strochi.info

With a few exceptions – like gravity, and death– everything is negotiable, even taxes. First, you need to believe it. Second you need to practice it.   

VALUE AND PRICING 

Is there such a thing as a “fixed price”?  Probably not.  According to economic theory the law of “supply and demand” governs pricing. And while this may be basically true, there are many other factors which enter into the equation. Furthermore, many of these factors are subjective. This means that there is room for negotiation.   

The “fair market value” concept comes into play as well. Pricing is supposed to be the result of what a willing buyer will pay to a willing seller. In other words, subjective, emotional and psychological considerations may be in operation. Perhaps the best examples of the application of this principle are in real estate transactions. What you may be willing to pay for a house may be significantly discrepant from what I may be willing to sell it for, or vice versa. The same concept holds true for property appraisers. These experts determine a value based comparable properties, features of the property, and their experience and education. However, their value may be influenced by an “offer” price and perhaps even lender guidelines, neighborhood trends, etc.   

Think about the last time you purchased a used vehicle, or a new automobile, for that matter. A friend of mine was a top salesman. He always said he liked to sell used cars because nobody knew the “true” value. Frequently the emotional component (i.e., “I love the car” or it “suits my image”), or the terms of the sale, override good judgment.   This discussion demonstrates that value and pricing, like beauty, are in the eyes of the beholder. And, the beholder will certainly be influenced by his position (buyer or seller), and by psychological factors.  

NEGOTIATION 

Negotiation is the process of bargaining.  Donald Trump fancies himself as an extraordinary negotiator, and wrote a best-selling book on the topic “The Art of the Deal.”  However, it was his attorney and corporate V.P., George Ross (of “Apprentice” fame) who made the techniques more concrete. In Trump Style Negotiation ( Wiley & Sons, 2006) he offers “Winning Negotiation Strategies from Donald Trump’s Right-Hand Man.”  Techniques such as “building trust, friendship, and satisfaction with the other side.” are discussed. Determining “what the other side wants,” then ascertaining their weaknesses are also covered.  Weaknesses can be such things as pride, lack of cash, need, etc. Offering solutions to your “adversary’s” problems is important, and so is convincing people that they got “more than they ever expected.” Such mundane, but important issues such as controlling the place and pace of negotiations can also be used to one’s advantage.  

IT’S A MINDSET

In the beginning of this article I say just about everything is negotiable, and that you need to believe it and practice it!  Many people are afraid to negotiate or inept at the process.  Just ask. You may find that the other party is willing to deal.   

Next time you visit your supplier, mechanic, roofer, tailor, department store, barber, dentist, restaurant, etc., ask if they can cut their price, or make you a deal.  Do they offer discounts?   Do they offer low cost financing?   Do they offer better terms?  Do they stand behind their product?  Will they offer extended service or replacement provisions?  Just ask.  Indicate that you are a serious and savvy buyer, cognizant of value, and that you are looking to build a “relationship” with them. You may be surprised at how often you will gain concessions.  Remember, almost everything is negotiable.

Today’s market is ripe with a diverse array of skin care products. As a result, we are overwhelmed and find it difficult to make decisions. However, buying skin care products should not seem as daunting and confusing as it seems; all you need is a wealth of information on the various brands and products so that you know what you are getting into. Do due diligence and research well prior to getting an overdose of the market varieties.

The first step for anyone interested in skin care products is to review the product labels and understand its ingredients, purpose and directions. You should be able to identify those ingredients that may cause harm to your skin. Beware of chemicals like sorbitol, sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates; alcohol, astringents, colorants and certain fragrances should also be avoided as these may cause blemishes, irritation or break-outs.

Natural skin care products are gradually gaining momentum and becoming increasingly popular among people concerned about their skins. Milk, honey, botanical products and oils have been noted to have gentle and soothing effects. Natural ingredients like aloe vera and lanolin are popular choices that create soothing and moisturizing effects on the skin.

Skin care products range from moisturizers, intense acne treatments to anti-aging regimens. The wide range of available products help to fight and delay several natural processes like acne, wrinkling and fine lines. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) are two ingredients to look for in order to choose an anti-aging product. Some fruits and plants like apples and grapes contain these ingredients. Revitol and Royal Gold are two products growing in popularity by the day.

