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#RHRTipTuesday – The Millennial New Homeowner

usatoday_tiptuesday_062015Incentives are high and the market is encouraging for new homebuyers, especially Millennials, to begin investing in real estate.  With changes in federal policy, as well as changes in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac application – it’s become easier for Americans to purchase a house due to lower down payments!

A millennial that works here in our Lexington office recently purchased a gorgeous home through Fannie Mae and a Rector Hayden REALTOR – and was able to buy such a dream home due to the lower down payment requirements.


Many millennials aren’t aware of the change in policy though!  Becoming an expert resource in this information could be the key to attract millennial business and growing your sphere to include this new generation of home-buyers!

Below are some snippets from a recent USA Today article discussing the lower down payments, or you can read the whole article on USAToday.com here:  http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2015/02/15/3-down-payments-lure-first-time-homebuyers/23424759/

–  In December, mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced they would reduce the minimum down payment on certain mortgages from 5% to 3%. For someone buying a $150,000 home, the change means the difference between a down payment of $7,500 and $4,500.

–  In January, the Federal Housing Administration announced it was reducing mortgage insurance premiums by 50 basis points. The White House said the reduction would save the average homebuyer about $900 a year and would enable about 250,000 people to buy a home.

–  Typically, to qualify for a 3%-down mortgage, borrowers need a credit score of at least 620. But without a good job and a solid explanation for credit blemishes, buyers will probably need a score of 660 to 680 – The minimum score for FHA mortgages is 600.

–  This year, Millennials are poised to overtake Baby Boomers as the nation’s largest generation, so getting them to trade rent checks for mortgages is seen as critical to strengthening the housing market.

Thanks for tuning in to #RHRTipTuesday – for more information about reaching the millennial market or strengthening your marketing strategies – don’t forget about Rector Hayden’s Social Media Marketing Class every month!  This month’s class will be held on June 30th.

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Weekly Update – June 1, 2015

Hey Team!

Is it June already?!

June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day – so everyone go out of your way to say something nice today!  Homeowners all across the Bluegrass are saying nice things about Rector Hayden Agents!  Check out the scrolling testimonials from RealSatisfied on the right hand side of this page!!


There is a difference between interest and commitment. -Ken Blanchard #RHRMotivationMonday #motivationmonday

A photo posted by Rector Hayden Realtors (@rectorhayden) on


This Week’s Calendar  

  • ☆  THURSDAY — Tech Training w/ John Bell
    • 11am – Noon
  • ☆ FRIDAY — Focus Group at Blessings Bakery
    • 10am – 11am

DOWNLOAD JUNE 2015 CALENDAR HERE!


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Birthdays this week!

  • Diana Roark – June 1
  • Donna Alexander – June 3
  • Byron Bradshaw  – June 4

Happy #RHRAnniversary!


Susan Rogers – 10 Years
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Richard Justice – 4 Years

Ryan Smith – 2 Years

Bob Compton – 2 Years

Nancy Bell – 29 Years

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#RHRFeaturedFriday – Katie Wood, Trudy Brooks, and Lucy Waterbury!

RHR #FeaturedFriday

Rector Hayden REALTORS® would not be the #1 Real Estate Firm in Central Kentucky without our team of  ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUSLY FANTASTIC Agents.  Each and every one of them strives to go above and beyond the typical responsibilities of a real estate agent – and that passion shows in the raving reviews we receive every day from satisfied home buyers and sellers.


Trudy Brooks

She was always on time and there whenever I needed anything!
Joshua Overpeck. – May 29, 2015

Trudy Brooks started with Rector Hayden REALTORS just last year, and is already turning up the heat in the Lexington market!  She’s eager to help you with your next sale or purchase!

Phone: 859.358.8929    |    E-mail: trudybrooks@rhr.com


Lucy Waterbury

Lucy is an extraordinary agent and a terrific person…working with her is like working with a trusted friend you’ve known your whole life.” 
Sarah L., Lexington, KY – May 29, 2015

Lucy Waterbury has been working with Rector Hayden REALTORS since 2010, and works with her husband, Ethan, serving the Central KY area.

Phone:  859.333.1635    |    E-mail: lucywaterbury@rhr.com


Katie Wood

My son had called her on a house that she had listed and I came to look at the house with him – and I really liked the way she presented herself.  We feel Katie went far above than anyone else would have.  I have bought several houses and never had the service that Katie offered to us.  She made sure everything was done as promised.  ABOVE AND BEYOND.  Katied did an exceptional job in all aspects.  Our little girl would look forward to seeing Katie when we would say we are going to look at houses.  Once again, Above and BEYOND in all areas.
Thomas Payne – May 29, 2015

Katie Wood – Katie has worked at Rector Hayden REALTORS since 2007.

