Premier Real Estate Management

Do or Do Not...there is no Try!

2012-03-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite quotes and it belongs to a green Muppet that called the swamps of Dagobah home.

The reason why I enjoy it is because it embodies the basic divide between the people who succeed in Real Estate and those who come to it with the greatest of intentions but falter and then expect accolades for trying it out.

In our business, strategic study, focused action and relevant follow through are the basic building materials that erect long lasting personal brands. There are no shortcuts and to the winning individual, it requires a stead fast commitment to accomplish goals despite the typically petty challenges that slow down those who merely attempt to sell homes.

Are you a doer? Are you a trier?

This is the basic question you must ask yourself when you are deciding whether real estate sales is for you. The industry will reward you and success is attainable but only if you act.

A Short Break

2012-03-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

I have taken a short break in business writing.

At 34, I am beginning to see my 35th birthday later this year as a watershed moment in my travels as a Real Estate professionals. That, coupled with the reading of Steve Jobs' biography, I am carefully taking stock of the personality I have become and the benefits and disadvantages of my quirks as a manager of sales and marketing talents.

What I am discovering is that the experience of several years in the Real Estate industry has shaped a drive towards building a smaller team of top-tier REALTORS who provide quality services to clients. Unlike competitors who are seeking "just-any" licensed person, I am positioning our company to bring on and coach only the best people who have a specific and shared outlook.

I am continuing to flesh out what this looks like and will report after this week's travels to New Orleans for our CENTURY 21 Global Conference. But I am excited for the months to come and those who will be joining me in the adventure.

The CENTURY 21 Big Game Teasers

2012-01-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

The CENTURY 21 Super Bowl commercial teasers are on-line now and our team is getting excited to share our brand with million of football fans across America.

The first of the three teasers that will play through the game and will culminate in the third quarter of this year's show down.

Engagment

2012-01-12T16:16:00.000-08:00

A successful Social Networker must be engage and be engaging.

That is one of the biggest challenges I see with people who create Facebook, Twitter, Friendster, MySpace or whatever "flavor-of-the-month" social network that's out there. They delve into to on-line social dinner party and then plant themselves by the cheese tray and hardly ever move or speak.

Or there are also those who "speed date" their way through the network, befriending every Tom, Dick & Harry in quick succession but never take the time to build a "meaningful" relationship.

REALTORS can NOT afford to be either. They are better served by choosing a couple of networks, befriending only true real-life contacts and taking the time to post, answer and engage their sphere in relevant discussions.

A New Year

2012-01-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

The first week of the year seems to be going by in a flash and that's because the last 4 days have been exciting and fast moving around our offices.

The planning meetings that I had with agents in the November and December weeks are paying off as they are starting now to implement daily what we discussed.

In addition, we have had several walk-ins into the office where buyer's are seeking homes in the area to purchase. Even a local lender this week walked someone into our store who the agent on duty is now showing properties too.

This uptick in activity is just the right amount of momentum we need into the first quarter of the year. My plan now is to continue to hold the agents accountable for the plans and to beef up our marketing efforts on Facebook and Twitter.

More to come.

What Does $40 A Check Less Mean?

2011-12-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

My business blog is not political. My personal feelings on the current state of affairs are just that...personal. But since I often write and comment about issues surrounding social media, the internet and the power of engaging them I thought I'd share a little clip from last night's The Last Word show that discussed my Tweet.

Enjoy!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Business Planning

2011-12-20T16:54:00.000-08:00

I have been holding Business Plan meetings with my team of REALTORs since mid-November and as we approach the beginning of a new year I am feeling encouraged by the goals that they as individuals have set for themselves and where as a sales team are heading together.

The common themes in all our talks have been the following:

1) A need by Sales Management (i.e. me) to tighten accountability on the agents chosen plans. Most of our folks are indicating that the ebb and flow of business has a way of gumming-up the prospecting time that is so valuable as it is the fuel that keeps the business-engine of an independent contractor zooming. Therefore, effective immediately, I am making a concerted effort to continue to ask questions that force sales people to think about their efforts in meeting new clientele and managing time so as to have more time available towards that effort.
2) Sources for leads vary and the REALTORS are now looking to themselves to find what their sales and networking style is and how they can reach out to a demographic that best fits it. This means that "floor time" or hosting Open Houses is not for everyone and so as a team we must find the right combination of activities that will yield the best results to the sales agent.
3) Though we try to help everyone we can, as ethical sales professionals we must continue to deliver advice that is sound. In this environment of Short Sales and buyers struggling to find homes, our REALTORS must be empowered to guide people through goals that are reasonable and attainable. Seller's must be invested in the home selling process (specially in Short Sales situations) and if they are not then a detailed heart-to-heart must happen. The same goes for buyers who are seeing months worth of wait as they compete in the bidding wars usually surrounding FHA approved loans.

In all, the feeling is upbeat and our company productivity is tracking positively. Today our market share is solid in our immediate market and we're looking to expand and help our team continue to thrive.

2012 here we come.

In The Crowd

2011-12-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I attended a meeting of REALTORS.

I have known most of the attendees for a while so I felt comfortable shaking hands, telling jokes and conducting business. But on my drive home I began to think about the first few meetings I attended as a young REALTOR and the nerves I felt meeting other professionals for the first time. I'm lucky though since I've always had the ability to break the ice quickly. Nonetheless there are many others who struggle to effectively mingle and network. It is for these folks that this post is intended. Here are some practices I use to make the most out of these business affairs.

Laughter is the best medicine: I have found that having a good sense of humor is crucial to making the most out of social situations. Typically, the 'funny person' in the room becomes a hub of energy at any reception. People are automatically drawn to laughter and if your anecdotes cause people to smile you'll be in great shape. So how do build a good sense of humor. The easiest way is to look at funny people and take some notes. Over the years, I've had a number of comedy role models. Paul Reiser's frantic delivery in Mad About You, George Lopez's laid back approach, Chris Rocks' social commentaries and John Stewart's sarcarms and self depricating humor, all these people have given me anchors by which to hitch my comedy sense. So my recommendation for you is to find comedians to look at and mirror.
Read, read and read some more. Comedy, opinions and the ability to speak in a networking setting is all based on knowledge. The more you know, the easier it is to relate to other people and draw their attention. Every week I make my way through a gamut of media and reading materials. I read Entertainment Weekly to find out what's going on in the world of entertainment. I listen to Leo Laporte (The Tech Guy) on KFI weekends to find out what the latest technology trends are, I look over many Discovery and History channel shows so I know some history and/or science. I do this because I know that there is always an opportunity to reference in a social setting. In my practice, I'll take an interesting news story I've read and make a quick observation. These insights help me interest people at get-togethers. Having knowledge is key.
Practice makes perfect. It's true! Becoming a competent networker takes time. I typically frequent Chamber of Commerce mixers so that I can consistantly place myself in new opportunities to practice, tell stories and laugh a little. So make it a point to get out there and have fun. Over a short time your confidence will grow and people will be asking for your card in no time. So stock up!

Confidence

2011-12-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

Today I was asked how I manage to stay cool in a sales presentation setting. For a moment I had a quick internal chuckle since I'll admit that I (like most) get nervous before any presentation I am scheduled to make.

What I have learned over time thought, is to train my mind to take these situations as a challenge. To force my body's physiology to become prepared for the time I'll spend in the room with the prospect and to realize that irregardless of what happens, the world will not end and life WILL go on.

To do this, I first started to change how I use language. I seldom talk or 'troubles' or 'problems'. In other words, I seldom use these words. Instead, I use the word 'challenge' and my mind immediately begins to find a way to overcome what lies in front of me. For example, what do you get from the following sentences; 1) The problem with today's market is that people are scared of the market. 2) The challenge of our market today is to help people realize that it is still a great time to be involved in Real Estate. See for me, the first sentence limits me while the second begs for an answer. An answer that I am committed to finding.
I understand that my body's state affects how I think. Therefore, before a big presentation or speech I make it a point to work on my body's state. I usually clap my hands and run them together. I do this because in high school, this was my routine before I shot a game winning free throw that send our school to the championships. I always linked that motion to winning and therefore I use with when a challenge is ahead.

Finally, my experience tells me that life will find a way to make things work out. Sometimes, when faced with obstacles our view becomes narrow and we don't see that there will be another day and that there are many options in front of us. So before a big meeting, I comtemplate the good things in my life that await for me after the big meeting. My mind will dwell on the positive, my body will be prepared for battle and I'll stay cool under pressure.

Google Maps Images on MLS

2011-11-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

To all my Real Estate colleagues out there I advice you to NOT use Google Map images to show case listings on the Multiple Listing Service.

As an industry we strive to market ourselves as Marketing experts who show case the best benefits and features of a home to the public.

When I teach real estate marketing practices our team discusses, photography, listing description copy and the numerous avenues to showcase the home to relevant eyes. In doing this, we strive to show would be sellers how our services are different from all those other professionals and why we warrant the commission rate we ask.

By taking lack-luster photos you tell the public that marketing and professionalism isn't in your vocabulary and this reflects on us all.

Just DON'T do it.

Lack of Communication

2011-11-28T11:45:00.000-08:00

I've become increasingly frustrated with developing-personalities on Twitter who invite the masses to follow them and in turn become less responsive to individuals.

I understand that the network is meant to be a modern day "soap box" where you spout out the thought of the minute to your adoring on-line throng and then hear the intelligible cacophonous road of the crowd as they chime in and respond.

If that is the goal then Twitter is serving its purpose to the on-line loud mouth.

But what if you have a real agenda?

