Real Estate Industry Leaders

In a recent press release, EXIT Realty Upstate New York announced a $4000 contribution to Broome County Habitat for Humanity from the proceeds from their first annual charity golf outing.

"We are extremely honored by the willingness of EXIT Reality of Upstate New York, as well as the sponsors and players in the golf tournament, to support our work" said Amy Winans, Executive Director of Broome County Habitat for Humanity County. "Fund-raising is a daunting task for us, and assistance of this nature means more than the community knows. We are thrilled to have begun a relationship with EXIT Realty, and look forward to working together with them in the future".

"This is one way of giving a helping hand to the local community. Our EXIT Realty associates care about our community and Habitat for Humanity is a natural fit," remarked Carl Cohen, Regional Director of EXIT Realty of Upstate New York in Vestal and Broker of EXIT Realty Homeward Bound. "We were overwhelmed by the support of more than 105 golfers and 44 sponsors who participated in the event."

Regional Owner, John Farrell, said, "EXIT Realty of Upstate NY knows that there is no finer way to "Love One Another" than to help provide housing for our fellow man. Tommy Reid and Bob Farrell did a tremendous job organizing 105 players and 44 sponsors to enjoy a perfect day of golf that generated $4,000+ to Habitat. Cheers to the EXIT Realty Upstate NY Brokers, agents, approved suppliers and friends."

News Channel 34 in Binghamton County, Upstate New York, picked up the story - read it here and watch the news video here.

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund, Habitat for Humanity, and to-date, $1.5 Million has been pledged in both Canada and the U.S.  

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a real estate sales representative, or for information regarding real estate franchise opportunities in Upstate New York, please contact:

John Farrell, Regional Owner
607 760 5000
EXIT Realty Upstate New York
john@exitnys.com

Since 2004, EXIT Realty Corp. International has been an enthusiastic corporate sponsor of 10 Habitat for Humanity home builds. The ninth build was concluded with a dedication ceremony held on December 15^th, 2008 in Fredericton, NB.

"EXIT Realty couldn't be a prouder sponsor of Habitat for Humanity," said EXIT's Corporate Habitat Representative, Christine Ireborg. "We wanted to identify with an organization that shares our values and philosophies; an organization based on giving back."

An ecstatic Deanne Boudreau, mother of four and the proud recipient of this new home said in a recent interview, "It's like winning the lottery! It has changed our lives and it has changed our kids' lives. Thank you EXIT Realty for everything you've done."

Shawn Berry of Fredericton's The Daily Gleaner picked up the story. 

[The Boudreau family] took possession of a new home Monday from Habitat for Humanity. The house was built thanks to the support of EXIT Realty. "I can't wait to have my kitchen table in my own house," Boudreau said. "And I don't have to tape the door up here to keep the heat in here."  But most importantly, her family - which has had to move an average of once every year since 2004 - has a place to call home.

Read the entire story here. 

"It would seem obvious that Habitat for Humanity would be EXIT Realty's charity of choice because of its real estate connection," said Joyce Paron, President of EXIT Realty's Canadian Organization (pictured below with the Boudreau family at Monday's dedication). "However, equally important is that, like EXIT Realty, Habitat for Humanity provides new opportunities for a better quality of life for individuals in the local community.

"There is something very special about what has happened here over these past months.  People who are strangers to each other, have come together to make a dream come true for Deanne and Andre Boudreau.  In fact, most of the volunteers who gave of their time, money or materials, didn't know Deanne and Andre before coming to this site.  This entire project has been an expression of love and giving and has provided the opportunity to remind all of us how simple it really is to feel good about ourselves through the course of action of helping others.

"Over the years working with Habitat for Humanity, we have all come to understand that the emphasis is on the Humanity.  And the volunteers, suppliers and the staff of the Habitat for Humanity organization, that have given so generously, have now brought the dignity of home ownership to the Boudreau family and for that we give you our heartfelt thanks. 

