The Real Estate Blog

Does Your Realtor do Internet Marketing?

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 03:52:00 +0000

Does your real estate have an aggressive internet marketing campaign? We're not talking about how a realtor markets their business on the internet - we're talking about how your realtor promotes your property listing on the internet.

In our opinion, it's not enough to put the listing in the multiple listing service ("MLS") and wait until the listing is "syndicated" to other websites. Think of it in terms of "traditional" marketing of your property. It's not enough to put a realtor "for sale" sign in front of the property and wait until buyers show up.

Today's successful real estate internet marketing campaign includes additional online promotion of property listings. There's no one right way to do this - each agent has their own style, their own "tried and true" methods for online promotion that work in their area and in their marketplace. For some agents, and in some areas, putting the listing on an internet classified ad website such as Craigslist draws potential buyers. For other agents, and in other real estate market areas, adding the listing to a blog can draw an audience. Many agents will post the listing on social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, etc. to promote the listing to their network of connections. And other agents use videos to promote their listings. All strategies are good - and can be effective ways to expand the marketing of a property online. We recommend that agents have their listings displayed on their personal real estate websites as well as on their company's real estate website - at a minimum.

Home sellers can truly benefit from the online promotion of their property. If you are a home seller, ask your realtor to explain their internet marketing campaign. If you are a real estate agent, we'd like to know - what online tools work in your marketplace?

Internet marketing is important for any property listing. The ability to reach a world-wide audience of potential buyers is amazing! Shouldn't your property have that advantage?

Social Benefits of Homeownership

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 12:09:00 +0000

The California Association of Realtors infographic on "The Social Benefits of Homeownership". When you purchase a home in a community, you are putting down "roots" and have a vested interest in the community that you call home. This leads to success in education, increased civic participation, and health benefits. And, you should feel a sense of pride in what you have accomplished!

California Home Prices - A History since 1970

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Are you interested in history? Take a look at this infographic from the California Association of Realtors -"California Home Prices - A History" from 1970 to present.

Is the past a predictor of the future? No one can predict what will happen with California home prices in 2013 or beyond. But we find this infographic to be an interesting real estate economic study.

Housing Affordability Increases - Is it time to buy a home?

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:04:00 +0000

Recent national statistics indicate housing affordability is improving in the United States. Many areas have seen an upward trend in home prices, while home buyers are still able to lock in a low mortgage interest rate. It seems like the best of all worlds for the housing market. For sellers, it means their home may sell in today's real estate market; while as recently as last year, homes were sitting on the market looking (hoping) for buyers.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) was released recently. This index "is measure of the percentage of homes sold in a given area that are affordable to families earning the area’s median income during a specific quarter." Specifically, the index shows that "74.9 percent of homes sold between the beginning of October and end of December were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $65,000." This number is up from 74.1% in the third quarter of last year.

You can read more about the HOI here: housing affordability index

While our area (Los Angeles) remains at the bottom of the ratings, home buyers in many other areas are seeing a real home buying opportunity - if they can survive the process. Home buyers in many areas are reporting frustration as low inventory combined with an increased number of home buyers is creating a challenge for home buyers. Home buyers are finding that their dream home has multiple offers and may sell for a premium (including a sales price over the listing price). Home buyers are finding that the current listing is most likely selling for more than the last comparable sale. From the suburbs of Washington, DC to the suburbs of Los Angeles, we are hearing the same reports from frustrated and weary home buyers.

What remains to be seen is how the appraisers will deal with this price increase in their appraisal report. Will the appraiser give "upward" value to the pending sale whose price exceeds the last sold comparable property? In recent years, we have seen appraisers "ding" the appraised value of a property with the comment that the area is experiencing a downward price trend. Will the appraisers now give the appraised value a "plus"?

Hang in there home buyers! Patience and fortitude - you'll get the home of your dreams. Now may be a "window" of opportunity for those who have been waiting and wanting to buy a home.

Number of California Real Estate Licensees Continues Trend

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:30:00 +0000

And the trend is downward.

If you will remember, we wrote about the declining number of California real estate licensees in January of 2012, covering data through October of 2011: Number of Real Estate Agents Continues to Decline

Now we can add another year into the statistics, and even bring the data up-to-date with the most recent month available (December, 2012) from the California Department of Real Estate:

Month, Year          Number of "salesperson" licensees

December, 2012   274,563
October,    2012    276,639
October,    2011    291,623
October,    2010    322,009
October,    2009    356,199
October,    2008    383,118
October,    2007    398,176
October,    2006    376,561
October,    2005    336,827

It will be interesting to watch the trend - as the real estate market picks up will we see an upturn in the number of licensees? Those of us who have been in the business - and this IS our business - just "roll with the punches" in any real estate market. We're here for the "long haul."

