The other day she calls me and says in a thick accent,

“Are you still able to feed yourself? Why are you still in Real Estate.”

I asked why, and she proceeds, “I keep reading in the paper that the market is tanking.”

I assure her that even though gas prices are higher I have just enough to still buy food.

Three years ago if you said you were a Realtor, it was like E.F. Hutton. Strangers would be caught listening in and people were impressed. (sidenote: I got stuck bookless once and picked up a 1993 book by Peter Lynch of Fidelity. I loved his insight saying that the market turns down not when he starts getting advice from friends or his dentist, but when he starts considering following their advice!)

Today it isn’t just my grandmother, but others cringe or feel bad that I am in Real Estate.

But after I use the pity to get a free beer, I tell them that business is doing great!

The weekend warriors [agents] all packed up and went home. Fewer agents and the explosion of the blogging world and things are great.

Nah, I’m not making a “killing,” but don’t want to be. I like a balanced life.

Did you know I get 80% of my business from this blog, and I get to be picky and take on fun and great clients!

BUT I am pretty bad with the initial contacts. In part since I get so many bogus requests. But once a match is made, they get my full attention… and my cell phone number. (see, Sorry, I don’t answer my cell… unless)

For example, just the other day I got an email from somebody that already spit out 2 Realtors. Why I can see one being lazy, but 2? My bet was it was an unrealistic client and I don’t have time to find them the impossible.

Another barely remotely related story, I was using my new live chat feature (on Blog.FranklyRealty.com) with somebody at 1 AM the other night (It tells you if I am online). We were chatting and I was talking her out of building a home in McLean (where I grew up) and how it would cost more etc.

Then she told me she had a bad experience with her former Realtor with her last home. I then asked “Was it a rebate company?” to which she was amazed that I was dead on! (disclaimer: Rebater does not = bad, see my blog where I say “I used to rebate, but then I got good“).

Then she proceeds to tell me that during this round of buying she is disappointed in her current Realtor. Especially her lack of a financial understanding to which I asked… “Let me guess,” and she said “Oh no, not again,” and

I said “So is it a cousin or aunt Realtor?” Bingo! Deal or No Deal! “Yes” She was amazed. That will have to be for another post, “But My Cousin is a Realtor.” (make sure you subscribe to not miss it!)

What does this have to do with my grandmother thinking I’m broke? I dunno. Probably somehow, but I forgot.

Anyhow, business is great.

I just wanted you to know that you aren’t the only one looking online to hire a Realtor… And heck for those that say it isn’t personal enough, I found my fiancée Carrie (as of last week) via match.com, so why not a Realtor?

-Written by Frank Borges LL0SA- Broker FranklyRealty.com(please report typos)

No other indicators from NAR or the government have been as accurate as the proof that I have. I found a 100% correlation!

When My MOM SELLS, THE MARKET SKYROCKETS shortly thereafter!

The chart to the left is factual. Actual points when my Mom has sold her property.

The last arrow is from a recent listing which is now under contract. (see listing, check out the photos and collages).

So there you have it. No more need to think. I have always been against the NAR campaign that says “Buy Now,” but now I can show proof that NOW is the time to buy! That market is going UP UP UP!

Thanks Mom, for taking one for the team and helping us all out by single handedly turning markets around!

For my previous prediction on the EXACT best day to buy, read my Market Timing post.

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- Written by Frank Borges LL0SA- Broker FranklyRealty.com

p.s. Please report typos

So I’d like to salute the creative and ask for submissions for the cheesiest Realtor slogan

out there and in use (no made up ones please). Once we hit 25 people posting submissions or May 1st, we will issue a $50 Gift Card to Home Depot for the best posting. Either I’ll pick the best or pick a run off that will be voted on.

To start you off, I have found the following slogans:

• “Doing Things For You Only #1 Can Do!”
  What the heck does this mean??

• “We know where you live.”
  Wow, this one is gonna be hard to beat. This would creep me out!

Please forward this to your friends if you think they would agree. But don’t spam them. Post the slogan here under “comments” or email me if you have a photo of the slogan in action. I don’t want to make direct fun of particular people so I will edit out their names.