Documentation Library

Overview of the Neighborly Documentation Library

Neighborly will arm you with the best marketing materials, process solutions, and business tools to make your job easier.

But, don’t be overwhelmed by the list of documents below. In most cases, Neighborly does not require their use. As an Independent Contractor, Neighborly would not push needless paperwork on your business.

Should you want the support, these documents and tools simply exist to help you create a more efficient, effective, and professional business.

This list is not all inclusive. Neighborly continues to add and revise helpful documentation as business environments change.

Your Commissions !

You are in this business to serve.

You are also in this business to provide a great living for your family.

Streamlining the referral request, receipt, and broker demand processes for you are important to Neighborly. Neighborly takes this part of the process as seriously as you would hope a broker would!

		Nearing the close of escrow and need to ensure your commission is coming in on time and as expected? Use this document to keep the brokerage in the loop and no surprises!
		Once you submit your request for commissions, the brokerage prepares a “Broker Demand Letter” on your behalf and sends it into the title comopany. The title company uses this document to close out their files and ensures your earnings are calculate correctly.
		After your commission arrives at the office, it’s time to get paid! This document is the receipt that you will like to see. It accompanies your commission check at the close of your file.
		The “Blank Referral Agreement”. Used when you are referring a listing or Buyer to another agency, and you want to be compensated for that referral.
		The Short Sale Buyer Compensation Agreement. Rarely needed, but helpful when the short sale lender is trying to reduce your commissions, and you are asking your Buyer client to help make up the difference.

Your Training Plans and Materials

You have seen the training videos. They are a key part of the Neighborly Training Program, but they are only one comoponent. Several other resources exist that you will review – from career planning to personal development to time management.

Some of the materials you will review include:

		Your individual goals drive how Neighborly trains you. You will talk in depth with Neighborly to define your career path and training needs. Self Assessment is an important part of training and growth. You should have an idea of where you want to be with your business in the coming years. You should also look inside to determine where you are strong and where you need help.
		Neighborly offers several career choices for Agents, Brokers, Specialized Staff, Trainers, and Admin Support. Neighborly is continually working to broaden the scope of what you can achieve.
		Training Philosophy: No team will be successful without a good training model. Training means different things to different people. This is what Training means at Neighborly.
		Who owns training? Together, WE DO! Neighborly has the tools, process, materials, and experience to train you in the finest practices – but only you can implement the skills taught. Neighborly tracks the market and the business, preparing new materials as conditions change. All of this is available to you. Much of training is “OJT” or “On the Job Training” and one on one mentoring. ASK. Volunteer. Jump in!
		An effective training model needs to create stability for the team member. Looking ahead at where the industry will be in 12 to 36 months, then putting together the processs and materials to train up for that change is a must.
		To succeed in this business, you have to be competent in several different areas. Neighborly calls those areas “Pillars”. You will be trained in topics that align with each other.
		At the tactical level, this is how your 12 months of training will unfold. Does Neighborly need to use a full 12 months to do this cycle, or can we accelerate? Do we train this specific order, or can Neighborly alter the sequence? Rember, training is YOURS. Neighborly has the materials and hosts the sessions. Should you want to alter your timeline, speed up, or skip topics absolutely!
		Neighborly uses a variety of delivery methods for training. A key element in this program is the weekly team meeting. A series of 4 purposeful meetings per month is scheduled and available. As Independent Contractors (ICAs) Neighborly cannot require you attend these sessions. Neighborly strongly recommends you attend, and would like your ongoing feedback on the performance of the Neighborly training program.
		“Broker Offsites” are a key part of the Neighborly training and mentoring programs. Head out into the field once a month with the managing broker. Become familiar with areas, associations, vendors, inspections, contracts, even title company sigings.
		Neighborly will train you in Time Management. It is up to you to implement what you learn. The most important part of this business is getting out and in front of the public. This is how you build rapport and future business. There are endless ways to accomoplish this face to face goal – some work better than others. Neighborly will tell you how.
		The most important discussion you will have with Neighborly. Where do you want your career to go? How can Neighborly position (and train) so that you reach your goals?
		Once Neighborly understands your goals, we will show you how to reach your earnings goals. From new leads to passive income at reitrement, the Neighborly “Path A – Path E” model will show you how to make money at all stages in your career.

