kwphilly's photostream

kwphilly's photostream on Flickr.

Check our our new photos from Philly Phun Day. Thanks Margie!

October training in the market center

Our October Productivity Calendar is posted below! Check out all the great classes and our Fall Contest. Be sure to free your schedule for our Lead Generation Part 2 on Thursday.

October 2011 Productivity Calendar for Keller Williams Northeast

Clip from our Lead Generation Part 1 Class

Thank You Tim and Tony for Role Playing with the Class.

August 2011 Productivity Calendar

Our training calendar is packed full of great classes with awesome instructors.
August 2011

Our New YouTube Channel!!!

Check us out, we now have our very own You Tube channel where the content is determined by YOU, the agent. We are going to be recording quick tip and tricks on our new eEdge system as well as on social media. So if you are running into something that you would like us to record a "quick tip" on then just send us an email and we will be happy to get that up on the site quickly.

For a quick reference our video's will be featured on the top right side of this blog.
Our new channel is www.youtube.com/kwnephilly 

Your presence

Branding of a Real Estate agent is so important. There are so many things to consider and I think the most important is to identify who you are. Really take some time and think about who you are, what you like to do, and what your hobbies are.
Once you know who you are, think about who you are targeting as potential clients and see if they match. Should you go out to a distressed seller in a 3 piece suit? Maybe, maybe not. If your brand is flip flops and shorts, then you may be targeting the working class young kids but not the million dollar clients.
Just a few things for thought!

RED DAY IS ALMOST HERE!!!

RED DAY IS ALMOST HERE!!!

RED DAY is Thursday, May 12^th and we are going back to help SPIN (Special People in the Northeast) clean up, weed, plant and mulch their grounds. SPIN provides our community a resource to support people of all ages with mental, physical or sensory impairment, their families and those who provide support. For more information on SPIN, please visit their website at www.Spininc.org.

KWRI launched RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) initiative in 2009 dedicating the day to celebrate Keller Williams Realty’s year-round commitment to improving our local communities. Each year, on the second Thursday in May, every market center in the country shuts down and participates in a wide range of projects, devoting their time to renewing and energizing aspects of the neighborhoods in which they serve. See videos below:

Click Here for RED DAY 2010 Results

Click Here for RED DAY 2011 Goals

As you know our office is looking to have 100% participation this year and we have many ways in which you can participate! REMEMBER - RED Day is open to all of your family members, friends and past clients who would like to volunteer for their local community (this is a great phone call to your sphereJ).

Below is the overview of the day and we will be having exciting drawings for those agents who come out and volunteer:

Ø          10:00 a.m. - We will be meeting at SPIN located at 10521 Drummond Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154. SPIN will be providing a FREE breakfast to all the volunteers. Volunteer work will run until 2:00 p.m. or until finished, whichever comes first.

Ø          2:00 p.m. - We will finish up at SPIN and head back to the market center. There will be a FREE thank you BBQ at the office to treat everyone who participated in volunteering at SPIN. Bring your beach chairs!

For those of you who work during the day and still want to volunteer – you can help!!! Food or service donations during the BBQ would be AWESOME! Set-up, clean-up or dishes would be greatly appreciated!

I also mentioned prizes…Anyone who is participating in RED DAY will receive a raffle ticket and be entered into a drawing to win the following:

1.     Choice of $100 Credit toward Agent Bill OR free sign, free eShowings on next listing and a $25 credit toward agent bill.

2.     Choice of $50 Credit toward Agent Bill OR free sign

3.     Choice of $25 Credit toward Agent Bill OR free eShowings on next listing.

I am looking forward to seeing each of you! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or your ALC buddy for more information.

Have a great weekend!

Danielle Rapp, Team Leader

Keller Williams Real Estate – NE Philadelphia

1917 Welsh Road

Philadelphia, PA 19115

215-720-6932 (Mobile)

215-464-8800 (Office)

daniellerapp@kw.com

May's Productivity Calendar is below!!!

