Real Estate Virginia: January 2010

An open letter to fellow agents and those associated with the Real Estate Industry.

Today marks the celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a fact that I am sure that is not lost on any of you.  As we take the time to celebrate the dream of Dr. King today and rededicate ourselves and our country to the principles, I ask that we as an industry do the same by correcting a wrong that has been committed and carried on with little to no thought of consciousness on the behalf of those that perpetuate this "tradition".

What is this "wrong" that needs correcting you may ask?

Using the term Master to describe the largest bedroom of the property. 

2010 marks the 147th year since the Emancipation Proclamation, yet the industry clings to the terminology and traditions of a pre-civil war plantation.  At the root of the term "Master Bedroom" is a history of oppression, cruelty and un-equality.  All actions that Dr. King dreamed would one day be things of the past. Yet the industry continues to use this term over and over and over again.

As an industry, we still have the scars of un-equality burned into our skin like a tattoo in the shape of the fair housing logo that we are required to show and display like a large "A", highlighting the industries past transgressions.  Steering as a practice is in the industries not so distance past, yet I hope and pray that it is in the past.  Recent reports and post mortem of the recent mortgage crisis have brought to light very recent cases of predatory lending practices being implemented as unwritten policy against those with a darker skin tone or a accent.  The industry needs to be vigilant and committed to the principles of equality espoused by Dr. King.  As we do so, we need to protect ourselves from practices that run counter to the dream.

Living in Virginia, I do not have to drive very far to Mount Vernon or Monticello to see examples of large houses that served as the main house, surround by smaller, less appealing quarters that served as shelter for the help.  Many times these areas we also home to the main cooking area, causing the areas to be brutally warm in the summer months.  Truly, less than ideal living situation to say the least.  Yet, when the term "Master Bedroom" is used, it calls back to this arrangement. 

2010 is the time to consciously think about the terms that we use.  It may be something that you have never thought of and just used because everyone else was using it.  Now is the time to bring attention and consciousness to the term and request that it be removed from the industries vocabulary.

What you can do to help!
- Remove this term from your own vocabulary. (it may take some conscious focus and work, but you can do it.
- Post a positive comment to this posting.
- Forward this along to a friend or industry partner.
- retweet about this.
- Ask your board to remove the term from any forms.
- Ask you MLS to remove the term from its database and postings.

Many times, the only way that dreams become reality is through the action of a committed person. Dr. King proved this and in the spirit of his legacy, I ask you to join in doing the same.

In addition to the One.org round-up of statements and reactions from our partners last night, here's an update of how our friends are addressing the crisis:

American Jewish World Service:

We are assessing where the gaps in service are and putting a process in place to help specific communities that might not be immediately served otherwise," said AJWS's vice president for programs, Aaron Dorfman. "Because of the economic and political situation in Haiti, disasters like this have devastating consequences throughout the country. Our long-standing partnerships with grassroots organizations in Haiti allow us to reach the poorest and most remote populations with the speed necessary to save lives."

AmeriCares:

AmeriCares is working with partners on the ground to deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Many local partners are reporting it is difficult to reach staff on the ground near the epicenter of the earthquake.

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee:

As survivors clear rubble, search for loved ones, and mourn the losses that have occurred since yesterday's massive earthquake in Haiti, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee staff are providing support and preparing plans for long-term aid.

"During a disaster like this, it is hard to see anything positive," said Ken Little, CRWRC's Disaster Response Senior Project Manager, "but one strength that we do have is local leaders and community connections who can quickly identify needs and help us distribute aid to those most in need in a timely and effective way."

Compassion International:

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake has struck just outside of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. Our country staff is currently assessing the situation.

Edge Outreach:

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti is a major tragedy. EDGE is responding with water treatment systems and assistance lead by Bowin Tichenor, EDGE OUTREACH Regional Director in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Episcopal Relief and Development:

In the aftermath of a 7.0 earthquake, Episcopal Relief & Development is providing critical emergency funds to Haiti.

Food for the Hungry:

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Haiti, hitting in the highly populated capital of Port-au-Prince. Food for the Hungry Haiti staff members are on the ground and our Emergency Response Unit and nearby Dominican Republic staff are mobilizing to help Haitians in need.

Habitat for Humanity:

A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on January 12. Habitat for Humanity is working on affordable shelter solutions with low-income families in affected areas.

The Lambi Fund of Haiti:

Watch Lambi Fund Executive Director, Karen Ashmore, respond to news of tonight's earthquake in Haiti.

Lutheran World Relief:

A major earthquake hit impoverished Haiti on Tuesday in the capital Port-au-Prince. LWR is currently contacting its partner in Haiti and will be responding.

Oxfam:

Oxfam has its emergency response team for Latin America based in Haiti so we are well prepared, with a public health, water and sanitation team in Port-au-Prince ready to respond. We also have emergency supplies in Panama that we are preparing to send in as soon as possible.

Partners in Health:

A major earthquake centered just 10 miles from Port-au-Prince has devastated sections of the city and knocked out telephone communications throughout the country.

With our hospitals and our highly trained medical staff in place in Haiti, Partners In Health is already mobilizing resources and preparing plans to bring medical assistance and supplies to areas that have been hardest hit. In Boston, our procurement and development teams are already fielding numerous offers of support and making arrangements to deliver resources as quickly as possible to the places where they are needed most.

