Meet our Support Team: Sarah Fields

This is the fifth post in our continuing series titled “Meet our Support Team.” In this post you will meet Sarah Fields, Director of Social Media.

Jeff: What is your title at PMZ?

Sarah: Director of Social Media

Jeff: Please describe your job at PMZ.

Sarah: My role at PMZ is both to build awareness of the PMZ brand and to equip the PMZ agents with the tools and education they need to build an effective web presence utilizing the power of social media and online resources.

Jeff: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Sarah: The most exciting part of my job is having the ability to empower agents to build their businesses using perseverance, professional insight, expertise, creativity and relationship skills instead of having to just pay for exposure.

Jeff: Can you give me an example of how you helped an agent at PMZ?

Sarah: Through my interaction with the agents at PMZ, I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing the stories about the immediate results they are getting from engaging in social media.  On a weekly basis, I am hearing from agents about how they have extended their personal sphere of influence by connecting with people from their past who have been in need of real estate services. Timing is everything and social media leaves a digital footprint that extends far beyond the traditional pounding of the pavement. I also love the “a-ha” moments when the agents have a chance to connect the dots as to how social media fits into their professional plan as both a relationship marketing tool AND a business builder.

Jeff: Anything else you would like to add?

Sarah: It’s so exciting be a part of today’s “communication revolution” especially as it relates to our real estate industry.  Given the current economy,  the shift away from traditional (and typically expensive) marketing methods couldn’t have come at a better time.  With the proper skills and strategies in place, agents today have the ability to extend their reach and fill their business pipelines without spending a dime.

Turbo Charge Your Open House – Now Available Online

Full length video of this class is available to PMZ agents online at Zagaris Online Solutions.  Email us for details.

25+ Advanced Sales Training:Handling Real Estate Objections

Tuesday, February 9th. 10:00am.

Learn weekly, new strategies, techniques and skills to do 25 or more transactions per year.
  
•Learn to anticipate the unanswered questions for prospects and clients.
•Know what to say and how to say it.
•Increase your close rate.

25+ Advanced Sales Training – How to Turbo Charge Your Open House

Tuesday, February 2nd. 10:00-11:00

Join us for our weekly meeting at the Tracy office! We will be covering the subject of Open Houses. Here are a few things you can expect to learn about.

•  Increase your visitors from a trickle to a flood.
• Closing skills for Open Houses.
• Create an open house kit for quick and effective open house preparation.
• Become a recognized “neighborhood expert” in the community surrounding your open house.

Computer Lab

Tuesday, February 2nd- 1:00pm- 2:00pm.                      

Having a hard time completing a project because you don’t  know how  to utilize your software tools? We have the solution for you!!! Bring your laptop, projects and questions to our computer lab with Jill Minerva. 

Here is a list of just a few things we will be covering:

• Create Labels or Envelopes from your contact database
•  Write Form Letters to Mail Merge with your contact database
• Personalize a CMA Package for your Listing Appointments
• Create eye-catching Charts and Graphs for your Listing Presentation
•  Design a Personalized Letterhead
  

zipForm(R) 6!!!

Tuesday, February 2^nd- 11:00 am- 12:00 pm. 

Confused about zipForms(R)6? Want to know the difference between zipForms(R) 6 and Winforms? Then this class is for you. Run by Jill Minerva, this class will teach you anything you need to know about the new zipForm(R) 6!!!

Topics covered:

• zipForm(R) 6 Standard
• zipForm(R) 6  Professional.
• Coversheets
• Templates
• Epubs

Mike Ketchel talks about PMZ and His Real Estate Career

Sarah Fields teaching Facebook 101

Here’s a great example of the training our agents receive at PMZ.

Facebook 101 with Sara Fields

Sara Fields

Facebook 101 with Sarah Fields, Social Media Manager at PMZ, Tuesday January 26 10:00 a.m. at PMZ Real Estate in Tracy.

Learn Facebook from the ground up.

While this popular social network was created to be simple to use, understanding how to use it for business is critical.
We will cover:
-Populating your profile with relevant content & why it is important
-Privacy settings and safety
-Communication protocol – How and where to post & who will see it
-Content strategy
-Network building strategies

Hands on Web Training with Jill Minerva

Jill Minerva, PMZ’s software trainer trained several agents this week at PMZ Tracy. Great info and good time for all!

Contract Class at PMZ Tracy

Thanks to Richard Hundley for a great class yesterday.

Richard Hundley teaching at PMZ Tracy

25+ Sales Training: Listings

Tuesday, January 5th 2010. 10:00 am

Happy New Year everyone! We are starting off 2010 with a class centered around listings.  Here is a  list of some of the things we will be covering:

• Prospecting
• What to say at a listing appointment
• Pre-Listing Packet
• Objection handlers
• Generating listings

25+ Sales Training: Internet Tune Up

How to find people and how to have people find you.

Tuesday, December 22nd, 10:00 am

As part of our 25+ Advanced Sales Training we are going to step up to the digital plate. In a world constantly moving at the speed of information, you can’t afford to be left behind. Come learn how to ensure that your business flourishes online! Here are some of the topics we will be discussing:  

• Introduction to SEO – How people can find your website using key words.
• Best Practices for Social Media                       
• How to capture Internet Leads
• Become an Uber Agent!!!

