FLORIDA (December 2, 2008) Elizabeth R. Messier, Director of Relocation for Residential Properties Ltd., recently attended “A Sandy Feet Retreat,” a 3-day retreat at the Water Color Inn & Resort at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  Members from leading real estate companies across the country shared ideas and brainstormed about the real estate industry, relocation trends and how real estate companies can proactively affect business in today’s market.

Real estate industry leaders discussed the influx of REO and Short Sale business, and the need in today’s market to exceed customer expectations in order to remain competitive.  Seminars also focused on the use of social networking sites for worldwide relationship building.

“The customer of tomorrow is 23 years old and not using the same forms of communication that we have relied on throughout our real estate careers,” said Messier.  “We have made progress over the past few years, but we need to get to the same level of comfort with emerging technologies as our clients.”

Speakers included Bud George, Director of Education and Training for Bob Parks Realty in Tennessee, Dawn Moliterno, President and CEO, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce in Gulf Coast Florida, and Mel Ponder with Coastal Vision 3000 in Florida.

Since relocation specialists are ultimately in the business of selling homes and helping buyers to find new homes, some of the topics focused on in-the-trenches real estate techniques.  One seminar discussed the positioning of listings, specifically in positioning a listing as “the next one to sell.”  That is, the next home to sell out of that group of similar properties in that similar price range. 

By not only using similar properties to price a property, but also analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the other homes and viewing those homes as competition, an agent and seller together can position their property as “the next one to sell” in that group of homes.  Methods for positioning could include a price adjustment, an allowance for improvements, or in making improvements to the property before the sale.

“It is always beneficial when leaders within the industry gather with their peers to exchange ideas regarding industry challenges and operational efficiencies,” said Messier.  “The companies who attend this retreat are proven leaders in our industry and join Residential Properties in its ongoing commitment to excellence in all aspects of real estate.”

Messier began her career with Residential Properties in 1996, as a sales agent in the Cumberland office. She then transitioned to Relocation in 1998. Messier has been a native Rhode Islander since 1978, currently residing in Cumberland, RI.

ABOUT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

Residential Properties Ltd. has been serving sellers and buyers of distinctive properties since 1981 through service, innovation and sheer hard work. The Company has six offices located in Barrington, Cumberland, East Greenwich, Newport, Providence, and Narragansett and services all of Rhode Island the Connecticut shoreline and southeastern and central Massachusetts. Their award winning relocation department services buyers and sellers throughout the country.