Good morning - Keller Williams Realty



ANNOUNCING OUR NEW TITLE COMPANY PARTNERSHIP!

As you should all know, we terminated our joint venture with Vanguard Title in Canal Pointe Title, effective April 1. The capture rate of business had simply fallen far too low to make the partnership worthwhile, so the time had come to make a change.

That doesn’t in any way dampen our enthusiasm for a healthy joint venture title company, and seeing the success being experienced with much higher capture rates in other offices (such as our own cousins in Hamilton) only made us want a successful partnership even more.

A few weeks ago, we invited three alternate choices to make presentations to our ALC on their services and commitment to us as a partner, and I’m happy to report that the ALC has chosen the firm of Cortes & Hay as the new other half for our title business.

The new company shall be known as “Nassau Abstract” – the name provides both a regional and historical association. “Old Nassau” is one of the nicknames (and alma mater) of Princeton University, and Nassau Hall was briefly one of the original sites for the capitol of the U. S. (check your history books!), providing an air of legitimacy throughout the region.

We’re very excited about the huge growth potential in this business segment. Our new partners will be taking many pro-active steps toward growing our market exposure, making overtures to all of the local attorneys, and even hosting a launch event as we get things up and running.

Remember, the Keller Williams component of this partnership is owned by the entire office, so everyone will get to share in the benefits, through specifically-earmarked allocations of the revenue as adopted by the ALC, as well as the KW profit sharing system.

Please see the item below about this week’s Team Meeting, and do your best to attend and learn more about our new title company partnership.

SAYING OF THE WEEK:

“No matter how far you've gone down the wrong road, turn back.” - Turkish proverb

May this be the start of a great week for you, here at KW, the home of “Warriors, not Whiners.”

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHECK ALL OF THE NEWS AND THE UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE SCHEDULE SECTION BELOW. THIS MATERIAL IS IMPORTANT, SO PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ EVERYTHING!

TEAM MEETING THIS WEEK – TUESDAY, MAY 5

We will be holding our May Team Meeting this coming Tuesday, May 5, starting PROMPTLY at 9:30 AM in the training area – and this meeting will be of MAJOR importance.

As you read above, we have launched our new title company partnership with Cortes & Hay, and we’re looking forward to this venture being a tremendous success. Ellen Incontrera, who will be handling the marketing and promotion of our expanded title services to our clients and all local attorneys, will be attending to introduce herself and provide a brief overview of the plans for this business.

We also all know that mortgage activity at Wells Fargo has gotten insanely busy these days, due to the huge volume of refinancing that has resulted from the current record-low interest rates. To help improve responsiveness and capacity, Marisol Manzano has been added to Stan Sobieski’s team. Marisol brings several years’ experience to the Wells Fargo organization, and will be there Tuesday to meet everyone.

We will, of course, be going over all of our general business items, including training schedules, summer plans, and more.

As our educational offering, I will be presenting a brief course on the DISC Personality Assessment testing. Have you ever taken the DISC test? Would you like to discover where you stand on the personality typing scales, then how to recognize personality traits in others and get tips on how to optimize interaction with the different type groups? If so, you’ll find this class very informative, and even possibly quite amusing.

BASIC SKILLS TRAINING – THIS WEEK’S CLASS

This week, we will have class #14: Your KW Agent Website

Do you have an agent website? If not, do you think you need to spend thousands of dollars on having on built by an outside company? You definitely do NOT, as Keller Williams provides the facility for every agent to have his/her own full-featured site with no development charges, no hosting fees, and no maintenance bills.

It’s also not necessary to learn every bit of detailed site creation to get up and running. You can build your site in 15 minutes, using KW’s interactive development tools, and then grow it to include all kinds of custom features as you become more familiar with the system.

This week, we will take you through the process of getting up and running with your own site

This material is for EVERYONE – you don’t have to be new, as all can use a refresher on the basics from time to time, so please plan to join us on Saturday morning at 10:00.

COMING UP IN MAY – SOME SPECIAL EVENTS

Here’s more information on the special events we have lined up in May:

On Wednesday, May 6, there will be a Commercial Mastery class on working with architects for “green design” at our Hamilton office. See the flyer on my window for more details on this session, and send an email to Mark Wexler at markswex@ to register for the class.

On Thursday, May 7, master trainer Rich Casto returns for another high-energy training and inspiration session, this time on the Art of Negotiations. Do you ever feel that your negotiating skills could use some fine-tuning? Would you like to qualify for the “Certified Real Estate Negotiator” designation? If so, this event is a MUST for you.

