In my work as a Morganville area Realtor, as well as, my life as a Mom and Manalapan area resident, I've been collecting links to some great websites where you will find information on life in Morganville, New Jersey.

I think it would be great to build upon and share this list of resources. 

Please email me and I will add your favorite links!

Marlboro Township Information

The Official Marlboro Township Website

Marlboro Township Important Phone Numbers

Localism Information on Morganville

Morganville Census Information

Morganville Neighborhood Walk Score

Monmouth County Library (Manalapan Headquarters)

Marlboro School System

Marlboro Township Public Schools

Freehold Regional High School District

High School Learning Centers and Academies

Marlboro High School

Monmouth County Vocational School District

Department of Education - Marlboro Township School Report Card

Data for the Marlboro Public School District

Data for the Morganville Public School District

Great Schools Information for Marlboro, New Jersey

Commuting to New York City

New Jersey Transit

Academy Bus Lines

New Jersey Government Information

New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government

Monmouth County Information

Monmouth County Website

Financing Information

Understanding Different Types of Loans

Refinancing

Closing Costs

Marlboro Realtor

JoAnna Siminerio, Weichert Realtors

Jo

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro/Manalapan
JoSiminerio@optonline.net
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Definition of Proactive:

Controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than waiting to respond to it after it happens.

Reactive marketing is waiting for the sale or client to "walk through the door".  Being reactive also involves putting your message in places where you think large numbers of people have a good chance of seeing it. This would include farming - sending postcards and flyers regularly to keep your name in front of potential sellers or advertising in local newspapers or maybe drip email campaigns to your sphere of influence.  It involves sending YOUR message to many people who at the given time, may or may not have a need or interest in what you are offering them.  The hope is that when they do have that need, they will think of you.

Being proactive is the art of creating new client interest.  Accomplishing a proactive sale is only limited by the confines of creative thought.  A proactive opportunity means looking around to see how an opportunity can be created.  The key is in the creation. 

Historically, I think I was more reactive.  I planted lots of seeds and when they sprouted I was here to answer the phone call of opportunity.  Great!  But I have no control on when that consumer will need my service.  There is a definite place for reactive selling in our business, but there has to be a balance.

Today, I want to build my business NOW!  I want to work on identifying and connecting with potential clients who need what I’m offering. Similar to using the yellow pages, when a consumer needs to fix their car, they look up auto mechanics and hire someone to get the job done. 

When a homeowner wants to sell, I want to be who they find when they search for a Realtor.  Whether they ask their friends, Google “Manalapan NJ Realtor”, see my advertising that I’ve strategically placed on home search sites or go to one of the many real estate agent directories you can find on the internet, or heck, even if they find me when they open the yellow pages!

I’m also going to shoot for more of a proactive vs. reactive dialog:

In the past, reactive… “I don’t want to bother you but I’m calling to see if maybe you have an interest in possibly selling your home some time?”  “No?  Ok, but can you pretty please, with sugar on top, promise to call me if you change your mind”

Today, proactive… “I’m calling to tell you that there has NEVER been a better time to upsize.”  “You don’t believe me?  Do you have a calculator?”

In Stephan Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey suggests that Proactive language, embraces responsibility and takes charge of the situation. Nothing is left to chance. If something is being done, it’s not because we are forced to it, but because we choose to do it. Remember, we are response-able, free to choose our response. So we are not victims, but we are the masters. And proactive language exuberates this.

  How Active a Pro are you going to be this year?

 Go out there and figure out how to make something good happen today!

Jo

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Manalapan - Marlboro
New Jersey
www.JoTheRealtor.com

In my work as a Marlboro Realtor, as well as, my life as a Mom and Marlboro area resident, I've been collecting links to some great websites where you will find information on life in Marlboro, New Jersey.

I think it would be great to build upon and share this list of resources. 

Please email me and I will add your favorite links!

Marlboro Township Information

The Official Marlboro Township Website

Marlboro Township Important Phone Numbers

Localism Information on Marlboro Township

Marlboro Township Census Information

Marlboro Neighborhood Walk Score

Monmouth County Library (Manalapan Headquarters)

Marlboro School System

Marlboro Township Public Schools

Freehold Regional High School District

High School Learning Centers and Academies

Marlboro High School

Monmouth County Vocational School District

Department of Education - Marlboro Township School Report Card

Data for the Marlboro Public School District

Data for the Morganville Public School District

Great Schools Information for Marlboro, New Jersey

Commuting to New York City

New Jersey Transit

Academy Bus Lines

New Jersey Government Information

New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government

Monmouth County Information

Monmouth County Website

Financing Information

Understanding Different Types of Loans

Refinancing

Closing Costs

Marlboro Realtor

JoAnna Siminerio, Weichert Realtors

Jo

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro/Manalapan
JoSiminerio@optonline.net
www.JoTheRealtor.com

In my work as a Manalapan NJ Realtor, as well as, my life as a Manalapan Mom and homeowner, I've been collecting links to some great websites where you will find information on life in Manalapan Township, New Jersey.

