Florida Realtor Smart Start
The e-Newsletter for New Florida Realtors ®

Sell Yourself Sell Yourself
E-market yourself to corral new clients

More than 75% of today’s buyers begin their home search on the Internet.  Sellers check out associates’ Web sites to see how their homes will be promoted. So, an effective e-marketing strategy can pay big dividends by helping you attract new clients. That means starting with the basics of goal-setting and budgeting — but it also involves “packaging” your Web site correctly and creating “microsites” that target specific neighborhoods and communities. Rookie salesperson Jeff Porter got this advice and more from Dan Gooder Richard, one of the nation’s leading Internet consultants.Read more. 

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Manage Your BusinessManage Your Business
Ensure successful closings

When your client signs a sales contract, it’s your job to keep the transaction moving toward a smooth and successful closing. Even if unexpected obstacles occur — like financing or inspection difficulties — staying on top of the process is the best way to keep your client happy, and receive your commission.  For example, pick up the phone and touch base often with the lender, title company, attorney or inspector — and offer your assistance if necessary.  Nine more tips.

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Success StoriesSuccess Stories
First things first


Patti Brotherton, veteran broker and founder of PAB Performance Partners, offers how-to advice for getting your shiny new real estate career going — knowing your contracts, holding open houses and getting customers. For instance, if you’re wondering how to reach Hispanic clients in your community, maybe you should brush up on your Spanish skills or form a partnership with a Hispanic agent. Read more…

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Learn to EarnLearn to Earn
Go international

In Florida, international buyers were involved in 15 percent of all sales in 2007. Thanks to the weak dollar, which makes Florida homes a true bargain for many Canadians and Europeans, that percentage is expected to keep rising. FAR’s 3-credit continuing education course, “Expand Your Market,” will show you how to reach this affluent, growing market. Download the education catalog here.

Member Benefit
Education courses power success
Learning is one of the be≠st ways to increase your earning power. And as an FAR member, you have convenient access to courses on almost every aspect of your career: sales and marketing, budgeting, client service and timely issues. You can also earn a specialty designation giving you added credibility with clients. Explore your Realtor education options.

News & Events
Legislature Tackles Real Estate Issues
Who says a tight budget year ruins a perfectly good legislative agenda? When the 2008 Legislature adjourned, FAR lobbyists counted numerous law changes that will benefit property owners, renters and the real estate market in general. Read more...

Ethics Tips
REALTORS® acting as exclusive agents or brokers of sellers/ landlords, establish the terms and conditions of offers to cooperate. Unless expressly indicated in offers to cooperate, cooperating brokers may not assume that the offer of cooperation includes an offer of compensation. See NAR Code of Ethics & Standards 3.1.

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© 2008 Florida Association of Realtors ®