Recent Blog Articles

February 14, 2016

How Do You Define Success?

Often times, I run into people that comment on my “success” as an owner of a real estate company. In the business community, I am considered a successful business woman. Quite honestly, each and every time I hear that, I wonder to myself how the person I am talking with defines success.

That question leads me to ask myself, how do I define “success”.

As a society, we all work toward this thing called success. However, is it even possible to achieve something that you don’t know what “it” really is.

Have you ever asked yourself...

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September 10, 2015

We All Have Different Reasons For Loving Rhode Island

• RI was the only state NOT to approve Prohibition.

• RI is the longest state name. Officially, the name of the state is Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

• If your neighbor has more than 11 permanent vehicles in front of their home it is illegal.

• Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on TV.

• There is still a law that an employer can be fined for making an employee work on a Sunday. The fine is $10.

• Cap guns are illegal in our state.

• All RI shores are publically owned.

...

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July 29, 2015

Why are you telling me this?

We deal with the public. Most businesses do. Over the 29 years in business, I have found it amazing that people share such intimate details about their lives when it is not relevant to the sale or transaction.

Sure, when you deal with the niche market that real estate business do, there are many personal facts, experiences and goals that are shared. In fact, that must be shared as a client for a great result. However, very often people share way too much information that has nothing to do with the purchase or sale. I find it peculiar. Why...

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June 30, 2015

The best thing you can do for your clients is to respond.

It is incredible to me that "professionals" do not respond timely or even at all. It isn't just one profession in particular...it is MOST professions. Something is missing in the way we do business. The something is the fact that with so many forms of communication such as texting, email, messaging and the old fashion telephone, people still can't communicate timely. Why? Is it that we just don't want to do our jobs; that we don't like the person we need to talk with; or are we just lazy?

I have always taken pride in that I have a natural...

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March 25, 2015

There are many life changing situations that you don’t think you have control over, but you do.

However, the main problem for many buyers is that there are no homes on the market that meet their criteria….or so they think.

Let’s look at the largest buying pool, which is the first time buyer. They are told what they qualify for and are sent off to find that home only to find they just can’t buy what they want because it is just a little over their price range and out of their control… or is it?

First time buyers have so much buying power that they are unaware of. Often times their lender or bank...

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February 16, 2015

To Provide Exemplary Service Like No Other, You First Need Clients.

We are busy, we don’t just think or say we are busy, we are. We do things that make the phone ring and find a buyer. We don’t wait for one to call us. When they do call us, we have a focused agenda while building rapport, asking targeting questions, and secure the close.

How do we make the clients come to us? I have spent much time researching the answer by speaking with top sales people and successful business owners as well as highly regarding marketing firms.

Here is my conclusion for finding prospects and filling...

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January 1, 2015

Take advantage of Tax Credits in 2015

It's amazing how many people in Rhode Island have the oportunity to take advantage of a tax credit when they purchase a home, but don't know it.

The credit is for buyers that have not owned or had an ownership interest in a PRINCIPLE residence at anytime in the last THREE (3) years. (Or you buy in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls or Woonsocket whether you owned in last three years or not).

You receive a MAXIMUM $2,000 tax credit per year FOR THE DURATION OF THE LOAN. WHAT? That means if you have a 15 year mortgage is...

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November 13, 2014

Why are people so quick to judge other people or situations?

We naturally tend to categorize things we process whether they are situations or people. The problem with this often times is we stereotype situations or people without enough information and by filling in the gaps of this lack of information with or own experiences and NOT facts.

When we meet someone, we often detect certain traits of the person or situation that is similar to another experience we have already had. We conclude that this person/situation will be the same as our previous experience and categorize it as such. This is a problem because we do not understand the depth...

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October 28, 2014

Other than technology, what other industry changes as frequently as the real estate?

While many consumers are not aware of these new changes, the real concern is that there a lot of agents out there that also do not know either! It is frightening that the Department of Business Regulation, Multiple Listing Service, National Association of Realtors and many more legislative bodies are not, or are unable to, police these changes.

Buying or selling a home is usually one of the biggest transactions a family will make in its lifetime. You trust that person handling the sale or purchase of your asset to know all of the rules and regulations. As...

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August 4, 2014

What is the greatest Human Strength?

