Brian West, from Arizona iMortgage just inspired me this morning to write about "the experience".... Isn't that what we're selling?  That's what I sell.  What are some of the things that will keep people/clientele coming back for more? 1)  Maybe it's the update call you do regularly to keep your clients informed of the transaction details? 2)  What about the late night calls just to be sure they get some information you know they may be thinking about before they go to bed and you may just help them get a good night's sleep if you call tonight, instead of waiting until tomorrow? 3)  How about being at the home inspection while your Sellers are not? 4)  What about answering your telephone when they call?  Or always returning their call the same day? 5)  What about always telling them the... 02/05/2011

I have fairly active on AR this year...learning each time I log on...which is part of the fun, right?  I was just thinking to myself, when my day is done, and I'm just looking through comments, blogs, other member's profiles, I think to myself, AR has been such a Great Teacher. It's provided me with INSIGHT.  EXPERIENCE.  A SHOULDER (or two!).  THE BEST  of Everything when it comes to real estate.  I honestly was thinking, "What did I do before Active Rain???"... THANK YOU ACTIVE RAIN....for helping me to not give up, to keep on keeping on and to learn at every sitting...You are Absolutely The Best!  A special "Thank You" to all of it's members who have worked hard all year, commented when they were a little peaved and still made it helpful, coached us, contributed to all of us and then... 11/21/2010

Why Not?  What have I got to lose?  Build Local Goodwill...I hope so!! Have you tried this?  I am thrilled to be back on Los Osos High School Sports Schedule for 2010-2011 Sports Season and believe it's a worthwhile cause to get my name out there and also HELP OUT a LOCAL SCHOOL. I LOVE IT MUCH MORE THAN NEWSPAPERS...Because it has that LOCAL, CONTRIBUTION Kind-of-Feel. Your Thoughts?  Good Day!!   09/07/2010

Don't you hate talking to people that don't sound happy to be there?  Or happy to be doing their job?  There IS Another Person on the Other End of The Phone Line... What happened to sounding Happy & Cheerful to be of assistance?   What about sounding willing to help?  Afterall, we are in business.  Also, it's good to remember how lucky and grateful we are to be a part of such a wonderful industry, filled with amazing opportunities!!! What do you do when you're on the telephone?  I have a mirror in front of me sometimes so that I can sit up straighter, as well as sound better.  Great Posture gives better phone...at least that's what I believe.  Sound good?  I once read it's important to have good posture when you're on the telephone as your listener will appreciate the way you sound bett... 09/05/2010

I have been in the business for 18+ years and worked extra hard the first 10-12 years and then it was good times and now the past 3 years have been nothing short of challenging. Challenging because of the market values dropping, financing getting more difficult, Buyer's andSeller's mental states/worries, and also because of the media's focus on the negative. In short, it's time to wake up and smell THE CONSISTENCY! If you send out a newsletter, do it more CONSISTENTLY... If you call or visit your clients, now is the time to pull out the stops!  This will help us stay in the business during this slower time and hopefully have us riding the wave of success as the market improves. Let's Keep BUSY working SMARTER.  YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO AND HOW...like the Nike saying says, "Just Do It."   TO ... 08/28/2010

  I recently had a transaction that didn't close and feel it's a little ~ dare I say, frustrating when the other Realtor in the transaction is getting "in the way". It made it even more compelling given that I was the Listing Agent & Owner on the property.  Yup!! Very!! LOL  I found it sad to sign the final cancellation papers and return the Buyer's deposit to her when all was said and done.  I wondered whether she knew all her agent had asked for on her behalf and that it ultimately ended up being the beginning of the end for our transaction together.  Given that she hugged me after the second time she viewed the property, without her Agent there, I knew she really liked it. I was excited too, to see her get it and live where I have lived and enjoyed the past 5 years. My Questions are:... 06/29/2010

When was the last time you wrote an offer that was accepted? I wrote an offer yesterday with my ALL-CASH Buyer and what a day!  We are within 5-10% of asking price and I don't think it's enough?  Listing Agent is telling me that she's firm on her price and I guess if I had a nice house to sell and all the time in the world to sell it, I'd be firm on my price too.  I believe it is worth it.  Isn't it up to me to tell my client?  You bet!  How am I going to handle this?  ..  It will work out...this is a good problem to have.  If you don't tell your Buyer the property is worth it, someone else will? Your Thoughts? 06/28/2010

