RISMEDIA, January 7, 2009-Barbara Mackenzie, a real estate professional in Contra Costa County, California, believes success comes from good old fashioned hard work-but with a modern twist. In addition to the full commissions and the freedom to work from home, a paperless business model offered this long time pro the best of all worlds.
How long have you been in the real estate profession?
15 years, in residential sales since 2002.
How long have you been with Allison James?
I joined Allison James Estates and Home last November.
What is your territory coverage area and how is your market doing?
I live in Contra Costa County, CA. Some of the areas here are fairing much better than others. In East Contra Costa County it is sad to see all the vacant and foreclosed homes and the huge drop in home values. The Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo, San Ramon, Lafayette and surrounding areas seem to be fairing much better with fewer foreclosures, and homes seem to be holding their value better than other areas.
Why did you choose to join Allison James?
I choose to join Allison James Estates and Homes mainly because of the “Keep Your Commission” incentive. I have always worked out of my home office and had very few if any leads from brokers in the past yet I was sharing my commission and other fees with them.
What attracted you to an online-only company?
The chance to alleviate much of the large paper files we have here in California.
What are the benefits to you and to your clients from working with Allison James?
A virtual office can save you and your client’s time and paper. I find not everyone has a fax machine, but most everyone has access to Internet these days.
How does the company benefit you relating to today’s challenging economic times?
All real estate professionals are working three times as hard for half the commission or less due to the large drop in value of home prices. I can make a decision in regard to the amount of commission I can accept with out having to wait and have it approved by my broker.
How does working online contribute to your success?
I will be the first to admit that paperwork is not my forte, so when I can do everything online, it is more convenient, faster, and, “green”, as it saves paper.
How do you manage office expenses and meetings with clients?
I have always had a home office set up so that really has not changed. As for meeting with my clients, I either meet them in my home office, or many in their home.
What system do you have for attending company meetings?
Allison James Estates and Homes has virtual online meetings, or I can pick up the phone and call anytime.
Since joining Allison James give us an example of one of your most successful completed home sales?
Success in my mind is less or no paperwork, so any of my clients who can complete their sale in a total virtual environment is a successful sale. That represents almost all of the transactions since affiliating with the company.
What are you doing differently to win the business today?
I have an experienced team I work with. They are knowledgeable in working with the loss mitigation department and doing quick short sale closings and REO (bank owned properties). I also work with a mortgage company that keeps current with the ever changing loan industry and available programs.
