From Mary Kuykendall: I admit that when the proposal to move to electronic lockboxes first came up, I, like many others, balked. I flung my weight around and voted against them at every opportunity. None of that stuff for me!
There we were, happily slapping those little bronze boxes on anything with four walls and a doorknob. We didn’t even have to re-configure a new combination for each use. A three-letter code had been good enough for our grandparents, and it was certainly good enough for us.
So what if there were, at least, 6000 current and former agents who knew “The Code”? No matter; so did anyone who had ever seen, listed or sold a property in the state. Not to mention their neighbors, family members, paperboy and meter reader. Come to think of it, why did we even bother?
The fail-safe, back-up three-letter code, was used by some of the more venturesome of us, and the cutting edge policy of using Our Own Initials was the choice of only the most daring.
Then, a little over two years ago when we were still comfortably and blissfully ignorant of the world of technology and security available to us and following a convenient 8-hour tutorial, our lives began to change. Well, eight hours and a few brush-up sessions, e-mails, webinars, conferences, and frantic phone calls originating from freezing front porches.
While Mainers are, historically, a tolerant lot, change is accepted with speed outdistanced only by the pace of the Mendenhall Glacier. Never mind that these new gizmos would increase security, provide data regarding access, keep track of our CE credits, save gas, save time, save money--save your breath, because there wasn’t going to be any convincing of some of us. Myself included.
So. I grudgingly went to the training. I asked obnoxious questions. They were answered politely and patiently. I harrumphed. I turned the clumsy thing over in my hands and sighed. I got up and got myself a cookie. You can’t say I wasn’t going to get something out of the session. I followed the instructions in the little booklet and practiced. I mumbled to my neighbor at the table. I practiced some more. The darn thing seemed to work just like they said. That was discouraging. I went into the next room and picked up my card. Pretty cool. Had my picture on it. Hmm. Got a little retractable clip-on for my belt. Even cooler.
Back I went to the office. I still was far from convinced this was even an acceptable idea, and I certainly wasn’t ready to endorse it as a good one.
I put one of the boxes on my very next listing mainly because I had told my DB that I would give it a try, and because I was supposed to be setting an example for my co-workers. I was the first one in our office to use one. There’s always some cachet in that.
It went on easily and looked pretty nifty there on the front of the nice, new house. Kind of gave it a smart, “now” look. I liked that. The neighbors were curious and seemed impressed.
I was right proud of myself. Then while showing it off to my husband who was putting up my sign in the yard, I discovered I’d forgotten my PIN. What was it? The year my house was built? No, that didn’t seem to be it. Oh, wait a minute, a quick call to the handy number on the back of my keycard, a chat with a personable young man and I was shortly back in business.
A week passed and I got a phone message from the elderly gentleman whose home had the new lockbox. He was visiting from out of state and wanted to have the locks changed. Could I come down and get the new keys for the box? Sure. When I arrived with a client in tow, the owner was gone, but the new lockbox (which, as we all know, would cost me dearly if lost), was, as he had promised, on the back porch--still attached to the old doorknob and lock mechanism and part of the old door. In retrospect, I don’t know who changed his locks, but they surely did a thorough job of it.
I could tell it was going to get tricky from here on.
Removing the shackle from the lockbox (and you will have to admit that, love them as much as you may, they are heavy) while simultaneously keeping my keycard in the slot (I had to thread it through the steering wheel in order to fit the bulk still attached to the house’s lock into my car), reading and remembering the phone number, punching in the numbers, listening to and following the instructions being given over the phone, and swatting blackflies in the front seat with my client resignedly awaiting the outcome and probably wondering why she had ever been interested in this property and most assuredly doubting her choice of REALTOR, required significantly more than the two hands and one brain I had with me.
When the shackle did finally come out, flying across the front seat of my car and narrowly missing my client, her quick reflexes and good humor were all that saved a potentially-disastrous situation.
Given my extreme hesitation at the onset of this change in our lives, I have to say that this has been my only unpleasant encounter with the new contraptions.
