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We recently attended the 2014 CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) Sell-a-bration Conference in San Diego. As in years past, we left with a deeper understanding of our business, our clients, and a sense of inspiration. We again re-affirmed the value we place on building lasting personal connections with our clients.
The CRS conference is a whirlwind weekend of networking, speakers, classes, and workshops for Certified Residential Specialists. We attend the conference every year for the knowledge and insight we gain, as well as Heidi holds the distinct honor of being the Northern California Chapter’s Program Chair. This year, we found a common theme among every speaker, class and session: return to the basic value of building strong personal connections. We seek to practice this every day, and view it as a basic foundation of our business relationships.
It isn’t always enough to create and promote an outstanding service. A person’s sales approach matters just as much as what s/he is selling. Successfully creating a personal connection with each client is the hallmark of a successful real estate professional. We are driven by connecting with clients in genuine and personal ways, building relationships and helping to guide their property transactions smoothly and capably. Getting our home seller clients the best possible price and managing the search for our homebuyer clients’ dream homes – these are goals we strive to achieve in every client relationship.
You often hear that social media is replacing face-to-face connections, because we are able to relay often-personal information through these fast paced platforms. However, we see social media as more of a follow up to an existing or ongoing conversation, and an affirmation of the value we provide. Following a formula of 90% face-to-face connection/authentic conversation and 10% social media gives our clients and us the satisfaction of quality service and the reliability of a genuine relationship. The act of buying or selling real estate is often emotionally charged. The majority of people rightfully expect to experience the journey with someone they know and trust – and this suits us just fine!
For decades, real estate agents have relied on personal referrals. A friend, friends of a friend, a family member, or even someone’s dentist – clients come from established relationships built on a foundation of trust. The referral system is the entrance for new relationships, but the value placed on developing that relationship and earning someone’s trust thereafter it is what really builds strong and successful businesses.
We will continue to attend the annual CRS conferences to be exposed to the latest technology, real estate education and effective processes; but most importantly, we will keep doing what we do best – building strong and meaningful connections with you
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