Gary Keller

East Bay Real Estate Agents Head To Atlanta Today!

North American real estate conference and idea sharing is this week.

One of the country’s largest real estate idea sharing conference is this week in Atlanta, Georgia. Keller Williams Realty calls it their “Family Reunion”. There will be thousands of Realtors participating in education sessions, business and marketing networking, and their 2007 annual awards celebration. Of all the conferences I attend each year for continuing education, this is the one that is jam-packed with the latest internet and business tools for Realtors. (Keller Williams Realty is currently the fourth largest and fastest growing real estate company in North America.)

In addition, there will be a separate session for Realtors who are focused on the luxury real estate markets and those focused on the international real estate opportunities being fueled by the “Baby Boomer” explosion into second and third residences. (Fractional deeded ownership is the hot product in this category of residences.) The luxury and international real estate markets are almost all marketed through the internet. It has been unbelievable to see the results that have been created by those Realtors committed to internet marketing and blog sites for these niche real estate markets.

(Again, if you have read some of my latest blog postings you understand that the current mortgage meltdown is not affecting the luxury or international real estate sales. These two markets are not concerned about mortgage rates or down payments. They have the cash and the connections for any mortgages that may be required to purchase these two categories of real estate sales.)

Gary Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams Realty, will be giving his annual address regarding the national market predications for 2008. After his address there will be a question and answer period for the media to clarify any questions they have with his predictions. (Remember, real estate is always a local business with local trends. The national trends do not connect to each of the local markets in America. The national trends are a summary of the local trends.)

Seth Godin, New York times best selling author is the keynote speaker at the conference. His latest book, The Dip, is #5 on the New York Times best seller list, and focuses on what you can do to power through tough times and low points, and how superstars set themselves apart from the pack by escaping dead ends quickly, while staying focused and motivated when it really counts. Godin has changed the way people think about marketing, change and work. His irrepressible speaking style and no-holds-barred blog have helped him create a large following around the world.

Also, as part of the Family Reunion in Atlanta this week there will be acknowledgements of Realtors in the United States who have given back to their communities in very significant ways. It is always a special inspirational breakfast that is held to honor these professionals who live their lives with “service above self” as part of their core personal and business values. Keller Williams Realty’s statement to the Realtors who have chosen to be a part of their international company is, “Building careers worth having, businesses worth owning, and lives worth living.” These are not common value states coming from corporate America. From my experience with this company, they are walking the talk regarding this important company mission statement. I will be attending this conference and will report back on topics that will be of interest to the East Bay real estate communities. Until next time…