How to
The Top 10 or 11ish Some Odd Reasons People Will Not Follow You on Twitter
Photo courtesy of Nemo’s Great Uncle’s
Rocky’s Top 10 or 11ish list
Wondering why you have ZERO meaningful interaction on Twitter? Here is a humorous clue.
11. You are following 1000 people, and 2 are following you (and they are spammers thinking they are going to dupe you.)
10. The words “Follow Me” are in your profile.
9.. You are a self proclaimed “Guru” or “Expert.” (and if you’re such an expert why are you begging people to follow you?!?!?)
8. Seriously, do you really think I believe an attractive college co-ed has nothing better to do on a Friday night than Tweet with a 34 year old married father of one? If you are that lonely, get a job or buy a dog. (Besides, I am MARRIED to a HOT YOUNG WIFE!).
7. I do not Twitter to “buy a boat, windows, spa, or a gentle laxative to ease my constipation!”
6. I thought this spot was appropriate for the “6 Figure Team.” Enough said!
5. Get rid of the terms “wealthy, rich, and millionaire.”
4. Real estate agents, here is a tip… interact with some folks while tweeting, use an @yourname every so often. Two way communication goes along way.
3. Also real estate agents, you do not need to put your city in every post. Honest, we get it, you sell Akron (I lived there once, then moved back to Paradise)!
2. Again on the real estate agents, average twitter users do not care that you just listed yet another multi million dollar home. Just because you post it does not mean other owners of multi-million dollar homes, (or multi-thousand dollars homes for that fact) will hire you to meet their real estate needs. Let alone follow you on twitter. (Hint take a look at who is really following you. I will bet dollars to donuts its someone mentioned above. Trust me, I have looked at some of your followers!)
1.5 You have a block M as your avatar (Thank you @toddwaller for suggesting I do not follow these types! ;^P)
1.Your Twitter Handle is @gotbob… Just kidding buddy, its really that I would not follow @laniar!
Here’s the “Take Home”
Be yourself on Twitter, a husband, father, brother, son, friend, lover of anything star wars, or the person with a longer 2nd toe.
We the twitter users are not stupid and blind, we can see through most facades. Do not jump in to Twitter and scream “Im here, follow me cause I am great and you need to buy from me because I know all.” People will avoid you like you have a leprosy. Twitter is like a party, get in, chat to a few people, get to know them build some trust, most importantly “MAKE SOME FRIENDS!” It truly is alright to talk a little about real estate. After all, it is what you do. However It is not going to kill you to say “hi, hello, I like dogs” or “yeah, I also have a 3rd nipple.”
After a month or few after taking true meaningful interest in a Twitter user, the next thing you know you will receive an open tweet like this (and pray your local competition does not see it!)
This list is in now way definitive or comprehensive, what are some other ways to build long lasting true friendships?
Coaching
Disputing a property’s value in a short sale: turn a no into a go
During a short sale, there may be various obstacles, with misaligned property values ranking near the top, but it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker!
It’s about getting your way
Were you on the debate team in high school? Were you really effective at convincing your parent or guardian to let you do things that you shouldn’t have been doing? How are your objection-handling skills? Can you flip a no into a go?
When working on short sales, there is one aspect of the process that may require those excellent negotiation or debate skills: disputing the property value. In a short sale, the short sale lender sends an appraiser or broker to the property and this individual conducts a Broker Price Opinion or an appraisal, using special forms provided by the short sale lender.
After this individual completes the Broker Price Opinion or the appraisal, he or she will return it to the short sale lender. Shortly thereafter, the short sale lender will be ready to talk about the purchase price. Will the lender accept the offer on the table or is the lender looking for more? If the lender is seeking an offer for a lot more than the one on the table, mentally prepare for the fact that you will need to conduct a value dispute.
Value Dispute Process
While each of the different short sale lenders (including Fannie Mae) has their own policies and procedures for value dispute, all these procedures have some things in common. Follow the steps below in order to conduct an effective value dispute.
- Inquire about forms. Ask your short sale lender if there are specific forms that you need to complete in order to conduct a value dispute. Obtain those forms if necessary.
- Gather information. Your goal is to convince the lender to accept the buyer’s offer, so you need to demonstrate that your offer is in line with the value of the property. Collect data that proves this point, such as reports from the MLS, Trulia, Zillow, or your local title company.
- Take photos. If there are parts of the property that are substandard and possibly were not revealed to the lender by the individual conducting the BPO, take photos of those items. Perhaps the kitchen has no flooring, or there is a 40-year old roof. Take photos to demonstrate these defects.
- Obtain bids. For any defects on the property, obtain a minimum of two bids from licensed contractors. For example, obtain two bids from roofers or structural engineers if necessary
- Write a report. Think back to high school English class if necessary. Write a short essay that references your information, photos, and bids, and explains how these items support your buyer’s value. This is not something that you whip up in five minutes. Spend time preparing a compelling appeal.
