Recently, Tami Bonnell, President of EXIT Realty’s US Organization, was a featured guest speaker on Greg Rand’s weekly radio show, Rand on Real Estate, heard on 77WABC radio from New York City. Rand is an authority on real estate investing, a regular Fox TV News contributor and the Founder of OwnAmerica.

Rand: What kind of things are you seeing this year [that are different] than the last couple of years?

Bonnell: [I’m] seeing the real estate market get busier, seeing more investors jump in and from every age range which is terrific. The consumer is in control. It used to be that the biggest complaint [a customer had about his or her real estate professional] was communication and now it’s that they want information, they want to be part of the process. I think if [a consumer] is really educated about the process you’re going to enjoy the process. It’s a much more positive environment than I’ve seen in a really long time.

Rand: Unlike other investments, owning real estate is more like owning a small business. It’s not the kind of thing where you write a check and you walk away. It’s much more of an entrepreneurial thing. What it sounds like you’re telling me is that people out in the field recognize that and they don’t shy away, in fact they revel in it – they like the idea that they have a degree of control and influence over the outcome.

Bonnell: I absolutely agree with that. I think the key is knowing why you’re [making] the investment: Are you doing it towards retirement? To put your children through school? For steady cash flow now? The more information you share with whomever is representing you the better off you’re going to be.

More about young people in the investment market and international investment coming into the US in the full interview.

EXIT Realty Associates can find out more about Own America in the EXIT Resource Center.

Women business leaders demanded the revival of the celebrated Women in Business Conference which was held between 2004 and 2007 and co-chairs Ginny Robert and Karen Klecar heeded the call.  The 2012 edition promises to “provide a forum to stimulate economic growth through training and inspiration of current and prospective entrepreneurs; both those who are self-employed and those who work for others.”

The keynote speaker at the event will be EXIT Realty Corp. International’s U.S. President, Tami Bonnell speaking on the special attributes women bring to business and how they can work together to do better, not only for themselves but for those around them.  Bonnell is a thirty-year veteran of the real estate industry and was instrumental in building three major brands.  Among her many achievements, she was recognized by real estate trend-watcher, Stefan Swanepoel, as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Real Estate. She served on the Boards of Directors of the Women’s Council of REALTORS^® and Alternative House, a shelter for battered women, and is actively involved in EXIT Realty’s initiatives with Habitat for Humanity.  Bonnell is a wife, mother of three and grandmother of three.  In her spare time she is a martial artist, coach, judge and referee.

“I believe that strong women love strong women and want to help them to succeed,” said Bonnell.  “The Women in Business Conference is a great opportunity for us to connect, to help each other and for all of us to get better in the process.”

“Tami has the kind of experience to share that only life can offer,” said Robert.

The full-day conference is being held on Thursday, March 15^th in Owego, New York.  Five dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to flood relief.  Please visit http://www.celebrating-women-in-business.com/ for more details. 

Hard work will get me what I want.

I’m going to be me, without fear or apology.

I’m discovering what’s worth fighting for and what’s not.

I have the freedom to speak my mind.

I intend to earn more money because I know what I want.

Finally it’s my turn to go after what I want.

Learning more about myself is empowering.

The success of others is my success as well.

I’m giving myself the perfect job because I deserve it.

I’m leaving my comfort zone to travel and learn.

I will happily fight for my fair share.

I can get what I want by asking for it.