The Personal Side of Real Estate

241 Aptos Place - Shadow Hills - Danville California

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:44:08 -0500

Homes for Sale in Danville CA

Incredible Beauty in Shadow Hills on double-ended court. Quiet neighborhood near Greenbrook Elementary school. This is an exceptional locattion in a sought after neighborhood. Close to everything.

241 Aptos Place Danville California Offered at $979,000

Contact Craig for more info on local Danville real estate markets and homes for sale in Greenbrook & Shadow Hils - 925-984-4910

Our FREE In-Depth Real Estate Market Reports updated weekly, break data down by zip code and price point.

3170 Gulfstream Street Pleasanton California

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:38:22 -0500

Great Home in Pleasanton California Priced to Sell

4 Bedrooms - 2.5 Baths - 2226 Square Feet

This wonderful family home on a 6200 square foot lot is within walking distance of Fairlands Elementary School in Pleasanton, CA.

Located in Pleasant Meadows, close to shopping and access to I-580. HOA's are only $258/year!

New paint and carpet. The home is well maintained. The neighborhood is quiet, friendly and family oriented.

Great Neighborhood Great Price

3170 Gulfstream Street, Pleasanton, CA 94588 View Map

This wonderful Pleasant Meadows Family Home has it all!

4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath with 2226 sq ft on a private 6201 sq ft lot. Located walking distance to the Pleasant Meadows neighborhood club (HOA) which includes a swimming pool, Clubhouse, Tennis courts & playground for only $258 a year.

The Sunny, light & bright home was built in 1973 and has many upgrades, including a family room addition with a wet bar & pellet stove for family gathering. Kitchen has been updated with oak cabinets, Corian counters, new flooring & the refrigerator is included in the sale. The oversized step down living room has vaulted ceilings.

The home has new paint, and new carpet throughout. Indoor laundry room includes the washer & dryer. The private backyard has lawns for play and a stamped concrete patio for outdoor entertaining. All located in the Award-winning Pleasanton School District.

Details

Asking Price:

629,000

MLS:

4048595

Sq. Feet:

2226

Lot Size:

6201

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

2.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Pleasant Meadows

Contact Info

Ginny Mees

Dir (925) 855-6410
Email | Website

20 Twelve Oaks, Pleasanton California - Custom Built

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:36:47 -0500

20 Twelve Oaks Pleasanton California

20 Twelve Oaks, Pleasanton, CA 94588 View Map

Located inside the gated community of Twelve Oaks, this custom built home with 7158 square feet on almost 10 acres, offers views of the valley below and uncompromising privacy.

With six bedrooms (four up & two down), six bathrooms, an Office, Exercise Room, Bonus Room, Tiled Loggia and Sauna, all located in the top notch, award-winning Pleasanton School District, this is the perfect home for a large family who enjoys entertaining, elegance, comfort and the convenient west side location close to 680/580, Stoneridge Mall and BART.

The many extras in this home include, but are not limited to: central vacuum system, upstairs & downstairs Laundry Rooms, two staircases, Intercom System, Alarm System with security camera, four car garage plus double carport and additional parking, new heavy duty water heater.

Shown by Appointment Only

800-816-4974 Ext. 9003

Details

Asking Price:

$2,995,000

MLS:

40396219

Sq. Feet:

7158

Lot Size:

9.5 Acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Twelve Oaks

Year Built:

1997

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Ginny Mees

Dir (925) 855-6410
Email | Website

246 Greenbrook Drive, Danville California - 5/3 Remodel

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:32:20 -0500

Hansen Hill Dublin California

10750 Inspiration Circle, Dublin, CA 94568 View Map

Gorgeous views can be seen from the spacious back yard, patio kitchen, family room, master bedroom and even the master bath.

Features:Large light /bright Great Room that combines gourmet kitchen and family room, formal dining room and breakfast area, two master suites, recessed lighting, gas log fireplace, custom light fixtures, high windows for lots of natural light.

Easy access to I-580 and I-680 yet located in peaceful & quiet hills overlooking Dublin and Pleasanton.

(800) 816-4974 X9002

Details

Asking Price:

899,900

MLS:

40403054

Sq. Feet:

3000

Lot Size:

8667

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

3.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Hansen Hill

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Ginny Mees

Dir (925) 855-6410
Email | Website

10750 Inspiration Circle, Dublin California Home for Sale

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:25:41 -0500

Request a FREE Dublin CA Real Estate Market Details Report This report gives buyers very detailed local real estate information.