Our May calendar is out, see below. Awesome classes are scheduled for this month.

impromtu lunch today in the office on eEdge

Hi everyone, If you know me then you know I like to eat and often. So i am going to have lunch in the office today. Anyone who wants to join me and ask questions about eEdge please feel free to do so.

eEdge training on Wednesday

This week on Wednesday at noon I am teaching an eEdge class. It is not a basic class (if you aren't yet registered or if you haven't spent more than 10 minutes in edge this is not a class for you) I will discussing how to get you @kwrealty email address into your outlook and/or your smart phone so that you don't miss a single lead email. We are also going to be discussing marketing in edge, how to set up plans, change those plans and add people to the plans you have created. Then at 3pm there is a webinar on eEdge put on by Maps, Danielle has been so kind to share her 8 weeks of coaching with the entire office. I sat in on the first class last monday and after about 5 minutes I went running to my office to grab my computer to take notes. This is a must bring pen and paper! I can promise you that this coaching program is one of the best I have sat in on, and I have been apart of many coaching programs. Beth, the instructor, walks live thru eEdge and provides all the little tips and tricks that we are still trying to figure out as ALC members.

 I urge you to take the time to train on eEdge. I have been working in the system for over 2 months and have generated 43 leads that I am talking to, emailing and showing homes to. Could you use 43 leads in 2 months?   Just a quick breakdown of what that means. The avg lead in my system is looking at a $200,000 home which is a $6,000 commission... if only 1/4 of those leads goes to settlement that is $64,500 in commission dollars!!!  Now I'll ask the questions again. Could you use 43 leads in 2 months???

Open house season, need signs?

A Realtor without the proper tools is like a carpenter without a hammer. Do you have your hammer? There are many things agents need in this business. 1. Sellers, 2. Buyers and  3. Signs. The open house sign is a must have for the serious agent. Don't spend money on a For Sale sign, you can get that when you get a listing, most companies will deliver in 24 hours. Open houses put in you direct contact with buyers who are looking to buy a home (that means commission dollars!).  Who the heck wants to be the agent who runs around like a mad person looking to borrow signs. Go buy them, they are cheap (they are only $32.50 for 10) . If you are going to do an open house, do it right. 10 signs, balloons, flowers, chocolate (no this is not a date), a sign-in book, sheets on the house, business cards and a Keller Williams Logo shirt. If you properly prepare you can get a great turn out. If you run around borrowing signs and putting them out 5 minutes before the open, well then you get what you get...a waste of a time going.

Lowen Signs

Corrigated signs 5 for $4.10 each or 10 for $32.50 (don't forget the H stakes (inexpensive ones - because they flex in the wind, the upgraded version does not) they also have metal signs and frames for $14.45 each.

There are many companies that have them, this is just one of the cheapest around, and great quality.

April Productivity Calendar is out!

   Our April calendar is attached to the bottom  
   Karen, thank you for getting our calendar out and allowing are agents plenty of time to plan their April calendar. Thank you to all the instructors who are teaching and taking time out of their busy calendar.
   We know that it is spring and that it is a busy time of year but we ask you to look at your calendar and plug in classes. Remember the top 20% of agents time block for education. Even those doing the most business in real estate attend training and some attend the same class 3,4 and even 12 times. Each time you attend your mind is open up to something new and you will walk away with a new idea. Your goal from each class is to take away one new idea.

Tech tip Facebook Questions went live on Thursday

Have you seen the new facebook Question feature? Have you used it? Not sure what it is?

While on a social media webinar on Thursday facebook rolled out their question feature. And many of us on the call within 5 minutes where posting questions. In fact Ken M posted a question and ended up with 150+ people who answered his question. Are you getting that kind of interaction with your friends?

