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A Word From Roger
 Last
month I discussed WHR's mid-survey process and how this provides a
unique opportunity for service recovery and drives results that
consistently meet and beat operational targets. This month I'd
like to dive into WHR's Cost Management and what is critical to
monitor and measure on a consistent basis. This list is not
all-inclusive, but here are some key metrics I have available at my
fingertips at any given moment of the day.
- TDOE (Total
Direct Operating Expenses)
- DOM (Days on Market)
- AV (Amended Value)
rates
- Variances
- Absolute Variances
All of these expense variables are critical to
managing the relocation process and establishing internal goals and
metrics for WHR employees. While service is fundamental to
insuring a transferee remains productive during the relocation
process, these expense targets are critical to corporate contacts and
the CFO in managing relocation budgets. The vast majority of
companies experienced increased costs related to their relocation
programs and consequently employers have slowed down or even stopped
the relocation of employees. Therefore it is absolutely
essential that these particular metrics are monitored with
consistency and addressed with immediacy.
Over the past few years WHR was able to look at this
data and come up with solutions and strategies to address the
downturn in the real estate market. For example, AV rates for
some WHR Clients remained in the 70% range during this recessionary
period. Working with Clients we implemented home sale bonuses,
mandatory listing parameters, and other strategies designed to
encourage and drive amended sales. While some of these
initiatives required an investment of capital, the overall savings
was well worth the investment. This is just one example of why
this information is critical to monitor, and how WHR brings solutions
based on factual data.
Another key
element in managing client costs is to align staff objectives to a
metrics driven performance plan that takes these factors into
consideration. By imparting these goals from the very bottom of
the organization to the very top creates an operational model that is
consistent, objective, creates best practices, and allows for change
management based on data analysis. WHR has a goal to be a
metrics driven organization in every facet of the company, and cost
management is something every employee needs to be cognizant in their
daily activities.
As always, I would welcome your feedback and the
opportunity to discuss how WHR may create value for your
organization. Please email me at roger.thrun@whrg.com
or call me directly at 262.523.7501.
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Fighting the
Headwind in Housing
By Diane Swonk, Chief Economist, Mesirow Financial
www.mesirowfinancial.com
View the latest issue of Themes on the EconomyŽ, a monthly
economic newsletter written by Chief Economist Diane Swonk, focusing
on the latest trends and data exhibited in the U.S.
economy.
In her special housing market edition, Swonk takes a closer look at
the outlook for housing, and the fallout for overall economic growth.
This report is being released a month earlier than usual because of
the unexpected drop in sales in January, and the concerns that those
losses raise regarding the sustainability of the recovery. More...
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The Wall Street Journal l Real Estate
The number of homes listed for sale increased in many
metropolitan areas in February.
The supply of homes available for sale in 27 major
metropolitan areas at the end of February was up 4.2% from a month
earlier, according to figures compiled by ZipRealty Inc., a real-estate
brokerage firm based in Emeryville,
Calif. The ZipRealty
data cover all single-family homes, condominiums and town houses
listed on local multiple-listing services in metro areas where the
firm operates.
On a national basis, inventories typically rise in
February from the January level as people put houses on the market in
anticipation of the busy spring home-shopping season. Over the past
27 years, the average increase in February has been 3.4%, according
to Ivy Zelman, chief executive of Zelman & Associates, a research
firm. More...
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www.irs.gov
With more and more employees working from home we
wanted to provide a quick link to IRS rules governing home office
deductions for 2009. Please note, the following information is
taken directly from the IRS website and is for informational purposes
only. Please insure you or your tax accountant reviews the home
office deduction in totality when accounting for these expenses.
If you use part of your home for business, you may be
able to deduct expenses for the business use of your home. These
expenses may include mortgage interest, insurance, utilities,
repairs, and depreciation. The home office deduction is available for
homeowners and renters, and applies to all types of homes, from
apartments to mobile homes. There are two basic requirements for your
home to qualify as a deduction:
- Regular and Exclusive
Use.
- Principal Place of
Your Business.
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Key
Rates
Mortgage Rates*
www.bloomberg.com
current l 1 year
30 yr l 5.01% l 5.20%
15 yr l 4.36% l 4.82%
5/1yr
ARM l 3.90% l 4.82%
1/yr
ARM l 3.26% l 4.94%
*rates reflect national average
& may include points
More...
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Transferees
Speak
Our Coordinating Team relieved a tremendous amount of
stress during our relocation process. Our biggest worry, the sale
of our home, became the least of our concerns because of them.
Their knowledge and response to our concerns were far and beyond just
taking care of business, their patience, understanding, and compassion
in answering our questions gave us a peace of mind and helped us
through the process without additional stress!
Kathleen from
Atlanta, GA
I thought that my Coordinator did an outstanding job in
meeting my needs throughout the relocation process. Someone was
always available to take my phone calls (no recorded systems).
There was some confusion at one point about the policy and WHR and my
employer got together immediately and had the issue resolved within a
couple of hours. Overall I was very satisfied with the whole
process and the performance of the people involved.
Scott from
Austin, TX
Our Coordinator did a wonderful job! I would
recommend her to anyone, as I don't have a single complaint. Not
every detail of our move worked in our favor, but she did a fantastic
job of explaining our options and moving forward accordingly.
Charles from
Bakersfield,
CA
Overall, our Coordinating Team was very helpful and have
been very professional throughout this process. In the end, I know that
my family and I will be very happy with things and glad that we had WHR
walking us through this process.
Walter from
Baton
Rogue, LA
My Coordinating Team was extremely helpful and courteous
every single time I called them. They answered my inquiries in a timely
fashion. It has been a pleasure working with you! Thank you!!!
Dustin from
Bessemer, AL
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Buying
or Selling a Home?
Your
rebate will be $5.00 for each one thousand dollars of transaction
value.
Example:
Sell or Buy $200,000 home.
5.00 x 200
= $1,000.00
rebate!
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