Congratulations Christy Vail!

A Day With Tony Dicello - Coming October 2nd!

Coming to Layton October 2, 2014 A Day With Tony Dicello Come To DOUBLE Your Income! Training Information: SEATING IS LIMITED SO MAKE SURE TO REGISTER TODAY! Early Bird Registration:  ONLY $10 Date:  October 2, 2014 Time:  9:00 am - 2:00 pm (8:30 am check-in) Lunch will be provided! Location:  Davis Conference Center 1651 N. 700 W., Layton, UT Deadline to register is            September 28, 2014 Ten Things Top Agents Know That You Must Know - 9:00 am to 11:00 am - Tony has coached top agents for more than fourteen years and shares the techniques and mindsets that help these agents sell houses.  Learn the ten things that top agents do that other agents don't do, so you can earn more in less time. Board Breaking Event - 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm - Are you ready to break through your limiting beliefs? Are you ready to move from mediocrity to masterful? Then get ready for “Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs” with Tony Dicello. In this life changing event, Tony will take participants on a journey inside their own limiting beliefs. He will challenge those beliefs, helping participants prepare for a transformational moment they will remember for the rest of their lives. Tony DiCello was drawn by the profit sharing and ownership opportunities offered at Keller Williams. His highest level of production resulted with his company at that time, Re/Max ,ranking #10 internationally with 180 closures and $36 million in production.  Tony uses that extensive sales experience, and his passion to help others succeed, every day in his role as Director of MAPS and through the MAPS Coaching Program.  Most recently, Tony toured throughout the KW Organization with the Millionaire Systems, “Make Your Own Market,” sharing techniques and perspectives of the challenges in the current markets. That same sales mentality and drive supports Tony’s belief that KWU provides real estate knowledge to help KW Associates become better sales people.  His sessions are motivational and results oriented, incorporating knowledge from over 20,000 coaching calls.

Staged Victory: Chicago Area Team Stages Its Way to Multi-million Dollar Success

Kathy Quaid and Maureen Rooney own the most productive realty team in Glen Ellyn, Ill., with a 2013 closed volume nearing $55 million – more than double their 2012 sales. Though they didn’t partner until 2010 when they joined Keller Williams, they were on similar career trajectories. Both were licensed in 2004, each absolutely loved real estate, became rookies of the year in their respective companies, never had backward years and embraced staging as a critical sales component.

Because they live in a smaller upscale suburban Chicago community with many brokers and agents, they were attracted to Keller Williams’ freedom to brand themselves in a way that would differentiate them from the pack. Quaid and Rooney Distinctive Real Estate was born four years ago and is consistently ranked as a top-producing team in Keller Williams Mid-America Region and in DuPage County.

The team serves a combination of buyers and sellers with a focus on providing some unique services, namely staging for their sellers. A typical day has the pair climbing ladders, unfurling on-trend throw rugs, placing lamps, hanging art on freshly painted walls and replacing bedding. Each has a passion and an eye for design and aesthetic – Quaid even did a stint on HGTV’s “Designed to Sell” – which is why they are fervent about the staging model and use it as a value proposition in their seller marketing package.

Quaid says that if a house sell quickly – usually within the first week or two – a seller can get 98 percent of their asking price. “Each month it sits on the market, it loses its selling power,” she states. “Our experience proves that staging helps a home sell closer to the list price.” Rooney adds, “We see that when a home is staged and ready, there’s a big difference in the percentage of sell price.”

They laugh when they explain that being so involved in the staging process requires some serious energy. “It’s not for the faint of heart or frail of body,” they joke. Their commitment to staging includes conducting a complete walk-through of the interior and exterior
of the home with the seller. Quaid and Rooney are straightforward (“Blunt,” Quaid says) with the owners about the strengths and weaknesses of the property. After the consult, they provide:

• ƒƒCustomized, room-by-room enhancements that the homeowner can implement on his or her own;
• Recommendations for repairs or improvements that will benefit the property;ƒ
• Suggestions on how to prepare the home to sell; and
• A list of the top staging priorities.

Although the two are very hands-on and involved in cosmetic changes and overall decisions, the bulk of the improvements that come with staging are outsourced to vendors who specialize in the needed updates. “We have a robust network of painters, flooring specialists, countertop experts, plumbers, landscapers, furniture movers and seamstresses,” Rooney offers. “Once we know what kind of budget a client has to work with, we prioritize changes and work our way down the list.”