 

Meet our Support Team: Mike Daniel

This is the fourth post in our continuing series titled “Meet our Support Team.” In this post you will meet Mike Daniel, Digital Media Manager at PMZ.

Mike Daniel

Jeff: What is your title at PMZ?

Mike: Digital Media Manager

Jeff: Please describe your job at PMZ.

Mike: Development and management of PMZ’s web marketing strategy, including development and management of our Video on Demand library, PMZTV. Additionally, management of agent websites, and assisting in development of new web technologies for the PMZ family of companies. This will include video packages on local communities, agent bio’s, training and development of a weekly market update that will be delivered on video.

Jeff: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Mike: The creativity and development of new concepts and marketing tactics for agents.

Jeff: Anything else you would like to add?

Mike: My experience in the multimedia and television industry will allow PMZ and it’s agents to be ahead of the curve on new media technologies, and position PMZ as the leader in the digital marketplace moving forward.

Meet Our Support Team: Jill Minerva

Jill Minerva

Jill Minerva, PMZ’s software trainer and training coordinator.

This is the Third post in our continuing series titled “Meet our Support Team.” In this post you will meet Jill Minerva, Software Training and Training Coordinator.  Jill has helped hundreds of agents with difficult support issues as well as taught hours and hours of valuable classes that help agents effectively practice Real Estate.

Jeff: What is your title at PMZ?

Jill: I am PMZ’s software trainer and training coordinator.  I also help support the PMZ.com website and PMZ’s intranet; helping our end users navigate through the sites and working with our programmers on enhancements to the sites.

Jeff: Please describe your job at PMZ.

I hold weekly classes, at our PMZ Universities, on various software applications such as MetroList, WINForms, Microsoft Office, Client Direct, Trendgraphix, Mercado, PMZ.com and our Internet, our Call Center, and more.  I meet one-to-one with agents at their office to go over specific questions they have about a software application they are using, and how to use it most effectively in their business.

Jeff: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Jill: I’m fortunate enough to spend a whole week getting to know our new agents as they go through our New Agent Orientation and I enjoy watching them and helping them grow their business.  I love introducing a new idea or system to an agent and seeing the light click on inside them.  Then to see that agent take the idea and run with it is awesome! What I appreciate most about my job has to be that I’m working with such a forward thinking company. It’s exciting to see what’s next!

Thanks for Attending the Grand Opening

Personal message from Jeff.  Raw video footage from Jeff’s office at home.

PMZ launches PMZTV

With the launching of PMZTV, clients, agents and the greater community will be supplied with news, updates and highly useful information.  This is another of PMZ’s many strategy to provide free, value added content to our market area.  PMZTV will be directed by PMZ’s Digital Media Manager Mike Daniel.  You can access PMZTV as well as multitude of services at www.PMZ.com.

PMZ Tracy Office Video from PMZTV

Tracy PMZ Grand Opening, a Great Success

Community members, chamber of commerce representatives, agents from various offices and members of our PMZ local and regional staff joined together for celebration of the opening of our newest office. Michael Zagaris, President and CEO of PMZ Real Estate and Jeff Green, Sales Manager of the PMZ office in Tracy cut the ribbon that symbolized the opening of our office in Tracy.  We are grateful for the many members of Tracy Chamber of Commerce who facilitated this ribbon cutting.  The fun continued with a three-hour of mixer style gathering.  Our local PMZ sales team as well as the entire PMZ organization are delighted to be serving Tracy and the surrounding communities in at a greater level.  For more information about PMZ in Tracy please call or email Jeff Green.  tel. 209.832.2010 email: PMZTracy@PMZ.com

iPhone App – Another Cutting Edge Resource for Agents

PMZ provides the best tools and resources to equip our agents for the highest level of customer service to their clients.

PMZ’s commitment to our agents includes the continual implementation of state of the art tools and strategies.  The iPhone App is just one of these great tools available for PMZ agents.

25+ Advanced Sales Training: Scripts, Dialogs and Objection Handlers

Know what to say, when to say it and how to handle objections.

Tuesday December 2nd 10 a.m.

As part of our 25+ Advanced Sales Training we are going to learn the fine art of using the best scripts and dialogs as well as handle objections. This series of classes will extend for several weeks.  Learn more about:

• Prospecting scripts.
• Listing scripts.
• Buyer qualifying scripts.
• Short sale scripts.
• Sphere of influence.
• Just listed/just sold.
• Lead follow-up.

We will also feature:  JEFF GREEN ON THE HOT SEAT!

Throw any real estate objections you can at Jeff and see how he responds. We will discuss the best methods for handling a variety of  real estate objections.

Breakthrough Business Planning for 2010 – Grow your business 25% or more in 2010

Thursday 11/19 10 a.m. Tracy PMZ Office

• Setting realistic and obtainable goals.
• Time management: short cuts and time savers that increase productivity.
• Make more money while spending less on business costs.
• How to set your career path toward being a top producer.

Breakthrough Business Planning for 2010

11/19 10 a.m. PMZ Tracy Office

Breakthrough Business Planning for 2010 - Grow your business 25% or more in 2010.

• Setting realistic and obtainable goals.
• Time management: short cuts and time savers that increase productivity.
• Make more money while spending less on business costs.
• How to set your career path toward being a top producer.