What if your Tweets as a whole are meant to outline a cohesive message?

Then I believe that having thousands of followers is counter-productive and the personalities I'm complaining about and will soon stop following should take note.

Dialog is what thrives the every day person and continues their return to your stream. If they send you a message then they expect a retort. Ignoring or not acknowledging is a rejection of individual which as a mass make your audience.

If this happens three or four times then the message is loud and clear. You are too busy to hear us. We are on line "blah blah blahs" and not on your radar.

That's fair...you just won't have me to kick around any more.

The Guru

2011-11-23T13:58:00.001-08:00

The reason why I don't care for self-appointed "gurus" is because they tend to close off any dissenting opinion.

They feel that their status gives them the only license to speak on a certain matter.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Being a true guru requires a teacher's mentality. Someone who provides information and guides the student. It should not mean making up their mind for them or discounting an opinion simply because the apprentice hasn't yet appointed him/herself a title.

Putting a website together, renting a podium, or posting your rants on YouTube doesn't a teacher make.

QR Codes At Work

2011-11-16T16:09:00.000-08:00

On Twitter vs. Facebook vs. Google+

2011-11-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

The love affair with Facebook isn't over. I still spend a great deal of time on the social platform and I enjoy connecting with a tight and loyal group of contacts I refer to as Closest Friends but overall the interaction with the site is minimal and growth in "Friendships" has slowed.

I don't consider this a bad thing. In fact, I consider it a strength in that the interactions I'm having are more meaningful and the connections made are growing stronger and more relevant. In addition, I can track key people easier as I don't have to muddle through hundreds of people who are relative unknowns.

That's where Twitter has come in. Starting with a tepid entry into the space I have come to be big fan of the site and dedicate most of my social media time to it. It has become a trusted source of news (local, national and global) and the conversations with strangers (great for leads) is much healthier. In this space, I am much more liberal on who I add to follow though I have noticed a great deal of spamming accounts that have attached themselves to my profile. This thus far hasn't been an issue.

At this point, Google+ is the great unknown. I'm not sure what I make of the service. The challenge is that most of the folks that should join it are already on FB and it's unlikely that they will move over to the new platform any time soon. Time will tell but despite the positive things I've heard of the service I simply don't see how it will become a relevant player. Time will tell.

Jobs

2011-11-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

Over the course of the last 48 hours I have scoured YouTube for any video referencing Steve Jobs.

I have watched his key-note addresses, seen his interviews, read his words, experienced the emotion poured onto his speeches.

I am studying the man because he is someone I would expire to be like in business. I am trying to understand him so that I can use his ability to inspire and in turn inspire others.

His demise is my prompt to take action and at the risk of sounding cliche...Think Different.

House Poor

2011-01-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

I recently Tweeted "A home is a big piece of the puzzle of life. Still it's only 1 piece and must fit right in with all the others for the big picture to work."

Within 20 minutes I received an note from a perfect stranger who asked me to expand the thought since she's in the middle of making some housing options.

My response is as follows:

"We are living in interesting times. Prices are relatively low and interest rates are favorable.

For an active buyer in today's market, conditions are great. The challenge of course is to make smart decisions and not fall into the traps of the past.

Meaning that one should buy the best house they can reasonably afford.

In years past, many have witnessed those others who bought simply because they could and put themselves in a dangerous place financially. A job loss, a divorce, and unexpected emergency could easily disturb a frail personal economy with catastrophic results.

So what is reasonable?

In my opinion, purchasing a home should augment one's quality of life by fitting well with the other important priorities of the individuals. Is it the right schools? Can I live with the commute to work? Does it allow us to entertain like we enjoy? Can we see ourselves growing old here? Are the projects feasible with our time and budget? Can we afford it should an emergency creep up?

No home is perfect but if the answers are more on the positive then it may be the right place for you and yours."

So there it is!

Tidal Wave

2011-01-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

The first few weeks of the New Year have brought with them a tidal wave of new opportunities both personally and professionally.

Despite the continuing challenges of the market, many of us are finding that there is a renewed interest from both home buyers and sellers in the San Gabriel Valley to dip their toes in the real estate waters.

This plus a break from the frigid temperatures and heavy rains we experienced in Dec. 2010, has brought a new positive outlook that will hopefully last through the rest of the year.

My latest tech/web obsession is Google's Panoramio http://www.panoramio.com which now gives my photos a new venue by allowing me to Geo tag shots and place them on Google earth. Thus far, I have 28 photos showcased and I'll continue to upload through the weeks to come.

Personally. I've discovered tea. For many years I detested it but lately I've broken into Nicole's tea stash and begun savoring the myriad of flavors she's been hoarding through the years. I still find it fascinating that these simple mixes of leaves and tastes where among the reasons why the U.S. eventually became a country.

It's been a while.

2011-01-12T21:25:00.000-08:00

It's been over a year since I've blogged. This is my return to it.

It's a shame that I have abandoned my love of writing for so long. Well that stops today.

Glad to be back!

New Agent Spotlight - Marisela Torres

2009-12-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to introduce to you REALTOR Marisela Torres, who recently earned and accepted an invitation to the CENTURY 21 Adams and Barnes Monrovia sales team.

Marisela is a long time San Gabriel Valley resident. She was raised in Arcadia and continues to maintain residence in the beautiful City of Monrovia. She enjoys spending Friday nights meeting friends, old and new, at the Family Festival in Old Town.

With over eight years experience as a Loan Processor, she is intimately familiar with Real Estate transactions. Over the years Marisela has worked closely with buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and escrow officers. These experiences have allowed her the opportunity to develop systems and techniques that help ensure successful closings through an emphasis on clear communication between all parties.

"I believe in hard work, strong ethics in business and having a balanced approach to life" Marisela says. "I chose a career in Real Estate because I feel it is rewarding to help families of all shapes and sizes start the journey of transforming an empty house into a loving home. From our first meeting to the moment I hand you the keys, rest assured that I will be your advocate every step of the way"

Now Marisela brings her talents to the clients at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes. We are excited about her abilities and we look forward to a prosperous long business relationship.

To learn more about Marisela contact us today at 626.358.1858 or visit us at www.C21AB.net

CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes Welcomes Alexandra Razo

2009-11-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended, Expanded

2009-11-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

Taken from C.A.R.'s 2009 President James Liptak on Nov. 05, 09

"Following the Senate’s favorable vote yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives just voted 403 to 12 to extend the home buyer tax credit, expanding the parameters to include existing homeowners and not just first-time buyers. As you may know, C.A.R. and our partners at NAR have worked for months urging Congress and the Senate to extend and expand this crucial piece of legislation. We expect President Obama to sign the legislation in short order.

As it now stands, the federal tax credit will be extended through April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension if a binding contract is in place prior to the deadline. First-time home buyers will continue to be eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners will be eligible for a reduced credit of up to $6,500. To qualify for the $6,500 credit, existing homeowners must have lived in their current residences for at least five years. The bill also increases the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively. The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000 in both instances.

Under additional provisions included in the bill, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns. The legislation maintains the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit provided the home remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase, and waives this requirement for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.

Nationwide, more than 1.4 million first-time home buyers were given the opportunity to become homeowners as a result of the Federal Tax Credit for First-time Home Buyers. We expect that number to increase dramatically in the months ahead with this new legislation in place."

Trainee - Spotlight

2009-10-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

Marie O'Beirne is the latest success story from our CENTURY 21 Adams and Barnes' Real Estate licensing school.

Marie began classes in mid-2009 and is currently studying for the state's licensing exam which she hopes to take this winter season. Her desire to pursue a career in real estate stems from her deep love of homes and a pursuit of excellence in customer service.

With a background in the legal-field and an astute business owner, Miss O'Beirne has proven herself as an astute professional who has an uncanny ability to evaluate opportunities, derive solutions and explain her findings in plain terms that her clients will easily understand.

As her trainer over the last few months I have become increasingly impressed by her willingness to take the necessary steps to improve her understanding of the real estate industry. It's exciting to see her re-engineer the skills and experiences of the past in order to provide outstanding services to her future clientele.

I look forward to seeing Marie take her next step into a career in real estate and achieving much success.

Self Impossed Crash

2009-10-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

The message was ominous, Immediate Attention Required! Approaching Storage Quota Limit! said my e-mail service.

At first I thought it was a Spam attack. I've been hit before as hundreds of messages streamed into my In Box and were then filtered to my Spam Folder. When this happens, I find it fun to watch the number count grow in dark black as dozen after dozen of notes pour in offering me the latest cure for baldness, obesity, lack of energy, too much energy and/or male enhancement. Then, after the attack is done I'll finally receive the similar ominous message warning me that I've received too much e-mail and I need to do some cleaning.

This time was different, the warning didn't come from illicit pranksters in some far off country fishing for my credit card number or an alleged "hottie who thinks I'm cute and wants to meet."

Instead, the overflow of data came from fellow REALTORS who had been instructed to e-mail offers to my address for an aggressively priced home our company has for sale.

The problem wasn't the number of offers being received but with the size of the files. In some cases, I received e-mail attachment of 14 Megabytes (MB) or higher. It almost seemed as if agents had scanned contracts page by page (our average offer is 20 pages) in high resolution and sent them to me.

This, compounded by the myriad of offers received and my usual busy e-mail traffic caused the flashing lights, the dire warnings and a frustrated agent.

Now, without getting too technical let me explain the file size problem. A 20 page document (if scanned correctly) should average about 2 MB. This, I've found, is the optimum file size that most computers and e-mail systems can handle. Some will argue that modern e-mail systems can digest much larger file sizes without a care. But seeing as I deal with countless documents streaming to through the internet, I have found that nimble file sizes tend to work best in our industry.

