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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781463423377 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | AuthorHouse |
| Publication date: | 08/09/2011 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| File size: | 3 MB |
Read an Excerpt
My Journey As A Realtor
By Pat Morrell-Donnelly
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Pat Morrell-DonnellyAll right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4634-2338-4
Chapter One
MY JOURNEY
As it is with any journey it never leaves you the same as where you started.
For over fifty one years my life was real estate. It's been said you have to "eat, sleep, and breathe" real estate to really be a success. No doubt there can be exceptions. But it isn't an eight hour a day, five days a week, job.
In this business I believe only the strong and tenacious will survive for very long. It is a constant learning experience. You learn from your mistakes, and your experiences make you wiser. Problems take their toll, but they serve to make you stronger. They make you who you are.
The changes from beginning to end were enormous. To agents that started their career in the fifties and sixties the technology used today would have been inconceivable. Things have changed in the last three plus years since I am no longer active in the business. I do still maintain an active license.
One thing that has never changed, and should never change, is the service you give to your clients. Keeping up with changes in the industry allows you to do a better job of serving your clients. You should keep your client constantly informed. If you do not, when problems arise your clients may end up unhappy with you.
Working together to solve the problems, which inevitably you will face, and staying in touch with your client is a "must." Return their phone calls as soon as possible. This is the downfall of some agents.
Through these many long years I have had the privilege of helping many families purchase homes and investment properties. Some of my clients are still residing in those homes twenty and thirty plus years later.
Some of my clients that I assisted with their real estate purchase had children that grew up, married, and then I helped them with their home purchase. A few years ago I sold a home for my clients that had purchased their home through me thirty five years previously. I believe it was Zig Zigler that said, "If you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want."
Over the years I wrote articles and poems that were published in our real estate board's newsletters, The "REAL-TORO," "SACBOR TODAY," and "S.A.C.A.R. REALTOR GUIDE." Some of my poems were read at different functions such our "Ole Timer's Survivor's Party." Some of these articles and poems I have included in this book.
In 1979 I started writing a book about some of my experiences in real estate called, "So You Want To Sell Real Estate." In 1980 I filed it away. Only recently I opened up the manuscript again and decided it might be of interest, at least to some, who have been through some of the same challenges. Thus, my decision to complete the book.
It will include stories of experiences before 1980, as memory serves me. So, when reading that portion you should keep in mind those thoughts were written about events that occurred 1980 and before.
Also, it includes some "Thoughts To Ponder," which are "sayings" and motivational thoughts. Most of these are not my original sayings, but came from the many seminars and meetings I attended.
On my journey there have been "highs and lows." Interest rates have gone up and down. Markets have been good and bad. There have been down cycles and up cycles, weak markets and strong markets. Our "task" has always been to keep up with the constant changes that occur and are on going.
We typed paper work on a typewriter with sheets of carbon paper. As contracts grew in pages and more and more disclosure statements were required our folders grew to inches thick.
Today, a Good Faith Statement can be created in just minutes. When on the road you can obtain e-mail, view listings, and check properties. You can use DocuSign for electronic signatures. There are iphones, BlackBerries, and all sorts of new technology available.
Zipform6 offers comprehensive document storage solutions. You can create and apply a template for a purchase or listing transaction, printing and e-mailing forms. Things seem to change before your very eyes.
Years ago the possibility of agents accessing property information over the phone would have been unimaginable. Who would ever have thought there would be such a thing as a cell phone, or a computer.
When I first started in real estate the wife's income could not be counted or used toward qualifying for a loan. There were some cases if she was past bearing age, or was a nurse, it was allowed.
We had one page contracts/ deposit receipts. (An offer to purchase is not a contract until both the buyer and seller have signed the deposit receipt. Then it becomes a contract.) If any changes were made on the deposit receipt form we crossed out the item and both parties initialed the change. The same with the listing contract agreement. It was a small, one page form (used in our office) and that one page served as our listing agreement. (O for the "good old days.")
Our listings were filed in a box under "for sale/active," "sold," "pending," and "expired." We received sheets of listings that we tore apart and filed. Later our real estate board started producing huge, thick books containing our listings. It seemed by the time we received the books they were out of date. Finally, the age of the computer.