How do you tell those real estate professionals to stop talking about themselves?  Have you ever met them?  I call them, "I, Me, My"..because that's all they talk about.  I hope you're laughing!!  If you think about it, it's true.  If you are their client, do you really care about who they know, what they did one time, or how they got to where they are?  READY FOR THE FUNNY PART? I'M GUILTY TOO!!! ARRRGGGHHHHH!!!  I try so hard to catch myself from doing this, because occasionally, YES, I ADMIT IT.... I'm guilty of it too! I think to myself, why am I doing that, what are they thinking, how can I segway back to THEM?  IT'S ALL ABOUT THEM ANYWAY, RIGHT?  Hope you take this in the manner it's intended.  I think it's human to be guilty of this.  To recognize when it's happening is the impo... 06/09/2010

A while back I told you that I was starting to advertise with what they call a "bundle"...which means it's a combination of different ads, within the week, in my local newspaper.  Well, I'm just finishing that 13 week stint up, and there are a few IDEAS/INSIGHTS it's given me and wanted to share with you. 1)  How many people are reading the newspaper?  Good Question!  While I have certainly gotten response, it's not the the olden days where my phone would ring off the hook.  When you ADVERTISE IN PRINT, Be sure to advertise the best listings, with great photos that will DRAW INTEREST...THAT'S what's going to make your telephone ring. 2)  Are people more interested in the properties and not the Realtor advertising them?  You betcha! As hard as this is to admit to ourselves or think about... 05/30/2010

Is anyone out there bundling their services?  You save money, so if you aren't, you should.  The most common bundling of services is through Verizon, our local telephone company.  If you order Direct TV with them, DSL or Fios and Home Phone Service, it's like getting the home phone number free.  Or at least it is here in Cali. Another way you can hopefully save more money is in your advertising.  Some local newspapers will work with you to give you better rates if you advertise more.  Have you looked into it?  The local newspaper, Daily Bulletin and I have been working together for years.  Recently my Rep there, Rhiannon, helped me to design a way that I can have a business card sized ad in the paper twice a week, and then on the Real Estate Day, I have an 1/8 of a page.  On the 1/8 pag... 05/12/2010

The real estate market is in a state of revamping, regrounding and repositioning for the past 6 months or so.  It seems like almost every week something changes about our job, doesn't it? Where change is found, lies opportunity.  Would you agree? There is alot of opportunity in the marketplace, right now. Buyers, Sellers and Renters, too. Let's get busy and keep busy.  It's time to make hay while the sun is shining.  In California, you think that the sun is always shining, right?  But, whether the actual sun is out or now, it's shining and we need to remember, the sun SHINING NEEDS TO BE A STATE OF MIND. GOOD LUCK....AND CARPE DIEM. 03/13/2010

Interesting news from the New York Times as it reports that the Obama administration is taking a new approach in dealing with the housing crisis. The initial step of the current administration was to try and keep homeowners in their home via a loan modification. This latest installment of dealing with the housing crisis has appears to be shifting from keeping homeowners in their home, to paying them to leave. As part of the new program borrowers will get $1,500 to help get them on their feet “relocation fee” once they leave the property and also get the lender’s assurance that they will not later be sued for an unpaid mortgage balance. Is it just me, or is this part of the HAFA program? It appears as if this article was written for the general public, informing them of additional option... 03/09/2010

RE/MAX Homes & Estates Pre-Foreclosure Division  (714) 588 -7676 ∙  www.remaxann.com   If you are in a situation where: • You lost your job • Your Medical Expenses are too high • Just went through/going through a divorce • You are behind on your payments • You have no equity • You can't afford the cost of selling your home • Your income has been reduced • You are in foreclosure   WE CAN HELP YOU! It's easy and doesn't cost you any MONEY! Our services are Free!!! WHEN THE DEBT EXCEEDS YOUR HOME'S VALUE... we can help is with a SHORT SALE.   Benefits of a Short Sale: • Avoid Foreclosure • Avoid Bankruptcy • Reduced damage to your credit • Postpone your foreclosure sale date • A short sale will stay on your credit approx 3 years • BE FREE of financial and emotional burdens!     We are lice... 03/03/2010

When do you get your termite inspection done on your listings? I'm just coming off a two week stall of getting any showings on my newest listing.  Bummer.  What happened was, I listed it, we got the inspection done, then the Seller wanted to take care of minor wood replacements outside and it halted my showings!!  WOW. We are opening escrow tomorrow....so it still sold in 20 days or less.  We are ecstatic!! Just thought it was funny how this all worked out....so if this happens to you, wanted to offer some advice.  You may want to get inspection done, so you know what you're Seller(s) is/are looking at as far as dollar amounts and figures.  But don't let it halt showings. The first two weeks of a listing are the most critical and crucial for maximum exposure. Sell, Sell, Sell!!   02/09/2010

