Blue RealtyGMAC Blog

BLUE REALTY GMAC MERGES WITH ULTIMATE REAL ESTATE GROUP OF VERONA

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:33:06 -0500

Verona - Blue Realty GMAC opened an Essex County office, merging with the Ultimate Real Estate Group, located at 59 Mount Prospect Avenue in Verona. Barbara Robinson, Broker of Record of the Ultimate Real Estate Group and Past President of the NJ Association of Realtors, will remain as Office Manager, and her sales staff are remaining as the newly formed Blue Realty GMAC office.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, "We are very proud to have Barbara and her staff join our family of realtors. Barbara is a tremendous real estate resource with a brilliant real estate career spanning 30+ years in the New Jersey marketplace."

According to Barbara Robinson, who is still very active and serves on statewide board of realtor committees, "I am thrilled to be a part of the Blue family, and to be able to offer our great value proposition to our agents. We share a high level of integrity and commitment to our industry and clients and I am very excited about our new affiliation."

For more information about the new Verona office of Blue Realty GMAC, contact Barbara Robinson and her staff at the office directly at (973) 571-4112 or visit the office at 59 Mount Prospect Avenue in Verona. For more information about Blue Realty GMAC or to search for listings throughout New Jersey, log onto www.bluerealty.com

BLUE REALTY NAMED TO NATIONAL REAL ESTATE POWER BROKER LIST

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:03:16 -0500

Riverdale - Blue Realty GMAC, with nine offices and over 200 licensed Realtors in New Jersey, has been named to the 2009 RISMedia National Real Estate Power Broker List, ranking 468 in the country in closed real estate transactions and 432 in dollar volume. The RISMedia National Power Broker List is released every year and contains the names of the top 600 Real Estate Brokerages in the country, ranked by sales units and volume.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, "Being named to the RISMedia Power Broker List is a great achievement for our company, and a validation of all we have been doing these past few years, and will continue to do. Like everyone else, we find ourselves faced with the same challenges our peers do. Our response to these challenges, adding programs and tools that meet the times we are in, including our online real estate presence, superb E-Realty Information Generation platform, Market Value Predictor, and all our other great tools, and most importantly, the people in our company who are doing the work, have allowed us to thrive and grow in this challenging environment. I always say that a company is only as good as its people, and we are fortunate to have such wonderful people within our company providing great service to the public."

Blumenkehl noted that while his company's average sales price dropped to just under $275,000 statewide in 2008, pointing to a reduction of sales in the Elegant Homes market, their transaction volume jumped 20%, propelling the company to national rankings. Blumenkehl believes 2009 will mark a year of heightened production, particularly in the first time buyer markets, due in large part to the attractive interest rates and prices along with the tremendous incentives being offered, including an $8,000 credit to all first time buyers who buy before 12/01/09. "In the 31 years I have active in real estate, I can't recall a time when everything was lined up so perfectly for the first time buyer. This is the greatest opportunity in history to be buying your home".

For more information about Blue Realty GMAC or to search for real estate in your area, log onto the company website at www.bluerealty.com or call the company toll free at 1-800-936-SOLD/7653.

HOMEOWNERS URGED - SELL SHORT, REFINANCE, BUT TRY NOT TO LOSE YOUR HOME

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:27:09 -0500

Riverdale - Every day, more people slip into the foreclosure whirlpool and spiral downward toward the day they may have to leave their home. What should you do if you are on the verge of getting a foreclosure notice?

First and foremost, according to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, exclusive Real Estate Foreclosure Broker for the NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, you should resist the natural human tendency to freeze up. Face the issue head on and prepare for days and weeks of making phone calls and corresponding with people who may be able to help.

"Don't assume it's too late to act," said Blumenkehl, "As long as you are residing in the home, you probably have some opportunity to keep your home."

Blumenkehl, a Realtor since 1977 whose company has sold thousands of foreclosed homes on behalf of lenders since 1989, said people facing foreclosure have more avenues to pursue than they might realize - certainly more than the typical "pay up or move out" that many people think is their only choice. According to Blumenkehl, potential solutions include negotiating a modification of the loan, refinancing the loan, listing the home through an agent for a possible "short sale", selling the home to an investor on your own and declaring bankruptcy.

Short sales - in which the lender agrees to take less than is owed on the home, writing off some or all of the loss to avoid the expense of a foreclosure - typically are handled by real estate agents, which at least takes some of the pressure off of a harried homeowner. Many professional real estate agents are working more short sales these days and have buyers lined up looking for bargains, though the process can be slow and frustrating.

"The banks are just not moving quickly. They are sitting on these non performing loans, and it's ridiculous. Hopefully, something will be done to expedite the process, but in the meantime a knowledgeable agent will do their best to streamline the process and get the deal done" said William Lawrence, General Sales Manager with Blue Realty GMAC. Lenders may also reject short-sale offers, sometimes leaving the seller with little or no time to prevent the foreclosure.

Blumenkehl invites anyone seeking additional information to log onto the company's foreclosure assistance site at njforeclosureassistance.com. The site will provide insights as to the process, options and terminologies. For personal assistance in foreclosure work-outs, contact your Blue Realty GMAC Realtor directly at (973) 835-1400 or log onto the company site at www.bluerealty.com. Blue Realty GMAC is the largest independently owned GMAC Real Estate brokerage in New Jersey with 9 offices servicing northern, western and central New Jersey. Blue Realty GMAC also runs its own Mortgage, Title and Insurance agency.

