Dallas/Fort Worth-Area’s Leading Real Estate Team Joins Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty

Did you hear the news?  One of the Top 5 teams in the entire Keller Williams network is now part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty family!  Russell Rhodes and his team, based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, just joined our company down in Texas!

Dallas/Fort Worth-Area’s Leading Real Estate Team Joins Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Texas #GoodToKnow

Russell Rhodes and The Rhodes Team arrive with a strong service ethic, powerful production history

RESTON, VA  (Nov. 1, 2016) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty today announced that The Rhodes Team, a production and service leader in Dallas/Fort Worth real estate, has joined PenFed Realty Texas.

The Rhodes Team, led by Broker Associate Russell Rhodes, has been among the top-producing real estate teams in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex since 2012, according to data compiled by REAL Trends and The Wall Street Journal. It is the only group to place among Keller Williams Realty’s Top 5 teams worldwide for sales volume during each of past 10 years. Additionally, The Rhodes Team ranked 47^th for transactions and 50^th for sales volume across the entire U.S. real estate industry as measured in REAL Trends’ 2016 study of top teams and agents.

“We are delighted that Russell and his exceptional team now represent Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Texas in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex,” said Rick Wylie, brokerage president. “The Rhodes Team is a production powerhouse with a stellar reputation for client service earned over many years.”

Rhodes said the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand, combined with the strong, local presence of PenFed Realty Texas, will help his team grow and serve more of the area’s real estate consumers. “We’ve been watching the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand and are impressed by its business principles and core values, which are closely aligned with our own,” he explained. “At the same time, PenFed Realty’s growth has been phenomenal and we want to be a part of it.”

PenFed Realty’s ownership – Tysons, VA-based PenFed Credit Union – also attracted Rhodes with its focus on the U.S. military and military veterans. “The military is huge for me; I feel indebted to the men and women serving in our military branches,” he said. “I am proud to join an organization with such a meaningful mission.”

Rhodes entered real estate in 2001 and formed his team shortly thereafter. The Rhodes Team quickly ascended industry ranks with an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. That satisfaction starts with Rhodes, who operates by the Golden Rule of treating others as you would want to be treated. “I treat my agents with the utmost respect and care, and my agents do the same for their home-buying and selling clients,” he said. “We don’t rest until we’ve met our clients’ expectations.”

Client satisfaction is reflected in the team’s production totals. The Rhodes Team generated nearly $196 million in sales volume in 2015, 61% of which was attributed to repeat customers and client referrals. “We’re in business to represent the needs and best interests of each and every client,” Rhodes said. “This is how we create long-term client relationships – we want our customers for life.”

The Rhodes Team operates with 15 agents and 12 administrators at 3624 Long Prairie Road, Suite 100, in Flower Mound, Texas. Visit www.rhodesteam.com.

“We congratulate PenFed Realty Texas and The Rhodes Team on their exciting union,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “We look forward to supporting them and their continued success in the years ahead.”

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty is a full-service real estate company with annual sales volume of $3.8 billion with 1,700 sales agents and 50+ offices providing complete real estate services nationwide. PenFed Realty is a wholly owned subsidiary of PenFed Credit Union (PenFed). PenFed is a financial institution with $20 billion in assets and more than 1.5 million members. PenFed Realty is also a member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brokerage network, operated by HSF Affiliates LLC. Visit PenFed Realty at www.PenFedRealty.com; see PenFed Realty Texas at http://WeKnowTX.com.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, CA, is a real estate brokerage franchise network built for a new era in residential real estate. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com.

Irvine, CA-based HSF Affiliates LLC operates the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. The company is a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is a majority owner. HomeServices of America is an affiliate of world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Want to learn more about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty and what makes us such a great company? Call Maxine McLeod Miller at 703-836-1464 to learn more!

BHHS PenFed Realty Agents Featured in Washingtonian Magazine

Jul 6, 2016 by Sue Cushing

Twenty-two Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty sales professionals/teams are featured in an article in the July issue of Washingtonian Magazine for “Top Performers” in residential real estate. The magazine focuses on the D.C. Metro market. Below is a two page ad congratulating our agents and teams. To view a larger size, please click on link.    Agents PFR Washingtonian Ad_July 2016

– See more at: http://blog.penfedrealty.com/

Steve Hales Recognized as Top Individual BHHS PenFed Realty AgentWashingtonian Magazine Identifies Hales as a Top Platinum Producer

Steve Hales, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty

“Steve’s latest sales award and recognitions are part of a string of honors that he has received during his first year with our company—a year in which he has doubled his sales volume” .

RESTON, VA. (PRWEB) JUNE 30, 2016 Steve Hales of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty was recently presented with the company’s esteemed Chairman’s Circle – Gold Award, a recognition that is bestowed to the top two percent of the national network’s sales professionals based on gross commission income or closed units. Additionally, Hales is recognized in the July 2016 issue of Washingtonian Magazine as a top platinum producer with $25 million in sales for 2015.

“Steve’s latest sales award and recognitions are part of a string of honors that he has received during his first year with our company—a year in which he has doubled his sales volume,” said Mid-Atlantic President Kevin Wiles, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty. Steve also captured the Top Individual Real Estate Agent Award for PenFed Realty Mid-Atlantic.”

Earlier this year Hales was also selected to the REthink Council, a national group of 15 top-producing agents who embrace innovative technologies to improve the consumer buying and selling experience.

According to Wiles, the REthink Council is an incredible think tank of talent and a proactive approach to ensure the future success of the real estate industry.

“Steve continues to set the bar high—not only for our brokerage, but for the entire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices affiliate network,” Wiles added.

Asked what keeps him at the top of his game, Hales answered, “I consider myself a consultant to my clients by providing them with all the critical information they need to make a good decision for themselves and their family. I look at a house not only as place where memories are made, but as an investment for my client’s future wealth management.”

Hales is located in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Alexandria Branch Office at 300 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, Va. 22314. Hales can be reached at 703-836-1464 or 703-725-8120.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty:

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty is a full-service real estate company with annual sales volume of $2.8 billion with 1,700 sales agents and 50+ offices providing complete real estate services nationwide. PenFed Realty is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PenFed Credit Union (PenFed). PenFed is a financial institution with $20 billion in assets and more than 1.4 million members. PenFed Realty is also a member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brokerage network, operated by HSF Affiliates LLC.

Equal Opportunity Employer: m/f/v/d. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Use the power of “magic showing moments”

By Laurie Moore-Moore, Founder

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Recently, I had an “Aha! Moment”– one of those times when the light bulb flashed and my understanding of something clicked to a new level. Here’s what happened, I had an opportunity to interact with the wonderfully outrageous South Florida home builder, Frank McKinney.

Just to set the stage for you, McKinney’s personality is as big as the 60,000+ square foot spec mansions he builds. He bills himself as a real estate “artist,” and there is no doubt that he is the force behind some of the Florida’s most interesting mansions priced in the double digit millions.

McKinney, who designs his homes in a tree house office, is a master of creativity.  On each property homepage, you’ll find a countdown-to-completion clock ticking away.   His new homes have theatrical “unveilings” (rather than grand openings) and draw hundreds of invitees who pay to preview the properties.

Here’s the light bulb that went on for me. We all know the importance of effective staging. But “McKinney’s marketing approach moves past staging and aims at creating a desire to live in the home from the time the prospect pulls up in front.  He works to take staging and showing and turn it into a powerful selling experience.

First, he considers when and how the prospect will arrive at the house. He tries to schedule showings at a time when the home will show to best advantage. If sunset is spectacular from the poolside terraces, he wants the prospects to experience those views.  Then, with the use of strategically placed cones, he influences exactly where the prospect and agent will park.  He blocks the drive so they are forced to approach the home in the most desirable way.  The prospect sees the full expanse of the front yard, takes in the dramatic architecture, sees the guest house which appears to be floating in a lagoon, smells the freshly cut grass and feels the marble pavers underfoot.  Anticipation heightens with the approach.

When the door opens, a memorable front door experience begins. While McKinney builds-in many of his front door magic moments — including in one recent home, a “water floor” that curves into an arched aquarium wet bar with exotic fish overhead — you can stage your own memorable front door openings by being creative. It’s the concept that’s important.  McKinney carefully furnishes and stages the home so there is a pleasant surprise or positive feature around every corner. He appeals to multiple senses using music and scent.  He has chocolate and champagne waiting. Prospects are qualified in advance, so McKinney has even been known to hand them the keys and suggest they spend the evening at the house (giving new meaning to the old puppy dog close!).

His goal is to open “the window of desire” for the home and close the deal.  What’s sitting by the front door on departure?  A contract.

McKinney’s sales track record would indicate that this approach works. He tells the story of meeting buyers after closing to walk them though their new multimillion home and demonstrate all the features.  His buyers asked, ‘Can we see the upstairs now, Frank?”  They had purchased based on only seeing (and falling in love with) the main floor.

In short, McKinney’s showings are designed to be memorable experiences that result in sales.  How can you do that with your listings?  Your homes don’t have to be multimillion dollar extravaganzas for you and your sellers to make every showing a memorable experience. This is turbo-charged staging.

Think about the questions McKinney must ask himself with every property.  What times of day does the home show best?  How can I take advantage of that?  What approach to the house is most favorable?  How can I enhance that approach? Where should prospects park?  Can you create a WOW the moment the front door opens? How can you keep the positive impressions happening?  What about sound and scent?  How can you stage to best highlight the lifestyle(s) the home represents?

Then, there’s the question of how you get the buy-in and cooperation of your seller.  The reality of today’s market is that some homes are selling.  Successful sales are generally the homes which have proper pricing, effective staging, and creative marketing. If your seller understands this and YOU can create magic showing moments, the probability of sales success rises.

BHHS PenFed Realty Offers Training for Military Families

Have you ever thought about a career in real estate? If so, and you or a member of your family is or has been a member of the armed services, this could be the perfect program for you.

The Real Heroes Program, offered through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, is designed to support veterans, military spouses, and active duty men and women in their transition from the military to a civilian career in real estate.

Financial Barriers Removed: program covers up-front costs to secure a real estate license, up to $2,500.

• Real estate training and licensing exams
• Insurance (for real estate errors & omissions)
• Membership in applicable real estate associations
• Marketing support
• A two-year commitment is required for the funding*

• A career in real estate offers valuable freedom and flexibility to suit an entrepreneurial lifestyle to build your own business.
• Once you become a sales professional, our company continues to provide on-the-job support & mentorship to help you launch a successful, satisfying career.

The program has been such an incredible success that the Washington Post ran a feature article entitled, Brokerage offers training for military families to become real estate agents showcasing PenFed Realty’s incredible “Real Heroes” program.

To participate in The Real Heroes Program or to find out more information give us a call at 703-836-1464.

Do or Do Not. It is a CHOICE.

Like just about everyone right now, we are off to see Star Wars tonight… this, along with a video clip from my boss, got me thinking about some of the wonderful nuggets from Yoda. 

Great business, and life, advice can be found in the words of Yoda.  The happiest and most successful people I have met are those who truly believe in themselves and are fully committed to their career objectives.  They are invested in increasing their earnings and improving their quality of life every single day. As Yoda would say, “You gotta BELIEVE“.

Check out the video clip at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YkbgvRMpW0

Are you invested in making great plans for your 2016 business?

Marketing Matters: How to market to the reptilian brain

All to frequently I have heard real estate agents, and other sales people, lament over an under-performing marketing campaign, “what a waste of money, I did not get a single call off that ad”.  There is more to marketing that just a single advertising piece.

Here is some excellent advice on marketing, and marketing effectively, from Laura Ure and our friends at Inman News.  The old brain is skeptical, and it takes great marketing to make action to happen.  You need to take a long-range, strategic approach to marketing yourself and your real estate services.

• Getting your prospects to leave the status quo means talking about their needs. They don’t care that you are No. 1.
• Make sure your marketing conveys emotion; this helps prospects remember your messaging.
• Good visuals can help the old brain decide if something doesn’t seem trustworthy.
• When investing money in marketing, what you are doing is looking for ways to reach your prospects’ filter for making choices, to avoid having them default to the no-decision zone.

When investing money in marketing, what you are doing is looking for ways to reach your prospects’ filter for making choices, to avoid having them default to the no-decision zone.

The real battle exists in trying to get your prospects to leave the status quo and accept your offer, which in this case is selling their home with you — the expert.

The reptilian brain is the oldest of the three brain systems; it consists of the brain stem and cerebellum. Primarily, it controls the body’s vital functions. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in physical survival, and it calls the shots when it comes to making decisions.

This part of the brain is what American psychologist Robert Ornstein calls the “old brain.” The old brain quickly assesses a situation, giving you a small window to engage your prospects in the correct way. Read on at http://www.inman.com/2015/11/23/how-to-market-to-the-reptilian-brain/

Who wants to do an extra transaction a quarter?

Who wants to do an extra transaction a quarter?  Who wants to make an extra $15,000 each year?  And of course, who wants to make more by working less?

We hear it all the time but what does it actually mean to do one more transaction each quarter and, more to the point, how the heck do you do it?   In dollars and cents, if you look at our office’s average sales price of $550,000 at an average of a 3% commission, that would mean and extra $16,500 in gross commission income per quarter OR $66,000 per year!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Presents Gino Blefari

How do you actually earn that extra $66,000 per  year in gross commission?  One of the things I really love about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty is the company’s commitment to help its agents learn to do just that… one more deal per quarter, four more deals per year.

Tomorrow we are bringing in Gino Blefari, the legend named 2012 Buffini and Company Mentor of the year, member of the Mike Ferry Leadership Hall of Fame, first and only recipient of the Tom Ferry Organization Leadership Award, and recipient of the 2014 RIS Media Home Ownership Award for “outstanding achievements among real estate’s most influential and charismatic leaders” to teach our agents how to do just that.

Let me know if you would like to attend too! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty is putting on this event as part of its commitment to growing the best and most efficient agents in the business and there is no charge to our agents. On top of that, Gino is not here to sell anything… no coaching programs, no blue boxes, no webinars, nothing! How cool is that?

Another reason why I LOVE this company!

Seller’s Advice: Your Checklist for An Impressive Showing

Looking for ways to get a house ready to go on the market? Even if a home sale is not in your future, follow these tips from Realty Times writer Blanche Evans and you will notice how much more warm and welcoming your home can be.

Once your home goes on the market, real estate agents may call to show your home anytime, day or evening. Keeping your home “showtime” ready can be challenging, especially if you have children and pets.

What you need to stay organized is a handy checklist so you can be ready to show at any time. When you get the call that buyers are on their way, give everyone in the household a basket and assign them each to a room to pick up clutter quickly. Set a timer and tell everyone to grab up any toys on the floor, clear tabletops and countertops of junk, and quickly Swiffer-sweep the floors. Check for hazards like dog chews on the floor.

Turn on all the lights, and get ready to skedaddle. You have to let buyers have privacy so they can assess your home honestly. Take the kids for an outing. Put pets in daycare, sleep cages or take them with you:

Keep your home show-ready with these nine tips:

Eliminate clutter: Not only is clutter unattractive, it’s time-consuming to sort through and expensive for you to move. If you have a lot of stuff, collections, and family mementoes, you would be better off renting a small storage unit for a few months.

Keep, donate, throw away: Go through your belongings and put them into one of these three baskets. You’ll receive more in tax benefits for your donations that pennies on the dollar at a garage sale. It’s faster, more efficient and you’ll help more people.

Remove temptations: Take valuable jewelry and collectibles to a safety deposit box, a safe, or store them in a secure location.

Remove breakables: Figurines, china, crystal and other breakables should be packed and put away in the garage or storage.

Be hospitable: You want your home to look like a home. Stage it to show the possibilities, perhaps set the table, or put a throw on the chair by the fireplace with a bookmarked book on the table.

Have a family plan of action: Sometimes showings aren’t convenient. You can always refuse a showing, but do you really want to? If you have a showing with little notice, get the family engaged. Everyone has a basket and picks up glasses, plates, newspapers, or anything left lying about.

Remove prescription medicines: Despite qualifying by the buyer’s agent, some buyers have other intentions than buying your home. It’s also a good idea to lock your personal papers such as checkbooks away. Do not leave mail out on your desk.

Get in the habit: Wash dishes immediately after meals. Clean off countertops. Make beds in the morning. Keep pet toys and beds washed and smelling fresh.

Clean out the garage and attic: Buyers want to see what kind of storage there is.

Prudential PenFed Realty pays start up costs for military and their spouses

Everyone who knows me knows I think Prudential PenFed Realty is the most awesome company out there. The programs they offer for their members are simply head and shoulders above what any one else has available. Now they have gone and surprised me again with their awesome “Real Heroes” program which helps retired veterans and their spouses, and active-duty men and women as they leave the military, begin a career in real estate. The program covers the cost of training, certification, licensing, and materials to become a Prudential PenFed Realty Sales Professional.

Lots of companies offer to pay for your real estate class but to the best of my knowledge we are the only one that actually pays for the class and your start-up costs.

What does this mean in dollars and cents? About $2500!

Yep, you read that correctly! Prudential PenFed Realty will cover the cost of real estate school, state licensing, first year’s dues for the association of REALTORS, fees to join the multiple listing service, errors and omissions insurance, and company fees – up to $2500!  This is an outstanding, unprecedented opportunity for anyone in or married to a current or past member of the US Armed Services.  The only real condition is that you commit to PenFed Realty for two years – that it!

Interested in learning more?  Call Maxine at 703-836-1464 or drop us an email!