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My most meaningful conversations with Clint Miller was never about real estate or business.  It was always about our families.  We had some things in common,  I raised boys and he has two, there was no doubt in my mind, Clint was a prankster, a joker and told it like it was.  I’ll tell you right now raising boys as a mother is not an easy job..I would do it again in a heart beat.  One thing we always had together was a lot of laughter, many pranks and yes, we all thought we were comedians.  I think it comes with the territory being a mother or father to sons.

@therealclint

I cannot tell you how Clint Miller and I actually started talking but I do know he was one of my first twitter followers or at least one of the most memorable.  We rarely talked about business but about our sons, the fact he was from Montana and how my parents love it there!  We even joked about having the same last name. But my most memorable conversation was about Montana Moose Poop, a gift from my parents.

The Terwilligers

The great thing about my parents when they went on their vacation adventures  is that they would always bring things back for us.  It has been a tradition since we were little kids.  So here is what those pranksters did…

So one year for Christmas my parents gave me a clear clear box and it appeared to look like chocolate but when I read the touristy box it said it was Montana Moose Poop. I thought to myself, yum raisinettes…my favorite but boy was I wrong.

I never took the time to read the box but I did open it and threw one in my mouth…it wasn’t raisinettes but little rocks that resemble moose poop.  My parents knew I would probably do that..I am lucky after biting down that I didn’t lose a tooth.  I told my parents..they laughed hearty and so did I.

When I first started chatting with @therealclint, I wanted to know so much about Montana because my parents loved it so much and I had never been. As silly as this sounds, I shared the story with Clint,we both wondered if his boys would fall for it. I had considered mailing it to him..but I never did..I think we decided chances were they would try to eat it!  Damn it twitter, I wish u had a timeline.

We continued to chat on twitter but my time on twitter dwindled down..too many social networks, too little time…I tuned out twitter for a bit…every now and then I would jump back on and say hello to Clint.  When he responded back..I felt pretty lucky..and it meant a lot..

Out of all the conversations I have had on twitter, this stuck out in my mind. It involved all the people that I loved because when I talked to Clint Miller he had that knack to get people to talk about what was important…life..family..and really living ..I always admired the man and I always knew he was an incredible father, husband and man.

I’ll miss Clint and I let him know just what his existence has meant to me..I didn’t have to talk to him everyday or be connected everywhere..because when he spoke the words meant something….and I made a promise to myself and to Clint…

“I want you to know…you have impacted many lives, including mine…..I won’t squander another day, hour or minute on the things that really aren’t that important..but what I will do is live life filled with love and joy.”

Every day I try….Its a tall order..life sometimes bring tears..I cry for his family and friends..

If Clint did one thing, he taught me there is more to life..its living it while you are here and being present and in the now. Your ticket could be up at any time..don’t waste time..use your time on the important stuff.  Living life and  impacting people and the legacy you leave behind. Everyone leaves a legacy impactful or not!

The loss of Clint Miller has deeply impacted me, maybe as I pay attention to my own mortality I find myself more aware of how I treat people and see life and try hard to do the right thing.

Clint Miller was the master at teaching lessons..boy he left a legacy not only did he live strong…the man knew how to live out loud!

To The Millers

Kids your dad was a wonderful man..he impacted many and he was so very loved!  He has touched many lives and lives in each and everyone one of us. Your dad loved you so!

The one thing I am sure of..with the legacy he left…. Clint Miller lives on. Truthfully the kind of guy Clint Miller was..not sure he would want to rest rest in peace.. but I will say it anyways…

Rest in peace Clint..I don’t know it sure doesn’t sound right.. the way I saw him…its more like Clint Miller lives on!  #weloveclint

Agents come to me often…maybe their career is not going in the direction they want it…or maybe they just do not know where to start…

There are a few simple things that might help an agent to go from mediocre to great….and often times it doesn’t come from a real estate designation…or some expensive training class.  You READY?

Three basic things you should do for yourself..forget about Continued Education hours…for now..think about this.

Every year most board of REALTORS change their

• MLS systems with enhancements and tools
• Contracts usually change
• Listing agreements and attachments sometimes change

If your REALTOR board offers these types of classes annually think about taking them.  I know every year most top agents review their expenses and the tools they use.  Consider taking classes to find out how to use the vital tools in your business…a better understanding of sales contracts and listing agreements.