Get the Dublin CA Best Buy HOT List Be the first to know when new properties that match your criteria come on the market.

Hansen Hill Dublin California
10750 Inspiration Circle, Dublin, CA 94568
	Gorgeous views can be seen from the spacious back yard, patio kitchen, family room, master bedroom and even the master bath. Features:Large light /bright Great Room that combines gourmet kitchen and family room, formal dining room and breakfast area, two master suites, recessed lighting, gas log fireplace, custom light fixtures, high windows for lots of natural light. Easy access to I-580 and I-680 yet located in peaceful & quiet hills overlooking Dublin and Pleasanton. (800) 816-4974 X9002
Click to View Show
Details		Contact Info
Asking Price: MLS: Sq. Feet: Lot Size: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: # of Floors: Garage Size: Subdivision:	899,900 40403054 3000 8667 4 3.5 2 3 Hansen Hill		Ginny Mees Dir (925) 855-6410 Email \| Website Other Shows
Property Amenities
- Range/Oven - Sink Disposal - Trash Compactor - Microwave - Dishwasher - Fireplace	- Kitchen Island - Patio - Grass Lawn - Jacuzzi/Whirlpool - Central A/C	- Walk-in closet - Family room - Living room - Bonus/rec room - Dining Room

Request information on Foreclosures & Bank Owned Properties

Visit: Harper Mees & Associates

800-816-4974

Female Realtors Flocking to Single Woman Homeowner

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:24:36 -0500

Positive Response to SingleWomanHomeowner Continues to Grow

Ginny Mees, my partner at Harper Mees & Associates, continues to scramble to keep up with response to her new niche marketing vehicle - SingleWomanHomeowner.com. Since she is an agent with Keller Williams Realty in Danville CA, she decided to introduce the site and the networking opportunity to the KW family first.

Emails were sent to all Keller Williams' team leaders in the U.S. and Canada. Within 48 hours, Dianna Kokoszka, President of Keller Williams' MAPS Insititue, contacted her about contributing articles to the site. On Monday, Ginny did a special presentation for Kristin White, team leader in the Danville Market Center. Kristin's jaw hit the conference table as she caught the vision.

Below is the first page and a half of Ginny's marketing plan for her women to women network:

Women To Women Marketing Plan

Feel The Power...It's Your Dream

(Excerpt from the Introduction)

SingleWomanHomeowner.com (SWH) has been in development for almost two years and while our initial business activities will focus on women residing in North America (United States & Canada), our marketing activities will reach out to all women around the globe. And, although we address the needs of single women as a primary focus of our marketing message, you will soon discover that our message, resources and services will appeal to all women irrespective of their relationship status.

This marketing plan is provided as a guide to help you understand the power of the networking model which is based on years of experience of SWH's founders, its vast network of contributors and input from those who have already established networking groups in their area. In addition, it will serve as a road map for how to set up a group in your area, how to recruit new members, how to organize your local group for building an effective referral network, how to promote your group locally...nationally and even internationally to solicit relocation referrals, and how to use the SWH website and other marketing tools and technologies.

However, keep in mind that the purpose of SWH is to provide you with the tools you need to help YOU build the type of group that makes sense for you and your area. Please keep in mind that it's up to you and your group to create the business structure that makes sense for you, you're not alone and you will have literally thousands of women's experience to draw from.

Premise / Background

Today, many Realtors, mortgage brokers and other real estate industry professionals are struggling to survive. Significant changes in the real estate and mortgage industries have challenged existing business models. The impact of the Internet and technology has contributed an additional burden to many.

Survive or Thrive

The National Association of Realtors predicted a 15% to 20% reduction in the number of licensed real estate agents as a result of the declining housing market. This was before the overall economy started falling. And yet, while some struggle to survive, many Realtors are actually thriving. Where others find difficulty, many are finding opportunity. Not surprisingly, many of these opportunities are found in returning to simple basic business practices: working the sphere, farming, cold calling and niche marketing.

Niche Markets

Niche marketing is a proven business strategy that works in good times and challenging times. Niche marketing allows us to effectively focus our time, attention and dollars on a select group of consumers resulting in greater returns on our investment than spreading our resources across a broader audience.

