Cathy Youngling's Blog

Walking Marin!

Cathy Youngling (Alain Pinel) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:15:36 -0700

Visit my walking blog!! And see Marin!

http://www.iscathythereyet.blogspot.com

Do you "You Tube"?

Cathy Youngling (Alain Pinel) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:48:00 -0700

My husband just bought me a fancy little pocket video camera. It's one of those that you can connect directly to your computer and is the size of a thin cell phone. Ok... silly me I though, cool... I can take this and take pictures of my listing and post them on You Tube. The problem is the camera is easy to use and the pictures look like it. They are shaky and unprofessional. Quick and easy yes... but..... not to the standard I would want for my listings.

So, do you use You Tube? And if you do...how.... and what results do you get.

Thanks for anyone responding. Sometimes, staying with the head of the curve makes me dizzy.

Gifts, given and received

Cathy Youngling (Alain Pinel) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:44:37 -0800

I am in a helping profession. Maybe some people think Real Estate agents' goals are to protect their own interests, but I disagree. The vast majority of people who came to this business joined it because they wanted to help other people reach their goals. There are a lot of pleasers (read: incredibly giving people) in Real Estate. Honestly, all you have to do is look at how these people respond when they see a true need. There have been many times when I have seen the community step up to the plate to help a colleague in need. If you did a survey of Realtors to see how many support very vital causes, both financially and personally, I am certain most people would be amazed. This is truly one under-rated profession.

This profession saw a boom in the numbers of new agents in the past 7 years. It seems everyone wanted to be a Realtor. Many people who joined in search of quick cash will find out soon, this business is misunderstood. In my opinion we will begin to see the number of Realtor dwindle as reality sets in. A true professional puts their clients interests above their own, and as the market tightens that will be difficult for some people to do. Those who hang in there will seek solutions to the problems the market presents, they will assist any way they can. And as they do this, they can overcome obstacles for their client, they can help them achieve their Real Estate goals. It is through this truly special kind of relationship that I have come to love this job. It is because of these relationships that I have found some lasting friendships.

Often we over look the help that is right in front of us. I certainly could name one or two people in my personal life who find it hard to accept help. But what we discover is when we do accept the help thats offered, you are in fact giving the other person your own gift. When a gift is accepted and appreciated, fulfillment follows.

What Happens in Vegas, Gets Talked About!

Cathy Youngling (Alain Pinel) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:27:03 -0800

She's back! As some of you know I just got back from a convention in Vegas. The GMAC company (Pacific Union's parent company) put on this annual event entitled "Experience 2008". Well, since I hadn't been in Vegas since 1977, the trip definately was an experience. Back then I gambled all night on $25 (now the cost of a margarita!) Back then the show I went to see was Steve and Eydie, This time it was "Le Reve " Quite a difference! But enough about the distractions, let me tell you about what I learned. I learned that Pacific Union is the horse, and the rest of the country is the cart. Alot of the technology that was discussed is OLD technology to us, but to the rest of the country it is emerging. I learned that some of the OLD ideas are very important to remember. I listened to two truly wonderful speakers. One emphasized relationships with your clients (I believe in that). The other reminded me that we choose our limitations. We choose to be victims or victors.

Charlie Plumb, was a fighter pilot in Vietnam. He was shot down over North Vietnam 5 days before his tour of duty was complete. He spent the next 6 years in a cell - the cell was 8x5. Charlie reminded us that we can create our own limitations (limitations of the mind). How do you react to your circumstances, are you the victim or the victor? Read more about Charlie at http://www.charlieplumb.com/ Jeffrey Gitomer wrote the best selling book, "The Little Red Book of Selling" His presentation spoke of relations that you build and the importance, especially now to build that on common ground. Humor is not to be discounted as a tool for life. And as I was so happy to hear reinterated, "Everything being equal, people want to do business with their friends. Everything being unequal, people still want to do business with their friends." And... the goal should be not statisfied customers, but loyal ones. Satisfaction can lead to loyalty, but for this business, its loyaty you are aiming for. (Here he made reference to a statisfied or loyal spouse, and which you would prefer to have.) Our office took home the prize as the #4 office in Gross Commission revenue in the GMAC network. I as an individual was 62th on the list. I am proud to be part of such a successful team! Now it's back to work. Our CEO John Bearden reminded us this is a year of challenges, but it is also a year of opportunity. I wholeheartedly agree. I believe for home buyers this is an EXCELLENT time to buy. I also believe there is no where better to buy than the Bay Area and in particular Marin. For sellers, realistic expectations will lead to unqualified success. Here's to a great year ahead. I am energized and ready for the future. (okay I did lose a little $ in the casinos, so a sold house or two would be very much appreciated!)

From Marin Association of Realtors - Our CEO would like the public to know.....

