G-man's Real Estate Blog for The Mississippi Gulf Coast

The Mississippi Gulf Coast has more activity!

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:38:24 -0500

The World's Largest Fishing Rodeo opened today in Biloxi, MS. Says the Sun Herald, "The event features saltwater categories ranging from amberjack to stingray with six additional categories in the freshwater division.

Toss in four shootouts and a kids fishing rodeo, and there's something for all.

Fisherman may preregister for free at www.mississippideepseafishingrodeo.com There will be an entry for the cobia,redfish, speckled trout and bass shootouts."

Also happening is a new opening in Gulfport. A Uniques Alternative called, "Vintage Station" is a wine bar on Courthouse Road in Gulfport, MS.

Reports the Sun Herald:

This is a place where people can sit and enjoy their wine and conversation. This is a place to Wind down, not wind up, say Don Halle one of the co-owners.

Jazz or standards plays in the background of the softly lit club, and the space is subtly divided into seating areas designed for conversation, like a living room or a lobby. A traditional bar area is also part of the decor, and one section can be closed off for gatherings or meetings...

"We also have a full-service bar, but our focus is on wine," Joyner(the other co-owner) said. "We have the higher end scotches and a few designer beers, but we're trying to be unique."

The wine list is 4 pages long.

In other events on the coast The Gulfport/Biloxi airport is expanding service. While other airlines are cutting back service in some areas, a fourth daily flight between Dallas/Ft.Worth and the Gulfport/Biloxi International Airport is being added.

Also added within the last 4 months, added flights to St. Petersburg, Fl, and Tampa and Atlanta,GA and Jacksonville,Fl.

Look for more news and info about the economy and events on the Coast right here. And if you are thinking of relocating to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in any of its cities such as Gulfport, Bilxoi, Long Beach, Ocean Springs, D'Iberville, Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis please call or email Gerard Maher with Gulf Coast Realty. Specializing in residential real estate for the Mississippi Gulf Coast

The Mississippi Gulf Coast real estate snapshot

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:47:49 -0500

I did a brief overview of some of the areas along the Mississippi Gulf Coast yesterday. Here are some of the interesting facts about Single Family Residential homes with a minimum of 2 Bedrooms/1 Bath that are not Mobile homes as of June 22, 2009:

Pass Christian has 135 Active Listings. In the last 30 days 4 homes sold with this criteria. in the last 90 days 11 homes sold.

Long Beach, MS has 152 Active Listings. In the last 30 days 4 homes sold with this criteria, in the last 90 days 20 homes sold.

Gulfport North has 423 active Listings. In the last 30 days 25 homes sold with this criteria, in the last 90 days 98 homes sold.

Gulfport SW has 76 Active Listings. In the last 30 days 2 homes sold with this criteria, in the last 90 days 18 homes sold.

Gulfport SE has 243 Active Listings. In the last 30 days 7 homes sold with this criteria, in the last 90 days 38 homes sold.

Biloxi has 182 Active Listings. In the last 30 days 5 homes sold with this criteria, in the last 90 days 22 homes sold.

Biloxi N has 109 Active Listings. In the last 30 days 5 homes sold with this criteria. In the last 90 days 23 homes sold.

D'Iberville has 92 Active Listings. In the last 30 days 9 homes sold with this criteria. In the last 90 days 21 homes sold.

St. Martin has 163 Active Listings. In the last 30 days 13 homes sold with this criteria. In the last 90 days 36 homes sold.

Ocean Springs has 467 Active Listings. In the last 30 days 20 homes sold with this criteria. In the last 90 days 72 homes sold.

I am printing these stats to show that we are still in a Buyer's market here on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Coupled with the $8000 tax credit for first time buyer's and the lower interest rates, there are alot of bargains to be found in today's market here.

If you are interested in finding out more information on Mississippi's Gulf Coast Real Estate, call Gerard or email him at CallGman@yahoo.com

Gerard Maher does residential real estate for the MS Gulf Coast. Specializing in Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, D'Iberville, St. Martin, Pass Christian and Long Beach

Making the Move

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:01:58 -0500

Hellow All!

I am writing to say that I am back on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I started in real estate here in 1998. Worked for a New Home builder, and also Prudential and Century 21. Then I started my own company called Gulf Coast Realty in February of 2001. Grew the company over the next few years and then sold it in June of 2007 to move to San Diego, Ca.

In San Diego I did real estate for 2 years, but while writing up numerous offers, a great many never made it to closing because of lack of response on short sales by the banks.

California is a wonderful place. It has mountains, deserts, the Ocean, and alot of great qualities. But...there is no subsitute for the network of friends that I have in Mississippi. I am glad to be back, and yes, I have joined my old company, Gulf Coast Realty.