Short Sale Training, Mentoring and Coaching

Jeff Green – Sales Manager of the Tracy PMZ office has developed a highly successful short sale business.  See Jeff’s closed listings.  As a sales manager Jeff is now offering this training to his agents.  Agents who wish to advance their real estate career with a solid working knowledge of short sales should consider joining PMZ’s Tracy office.  Please see an example of the training offered in this video of Jeff training agents at the State Theater in Modesto.

At the PMZ office in Tracy our ongoing Short Sale Training will include:

• Pre-qualifying short sale listings to increase close rate.
• Short sale listing presentations – what to say to a client considering a short sale.
• Risk management.
• Effective tips to process a short sale.
• Checklists and step by step procedures.
• Strategies for negotiation with lien holders.

And more.  Call Jeff Green at 209-830-2010 for more information.

25+ Advanced Sales Training 11.17.09 – Enhanced Time Mangagement Techniques

Because 25+ will add an increasing level of client interaction, sales activity and closed transactions to the your professional life,  it is critical that we begin with Enhanced Time Management Techniques. Agents who can manage their time will be able to manage their lives and will out pace their competition in any market.

Most time management classes cover such topics as calendaring and scheduling.  In our Time Management section of 25+ Advanced Sales Training, we will be covering techniques to enhance and go far beyond basic time management.  These methods and strategies will enable agents to become highly efficient and effective in their use of time each day.

Topics will include:

• Setting the optimal sales routine to produce the greatest number of transactions.
• Using technology to automate tasks that normally bog you down and waste your time.
• Fail-proof follow-up systems for leads, activities and other responsibilities.
• Stress reduction through proven methods.
• Guilt-free scheduling that enables you to appropriately say yes and no.
• Balanced work and personal time.

And more!

25+ Advanced Sales Training happens each Tuesday at 10:00 am in the Tracy PMZ Office.  Call 209-832-2010 for more information.

PMZ Tracy Office – Grand Opening Friday 12.4.09 3:00-6:00 pm

PMZ Tracy welcomes you to our official Grand Opening. Join us for a time of networking, socializing and fun. Take a look at our new office facility. We will be serving drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

A complimentary copy of Mike Zagaris’ Book “The PMZ Way” will be provided to our guests (while supplies last).

RIBBON CUTTING AT 3 PM

25+ Advanced Sales Training Course

PMZ Real Estate in Tracy trains agents weekly.  In addition to our ongoing training schedule, agents who want to advance their real estate practice to the level of 25 transactions per year or more can participate in the 25+ Advanced Sales Training Course.

Each Tuesday 10 a.m. Tracy PMZ

Goal: To increase agent production to 25 or more transactions per year.

Method: Weekly advanced sales training and accountability.

As the market continues to change it is critical for agents to develop authentic, powerful sales skills. Changes are already occurring which will eventually result in a market that is not foreclosure driven. As a result of market changes, agents with the best sales skills will dominate the market.  Strategies, techniques and skills taught in 25+ will include:

• Business planning to maximize efficiency and profitability.
• Prospecting skills that work in any market.
• Leak proof lead follow-up.
• Listing and buyer presentations.
• Scripts and dialogs so you can know what to say in any sales situation.
• Time management, pre-qualifying, pricing property, handling objections, closing skills, negotiating, winning mindset and more.

Agents considering a career at PMZ Real Estate should contact Jeff Green, Sales Manager at 209-832-2010.

11.17.09 Enhanced Time Management Techniques

Buyer Efficiency Class – PMZ Real Estate, Tracy Thursday 11.5.09 10 am

PMZ Tracy Training Center

Buyer Efficiency Class - Increase your closed buyer transactions by 50% or more in 2010.

• Advanced methods for buyer pre-qualification that result in high level team work between buyer and agent.
• Effective buyer’s presentation that effectively educates and prepares buyers for home purchase .
• Technology tips that save time in the office and inspire your client.
• How to get your offer accepted when competing with multiple offers.

Join us at the Tracy PMZ Conference Room.  Call 209-832-2010 for more information.

Traci Cammarata’s Story – Why I Chose PMZ

Traci Cammarata - REALTOR

I began my real estate career in Santa Clara County.  Because I was not very familiar with the area and the commute was killing me, I decided to make an executive decision to change companies. I’ve lived and worked in Tracy for over 21 years and was torn between trying to find an hourly paying administrative job or finding a real estate company with real clout that would offer real training and real support to help me be successful, even in this recession.

One evening, while watching the evening news, I saw Ben Balsbaugh (manager of the Stockton PMZ office) on television giving a reporter an interview about the status of the foreclosure market in Stockton. The reporter said that PMZ had dominant market share in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.  WOW!  I was so excited – finally, a successful company!

So, I went onto the website, did some research, found out about PMZ’s stellar training programs, up-to-date technology, finger on the pulse of the market trends nationwide and impeccable reputation, and signed up as a new agent.

I interviewed by telephone with Matt Keenan, PMZ’s recruiter, and subsequently Ben Balsbaugh and decided the Stockton office was a fit for me. I have worked in various offices for various types of business over the years, and I must say, I have never in my life had the training, comradery and un-yielding support offered to me like I have from PMZ.  From the CEO to the receptionists, PMZ is a hands-on supportive environment, ready to help you and your clients in any way and simply an amazing company to do business with.  I have been told my many collegues who have come from other real estate companies that PMZ is absolutely the best company they have worked for.