Years ago we didn't have all the disclosure forms to fill out and contend with. As time went by it became very costly to pay for all the many forms that were needed and required for each transaction.
Our files became larger and thicker as contracts grew from one page to seven and eight pages, plus all the disclosure statements and all the other paper work. Today forms can be kept in the computer. Even in the past three years there have been unbelievable changes in our paperwork.
When I entered the business as a new agent there were very few women working in real estate. I was young. I had done office work, modeling, and originally started work at a Cake and Company in Oakland, California at the age of fourteen. My aunt knew the lady who was head of Personnel that gave me the job, because I was supposed to have been sixteen to work there. I worked four hours and attended school four hours a day. Also, I worked Saturdays and holidays and summers.
It was my belief that if you wanted anything in life you had to work for it. There was no welfare, Section 8 housing, or food stamps. It was up to individuals to take care of themselves with no help from the government. Things have certainly changed.
I graduated high school at age sixteen, then I was able to work full time. I got a job as a receptionist in Officer Personnel at Naval Air Station, Alameda, Ca.
However, I wanted to do something different so I went to a real estate school in Berkeley, studied (with the help of my dear mother,) passed the real estate exam and obtained my license.
I immediately went to work for a broker in Castro Valley, Ca. who had been referred to me. I was one of two agents working there, plus the broker.
In 1957 I went to work for a broker in Hayward, Ca. that at one time had three offices and a number of sales people. Every Monday morning we attended a sales meeting that our broker held. He always kept us abreast of what was going on as far as interest rates, lender requirements, plus to help motivate us to get out and make sales and obtain listings.
At that time we were allowed to fill out the loan documents for buyers. Later, lenders put a stop to that and only those working for banks and loan/mortgage companies were allowed to fill out the applications and order verification of employment, and verification of deposit.
We held homes open, knocked on endless doors, spent hours and hours on the phone, sometimes calling from the reverse directory. We "covered the floor," as we called it. We took "floor" time. In those days, as agents, we worked together and helped get each other's listings sold. We had "caravans" going on tour looking at homes/listings.
That was before agents started "farming." Farming is working special areas, sometimes almost exclusively, inundating the home owners with cards, letters, small gifts, and the agents presence.
Mostly, the agents I worked with were ambitious and full of optimism. We attended seminars and went to real estate conventions. We went to meetings, listened to motivational speakers, listened to positive thinking/motivational tapes, and read books on how to attain success. The opportunities were out there if we would just "push open the door of opportunity."
After working a few years as a sales agent for that broker, in 1964 I studied for, and passed the test required to get my broker's license. Then, at that time, after paying the $500.00 fee required by our real estate board to join as a broker member, I became a Realtor.
In 1965 I opened my own office. Back then you could only use the term "Realtor" if you were a broker and paid the required fee to the real estate board. That has since changed and all agents are now allowed to use the term "Realtor."
Again, agents used "Realtor-associate" because they were not allowed to use the name/term "Realtor" without having received their broker's license and being a board member. They also advertised that they were "broker-associates."
The term "Realtor" is a registered trademark, copyrighted, and denotes competence, fair dealing, and high integrity, resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct in business relations. We are members of our Board of Realtors, State (in my case California) Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors.
The National Association of Realtors was originally founded in Chicago In 1917. California adopted the first real estate license law. Since then all states have enacted license laws. In around 1923 one of the first text books on real estate was published.
My personal commitment was to always give quality service as best I could, staying on top of changes in the law and sharing my years of experience as time and things changed.
Also, to help clients attain their dream of home ownership, the "American Dream" as it is called. And, to "go the extra mile" to help clients reach their goals and build an estate for themselves and their children.
THE REALTOR'S PLEDGE
I am a Realtor, I pledge myself
To protect the individual right of real estate ownership and to widen the opportunity to enjoy it.
To be honorable and honest in all dealings.
To seek better to represent my clients by building my knowledge and competence.
To act fairly towards all in the spirit of the Golden Rule.
To serve well my community, and through it my country.
To observe the Realtor's Code of Ethics and conform my conduct to it's lofty ideals.