Cathy Youngling (Alain Pinel) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:38:08 -0800

By Edward Segal, CEO, Marin Association of REALTORS

Although it is true that "all real estate is local", it is also true that the Marin housing market can be impacted by outside economic factors, forces and developments. The National Association of REALTORS® recent issued an analysis for the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metro region that touched on some of the basic economic realities that all home sellers and buyers should be aware of in this changing housing market.

Here is a summary of the report's key findings:

Sub prime loans. The resetting of loans and the rising number of foreclosures related to the sub prime fallout are clearly negative factors, but the impact will be offset by the fundamentals of a healthy local economy.

Mortgage rates. Mortgage rates have been falling recently and stood near a historic low of 6.5% for prime borrowers. A revival in FHA loans, which had lost substantial market share to the risky sub prime market, will provide funding for low-to moderate income households at much more attractive mortgage rates. If a modernization of FHA loans is implemented, including lower initial payment requirements, higher loan limits, and risk-based pricing then there could be a surge in FHA loan usage.

Job market. The local job market is very important in supporting housing demand. At the same time, changes in housing supply can quickly upset the market balance. It is, therefore, critical to monitor the housing demand and housing supply factors to assess if the local market is trending to a tighter or looser condition. Fortunately, job gains have continued. In the past 12 months, 32,000 payroll jobs were added to the local economy. Such a job growth - though as strong as in recent past - should be enough to provide underlying support for housing demand in the local area.

Home prices. Despite some media reports of the worst housing market conditions since the early 1990s or since the Great Depression, the recent home price declines have been negligible at the local level. Unlike past local housing downturns, which were accompanied with severe job cuts, the local economy continues to add jobs.

Housing demand. Job gains have added to the number of potential homebuyers. Historical relationships imply roughly one additional homeowner for every two additional new jobs. Since the peak of the housing market two years ago, the local market added 70,100 net new jobs (August 2007 vs. August 2005). A rise in home sales and a strengthening in home prices appear imminent.

The economy. The local economy is fundamentally sound generating jobs at a respectable pace. The national economy is also fundamentally sound due to rising exports and business spending. Consumer spending will be a bit weaker because of stagnant home prices and the accompanying wealth impact.
Inflation. Inflation appears to be contained. Both the headline and the core consumer price index decelerated to 2.8% and 2.1%, respectively, over the past 12 months to September. Better yet, most economists anticipate a further deceleration of inflation in 2007. Such an outcome could well lead the Federal Reserve to cut the federal funds and prime rates down the road. A federal funds rate cut is no guarantee of a fall in mortgage rates, but the signal that inflation is contained will force bond buyers to demand lower inflation premiums, and hence, lead to lower mortgage rates as well.

The future. With job additions continuing and mortgages rates hovering at about 6.4% as of early October 2007, the housing market is poised to slowly climb back. If, however, mortgage rates were to rise to 7.5% or higher, then the housing market would continue to limp along with the possibility that home prices and overall housing wealth could stagnate. If rates were to move lower, then the market will recover at even a quicker pace.

Picking a new Tag-line.

Cathy Youngling (Alain Pinel) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:51:13 -0800

Over the years I have advertised alot. Not just for my client's homes, but for me as a Realtor. The beginning of every year is marked my a collective fear in Real Estate. That little voice that says, you better stop eating turkey and sipping on your champagne, the New Year is just aroudn the corner and there's business to get to.

How do you describe yourself? When it comes to Real Estate, I know that every one of us searches for the right words. One year I used the tag-line "Cathy Knows Marin" - Well, this was followed shortly by three other Realtors using the phrase "----- Knows Marin". Since it sounded so good, I am guessing it was used before me! So this year, I am asking people to "Count on Cathy." I did a quick Google search to see if anyone in Marin was using this. It looks clear so far.

There's that clever idea of starting the key work with the first letter of the name, like "Buy with Bob" or "Sell with Sally." When I ask people to count on me, I hope they realize I mean it. My clients goals become my mission. In almost every case, I have been able to reach that goal. My wish in 2008 is that when people see "Count on Cathy", they will call and let me put my passion to work.

October in the Bay Area...

Cathy Youngling (Alain Pinel) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:38:03 -0800

The following is a recap from Avram Goldman of Pacific Union. Avram takes a look each month at the entire Bay Area. What you will note is the higher priced counteis are fairing better than other counties. This is because the recent tighting of mortgage money has not hit the higher end Buyer like it has the more moderately priced homes. You will find this trend even in Marin, where Novato's sales and prices are off while the prices in other parts of Marin have risen.

"Here is how each county fared for the month of October. The numbers are based on sales of single family homes and condos. As I stated above sales prices for the majority of counties did well. I will give both the median and average sales price percentages. The first number will be median and the second average. San Mateo county lead with +14%/+18.7%, Marin +8.4%/+15%,
Santa Clara +7%/+11% and San Francisco +5.4%/+11%. All these counties have the highest prices in the Bay Area. This shows the strength of the upper end markets. There is a great deal of wealth in the Bay Area due to the tech industry, venture capital and export/import businesses. Alameda county (+8%/+4%) although down on median was up on average again reflecting part of
the influence from the expense markets in No. Alameda county. Three counties were down Napa slightly at -2%/-.5%, Sonoma -8.6%/-10.6%, Contra Costa -10.6%/-2% and the hardest hit county Solano at -18.5%/-23%.