I am proud to now be part of the new Tracy PMZ office, which is where I have lived for 20+ years.  I am excited to be in an area where I live and know very well, and I look forward to many successful years with PMZ.

If you wish to buy or sell real estate please contact Traci:

209-914-3357 | email:  tcammarata@pmz.com | web: tcammarata.pmz.com

PMZ Agent Power Tool – TrendGraphix

PMZ provides TrendGraphix for all of it’s agents, free of charge.

With Trendgraphix Facts & Trends™ reports, agents can become an instant pricing-trends expert for any neighborhood or city they serve. Reports covering a 15-month time period visually demonstrate current, historical, and seasonal trends in pricing, inventory and days-on-the market.

Establish Expertise:

• Determine supply and demand, appreciation and depreciation, price negotiation factors, and more.
• Forecast the future with pending sales statistics.
• Negotiate listing terms with confidence and retain higher commissions, based on the added value your market-knowledge provides.
• Know the competition and identify new areas and opportunities to farm business.

Win more business:

• Quickly differentiate with a Facts & Trends™ report suite in the listing presentation.
• Set an accurate listing price in any market to increase listings, sales volume, and earnings while decreasing the number of price reductions and total days on market.
• Manage seller expectations by explaining market dynamics in simple graphs.

For more information about other PMZ power agent tools and resources contact:

Jeff Green – Sales Manager, PMZ Tracy 209-832-2010

Mike Ketchel’s Story – Why I Chose PMZ

Mike Ketchel - REALTOR

My recent Facebook entry notes how honored I am to be part of such a great team.  So very true.   I came from the mortgage brokerage industry, with a great company, and had been considering making a shift to the real estate transaction side for awhile.   I knew my background in lending would be a great asset as I represent buyers and sellers, especially in these times.   But, I was also looking for a company that puts clients first, with an uncompromising dedication to service and professionalism, and who provides its agents with the proper tools and support to be successful.  PMZ is everything I was looking for and more!

My initial exposure to PMZ came through a close friend who was in a short-sale situation with his home.  The PMZ listing agent impressed me with his professional and thorough handling of the sale.  We spoke and soon after, he informed me of a new office opening in Tracy.  I then met with Jeff Green, the dynamic manager of the Tracy office, and found myself joining PMZ just days later.  Next stop – PMZ U.  If I was enthusiastic prior to PMZ U., afterwards, I was even more impressed.  Although I’ve been DRE licensed since 1997, PMZ University was a real eye-opener, a priceless week-long intensive provided for new agents with PMZ, absolutely free!  ”Wow,” I thought: “This company is willing to invest in my success!  How cool is that!”   In fact, everyone at the company, from the president, Mike Zagaris, to the training and IT professionals, PMZ staff, and certainly Jeff, is genuinely supportive and it shows.

PMZ is a first class organization – amazingly supportive of its team members, and absolutely committed to client satisfaction, every step of the way.  The #1 real estate brand and the #1 real estate website in the Central Valley, and all those blue and yellow signs popping up everywhere are no coincidence!

For me, as a PMZ agent, it’s always reassuring to know that there’s an entire team behind me, with every client, in every transaction.  Just like being part of a championship sports team, and I’ve been on several, it’s great to be on the PMZ team!

Mike Ketchel

Contact Mike for professional real estate services, including short-sales and REOs:

925-321-2957 | mketchel@pmz.com  |  www.mketchel.pmz.com

PMZ Agents are Part of the World’s Largest Referral Network

PMZ agents enjoy the benefit of the largest broker to broker referral network.  More sales, more referrals more transactions  - that’s the benefit of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

^{Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is the world’s largest network of premier independent residential real estate firms. Because real estate is still a local business, these local brands continue to dominate, with the highest market share in more of the top 90 markets than any national brand.}

Headquartered in Chicago, the network represents over 600 companies with 5,000 offices and nearly 150,000 sales associates in 35 countries. Collectively, these firms produce almost $300 billion in annual home sale – nearly 1 million transactions – which is more than any national real estate franchise brand.

RELOHomeSearch.com is an exclusive service of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® real estate network.

RELOHomeSearch.com is a community research tool that you can use to find information about cities, neighborhoods, zip code areas, etc. For example, if you were to search for Chicago real estate for sale, you would get an instant cost-of-living analysis, be able to research home sales and other community statistics, and find relevant properties for sale listed by our members. Once you click on a member property listing, logo, or company name link, you are taken directly to our members’ websites where you can view full-market coverage.

When agents join PMZ, they automatically receive the benefits of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.

Rashelle Seeger’s Story – Why I Chose PMZ

Rashelle Seeger - REALTOR

After working in the new home industry for over 4 years, I was looking forward to the opportunity to build my own brand in real estate.  I decided to search for a company that not only had a brand of it’s own but provided agents with a great starting point and top-notch tools for success.  After meeting with some of the brokers in the area, becoming a little dazed and confused by it all, I contacted a friend of mine from high school who is a REALTOR with PMZ.  She told me about her experience in being a new agent with PMZ and how at one point she tried another broker but returned to PMZ for the benefit of her career.  That perked my ears right up!  She continued to describe in more detail how PMZ keeps their agents up to date on the latest trends in the industry, provides continuous training opportunities plus has a strong reputation not just within the real estate community but as a leader on-line with the #1 website for buyers and sellers as well.  Her energy and excitement caused me to re-think PMZ, as there was no local office for me.