When a home is show ready, there’s another vital component to ensure it marketing online is visual, so it has to be perfect,” Quaid and Rooney insist. They guide their photographer at the scheduled photo shoot, paying close attention to spatial qualities. “It’s not uncommon for a photographer to virtually stage the home using Photoshop and other artistic maneuvers. It’s imperative to have a photographer who is excellent at their craft. No matter how lovely the home is, there’s an art to capturing it for the screen. It all must work together to lure and attract real estate agents and buyers.”

At first, they laid out a few hundred dollars to build up a small staging décor inventory. Those pieces are in constant rotation in the homes they represent with newer pieces constantly edging out pieces that are no longer fresh or in style. With even a minimal inventory, Quaid and Rooney believe it’s important to invest in some staging accessories that will help to create an inviting home that will attract buyers.

Staging is an integral part of their business and has become one of their trademarks, helping them close almost 100 home sales in 2013. But to Quaid and Rooney, it’s more than a business strategy. “We see this aspect of the business as part of our bigger mission to help people. We’re servants at heart and want to position people to get where they want to go. Staging helps people imagine themselves in the next chapter of their stories, and we want to help them turn that page.”

To keep up with constantly changing consumer preferences, Quaid and Rooney stay closely connected to select buyers. “We have excellent buyer agents on our team, but we each are purposely always working with at least one or two young professionals. These are sophisticated buyers coming from the city to the suburbs for the first time. They’ve seen so much on the Internet and T.V. and have extremely high expectations for impeccable design, style and high-end amenities. It keeps us dialed in to trends and our finger on the pulse of what buyers are looking for. Plus, it’s fun! We love it!”

Designed to Sell: 10 Staging Secrets Revealed

Home staging is about setting a scene, creating a mood, and implementing some quick fixes and improvements to create a positive first impression. Here are some tips and tricks to help your clients sell their homes quickly and for top dollar:

1. Have the windows professionally washed. Let the natural light stream in through clean windows.
2. Remove dated window treatments. Have new ones made or leave them off altogether.
3. Install new lighting. It does not have to be expensive. Look online at what is trending on blogs, Pinterest and Houzz and try to duplicate what you see.
4. Remove little throw rugs and area rugs if you have hardwood floors. Sometimes, rugs can be distracting and make rooms look smaller.
5. Remove air fresheners. Just because they call them air fresheners does not mean the air smells fresh.
6. Update pitted and grimy faucets. This is a simple and inexpensive improvement.
7. Get rid of all fake plants. They are eyesores!
8. This should be a given: declutter. Less is almost always more. Clean up, organize and streamline.
9. Bathrooms and kitchens can make or break a deal. Hire a professional to regrout and recaulk bathrooms and kitchens.
10. Paint with current, neutral paint colors. For instance, gray is very in right now. You want to use colors that allow buyers to imagine your home as their blank slate.

10 Easy Health Tips for Busy Agents

The life of a real estate agent can be extremely hectic. In addition to the typical open houses and property tours, agents must also navigate the rest of their daily routine. With so much going on, it can be easy to overlook your health. Last year, Keller Williams announced their Wellness initiative that focused on the health and wellbeing of their agents. Staying healthy on the go starts with a series of small, smart decisions. These fun and easy tips will help you stay on top of your health without missing a beat.