Chemicals called tretinoins have shown positive effects in case of sun damage and wrinkles. These can be found in medications rather than cosmetics and have the ability to reverse the damaging effects of the sun and to change the skin’s cell structure. Skin care products containing treyinoins are available by prescription only and they help to rejuvenate the skin and provide treatment for wrinkles, fine lines, rough patches and dark spots.

Prior to choosing any products for use, it is imperative to get an idea of your skin type. This answers a lot of questions you may have and will help to make appropriate decisions regarding the skin care products. You might know your skin type but if you are uncertain, it is safest to consult a dermatologist who can guide you accordingly. You may have oily or dry skin or perhaps a combination of both.

Sensitive skin is also quite common and needs special attention. So, in order to determine your exact skin type and to buy products those are compatible with the particular skin type, ask a dermatologist. This will prevent you from using products that you may be allergic to and that may cause unwanted reactions.

The following are 5 tips that will guide you in choosing your skin care products:

1. Know your skin type: It is important to know your skin type so that you can buy the correct products that meet your particular needs. The most common skin types are oily, dry, combination and sensitive.

2. Read the label: The importance of reading the label and getting acquainted with the ingredients cannot be stressed enough. Water is a primary ingredient that should be present in moisturizers as it best hydrates the skin.

3. Calendar: Different seasons and climates require different products for the skin. So, you should buy products according to your skin type and according to the weather. For instance, your summer skin treatment should include sun block ingredients. Similarly, dry skins should be treated with care during winter to avoid dryness and rough patched.

4. Compare Prices: Take a look at the prices and buy products that fit your budget. Some products are simply too expensive and not necessarily the best. With this, you should ask how much of the product you need, how often you will be using it and your expected results. These considerations will help you to determine the brands that work for you and the prices that meet your cost requirements.

5. Use Regularly: The key to positive results is to use the products regularly and to follow the directions. Anti-aging creams and night creams are specific products that should follow a regimen otherwise the purpose is defeated. Use your products as often as they are recommended for best results.

All these factors imply that you should be diligent before pursuing any single brand or product. Careful review of competitive products, their prices and their effects will help you to make informed decisions about your skin and your overall health. A review site which lists information on varied skin care products is a good place to start.

Every agent has their own twist on what works when presenting their listing presentation to a prospective seller. Below will outline some important criteria that you will need to incorporate in some fashion in your listing presentation. You can make it fancy by using MS Publisher or you can make it factual and straight forward. What matters the most is that you show your client that you are professional, have done your research and are proficient in real estate. By the end of the listing presentation, you should fully understand the seller’s goals and objectives and what it’s going to take for you to get the listing. Use any or all of these ideas:

• Discover the seller’s objectives, priorities, expectations and concerns.
• Explain the services you and your company provide.
• Educate the sellers about the home selling process, and explain their

role in it.
• Discuss the important issues of market value and home enhancement.
• Demonstrate your professionalism and differentiate yourself from the competition.
• Begin to build a strong working relationship with the sellers.

The Listing Presentation can be used in three ways.

Pre-listing package

You can either send a pre-listing package to the sellers prior to your listing presentation, or leave with them after the initial visit of a two-meeting listing
approach. This is an opportunity for you to:

• Present background information about yourself, your company and your services, and to establish a
professional image.
• Gather essential information about the sellers and the property.
• Pre-condition the sellers to the realities of pricing, marketing and home enhancement (which you will
discuss in depth during your presentation).

Presentation visual aid to use during the listing presentation.

• Helps keep your presentation “on track.”
• Focuses the seller’s attention and provides visual reinforcement for the key points you explain.

A leave-behind package for the sellers to keep as a reference throughout the home selling process. The seller’s copy of the Listing Presentation will:

•Reinforce the marketing, pricing and home enhancement information you discussed with them.
• Remind the sellers of their vital role in preparing and showing their home.

How to Develop an Effective Home selling Proposal

• Include information about yourself and your local company.
• Reflect local real estate practices and terminology.
• Add personal touches, such as the seller’s names and a photo of their house.
• Keep in mind that an effective listing presentation is a two-way interactive dialogue, not a one-way sales pitch.
• The key is asking questions that encourage the sellers to give you candid information about their
concerns, objectives and priorities, and then showing them how you can meet their needs.
• Use descriptive words and ideas as a starting point for building your own unique listing presentation, based on your personality and style, and tailored to the needs of your sellers.
• Practice really does make perfect. By consistently applying and practicing your listing presentation, you will become proficient and increase your chances of getting the listing.