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Eric Omand
RE/MAX Horizons
Annandale VA

     "I have used "Talking House" for a couple years. People really like it especially Listers. It’s a Great listing tool. Lots of people will just park outside & listen to the recording.

     This also makes the Sellers feel good. I can honestly say that I immediately made 2 sales specifically from using it. . . $7000 in commissions more than paid for all my Transmitters.

Bob Myers
RE/MAX Unlimited
Phoenix AZ

     "I am one happy caller. I had a listing for 7 months without a single sign call. I made it a Talking House, and immediately got a call. This really works. 

     Now I’m going to use it to get listings! Thanks again. I’m sold already."

John Campbell
RE/MAX Premier
Tucson AZ

     "I received my Talking House Celebrity impressions tape today. What a howl! I'm looking forward to using these. Thanks, Dude."

Don Minehart
RE/MAX Metro
Baden PA

     "I had a listing that was set to expire in 2 days. I had just gotten my first Talking House Transmitters, and put one on that listing.

     A prospect drove by the day it was going to expire. He loved it. We finalized the deal that day!
I asked him how he found about me. He told me he saw the directional signs, drove down to the house, and tuned in! Thanks Talking House!"

Elliott Vinson
RE/MAX Acclaim
Cincinnati OH

     "Thanks so much for all your help and information. The Video is very impressive and professional. We’re proud to be associated with it.  And the support literature is so motivating! We’re pumped!  Before we ordered Talking House, we saw it as expensive. It turns out that NOT having it is expensive!

We really believe in Talking House." 

Teresa Knight
RE/MAX Macon Realtors
Macon GA

     ...impressing sellers with the attention their home gets.

     I make all my listings Talking Houses. I also put up a yard sign, and a brochure box.
On my messages, I ask people listening to please help themselves to a free brochure.
Well, a seller recently called me 1 day after listing. She said that the Talking House was REALLY working well. I asked how she knew, and she said that there were 3 cars out front just then, listening to the Talking House. 

     I asked how she knew they were listening, and she said that when the message got to the part asking people to take a brochure, ALL THREE car doors opened, and they all went up and got a brochure!

     What a great tool. The house sold in a week . . . I love my Talking Houses!"

Buck Simpson
RE/MAX Select Properties
Sterling VA

     "I just got my first 4 Talking Houses. I put one out on my only listing, and just got my first call from the house.

     They were listening at the home, and wanted to get in right away. I went over and showed them the house and ended up showing them 2 other houses my office has listed in the immediate area. They bought the 3rd house.

     Young, very nice couple, pre-approved, had their folks with them (who loved the house), and their offer was accepted with a 9/1 closing.

     And, they couldn’t stop talking about what a great idea the Talking House was. Total time invested yesterday: about 75 minutes. The commission will be $3,105.00.
Anyway, that will pay for my next order and then some. Thanks."

Chris Cassidy
RE/MAX Realty Connection
Tewksbury MA

     "I received a call from a seller about listing his house, but he wanted to price it too high and I don’t take listings priced by sellers. So he went and listed with another agent.

     A few days later I received my Talking Houses and put a couple out. That same seller called me back and wanted to list with me. He was not happy, had talked to many other agents, but he liked my approach and the Talking House, so he canceled his listing and signed up with me at my price!
Another listing became mine because I told the sellers about Talking House. Not only did they list with me, but a family member was selling too, so I listed that house too.

Not bad for 30 days.

     I’m working on getting sponsors, but the Talking House sure makes it easier to get listings. I have a lot of referral business, but now I can offer something extra and the sellers think that I’m the greatest."

Bogusia Bierowicz
RE/MAX of Naperville
Naperville IL

     "I just got another listing today because of Talking House. The guy said if I was willing to try something new like Talking House, I was the guy he was looking for.

     Listing is for $179,990 and it will sell in a few days. I LOVE TALKING HOUSE !!!!!"

Buck Simpson
RE/MAX Select Properties
Sterling VA

     "Just after I ordered my first Talking Houses, I had an appointment to do a market evaluation on a very nice home.