It is entirely possible that some lenders will not be particularly open-minded when it comes to valuation dispute. However, more times than not, an effective value dispute leads to short sale approval.
Coaching
Short sale standoffs: how to avoid getting hit
The short sale process can feel a lot like a wild west standoff, but there are ways to come out victorious, so let’s talk about those methods:
What is a short sale standoff?
If you are a short sale listing agent, a short sale processor, or a short sale negotiator then you probably already know about the short sale standoff. That’s when you are processing a short sale with more than one lien holder and neither will agree to the terms offered by the other. Or… better yet, each one will not move any further in the short sale process until they see the short sale approval letter from the other lien holder.
Scenario #1 – You are processing a short sale with two different mortgage-servicing companies. Bank 1 employees tell you that they will proceed with the short sale, and they will offer Bank 2 a certain amount to release their lien. You call Bank 2 and tell them the good news. Unfortunately, the folks at Bank 2 want more money. If Bank 1 and Bank 2 do not agree, then you are in a standoff.
Scenario #2 – You are processing a short sale with two different mortgage-servicing companies. Bank 1 employees tell you that they cannot generate your approval letter until you present them with the approval letter from Bank 2. Bank 2 employees tell you the exact same thing. Clearly, in this situation, you are in a standoff.
How to Avoid the Standoff
If you are in the middle of a standoff, then you are likely very frustrated. You’ve gotten pretty far in the short sale process and you are likely receiving lots of pressure from all of the parties to the transaction. And, the lenders are not helping much by creating the standoff.
Here are some ideas for how to get out of the situation:
- Go back to the first lien holder and ask them if they are willing to give the second lien holder more money.
- Go to the second lien holder and tell them that the first lien holder has insisted on a maximum amount and see if they will budge.
- If no one will budge, find out why. Is this a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan? If so, they have a maximum that they allow the second. And, if you alert the second of that information, they may become more compliant.
- Worst case: someone will have to pay the difference. Depending on the laws in your state, it could be the buyer, the seller, or the agents (yuck). No matter what, make sure that this contribution is disclosed to all parties and appears on the short sale settlement statement at closing.
- In Scenario #2, someone’s got to give in. Try explaining to both sides where you are and see if one will agree to generate their approval letter. If not, follow the tips provided in this Agent Genius article and take your complaint to the streets.
One thing about short sales is that the problems that arise can be difficult to resolve merely because of the number of parties involved—and all from remote locations. Imagine how much easier this would be if all parties sat at the same table and broke bread? If we all sat at the same table, then we wouldn’t need armor in order to avoid the flying bullets from the short sale standoff.
Coaching
Short sale approval letters don’t arrive in the blink of an eye
Short sale approval letters may look like they’ve been obtained simply by experts, but it takes time and doesn’t just happen with luck.
Short sale approval: getting prepared, making it happen
People always ask me how it is that I obtain short sale approval letters with such ease. The truth is, that while I have more short sale processing and negotiating experience than most agents and brokers, I don’t just blink my eyes like Jeannie and make those short sale approval letters appear. I often sweat it, just like everyone else.
Despite the fact that I do not have magical powers, I do have something else on my side—education. One of the most important things than can lead to short sale success for any and all agents is education.
Experience dictates that agents that learn about the short sale process
have increased short sale closings.
Short sale education opportunities abound
There are many ways to become educated about the short sale process and make getting short sale approval letters look easy to obtain. These include:
- Classes at your local board of Realtors®
- Free short sale webinars and workshops
- The short sale or foreclosure specialist designations
As the distressed property arena grows and changes, it is important to always stay abreast of policy changes that may impact how you do your job and how you process any short sale that lands on your plate.
The most important thing to do is to read, read, read. Follow short sale specialists and those who blog about short sales on AGBeat, Google+, facebook, and twitter. Set up a Google Alert for the term ‘short sale’ and you will receive Google’s top short sale picks daily in your email inbox. Visit mortgagor websites to read up on their specific policies and procedures.
Don’t take on too much
And, when you get a call from a prospective short sale seller, make sure that you don’t bit off more than you can chew. Agents in most of America right now are clamoring for listings since we are in the midst of a listing shortage. But, if you are going to take on a short sale, be sure that it is a deal that you can close. And, if you have your doubts, why not partner up with a local agent that can mentor your and assist you in getting the job done? After all, half a commission check is better than none!
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Chris Shouse
September 6, 2008 at 12:10 pm
LOL @Rockson funny I just asked a Realtor this morning on Twitter after 30 or so posts about fiddling with her blog post or some such and then the post…I asked if that was all she had to say:) But then what do I know?
Dale Chumbley
September 6, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Rock on @rockson!
Nice post and great tips for the new & old Twitterers alike. It’s about the relationships! Duh people, get it. ;?)