Facebook for a Realtor or business owner is all about developing friendship and interaction and the question feature is just one more advantage to our friend interaction. Ask a question, give options and let people vote on the options. Heres a tip; try to make the question something people can comment on as well as answer. You'll find the response rate higher than anything else you have posted. If your question doesn't get interaction look at the reason, and how you asked the questions. Sample question: Do you prefer pizza with...  Then the answers: Pepperoni, sausage, vege, other.  I know you are thinking to yourself "why would i post something so stupid, it has nothing to do with Real Estate"  and my answer to you would be correct, it shouldn't be about real estate.

Want more info, you'll have to attend our social media for your business class.

Have a terrific week. Get up and Show up!!

Look out for what's coming to the market center this week

Are you ready to Rock and Roll? or are you just gonna sit at home by yourself and grumble that the market sucks. Our agents are stepping it up this week and we have some awesome classes set for you.

Monday - Jen has got The Secret Mastermind group going at 11 you don't have to have read the book just show up with an open mind. Tim is doing an intro to the Seller Mastery at 12 and if getting this office ready to take listing after listing. Melanie is branching out to other market centers and teaching Social Networking in your business in Doylestown at 1pm. And Anna is heading up our 6pm class on Camp 443, that's 4 listing and 4 sales in 3 months (hint, hint some of you may need to go back to this class if you are not closing 4 deals every 3 months)

Tuesday - The one and only Kevin O'Shea is teaching listing presentation, do you think you can learn a thing or two from a top agent, I know I do!  Again, Anna is walking you thru the next 443. And Mike F is hosting our Career Night, if you know someone looking to get into the business or someone looking at making a company change send them in to learn more about us.

Wednesday - AHS Home Warranty is hosting a lunch and learn at noon, stop in say hello and learn how Home Warranties can help your clients. If there was a class to attend this is it, taught by a top real estate agent, an owner of 2 market centers and our broker, Bob, come and learn about Listing, Leads, and Leverage. And tonight at 6pm Jen with be teaching the next 443 class.

Thursday - Danielle has an open house class at 11am, don't think open house work? I closed and double popped 4 listings last year from open houses. Plus you can predict the type of client to work with, what do you think you get when you sit at an open house with a list price of $200k.....uhhh a buyer who can put $6000 in your pocket. At 1pm 36-12-3 is going to be discussing FSBO and EXP.

Friday - 2pm is Fierce Conversations with Mark, I sat through this class the last time it was taught and I must say I look at each conversation I get into differently.

Don't forget the OFFICE ANNIVERSARY PARTY on FRIDAY from 5-9pm, Thank you Nancy for all of your hardwork.

Seller mastery with Tim in March and April

Ok, so this class rocks. I just sat in the introductory class today and it was packed full of good info that will be discussed in more detail during the classes. It is so cool that we have agent's willing to share what they have learned. I think we all walked away with a new idea today. Below is a description of the class from KWU. Next Monday is another intro but be prepared for March 28th when Tim discusses how to convert leads to appointments, pre listing presentations, objections and more.

From KWU..Seller Mastery brings you nine self-study guides plus a workbook that together provide the basis for a one-day interactive class on listing and getting listings sold. The course takes you through the Seller Service Cycle, emphasizing the models, systems and techniques proven by top agents in their own businesses.
You'll learn how to convert seller leads to appointments, how to close those appointments for listings, and how to market and service listings with a high conversion ratio to sales. This course is aimed at growth agents who have completed CAMP 4:4:3 and Lead Generation 36:12:3.
The Seller Mastery Workbook contains four modules: Lead Conversion, Objection Handling, Pricing and the CMA, Listing Consultation.
Objectives:
*Understand and apply the mindset and core skills top listing agents employ to thrive.
*Learn to convert your seller leads to appointments, and appointments to listings that sell.
*Master the art and science of pricing properties to sell and how to build and deliver a masterful CMA.
*Learn the top seller objections, and master scripts top agents use to handle them.
*Learn templates you can use to build a winning listing consultation.