     When I got there, I found out I was up against three other agents.  I told the sellers all about Talking House. I stressed how I would be marketing their home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The other agents weren’t offering that kind of extra service.

     Talking House and I won hands down.

     By the way, I work a farm area, and I already have 2 Talking House listings in that farm! What a great way to promote myself as well as my listings.

     Thanks Talking House and send me 3 more Transmitters ASAP!"

Tony Lewis
RE/MAX
Grand Rapids MI

     "At first, I wasn’t sure I’d get a lot of listings with Talking House. Now, I’ve almost installed all of the Talking House Transmitters that I have purchased. (Time to get some more!) To new agents, I say ‘hang in there!’"

Connie Sorensen
RE/MAX Horizons Realty
Milton FL

     "Thank you for the great article you got run for me in the Chronicle in Parker, CO. I got a lot of great feedback on it.

     I even got a phone call from a client who really thought I’d done something great which I did, getting in the "Talking House" biz.

     I put Talking House to work, and immediately closed on 2 houses as a result! Looking forward to having lots more fun and success with Talking House."

JC Childers,
RE/MAX Achievers,
Parker, CO

     "I have gotten great stories in two newspapers, plus a mention on the radio, thanks to Talking House.  Thank you for all your hard work getting me coverage.  Plus, I’ve sold 4 homes specifically because of my Talking Houses.

     Oh, and I’ve gotten 10 listings just because I use them and the other agents don’t! (I hope they never figure this out.) 

     Talking House helped me get "Rookie of the Year" for the N. Virginia Assoc. of Realtors for 1998. I couldn’t have done it without Talking House. This is the best marketing tool I have ever seen. Thanks."

Buck Simpson
RE/MAX Select Properties
Sterling, VA

". . . clients always get a big kick out of buyers stopping and listening!

     My favorite Talking House story involves clients selling an investment property, which was vacant at the time of listing. They lived next door to the property, and one of the sellers was retired and spent alot of time at home and in the garden.

     He kept a radio at home tuned to my Transmitter and would watch buyers ‘tune in,’ get out of their cars walk around the property and check it out. The ultimate buyers did just this, before writing their contract. My seller’s letter of recommendation reads ‘...nothing like advanced publicity!’

     These clients have been one of my VERY BEST sources of referrals. I have had 3 more transactions with them and plenty of good referrals that have resulted in commissions. 

     By the way, my latest Talking House sold in one day. Plus I had a nice Feature article in the Wilmington News Journal. Thanks for getting that for me."

Michael Arant 
RE/MAX Central
Bear DE

     I love these Celebrity Voices "I wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the 5 Celebrity Impressions I ordered to introduce me on my Talking House messages!

     I was pleasantly surprised how very well done they are. I was impressed at how well thought out they are. The way they are recorded makes them so easy to use. 

     Plus, they really perk me up. Any time I need a lift, I listen to them and laugh.

     I really like them, so I want to order another 4 impressions, including Howard Cosell and Rodney Dangerfield. They’re a bargain at $10 each. Thanks."

Shelden Berquist
RE/MAX
Coon Rapids, MN

     "We just wanted you to know that we really appreciate the networking tips and suggestions that you always send to us.

     Keep up the great job. We proudly use 16 Talking House Transmitters and are anticipating another order. Thanks again."

Pete & Angelina Martinsen
Re/Max MPV
Palm Beach Gardens, FL

     "People are calling like nuts on these things. I live in a vacation resort area so there are lots of people driving around. You never know when people are going to be in the area looking at houses.

     I have a gentleman from Des Moines, IA who already has a home in the area but now wants to upgrade to a larger home because of a Talking House he heard.

     Also, I have several homes listed about 30 miles away and have found that I can limit the trips I make to show those homes by just telling people to tune in.

     I love this. By the way I have already been in two of the local newspapers. Thanks!"

Keith Brockmeyer
RE/MAX Lakes Area Realty
Spirit Lake, IA

     And it's more fun, and quicker to do.

     Like most agents, I used to be in love with my presentation. I would go into great detail about all the wonderful programs I have. I spent equal time on each one. That was a mistake.

