ALISO VIEJO, CA, April 11, 2007 – One month after winning the coveted Real Estate Apprentice Grand Prize Award of $70,000 in real estate fast-track career tools, JJ Leininger of Kauai, Hawaii provides this RISMedia exclusive interview between herself and the Apprentice Foundation’s Executive Deputy Director, Dr. Martin Oliver.  The following commentary not only provides insight into Ms. Leininger, but it also provides a glimpse of upcoming, diligent rookie agents who are earmarked with special characteristics and a special hunger to win.

Foundation: JJ, it’s been 30 days since you were announced as the Grand Prize Winner.  Now that the dust has finally settled, do you have any comments about winning?

Leininger:  I was absolutely thrilled to win the Grand Prize, and was honored and surprised to end up in first place with so many great contestants in the running.  After the PR hit the streets some of the Finalists and Semi-Finalists even contacted me personally, and that really meant a lot to me. 

Foundation: Has your real estate career changed much?

Leininger: Since winning, I am working just as hard as I did before to try to build my career with a strong everyday focus on my goals. I am looking forward to a full utilization of all of the grant gifts I have and will receive, and I might add, the opportunities that will come to me as a result. 

Foundation: Were there any particular grant award tools that you that you especially needed?

Leininger I am especially excited about McLean International System Consulting and Hobbs/Herder Professional Image Package.   I am looking forward to their help in making my marketing efforts much more professional, up to date, cost effective and time-sensitive.  Also with the Transaction Management Software from First American Title, I will be personally trained on how to use it and how to become much more organized.  Also, I have already started my online business planning template with the CreateAPlan Business Planning tool and I believe that it will be most helpful.  The other thing I am looking forward to doing is getting my Accredited Seller Designation (ASR).  I am going to be starting on that course very soon. 

Foundation:  JJ, the Hobbs/Herder Company will be building you a personal business website.  Have you had a chance to give some thought to the value of that marketing device and how it can drive new business to you?

Leininger: Regarding Hobbs/Herder, the thing that I am most excited about is having them create my website in a professional manner.  I understand that 90% of people interested in real estate start on the Internet.  I designed my current website by simply following a book on HTML.  It works ok, but it definitely does not have all the bells and whistles that a professionally designed website does. I was also notified that Hobbs/Herder is holding a Two Day MegaMarketing Seminar on the Big Island of Hawaii and I am super excited that I will be attending that, and I am truly looking forward to their training.   I am also looking forward to meeting Don Hobbs and Greg Herder if they attend, as well as many of real estate agents from Hawaii that I have not yet met. 

Foundation: How has the Brokerage Company you work for responded to your winning?

Leininger: They have been supportive. As you know, I work for Makai Properties, the largest non-franchised brokerage on Kauai.  There is a very relaxed and non-competitive atmosphere there and the other agents are super friendly and always willing to answer questions.  I understand the law of sowing and reaping, so I make certain that I assist others as often as I am able. 

Foundation:  Real estate sales have slowed down in many cities on the mainland.  What is happening on Kauai?

Leininger: The median home price on Kauai is $700,000.  The most expensive listing on the Kauai is $45M and that does include acreage.  Starter homes away from the beach in cities like Lihue are also available in the $450,000 range.  Makai Properties is the lead broker on a special project on Poipu Beach consisting of 70 single family golf course homes in the $2M price range.  Three model homes will be built this summer and the infrastructure is currently being laid in solid rock.  It will be one of the most beautiful developments on earth!

Foundation: How long does it take a home to sell on Kauai and what is the total dollar value for the listings that you current have?

Leininger: Currently I personally have $3.5M in listings, which represent six to seven homes.  In 2005, homes that were priced right were selling in 30 days.  Now it takes approximately nine months for a single family home to sell on Kauai.  The last home I sold – a starter home – was on the market for 102 days.   I recently helped a person lease a home with an option to buy.  Two years ago, you would have never seen that. 

Foundation: Who are the average buyers?

Leininger: Since 1997 there has been a strong investor market representation.  I have a combination of buyers that call me, those who are Kauai residents who are looking for a primary residence as well as investors looking for a vacation home or rental property.  75% of the people who call me are not Kauai residents. 

Foundation: Does Kauai’s employment situation support real estate sales to the local population?

Leininger: We have a very low employment situation here, not only because of the hotel and resort industries, but also because of military employment opportunities.  The only concern we have is that wages have not kept up with home prices.  

Foundation: JJ, do you have any final reflections about your career as a real estate agent?

Leininger: Regarding my career, where I am, and where I believe I am going: I can sum it up with a story from last week.  One of my clients who just purchased a condo sent me a lovely gift, thanking me for going above and beyond the call of duty; even helping them with the last minute items that were coming up after closing.  These “things” needed to done because the  client was not physically on Kauai.  My priority is not only to provide an outstanding level of friendship and service to my clients so that they will have their own personal needs met, but also that I might receive referrals in return.  That was accomplished.  This is what I call a long term development plan for my real estate business.  The bottom line … I am very excited and thrilled to have become the 5th Real Estate Apprentice Grand Prize Winner, because it will help me do a much more efficient job.