BLUE REALTY GMAC SALES INCREASE IN 2008

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:50:01 -0500

Riverdale - In a year that brought bad news followed by even more bad news, at least one company found a way to grow their business in 2008.

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services, largest independently owned Real Estate Brokerage firm in the New Jersey GMAC Real Estate network, increased its Residential Sales Volume in 2008, topping all previous office highs. According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, "We are very proud of our tremendous achievement in our New Jersey offices. Our success in this very challenging environment is a testimonial to our most valuable asset, our people, and to the tools and support we provide them."

Supporting his agents and company's growth in 2008 were, according to Blumenkehl, a result of his company maintaining their highly effective business model, and creating programs designed to meet today's challenges that lent themselves to the elements of the company's model. Highly effective internet Consumer Relationship Management tools, upgrades in the print and online company marketing systems, introduction of the highly heralded Market Value Predictor, upgrades in the company coaching and support systems were just a few of the reasons Blumenkehl gave for his company's achievement in 2008.

"Success," Blumenkehl continued, "isn't doing any one thing right. Rather, it's doing a combination of things right, and surrounding yourself with the best associates you can. I have always said a company is only as good as the people within it, and we are very proud to have our family of Realtors who make us the great company we believe we are."

Founded by Blumenkehl in 1983, Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services maintains 9 sales offices in central, northern and western New Jersey. For more information about Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate services, log onto the company web site at www.bluerealty.com or call the company directly at (800) 936-SOLD/7653.

BLUE REALTY MARKET VALUE PREDICTOR TAKES THE GUESSWORK OUT OF HOME PRICING

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:28:17 -0500

Riverdale - With so many realtors uncertain as to where to find the optimum marketing position for their listings today, Blue Realty GMAC has created a product which allows sellers to see the exact market trajectory of their home based on actual local data. By using the MVP, sellers know what their house will sell for today, 30, 60 and 90 days from now, and can make their moving plans with confidence. All Blue Realty GMAC Realtors are trained and equipped with the Market Value Predictor platform and will effectively engage their services, along with the Market Value Predictor, at no cost or obligation.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president and founder of Blue Realty GMAC, "With the Market Value Predictor, we have created more ways for our clients and agents to engage technology resulting in a more successful marketing experience."

Blumenkehl continued, "We see our MVP tool resulting in multimillion dollars in real estate sales, and we envision a time when all Realtors will use similar and accurate pricing tools to correctly advise their clients in any real estate climate."

The Market Value Predictor uses active, pending and closed competing properties, actual average market time for closed properties in the specific area of the property, and then pinpoints the exact price and pricing channel for the subject home. In doing this, properties will sell at prices that exactly meet the market at the point they are listed for sale. Properties listed using the MVP have sold as much as 1000% quicker than competing properties on the market.

For more information about the Market Value Predictor or for a no cost, no obligation, confidential presentation of MVP, contact your local Blue Realty GMAC office at (800) 936-SOLD/7653 or email the company at mvp@bluerealty.com, or log onto the company website at www.bluerealty.com.

BUYING FORECLOSURES NOT ONLY FOR INVESTORS

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:43:49 -0500

Riverdale - Buying a foreclosure property may not be a homebuyer's only hope of buying a home, but it may prove to be a great investment for the future if a buyer can find the right one. Today, buying foreclosures is not reserved for the investor, nor are banks necessarily interested in selling their properties strictly to investors. Owner occupants also have the opportunity to look at the foreclosed inventory in the areas they are looking, and see if the house they are looking for, with the things they want in it, happens to be listed for sale as a foreclosed property.

"We have all kinds of buyers looking at our foreclosed inventory, "says Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services. " We work with buyers who want to buy for short term, long term and mid term investment, buyers who want to live in the home, buyers who are looking to buy something for a family member or help their children get started if the price is right and the rates stay low." Blumenkehl, who says his company represents over 2 dozen banks in the sale of their foreclosed properties, as well as the State of NJ Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, said that many of the homes his company sells represent good values in today's market, and as a result sell more rapidly than others may.

The process for buying a foreclosure property through a real estate agent is generally the same as a normal purchase. Buyers must verify their income, have good credit and be able to show they can make their mortgage payments. In many cases, in addition, the bank may want to see proof of the funds the buyer is using to purchase the foreclosed home in a bank account of the buyers, especially if the house cannot get a mortgage because of its condition.

Not all foreclosed properties are for all buyers. Some properties need work, others don't and still others may present unknowns that require a more sophisticated buyer. Most importantly, a buyer should work with an agent who is familiar with foreclosures, understands the banks and the players, and has a reputation for honesty. Blumenkehl continued, "Since we have the good fortune of having both experienced foreclosure agents who only work with bank properties and at the same time enjoy a network of offices throughout New Jersey that service all the local markets, we are able to offer our buyers and sellers the best of both worlds, providing them access to our hundreds of foreclosed properties currently on and coming to the market while offering them premier service and local market knowledge through our network of highly effective Realtors."