If I asked you to name your greatest personal strength, what would you say? Anyone I have ever asked, no one – I mean no one- has EVER answered “Willpower”.

Researchers who have surveyed more than 1 million people around the world, said this comes in dead last among virtues. Conversely, when people were asked about their failings or reasons for major problems personal and professional, will power and self-control was at the top of the list.

They have come to realize that most major problems, personal and professional center on failure of self-control. I wish to focus...

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July 20, 2014

One nice gesture can make a huge difference for someone, including yourself.

I tried to think about the last time I made someone’s day by a compliment or holding a door open for someone or any little gesture that resulted in a smile. I’m sad to say, it’s been a while.

I’m more disappointed to say that since that day in Dave’s Market, I’ve been paying more attention to people by noticing how they act and are shocked by what happens every day in this world. People can be not only rude, but mean. I was standing in line at the bank observing a little old lady at the counter doing...

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June 22, 2014

Attitude: Good for Business

Attitude determines either your success or failure tomorrow. Your attitude is a powerful tool. It is your most priceless possession. You don’t have to buy it, but you do have to develop it. It is what people will remember you by, and will associate you with. Your clients, customers, co-brokers, lenders, and attorney will remember how you reacted to situations during the sale. The attitude you show is what becomes your personality.

Consider this: Be prepared for anything. There is a lot in our real estate world that we can predetermine how we want to handle, but some things...

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June 1, 2014

Reverse Marketing?

How can you utilize this to sell a home? Here is an example:

Status quo for realtors is to put out a sign, input the home in MLS and wait for the phone to ring. Without actively promoting the listing, it could take a significant amount of time for the right buyer to find the house and make an offer.

However, what if a realtor called buyers, called other realtors, told them about the property and got the buyer to go to the seller? This not only expedites the process for a quicker sale, but will bring forth buyers...

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April 17, 2014

Trust and Transparency

I have been a realtor since 1986, and boy has it changed significantly. When I say “it” changed, what I specifically mean is EVERYTHING about selling a home has changed. Federal and state laws, disclosure requirements, lender requirements, and much more.

Great realtors aren’t selling homes; they are selling trust and transparency. The role of today’s realtors is one of honesty. We are not just bound by the laws and the code of ethics, but what consumers want and deserve. In any transaction that involves larger amounts of money, or such a personal part of someones life, it’s easy to...

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March 20, 2014

Who can you turn to when you need help with a client?

As agents, you become sounding boards to clients most difficult and private emotions surrounding buying or selling their home. Maybe they have issues with saving money and are worried about qualifying for a loan. Maybe their financial situation isn’t very favorable and are worried about making the mortgage payments so need to unload fast. Or maybe internal family issues are making home life difficult. These are very personal, and private events that can be difficult to communicate. As clients, they turn to you to unload, knowing that you will keep these confidential and keep their best interests in mind as...

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November 17, 2013

Stay in Curiosity and Not in Judgement

Last weekend I went to Montreal to visit my son who attends McGill University. Montreal is home to many different cultures. It is truly incredible how mixed the population is. I am not referring to just the different nationalities, but ages and religions too. I suppose it is easier to notice this than most any other place, because around McGill University it is very densely populated, and you walk everywhere. (Although the traffic is crazy there, most people do not own cars. They walk). Thus, one can pass several hundred people by simply going to breakfast. While my son and...

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November 4, 2013

Selling A Solution

Because consumers look for solutions, salespeople must shift away from selling features and benefits, and focus on problem solving. Customers are interested in salespeople who can solve their problems. Salespeople who have not yet identified the customers' problems and just sell features, will never make as much money as those who can identify problems and come up with solutions USING the benefits and features.

Salespeople need to let the propspects do most of the talking. Salespeple know that listening is an important part of the selling process. The more the prospects talk about their problems, the better a salesperson...

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July 7, 2013

Why aren't people transparent?

Why is it so difficult to be honest and upfront? Not being so is very anti-productive in the work place. It can be more hurtful and frustrating in all kinds of relationships- be it with a friend or a family member. I manage a fairly large staff and am a member of a large family (7 children). One of the most difficult things to deal with in both are people that can be deceitful. Many times the person doesn't necessarily mean to be, but are. What I mean is, more and more, it is becoming habitual for people to just...

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