I look forward to helping all my old friends with their real estate needs, and in meeting new friends.

If you are looking for help in real estate give me a call, or email me at CallGman@yahoo.com

Gerard Maher (G-Man) does residential real estate on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, from Ocean Springs to Bay St Louis, Biloxi and Gulfport, Pass Christian and Long Beach.

Zip Realty is really a great place for agents, buyers and sellers

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:33:57 -0600

Hi all,

I am Now working with Zip Realty here in San Diego. It is a truly GREAT company.

For the Buyer it offers a really superior web site experience. While most real estate companies have listings from the mls, Zip goes further, having all sorts of info at the buyers fingertips without having to leave the site. Offer Evaluators, letting you know what other properties in the area have sold for compared to listed at in the last 1 month, 2 month, etc. This helps the buyer get a good feel for the market when they are looking around on the internet. Comps for sold properties, Driving directions from more than One location. Multiple ways to search for properties. Making appointments to see the properties right from the website, Initiating offers from the website. So many features, so much to see, yet all very easy to do, not overwhelming.

Then for sellers, Zip has such a LARGE database of buyers looking on their website. (For a company of only around 4000 agents, they have surpassed in number of people searching for homes the Re/Max website). New listings are alerted to buyers within that area and criteria. In addition, the commission structure is sweet, with the Seller getting Full Service, including virtual tours, open houses, MLS listings, and getting the property sold for a commission structure that is going to make it hard on the competition to top.

For Agents, with the wide amount of new people searching online, there are tons of leads coming in to the agents each month. Agents are given continous training, online university, Most, if not all, of your expenses taken care of by the company, and plenty of work to keep you busy. While Zip has only been around for 10 years, it is on the cutting edge of being a giant on the internet, and... is just now starting to focus more heavily on the listing side. In its earlier days, the main emphasis was on just buyers, but there is now a balance coming where both the buying and listing side are being emphasised. That's good news for agents, and clients.

Now everyone will see how good the agents of Zip are. (We set an industry high standard with a 95% approval rating of our agents from closed clients, versus the industry standard of around 75%

So, whether you are interested in Buying, Selling or you are an agent, checkout ZipRealty.com and play on the site a little and see if you don't agree, that there is nothing to compare to what Zip Realty has.

Gerard Maher (G-Man) is A Broker/Associate with Zip Realty in the San Diego area, specializing in Residential Real Estate in Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo and Poway, but serving all of San Diego county.

New Year and Real Estate is seeing More Buyers in San Diego

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:31:46 -0600

Hi ALL,

I have been reading and seeing all sorts of stats and talking heads telling me how real estate is not going to get better in 2009. I am not sure my local experience agrees with that.

First, I have so many more buyers out looking for homes than I have had in the last 18 months.

Second, My company Zip Realty, for San Diego had a Record Breaking month of December in sales.

Third, Inventory levels for homes on the market have dropped in the last year here in San Diego.

and Finally, because the value of homes has declined from 10-40% here in San Diego, more people are finding good buys out there that they can't pass up. In fact, I was contacted by 2 people from Arizona, saying they are originally from San Diego, but moved because they could more easily afford to buy a home in Arizona then San Diego. But, now they are looking back in the San Diego market, because homes are now in their price range.

So, like I constantly say, real estate is local, and you have to see what is happening in not just a market, but sometimes in a neighborhood to really see what is happening. And... Most of our statistics, tell news that is 30-60 days old, and may not be reflecting the CURRENT trend yet. So, if you are thinking of buying or selling, do the homework for your area, for your particular neighborhood. That will give you a better understanding of what the housing trend is for your area.

And by the way...Everyone have a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year!

Gerard Maher (G-Man) is a REALTOR in the San Diego area, specializing in residential homes in Scripps Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Mira Mesa, Poway and Rancho Bernardo.

It's the Quality of the Agent

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:57:48 -0500

Hello All!

I have had quite a busy last 2 months. Closing some deals, losing some escrows and...Changing Companies! That's right, I am no longer associated with Coldwell Banker Residential here in Scripps Ranch, but I have joined Tobin Associates & Realtors, Inc.

Now Tobin has been in real estate in the San Diego area for about 10 years, and has done real well, being a top producing agent at CB Residential in the San Diego area. He is knowledgeable, ethical and a fun guy to be around. And his starting his own company hasn't slowed him dow one bit.

In fact, he is servicing all his large book of past clients and getting referalls, while getting new business at the same time. He is a very thorough agent. And I knew that working with someone like him would have a great effect. Because when 2 people with high standards work together, they only enhance and raise the bar for both of them.