One of the largest, most significant niche markets in real estate has, for the most part, been totally overlooked – Single Women Homeowners. Single Women Homeowners represent the second largest demographic of homebuyers in the North America.

We have developed a comprehensive marketing plan with detailed strategies and tactics to help you actively engage this demographic to thrive in the current real estate market. Our plan is not complicated. You do not have to be a tech guru, cold call, or work 14-hour days. In fact, our plan is a return to simple, proven business basics that bring leads to you.

Women interested in joining the Women-to-Women Network should go here

Single Woman Homeowner

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:32:20 -0500

Ginny Mees Launches SingleWomanHomeowner.com

My partner, Ginny Mees, has launched a new site to address the second largest demographic of home buyers in North America - single women homeonwers. The response she is receiving is awesome. Realtors and mortgage brokers across North America are flocking to join her - Women-to-Women Network.

Here is a letter from Ginny:

I’d like to share with you the story of how the SingleWomanHomeowner.com idea developed. It’s a story of several different pieces coming together to form a powerful niche marketing concept.

As I state on the website - "As a divorced single parent raising children, I relocated and purchased homes three times before I ever dreamed of becoming a Realtor." When I became a Realtor, I focused my energies on talking to anyone and everyone to build my business.

1. Over the years, I noticed that 15% to 25% of my business involved single women homeowners – women that had never been married, divorcees, and widows.

One month I worked with three different women that had no idea a month earlier they would be going through a divorce – each was surprised to find themselves in the position of becoming a single woman homeowner.
Another month, I helped a single woman purchase her first home and another single woman move up from a condo to a detached home.
I have helped widows down size and children deal with the sale of the family home when mom needed to move into assisted living.

Each of these women had many questions and concerns regarding homeownership. Each of these unique situations involved a great deal of woman-to-woman time which each client needed and appreciated.

2. I also began to notice that, quite naturally, my single women clients began interacting with my network of affiliates and vendors – my loan officer, title rep, insurance agent, handyman, carpet cleaner and the like. What stood out for me was how the women in my network seemed to naturally form a subgroup of the larger group and that often my single women clients became actively engaged with this subgroup as a kind of support group around their homeownership needs.

3. I am a big fan of BNI – Business Networking International. I have belonged to a local chapter for years and usually have tens of thousands of dollars come my way in referrals each year. I once got a $7 million dollar listing from a woman in my group.

4. I’m also a champion of getting involved in the community – Business books and coaches champion community involvement as a business building support. Professional business people get involved – in Rotary, the PTA, charities, the list is as long as the local community groups. Here is a chance to build a new community group to serve the needs of Single Women Homeowners.

5. Call me biased, but when a client is moving out of the area and is asking me for a referral in another state – I tend to look first for professional women with experience to interview. Call me crazy, but I think a woman better understands and appreciates the issues and needs associated with relocating a family, the importance of neighborhoods and schools, proximity to good retail, and she tends to have a better read on the community’s social pulse.

One day it all came together in the vision of SingleWomanHomeowner.com –

a national women-to-women network
a local support group
a business networking group

…all focused on this specific niche market, single women homeowners, and their specific needs and issues.

And that is the basic idea. I have expanded the power and potential of it by addressing and including assets like: Craigslist, MeetUp, LinkedIn, Xing, and a host of other Internet resources. I am creating dazzling brochures and flyers that you can use locally to attract interest.

When you join SingleWomanHomeowner.com you aren’t just getting a web page – you are getting a very detailed plan and system to help you become recognized as “the” Single Woman Homeowner specialist in your community.

I hope this helps you understand the vision more clearly. The one piece that is missing is the power of what can be created when each member in this magnificent network each begins adding her unique contribution.

I look forward to sharing and networking with you.

Ginny Mees

Disney World Honors Teresa Boardman

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:47:29 -0600

Teresa Boardman, uber blogger, likes to begin her new year quietly celebrating her birthday. But this year celebration is anything but quiet.

The folks at Disney have show repeated interest in Teresa's awesome blog. Perhaps her coverage of the Minneosta winter has helped to incures traffic to Disney World. In any event, when they found out Teresa was a New Year's baby, they decided to do something a little special for her.

Happy Birthday Teresa - You Deserve it Baby!