Short Sales or pre-foreclosures, allow potential buyers to bargain with the mortgage company. "Mortgage companies do short sales, the term used when banks allow property to be sold for less than the mortgage balance owed by the seller, when they don't want to keep them on their books," said Blue Realty's William Lawrence. "Often, a mortgage holder is willing to take a lower price for the home. For instance, it might sell a $200,000 home for $180,000 simply to get rid of it", Lawrence said. He also pointed out that while many banks and mortgage holders try to work with the buyer and borrower, there is no guarantee they will accept a short offer, and it may take the bank several months to get a response to an offer.

Home buyers should rely on professionals, such as real estate agents and home inspectors, to make informed purchases, said Keri Mason Roth, a partner at Atlanta-based law firm Morris Hardwick Schneider. These professionals can provide information on the neighborhood, tax history, and details about the property, such as lot size, footage or homeowners association dues.

In addition to the foreclosures that they deal with on a day to day basis, Blumenkehl points out that all Real Estate brokers have access to many other types of foreclosure deals available with financing. Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, properties are available at good prices with as little as $100. Other programs available through the NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency for whom Blue Realty GMAC acts as exclusive Real Estate Broker and Asset Manager make buying a foreclosed home easier and more affordable than ever before.

To learn more about buying foreclosures or seeing foreclosed opportunities in the area, Blumenkehl invites you to visit the local office of Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services at 5 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Riverdale call the office at (800) 936-SOLD/7653 or log onto the company's web site at www.bluerealty.com.

MARKET VALUE PREDICTOR CREATES COMPETITION

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:28:00 -0600

Riverdale - The Blue Realty Market Value Predictor, or MVP as its users call it, has created an immediate drop in the number of days on market for homes priced using the MVP model as compared to those which didn't.

According to Timothy Waller, Vice President of Sales at Blue Realty's Wayne, NJ office, "The MVP has helped my clients and me to identify the optimum marketing position for our home without any guesswork involved."

Waller continued, "The Market Value Predictor takes into account current local market data and market trajectory, and can help determine the most probable selling price 30, 60 and 90 days from now."

Since initiating the Market Value Predictor in September of 2008, Blue Realty has improved market time by over 60 days in most cases. According to William Lawrence, General Manager of Blue Realty," MVP properties are selling in less than half the time of other listed properties."

For more information about the Market Value Predictor and how you can make your home an MVP property, contact your local Blue Realty GMAC office at (800) 936-SOLD/7653 or log onto the company website at www.bluerealty.com.

Market Value Predictor Achieves Results

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:03:27 -0600

Riverdale - Everyone agrees, today, pricing a home properly has more to do with its sale than anything. The challenges of knowing how much to sell or how much to pay for a home complicates many decisions, leading to lost opportunities and value. In response to today's market, Blue Realty GMAC introduced the Blue Realty Market Value Predictor. The platform provides real estate clients with precise pricing for their real estate sale or purchase based on actual market statistics for the specific area the property is located in.

Blue Realty GMAC launched the product this fall, and the results were immediately outstanding. According to William Lawrence, General Manager of the company, "Our Market Value Predictor has assisted homeowners sell their homes much quicker and priced much more accurately than their market competition. Our values help sellers and buyers maximize their value opportunity while pinpointing the exact price they need to be at exactly that point of time in the market".

Blue Realty GMAC focuses on providing a high quality service experience for all of its clients. The company portfolio of services includes a statewide footprint of real estate brokerage offices, mortgage company, title services and insurance services.

FORECLOSURE ASSISTANCE OFFERED

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:09:26 -0600

Riverdale - Blue Realty GMAC, Asset Manager for the State of New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency and Affordable Housing Manager for the State of New Jersey, is offering foreclosure assistance to NJ residents who are finding themselves challenged by the current economic environment impacting 1 out of 10 homeowners in New Jersey.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, "Tens of thousands of homeowners across New Jersey are facing challenges that are outside of their control and threatening their family's security. We understand that bad things can happen to good people, and we also understand the options available to homeowners in working out their individual dilemmas. We work with the homeowner to assist them in negotiating loss mitigations, deficiencies and other forms of loss mitigation that will allow them to maximize their benefit in working out their loans."

Blumenkehl continued, "The recently enacted Hope For Homeowners Mortgage Program, the announcement by several major loan servicers to modify delinquent mortgage terms, incentives offered under the Bush bailout package to lenders offering new mortgages to parties in foreclosure, reducing balances to reflect current market values, and other emerging programs, provide homeowners with options they never had before, the ability to keep their homes, create new equity and be forgiven for prior debt, create a tremendous opportunity for us to assist homeowners in turning a bad situation into a good one. We will strive to use our deep roots, knowledge and resource in this area, to support our clients in sorting through their options and assist them in the disposition of their real estate needs."

Blue Realty GMAC is the largest independently owned brokerage in the New Jersey GMAC network. For information about Blue Realty GMAC, including office locations and information about its mortgage, title and insurance agencies, log onto the company website at www.bluerealty.com, or call the company toll free at (800) 936-SOLD/7653. For more information about foreclosure assistance, log onto www.njforeclosureassistance.com.

