San Antonio's Rockstar Turned Realtor®

End.  Beginning.  Beginning.  End.

Life.  Death.  Endless circles...alright, I'll cut the nonsense.  I'm here to wish you all farewell.  I'm leaving ActiveRain.  My reasons are varied, but none are earth shattering.  There is no sudden "I hate ActiveRain" swagger down here in San Antonio.  No, in fact I leave with good memories of my time here.  From meeting new friends, to learning new things, to debating with some of the best of them on the issues that our industry faces everyday.  I've loved all (well, almost all) of my time here.

I credit ActiveRain with really helping me find a voice in real estate blogging...the voice was mine, but the platform was ActiveRain (although I must credit AgentGenius for really giving me my first blogging opportunities).  I grew up a lot here in ActiveRain - figuring out who I wanted to be as a real estate agent and gained a bit of notoriety doing it.  My posts here have gained me attention in many different circles - from our industry to the press to consumers.

My leaving is not a reflection on the company (although until they remove the check photos, I will continue to have a problem with the message they are sending) and I wish them nothing but continued success, particularly as they transition to their new form without Jon.  As for the staff, past and present, I hope to meet you all somewhere down the line - some of you have been more than just the "people that work at ActiveRain" and far exceeded my expectations many times.  As for the connections with agents and others in our industry - I'll always value those and I hope you'll continue to say hello and offer your thoughts on my other blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and whatever else is yet to be invented.

There's a million places you can find me online and soon there will be more.  As I focus my energy, I truly do hope to see you all out there in the great world wide web (do they still call it that?).

I wrote my first blog here on November 3, 2008.  The title?  "A new day is dawning..."  I thought the photo I selected for my last post might make up for the lack of one in my first.  A circle if you will.  End.  Beginning.  Beginning.  End.

From that very same article, a quote:

I like to share what I know, learn what I don't, and mull over everything in between.

I think I lived up to that quote quite well and I give you my promise to continue to do so.

Epilogue.

I'm sure some people might speculate that I am leaving to pursue some project outside of real estate, but I'm not.  I'm still here, right where I've always been.  My shift in focus is designed to concentrate my activities and thoughts into a more powerful stream.  There will still be multiple blogs, but some uses of my time and brain power had to be evaluated, judged, and weighed on the scale.  RErockstar will continue on, much as it probably will for many, many years.  San Antonio Rocks will continue to be a view into the city I call home.  "I saw it in San Antonio." will continue to show bits and pieces of my life through my iPhone.  But there is more.  Some of it quietly revealed recently on Facebook, some of it merely hinted at.  I have much more to get out of this skull of mine, so expect to hear more...you'll just have to be listening in the right places.

photo courtesy of law_keven

I don't know what will happen to my posts, but I have backed them all up.  I guess after I pass the 90 day mark, my account will cease to exist and the lights will go dark.  It'll be a bit melancholy when it happens, but I'll make it just fine.

I'm happy for your success.

I love knowing when people around me, people I like, are being successful.  I love a good rags to riches success story.  I love the triumph of a person who sets their sights on success and reaches (and often surpasses) their goals.

ActiveRain success stories are always great and I've written them myself.  Recently though, I've found myself struggling with the thought of the success stories being posted on the main page.  Each story is accompanied by a smiling agent holding the check they received after their success story wrapped up.  There's everything from referral stories to blog success stories to members touting how ActiveRain expanded their business.

It's not the success that I struggle with.  It's the check.  In one photograph, an entire successful transaction is boiled down to a simple string of numbers with a dollar sign attached to it.  The entire client relationship and work put into the transaction put into dollars and sense.  ROI.  Quantified and filed away into a database.  Stamped with a "PAID" marker and cashed, deposited, invested, or spent.  I am not a number.

Now before you argue that we don't work for free...hear me out.