Warning: Science and Data Content (For the Geek in You)

Wikipedia describes a byte as: A byte (pronounced) is a unit of information storage representing the smallest addressable element for a given computer architecture

A Megabye in turn is defined as: a SI-multiple of the unit byte for digital information storage or transmission and is equal to 106 (1000000) bytes.

10 to the 6th power? That's a lot of 1 and 0s!

I'm sure the technophiles will challenge my rudimentary descriptions here.

My point is that when agents send offers via e-mail please be mindful of the file size that you're sending. If you're sending anything over 2.5 MB you may want to forewarn the recipient that you're trying to squeeze a watermelon through a keyhole.

Now about that "hottie"......

A Political Poem

2009-10-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

Recently, a good friend of mine (Jim) and I got into a lively political discussion regarding the state of our union, the challenges of health care reform and the successes/failures of our young President.

After some heartfelt back and forth we decided to drop the conversation for the sake of our friendship and respective blood pressure levels.

Today, Jim read a little poem about the exchange. It goes something like this:

"I have a good friend, he is a pretty good guy,
on political views, I'm thinking, we don't see eye to eye.

Last week we had a political discussion,
I hope there will be no repercussion.

I think everything turned out fine,
I can assure you, we didn't have a meeting of the minds.

But I'm thinking as we go on our way,
my friend will mature as see things my way."

Thank you Jim for the chat and the poem. You are my favorite patriot and we both agree.

We love our country.

Bad Advice

2009-09-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

With two plucky and lovely kids rotating wildly around us, I sat down and spoke with a Spanish speaking couple who had lost their home to the foreclosure process. Feeling comfortable they asked me whether (in my opinion) it was possible to keep their home since they could manage to make their scheduled mortgage payments.

I was perplexed. "If you can afford to make the payments, why did you loose the house?"

I was told that a confidant of theirs had told them that they should discontinue making payments of any type no-matter-what and that this would force the bank to re-evaluate their loan, the value of the home and thus modify their commitment.

So based on this advice, coupled with a language barrier they discontinued making their payments and ignored all notices of default. After several months they were finally informed (in Spanish) that the house now belonged to the bank and that they should vacate the premises at a certain date and time.

The wife, in near tears, shook her head in disbelief. 'How could this have happened, we were just following what we thought was good advice.'

This is an example of one of the challenges we face in this challenged market. It seems that in times of struggle, the predators and/or the uneducated but well-intentioned come out to confuse and mislead. In their wake, they leave a mess for others to clean up that exasperates the big waves we are facing.

So.....be weary of advice and consult professionals who have experience with the particular hurdle you are facing. Ask questions and do your homework.

BTW...the answer was "No. You do not get to keep the house."

Walk for Hope

2009-09-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

The CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes residential sales team has registered once again for Walk for Hope (Sun. Oct. 25, 09) because we refuse to let this terrible disease affect anymore people than it already has.

Now we need your help.

Like you, we all know of someone who has felt the impact of cancer in their lives and perhaps you've "What can I do to help them." Walk for Hope supports breast cancer research, treatment and education at City of Hope, an amazing place that is saving lives every day.

Walk for Hope is a national breast cancer walk that supports breast cancer research, treatment and education at City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The event is family oriented and a great way to get involved in the fight against this terrible disease.

Please support the CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes team and City of Hope's work. By doing so, YOU are helping to make a difference in so many lives.

BTW: Did you know that more than 200,000 new cases diagnosed of breast cancer are diagnosed each year? That means another 200,000 of our mothers, sisters daughters and friends and all their loved ones will be affected by this terrible disease. Small donations add up to make a big difference. Just "Click Here" button - you can't miss it - and make a tax-deductible donation. It's that easy and it's that important.

Whatever you can give will help - it all adds up! We greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on our progress.

We hope to see you on the big day with your jogging shoes.Thank you!

The CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes Walking for Hope Team

It's LIVE!

2009-09-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

It's finally live. A few months ago I had the opportunity to shoot a series of shorts for an upgrade of CENTURY21.com's career section.

The process itself was an adventure as it was the first time in my career that I had professional make-up on, lines to remember and cues to hit. In addition, since I have never done well with rehearsed lines, I ad libbed about 90% of what's on screen.

But now, after approximately four months of waiting the revamped version of CENTURY21.com is live and available for education, fun and critique. It is amazing to me how approximately 4 hours of work under hot studio lamps, countless make-up touch ups, and dozens of discarded takes can be condensed to approximately 3 minutes live.

I encourage you to take a look and share your thoughts with me (good or bad). I would like to thank our team at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes for having the confidence in me to nominate me for the project and the CENTURY 21 Corporate staff who assuaged my nervousness during the shoot and kept me abreast of the project's progress.

To see the revamped CENTURY21.com career page, Click Here and please email me your thoughts at hugo@hugotorres.com

CENTURY 21 Llc. Recognizes Joe Garcia & Karen-Taylor Straley for Sales Achievement & Performance

2009-09-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

Monrovia, CA / September 01, 2009 — The management at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes presented REALTORS® Joe Garcia and Karen Taylor-Straley with CENTURY 21’s Pacesetter Gold Award at a recent company sales/marketing meeting. The award, which recognizes Sales Achievement and Performance for the first half of the year, is a good indicator of agents who will receive top CENTURY 21 Honors at the end of the year.

“Karen (Taylor-Straley) and Joe (Garcia) approach everything they do with passion and professionalism. Over the years, each has worked to become fixtures within their service area in the San Gabriel Valley.” said General Manager Hugo Torres of CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes. “Our real estate family could not be more proud of both Karen and Joe for their significant production thus far and the high customer marks the consistently achieve.”

Karen has been a long-standing real estate force in the San Gabriel Valley. For over 20 years she has represented clients who habitually come back to her for their real estate needs. Believing that civic affairs are an important part of the community, she has served as the President of the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and Past-President of Monrovia’s Kiwanis Club. Over the years, Karen has ammased countless CENTURY 21 Llc. awards for production and customer satisfaction.

Joe Garcia has quickly made a name for himself in the real estate community. His intimate knowledge of Historic properties in the San Gabriel Valley gives his clients the advantage of working with a Real Estate professional who understands the uniqueness and value that every address possesses. Joe Garcia’s civic involvement has broadened the scope of his knowledge and this grants his clients a proven practitioner that can maneuver and coordinate through a transaction efficiently.

Joe and Karen continue to set eye-catching production levels and high customer satisfaction marks.

Located at 433 West Foothill Boulevard, CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes is a full service brokerage specializing in residential, commercial and luxury properties. For more information about Joe Garcia and/or Karen Taylor-Straley, contact us today at 626.675.0658 or visit us on-line at www.c21ab.net

Tips for Sellers Competing Against Foreclosures and Short Sales.

2009-08-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

If you’re trying to sell your home, you already know it’s a challenging market. Not only are there a lot of other homes on the market competing with your house, but some buyers are finding it difficult to obtain mortgages. Plus, with distress sales—foreclosures and short sales—accounting for half of all home sales in some parts of the nation, it’s hard to compete on price alone.

There are things you can do, however, to better make your home stand out. Here are some tips:

Price Your House Right. This is probably the most important thing you can do. With the market so competitive these days, buyers will completely ignore your home if it’s not priced realistically. Buyers today don’t care what your neighbor sold his home for a few years ago. A realistic, fair market price—or even a price slightly lower than fair market value—is the best way to attract buyer interest. This is where a qualified real estate agent can provide invaluable assistance.

Get Out Quick. Short sales are notorious for being, well, not short. Banks may take months to evaluate a short sale offer, and the potential buyer is left waiting helplessly during this time. By offering a fast closing, however, a buyer—who perhaps has children she wants to enroll in school—can move in and get settled quickly. That’s a huge advantage over waiting for a short sale to be approved.

Offer Curb Appeal “Plus.” Foreclosures often need substantial repairs because they’re frequently abandoned by their owners. Often, they are sold “as is” by the banks that own them. A home that is in move-in condition can save a buyer time and money. Consider doing some minor renovations or improvements to update your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Call CENTURY 21 Adams & Barrnes today for more tips to sell your home. Recently we have found the our listings are typically seling in less than 14 days when price and marketed correctly.

Merger News: CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes Team Continues to Grow

2009-07-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

The management at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes is thrilled to announce the merger of the CENTURY 21 Premier team into its real estate family.

The announcement was made during the company's Friday marketing meeting where company agents and staff typically meet to discuss the week's business.

The merger is a strategic move to strengthen the outreach of CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes' real estate services in the San Gabriel Valley.

“As respected and innovated real estate brokerage companies in their own right, the coming together of these companies means a heightened level of service for area home buyers, sellers and owners,” said Tom Adams, Broker/Owner of CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes.

The announcement comes at a time when real estate sales continue to climb (20.1% Increase in June 09) despite the economic challenges facing the nation.

Blogging bait and switch.

2009-07-02T14:39:00.001-07:00

I commend bloggers. I believe that on-line journals are a powerful new tool (in any industry) that helps us teach, commiserate, laugh and debate.

So, when I enter a blogging environment and I look for commentary that can help me gain insight on a topic, I hope that the posting will be on point. Lately though, I have found that many companies, brokers, agents and/or affiliates are using blogging for blatant advertising purposes.

I am not naive. I know that we all write and post to gain an audience. And audience that may potentially use our services.