Miscellaneous Articles
LEON RECTOR
2/7/1984
Leon Rector is thought of by many in the real estate business as an "Ole timer." Of course, this is speaking about his longevity in the real estate industry. Actually, he is very young in spirit and heart.
But more than this Leon is a "Survivor." He has survived the ups and downs, the highs and lows, and the "bumpy roads." He has survived what we all face from time to time, "rejection," insecurity, and monumental challenges. All these make up the life of a real estate professional.
However, I'm sure Leon would say, aside from all the negatives, he has seen good times and has been able to prosper. He has enjoyed and been blessed with a good life. This is portrayed by his friendliness and ready smile.
Also, I'm sure he appreciates the opportunities which have allowed him to help so many with their real estate needs. By acting on those opportunities, plus lots of hard work, he has assisted many clients in reaching their goals and helped make their future more secure, financially.
In a sense he has been an influence in the lives of his clients as well as their children and generations to follow. Many of us do not give thought to the number of lives we touch and influence.
The key to success is "service," says Leon. This brings repeat business, old customers coming back, as well as referring their family and friends. This is the best kind of business, and sure beats "beating the bushes."
Leon was born in Stanford, Texas. He had to be a strong individual, made out of "tough material" to have survived some of the Texas weather you hear about. He spent part of his childhood in Chowchilla, Ca. Leon, and his wife, Georgia, have been married fifty seven years and have two sons.
Leon entered real estate in 1945 and established Rector Realty in 1949. He has been active in the Chamber of Commerce, a member of Farm and Land Brokers, Past President of Eden Township Insurance Agents Association, and Vice President of the Trader's Club.
He has served as a Director of SACBOR, and also served on the Budget and Finance Committee, Grievance, Arbitration, Public Relations, and Industrial and Exchange Committee. He has also served as a Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward.
Whenever anyone from the board (our Board of Realtors) calls Leon for help he is always there, smiling and cheerful and ready to contribute his time, talents, and abilities. He has devoted most of his life to real estate. He hasn't just "taken" from it, but has contributed and given back to his profession.
To have survived and lasted all these years Leon must have viewed the problems he encountered not as "stumbling blocks," but as "stepping stones." He has "paid the price" for success.
Some time ago Leon received his honorary life membership in SACBOR. (Southern Alameda County Board Of Realtors.) No doubt he learned early in life that by "helping others get what they want, you'll get what you want."
There is within each individual a gold mine of limitless possibilities. By sharing his abilities and "being of service" to others he has enriched the lives of many. I'm sure, in return, his own cup has been "filled to overflowing."
And, we are fortunate to have such a man as Leon in our board to serve as an example, to "be there for others," and give freely his most important asset, "himself."
ONE REALTOR'S POINT OF VIEW "RUNNING THE ESCROW"
4/15/1998
For an agent receiving an accepted offer to purchase a property, whether you have written the offer or another agent has written an offer on one of your listings, it is a "rush," it is a "high." You have a job to do. Your work is cut out for you. The challenge begins.
Closing an escrow is like putting together a puzzle. They are all different. Some are more difficult than others. Some are more time consuming. Some have more pieces to put in place.
It's a "hands on" situation every step of the way. It's solving all the problems and working with all parties involved until the escrow is closed.
Every client and every escrow is different. Often the agent takes for granted the client, be it a buyer or seller, knows and understands more of the process than they actually do.
The client has certain beliefs, expectations, and preconceived ideas. The agent needs to be constantly aware and attuned to that client's worries, fears, and concerns.
Things happen. The agent may get blamed, (like we brought termites and put them under the client's home.) This is the extreme, of course. But seller's do get upset when they find out about the huge amount it will cost to get rid of termites, repair bathrooms, fascia boards, and dry rot.
It can be a stressful time for all. Sometimes, as hard as you try, there is no preparing the client for all the problems which may arise. And, sadly, there is no way to please all of the people all of the time.