This event will be held from 9:00-1:00 at the Princeton Hyatt Regency. All spaces for this FREE seminar are sure to be filled, but, as business partners of Wells Fargo, the event’s sponsor, our associates will get preferred access.

To register for this event, please visit and click the “Sign up for Free Local Event” button. DO IT NOW!

Next Wednesday, May 13, we will have our region’s annual Inspirational Breakfast at Harrah’s Racetrack Casino, just off I-95 in Chester, PA (the location of the recent SHIFT seminar), from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

This is a great opportunity to share our experiences in the KW culture of sharing and caring – hearing about many of the great things that members of our organization have done, both inside the company and out in the community, demonstrating our commitment to helping people.

Every year we also have a special guest speaker (remember Vince Papale of “Invincible” fame last year?) and this year it will be Dean Karnazes, author of “Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-night Runner.”

This is also a FREE event, and you are welcome to bring any guests you’d like, but you are asked to RSVP so that an accurate headcount can be given to the food service – please register at realestate-

The following day, Thursday, May 14, will be the first RED Day (that stands for Renew – Energize – Donate, by the way) – a national day of service for ALL Keller Williams offices across the country.

Our ALC has chosen the ultimate RED project – a certain way to give the RED of life – participation in a Blood Drive, organized through the Community Blood Bank. Details are still being worked out, so watch for updates.

THE WELCOME MAT

Rounding out the month of April, Anne-Marie Tustin and Bonnie Vey, both formerly of Weidel, have joined our office.

Anne-Marie and Bonnie join Michael Weisz, Sylvia Morrison, Jim McKenna, Amed Din, Shoba Narayan, and Piyush Patel as our new team members in the month just completed. When you see any of these new associates around the office or at outside events, please extend them a warm Keller Williams Princeton welcome!

DID YOU SEE THE EMAIL FROM ?

This past week, , one of the KW Approved Suppliers, sent a general email to everyone, offering new customers 50% off on their first Pulse Mailing of oversized promotional postcards. This is a great way to utilize an excellent mailing service to promote one or more of your listings, and save money in the process.

If you didn’t get the email or deleted it not knowing its contents, but are interested in taking advantage of this bargain, simply send me an email and I’ll forward a copy of it to you.

DARE I SAY IT? IT’S TIME TO BE THINKING ABOUT VACATION

It would have been easier to think about vacations last week, with the nicer, warmer weather, but indeed we will be experiencing that as the normal climate pretty soon, school will be out, and folks will be getting ready to head off to vacation.

At Keller Williams, we feel that taking some time off for vacation isn’t just your right, but a necessity. All work and no play, and all that…

What we do ask, however, is that you take steps to make sure that your business is covered while you’re away, because clients and other involved with transactions don’t always operate on the same schedule that you do.

As we’ve done the past several years, I will post a roster on my window, for everyone to list when they expect to be away, and who will be covering their business during their vacation.

And please remember -- in the KW spirit, when we cover business for each other, the only payback we expect is for reciprocity – we don’t charge each other money.

As soon as you know your plans for the vacation season, please note your schedule on the roster sheet.

REMEMBER THIS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Do you have any listings that you think might generate particular interest in the well-heeled international community? If so, we’ve got a great opportunity to get them exposed to a captive audience of prospective buyers/investors with plenty of funds to spend.

One of our associates, Aziz Jundi, will be traveling to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in late May, to attend special real estate marketing fairs. Thousands of people will be in attendance, especially oil-rich investors looking for the relative bargains that currently exist in the US marketplace. They are especially seeking upper-end residential properties, land parcels, and commercial opportunities, so if you have listings that fall into any of those categories, here’s your chance to get them some extra exposure.

This will cost you nothing. As listing agent, you will earn whatever compensation is dictated by your listing agreement, and Aziz will represent any interested buyers. What could be simpler and more of a win-win?

If you have listings that you feel will attract interest, please send me an email with the applicable MLS numbers. I will provide instructions about what materials will be needed.

