Whether in your personal or professional life, you can benefit from taking a bird’s eye view of the year ahead and put some concrete plans into place.  So, now that the year is off to a running start, pause for a minute and look forward to how you can make 2009 a great year in real estate. 

Alex Szinegh, Sr Regional VP for EXIT Realty Corp. International and founder of the EXIT Online University, offers these 10 tips to help you to launch 2009 effectively. 

1. If you haven’t finished your 2009 business plan, do it now.  “It shouldn’t be in your head, it should be in your hand,” says Szinegh.

2. Break down your annual plan into daily, weekly and monthly performance goals of the specific activities that will give you the results you want.  “The key is to keep these goals visible to you”.

3. With your yearly schedule laid out in front of you, block out all the vacations and time off you’re going to have in 2009.  When are you going to spend quality time with the people you love?  Remember to block off time for yourself, too.  Many people say ‘when I have some time I’ll take time off’.  “This is like saying ‘when I have money, I’ll save some money’”, says Szinegh.  “You must pay yourself with both time and money first”.  

4. If you’re looking for an easy and cheap way to practice real estate, remember there is no magic bullet.  Decide which education to follow, focus and act on it.  How many times have you attended a training course and bought the materials, only to find two or three years later, the materials are still wrapped in plastic?  Put all the trainings into your schedule and actually implement what you learn.   

5. Choose a role-playing partner.  Every major athlete, any high level professional, role plays, rehearses and practices.  If you’re not practicing on another agent, you’re practicing on the customer. 

6. Buy some books!  Decide on your reading objectives to sharpen your mind.  Read business books, books on success, biographies, health, becoming a better person, a better parent – we can always improve.  Read a minimum of ½ hour every day.  Put it in your 2009 schedule now.

7. Select a couple of role models, in both your business and personal lives.  A role model is someone you want to emulate so choose someone who is already in the position you aspire to. 

8. Commit to a proper fitness plan.  “If you want to achieve at a high level in real estate you have to be in good shape mentally, physically and emotionally,” says Szinegh. 

9. Clean up your environment.  Clean up your car – you know who you are!  Clean up your house, your desk, your office.  If a customer sees the sloppy way you keep your space, they may think you’ll handle their real estate transaction the same way. 

10. Get an accountability partner or a coach; someone who will put some pressure on you and who won’t listen to your excuses. 

“Everything is going to be fine in 2009 if you plan, focus and execute,” says Szinegh. “No more excuses!”

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a sales representative or for information on real estate franchise opportunites across North America, please contact us. 

Sarah Foster, Transaction Coordinator with EXIT Realty Optimum in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, received a welcome surprise shortly after she joined the company in 2007. “I didn't know about the [Secretarial] Bonus until it showed up just before Christmas last year,” she commented. “What a nice surprise that was! The Secretarial Bonus not only helps me out financially at Christmas time, it [is] a form of motivation all year. In the spring when I [will] be buried in mountains of deals for processing, it helps to think that the more deals that came across my desk, the bigger the bonus [will] be.”

This year, Sarah paid special thanks to her agents for their part in making the bonus possible. She wrote:

Tis the season for generosity! Recently, our amazing Management Team [presented me] with a substantial Secretarial Bonus and for this I am truly grateful! Steve Morris built the payment of Secretarial Bonuses right into the EXIT Formula, therefore, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank every one of you. This Bonus comes as a direct result of your production. You should all be very proud that you work for such an outstanding company .. I know that I sure am.

Since the year 2000 EXIT Realty Corp. International has paid out Secretarial Bonuses throughout North America totaling over $1.5 Million. A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT International is set aside and paid at the end of the year to the offices’ administration staff.

Francine Lavallee, Administrator with EXIT Realty Seaway in Cornwall, Ontario and EXIT’s 2006 Administrator of the Year also raves about working for a company that truly values its extended support staff. “I have been with EXIT Realty Seaway, since July 2001. [When I was] first hired, I did not know anything about the Secretarial Bonus. Wow what a surprise!! I have a love for the real estate business [and] I feel that this is the best career in the world. I am so thrilled [to receive the Secretarial Bonus] and it definitely confirms to me that our Head Office and our Founder appreciate the effort, the hard work, the long hours, and everything that comes with the position.

