TOPIC: Unbelievable busy!!

I had a strong January and February but the beginning of this month has been non stop.

How is business in other areas?

I am booked up until Wednesday. Usually it does not get really busy until April.

It is getting to be time for me to think about hiring someone.

Anyone using a call center? Anyone have additional staff members like office assistant, radon runner?

What is involved in hiring people?

I've talked with Paul who owns America's Call Center quite a few times and it looks like a great program. It's not cheap though, but I don't see how it could be with all they offer. I think for most people it's like $200 a month (but you could call and find out for sure).

I'm getting about one a week.  However; I'm just starting out.  I've looked into call centers and they can be more resonable, like $50/month. 

How are you getting most of your calls.  I have a few realtors I'm working with but right now it's a lot of marketing for me to get my name out there.  Nothing yet from my web page but I think it will come.

In general all the agents have said things in Portland are very slow now.

I do zero marketing. If I did I would need to hire people. (I need to hire people now as it is)

My referrals come from all over, like a diversified investment portfolio.

Previous clients, client referrals, web page, Realtor's and associations like BBB, Nachi, Ashi.

One place I have been meaning to add is Craig's list. I have had a few clients say the use this service. I get a lot of referrals from Angie's List.

I will have passed last years March by weeks end with 2 1/2 weeks left.

Busy here too.
I avoid thinking about it as it may turn on a dime after April Rebates stop.

Activity is abnormally active because as Bob stated the first time home buyer $8K credit is getting ready to end and Fannie and Freddie are getting ready to substantially reduce the number of and type of packaged loans they purchase.  Most realtors agree the market will change negatively when interest rates move up, funding sources are reduced and or government free money stops being available.  We've kicked the can down the road about as far as we can.

Check out this link:

blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/03/09/jp...gher-in-three-years/