Thompson’s Realty is 4 Today!

by Jay Thompson on February 27, 2012 28 Comments

Happy... Birthday? Brokerageversary? to Thompson's Realty! Four years ago today, Francy and I opened the doors to Thompson's Realty. The grand plan then included hiring one other agent and making a go at what at that time was a horrific national real estate meltdown in one of the hardest hit marketplaces on the planet. Fast forward four years and here we sit with thirty-two agents and 47 … [Read more...]

I won’t show your listing until your seller justifies the price!

by Jay Thompson on February 24, 2012 5 Comments

Check the title again. That is a direct quote from a buyer's agent that just called on one of our listings. I won't show your listing until your seller justifies the price! Interesting tactic, particularly in what is the current seller's market in Phoenix. Here is my take: 1) It's not the sellers job to justify the price to your buyer. That's your job as their agent. 2) If you or your … [Read more...]

This could be the beginning of the end for small brokerages

by Jay Thompson on February 22, 2012 46 Comments

"This could be the beginning of the end for small brokerages." Or not. The quote comes from a comment in the Inman News story published yesterday, Howard Hanna invests $1M-plus to enhance real estate listings. That commenter is not alone. Notorious Rob Hahn wrote this piece, Some Thoughts on Zillow’s 2011 Results and Howard Hanna (In Which I Declare Peace In Our Time). As always, … [Read more...]

I know I can get a better deal working with the listing agent!

by Jay Thompson on February 21, 2012 13 Comments

RING RING goes the cell phone. (Well, actually the phone ringtone is "The Eyes of Texas", but it feels silly to type, "'The eyes of Texas are upon you' goes the cell phone"...) "Hi, I'm calling about your listing at blah blah blah." "Well, that's not our listing, but let me look it up real quick for you." "It's your listing, it's on your web site..." "Our site has all the homes … [Read more...]