Attack The Market --- TogetherSM!
 

In 2002, Mike responded to agents’ requests and created an e-newsletter focused on improving agents’ negotiating skills. Attack The Market --- Together! has been a forum for agents from over 45 states and 3 countries to share their ideas and questions about how to negotiate most effectively for their clients. The newsletter is for those agents who have purchased one of Mike’s books or his multi-media product, Attack the Market: Finance!®

In response to requests for an archive of the monthly newsletters and negotiating tips, Mike has published past issues online. This would not have been possible without the time, effort and permission of the agents noted below (thank you!). Thanks also to the experts who created our Online Index: Jeff Ward; Aaron Mitti; Jon & Sandy Teller, and Kiley Maas, www.SizzlingStudios.com.

Newsletter Index

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Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! August 5, 2005
Agent Negotiator™ Awards Top Three Agents
Attack the Market: Invest! Mike’s New Book
-- $50,000 into $5 million --  
Final Money-Making Tip Mike Merin
Agent Negotiators™ 71 agents in 50 U.S. markets
   
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! July 4, 2005
Mike Merin Time to Change
Mike Merin  Attack The Market: Invest!
(Table of Contents)
 
What’s the best money-making tip you’ve heard/read this year?
   
Randy Myer Sellers: don’t overprice. Buyers: communicate
Rich Steffens 110% effort. We’re in the service business
Paul Brugger, Sr. Be professional at all times
Bill Graves One: create a team
Two: ask what clients seek to accomplish
   
Mike Merin How to win the multiple offer competition for your buyers:
6 top agents’ specific tips.
   
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! June 5, 2005
As a negotiator, do you want to be in dual agency relationships with your clients?
What new negotiating practices have you noticed in your market?
 
Deborah Stammel No, avoid at all costs
Patti Kloepping Touchy, but O.K. if done right
Feargus McCaughey No, prefer long term relationships
Janae Alberts No, dual agency obligations prohibit negotiating
Also, escalator clauses more unpopular
Bill Graves No, dual agency obligation prohibit negotiating, so I refer buyers to another agent
Ellie Savoy O.K. with disclosure, integrity, honesty & ethics
Mark Corbett No, I work exclusively with buyers
Mike Merin No. Dual agency obligations preclude the possibility of negotiating for clients.
   
Money-Making Tip: Use your dual agency policy to convert more listings!
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! May 4, 2005
Mike Merin  Attack The Market: Invest!
(Highlights of Mike’s Second Book.)
 
What Feedback Do You Give On A Property Clients Want To Buy?
   
Tyra Wittig “Some Interest.” Questions For Agent
George S. Wonica, Jr. Depends On Agency Contract With Buyer
Bill Graves Feedback And Questions for Listing Agent
Rich Steffans Face-To-Face Best For Buyer Client
   
Bill Flick “Careful” Feedback
Barbara Rothe Tip For Effective Letters
Chris Platanos Presenting Directly To Sellers
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! April 5, 2005
What Would You Tell A New Agent Writing Their First Offer?
   
Deborah Stammel Know Contract, Personal Letter
Rich Steffans Is Buyer “Ready”?
Bill Graves Ask Listing Agent These Questions
Patti Kloepping Be Prepared
Kathy Bell-Mathy Letter To Seller With These Facts
Trisha Christian Think Of Listing Agent
Tyra Wittig Get It Right With These 6+ Tips
Mike Merin Offer Writing, Negotiating Tips
   
Gary Mercer Effective Team Marketing
Mike Merin Upcoming New York Finance Courses
   
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Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! March 5, 2005
What Have Your Done For Your Buyers To Beat Out Other Buyers?
   
Tracy Pulos Four Money-Making Tips
Rich Steffans Personal Letters (Details …)
Bill Graves Personal Letter (Details …) & Dinner
Jo Davis Escalation Clause: 1st In Lehigh Valley!
Rhona Shane Cautiously Waive Contingencies; Price
Florence Bazhaw Good Tips Re Listing Agent Questions
Janae Alberts Pre-Offer Inspections
Trisha Christian Personal Letter, Professional Attitude
Andrea Povey Cash Offer; Get Offer In
Tyra Wittig Tip On Ensuring Sellers See Buyer Letter
Mike Merin Half Dozen Key Listing Agent Questions
Mike Merin See 6/04, 7/04, 9/04 Newsletters To Win!
   