You have buyers, sellers, title companies, escrow officers, lenders, appraisers, termite/pest control companies, roofers, property inspectors, brokers, agents, and others, all involved in one escrow. Different personalities "come into play." You just do your best to "stay on top of the situation," and see it to it's completion.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from My Journey As A Realtor by Pat Morrell-Donnelly Copyright © 2011 by Pat Morrell-Donnelly. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
My Journey....................1The Realtor's Pledge....................7
1984....................8
Dare To Reach Beyond....................9
Richard C. Farrer....................10
Peppy Mayor....................12
Pat Morrell....................14
Never Let Your Dreams Die....................15
Real Estate "Alive And Well"....................16
The 1-2-3 Of Selling Real Estate Today....................17
The Keys To Survival....................18
The "Other Side Of The Coin"....................19
The Realtor's Dilemma (Poem)....................21
To My Fellow Realtors (Poem)....................22
Herbert Way....................23
What I Could Have Been....................24
Camera Card....................25
Listings (Berry AVenue)....................26
Miss Realtor (9th Annual Golf Tournament) and Miss Realtor (Realtor Educational Course)....................27
Miss Realtor And Bud Brennan (Bud Designed Banner) Miss Realtor And Glen T. Noyes....................28
Miss Realtor....................29
Miss Realtor (Golfing Realtors) Harold Beebower, Bill Capps, And "Miss Realtor"....................30
Miss Realtor (13th Annual Party) Jim Vigil, Harold Beebower, And Bill Capps....................31
Miss Realtor (With Mayors)....................32
Pat—1965....................33
State Of California Notary Seal....................34
Letter From O'neil And Associates....................35
Letter From Bruce York....................36
Seems LikE Old Times (May 18, 1991)....................37
Leon Rector....................39
One Realtor's Point Of View "Running The Escrow"....................41
Public Protected By Realtor's Code Of Ethics....................44
Rags Or Riches....................46
Rainbows, Stars, And Miracles....................48
Regarding Loan Qualification....................51
Role Play Your Way To Success....................53
Succeeding And Surviving....................56
The Three D's To Success....................59
Thoughts To Ponder....................61
Tips For Preparing Your Home For Marketing....................63
Those Preconceived Ideas....................65
"Telling It The Way It Really Is"....................67
"The Good Old Days"....................72
"Starting Out Today"....................75
"Rejection"....................77
"More Frustrations"....................81
"Win Some—Lose Some"....................83
"Attend To Details"....................86
"The Unlucky One"....................87
"Love Thy Nosey Neighbor"....................88
"Over Protective Parents"....................89
"Beyond Your Control"....................91
"Problems, Problems, Problems"....................92
"Termites"....................96
"Close Of Escrow"....................98
"Buyer's And Seller's Remorse"....................101
"Staying In Touch"....................102
"Staying In Control"....................103
"The Follow Up"....................105
"Repeat And Referral Business"....................109
"Where There Is A Will"....................112
"Everyone Is Important"....................115
"The Secrets OF Success"....................117
"The Less Fortunate"....................120
"Open Your Eyes To Opportunities"....................123
"More On Leverage"....................126
"Negative Influences"....................128
"Goals"....................129
"Miracles Inside Us"....................131
"Thinking Creatively"....................132
"Don't Give Up On Your Dream"....................134
"Keep It Simple"....................136
"In Conclusion"....................137
A Dream....................140
A Treasure....................142
Attitude....................143
Be....................144
Be All You Can Be....................145
Being A Realtor....................146
California....................147
Cold Doors....................149
Design A Life....................151
Each Day....................152
Expect The Unexpected....................153
Follow Your Bliss....................155
Fulfill Your Dreams....................156
Gold In California....................157
Growth....................159
Home....................161
Homes....................162
Keep Dreaming....................164
Look To A New Beginning....................165
My Dear Fellow Realtor....................167
No Place Like Home....................169
On Your Way....................171
One Day....................172
Reaching The Top....................173
Real Estate....................174
Responsibility....................176
Stepping Stones....................177
Sweet Success....................179
Take Control....................180
The Business....................181
Tips....................182
You....................184
Your Destiny....................185
You're Worth It....................186
Final Thoughts....................187
The Spirit Of Free Enterprise....................191
Graduate Realtors Institute Of California Certificate....................192
"Survivors"....................193
Picture TaKen At "Old Timer's Survivor's" Get Together....................195