Do you have a MOP and a MAP?

Posted on October 16, 2009 by remaxultimate

You’re probably thinking what does a MOP have to do with real estate.  I can assure you that sweeping floors is definitely not the type of MOP I was referring to or thinking of.  I was recently speaking to a top producer that I have a great deal of respect for and continue to be impressed with the volume  and dominance in the market.  It reminds me that to be able to operate at that level and beyond, systems are necessary. 

The letters M.O.P. stand for Marketing Operation Procedure.  This Operations Manual is very similar to what any successful business would have to outline to all team members, exactly what you do and how to deal with Buyers and Sellers in the Real Estate Business.  It is the blueprint to eliminate errors in performance and we provide a copy of this Manual to all our Team Leaders as well as our agents of our coaching program.

In the M.O.P., it also includes a M.A.P. or otherwise known as a Marketing Action Plan(s).  When listing a property for sale, it is designed into a computer program and attached to the inside of the property folder to make sure that the execution of all marketing efforts are completed as per plan to achieve results. Once the property is sold, we then apply the After Sale Plan.  Even if you have a Buyer client, you apply the Working with a Buyer Plan and Buyer Sold Plan.  As you can see, it’s all about systems and these are type of action plans I executed on an automatic basis to keep me organized and focussed.

It amazes me just how many Realtors “wing it” and don’t have a consistent plan.  Can you imagine an airline pilot not following a checklist from departure to arrival. It can call for a very bumpy and scary ride for your passengers.  How many referrals would you get after that type of ride.  Our clients trust us with their homes, their financial well being and we must do everything possible to protect them. Being successful begins with being organized and having a plan.  It’s a great start!

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

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Thanksgiving weekend

Posted on October 11, 2009 by remaxultimate

Thanksgiving happens to be one of my favorite holidays.  A day to give thanks for the prosperity that we have in our wonderful Country and a city that is second to none.  I remember once hearing a quote from one of our past Prime Ministers that I am only able to paraphrase.

“We live in the best country in the world, plentiful with every natural resource that is also safe and free.  We the people, look to self inflict problems instead of working together and appreciating just how lucky we truly are”.

I think about these words regularly and on this day, I give thanks for my family’s health and happiness.  I also give thanks for all we have, to work in the best profession in the world, Our Brokerage and all the amazing agents we have in our office.  May your day be joyful and full of memorable experiences.

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

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Your Other Number #1 Client

Posted on August 11, 2009 by remaxultimate

There are thousands of courses and coaching material available on how to put a deal together and or how to deal with clients.  However, there seems to be a real need for training material on how to, as I term it, deal with “your other #1 client” the agent.

I’m writing this because I just recently received a call from one of our agents that explained how difficult another agent was to work with. The agent was rude, abrasive and insulting. Definitely an experience not easily forgotten.  It’s simply amazing how a busy market can inflate ones ego. It’s so disappointing that people skills seem to disappear when the misconception of success sets in.  The truth is that most times this is the type of behavior that causes a client to lose out on their dream home.  The same ones that you’re hired to protect and defend.  Sellers and buyers don’t realize just how important it is to deal with an agent that has a great reputation in the industry, that is hard working, has integrity and easy to work with.  By being co-operative and checking your ego at the door, its amazing just how much smoother negotiations go and how many things can be accomplished in your favour.

In my 20 plus years in real estate, I spent it building relationships not just with clients.  I continuously put a great deal of emphasis on relationships with my fellow agents as well.  These are the relationships that assist your client to sometimes get the deal over another in multiple offer scenarios.  It’s when the tables are turned that these relationships come into play and your reputation gives you the edge.  When someone is rude, simply smile and explain that you’re only doing what you can to get the deal done. If the market ever slows (remember the fall of 2008), you can call on your fellow Realtors to show your home listings.  They will continue to co-operate with you and look forward to deal with you again and again.  Its a win, win win.  Your clients win, in the eyes of the other agent, they win and you win.