“Committed to Excellent Service My goal as your realtor is to make your Real Estate transaction of buying or selling your property straight forward and simple. I am a dedicated individual and my career is motivated by developing lifelong professional relationships. Whatever your Real Estate goals are, I am committed to help you reach them. The majority of my business comes from referrals. If you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I consistently provide, please refer them to me. It is of great importance to me to be of service not only to you, but to those you care about. I am confident that I can provide the level of service you would expect in any Real Estate transaction.”

See more at: http://www.katiewood.rhr.com/

Phone:859.494.1898   |    E-mail:  katiewood@rhr.com


Reviews of Rector Hayden Agents are verified by RealSatisfied.com

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Weekly Updated – May 26, 2015

Hey Team!

Hope everyone was safe over the Holiday Weekend and took time remember and honor those who gave their lives for our freedom.  We’re back in full swing here at the office now as we cruise into Summer Weather!  Keep an eye out for pop-up showers and thunderstorms while you’re out and about, traveling and showing!

Severe Weather Safety Tips for Rector Hayden Agents

It’s that time of year in Kentucky when we need to be prepared for sever weather and pop-up showers.  Don’t wait until the severe weather is here to prepare!  We’ve come up with a quick list of safety tips for Rector Hayden – check it out!

  • HAVE A CELL PHONE CHARGER WITH YOU ALWAYS!  There are many great tips for preparing for severe weather emergencies, but thanks to newer technology all of your needs can be met with a charged phone.  Keep a car charger in your vehicle and/or a backup wall charger.  You can use your smartphone to:
    • See local weather reports, radar, watches, and warnings – listen to radio/news reports or alerts
    • Map your location to see if you are in the area of the county under the warning
    • Give you directions to safe spaces
    • Alert others of your location or call for Emergency Services
  • PREP YOUR VEHICLE WITH AN EMERGENCY KIT – It’s always a good idea, year round, to have an emergency kit in your vehicle.  Whether you’re showing property or heading to the office, staying smart and being prepared will always be worth the investment.
    • Flashlight
    • Extra Blanket or Towels
    • Moist-towelettes, hand wipes, sanitizer
    • Pliers, Wrench, Hammer – these basic tools can do many things!
  • BE WEATHER AWARE – Keep in mind these basic tips for when severe weather strikes!
    • THUNDERSTORMS/DOWNPOUR
      • If you are driving, and rain obstructs your ability to see – pull over safely as far to the shoulder as possible and put your hazard lights on.  Wait for the heavy rain to pass, cover your self if hail or debris is present.
      • If you can hear thunder, you are at risk for a lightening strike.  Lightening can travel far from a thunderstorm and strike even with blue sky overhead.  Avoid outdoor inspections, showings, if there is thunder in the area.
    • TORNADO/HIGH WINDS
      • Seek shelter in a sturdy building on the lowest level.  Cover your head to protect yourself from debris.
      • If you are driving, try to get to a nearby structure.  Do not take shelter under an overpass – the force of wind increases here and can be very unsafe.
      • Remember, Tornadoes can form and be on the ground even if you cannot see them.
    • FLASH FLOODING
      • It all takes 2 feet of water to float away most cars – Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

This Week’s Calendar 

  • ☆ THURSDAY — Coffee Times w/ Donna
    • 10am – 11am 
  • ☆  THURSDAY — Tech Training w/ John Bell
    • 11am – Noon
  • ☆ THURSDAY — Career Seminar
    • 5:30pm
  • ☆ FRIDAY — Focus Group and Blessings Bakery
    • 10am – 11am

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Birthdays this week!

  • Amy Virgin – May 27
  • Rick Scott – May 29
  • Sherry Thompson – May 30
  • Ryan Smith – May 31

Happy #RHRAnniversary!


Lisa Dickens – 4 Years

Tracey Gdovka – 10 years
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Andrew Salsman – 1 Year

Agent Announcements

John Sanders and Gary Denton are holding a silent auction.  For more information see one of their flyers available in the Lexington office – or email either agent for details.

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Weekly Update – May 18, 2015

Hey Team!

