RE/MAX is Canadian

Posted on May 15, 2010 by remaxultimate

Quite often I have conversations with agents that are unhappy with their present office and considering a move.  Most recently, I had a conversation with an agent that I highly respect in our local market that triggered and reminded me of another conversation I had approximately 6 months ago.  I’m inspired to share.

A couple of those agents are a “dual agent team” that I believe would be an absolute perfect fit for our office.  I knew that their present office didn’t have the power of a global brand, International exposure, tools, coaching, training and technology to better represent their clients and assist them to really take their career to the next level.

After we covered many points of mutual interest, I asked what else may be important to review.  Even though they shared their amazement, they paused and shared something that I didn’t expect.  Their comment was “we would like to be associated with a Canadian Company”.

I smiled and responded with: “Perfect! RE/MAX is as Canadian as they come and this is why I joined RE/MAX in 1993”.

They smiled back and asked me to expand on that.  Well that was just the permission I needed and went on to explain that RE/MAX has Canada running through its entire being.  Some offices and Brands claim that they’re the only truly Canadian company.   That’s a myth.  Read more »

Filed under: Career Building and Coaching, Careers at REMAX, Personal Stories and Opinions | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »

Do you want to sell your home privately?

Posted on April 6, 2010 by remaxultimate

I woke up this morning all excited about our monthly office meeting. The meeting was intended to coach our team of agents about the changes to our industry including the addition of the HST, the Competition Bureau and how they may affect the marketing and sale of real estate.  This is what full-time professionals do.  We constantly update ourselves and make sure we know how to keep our clients informed, protected and properly represented.

However, what I really wanted to do this morning is hit the pavement and introduce myself to every “For Sale By Owner” presently trying to sell.  Not with the intention to advertise my services and try to list them for sale.  What I really wanted to do was introduce myself, educate them and ask them a series of questions.  Our meeting would go something like this:

Agent: Good morning, My name is Tim from Re/Max
Seller: I don’t want to use an agent. I want to sell privately Read more »

Filed under: Career Building and Coaching, Home Buyer tips, Home Seller tips, Toronto Market Watch | Tagged: , | 11 Comments »

What do changes to Real Estate rules mean?

Posted on March 24, 2010 by remaxultimate

With the media frenzy and coverage, is seems like there isn’t anyone not talking about potential changes to the way real estate is handled in Canada.  CREA and the Competition Bureau have done a fantastic job of attracting the spotlight for different reasons and a poor job at truly explaining to the public what these changes mean. After 21 years in the industry, I believe it is necessary to provide at least some answers:

1. The Bureau believes that the industry has too much control over the supply of residential brokerage services.
False.  The boards and its members are governed by federal, provincial and municipal bodies and must adhere to strict rules and maintain the integrity of data and factually represent information.  There is definite recourse when guidelines are not met.

2. There are no adequate substitutes for the MLS system.
False.  There are hundreds of sites that offer home listings advertised by non-licensed representatives that have no responsibility or accountability to anyone.

3. CREA has used its control to exclude real estate brokers that want to provide discounted and flat fee services with no compensation to Selling agents
False and True. There “are” presently brokerages with membership to CREA  that offer flat fee arrangements with limited to no services.  What is true, is that a zero value ($0) is not permitted.  As long as a dollar amount like $1 is posted, it is permitted. Do you think $1 is unreasonable?

4. The Competition Bureau would like (if the seller chooses) not have an agent provide agency , have offers sent directly to a seller once a home is posted on MLS.
True.  This is to allow a discount and or flat fee service Broker to be absolved of responsibility towards a client/customer.  The client would therefore be on their own.

There are more recommendations, however I don’t think that the public really cares if there is a dispute over trademarks and signage.  In an era of identity theft, privacy, money laundering, grow houses and counterfeit certified cheques, what they do care about is their protection for the largest investment of their life and how they will be better served with integrity in representation. Read more »

Filed under: Home Buyer tips, Home Seller tips, Personal Stories and Opinions, Toronto Market Watch | Tagged: , , , | 10 Comments »

Action makes you a Living

Posted on February 4, 2010 by remaxultimate

As of this March, it will be over 21 years in the Real Estate sales business.  It’s been a very rewarding career and I thank this industry for everything that I have accomplished on a business level and a personal level.  Because of Real Estate, I’ve also met great friends and as a matter of fact, my wife quite often reminds me that she married me because I’m a great salesperson. I take that as a compliment.

I have been a student throughout my years and realized that every time I thought that I knew everything, life had a way to quickly remind me that this is not the case. From the beginning of my career, I did everything possible to attend every promoted training class, seek out, view and listen to every speaker that offered the “secret” to success. However I never really did anything with it. Instead when things didn’t go my way, I blamed the training, the presenter and the materials. I passed judgment and convinced myself that it will never work and often closed your mind. Read more »

Filed under: Career Building and Coaching, Careers at REMAX | Tagged: , , | 3 Comments »

How do you Remember?

Posted on December 7, 2009 by remaxultimate

I had one of my embarrassing moments recently.  My daughters  had their school concert and I was there with camera in hand recording and taking pictures.  While there, I noticed a couple with their young family and every time I looked over, they were smiling at me.  I started to feel uncomfortable and wondered if I had something on my face, head or clothing.  I motioned my wife and she assured me that nothing was wrong.  The concert finished and before I knew it the couple were right in front of me with the wife giving me a big hug. 

She said with a smile  “Hi Tim, it’s so great to see you and we just want you to know that we still love our house”.  She looked at me with as if we just saw each other yesterday.  It all came flooding back and I could feel my face turning red.  I was so embarrassed that I didn’t remember.  They were clients that bought approximately 12 years ago and I was their salesperson.  Read more »

Filed under: Career Building and Coaching, Careers at REMAX, Personal Stories and Opinions | Tagged: , , | 1 Comment »

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. Read more »

Filed under: Career Building and Coaching, Careers at REMAX, Personal Stories and Opinions | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »

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

Filed under: Personal Stories and Opinions, Ultimate Office Events | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

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

Filed under: Career Building and Coaching, Careers at REMAX, Personal Stories and Opinions | Leave a Comment »

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

Filed under: Career Building and Coaching, Careers at REMAX, Personal Stories and Opinions | Tagged: , , | 1 Comment »

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