ActiveRain

ActiveRain is a business.  Their job is to get people to sign up and generate income for their company by selling the product and service that is ActiveRain.  In doing so, they need to show value.  A check in an agent's hand definitely holds a certain value to them as a company.  It's proof positive that there is value to spending time on ActiveRain.  Fair enough.

Here's where my thinking deviates.  ActiveRain - is it for our industry or for the consumer?  We all know there's value on both sides - or if we don't, we've at least heard the argument for one or the other or both.  So let's break it down into two sides...

...for our industry.

There's an obvious advantage to the network of real estate industry professionals here at ActiveRain.  As one of them, I look at the success stories and it compels me to continue writing, creating relationships, and building a referral base which I know I can always rely on to help my clients and perhaps send me business.  The check is the value.  It says "if you join ActiveRain, you can get business."  I like business.  I like it a lot.

...for the consumer.

To view ActiveRain from a consumer's viewpoint isn't always easy.  I'm too close to it.  I'm involved.  One of my driving forces is to look at everything in our industry from the consumer's view.  I'm not always perfect at it, but I do work hard to keep it at the forefront of everything I think and do.  So I'm a consumer looking for local information - I google away and find some great blog posts on a site (ActiveRain) I've never heard of.  What's the first thing I do?  Go to the main page.  What greets me and catches my attention first?  A photo of a smiling agent who is flashing the cash.  I'm no dummy, I know that agents get paid and don't work for free...but the first impression I have is an agent waving their check that they just earned.  Do I read the success story and see why they're holding the check?  Maybe, maybe not.

Perception as truth.

In an industry that it constantly battling with consumer opinion and public perception, the check represents everything wrong with our industry if you're already on the edge of deciding whether to place us above or below lawyers in your list of people you like least (sorry to my lawyer friends, but you have the same problems).

I know my clients are always thrilled when we close a transaction and (something I never thought would matter to them) they often ask, "hey, did you get your check yet" when we speak after closing.  They actually want to be sure I got paid.  They do want me to make money.  The difference?  They are clients.  We've built a friendship, a relationship, a trust...we are connected.

If I were a stranger, looking for an agent (and this is my personal thought) and I saw a photo of you smiling like a lottery winner, I would pass right by you.  In fact, I'd probably perceive you to be what I don't like about real estate agents.  I know from personal conversations (as an agent) that some of the agents I've seen in the success story column are good people who care for their clients.  As a consumer though?  I wouldn't give you a second thought.  The truth is they are good people and excellent agents.  The perception doesn't necessarily align with those thoughts.

But perception is truth...until it is given time to conform to the real truth.  That times time, trust, and connection.  Something you don't get with a picture of an agent holding a check.

photo curtest of Daquella manera

Please note: I'm all for celebrating our successes and don't deny that without those checks, we wouldn't be agents.  I lived in the world of rock and roll where I was expected to do everything for free (post-Napster) and although I had a passion for what I did, the truth was it had to put dinner on the table and gas in the car or it wasn't possible.  Money may not be everything or bring happiness or whatever cliched phrase you want to use, but let's face it - we need that money to continue to do what we do, passionate or not.

11935 Travis Path - The Hills at Alamo Ranch - Open House

Stop by this weekend, March 26th and 27th, from 12-4 to view 11935 Travis Path, a gorgeous five bedroom, three bath home in The Hills at Alamo Ranch.  See what makes this home an incredible value on the city's northwest side.

On Saturday, ActiveRain's very own Jeanna Martinez will be hosting the open house.  Jeanna is well known for her open houses - providing visitors with a friendly chat, lots of knowledge, and a bit of Texas twang.

On Sunday, I will be hosting the open house - so come prepared to ask questions about real estate, the home, and tell the sellers you're ready to make an offer!  If you haven't seen the home yet, this is the perfect time.

Want more information on the home before you jot it down in your weekend schedule?  Visit www.11935TravisPath.com for all the latest information about the home, the local area, and the neighborhood of the Hills at Alamo Ranch.

