“How’s Business” TAKES ON A NEW MEANING
I am a business owner and I recently attended the local Chamber of Commerce meeting and realized “How’s business?” doesn’t mean the same thing as it did in the past.
For years now, it was not unusual to hear “How’s Business?” from family, friends, and other folks in general... Life has always been this way. Business owners said it to each other the same way we ask “How are you?” It’s a greeting, a habit.
The general response was “Fine, Thank you”. and conversations turned to other things.
I talk with a lot of business owners at Chamber meetings, networking events etc. and I observe there is a change taking place.
The reply of “Great!” to the “How’s business?” was fake for many - business wasn’t “Great!”, but no one wanted to admit it to others.
This past year has been an awakening for many small business owners of all types, from retail and service to manufacturing. Much of the business as we all knew it has disappeared – gone and no matter how well you manage your business, you have no control over the current economy.
Everyone just wants to survive and come out of this stronger.
I’ve noticed the attendance at business meetings and networking events has improved as we share ideas and look to support each other. We discuss our problems and fears more openly.
“How’s business?” The meaning of these words has evolved from a routine greeting to words of genuine care and concern.
We all seem to be returning to the real things that matter, and that’s a good thing! – Rachel’s Corner - Rachel Torchia
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Thank You Renee and I Love You Too!
WE were preparing our news letter and Renee always writes a column on the work shops and educating the consumer. This is the copy she submitted for the next issue. It is with much Love and Pride that I pass it on to you. - Renee's Mom.
My Boss Amazes Me!
Most people who work usually have a boss that they tolerate or pretend to like because they have to. I am lucky here at Gateway Title because my boss is my Mom! What amazes me about my mom, oh I mean Rachel, is how she seems to be able to predict the future trends of the real estate market.
For example, during our morning meetings she will discuss what's going on for the day and we will get on the subject of.. lets say people refinancing. Well then like 6 weeks later we get a ton of people using us when they refinance their homes. The amount of refinances we had late spring/ early summer quadrupled from previous years!
Another example, she was talking about filming her next show on "Golden Opportunities" on channel 3, she was going to discuss sales between close family members and relatives. Well like 6 weeks later again, before the show even aired, we started getting a lot of calls about parents selling their houses to their kids,or parents buying their grandparents house. It was so crazy that she knew this was going to happen. We have at least 2 deals come in everyday now between relatives and close friends. The $8.000 dollar tax credit has helped that along to.
Another wonderful perk about working here at Gateway Title is that I get to work with my Mom and see what an incredible business owner she is. It can't be easy for her dealing with being a boss and a parent. She has not only me here, her youngest daughter, but she also employs my older sister Michelle and her daughter, Ashley. Sometimes the lines of parenting and bossing blur, but she always seems to know what to say to keep her and my focus on work throughout the workday.
One of the reasons so many of our customers say they love us is because we make them feel special, like they are part of the family, and its true, we treat you like family, because we are family.
If you want to come meet my Mom and see whats happening in the real estate industry before it happens…(just kidding) or if you want to learn more about what's happening now in the real estate market give us a call or just stop by.
440-546-9660 or go to Gatewaytitle.com
Free for sale by owner kits and free for sale by owner workshop info available.
Renee Torchia
Gateway Title Agency
440-546-9660
Renee@gatewaytitle.com
My Boss Amazes Me!
Most people who work usually have a boss that they tolerate or pretend to like because they have to. I am lucky here at Gateway Title because my boss is my Mom! What amazes me about my mom, oh I mean Rachel, is how she seems to be able to predict the future trends of the real estate market.
For example, during our morning meetings she will discuss what's going on for the day and we will get on the subject of.. lets say people refinancing. Well then like 6 weeks later we get a ton of people using us when they refinance their homes. The amount of refinances we had late spring/ early summer quadrupled from previous years!
Another example, she was talking about filming her next show on "Golden Opportunities" on channel 3, she was going to discuss sales between close family members and relatives. Well like 6 weeks later again, before the show even aired, we started getting a lot of calls about parents selling their houses to their kids,or parents buying their grandparents house. It was so crazy that she knew this was going to happen. We have at least 2 deals come in everyday now between relatives and close friends. The $8.000 dollar tax credit has helped that along to.
Another wonderful perk about working here at Gateway Title is that I get to work with my Mom and see what an incredible business owner she is. It can't be easy for her dealing with being a boss and a parent. She has not only me here, her youngest daughter, but she also employs my older sister Michelle and her daughter, Ashley. Sometimes the lines of parenting and bossing blur, but she always seems to know what to say to keep her and my focus on work throughout the workday.