But most real bloggers take the time to think of who they are writing to and post pieces that propagate knowledge. Their write ups are not loud annoying neon-like signs that say "buy from me, buy from me, buy from me."

Am I the only one? Is the bait and switch acceptable? How can the blogging community address this?

Multiple-Counter Offer Conundrum

2009-06-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

44 offers over the course of four days. That's a new record for me and I am still a little shocked by it but its a sign of the times where homes are flying of the shelves if they are priced and marketed correctly.

Many years ago when I entered the industry working with multiple-offers and/or multiple-escrows at any given time was standard practice. At the height of things (as a full time transaction coordinator) I managed approximately 35 escrows at one time and I blame that era for a few pre-mature gray hairs.

For me, I handled multiple things with a combination of a written down grid (in the style of HOUSE''s diagnosing white board) and an internalized timeline in my head. I remember having developed an encyclopedic knowledge of my files in my brain that helped me sort through the hundreds of people and vendors involved in the sale.

I would have conversations in myself outlining when things would need to happen before closing and how I could overcome them. People in the office knew I was stressed if they found me talking to myself with my fingers in the air attempting to corral all the thoughts into one plan of action.

The rush of dealing with a myriad of tasks at one point was a rush that I am glad to be re-living. Its as close to a contact sport as you're going to have in real estate.

So for you...what are the most escrows/offers you have worked on at one time? How do you decipher through them all? Do you love it...or loathe it.

A Walk

2009-06-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

On a late afternoon a few days ago my feet seemed restless and wanted to hit the pavement. I'm not much of a radom walker so when their call came I had to choice but to oblige.

Of course, if I was going to take a hike, I might as well take a camera along. Its funny how a short 20 minute walk spurred over 40 different shots. It just goes to show you how much beauty is in the world and how much of it we pass by in our every day dealings.

So here is my favorite shot from a walk. I found these chains securing a fence that prevents casual and reluctant walkers to access the foothills near my home.

Enjoy and any comments you can provide are greatly appreciated.

Did it just turn into a "seller's market"?

2009-06-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

We put the property on the market at 12:35 pm. We have had 36 phone calls in the last two hours and the first offer just came in.

On Monday, the clients rushed to the home in the late afternoon because we "knew" it was going to go fast. We wrote the offer on the hood of the car with the light fading fast and my lap tops battery running low.

Nearly every listing or offer we have out there right now is involved in a "multiple counter offer" situation and buyer's are starting to feel the stress of loosing out on good homes if they don't act quickly.

It just turned on a dime it seems and I have to ponder....did it just turn to a seller's market?
Sure this is Southern California but perhaps you're feeling something else. But I'd like to get an idea of what you're experiencing and do you think this will turn back soon the other way.
Why the fluke?

Is it here to stay?

Yella

2009-06-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

I don't claim to have a green thumb. Actually, I have to admit that most plants are afraid to come into our house because of my awfull track record as a plant owner.

So I was very surprised to find that (unbeknownst to me) there is a wild, gorgeous and yellow tulip in our back yard.

Kuddos to you toughie and I vow to take care of you this summer.

A Pretty Face?

2009-05-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Our front desk admin popped into my office announcing that my 4:00 p.m. agent interview had arrived. She had a Cheshire cat grin on her face and I knew that I was going to meet someone interesting.

When I turned the corner onto our front desk lobby I was greeted by a "well-proportioned" woman who had chosen a crimson colored mini-skirt and a low cut white top for our first business meeting. In my practice of discussing career goals with people I take great efforts to side step first impressions and use our talk as an opportunity to delve in the personality and priorities of the person in front of me.

I escorted this potential associate into our conference room, thanked her for her time, opened my Franklin Covey (for note taking) and began to explain the process of affiliation with our brokerage. As she shifted and adjusted in her seat it became obvious that the amount of fabric on her person limited her ability to place herself in a professional stance.

I could not help at that point to ask the question: "Do you consider a listing appointment to be a job interview and if so what do you feel a consumer's expectation of the REALTOR should be?"
To this she answered (I paraphrase because its been some time): "Of course its an interview and besides expectiing the agent to be knoweledgeable the public expects them to be professional and trust worthy."

Good point and great answer. It seemed ironic though, considering the source of the opinion.
In all, I found that her business plans and ours were not compatible and she was not asked back for a second interview. The issue that the conversation raised (and this is not the only such interview I've experienced like this) is the definition of professional wear as a real estate professional.

I think we all know that looking presentable is a necessary minimum standard for agents, but specifically for women in and/or entering the industry, does dressing "sexy" help you or hurt you in the field? Where do you draw the line in your personal choice of clothing? Have you ever gained or lost a listing because of what you wore? What is your experiencing interacting with other women when one is dressed provocatively?

Site Make Over

2009-05-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

So....you may have noticed that HugotTorres.com has changed a little.

I decided to try a new look because I feel that a more personable site helps me interact with visitors to the site.

Also, I have been searching for a more colorful interface.I began the process by looking outside of the real estate world to see how other industries showcase their wares and services.

My search (partly because of my love for photography) brought me to wedding photographer Theresa Minnette's website: www.theresaminnette.com

Her site's lay out (in my opinion) is tasteful, bold and interesting and I have used its concept of using the entire screen as a visual play area for HugoTorres.com visitors.

I am still slowly laying things out but I would love your comments and critiques. I appreciate any/all feed back that you can provide at feedback@hugotorres.com

Justified

2009-05-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it is the generation. Or maybe its the accumulation of experience through time. In any case, older couples are fascinating.

Here I found two self-assured folks who are justified in their being. Like the vines who have patiently climbed the brick wall they seem to have a patient resolve about them.

I think he is protesting my lense's intrusion onto their private moment. Perhaps I caught them in a middle of a lovers spat?

They (like most couples) have a mystery or secret they both share. That's what makes marriage a beautiful thing.

Extra-Curricular Activities

2009-05-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

I am a shutter-bug! I have openly talked about it in previous tech posts.

My admiration for still photos began many years ago when old covers of National Geographic, Time and Rolling Stone passed me by. Then as my real estate career developed, I learned that homes are visual treats that when photographed can bring out hidden treasures that are sometimes missed in showings and busy open houses.

Recently, I have begun uploading to http://picasaweb.google.com/AzusaRotariana compilation of my photos (real estate related and not) and since then I have received a steady stream of kudos and critiques of other photo junkies who share my passion.

So why is this important in a real estate forum? Well its important because my hobby helps me identify and work for a demographic of artists who have housing needs. I didn't intend for that to happen and I will continue to share photos for the love of it, but its nice to get viable leads as a result of other interests.

Therefore, if you have a hidden talent, why not share it with the world and carry a stack of business cards? You may find that your blogging, kayaking, bull riding, etc. may help you find a buyer or a seller you would have never talked to while wearing your REALTOR hat.

P.S. If you check out my photos...feel free to comment. I would love to hear what you think.

Gold Medal

2009-05-18T23:46:00.000-07:00

Olympians are inspiring people. Here is a photo of a gorgeous Olympic Gold Metal Shared by Multiple Olympian Kim Rhode. An amazing token for an amazing athlete.

The Elevator Speech

2009-05-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

If you were to ask me..."what is the current state of the market?" I have an elevator speech for that.

Or "when do you think we'll see the bottom?" I definitely have a 60 second answer for that.

But every now and then, someone asks me a question that requires poignancy and brevety on my part and those are the moments I live for. Today, I was literally asked for my "elevator speech" on a real estate question that I had never answered before.

Suddenly, I found myself 45 feet in the air staring at a thin and frail zip line that I needed to walk-on. I took a moment to breathe, compose myself and wrap my mind around the implications of possible answers.

With every word, I moved across the tight rope. I could feel the wind pushing and pulling. The height made me dizzy. But in just a flash the exercise was over and my audience was at peach with my answer.

What a rush..let's do it again.

If you build it...

2009-05-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

The first Real Estate website I worked on was for a team of 5 REALTORS in Cerritos, California who felt that the internet was a good place to advertise. It was early 2003 when it was not uncommon to start 5 deals and take 5 listings during one week and the pretense of another unexplored project made my skin crawl.

But the task at hand was part of the job description and I started playing with the rudimentary and clunky web building interface during breaks in the mayhem. As frustrating as it was, I took to it like 'duck to water' and I've spent the rest of my career building advising and promoting web sites and web presence for real estate professionals.

Over time, I have worked with Advanced Acces, Birdview, CENTURY 21 Web Builder, a la mode, and others. Everytime, its an exciting process that stimulates the writer, the graphic artist, and the tinkerer in me. I've been dissapointed many times but I have also found many successes.

It wasn't until two years ago when I discovered Yahoo Site Builder that I found the platform that I feel is best for my style of web building. I have built two sites using it now www.c21ab.net and www.hugotorres.com

Now, my focus is shifting to siite optimizaton for higher placement in web searches. It is the next logical step in my growth as a web marketer. I've built it now...so will they come?

What's funny is that I am utilizing many of the basic marketing concepts we use towards home sales. Its about word of mouth and advertising in print media.

So what your story and/or evolution as a web marketer? What have you built that you're most proud of? Where are you going next?

Monrovia Day Celebration Spans Full Week in May

2009-05-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

The 123rd Annual Monrovia Day Celebration will combine the old and the new this year in a week-long series of events.

The celebration begins on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, with the annual Monrovia Historic Preservation Group’s Vintage Home Tour. This year, the tour will feature homes in the newly designated Wild Rose Historic District, six of which will be open for public tours.

