During times of uncertainty, many consumers lack confidence when it comes to buying or selling a home. Whether it’s the fear of the unknown, economic questions, or lack of understanding, there are many reasons why consumers may have doubts when entering a real estate transaction during these times.
By continuing to take responsible business actions and displaying a confident persona, real estate agents can create an atmosphere of assurance and help curb consumer anxiety.
No. 1: Be True to Yourself
Trying to be something you’re not isn’t going to convey confidence. If you see something that’s working now, but it doesn’t “feel” like you, figure out how to adjust it into your wheelhouse.
Also, be authentic about your feelings. You don’t need to be made of steel to succeed in today’s environment. You need to be relatable and understanding of the wide variety of emotions people may be feeling. It’s okay to be there with them and make yourself vulnerable sometimes.
No. 2: Don’t Operate from Fear
Fear leads to anxiety, and anxiety is a deal-killer. Even if you make yourself vulnerable as mentioned above, make sure you’re not coming across as fearful of the unknown.
No. 3: See Things as They Are
There’s a tendency for some people, especially during a crisis, to over exaggerate a problem or minimize it. Neither one builds confidence with consumers. Your best bet is to see things as they are and tell it like it is.
Facts, data, and statistics are your friends right now. Your clients deserve reputable information without conspiracy theories or hidden agendas. So, provide them with real data and information from trusted sources to build confidence.
No. 4: Sharpen Your Business Skills
If you have more “downtime” than usual, one way to cope with not being in control of your environment is to have control over improving your skills. Now is an opportunity to grow as a business professional and bring more to the marketplace when things return to normal. In the process, you’ll be demonstrating your commitment and instilling confidence in both yourself and those working with you.
No. 5: Time Stamp Everything
At this time, everything is moving so fast. Information can become obsolete overnight. The more you can communicate to people that you’re providing them timely information, the more confident they’ll be working with you. So, include those “time stamps” in all the content you create right now.
No. 6: Serve with Love and Compassion
Maya Angelou once said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” The more you can serve your clients and community from a place of love and compassion, the more confidence you’ll naturally create.
Now is not the time to get someone on the phone or a video call and jump into your sales pitch. It’s time to ask a few meaningful questions and then listen. Pay attention to how people are feeling right now, and their confidence in you will soar.
No. 7: Don’t Go Missing
It’s one thing to “hide” from the virus inside your home. It’s another thing altogether to “hide” from your market by pulling back on your marketing and stopping all activity. Your voice needs to be heard right now.
Embrace video. Whether you’re simply showing how you’re working from home, creating DIY projects, providing real estate tips, or market updates, make sure you’re using video! Because now more than ever, it’s a big confidence builder for uncertain consumers seeking guidance.
No. 8: Educate
Are you embracing your role as an educator right now? You can create confidence by screen sharing from inside your MLS. This will demonstrate to clients that transactions are being conducted in your market right now. Some people NEED to make a move at this time and by showing these transactions, you can create confidence among buyers and sellers.
No. 9: Be Adaptable
When you show people that things can be done in a different way than what they expect, you look like a leader and gain their confidence.
No. 10: Do the Right Thing
Always be honest, follow the rules, and work in the best interests of your client.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll build confidence without a doubt.
Thursday 28 May 2020
10 Ways to create Confidence in Times of Uncertainty
Wednesday 27 May 2020
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES DANA COTTON
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Dana Cotton to the St. Augustine office with locations in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village.
Dana joins Florida Network Realty with a strong background in sales and management. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Dana was the Manager at a popular bicycle shop on St. Augustine Beach. In addition to this, Dana owns her own photography business, and she is eager to use her creative skillset to help clients find their dream homes.
When asked why she became a Realtor with Florida Network Realty, Dana states, “I pride myself on being a very driven, creative, passionate and motivated person who loves to help others, and my work as both a photographer and a Realtor allows me to fulfill this goal. When I was looking for a brokerage to work with, Florida Network Realty drew me in immediately – the atmosphere is encouraging and uplifting, and I feel confident of my success in Real Estate with this team supporting me.”
In her spare time, she enjoys paddling wild Florida, swimming, body boarding and learning to surf in the Sea, disc golfing and continues to photograph Florida’s flora fauna, and architecture.
“Please join me in welcoming Dana to the St. Augustine office of Florida Network Realty! Whatever your real estate needs may be, Dana will provide the special attention and unwavering loyalty that one expects and deserves. I’m excited to have her on our team,” shares Tracy Glochau, Broker/Manager of the St. Augustine and Murabella at World Golf Village offices.
For more information, Dana Cotton can be reached by phone at 904.671.2415 or at Dana.Cotton@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: DCotton.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The St. Augustine offices in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village are located at 112 Sea Grove Main Street, Suite 210, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 and 196 Capulet Drive, Suite 3, St. Augustine, FL 32092.
