RISMEDIA, December 27, 2006-In a changing market, resourceful agents don’t waste time with unproductive worrying about how they might survive a ‘crash’, nor do they slash their commissions and hurt themselves and the industry trying to desperately hold on to some business to see them through the change. What do they do, then, to survive a market shift that many others find pushing them out of the industry? In a word: they adapt.

Mentor says these characteristics are basis for ‘phenomenal success’

RISMEDIA, December 27, 2006-Whether it’s moderating a panel of top producers at live seminars, or hosting tele-conferences and online classes, I’ve always been fascinated by how ordinary people manage to reach elite status and become extraordinary agents.

Farmers Insurance — California’s second-largest homeowners insurer — will lower its rates in the state by 18 percent, joining State Farm, Safeco, Hartford, USAA, Nationwide and Kemper in heeding Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi’s call for lower rates.

Garamendi, who will be sworn in as California’s lieutenant governor Jan. 7, said the rate reductions by all seven companies will save homeowners $439 million a year on their insurance policies.

Farmers’ rate cuts apply to the company’s Special Form, Protector Plus, Renters and Condominium Owners policies, and are likely to take effect in June, the Department of Insurance said in a statement.

David Elya
Broker/owner
Realty Executives Group
Shelby Township, Mich.

How is your market?

“It’s a great time to buy right now. There’s ample inventory to choose from. A lot of buyers are moving up, finally getting the home that they wanted — a bigger, better home at a better price. It’s just taking a little time sometimes to sell their own homes and get those priced fairly.”

What’s happening with prices?