Status Report On Second Book:  
Attack The Market: Invest! Mike Merin
 
Money-Making Tip -- Buy Allen Hainge’s Book:
“Secrets of the CyberStars® Making Money With Today’s Technology”
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! February 5, 2005
How Do You Handle Rude Buyers?
   
George S. Wonica, Jr. Buyers Need To See Seller’s Perspective
Rhona Shane Show Comps; Caution Not To Insult Sellers
Ellie Savoy “How Would You Respond To That?”
Brett Youngerman Work With Them – Or Fire Them
Trisha Christian Use Facts, Make Offers Until They Learn
Marty Haines Tell Them Not To Waste Time With Rude Offer
Mark Corbett Be Upset With Buyers Who Didn’t Offer/Mine Did
   
Mike Merin Worthy Charity: West Philly Children’s Choir
   
Money-Making Tip:  
Mike Merin Ensure Buyers Obtain Their Appraisal
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! January 5, 2005
How Do You Convince Sellers It’s Now A Buyer’s Market?
   
Florence Bazhaw Use Days On The Market (DOM) Statistics
Patti Kloepping Use MLS Data, Chicago Been Slow For Over 2 Yrs
Carolyn Prante Show Other Listings’ Price Reductions
Rhona Shane Price Reductions and DOM
Joann Gonzales Increase in Actives, Denver Slow For 2 Yrs
Trisha Christian DOM, But Philly Market Still Strong
   
Money-Making Tip:  
Mike Merin Show Increase in Competition Dramatically
Mike Merin Buy David Knox “Pricing Your Home To Sell”
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! December 4, 2004
What Do You Do Differently With Friends Or Relatives?
   
George S. Wonica, Jr. Explain Process Ahead Of Time
Michael Krochak “I’m Wearing Two Hats.”
Mike Merin Finance: The Third Phase Works!
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! November 1, 2004
How Do You Prepare Your Clients For Inspections?
   
Kathy Bell-Mathy Have Sellers Do Them Before The Sale
Ken Wolfe Share Other Horror Stories Before Inspection
Ellen Caggiula Inspection Report Is Owner’s User Manual
Joann Gonzales Teach Them Purpose Of Inspection
Bill Flick Use Right Inspector; Not Rebuilding House
   
Andrea Povey What’s “Fair” To Resolve An Inspection Problem?
Jeffrey Frazier Where’s The Line Between Agent’s vs Inspector’s?
   
Money-Making Tips:  
Mike Merin Number One Reason Sellers Are Sued
Mike Merin Use Seller Credits Not Seller Repairs
   
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Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! October 5, 2004
How Are You Different Than Other Agents?
   
Rich Steffens Demonstrate Ready To Work
Tim Hoffman 10 Steps To Follow
Mike Merin Due To Negotiating, Finance, Pricing Skills
  Not Due To Broker Dominance
  Not Due To “Million Dollar/Multi-Million Dollar Agent”
   
Treat Yourself Well. Go See Rob Becker in Defending The Caveman
 
Who Causes Most Settlement Problems (continued)?
   
Lenders Patti Kloepping, Janae Alberts, Bill Graves,
Ellen Caggiula, Andrea Povey
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! September 5, 2004
Who Causes Most Settlement Problems?
   
Attorneys & Others Vernon Curtis, Rob Smith, George S. Wonica, Jr.
Lenders Tracy Pulos, Sheir-Ron Whittaker, Flynn Gentry-Taylor
   
Doesn’t Matter … Thomas Johnson
Best Agents Fix The Problems Olga Zografakis
   
Write Offers So Your Buyers Win Multiple Offer Bidding:
   
Mike Merin With Their Finances!
Donna Hoffner By Learning When Lender Can Deliver
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! August 5, 2004
Mike Merin Agent Negotiator Awards
  List of 56 Agent Negotiators
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! July 4, 2004
How Do Your Buyers Win Multiple Offers? The Thread Continues …
   
Kathy Bell-Mathy Schedule pre-offer meeting (beat 17 other offers)!
Jennifer Fecho Good price, proof of funds, flexible settlement, few
contingencies, present to seller.
Mike Merin Use price, terms, buyer’s financials effectively.
Mike Merin Terms: Structure inspections correctly.
Debi Sugarman New practice: listing agents require buyers to conduct inspections before bidding.
   
