Looking For Positive, Productive and Professional Agents!

Find out how we can build your career with our national presence and the strength of being CT’s Largest and Most Successful Real Estate Company. Our new acquisition with HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway company, makes our company an even larger powerhouse in Connecticut.

We are looking for newly licensed agents or positive, productive and professional experienced agents. No Negative Nellies need apply. We help you build a specific technology strategy to enhance your client base. Offering technology, training and strong, cohesive team creates a distinct advantage for you in the market. Contact Melissa Riley, at melissabrownriley@gmail.com or call (203)253-9222.

Buffini’s “Peak Producers” Program In June

We will begin another “Peak Producers” 12-week program in June at Prudential CT Realty’s Westport Office. Contact Melissa Riley and join our motivated and energized group to transform your business.

We have been strong believers in Buffini & Company training for many years because of the success of the program with our agents. In the new “Peak Producers” 12-week course, we cover building a solid foundation to your business based upon relationships.

Buffini and Company best describes “Peak Producers”:

Develop the Habits, Attitude, and Skills of a Peak Producer!
Whether you’re new to the business or a 16-year veteran, you’ll learn what it takes to overcome peaks and valleys in your income and produce at a consistent, high level. The content in this program is fresh and relevant for today’s market and is presented in an entertaining, step-by-step sequence.

• Generate more leads & close more sales
• Learn the 4 market conditions you’ll ever face with buyers
• Master the blueprint for getting a home sold
• Get control of your finances
• Start operating your business at a peak state!

Don’t Forget: Coaching Session on Monday, May 14th

We will be holding our coaching group on Monday, May 14th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Prudential CT Realty in Westport. The topic is creative prospecting. Our group is motivated, energetic and willing to share with everyone! Topics over the next few weeks will range from business planning to utilizing social media. Contact Melissa Riley for details or questions.

“Flip Flop, You Don’t Stop” Barbecue

If the political candidates can flip flop, so can we!

Please join us on Friday, June 8th from 12-2 p.m. for our annual “Flip Flop, You Don’t Stop” Barbecue. Bring your best, prettiest, ugliest, or most creative flip flops and an empty stomach. Everyone invited to join us at Prudential CT Realty in Westport! Contact Melissa for details!

Buffett’s HomeServices Of America Buys Prudential CT Realty

HomeServices of America announced the purchase of Prudential CT Realty, the leading real estate company in Connecticut. Here is the announcement from the Commercial Record on April 12, 2012:

HomeServices of America Inc., a subsidiary of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, has bought Prudential Connecticut Realty (PCR) – the first such acquisition in the northeast for HomeServices, the second-largest brokerage firm in the country.

“We’re very excited,” Prudential Connecticut President Candace Adams told The Commercial Record. “Warren Buffet only seeks out companies that are well-run and have good leadership.”

Adams and PCR Chairman Peter Helie will remain in their current roles. Prudential Connecticut will retain its current brand and its relationship with its franchisor, Brookfield Properties. Canadian firm Brookfield, one of the largest franchisors in the industry, acquired the Prudential brand in December 2011.

“The Brookfield affiliation brought some depth to the franchise for us. This gives us the best of both worlds, because now we have the breadth and depth of Berkshire Hathaway,” Adams said.

She indicated that the brokerage will be looking to expand its presence throughout New England in the wake of the acquisition. The firm already has two offices in Rhode Island, in Westerly and Watch Hill.

Prudential Connecticut’s 1,400 associates and 50 offices across the state will be added to HomeServices’ existing 16,000 agents operating under 23 different brands, including several other Prudential franchises. In 2011, Prudential Connecticut Realty had $2.5 billion in sales.

“Prudential Connecticut is among the leading real estate companies in the U.S and closely aligns with our corporate vision, our culture of integrity, and our emphasis on customer value and results,” HomeServices Chairman and CEO Ron Peltier said in a statement. “[Helie] and [Adams] are highly regarded for their leadership skills, real estate experience and acumen, and unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.”