Who’s getting ready for hotdogs and hamburgers?! (Or veggieburgers, and tofu dogs – we won’t judge).  Memorial Day Weekend is fast approaching, and Rector Hayden would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see some pictures of you and yours celebrating and honoring this weekend.


This Week’s Calendar 

  • ☆ All Week Long – Rector Hayden University!
    • 9am to 4pm – Monday to Friday
    • Don’t miss out!  Even if you aren’t a new agent, but want to brush up on some skills, you are welcome to all of the seminars (FOR FREE!).  See a schedule of classes here!  Or log on to the RHR Hub to view the schedule!
    • **The Mortgage Lunch & Learn has been rescheduled – stay tuned for dates and times for HUD change information seminars.

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Birthdays this week!

  • Nancy Smith – May 19
  • Linda Stephens – May 20
  • John Elling – May 20
  • Tracey Gdovka – May 21
  • Gary Curry – May 21
  • Diane Williams – May 22
  • Don Hudson – May 22

Happy #RHRAnniversary!


Don Hudson – 37 Years

Hallie Bandy – 5 years
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[no photo available]Brenda Cobb – 9 Years

 

Office Announcements

visit_lex_cuisineCommunity Events

VISITLEX: Destiniation Institute, presented by VisitLEX, is designed to provide educational opportunities for tourism industry partners and our community. Tourism staff and volunteers who are knowledgeable and confident in their interactions with visitors will have a positive impact and help create memorable experiences!

YOU’RE INVITED to “An Evening with Henry Clay”

 When:  Tuesday, May 19th  –  5pm to 6:30pm      

Where (click for directions): Dr. Thomas Hunt Morgan House, 210 North Broadway Lexington, KY      

What:  Kentucky Humanities Council’s Chautauqua Series presentation by Henry Clay!

Cost:  Free!!

Please join us for this unique opportunity to learn more about one of our most important Lexingtonians and see one of The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation’s beautiful historic homes! **To reserve your spot, please RSVP to Julie Schickel at jschickel@visitlex.com or 859-244-7717 by May 14th, 2015**

**Parking; There is parking available behind the house. The driveway to the parking lot is on the right side of Broadway immediately after you cross Second Street (driving North). Parking is also available at the Hunt – Morgan house with an entrance from Second Street.**

 

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#RHRFeaturedFriday – Mark Layne, Chad Helm, Cindy & Harold Taylor

RHR #FeaturedFriday

Rector Hayden REALTORS® would not be the #1 Real Estate Firm in Central Kentucky without our team of  ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUSLY FANTASTIC Agents.  Each and every one of them strives to go above and beyond the typical responsibilities of a real estate agent – and that passion shows in the raving reviews we receive everyday from satisfied home buyers and sellers.


Cindy & Harold Taylor

We are very pleased with our home buying experience! The level of commitment, understanding, and knowledge provided by Cindy Taylor is unparalleled! We recommend her to everyone we know!
Shawn & Katrina S. – May 14, 2015

Mark Layne

Cindy and Harold Taylor are a husband and wife duo who have been working with Rector Hayden REALTORS for many years.  They are true professionals and members of our Rector Hayden President’s Club.

Phone: (859) 227 3849    |    E-mail: cindytaylor@rhr.com


Mark Layne

Working with Mark Layne was an absolute joy. He is genuinely interested in helping his clients make the best purchase. He knew exactly what I wanted after having only shown me one house. It was wonderful to not have to look through hundreds of listings that weren’t relevant to my wants/needs. I was pleasantly surprised at the interest Mark took in making sure I loved the property I purchased.” 
Aimee, Lexington, KY (Buyer) – May 13, 2015

Mark Layne

Mark Layne has been working with Rector Hayden REALTORS for almost a full year now – and we are so lucky to have him on the team!

For more information: http://www.marklayne.rhr.com/ 

Phone:  (859) 229-3842    |    E-mail: marklayne@rhr.com


Chad Helm

I would recommended Chad. He did what he said.
Jeff – May 14, 2015

Chad Helm - Rector Hayden REALTORS

Chad Helm – Chad Helm offers the highest full-time professional level of commitment with the integrity of communication to understand your goal and objective in order to plan the step by step process to earn your confidence when buying or selling.

See more at: http://chadhelm.com/

Phone: (859) 312-3813    |    E-mail:  chadhelm@windstream.net

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Reviews of Rector Hayden Agents are verified by RealSatisfied.com

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#RHRTipTuesday – Turning Laughs into Leads!