Your Listing Presentation

You may have a formal listing presentation ready to go. If not, Neighborly has one ready for you!

Ultra professional, packed with the latest “e-marketing” concepts, and designed to win at the listing appointment.

Tailor it to your own contact information, and use as is. Or modify the entire presentation as you see fit, and have the confidence that you are starting from a top notch position.

Follow up with the 100+ point marketing plan. Show them that you are very good at this business and should be hired immediately!

Nearing Reality’s Listing Presentation.

Tie in Neighborly Financial and get your clients interested in using you as a Buyer’s agent as well.

100 Point (and more) Marketing Plan checklist.

Show this at your listing presentation and get the Sellers thinking ahead of just this appointment. In their minds, get them working with you.

Getting Started – Quickly!

Neighborly has prepared some ofthe basics to get you going. No need to reinvent the wheel, Neighborly has created the materials you need to hit the ground running.

		No need to draft your own “Hello World, I am Now with Neighborly!” announcement letter. Neighborly has done that for you. There are two versions ofthis document available — one for newly licensed agents (announcing their entry into the real estate business), and one for agents switching companies.
		How do you get started QUICKLY with Neighborly? Follow this checklist! You will have met all ofthe legal requirements for joining Neighborly and moving your license appropriately
		Thinking of getting into real estate? This document will outline the costs you should expect to fund to be a practicing agent (or broker).
		Neighborly has thought through all of the basics when starting up. Neighborly will even provide you with your own customized fax cover sheet.
		…and your own personalized letterhead.
		You are NOT required to use this form. In the event of an Errors and Omissions Insurance claim,you may be asked by the court to show communication history. This template gives you the necessary tools to track your communications with specitic clients. Neighborly is here to protect you as well as develop your business.
		Make sure you are legal with the DRE and Department of Motor Vehicles. This document outlines the requirements for car insurance when practicing real estate.
		This is one piece of t he Neighborly hiring packet. It tells us what identification requirements must be met by a licensee to be in this business.

Fast Track – Hit the Ground Running!

Let’s get your business started immediately! Need help with the basics? Business Cards, Street Signs, Newsletters,Web Sites, Social Networking and Search Engine Optimization? Neighborly can get you going quickly.

		Neighborly can design and order your business cards for you, or you can manage that on your own.
		Neighborly can design and order yourlisting “FOR SALE” street signs too, or you can manage that on your own.
		Social Networking — You’ye got to do it! This multi page document will tell you where you need to be. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, ActiyerRain, it’s all covered. Setting up your social networking profiles should be at the top ofyour to do list.
		Getyour tirst newsletter out immediately! Neighborly will proyide the template and help you write the content for your own “Neighbor\|y News” news\|etter.

The Basics

Coming up to speed on Neighbor|y’s operations is easy.

These documents will provide you with information on Neighborly processes, tools, training programs, and a variety of other important information.

		How do you get at everything seen here? Want access to everything in the Neighborly documentation library? This tells you how to log in to the “Neighbor\|yNet01″ server and start pulling your own copies of everything you’ve seen.
		New to Neighborly? New to the real estate business? This Orientation Manual will help you with the basics. It’s roughly 100 pages will give you the overviews you need to effectively and efhciently manage your business.
		Similar in approach to the Orientation Manual, this Policies and Procedures Guide will explain in detailed steps how the key processes within Neighborly (and the real estate business) operate. Follow this guide and remain legal, ethical, and very professional!
		This multi page document lists the required documentation that is turned into the brokerage at the close of escrow.
		This document explains the Code of Conduct within the Neighborly Group. Build confidence in others by sharing this document with clients, peers,team members, anyone!