Physicians for Peace:

Dr. Lisbet Hanson, an Ob/Gyn who is in Haiti working with Partners In Health, sent this update to Physicians for Peace last night to report on conditions on the ground:

"Many many thanks for your help. we are fine, trying to work with PIH to help in any way we can. Cange seems fairly calm and no major destruction here, though a lot of panic initially. Patients may be mobilized to Cange and Hinche: There is only one general surgeon and the Haitian ob/gyns are anxious to leave to check on their families in Port au Prince as they have had no contact. Sometime today I will have a better idea of what is happening. Thanks for your prayers and all that you do. I hear the devastation in Port au Prince is huge.

World Food Programme:

WFP is mobilising all available resources to bring urgently needed food assistance to thousands of people affected by the devastating earthquake which hit the Caribbean island of Haiti on Monday. As well as causing widespread death and destruction, the quake has left thousands of people hungry.

I found this to be interesting and appreciated the Unity being shown in this time of need.

Position: Administrative Assistant - Transaction Coordination - 1 Opening

Real Estate Administrative, Processing & Transaction Coordination Assistant Needed

If you like the exciting atmosphere real estate provides but prefer the reliability of the administrative side (and regular weekday hours!) of the business then you need look no further!!

Here is an exciting opportunity to join one of Northern Virginia’s top real estate teams staffed with committed and motivated professionals:

Necessary Skills

* Good Organizational Skills, Detail Oriented
* Comfortable & Confident w/a Computer
* Multi-tasking Essential
* Strong People Skills
* Good Communicator both Written & Verbal
* Creative & Fun Loving with a Positive Attitude
* Willing to Learn & Grow
* Real Estate License Definitely Preferred
* Commitment & Reliability
* We are looking for some one for the long term. We stay busy!
* Reliable transportation a must

We Provide
* Monday - Friday Schedule
* Full Time or Part Time for the right individual (FT Preferred)
* Exciting & Upbeat Atmosphere

If you would like more information about any of the following, just click the link:

- Real Estate Careers with The Earl of Real Estate Team

- More information about Keller Williams in Northern Virginia

- The Keller Williams Belief System - WI4C2TS

- More about The Earl of Real Estate - Robert Earl

Position: BPO Agent - 1 Opening

If you have to ask what a BPO is, this position is not for you.

Expanding and evolving REO shop seeks Virginia Licensed individual that is comfortable and knowledgable with producing BPO's to join our team. We provide a large volume of BPO's and related evaluations every month to our various clients. Prior experience in completing BPO’s is required.

This is a desk job at our location. We have inspectors and photographers for the field work.

The successful candidate will work well in a "need it yesterday" environment. You will have very strong keyboard skills , both in speed and accuracy . You can tell the difference between a CMA and a BPO. You will be able to demonstrate "pulling comps".

You are highly organized and have a strong understanding and usage of the English language. Bi-lingual applicants are highly encouraged.

You understand and can tell me what the term "strong work ethic" means. You are able to focus on the work at hand . You understand and can tell me what it means to "own your job". Above all else, you are a team player .

We will help you to learn more and hone your skills.

Make no mistake, you will probably work harder and learn more with this position than you might guess.

Unlicensed individuals need not apply.

If you would like more information about any of the following, just click the link:

- Real Estate Careers with The Earl of Real Estate Team

- More information about Keller Williams in Northern Virginia

- The Keller Williams Belief System - WI4C2TS

- More about The Earl of Real Estate - Robert Earl

Position: Sales Agents - Team Partners - 5 Openings

We are a highly productive, award winning real estate team at Keller Williams - looking for ambitious professional buyer's agents to join our expanding team. We handle REO's, have a strong web presence (you found us) and have a constant volume of buyer inquirers. Newly licensed agents welcomed. Qualified agents should be a positive person, have great written and verbal communication skills, and be organized. This position will require weekly team meetings.

Qualified agents will also have a sense of humor, be a fast learner, and willing to work hard. You must be available full-time, excel at lead conversation, and enjoy hosing open houses. For this position applicants must have a current real estate license in either Virginia or Florida. Maryland & DC Licenses a plus.

We offer you leads to work with. Your success is only limited by your drive. Our team supplies all marketing materials such as signs, cards, photos, etc. We offer ongoing training, professional coaching, accountability, buyer and seller incentive programs, everything you need to be successful. No monthly fees!

Our team is supported by an experienced administrative staff that will handle all the details and assist you with your transactions. Leaving free to do what you do best…selling homes & making money.

You will be part of a ongoing high intensity training program. We teach you to SELL! You MUST be willing to learn The Earl Team way of selling.

If you are tired of paying high desk fees and marketing costs and are ready to come in out of the rain, we may have a great place on our team for you.

If you would like more information about any of the following, just click the link:

- Real Estate Careers with The Earl of Real Estate Team

- More information about Keller Williams in Northern Virginia

- The Keller Williams Belief System - WI4C2TS

- More about The Earl of Real Estate - Robert Earl

The Top 10 real estate franchises, most recognized by the real estate industry as quality national brands are:

1. Keller Williams Realty

2. Coldwell Banker Real Estate

3. RE/MAX International

4. Century 21 Real Estate

5. Prudential Real Estate

6. Sotheby’s International Realty

7. EXIT Realty

8. ERA Real Estate

9. Weichert Real Estate Affiliates

10. Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate

Results to this reports can be found at http://www.retrends.com/articles/real_estate_trends_Most_Recognizable_Brand_for_2009.asp

Keller Williams Realty’s surprising #1 ranking was most likely due to the strong, above average online and social media presence of their agents and the fact that during 2009 KW surpassed RE/MAX in agent count according to a widely published REAL Trends survey..

Just another reason why The Earl of Real Estate Team is with Keller Williams Realty