Ebby Halliday - the First Lady of Real Estate

How fortunate we are in the North Texas area to have a Real Estate Icon living in our midst – Ebby Halliday, the first lady of Real Estate.

At a recent Dallas Chapter Business Resource Luncheon, Ebby Halliday spoke for a few minutes and signed copies of her book. As a former Ebby agent, I respectfully stood in line for a few minutes of conversation, a warm smile and a personalized autographed copy of her book.

Among the many reasons to admire this woman, I feel one of the best is her continued dedication to “educate women and give them an honest and professional way to earn a good living”. This hold true today as well as it did when she started her real estate firm.

The book is filled with pearls of wisdom that I wanted to share…

“Customer is always right. Winning an argument never won a sale. Always do what you promise and do it when you said you would.

Communicate well. Learn to speak well and dress in businesslike attire that reinforces your professional message.

Community service was a public relations tool for the individual agent and her firm. Serving on city councils, park boards, zoning board, committees and task forces of the YMCA, YWCA, United Fund, and Chamber of Commerce help to enhance the image of both the agent and the firm. “

"You want to know the secret of success?" Ebby has asked audiences across the country. "Make people feel that you are interested in them. Make them feel special. Make it real." Today she adds, "Don't smoke, don't drink, and never retire!"

Pick up a copy today at a local WCR chapter meeting or the book store. Be inspired and motivated!

Provided by VaLois Hounsel

"The Magic of Twelve"

Thanks to Brenda Blakenship with Home Warranty of America for providing the “Magic of Twelve”. I know that we have heard the importance of keeping in touch many times but it never hurts to be reminded, especially in the difficult market that many are experiencing. I keep hearing and seeing signs of recovery and hopefully your area is rebounding.

By "touching" someone 12 times you ensure more success in your sales objective. Just once or twice allows you to be forgotten but "persistent persistence" is the key. Develop your own 12 touch program to encourage potential buyers to act and potential sellers to list their homes with you. Here are some suggestions to help you "touch" your potential clients:


1. Utilize a Client follow-up program to share valuable homeowner tips.
2. Follow up every phone call with an e-mail.
3. When providing your business card, request contact information in return.
4. Send potential buyers news of great opportunities, programs and tips.
5. Send potential sellers news of sales successes with homes similar to their own.
6. Invite potential buyers to join your Facebook group and dialogue with them on a weekly basis - a simple wall post will keep you fresh in their mind.
7. Invite potential sellers to join your Facebook group and keep your listings updated with photos and visual tours. Let everyone know about your successes too!
8. Request a personal reference quote or letter from previous buyer/seller clients and provide to your potential clients.
9. Take time to send more personal, handwritten notes. Write some daily!
10. Provide your clients with useful information often by e-mailing to your database.
11-100. Use your personal skills and creativity to touch, touch, touch without pressure. Developing relationships will be the key to your success... and ultimately the sale.

Provided by VaLois Hounsel

"Success" with Becky Hill, 2009 WCR National President

The Dallas Metro East Chapter held a successful meeting the first day of July with a style show and visits from our two WCR Texas presidents – National President, Becky Hill and Texas State President, Sandra Hunt.

The highlight was the message that President Becky brought to us as food for thought. Would you like to be more successful as a realtor, in an organization, or on a personal level? What are the common traits that unite these diverse areas into one? She distills all the possibilities into “10 Characteristics of Highly Successful People”.

1) Be optimistic
2) Define purpose or destination
3) Work hard
4) Discipline – systems in place
5) Trust your intuition
6) Be a risk taker
7) Prolific reader
8. Strive for mastery
9) Expect the best – remain positive
10) Seek the help of others

What a priviledge for us in Texas to have the counsel, advise and expertise of our National President so readily available to us! President Becky has spoken to many of our local chapters during the year. She has plans to speak to speak to the Collin County Chapter and Houston Chapter in the near future. You can also see her at the WCR/TAR Fall Meeting in Dallas, TX as she installs Deborah Spangler as our 2010 Texas State President. Make plans to join us!

Mid Year Meeting - "Real You Incorporated" with Kaira Rouda

A favorite speaker with Women’s Council, Kaira Sturdivant Rouda, returned with an important message to empower women in business. Her goal is to help women discover their personal brand. Her book, Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs won the USA Book News’ 2008 Best Book of the Year Award in the Business: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Category.


What does it mean to be real? It means your values—and your personality—are in sync with your business’s operations and its people. It means you surround yourself with people who think and act like you—true believers—inside and outside the workplace. It means you nurture your passion with a network of mentors, friends and activities. It also means you reach out and give back.


In her presentation, she discussed the Real You Chart that will help you develop your personal brand. First, you need to start with the one word that describes you. This became the favorite question to ask of your friends and family. There are 7 more levels to be discovered as you work toward your goal. To learn more click here.

Provided by VaLois Hounsel