the money, you make more money…it’s that simple. A happy client will tell their friends and family about what a good job their realtor did for them and spread the word. This translates into more clients which translates into increased income.

I can’t tell you the number of times that I’ve gotten calls from people saying that before they found me, they called so-and-so realtor from a large brokerage and didn’t even get a callback!

Finding The Best Realtors

We’re now fortunate enough to be in a position where most of our clients come by way of referrals from past clients. If you want the find the best realtor to sell or buy a home, don’t just pick the biggest named brokerage, look for realtors with proven track records.  Spend some time looking on Google type in terms like “Top Orlando Realtors” or “Orlando real estate agents”. This will give you a great place to start you search. Once you’ve picked out a few from the top results, start interviewing until you’ve found one not only with a great track record but one that you like. I wrote an article a while back called “A Guide To Interviewing An Orlando Realtor”  Which has some great information on finding the best realtor for you.

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3 Things To Help Orlando Realtors Stay Positive

With all the New Year’s resolutions that have fallen by the wayside, it’s time to get up, brush yourself off, and get refocused. Being a real estate professional is not easy and can be mentally as well as physically demanding, especially when that deal that you worked so hard for just fell apart. That’s why it’s very important to implement healthy habits that will help you to perform at the best of your ability. I’m not talking about spending two hours a day at the gym or going on an extreme no carb and no fat diet. As a matter of fact, if you make changes that are too extreme, then you are sure to fail miserably. What I’m suggesting is to implement small changes to your habits that you can do consistently.

Many years before I became an Orlando realtor  I was a personal trainer. I used to design routines for people who either wanted to lose weight or to get into better shape than they already were. Being a trainer, I learned that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for the next person which is why they call it “personal training”.   However, today I want to share a few tips and tweaks that real estate agents can use in their day-to-day lives to become healthier and more active.

1. Eat Smaller Meals- How many times have you gone out for lunch and ended up eating too much to the point where you just want to take a nap afterward? It’s a pretty bad feeling, especially when you have work to do! The last thing a potential client wants to see is their realtor yawning at a listing appointment. If you’re like me and have a big appetite, then drink a big glass of water before ordering your lunch. This will make you less hungry and cause you to order a smaller portion.

2. Walk Faster and More Often- I’m not saying you should speed walk to your listing or showing appointments. What I am saying is that when you do walk, walk a bit faster than you normally do whenever possible like walking to the copier, going to the bathroom, walking through the supermarket, etc. Also, take a nice long walk after dinner. Not only will it help your digestion and burn some calories but walking helps you to clear your mind and think more clearly. Whenever I’m frustrated about something or have a problem that needs solving, a good long walk always seems to get my wheels turning.

3. Maintain A Positive Attitude- Working as an Orlando realtor, I know firsthand how hard it can be to maintain a positive attitude when things just aren’t going the way you would like them to. Dealing with clients that are upset about their shot sale falling apart or buyers that you’ve already shown 20 houses to decide it’s not a good time to buy, etc. Being a realtor means that you regularly encounter negative people and it’s important that you not let the negativity affect you and your job. Try thinking about 2 or 3 things that you are appreciative of like how well your kids are doing in school or that wonderful vacation that you’ve been planning with your family.

As real estate agents, it’s crucial that we maintain a positive attitude if we want to be successful. The tips that I’ve shared with you today have served me well over the years and will hopefully help you too!   https://orlandorealtyconsultants.com/

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Smart Homes In Orlando, The Wave Of The Future

Thanks to technology, buying and selling smart homes will soon be the norm for Orlando real estate agents. This week Google made a $3.2 billion dollar investment in a company called Nest Labs, a company that designs and makes smart smoke detectors and smart thermostats. It’s amazing, smart technology is becoming available in just about everything you can think of. And if it’s not today, it will be tomorrow. With an estimated $19 trillion dollar market ahead, smart technology is like a locomotive that just can’t be stopped.

How Will Increasing Smart Home Technology Affect Realtors?

Agents that are able to embrace and love smart home technology will have the biggest advantage. The best way to do this is to learn the technology and practice using it whenever you get a chance. The way it usually works is that everything can be controlled by your smartphone through an app. You can now control things like the thermostat, window blinds, lights, locks, etc.