Are Personal Letters From Buyers To Sellers Effective?
   
Marty Haines Yes, it can beat developers by connecting with sellers.
Patti Kloepping Yes, with sincere, honest, complimentary note.
Sheir-Ron Whittaker Yes, focus on common interests, uses of home.
Andrea Povey Yes, terrific when buyer’s child writes it.
Mike Merin Yes, some sellers appreciate personal touch.
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM!  June 4, 2004
How Do Your Buyers Win The Multiple Offer Competition?
   
George S. Wonica, Jr. Ensure buyers are pre-approved.
Coy C. Vickers Full price offer with only appraisal as a contingency.
Trisha Christian Be professional, use escalator clause, buyer letter.
Sheir-Ron Whittaker Max price, no escalator clause, quick settlement.
Ellen Caggiula Be professional, use escalator if listing agent likes it.
Mike Merin Use price, terms, buyer’s financials effectively.
Mike Merin Price: escalator clause, escalator buster, escalator
clause enhancements.
   
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Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! May 5, 2004
10 Steps To Earn More From Outgoing Referrals Mike Merin
Earn Outgoing Referrals At Listing Appointments Tim Hoffman
Can Get Them “The Best” Agent In Other Markets Trisha Christian
Risk Vs. Reward Works When Negotiating! Jeffrey Frazier
Escalator: Watch For A “Buried” Seller’s Assist Tracy Pulos
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM!  April 2, 2004
Do You Prefer Dual Agency?
   
Elizabeth Munster Yes, but we always represent sellers in-house.
Ellen Caggiula No, avoids it with detailed personal policy.
Feargus McCaughey No, avoids it and sticks with his sellers.
   
Mike Merin Avoid dual agency to earn more personal referrals.
Mike Merin Money-Making Tip: Use agency policy to win more listings!
   
Priscilla Toth Based on over 800 agents’ surveys out of over 25 speakers Mike’s Triple Play 2003 performance was second best!
   
Best to Know Seller’s Preferred Listing Price First? The Thread Continues …
   
Mike Caceci Yes and No, best to include sellers in the pricing process.
Rosalie Warren Yes, wants to know what seller’s pricing expectations are.
Jean Bell No, so not to influence research or embarrass sellers.
Brett Youngerman No, why pit non-expertise against my professional ability.
Ellen Caggiula No, number gets stuck in my head. Prefer not to know.
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM!

How Best To Help Desperate Sellers Sell Right Away.

March 5, 2004

Mike Merin

 
Buyer Agents Present Offers Directly To Sellers. The Thread Continues …
   
John Clement 4 guidelines are excellent. Buyers expect the service.
Marty Haines Tried twice, but listing agents refused.
Edith Spaulding Amazed more agents don’t do it.
   
Best to Know Seller’s Preferred Listing Price Before Agent Says Their Price?
   
Mike Merin 60% of agents want to know (Yes). 40% don’t (No).
Jordan Rothenberg Yes, to learn seller’s mindset.
Jeffrey Frazier Yes, to hear seller’s reasoning.
Nancy Bousum Yes, it’s all in how you say it!
Janae Alberts Yes, can get comps demonstrating not that price.
Pat Cerviello Yes, to explain whether realistic price.
Michael Krochak No, can explain why; warn of agents “buying” listing.
Edith Spaulding No, don’t want to know their number when researching.
Stacie Koroly No, sellers appreciate my honest, trust me more.
Trisha Christian No, adds pressure and is a distraction.
Judi McMearty Yes and No, depends on sellers when a pricing expert!
Tim Hoffman No, so I can set the stage (unless seller “bursting” to tell).
Joann Gonzales No, unlike husband prefer not knowing
   
Mike Merin Best not to know to gain credibility, get right price.
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! February 5, 2004
4 Guidelines For Buyer Agents To Present Offers To Sellers Mike Merin
   
Buyer Agents Presenting Offers Directly to Sellers And Listing Agents:
   
Tim Hoffman Invading listing agent turf? But willing to try.
Joann Gonzales Alien practice. May not be beneficial.
Bill Graves Allowed once, didn’t work. Don’t like it.
   