“Ask The Appraiser” at Westport’s Prudential CT Realty

Monday, March 26th at 9:30 a.m. , we are hosting “Ask The Appraiser”, with Taylor Beerbower from Mulberry Street Appraisers. Taylor will be reviewing current trending in appraisals in Fairfield County as well as giving us his insight in working effectively with lenders. I will post some of his gems on Monday after our meeting!

Do You Have A Social Media Plan?

Back in 2007, I blogged about having a social media plan to market your business. At that time, there wasn’t as much engagement or “user-generated content” as there is today. I remember thinking it was kind of cool, but scary that anyone would be able to give their opinion online, especially on real estate. “Web 2.0″ is a marketing term for how the internet has evolved into a sharing platform versus the old static nature of websites. In my excitement for this new “thing” I offered at class on “How 2.0 Blog”. Looking back, it was certainly a sign of a large social media tidal wave five years later.

Real estate has always been an interesting topic to consumers and a great opportunity to display your knowledge online and position yourself in any market you choose. Without a plan and without being online, real estate professionals become invisible to 90% of the buyers that begin their search online. Also, our clients and  future clients use “google” like we do and if they can’t find you, it creates an immediate creditability gap for you. Sellers assume if you cannot market yourself, there will be no way you can understand how to market their property.

So, do you have a social media plan? If you do, how will you continue to grow and adapt to our consumers? If you don’t, it’s not too late to learn and understand the power of engaging online. Contact me for a personal consultation on how a plan can impact your business at melissabrownriley@gmail.com.

High-Tech Hub For Realtors In Westport Connecticut

The Westport office of Prudential CT Realty will be opening up a “high-tech hub” for local Realtors which will include the latest training on all social media venues, including Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and niche marketing.

Melissa Riley, Manager of the Prudential CT Realty office and Social Media Marketer, will be leading the new concept with her team in Westport. She manages a team of over 60 highly accomplished sales professionals, acting as mentor, and business coach to help her agents develop sales excellence and marketing skills.

“We have seen an explosion in the use of social media marketing in real estate,” mentioned Melissa, “I see a strong need for the agents to be well-versed in every social media platform to better serve their clients.”

The “high-tech hub” will be the center for training and brainstorming with Prudential CT Realty agents in the region. There will be extensive education on “search engine optimization”, blogging, and online marketing. It will attract real estate agents that have a strong desire to learn the latest technology and marketing to expand their business and to engage with their current clients.

According to the National Association of Realtors “Buyer Profile” Survey, over 90% of buyers begin their home search on the internet. Having a distinct and thorough online marketing plan for sellers becomes critical to maximize exposure to potential buyers. Understanding which venues to utilize, in a very crowded and ever-changing online world, also brings value to home sellers and buyer clients.

Manager Melissa Riley is a 29-year veteran of real estate and a 2nd generation Realtor. She has worked as a real estate agent, manager, regional manager and senior vice president of corporate services, which included operations, corporate relocation, internet and home services divisions. Growing up in a real estate family, Melissa obtained her license and dove into real estate at age 21 after being immersed in the business at an early age. Her diverse background and experience in every facet of the business has given her a broad understanding of the industry and enhances her impressive body of knowledge.

Melissa believes that talent is a strategic differentiator among sales professionals. A certified Brian Buffini mentor, she cultivates talent among both industry newcomers and seasoned pros by working with them one-on-one to develop their sales style and skill set; she also expects agents to develop their technological skills through ongoing learning. She’s personally invested in the career success of every agent and commits substantial time, energy and resources in helping all of them reach their fullest potential.

Her commitment to excellence has earned her praise from her agents, who have alternately described her as “a natural leader,” “proactive” and “an astute businesswoman” who leads by example and demonstrates personal integrity. She is best known for her endless energy, creativity and personal discipline to excel.

Melissa’s dedication to lifelong learning among agents also extends to her own career. She works with a business coach who helps her recognize and embrace new opportunities for learning and personal growth by applying a positive, proactive approach to both personal and professional goals. Melissa is an avid blogger and social media enthusiast. Her local, popular blog http://www.WestportPost.com, serves as a resource for the Westport public and real estate community, as it known as “Westport Connecticut’s favorite real estate blog”.

