We talked to five FORCE members about their experience at the 2017 Five Star Conference. Here’s what they had to say.
Nancy Braun, Broker/Owner at Showcase Realty and FORCE Advisory Council Chairperson
What was your favorite part of this year’s conference?
The Force Rally! Great speakers, information and opportunity to speak with asset managers.
What did you learn?
Ed Delgado is brilliant and I always look forward to hearing him speak. He shared with the Force Rally attendees that we should expect a shift in the market in 2018. While we won’t experience the same flood of REOs that we did in the last recession we should be prepared to handle an increase in distress inventory. Wages have not seen an increase in 20 years and we will have some market corrections ahead.
What is the best thing about being a FORCE member at the Five Star?
Being able to attend the Rally and have one on one contacts with asset managers.
How do you make the most of your conference experience?
Meeting with fellow REO brokers and sharing best practices.
What advice do you have for members attending in 2018?
Attend as many functions and events as possible. Come prepared with good questions to ask the asset managers. Have fun and reconnect with top brokers to mastermind with.
Raul Gonzalez, Broker, NuFront International Realty
What was your favorite part of this year’s conference?
Keys for Life was my favorite part of the 2017 Five Star Conference. It was an honor to be in the room with these men, women, and families that have sacrificed so much for our country. I am proud to be associated with a fine organization like Five Star under the leadership of Ed Delgado who every year has a positive impact on a soldiers’ lives.
What did you learn?
I attended several of the Labs, however, the one I felt was most informative was the REO Lab. All the speakers were enlightening, and Tyler Smith, VP of REO Asset Management at Wells Fargo, did a phenomenal job moderating the event.
What is the best thing about being a FORCE member at the Five Star?
It is the accessibility created when all aspects of the REO industry come together under one roof to meet, discuss, share, and learn. Being in the industry for over 24 years and being associated with the Five Star conference since their start has been a key factor in my success.
How do you make the most of your conference experience?
I make a schedule of all the workshops I am interested in beforehand and stick to my itinerary. I meet with asset managers, real estate agents, and REO vendors to share ideas and learn new procedures that work for them. It’s a challenge, but it’s the best possible way to get the most out of your time the conference.
What advice do you have for members attending in 2018?
Bring plenty of business cards, and shake hands with as many people as you can. Keep an open mind and never get discouraged. This conference is about planting seeds, nurturing relationships, and seeing the rewards with every future conference that you attend.
Patrick Walsh, REO Manager, CDPE
What was your favorite part of this year’s conference?
I made numerous connections that I believe will last for my entire career.
What did you learn?
I learned which asset companies that I should be calling on and focusing on, as well as where I should be spending money that I focus on marketing to providers of inventory and assignments.
What is the best thing about being a FORCE member at the Five Star?
I like that there was a very good price to purchase a combination of FORCE membership and rally registration.
How do you make the most of your conference experience?
I attended every class and conference and introduced myself to anyone that was willing to talk.
What advice do you have for members attending in 2018?
Don’t expect to be handed a list of asset managers or new assignments just for attending. You must earn it while you are there, as well as afterwards, with a serious plan, effective follow-up, and a solid value proposition.
Gary Ferrara, REO Listing Agent, Atlantic Florida Properties
What was your favorite part of this year’s conference?
I thought listening to REO agents from all areas of the country was extremely informative. Each breakout group seemed to have a style and procedure of their own for accomplishing tasks and goals. Value added, to me, is the name of the game.
What did you learn?
Being there face to face brought home not only what we do, but why. Seeing the number of agents and brokers at the conference brings home the tremendous logistics all firms need to deliver on such vast geographic areas. One CEO said, “We know you’re busy and can’t always answer the phone, but don’t wait two or three days to call back.” In this business, if you don’t answer the phone, the next guy gets the asset. You call, I answer.
What is the best thing about being a FORCE member at the Five Star?
There are a lot of people trying to do what the FORCE does, and I identified the FORCE as the firm that cared about me and what I do. I was dead right and can’t say enough good things. The FORCE and Five Star delivered, and I enjoyed seeing vendors face to face.
How do you make the most of your conference experience?
Sharing ideas, getting motivated, asking questions, and meeting people. I just enjoyed myself and greeted everyone with a smile. Remember, some of your best ideas will come from other agents and brokers. People are very willing to share, and there is a wealth of information available if you choose to partake.
What advice do you have for members attending in 2018?
There is plenty of information distributed pre-conference, so you know what is being offered. As a FORCE member, you can get in every meeting except for closed meetings vendors hold for their agents. There is plenty to do, and FORCE members get the added benefit of being included in REO Red Book. Be confident, pleasant, respectful, and you’ll make plenty of contacts.
Terry Rasner-Yacenda, Broker/Owner at Reno Tahoe Realty Group
What was your favorite part of this year’s conference?
Re-connecting with my colleagues and sharing ideas to increase our business.
What did you learn?
What is forecasted to take place in the distressed marketplace.
What is the best thing about being a FORCE member at the Five Star?
The sincerity and helpfulness of the group. They are the BEST!
How do you make the most of your conference experience?
By attending as many trainings as possible and networking with everyone.
What advice do you have for members attending in 2018?
Don’t limit yourself. Step out of your comfort zone and experience as much as your senses can handle!