The following Thursday evening, May 14, a revamped Monrovia Day Parade will be held through Old Town – the first evening parade in the long history of the event. The parade will move north on Myrtle Avenue from Chestnut to Palm Avenues, beginning at 7 p.m., a reversal of its traditional route south from Foothill Boulevard.

Theme of this year’s parade is “Books On Parade,” drawing attention to the Grand Opening of Monrovia’s new Public Library just two days later in Library Park. Parade Grand Marshal will be Wendelin Van Draanen, an internationally acclaimed children’s author whe grew up in Monrovia and attended local schools.
On Friday, May 15, Old Town’s Family Festival will fill Myrtle Avenue with music, food, kiddie rides, craft and merchandise booths and a certified farmers market.And at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, Monrovia’s new Public Library will open its doors for the first time to browsers, borrowers and readers.

Monrovia Day is the annual celebration of the community’s founding in 1886 and the incorporation of the City of Monrovia in 1887. The birthday celebration, first held with a parade in 1887, has taken place in one form or another every year since.

From the City of Monrovia: http://cityofmonrovia.org/index.cfm/1667618/Press-Releases.cfm#PRmonroviaday

Chip On Your Shoulder

2009-05-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

It was as if a dark dense storm cloud walked into the office. Even the little perky bell that tells us that someone has opened the door noticed the negative vibe and it dulled its chipper chime. That was the general attitude of the the vendor who walked through the door last week to meet about their latest product enhancement.

As I approached him, I felt hesitation. The body language was hunched and defeated and almost instantly I began to regret the meeting. Nonetheless, he was there, so was I and the meeting had to take place. The 15 minute exchange seemed to take hours as he fumbled through his presentation. Eye contact was non-existent and I had to struggle to hear him.

I was actually intesested in his product at first but as the meeting went on I began to loose confidence in him and thus his offer. Altogether it was a mess.

The chip that he carried was on his shoulder was heavy and it showed. What amazed me was that he actually kept the meeting with me. He might have been better served moving it to a different day when he could have presented with more enthusiasm. Either way as we walked out I dismissed his card, took a moment to re-set my mood and move on with the rest of the day.

As sales people, we need to be mindful of the way our mood affects our clientele. So if you have a cloud hanging over you on presentation day, get rid of it or re-schedule.

The Friday Report - May 1, 2099

2009-05-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Long Hours

2009-04-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

The twitch is involuntary and it always happens to occur at the same time of the day. The late hour.

It is the moment when my eye moves to the lower right hand corner of the screen and glances at the time stamp of my lap top. In an instant I am reminded that there is life outside the office and that life is calling me to join it.

Its not a bad thing, I love and enjoy my career. That is why I loose myself in it sometimes.

But this healthy twitch is a reminder that my career serves a higher purpose. One of children who laugh at my silly dance, a wife who enjoys that I enjoy her home cooked meal and a lawn that misses my attention.

The long hours are the building blocks of my legacy as a real estate professional. As I pour through contracts, the needs of my agents, and the health of the office I easily sacrifice the ticking hour hands.

But when the twitch comes...then its time to pack it in and enjoy my own home.

I love being a REALTOR.

Marketing Outside Vendors

2009-04-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Like most REALTORS, I typically have "go-to" vendors that I recommend in the midst of writing an offer and entertaining an escrow.

From termite to home warranty companies I tend to trust those who have shown my clientele that they are trustworthy, customer service oriented and who's work is worth the money they charge.

So the other day, one of these vendors visited my site www.hugotorres.com and asked how he might be represented within it. He's willing to pay a yearly advertising fee for exchange of placement.

I am thinking about adding him to the site but not quite sure of how to do it. Here are some of my challenges:

1) When I design my site (I'm a novice mind you) I have a specific style that I like to follow. I have thought about creating a banner add for him but that would be time intensive cutting in to the fee I'd charge. Should I create the add work?

2) What type of disclosures should I make about these vendors. Endorsements are free in my experience..anything paid is advertisement and I think that raises some issues about my relationship with these vendors.

3) How prominent should I make these pages. I don't want to become an advertisement site but I want give something of value.

So how are you overcomming these challenges, do you have any website links you can share with some examples if you're doing this?

The Long and Short of It

2009-04-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

The first time I ever heard of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) was in college and over the years some have wondered if A..ADD (Adult ADD) runs in my blood.

After all, I am the type of guy who on any given hour can have two lap tops going, take phone calls, send a text and still have enough brain power to crack a silly joke.

So I suppose that is why I often write very brief blog posts that are structured with short paragraphs of a sentence or two.

I do this in part because of my old college newspaper editor who constantly harangued me for having long over descriptive paragraphs in the style of Melville. Most of my old stories were covered in red ink as she tried to reign in my liberal use of adjectives and dramaticism.

As I've become older and I read more blogs and news on-line I've noticed that I tend to skip postings whose paragraphs are like my old college stories. Long paragraphs don't work on someone like me who wants smart, concise and short points to ponder.

So, for all my fellow bloggers out there, how do you structure your postings? Are you the wordy type who craves description?

I'd like to know.

The Friday Report - April 24, 2009

2009-04-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

Open Houses Available for Pre-View this Weekend

1. 748 Crescent Drive, Monrovia - Sunday 1 - 4 pm / Listed at $998,000
2. 341 Oakcliff Avenue, Monrovia - Saturday 12 pm to 3 pm / Listed at $709,000
3. 2612 Glenrose Avenue, Altadena - Sat. & Sun. 1 - 5 pm / Listed at $359,300
4. 226-228 Heliotrope Avenue, Monrovia - Sunday 1 - 4 pm / Listed at $399,000
5. 2595 Rochelle Avenue, Monrovia - Sunday 1 - 4 pm / Listed at $595,000

Celebrating Earth Day and Using Less Water

2009-04-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is here (April 22) and our team at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes www.c21ab.net is happy to promote awareness and appreciation of the Earth's environment. With our offices located at the base of the San Gabriel Valley Foothills, we have a special respect for nature's beauty which hugs our neighborhoods.

So in the spirit of this Earth Day and our pressing need to conserve water, we provide you the following tips from www.EarthDay.gov

* Look for the WaterSense label to identify water-efficient products and programs. The WaterSense label indicates that these products and programs meet water-efficiency and performance criteria. WaterSense labeled products will perform well, help save money, and encourage innovation in manufacturing. (http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.htm)
•Don't let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
•Take short showers instead of tub baths.
•Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
•Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher; wash only full loads.
Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
•Buy high-efficient plumbing fixtures & appliances.
•Repair all leaks (a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons a day).
•Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best).
•Water plants differently according to what they need. Check with your local extension service or nurseries for advice.
•Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only – not the street or sidewalk.
•Use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation systems for trees and shrubs.
•Keep your yard healthy - dethatch, use mulch, etc.
•Sweep outside instead of using a hose.
•Learn how to plant trees, build a pond, compost, and more from the Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard

The Biggest Looser

2009-04-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite shows is The Biggest Looser. I like it because every week the contestants do their "last chance work out", give it their all and then settle their affairs on the scale. The ones who loose the most typically stay for another week, those that don't get to go home and try to loose weight on their own.

Lately, I've been trying my own version of Real Estate Biggest Looser ..per say by taking daily steps to promote our brokerage and our agents and then working out hard with a last change marketing push on Friday's so that our listings and Open Houses get the most traffic during the week.

The results have been a steady uptick in our sales volume, our market share and the sales energy being felt around the office.

So, how do you motivate yourself? How do you think you can incorporate your favorite shows towards your business?

Show Me Yours!?

2009-04-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

I take pride in writing offers and I go to make lengths to ensure that the terms are clear and that vagaries are at a minimum so that a listing agent can discuss the contract with ease. In addition, I inform people when I have emailed, faxed or dropped that offer so that they can address it promptly.

I do these things because I respect the negotiation process and my fellow realty professionals.

So the other day, after emailing an offer and calling the listing agent to confirm its receipt I was surprised by the tongue lashing I received.

The real estate agent first started off the conversation by questioning the length of time I have been in the industry. Now, 7 years doesn't make me a veteran but as an active REALTOR, Manager, Trainer, etc. I think that I have earned the right to consider myself a knowledgeable real estate practitioner.

He then preceded to tell me about his 20 year history selling real estate and the various positions he has held during that tenure.

Finally, he questioned the validity of my buyer simply because he had the "audacity to ask for services". After all, I "should know that seller always gets services (escrow and title)."

Now, I've chalked it up to an agent having a bad day but I've seen this trend lately amongst veteran agents who are quick to throw out their resumes in the midst of negotiating.

So, when do you show your cards and pull rank to another agent?

The Referral Sphere

2009-04-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, one of our newer agents greeted me at the office with an "exciting new prospect" he had met over the weekend.

The lead involved a mobile-home about 20 miles east of our main market area.

After about 10 minutes of discussion I helped guide him to referr the prospect to an agent in our company that commonly worked with mobile homes and was based out of the city where the property exists.

I was glad to see our agents so willing to refer the business.

First he understood, that the referral was warranted because this was a "product" that he did not typically deal with.

Second, by focusing attentio to an "out of area" home he would take away from his attention from the farm area that we have been studying and devloping over the last few month.

Third, he saw that referrals meant a potential source of passive income that some other agents don't capitalize on.

So, how do you determine that you will and will not refer? What have been some pitfalls of taking an out of area listing?