NEW LISTINGS

Six new properties to help stock our shelves for sale or rent – please keep the following properties in mind when choosing candidates for your clients:

CRANBURY: 4 Evans Dr.; 4 BR, 3 BA, 2 G LAKESIDE contemporary with finished basement listed at $750,000 by Harveen Bhatla & Bill Usab (TREND 5521993)

HAMILTON: 11 Kerr Dr.; 3 BR, 2 BA split with finished basement, listed at $285,000 by Lyn Scott (TREND 5522723)

HIGHTSTOWN: 117 First Ave.; 3 BR, 2 BA, 1 G colonial listed at $279,000 by Jerel Washington (TREND 5496484)

LAWRENCE: 6 Santina Dr.; 4 BR, 3.5 BA, 2 G colonial with finished basement listed at $499,900 by Dawn Monsport (TREND 5525150)

PRINCETON: 443 Walnut Ln.; 4 BR, 2 BA RENTAL listed at $2,800/month by Jerel Washington (TREND 5524202)

S. BRUNSWICK: 15 Stillwell Rd.; 3 BR, 2 BA, 1 G ranch listed at $400,000 by Harveen Bhatla & Bill Usab (TREND 5521995)

ENTERTAINMENT DISCOUNTS

It’s that time again! As the school year winds down, people begin thinking of things to do during the summer season – so, how about a trip to NYC for a Broadway show or other entertainment event?

If you’re so inclined, why not save some money on the outing by taking advantage of the discount tickets that are available. I’ve just uploaded the May edition of the discount listing to the Princeton intranet, so check out all the things there are to do at a reduced price.

If there’s any theatrical, other entertainment, or sporting event you’d like to attend but don’t see listed, always ask me before paying full price – there’s a good chance I can connect you with one or more discount opportunities.

NEW FILES UPLOADED TO PRINCETON INTRANET

As part of the preparation for this past Saturday’s Basic Skills Training class, the presentation materials for Class #13: KW Intranet Resources have been updated, and the new version has been uploaded.

IMHO

Have you seen the news articles about the lavish fixings of the new ballparks in New York? This season, both the New York Yankees and the New York Mets took the wraps off of new stadiums, funded partly by the teams but mostly by the taxpayers. These new showplaces certainly seem to have addressed the obsolescence issues that had been haunting the old Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium, but at what cost?

Besides the eventual impact on the taxpayers of debt service for all that public bond funding during a time of economic distress, the fans are being asked to shell out some unbelievable prices for tickets to see the games – the top seat at Yankee Stadium is a ridiculous $2,500, while the more populist Mets offer their royal treatment for a mere $475. While I haven’t been to either of the new claimants to the title of “The House that Bloomberg Built,” I’m sure that everything else has ratcheted up in price proportionately – the $10 beer and $6 hot dog are realities, and everything else has gone upscale. If you’re interested, you can visit for a rundown on the menu choices and prices at the new Bronx Bistro.

Seriously, folks, can we afford such excess during a time of economic challenges? Personally, I have no plans to grease up the plastic for that sort of overspending when there’s a perfectly affordable and more family-friendly alternative about 15 minutes away from home.

Yes, I’m talking about our own local sluggers, the Trenton Thunder – the team that made minor league baseball a major league success, now with 15 seasons under their belts and back-to-back championships heating up their reputation. These aren’t the Yankees of Excess, but the Yankees of Tomorrow, and they’re still committed to providing an affordable experience throughout the summer. Top ticket prices are $12, the food options won’t break the bank (and food is FREE for the kids at many of the games), and even the parking makes it look like the attendants at the other parks should be wearing thieves’ masks.

Support our local team. Visit for schedules and info, and make going to a ballgame fun again!

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE SUMMARY

Our EDUCATION motto: “Being Better by Knowing More.”

Following is our current schedule of upcoming activities through the end of April and what I have so far for May – please put these items on your personal calendars as may apply:

Tuesday, May 5 – 9:30 AM START – Team Meeting – See notes above

Wednesday, May 6 – 5:30 PM – Broker Licensing Class 15

Wednesday, May 6 – 5:30 PM – Commercial Mastery Class at KWH

Thursday, May 7 – 9:00 AM – Rich Casto Seminar at Princeton Hyatt Regency

Thursday, May 7 – 5:30 PM – Broker Licensing Class 16

Saturday, May 9 – 10:00 AM – Basic Skills Training 14: Your KW Agent Website

Wednesday, May 13 – 10:00 AM – Annual Regional Inspirational Breakfast

Wednesday, May 13 – 5:30 PM – Broker Licensing Class 17

Thursday, May 14 – All day – Keller Williams National Day of Service

Thursday, May 14 – 5:30 PM – Broker Licensing Class 18

Saturday, May 16 – 10:00 AM – Basic Skills Training 15: General Q&A

Wednesday, May 20 – 5:30 PM – Broker Licensing Class 19

Thursday, May 21 – 5:30 PM – Broker Licensing Class 20

Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 27 -- 5:30 PM – Broker Licensing Class 21

Thursday, May 28 – 5:30 PM – Broker Licensing Class 22

Friday, May 29 – 8:00 PM – OPENING NIGHT for “Sweeney Todd” at Kelsey

That’s it for now – have a great week!

Pete

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