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I LEFT MY HEART INMAN SAN FRANCISCO - BUG! REALTY riding waves of innovation

Let's talk about an attention grabber--- BUG! Realty made a smashing debut during the INMAN Connect days last month, getting well-deserved press with their innovative marketing approach for real estate as they intoduced their mobile office! Fututistic? Ahead of it's time? NOT BY MUCH if you've been listening, if you're tuned in to the marketplace turning into all things mobile, then you'll grasp the brilliance of this moveable BUG! on wheels for deals in real estate. Isn't this the kind of creative genius needed for our times? Innovation & excitement filled the hall with cutting-edge vendors, but the BUG! REALTY corner was spotted everywhere--- on the bridge, in the streets, in the hands of many who donned their bright, red carry bags (oh so cute!). In another magical moment of my conference week, I was lucky enough to drive one of these simple, beautiful bugs down the coast, from San Francisco to my final destination near San Diego, in an adventurous effort to get at least one of their fleet back home from the show. It was so much fun, and, I quickly learned, was a quick conversation starter for other agents & curious buyers on the road. I'd made some wonderful BUG! friends---Allen McKay, Chris Siow, Kirk Gregor & his brilliant assistant, Marketing & Media dynamo, Jana Perry --- all Riders on the Storm of Real Estate) that banded together when founder, president & CEO Kevin Seney developed the idea of a "brickless business" In his own PRESSED words, Kevin explains: "

Bug! Realty agents (known in the company as "Bug Guides,") utilize a company-issued iPhone loaded with a proprietary suite of business tools,along with a branded Volkswagen Beetle to conduct business wenever, wherever. By equipping its franchisees with not only these tools, but also a rock-solid business plan...Armed with cutting-edge mobile technology, Bug Guides are free to work on the go, serving their business needs and their clientele with a friendly efficiency that was previously impossible. These tools make them more accessible to the client. Additionally, with an organic integrated marketing system, clients and potential clients see Bug! Realty everywhere."

Learn more about about the background, benefits, franchise opportunity & innovation of BUG! Realty by logging on to www.bugrealty.com.

Here's THE BUG, ready to leave SF...

here I am on the way to LA

stopped to play some catch with my nephew

made it to Encinitas where I also got to meet good fellow Active Rainer, Kathy McGraw (the BUG! is parked here!) at a wonderful coffee house named PANNIKINS.

I DEFINITELY GOT THE BUG! BUG! bye for now!

Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.

Posted by Mara Hawks, REALTOR®, Homes For Sale in Auburn-Opelika, Alabama, AU, Lee County on 08/27/2008 08:48 PM

Comments (13)

inman, bug realty, allen mckay, bloggers connect, inman connect sf, real estate agent, find homes for sale, auburn al, encinitas, pannikins, bug

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13 Comments on I LEFT MY HEART INMAN SAN FRANCISCO - BUG! REALTY riding waves of innovation

Hi Mara, great to hear from yourself again and this great topic of Bug Realty and your drive down the coast. Wonderful photos and glad you got to meet Kathy. So is the model of this agency all mobile all the time??

08/27/2008 08:52 PM

by Gary Woltal - REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty)

Sounds like you had a blast! What a terrific review - and i left my heart in san francisco years ago, and i only have bits and piecesof it back! :-)

08/27/2008 08:57 PM

by Liz Moras - Chilliwack Realtor - Chilliwack Real Estate Sales (Associate Broker for ReMax Nyda Realty)

Hey Ladies,

Wow, awesome response and miss you guys already.

Thanks for the kudos.

Amazing things happening in San Francisco.

Love your show!

KS 619-435-8000

www.bugrealty.com

www.kevinseney.com

08/27/2008 09:24 PM

Hey Mara you had had a major AR leave of absence...hope your back for a while:)

08/27/2008 10:19 PM

by Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty)

Mara- love the pics! Kinda funny to see Pannikin up there too (great vibe and coffee but wayyy too crowded on the weekends for me!) I had a blast meeting you and Lynne, having a fun dinner and chatting and am confident that you guys are going to have great careers and times in this crzay biz!

Don't be a stranger (either web-wise or if you're back this way).

Allen

08/28/2008 09:09 AM

by allen mckay

Mara, How much fun is that? Looks and sounds like you had a wonderful time and got to meet some fabulous people! I love San Francisco, I've been there 5 times :)

08/28/2008 10:38 AM

by Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City)

Hey Mara, I am so excited seeing all those pictures. It was a pleasure knowing you and Lynne. Can't wait to see you back in SF soon.

Chris

08/28/2008 01:39 PM

by Chris S

Hi Mara.....I loved meeting you, and really liked your little Bug Realty car. I think someone called me, don't remember but the timing was bad. I love the mobile part....but is this a Franchise? Do they have one in Encinitas were you were....I know you told me but I forgot :)

Anyway, I am so glad you're back on here, and hope all is well....it was absolutely wonderful to meet you.

08/28/2008 07:55 PM

by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

I would join in a second... I love bugs! Great to hear from you

08/30/2008 06:36 AM

by Judy Greenberg- Buffalo Grove-Long Grove- Vernon Hills Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)

Gary - good to hear from my AR pals again! Yes, mobile all the time (leasing a car instead of office space) --- although I observed that they do stop at LuLu's Restaurant & Bar on Folsom Street!

Liz - oh yeah, I think everyone, in some way, leaves their heart in this town :-)

Kevin - Lynne & I were so thrilled to become a little part of the unfolding BUG! story! It's bound to be a bestseller for real estate!

Bill - good to be back, and hope to see you at Connect next year! (Do you go to the NY one?)

08/30/2008 09:03 AM

by Mara Hawks, REALTOR®, Homes For Sale in Auburn-Opelika, Alabama, AU, Lee County (FIRST REALTY)

Allen - can I say you are as cute as a BUG!? :-) It was such a wonderful road less traveled. Also, if you ever visit Auburn (although I won't hold my breath), you'll understand why I go head-over-heels for a place like Pannikins!

Carole - 5 times?? INMAN Connect could have been your 6th notch! I look forward to meeting you one of these times. I'll be in touch for FALL AR business. I haven't forgotten your wonderful suggestion, just that summer seems to have melted my reserves. So good to hear from you again!

Chris - It was a blast getting to meet your fleet :-) What a land of opportunity, and I enjoyed learning about you and your family. All the very best!

Kathy - like Life's unexpected moments and familiar surprises, meeting you was just wonderful. Here I was with this MOBILE BUG! and you still drove to where I'd parked. You're the best. (And if you want to find out more, Allen is in Encinitas. Call him & find out more!

Judy - you'd look adorable in a BUG! Maybe for Long Grove though, you could deck out an Escalade with like a queen bee or something?? LOL... all those gorgeous homes!

08/30/2008 09:21 AM

by Mara Hawks, REALTOR®, Homes For Sale in Auburn-Opelika, Alabama, AU, Lee County (FIRST REALTY)

Now that looked like a complete blast... driving the coast in fun car AND getting to play catch & catch-up with good friends. It's so good to have you back in the AR posting zone... I can't wait to see all the things you have to tell us about.

08/30/2008 12:33 PM

by Chuck Willman, Arizona East Valley Realtor® (Gentry Realty)

HOW CUTE love the VW, and catch name Bug Real Estate. next car get the convertible LOL... then wear a bug hat,,,, it would get attention you have to be brave to wear it. Have a great week.

09/02/2008 10:23 AM

by Lynn911.com ~ Top Dallas Real Estate Agent (Dallas Real Estate ~ Lynn911.com )

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