11935 Travis Path - San Antonio - 78253

The Hills at Alamo Ranch

$299,000 - 5 bedroom - 3 bath - 4,570 square feet

March 26th and 27th (Saturday and Sunday)

Noon - 4 PM

(210) 646-HOME

What do rock and roll and real estate have in common?

Me.  If you've known me for awhile, you probably now that I don't just call myself "rerockstar" because it sounds good.  It's actually rooted in my past.  This week, Monday March 7th, join us at The Hip Roof at 1PM (Eastern) as Maya Paveza grills me on rockstars and real estate.

The Hip Roof held their first webinar last week with ActiveRain's Ben Kinney and it was a an hour full of interesting facts and information about what makes Ben Kinney tick and how he's using different tools - traditional and technological - to increase his business.

If you haven't signed up for The Hip Roof yet, come and check it out.  The forums are active and full of agents asking and answering questions - sharing ideas and thoughts on how to utilize today's tools and grow your business.  There's even a bit of fun.  Of course, I'd be crazy not to mention The Devil's Avocado, my blog about all the ideas and thoughts on the real estate industry.  Part confessional, part ravings of a madman, it's a blog I've had in my head for too long.  So come join us over at The Hip Roof and bring your questions to the webinar on Monday at 1PM (Eastern).  I'll be there - will you?

Disclosures: CMP.ly/2 and CMP.ly/5

I recently posted this photo of a much younger Mark McGrath and I on Facebook, thought I'd share it with you here.

11935 Travis Path SAN ANTONIO, TX Price reduced! Beautifully maintained, spacious home in The Hills at Alamo Ranch. This 5 bedroom, 3 bath home has 4,570 square feet of living space. 5BR/3BA Single Family House $299,000 Year Built 2007 Sq Footage 4,570 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.2033 acres HOA/Maint $40 per month Description Spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bath home in Alamo Ranch is ready for move in. Located in The Hills at Alamo Ranch, this home offers convenience of access with no city taxes. Enjoy the gorgeous kitchen with granite and stainless steel or catch a movie in the custom media room. Meritage no longer builds homes this large in this community - this is your chance to own one! Only $62.95/sq ft - a bargain in Alamo Ranch! Property Features Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Walk-in closet Tile floor Family room Living room Bonus/Rec room Office/Den Dining room Breakfast nook Dishwasher Stove/Oven Granite countertop Stainless steel appliances Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard Community Features Garage parking Clubhouse Swimming pool(s) Tennis court(s) Playground Additional Photos 11935 Travis Path Living Room Master Bedroom Kitchen Bedroom Backyard Contact Info Matt Stigliano RE/MAX Access (210) 240-6222 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing

Need more information? Visit us at 11935TravisPath.com

Experts Series Interviews with Ben Kinney at 1PM Eastern at The Hip Roof

Benn Kinney, who you all know by now, will be the first Experts Series Interview at The Hip Roof today (February 28th) at 1PM Eastern.  This is a members only webinar and knowing Ben's work with things like the Ten Days of Pain, it should be a good time.

To register, you must be a member at The Hip Roof and register for the webinar (details are in the Forums under "Webinar").

I'll see you there!

Disclosures: CMP.ly/2 and CMP.ly/5

All these agents under one Hip Roof.

The Hip Roof is here.  A website for real estate agents, built and maintained by real estate agents.  No vendors, no advertisers, no agendas.  A place to share your real estate knowledge, learn something new, discuss the latest trends, and talk shop.  A place that you can call home.  A place that has only just begun to get started.

What can you expect from The Hip Roof?  Webinars, training, advice, opinions, knowledge, and networking - all from real estate agents who want to share their experiences and learn from each other.

The Hip Roof is about to open its doors.

Tonight at 10:30PM (I believe it's Eastern time), The Hip Roof will close its doors on their soft launch and begin its life as a full-fledged membership site (don't quote me on the time, I don't run the show).  Tomorrow the price goes up, but until then you can get in under the soft launch price.  You can even get a sneak peak for the rest of the day.