One of the reasons so many of our customers say they love us is because we make them feel special, like they are part of the family, and its true, we treat you like family, because we are family.
If you want to come meet my Mom and see whats happening in the real estate industry before it happens…(just kidding) or if you want to learn more about what's happening now in the real estate market give us a call or just stop by.
440-546-9660 or go to Gatewaytitle.com
Free for sale by owner kits and free for sale by owner workshop info available.
Renee Torchia
Gateway Title Agency
440-546-9660
Renee@gatewaytitle.com
Real Estate Making The Turn
Got some GOOD NEWS For Sellers!
It looks like the housing market is finally making and upward turn.
Got a warning for buyers!
If you are going to buy a home, get moving!
The $8,000 credit is still on until Dec. It may or may not be subject to change. To find out how you qualify, talk with your local lender.
"Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda" won't do you any good next year if the credit is expired and prices are higher.
As I observe the activity buzzing around Gateway Title, I see that many are taking advantage of the market right now.
FSBO (for sale by owner) dealing between family, friends and neighbors is still going strong. We see them every day.
Please call us if you have questions about selling or buying by owner or about real estate in general. We can help you estimate costs. This something we do for buyers and sellers everyday. There is no charge for this information and it can prove very helpful.Talk with you later!
It looks like the housing market is finally making and upward turn.
Got a warning for buyers!
If you are going to buy a home, get moving!
The $8,000 credit is still on until Dec. It may or may not be subject to change. To find out how you qualify, talk with your local lender.
"Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda" won't do you any good next year if the credit is expired and prices are higher.
As I observe the activity buzzing around Gateway Title, I see that many are taking advantage of the market right now.
FSBO (for sale by owner) dealing between family, friends and neighbors is still going strong. We see them every day.
Please call us if you have questions about selling or buying by owner or about real estate in general. We can help you estimate costs. This something we do for buyers and sellers everyday. There is no charge for this information and it can prove very helpful.Talk with you later!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
FOR SALE BY OWNER FAMILY TREND GROWING
This past spring I wrote about the increase in the number of sales among family members, friends and sometimes, neighbors.
This trend is growing in our area of Ohio. We've had five purchases of this type submitted to us for title work in the past 24hours. Yesterday, we closed on two others. It was exciting for us and all the sellers and buyers involved!
We took pictures of the families and friends and gave them prints to remember the day. Our closing room sounded more like a party than a real estate closing. The loan officer from the lender(First Merit) was there for one of the closings. I think she enjoyed the occasion also.
We like to treat all our customers very special, like "family".In addition to the pictures, we give them "lovely parting gifts", our coffee mugs and a Gateway canvas bag for all of their papers and stuff. We know we give them impeccable service in all aspects of their closing. The way we do it is unlike anyone else out there, I'm sure of that.I know because the secret is my wonderful staff. We all believe in what we do for our customers.
These are tough times to be in an industry supported by real estate sales and mortgage refinancing. Many former competitors have closed their title agencies.
GATEWAY IS IN BUSINESS TO STAY THE COURSE. For that, I THANK our loyal customers for their business and referrals. You are our best friends - YOU MATTER TO US!
This trend is growing in our area of Ohio. We've had five purchases of this type submitted to us for title work in the past 24hours. Yesterday, we closed on two others. It was exciting for us and all the sellers and buyers involved!
We took pictures of the families and friends and gave them prints to remember the day. Our closing room sounded more like a party than a real estate closing. The loan officer from the lender(First Merit) was there for one of the closings. I think she enjoyed the occasion also.
We like to treat all our customers very special, like "family".In addition to the pictures, we give them "lovely parting gifts", our coffee mugs and a Gateway canvas bag for all of their papers and stuff. We know we give them impeccable service in all aspects of their closing. The way we do it is unlike anyone else out there, I'm sure of that.I know because the secret is my wonderful staff. We all believe in what we do for our customers.
These are tough times to be in an industry supported by real estate sales and mortgage refinancing. Many former competitors have closed their title agencies.
GATEWAY IS IN BUSINESS TO STAY THE COURSE. For that, I THANK our loyal customers for their business and referrals. You are our best friends - YOU MATTER TO US!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Rodney Dangerfield of Real Estate Industry
WARNING: I GET SOMEWHAT PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS!
Remember the "no respect" guy, Rodney Dangerfield?
I've said for years that this is a fitting definition of the title industry.
We are the watch dogs of the American dream. We search, correct and insure the title to your real estate property. Most often, we are the escrow or closing agent who puts it all together following the written instructions on the contract and from the lender. We prepare the papers necessary and meet with you for signing. When all conditions are met, we literally transfer title from seller to buyer and record all mortgage documents. On your behalf, we make the required pay-offs,taxes and any other invoices submitted for items to be paid out of escrow.