Teresa Boardman
September 6, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Thanks for the advice about not putting the name of your town in every tweet. Bloggers do that too. find it annoying. Also it is true with the names. I honestly get confused and don’t know who I am following because they don’t use their real names. A consultant and writer recommended that agents tweet out “open house at 123 sunny street…” bad advice. Nough said. Great post Bill.
Lani Anglin-Rosales
September 6, 2008 at 12:54 pm
What the hell? How’d I get dragged into this? Your toes look funny.
Missy Caulk
September 6, 2008 at 1:37 pm
LOL, @Rockson, I love that block M. I love Todd Waller too.
Todd Waller
September 6, 2008 at 2:35 pm
From Delaware, OH: Too funny Rocky! I didn’t realize that you had a third nipple…kinda scary and definitely TMI!
Bill Lublin
September 6, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I SELL REAL ESTATE IN PHILADELPHIA, BUCKS, MONTGOMERY, DELAWARE AND CHESTER COUNTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA AS WELL AS IN NEW JERSEY **Great Post Rocky
I SELL REAL ESTATE IN PHILADELPHIA, BUCKS, MONTGOMERY, DELAWARE AND CHESTER COUNTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA AS WELL AS IN NEW JERSEY **I don’t know why people tweet that way
I SELL REAL ESTATE IN PHILADELPHIA, BUCKS, MONTGOMERY, DELAWARE AND CHESTER COUNTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA AS WELL AS IN NEW JERSEY **I would think that after all this time in the bologsphere they would realize those tactics don’t work
I SELL REAL ESTATE IN PHILADELPHIA, BUCKS, MONTGOMERY, DELAWARE AND CHESTER COUNTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA AS WELL AS IN NEW JERSEY **But I guess that some people will always assume that they can be self serving without other people being smart enough to realize it
I SELL REAL ESTATE IN PHILADELPHIA, BUCKS, MONTGOMERY, DELAWARE AND CHESTER COUNTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA AS WELL AS IN NEW JERSEY ** Oh BTW @TBoard – this post was from Rocky, not from me – he’s younger and better looking 😉
rocky
September 6, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Bill, I was getting ready to tell TBoard I am not as distinguished looking as you. Also, do you sell real estate? If so, where at?
Lani, You are the “New Media Director,’ you are young and will adjust. BTW do you really want to see my toes? I have a camera right here and can send you a pick. FYI stubbed my pinky toe last night… Not pretty.
Missy, You are flat out sick! Two wrongs do not make it right.
TBoard, I am araid to drop “Rockson” since that is how I am now identified.
Todd, nice day today in paradise aint it? Also, that was not a 3rd nipple, thats my belly.
Bill Lublin
September 6, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Rocky Please get Lani’s title right She is;
The Queen of All Social and New media
The Empress of Effervescence
AND The Snarkiest Girl in North America (with all respect to Poppy who is the snarkiest girl in the UK)
Mariana
September 6, 2008 at 5:03 pm
@rockson this was a very cool and lol post. Except, if you aren’t following @laniar then you must be a loser. … just sayin’.
Alvin
September 6, 2008 at 7:04 pm
M Go Blue!
Poppy Dinsey
September 7, 2008 at 3:41 am
Great (and funny) post Rocky. I never follow people that have no @replies in their archive…not interested in people who throw stuff out there and don’t interact. Newbies often want to follow a zillion people at once but they need to do it gradually or they’ll never get followed back. And as for people with manky toes…eeeeew! I didn’t realise you suffered from that…I’m going to Twitter to unfollow you right now!
Mack
September 7, 2008 at 6:59 am
@rockson Thanks for the article. It’s even good to learn from the comments here.
Matt Wilkins
September 7, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Home Run! Great post in terms of relevance mixed iwth humor. One thingI find important is to clearly describe yourself and your occupation or business in your BIO line. one of my big factors in following people who follow me (unless I already know them) is what they do. I find that most people in Real Estate will gladly follow a fellew Real Estat professional as long as they know that from the get go.
ines
September 8, 2008 at 9:39 pm
OMG – I can’t stop laughing!! this is friggin’ HILARIOUS!
Lesley
September 9, 2008 at 9:24 am
Hmmmm now I am getting a complex. I am a REALTOR and I have twitterfeed on my blog, which will post my listings and sometimes I mention that I work in Westfield, MA. I have never been courageous enough to admit that my feet are heinous (phew I feel better now) but I “think” I interract like a normal person. I mean it: I am this annoying in person, too!
ps, follow me!!! me!!! me!!! @LesleyRealtor ;p
Rocky V
February 25, 2010 at 10:00 pm
A client I linked to changed her twitter ID. Just updaint it https://twitter.com/amy_mcgjazz/statuses/871654947.
Its the first public tweet I received asking for help finding a home!