Wishing everyone a happy President's Day!

Learn more about SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 06:52:00 +0000

There are many designations and certifications that a real estate agent can earn through experience and education. Among one of our more valued designations is the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®).

The SRES real estate agent has been educated on issues in today's real estate market that are unique to home buyers and sellers who are age 50 and older. To best counsel their client, the SRES designee has been educated and has experience in the concerns, options, issues and decisions as they pertain to this growing segment of the population. The SRES agent helps form a path to help their client move to that next chapter in their life - a path that involves not only money, but lifestyle choices as well.

If you are a real estate agent, we encourage you to consider obtaining your Senior Real Estate Specialist designation.

If you are thinking about selling or buying a property, and are age 50+, we suggest that you would benefit from the knowledge that a Senior Real Estate Specialist can bring to your transaction.

Read more about the designation here: Senior Real Estate Specialist

Six Tax Facts for Home Sellers

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Thinking about taxes and the tax consequences of selling your home? Take a look at this infographic from the California Association of Realtors - 6 Tax Facts Home Sellers Should Know.

We suggest you consult with your tax and financial advisors as to the tax implications for your personal situation.

Homes Are Selling Like Hotcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:46:00 +0000

The California Association of Realtors has come out with another of their infographics on the state of the real estate market. This one, titled "Homes Are Selling Like Hotcakes", shows the "days on market" for single family homes.

How's the real estate market in your area?

Walkability Affects Home Buying and Selling

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:13:00 +0000

The "walkability", measured as a "walk score" can affect a property's desirability. Buyers can be influenced by their ability to walk from a home to shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues. Take a look at this infographic from the California Association of Realtors.

In today's "green" environment, a property's "walk score" should be considered.

California home buying process

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 04:14:00 +0000

An infographic from the California Association of Realtors. This data shows how California home buyers are locating the home that they buy. Home buyers are looking at fewer homes before buying, and an overwhelming percentage of home buyers are using a real estate agent to locate the home. Very interesting statistics!

California Moving Habits

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Another interesting infographic from the California Association of Realtors. This one shows the migration to California, moving within the state, and flight from living in "The Golden State." The statistics indicate more people are modeling the state motto - "Eureka" ("I have found it").

California Median Home Prices by County

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 06:40:00 +0000

The California Association of Realtors has prepared this infographic on California median home prices by county.

It's pretty interesting, don't you think?

It's no surprise to us that the five most expensive counties are San Mateo, Marin, San Francisco, Contra-Costa and Santa Clara.

Orange County, home to many prime Southern California beach communities, comes in at #6 in the state.

Home Owners Remodeling Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:03:00 +0000

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that remodeling of kitchen and baths is on the rise. According to a recent survey, home remodeling has seen an increase over 2010 (the last survey done by the NAHB). Bathroom remodeling jobs have an edge over kitchen remodeling projects (perhaps because the cost of a kitchen remodel is generally greater than a bathroom remodel).

The trend of increased home remodeling can be attributed to many reasons. Among our thoughts are:

(1) Homeowners are deciding to stay in their homes longer. This decision means that rather than moving, homeowners are electing to stay in their current home and remodel it - give it a "face lift" - and enjoy living in their home.
There have been many reports of a lack of housing inventory in recent months. The California Association of Realtors reported that "Housing inventory remains extremely tight throughout the state and at levels severely under normal market conditions" (source: March home sales and price report).

or

(2) Homeowners are finding - or it's being recommended to them - that they update the look of their home before putting it on the market. More and more home sellers are updating their home to help it compete in the real estate market. This can mean more than just "home staging". It can mean that replacing old-style construction elements will help in the sale of the home. Buyers are looking for that sleek, updated look. You can read our previous blog post here: TV Shows Affect Real Estate

This survey is yet another indicator of today's real estate market climate. You can read our previous blog post --- Is NOW the right time to buy a home? It's great if now is the right time for you to buy a home ... but there needs to be a home on the market to buy!

You can read the NAHB press release here: Kitchens and Bathrooms Remain Top Remodeling Jobs According to NAHB Survey

Is NOW the right time to buy a home?