Tuesday 26 May 2020
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES KIMBERLY FARRELL
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Kimberly Farrell to the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.
Prior to joining Florida Network Realty, Kimberly worked for another local brokerage and specialized in Residential Sales and working with Military Buyers and Sellers. Before becoming a Realtor in Northeast Florida, Kimberly began her career as a bookkeeper, then continued into accounting and tax preparation. Through her experiences, she was afforded the opportunity to open a tax and accounting practice with her mother in Washington in 1994. As a military wife, Kimberly made the move across the country when her husband was transferred to the Naval Air Station Jacksonville in 2000. For the past nineteen years, she has worked as an accounting manager for a lumber export company.
Kimberly has always had a passion for real estate – as a second-generation Realtor, and through her involvement of her father’s and two uncles’ 30-year real estate investing careers. When asked why she became a Realtor, Kimberly states, “The possibilities in real estate are endless and you determine your own destiny. Being a Realtor gives me the flexibility that I need to support my family. I love meeting people, listening to their stories, really getting to know them and educate them – whether they are buying or selling – so that there are no surprises.”
“I am pleased to welcome Kimberly to the Fleming Island Office. When you work with Kimberly, you receive a knowledgeable and professional real estate agent, a committed ally negotiating on your behalf, and the dedication to provide excellent customer service to help you achieve your real estate goals,” shares Linda Benson, Broker/Manager of the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.
Home Buying & Selling During Quarantine | River City Live
We recognize that many of you may have questions about the home buying and selling process during this time. Listen in on what our President and CEO Christy Budnick has to say about the current real estate environment on her interview with River City Live!
Tuesday 19 May 2020
Monday 18 May 2020
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES DYLAN BLANCO
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Dylan Blanco to the Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office.
A Jacksonville native, Dylan has grown up in the beaches of Northeast Florida and not only loves his community, he’s honored to now work as a Realtor serving the people in the area that he calls homes. Dylan has graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in International Business, and this past year he spent a summer living in Paris, France taking classes at the European Business School of Paris.
Although Dylan is beginning his professional career as a Realtor, real estate has been a hobby of his prior to him obtaining his real estate license. During Dylan’s last year at UNF, he became interested in real estate investing, and flipped his first home.
What Dylan enjoys most about real estate is the hunt for the right property. He states, “It’s fascinating, to me, to look at properties and think of all the possibilities. As a Realtor, I’m looking forward to sharing my experience buying and flipping homes with my clients.”
“I am pleased to welcome Dylan to the Beaches Office. With Dylan’s background and education, and his personal experiences in real estate, I know he is on the path to success here at our company,” shares Don Cline, Vice President of Business Development and Broker/Manager of the Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office.
For more information, Dylan can be reached by phone at 904.955.1902 or at Dylan.Blanco@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: DBlanco.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office is located at 375-1 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES CINDY CATOE
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Cindy Catoe to the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.
Cindy joins Florida Network Realty from another local brokerage with over two of experience working as a buyer’s and seller’s agent in residential real estate. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Cindy worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for over two decades and has worked both in hospital settings and as an in-home care giver.
When asked why she became a Realtor, Cindy states, “My career in real estate is a continuation of my last career. My former career was in nursing and I liked to ease peoples’ stress and anxiety by helping them. I would like to make my customers dreams come true by helping them find the house of their dreams or sell their current home and guide them through the process from beginning to end.”
“I am looking forward to working with Cindy and adding her talent to the Fleming Island Office. I’m sure she will succeed here in her career as a Realtor,” shares Linda Benson, Broker/Manager of the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.
For more information, Cindy can be reached by phone at 904.432.6643 or at Cindy.Catoe@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: CCatoe.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Fleming Island/Orange Park office is located at 3535 Highway 17, Suite 10, Fleming Island, FL 32003.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY & PROSPERITY HOME MORTGAGE, LLC ANNOUNCES NEW MILITARY ADVANTAGE PROGRAM
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty and Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC appreciate the service of all branches of our military and is pleased to offer special incentives to both active and retired military members.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is offering a cash-back reward – which can amount to thousands of dollars – when a military member purchases or sells real estate in the Northeast Florida area. In addition to this, Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC is providing a complimentary home appraisal (up to $525) and a complimentary origination fee (up to $1,200). There is no requirement to combine these offerings; either or both can be used.
To take advantage of these offers, you can contact Florida Network Realty’s Military Advantage Housing Program Department at 904-672-4351, at Military@FloridaNetworkRealty.com or visithttps://www.floridanetworkrealty.com/military-advantages-in-jacksonville-st-augustine.aspx to register for this benefit, before speaking with a Realtor.