Number of closed sales was off significantly year over year for October; however seven of the nine counties were up month over month. The first number given is year over year for October and the second number is month over month Sept. to October. The leader in being least off from last year is San Francisco -11%/+21.5% followed by San Mateo -33%/-1%, Marin -34%/+21%, San Mateo -38%/+9%, Sonoma -40%/+2%, Napa -44%/+31%, Alameda -46%/+8%, Contra
Costa -48%/-3% and Solano -56%/-13.5%.

Months supply of inventory (MSI) gives us a picture of the type of market each of our counties are in---seller's, balanced or buyer's market. Three months and under is a seller's market, 4-6 months a balanced market, 6-10 months a buyer's market and over 10 months a strong buyer's market. MSI is higher in every county this year compared to last year. I will note that San Francisco and Marin counties were only slightly higher than last year's supplies. All counties were down in MSI Sept. compared to October which is a positive sign. The only county still considered in a seller's market is San Francisco at with a 3 MSI. Only San Mateo county at 5.2 MSI is in a balanced market. Santa Clara 7.5 and Alameda 8.7 MSI are in a buyer's market. Sonoma 10.2, Napa 13.4 and Solano 15.1 MSI find themselves in a strong buyer's market. As a reminder these are county-wide figures. Within each of these markets there can be diversity. Meaning that in a seller's market county you may have specific markets that have higher inventories and conversely within a buyer's market you may find specific markets that have smaller inventories. "

Where has all the money gone?! Or a Boomer's take on retirement.

Cathy Youngling (Alain Pinel) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:21:34 -0800

A study by Ameriprise Financial, Money Across Generations

(http://www.ameriprise.com/amp/global/docs/pr-money-generations-research.pdf),

shows that many Boomers are caught between financially helping elderly parents and adult children. Thus, the term "the sandwich generation." Sometimes they open their wallets too easily and don't realize that such generosity affects their ability to fund their own retirement. Only 9% of Boomers believe assisting their parents has hurt their retirement savings, but 29% believe assisting their adult children has slowed their savings progress.

To assist adult children, four in ten boomers draw from "regular savings," one in six even takes out loans, and six percent pull money from retirement savings.

Marin County Real Estate Blog

Cathy Youngling (Alain Pinel) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 07:02:23 -0800

After being in Real Estate as long as I have you have stories! Here in this Blog I hope to tell you some stories that may or may not make a valid point. Today's story is about statistics.

THERE"S NO PLACE LIKE HOME! code for there is no AVERAGE home.......

Back in 2000, I had a client, a Harvard Business School MBA. This young fellow was very good at statistics and he ventured out into the Real Estate market confident that this skill would help him make a great deal. We looked at many properties and none measured up to what he considered appropriate. Then we came upon a beautifully remodeled home in San Anselmo. The home was listed for $1,400,000. It has a separate cottage for the office, full four bedrooms, beautiful landscaping and a gourmet kitchen that would be the envy of all their friends.

He asked me for all the homes that had sold in San Anselmo in the past year, and he proceeded to do an analysis of the information. We were meeting at the office during dinner time to write up an offer, so I brought in a Pizza. I informed him the agent had called and there would be another nine offers being submitted. He laid out his spread sheet and told me the average price of a home in San Anselmo of this size was $1,100,000, and the percent of asking that a home received was 99.73. The price he was going to offer was $1,250,000.

After I spit the pepperoni across the room, I suggested he reconsider this offer if he truly wanted the home. "What's average about this home" I asked. Since the offer was not contingent on the sale of another property, he felt this should compensate and put him in better stead than the other offers. Even though I insisted that non of the other offers were likely to be contingent and some if not all would be over the asking price, he was adamant this be the offer price.

I wrote up the offer and told him the next time, because there would be a next time, he could buy the pizza!

Well, I presented the offer with all the professionalism I would muster and was complimented on the best presentation of the day. ( I give the listing agent credit for not laughing at this offer given the circumstances!)

When the dust cleared, the home sold for 250K over the asking price. My client was back on the hunt for a "deal" in a seller's market. The next time we found a home that was more"average" and he bought that.

Want stats on Marin Real Estate? Check out the line below. You will be amazed at this wealth of info. Just remember averages are great on spread sheets, not houses. It is unlikely the house you sell or buy is average! Call a Realtor (not a site like Zillow!) to see how you stack up.

http://www.sfmarin.com/cgi-bin/password_manager/program_files/omlsmarstats.pl?search1=cyoungling@realmaringal.com

ENJOY!