The Keller Story

 

About Our Company

 

Despite a two-year decline in the national real estate market, Keller Williams continues to be one of the fastest growing franchises in North America, growing some 330% from 16,866 agents in 2003 to 72,594 in 2007.  The company’s Profit Sharing Program has also maintained a strong growth pattern from $11.7 million in 2003 to $48.4 million for 2007.

 

At Keller Williams it’s not all just about profits, systems and strategies.  In regional retreats called Culture Summits, agent “culture icons” gather with KW leaders.  The purpose of which is to discuss, vision and share learned experiences about culture and, specifically, how the Keller Williams culture can impact market centers and regions.

 

As for best practices, Keller Williams has itself implemented various productivity-enhancing programs such as: Operation Heart to Heart – a $1 million program providing productivity and profitability tools to help agents manage the shifting market; Keller Williams Listing System – a company-wide database allowing agents full control of the accuracy, timeliness and depth of their listing information and which is promoted on a selective list of eight of the most powerful real estate Internet sites.  Keller Williams has also made available to its agents resources such as the Market Trajectory Research and Regional Graphs – a reporting system that helps agents identify shifts in the real estate market three to four months in advance of shifts being noticed in local markets

How to price to sell and still make a profit

The asking price you set for your home significantly affects whether you will profit in the sale, how much you will profit and how long your home will sit on the market. Your real estate agent's knowledge of the overall market and what's selling - or not selling - will be invaluable in helping you determine the price. The objective is to find a price that the market will bear but won't leave money on the table.

Here are some points to consider:

Time. Time is not on your side when it comes to real estate. Although many factors influence the outcome, perhaps time is the biggest determinant in whether or not you see a profit and how much you profit. Studies show that the longer a house stays on the market, the less likely it is to sell for the original asking price. Therefore, if your goal is to make money, think about a price that will encourage buyer activity (read: fair market value).

Value vs. Cost. Pricing your home to sell in a timely fashion requires some objectivity. It's important that you not confuse value with cost - in other words, how much you value your home versus what buyers are willing to pay for it. Don't place too much emphasis on home improvements when calculating your price, because buyers may not share your taste. For instance, not everyone wants hardwood floors or granite countertops.

Keep it simple. Because time is of the essence, make it easy for the buyers. Remain flexible on when your agent can schedule showings. Also, avoid putting contingencies on the sale. Though a desirable move-in date makes for a smoother transition between homes, it could cause you to lose the sale altogether.