By the way...if anyone has some referrals for the SGV..please feel free to think of CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes www.c21ab.net

CENTURY 21 REAL ESTATE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER SURVEY REVEALS INCREASING DEMAND DESPITE CONCERNS ABOUT THE ECONOMY

2009-04-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization today announced the results of its recently commissioned first-time home buyer survey. The survey found that more than three-quarters (78 percent) of potential first-time home buyers say that now is a good time to buy a home, despite widespread concern about the economy. Out of the 1,000 prospective U.S. first-time home buyers surveyed in early March for the CENTURY 21 First-Time Home Buyer Survey, 68 percent think now is a better time to buy than six months ago.

Prices are the driving motivation for potential first-time home buyers with more than eight of ten first-time home buyers (85 percent) saying they consider current home prices affordable and 73 percent citing that taking advantage of current prices is a major factor in their decision to buy. Interestingly, potential first-time buyers are still split between "being willing to consider an offer now" (42 percent) and "waiting for prices to go down before they seriously consider making a purchase" (48 percent).

"Current pricing, rates and incentives, such as the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, provide tremendous opportunities for first-time home buyers to get into the market," said Tom Kunz, Century 21 Real Estate president and CEO. "Our research shows that while consumers still have concerns about the future of the economy, many are actively considering their options as we move into the spring selling season."

Among the survey’s other key findings:

Bargains in the marketplace are providing additional options for buyers to consider. 56 percent of potential first-time home buyers are considering purchasing a foreclosed or short sale home, and 63 percent are open to purchasing either a "fixer-upper" or "as-is" home.

When asked to rate the features that they look for when choosing a home, price is the primary consideration with 87 percent saying this feature is "very important," followed closely by neighborhood safety (80 percent) and the condition of the home (71 percent).

Having enough money for a down payment is a top concern of potential first-time home buyers as nearly half (46 percent) said they are "very worried" about the issue.

Most respondents (86 percent) are in the market for single family homes.

Available Government Incentives

In addition to affordable home prices and mortgage rates, the survey also showed strong interest in taking advantage of the recent government stimulus. More than three-quarters (77 percent) of potential first-time home buyers say they are more likely to buy a home in the next six months because of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit offered in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Affordable Mortgage Rates

Perception about the lending market is a key concern for prospective first-time home buyers. Current mortgage rates are considered to be affordable by approximately three-quarters (72 percent) of respondents and 62 percent recognize that rates are lower than a year ago. However, 75 percent of potential first-time home buyers believe it is difficult to get a home loan right now and 74 percent think it is harder to get a loan than the same time last year.

"Traditional mortgage investors, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA and VA are receiving significant financial backing from the federal government, keeping interest rates low and mortgage funds available for qualified buyers," said Marshall Gayden, senior vice president of Century 21 Mortgage¨. "Home buyers who have a stable job history of at least two years, solid credit (620 and above) and down payment money that can be documented (3.5% on FHA loans) are well positioned to secure a mortgage in today’s credit environment."

Understanding the Buying Process

Prospective first-time home buyers also indicate that there is a real need for someone who can provide accurate and reliable information while they look for a home. When asked about the real estate transaction process, more than half (59 percent) of potential buyers rated their understanding of the process as only "fair" or "poor."

"Between home loans, the closing process and understanding the new government stimulus, real estate professionals play a vital role in working with first-time home buyers to help them navigate the current market," said Kunz. "Every individual situation is different, and consumers should use their Realtor as a trusted advisor to seek opportunities, get educated on the process and make informed decisions."

In addition, the survey asked potential buyers which factors are most relevant in their decision to choose a home:

First-Time Home Buyers’ Top Reasons for Buying (% saying major factor)
Taking advantage of current housing prices 3
Moving to a bigger living space 60
Having a more suitable place to start or raise family 56
Buying a home as an investment 47
Moving to a better neighborhood 44
Moving to better location for work 28

MethodologyPenn, Schoen & Berland Associates conducted an online poll on behalf of Century 21 Real Estate LLC with 1,000 prospective first time home buyers that indicated they were likely to buy their first home in the next two years. The survey fielded from March 2-7, 2009, and has a margin of error of ± 3.1%.

Check the Settings - Agent's Gone Wild

2009-04-13T23:12:00.000-07:00

So.....you have a Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Tumblr, LinkedIn, ActiveRain, Picassa, Flickr..etc. accounts and you are a bonafide netizen happily posting on every topic in and out of real estate with complete abandon.

What you may not realize is that the web is so interlaced that the persona that you may portray on one account with your friends may not be what you display to current and future clientele.
So how do you overcome misunderstanding, mixed messages, and the photos of your college spring break trip to Baja from hurting a deal down the line?
Here are some of my policies that may help you along the way:

1) Read and understand the privacy settings of the accounts you create. Facebook for instance can be designed so that pictures and postings can be only specified groups of friends you've created. For instance photos of a birthday party amongst friends could be set up (through the settings menu) to only be seen by those who were at the fiesta or who you feel should see it.

2) Set your profile as private until you have had a chance to review the friend request. How many times have I been able to view all blogs, photos and contacts of a person anonymously. By only giving permission to your profile after you've okayed the friendship, you'll have a little more privacy on the net.

3) Monitor your profiles. If you have a LinkedIn account and you never monitor it then how will you know that a friend from a past job wants to get a hold of you for business? Or how will you know that a girlfriend from college has just posted a disparaging comment on Facebook? Come back to your profiles and check them often, otherwise delete it and move on.

I'm sure that there are others and I'd love to hear your thoughts. Be safe out there and have fun.

Impressions of a Career Councelor

2009-04-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Recently I attended a professional networking event that was surprisingly light on real estate professionals. As I navigated the crowd I found myself constantly talking to people who were seeking entering my industry because they felt that this was "a good time to learn because business was relatively slow."

Over and over I found myself pre-intervewing realty hope-fulls and I reverted to making mental notes and impressions about their likely success based on their character, charm and goals. It also got me to think about what I (as a trainer and career counselor) seek when I interview a newer agent.

1) I have found that people must have the entrepreneurial spirit. Many conversations always lead to the reason of "why are you seeking a real estate career?" What I have discovered is that those who are motivated to run a successful business are likely to be more successful. They understand that it takes an investment in themselves to achieve a return and are willing to take the necessary steps.

2) You can not teach charm. Some people just have it and at times, the more of a character you are the better of you will be in this industry. Real estate requires that you'd be a people person, and let's face it, people come in all shapes, sizes and idiosyncrasies. Thriving agents are those who are social chameleons whose natural charm attracts others and promotes trust.

3) People who have proven track records as work horses in previous careers will make it. It's a misnomer of most to think that real estate agents don't work hard, don't earn their checks and/or have leisurely careers. The really successful folks that I frequent and who have mentored me were the ultimate "busy bees." Yes, they had flexibility in their days (which can sometimes be construed as leisure) but they are always thinking about the business. Someone who describes him/herself as a hard worker and can prove that they are will certainly achieve success faster in this and any market.

Not everyone is suited for real estate. It is a challenging yet rewarding industry and these days the market is helping many do some soul searching about their future within it.
But for those who have the moxy, work ethic and personality to take it on, the possibilities are boundless.

REALTORS Debbie Bush & Rosie Haynes Earn Top March Honors

2009-04-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

At Glendora's office meeting this morning, REALTORS Debbie Bush and Rosie Haynes were awarded with Top production honors for the month of March 2009.

Debbie was named Top Listing agent for March while Rosie received Top Sales Agent accolades.

Both agents have been on a hot streak since the beginning of the year working with buyers looking to take advantage of the warming real estate market.

To learn more about either Debbie Bush (debbiebush.blogspot.com) and/or Rosie Haynes contact CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes' Glendora office at 626.963.7621 or visit us on-line at www.c21ab.net

The Friday Report - April 03, 2009

2009-04-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

Open Houses Available for Pre-View this Weekend

341 Oakcliff Avenue, Monrovia - Saturday 10 am to 1 pm / Listed at $739,000
658 South Wabash Avenue, Glendora - Saturday 1 - 4 pm / Listed at $315,000
2612 Glenrose Avenue, Altadena - Sunday 1 - 5 pm / Listed at $359,300
2002 Bella Vista Avenue, Arcadia - Sunday 1 - 4 pm / Listed at $1,899,000
658 South Wabash Avenue, Glendora - Sunday 1 - 4 pm / Listed at $315,000
601 Sycamore Drive, San Gabriel - Sunday 1 - 4 pm / Listed at $759,000
316 Genoa Street Unit A, Monrovia - Sunday 1 - 4 pm / Listed at $339,000
4095 Fruit Street #146, La Verne - Sunday 12 - 4 pm / Listed at $67,000
4095 Fruit Street #323, La Verne - Sunday 12 - 4 pm / Listed at $67,000

To learn more about CENTURY 21's April Open House Month Drive and/or The Path to Your Dreams Sweepstakes visit us on-line at: https://sweepstakes.century21.com/

The First Day

2009-03-31T00:24:00.000-07:00

I came to Real Estate when I was hired as an assistan/transaction coordinator to a top producing CENTURY 21 agent soon after the Internet bubble had burst and lay-offs where rampant.
I remember walking into that busy office in awe of the speed in which things occurred. Dozens of agents packed the office making phone calls and discussing deals. The jargon was relatively strange but interesting and I realized that success in the new job would mean learning many things rather quickly.

I was 23.

The office of my new boss was impressive. Plaques, shinny gold awards and piles of paperwork decorated the working office. Inside, I re-introduced myself as the "new guy" and was greeting with a short but friendly smile. It was obvious that she didn't remember who I was as she had not hired me. Her other assistant had.

