In today’s changing world of real estate, with a shifting market and a record number of real estate licensees, how do you compete”?? More than that, how do you compete and win?

I believe the answer lies in the ability to have "the edge" over others in the marketplace.”? So, how do you go about getting, having, and maintaining "the edge"”?? It takes knowledge, skill, and the willingness to do those extra things that make the difference.

In this series, we will discuss how-tos for getting the edge in several aspects of the real estate practitioner’s business.”? First, let’s consider an opportunity for getting "the edge" when it comes to acquiring property listings.

Consider the pre-listing package.”? There are some agents who use this tool with great success.”? If you are one of those agents, I invite you to share your comments regarding what has worked and what has not worked”?for you.”?

What kind of things would go in a pre-listing package”?? In my Accredited Seller Representative (ASR) designation seminar (http://www.rhondahamilton.com/asr.htm), we brainstorm ideas on this topic.”? To have a package that brings success, it is important to understand the purpose of the pre-listing package.”? It is not to answer every question regarding the home selling process, nor is it to give copies of all the paperwork that may be required during the process.”? The purpose of the pre-listing package is to build credibility and confidence in you.”? It must not contain so much information that it is not reviewed.”? So, what kind of things could you use that would accomplish this purpose?

What about your "Brag Book" or as I prefer to call it, your "Success Journal".”? This will probably”?include your testimonials from satisfied clients along with pictures of them in front of their property.”? Perhaps it will include personal statistics that speak of your success, such as "my percentage of listings sold compared with percentage of listings sold in MLS", or, "percentage of sales price to listing price compared with MLS market data".”? Of course, it will include your service guarantee and a process checklist.”? You have to ultimately decide what things to include in your Success Journal, keeping in mind the purpose of your pre-listing package.

Along with the Success Journal, consider delivering a loaner copy of David Knox’s video, "Pricing Your Home To Sell", a bag of popcorn, and a 2-liter soda with a handwritten note saying something like, "I’m looking forward to meeting with you and viewing your home tomorrow afternoon.’This evening when you have a few minutes, please”?enjoy some popcorn and soda while watching this video that is only”?nineteen minutes long.”? It will”?give you”?valuable knowledge regarding selling your home and will prepare you for our meeting…."

Another item that I suggest you also deliver, is a list of questions that a seller can use to interview agents.”? It would be titled something like, "Interviewing Agents?…Questions You Should Ask Real Estate Agents Before”?Selecting”?One".”? Of course, you”?will know all of the answers to the questions, which may give you "an edge" in the interviewing process.’

Don’t forget that your package does not have to be an all paper package.”? Much of it can be done electronically and delivered on a disk.”? And, for those of you who do not want to personally deliver a package, a pre-listing package can be done electronically and delivered via e-mail.”? However, part of gaining "the edge" involves a commitment to personal attention, and an in-person delivery visit is a much more powerful delivery – even if it is delivered by your assistant!

It takes that little bit of extra effort to gain "the edge".”? Sometimes the degree of difference is so small, yet the winner will tell you it is significant.”? The online video about 212 degrees dramatically demonstrates the significance.”? http://www.212movie.com/“?

As stated, to be the frontrunner it takes knowledge, skill, personal commitment, and a little bit of extra effort.”? Ultimately, only you can decide if you will”?have "the edge".”? “?

Video information: Pricing Your Home To Sell http://www.davidknox.com/store/products/28

Rhonda Hamilton is a professional speaker, author and consultant.”? For more information regarding her services or to read other articles written by her, visit her website at www.RhondaHamilton.com.