BLUE COMMERCIAL OFFERS INFORMATION RESOURCE

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:53:55 -0600

Riverdale - As a leading provider of real estate services in New Jersey, Blue Commercial Real Estate leverages the statewide footprint of Blue Realty GMAC on behalf of its clients, to provide a more complete picture of the "For Lease" & "For Sale" opportunities within the local markets surrounding Blue Commercial sales offices.

According to Jack Aquila, Vice President of Blue Commercial, "Blue Commercial Real Estate Services provides outstanding marketing services for commercial properties to a wide audience of buyers and tenants throughout the state. Our statewide footprint and resources allow our commercial agents to provide specialized services in a highly dynamic marketplace".

For more information about Blue Commercial Real Estate Services, contact the company toll free at 888-890-4430 or logon to the company website at bluecommercial.com. For more information about Blue Realty GMAC logon to www.bluerealty.com.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE? LICENSING COURSES WILL BE OFFERED.

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:29:39 -0600

If you are considering a career in real estate sales, Blue Realty GMAC by agreement with the American School of Business with several locations in New Jersey, is sponsoring a reduced tuition for the 75-hour salesperson-licensing course on the Fundamentals of Real Estate Sales.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, "When I received my real estate license in 1977, it was an environment very similar to our current market environment. And, quite frankly, it was the best time to learn the business. I would encourage anyone who has ever thought of a career in real estate to enter the business now, at a time when you will learn and be rooted to prosper in the future".

Those interested in becoming a licensed real estate agent will be able to take the state accredited course at any of the American School of Business locations across New Jersey to meet the state requirements for taking the salesperson's licensing examination.

Students of the American School of Business sponsored by Blue Realty GMAC also have access to free professional counseling and assistance in preparing for the exam through Blue Realty GMAC.

Classes are being held at a number of locations beginning this month, and continuing throughout the year. The classes may be taken over a two-week course full time, 4 weeks half days, or 10 weeks at night or on the weekend. For information about these classes and continual training and education for real estate professionals after they obtain their license, and for the office and school nearest you, call toll free at (800) 936-SOLD(7653).

Founded in 1983, Blue Realty GMAC operates offices throughout New Jersey and is the largest independently owned GMAC brokerage in New Jersey.

For more information about obtaining a Real Estate license or about Blue Realty GMAC, call the company or log on to their website at www.bluerealty.com.

TEST DRIVE A REAL ESTATE CAREER ONLINE

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:21:50 -0600

If you are considering a career in real estate sales, Blue Realty / GMAC offers you a way to gauge how much you would enjoy a career in real estate and how good you may be if you tried it. Called the Real Estate Simulator, this web-based technology allows potential Realtors to "test drive" a career in real estate in a manner that is fun and interactive.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, "Using web-based technologies is critical to attract the young and tech-savvy generation that continue to shape the future of our Real Estate industry. The Real Estate Simulator is compelling for the new generation of agents because it allows them to test drive a career in Real Estate - before making the commitment." The Simulator is also used as a means of making a more accurate hiring decision on behalf of his company, says Blumenkehl. By accurately matching the critical skills and abilities required to succeed, Blue Realty GMAC is able to avoid lower new agent success and turnover rates experienced by many of its competitors.

Blumenkehl also announced that by agreement with the American School of Business with several locations throughout New Jersey, Blue Realty GMAC offers a reduced tuition for the 75-hour Salesperson-licensing course on the Fundamentals of Real Estate Sales for potential licensees.

Those interested in becoming licensed real estate agents can obtain information about these classes and continual training and education for real estate professionals by calling the local Blue Realty GMAC office at (800) 936-SOLD(7653). All company offices are open 7 days a week.

Founded in 1983, Blue Realty GMAC operates offices throughout New Jersey and is the largest independently owned GMAC brokerage in New Jersey. For more information about Blue Realty GMAC, call the company or logon to their website www.bluerealty.com.

BLUE REALTY GMAC SERVICES HMFA

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:12:15 -0600

Riverdale - The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) continues to maintain Blue Realty GMAC as co-exclusive Asset Manager in the Northern and Southern region of New Jersey. As the Asset Manager of the state since 1999, Blue Realty GMAC is responsible and sells the individual REO properties acquired by the HMFA through foreclosure in New Jersey.

"We are pleased to be the servicing Realtor in the current cycle in New Jersey. Our role focuses on the most active concentration of New Jersey state owned properties and continues to position GMAC Blue Realty as a leader in residential real estate and real estate asset disposition throughout New Jersey".

Founded in 1983 and active in foreclosures since 1989, the company maintains offices in central, western and northern New Jersey, and has sold thousands of REO and foreclosed properties in that time. Blue Realty / GMAC is the largest independently owned Real Estate Brokerage in the GMAC Network. In addition to its real estate brokerage, Blue Realty GMAC offers mortgage, title insurance and homeowner's insurance services through its affiliated companies. For more information about the company, logon to www.bluerealty.com, or call the company toll free at (800) 936-SOLD/7653.

BLUE REALTY OFFERS CONSUMERS ASSISTANCE

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:16:47 -0600

Riverdale - The New Jersey real estate market has a new driving force. This weekend, hundreds of house hunters setting out to look at homes for sale or rent will be armed with the latest listing and sales information, mortgage and payment information available through the Listing Alert feature on the company website at www.bluerealtynorth.com, a fully customized and interactive website which offers the most current information available in a real time environment. A quick visit to http://bluerealtynorth.com/ will provide all the tools and information a potential buyer or renter needs to locate available homes and plan a road trip to see them.