For many agents just starting to build up their online brand, deciding what kind of professional content to post can be a bit daunting.  You don’t want to flood your followers and subscribers with too much real estate jargon – but you also want to make them feel involved.  You want to be their industry expert, but still impress upon them that you are an actual human being interacting with them.

How many times have you been online or got an e-mail with a funny picture or video that you just HAD to share with other people?  I’m gonna bet my lunch money on pretty often.  Online communication shows a high share rate of photos and videos in our culture of faster internet – and the funny ones get shared the most!  Entire profiles on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are devoted to culminating and distributing hilarious content.  (It’s like how everyone used to gather around the TV and watch America’s Funniest Home Videos).

So use this to your advantage!  Make one of your weekly posts something warm and fuzzy and giggly!  Clients will begin to associate the feeling of happiness with viewing your content, making your profile more memorable when they need to recall a real estate agent.

The team over at ThunderActive (an Interactive Marketing Resource) wrote a great blog on using humorous content to pull in new followers and build up brand loyalty.  Their tactics can work for real estate agents too!!

But do you just jump straight in to cracking jokes all over Facebook and LinkedIN?  Nope.  
ALWAYS keep your audience in mind.  LinkeIN, for example, is always a place for professional updates – not really the medium for funny pictures…

Humor needs to be used just right to be an effective marketing Strategy

Use a humorous post to draw your audience in.  Get them to stop scrolling to watch a hilarious video or read a funny caption on a picture.  Then prompt them to take action.  (A great opportunity with gifs is that viewers are likely to watch the animation more than once).

With this GIF (a digital picture that supports animation) you could post, “Timing is everything! Want to know if it’s the right time to sell your home?” 

Or, “It’s a Seller’s Market right now – thinking of selling?  Don’t miss your chance!”

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Ready to turn snickers into sellers?  Turn bubbles into buyers?  Turn giggles and guffaws into great leads?
(that was a stretch…)
Want some help?!  Rector Hayden on Pinterest has you covered for all your humor needs!  Check out our Pinterest Board: “Keep Calm & Sell On!” for more great real estate related humor!


Read the full article from ThunderActive for an in depth demonstration of using humor to effectively market to your leads: http://www.thunderactive.com/blog/using-humor-content-marketing-strategy/

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#RHRFeaturedFriday – Leading Real Estate 2014 Awards

This week’s Featured Agents are the fabulous winner’s  of the Premier Club Certificate from Leading RE®.  The Premier Club is a sales associate recognition program that identifies referral achievement in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.

From Whitney Baxter, Rector Hayden Relocation Coordinator:

Outgoing referrals are important to us all. Our agents earned a combined total of over $61,000 last year in extra income from outgoing referrals. Our Leading RE network thinks they are so important, they have started a new recognition program for outstanding agents and we are thrilled to have had 4 of our agents honored with certificates!  The referrals had to have been sent and closed between January 1st and December 31st of 2014.

HAYDEN_silveraward justiceh_bronze justicel_bronze SMITH_bronzeaward

We are so very proud of each agent for their hard work and outstanding performance!  The following agents are pictured and then listed from left to right…

Laura Hayden
Silver Award Recipient

www.LauraHaydenRealEstate.com  |   859.396.4811  |  Send an E-mail

Heather Justice
of The Justice Group – Bronze Award Recipient

www.TheJusticeGroup.rhr.com  |  859.494.9699  |  Send an E-mail

Lura Justice
of The Justice Group – Bronze Award Recipient

www.TheJusticeGroup.rhr.com  | 859.338.6099  |  Send an E-mail

Ryan Smith
of The Jubilee Team – Bronze Award Recipient

www.TheJubileeTeam.com  |  859.553.5031  |  Send an E-mail

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#RHRTipTuesday – The Importance of Testimonials

Thank you to our agents who attended today’s Integrated Marketing / Social Media Class.  It’s always wonderful to see agents engaged and actively striving to better their marketing plans.  Testimonials are truly a KEY piece of content that every agent needs to take advantage of.  Also, recognizing that there are many FREE profiles for real estate agents that you should update, fill out, and keep consistent to better your online presence.

Today’s post will walk through statistics of the importance of testimonials online, RealSatisfied and Rector Hayden Together, and FREE Profiles for Real Estate Agents that YOU NEED TO FILL OUT!


 

In a study conducted by BrightLocal (a company that studies and implements SEO strategies for locally targeted businesses), the following statistics describe consumer feeling in 2014.

88% of Consumers in ANY industry read reviews to determine the quality of a local business.