1. Real estate agents work hard, and that often means waking up early and going to bed late. Lack of sleep can leave one feeling draggy and reaching for that extra jolt of caffeine in the morning. That delicious grande white mocha from Starbucks ads a quick 360 calories to your belly; most scrumptious coffee flavors are loaded with flavored creams and sweeteners. Limit your extra sweet beverage intake and opt for traditional coffee or tea instead.
2. Make an appointment with yourself! Schedule breaks to release stress. Strive for ten minutes, ideally more, but even a few minutes are better than none. Relax to your favorite music while you’re in the car, stretch, meditate, or simply sit in silence.Relaxation exercises can improve your health even in small doses.
3. If you have a workout routine, stick with it! As busy as our lives may be, it’s important to make time for your fitness routine. Slacking off even a day or two makes it harder to get back on track later, encouraging a cycle of inactivity. Once you incorporate fitness into your daily schedule, it will become a necessary part of your day.
4. Avoid multitasking while you eat. Multitasking is a distraction from your meal. You won’t enjoy what you’re eating, nor will you pay attention to when you’re truly full. You’re likely to eat more than you need. Update your blog and check your emails after you’ve finished your lunch.
5. Make time for healthy breakfast. Don’t leave home without breakfast, which jumpstarts your metabolism. A healthy meal sets the tone for the rest of your day, providing you with the nutrients and energy needed to stay focused. Starchy, greasy meals will cause a slump around noon while packing on needless calories.
6. Got a dozen closings and housewarming parties on your agenda? A classic trick will help you limit your calorie intake while maintaining a professional demeanor. For every alcoholic beverage that you consume, have a glass of water. This ratio will help you stay hydrated (thus avoiding the dreaded morning after) and keep your waistline slim.
7. Stash healthy snacks in your car or travel bag. Snacking helps to keep your metabolism churning throughout the day. Rather than counting calories, focus on foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Their benefits often outweigh any calorie concerns. Plus, if you have those almonds on hand, you’ll be less tempted to reach for one of those warm cookies at the open house. 
8. Keep a reusable water bottle with you so that you can stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration results in fatigue and diminished concentration. Plus, drinking lots of water keeps you feeling fuller, and also keeps your skin looking younger and well-rested. 
9. Eat at least one meal at home. Commit to at least breakfast or dinner at home where you can be fully in control of your dietary options. Don’t let work mess with your meals or with your family time. Make the time to plan a meal that will both nourish your body and your family.
10. Indulge! Give up the calories that you don’t need in exchange for the ones you truly desire. This is the trick to making healthy substitution while you’re mobile. Can’t live without that crème brulee? Order it, but get veggies instead of mashed potatoes as your side. Small, smart sacrifices help you stay healthy and happy in the long run.

The golden rule for successful, busy people: Don’t just want time. Make time! If you need motivation, Keller Williams offers support to their associates seeking to pursue and maintain their wellbeing. 

BOLD Law: “Do What You’ve Always Done and You’ll Get What You’ve Always Gotten”

What does your day look like? Are you planning on knocking out your lead generation in the morning so you can spend the afternoon running errands, catching up on personal stuff or maybe even napping?

That’s what BOLD coach Kate Patulski did when she first got into real estate. Like many people, she was drawn to the career for its freedom, flexibility and wealth opportunities, but that was before she learned this lesson:

Freedom plus flexibility does not equal success.

Just because real estate gives you the flexibility and freedom to indulge in an afternoon nap doesn’t mean you should. That is, unless you want the same results you’re getting now. As the BOLD Law states, “Do you what you’ve always done and you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”

Pinpoint the activities you do again and again but keep expecting new results from. Write them down, so you know what’s holding you back. BOLD teaches you to be purposeful by adding intentional activities over time. “Anything done over small increments will lead you to huge results,” Patulski says. Give yourself structure and discipline, and get results you never imagined.

Below Patulski explains more about this BOLD Law.

Ca$shing in on the myKW Technology Toolbox

Coming to Salt Lake City September 10, 2014       Ca$hing in on the myKW      Technology Toolbox Training Information: SEATING IS LIMITED SO MAKE SURE TO REGISTER TODAY! Early Bird Registration:  FREE! Instructor:  Beth Torrence Date:  September 10, 2014 Time:  9:00 am - 4:30 pm            (8:30 am check-in) Location:  Salt Lake Board of Realtors 230 W. Towne Ridge Parkway, Sandy Deadline to register is September 5, 2014 The myKW technology toolbox is your go-to resource for getting started with the Keller Williams technology. • Profiting from the KW Lead Network • Your THREE KW websites and how they can work together to capture more leads • Put the Power of KWLS to work for you: Syndicating your listings thru KWLS • Converting leads with eEdge On The Go • Setting up and Marketing Your KW Mobile App • Using KW Video to convert leads • The power of Google Apps for Business Since launching the rst KW office in the state of Tennessee in 2001, Beth has seen the KW organization through the eyes of an agent, ALC member, recruiter, market center coach, trainer, owner/investor, MAPS Coach and KWU Instructor, giving her a broad and unique perspective on the inner workings, challenges and needs of the local office. A member of the Keller Williams International Master Faculty, she she is one of only a handful of eEdge trainers at Keller Williams and conducted the very first eEdge breakout session at Family Reunion in 2011.  After developing eEdge courses for agents and Leadership, she spent several months touring the country conducting the nationwide eEdge Ambassador Train the Trainer program, the eEdge Spotlight Tour for Agents, and the eEdge Spotlight Tour for Leadership.