"Working with a wonderful Broker of Record and amazing agents helps make me appreciate and love my career more," she concluded. "It doesn't get any better than that!!!!”

For information on joining EXIT Realty as a sales representative or for more information on real estate franchise ownership with EXIT Realty in Canada, please contact:
Quebec - Chantal Desharnais
Canada excluding Quebec - Ed Martens

Marie Bontigao, franchisee of EXIT Realty The Waterfront Group and The Waterfront Group Foundation are making dreams come true this holiday season. CBS 3 in Philadelphia reported this happy news:

[Beverly Sims'] old home went into foreclosure when she ran out of money caring for her son, 22 year old Eugene. A shooting turned him into a paraplegic. He died four months ago, and with no money left, Beverly and [her son] Fernell faced homelessness. When she told her story to CBS 3 someone special was watching. Her name is Marie Bontigao. She owns EXIT Realty [The Waterfront Group], and decided to save Beverly and her son from the streets by offsetting the costs of this rental.

Read the story and watch the news clip here.

For more information about EXIT Realty The Waterfront Group, please call 215-425- 2200 ext. 106.

The Greater Binghamton Business Journal recently named its “Fast Track 50” in which EXIT EZ Realty was #8. 

When asked to state the major factors that contributed to the company’s growth and success, franchisee Esther Zorn replied, “First, being three of over 1,300 franchises of an international company; second, providing my REALTORS with over 30 hours a month coaching and training; and third, forging a business culture that honors learning, sharing, and a win/win attitude.”

Read more here.

EXIT EZ Realty boasts three locations, the first of which opened its doors in 2004 in Syracuse, NY.  For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a real estate sales representative in Syracuse, Liverpool or Oswego, NY, please contact:

Esther Zorn, Broker/Owner
EXIT EZ Realty
315-410-7653
ezorn@exitsyracuse.com

In a recent press release, EXIT Realty Upstate New York announced a $4000 contribution to Broome County Habitat for Humanity from the proceeds from their first annual charity golf outing.

“We are extremely honored by the willingness of EXIT Reality of Upstate New York, as well as the sponsors and players in the golf tournament, to support our work” said Amy Winans, Executive Director of Broome County Habitat for Humanity County. “Fund-raising is a daunting task for us, and assistance of this nature means more than the community knows. We are thrilled to have begun a relationship with EXIT Realty, and look forward to working together with them in the future”.

"This is one way of giving a helping hand to the local community. Our EXIT Realty associates care about our community and Habitat for Humanity is a natural fit," remarked Carl Cohen, Regional Director of EXIT Realty of Upstate New York in Vestal and Broker of EXIT Realty Homeward Bound. “We were overwhelmed by the support of more than 105 golfers and 44 sponsors who participated in the event.”

Regional Owner, John Farrell, said, "EXIT Realty of Upstate NY knows that there is no finer way to "Love One Another" than to help provide housing for our fellow man. Tommy Reid and Bob Farrell did a tremendous job organizing 105 players and 44 sponsors to enjoy a perfect day of golf that generated $4,000+ to Habitat. Cheers to the EXIT Realty Upstate NY Brokers, agents, approved suppliers and friends."

News Channel 34 in Binghamton County, Upstate New York, picked up the story - read it here and watch the news video here.

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund, Habitat for Humanity, and to-date, $1.5 Million has been pledged in both Canada and the U.S.

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a real estate sales representative, or for information regarding real estate franchise opportunities in Upstate New York, please contact:

John Farrell, Regional Owner
607 760 5000
EXIT Realty Upstate New York
john@exitnys.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Exton, PA (Grassroots Newswire) 12/22/08 -- Exit Elite Realty is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Ehman as Broker. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recently accepted Ehman’s application as Broker of Record for the Exton based company. Ron has always been passionate about real estate ownership whether for a residence, or an investment and in so doing believes that it is important to be mindful of real estate law, and agency representation. This appointment demonstrates his commitment to lifelong learning and his drive to stay on the cutting edge of today’s market. To achieve this goal, Ron completed over 240 hours of instruction ranging from Senior Residential Specialist to Finance and Investing. “I really enjoyed the learning experience at Suburban West Realtors Association, in Malvern. Their instructors bring a depth of expertise that provides a real world context to learning various aspects of real estate”, Ehman says. After graduating University of Chicago with an MBA, Ron traveled worldwide to work with Fortune 500 companies and still enjoys leisure travel. Ron decided to settle in Pennsylvania to raise his family and currently lives in Westtown. About Exit Realty EXIT Realty is growing across North America and provides sales associates with the opportunity to earn residual income over and above their own transactions and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now.