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

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Handling the Market

Posted on July 13, 2009 by remaxultimate

When the June sales numbers came in, I can’t say it was a surprise.  For quite some time, I maintained the same message that there is not a better time to buy then the present.  When in history have the rates been so low, supply somewhat up and the media sensationalizing everything to this extreme?  Not even in the early 90’s have we had this type of market.  “Breaking News” seems to be on every media outlet even for the smallest of things.

Now the buyers are simply tired of waiting. They accepted that not everyone will lose their job and that Canada is not in the same position of our American friends.  We’re not the U.S. and immigration continues and consumer confidence is much improved. Even GM has re-emerged with a promise of a new improved and reinvented company. 

Now we’re also back to multiple offers.  One of the reasons is because all the buyers that have been playing a wait and see game are no longer waiting.  We now have over 6 months worth of buyers and many of the homes we had listed have required us to book dozens of showing appointments within a 2-3 day period.  We’re receiving 6,10,15 offers making them sell over asking price.  In many desirable Toronto neighbourhoods, we have realized or even surpassed 2007 values again.  The lower end is fueling the market and now we’re seeing new life in luxury homes as well.  A home recently sold for close to 10 million dollars.  Another true sign that the market is revitalized and no longer controlled by the media.  The Toronto Real Estate Board reported a 27% increase in sales over last June.  At RE/MAX Ultimate we realized an increase of over 39% over this time last year. 

Even though the market has returned, we can’t get ahead of ourselves.  Representatives at many banks have informed me that full 5 day conditions for financing are still needed to satisfy turnaround, due diligence and approval.  Financial institutions are doing appraisals and even though lending has improved, turnaround time of 24-36 hours for approvals are just not possible.  The new market requires us to make sure that the clients are fully prequalified to make sure that homes will close based on the appraisals.     

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

Filed under: Home Buyer tips, Toronto Market Watch | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

What Social Media is Not

Posted on July 8, 2009 by remaxultimate

I can’t escape it.  Somehow and some way, I’m perceived in the office as an internet techy.  Even as I started to write this, an agent walked in and said “can I ask you something since you’re so techy?” :-)

Truth be told, since I’m the Broker, I truly don’t mind.  I like being perceived as the person to approach with new ideas of ways to reach more people and especially when it relates to personal promotion.  Being on the world wide web and keeping in touch with our existing database while allowing everyone to see what and how we do things is a definite advantage.  These media streams are powerful tools and inexpensive. Using them to promote yourself and in business is the key and RE/MAX Ultimate takes full advantage of it.

At the same time, let’s not forget that the cameras are always on us.  Some have even remarked that internet social sites are like database warehousing and therefore it’s very important that you are not judged negatively by what you post online. Why wouldn’t a potential client or employer Google you??  It is also in my opinion that personal touch should never be replaced.  If someone emails or sends you a text message, why not “call” them back??  It’s a habit that I have developed. 

Know your audience and make sure that even if they prefer text and email, don’t make it a habit of hiding behind email and text devices.  Never assume that its normal not to pick up the phone and make a connection at least sometimes.  These social medias are not ways to keep relationships alive and could even lead to total separation.  This applies to our clients and within our personal lives as well.

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

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True Commitment

Posted on June 10, 2009 by remaxultimate

Ok I have to admit something.  I’m addicted to real estate.  This is no surprise to our agents, my friends and most definitely my family.  Its been 20 years since I achieved the license that would change my life forever.  I also made a realization…..I’ve been in the real estate business for over half my life.  Its been 20 years since I embarked on the journey to serve my clients and assisted them to purchase a home where they will create a lifetime of memories while building equity and personal wealth. I also realized that I’ve been in the business twice as long then I’ve been happily married.  

I recently went on a family vacation to Disney World in Florida.  I must admit that I probably had a better time then the kids.  I thought maybe because I wanted to be a kid again or maybe because its truly a magical place.  More importantly, I realized that its the people that make the experience memorable. Its truly all about “dreams coming true”.  Sound familiar???