My new boss asked my name and I quickly yelped out "Hugo." She said, "Hugo! Okay, you need to get to work..here's what I need: We just started four new escrows so I need for you to get those files started and get them on the board. I need 2 property profiles pulled on the addresses on your new desk and see if you can come up with some comps for me. Need for you to put lock boxes on the listing I took yesterday and drop of a pre-lising package to the house on 4th because I have an appointment tomorrow. Around 2 come on down to Olive Garden. I'm having my birthday party there and I'd like to introduce you."

Pre-listing package..property profile...lock boxes? What had I gotten myself into?

I sat at my desk wondering how I would manage the tasks at hand.

Needless to say the first day went by in a flash. I was introduced as the new guy but I was quickly referenced as the latest guy.

As I celebrate another year in the business I think back at that humble first day. The enormity of the job and how it turned into a career.

I am 31 now.

The Friday Report - March 27, 2009

2009-03-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

Please note that Jerry Baker will not be at 966 Swiss Trails Road, Duarte. That property is currently in escrow.

Tom Kunz speaks about the Real Estate Market

2009-03-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

CENTURY 21 President/CEO Tom Kunz spoke today on CNBC regarding the uptick in sales that we have been experiencing over the last few months.

You can see his video here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1073863086&play=1

I was thrilled to see our CEO sporting the Gold Jacket and positively describing the market at this time.

It gives us all an incentive to speak with the consumer about the realities and opportunities available out there.

Thank You All

2009-03-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

Acceptance of CENTURY 21's Technology Award at International Convention 2009

2009-03-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

Shutter Bug

2009-03-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

My relatively new Nikon D40 is an attention getter and I love that.

For a long time, I researched SLRs because I knew that I wanted to snap photos that were more relevant to listings and better at portraits (I take most of the photos of our incomming REALTORS).

I have worked with a point-and-shoot for a while but I needed more. So, after speaking with photography friends, I decided to go with the D40.

Why? Well for one cost. I am not a professional photographer and I didn't need thousands of dollars worth of equipment. At under $300 (after a rebate from Target) the D40 is the most affordable camera I found.

Two, unlike Sony who uses its propietary memory card, the D40 uses the near universal SD card that I have been using as often as I have regular flash or USB cards.

Three, it just looks cool. Most SLRs do and it is very powerful to go to a listing appointment with a camera that screams, I mean business.

So all in all, if you're looking for a camera for the future, the Nikon D40 or 60 is the way to go.

Additional equipment that is a must:

8G DS card (Nearly 2,000 pics at an average of 1.5 mb file size)

Tripod or Mono Pod

Camera Bag

Yes I'm A Tech Nerd

2009-02-25T14:50:00.000-08:00

At a recent Tech Training seminar I taught at the Arcadia Association of REALTORS a newer agent walked up to me after the class and asked me what school or degree I had attended to learn all 'these programs' (i.e. Photoshop, Publisher, Outlook, Excel, AgentOffice, Blogger etc).

I looked at her, smiled and proudly announced that I am a Tech nerd and that I am constantly tinkering, consulting and brainstorming new ways to achieve Real Estate technologies and strategies.

But as I thought about it, I explained that I didn't simply limit myself to sources within the industry but that I read and researched Tech as it was affecting the world around me and then figured out ways to apply them to my business.

For example, I was amongst the first few to have a MySpace account geared towards Real Estate. Then, amongst my Tech sphere , we discussed Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others and how they were quickly becoming more relevant to our industry and target audience.

So I shifted focus and began to pay more attention to my sites. This proved to be fruitfull as Facebook is not a global phenomenon and our brokerage is taking advantage.

In all, I recommend embracing your inner nerd and develop a sphere of resources outside of the industry to help you gain insight and develop better marketing tools.

The more you're out there in relevant ways, the better your Real Estate business will be in the long run.

A Blog or Website

2009-02-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

At least once a month, colleagues will ask me about blogs vs. websites. In all, I have a fairly simple opinion on the question.

Most people will never be prepared to run a full time website. Most though should easily handle a blog and use it effectively to generate business and/or accomplish their goals.

For Real Estate for instance: A challenge I see with most REALTORS who plunge into managing a website is that they really haven't studied their market and haven't derived a niche. Therefore, they are stuck with "templated" sites which look like everyone elses and don't help develop business. All this of course comes at a hefty monthly cost.

A blog on the other hand is typically free, requires very little technical knowledge and can be used effectively to develop a 'voice' and promote business.

So, if you're asking me whether you're ready for a site, be prepared to hear a "No" (on the average). Take your time, learn your craft in a couple of years time, we'll talk.

Get Your Green On!

2009-02-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

By Hugo Torres - The Tech Committee for the Arcadia Association of REALTORS is thrilled to announce Tuesday, April 21, 2009 as the date for its 23rd Annual Tech Business & Green Expo. The no-cost (to all REALTORS) has recently been re-engineered to incorporate and showcase Green and Earth friendly vendors and technologies that will help real estate professionals in the years to come. So far, dozens of exhibitors have committed to the event and the committee plans for record attendance.

Another change to this years planning comes from a live Facebook discussion group keeping participating REALTORS and affiliates informed of changes and announcements as the event grows near. Moreover, the Tech Committee has revamped its Expo page (www.theaar.com/expo) with direct links to Sign-Up forms, participating Vendor forms and fun photos of past events.

Typically, speakers will be on hand at break-out venues during the morning and afternoon sessions. The complimentary lunch session will feature Los Angeles County Tax Assesor Rich Auerbach.

In addition, the Expo will move to a new location within Santa Anita race track that will give visitors and vendors a taste of the outdoors.

Customary prizes and give-aways will be on-hand for lucky participants throughout the day. For more information on the Arcadia Association of REALTORS Tech Business & Green Expo and to see photos of past events visit our site on-line at www.theaar.com/expo

On-Line Updates

2009-02-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

Well it has taken nearly three hours but I am finally caught up updating all our company's blogs, postings, listings and websites.

The challenging of maintaining a web precense is that there are so many on-line places to keep current. Nonetheless, in doing so, our web traffic to www.c21ab.net and my www.hugotorres.com has been growing steadily from week to week.

With my upcomming travels to San Antonio for CENTURY 21 International's I am looking forward to share with agents the experience and excitement of convention time.

Keeping up with it on-line will be a challenge but stay tuned.

Early Morning Photo Snapping

2009-02-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

This Sunday morning I had to wake up very early to run an errand. In the spirit of making lemonade out of lemons, I decided to take my camera and drop by one of my favorite patches of road. This is the bridge over the Azusa river on Route 66. The result? Picture looking north towards our recently snow covered foothills. Enjoy.

It's In the Handshake!

2008-10-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

I just saw the most revealing show on History Channel that I think all sales people should be aware off. The episode on body language was an insightful two hours of clues that can help us become better communicators and presenters. It talked about the power of hand shaking and body positioning to convey strenght and confidence to people. I would encourage anyone in sales to review this "Secrets of Body Language" special.

Building Your Internet Presence

2008-09-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Like 'walking a farm' or hosting weekly open houses, building an Internet presence as a REALTOR is a constant exercise that requires discipline. As the Internet evolves and more people (consumers) gravitate towards it, you'll find that REALTORS who constantly update their on-line persona will find more success in generated leads. So how does someone begin to make a name for him/her self in the world wide web? The following paragraphs are designed to show you that to become a web personality you must: 1) Realize that you have something to say, 2) Be willing to spend at least one hour a day on-line, 3) learn to read web metrics and how subtle changes can help you convert more leads to closed sales.

The typical Internet visitor has only a handful of websites they visit on a regular basis. Your goal as a web marketer is to become one of those 'favorites'. To do this, you need to decide what your niche (voice) will be as a REALTOR and target people who are likely to follow your content. For example, in recent months, "Green" topics have grown more popular and now Eco-Brokers are beginning to address the housing challenges that 'green-minded' customers are experiencing. A smart Eco-Broker who decides that they will provide relevant and constant content to like minded consumers stands a better chance of earning their business and referrals.

How do you find like minded potential customers? This is where allotting at least one hour of Internet work per day comes in. Web browsing and interaction is 'prospecting'. Just like previous generations of agents cold called religiously, net research and socializing is a way to meet future customers. In order to be effective though, prospecting must be a daily task that allows you to update sites, blogs, social networking profiles (myspace.com), send e-mails, research properties and find other on-line venues where you can be found. In addition, building a presence will require that you drive people towards your web niche by more traditional needs, newspapers, TV, business cards, etc. So make sure that your site makes it onto every advertising avenue you have.

In my opinion, most modern agents do not need or aren't ready to manage a full time website. Instead, I propose the REALTORS utilize blogs to get their message out. Blogs are easily manageable and surprisingly efficient as a marketing tool. They are also less expensive (on the average) then most sites out there. Ultimately, learning how to optimize traffic, keeping visitors returning, converting these guests to leads and finally converting leads to closed sales is the true name of the game. It often boils down to whether your voice is consistent and confident. Those who post more, get more.

Building a web presence as a REALTOR is not a quick process. As in real life, there are no short cuts to making a name for yourself on-line. But for those who take pride in their practice and are willing to discipline themselves to this method of prospecting, the world is yours.

Twitter.com

2008-09-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

I have recently begun to experiment on Twitter.com after hearing about the website from Leo Laporte's tech show on KFI and so far I have found it to be very fun and addictive.What I like the most is that I am quickly able to update all my followers about what I am doing and/or what sites I think are relevant.

So far, my following has been growing to the rate of one a day and some have even gone as far as to ask me follow-up questions on my postings.Its also neat that Twitter now lets you add a widget on my blog. This makes it very easy for me to update two sites quickly. Now I am looking for a way to have Twitter update my Facebook and MySpace accounts automatically.