For more information about Exit Elite Realty, please call (610)363-1600. Exit Elite Realty is located at 140 S. Village, Suite 100, Exton, PA 19341.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newton, NJ (Grassroots Newswire) December 22, 2008 -- Recent uncertainty in the sub-prime mortgage sector has created a great opportunity for home buyers here in Newton according to recent market trends. There is a large amount of inventory in our immediate market area selling at significant discounts. With interest rates so low, there is a tremdous buying opportunity at hand.

"A lot of people are taking advantage of these conditions and are being rewarded by finding homes in areas that have in the past been difficult to find inventory," remarked Jeff Lobb, Owner, of EXIT Towne & Country Realty.  "What a great time to buy a home."

Many homeowners have gone beyond thinking about moving, to spending some time with a REALTOR® to find a home that best fits their current needs.  "We’re in a bit of a window right now," Lobb remarked.  "I’m pleased with the quality of the homes available to show my clients." EXIT Towne & Country Realty is one of the fastest growing real estate companies in this area. Driven by higher than industry average commissions and a retirement program, EXIT Realty’s revolutionary Formula of financial remuneration for salespeople is taking the real estate industry by storm.

For more information about EXIT Towne & Country Realty, please call 973-383-8989. EXIT Towne & Country Realty is located at 43 Trinity St. Newton NJ.

Peter Perry, a real estate salesperson with EXIT Realty Advantage in Fredericton, New Brunswick, will certainly enjoy the holidays this year being $100,000 richer. 

Peter, who was new to the business when he joined EXIT Realty Advantage in 2003, recently earned one of the largest commission cheques in the history of Fredericton real estate.

"He is smiling all the way to the bank," said Joyce Paron, President of EXIT Realty Corp. International's Canadian Organization.

For information on joining EXIT Realty as a sales representative or for more information on real estate franchise ownership with EXIT Realty in Canada, please contact:
Quebec - Chantal Desharnais
Canada excluding Quebec - Ed Martens

"Since June of 2007 the Region has been tracking Virginia licenses through DPOR for the following companies," said Nancy Shaver, Regional Owner of EXIT Realty Virginia. According to Shaver, as of December 12, 2008 statistics show:

Company	% of Loss	# Agents Lost
GMAC®	-37%	64
ERA®	-29%	255
Weichert®	-23%	692
RE/Max®	-22%	757
CENTURY 21®	-15%	290
Coldwell Banker®	-13%	291
Long & Foster®	-13%	837
Prudential® (since 04/08)	-9%	82

The following companies have GAINED licensed VA agents:

"Times change!" said Shaver. "It's now time for EXIT!"

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a sales representative, or for information on real estate franchise opportunities in Virginia, please contact:

Nancy and Tom Shaver, Regional Owners
EXIT Realty Virginia

804-387-4758
info@exitvirginia.com

*Deemed to be accurate. Data collected from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

Since 2004, EXIT Realty Corp. International has been an enthusiastic corporate sponsor of 10 Habitat for Humanity home builds. The ninth build was concluded with a dedication ceremony held on December 15^th, 2008 in Fredericton, NB.

“EXIT Realty couldn't be a prouder sponsor of Habitat for Humanity,” said EXIT’s Corporate Habitat Representative, Christine Ireborg. “We wanted to identify with an organization that shares our values and philosophies; an organization based on giving back.”

An ecstatic Deanne Boudreau, mother of four and the proud recipient of this new home said in a recent interview, “It’s like winning the lottery! It has changed our lives and it has changed our kids' lives. Thank you EXIT Realty for everything you've done.”

Shawn Berry of Fredericton's The Daily Gleaner picked up the story. 