Committees and why you should join them

What a successful office meeting today, thank you Danielle, Bob, the ALC and all of the agents in attendance. It is so nice to have a packed room where we have to stand in the hallways! I love that the meetings are packed full of good information and updates on the committees.

In case you don't know about the committee' that run at the office i am going to run thru each and what it does.

1. Core services - Mike Fitzpatrick and committee member are working on a great vendor plan that will generate income to the office to help reduce our office bill and pay for fun things we want to do during the year. It also provides the office with a list of vendors who have been highly recommended by agents. It gives you the ability to confidently refer anyone of the list. If you are good at wrangling up vendors or want to learn more about this contact Mike.

2. Growth committee - Anna Green, Kevin o'Shea and committee members are working on developing events, and planning career nights that help bring agents in to this company. This is a powerful committee and if you have ever wanted to work on your downline and profit share this committee is a must for you.

3. Culture committee - Danielle Rapp. Well let's face it, this committee is all about fun and helping people! It is one of my favorite committees as I love helping the community and feel strongly about giving back. This committee plans our monthly lunches, parties, community events, red day, fundraisers and anything else that involves Keller fun. You don't have to be involved in every party or event we have, and the more the merrier in this group.

4. Tech and Education Committee - Tim Bathurst, Melanie Banks and committee work on a variety of things. Karen does a great job with the calendar and each month we look at what is going on with the market and agents and plan classes accordingly. We love to have input from all on classes and what is important to you. The tech part is fun, we brainstorm new tech stuff, marketing ideas, websites, blogging site, QR codes and more. This committee is great for those looking to be more tech savvy, please don't think you have to know anything about QR codes to get in but keep in mind you will definitely take away new things out of each meeting. Our goal is to stay on top of the market and above other agents.

I highly recommend that you consider getting involved with one of the committees and a tip is to get involved with one that you want to get better at or learn more of.

If you would like to sign up or want more info see Danielle or the Committee chair. All are welcome!

Keller Williams has pushed thru to the second largest real estate company

AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 8, 2011)—Keller Williams® Realty Inc., announced today that it is now the second-largest real estate franchise in the United States based on the total number of sales professionals, surpassing Century 21, according to research conducted by REAL Trends, a leading source of analysis and information in the residential real estate industry. The company claimed the number two spot with 77,672 U.S.-based associates at the end of 2010, just two years after claiming the number three spot from RE/MAX® International.
 
“Once again, this milestone achievement is a direct result of the dedication of our associates and the stability and profitability of the Keller Williams business models," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “It’s incredible to see the momentum that our associates and our offices have right now."
 
This news comes one week after the announcement of positive growth by the company at their annual convention in Anaheim. Including its presence in Canada, Keller Williams closed the year with 79,315 associates and 701 market centers (offices). At the convention, Willis also shared that Keller Williams associate profit share was up 7.2 percent, with its agents receiving $34.6 million dollars back in 2010. Despite industry contraction, Keller Williams associates across North America also showed significant percentage gains in listings taken (+13%), contracts closed volume (+9%) and contracts closed units (+6%).  

To read more...http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=185

eEdge tip

So eEdge has been live for about two weeks now. What do you think? And before you start to vent about the difficulties as yourself a few questions...

Are you actively working on the system?
Have you put yourself in as a lead?
Have you clicked on the Groups?
Have you looked at your website to see what your clients are looking at?
Have you gone into the Quick search of your site and registered as a "fake buyer"

It is new and completely different than everything else you have ever worked on, you can't expect to go in and understand it in 5 minutes. You will learn something new each day, such as why the MLS search is inside the dashboard. I could tell you but then how would you learn the system!

Take a few minutes each day and look over the quick guide and accomplish just one item. Don't get frustrated, remember the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

My biggest advice I can give is to NOT wait for classes to come to you. The classes are good for tips but you will not fully understand eEdge unless you read thru the Quick guide.

Ps. the guide is attached to another post below.

PPs. A $25 Applebees gift card goes to the first agent who can tell me why the MLS Search is built into the eEdge dashboard. Comment with your answers.

