Ryan started at Point2 on the heavy equipment side of our business working with our clients at Caterpillar as Web Developer and Project Manager. When Point2′s heavy equipment business was sold, Ryan transitioned over to Software Developer for Point2 Agent

When not busy coding away, you can usually find Ryan playing foosball in the rec room and trying to coax his next victim opponent into playing with him.

We asked Ryan to answer a few questions about himself. Here’s what he had to say:

What is your favorite type of music?
I like all kinds of music, especially when they have any or all of the following:
• a good beat and rhythm that make me want to start drumming on my desk,
• abrupt 3 or 4 beat pauses that come back hard – the musicians need to get into the song and work together to pull it off (feels good when you hit the comeback right on time, too),
• a guitar solo that fits the song. I don’t want to hear how loud and fast you can thrash through the riff, I want you to make the song better by adding to it with the appropriate timing and expression.

What is your favorite movie of all time?
The Princess Bride. Peter Falk says it best when the grandson asks “Has it got any sports in it?” and Peter replies “Are you kidding! Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles!” The Princess Bride has it all.

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled?
This is a toss-up between Cluj-Napoca in Romaina (because of the culture and history, and the food) and Yellowstone National Park (because it is kind of mind boggling that a tourist industry is set up [literally] on a volcano).

What was your last Do It Yourself project?
I’ve done all kinds of projects. Re-shingling, tiling and hardwood, bathrooms, renovating the downstairs room into an office. My favorite projects involve building furniture and cabinets (like bathroom vanities, bedroom dressers, armoires, desks, and kitchen cabinets). I guess the LAST project was tearing apart the wall in the basement to dry it out because of a backyard-watering mishap.

What online sites do you visit?
The site I visit most is Google because that’s the starting point for finding out what I need to know for whatever I’m trying to do at the time.

If you have an hour of free time to spare, what do you do with it?
I like to watch Star Trek with my wife. She wasn’t so sure about it when we started, but she made it through The Original Series unscathed and started to love it with The Next Generation. We just finished Voyager the other night, so we’ll be moving on to DS9 soon (yes, I know that’s not the right order, but when we’re done we’re going to start over and watch them in air-date order! )

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
My super power would be concentrated sleep. I’d be able to get 100 times more sleep than a regular person did in the same time period. Thus, I’d only have to sleep for about 5 minutes a day and I’d be ready to go.

What is your favorite book of all time and why?
I was “tricked” into reading The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. When I got about 5 pages in and realized it was a self-help book, I almost quit. But on the very next page, there was an idea that I completely agreed with, and the rest of the book came back to that idea again and again. I made it through the book and learned a lot, and I try to remember it every day.

What kinds of food do you like?
Anything that was done on my Weber Kettle

The post The Faces of Point2 – Ryan Shuya appeared first on Point2 Agent Real Estate Marketing Blog.

Throw a bunch of cookie dough in the oven to make the house smell delicious (just make sure it doesn’t burn).

And you may have even done just that. Or perhaps you bought potpourri or a candle that smells like baked goods, under the impression that ‘cozy’ smells sell.

Well a new study has emerged that is turning this real estate trick of the trade on its head. The Wall Street Journal recently published “Using Smell to Make a Sale,” an article that profiles a Washington State University study that found that complex odors, liked baked treats or seasonal medleys, may actually deter a sale.

The study found that complicated scents can distract shoppers; they begin to focus on the smell and its origin, rather than the purchase at hand. In the study, consumers were discovered to spend 31.8% more in a home décor store when it was flavored with a simple orange scent than when it was scented with a more complex blend of orange, basil and green tea.

Professor Spangenburg, one of the authors of the study, posits that the same principles can be applied to open house scenting because aromas seem to affect cognitive functions in the areas of the brain involved in decision-making. He theorizes that your ideal scent will “be simple and positive and congruent.” Congruent means that the scent matches up with your listing’s environs.

With that in mind, we’ve created a mini list of one-note scents that might match up to your current listings. Feel free to use at will. Just remember to keep it natural; synthetic scents can be overwhelming.

If you’re showing a mountain cabin, freshen up with some cedar branches.
Inviting buyers to view a garden home? Lavender or rose might be the way to go.
Are you listing an Italian-style villa? Advise buyers to buy basil-scented natural cleaning products.
When hosting an open house by the beach, try eucalyptus or coconut depending on the region.
And of course, if you’re listing a gingerbread house, vanilla is the way to go! (Tee hee, we just couldn’t help ourselves.)

What do you think? Do you have a tried-and-true scent you use for open houses or recommend to buyers? We know apple pie certainly makes us feel at home!

The post Can You S(m)ell this House? appeared first on Point2 Agent Real Estate Marketing Blog.

Not exactly. Home automation is more like have an invisible robot that does things for you, like turning on the lights when you enter a room or unlocking the front door when you pull into the driveway. Automation gives you the ability to monitor, program and control your various home comfort systems without getting up to flip a switch or adjust a dial.

How do homeowners benefit?