 

85% of Consumers in ANY industry say they read between 5 and 10 online reviews before they make a decision.

 

72% of Consumers in ANY industry say that a POSITIVE review will make them trust a Local Business more.

 

88% of Consumers in ANY industry say they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.


 

Because testimonials are so important in online branding and marketing, Rector Hayden stepped up our game by utilizing RealSatisfied as our testimonial/review system.  This program generates a survey at closing that automatically goes out to our Agent’s Client.  This gives the company transparency and shows these fabulous reviews truly come from satisfied homebuyers and homesellers!

The RealSatisfied program offers much more than just a survey though.  You can track responses, stay in contact with clients, and share each unique testimonial to social media sites and other real estate online profiles.

A short reference guide was prepared as supplemental material to Rector Hayden’s RealSatisfied Class (May 5, 2015).  You can download it here.

Download Here


FREE PROFILE CHECKLIST!

It can be hard to remember how many profiles you have available online.  Remember, every free profile is like a FREE ad – and the content needs to be CURRENT!

Lbar.com – Search for yourself on LBAR.com:  http://www.lbar.com/mls/?search_type=realtor&revise_search  to find your LBAR profile.  This is what users see when using LBAR.COM or the LBAR mobile app.  This is also what MANY relocation companies browse through when picking agents to contact.  Is your photo current?  Is your bio readable, engaging?  Is your contact info correct?  Are your designations up to date?

 

❒ REALTOR.com – Search for yourself on REALTOR.com: http://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/ – how much of your profile is filled out? None?  Head on over to https://solutioncenter.realtor.com/ControlPanel/Login.aspx and setup your FREE Realtor.com profile.  There are lots of lead tools and search engine benefits to your REALTOR.com profile.  And, ONLY NAR agents have access to create accounts.

 

❒ Zillow.com (for agents) – Do you have a FREE Zillow Agent Profile Account?  As much as we struggle to compete with Zillow,  using their FREE tools is worth taking advantage of.  Go to Zillow, click Join in the top right and make certain to check the box for Industry Professional

 

❒ Trulia.com (for agents) – Trulia also has a special FREE Agent Profile that you should update.  Go to: https://secure.trulia.com/agent_signup/biz/  to set it up!

 

Instructions for all of these sites, sans LBAR, are included in your packet from class or in the download above!

 

GO GET ’em AGENTS!

https://instagram.com/p/2Q7ZE6BDoU/?taken-by=rectorhayden

 

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Weekly Update – May 4, 2015

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Hey Team!

As we move into  May    we will really see activity accelerate. College students moving, kids out of school, more daylight hours, warm friendly weather – all make for a good jolt in the real estate world.  We’ve got a packed month – so if you haven’t saved a copy of the monthly calendar, you can click the image or download it HERE!


This Week’s Calendar 

  • ☆ TOMORROW!!! – Social Media Class, RealSatisfied Syndication
    • Tuesday, May 5 | 10am – 11am | RHR HomeRoom
    • Join June L. tomorrow for RealSatisfied information and how to share it on your sites! This class was rescheduled from last week’s session.  There will still be an additional Social Media Class at the end of the month.
  • ☆ RHR 42nd WINNER’S CIRCLE – $10,000 Giveaway!!!
    • Wednesday, May 6  |  9:30 am  |  RHR HomeRoom
    • For every sold Winner’s Circle Home, agents from ALL area companies have a chance at winning $10,000!!
    • ** This event is by invitation only!
  • ☆ Coffee Times w/ Donna
    • Thursday, May 7  |  10am – 11am  |  RHR HomeRoom
  • ☆ Tech Training with John Bell
    • Thursday, May 7 | 11am – Noon | RHR HomeRoom
    • Learn / Ask questions about our HUB system or other software and technology that Rector Hayden provides
  • ☆ Focus Group at the Bakery
    • Friday, May 8  |  10am  |  Blessings Bakery

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Birthdays this week!

Happy #RHRAnniversary!

Sandy Allnutt – 10 Years10_year_badge Linda Goff – 10 Years10_year_badge Brenda Sizemore – 21 Years Marty Hunter – 1 Year Shari Frasure – 1 Year Mike Kissick – 1 Year

 

Office Announcements

UPDATED INSURANCE
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Agents, make certain that ALL insurance information has been updated within the Rector Hayden system.  June Richey will be double checking every agent’s account for accurate, up-to-date insurance information.  If yours is lacking, June will find you!!