Do you know where to find HUD homes??

Thank you to Chris Werz for the update on HUD - See below:

As of September 13^th 2010, HUD (Housing of Urban Development) changed the website where the list and accept bids on properties. The new site is www.hudhomestore.com.  They just didn’t change their website they changed how a sales agent places bids and how the properties had maintained.  Hud has moved from the old M&MII system (Hooks van Holmes) to the new M&MIII.  With the new system Asset managers will place the property with a listing agent and will review all bids that are submitted.  The Asset managers will be your point of contact as a buyer’s agent.

To register as a Bidder with HUD go to the new website at www.hudhomestore.com, and in the upper right hand corner find the register button and click the bidders link.  Follow the instructions to set up your log on.  The NAID number is PHLDLP. Training for the new system will be at the Market Center in April. If you need assistance prior to training, please contact Chris at 267-601-1455 or c.werz@kw.com.

eEdge Tips

So you have heard the buzz about eEdge but have you gone in and tried any of it? We are hearing that it is a little complicated. I am thinking that it is just new to everyone so there are some things you have to learn. The best thing to do is to commit to 20 minutes a day. Log in to KW.com and look thru the system and play around with it evey day. Add yourself as a lead, check out your website, put your own info into the website to see what kind of emails a new lead would be getting.

Danielle is teaching a class tomorrow (Tuesday) so be sure to attend. I have attached the link for the Quick start guide, it will walk you thru the entire process. It really is easier than it appears!

eEdge Quick Start Guide

Training, training, and more training

You asked we answered. The productivity calendar is out for March and posted on the bottom of this blog, feel free to click on our social media links on the calendar and converse with us online. We have night classes and multiple classes each day.
 And watch out eEdge training starts March 1st, thank you Danielle.

Tuesday follow up

It has been so hard to keep blogging so we are facebooking little tidbits as it comes. The classes are so full of information and we are on the run from 7:30am till 6:30 every night. We promise to get as much information as we can in classes over the next few months in the market center. The biggest thing is to go on to you www.kw.com and sign up for the eEdge. It will ask you for a new domain name such as yourname.kwrealty.com it is for a separate website. You will still have your kw eagency site. This new site is a major lead generator site. It's sole purpose is to help you generate leads. After you have signed up go into your dashboard on eEdge and go to the my information/my account and answer all of the questions such as your name, area you work, how you want to be notified of a lead (text!) and much more. Please don't get frustrated do what you can and what is great is in each section you will find help video's, FAQ's and more plus we will be teaching classes weekly on eEdge. Many of those classes will be hands on with you bringing in your computer and entering your info while we teach.

Too much training today, I'm headed to meet the boys to recap onn all of the training. See you guys in the office later this week.

Red bash

Stay tuned for a video to follow on Facebook, the Red Bash last night was awesome. Over 2000 KW agents came together and broke the world record for the more people doing the cha cha line dance for 5 minutes. Our whole office was. Out on the floor li e dancing, a few feet were stepped on but all and all it was a great time.

Day -1 Family reunion update

Holy smokes there were so many awesome classes it was hard to choose which ones to go to. I attended an awesome class where mega agents with teams talked about some of there issues and successes of growing there team. Next was the vision speech were 9,000 agents all came together to hear Gary talk about where the real estate is going. I was able to grab lunch (pizza was awesome) then on to a social media panel with Liz Landry, Jay Papasson, and Sue Adler. they gave great strategies for what to do and not do in the social media arena. For example, your personal Facebook profile should be just that personal, do not see real estate on this page. People want to get to know you, and they will go to your fan page to look at your listings. Oh, and be yourself! Next we had a standing room packed for how to build a great website using eagency. The best class of the day was by Ben Kinney on his 20 minute listing presentation which allowed him to list 720 homes last year. Now on resting up for the Red Bash and classes tomorrow. I can't wait.     (Melanie)