I think it would be great to build upon and share this list of resources. 

Please email me and I will add your favorite links!

Manalapan Township Information

The Official Manalapan Township Website

Manalapan Township Important Phone Numbers

Localism Information on Manalapan New Jersey

Manalapan Township Census Information

The Official Manalapan Township Police Explorer Website

Manalapan NJ Walk Score

Manalapan New Jersey Residents Group on Facebook

Monmouth County Library (Manalapan NJ Headquarters)

Manalapan Schools

Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District

Freehold Regional High School District

High School Learning Centers and Academies

Manalapan High School

Monmouth County Vocational School District

Department of Education - Manalapan Township School Report Card

Data for the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District

Great Schools Information for Manalapan, New Jersey

Commuting to New York City

New Jersey Transit

Academy Bus Lines

New Jersey Government Information

New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government

Monmouth County Information

Monmouth County Website

Financing Information

Understanding Different Types of Loans

Refinancing

Closing Costs

Manalapan Realtor

JoAnna Siminerio, Weichert Realtors

Jo

JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro/Manalapan
JoSiminerio@optonline.net
www.JoTheRealtor.com

Alexsandra Stewart, Broker -Portland Oregon Real Estate AND ROBERT A.SWETZ
both tagged me for this Christmas 7 Things about MeMe, so I thought I better reply!  Note... they are only getting 7 things NOT 14!! 

Here are all of the ground rules that need to be followed:

1. Create a blog post with a link to the person who so happily tagged you.  See above!

2. List all of these rules in the post.  To those poor souls whom I tag, feel free to cut and paste this.

3. Share 7 things that others may not know about you.  Do I or have I HAD a life outside of real estate?  Hmm, let me think about that one...

4. Identify 7 friends, contacts or near enemies in which to adorn this MEME.   Tag them at the end of the post and give a link to their blog (if you know how).  Sorry guys and girls--it doesn't take as long as you think!

5. Contact each of the tagged members and let them know that you were indeed fast enough to catch them and that you did indeed tag them...no matter how much they say you missed them!  No schoolyard rules in this MEME, nope you gotta do it if you are tagged.   Sorry 7 friends!

Seven things you may not know about me:

1. All in the Family - My sister and I married brothers!  Our kids are "double" or "super" cousins.  We live a few blocks from each other and like it that way!  Now if only she would get her real estate license!  I can see it now... www.SimiSistersSell.com
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. I'm a heckuva bowler - yep, been bowling for over 20 years.  I'm averaging just under 180 this year!  Bowled my high game...above 270 last year!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. I'm a blog-a-holic - yes I am!  and I'm not ashamed to admit it.  I like it here.  My new motto if is "If you like it, and it is good for you, do more of it!"  So you guys better watch out for me in 2009!
   

   

   
   
   
4. I enjoy using Photoshop - I'm not just a neighborhood real estate specialist, I'm also the local graphics guru... not professionally... all for the amusement of my friends and family!
   

   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. I think I'm funny - Me?  Sarcastic?  No way!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. I'd like to fall in love with a puppy - Like the Obama's my family had our sights on a new puppy when we moved into our home last year.  Unfortunately, it has proven challenging to find the right one.  Growing up, the best dogs were the one's we found or were given to us.  I think it would be awesome if a dog would somehow choose us!
   
   





7. I'm a great friend - a REALLY great friend.  There is little I wouldn't do for my friends.  I always put the needs of my friends before my own.  Having said that, I'm not really mushy gushy... so if you are looking for someone to send you a birthday card or remember your anniversary, I'm probably not the one for you.  If you need a kidney, then I'm your gal!
   
   

There you have it!  Me!

I'm tagging....

Monica Walters

Gail Szeluga

Amber Noble Garland

Kenneth Cole

Cherimie Crane

Cecily Parks

Lanette Branch

I am looking forward to the holiday this week.  Not just because Christmas is finally here, but because I desperately need some family time!  I miss them!

I am looking forward to a few days off from the hustle and bustle that is the life of a Realtor and a Mom.

I am excited to see family that I don't see often enough.

I am also excited that the New Year is right around the corner!  I have great hopes and high expectations for 2009, on a personal, as well as, professional level!