Besides being an obvious dream-come-true for the lazy among us, home automation benefits include energy efficiency and peace of mind. Studies show that automation can result in consistent energy savings between 5% and 15%. Better still, automation allows you to manage your home from anywhere, so you can arm your alarm, check your security feed or simply turn off that light you forgot about after you’ve left.

From a real estate perspective, home automation “future proofs” your properties, ensuring a steadily increasing listing value for years to come. Automated properties are in demand and can be marketed as “smart homes” that enjoy technologically advanced features and added security. In fact, the value of the smart home market is estimated to climb to $60 billion by the year 2017.

How easy are we talking?

Pretty easy, actually. It used to be that home automation was so complicated that it was better left in the hands of professionals. DIY hobbyists with techy leanings can certainly attempt some more complex home rigging, but today’s developers have made automation accessible even to those of us who are less gadget-minded. Here’s a quick rundown of 4 super easy automation tools that are on the market today.

Nest

The Nest Learning Thermostat is a wall-mounted, self-programming smart thermostat that connects to Wi-Fi, allowing it to be controlled remotely using a mobile app. Just install it, manually adjust the temperature for a few days and then let it do its thing. Nest learns your climate preferences and creates a schedule that optimizes your energy use. Nest even knows when you’re out of the house and adjusts to save power. If you feel like fiddling with it (from anywhere), simply whip out your smartphone or tablet. Presto change-o!

WeMo

WeMo is a family of products created by Belkin that is designed to allow you to control your home electronics from anywhere. For just $79.99, you can order a kit that includes an automation switch and motion sensor. You plug it in, plug in your chosen device, download their free app to your iPad or iPhone and you’re ready to go. Beyond simple on/off control, WeMo allows you to set online IFTTT (If This Then That) rules, enabling you to use information from the internet to activate a sequence of events, like “if it gets dark (using the exact time of sunset found on the internet), then turn on the living room light.”

Click here to discover how to use WeMo to keep Winston off the couch or turn off your curling iron automatically.

Revolv

Revolv is an up-and-coming automation solution that promises “smart home awesomation.” In two minutes or less, Revolv will connect to your home WiFi and talk to all devices, even ones that were never intended to work on the same system. Control your lights, stereo, coffee pot, security system and so much more from one intuitive app. Additionally, Revolv uses GPS technology to sense your proximity to your home and react accordingly. Watch the video below and sign up on their waiting list today.

Remoca

So maybe you don’t need your whole house connected to your tablet. You can switch on the lights manually, sure. But get up to feed the pet while your favorite program is on? What a pain! Fortunately, the Remoca ($700) automates pet care for you. There’s a water bottle, two timed food dispensers, a camera and a microphone – so you can talk to your pet no matter where you are! If the price seems a little lofty to you, check out this list for two more down-to-earth automated pet feeding tools.

So what do you think? Are you chomping at the bit to automate your home – or list one that’s already been automated? We’d love to hear about your experiences with home automation in the comments below.

This article is an adaptation of a guest post Point2 did for the Yardi corporate blog. To read the original article, click here.

The post Easy Automation for Homeowners appeared first on Point2 Agent Real Estate Marketing Blog.

Your A-Game Never Sleeps

Thanks to websites, social media and apps your contact information is available to potential clients worldwide at all times. You may receive inquiries from clients in any given time zone, at any time of day. Twenty-four hour business requires agents to snap on their best professional demeanor whether it’s 6am or 9pm.

When You’re Unavailable, You Miss Out

If you’re slow to respond to inquiries, your competition will snap up your opportunities. As the market recovers, real estate professionals that stepped out of the business are making their comebacks. You will also encounter new competition from fresh-faced, enthusiastic agents and brokers who just received their licenses.  These competitors may have hip marketing techniques, relatively clear schedules and a thirst for business. They will gladly walk away with the sale or purchase that could’ve been yours. Return emails, texts and other inquiries promptly.

Schedule Flexibility Reigns

Now more than ever, clients appreciate (maybe even expect) agents who are willing to work around their schedules, be it late evening or weekends. Be willing to explore your weekly schedule for odd hours of availability.

Have Your Contacts at Hand

Keep your list of contacts (recommended inspectors, appraisers, staging specialists) up to date and readily accessible to assist your clients when needed. Reach out occasionally to maintain good rapport, even when contacts’ services aren’t needed. Your contacts often work with your competition, too, and it’s important that they make you the priority.

You Snooze, You Lose

Around the clock business doesn’t leave much time for sleeping on an opportunity. Buyer’s agents must encourage clients to act quickly to obtain the deal of their dreams before their competitors walk off with it. To do so, remind clients of a few key preparation points:

• Before setting foot in the first property, ensure that clients have pre-qualified for financing when necessary. They should know the comfort zone of their budget, as well as the absolute maximum that they can spend while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. This way, agents can hone in on the most viable opportunities and put in an offer without delay.
• Likewise, buyers should have liquid cash stashed aside for earnest money, down payments, etc.
• Encourage clients write their list of must-haves and negotiables in stone! Indecisiveness can eat away at valuable time; a solid list will save time when comparing properties.