Now, don't get me wrong, CB residential has some great agents too. But it is really the quality of the individual agents that make for a good transaction, not the company. CB while having great agents at the top, also have alot of inexperienced agents. I believe that because of the size of the company, they are a great place for new agents to go, to learn, and develop some good habits. But then, it is really the indivual that makes their own success and not the company. And... it is the indivual that makes the buyers and sellers experience good versus nerve racking.

So, I went to work with Tobin, and will bring my experience, my knowledge, my ethics and my marketing skills to get my clients the best service to be found in the area, and while I am up against pretty good competition in Tobin, it will only bring both of us to a level that will WOW our clients.

So, if you know anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the San Diego area, give me(The G-Man) a call at 619-481-0882 or email me at G@CallGman.com

Gerard Maher (G-Man) is a Broker/Associate with Tobin Associates & Realtors, Inc. With 10 years experience in real estate, Gerard brings his expertise to All of San Diego but specializes in Scripps Ranch, Poway, Rancho Penasquitos and Mira Mesa.

School Starts Back

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:15:39 -0500

For many of us, This is the time of year when school starts back. With the kids back in school, it is a good time to start evaluating your home needs. While it is fresh on your mind, now is the time to start thinking about what are your needs in a school for the children, if you are moving. Will the school challenge them academically? Will it have the right extra curricular activities that you children are involved in? What about sports? School spirit? Parent involvement? These are all things that you will want to consider if you are planning on making a move in the next year.

Do your homework, investigate the schools, call your REALTOR and ask them to get you the information you are looking for, or to steer you to the right websites. There is more to buying a new home then just the physical characteristics of the home and the price. Research the area, the schools, the neighborhood, the restaurants and stores and all the other things that matter to you in creating a great place to live. Make your REALTOR aware of these things, so that in partnership, you will find the right home in the right area.

Gerard Maher is a REALTOR for the whole San Diego area. However he specializes in Residential homes in the Scripps Ranch, Poway, Mira Mesa and Rancho Penasquitos communities. Give Gerard(G-Man) a call at 619-481-0882 or email him at G@CallGman.com

August 2008

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:52:42 -0500

Real Estate stats for August for the Scripps Ranch area I will be posting in about another 2 days. But my general impression for August is that business has been steady, with prices only marginally changed.

I think the foreclosure and short sales are becoming more common, and buyers are coming out in greater numbers looking for the deals. But, do to the nature of short sales, things going under contract are not closing with short sales in the same ratio as normal escrows. So while sale statistics might not be as robust as we would like, it doesn't mean the interest in buying isn't there. It is there, it is just that there is alot of limbo, where escrows never close. In fact, there are alot of contracts on our mls, that are showing Active, because short sales go under contract, but don't have written approval of the lender. So, our market is bringing out buyers, but the stats aren't always able to show this.

Hurricane Gustav

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:45:13 -0500

I lived in Gulfport, Mississippi when Hurricane Katrina hit. I owned a home about 4 blocks up from the beach. 23 ft above sea level and it was built in 1947, and survived Hurricane Camille in 69 which had winds over 200mph when it broke all wind measuring devices. So my house was pretty solid.

However, more than 50% of my home was damaged during Katrina, and it took me about 18 months to get it repaired. In the mean time, my real estate company, "Gulf Coast Realty had about 2 months of very little activity and then tons of business came pouring in. The coast was devastated for miles south of the rail road tracks (which ran parallel to the beach ) which were about 5-6 blocks north of the Gulf.

Even today, 3 years later, there is still alot of emptiness and barreness. Business is coming back, but it would take another 10 to 15 years to get it back completely....

Now we have Hurricane Gustav potentially heading to the Gulf Coast. This is bad news for so many.

New Orleans being below sea level is really badly off, and everyone should evacuate.

The Mississippi coast, if it hits, will be a mess.

I ask all of you on AR to think about pitching in physically if they get a major hit. There will be a great need with helping to just throw out stuff, and remove junk from homes, so skill level isn't a problem.

Let's hope that Gustav just fades into a minor storm and does no damage, but if it hits hard, then think about going down to the gulf region for a week and helping out. Thanks

Independent vs franchise real estate part I

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:10:16 -0500

Hello All!

Maybe some of you could give me input.

Here's the decision- I currently am doing real estate in San Diego working for a Coldwell Banker office in Scripps Ranch. It is a good office, there are alot of agents ( I think officially like 80plus) about 30 or so that I see on a weekly basis. But, I don't think it is the office that makes you successful, it is the Agent that does it.

