Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado

October Series
by Joy Ferguson, Relocation Director

I think the message is out there to everyone now – the Real Estate market has been and continues to be going through turbulent times. And in extraordinary times great leaders distinguish themselves by having a vision, beyond getting their company through the day-to-day.

Earlier this year I met with JoAnn Johnston, Operating Principal, and Heidi DeForge, Team Leader/Managing Broker, of Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado. They wanted to know more about my background as a Relocation Director with a very successful real estate company in the Midwest.

- A Conversation with JoAnn & Heidi -

JoAnn -
Could you tell us a little about your Real Estate background? I have been in Real Estate for 31 years. My first 15 years I served as a Realtor® specializing in re-sale and new construction. I entered the management side in 1995 as Assistant Manager to Dave Pierce at Moore & Company. On October 1, 1999, I became the Team Leader for Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado’s Fort Collins office. We launched our Loveland office in 2000 and Greeley office in 2001. Since then I have served as our General Manager and now as Operating Principal.

What were your thoughts regarding the launch of a Relocation Department? This is perfect timing given the ACE Technology & Manufacturing Park taking shape in Loveland as well as the oil and gas activity in Weld County. We found the talent in you, Joy. We were searching for what to do and then you came along. Perfect fit, perfect timing.

Heidi -
You have been in your current role for almost a year. Why relocation, why now? I have been a licensed Realtor® since 1996 and with Keller Williams Realty since 2001. I officially accepted the Team Leader/Managing Broker role on November 1, 2011. Keller Williams is an unbelievable company – our culture is unlike most companies out there. We have franchise systems in place that truly help our agents succeed. The only area we had not tapped into was relocation. Colorado has weathered the recent economic climate and continues to be a destination state for individual households as well as corporations. It only makes sense for us to broaden our services and specialize in corporate relocation.

Could you tell us about the selection process for the new Relocation Team? Corporation relocations are complex in nature. It is critical to have a qualified, educated Relocation Team in place to ensure these transactions run smoothly. Members of our Relocation Team have to meet annual production goals (or closed number of transactions) and complete extensive training on both the buying and selling side of corporate relocation. They are fully prepared to manage complex moves for individuals and/or families that often have short turn-around times.

I also understand that the establishment of a Relocation Department and Relocation Director went through the Associate Leadership Council (ALC) for approval. Can you describe this process?
Our ALC is comprised of a core team of Keller Williams’ agents actively involved in the leadership of the company. These agents hold ownership and management accountable to live within the budget and meet company-wide goals set within specific areas such as production, profitability and education. Major decisions for the company like launching a Relocation Department must be voted on and approved by the ALC. We are grateful for this year’s ALC team members:

Thank you to JoAnn, Heidi, and members of our ALC. We now have a fully trained Relocation Team ready to meet the needs of companies and corporations nationally and internationally.

>> Press Release: Joy Ferguson named Relocation Director

Joy Ferguson Relocation Director  Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado 2580 E Harmony Rd, #301 Fort Collins, CO 80528 JoyFerguson@kwnoco.com (970) 576-5418

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posted by: Joy Ferguson, Relocation Director at Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado
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October Boo Series
by Joy Ferguson, Relocation Director

It would be hard not to write an article at this time without noting the sad passing of Steve Jobs. I have very little idea of the exact affect he had on my life. But I look at my home computer, laptop and smart phone, and marvel at the technology available at my fingertips.

One of the major factors for real estate agents joining our particular company, Keller Williams Realty, is the technology. What really stands out for me is how it is delivered to everyone. Because it just isn’t enough to have all these “gee whizz” tools if we can’t master them comfortably. How many of you out there avoid using some of the advanced aspects of technology simply because you don’t have time to sit down and learn how to wrap your head around it all?

Well here’s how it is done at Keller Williams, and it just makes so much sense. Being a national company we do have the benefit of embracing big ideas and the resources to roll them out. But then what? How do you bridge that gap between “the big idea” and having an agent use it to deliver a great product to the consumer, in our case a home buyer or seller? Well, to start we have our own IT Director, Kelli Wallace. Kelli’s background is in computers and she has her Computer Science degree. That can make the rest of us a bit nervous; however, Kelli also has a wonderful teaching ability. She can actually explain how to make this work for us. The critical thing here to note is “explain how to make this work for us” – and not “how it works.” It’s not that I don’t have some curiosity – I have often wondered at how a fax machine does what it does. But now I can’t remember when I last sent a fax.