Webinars Every Monday at 1PM

Tomorrow is the first in the series of Expert Series Interviews and features a name ActiveRain members should be familiar with by now - Ben Kinney.  Every week a new webinar will be recorded (I've been invited to do one next month!) and offered to members.  Have someone or something you'd like to see covered - just ask The Hip Roof, at the end of the day, it's all about the real estate community.

Want to blog for your industry?

These won't be blogs about local events and places like here on ActiveRain - these will be focused solely on our industry and the thoughts behind it.  You'll even get to read my latest, The Devil's Avocado.  I've been dreaming up this blog for sometime now and have already started plotting and scheming on future topics.  My latest entry, "Discarding the Code of Ethics" is sure to ruffle a few feathers.

Have a question you need answered now?

The Hip Roof Forum is the life-blood of the site.  A place where agents can gather and help each other out, whether it's about social media, coaching, or legal issues (and much more).  There are some great things being shared in there and there's much more to come (I've seen some sneak previews of ideas and it's pretty incredible what the site is capable of).

It's time to pickup your keys and enter The Hip Roof.

Take a peek at what's going on and sign up, The Hip Roof is going to be one amazing adventure for all of us.

Disclosures: CMP.ly/2 and CMP.ly/5

The Lones Group sues Realtor® Daniel Rothamel aka The Real Estate Zebra.

By now you've heard the news, aptly called The Stripes Heard Round the World in one of the many posts I've read over the last twenty four hours.  Real estate marketing company The Lones Group filed a complaint against Daniel "Real Estate Zebra" Rothamel for his use of zebra-related branding and marketing.

Like most real estate industry professionals, I'm not a lawyer, so I won't comment on the merit of the suit or opine over what constitutes trademark infringement.  Most agents who are posting about this are agreeing on one thing:

The Lones Group made a big mistake.

Daniel Rothamel is well known in the industry (particularly the real estate blogger subset) as the Real Estate Zebra.  His knowledge of blogging and social media have made him a speaker, mentor, and guide to many of us.  I relate to Daniel's branding because of our use of non-real estate items to help market ourselves and set us apart from others.  I have know him as the Zebra since the day we met online.  I think I even called him Zebra when I met him in real life.  Daniel Rothamel and Real Estate Zebra are synonymous in my book.

What The Lones Group complaint has done is shed light on a company for all the wrong reasons.  I had never heard of The Lones Group or its services, despite being the target market (a Realtor®) for them.  Perhaps they are excellent at what they do.  I won't ever know.  While Daniel's friendship matters to me, there's more to it than that.  I don't like lawsuits (in my rockstar days we were nearly sued to death at one point - preventing us from touring America for quite some time).  I don't like lawsuits that seem (from my view) to be aimed at garnering a few bucks.  Daniel works with consumers.  The Lones Group works with Realtors®.  Although one might argue they are in the same industry (real estate as a whole), they are doing two vastly different things.

While The Lones Group mounts their attack on the Real Estate Zebra, the social media world is abuzz with the news.  Too bad for The Lones Group that it has mostly been negative.  Knowing when your social capital is worth more than your trademark is the key in this one.  Even if they were to win the lawsuit against Daniel, would it be worth the damage to their social capital?  I know I won't be using their services anytime soon (in all fairness, I probably wouldn't anyway).  Now, when I hear the name The Lones Group, I will forever be reminded of the day my friend, Daniel Rothamel, was sued.  That's not an image I would want as a company.  They might think it's no big deal, as I am just one person, but this sentiment is being echoed over and over again across the internet.  Even a Google search for "lones group" is starting to be filled with posts like this one.  Would you want that as your only search result?  I wouldn't.