The Neighborly Realty “Green Folders”

Get over contract fear immediately!

Be well armed for your next listing presentation — show up prepared and professional!

Developed early in the evolution of Neighbor|y, the “Green Folder”process is a key foundational piece to contracts and client satisfaction.

As an Independent Contractor (ICA) you are not required to use the Green Folder process.

The “Green Fo|ders” are a combination of DRE required contracts, process flows, tinancial information, and comps. They are put together in a manner that pleases the most detailed of clients and reduces the amount of questions you have to tackle.

Neighborly has presented these folders to clients, lenders, peers,title companies, and during presentations to large corporations. At every event, the Green Folders have been embraced and appreciated. Neighbor|y’s client testimonials rate the Green Folders as one of our tinest client satisfaction tools.

Neighborly willtrain you in the development and use ofthe Green Folders, as well as where to acquire the materials to create your own.

Sample Green Folders are available in the Neighborly Realty main othce, as well as with other Neighborly Realty team members.

Buyers Contracts, Represenizition Agreement, Disclosures, Addendums, even the Easy Exit Notice.

Everything you need contractuallyto geta Buyer going — plus checklists to make tnem happy!

Seller Contracts, Iisting Agreements, Disclosures, Addendums, even Seller Easy Exit Notice.

Everything you need contractuallyto get a Iisting going — ifyou want them, more checklists too!

The Neighborly Way

Companv culture drives performance.

Performance drives Client Satisfaction.

Client Satisfaction drives vour earnings.

The Neighborlv Way is a combination of best business practices from the Sales and Service sectors and lessons learned in Corporate America’s “Mission Critical” businesses – anchored with small business development experiences and good old fashion common sense.

Share with clients. This is verv valuable during listing presentations!

Building Trust with Your Clients

TRUST is everything. Your referral business will thrive when you create lasting relationships with your clients and their families.

To build this trust- and to give you the most flexibility with your business — Neighborly has created two “Easy Exit” contract addendums for Buyers and Sellers. Should you choose to use them, Neighborly will train you in their application.

These documents are a key part ofthe “Green Fo|ders” contracts process within Neighborly.

		For Buyers, use this Easy Exit Addendum with your Buyer Representation Agreement.
		For Sellers, use this Easy Exit Addendum with your Listing Agreement.

Trust Fund Management

Nearly halfofthe legal violations reported by the California Association of Realtors results from the mishandling oftrust fund monies for Buyer’s deposits!

Notwithin Neighborly. Neighborly has the processes and tools in place to ensure you will never have an unexpected surprise from the DRE or CAR.

Log your Buyer’s deposit checks in this registry.

The brokerage will keep them locked away and safe (and DRE compliant). This information ensures a proper audit trail should the DRE want to evaluate your business.

Ready to have a deposit check pulled out ofthe trust log and routed to the title company?

This document will help you instruct the brokerage (and/or admin team) on the next steps. Again, a proper audit trail for the DRE is created.

Where is Neighborly Headed?

When partnering with Neighborly, you are part of a very· tight team.

You deserve to know where the business is headed and how your contributions directly tie back to your benetits.

Neighborly goes through annual and semi-annual planning cycles. You will always have access to that information.

Under constant evolution, this “stair step” document shows where the company is headed as new agents join the team.

At the top of each column is the direct benetit to YOU from Neighbor|y’s growth. Hea|th Care? 401k Plans? It’s all there.

Your Formal Presentations

Need to wow your newest prospect base?

Planning to get 100 dentists together for a presentation on real estate investing?

Don’t create your own slides and handouts, use Neighbor|y’s. Neighborly has been invited in to present to a number of corporations and groups. Much of the formal presentation workis available and ready to use by any Neighborly team member.

If Neighbor|y hasn’t created the presentation yet- and there is a topic that you need — Neighborly will help you create those materials. It’s what we do best.