So why do this?

Because I like sharing with others what I am up to on-line.
Because it is a great marketing approach that allows subscribers get an idea of what I am doing

Adventures with the new D40

2008-09-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

A week ago my new Nikon D40 arrived and very quickly I began to become familiarized with all the menus, settings and speeds. I've posted some of the first photos on my blog.The biggest challenges I am facing are the following:

With the average photo being over 1 mb, I can quickly see how I can run out of room for storage. I have a back up drive at home but I am starting to realize that I may be better served by doing off-site storage. For that, I turned to my Tech Guru and I've signed up for Carbonite (www.carbonite.com). This is also the same product I discussed at the last training at the board for those who wondered about it.
Printing: All of a sudden I have an entire set of photos that look fantastic and need to be printed. But aside for a couple of photo collages we need for the house that I can use my own printer, how am I supposed to get all of these photos out and on albums. Well, I've been experimenting with Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com) and so far I have found their pricing to be very competitive much better then going to printshops like Walmart.
On-Line Sharing: I had been using Google's Picassa (www.picasaweb.google.com) and its download. So far, its been the best vehicle for sharing. Not only does it sync easily with Blogger but also, the photo "tagging" and upload features are great. I highly recommended.

More to come!

I Want to Play With This

2008-09-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

I heard about BeeDocs on Leo Laporte's tech show and I want to try it badly. Unfortunately, its designed for MAC OS. Oh well, check it out and if anyone tries it, please let me know because I would like to see it all put together: http://www.beedocuments.com

The D40 Finally Arrived

2008-08-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

I am so excited today. After a two week ordeal to receive it, my new Nikon D40 SLR arrived in the mail.

A while ago, the odyssey towards the camera began. I have used several other digital cameras over my years in real estate, but after seeing some of the shots taken by my colleagues I knew that I needed to step into the SLR jungle.

But like so many others, I am an amateur photographer with a budget and the Internet is surprisingly not abundant in advice about cameras.

Ultimately, I settled on the Nikon D40 thanks to good word of mouth from friends (about the Nikon brand) and a wonderful article by Ken Rockwell, I decided that this was it for me. Purchased from Target, the under $400 price tag was easy on my family's budget.

At first, I was a little intimidated by the size of the lens, the myriad of buttons and the thickness of the manual. But within a few minutes of study and familiarization with the features I was quickly taking photos of my kids and annoying my wife paparazzi style.

This camera was definitely worth the wait. I'll begin to post some of my shots tomorrow.

Sportsmanship and Cockiness

2008-08-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

Today, once again we had another opportunity to see upper limits of a human's body performance as Usein Bolt of Jamaica crushed the world record on the 200 meter race. In a flash, the colorful Jamaican racing prodigy broke a record that many (including myself) saw as an umatchable treshold that would never be crossed. In addition, with his previously win at the 100 meter in record time, he cemented himself as one of the 2008's Olympics most dominant athletes.

To me though, his antics prior, during (the most troubling) and after his races stand in direct contrast to the class and sportsmanship that swimming phemom Michael Phelps displayed during his quest for Olympic glory last week.

As a fan of sports, I enjoy the thrill of witnessing talent perform at its peak and accomplish the unthinkable. From Tiger Wood's heart stopping 2005 shot at the Masters,

to Michael Jordan's arial displays (I am a Magic Johnson fan but I recognize greatness).

I share the sheer joy of being witness to the beauty of sports.

Equally important to me, is how these and many other great players have carried themselves. From Magic to Montana, I learned that these players were 'the best' because they enveloped their talent with humility and respect for their competitors.

It was obvious that they were fierce competitors who would strike mercilessly when the game was on the line. But before and after games, they were cool customers who celebrated proudly and with class.

In 2008, I shared everyone's amazement at Michael Phelps string of victories in the pool. Every race was a nail bitter because you felt a sense of history. Then, after the races, I couldn't help to swell with pride as the tacit 21 year old spoke of 'team', 'lack of words', and 'humilty'. In short, he showed me the relevance of the Olympic spirtit.

With anticipation, I then turned my focus to the track and the talents of Usein Bolt and his treck to victory. Unfortunatelly, I only saw a self-centered star who strung together two victories with mockery and disrespect. At first, I chalked it up to yourthful exuberance. Afterall, in my days I've been guilty of cocky self indulgence. Then I reasoned that Bolt is held to a higher standard. Young or not, the Olympic games are the ultimate stage for athletes and thusly require that talented youths brign their A game in both physicality and sportsmanship.

For me, Bolts world record performance is mired by his sad chest thumping joke. Thanks goodness for the Michael Phelps of sports. They make it all still worth while.

Best Photography Practices for REALTORS

2008-07-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

This week, REALTOR Jacen Crehan and I had the opportunity to address a flock of REALTORS on the topic of "Photography: Best Practices" at the Arcadia Association of REALTORS (AAR). After received a slew of follow-up questions via e-mail I decided to posts my notes here for easy review.

1) Take More Photo, Not Less: I have always wondered why real estate professionals take photos that ommit significant portions of the home. In other words, their shot is so tight that the parts of the structure are cut-off. This is a shame considering that a couple of steps back could give the agent a broader view of the property. Therefore, my advice would be to make an effort to get-away from the structure and allow more of the surroundings to show. Cropping is an easy fix back at the office that will pay-off when viewers see the full house they hope to purchase.

2) Invest in a Monopod or Tripod: Even though a lot of newer cameras have built-in stability controls, the fact is that there are still many blurry or mis-aligned photos making it to the MLS today. This could be easily cured using a a tri-pod. In addition, Jacen commented that he uses his mono-pod to reach higher places or to hide in areas where mirrors surround you (such as bathrooms).

3) Take Accent Shots: Every home has character and knowledgable REALTORS can help potential buyers notice the 'little things' that makes a house a home. Therefore, as you are photographing the home, don't be afraid to hone in on the small touches that others may miss. Every home tells a story. Make sure that your photos help convey that history and the pride your client took in their home.

More to come...

Hugo Torres is the General Manager at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes / Monrovia. To contact Hugo, please call 626.675.0658 or email at tech@hugotorres.com

Real Estate School Gets Revamp

2008-06-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

In recent months, an upsurge in Real Estate licensing interest has prompted CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes to revamp its Wednesday night classes at its Monrovia Office. The California Department of Real Estate's (DRE) change in education requirements at the beginning of this year asked all licensing schools to review their systems and teaching materials to account for the more rigorous threshold.

Now, CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes re-introduces it's Wednesday night program that includes three subjects that the DRE mandates. Students who enroll in the course and who are ultimately licensed, will have an extensive education in Property Management, Real Estate Practice and Real Estate finance. Prior to 2008, licensees where only required to have passed Real Estate principles and then take and complete two additional courses 18-months after a conditional license was issued.In addition to the proposed subjects, students at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes will receive additional information about life after the DRE exam.

During the course, they will begin to develop the necessary skills and concepts that will lead to a successful practice.To learn more about CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes' Real Estate licencing course visit the company at C21AB.com today or contact instructor Hugo Torres at licensing@hugotorres.com

My Thoughts on China

2008-05-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today I awoke to learn that thousands of men, women, children and animals died as a result of a massive earthquake that struck central China. By then end of our business day, the death toll had risen to over ten thousand with an equally stagering number of injured or ailing.
My thoughts are with all those who have perished and are facing challenges this evening. And not just our Chinese brothers and sisters, but also the citizens of Myanmar and our own neighbors in Oklahoma and Missouri.
Despite our current economic troubles, I encourage all those who are able to assist to make an effort to help in any way they can. Governments may disagree on how to help one another, but every day people can help those in need faster and easier.
I will work with local Rotary organizations to aid and help. May you find your own way to make a difference.

2008-04-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

As a resident of Monrovia I am closely following the recent dispute between the Monrovia Police Officers Association and the elected leadership at City Council.

I feel that there are cool and rational heads on both sides of this issue who can come together to find a resolution. Monrovia is small enough of a city for concerns like this to be resolved amongst the friends with titles.

I encourage every citizen to become informed about this issue and make your opinion count. Ultimately, the citizens of Monrovia must guide our officials and police about the right course here.

We all gain from this dispute being settled. For one, I support the officers of the police department and I compliment them on the work they do. Two, I feel the compensation offer made by the City Council is fair. Now let's see if a compromise is possible. Monrovian's need peace of mind. Together we can find it.

Kids & Cough

2008-03-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

One thing I never anticipated about having kids is that I was going to deal with colds and flus more often.
The last few weeks have been so tough. Not only has So. Cal been cold but also all of us at home picked up a very nasty cold/flu and we can't seem to shake it.
I feel like my abs have taken a beating lately because of all the coughing.
At least that will be worth something come summer time.
I have just learned that once anyone in the family gets sick, how important it is for that person to be quarantined so that they don't get every one else in trouble. Achoo

Traffic on Super Tuesday!

2008-02-05T11:34:00.000-08:00

It was a real challenge getting out of the house this morning. For once I had woken up early and was ready to take on the day and out of nowhere I noticed the flood of cars comming in and out of our typically quiet cul-de-sac. Nicole and I scratched our heads for a moment and then we saw the "Polling Place" sign at one of our neighbors house. How my mind changed. From being upset and annoyed I quickly swelled with pride. I have always enjoyed the ins and outs of the political process and suddenly my neighborhood is a hub for voters in the city. Irregardless of the traffic troubles today I am going to enjoy the comming and going on our cul-de-sac.