I started in real estate with a Prudential Real Estate company, I stayed there for about a year, then went to work for a home builder who used a Century 21 office, so I became a Century 21 agent for about 2 years selling new homes and doing regular real estate deals on the side. But after that I started my own real estate company. It was independent (Called Gulf Coast Realty) At first it was just me, but over time, it grew. Then after Katrina and my house needing to be rebuilt, I thought I would move to San Diego and do real estate here. So I sold the company, got my house rebuilt, and sold it and moved to San Diego where I was going to work for a GMAC One Source office in San Diego, when they sold it in the middle of my move to Coldwell Banker Residential. That's who I am with now.

Now here is my thoughts.... A friend of mine who worked at Coldwell Banker, opened his own company.

He is a Very Good agent and our thoughts on being ethical, providing quality service, keep well informed, doing great marketing and great follow up are so much in sync.

He is working as a one man show. And without him soliciiting me, I am thinking about joining him.

He is more than willing to take me on at a generous commission split. I like the challenge of helping something grow. But... in this market time and age, is it a good time to be going from a fairly large company to a very small one?

What do you thinK?

Would appreciate your thoughts,

Gerard (G-man)

Independent vs Franchise part 2

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:05:00 -0500

A while back, I wrote a blog about deciding whether to be an agent with a franchise or go with an independent company. I wrote how I got into real estate about 10 years ago and have worked with Prudential, and Century 21 and then started my own indpendent company called Gulf Coast Realty.

Well a little over a year ago, I sold Gulf Coast Realty and moved to San Diego, CA. And I started working with Coldwell Banker. It's been a little over a year, but I am going to be making the move in September to an Independent company.

My reasons are as follows:

1) It is the agent that is the one providing the level and quality of service. Franchises and Independents both, have good and bad agents.

2) It is really the agents business that is being promoted, and people gravitate locally to the agent. True, nationally, independents don't get as many referals as franchises, but that is offset somewhat by being a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). I know I would refer someone hands down to a CRS, then to any agent just because they belonged to the same franchise.

3) Independents can be more innovative and not slowed down by the Corporate beauracracy.

4) The internet is leveling the advantage franchises use to have over independents

5) Making an Independent operation flourish is a Big rush to me.

So, I am moving on, and will be working once again with an independent real estate company.

I will keep you all informed as I make the move.

Have a Safe Labor Day weekend

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:43:25 -0500

Hello All!

Just wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy labor day weekend. Have fun visiting, going to the

beach, or bar-b-q ing or whatever else you may do, just remeber to be safe, and Don't Drink and Drive!

Also, to my friends on the Gulf Coast, stay safe, and evacuate if Gus is coming your way. I got out for Katrina, and hope this one dies down to barely a whisper.

Happy Labor Day,

BLAH,BLAH,BLOG

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:01:34 -0500

Technorati Profile

Thought that is what a lot of people think about Blogs! I know I did!

Who are these people that want to blog, don't they have a life? Then I found ActiveRain and SUDDENLY the light began to dawn on me.

It's like having experts all around you
It's like having op/ed writers multiplied by the thousands
It's like pitching in to help one another
It's getting to share your concerns and beliefs with others, while learning how others deal with similar situations that you are experiencing
It's like a community gathering
It's like Co-operation
It's like a great social tool
It's like a great marketing tool
It's like getting a little taste of someone's values
It's like a great school
It's like a great library

and on and on and on..........

I do real estate for a living Full Time in San Diego and Poway area of the Country.

But while real estate is local, some of the same situations in San Diego and Poway are recurring all around the country. The collective wisdom and experience of the community on ActiveRain is a great tool to refine and enlighten an agent.

And ultimately I want to be the Best agent my clients can get. So I keep learning, updating, refining my skills...always. I have done real estate for 10 years, and God willing will be doing it for 30 more years. But personal experience gets more benefit when combined with collective experience. It's like getting the benefit of a thousand experienced agents all wrapped up in me! So it's not just BLAH, BLAH BLOG, it's about being the best and sharpening your took kit!

Gerard Maher (G-Man) full time REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Residential helps Buyers, Sellers, Investors in San Diego & Poway

He can be reached by calling 619-481-0882 or go to

http://Go4GMan.com

G@CallGman.com for email.

Housing Stats for Scripps Ranch Real Estate in San Diego for July vs June 2008

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:39:33 -0500

Here are the stats for Detached homes in Scripps Ranch for July compared with June:

Scripps Ranch Detached Homes	New Listings June	Home that went under contract in June	Sold Homes June	New Listings July	Home that went Under Contract in July	Sold Homes July
Number	35	37	27	30	12	26
Avg List Price	$674,927	$605,972	$650,374	$851,824	$726,867	$820,464
Median List Price	$639,900	$575,000	$640,000	$802,450	$749,950	$769,500
Avg SOLD price	------------	----------------	$626,611	--------------	--------------	$780,360
Median SOLD Price	------------	----------------	$618,000	--------------	--------------	$745,000

As you can see, the number of SOLDS in Scripps Ranch for DETACHED homes decreased slightly from 27 to 26 but, the Average List price, the Median List Price, The Average Sold Price and the Median Sold price went up! from June to July some positive signs for Scripps Ranch Real Estate. The number of homes under contract is slow in July and that decreased sharply from June.