Imagine the possibilities if we did everything and anything to recreate the same client experience with our clients.  Imagine the loyalty, the improvement of our professional image to the public, just how much more fun and stress free our day to day work will be. Imagine the streams of referrals.  We’re already involved in making dreams come true.  It’s just for a different reason.

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

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The Best Coach in the World

Posted on May 10, 2009 by remaxultimate

This year is my 20th year in real estate. It’s been a career with daily surprises and not a day has passed where I haven’t learned something.  Every day brings new experiences. During my sales career, I enjoyed working with buyers and sellers and assisted them to achieve their real estate goals and dreams.  Now as a Broker , I have the excitement and privilege of going to work everyday and being associated with a collection of the best Realtors in the business.  It’s truly exciting to assist and be there to offer guidance, an outside voice of reason and provide the coaching to push through the daily challenges that our business throws at us.   Coaching provides a great deal of personal satisfaction and happiness because it allows me to share in the success of our agents in both their professional lives as well as their personal lives.

Many who know me know that I have a very special friendship with my father.  However when I think of who I am today, there is absolutely no question that my best coach in the world has been my Mother. She ’s the one that molded and guided me through all my tough times, the one that taught me right from wrong and provided me with the encouragement and courage to never quit.  She taught me how to dance, how to hold kitchen utensils and how to ride a bike.  She’s the one that helped me up, wiped my tears away and dusted me off when I had fallen down.  My childhood memories are full with her sacrificing her time and finding the energy to take me to class after class of extra curricular activities and sports.  One look in my mothers eyes and I can always see her joy and felt how proud she is. 

This is why mom’s are spectacular.  In amazement and complete overwhelm, I further witnessed this first hand with the birth of our first daughter.  Mom’ s go through so much, do so much and they should be honoured more then once per year. They are truly the best coaches in the world.

On this special day, I will thank my beautiful wife for being such a fantastic mother and role model to our daughters.  I will also thank my mother for being my coach, my biggest fan, always keeping me focussed and assisting me to find my way and place in the world. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms!

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

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Who needs Superman?

Posted on April 30, 2009 by remaxultimate

I came across this article written by one of our ultimate agents and thought it would be great to share with everyone.  In today’s market, keeping in touch with all the tools available and watching for market trends will allow us to educate our clients in any situation.  A very interesting option that may be coming to our Toronto Real Estate Market before we know it.

Is it Time to Replace a Home Inspection with a Thermal Imaging Inspection?

Whether you a new first time home buyer or a seasoned homeowner, you are probably aware of the importance of performing a home inspection on any house you buy. With today’s concerns around efficient energy usage, mould issues and insurance company’s penchant for refusing to insure structures with outdated wiring, perhaps it is time to consider a thermal imaging inspection.
 
Thermal imaging inspections are relatively new to the residential real estate market in Toronto and Mississauga, but they may become a staple of every real estate transaction in the future. A regular home inspection is visual and will not uncover problems that are hidden to the naked eye. Thermal imaging inspections using infra-red thermal imaging equipment will show you what’s going on behind walls that could cause you future problems and expense.

Visually Undetectable Problems Revealed
So, you are a new first time home buyer and you have finally found your dream home. The listing states that the home contained knob and tube wiring but was replaced and the seller is prepared to warranty this. But you have concerns and would like the peace of mind that only certainty brings. After all, even with a warranty from the seller any future discovery of knob and tube wiring, possibly nullifying your home insurance, may require the inconvenience and expense of legal help to remedy the situation. Or the seller may be deceased at the time of discovery, who do you turn to then for a remedy? 
A thermal imaging inspection will let you know now if your concerns are valid.  

Water Leaks & Heat Loss
Perhaps you have found evidence of a water leak and would like to know where it is coming from,  or you would like to uncover the spots in the home where heat loss is occurring. A thermal imaging inspection will reveal these to you.

Mould
You may have concerns about health issues related to mould. Thermal imaging will uncover mould that may not be apparent on the surface.