Sophisticated technology and a smart user interface are changing the way home seekers find houses, apartments, and lenders, as well as NJ Real Estate Agents and Brokers. By providing all the tools in one place, Blue Realty's site gives everyone in the market for a home a one-source destination. Bluerealtynorth.com even helps with decision making, connecting the first time buyer with an agent who is most qualified to service their particular needs.

Bluerealty.com and its host of web sites is already a first choice destination for over 10,000 unique visitors a month looking for properties in northern New Jersey and around the state. Home buyers often start with a visit to the site because they expect, and get, comprehensive local New Jersey real estate resources and listings. According to William "Bill" Lawrence, General Manager of Blue Realty, "Our sites are a big hit with consumers throughout New Jersey. We give consumers what they want, on their terms and in their timeframe."

http://www.bluerealty.com/ directs home seekers to the specific local market they choose, providing local listings and market knowledge and resources that are very useful tools in the home seeking and home buying process. With 9 offices serving northern, western and central New Jersey, Blue Realty keeps their sites up to date and current, providing real time information about the newest listings and changes in the market to the consumer often before most Realtors know.

Established in 1983 and celebrating their 25th year in the Real Estate business, Blue Realty is a full service Brokerage offering Real Estate brokerage, Mortgage, Title Insurance, Property & Casualty Insurance and Home Warranties through their affiliated companies. The company also operates 8 web sites including http://www.bluerealty.com/, bluerealtynorth.com, bluerealtycentral.com, bluerealtywest.com, bluecommercial.com, njforeclosureasistance.com, bluerealtycareers.com and http://bluerealty.blogspot.com/.

Blue Realty is on the 2008 National Rismedia Realtors to Watch List and National Power Broker Roster for 2008. For more information about Blue Realty, log onto the company website at http://www.bluerealty.com/ or call the company at 5 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale (800)936-SOLD(7653).

Blue Realty GMAC Appointed Local Marketing Representative for Lending Tree

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:20:12 -0500

Riverdale - Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services has extended its marketing relationship with Lending Tree, an online lending marketplace matching thousands of real estate buyers and consumers with quality local service providers like Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services.

With access to over 60 million households through the Lending Tree affinity programs, Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate joins 24% of top 500 Real Estate firms in the country as quality local service providers for the thousands of home buyers generated through the network.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services, "We embrace the model Lending Tree relies upon for its lead generation as the most effective means of driving meaningful internet interest to our listings". Blumenkehl continued, "As a Quality Service Provider to the Lending Tree Real Estate Network, we will add another 1,000 or more qualified buyers to the over 15,000 buyers we expect to service in 2008 through the internet in New Jersey.

As part of the Lending Tree Network, Blue Realty GMAC is exclusive co-agent for high yield internet real estate networks including RealEstate.com, GetSmart.com, Domania.com, HomeLoanCenter.com, iNest.com, CondoDirect.com, HomeConnections.com, ImproveNet.com, ServiceMagic.com, Admission.com, ReserveAmerica.com, TheCampingClub.com, Ticketmaster.com, TicketWeb.com, Expedia.com, Hotels.com and HotWire.com.

With nine offices serving central, northern and western New Jersey, Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services is the largest independently owned Real Estate Brokerage in the New Jersey GMAC Real Estate Network. For more information about Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services, log on to the company's website at www.bluerealty.com.

BLUE REALTY GMAC WEBSITE GENERATES BIG HITS WITH CONSUMERS

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:47:24 -0500

Riverdale - A recent National Association of Realtors' study showed that almost 90% of all potential homebuyers begin their search for a home online. Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services associates have a system to handle this increasingly important source of buyer inquiries. Recently upgraded, the Blue Realty online E-Realty Generators allow consumers to "plug into" a multimillion dollar investment in what Blue Realty GMAC believes is the most complete Real Estate internet marketing and information generation platform in the industry.

Because today's more sophisticated consumers want real estate information in minutes rather than hours, Blue Realty GMAC employs a state-of-the-art contact center. Its highly-trained internet call center staff speaks with internet inquiries and instantly provides the customer with the information they need and will even transfer the inquiry to a "live", local sales associate in real time.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president and founder of Blue Realty GMAC, "There's nothing like our Blue Realty E-Realty Generator to assist online buyers from getting the information and resources they need fast. Our Internet commitment generates internet inquiries from buyers on search engines, popular local websites, and strategic partnerships with such other national Real Estate companies, including Lending Tree, Service Magic and Home Gain."

Blumenkehl continued, "Our own website, www.bluerealty.com, is one of the most viewed real estate sites in New Jersey, with over 100,000 new visitors a year viewing our properties. Included in our system is our innovative listing alert features allowing buyers to see new listings when they reach the market, at the same time Realtors find out. We truly have harnessed the industry's most advanced use of technology to deliver prompt and efficient personal service to homebuyers and sellers.

Founded in 1983, Blue Realty GMAC is the largest, independently owned GMAC Brokerage in the New Jersey GMAC Real Estate Network. For more information about Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services and its E-Realty Generator Real Estate Search Engine, log onto www.bluerealty.com.