"On behalf of everyone at EXIT Realty Corp. International, our local franchisees Philip Duplisea and David Sawler and the sales associates of EXIT Realty Advantage, we congratulate the Boudreaus on their new home.  Home ownership is indeed one of the greatest dreams of every adult in this country.  And being a part of making this dream come true is why EXIT Realty Corp. International is proud to call Habitat for Humanity its charity of choice," Paron concluded.

In an essay read by her mother, 10-year-old Samantha Boudreau told the crowd gathered what having a home of her own means.  "Now that we have a house, we have privacy - it means so much to me. A home is a place where a family can meet together and forget about all their other problems in life. We can have a really good future. Happiness is the best thing you could ever have in a home."

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT International is applied to its charitable fund and to-date, $1.5 Million has been pledged to Habitat for Humanity in both Canada and the U.S.  Please contact EXIT Realty Corp. International for more information.

There is no doubt that this has been a tough year for the real estate industry.  Many offices have closed; many companies have cut back on conventions and training programs.  One Franchisor, however, continues to prosper and is paying thousands of dollars in bonuses as a special thank you to the people most often underappreciated in a real estate office - the secretarial staff.

Since the year 2000 EXIT Realty Corp. International has paid out Secretarial Bonuses throughout North America totaling over $1.5 Million.  Steve Morris, Founder and CEO, believed so strongly in the importance of the contribution of the support staff across the EXIT system, he built the payment of bonuses right into the renowned EXIT Formula.  A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT International is set aside and paid at the end of the year to the offices' administration staff.   "It was Mr. Morris' attitude towards EXIT's administrative staff that was a key reason in my leaving the brokerage where I worked as an Administrator for 11 years to join EXIT International 8 years ago," commented Susan Harrison, EXIT's Sr VP Web Development.

Here are comments from just a few bonus recipients from across North America:
 
Lindsay Maillet, EXIT Realty Metro, Bedford NS
I was fortunate enough to attend the first administrator training in Ontario in 2007.  It was here that I gained knowledge of the EXIT Corporation and began realizing just how important my role as administrator really was to the success of the company.  Steve Morris really drilled it to us that week that we were the glue, so to speak, and without us the machine can fail.  Coming off the excitement of a company that actually acknowledges its support staff was amazing.

The Secretarial Bonus is not something that is on my mind on a daily basis... and for the most part, it never crosses my mind (until the week I know it's due to arrive). It definitely allows for some peace of mind to know that I will have something extra to bank at the end of the year.  Whether it is to buy myself something I normally wouldn't spring for, a extra gift for my spouse, or a little something for someone in need; it is great feeling to know it is there for whatever I may need.  It's also a little incentive to put that extra little bit into the new year to make the next year better for everyone...a little goes a long way in this business.

Janice Clements, EXIT Realty Specialists, Saint John NB
I have been working with EXIT for two years and it has been a wonderful experience.  Having worked in the industry with other brokerages for 10 years [I always heard] "if the brokerage had the funds" or "if they had a good year"; always some excuse - some good people got nothing.  Steve is such a role model to all the Franchisees and this recognition makes Administrators feel great and appreciated. EXIT Realty Specialists' agents are "special people" and hard workers and have made [it possible] for us have this great bonus.

Noreen Ballard EXIT Realty Specialists, Saint John NB
I have been with EXIT Realty Specialists since its doors opened in July of 2006.  [The Secretarial Bonus] not only helps financially this time of year but it is nice to be remembered by EXIT International. It is so unusual for a company to do this. I feel here in this office the agents show their appreciation everyday whether it be a coffee, a friendly greeting, or a lunch, but a bonus from head office says WOW!