After contacting PMZ and discovering their plan to open a Tracy office, I was sold.  I recently completed the PMZ University New Agent Orientation courses and was honestly WOWED!  The speakers are top in the field and the topics covered a variety of things not just for a new agent but one that’s been in the industry needing to adapt to market changes to keep their business afloat.  Everyone at PMZ from the CEO and Broker on Record to my office manager and loan agent has made themselves available to me for questions or assistance.  I couldn’t be happier being a PMZ agent.  I see PMZ as a partner in my business and my business is making real estate easy for both buyers and sellers of homes.

Contact Rashelle for professional real estate services:

209-346-2997 | rseeger@pmz.com

PMZ Real Estate in Tracy is Open for Business Monday 11.2.09

It has been a great week at our Tracy PMZ office.  Here’s a brief re-cap:

• I have had the opportunity to interview several great agents, some of which I have hired.
• Michael Zagaris President of PMZ Real Estate mailed a copy of his book to several agents in the Tracy area announcing our new office.  If you did not receive a copy, please stop by our office.  We are offering Mike’s book as a free gift to any agent in the Tracy area during the month of November.
• Alarm company has installed our new state of the art alarm system.
• Our IT department came out on Friday and installed CAT5 high-speed Internet service to each desk.  I checked it out on Friday and it’s fast!
• Phone system is up and running.  Nice phone sets by the way!
• Office received deep cleaning.
• Front desk receptionist hired and trained.
• Most of our agents have received their work space assignment… free of desk fees of course!
• We are ready for a great week starting Monday!

Feel free to stop by or call if you have questions.

Jeff Green – Sales Manager 209-247-1127

Meet our PMZ Support Team: Desiree Theobald – Marketing Specialist

This is the second post in our continuing series titled “Meet our Support Team.” In this post you will meet Desiree Theobald, Marketing Specialist at PMZ. All of us who know Desiree can vouch for her hard work, thoroughness and personal interest in helping real estate agents market their services and listings.

Desiree Theobald

Jeff: What is your title at PMZ?

Desiree: Marketing Specialist

Jeff: Please describe your job at PMZ.

Desiree: I handle a lot of the Marketing needs for all agents at PMZ. I make Property Flyers, Announcement Cards, Personalized Note Cards, Return Labels, Business Cards, Bulk Mail, anything the agents need. A few have even had me make Candy Bar Wrappers for different Holidays.

Jeff: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Desiree: I love creating! I am a Mom who looks forward to all of the different holidays probably more than my son does because I know I get to make new custom holiday goody bag toppers (or tags for the goody bags) for all of his classmates and daycare friends. So to have a job where I get to create all day, every day is amazing!

Jeff: Can you give me an example of how you helped an agent at PMZ?

Desiree:  I like to be proactive and if I can I like to have things already in the process of being created before an agent has to ask for it. There was a team of three agents, one of the agents left the team. Knowing that they had a group photo on their website I knew that the remaining two agents were going to be in need of an updated website, so I started working on it for them and sent over a proof explaining that I knew they would need a new website done and thought I would start on it for them. Their reply email was thanking me for taking charge on this for them and that it was on her “to do” list for that day and I saved her some time.

Jeff: Is there anything else you would like to share about your job?

Desiree: I take pride in my job. When I have a flyer to make, I don’t just slap the pictures on and be done with it. I take the time to edit most of the pictures. I have gone so far as to take a speed limit sign and even a car out of photos because having them in the photo took away from the property.

PMZ is fortunate to have a number of professional support staff. Desiree is just one member of a team we are proud to have facilitating our business as real estate agents.

PMZ Makes National Association of REALTORs Top 100 Broker List

Realtor Magazine article ranks the top 100 Real Estate firms in the U.S. PMZ ranks #38 for transactions sides and #54 for sales volume compared to all other real estate firms in the U.S.  These reports open into a searchable PDF document that allows you look for your company’s standings as well as others.  Go ahead and open the reports to see where your company ranks.

Meet our PMZ Support Team: Roy McKenzie – Communications and Marketing Manager

In this post I am sharing my recent interview with Roy McKenzie, Communications and Marketing Manager at PMZ.  If you are an agent considering PMZ this interview will give you an understanding of our valuable support team. This dedicated team provides professional support to our REALTORs free of charge.  This interview with Roy McKenzie is the first in a series titled “Meet Our Support Team.”  JG

Roy McKenzie

 

Jeff:  Roy what is your role here at PMZ Real Estate?

Roy: I am the Communications and Marketing Manager at PMZ Real Estate.

Jeff: What does this job entail?

Roy: I coordinate communications between various departments and our affiliate companies.  I also design and manage our online and print advertising.  I am also involved with our website design and maintenance.  I assist the technology department with updating agent webpages.  I oversee our agent marketing department. I manage our social media outlets which consist of our blog, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.

Jeff: What do you enjoy best about working with PMZ?

Roy: The thing I enjoy most about my job is the ability to work on a variety of different projects and work creatively in all aspects of my job. Working with people on new ideas and implementing new technologies is my favorite aspect of this job.

Jeff: How have you helped the agents at PMZ?

