A Look at the Past and a Look at the Future

December 30, 2009 · Dean Rizzi · 1 Comment

This time last year we predicted that 2009 would end a lot better than it began. We were right, though it wasn’t a great accomplishment to be right considering how low the housing market, stock market, and overall economy had sunk during the latter half of 2008. As we’ve stated repeatedly over the past year, a low base and a dour outlook provide an excellent buying opportunity, so we weren’t surprised when buyers stepped forward to exploit the opportunities.

Looking ahead to 2010, we see continued improvement in home sales and home prices. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if the market turns to a sellers’ market from a buyers’ market by year’s end. We are almost certain that will be the case if we see a two to three percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. Low mortgage rates and income tax credits are contributing factors in stabilizing the market, to be sure, but no factor is more important than employment in not only maintaining stability but stimulating activity. Read more

Judging a Book by it’s Cover….Always a Mistake

February 3, 2009 · Kathy Wall · 8 Comments

At our office meeting this morning we discussed the fact that a large chain restaurant plans to offer free breakfasts to anyone who comes to their restaurant tomorrow. I won’t be going, because I have been boycotting them for more years than I can remember, after reading (on many occasions and in several locations) that their corporate culture allowed employees to discriminate again African Americans. I’ve never gone back since.

This made me think about how important our public image is and how one wrong move can cost us a customer for life. We need to be extremely conscious all the time about what we say and how we say it, both with our voices our physical gestures, and our written words. A silly joke that someone finds offensive or the way we discuss a neighborhood at an open house…almost anything can have the potential to lose a client or hurt someone’s feelings. Read more

Bay Area Real Estate’s – Perfect Storm

December 10, 2008 · Lee Ginsburg · 6 Comments

Perfect Storm = Low Interest Rates, Low Prices, and Lower Inventory.

We have all the ingredients.

If you have been waiting for prices to stabilize you are on the cusp of being late.

Homes in Daly City, San Bruno, San Mateo, San Francisco and South San Francisco are selling. To keep up with the demand Bank of America is falling behind on appraisals and is hiring outside appraisers. I spoke to a termite inspector yesterday. He had 5 inspections scheduled for the day. Need I say we did not speak long. There is a buzz in my office. Conference rooms are filled with buyer’s consultations. Banks dealing with short sales are moving faster and be more aggressively. If you are a first time home buyer or a seasoned investor; jump in, the buying is great. It is a PERFECT STORM for you. Low Prices, Low Interest Rates and Lower Inventory. Getting a Loan in not impossible
http://www.pruvoices.com/2008/12/gettin-a-loan-is-not-impossible/

If you are busy with the holidays maybe meet with me (877-Lee Sells) or your favorite realtor just to get updated on the market so you are ready to take advantage of the Best Buyer’s Market in 30 Years come January.

www.leesellsmore.com
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/30/RE8014CT0J.DTL

Visiting Homes in the Rain?

November 2, 2008 · Jean Joh · 4 Comments

I just got back from hosting an Open House in Burlingame. It’s a beautiful house but it was pouring rain outside, so needless to say, not too many people came through. With that fresh in my mind, I thought I would write a quick blog about why it might be a good idea to view a home when it’s raining.

How To Be A Great Real Estate Client

September 14, 2008 · Jean Joh · 1 Comment

“How can I be a great client to my real estate agent?” Okay, this is probably not on the top ten list of Frequently Asked Questions…probably not even the top one hundred…I’ll admit it – I have NEVER in my real estate career been asked this question by a client. I have invested countless hours into preparing to be the best agent I can be – reading books and articles, attending classes and seminars, keeping on top of the inventory in the area – but I have yet to see a book called, “Being a Great Real Estate Client for Dummies” or the like. And so, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to turn the tables and talk a little about what it takes to be the type of client that a real estate agent would love to work with. Read more