Kathy Bell-Mathy Finance Course, Escalator Clause, Book Is Great  Investment
Mike Merin Take CRS 105 Finance or GRI Finance Course If  Calculators
Mike Merin Prove Your Pricing Expertise: Create Effective Market Statistics
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! January 5, 2004
Online Lending: 10% Of All 2003 Loans Mike Merin
How To Pick Credible Online Lender -- Always Mike Merin
5 Questions For Your Traditional Lender Mike Merin
Picking A Lender: No Surprises Patti Kloepping
Online Lender: Extra Last-Minute Costs Patti Kloepping
Pre-Approval Improves Offer. No Online Lending Boofie Younkin
Buyer Financial Form. Insurance Alert Trisha Christian
Buyer Budgets: Money Versus Life Style Rob Smith
Needs Familiar Lender to Protect His Sellers Rob Smith
Small Business Transactions (gas stations, etc.) Thomas Johnson
Pre-Approval To Keep Finances Confidential Tim Hoffman
Pre-Approval For Price Range When Make Offer Andrea Povey
   
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Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! December 5, 2003
Finance: Definition of “Pre-Approval” Mike Merin
Improve Buyer’s Offer When Pre-Approved Jeanne Padula
3 Reasons For Buyers to Get Pre-Approved Ellie Savoy
   
Triple Play Tip: Only Motivated Buyers Spend Money for Pre-Approval.  
   
Miracle Saved Online Mortgage Application Mary Sharp
Pre-Approval For Buyer’s Comfort Janae Alberts
Buyers Waste Time If Not Pre-Approved Pat Cerviello
Pre-Approval Smart In Hot & Cold Markets Judi McMearty
Pre-Approvals Improve Negotiating Position Bill Graves
   
Money-Making Tip:  
How Buyers Can Always Get The Best Loans Mike Merin
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! November 5, 2003
Inclusions/Exclusions In Offer? Ellie Savoy
Seniors May Not Need Appliances Barbara Rothe
“Needs” Versus “Wants” Joann Gonzales
   
Digital Camera Is Necessary Mike Merin
Technology Is Spelled “T I M E” Mike Merin
Triple Play 2003 Convention Seminars Mike Merin
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! October 5, 2003
Survey Results: Web Site, Realtor.com Needed? Mike Merin
   
“Yes” Internet Presence Required Bill Graves
“No” Have Site, But “Word of Mouth” is Best Marty Haines
   
Answer: Ensure You Are Tech Literate, Then Pick Negotiating, Finance, Pricing or Tech to Master As Your Specialty. NAR Statistics. Mike Merin
   
Online Newsletter Index Mike Merin
Bravo! Index Works In “Split Second” Patti Kloepping
   
Technology Resources: Mike Merin
Training, E-Newsletters, Books, Courses,  
Web Masters, Hardware/Software Discounts  
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! September 5, 2003
Survey Results: Is A Digital Camera Necessary? Mike Merin
   
“Yes” Inexpensive, Effective. Joann Rodman
“Yes” Picture Equals 1,000 Words Patti Kloepping
“Yes” Color Listing Brochure Differentiates George Wonica
“Yes” Professional Service Jean Carr
   
Answer Depends on Agent Skills, Differentiation: Negotiating, Finance, Pricing or Technology? Mike Merin
   
Digital Camera To Consider Buying Mike Merin
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! August 5, 2003
Agent Negotiator Awards Mike Merin
The Settlement Date Mike Merin
List of 22 Agent Negotiators Mike Merin
   
Tip: Find Out When Lender Can Deliver Donna Hoffner
   
Settle When Seller Wants To … Cheryl Simon
Settle When Seller Wants To … Rhona Shane
Buyer Closes When Seller Wants To Ellie Savoy
Settlement Script, Contract Language Janae Alberts
   
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Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! July 3, 2003
Pricing Property:  
How Much Do Improvements Add? Mike Merin
   
Changing Markets:  
Seller’s Market, but Fewer Multiple Offers. Janae Alberts
Market Favors Buyers, Many Homes For Sale. Joann Gonzales
   