The next vital step, as I see it, is tapping into our technically-inclined agents, or Techies, as I call them. We all have them – some people in the office who were born with a grasp on technology! Rather than having our agents attend an all-day technology course where only the donuts keep them going – and then cornering one of the Techies in the copy room to help the afterwards, here is what we do:

Rod Fishkin	David Timm	Mike Weber
www.rebeccafishkin.com	www.davidtimmhomes.com	www.m-weber.com

• Kelli works hand-in-hand with our Agent Leadership Council (ALC) to ensure we are providing the very best suite of technology tools to our agents. Currently, David Timm serves as the Technology Liaison for the ALC. Kelli and David meet regularly to evaluate new tools, re-evaluate existing tools, and fine tune systems and processes related to our software applications.
   
• Kelli also works with our two eEdge Ambassadors, Rod Fishkin and Mike Weber, on a regular basis to deliver top-notch training on Keller Williams’ new eEdge system. eEdge is a complete lead-to-close agent business solution–including lead management, contact management, a marketing library and a paperless transaction system. As you can imagine, there is a lot of ground to cover with this system. Rod, Mike and Kelli offer monthly workshops to get agents setup and running on eEdge.

The end result is that there is a Tech Team in place to sift through “shiny objects,” identify the tools that most benefit the Realtor® and in turn their customers, and then deliver the classes and workshops necessary to master the tools. In class, the “Tech Intimidation” factor is removed, and we know we are all going to learn something valuable right then, right there. Thanks Kelli, Rod, David and Mike!

Thank you for reading our Fort Collins Relocation Blog!
posted by: Joy Ferguson, Relocation Director at Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado
Moving to Fort Collins? Visit our Fort Collins City Guide for information about our community.
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970.377.3700

Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado is pleased to announce Joy Ferguson as the company’s new Relocation Director. “We knew we wanted Joy to head our Relocation Department the minute she walked in the door. Her dedication to a high level of professionalism and expertise in the field are self-evident. We are thrilled to have her leading our relocation team and expanding our level of service to the local community,” said Heidi DeForge, Managing Broker/Team Leader of Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado. Joy has a proven track record of over 10 years of success in corporate relocation.

Prior to joining Keller Williams, Joy served as Relocation Coordinator and then Relocation Director at john greene, Realtor in Naperville, IL. Joy was involved with major group moves into and out of the Chicagoland area. “Joy Ferguson did such an outstanding job for our company as Relocation Director. Her personality, ability to procure new business and maintain old relationships made us highly successful and respected in the Relocation Community,” said Reid Pederson, General Manager of john greene, Realtor. In 2009, under her leadership, john greene Realtor’s Relocation Department earned the “Crown of Excellence” award from LeadingRE (Leading Real Estate Companies of the World) for outstanding referral performance. “Joy Ferguson is one of the most professional, reliable and knowledgeable leaders in the relocation field. She has been an exceptional mentor to me, and she is a valued and admired member of the relocation community,” said Kate Santo, Vice President and Director of Relocation Services for Prudential Rubloff Properties.

Joy has earned her Prudential Relocation Specialist certification as well as the Weichert Relocation Resources, Inc. Relocation Specialist. For more information on Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado’s relocation services, contact Joy Ferguson at (970) 576-5418 or go to JoyFerguson@kwnoco.com.

How do you feel about taking over as Relocation Director for Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado? Beyond excited! Keller Williams has national recognition and a tremendous local presence. It is a company which has embraced technology and still maintained its core values. Understanding the importance of valuable relationships and having a highly trained team of real estate agents is key to the current and future real estate markets.

What attracted you to relocation over ten years ago? I was intrigued by the significant number of people moving because of their careers, and what this entailed. These tended to be employees with a specific skill set, e.g. technical, managerial, etc. It is vital to understand the additional layer of stress involved – often it means families having to sell their homes in one part of the country and move to another in a very short “turnaround” period.

What does Northern Colorado have to offer Corporate Relocation? Northern Colorado has private sector research facilities, world class universities, and a highly skilled labor force. There is a strong statewide commitment to making Colorado attractive to many industries. Of course the 300+ days of sunshine helps too!

Thanks for reading our Fort Collins Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado – Fort Collins Real Estate Agents,
specializing in Fort Collins Real Estate and Northern Colorado Real Estate
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970.377.3700

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 2, 2011) – eEdge, Keller Williams Realty’s proprietary lead-to-close business solution has been recognized by Inman News as the real estate industry’s Most Innovative Web Service of 2011. The award was announced last week during Inman News’ annual Inman Connect event in San Francisco, Calif.