Nadine Lapointe, EXIT Realty Citadel, Halifax NS
I sure do appreciate this recognition. In so many workplaces top salespersons are recognized for their hard work throughout the year, but the reality is that if they did not have any support staff for help, maybe they would not be at the top. I know I have been successful when "my agents" are successful. Getting this bonus just makes it even better! The higher it is, the better I did! It has been a privileged to have been chosen among other applicants to become the Administrator of EXIT Realty Citadel. Instantly I felt part of the family, not only in the office but also with my interactions with Head Office. As an administrator of EXIT, you are always invited to any functions for the Agents, because after all we are one big team."

Patricia Quiiano, EXIT Realty Charleston Group, Charleston SC
[The Secretarial Bonus] was a wonderful surprise!  I was able to do all my Christmas shopping with my bonus and still have money left over.  The bonus made me feel that I was a valuable asset to the company and that I truly had a part in helping to make the company a success, and was no longer "hired help."  You always hear how corporations forget about the little people. This bonus says to me that all that I do for my agents, my office and my company is important and has been noticed. I am an integral part of this company and hope to continue to be so for many years to come!

Rachel Manning, EXIT Realty of the Valley's three locations; Huntsville, Madison and Decatur AL
I am very grateful to Steve Morris for recognizing and rewarding office staff.  Oftentimes, administrative employees are overlooked and underappreciated by their companies, but that is not so with EXIT.  [The Secretarial Bonus] reminds me how hard I've worked, how great my Franchisees and REALTORS® are and how that bonus check will come in just before Christmas and my annual vacation. 

Any company is nothing without a solid foundation and I am proud to be part of EXIT's foundation.  If my REALTORS® are not successful, then I have not been successful.  This check is a great inspiration to work even harder the next year and is an excellent tool when seeking talented administrative staff. 

Kerri Barwell, EXIT Grand Strand Properties, Myrtle Beach SC
[The Secretarial Bonus] really does mean a lot, especially when you work so hard throughout the year, to receive that at the end feels very rewarding and just makes you feel good overall.

[I have been able to] travel to Canada for EXIT's Administrator/Broker Training and it was one of the best trips I've ever had.  The training was unbelievable!  And the energy, passion and dedication I saw in the EXIT International staff was just amazing to me!
 

Maria Panzino, EXIT Uptown Realty, Vineland, NJ
When I was notified that this bonus was offered, I was excited to know that there were individuals like Mr. Morris that thought so deeply about his extended staff.  Mr. Morris' gratitude and professionalism shines through with his gestures which makes him an outstanding individual.  It has been a pleasure to be part of the big picture "EXIT" and to have had the opportunity to work with a person of Mr. Morris' caliber.

 

 

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a sales representative or for real estate franchise opportunites across North America, please contact us.

Sharron Richardson, Franchise Support Manager with EXIT Realty Corp. International, publishes a monthly newsletter for EXIT Administrators.  In the December issue, she urges them to plan now for the year ahead.

Some may argue that the most wonderful time of the year is when the kids go back to school in the fall, but there is certainly something to be said about the holiday season which coincides with year end. It's a time of reflection and new beginnings. It's a time to examine the past year to determine where you are and where you want to progress, and a time to look ahead to create and execute a plan of action for the new year. This applies personally and professionally. Let's take a look at some of the activities to focus on at this time, from the practical to the professional to the personal:

1. 1.  This is the time for clean up. A new year is like a clean sheet of paper or a blank monitor screen: it's full of possiblities. Before moving on to the new, take some time to properly and completely finish off the old. Ensure all your MEMO data is current and correct. Make certain your accounting records are up to date; 1099 and T4A time will be here before you know it (have you noticed how quickly time goes or is just me?). Clean out your desk and your filing cabinets. Get organized! Examine any unfinished projects and determine what to do with them: Do it, delegate it, or ditch it!
2. Schedule a meeting with your Broker to discuss goals for the new year. Running a successful brokerage is always a team effort and a year end meeting to determine the office's goals will ensure a unified effort.
3. Think about your specific contribution. Take this opportunity to examine the policies and procedures which are in place. Is your documentation out of date? This is the time for performance reviews - do you have job descriptions for your people? Is your new agent orientation procedure adequate? Does your duty roster system need updating? What needs to be discussed at the sales meetings?
4. If you are in an area where business has been challenging, use this time to position your brokerage for success when business picks up again. Plan events which get your brokerage out into your marketplace for visual impact. It needn't be expensive, be inventive! Hold a food, book, or clothing drive to provide for the less fortunate. Host a walk-a-thon, sponsor a community event or team. And then send press releases through EXIT Shoptok to your grassroots media. Use this time to position your brokerage as the expert in real estate for your market area.
5. Maybe this is the time to examine your own life. Maybe the main change you want next year is to bring the best you to the job every day. Maybe you should conduct a performance review with yourself to determine if you did well last year, and what you can do or become in the new year to excel.
6. Once you have your professional and personal goals outlined, make sure they are SMART goals:
   
   Specific: A goal must be specific in order to have the best chance of success. "I want to run my brokerage more efficiently" is a noble idea but too vague. Determine what it will take to run your brokerage more efficiently and break it down into specific goals: "I will implement a policy of accountability where the agents submit a completed checklist before deals are processed."
   Measurable: In order to confirm you are making progress, you must be able to measure your efforts. Creating a spreadsheet to monitor budget compliance or seeing your filing cabinet become organized are examples.
   Attainable: The goal has to be something that is within your own power. My goal might be for Lance Armstrong to win the Tour de France in 2009 but that is not something I have control over.
   Realistic: Your goal must be based in reality. Sure, we want you to think big. We believe that if you set a goal, affirm it, and direct your positive energy towards it, you will find that the Law of Attraction kicks in to help you along. You want every agent in your marketplace to join you? Go for it. You want every agent in North America to join your brokerage? Well, it's possible, but it's not realistic.
   Timely: Your goal must have a deadline. An open-ended goal isn't a goal, it's a wish. A deadline creates accountability and a sense of constructive urgency. Certainly you should be flexible enough to extend deadlines because life happens, but a goal without a deadline is like heading out on a road trip from Toronto to Utah without a map. Sure, you might get there by accident, but you'll run out of gas, run out of resources, and hit a lot of dead ends along the way. Thelma and Louise didn't have a destination, and look what happened to them (okay, they met Brad Pitt but that's not the point). In other words, you will waste a lot of valuable energy without a clear deadline in mind.

The end of the year is a practical and psychological cleaning of the slate (for those of you under 30, that means wiping the chalk board clean). It's a time to reflect, to plan, and to enjoy what really matters: the human connection. Given the commercial nature of this season, it's important to remember what really matters. As a single mother, I had several holidays before joining EXIT where not only was there nothing under the tree, there was no tree. And while it may sound like a cliche, those holidays were memorable not because of lack, but because our focus was on what we had, and that was our health and each other.

This article is also posted at http://realestateindustryleaders.com

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Grassroots Newswire) Monday, December 8, 2008 -- With the current economic events in our country from the foreclosure crisis to financial institutions collapsing, one Philadelphia real estate company is helping families beat the odds.

EXIT Realty The Waterfront Group is a real estate office located in Philadelphia with over 100 agents and is independently owned and operated by REALTOR®, Marie Bontigao. She founded the non-profit organization called "The Waterfront Group Foundation" to help Philadelphia residents become successful and responsible homeowners through free educational classes, seminars and workshops.

The Foundation's signature initiative is the Tabula Rasa Project. The Project was launched in December 2007 and was created to give a deserving family a place to call home. The Project was advertised through radio, newspaper, television, community events, and internet and e-mail campaigns.

Darlene McPhail, the recipient, is a single parent of five children all under the age of 14. In working with Marie, Darlene revealed the details of her dream home. Marie and an investor purchased Darlene's home located in the Olney Section of Philadelphia.