A house is probably the largest financial commitment you will make in your lifetime, why not find out the true condition of a home.

It may not be time to replace a visual inspection with a thermal inspection but you may want to consider doing both. What do you think?

John Lavin is one of our full time realtor with 24 years experience helping buyers and sellers of homes, condominiums and investment properties in Mississauga and Toronto. Please visit his website today if you are in the market for Mississauga Square One Condominiums.

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Are Buyer Agents Important?

Posted on April 22, 2009 by remaxultimate

Absolutely!

In the past week, I had a couple of agents approach me with scenarios of potential buyer clients that were contacting individual listing agents to show them the property.  Some of the Buyer clients were even questioning the necessity to sign the agency agreements.  

Everything we do and say educates our clients and at some point in time we must of given the impression to the public that these forms are not mandatory and by calling the listing agent directly, they possibly would be even saving money by cutting out the Buyer Agent.  Nothing could be further from the truth. 

In my 20 plus years in real estate experience, I can’t see how a client has saved money by cutting out the Buyer agent and going through the listing agent alone.  Whenever an agent meets with a potential seller to list a property for sale, the first order of business is to establish a marketing price and decide on the best terms that the Seller (the client) would accept.  Once all this is settled the marketing plan goes into action. 

When a buyer comes directly to the listing agent, it’s typically become the expectation of the buyer that the agent will reduce the commission in favour of selling the property and this is where things lose their clarity.  First, it’s the duty of the listing agent to get the best price for their client the Seller.  Secondly, why wouldn’t any benefit in a reduced commission or fee not be realized by the Seller?  Especially when that same listing agent told the Seller at the time of evaluation what the price should be. 

When you drive down the street, how many different company For Sale signs on each property do you see??  One.  Sellers sign a listing agreement allowing them to market the property for sale.  TREB has created for buyers a system called the Buyer Registry System that is in reality similar to an MLS system.  Our governing bodies known as RECO and TREB is very clear in their requirements to have Agency explained to the consumer at the earliest opportunity. Buyer representation agreements outlining who represents who and how need to be disclosed on all offers and can only be accomplished by having these important forms signed.

Being represented by your own agent is vital and this is why Buyer Agency was created.  Having someone in your corner to educate, guide, negotiate and look out for your best interest is vital when it comes to making arguably the largest investment of your life.   Shortcuts or the perception that you will be saving money is not advisable.  If an agent doesn’t take the time to sit down with you, explain and ask you to sign these necessary forms, what else are they missing or not telling you??  Is your agent full time and continuously keeping themselves updated on all requirements??

At RE/MAX Ultimate we take great pride in representing our clients the right way

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

Filed under: Home Buyer tips, Home Seller tips, Personal Stories and Opinions | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Weekend Activity Shows Market Trends

Posted on April 21, 2009 by remaxultimate

For some, Monday mornings may be tough.  For me it’s a great day to hear the success stories from the weekend.  Monday is also the best day of the week because the results are in and we’re able to see trends and gauge just what the market is doing.  

It was another successful weekend with many of our Ultimate agents reporting very busy open houses and agreements of all price ranges either faxed to our admin or dropped off for processing first thing in the morning.  Record low interest rates are allowing more and more first time buyers to take advantage of the opportunities that exist.  We know things are better when agents are once again setting offer dates and homes selling for over asking price.  Withholding offers didn’t exist for several months but once again they’re creeping right back in as common practice.  The downtown core is not the only area that has experienced a resurgence. To view a recent CTV interview with Michael Polzler, please click here

I know the market has changed because we’re personally in the market for a home. Our growing family needs a larger home and we can no longer wait until the weekend to view properties.  We’ve quickly realized that we need to act quick and have already missed a couple of great opportunities.  See, I’m not only sharing my insight as a Broker but through the eyes of a buyer.

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Utimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

Filed under: Home Buyer tips, Home Seller tips, Personal Stories and Opinions, Toronto Market Watch | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

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