Melissa has assumed a leadership role in the industry at the local and state levels. She is an executive committee member of the Connecticut Association of Realtors (Vice President at Large for Large Firms), a member of the Connecticut Association’s finance committee and president of the Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors.

She was named “Realtor of the Year” by the Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors in 2010; that same year, her office was named “Office of the Year” by Prudential Connecticut Realty out of a field of 50 sales offices throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island.

She was appointed to the Connecticut Association of Realtors’ Communication Committee as Vice Chairman (2007). She was also a member of the Connecticut Association’s Political Action Committee for Political Fundraising (2006-2007). She has held her real estate license since 1983.

The Westport office embraces the culture of Prudential Connecticut Realty, which emphasizes the highest level of service, responsiveness and knowledge-sharing with clients. In 2009, Prudential Connecticut earned a 100% service satisfaction ranking by customers, according to client surveys. The Westport office was also awarded the “Office Of The Year” in 2010, of 50 Prudential offices in Connecticut.

Prudential Connecticut Realty is the state’s largest and most successful real estate company. The company has more than 1,600 sales executives serving the state of Connecticut as well as western Rhode Island. Dedicated divisions and services include Fine Homes International, New Homes & Land, Active Adult, Commercial, Relocation and its unique Family of Services which includes HOMEefficient move-in services, Mortgage and Insurance.

Contact Melissa Riley at (203)253-9222 or melissabrownriley@gmail.com for more information. If you are a tech-oriented, client-focused real estate agent, visit her site http://www.TheAgentVine.com for training, and technology tips. She can be followed on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/melissariley

Real Estate Manager With A Tech Twist

In addition to having close to 30 years of practical experience in real estate, I also have a passion for marketing online. One of the business beliefs is to do what I ask of my agents. I use cutting-edge technology, including my websites, multiple blogs and social media venues. My investment in and enthusiasm for social media marketing and technology benefits my agents. I assist my them in website development, search engine optimization, and what trends are on the horizon. This focus gives my agents an advantage on lead generation and business development.

Some Of The Technology/Marketing Sessions At Prudential CT Realty, Westport Regional Office

*Advanced Agent Websites
*HomeSuites For Listings
*PhotoStory
*Using Google For Personal Promotion
*Blogging Series-Basic and Advanced
*HyperLocal Blogging
*Using Twitter To Build Your Business
*Hot Real Estate Websites For Realtors
*LinkedIn-Basic and Advanced, Hands On Lab
*Facebook
*Google and Search Engine Optimization
*Building Your Website Strategy
*Sharper Agent Database
*PREA E-Cards
*PREA Media Center
*Xpress Docs Marketing

~Contact Melissa Riley if interested in joining us at these sessions or for a private consultation. mriley@prudentialct.com or (203)253-9222.

Prudential Connecticut Realty’s Westport Regional Office Captures Top Office Award

Westport, CT – Prudential Connecticut Realty’s Regional Westport office was named the company’s Office of the Year for 2010, announced Candace Adams, president of the company. Each year, this award is given to the office that has achieved significant increases in listings, sales, profit, insurance and mortgage capture and use of HOMEefficient moving services, has received an above-average number of Keys for outstanding customer service, supported company programs, and has exemplified a commitment to community service.

This top award was presented to Office Leader Melissa Riley at the company’s Annual Awards Celebration at the Aqua Turf Club on April 28 in front of 1000 agents.

“Melissa and the sales executives in our Westport office are committed to providing the best service in the industry,” Ms. Adams said. “Earning this award is a testament to the effectiveness and professionalism of the entire Westport team.”

“I’m thrilled for my team to be recognized as the Office of the Year for 2010,” Ms. Riley said. “It’s quite the honor for our Westport group to be chosen from our 50 offices statewide.”

For more information contact Prudential Connecticut Realty of Westport, 272 Post Road East in Westport at 203-227-5117.

Prudential Connecticut Realty is the largest real estate company in Connecticut and the 19^th largest in the United States. PCR was also recognized as the second largest contributor in the nation for the Sunshine Kids organization. In 2010, $283,000 was raised in local Prudential CT offices to fund trips for children with cancer. For more information, visit www.prudentialct.com.