From time to time, I’ll see a story pop by that reads something like, “Former CIA Director Assures Us He Did Not Just Tweet His Password” or “Sean Spicer Just Tweeted Something That Looks an Awful Lot Like a Password.” And up until now, I’ve always thought, “Idiots! How can you be so dumb to send out your password?!” Well, today I found out. On today’s episode of “don’t do that,” I show you how easy it is to send someone your password. [Read more…] about Don’t Do That: Self-Leaked Passwords
Thoughts
Buyers: How to Make Open Houses a Little Less Awkward
During the home shopping process, one of the biggest complaints I receive from Client is how awkward open houses can be. Between walking into someone’s house (and sometimes someone’s life), and helicopter-like hovering agents, it can be intimidating, awkward, and uncomfortable. Here is a quick tip that can make the process a little easier…
[section_title heading=”h1″ style=”1″ text_align=”center”]Take Cards with You (if Possible): [/section_title]
While the intent of an open house is to market the home, the Listing Agent is always on the lookout for potential clients. You’ll often hear questions like, “Do you have an agent?” or fill in a similar question on the sign-in sheet. These questions are meant to inquire if you already have an established relationship with another Agent, and signals whether the Listing Agent should pursue your business.
To mitigate this initial anxiety, ask your Agent for a few business cards to hand to the Listing Agents at Open House. This is a clear signal to the Listing Agent that you already have an agency relationship, and they should start telling you about the property. Plus, as a bonus, most Agents will not require you to sign-in if you give them an Agent’s business card!
If you don’t have an Agent already, then either prepare a good answer to the question or create a “Buyer Card.” An example of a good answer would be: “No, we’re just casually browsing right now and aren’t ready for Agent representation yet.” If they’re persistent, they may push further but most good Agents should understand your intentions and move on.
[section_title heading=”h1″ style=”1″ text_align=”center”]What is a Buyer Card?[/section_title]
Much like a business card, this is a simple card with all your relevant information. List pertinent details about yourself (at least name and email), and ways you would like the Agent can get in contact with you. Using the following template, you can quickly print multiple disposable Buyer Cards at home or one reusable one to carry around.
A Buyer card gives you a quick and easy way to give the information the Listing Agent needs, and avoid awkwardly filling out sign-in sheets.
My (Meta) Horoscope for 2016
Last year, I tried something very interesting. Instead of relying on one source for my horoscope outlook, I decided to do a Google search and see the common threads between several sources. Thanks to (mostly) good results, I have decided to take to the internet again to see what 2016 has in store for me! [Read more…] about My (Meta) Horoscope for 2016
Introducing Microblogging, with Microcontent, on a Microplatform. Meta, huh?!
One of my resolutions for 2016 is to enhance my delivery of information. Whether it is person-to-person at an open house, or through social media on the internet, I want to better translate the information in my head. One of the ways I will be practicing is by Microblogging everyday on Facebook. “But Nick, what in nerdy-Napolean-Dynamite are you talking about?” [Read more…] about Introducing Microblogging, with Microcontent, on a Microplatform. Meta, huh?!
What if you had an Agent for all of life’s choices?
It’s frustrating when people call me a salesman, because the connotation that emerges is usually negative. “Swindler,” “crafty,” “sneaky,” “selfish;” these terms synonymous with salespeople, especially those who call at 6:00 pm to sell you the latest insurance over the phone. And while Realtors are not salespeople, I wondered why salesman is associated like this. Why do we all put up barriers and feel this way when we walk onto a car lot or shop for appliances? [Read more…] about What if you had an Agent for all of life’s choices?
How Much Does “Town” Affect the Market? – July 2015 Market Update
As is the standard for summer months, July saw another strong residential market. For today’s analysis, I take a look at the numbers overall for the island of O’ahu and answer the age-old question of “how much does being ‘in town’ matter for inventory?” [Read more…] about How Much Does “Town” Affect the Market? – July 2015 Market Update
Walkabout: 1307 Waiau Place
That smell. That glorious mixture of brass, pine, paint, glass, and history. It’s a smell that instantly triggers comfort for me. It’s a smell that you can only find in old plantation homes, and it’s a smell that says, “Welcome Home.”
My (Meta) Horoscope for 2015
While we get ready to ring in the new year, a lot of look to shamans, priests, wisemen, palm readers, and other smart people for advice on what to look forward to. Me? I asked Google. Typed in “2015 horoscope,” and took a look at the top five results. Here’s my forecast for the year ahead…