Today I sat in a Rick Geha class on Lead Generation which in and of itself was worth the price of admission. Guess what, no new magic bullets. We hear it over and over again, the bottom line is still the same - No input, no output. Two ah ha moments that jumped out at me. 1. consistent time put on a specific task over an extended period of time will yield measurable results. 2 the quicker and more often you lead generate, the faster success will come. I also went to the Ben Kinney class and because of it will be retooling our listing presentation. 
Every time I see Gary Keller I want to hug the guy for putting this company together.   (Ken)

So 2011 family reunion is upon us and we are already setting our goals for 2012. Our goal is to have 30 agents attend next yr. By wednesday we will know where we will be headed in 2012. Our hope is that this blog will intrigue you enough to want to go. We will set up a reunion account and Becca will be able to take a predetermined anoint out of each settlement so that you have paid for your trip. We tend to only spend what is on the check soyou will never miss the money.

I personally I'll help keep you motivated to get there next yr.

Tip from our very own Mike Fitz...

Are you struggling with low commission checks? Are you wishing you could list a $300,000 property and receive that $9,000 check? Then wish no more, it is all up to you and the way you think. Think of yourself as walking out the door with a signed listing contract for a well priced $300,000 home that shows beautifully.
Help remind yourself by printing a blank fake check with your name, signature, and amt of $9,000. Laminate that check and attach it to your key chain. Every time you get your keys out you will be reminded of what you want!
If your up for the challenge send us your feedback on how it's working or a picture of your new keychain.

Seize the Market, Our office is Rocking

What a terrific class today, Thank You Tim and Vince for such awesome information. Below are 2 brief clips if you missed the class.

Monday Awesomeness...

Monday is your chance to mastermind about blogging ideas with 2 of our top agents, thanks Mike and Tim for taking time out of your day for us. What do you blog about, what is your niche, or what are you passionate enough about to blog regularly?

Still around after blogging for a lunch and learn with Housemasters.

And don't forget if you are new to the office, stop in and say hello to our new interim team leader Danielle.

About me

Yesterday at the office meeting we talked about the importance of your about me page on your website and the new site called about.me. I just wanted to share with you a link to one of our agents who completed her profile last evening. Ahesha has done a terrific job, here is the link to her site http://about.me/ahesha

Her email last night was "wow that was simple to do"

Get on the tech bandwagon, or atleast give it a try! And remember to stay tuned we will be bloggin live from family reunion.

Our office meeting

What an energetic office meeting we had today. Thanks to Bob and Danielle for keeping us all informed. It is nice to have reminders of what this office has to offer for its agents.

Meeting Summary:

The inspirational video was awesome http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozztKbU3Btk It is amazing what you can do when you remove your limiting beliefs.

Family Reunion (our biggest training event of the year) is fast approaching. For those of you attending please take notes and email a quick summary to Dee each day. To those of you not attending we will be updating this blog with new ideas and info on classes that we attended. We will make it feel like you are there with us.

Our agent incentive program, this is too big to include so stop and see Danielle on how between now and March 30th you can reduce your cap to $0 and eliminate your office bill until Dec 2011.

Tech Committee: We are always looking for new ideas and are committed to keeping our agents on top. We discussed this awesome new blog that you should save as a favorite or bookmark and the new About.me Feel free to check out Melanie's page at http://about.me/melanieandken, Tim's page at http://about.me/timbathurst or the offices page at http://about.me/kwphilly to see what all the buzz is about. This service is free to sign up. Did you know that the second most visited site on your website is your "about me" page. Is your getting that "wow" factor.

Welcome

Hi we want to welcome everyone to our KW Northeast Office blog. The Education Committee, Tech Committee and your Team Leader have put together an amazing site to keep all of our agents informed. Below you will see the training calendar for the current month and all of the classes. We will also be using this site to provide weekly updates, tech tips, and more. Your comments are much appreciated and as always if there is anything we can every do for you please do not to hesitate to call your ALC buddy!