Real estate agents that are able to easily show their potential clients all the features of the smart technology while showing the house will have a definitive edge. Agents that are unfamiliar with the software won’t be able to show a buyer how to use it and a situation like this could possibly cost them a client.

Smart buyer’s agents will research the technology and find out what people love about it. There are many benefits that smart homeowners have like making sure the doors are locked from 800 miles away or being able to close the blinds because they forgot. Real estate agents should be able to educate their potential buyers about all the benefits that they will enjoy by living in a smart home.

Some buyers will be turned off by new technology, especially the 55+ age group. With these clients, a realtor will really have their work cut out for them in trying to sell them a smart home. The best thing to do here is to simplify things for them by making a simple guide that’s easy to use and understand. No one likes to feel less smart, especially to a house that they will be living in.

Even though I’ve only shown a handful of smart homes myself, it’s obvious that smart technology will continue to grow and get more and more popular in the world of real estate. Orlando realtors that are willing to embrace whatever comes their way, will be the most successful agents. Just like one of my very first mentors used to say ” If you’re going to make it in the world of real estate, you have to take what the market gives you”.

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Central Florida’s Northern Phase Construction Gains Speed ahead of Launch

As we slowly approach May 1, the construction of the new SunRail railway project is looking to shift into another gear, with increased progress being made in its second phase. It is believed that the Florida Department of Transportation will look to provide yet another update on the status of the project to the Volusia County Commission on March 13. Design options for the northern Phase 2 that will run from DeBary to DeLand is said to be the topic of discussion. The cost of constructing the northern phase is estimated at approximately $60.5 million, a significant percentage of the cumulative cost of $1.3 billion.

Bright prospects

The reason why so much has already been invested into the SunRail project is that it is said to spur employment within the communities of Southern Florida, creating over 261,000 jobs. Moreover, it is also estimated that the project will create an economic turnover of $8.8 billion over a thirty-year period from when SunRail becomes fully operational. The project will also provide commuters with a reliable alternative to using Interstate 4, which is to undergo its own overhaul beginning at the end of this year.

Realtors in Orlando believe that residential projects around the SunRail line are likely to get a boost. According to Orlando real estate agents, an increase has been seen in the demand for houses near the SunRail project. It means that infrastructural projects of this kind not just help the residents but also aid the real estate market.

The first phase of SunRail spans 31 miles and is said to become operational in under two months. The phase includes twelve different stations between Sand Lake Road, Orange County and DeBary in Volusia County. It also moves 17.2 miles southwards from Sand Lake Road toward Poinciana in Osceola County, passing a further four stations. Moreover, there is also a 12-mile alignment in the north that will require building a brand new station beside the Amtrak station located in DeLand.

Federal funding of $63 million

President Obama’s fiscal budget for 2015 saw the second phase of the project receives approval, with approximately $63 million in federal funding allocated to it. While the budget is yet to be approved by Congress, there is certainly much to look forward to for SunRail advocates.

In related news, the Lake Mary SunRail station is still awaiting approval on a request for an additional $30 million in federal funding for its north alignment. Nevertheless, the project still seems to be making progress despite the fact that designs have not yet been drawn up.

A number of train tours have been planned to promote the SunRail experience, which will be held in the first phase. There will also be free train rides available between April 15 and 18, and 21 and 24.

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New Listing In Whisper Lakes, Orlando! | 2223 Fairmont Cir

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Move-In Ready!  2223 Fairmont Circle. Orlando, FL 32837

Initially used as a model home for Whisper Lakes.  One of the biggest lots on the block.

This 1,623 square foot move-in ready home has been perfectly maintained and has all the features you could possibly dream of.

*  3 Bedrooms

* 2 Bathrooms

* Bonus Room

* Oversized Corner Lot

* Oversized Pool and Pool Deck

* Huge Fenced-in Backyard

* Mature Landscaping

* Wood-burning Fireplace

A Must See!

Hurry, It won’t last!  You have to stop by and see this Gorgeous Model Home. Oversized Lot and Oversized Pool on a Corner Lot in a Cul de sac.

Pool Access from Master Bedroom, BIG Closed in Porch, Perfect for ALL occasions. What else can you ask for?

The owners have made this a Beautiful Home just for you. Don’t wait, call Now and Make Your Appointment!

Visit https://orlandorealtyconsultants.com/   or call   407-902-7750

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