The house is a single five bedroom Victorian home set along a tree line street and fenced front and back yard. The home required an estimated $100,000 in renovations and repairs. Real estate agents and various sponsors volunteered their time and resources from carpet removal, painting, and landscaping to purchasing and donating appliances, furniture, and fixtures. Additional renovations included a brand new customized kitchen and two new bathrooms.
The McPhail family's home was presented to them in a special unveiling ceremony in October which included special guests Pennsylvania State Represenative Tony Payton, Jr. & Councilwoman Marian Tasco's Legislative Aide & Counsel, Sharon Losier.

The Tabula Rasa Project - Phase 2 is now in effect. All applications can be downloaded here and must be completed, mailed, and postmarked by December 31, 2008.

For more information about EXIT Realty The Waterfront Group, please call 215-425- 2200 ext. 106.

This article is also posted in www.realestateindustryleaders.com.

EXIT Realty Corp. International CEO & Founder, Steve Morris, announced recently that he expects the real estate market to begin to turn around in the second quarter of 2009. With this in mind, EXIT asked some of its key regional leaders, "With the bottom of the real estate market being formally announced by the end of the 2nd quarter of 2009, what 3 strategies would you give both a broker and a sales representative to prepare accordingly?" 

"There are so many ‘if I'd only knowns' in our life," said Linda Kint, Regional Owner of EXIT Realty S.E. Texas. "But knowing that the end is in sight, we have the chance to get ready."

On a twist to EXIT's 10/7/5 Formula of Single Level Residuals, Kint recommends a 5/7/10 strategy to prepare for the positive market turn:

The 5- Give yourself a check up.  "Pick 5 things you want to do between now and June of 2009 to sharpen your skills as a REALTOR®," she suggested. "Make them personal, write them down and do them."

The 7 - Commit to handing out 7 business cards each and every day between now and the end of June.  "Let people know that you are open for business and are their valued real estate consultant.  By the end of June you will have touched 1,600 people."

The 10 - "Form a group mastermind and work together to bring 10 experienced agents into your office between now and the end of June."

"When the real estate market returns," she concluded, "those of us who paid attention will be able to say ‘we knew and we were ready!!'"

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a real estate sales person, or for information on real estate franchise opportunities in S.E. Texas, please contact:

Linda Kint, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty S.E. Texas
832.657.4073
exittexas@yahoo.com

This article is also posted at www.realestateindustryleaders.com.

Join us for a Webinar on December 8th

Due to popular demand, EXIT Realty Corp. International will be hosting an encore presentation of the webinar "Low and No-Cost Ways to Take Your Electronic Marketing to the Next Level". Challenging times call for creativity and innovation to attract buyers and get those listings sold! Find out how, in just a few minutes a week, you can easily ramp up your electronic marketing efforts and wow your buyers and sellers. Join us for an hour-long webinar, co-hosted by Susan Harrison, EXIT's Sr. VP Web Development, Tom Emmendorfer, Co-Founder of the company behind EXIT e-Listings and Frank D'Angelo, Franchisee of EXIT Realty Executives in MN, during which you'll learn how to marry the cutting-edge technology of EXIT e-Listings with the power of social networking. Building on Frank's hugely popular Convention break-out session, "Congratulations, you've got the listing! Now what?", this is a must-attend event. Monday, December 8th at 1pm ET. EXIT Realty brokers and agents, click here to log into the EXIT Resource Center to register!

When in 2000 EXIT Realty Corp. International decided to support Habitat for Humanity's mission to build houses with families in need and help eradicate homelessness from the world, they never imagined that they would be touching the lives of so many in such a profound  and lasting way.  In November, Habitat for Humanity organizations throughout the world celebrated as the organization marked a major milestone when construction began on Habitat's 300,000th housein Naples, Florida and 300,001st house in Zacapa, Guatemala.  EXIT Realty is extremely proud and humbled to have been a part of Habitat's journey that has helped more than 1.5 million people.