Two great posts written about the case:

"The Lones Group v. Rothamel: A case study in destroying your on-line reputation" - Jay Thompson (he's also building a list of blog posts, so this will be a great resource on the case as it goes on)

"The Lones Group Lesson: Destroying Your Brand Online" - Jeff Bernheisel (this is an excellent read and I think Jeff breaks down the case for "is it worth it" with great conviction)

And of course, I wrote a post over at RErockstar.com - "Lones Group sues Daniel “Real Estate Zebra” Rothamel"

You can see the entire complaint over at the Zebra Defense Fund (and make donations to Daniel's legal defense).

photo courtesy of mape_s

Need a #savethezebra badge for your ActiveRain blog? Get the code below and insert it in My Home>Settings>Blog Description.  I will also be posting a Wordpress widget code for the #savethezebra badge (with PayPal link for donations) over at RErockstar.com (feel free to use and distribute).

HTML Code for ActiveRain Blogs - #savethezebra

<center><a href="http://www.zebradefensefund.com" title="Zebra Defense Fund" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.rerockstar.com/documents/zebra-defense-fund/save-the-zebra.jpg" title="Save The Zebra - Zebra Defense Fund" alt="#savethezebra"></a></center>

Cut and paste it into your blog sidebar.

7 Skills to Master Business and Life

I was going to reblog ActiveRain's post about the Surviving Your Serengeti Challenge, but reblog is currently down.  As you can read in my comment, I received an advance copy of the book and I thought the book was an excellent read - both as a story and as a business book.  Stefan definitely has a way with words, no doubt about that.

What I liked most about the book was that as I read through the tale of the epic journey the animals of the Serengeti take (often rated as the number one natural wonder of the world), I was enjoying it as a story.  An interesting Discovery Channel-esque look at one of the few places on earth I have yet to go.  By the end of the book, I was trying to figure out how to convince Stefan to take me on his next Serengeti trip.

But there was more to it than that.  Yes, I enjoyed the story, but all along the way, I was beginning to make connections to business through the parable that Stefan was spinning.  Parable is a tough art form, it takes skill to connect two seemingly non-related items and (this is the key) have the reader make the connections without much explanation.  The goal of a good parable is to have the reader do the connecting and then reinforce it at later points with examples.  Stefan not only accomplishes this, he excels at it.

What Animal Are You?

Throughout the book, Stefan references seven animals and their particular skills and behaviors in the most incredible annual migration on earth.  As each animal plays its part in the journey, each plays a role in the modern world of business and life - each animal defines a certain set of characteristics and thought patterns that we all possess.  Are you the strategic lion or the enterprising crocodile (of which I am a member)?  Are you the graceful giraffe or the enduring wildebeest?  Each animal has a role to play and by knowing the roles of the other animals that surround them, they can better use their skills to perform their functions on the Serengeti.

Take the quiz yourself and find out What Animal Am I?

A few personal words about Stefan: If you've never seen him speak on real estate trends, I suggest you find the nearest place he's doing one of his presentations and register to attend.  After culling through mountains of data, Stefan nails the trends and influences on our industry like you wouldn't believe.  This year, he'll be expanding to look at the global market, which is sure to be an interesting look at where we are and where we're going.  I've never met him personally, although I was standing about five feet away from him once, but he's shown himself via social media to be wickedly funny, extremely responsive, and both knowledgeable and willing to share.  You can learn a lot from this man (and the ladies love his accent).

After you've read the chapters available through ActiveRain, head on over and buy the book (you can advance order it as well): Surviving Your Serengeti: 7 Skills to Master Business and Life [this is an affiliate link to Amazon.com - it helps fuel my iPad fund]

Disclosure: CMP.ly/1 and CMP.ly/5

Or are they?

I had a great conversation with a new friend the other day and it drove home some thoughts and beliefs I already had, but know that many people struggle with when it comes to social media.  If no one connects or responds, are we making an impact?  If no one comments on our blog post, does that mean no one likes it or found value in it?  If a Tweet goes out and no one mentions it ever again, did anyone even read it?

You can read the original post, Social Media: Where is everyone? on my site, but I wanted to share it with ActiveRain as well.