Roy: I’ve helped hundreds of agents here at PMZ.  One of the many times I’ve helped an agent was when one of our agents had forgotten to submit their Open House to our online system.  It’s a simple system, but it has a deadline.  No matter when you put an open house in, the online component will always show.  However, if an agent misses the deadline for the newspaper, I can easily collect the information for the open house and call or newspaper advertising rep to get it in their at the last-minute. When this particular agent had missed the deadline, they were on the line with their seller confirming that the open house was going to happen and were able to follow through on their promise and deliver them advertising for the weekend open house.  They were very thankful and I love it when I can help an agent who feels like they are in an impossible to solve situation.

In addition to Roy’s duties as Communications and Marketing Manager, he trains agents on the best ways to advance their presence on the Internet and obtain new business through online social networking.

If you are an agent considering a career at PMZ in Tracy, please call Jeff Green, Sales Manager at the Tracy PMZ office at 209-247-1127 or visit our Online Career Center.

Read Roy McKenzie’s blog posts at PMZBuzz.com

PMZ Tracy – Doors Open Monday 11.2.09

PMZ Real Estate’s office in Tracy is right on schedule to begin full operation on Monday November 2.  Please stop by for a visit.  We are located at 2231 West Grant Line Road, Suite 134 in Tracy.

Was Your Real Estate Brand Built or Purchased?

A great misconception exists about the nature of real estate brands. Many in the general public believe that when an office has a national brand that office is the national company.  In reality, local companies rent the name, logos and an association with a national company by purchasing a franchise.  How is this franchise paid for?  A franchise is usually paid for by passing the costs associated with the franchise to the agents in the company–in essence rented name recognition. This enables small, weak and often failing companies to bolster their image with a nationally branded name.  This is good for the broker, but not necessarily for the agent or the clients.  National branding of a local company can create a false sense of the strength.  When the local office participates in a  ”pay for inclusion strategy” their reputation is lumped together all other  local offices who share that brand, whether strong or weak.  This type of association can minimize efforts to build the brand locally through community involvement, a good reputation and longevity.

PMZ  has built a strong local brand through a decades long philosophy of hard work and proven customer service.  This has caused our brand to be synonymous with our good reputation. In Modesto, where PMZ originated, PMZ Real Estate has been the number one choice for the readers of the Modesto Bee for “favorite real estate firm,” several years running.  The appreciation for our customer service is spreading throughout the region. This is true local branding that happens one transaction at a time. While this type of branding is of great value,  it can not be purchased. It must be earned.

If you are considering joining our firm you will be the recipient of years of goodwill and community accolades that precede you.  You will also join a firm that is selective in its hiring, dedicated to training and blazing the trail in technology and service.  We are proud to offer our strong brand agents and clients alike.  For more information call for an appointment with Jeff Green.  209-247-1127

PMZ Community Foundation

Every smart company knows that giving back through community service not only positively uplifts the communities they serve, but it also positively uplifts their employees and representatives.

PMZ Real Estate understands the importance of community service.  That’s why we created the PMZ Community Foundation.  Since it’s inception in 2001, the PMZ Community Foundation and our professionals have donated countless hours and thousands of dollars to non-profit charities, events, organizations, and others in need of assistance.

PMZ Web Site Dominance

PMZ is the leading Real Estate web presence in our market area.

Monthly Stats:

• Close to 50,000 people making,
• 138,000 visits per month,
• Viewing over 800,000 pages.

Want to have some fun?  Are you wondering how your  real estate company’s website compares to PMZ.com.  Go to http://compete.com/ and place the web address from your company and the web address www.PMZ.com in to the “Compare Sites” boxes and see how compete.  Go ahead! It’s fun!

PMZ Leads the Way With iPhone Application

PMZ has always been a technology leader.  Our iPhone application is one example of how we are the leader in Real Estate technology.

PMZ Real Estate, with offices covering San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, has created a free iPhone application that lets people check on houses for sale as well as rentals as they drive around the area. …  Stockton Record Article About PMZ’s iPhone Application

Here is my story from a post I placed on PMZBuzz.com earlier this year:

Tonight I had a great listing appointment in Manteca (house to go on market tomorrow).  Armed with my listing packet and my iPhone I was able to shed light on the enormous market share we enjoy as PMZ agents.  During the listing appointment I simply pulled out my iPhone and showed the home seller how PMZ not only has incredible Internet presence but is now present on thousands of iPhones.  I have to say it was impressive to the seller to be able to see homes instantly on the iPhone from the immediate neighborhood and beyond.  I scrolled through the list and said, “your home will be here tomorrow.”   That was … as they say… way cool!

iPhone information from PMZBuzz.com

John Keating’s Story – Why I Chose PMZ

John Keating - REALTOR

After interviewing with several local Real Estate Companies I Chose PMZ because the Manager at PMZ was not only informative about PMZ’s market share but also was interested in me as a person and how PMZ will help me accomplish my personal goals.  Other companies charged various fees for desk time, franchise fees, office supplies/phone fees and other quarterly administrative fees.  PMZ does not charge any desk fee, franchise fee, office supplies fee, local phone fee or any quarterly administrative fees.  The training at other companies was on line, whereas PMZ has it own University, in Modesto, where you receive training on all aspects of Real Estate with a real live person.  PMZ’s CEO and President is always available to talk with me or meet with me to help advance my career.  PMZ was and is still the best choice that I could have made.

John Keating  (DRE# 01862795)
PMZ Real Estate
2231 West Grant Line Road, Suite 134
Tracy, California 95377
Cell: 209-603-9326
jkeating@pmz.com
http://www.jkeating.pmz.com

PMZ Real Estate 167% Growth in One Year

Broker sees sales jump 167% in year

The Modesto Bee – July 10, 2009

Real estate values may have tanked last year, but business boomed for PMZ Real Estate. The company increased its sales a staggering 167 percent in 2008 compared with 2007, by far the biggest gain among America’s top 100 real estate companies. …

Jeff’s Story – What PMZ Did For Me

Jeff Green

In the next few days we will be opening our new office in Tracy.  I have the great pleasure of inviting agents to join our firm.  As I am reaching out to other agents I get the opportunity to tell my story–what PMZ did for me.

I became a licensed agent in the fall of 2005 and immediately interviewed the top three real estate companies in the area. After interviewing with one of  PMZ’s sales managers, Richard Hundley I blurted out, “I am going to be talking to other companies as well.”  Richard smiled and said, “please do so, I want you to see what they offer compared to us.”  Richard’s confidence was based on what he knew about PMZ and what he thought I would discover talking to other managers.  He was right!  I came back three days later and asked for a job at PMZ.

Richard Hundley

My adventure at PMZ began at the same time the real estate market was crashing.  What a time to start and what a time to learn.  I immediately immersed myself in training at PMZ University.  The classes were taught by top agents who had made BIG money throughout every market cycle. I told my manager, “I want to be one of those agents, can you train me to operate at that level?”  Without missing a beat, Richard immediately said, “yes I can and I will if you will cooperate with me…meet me in my office tomorrow at 9:00 am and by the way bring a note pad.”  I have to admit I was a little nervous and excited at the same time.

The next morning I woke up early and headed to the office to meet Richard.  When we began our meeting he asked me, “how much money do you want to make on an annual basis?”  I told him a number and he said, “you can do it!”  We began a very simple prospecting plan.  I did not have any business to service so I had eight hours a day to generate the business.  In our meeting I took notes and wrote down every type of prospecting under the sun and was prescribed a daily plan of action.  Richard encouraged me to pursue 4-5 prospecting methods and to track my numbers.  Not only did I track my numbers but I reported them on a weekly basis.   Richard would say over and over again, that real estate is a numbers game and that if I did not “put up some high numbers” I would not make big money.

My prospecting plan went quite well until one day something “horrible” happened…I got my first escrow.  Suddenly my attention was diverted to managing the transaction because I wanted it to close.  Just a few days later I was sitting at my desk and I sensed a presence looming behind me, sure enough there was Richard standing there.  I turned around and he said, “congratulations on the escrow, come see me in my office.” Richard sat me down and said, “I have asked you to come in here so I can give you a warning.  If you don’t take this warning you are going to fall into the same hole that many agents fall into.  This is a hole that you will climb out of only when you realize you are about to close escrow and your next check after this one is a long way off.  You must keep prospecting during the escrow.” Although this sounds elementary to me now it was a revelation.  I had gotten so caught up into my activities of income servicing that I stopped my activity of income generation!  Course correction noted, change made, I was thrilled… until Richard asked to see my prospecting numbers from the past week.  Again the lesson was brought home.

Escrow after escrow this truth was brought to my attention till one day Richard said, “you are doing pretty good but I can see you are not going to reach your goal.”   I asked him what I should do.  The answer was simple, “double your prospecting numbers, your world will not fall apart if you generate more business but it certainly will if you don’t.”  The meeting was over and I took it to heart.

The next change that occurred was that systems, techniques and strategies were formed for developing a more consistent business plan.  Richard stayed the course and helped me every step of the way. In addition to this coaching and mentoring I built a successful business by consulting with the top agents at PMZ as well as CEO Mike Zagaris.

At PMZ our classes are offered free of charge, we also have trainers and mentors available in our company.  If you are thinking about how to advance your real estate career please contact me today!

Jeff Green 209-495-2200 | jgreen@pmz.com

Business Planning Consultation – No Obligation

Are you an agent that is considering your options for expanding your business in 2010? How about a no obligation consultation with Jeff Green, Sales Manager at PMZ Tracy? If you would like to explore your options and learn more about PMZ give Jeff a call at 209-495-2200.

Here are just a few of the topics you can discuss when consulting with Jeff Green:

• Time management and efficiency strategies.
• Developing a successful short sale business.
• Efficiency in working with buyers.
• Technology tools.
• Increasing the bottom line…how to run a profitable business.
• Any other questions you might have about the real estate business.

Call Jeff for a no obligation appointment today.

For more information visit our online career center.

Top Ten Reasons Why Agents Should Consider PMZ in Tracy

There are many great reasons to practice real estate at PMZ. If you are an agent considering which office you should “hang your license” at I have suggested ten reasons for your consideration. Please note that PMZ is a dynamic company that changes with the market.

Top Ten List:

10. PMZ adapts to a changing market: Agents need not fear that when the market changes they will be left in the dark, PMZ is anticipating market changes and adjusting to them on a daily basis.

9. The power of regional dominance and the leading market brand: With multiple offices and hundreds of agents throughout the Central Valley, PMZ clients profit from our Market Dominance. Results happen faster with PMZ. PMZ Real Estate Agents sell over $2 billion dollars in Central Valley real estate annually, making PMZ theNumber 1 Real Estate Brand in the market.