Nevertheless, the market is NOT heading Downward in Scripps Ranch for the month of July. With both the average and median prices up for 26 sold homes we are encouraged that the market has stopped sliding in Scripps. Whether this trends continues we will have to trace over the next few months!

Housing stats for Detached Homes from Sandicor

Gerard Maher is a REALTOR for the San Diego area. Gerard specializes in Poway Real Estate, Scripps Ranch Real Estate, Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate and Mira Mesa Real Estate. You can reach him by email at G@CallGman.com or call him at 619-481-0882.

Keep the Good Agents, make it hard on the Bad ones!

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:25:40 -0500

Houses are Big business. One of the largest purchases a person makes in their life. Yet the industry has so many complaints about incompetent or uncaring, or worse real estate agents. I believe in setting the bar high for agents. I believe that agents can't afford to be doing this part time, because they are the source of information for their area. They should know the comps, know the neighborhood, know how to negotiate, know what is going on in the local area. They should be honest, helpful, knowledgable and able to provide insight into the market.

As agents, we are by the majority honest and ethical. But, it only takes a small percentage to color all of us as bad. We should be more diligent, then in making sure that the bad agents are not tolerated. Consumers need to do research into the history and performance of past clients with the agents they hire.

Let's make sure good agents are rewarded, and bad agents don't get a chance to spread their business.

So as a General HELP to the CONSUMER make sure BEFORE you hire or associate with an agent, that you check with past clients, see how long they have been in business, see how many transactions they have handled, and interview three agents before you decide on using one.

For AGENTS make sure that you are diligent with your clients, become thoroughly familiar with their needs, and keep yourself Fully informed of your local market. Get feedback from your clients, and strive to update and improve yourself. Marketing is a constantly evolving art/science, stay up with the toos needed to be not just part of the pack, but well ahead of it.

Gerard Maher is a REALTOR in the San Diego Area. He specialized in Residential Real Estate. With over 10 years in the business, he has helped many buyers and sellers as well as teaching other agents to get licensed as both agents and Brokers. To contact Gerard (G-Man) you can email him at G@CallGman.com or phone him at 619-481-0882.

The Best way to do it is....

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:51:07 -0500

WOW!!! AM I EXCITED! I just found out the best way to do real estate. You see, coaches, seminars, gurus, all kinds of motivational speakers, give us the best way to do something. And...like america's craving for diets, and ways to get in shape, and ways to lose weight, and ways to do so many other things that will increase our wealth, reduce our fatigue, give us a glamourous lifestyle, etc.... they all profess to be THE WAY. They have the magic KEY. Just what has eluded all of mankind up to now.

But....a few days, weeks, or months later, people have fallen away. Why? It was the best thing wasn't it?

Yes, but we lose focus. You see, it is focus that concentrates our abilities so we can do super great things. We have within us untold resources at our disposal, and when (and if ) we concentrate on things, we do a fine job., A Great Job, a Stupendous job.

But, most of us are short distance focus people. We can concentrate for a little bit on something, say 3-4 weeks, but then other things important in our life crowd out the focus.

You must have heard by now about goal setting, visualization, desiring, subconscious wants, secrets, guides, and more, but the answer is still getting down to focus. No one should doubt the power we have when we focus, but to keep focusing while events unfold around us, that is the trick.

You have a new born baby, and you are getting on track with your program. Everything is visualized, you know what you want, and you see the success starting to flow... You have a positive attitude, great things are bubbling up from your enthusiasm and CAN DO attitude, and then your focus gets shaken by the want of being with your child more, that your other focus isn't so important as you thought. We fall off our original track and onto a new one. Multiple paths are open to us...and our focus is only as good as our effort to keep it the main focus. But we have to realize that as life unfolds, new lessons are offered to us individually. And as we come upon new crossroads, new directions might be in order.

Some of us ARE single track people, and that empahasis, will get one into olympian heights in that area.

Other of us have many things going on and we are doing a juggling act to keep everything going.

But, when you write those goals, when you realize that vision, think of ALL the things that are important to you now, and...things that are of value .and persue your dream...but no that your focus is what is going to test your abiliy the most, and losing your focus, means you fall off one path, and onto another. So the real question beyond your visualization and goal is...Am I ready for a new direction, or Am I ready to conquer the path I have chosen. There is no wrong answer, just wrong fits for different people.