“We are thrilled to have received such a prestigious award from Inman News,” said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “The truth is that the true innovators are our agents. They conceived of this product and continue to drive us to improve it every day. They earned this honor and we want to congratulate them!” 
Read the rest of this entry»

Rain, rain, go away… just for one day, RED Day! RED (Renew, Energize and Donate) Day is a Keller Williams Realty service initiative. On the second Thursday of May each year, all Keller Williams Realty associates in the United States and Canada work together to renew and energize aspects of their local communities. This year Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado is pounding the pavement to gather school supplies for our local schools. Last week we re-scheduled our event to this Thursday, May 19th due to rain. This week, DESPITE the rain, we are hitting the sidewalks today to gather supplies! We will be stationed at Harmony/Snow Mesa as well as the Office Depot at 2216 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins.

For complete details on our RED Day School Supplies Drive, including a list of school supplies needed, click here to visit our RED Day May 2011 page. Thank you for your support!

Goals set for worldwide expansion to add 75,000 international associates

AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 8, 2011)—Keller Williams® Realty Inc., announced today that it is now the second-largest real estate franchise in the United States based on the total number of sales professionals, surpassing Century 21, according to research conducted by REAL Trends, a leading source of analysis and information in the residential real estate industry. The company claimed the number two spot with 77,672 U.S.-based associates at the end of 2010, just two years after claiming the number three spot from RE/MAX® International.

“Once again, this milestone achievement is a direct result of the dedication of our associates and the stability and profitability of the Keller Williams business models,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “It’s incredible to see the momentum that our associates and our offices have right now.”

This news comes one week after the announcement of positive growth by the company at their annual convention in Anaheim. Including its presence in Canada, Keller Williams closed the year with 79,315 associates and 701 market centers (offices). At the convention, Willis also shared that Keller Williams associate profit share was up 7.2 percent, with its agents receiving $34.6 million dollars back in 2010. Despite industry contraction, Keller Williams associates across North America also showed significant percentage gains in listings taken (+13%), contracts closed volume (+9%) and contracts closed units (+6%).

The company also formed Keller Williams Worldwide with Chris Heller as president, citing plans for global expansion, with plans to grow the division by an additional 75,000 associates in 10 years.

“Our goals are to expand the Keller Williams Realty model – with the focus on training and our sound business models,” said Chris Heller, president of KW Worldwide. “And, when looking for the right country and business partners in planning for expansion, we will not sacrifice the perfect fit with our mission, vision and the KW culture, those are absolutely necessary.”

Despite the sharp downturn in the real estate market, since 2005 Keller Williams Realty has grown 30 percent in agents, 40 percent in market centers, 21 percent in closed units and 11 percent in closed GCI.

Keller Williams Realty received many accolades in 2010 including:

• Entrepreneur magazine, No. 1 ranked real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list
• J.D. Power and Associates, highest in overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the third year in a row
• Inman News, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board Gary Keller named one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in Real Estate
• Training Magazine, highest ranking real estate franchise on the annual Training Top 125, #47 Overall

“It is such an honor to be a part of a company with such dedicated and driven people,” said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. “Our associates are setting the pace in the industry. It is truly an exciting time to be in real estate and to be a part of the Keller Williams family.”

KW Cares raises over $3,200 for Alexandra Burkhart

On September 26, 2010 Jonathan and Kelley Burkhart welcomed their baby girl, Alexandra Elizabeth Von Loht Burkhart, to the world. Shortly after Alexandra’s birth doctors realized she had Pierre Robin Syndrome, a rare condition in which an infant has a smaller than normal lower jaw, a tongue that falls back in the throat, and difficulty breathing. Her condition required immediate surgery. As a result, Alexandra became the first infant at Poudre Valley Hospital to undergo plastic surgery, allowing Jonathan and Kelley to be with Alexandra in the hospital without having to travel to Denver.

The surgery was a great success and Jonathan and Kelley now have their baby girl at home. They also have a considerable amount of medical expenses to face. This is where agents at Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado saw their call to action. Established in 2003, KW Cares is a 501(c)(3) public charity that raises money through Keller Williams offices across North America, in order to provide emergency financial assistance to any member of the KW family in need and other charities aligned with the mission and values of Keller Williams Realty and KW Cares. Kelley Burkhart, mother to Alexandra, is a beloved Office Administrator at Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado and agents quickly organized a KW Cares Chili Cookoff to benefit baby Alexandra. At the cookoff over $3,200 in funds were raised to assist the Burkhart family. JoAnn Johnston, Operating Principal, said “I’m so proud of all of the agents for their generosity and giving hearts. This was an awesome event!”

Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado would like to thank the businesses and organizations that donated to the event, including: Super Suppers, Rustic Oven, Daddy O’s, CJ’s Patio, Baja Fish Co., McGraffs, Justine’s Pizza, Sports Station, Henry’s, Rene Gillam, Starbucks, Sharon Taylor, Liz Lore, Applebees, Zquila, Smash Burger, Pillar to Post, Nels and Lisa Dachel, Max Muscle, Fort Collins Coloradoan, Loveland Connection, Sonny’s Country Café in Severance, Salon Salon, Five Guys Burger, Kelly and Michel Reathaford, Dawn Mathis, DoggyDivas, Sara Bee Knits, Sara Hansen, Jeff Daniels, Brandon Burkhart, North American Title Co., Heritage Title, Bank of America, Unified Title, Jake Farms, Schmidts Bakery.

May you and your family be touched by the spirit of giving, and have a blessed Holiday and Happy New Year!

Thanks for reading our Fort Collins Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado – Fort Collins Real Estate Agents,
specializing in Fort Collins Real Estate and Northern Colorado Real Estate
Pictures of Fort Collins

970.377.3700

Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado is thrilled to announce Heidi DeForge as the company’s new Managing Broker/Team Leader. DeForge has a 14-year proven track record of success in the northern Colorado real estate industry and has an aggressive vision for company. “Not only do we have a strong national brand, I believe we have the very best real estate agents serving the northern Colorado community,” said DeForge.

Since joining Keller Williams Realty in 2001, DeForge has consistently been one of the top 10 highest producing agents in the company. She was nominated as one of the 2010 Top 5 Realtors® in the area by her clients and friends in the Coloradoan Loveland Connection. She has served on the Loveland-Berthoud Association of Realtors®’ Board of Directors as well as been an active member of the local community. Her involvement includes her past service as President of the Thompson School District‘s Accountability Committee.

“Since taking over as Managing Broker/Team Leader Heidi has injected fresh energy and enthusiasm into the company. She truly cares about the well-being of our agents and taking our company to the next level,” said JoAnn Johnston, Operating Principal.

Keller Williams’ Northern Colorado Market Center has been touted as the fastest growing real estate office in northern Colorado. JoAnn Johnston was brought on board in 1999 to open and build the office. Business centers were added in Loveland in 2000 and Greeley in 2001. Johnston is currently the Operating Principal for the Northern Colorado Market Center with Heidi DeForge serving as Managing Broker/Team Leader.

Thanks for reading our Fort Collins Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado – Fort Collins Real Estate Agents,
specializing in Fort Collins Real Estate and Northern Colorado Real Estate
Pictures of Fort Collins

970.377.3700

Hindsight doesn’t have to be the only 20/20 vision.  Close examination of today’s real estate market reveals several reasons why now is a prime time for buyers and investors to make their move. What are these reasons? Click here to download Keller Williams Realty International’s FREE “7 Reasons Why Now is a Great Time to Buy a Home” e-book to find out.

At a Glance: Why NOW is the Prime Time to buy

• Home affordability is at an all-time high
• Mortgage rates are at rock bottom
• Home prices are back on the rise
• Sellers are motivated
• Financing is readily available for well-qualified buyers
• Owning vs. renting is increasingly favorable
• Homeownership is still at the core of the American Dream

If you have any questions about these materials or are looking to purchase a home, contact one of our Fort Collins real estate agents today!

Thanks for reading our Fort Collins Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado – Fort Collins Real Estate Agents,
specializing in Fort Collins Real Estate and Northern Colorado Real Estate
Pictures of Fort Collins

970.377.3700

AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 30, 2010) —According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Home Buyer/Seller Study^SM, Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the third largest real estate company in the United States, has received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the third year in a row. The company also ranked second among home sellers in the study for the second year in a row.

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>> Original Keller Williams Press Release

Thanks for reading our Fort Collins Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Keller Williams Realty of Northern Colorado – Fort Collins Real Estate Agents,
specializing in Fort Collins Real Estate and Northern Colorado Real Estate
Pictures of Fort Collins

970.377.3700