Three Things That Will Change Your Life – Both Personally and Professionally

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As I sat through the conference among colleagues from around the nation and enjoyed the newest teachings of Mike Ferry, I couldn’t help but think about how the concepts could serve the purpose of improving my business life.  For three days, the focus was entirely on how to build a strong base of customers for life.  The retreat, taking place in gorgeous Southern California, is one that many Realtors look forward to and a place where other top-producing agents have a chance to confer with each other as well.

The three ideas taken from this retreat are simple concepts that have an amazing positive impact on the business and personal outlook on anyone that chooses to pursue them. They may seem overly simple to you but once you implement them wholeheartedly as I plan to in every area of my life, I am sure you will see the results that I can’t wait see as well.

Communication

If you were to poll millions of clients across the board about their biggest complaint about their agent, you would find the most prevalent gripe people wish to be changed is lack of communication.  Even with today’s technology, allowing real-time communication and paving the way for even more communication-friendly avenues, there are still myriad real estate agents (and other businesspeople) that just do not stay as connected as their clients would like.

From here on out, I pledge to engage in weekly communications with our clients that have active listings as well as continue to remain connected with those that we have served in the past or hope to work with in the future.

Empathy

Even though the current economy is hard on business of all types, there is no excuse for anyone not to truly care about those that are the very reason for their success.  I see it happen a lot in many establishments where the underlying theme seems not to be customer service oriented, rather it is along the lines of simply cashing in on the next commission or paycheck.

We will continue to do business the way we have always done – with genuine regard for our clients’ needs.  Rather than being judgmental we will continue to serve with the utmost integrity and conviction – working so that you, our client, are successful in your endeavors – no matter how big or small they may be.  Our goal is and always has been to be real with our clients – and nothing changes on that end.

Quality

This is a big one.  Without quality, what really sets anyone apart from the rest?  Even then, the world is constantly more competitive and ever challenging in this regard.  As Mike Ferry pointed out, the quality with which we do things will improve everything else – across the board. Whether this means paying more attention to detail, providing more choices and solutions to fit the varied needs of our clientele or simply focusing on doing a better job – all of it is paramount to maintaining a strong connection with our customers.

We will do exactly that.  We will pay more attention to detail, listen to your needs and work to provide the perfect solutions according to your requirements. Rather than be egocentric, our goal is to continue to be customer-focused while providing the best quality of service.

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With these new, yet age-old wisdoms I will implement a new and improved outlook throughout our offices.  Whether it is the level of accessibility I provide to our clients, the genuine emotion with which we embrace our customers’ needs or the pinnacle of quality that myself and my staff owe to you, we pledge to do it and do it well.  I also invite you to share with us any ways you feel we could perform better in these or any areas.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Extended Mortgage Debt Relief Act

 

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Now that we are well into 2013, there will be some changes to our real estate outlook with some familiar programs back in action. With all the talk about the impending Fiscal Cliff, it is no wonder that homeowners everywhere are wondering how the outcome will impact them individually. Here are three recent changes and/or updates to the programs available out there that will have a significant impact on our marketplace this year and moving forward.

Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act Extended Through 2013

On the minds of many homeowners that have mortgages falling short of the current value of their homes, the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Relief Act was set to expire on December 31, 2012. Among the many issues discussed within Congress during the last few hours of 2012 was the extension period of this important tax relief for distressed homeowners. Primarily as a means to help consumers faced with hardships overcome their financial difficulties when they incur forgiven debt – the Act serves to waive tax implications on what otherwise would be considered taxable income.

Private Mortgage Insurance Tax Relief Now Applies to Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013

Each year millions of homeowners look forward to the tax relief that comes with being able to write off their private mortgage insurance premiums. By the end of 2012, no one was sure the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 would be extended to include the coming year. Once again, at the final hours of negotiations the Act was extended through fiscal year 2013 to allow homeowners paying private mortgage insurance to deduct that amount when filing their income taxes.

Capital Gains Tax Rates Increased from 15% to 20%

A topic of confusion for many, the capital gains tax increase set for higher income levels is more lenient than most people realize. Though the theory is that this increase in tax impacts individuals and households with higher income levels, the truth is the income and gains cap is relatively high. The capital gains tax increase will only apply to individuals earning an Adjusted Gross Income of $400,000 or more. Furthermore, people in these income brackets will incur the capital gains tax only on income earned above and beyond the cap which is $250,000 or more for individuals and $500,000 or higher for households.

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If you would like to discuss these or any other issues in the real estate marketplace or if you are considering buying or selling a home – contact us today! We would love to help make your real estate dreams become a reality!