[The Boudreau family] took possession of a new home Monday from Habitat for Humanity. The house was built thanks to the support of EXIT Realty. "I can't wait to have my kitchen table in my own house," Boudreau said. "And I don't have to tape the door up here to keep the heat in here."  But most importantly, her family - which has had to move an average of once every year since 2004 - has a place to call home.

Read the entire story here. 

"It would seem obvious that Habitat for Humanity would be EXIT Realty’s charity of choice because of its real estate connection," said Joyce Paron, President of EXIT Realty's Canadian Organization (pictured below with the Boudreau family at Monday's dedication).  "However, equally important is that, like EXIT Realty, Habitat for Humanity provides new opportunities for a better quality of life for individuals in the local community.

"There is something very special about what has happened here over these past months.  People who are strangers to each other, have come together to make a dream come true for Deanne and Andre Boudreau.  In fact, most of the volunteers who gave of their time, money or materials, didn’t know Deanne and Andre before coming to this site.  This entire project has been an expression of love and giving and has provided the opportunity to remind all of us how simple it really is to feel good about ourselves through the course of action of helping others.

"Over the years working with Habitat for Humanity, we have all come to understand that the emphasis is on the Humanity.  And the volunteers, suppliers and the staff of the Habitat for Humanity organization, that have given so generously, have now brought the dignity of home ownership to the Boudreau family and for that we give you our heartfelt thanks. 

"On behalf of everyone at EXIT Realty Corp. International, our local franchisees Philip Duplisea and David Sawler and the sales associates of EXIT Realty Advantage, we congratulate the Boudreaus on their new home.  Home ownership is indeed one of the greatest dreams of every adult in this country.  And being a part of making this dream come true is why EXIT Realty Corp. International is proud to call Habitat for Humanity its charity of choice," Paron concluded.

In an essay read by her mother, 10-year-old Samantha Boudreau told the crowd gathered what having a home of her own means.  "Now that we have a house, we have privacy - it means so much to me. A home is a place where a family can meet together and forget about all their other problems in life. We can have a really good future. Happiness is the best thing you could ever have in a home."

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT International is applied to its charitable fund and to-date, $1.5 Million has been pledged to Habitat for Humanity in both Canada and the U.S.  Please contact EXIT Realty Corp. International for more information.

There is no doubt that this has been a tough year for the real estate industry.  Many offices have closed; many companies have cut back on conventions and training programs.  One Franchisor, however, continues to prosper and is paying thousands of dollars in bonuses as a special thank you to the people most often underappreciated in a real estate office – the secretarial staff.

Since the year 2000 EXIT Realty Corp. International has paid out Secretarial Bonuses throughout North America totaling over $1.5 Million.  Steve Morris, Founder and CEO, believed so strongly in the importance of the contribution of the support staff across the EXIT system, he built the payment of bonuses right into the renowned EXIT Formula.  A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT International is set aside and paid at the end of the year to the offices’ administration staff.   “It was Mr. Morris’ attitude towards EXIT's administrative staff that was a key reason in my leaving the brokerage where I worked as an Administrator for 11 years to join EXIT International 8 years ago,” commented Susan Harrison, EXIT’s Sr VP Web Development.

Here are comments from just a few bonus recipients from across North America:
 
Lindsay Maillet, EXIT Realty Metro, Bedford NS
I was fortunate enough to attend the first administrator training in Ontario in 2007.  It was here that I gained knowledge of the EXIT Corporation and began realizing just how important my role as administrator really was to the success of the company.  Steve Morris really drilled it to us that week that we were the glue, so to speak, and without us the machine can fail.  Coming off the excitement of a company that actually acknowledges its support staff was amazing.

The Secretarial Bonus is not something that is on my mind on a daily basis... and for the most part, it never crosses my mind (until the week I know it’s due to arrive). It definitely allows for some peace of mind to know that I will have something extra to bank at the end of the year.  Whether it is to buy myself something I normally wouldn’t spring for, a extra gift for my spouse, or a little something for someone in need; it is great feeling to know it is there for whatever I may need.  It’s also a little incentive to put that extra little bit into the new year to make the next year better for everyone...a little goes a long way in this business.