Think about how you can make it work for you.

Why use a CRS?

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:09:09 -0500

Hello All!

I was in Toastmaster's last night giving a speech. It was titled Why use a Certified Residential Specialist.

I like to talk about things I know about, so I figured it would be a good topic. But I was amazed, that the group of 18 or so, didn't know what a Certified Residential Specialist was. So my speech informed them, that there are 3 reasons you should use a CRS.

1) They had to have closed AT LEAST 25 residential transactions- so you know they're experienced. ( I told them, that there is no mandatory apprenticeship in real estate- so once you pass your test, you can say you're an agent, but might have less experience at the actual transaction then a person who has already bought a home)

2) CRS agents have to take additional classes and pass them. They include topics like negotiating, marketing, business planning, the internet, networking,etc. These classess help the agent help their client get their home sold in the most efficient way possible.

3) CRS agents have at their disposal a network of 44,000 other CRS agents throughout the country. And I told them that CRS agents make up about 4% of all REALTORS, but are involved in around 27% OF ALL RESIDENTIAL TRANSACTIONS!!!! Think about that, more than one quarter of all residential transactions have a CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST involved, but they only make up 4% of all REALTORS in the U.S.- And having that network of professionals like that, surely helps the client who wants to get better results than you can from an average agent.

The TOASTMASTERS group, gave me lots of comments at the end, and they were commenting on how they didn't realize they could even look for an agent as a CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST, and that they would pass on this info to friends.

So, I felt good getting to talk about a topic I am comfortable talking about, while at the same time educating the people in my community and progressing in my speeches towards my TOASTMASTER goal of Competent Communicator!

Gerard Maher (G-Man) is a REALTOR in the San Diego area, specializing in Scripps Ranch Real Estate, Poway Real Estate, Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate and Mira Mesa Real Estate. Gerard can be reached at 619-481-0882 or email him at G@CallGman.com

Live From New York!

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:19:18 -0500

Hello All!

I just wanted to say that I just came back from a GREAT time in NYC. I have family there ( I am originally from Brooklyn!) and it was great visiting and seeing New York again. Too many people to see in too little time, but even with the hectic pace, I enjoyed myself completely. Hitting the restaurants and pubs, seeing my brothers and sisters, walking the streets, soaking it all in. Visited friends near and far. Went to New Jersey for one friends party, to Long Island for another, and up to Connecticut for my brothers birthday. Luckily, I have a sister who is good to me, and let me use her manhattan apartment as my base of operations. But while it was great seeing old friends and family, I am still ever so greatful that I am living and working in San Diego. There is just no place else I can think of, that has everything I want here or close by. So while it is nice to visit New York, San Diego has taken my heart....Speaking of hearts... I am going to the REBAR camp meeting in San Francisco tommorrow (the day before the Inman Connect event.) Hoping to enjoy and maybe get to meet some of you ActiveRainers there! Everyone have a great one!

Gerard Maher is a REALTOR in the San Diego area. Specializing in Scripps Ranch Real Estate, Poway Real Estate, Mira Mesa Real Estate, Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate. You can reach Gerard (G-Man) at 619-481-0882 or email him at G@CallGman.com

Beware of Identity Theft!

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:45:06 -0500

HI All!

You know, My local paper today headlined a major stories about a real estate scam . The story showed that Foreclosures are exposing more cases of Fraud. Not the Fraud of lying on your mortgage application, but planned fraud of multiple parties including real estate agents and mortgage people who are getting a straw buyer- buying properties, with no intention of keeping them, and letting them go to foreclosure.

They are stealing people's identities, and buying homes, renting them out, and not paying a cent to paying the mortgage payment, and they just letting it go to foreclosure. This has had the effect, they say, of increasing property values when they buy- since they want a high price to get more commission and Decreasing property values when it then goes into foreclosure. So, the effect is to make our market crash statistics seem that much more exaggerated. Now I am a REALTOR, and I believe that most REALTORS are professional, honest and ethical. However, these scams unfortunately, are being done by real estate agents, in conjunction with some unsavory mortgage people, buying the properties with a fraudulent buyer; the mortgage person and the real estate agent get their commissions, the fraudulent gets a fee, and then they rent out the property, ruin the credit of the person they stole the identity of, and collect the money from the rents while paying NOTHING towards the mortgage payments. This is why in today's world, we really need to keep up with our identity and check frequently our credit profiles. The buyer in one case, didn't even know his identity had been stolen and used to buy one of these properties, until he went to buy a home of his own, and found that his credit was red flagged, because of a foreclosure of a property he knew nothing about.

So Please, within the next 24 hours, Go Check your credit profile, and maybe think about joining one of those identity theft programs.