     Now, I first go briefly through each of the special things I do. I watch closely to see what lights them up. You can see it in their eyes and body language when you hit something that grabs them.  Then, based on their reaction, I know which one or two programs to go into great detail on.  This leaves them with one powerful impression, rather than a blur.

     Let me give you an example. I recently made a presentation. I went quickly over all my great programs. I can buy their home for cash if it doesn’t sell. I have a Sunday tour of Homes. I have a Team Selling concept. I have phone hotline screening of prospects. And I have Talking House.  

     Guess what? Nothing mattered to that seller but Talking House.

     It’s such a simple idea. So clear and easy to follow. And it blew him away. So I spent most of my time talking about Talking House, and signed him up.

     That’s the thing about Talking House. Of all the things I do, it’s the one that jumps right out at them -- it WOWs them.

     So let the prospect guide your presentation. Don’t waste a minute on things that don’t grab them. It’s enough for them to know briefly that you also have that service.  Instead, focus on what lights them up. If you’re like me, you’ll usually find it’s the simple advantage Talking House will give their home.
Then sign them up!

Craig Proctor is the top RE/MAX agent in the world. For information about his Quantum Leap program, and a Free Report including some of Craig’s best scripts, call 1-800-648-6142.

. . . the unexpected results. 

     I had a home located at the end of a long private road. After a summer storm, the road was blocked with several fallen trees. I hired a farmer to cut and clear those trees. He checked the house after clearing the road, and listened to my Talking House message. He thought the Talking House was so unique, he brought his wife back the next day.  And they bought the home! A nice unexpected double-sided sale for me." 

Lois Boydston
RE/MAX American Dream
Escanaba, MI

     "I recently moved to Re/Max Realty, after 6 years with another firm. I have to say, this move is the 2nd best thing I’ve done. The best was purchasing Talking House units 2 years ago.

     I was the only Real Estate Agent in the area using the Talking House when I purchased them, and I’ve only noticed one or two others who have ‘seen the light.’

     That’s fine with me! I’ve had such great success with them, and I may not have been able to make this move, had I not bought them back in ‘96. THANKS!"

Larry Nowak
RE/MAX Realty Associates
Munster, IN

     "They put some fun into real estate and get the phone to ring. It really is nice to have something other than the usual services to offer sellers. I have also been so impressed with the Newsletter.

Thanks again for the exciting new approach to real estate." 

Janet Saxon
RE/MAX Executives
Atlanta, GA

     I've been using Talking House for about 6 months now. I wanted to have an edge over the hundreds of other Real Estate Agents out there vying for sellers and buyers.

     We all advertise, hold open houses, and now most of us have our own Web page. So I wanted something different, something that makes me - and the house - stand out.

     And I sure do stand out! Some people call my office now and say "I want to talk to the Talking House lady." Other Real Estate Agents call and say "What do you have that Talks?" The first home I made ‘Talk’ was the Kowal residence in Naperville. Suddenly, that home was the hottest house on the market.

     Seven people a day were in front of the house listening to it talk, according to Mrs. Kowal. Over one hundred people looked at the house, and 15 people made an offer on it. One time she had to wait to leave, because there were cars parked across her driveway!  When there’s a line of cars sitting in front of your home, that’s pretty powerful. When potential buyers drive around and see 20 yard signs in a subdivision, they’re not going to call 20 different agents. But if they see my sign, and it’s talking to them, believe me, they call me. They remember my listing because it’s the only one in the area that talked to them.  

     I recently had some duplexes that were not renting - until they were listed with me and I made them "talk." It normally takes about 4 weeks to rent out these duplexes. Both were rented within a week, thanks to Talking House. The owner says it’s a concept that catches a lot of people’s attention. He’s right." 

Condensed from a story in the Chicago Daily Herald, front page of the Real Estate Section.

Bogusia Bierowicz
RE/MAX of Naperville
Naperville, IL

     Here’s a great technique for getting listings. I convince sellers that we should get a certified appraisal of the home before we price it. That way, I’m not bidding for the listing against other agents who will say any crazy price to sign the listing.