As I take stock on the past year, I will remember those less fortunate than me.  I will count my blessings and look ahead to bigger and better things!

Best wishes to my Manalapan neighbors and my Active Rain friends for a healthy and happy holiday! 

Oh... and by the way... that is my new kitten Mazy!  The best gift I could've gotten this year!  That image is from my holiday card.  "Dressed" the kids and the cat as elves!

Jo

A very big thank you to my new friend Cherimie Crane, Beaufort SC Real Estate 

I am reblogging her post here to thank her for her contant motivation and encouragement to me!

What a great compliment!

And to repay the compliment to Cherimie...

Her posts ALWAYS make me feel like we are sitting across the table from each other sharing a cup of coffee!  These are my favorite type of posts... conversational, entertaining, humorous slant and most importantly, heartfelt.

Her voice, honesty and believability come across LOUD and CLEAR!

Thank you again for the mention and thank you for elevating the standard for the rest of us bloggers!

I encourage all to check out Cherimie's blog, A Lil Bit About Beaufort you won't be disappointed.

A potential buyer asked the following question on Trulia today.

Are Sellers being reasonable?

…my question to you Pros is, "are sellers being reasonable" - I know that not all sellers listen to their real estate agents and thus we see the property sitting on the market for a long time - do you think they're more reasonable now? What "give" if any are you seeing from the asking prices these days?

Being the "Pros" that we are, I’m sure we each have a “reasonable” answer for him and we would all probably make the connection that a seller being reasonable is based on that seller’s individual motivation.

The definitions of “reasonable”:

• Capable of reasoning; rational: a reasonable person.
• Governed by or being in accordance with reason or sound thinking: a reasonable solution to the problem.
• Being within the bounds of common sense: arrive home at a reasonable hour.
• Not excessive or extreme; fair: reasonable prices

I have my own questions:

Are Buyers being reasonable?

~ I want the seller to pay ME to take this home off their hands!

Are Banks being reasonable? 

~ I’ll get back to you soon.  I promise.  Definitely before next Christmas!

Are Listing Agents being reasonable? 

~ This home really is special!  That’s why I told this seller I would get them $50k more than the last home closed for in this neighborhood!

Are Selling Agents being reasonable?  

~ I know you pulled every string to get me an appointment to show your listing at 9 am on a Sunday morning, but when we drove up, my buyers realized it wasn’t right for them so we didn’t bother going in and I didn’t cancel because I’m just that rude.

Are Brokers being reasonable?

~ Don’t take it personally, we all need to work harder for less money

Are my kids being reasonable?

~ I want EVERYTHING for Christmas and I want it NOW!

(Don’t they know we’re in an economic crisis?)

What is really considered reasonable behavior these days?

Message

I'm talking about comfort zones.  You need to step out of them.

My business took off once I realized that I needed to make myself uncomfortable to become a better realtor.

A few examples:

• Cold Calling - This was a tough one for me.  I would stutter in my brain before I even picked up the phone!  Cold calling made me sooooooooo uncomfortable.  I felt conspicuous, as if I had an audience.  I felt like I was performing at Lincoln Center, in my underwear!  After the hundreth or so phone call I relaxed.  I got someone on the phone who actually gave a hoot what I had to say.  That changed things for me.  Suddenly, I was very comfortable, so much so I forgot to let the prospect get a word in!

• Asking For the Business - I remember trying to get up the nerve to ask for an appointment.  I'd preface most of my statements with "if you want" or "at your convenience" or "anytime you're ready".  I will never forget the first time I asked someone if they wanted to get together on Monday at 4 o'clock or Tuesday at 2 and they said "Monday is good"  I couldn't believe how easy it was.... if you just ask!

• Asking For the Price Reduction - I'm well trained.  I'm truly a neighborhood specialist.  I know my inventory.  I follow the market.  I study trends.  I call each and every agent who shows my listing for feedback.  I know exactly what the buyers think about my listing.  Why oh why would I be uncomfortable delivering the news to my seller?  Because let's face it, it is uncomfortable telling someone that there is no one willing to put up the bucks for their castle home, their pride and joy.  But make an intelligent argument, keep your professionalism, get the price reduction and get the home sold and I get the confirmation for what I knew all along... Damn, I'm good!

Even in "real life," if you don't find yourself feeling uncomfortable every now and then, it is my guess you aren't challenging yourself.  You're toeing the line.  "Aim for the sky and you'll reach the ceiling. Aim for the ceiling and you'll stay on the floor."

"Be willing to be uncomfortable. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. It may get tough, but it's a small price to pay for living a dream." -Peter McWilliams