I know that the more they are used, the easier it will get. I certainly agree that in some circumstances, they aren’t the best idea. I totally understand and empathize with those who have issues with them.
I wish the renewal was for more than 8 days. I wish they weren’t so heavy. I wish I didn’t have to remember yet one more PIN. I was glad to get the refund. I wish there was no cost involved at all in using them.
I really can’t say enough good things about the technical support that is available. AND, ok, I have to admit that I’ve changed my mind about them. I always hate to admit it when I’m wrong about something that I feel so strongly about.
I guess I’m S-E-T in my ways.
REALTOR Mary Kuykendall is President of the Bangor Board of REALTORS
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ready, S-E-T, Go
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
What's hyper local blogging?
Maine REALTOR Jim Cosgrove's company blog (Newcastle Square Realty, Damariscotta) was recently featured on a popular business blog as an example of "hyper local blogging" -- Meaning, providing content that shows many features of a local area - neighborhoods, towns, events.
Jim explains in the comments section: "We quickly decided that writing about homes was just going to be more of the same old same old so we started to talk about our area and that seemed to resonate. We have a lot of summer residents and they let us know that they really enjoyed keeping up with the goings on here in the winter. To date our most commented on post is still the one where we complained about the small size of the town Christmas tree one winter. (I think I used the phrase 'size does matter')."
Are you showing and/or discussing your local area in your blog?
Sunday, August 10, 2008
NAR's RPAC Contributes to Maine Economy
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) REALTORS Political Action Committee (RPAC) Trustees met in Maine to make a few million dollars worth of political and candidate contribution decisions. They stayed at the Portland Regency and Portland Harbor Hotels; and quite a few Trustees extended their meeting stay to take a Maine vacation. Special thanks to NAR President Dick Gaylord for his support in selecting Maine as a location for a NAR committee meeting. Here's his blog post about the event.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Maine REALTOR in "Next GAC Star" Competition
Maine REALTOR Kelly Sue Parker (Real Estate Exchange, Inc., Falmouth) is competing in Music Nation's "Next GAC Star" country music competition. She needs your votes.
They are currently on Round 7. It takes about 10-15 minutes to do this ...
1. Go to http://www.musicnation.com/
2. Click on the left hand side, Next GAC Star Competition
3. Go down to Popular Artist - she has been in the top 10 artists for the past few days OR at the top of the page go to “Find Artist” type in name Kelly Sue Parker and go to her profile. (IF NOT in the Popular Artist category)
4. Listen to the song entered in the competition “Something In My Eyes”
5. Then go to the top of the page and click on the Voting section “Click to Vote”
Once you get into the “Head to Head” you will see two artists that will load “Head to Head”. Once loaded:
1. Go to the top of your Browser and click the Back Arrow Button
2. Then Click the Forward Arrow Button
3. Continue to do so until you see her name come up in the “Head to Head” ready to compete
4. Click on the “Start Head to Head” listen to her song and listen to the other song
5. Then Click on “I prefer this one”… to VOTE…
6. You can check your votes at the bottom in the section of “My Votes”
Let's help get Kelly Sue Parker selected!
Monday, June 30, 2008
A Night of Winners ... well, except the Sea Dogs
Cindy Butts reports:
MAR announced the winners of the "Your Piece of Maine" YouTube contest during the pre-game of the June 28 Sea Dogs game ....
Driving towards Portland on Saturday afternoon it was clear the rain was going to continue. A cool, continuous rain .... which doesn't encourage arriving early for a game. "Your Piece of Maine" tee shirts and a giant cardboard check were in danger of being drenched by the rain, but fortunately it was also Hannaford employee night -- they had a TENT set up, and generously let MAR staff store everything someplace dry.
It was fairly easy to find the contest winners, as many of them starred in their winning videos (we told them to meet us out front - a good idea when it's NOT raining) -- Grand Prize winner Brett Slater, Second Prize winner Lorraine Aromando, one of the Third Prize winners Jon Wadick (with ADORABLE son Logan who starred in the "Logan's Piece of Maine" video), and Callie Pecunies, the REALTOR winner.
