Tacos Instead of Real Estate

Thurday is a Broker's Tour day. The day we go out to look at what is new on the Real Estate market. It's still early, and there is not much to see. Certainly not anything to write about.
During these blustery Winter days I cannot help but day dreaming of what I want to do when the weather turns warm again.
The New York Times Online ran a wonderful article about finding the perfect Taco on the road from Santa Barbara to San Francisco. Mix this with a few choice stops for the beaches, and I think you have a fantastic, easy Summer getaway.
Here is the article for your winter day dreaming.

Let's Get Started

A new year has begun, and traditionally this is a slow time for Real Estate. But, I have found that it is not wise to treat this time as vacation time.
At the end of December and continuing on to the first week of January is the best time to organize the year.
You can get a feel for how the Real Estate market is going to progress, and you can set your plan A for the year, but always remember, be prepared to act on plan B at any time.
I think the year is going to see continued retrenching in the value of Real Esate. Last year we saw a 2% gain in value, but I think that was just some of the left over momentum in the market from the previous over heated years. This year there should be the begining of an actual decrease in Real Esate Values reflected in the quarterly surveys.
As I said in my last entry. My final clients of 2006 got much more house than I think they could have gotten in 2005 for the price.
Interest rates remain relitively low, so I think 2007 is on track to be an excellent year for anyone who wants to buy property.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Take Some Time Off!

This was a year that really tested me.
At the beginning of the year my Manager started her own company. The only reason I was at the real Estate company I was in at the beginning of the year was because of my manager, so when she decided to go, I went with her.
Along with the move came a change in the market. Everyone seemed to take a breath, and wait to see what was really happening in the real estate market.
For me, all these factors made 2006 seem like my first year as a Realtor all over again. I had to dedicate myself to a new beginning. I re-educated myself about this new market. I told everyone I knew that I had joined a new company, and I applied myself to my profession like I was a first year rookie.
It all paid off, and I had a strong 4th quarter.
I think it also helped that interest rates continued to go down, the Fed decided not to mess with things, the inventory of homes for sale was filled with value, and buyers started to realize that this may be their time to move forward.
I look forward to a wonderful 2007 that will continue to favor the buyers, and those who have prepared themselves for change.
But...for now...I'm going to take a little break.
See you in 2007.

New Year, New Home

Today I closed my final transaction for the year. My Clients, Bill and Danielle, had been working with me for 3 months. They were actually on the verge of giving up, and simply looking for a bigger apartment to rent. Finally, 21 days ago, they found their perfect home.
They wanted views of the city, a large lot, and plenty of space for an office and a master bedroom. We found it in the Montclair area of Oakland. It fit them perfectly.
Bill and Danielle did the right things. They had a clear picture of what they wanted. They knew the market, and they knew what they could afford in this market.
I truly believe that this home would have been out of their reach in 2005, but now they have a fantastic home, with amazing views of San Francisco, and they got a great rate on for their loan.
For me, there is nothing like handing over the keys of a first home to a new couple.

It is a great way to finish out the year.

Getting Ready for the New Year

As I approach the New Year, it is time to start thinking about my New Year’s Resolution. I have the usual stuff; lose weight, eat better and exercise more.

But, I also want to be of more service in 2007. Though I have done a few things this year, next year I want to devote more of my time to community service. Nothing feeds your soul better than serving your community.

I also want to be of better service to my clients. While I pride myself on always being aware of my clients’ needs both in the contractual matters of Real Estate, and in being of emotional support to many who are making the biggest moves in their lives, I also want to provide an improved service to those who work with me. I am resolving to provide a better than expected return to all those I come in contact with. One of the ways I intend to achieve this is by taking better advantage of the technology available to help my clients in their search for a new home, or for the selling of the property they own

This is where you can help me help you.

Please email me with any topics you would like me to discus or research. Tell me how you would like me to provide you with better service as your Realtor, and not just now. Feel free to email me a question whenever you have one.



I think next year will be a fantastic year with great new opportunities and experiences. What will your resolution be?