     Then, I convince them to price the home just under that appraised value. On my Talking House message, I can then say "This house is priced BELOW it’s certified appraised value. It’s a bargain, priced to sell immediately, so call today."

     That really gets the phone ringing with serious buyers. And it gets me listings, because sellers know this technique will make their home stand out from the crowd.  Plus, everything sells in less than 30 days. You can’t beat that.

     By the way, the FOX TV station in Cincinnati just did a great story on me and my Talking Houses. They spent 3 minutes of evening news time. That’s great coverage, and it was Free, thanks to your press releases. It was in addition to the Community Press story that already ran in the paper.

John LeCount
RE/MAX Pro Advantage
Cincinnati, OH

     Thank you for contacting all the news organizations I told you about.

     Here’s an article that was printed in the Gateway Publication’s edition of the Norwin Star. This article will also run in all of their other editions, 60,000 copies in all. 

     I have also been contacted by KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. Keep up the good work. 
Oh yeah, the first four Talking Houses I listed sold within a week. I’m thrilled.

Mary McTiernan
RE/MAX Realty Center
Irwin, PA

     I just got some nice free press coverage! I got a great write-up in the local newspaper, The Signal. It included a big picture on the cover of the Business Section. Thanks for all your help, my hats off to you.

     I’m always glad to tell other agents about the great follow-up support I get from Realty Electronics. Most companies forget you once they have your money, but not you guys. Great job! 

Ken Zigler
RE/MAX of Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA

     ...the fact that at just $300, the Transmitters cost more money than 99.5% of agents are willing to spend. That means there is no competition in my market. The good news is they pay for themselves over and over, but the other agents haven’t figured that out yet. I love that! 

     I also love Talking Houses because they’re irresistible to sellers. I can’t remember the last time I made a presentation and they listed with another agent! 

Carol Williams
RE/MAX Wenatchee
Wenatchee, WA

     I’ve been having such great luck with my Talking Houses now. Frankly, at first I just put a couple out and waited. I didn’t give them any help. Now I’ve really been working them with ideas from the Newsletter, and things are hopping. Especially with FSBOs. I’ve realized that most agents don’t really work FSBOs, and I have a big edge over the few that do.  I contact the FSBO, and let them know that if there comes a time when they want to consider listing, they should know about Talking House. I make good use of the video to kind of soften the sales pitch. And I always play a sample message on the machine for them, which impresses them. 

     My first 7 Talking Houses are out, and I’m ready for 7 more.

     By the way, I’ve also lined up a couple sponsors, so I’m not really paying anything for my Talking Houses! As you can see, I really look forward to the Newsletter, and I’ve been making good use of the tips. Thanks. 

Mandy Harless
RE/MAX Associates
Delaware, OH 

     "Here's a copy of the article you just got run about me in a New Orleans newspaper. As you can see, I got the entire front page of the Real Estate section, as well and a full page inside! Great pictures too. 

     As you can imagine, my phone has been ringing off the hook. I had appointments starting at 7 AM. Great Job, and thank you very much." 

Terri Chastain
Re/Max Achievers
Chalmette LA 

     "I really look forward to the Newsletter every month. I get lots of ideas, and I get re-energized to put those ideas into action. We all need to get pumped up now and then, and your Newsletter does it for me every month. 

     I like the idea of promoting all my other special services on the message, and you should stress that in the Newsletter. I have a great display at the mall, and I'm going to urge listeners to stop by it. I also use a hotline, and I'm going to urge Talking House listeners to call. And at the Mall and on the hotline, I'm going to promote my Talking Houses, urging people to tune in, and let me list their home and make it ‘talk.' 

     I think you're right, you need to "cross-pollinate"all your marketing for best effect. Thanks." 

Ray Davis
RE/MAX Means Results
Clarks Summit PA

     "I just had to call and let you know. I got my 5 transmitters late last week. I put 3 out in a subdivision Saturday morning, to get ready for drive-bys on Sunday. 