AOI FUDOSAN: Where East Meets West

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:30:05 -0500

If you've ever had to move because of a job-related transfer, then you have experienced firsthand the multitude of detail and preparation necessary for such a move, not to mention the emotional upheaval and physical wear and tear this relocation makes. Now imagine that your transfer brings you and your family to a different continent with a completely different culture, and you can only begin to imagine the multiple impact of this employment-related affect on your lives. Understanding the sensitive needs of such a move, 12 years ago Charles Blumenkehl, President of Blue Realty / GMAC, and Sumiko Ko Hwang, Vice President of International Relocation with the firm, created AOI FUDOSAN (pronounced AH-OH-EE, which means Blue Realty in Japanese) a division of Blue Realty / GMAC. AOI specializes entirely on Asian relocation, and has served major international corporations including Sharp, Sony, Panasonic and numerous other major bicoastal corporations in assisting the transfer of all levels of their employees, from mid-management to the CEO.

According to Blumenkehl, "We have created a unique and effective system that is sensitive to and understanding of the needs of the transferee and their family. We simplify the process through technology and the Internet before the family comes to the United States and combine their needs with an in-depth local knowledge and the full resources of GMAC Global Relocation behind it". According to Sumiko Ko Hwang, "Mr. Blumenkehl and I share a high standard of quality service that allows us to provide the necessary services for the demanding area of international relocation. We provide the highest level of premier service and integrity to our clients and they appreciate it".

The division provides relocation services in several dialects, including Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. AOI provides real estate, rental, corporate housing, temporary lodging and consultative services to companies and their employees around the world.

If you would like to request an international relocation package or have any questions regarding real estate, you may call Sumiko and her staff at (888)FUDOSAN or visit the division's website at www.bluerealty.com and click on "About us". The AOI Fudosan division of Blue Realty / GMAC is based out of the company's Bergen County location at 385 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, NJ and its services are available at all company locations.

Blue Realty's Market Value Predictor Makes Its Mark

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:27:26 -0500

In the two weeks since Blue Realty unveiled its revolutionary proprietary pricing platform, which they refer to as their Market Value Predictor, the company reports it has successfully listed and marketed over $10,000,000 in real estate using the platform, and that amount is growing quickly as more listings adjust their marketing position to conform to the market trajectory indicated by the Blue Realty Market Value Predictor.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty, "We are excited about the immediate and apparent success our Market Value Predictor has brought to our agents and clients. In an environment where many agencies are struggling to figure out where the best price is for their sellers, we can point to that price totally unemotionally, practically, and help our sellers maximize their marketing benefit while enabling their home to be one of those which will sell in this market, while other equally serious sellers and homes for sale remain on the market".

Blumenkehl continued, "Provided you have a strong online and brick and mortar marketing program, and we have the best, pricing the home becomes the most important determinant in the successful sale of our homes. By using our Market Value Predictor, our sellers know what their house is worth today, 30, 60 and 90 days from now, and where we need to be to sell in their specific market. Even now, we take the guesswork out of selling".

Blue Realty is one of the leading independently-owned real estate companies throughout New Jersey. For more information about the Market Value Predictor and how you can make your home an MVP property, contact your local Blue Realty GMAC office at 5 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, call (800) 936-SOLD(7653) or logon to the company website at www.bluerealty.com.

When people are greedy, be fearful and when people are fearful, be greedy.

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:56:47 -0500

That's not me saying that, I am just repeating what I heard. As a matter of fact, it is the brilliant mind of Warren Buffett who coined this saying, the same Warren Buffett that invested $5 billion in Goldman sachs and today another 3 or so billion into General Electric. the same Goldman Sachs and General Electric that live on the train track called the financial services industry. You know, the industry that has more problems, more unknowns, more dead financial bodies and instruments in this latest couple of year onslaught than in any time that I can remember in my 31 years of experience in our business.

Warren exemplified his philosophy by investing into speculative areas with time proven entities that are phenomenal operators of their respective businesses. And he did it, against that underlying backdrop, not by turning on his online trading platform on his laptop, but by negotiating and selecting specific dividends on his preferred convertible investment using such art in negotiating his deal that he leveraged the fear and need for performance and substance in this environment that Buffett represents to create a tremendously enhanced model of a solid investment opportunity. He used the fear and the need for capital in this market to negotiate a deal that was favorable to his investors interests.

Okay, great, you might say, for Warren and his crew. But what does his dropping $8 billion have to do with me and the money I need to do my mailings and pay for my MLS? The answer is not in the investment of dollars, the answer is in being greedy in meting out those resources we have within us and available to us that the market is in such dire need of right now. We may not have billions to invest or a team of analysts, nor do we need that to be successful for our clients and ourselves in opur business. Our billions, our resources, translate to our time, talents and knowledge. Time is our stock in trade, it is what we convert to production, and our talent and knowledge is the component we use to leverage our time. We need to be greedy in how we make our deals to allot our time. Knowing that I am very capable of professionally and accurately pricing and creating an effective marketing plan for my clients means that I am going to make sure I get the most in return for my valuable services, both in terms of quality of business and in terms of the value and compensation I will be paid for rendering my quality services. I must be willing to work longer and deeper in this environment to succeed, but my success is not just tied to my efforts, it is tied to whom I am willing to give my efforts to, and that necessarily means I must choose to work with people who need to buy, and need to sell, and with whom I can make a reasonable profit for my time and effort, given what I must do to assist in my clients success, and the value of my assistance. Anyone else is not worthy of my time and efforts, and I will be greedy in terms of my unwillingness to work for free, close to free or less.