Gerard Maher (G-Man) is a REALTOR in the San Diego area. Specializing in Scripps Ranch Real Estate, Poway Real Estate, Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate,and Mira Mesa Real Estate. You can reach him at G@CallGman.com or phone him at 619-481-0882.

Happy 4th of July Everyone from G-Man!

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:30:03 -0500

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYBODY!!!!

HAVE FUN, EAT, PARTY, ENJOY...BUT REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US FOR OUR FREEDOM, AND DON'T TAKE FREEDOM

FOR GRANTED. SAY A PRAYER TO KEEP OUR ARMED FORCES SAFE, OUR FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE.

Remember the Awesome ability we have to CHOOSE so much. Don't take it for Granted. Protect it and Honor Freedom.

ONCE again though Have a Safe and Happy 4th of JULY!!!

Gerard Maher (G-Man) is a REALTOR for the San Diego area. Specializing in Scripps Ranch Real Estate, Poway Real Estate, Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate and Mira Mesa Real Estate. You can reach him at G@CallGman.com or phone him at 619-481-0882

HAPPY AND SAFE 4TH OF JULY FROM G-MAN

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:08:09 -0500

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYBODY!!!!

HAVE FUN, EAT, PARTY, ENJOY...BUT REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US FOR OUR FREEDOM, AND DON'T TAKE FREEDOM

FOR GRANTED. SAY A PRAYER TO KEEP OUR ARMED FORCES SAFE, OUR FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE.

Remember the Awesome ability we have to CHOOSE so much. Don't take it for Granted. Protect it and Honor Freedom.

ONCE again though Have a Safe and Happy 4th of JULY!!!

Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate Stats for June!

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:42:09 -0500

Hi All! The Market doesn't Look so Bleak for the Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate market area of San Diego! LOOK!

Here are the Stats for Detached homes in Rancho Penasquitos for June compared with May:

Rancho Penasquitos Detached Homes	New Listings June	Home that went under contract in June	Sold Homes June	New Listings May	Home that went Under Contract in May	Sold Homes May
Number	35	37	27	18	9	37
Avg List Price	$674,927	$605,972	$650,374	$666,875	$561,085	$644,267
Median List Price	$639,900	$575,000	$640,000	$675,438	$565,000	$629,000
Avg SOLD price	------------	----------------	$626,611	--------------	--------------	$616,560
Median SOLD Price	------------	----------------	$618,000	--------------	--------------	$575,000

As you can see, the number of SOLDS in Rancho Penasquitos for DETACHED homes decreased slightly from 37 to 27 but, the number of homes that went under contract more than QUADRUPLED!!!! from May to June, and the average and median SOLD price increased from May to June too! Very positive signs for Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate. The number of homes under contract is very good, because that seems to be a precursor for increase SOLD homes for the following month we will have to wait and see.

Nevertheless, If you are looking to buy in Rancho Penasquitos, NOW would be a good time to get in the game One never can see the bottom exactly in stats until after it has already happened, and by then it is too late. So, with mortgage interest rates climbing, and the prices down where more buyers are jumping in, if you are thinking about a home, contact me.

Poway Real Estate Stats for June 2008

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:50:35 -0500

Hi All!

Here are the Stats for Detached homes in Poway for June compared with May:

Poway Detached Homes	New Listings June	Home that went under contract in June	Sold Homes June	New Listings May	Home that went Under Contract in May	Sold Homes May
Number	48	28	35	35	14	29
Avg List Price	$938,920	$528,937	$706,972	$1,298,240	$623,927	$641,462
Median List Price	$774,236	$404,450	$554,970	$795,000	$446,950	$569,000
Avg SOLD price	------------	----------------	$666,273	--------------	--------------	$605,704
Median SOLD Price	------------	----------------	$540,000	--------------	--------------	$525,000

As you can see, the number of sales in Poway for DETACHED homes INCREASED from 29 to 35 and the number of homes that went under contract DOUBLED from May to June, but the market still hasn't shown a clear sign that we can say this is it, here is a clear pattern. Although the number of contracts doubling does seem to be a precursor for increase SOLD homes for the following month, with so many short sales lingering and falling out of escrow, we will have to wait and see. I still think that even though the AVG & Median Prices have declined, with the increase in number of homes under contract doubling, that seems to indicate that Buyers now think that prices are Right. And when more buyers come into the market like this, that tends to reverse the downward trend, and have prices level off or even start to increase. But we would need to see this trend continue for a few more months to see if that is the case.

Nevertheless, If you are looking to buy in Poway, with the prices down, and the contracts doubling, this would be a good time to get off the fence and jump in and buy. One never can see the bottom exactly in stats until after it has already happened, and by then it is too late. So, with mortgage interest rates climbing, and the prices down where more buyers are jumping in, if you are thinking about a home, contact me.