 NO CREDIT CHECK $750 STUDIO FOR RENT (ALTA LOMA, RANCHO CUCAMONGA) 500 SQ FT STUDIO IN THE SUNSCAPE COMMUNITY. Property Features: 2nd floor unit, balcony,brand new paint, new laminate wood floors, Close to Laundry Room, Covered Parking, Pool & Spa, Tennis, Peaceful Atmosphere, Nice Landscaping. Easy access to 210 & 10 Freeways, close to shopping & restaurants and Chaffey College. NO DEPOSIT AND NO CREDIT CHECK!!!!!!!!  MOVE IN BY END OF DECEMBER!!! CALL ANN AT 714 588 7676 OR EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFO                                     ADDRESS: 8990 19TH ST UNIT 342                                         cats are OK - purrr Location: ALTA LOMA, RANCHO CUCAMONGA   #01451803 12/08/2009

$750 STUDIO FOR RENT (ALTA LOMA, RANCHO CUCAMONGA) 500 SQ FT STUDIO IN THE SUNSCAPE COMMUNITY. Property Features: 2nd floor unit, balcony,brand new paint, new laminate wood floors, Close to Laundry Room, Covered Parking, Pool & Spa, Tennis, Peaceful Atmosphere, Nice Landscaping. Easy access to 210 & 10 Freeways, close to shopping & restaurants and Chaffey College. DEPOSIT 750.00 AND 1ST MONTHS RENT NO CREDIT CHECK!!!!!!!! CALL ANN AT 714 588 7676 OR EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFO ADDRESS: 8990 19TH ST UNIT 342 cats are OK - purrr Location: ALTA LOMA, RANCHO CUCAMONGA 11/06/2009

$780 STUDIO FOR RENT (ALTA LOMA, RANCHO CUCAMONGA) 500 SQ FT STUDIO IN THE SUNSCAPE COMMUNITY. Property Features: 2nd floor unit, balcony,brand new paint, new laminate wood floors, Close to Laundry Room, Covered Parking, Pool & Spa, Tennis, Peaceful Atmosphere, Nice Landscaping. Easy access to 210 & 10 Freeways, close to shopping & restaurants and Chaffey College. DEPOSIT 780.00 AND 1ST MONTHS RENT NO CREDIT CHECK!!!!!!!! CALL ANN AT 714 588 7676 OR EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFO ADDRESS: 8990 19TH ST UNIT 342 cats are OK - purrr Location: ALTA LOMA, RANCHO CUCAMONGA    10/26/2009

500 SQ FT STUDIO IN THE SUNSCAPE COMMUNITY. Property Features: 2nd floor unit, balcony,brand new paint, new laminate wood floors, Close to Laundry Room, Covered Parking, Pool & Spa, Tennis, Peaceful Atmosphere, Nice Landscaping. Easy access to 210 & 10 Freeways, close to shopping & restaurants and Chaffey College. DEPOSIT 500.00 AND 1ST MONTHS RENT ON APPROVED CREDIT ONLY!!!!!!!! CALL ANN AT 714 588 7676 OR EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFO ADDRESS: 8990 19TH ST UNIT 342 cats are OK - purrr Location: ALTA LOMA, RANCHO CUCAMONGA 10/20/2009

500 SQ FT STUDIO IN THE SUNSCAPE COMMUNITY. Property Features: 2nd floor unit, balcony,brand new paint, new laminate wood floors, Close to Laundry Room, Covered Parking, Pool & Spa, Tennis, Peaceful Atmosphere, Nice Landscaping. Easy access to 210 & 10 Freeways, close to shopping & restaurants and Chaffey College.   DEPOSIT 500.00 AND 1ST MONTHS RENT ON APPROVED CREDIT ONLY!!!!!!!! CALL ANN AT 714 588 7676 OR EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFO ADDRESS 8990 19TH ST UNIT 342 cats are OK - purrr Location: ALTA LOMA, RANCHO CUCAMONGA 10/08/2009

RE/MAX Homes & Estates Pre-Foreclosure Division 9241 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 150, Irvine, California 92618 (714) 588 -7676 ∙  www.ReMaxAnn.com   If you are in a situation where: •You lost your job •Your Medical Expenses are too high •Just went through/going through a divorce •You are behind on your payments •You have no equity •You can't afford the cost of selling your home •Your income has been reduced •You are in foreclosure   WE CAN HELP YOU! It's easy and doesn't cost you any MONEY! Our services are Free!!!  WHEN THE DEBT EXCEEDS YOUR HOME'S VALUE... we can help is with a SHORT SALE.   Benefits of a Short Sale: •Avoid Foreclosure •Avoid Bankruptcy •Reduced damage to your credit •Postpone your foreclosure sale date •A short sale will stay on your credit approx 3 years •BE FREE of fin... 04/27/2009