“We will carefully match a military member with one of our military-certified Realtors, who have the experience to address the military member’s specific housing needs and timing. In addition, we can also connect the military member to a Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC loan officer to learn more about their VA Home Loan Advantage program. Again, thank for your military service and we look forward to connecting with you,” shares Linda Lindenmoyer, Broker/Vice President of Relocation Services at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty.
For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit www.FloridaNetworkRealty.com.
https://www.floridanetworkrealty.com/military-advantages-in-jacksonville-st-augustine.aspx?
About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty
Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Christy Budnick and Founder and Chairman Linda H. Sherrer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is one of the most dynamic and respected real estate firms in Northeast Florida. Founded in 1988, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty has a team of more than 425 real estate professionals in nine offices throughout Northeast Florida. The company operates a corporate relocation division, a new home and condominium sales division, Florida Network Property Management, Gibraltar Title Services, LLC and Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC.
In 2019, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty achieved more than $1.2 billion in closed sales. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty ranks as one of the Top 25 companies in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network, which received “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in the J.D. Power 2018 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and the nation’s largest homeownership services company.
For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit https://ift.tt/1fEO8HN or call (904) 296-6400.
Thursday 14 May 2020
Are you Ready for the Market to Come Back!
Working in sales, you constantly face rejection with leads or transactions. It just comes with the job. How you overcome these setbacks determines whether you will thrive. Having the right focus allows opportunities to turn into appointments, which is where you want to be.
Before you make the next prospecting call, you need to make sure you have your head in the right place. Developing a positive mindset will give you the focus you need and the courage to follow through with the call. That’s the only way you are going to create the appointment.
Here are 4 tips to prepare yourself for prospecting.
- Educate, Inform and Serve
When these times end, and they will, you want to be known as the agent that stayed in touch with useful information about the market, about official announcements, reminders and tips about health, safety, the economy, home improvement, real estate, and so on. How beneficial do you think that would be for your brand, for the future of your business, for your community? - Change Your Intros
This is a time to be even more real, more personal, and more empathetic. If you go in for the hard sell in any of your communications–phone, text, email, social–you risk losing trust and harming your brand. Instead, start your conversations the way you would with a friend or family member — you’d ask about their loved ones and if they’re safe. You’d offer to be of service. You know how to do this! - Safety First
As you stay in touch with prospects, clients and your sphere during this time, make sure to adjust your showing and appointment practices based on the official federal, state or regional guidelines. If you’re in a state that still allows showings, for example, ask if clients would be more comfortable with a virtual showing or in-person walkthrough. - Avoid Opinion-Based Conversations
There’s a lot of fear and misinformation in these times, and things are changing on a daily basis. Move away from talking in generalities about the situation, and come to the table with data about the market to help prospects and clients make informed decisions.
Now, it’s time to take action. Contact us now for help creating your custom action plan.
Tuesday 12 May 2020
Virtual Mega Open House with Berkshire Hathaway | River City Live
Listen in on what CEO Christy Budnick have to say about our Virtual Mega Open House Weekend coming up on May 16th – May 17th!
To View click here: https://www.news4jax.com/river-city-live/2020/05/11/virtual-mega-open-house-with-berkshire-hathaway-river-city-live/
Wednesday 6 May 2020
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Hosting Virtual Mega Open House Weekend May 16-17
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty’s Virtual Mega Open House Weekend returns Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2020. Open to everyone, the event makes the company’s listings of available homes safely accessible to prospective buyers.
“Our company is fully prepared to conduct business virtually, serving buyers and sellers alike,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty President and CEO Christy Budnick. “Our Mega Open House Weekend makes it possible to virtually tour dozens of homes for sale throughout Northeast Florida from the comfort of your own home.”
In March, the company hosted a Virtual Mega Open House Weekend with virtual home tours and more than 70 virtual open houses. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty experienced 1,449 link clicks to view homes during the event.
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Network Realty agents offer virtual open houses via social media during the Virtual Mega Open House Weekend. Some listings can be viewed by clicking on a video open house link via Facebook. Other open houses are offered at specific times via Facebook Live streaming. The company’s Realtors are scheduling the dates and times of the live streaming virtual open houses, and promoting them on their Facebook pages. Prospective buyers may also schedule a virtual hosted open house tour by appointment via a private Facetime call using Apple products, the Whatsup app or Facebook messenger. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty has invited the new home builder community to participate in the Virtual Mega Open House weekend.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty has all of the systems in place to use technology to list, promote, show and sell homes virtually from viewing to closing, serving buyers and sellers alike. Visit the company’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/FloridaNetworkRealty, to see all of the homes featured in the Virtual Mega Open House weekend on May 16-17.
For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit www.FloridaNetworkRealty.com.