     I got a call late Saturday from a homeowner in the subdivision, asking me to come over that evening to talk about their home. I took along a Transmitter, so I could play a sample message for them. When I went to pull out the Talking House, they said ‘Oh, no need. We listened to the 3 here in our neighborhood this afternoon -- that's why we called you!' I signed up the listing that night. Talking House got me that listing -- no question about it. I am more than pleased! And my Transmitters are more than paid for. 

Reb Beatty
RE/MAX Preferred
Denham Springs LA

     "I've found 2 great uses for the videos. It's a great introduction on the initial visit to a FSBO, and the initial visit to a hot referral or a hot lead. 

     I say ‘visit' since I find that more effective than mailing. I get to meet and chat, and this sets up a follow-up visit where I sign the listing. 

     It works. I have one listing scheduled for next week who had not planned to list until next spring. Talking House, and the video demonstration, did the trick." 

Neuland Collier
RE/MAX Central
Virginia Beach, VA

     It's been said that, "if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always gotten." I knew I needed something different in 1997, to take my real estate business to the next level.

     I ordered 7 Transmitters in December. Shortly after the first of the year, a woman (who was "not even in the market to buy a home") drove by one of my Talking Houses in a neighborhood where she had always wanted to live. She stopped and "tuned-in" as I described why this was just the perfect house she had always wanted.  She called me on Thursday to arrange a tour. Friday, I showed the home to her and her husband. Monday, they bought the home -- a double sided sale for me! Since they had a home to sell, I listed their home on Tuesday, and on Wednesday one of the agents in our office sold it!  Between the double-sided sale and the sale of the buyer's home, that one Talking House resulted in over $10,000 in commissions for me -- 50 Times the cost of that Transmitter. But it gets even better.  I gave a demonstration to the Business Network I belong to (it's a leads and referrals group). I took the Transmitter to the gathering, along with a boom box. 

     I simulated a "drive-by" of one of my listings, right there while they enjoyed their lunches in the banquet room. (Even before the meeting began, several members said they had seen my Talking House signs and were anxious to learn more.)  They listened to the message play over the boom box -- in the middle of the message I had recorded a special announcement just for them. It mentioned that I was looking for "sponsors." The message continued, "if this home sounds interesting to you, just think how interesting your product or service would sound to every person who tunes in."   

     Then to illustrate, I mentioned several of them by name (people love to hear their name on the radio) and gave an example of how a pitch for their product could be directed right at these potential customers. 

     By the time my presentation was over I had three sponsors who each pay me $99 per month for a 15 second spot on my 7 Talking Houses!  I know that by "doing something different" than I've always done in my real estate business, in 1997 I'll be "getting something different," and more than I've always gotten. Many thanks, Talking House.

Joel Weinhold
RE/MAX of Pueblos
Pueblo, CO

     "I had a country home set on 1 ½ acres of land. It wasn't all that much to look at, so Talking House was a great way to help draw prospects in. 

     I got a call one night from a prospect who was actually sitting right outside the home. It pays to put your home and mobile number as part of the message! They couldn't really see much of the house from the road, but they could see the Talking House sign, and were tuned in. 

     They like what they heard, and wanted to see the house right away. In fact, the Talking House got 3 different people so anxious to get going, that I got 3 quick offers on the house. I sold it to the guy who called from out front -- for $4000 over the list price.   Talking House definitely got him to call, and got people bidding. 

Vick Kaspar
Re/Max of America
Cary NC 

     "I love the Talking House, and all that it does to separate me from the competition. It has more than paid for itself, many times over. And I love the Video. Thanks. 

Gerry Dougherty
Re/Max Advantage
Yardley, PA 

     "I've been putting ‘Talking House' in the headline of my open house ads, and mentioning in the body ‘Don't miss the open Talking House.' 

     The first time I did that, the first 2 people through the door commented that they were there specifically because they wanted to see what a Talking House was! That kind of curiosity has continued. If you're going to do open houses, be sure to stress in your ads that they are Talking Houses, and be sure to change your message that day to invite people in. 

     And take the time to tell everyone who walks through about Talking House, and how you'd make their house talk too. Get the word out. 

By the way, I've added the Talking House logo to my business card, and it looks great. 