Develop Tough Skin & Pass It On

Always-on connectivity means that your competition is weighing in on properties within your pool day and night. Properties can fly off of the market faster than ever before. There is no time to sulk when your clients are outbid or otherwise deterred. Similarly, when houses all around you are selling, it can be tough to watch your listing sit untouched for weeks. It’s important for agents to remain positive. You must develop a tough skin against setbacks in order to help your clients overcome their disappointments and move forward.

Balance Pays

While it’s important to be accessible and flexible, don’t let always-on connectivity enslave you to your office. It is vital to set ‘Do Not Disturb’ times that are specifically for you, your family and loved ones.  A healthy work-life balance can reduce stress, improve your health and prolong the enjoyment and effectiveness of your career.

As the market continues to improve, always-on connectivity will promote faster decision making for all members of the industry. Those who take proactive measures and react decisively will emerge as victors against their competitors.

How does today’s always-on mentality affect your work-life balance? What do you do to create separation between the two – or do you?

Today’s guest post comes to us from Erica Rascon, a writer for The Balance Sheet — the Yardi corporate blog — as part of a post exchange. 

The post ‘Always-On’ Connectivity Creates Greater Competition Dynamics appeared first on Point2 Agent Real Estate Marketing Blog.

Industry Blogs & News Sources

http://www.inman.com/inmannext/ 
Visit Inman’s blog for accurate and timely news about the real estate industry, as well as editorials and commentary from acclaimed thought leaders.

http://rismedia.com/
Consult this online resource for real estate news and information focused on the practices of the industry’s most profitable and productive individuals. Find real estate tips, training and events here.

http://retechnology.com/
Accessing the hugely informative archives of “The Real Estate Technology Authority” requires a monthly membership, but we think it’s worth it. Sometimes offered as a MLS member benefit.

http://geekestateblog.com/blog/
Get your geek on with the inside scoop on technology news with a real estate twist. Helpful how-tos (e.g. 12 Steps Crucial to an RE Professional’s Internet Presence) and more!

http://1000watt.net/blog/
“Writings about real estate, branding, marketing, media and technology from the principals of 1000watt.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

http://www.notorious-rob.com/
Consultant Rob Hahn’s often humorous and always relevant thoughts on all things real estate.

Agent Blogs

http://massrealestatenews.com/
Great tips for buyers and sellers, as well as social media and SEO tips for agents and brokers.

http://teamfisher.com/blog/
Of course we have a soft spot for Saskatoon agents, and Norm Fisher’s blog is one of our faves with a nice mix of listings and local market updates.

Real Estate Gossip & Lifestyle Blogs

http://realestalker.blogspot.com/
Find out which celebrity is buying or selling which home for how much and where in humorous posts written by Your Mama (we’re not kidding).

http://curbed.com/
Real estate architecture and design trends, notable listings, fascinating interest stories and, of course, funny listing photos. Fifteen versions address both US national and regional trends.

http://www.vendoralley.com/
Hirings, firings, product launches, startups and more – Greg Roberston’s blog tracks whispers, rumors and silliness in the industry.

What are you reading? If we’re missing out on anything good, tell us about it below!

The post The Very Best Real Estate Blogs (Besides Our Own) appeared first on Point2 Agent Real Estate Marketing Blog.

We recommend that you bookmark this page for your future reference. And please, if there’s a topic you’d like to see us cover in a future webinar, don’t hesitate to mention it in the comments below. We’re always happy to hear your suggestions.

Name: How to be Red Hot in a Cool Listing Marketing
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=bd4019aa
Point2 University Course: http://bit.ly/Yizbmw

Name: List More, Sell More with the Power of Video
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=644bd1e7
Point2 University Course: http://bit.ly/147zwNJ

Name: 3 Easy Tips to Explode Your Income in 2013
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=d2cba5d8
Point2 University Course: Not available.

Name: 13 Strategies to Make 2013 Your Best Year Yet
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=88cac0b5
Point2 University Course: Not available.

Name: Build a Successful Strategy into Your RE Career
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=3f6fb2d2
Point2 University Course: Not available.

Name: Tips to Better Use CRM’s to Generate and Cultivate Leads
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=5159182a
Point2 University Course: http://bit.ly/YIzhur

Name: How to Use Your iPad to get More Leads and More Sales by Creating Videos
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=5158a700
Point2 University Course: http://bit.ly/YIzihY

Name: Zap the Generational Gap with Smart Marketing
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=635d1557
Point2 University Course: http://bit.ly/YIzg9C

Name: Increase Your Responses with Scripts for More Sales – Buyer Objections
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=f5014372
Point2 University Course: http://bit.ly/Yizgqh

Name: Increase Your Responses with Scripts for More Sales – Seller Objections
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=1ad200fa
Point2 University Course: http://bit.ly/YIzjSP

Name: Get More Listings with Strategic Partnerships
Webinar Recording Link:  http://www.easywebvideo.com/video.php?v=8006a749
Point2 University Course: http://bit.ly/147zJAF

The post Free Online Learning Resources: The Point2 Webinar Directory appeared first on Point2 Agent Real Estate Marketing Blog.