How to create a daily plan of action that leads to success

I discovered years ago that my productivity increased — and my business goals were more likely to be achieved — if I had a list of things I needed to do each day. Here’s how I create my daily action plan. Continue reading

How to use the ‘1-7-30’ method to realize your goals

Focusing on realistic and attainable goals is critical when establishing business and personal ambitions. Shorter-term goals allow you to zero in on what needs to be done now to meet them. Here’s how you can plan for the short and long term. Continue reading

8 steps for crafting a winning 2020 business plan

What’s your business plan for your real estate business? What time frames have you set for your goals? Is the plan working? If not, what can you do so that your plans do work? Regular columnist John Giffen walks you through the process of creating a bu… Continue reading

7 tips for protecting your clients from wire fraud scams

There is an ever-increasing number of closings where clients discover the funds they were going to use to purchase or sell their property suddenly disappeared because an online criminal stole their money before the settlement of the transaction. Here’s… Continue reading

Are open houses worth it? How to ensure they’re not time-wasters

Regular contributor John Giffen used to think open houses were useless, but he has since become a convert. With the right planning and organization, he believes you can make an open house a win for both you and your clients. Here’s how. Continue reading

6 things you need to understand about FSBOs to win them over

For-sale-by-owners are a unique group of players in the real estate market, and most agents attempt to avoid them. Don’t overlook this bunch because they can be a viable client prospect group for you. Continue reading

Where are the offers? How to avoid the overpricing mistake

A brand-new listing always appears on the “hot listings” page or at the top of the active property list. That’s why it’s critical that a new listing should be correctly priced before the ink on the listing agreement has time to dry. Here are five thing… Continue reading

Amateur hour! How to keep your cool with other agents

Bad communication practices in transactions lead to misunderstandings and can mask unethical and unprofessional behavior. They can also diminish goodwill, undermine trust and lead to a build up of resentments that could derail your transaction. Here’s … Continue reading

9 telltale signs it’s time to fire your client

A solid working relationship is built on trust, loyalty and honesty. When even one of those elements is broken, the relationship is in jeopardy. Watch for these signs that your agent-client relationship is in trouble. Continue reading