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT International is applied to its charitable fund and to-date, $1.5 Million has been pledged to Habitat for Humanity in both Canada and the U.S.  EXIT's 9th and 10th corporately sponsored builds are currently underway in Fredericton, New Brunswick and Las Cruces, New Mexico.  "I wanted to select a charity that was close to real estate and where we could see it helping people," said EXIT Realty Founder & CEO, Steve Morris.

The 300,000th  house represents a decade of major growth for Habitat for Humanity, which was founded in 1976. In 2000, Habitat's 100,000th house was built in New York City and 100,001st house in Plains, Georgia.  Five years later, Habitat dedicated its 200,000th home in Knoxville, Tennessee, and 200,001st house in Kanyakumari, India.    

Only one day after construction began in Naples with Habitat for Humanity of Collier County - Habitat's highest producing U.S. affiliate - volunteers broke ground on the 300,001st house in Zacapa, Guatemala.  Zacapa is a region which suffers one of the lowest levels of community and social development in Guatemala, and therefore the most in need of adequate housing. Habitat has already built a total of 1,236 houses in the region, reaching some 7,500 people.

Habitat is a worldwide movement that has a presence in nearly 90 countries, including Canada, all 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico.  On average, Habitat for Humanity serves a low-income family somewhere around the world every 10 minutes through new house construction, major house rehabilitation projects and with house repairs.  In 2007, Habitat served a record 49,000 families in need.

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a real estate sales person, on real estate franchise opportunites throughout North America, or how you could join EXIT Realty on a Habitat for Humanity build, please contact EXIT.

This article is also posted at www.realestateindustryleaders.com.

Pictured left: Chuck Olson, Regional Owner, EXIT Realty New Mexico and Laura Jaramillo, Habitat for Humanity recipient.

 

Pictured right: Deanne Boudreau, recipient of the Habitat for Humanity home in Fredericton, New Brunswick corporately sponsored by EXIT Realty

EXIT Realty Corp. International CEO & Founder, Steve Morris, announced recently that he expects the real estate market to begin to turn around in the second quarter of 2009.  With this in mind, EXIT asked some of its key regional leaders, "With the bottom of the real estate market being formally announced by the end of the 2nd quarter of 2009, what 3 strategies would you give both a broker and a sales representative to prepare accordingly?"

"The first thing everyone needs to realize is that yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Numerous activities are currently being put in place to open the credit markets and stabilize the housing industry," stated Bruce Caruth, Regional Owner of EXIT Realty of Washington, Oregon, Kansas and Missouri in a presentation at EXIT Realty's 10th Annual Convention held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN. 

Caruth's three strategies are:

1.  Understand how and why the end is in sight.  "Banks are beginning to realize that it is better for them financially to do a workout on a mortgage if possible than to foreclose," he commented.  "Existing home sales have stabilized nationally keeping inventories relatively flat or even recently reducing them.  Interest rates remain at historically low levels and homes are now affordable again for the entry-level buyer."

2. Reduce overhead.  "In order to ensure that you can take advantage of this opportunity, the brokerage, as well as the real estate professional, needs to make sure they are among the survivors.  To accomplish this they need to reduce overhead to levels at or below that of their current revenue stream." 

3.  Improve the skill level and production of the primary asset of the brokerage - the real estate professional.   "To increase the skill level of the agent the key is training, training, training," said Caruth.  "Most serious full time agents desire great training and company-provided leads.  If an office provides [quality leads] the chances of recruiting a serious full time agent increases significantly. "

"As many real estate brokerages have gone out of business and numerous agents have left the real estate industry, the opportunity for increasing market share has never been better," Caruth concluded. "There will be far less competition by next summer and greater opportunity for those that are left standing."

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a sales representative, or for real estate franchise opportunites in Washington, Oregon, Kansas or Missouri, please contact:

Bruce Caruth, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty of Washington, Oregon, Kansas & Missouri
bcaruth@comcast.net
520.975.8297.