The buyer gets the property and the seller gets the money, and we insure the Title! Usually everyone is happy.
We have an awesome responsibility and love what we do except we feel a little sad because very few consumers out there understand and respect how vital our role is in their transaction.
Did you know the consumer has the right to choose the title company they want, to fulfill that role?
Not the Lender. Not the real estate agent. YOU! You have the right to choose your own "disinterested third party" closing agent. Buyers and sellers agree on who will do title and escrow and that's who does it.
Period!
In the consumer's best interest, I wish agents, brokers and lenders would get out of the title business and stick to what they do best!
In many cases, the affiliate co-owned title agency has higher fees than an independent title agent(Gateway Title)because they are sharing the profit with the real estate broker or lender.
How is that better for the buyers and sellers?
A little RESPECT Please, for your own title agent and the protection they provide for your American Dream!
You do have a choice.
Remember the "no respect" guy, Rodney Dangerfield?
I've said for years that this is a fitting definition of the title industry.
We are the watch dogs of the American dream. We search, correct and insure the title to your real estate property. Most often, we are the escrow or closing agent who puts it all together following the written instructions on the contract and from the lender. We prepare the papers necessary and meet with you for signing. When all conditions are met, we literally transfer title from seller to buyer and record all mortgage documents. On your behalf, we make the required pay-offs,taxes and any other invoices submitted for items to be paid out of escrow.
The buyer gets the property and the seller gets the money, and we insure the Title! Usually everyone is happy.
We have an awesome responsibility and love what we do except we feel a little sad because very few consumers out there understand and respect how vital our role is in their transaction.
Did you know the consumer has the right to choose the title company they want, to fulfill that role?
Not the Lender. Not the real estate agent. YOU! You have the right to choose your own "disinterested third party" closing agent. Buyers and sellers agree on who will do title and escrow and that's who does it.
Period!
In the consumer's best interest, I wish agents, brokers and lenders would get out of the title business and stick to what they do best!
In many cases, the affiliate co-owned title agency has higher fees than an independent title agent(Gateway Title)because they are sharing the profit with the real estate broker or lender.
How is that better for the buyers and sellers?
A little RESPECT Please, for your own title agent and the protection they provide for your American Dream!
You do have a choice.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
WHO ARE YOU?
I am privileged to have the friendship and support of a wise gentleman by the name of
Richard Flint.
He is a mentor, coach and friend to many nation wide.
Every morning, he emails me his "Morning Minute".
I am passing these thoughts on to you.
I suggest you read, reread and think then, let me know what YOU think!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
You are what you believe.
What you are doing with your life is a visual definition
of what you believe about you! Do you grasp what
that is really saying? Talk all you want; write as
many goals as you want to write; do a story board
that you look at every day, BUT none of these create
the who that you are - they are only part of your
story. That story is either fiction, a tragedy, a satire
or a self-help book. Which are you right now?
Remember, freedom carries with it responsibility and accountability.
Richard Flint.
He is a mentor, coach and friend to many nation wide.
Every morning, he emails me his "Morning Minute".
I am passing these thoughts on to you.
I suggest you read, reread and think then, let me know what YOU think!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
You are what you believe.
What you are doing with your life is a visual definition
of what you believe about you! Do you grasp what
that is really saying? Talk all you want; write as
many goals as you want to write; do a story board
that you look at every day, BUT none of these create
the who that you are - they are only part of your
story. That story is either fiction, a tragedy, a satire
or a self-help book. Which are you right now?
Remember, freedom carries with it responsibility and accountability.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
chapter revised I've Got Flowers!
chapter three: SURPRISE - I'VE GOT FLOWERS!
When I got home from work Monday, there was a vase of beautiful flowers on my table!
Who sent them?
Not my hubby, he arrive home before me and put them on the table.
It's not my birthday or anniversary, I feel just fine. So, who and why did I get them?
The card read:"Thank you for taking the time to talk with me yesterday. I appreciated your comments. It is people such as yourself that help business to improve". It was from the Director of the surgery center who called me Sunday.
I was surprised to say the least and would I return anticipating greatly improved service?
You betcha!:)
When I got home from work Monday, there was a vase of beautiful flowers on my table!
Who sent them?
Not my hubby, he arrive home before me and put them on the table.
It's not my birthday or anniversary, I feel just fine. So, who and why did I get them?
The card read:"Thank you for taking the time to talk with me yesterday. I appreciated your comments. It is people such as yourself that help business to improve". It was from the Director of the surgery center who called me Sunday.
I was surprised to say the least and would I return anticipating greatly improved service?
You betcha!:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)