And, when you are negotiating a deal with a serious seller or buyer, you are doing it against a backdrop of sellers needing to know that they are one of, say, 50 houses for sale in a market and porice range where only 20 buyers will exist for the year. A greedy seller needs to wait for a different environment, right now sellers need to be a bit fearful in their approach. Likewise, a buyer of a house priced so low that even you can't believe it has to know that they are looking at this deal only because they are working within an environment that offers tremendous value to its participants if they work with the right agent, namely you, in finding the right deal or making the right lifestyle decision.

Real Estate will never stop moving. I have been doing this 31 years, and I can tell you that there has never been one day ever ever ever that I can think of that a house didnt close, a house didnt sell or wasnt listed in Real Estate in any of my markets. There is a bottom line in the world, people need to buy, and people need to sell. Seek them out proactively, don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves, hit the phones and databases. and put yourself in those places where production takes place. And then, once you're there, be greedy with your available allocatable marketing time and help those who need your help.

On Blue Realty GMAC Website, Everything Just Seems to Click

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:24:08 -0500

It no longer requires a trip to a Realtor's office or even a phone call to get complete consumer listing information about properties as they become for sale. Real Estate buyers and lookers can now sign up free to have that information and more online.

Studies show that more consumers than ever, almost 90% of Real Estate buyers, use the internet as an important resource in finding and choosing a home. Blue Realty GMAC provides those buyers with new listing alerts, existing properties for sale and rent, mortgage calculators and qualifiers and other valuable information easily accessible on their site to assist in the home buying process.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, "As buyers' online abilities continue to grow much of the home finding process does not require as much face-to-face interaction, at the outset, if a buyer prefers to work from the privacy of their computer and provided they have easy access to information. There's no longer a reason why a buyer has to take a day off to find out what's for sale or what they can qualify to buy."

Blue Realty GMAC's website is already well ahead of the pack. The site offers superior search capabilities, mortgage tools, area information and a variety of tools designed to streamline the home buying process.

To visit Blue Realty's website, log on to http://www.bluerealty.com.

Blue Realty GMAC Supports First Time Home Buyer Tax Cred

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:19:53 -0500

Starting April 9, 2008 and lasting until July 1, 2009, qualifying first time home buyers will receive a tax credit of up to $7500.00. The provision was made part of the Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, the largest independently owned GMAC real estate firm in New Jersey, "For aspiring first time home buyers who find fulfilling their dream of owning their home difficult to attain, this newly enacted initiative is an opportunity of a lifetime, not to be ignored".

Blumenkehl continued, "But like so many opportunities, time is of the essence for buyers who want to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity". He pointed out that only homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009 are eligible.

The tax credit, which is refunded to the home purchaser directly from their income tax payments or withholdings, works like an interest free loan and must be re-paid over a 15 year period. The amount of the tax credit is based on the tax filing status of the buyer and the home purchase price. For more information call your local Blue Realty GMAC office at (800) 936-SOLD(7653) or contact the IRS directly.

Blue Realty GMAC has nine offices serving most of New Jersey. For more information about Blue Realty GMAC or to search houses in your area, logon to www.bluerealty.com

Blue Realty GMAC Announces Market Value Predictor

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:17:01 -0500

There is nothing more important in the successful sale of a home than the listing price. Not only is the determination of price based on past and pending sales of comparable properties, it is highly influenced by the trajectory of the market. In a challenging market that we are currently experiencing, sellers often make the mistake of overpricing their properties by looking backward instead of gauging where the market is going. An abundance of comparable inventory means overpriced listings do not get shown by REALTORS® and sellers then chase the market with a stream of price reductions thus prolonging the sales process.

To address this, Blue Realty GMAC has an exclusive tool called the Market Value Predictor that uses a variety of specific data from local markets to predict what a home should sell for today, three months from now, or six months from now. Blue Realty clients can now determine the ideal price range for their home and clearly understand the affect of pricing on a successful and timely sale.

Blue Realty GMAC has always strived to sell their clients' homes in the shortest amount of time, for the highest possible price and with the least inconvenience to them. Now, with the Market Value Predictor, some of the guess work has been taken out of the process. Now MVP homes are truly priced to sell.

For more information about the Market Value Predictor and how you can make your home an MVP property, contact your local Blue Realty GMAC office at 5 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Riverdale, toll free at (800) 936-SOLD(7653) or log onto the company website at www.bluerealty.com.

Blue Realty GMAC Reports Large Increase in Home Sales

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:55:00 -0500

Riverdale - Blue Realty GMAC, largest independently owned real estate brokerage in the New Jersey GMAC Real Estate network, announced that Homes Sales currently under contract and awaiting closing as of June 30, 2008, was up just over 50% is Dollar Volume while the actual number of homes in contract awaiting closing is up over 64%, compared to the same period last year.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, "Throughout my 30+ years in Real Estate, I have always believed in the notion that God stopped making dirt a long time ago, but hasn't stopped making people. In the short term, anything can happen, but in the long term, real estate only moves in one direction, up. Our increase in sales and marketing activity indicate to me a strengthening in the marketplace underlying our successful implementation of highly effective consumer-based features, strategies and services, designed to increase our local market share in the areas of our offices. We have seen the Affordability Index, the measuring stick for consumer homeownership affordability, reach its most attractive rates in many years, and the savvy consumers are taking advantage of the opportunities available while prices are leveled and interest rates are low."

