South Orange County Real Estate

Sarasota MLS Board Gone Wild

The Hartanov Team (Prudential Ca Realty) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:55:20 -0700

I have been following this situation for some time and just received an update I'll post below via a link. As members of any Realtor Association, we should be concerned about the actions taken against a fellow Realtor that may have future impact on us. In essence, this Realtor got cleared of any ethics violation and then they (Sarasota MLS Board) went after him through ICANN to get him stripped of his quite valuable URL he has had for years, even though it was found insufficient evidence of trademark rights. Below is a recap of an email being circulated.

Morgan Carey, CEO of Real Estate Webmasters, published a blog post documenting what he perceives as predatory behavior exhibited by the Sarasota Association of Realtors against one of their own members and a very well known and respected Realtor, Marc Rasmussen.. Now that this issue is out in the open, we need your support.

The blog post is located here:

http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/morgan-carey/6350/show/ - should you agree with stance we have taken in this matter, there are several options for suggested action that can be taken to assist / support your fellow Realtor Marc Rasmussen.

It's time somebody stood up to these MLS boards so that no more innocent members can be victimized by this behavior - if we don't stop this now and set a precedence, who knows, perhaps the next person they decide to come after will be you.

Mark's new website is http://www.luxurysarasotarealestate.com

How would you feel if this happened to you as a paying member of the association? Is this really in the best interest of the consumer?

Drew Hartanov and The Hartanov Team, Orange County REALTORS ®

San Clemente Real Estate - Dana Point Real Estate - Laguna Beach Real Estate

San Clemente - Wondering what that home sold for?

The Hartanov Team (Prudential Ca Realty) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:41:14 -0700

How many times have you wondered what that San Clemente house down the street sold for? Or, how about that ocean front estate, a gated community property or even a home you have driven by sold for? Curious about what a home in Talega, The Coast, The Reserve, Forster Ranch, Marblehead, Rancho San Clemente or any area within San Clemente sold for? San Clemente Sold Property information is now available on one of the premier local on-line resources for San Clemente real estate.

San Clemente is considered by many one of the most affordable ocean front communities in Orange County. Being able to view recently sold San Clemente property by price will keep you in tune with the current market. While not an indication of a market analysis or an appraisal, you can view sale information for personal and information purposes of recently sold homes (last 30 days) at San Clemente Sold Homes last 30 days. You can also view the last 12 months of San Clemente Sold Properties conveniently listed by price range at San Clemente Sold Homes.

Want to keep updated on the recent market trends and current market statistics in San Clemente? View San Clemente Market Trends, or you can receive "Live-Time" up to date Market Trends in San Clemente by visiting San Clemente Market Snapshot.

Drew Hartanov and The Hartanov Team, Orange County REALTORS ®

San Clemente Real Estate - Dana Point Real Estate - Laguna Beach Real Estate

Orange County Short Sale and REO property deceptive advertising?

The Hartanov Team (Prudential Ca Realty) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:58:46 -0700

Why is that some agents advertising Orange County, Ca Short Sale and REO listings feel they can advertise by almost any means possible even though some of it could be perceived as deceptive advertising? Have some agents come to the point that they are doing so little business that they need to take the "low road" and justify bending the rules, yet think they are ethical in doing so? Maybe I am naive in thinking that things should be done so as to reflect a professional image to your client and peers. Here are some of the things I have seen in the last couple of weeks that caught my attention:

Advertise a website link to view Short Sale or REO-Bank Owned property listings thinking you will actually view the information, but then once the link is opened you need to submit an email address they want to validate so they can send you a list. Don't most website visitors want to view information now?
Posting a local listing(s) on a property advertising site and by ommission of listing agent information, they make it appear (or even misrepresent) that they are the listing agent. If fact, they did not even get permission to post the listing by the listing agent or their broker.
Posting an image of a Tempo MLS data sheet to so it appears that all the listings are theirs. To make matters worse, it is against local MLS rules to post it and the information is usually out of date.
Setting up a Tempo customer specific property website using their name and then linking it to their website to show listings. Yet another clear violation of MLS rules.
Calling themselves REO and/or Short Sale experts when a check of their sales show that is not the case. In fact, many times they have done only 1 or 2 transactions of any kind in the last 6+ months.
Keeping listings on their website that have already been sold.
Blog about visiting their website for Short Sale or REO properties and there is not even a link to even view any properties. They apparently just want someone to visit their web site as they probably have no other way to get them to go there!

I suppose some of it is justified in their mind by the following thinking:

They want (or need to) to generate leads as they have little business.
They can't afford to it any other way.
They'll do it until they are caught.
The public doesn't know or care about the rules, so why not do it.
My broker doesn't care that I do it.
Others are doing it.
Buyer beware.
It helps their SEO effort by having the information found on the Search Engines.
They feel they are above any rules.
Or, maybe they actually don't know the rules.

What happened to ethics and representing yourself in the best possible way? How about giving access to all allowable to be shown MLS listings for Orange County Short Sale and Bank Owned Properties through IDX on your website? The information will always be current as most IDX vendors update the listing information at least daily. You can also format the data to show the information by a specific city, such as:

San Clemente Short Sale and REO-Bank Owned Property,
Dana Point Short Sale and REO-Bank Owned Property ,
Or even an area within a city, like Talega Short Sale and REO-Bank Owned Property,
Or an area such as Ladera Ranch Short Sale and REO-Bank Owned Property.

Maybe I am naive, old school or I just don't get it. In my opinion, there is usually is a right way to do something and a wrong way to do it. I prefer to do things the right way. Then again, maybe I am the one who no longer knows what the right way is, I am out of touch with reality and I am just justifying what I think?

Any thoughts?

Drew Hartanov and The Hartanov Team, Orange County REALTORS ®

San Clemente Real Estate - Dana Point Real Estate - