Washington, DC Protected Classes

How well do you know your protected classes in the District of Columbia?

For real estate agents that have DC licenses but do not practice in the jurisdiction on a daily basis, it may seem daunting to keep up with and, in some cases you may be surprised at the traits on the list.

Under the D.C. Human Rights Act, discrimination in housing on the basis of the following traits is illegal:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• National origin
• Sex
• Age
• Marital status
• Personal appearance
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or expression
• Familial status
• Family responsibilities
• Matriculation
• Political affiliation
• Disability
• Source of income
• Status as a victim of an intrafamily offense
• Place of residence or business

While I always say, “if you have to ask, don’t do it”, I can tell you the best practice is to be kind and inclusive to everyone. You should have learned that in kindergarten. 😉

Make that list… and check it twice!

Yes, I know we are entering into one of the busiest times of the year; never-the-less, there are a few essential items that every REALTOR should complete by the end of the first week of the new year, less the find themselves with out of date, year old information.

Out with the old, in with the new, and update what is remaining!  There is nothing worse for a business person than having old or out of date information floating around in cyberspace.

To help you get your new year off right, here is a handy dandy list to help you start 2017 off on an updated and accurate note:

1. Update your profile on the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Resource Center.
   Make sure all of your information, including your picture, is correct and up-to-date.
2. Update your profile on Home Swing:
   Make sure all of your information is correct and up-to-date
   Make sure your “notifications” are properly set so you are emailed or texted when you receive an incoming web lead.
3. Update your profile on Zillow, Realtor.com, and anywhere else you have a profile:
   Register with Zillow if you have not done so
   Make sure all of your information is correct and up-to-date
   Up-load testimonials if available (see number 4)
4. Ask 2016 clients and customers for testimonials and post on your website.  If you have not done so, do it now.
5. Edit your CRM in Home Swing:
   Add, remove, and edit your contacts in Home Swing.
6. Send everyone in your CRM/Contact list/SOI a “Happy Holiday” or “Merry Christmas” Card.
   At minimum send them an e-card from the Resource Center
7. Set up your drip campaigns for 2017.
   Log into Home Swing and set up appropriate drip campaigns for next year
   Set up a holiday card campaign at minimum
8. Update your knowledge and information about company programs
   Are you prepared to discuss and promote the following?  Real Estate Rewards, The Global web-site, Membership in the Credit Union
9. Review your 2017 business goals:
   If you have not already, establish your production goals;
   Put your lead generating plan in writing and commit to it;
   Set targets for interim goals (1st quarter listings, sales and income)
10. Sit down with your broker or coach and commit to a coaching and accountability plan for the new year.  This will make achieving #9 much easier.

Finally, look back over your successes in 2016 and enjoy a few days off with your friends and family.  It was a great year!

 

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/

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty’s Maxine McLeod Miller Receives ‘Branch Manager of the Year’ Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 6, 2016—Managing Broker Maxine McLeod Miller of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty’s Alexandria and Fairfax City Branch offices was recently recognized and honored with two major awards: ‘Branch Manager of the Year’ for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty’s Mid-Atlantic region and for the coveted Certified Real Estate Brokerage (CRB) Manager Designation conferred by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers.

“Maxine has demonstrated exceptional management skills and financial success for her branch offices,” said Mid-Atlantic President Kevin Wiles of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty. “With the CRB Designation, Maxine has added to her leadership capabilities by honing her real estate management skills, which underscores her strong commitment to the real estate industry and her dedication to train and help agents grow their business.”

The Mid-Atlantic region has 40 branches. According to Wiles, Maxine garnered the top award for both financial performance and dedication to guiding her sales agents on using all the latest technologies, marketing, collateral and training tools needed to be successful in this very competitive industry. “She possesses both strong business acumen and an engaging personality,” Wiles said.

The CRB, an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, is the professional organization for brokerage management. The Council is dedicated to providing quality professional development programs, products and services that continually enhance the management productivity and profitability of its more than 7,000 members.

The CRB Designation is recognized throughout the industry as the highest level of professional achievement—a symbol of excellence in brokerage management. The most successful brokerages are owned or managed by professionals having the CRB Designation.

The Council awards the CRB Designation to those individuals who successfully complete the requirements and demonstrate excellence in real estate brokerage management. Candidates must complete academic and professional courses covering such topics as finance, marketing, training, recruiting and strategic planning.

The PenFed Realty Alexandria Branch office is located at 300 N. Washington Street, Suite 100 in Alexandria, Virginia in the heart of Old Town.

McLeod Miller is a member of the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® (NVAR), serving on its Grievance Committee. She is also a member of the Virginia Association of REALTORS® (VAR), serving on its Information Management Committee.

– See more at: http://blog.penfedrealty.com/2016/07/06/berkshire-hathaway-homeservices-penfed-realtys-maxine-mcleod-miller-receives-branch-manager-of-the-year-award/#sthash.3dVuN91S.dpuf

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.

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?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty on Major Growth Trajectory

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty on Growth Trajectory Mid-Year Report 40.2% Unit Growth & 39.7% Volume Growth

2015 Year to Date vs. 2014 – Exceeding Industry Growth

RESTON, Va., Sept. 16, 2015 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Mid-Atlantic has established a strong growth pattern for 2015 with 40.2% growth in homes sold, 39.7% in sales volume growth and 16% in new agent growth since it joined the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services network in December of 2014. In the greater D.C. and Baltimore markets the firm has grown by 175 real estate agents in the past 12 months.

Graph based from January through July data. Source: Data based on multiple listings from the following five systems: Mid-Atlantic Regional Information Systems, Central Virginia Regional MLS, Trend MLS, Sussex County MLS and Flex MLS.

According to Kevin Wiles, president of PenFed Realty Mid-Atlantic, the gains are due to increased opportunities to serve the Maryland, Virginia and Washington D. C. markets more effectively through its alignment with the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services name. “Our well respected brand reflects the company core values of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. These values are very important to all of our agents, because they know we are here for the long-term,” Wiles explained.

“The combination of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand and PenFed Realty,
which is backed by the venerable PenFed Credit Union (PenFed), creates a compelling value proposition for those selling and buying homes,” added Wiles. Along with being a wholly owned subsidiary of PenFed, a financial institution with $18 billion in assets, and having strong brand awareness, Wiles points to game changing innovative marketing solutions for its tremendous growth. “We have a Real Estate Rewards program that offers our home buyers up to $10,000 in closing cost savings. Our clients love this truly unique program,” he said.

“Moving forward we will constantly innovate, improve and invest across all areas of the company to help our agents succeed and attract new clients.”

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 $18 billion in assets and more than 1.3 million members. PenFed Realty is also a member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brokerage network, operated by HSF Affiliates LLC. Visit PenFedRealty.com. Equal Opportunity Employer: m/f/v/d.

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!