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Sun, 06 May 2012 14:37:00 +0000

With continued uncertainty in the economy, we just have to ask ... is NOW the right time to buy a home?   The economists study the indicators, trends and graphs; "experts" make their predictions; and the consumer wonders what to believe.

If you are trying to decide if now is the right time for you to buy a home, consider these recent real estate-related news stories:

1. Interest rates are at an all time low. Read: MSNBC: 30 year Mortgage Rates at record low

2. Home prices have possibly hit the bottom. Read: CNN: Buying a home won't get much cheaper

3. Consumer confidence is in positive territory globally. Read: Consumer Confidence Gains as Taiwan, U.S. Rise in Nielsen Survey

4. Job growth points to a pull-back in the economy.  Read: Bloomberg: Job Gains Trailing Forecasts Add to U.S. Slowdown Concern

5. Do you value the investment advice of Warren Buffett?   Read: Warren Buffett on CNBC: I'd Buy Up 'A Couple Hundred Thousand' Single-Family Homes If I Could

6. An investment analyst who was previously negative on the real estate market claims now is the time to get back into the real estate market. Read: Time to start buying houses again in U.S.: Pimco

7. March home sales were up over last year.   Read: National Association of Realtors: March Pending Home Sales Rise, Market Recovering

8. Housing affordability index hits record high. Read: National Association of Realtors: Housing Affordability Index Hits Record High

9. If you want to buy a home, can you buy a home? The ability to obtain financing is affecting the market and still remains a sticking point. Read: Los Angeles Times: Home loan demand rises, but credit standards remain tight

While no one can predict the future, and until time passes, we won't know if these real estate stories are wishful hype or educated predictions. We feel there are more positive signals in the real estate market than we've seen in a number of years.

Fran and Rowena real estate agents on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:00:00 +0000

With change comes opportunity!

As of March 30, Facebook is converting Fan pages to the Timeline design. It allows businesses to create unique branding via the "cover photo" and "profile photo", with the ability to create custom "tabs". Facebook has guidelines for cover photos, so read up on them first. You can also use the "Milestone" feature to show the growth and evolution of your business.

Yes ... it's a change. But ... what an opportunity!

We have updated our Facebook page to the new Timeline design with a unique cover photo to showcase our "brand" as real estate agents. It's what we do and represent ... your success in finding a home.

Take a look and let us know what you think!

Fran and Rowena real estate agents

You can view our page here: Fran and Rowena real estate agents

Facebook is always changing, and as real estate agents we also face change in our business. We welcome change, and keeping up with the current real estate, financial, and economic markets plus social trends.

Technorati

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Claim code: DEHSQJM9JZZY

Mortgage Settlement Agreement

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:32:00 +0000

By now, most people have heard the term "robo signing", and also are aware that this practice has been widely challenged as a contributing factor to the current foreclosure woes.

Recently a settlement agreement was reached to assist homeowners who obtained a mortage with certain lenders. The agreement has been approved in 49 states.

You can read more about it: "Robo-Signing" Agreement Assists Homeowners

Sellers Seize Increased Real Estate Activity

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:24:00 +0000

Remember our blog post from January? Winter Real Estate Market Heats Up

Well, apparently the sellers have noticed. Recently sellers have also been feeling better about the market. What does this mean? The effect in our area is twofold.

First, sellers are pushing prices again. Listing prices appear to be on the rise. Will the sales price correspond with a similar increase? Time will tell. It's up to the buyers to let the sellers know if they are willing to pay more than, say, last year. We've noticed some properties relisted this year that did not sell last year ... and they're selling! That's good news!

Second, buyers are buying. We're feeling that the buyers have a "sense of urgency" with this being the "window of opportunity" for them to take advantage of low interest rates and favorable home prices. However, some buyers have already noticed the increased list prices and "balked". It may not be too hard to push the buyers right back out of the market.

Our advice? Sellers be careful. Reasonable pricing is still key to getting your home sold. And, remember --- there's still the important contract contingency of the appraisal. The appraiser must appraise the house for the amount of the sales price. Lenders may not be feeling this same upward pressure on prices, and that may, in the end, be the "check and balance" on home prices this year.

Number of Real Estate Agents Continues to Decline

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:54:00 +0000

The California Department of Real Estate (CA DRE) "salesperson" licensees continues to decline from the peak in 2007.