Testimonial for Book by a Dedicated Professional. JoAnn Fisher
   
Listing Tip to Create Reasonable Sellers. Barbara Rothe
   
Changing Markets & Avoiding PMI Payments. Bill Graves
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! June 5, 2003 (Part II)
Changing Markets:  
Seller’s Market, But Improving for Buyers. Ellie Savoy
Market’s About the Same. Fred Kierner
Swinging to Buyer’s Market over $400,000. Richard Seget
   
Changing Markets, Agency, Escalator Clause. Marie Elston
   
Farm Country, the Market, Seniors. Patti Kloepping
   
Speaking at Triple Play 2003: December 2, 2003. Mike Merin
   
Second Edition of Book Published.  
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! June 5, 2003 (Part I)
Prove Your Expertise To Prospects:  
How to Create Your Performance Statistics (detailed, step-by-step advice). Mike Merin
   
Use a Third-level Domain for Sales Ratio’s. Ellie Savoy
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! May 5, 2003
Settlement Tips:  
Last Chance to Earn Referrals! Mike Merin
   
Changing Markets:  
Seller’s Market, But Weakening. Tracy Pulos
   
Negotiating, Emotions, and Agency. F. Paul Haag
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! April 5, 2003
3 Tips to Price Properties Correctly. Mike Merin
   
Tip for Buyers:  
How to Avoid Paying Too Much. Mary Sharp
   
Multiple Offer Tip for Buyers:  
Appraised Price Versus Asking Price. Tracy Pulos
   
Earn More Listings:  
Use Performance Statistics to Demonstrate Skills Mike Merin & Patti Kloepping
   
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Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! March 5, 2003
Use Finance to Capture More Listings. Mike Merin
   
Tip for Buyers:  
How to Avoid Paying Too Much. Pauline Boston
   
Pricing: No Rhyme or Reason. Marty Haines
   
Dual Agency:  
Remain Neutral or Refer To Another Agent. Tracy Pulos
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! February 5, 2003
Agency:  
Creating the Conditions You Need to Succeed. Mike Merin
   
Negotiating Tip:  
An Agency Policy to Convert More Listings. Mike Merin
   
Dual Agency and Sleepless Nights. Patti Kloepping
   
Colorado Designated Agency. Joann Gonzales
   
Dual Agency: Refer Buyers to Partner. Bill Graves
   
Single Agency Policy for Buyers. Jim Marshall
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! January 5, 2003
Negotiator’s Warning to Sellers. Mike Merin
   
Negotiator Tip for Buyers. Mike Merin
   
Negotiating and Agency. Joseph Scott McArdle
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! November 23, 2002
Credit Scores: Significance, Web Sites. Mike Merin
   
Agent Resources:  
Register Domain Names, E-Newsletter To Use. Mike Merin
   
Escalator Clause Primer. Mike Merin
   
The Escalator Clause: Multiple Tips. John Herreid
  Marty Haines
  Elaine Endsley
  Stacie Koroly
  Fred Kierner
  Tracy Pulos
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! November 5, 2002
100 Percent Financing:  
Seller’s Tolerance for Risk, Pro’s & Con’s. Mike Merin
   
Pricing Properties Accurately:  
Time and Sales Ratio’s are Critical. Mike Merin
   
Pricing Properties: Market Break Points. Janae Alberts
   
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Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! October 5, 2002
The Power of Silence. F. Paul Haag
   
The Escalator Buster. Roberta Barolat
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! September 5, 2002
Negotiating Tip: The Escalator Clause. Mike Merin
   
Negotiating Tips With Pricing and Finance. Marty Haines
Marie Elston
   
Attack The Market --- TogetherSM! August 5, 2002
Multiple Offer Negotiating Tip for Buyers:  
Appraised Price Versus Asking Price. Tracy Pulos
   
CRS Certifies Book as Quality-Tested Product. Mike Merin
   
Survey: Topics/Tips, You Want in Newsletters? Mike Merin
   
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REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Inquiries regarding the Code of Ethics should be directed to the board in which a REALTOR® holds membership.
 

© 1999 - 2008 Copyright Michael G. Merin. All Rights Reserved.
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Sizzling Studios.

 

Michael G. Merin, ABR, CRB, CRS, E-Pro, GRI, ITI, Associate Broker
MMerin@Students-First.com

PA Instructor Number 0020056L
DE Instructor Number 020710
NY Approved Instructor
Associate Broker: AB-061134-L
Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs
Department of State, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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