Concord California Realtors Support Local Charities

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:31:31 -0600

CCRIM - Contra Costa Realtors in Motion

The CCRIM held their annual Holiday Party yesterday. The Contra Costa Foodbank was one of the local charities being supported by the raffles and silent auctions.

Here's a shot of Santa and his helpers which includes that darling elf - Cathy Lee of ClDesign Services.

Later on, one of Santa's helpers confided in me that he had been a bad boy all year and was hoping that I would leave something under his tree as Santa had already informed him he was only getting a piece of coal for his deeds.

My Tech Opinion Shares Web 2.0 Insights with Local Realtors - Part 4

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:48:53 -0600

Part 4 with Nicole & Reggie Nicolay - My Tech Opinion - addressing the Valley Marketing Association in Pleasanton, CA.

My Tech Opinion Shares Web 2.0 Insights with Local Realtors - Part 3

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:36:31 -0600

Part 3 with Nicole & Reggie Nicolay - My Tech Opinion

Addressing the Valley Marketing Association in Pleasanton, CA.

My Tech Opinion Shares Web 2.0 Insights with Local Realtors - Part 2

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:35:41 -0600

Part 2 with Nicole & Reggie Nicolay - My Tech Opinion

Addressing the Valley Marketing Association in Pleasanton, CA.

My Tech Opinion Shares Web 2.0 Insights with Local Realtors - Part 1

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:28:29 -0600

Nicole & Reggie Nicolay - My Tech Opinion - addressed the weekly meeting of the Valley Marketing Association in Pleasanton, California.

Dropio - Great File Sharing

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:00:54 -0600

Drop.io is a wonderful, simple and slick interface for file sharing. Drop.io has done a facelift on their site.

Another great feature is the Firefox plugin for Drop.io. With the plugin, you can drag large files and drop them on the icon and slick as a whistle, you can have your contact receive them.

YouSendIt was one service we used in the past, but Drop.io seems much easier to use - check it out.

Teresa Boardman Turns 3

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:04:54 -0500

Teresa Boardman - three years of blogging.

In reading her article on the Tomato,I wonder how many other bloggers have benefited from Teresa's generosity. I know I have. I still refer people to advice she gave a year ago or two years ago. Her wisdom is Timeless!

Happy Birthday to Teresa good fortune to us all!

The State of East Bay Real Estate in 3 Pictures

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:46:53 -0500

California East Bay Real Estate

For those tired of the endless stream of words about the state of real estate in California's East Bay, I offer this for the vidually oriented.

Danville California Homes for Sale

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:49:55 -0500

Homes for Sale in Danville California

We have another home for sale in Danville, CA. This is another listing in Greenbrook, a highly desirable neighborhood with community pool, tennis courts and clubhouse. Greenbrook Elementary School is highly rated and only a few blocks away from this Danville home for sale.

266 Barrett Circle, Danville, CA 94526

Offered at $779,000

3 Bedrooms - 2 Baths - Tastefully updated on a wide lot with a great backyard for kids.

266 Barrett Circle was on broker's tour on Thursday in Danville. The response from local Realtors and real estate agents was very favorable. To a person, the local Realtors felt that this home is priced right and won't last long.

San Ramon CA Condo - Siena Hills

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:46:54 -0500

Studio Condo in Siena Hills San Ramon California

We have a short sale studio condo in Siena Hills priced at $159,000. Siena Hills is a wonderful condo complex at the top of Bollinger Canyon Road convenient to Bishop Ranch. Siena Hills has community pools and exercise rooms. This unit (183) is in the section of Siena Hills located behind Club Sport.

At $159,000 this unit will not last long.

Active Rain Real Estate Agents UNITE!

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:07:10 -0500

Take a Stand Against Poor Performance

Bill Kennedy is fed up with Top Producer 8i - as are a lot of other Top Producer users. I am encouraging all of you to weigh in on Top Producer 8i over on Bill's post.

Active Rain is one of the most powerful voices for the real estate industry. Help us harness this awesome power to send a LOUD & CLEAR message to Top Producer - LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS or ELSE!

U.S. Real Estate Investment Blog

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 10:40:05 -0500

We have started a multi-author blog focusing on foreign nationals interested in purchasing U.S. real estate.

We afre looking for authors:

Southern California
Hawaii
South Carolina
North Carolina
Texas
New York City
Washington State
Colorado
Georgia

contact me for more information

Thank You Starbucks

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:16:17 -0500

Did Starbucks force Peet's Coffee to install free WiFi?