Statistics available from the CA DRE website show the following:
Month, Year       Number of "salesperson" licensees
October, 2011    291,623
October, 2010    322,009
October, 2009    356,199
October, 2008    383,118
October, 2007    398,176
October, 2006    376,561
October, 2005    336,827

Yes, it would appear that the number of real estate licensees has mirrored the economic environment. You can see the decline in the numbers of licensees from 2007 through now, as with the economic downturn.

We think we continue to see the number go down. From what we are hearing, many agents who have been holding on in the business are about at the point where they feel it necessary to get a "real job" - one with steady income and, possibly, benefits.

What do you think?

Should you remodel in your city?

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:31:00 +0000

Remodeling Magazine has issued their second annual forecast on the top 100 cities in terms of remodeling activity when measured against "the level of activity in first-quarter 2007, which was the peak of remodeling activity nationally in the prior decade." They have dubbed their "measuring stick" to be the Residential Remodeling Index ("RRI"). We find their list an interesting commentary on the health of the nationwide real estate market. One wonders - Does this remodeling index point to and correlate with the sales activity in that community as well? Or is it the indication that homeowners are staying in their homes and remodeling rather than moving?

In order, the top ten based on the RRI are: Cincinnati, Houston, Minneapolis, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Kansas City, Charlotte (North Carolina), Oklahoma City and Philadelphia.

In our state, California, the following cities made the list: San Francisco (#35), San Diego (#49), Sacramento (tied for #51), San Jose (tied for #54), Los Angeles (#66), Riverside (#79), Ventura (#84).

Did your city make the list? Check it out here: Top 100 Remodeling Markets

Winter Real Estate Market Heats Up

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:24:00 +0000

Yes, it may still be winter, but the real estate market has started with an early thaw.

Real estate agents report that phone calls into their office have increased in number since the doldrums of the holiday real estate market.

Open houses have been well-attended. A recent open house on our new listing was busy from the moment the door opened, until closing. Buyers were not only looking at the house, but talking about their plans to purchase. This represents a change from the general outlook during 2011, when buyers were more hesitant to express their desire to purchase, and seemed more "on the fence" about buying a home.

FreddieMac recently came out with their January 2012 Economic Outlook. You can read the pdf version here.

While those who make predictions are hedging their real estate bets, the home buyers we are talking with have an optimistic outlook on their home buying prospects. Historically low interest rates and lower home prices certainly are contributing to this positive feeling. Also, buyers are feeling more "settled" in their jobs.

Sellers may see an increase in activity. Indeed, one of our recent new listings received multiple offers within the first week of marketing. We encourage sellers to take a hard, realistic look at their listing price before putting their property on the market. We find that sellers who are pricing their homes more in line with the marketplace, without an extra "pad" in the price, are creating an encouraging signal to home buyers.

Yes, it's a winter thaw. Let's hope the real estate market continues to bloom in spring, and heat up in summer!

4855 Ocean View Blvd., La Canada, CA 91011

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:20:00 +0000

View our new La Canada listing

4855 Ocean View Blvd.
Offered at $649,000
Open Sunday, January 15 from 2 to 4 pm

Fran and Rowena
Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living
1030 Foothill Blvd.
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-0077

CA DRE #00966791 and #00913659

Dilbeck Real Estate is independently owned and operated.

Fran and Rowena Year End 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:19:00 +0000

Are you thinking of selling your La Canada, La Crescenta or Pasadena home in 2012?

Call us for a free, confidential real estate consultation.

Fran and Rowena
Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living
1030 Foothill Blvd.
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-0077

CA DRE #00966791 and #00913659

Fran and Rowena, real estate marketing specialists ... help you get your home sold!

Let us help you move to the next, great chapter in your life!

Fran and Rowena Summer Ad

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:29:00 +0000

SOLD! What Fran and Rowena did on their summer vacation

Fran and Rowena
Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living
1030 Foothill Blvd.
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-0077
CA DRE #00966791 and #00913659

Gated Estate - Modern Design - La Canada Flintridge

noreply@blogger.com (Fran Vernon) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Architectural Modern Gated Estate

3820 Domal Lane
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Now offered at $2,495,000

This dramatic home was designed by noted La Canada architect Jack Simison. Mountain, city and valley views! Once in a lifetime opportunity to own a home of significant architectural design. Award-winning La Canada schools.

For additional information, please contact:
Fran and Rowena
Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living
(818) 952-0077
email: info (at) franandrowena.com

CA DRE #00966791 and #00913659.
Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Dilbeck Real Estate is independently owned and operated.