Janice Clements, EXIT Realty Specialists, Saint John NB
I have been working with EXIT for two years and it has been a wonderful experience.  Having worked in the industry with other brokerages for 10 years [I always heard] "if the brokerage had the funds" or "if they had a good year"; always some excuse - some good people got nothing.  Steve is such a role model to all the Franchisees and this recognition makes Administrators feel great and appreciated. EXIT Realty Specialists’ agents are "special people" and hard workers and have made [it possible] for us have this great bonus.

Noreen Ballard EXIT Realty Specialists, Saint John NB
I have been with EXIT Realty Specialists since its doors opened in July of 2006.  [The Secretarial Bonus] not only helps financially this time of year but it is nice to be remembered by EXIT International. It is so unusual for a company to do this. I feel here in this office the agents show their appreciation everyday whether it be a coffee, a friendly greeting, or a lunch, but a bonus from head office says WOW!

Nadine Lapointe, EXIT Realty Citadel, Halifax NS
I sure do appreciate this recognition. In so many workplaces top salespersons are recognized for their hard work throughout the year, but the reality is that if they did not have any support staff for help, maybe they would not be at the top. I know I have been successful when “my agents” are successful. Getting this bonus just makes it even better! The higher it is, the better I did! It has been a privileged to have been chosen among other applicants to become the Administrator of EXIT Realty Citadel. Instantly I felt part of the family, not only in the office but also with my interactions with Head Office. As an administrator of EXIT, you are always invited to any functions for the Agents, because after all we are one big team.”

Patricia Quiiano, EXIT Realty Charleston Group, Charleston SC
[The Secretarial Bonus] was a wonderful surprise!  I was able to do all my Christmas shopping with my bonus and still have money left over.  The bonus made me feel that I was a valuable asset to the company and that I truly had a part in helping to make the company a success, and was no longer "hired help."  You always hear how corporations forget about the little people. This bonus says to me that all that I do for my agents, my office and my company is important and has been noticed. I am an integral part of this company and hope to continue to be so for many years to come!

Rachel Manning, EXIT Realty of the Valley’s three locations; Huntsville, Madison and Decatur AL
I am very grateful to Steve Morris for recognizing and rewarding office staff.  Oftentimes, administrative employees are overlooked and underappreciated by their companies, but that is not so with EXIT.  [The Secretarial Bonus] reminds me how hard I’ve worked, how great my Franchisees and REALTORS® are and how that bonus check will come in just before Christmas and my annual vacation. 

Any company is nothing without a solid foundation and I am proud to be part of EXIT’s foundation.  If my REALTORS® are not successful, then I have not been successful.  This check is a great inspiration to work even harder the next year and is an excellent tool when seeking talented administrative staff. 

Kerri Barwell, EXIT Grand Strand Properties, Myrtle Beach SC
[The Secretarial Bonus] really does mean a lot, especially when you work so hard throughout the year, to receive that at the end feels very rewarding and just makes you feel good overall.
[I have been able to] travel to Canada for EXIT’s Administrator/Broker Training and it was one of the best trips I’ve ever had.  The training was unbelievable!  And the energy, passion and dedication I saw in the EXIT International staff was just amazing to me!

 

Maria Panzino, EXIT Uptown Realty, Vineland, NJ
When I was notified that this bonus was offered, I was excited to know that there were individuals like Mr. Morris that thought so deeply about his extended staff.  Mr. Morris’ gratitude and professionalism shines through with his gestures which makes him an outstanding individual.  It has been a pleasure to be part of the big picture “EXIT” and to have had the opportunity to work with a person of Mr. Morris’ caliber.

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a sales representative or for real estate franchise opportunites across North America, please contact us.

Sharron Richardson, Franchise Support Manager with EXIT Realty Corp. International, publishes a monthly newsletter for EXIT Administrators.  In the December issue, she urges them to plan now for the year ahead.

Some may argue that the most wonderful time of the year is when the kids go back to school in the fall, but there is certainly something to be said about the holiday season which coincides with year end. It's a time of reflection and new beginnings. It's a time to examine the past year to determine where you are and where you want to progress, and a time to look ahead to create and execute a plan of action for the new year. This applies personally and professionally. Let's take a look at some of the activities to foc