I don't know, but when I wrote this post about Peet's back in January of 2007 I was getting pretty frustrated with the lack of free WiFi in Danville and San Ramon, CA. Eventually, I got a Sprint air card.Having Internet access wherever I go is becoming more and more of a necessity.

Starbucks announced free WiFi several months ago which is a savvy business decision as more and more business meetings ar taking place at coffee shops - The Third Place.

Walking into Peet's Coffee today at Crow Canyon Commons in Danville, California - the first thing that caught my eye was this little sign on the front glass. I think Peet's is responding to Starbucks move - no matter, it will be good for business and good for the community.

Unemployment Creates Architect Need

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:27:36 -0500

Thousands of Workers are Suffering Change

The US unemployment rate climbed to 5.7 percent in July
During the past 12 months, construction and manufacturing have shed nearly 9000 jobs
Car sales in June plunged by about 20% for Ford, Toyota, & GM - more layoffs coming
American Airlines is reducing 7000 positions
Thousands of Realtors and Mortage Brokers are looking for other work

With tens of thousands of people looking for jobs and changing careers - what is a person top do? Become an architect says Susan Hanshaw of Marin County, California.

Hanshaw is the author of "Inner Architect" a book for those who want to change their lives to fit their needs and dreams.

Hanshaw is telling professionals, "You can take control and build the life you want. This includes your dream career. We can not only enjoy our work, we san actually create the environment that will help us thrive and reach our optimal potential.

In my opinon, Susan Hanshaw has made a marketing blunder in authoring this book. She could have made a lot more money by selling subscriptions to the two dozen steps she outlines for "Building the Life You Were Desinged to Live." Her blunder is your good fortune.

Whether you are going through a career change in the real estate industry or just want to take your busienss to the next level - this book is a valuable, practical resource. You can apply it's principles to developing niche markets, lead generation, public speaking or anything else to build your career and business. Or, as Susan intends - take your life through an extreme makeover.

You can find out more about Inner Architect here

How to Lose $$$$$$$$$$ Thousands of Dollars in Commissions

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 10:42:26 -0500

Just today I have identified a half a dozen agents on Active Rain that are probably losing thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars of business a year.

Active Rain is one of the first places I look to find a Realtor to refer business to.

Today, I'm looking for about a dozen profesionals to network with in a very specific niche market. I'm looking at the top AR bloggers in certain states and what I am finding is mind-boggling!!!

What I want is to communicate directly with you - not through a form and not by phone, at first. Just like a lot of potential buyers and sellers. But what I am running into is website after website with no email address.

I guess the fear of spam is greater than the thought of losing business.

I don't get it. Basic Marketing 101 says - publish as many ways as possible to contact you AND put them on every page of everything you publish - like a website.

Afraid of spam but still want business?

Publish your email address like this - john (at) HarperMees.com

I've had my email address all over the Internet for over 15 years. Spam has produced many challenges, but there are ways to address the issue without using Spam Arrest, an inconvenient form, or some other device that will send potential business looking elsewhere.

One of the Top 3 Reasons People Use the Internet is Anonymity.

If we want their business, we need to figure out how to honor that and allow an easy path for them to follow to contact us.

What do you think?

Are you a - use my form or forget it - type of person?

Danville California - Shadow Hills / Greenbrook Price Reduction

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:35:57 -0500

Shadow Hills Home Owner Says - Reduce Price - Not Once, but Twice in a Week

The owners of 213 Aptos Place in Danville, CA told us late last week to reduce the price to $979,000. Today, they said - let's get this home sold and reduced the price to $959,000!

This is not a short sell.

This is a gorgeous ranch style home in Shadow Hills close to Greenbrook Elementary School. This Danville home for sale won't last long at this price!

See more on 213 Aptos Place, Danville, California here

If you are looking for a home for sale in Danville, CA - you have to check out this beauty in the Greenbrook / Shadow Hills area!

Napa California Home Price Reduction

HarperMees & Associates (Keller Williams) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:19:06 -0500

We have reduced the price on 22 Glory Court in Napa, CA over $100K.

This is a semi-custom home that has lots of space and many upgrades.

Napa California is seeing some very competitive pricing for real estate.

You can find more info on 22 Glory Court in Napa here