Blumenkehl continued, "I would recommend to anyone who can, to buy a home now, especially first time buyers. Rates are lower now than they were when I passed my real estate exam in 1976, and prices are at their most affordable level in years. We welcome the opportunity to assist consumers in exploring the outstanding real estate and mortgaging opportunities available to them at no cost or obligation."

Blue Realty GMAC is no stranger to growth, even in the last few years. For 2007, Blue Realty GMAC was named #5 in the country in growth in sales volume and % increase over 2006 out of over 1300 offices nationally. Blue Realty GMAC was also named to the Rismedia Real Estate Companies to Watch in 2008 list in their 2008 Annual National Power Broker report. Established in 1983, the company offers a full service real estate experience to their clients, owning and operating 9 real estate offices, a mortgage company, title agency and insurance agency serving northern, central and western New Jersey, and is a member of the national GMAC Real Estate network.

For more information about Blue Realty GMAC, log onto the company website at www.bluerealty.com or call the company's local office in Riverdale, located at 5 Newark Pompton Turnpke, at (973) 835-1400.

NEW TECHNOLOGY TACKLES CURRENT CRISIS IN REAL ESTATE SUCCESSION

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:40:55 -0500

Riverdale - Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services is rolling out the Real Estate Simulator® to deal with the real estate industry's changing demographics.

The Real Estate industry is experiencing its first succession planning emergency. According to Charles Blumenkehl, President and founder of Blue Realty GMAC, " The National Association of Realtors recently reported that the average age for Real Estate brokers and agents is in the mid-50's.That means we need to find the next generation pretty quickly."

Blumenkehl continued, "Using Web-based technologies is critical to attract the young and tech-savvy generation. Our Real Estate Sales Managers need ways to appeal to these potential agents. The Real Estate Simulator is compelling for the new generation of agents because it allows them to test drive a career in real estate - in a way that is fun and interactive. We are confident that by introducing the simulator we will see an increase in our ability to attract Generation X and Y candidates to our industry and company."

According to NAR, new Realtors today face several challenges:

1) New agents have little staying power - 50% of new real estate agents last one year on the job or less;
2) New agents don't perform consistently - 25% of new real estate agents will sell only one house in their first year; and
3) New agents don't have the right skills - only 15% of new agents have sales backgrounds.

"The needs of new recruits make it even more important to recruit widely and well. The Real Estate Simulator gives managers a better chance at hiring the right talent right off the bat," says Blue Realty GMAC General Sales Manager William Lawrence. "It's difficult to find good sales people when the pool of candidates is getting younger. But, because the simulator provides accurate feedback on the critical skills and abilities required to succeed in real estate, managers can make more informed hiring decisions."

Blue Realty GMAC is the #1 independently owned Real Estate broker in the New Jersey GMAC Real Estate network. For more information about Blue Realty GMAC or to explore a career in Real Estate, contact Bill Lawrence at (800) 936-SOLD/7653 or log onto the company website at www.bluerealty.com.

BLUE REALTY GMAC OFFERS INTERNET SOLUTION FOR TODAY’S REAL ESTATE CONSUMER

Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate Services — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:30:59 -0500

Riverdale - Blue Realty GMAC Real Estate, #1 independently owned Real Estate Brokerage in the New Jersey GMAC network, has upgraded its award winning Real Estate site to offer the highest speed and most comprehensive area Real Estate search engine for its New Jersey consumers. The site also features Listing Alerts, providing real-time information to buyers and sellers about properties as they reach, leave or change in the real estate market, mortgage payment and qualification tools, seller reporting tools allowing sellers to see how many visitors they get, and other easy to use features that leads the company to believe it has the most effective and easiest to use real estate consumer search engine site on the market today.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, president of Blue Realty GMAC, "We have embraced the emergence of the internet and its inevitable impact on Real Estate consumers since we launched our first site in 1995. Over the past 13 years, we have worked hard to create what we think is the most effective consumer site available today. Our site will offer buyers and sellers virtually every tool and resource they need to simplify and monitor their real estate search and experience."

Blumenkehl continued, "We also recognize that the emergence of the generation X and Y, the 21-45 year old segment of our population that represents the first time buying market today, almost exclusively use the Internet as their source of choice for market information and knowledge. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, over 80% of all real estate buyers use the internet to choose their agent and buy their home. Our company is excited to meet this consumer trend, and will provide our real estate consumer with the best Internet resources and highest quality service experience available in the market today.

Blue Realty GMAC has 9 offices serving Central, Western and Northern New Jersey. The company has been named as a company to watch by Rismedia, leading Real Estate information provider, and #5 in year over year growth nationally by GMAC Real Estate Services. For more information about Blue Realty GMAC, call the company toll free at 800-936-SOLD(7653) or log onto the company web site at www.bluerealty.com