Here are a few of the existing presentations:

		Real Estate Investing and 1031 Tax Deferred
		Relocating a large group from out of town? Use this presentation to build confidence in your knowledge of the area.
		Have a group of first time Buyers, or prospects who want “The Deal”? Use this presentation to get them on your side.

Your Supporting Materials

Need to feel well armed when competing with the big corporate franchise shops?

Want to wow a sophisticated Buyer client, or impress at your next listing presentation?

No problem. Neighborly has you covered. The materials are very good too. Customer centric, focused on service, and true to how we do business.

		Neighborly is a premier serv·ice oriented company, who partners with their clients for long term real estate planning. To understand Neighbor\|y,you must understand the corporate culture surrounding the team. Neighbor\|y’s Reason to Be: Mission, Vision, Purpose Statements. The works. Why do we practice the Neighborly Way? Why is a Neighborly team member more professional and reliable than the competition?
		Neighbor\|y’s Vision Statement. THE CHOICE. Neighborly is not simply after the “next transaction”. Our business model is defined by the success of our clients. Through partnership with Neighborly, families can expect long term property and mortgage planning that exceeds what our peers in the industry deliver.
		Internally and externally, what does Neighborly believe? It’s our mission to understand the c\|ient’s needs and deliver beyond their expectations, time and time again. Our core business is through referrals. New lead generation is important, but treating an existing client like gold is absolutely the Neighborly Way.
		The Neighborly Way is ifne heart of our culture and belief system. These bullet points are profoundly important and ari:icu\|ate how we treat our clients, our peers, and each oijier. If a business model or a team member do not fit The Neighborly Way, than they will be removed from ifne team.
		How do we operate on a daily basis? The Guiding Principles and ifne realization ifnat you are “Always On” will guide you through decision making, and support you during boifn challenging and rewarding times.
		In a single sentence, why should ifne client work with Neighborly? Never forget—this business is about people. It is about emotion. We need to be respectful of the “person”, not just the client. Show them the value we bring and deliver to it.
		At a deeper level, how does our expertise benefit the client? How to we ensure we are delivering to their best interests? These are some of the key services Neighborly provides, and how Neighborly operate the business.
		For the brokerage, treating the clienfs well is AS important as how we treat each other. Respect, support, development, and financial reward are all equally important internally. To operate the business any other way would not be The Neighborly Way.
		At the tactical leyel, this is what we do for the client on a daily basis. This is what Neighborly of’fers to Real Estate and Mortgage consumers. This list will continually evolve as new business programs are added and obsolete programs are phased out.
		How does the Neighborly Group offer sayings to clients? How does the structure of two independent companies (Neighborly Realty and Neighborly Financial) help you put dollars back in your client’s hands?

Additional Tools for Unusual Transactions

No two escrows are alike. Each transaction willthrow vou an unexpected curve.

Need additional support for those tough times? Neighborly is here to help. Neighborly has created several tools for the most common “corner cases”, and is constantly developing more for vour daily use.

Have a need that we haven’t fultilled yet? Let us know and Neighborly will build the tool for the job.

		For use on a short sale, when you and the Buyer are teaming up to present a more forceful offer. You are NOT required to use this form. Use only if your Buyer is comfortable walking away from the contract if your commission gets challenged. Rarely used, talk to Jim Harris about application.
		The Release of Information Form. For use on a short sale, where the Seller is giving you written permission to negotiate with their lender. Customize this with your own information and start legally working for your Sellers.
		Neighborly’s Confidentiality Clause Addendum. When getting pushed to negotiate your commissions, use this when challenged by a client- and want to “get formal” about concessions (or use it to strengthen your argumentfor no concessions).
		The “Prospect Identification Form”. This is a safety tool. Ifyou are uncomfortable with a prospect and want to “get formal” about who they are before showing property, use this to record their personal and yehicle identification.

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