Our YPOM Spokesperson Michelle Flaherty immediately knew to put the script in waterproof plastic ... and joined MAR Patti Lawton and the contestants on the field for the presentation. Michelle sounded GREAT over the stadium sound system (she has been a STAR in this whole experience) - and told everyone in the stands she hoped they too found their Piece of Maine.
The contestants clearly THRILLED to get their checks from Patti .... And then the GRAND PRIZE video played on the BIG screen. It was really, really cool to see it there - And as I sat in my very wet General Admission seat saw the row in front of me (the public) SWAYING along with the song!
Big thanks to the REALTOR members and Kelley Craig, AE for the Greater Portland Board, who braved the rain, sat ON their dry YPOM tee shirts (a very welcome use!), and cheered on our contest winners!
A NIGHT OF WINNERS ... well, except the Sea Dogs ... (they lost 7-4) .... and except my husband ... (who lost a beer when the uber-enthusiastic Sea Dogs mascot Slugger ran by - accidentally hitting his "beer arm".)
MAR looks forward to what the members might do in the future with video to help people get their own piece of Maine ....
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Winning YPOM Contest Videos - Watch Now
Here's a link to see the list of winning videos: Click here.
Grand Prize is Brett Slater (first video); Second Prize is Lorraine Aromando (second video); Third Prizes are in random order (but names as their videos appear on the playlist) - Aaron Megquier, Jon Wadick, Oakley Dyer, Tim Gagnon, Tim Hart, Kristy Ferran, Mike LeVecchia, Holly Austin; and REALTOR winner - Callie Pecunies (last video).
To watch by viewer: (note: We can't figure out why the Grain Surfboards video isn't working on the viewer playlist below)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
hoMEworks: 10 yrs of home buyer education
Sherry Gregory reports: At last week's quarterly meeting of the hoMEworks Board of Directors, USDA Rural Development State Director Michael Aube presented the group with an award. It reads, “In recognition of your dedication and efforts in assisting rural Maine families in achieving the American Dream of Homeownership.”
The hoMEworks organization is celebrating 10 years of offering home buyer education throughout Maine. The goal is to provide a "standardized, comprehensive homeownership education program to be delivered by a network of industry professionals in neutral environments throughout Maine." Educators at classes are prohibited from making marketing or sales presentations. To date, more than 12,500 potential Maine home buyers have learned the ins & outs of buying a home, and responsibilities of owning a home, by attending classes offered through non-profit hoMEworks organizations. For example, MaineHousing requires borrowers using the agency's downpayment and closing cost assistance program to take a hoMEworks class.
Friday, May 30, 2008
The YPOM Images in Real Life
From our "Your Piece of Maine" print campaign and commercials ... here's the back story on Ben, the actor; and Wiley, the dog. Ben is also one of the 5 judges for the video contest. Wiley isn't.
MAR Shout Out at Sox Game
Join us at the Sea Dogs on June 28 for our "Your Piece of Maine" contest announcement day!
Picture from REALTOR Michelle Flaherty's Facebook page
Monday, May 26, 2008
MAR's Meeting with Senator Snowe
Gas prices impacting real estate world ...
Thoughts from MAR past president E. Pat Foster:
Gas prices have definitely impacted the real estate world ...
* Attendance is down at broker open houses ... and educational and board meetings
* Some agents are starting to more clearly define their "territories" with buyers, and referring them instead of driving long distances
* Listing agents more inclined to use lockboxes ... and, although typically continue to show their listings … are now starting to embrace the lockbox concept (no driving to get keys)
* Carpooling to meetings/events now being offered more often
* Caravan type schedules for open houses are being coordinated
* Noticing more people walking to the bank and post office ... and starting to notice buyers asking how far a property is to area amenities (buyers considering distance too)
* Traveling distances for state meetings can be quite a stretch; coordinate multiple live meetings/events, offer more webinars, and email voting instead of ‘face to face’ meetings
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A great way to spend 25 minutes ....
