Keller Williams Realty Tops JD Power Survey Again!

According to a recent article from Inman News, J.D. Power and Associates has found Keller Williams Realty to be the consumer's favorite when purchasing a new home.

For the second year in a row, Buyers have rated Keller Williams Realty higher than any other real estate company for meeting their needs and providing access to the extra services they are looking for.

To learn how the surveys are conducted and more details on the results, go HERE.

Changes to settlement procedures you need to know!

Beginning 8/1/2009 the Federal Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act (MDIA) goes into effect and applies to all mortgage loan applications dated 8/1/2009 and beyond.

Basically, purchase borrowers will now have the same protection as refinance borrowers creating a 3 day period to understand exactly what is expected at settlement regarding closing costs.

Changes from the initial Good Faith Estimate of Settlement Costs to the final HUD 1 regarding the following items must be redisclosed no less than 3 days prior to settlement:

* Origination and discount points

* Appraisal and reinspection fees

* Credit report fees

* Flood Certification fees

* Tax service fees

* Commitment fees

* Processing fees

* Underwriting fees

* Transfer and Recordation fees

* Realtor Admin. Fees


The Federal Government is making sure borrowers cannot get "jammed at settlement" with new fees and forced to close. Borrowers now have 3 days to understand any fee changes before settlement. This is a good move since it levels the playing field and gets rid of unethical practices by unscrupulous lenders.


It is very important you work with your lenders and supply them with all the information regarding any and all Admin fees that will be charged at settlement so no one gets left short at the table.

This information was provided by my friends at MPOINT Mortgage:

Adrian Cox

Erika Zabell

Thank you!

Upcoming Class: Strengthen Your Personal Brand Through Social Media & Digital Video

In Real Estate, it has been proven over and over that it is a "local" business where your success is influenced by your local sphere of influence and whether or not they think of YOU when they think of real estate. So how does a world-wide internet presence benefit you?

If you're not purposeful in your approach, it won't! The goal of your web-based media needs to be focused on Branding. Properly executed, your online presence will create and strengthen your personal brand - keeping the necessary mindshare with your intended audience.

Makes sense, right? Now we're back to the old stumbling block 'how to implement'.

Enter Brody and Kurt. Brody is a local branding and social media guru who will discuss with us the best tactics in using Social Media to promote your brand. Kurt owns a local production company (clients include: Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, World Relief, Mission to the World, Erickson Retirement Communities, and many more) and will discuss the power of digital video as a branding tool. You will learn how to create media that becomes 'viral' in nature and uses your network to continually promote you.

Class is in our Ellicott City Market Center, immediately following our Team Meeting, on Wednesday, August 5th. (11:00 am)

RSVP to reserve your seat HERE!

Are Social Media Tools Relevant to SEO?

Great blog post on how to effectively utilize Social Media for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and perspective on other benefits.
Are Social Media Tools Relevant to SEO?

Not So Miscellaneous Addenda!

Our Maryland Real Estate contracts have grown over the years as lawsuits have forced Buyers and Sellers to continuously cover themselves with more specific addenda to suit every possibility.

Which one do you use and when??

Join us as 14-year real estate veteran, Ed Hurley (PhD), delves into the ins and outs of Contract Addenda.

This Tuesday, July 14, from 1:30 to 3:00 and again from 6:00 to 7:30pm. Class is held right here in our Market Center.

Contact Sherine Blahnik to reserve your seat!

Making More Money In The 3rd Quarter!

In the 2nd Quarter, the real estate industry received a much needed boost of activity. For the first time in many months we are beginning to hear positive news [CNBC article] about hopes for a recovery.



It seems we are nearer the end than the beginning of the depressed housing market - but it is certainly far from over. Your actions in the 3rd Quarter and beyond may very well shape the future of your entire real estate business!



This is a time of opportunity, and by the time most Realtors have figured out how to react the landscape will have changed drastically. It's not too late to boost your commission income during the current market and to set the building blocks for a phenominally successful near-future business!



In the 2nd Quarter, we focused on creating and maintaining a positive mindset, we built a solid business plan, we implemented systems for each area of our business, we began a leveraged lead-generation strategy, and we lay the groundwork for building a strong social network.



If you missed any of the classes above - don't worry - we'll be covering those topics again in the 4th Quarter (you may also contact me for information on receiving the material or a course schedule from one of our other offices).



What next? Well, in the 3rd Quarter we are building on our solid foundation a business that connects with the needs of today's customers.

We will utilize the latest technology to communicate efficiently and effectively with the greatest number of people. We will sharpen our industry knowledge to better protect and serve our customers. We will also utilize best practices to build our business "teams" with the industry's best talent in every related service area.

Topics will include:
Using HD Video/Digital Media
Building and Maintaining a Strong Brand
Advanced Website Tools
Agents In Action: KW Connect
What Makes a Great BPO?
Marketing, Flyers & Drip Campaigns
Contracts I & II
Social Networking as Lead Generation
Proven Lead Generation Tactics

All Realtors are welcome to join us - please RSVP to Sherine Blahnik , our Agent Services Coordinator, to reserve your seat. You may also sign in as a guest on our intranet site to view our full training calendar.