Q: Denise, I understand you encourage people to have a “word” or an overarching theme for 2016. Can you tell me more about that?
A: Having a word for your year is similar to having a short-term mission statement. The word needs to be easy to remember and utilize when making decisions about your business.
For example, I was just talking with one of my clients today about her word. She is looking to grow with a team in 2016. However, I know that with this particular agent, if she grows without structure, she is going to sacrifice her family time and increase her stress level exponentially. Therefore, I suggested her word for 2016 was rules. Rules for working with buyers. Rules for working with sellers. Rules for who was going to handle the various tasks in her business. If she lays down those rules now, she can grow in a very strategic manner.
As she goes through her year, if she is asked to work with an out-of-area buyer, she just needs to refer mentally to her rules for buyers. If it is out of the area, her rule might be to refer it.
Some other words my clients are using in 2016 include: “focus”, “empowered”, and even “own it”!
What is your word for 2016? Share it here!
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Denise,
I was at the Coldwell Banker Danforth meeting yesterday, and I have a question for you that I was meaning to ask you but did not have the chance. I was wondering if you could shed some light on a recent trend I have been noticing. I have 21 multi-family units in Ballard. They are a mix of 0ne and two bedrooms. When I advertise the one bedrooms I have more applications than I can handle as soon as I advertise. When I advertise the two bedrooms I have a much harder time renting them. For example, I just rented in one day a 1 bedroom apartment (approximately 600 sq ft)in a 50’s style building with some updates for $1095 per month. I have been advertising at huge 2 bedroom at 1100 sq ft at $1650 per month and have got very little response. So I just lowered the price to $1595 to try and rent it for February and I have gotten no response. This does not make any sense to me. I am the best priced 2 bedroom on the market and am getting no takers. Is the young generation so intent on living alone that they are willing to pay $1000 per month for a 150 sq ft micro studio, but won’t share a two bedroom for a large savings?
I would love to get your take on this.
Thank you!
Jon
Hi Jonathon, thank you so much for asking this question. Right now , especially in the Seattle area there is a very high demand for one bedroom units. The funny thing is that those looking for one bedroom units aren’t paying attention to the fact that there is some really good 2 bedroom product out there. The other thing I suggest you do is when you advertise, talk about the features of the unit and if when you advertise you might want to advertise it as a one bedroom with an office, you might have better luck. Thank you for sharing this with me. Denise