Often times when I ask agents about their mls…in most cases they do not want to sit through a boring class…yet they do not understand or know all of the pieces to make effective CMA’s or are not aware of the free tools right at their fingertips…in reality its not free..you join the board…and have education at your fingertips..yes its not glamourous but it sure is vital.

Sometimes the mls tools allow you to cut costs in areas of marketing and connecting.  Many mls systems offer a way to stay in touch with your customer or offer fabulous mapping features and usually make changes throughout the year.

A professional real estate agent should be able to recite and explain the listing agreement and sales contract with their eyes closed..in layman terms…its kind like a professional athlete or celebrity…you have to know your moves…and your lines…otherwise..you appear amateur.

Why do some agents opt to skip the basics?  I don’t know but it happens…..and usually one of the first recommendations that I make…is take them!

Midori Miller trains real estate professionals | writes for IWMonline.com and is a ghostwriter.  If you found this post useful…please subscribe!

That’s right we are professionals, you don’t see a doctor performing surgery without a patient consultation. Why would you even consider marketing a property without a proper consultation?

• Take adequate time – Sit, listen and learn and base your marketing strategy on the seller’s needs.  Be upfront, be direct and be really honest but more than anything listen and probe!
• Inform them – Of all the negative things that can happen, a true consultation is the good, the bad and the ugly.  This way if anything bad should happen the seller will not be so surprised and you will already be prepared with your backup marketing plan! People tend to be more understanding, when they UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE SELLING PROCESS! Warn the seller, be ready for a bumpy ride it’s not over until they get their check!
• Kill the stereotype – We are not just sales people we transform lives. We unite many people together with the same goal in mind and that is to buy, sell or lease real estate. Our profession is important to our country.  Not only do we help buyers and sellers and landlords and tenants, we have always played a key role in society and the economy.  We will continue to do so only if the public demands it.  The only way to kill the stereotype, “Talk the talk and walk the walk, live by the GOLDEN RULE!
• Demand total cooperation - It doesn’t mean it has to be your way, everyone must do their part!  We are dealing with people, understand that flexibility is a must. Your primary function is to market the property to everyone and anyone. Make sure your marketing efforts will not be wasted because of the seller’s expectations.
• If they do not need to sell, don’t list it – Have the guts to walk away. Run from the overpriced listings.   Imagine if each real estate professional in the country made a personal promise to themselves not to take overpriced listings and actually did it, how quickly our real estate inventory would dwindle down.  We tend to commend people for not taking overpriced listings but the bottom line is “It’s our job!”
• Stick with what you know -  If you do not specialize in the type of service that they need, refer it out!  This is not the time to experiment on a seller, there are just too many properties on the market today. Put yourself in their shoes!  How would you feel if I was your agent on your pre-foreclosure property and had no experience in doing so?  Scary.
• Do your homework and present the facts -  Make a commitment to list a property based on the facts.  I definitely do not want to be known as the “nice agent” who could not sell the house.  I would rather be known as the Serious Marketing Expert, who got the job done.
• Realize many seller’s will not be happy – It’s our job to remind them what their mission is, that means respect how they feel but keep them moving toward to their new destination.
• Be highly involved throughout the selling process - Keep in touch.  A transaction changes hour by hour, remember you’re a team, so when someone drops the ball, pick it up and pass it to the next team-mate, that means get rid of the “It ain’t my job man!” mentality.  Your job is to get the seller where they need to be, that means, get over the lazy mortgage broker or that “bad, bad other real estate agent,” do what needs to get done to get one step closer to another successful closing.  The way you treat today’s business will have a direct impact on your future business.

Remember that sellers are looking for leadership.   “Walk the walk, talk the talk!” and lead by example. Remind them why they hired you in the first place…..

Its that time of year again to revamp your marketing plan | listing proposal | listing presentation. Whatever you call it one thing is certain as a real estate agent you must present value for your real estate services.

What Does Your Website Do?

If you are a point2agent user you might have seen this slide.  If not you can obtain it through point2agent.

It shows how your personal website offers syndication of your customers real estate listing. It’s an awesome addition to your listing presentation.

Edit and create your own!

Notice the personalized touch!  Hope you found this tip useful and if so please subscribe or pass it on!