John Le Count
Re/Max MKR
Cincinnati OH 

     I joined a new firm at the beginning of 1996, and decided the "Talking House" transmitters were a great way to jump-start my move . . . and I was right! 

     I ordered 7 Talking Houses 10 months ago, and I'm already up to 19. With more than 2 months left in the year, I have already had my best production year in real estate. 

     Your six month "free" period was perfect, because by that time, the checks from my closed transactions really started rolling in. By six months, I was established as the agent who has the Talking Houses. 
Now that Talking House is part of my marketing program, I never worry about the results of a listing presentation. I know I have something no one else in town offers to ALL of their home sellers. 
I can't remember the last time I made a presentation and they listed with another agent! That's pretty exciting . . . and frankly very comforting. There is nothing worse than the feeling of going on a tour and finding another agent hosting an open house on a home that you've done a CMA on. That just doesn't happen to me anymore. 

     My first Talking House was done as a favor to a friend's elderly widowed mother. As a result a drive-by prospect tuned-in, and bought the house the very first day.  Because of that quick result, a neighbor asked if I could do that for her. So I sold her home to a woman who had another house to sell . . . which I also sold as a Talking House. Three of my first four commission checks at my new firm were the result of that first Transmitter. 

     I recently picked up a new listing that had two previous agents. Everyone said it would not sell without a major price reduction. I made it a Talking House, and quickly wrote two full price offers.  It sure makes sellers happy to know I'm doing something extra. I'm selling houses during a slow market. Talking House is not the only thing I do, but it's the core of my marketing strategy, and it's really working. 

     Buyers tell me all the time that they just love the Talking Houses too! I've actually thought of a number of ways to do even more with my Transmitters, but I'm too busy with all my current business to want to generate more! Thanks. 

Carol K. Williams
Re/Max Wenatchee
Wenatchee, WA

     I got my licence in July, 1995, but as of May 1996, I had never had a listing. I had worked strictly as a buyer's agent. 

     But 10 months in real estate taught me that the money is in the listing. I was never going to get where I wanted to be until I got a bunch of listing. You can't "double side" sales if you have no listings! 
I knew if I wanted to get listings, I had to offer home sellers something extra. I had to give people a real reason to list with me, instead of all the other agents in my MLS. So I looked at all the things I might offer sellers, and then I put myself in their shoes. What would impress me if I were listing my home? I decided to do two special things. 

     First, I ordered 7 Talking Houses. I really wanted to go for it. Just a couple listings won't make anybody a lot of money.  As soon as I began mentioning Talking House to prospects, I got a couple listings. Then I went to work on my computer, designing a fancy flyer.  I include the floor plan, and on my Talking House message, I urge people to get out, take a flyer, and take the "Talking House virtual tour." As they listen to the message, they follow along on the flyer. It works great.  I even include pictures of the inside of the house, and explain on my Talking House message where you need to stand to see a certain feature, or to enjoy the view off the back deck. 

     I'm already up to 9 listings (in just 3 months) and into my second batch of Talking House Transmitters. I even leave them on the homes for a few weeks after closing. I change the message to a full commercial for me once the place is sold. 

     By the way, I've also used them to transmit ride instructions (and my name) when we have flown the Re/Max Balloon (great exposure for me personally). 

     My first listing was a Talking House, and so will be my last! Ordering 7 Transmitters was a big step, but Talking House will help me collect over $60,000 in commissions my first full year in the business -- at age 25! 

Thank you, thank you. I needed an edge over "grey hair" & you've been a great help.

Drew Armstrong
Re/Max All Eagles
Orem, UT

     I've found great success by suggesting to my sellers that they get a certified appraisal. I never set the price -- I always ask them up front what they are thinking, price-wise. But the suggestion of the certified appraisal eliminates the bidding for the listing, and keeps other agents from "buying" the listing. So far, every seller has thought it was a great idea. 

     Then, I can mention on my Talking House messages that the home has a recent, certified appraisal, which will simplify and speed up financing. And listeners feel confident about the price right from the start. It's a simple combination I would urge every Talking House agent to try.

John LeCount
Re/Max MKR
Cincinnati, OH

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