8. Community Involvement: We’re proud to support the efforts of the PMZ Community Foundation, which raise tens of thousands of dollars each year for local programs and charities.

7. The most productive broker to broker referral network: As a member of “The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World”, the #1 broker-to-broker network, PMZ Real Estate offers you the best source of leads from top real estate companies throughout the nation.

6. Short sale knowledge and best practices: Short sales will be here for some time to come. Successful agents will learn to successfully work the short sale market. PMZ’s legal department is continually analyzing and developing best practices and enhanced documents to protect clients and agents in the short sale process. Jeff Green, manager of the Tracy office is a successful short sale agent who can help you shorten the Short Sale learning curve from listing to close of Escrow. See Jeff’s websites at: http://www.Alternative2Foreclosure.com and http://www.jeffgreen.pmz.com.

5. Powerful support staff: PMZ has an in-house IT department, training department, legal department and other agent empowering services. Our training and IT staff are available to come to your office for direct support.

4. Hands on training: PMZ offers a full range of training services from contracts to software support to sales training you can be fully equipped at PMZ to effectively practice real estate. Many agents pay for organizations or evne their broker to provide this kind of training. At PMZ it is free to our agents.

3. Leading website: PMZ.com provides the top web tools and resources for home buyers and sellers. The facts are plain, we lead in this area, other brokers follow. One of our latest innovations is the PMZ iPhone application.

2. Dominant market position on the Internet: Success on the Internet = success in your business. Failure on the internet will increasingly cause agents to be left behind. Go ahead and compare PMZ.com to any other broker’s website in the area and you will see how our traffic is several times what other sites have: http://www.compete.com provides independent analysis of web traffic/visits. Simply enter our domain and compare it to anyone else.

1. A climate of continual learning and professional development: In order to grow, agents must be in an environment of growth. Agents at PMZ are challenged, encouraged and empowered to grow their business to higher levels each year.

For more information click the Careers navigation link above.

And one more thing… we have a fantastic location on Grant Line Rd. at 205.

Jeff Green – Sales Manager, PMZ Real Estate, Tracy
2231 West Grant Line Road, Suite 134
Tracy, California 95377
209-495-2200
DRE#01519105

Fantastic Location!

I was in our new office today in Tracy.  What a blast!  I met several people who walked up to the office and asked “what is going on?”  They were happy to find out that PMZ is opening an office in Tracy. We as a firm are excited about being in what we feel is a terrific location from which to serve the Tracy community.    We are right off of 205, close to the Mall and easily accessible to Tracy and the East Bay.  The agents I met today can hardly wait until we open.

Let’s take a quick look at how the new Tracy PMZ office will provide excellent service to our community.

• When a seller lists a home with PMZ they can be confident that people driving by our highly visible office will have the opportunity to easily stop in for more information.
• We offer ample parking in a clean well maintained, well lit parking lot.
• Our office is close to other activities and services that Tracy residents frequent on a regular basis such as the Mall and Kaiser.
• Free information will be readily available for people who would like to stop in and ask questions as well as receive valuable printed materials.

In addition to our #1 web presence we feel that our new location offers excellence is service and convenience.  We open November 2nd.  Stop by for  a look.

Jeff Green – Sales Manager.

Business Planning at Tracy PMZ

In anticipation of our new office opening on November 2, I am meeting with agents for individual consultation and business planning sessions.  We are setting goals and determining strategies for each agent to expand his or her business in 2010.

Key topics of discussion in our agent consultations will include:

• Adjusting and increasing your business for a changing market.
• Discovering and filling gaps in your knowledge and skill sets.
• Obtainable, yet challenging goals for increased production and income.
• Prospecting skills and marketing plans that bring results.

If you are aware of any agents considering joining our firm please encourage them to contact me.

Jeff Green – Sales Manager PMZ Real Estate, Tracy
2231 West Grant Line Road, Suite 134
Tracy, California 95377

http://www.JeffGreen.PMZ.com

209-495-2200
DRE#01519105

Tracy PMZ Office to Feature: Productivity Triple Pack – Three Real Estate Power Classes

First Three Thursdays in November 10:00 a.m. Tracy PMZ

11/5 Buyer Efficiency - Increase your closed buyer transactions by 50% or more in 2010.

• Advanced methods for buyer pre-qualification that result in high level team work between buyer and agent.
• Effective buyer’s presentation that effectively educates and prepares buyers for home purchase .
• Technology tips that save time in the office and inspire your client.
• How to get your offer accepted when competing with multiple offers.

11/12 Advanced Short Sale Strategies - From Listing Presentation to Close of Escrow.

• Pre-qualifying a short sale listing for seller motivation and to know if it qualifies with the lien holder as a short sale.
• Effective use of a pre-listing packet to dramatically increase your close rate on a listing appointment.
• Check lists and strategies for processing a short sale.
• “Black Belt” strategies for working with short sale negotiators.

11/19 Breakthrough Business Planning for 2010 - Grow your business 25% or more in 2010.

• Setting realistic and obtainable goals.
• Time management: short cuts and time savers that increase productivity.
• Make more money while spending less on business costs.
• How to set your career path toward being a top producer.

Our theme for November is: Start Right…Achieve Success.

PMZ Tracy Office 2231 West Grant Line Road Suite 134 Tracy CA 95377

Contact Jeff Green – jeffgreen@pmz.com