By Tom Branch, on July 28th, 2010 
As a business person, it is imperative for you to understand that only 35% of the reason people buy the products or services you offer is for the actual product or service itself.
The other 65% of the reason they buy is for what you can do or provide beyond the product or service, and what that product or service does for the customer.
In other words, if you are trying to sell your customers and prospects products and services, you are wasting your time. They are only 35% interested in products and services.
But they are 65% interested in the benefits of having you involved.
You see, chances are good that your customers and prospects can buy the same product or service (or at least comparable ones) from any one of several of your competitors.
And with that product or service, your competitor may offer a number of additional advantages as well.
They may have a lower price, better quality product, some added bonuses or extra services, a location that’s more convenient, or a payment plan that fits their budget better.
In today’s tough, competitive market, it’s difficult to compete on price or product. You may be able to command a certain advantage for a period of time because you have a lower price than your competitors, but we both know that it will be short-lived.
The truth is you will never be able to maintain a competitive position in the marketplace – long-term – because of the prices you charge or the products you provide.
It’ll just be a matter of time before either one of your competitors lowers prices or duplicates (or even betters) your product, or you raise your prices because you no longer have the necessary margins to justify your prices.
But there’s one thing your customers can’t get from any of your competitors. And that’s you, your empathy, your problem solving expertise, and your knowledge and commitment to service that you bring to his or her unique situation.
By Tom Branch, on July 27th, 2010 
My recent blog titled, “Do You Have To Be Available 24/7/365?” garnered quite a few comments and some of them got me thinking about the kinds of people we attract.
According to Phylameana lila Desy, “The theory behind the Law of Attraction is that we create our own realities. We attract things we want and we also attract things we don’t want. We attract the people in our lives, the stuff in our homes, and the money in our bank accounts through our thoughts and feelings.”
How does this relate to our real estate businesses?
I’ll argue that our actions and attitudes attract certain types of clients.
If you’re the kind of agent who makes themselves available at all hours of the day and night, you attract those kinds of clients. While many of those same agents will tell you they hate working with those kinds of clients, they’re actually attracting them through their words and actions.
Does a well-dressed agent attract a different kind of client that one in jeans and a t-shirt?
If you discount your work for a client, does the next client expect the same?
To make matters worse, people know other people like themselves. It’s called centric behavior. So if you hated working with a certain client, you’re not likely to like any referral they send your way either.
Want to change the type of clients you attract?
First, you have to change the way you think and act. Second, you have to let some of the old clients go. Not all business is good business. Refer out those referrals to other agents and keep moving towards the “new” you.
Are you attracting the kind of clients you want to work with?
By Tom Branch, on July 27th, 2010 This is so true. There’s been a “perfect storm” in the housing market. We have depressed housing prices and the lowest interest rates in history. A period of inflation will follow, the extent of which is yet to be seen.
Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate:
 Most economists agree that recent rashes of government spending will ultimately lead to significant inflation. The constant infusion of cash that is intended as a short-term solution will eventually have a long-term effect on the value of a dollar.
One of the best hedges against this expected phenomenon is the purchase of a home during one of the best buyer’s markets in history. With low, low property prices and record low fixed interest rates, there has never been a better time to buy a home.
But if one takes into consideration the fact that a mortgage may be repaid with inflated dollars, the deal only gets better and better. By fixing housing expenses now in terms of the 2010 dollar of today, home buyers will be immune from contrary inflationary economic forces for as long as they own their property.
It’s a tremendous way to protect wealth and to meet your housing needs for decades to come.
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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By Tom Branch, on July 24th, 2010 
Welcome to The Estates of Willow Crest in Plano, Texas! If location is your main concern, look no further than The Estates of Willow Crest, conveniently located just east of the Dallas North Tollway and south of 121. The world is at your fingertips. Endless shopping opportunities, professional sports venues, fine dining, nearby golf courses and more!
Parents will be more than pleased with the educational opportunities afforded by schools in the recognized Frisco ISD. Children attend nearby Riddle Elementary and the community is served by Liberty High School.
Fine shopping centers featuring high-end and specialty retailers only a short distance away include Stonebriar Centre, the Shops at Legacy, and a local favorite, Frisco Square.
Nearby venues for family entertainment and leisure include pro hockey (Dallas Stars), minor league baseball (Frisco Roughriders), major league soccer (FC Dallas), and a plethora of golf courses; all of which are conveniently located within a five mile radius.
CB Jeni Homes is the only builder in The Estates of Willow Crest. Home sizes run from 2086 to over 4500 square feet. Amenities include granite counters, stainless steel appliances, media and game rooms and much more! Home prices start in the $260s.
The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is the exclusive listing broker for CB-Jeni Homes.
By Tom Branch, on July 23rd, 2010 
According to the RE/MAX Reporter, “When it comes to production, a clean sweep of awards by a single office in every category is rare. But they do happen.” RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs was recently ranked as the number one office in the Dallas Council in every category: Commissions Paid, Listing Units. Listing Volume, Sales Units, and Sales Volume.
By Tom Branch, on July 23rd, 2010 
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 1540 SF
Arlington TX Homes For Sale – Split bedrooms, updated master bath with furniture style vanities, walk-in closets, and garden tub with separate shower. Fresh paint and carpet. Home is situated on quiet cul-de-sac. City park and pool within walking distance.
Click here for current status, pricing, photos, and a virtual tour.
Source: NTREIS | Photo Credit – Tom Branch
By Tom Branch, on July 22nd, 2010 
4 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 2591 SF
Plano TX Homes For Sale – Well maintained home with beautiful landscaping zoned to Blue Ribbon elementary. Large backyard has extended covered patio with shingled roof. Light and bright island kitchen with gas cook top and built in desk. Designer touches include archways, chair rails, and Berber carpet. Both full baths have dual sinks. Master retreat has sitting area, and his and hers closets. Third living area up is perfect for game room. Recent exterior paint.
Click here for current status, pricing, photos, and floorplans.
Source: NTREIS | Photo Credit – Tom Branch
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