Gerard Maher is a REALTOR for the Poway, and San Diego area. Gerard specializes in Poway Real Estate, Scripps Ranch Real Estate, Rancho Penasquitos Estate and Mira Mesa Real Estate. You can reach him by email at G@CallGman.com or call him at 619-481-0882.

Scripps Ranch Real Estate Stats for June 2008

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:52:29 -0500

HI ALL! Here are the stats for Scripps Ranch for Detached homes for June, 2008

Number of Homes that were listed in June 2008 were: 32

AVERAGE List Price: $861,840

MEDIAN List Price: $784,000

Number of Detached Homes that went under Contract in June: 23

AVERAGE List Price: $797,651

MEDIAN List Price: $737,500

Number of Detached Homes SOLD in June: 16

AVERAGE SOLD Price: $581,938

MEDIAN SOLD Price: $542,000

Now let's look back quickly on the May sales to compare where we are.

Detached home sales in May 2008 for Scripps Ranch were as follows:

Number of homes that went under contract in May 10

AVERAGE List Price: $742,570

MEDIAN List Price: $739,950

Number of Detached Homes SOLD in May: 26

AVERAGE SOLD Price: $746,169

MEDIAN SOLD Price: $724,500

Well, it seems that Scripps has gone down in the number of closed home sales from May to June. But, if I was to be like some newspapers that love to talk negatively and use housing stats all the time for miniscule changes, then I might SHOUT that the number of homes that went under Contract MORE THAN DOUBLED!!! From May to June. But, with the stats being what they are, we just have to wait to see where this market is really. I believe that we are Near or AT the Bottom. When Buyers start coming out in bigger numbers, that is a precursor to a change in the market. Also, stats are always written about the past, so you don't know you hit bottom, till it has already passed. So I am recommending if you are looking to buy a house in Scripps Ranch, that now is a Great time for buyers. Especially, as Mortgage interest rates keep creeping up. If you would like info on a specific neighborhood or area of Scripps Ranch, feel free to email me at G@CallGman.com or phone me at 619-481-0882. Gerard Maher (G-Man) is a REALTOR for San Diego & Poway. Specializing in Scripps Ranch Real Estate, Poway Real Estate, Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate and Mira Mesa Real Estate.

This is a Good Life!

Gerard Maher, CRS Gulfport, MS (Gulf Coast Realty) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:41:10 -0500

Hi all!

I am just writing to say, that no matter how you spin it, for me, this is a Good Life!

I just took 2 of my clients yesterday for a 190 mile odyssey looking at 11 homes in 5 hours.

And Believe it or not, every single one of them was a foreclosure. But...that was a relief from the Short sales that had been plaguing us in the past few weeks. Now we looked at 11, saw 3 that were Very possible, and wrote an offer on one of them tonight! That's a good thing. They have been disappointed and tired of looking, so they changed their search to something more than 60 miles away from my "home territory". But, they are good people, and they were loyal to me, so when they went looking further afield, and asked if I would still be their Realtor, I said, ok! ( normally I might have referred it out to an agent in that area). Well, I have to say that it was a good experience for all. One of them, like laughing and working with me in the car so much, that she is considering getting her license and working under me as a team member. She has the smarts, and the energy, and I think the perserverence it takes to be a Good Realtor., so I will let you all know.

Then, today, I took 2 peopleI know to LAX, which is about a 2hour twenty minute ride for me. Again, it was great to be able to help, get out and drive up north to LA. PLus we had fun riding in the car. On the way back, I managed to connect with 3 people on the phone, and get some good time to myself.

Then...I get back and get to have a little mini feast with chicken and salsa and chips, margaritas and just good fun, sitting out by the pool and hot tub. So, reflecting on everything, I thank God, for the wonders and blessings that come into my life, and I am Really Thankful that I am in a profession that I just don't like, but I LOVE and can't get enought of it. To me, doing real estate is a life long adventure, full of plenty of wonderful experiences and one that keeps you constantly updating and learning. I can't think of a better fit for me than being invovled with real estate, and of course...being from Brooklyn Ny, I have to say, I can't think of a Better Place to practise it, than in the near perfect environment of San Diego, CAlifornia!!! Whoooo Hooo for San Diego! This is A Good Life, and I recognize all the awesome Blessings I have!

Just wanted to share.....

G-Man

Gerard Maher is a REALTOR for the San Diego area, helping Buyers and Sellers. He specializes in Scripps Ranch Real Estate, Poway Real Estate, Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate and Mira Mesa Real Estate. For more info or to contact Gerard G@CallGman.com or phone him at 619-481-0882.