TOP 5 IN REAL ESTATE NETWORK, April, 2009-Karen Stroub
Legends Realty Group
Westchester County, New York
Years in real estate: 18
Average sales price in your market: $700,000
Average number of days a home spends on the market: 5 or 6 months
How has the competitive landscape changed for securing listings?
I have evolved with the whole Internet boom. I use my BlackBerry all the time. The Internet is front and center so you have to be really tech savvy-that’s the only way to be competitive today. Be tech savvy.
How do you differentiate yourself in listing presentations?
My experience sets me apart. I have been through downturns and good times and I know how to help people sell homes in good times and bad.
What are clients looking for most?
Buyers and sellers want someone who is working full time, not just someone who is doing it part time on weekends. I think the perception of Realtors, at least in the past, was that they were “lunch ladies” just doing an occasional sale on a whim. Today, buyers want all of the information right at the start. Besides wanting a full-time professional they want someone who knows how to negotiate-really negotiate. Of course that skill only comes with time in the business and lots of experience.
How have Top 5 materials and membership helped you secure more listings?
I am just starting out with Top 5 so I have sent out the “What Every Home Seller Should Demand” brochure and have gotten some good responses. This weekend, I am doing a public open house and will have this brochure on hand. I think it is very important to be in an elite category so that I am set apart from the part-time people. Top 5 does this for me.
What do you believe some of the greatest benefits of Top 5 will be?
I think being able to network and refer within the Top 5 and to learn from other Top 5 professionals will be invaluable. I don’t think there’s one standard way of doing things and I think Top 5 pros will give me new and creative ways to look at things.
What was it about Allan Dalton’s Top 5 presentation that most resonated with you?
His passion and commitment are amazing. His enthusiasm and also what he did with Realtor.com shows he knows what works in real estate. I am really excited about being a charter member. In all of my years, this is the first thing I have joined. I heard the presentation and just had to do it. Top 5 really fills something that has been lacking in the industry.