Want to be inspired about real estate? Take 25 minutes to watch the NAR videos at this link showing NAR President Dick Gaylord's interview with REALTOR Ebby Halliday of Texas during the NAR Mid-Year Meetings in DC. Ebby owns one of the largest firms in the country, and still working at age 97. Truly inspirational ....
Or start with this 6 minute segment, and you'll be hooked ....
Sunday, May 18, 2008
5 Presidents at the White House
Pictured: Merrymeeting Board President Kyle Rogers; MAR President Patti Lawton; Greater Portland Board President Mike LePage, Androscoggin Valley Board President Georgia Chomas; and Bangor Board President Mary Kuykendall
Returning from a week in DC ...
Mary Kuykendall reports: I have just returned from a week in our magnificent nation’s capital, that gorgeous city of white marble and 92% of the country’s dark grey and black suits.
The event which took more than two dozen of us there from the Maine Association of REALTORS was what the National Association of REALTORS calls the “Mid-Year”, or that week in May when REALTOR organizations from all over the USA send representatives to speak with congresspeople and/or their staff on issues pertinent to the real estate industry.
There are also forums during the week addressing many aspects of our business from dealing with short sales to new laws affecting our buyers and sellers to maintaining REALTOR morale in the current economy.
Like everyone else in this bustling city, the number #1 tourist destination in America, we had an agenda. Luckier than most, we actually got to sit down (well, in the case of Rep. Tom Allen we did have to stand, but in the beautifully-appointed Rayburn Room in the Capitol) with both of our senators and representatives for exchanges of ideas and information which lasted anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour and ten minutes.
All were incredibly gracious, patient, understanding, and, seemingly, eager to help. They asked us many questions. Our talking points were well thought out, organized, and presented in a logical, conversational manner. We felt quite good about our Hill visits.
Washington is a walking city, and we surely did our share. Shuttle buses and the Metro, the amazingly clean, reasonably priced, and most of the time efficient, subway system helped us cover some of the major distances and kept us together, but walking is a big part of any trip to Washington, both indoors and out.
I know I walked sixteen miles inside the Capitol Building alone, and that doesn’t include the 400 steps up to the Gallery, down to the tram, up to the Rotunda, down to the…You undoubtedly get the idea.
We learned a number of things.
We learned that the NAR national headquarters is a very green building—both in color and in Earth-friendly construction.
We learned that the Red Sox don’t have to be in Fenway to lose a game.
We learned that, while the Department of Homeland Security may slip up occasionally and let a nail file into a federal building, our country is absolutely safe from attack by hard-boiled eggs.
We saw many things.
We saw hundreds of law enforcement officers from all over the country gathering in full dress uniforms to honor their fallen comrades with flowers, photos, plaques, music, solemn processions and testimonials over the course of the week. We saw them all over town and in great masses gathered in Judiciary Square at the Law Enforcement Memorial.
We saw pandas at the zoo and sleepy river otters suddenly come alive and almost dance for joy at the prospect of a mid-afternoon treat of smelt. We saw the new elephant habitat being built for those large, sad, but wise-eyed giants who tolerate our stares with such resignation.
We saw several billion of the several trillion school children on their annual pilgrimages to see the wonders of awakening springtime in our nation’s capital and the wonders of awakening hormones in each other.
We saw tourists of all ages and nationalities demonstrating, once again, that the inspiration and beauty that is Washington is universal and that Nikon, Canon and Olympus are probably in less financial stress than most other sectors of the economy.
The Mid-Year is a terrific experience. I learned, saw, ate, walked and experienced so much in this week. Ask me about it when you see me, and I’ll tell you what I saw in the West Wing. You’ll have to forgive me if I talk to you while I’m soaking my feet.
Mary Kuykendall, President, Bangor Board of REALTORS
Pictured: REALTORS Joe Wright, Helen Fox, and Carroll Fernald at Red Sox game in Baltimore; and Mary Kuykendall with U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe
The Second Commercial
Check out our second commercial for "Your Piece of Maine", which starts to air this week. You can also add it to your company site.
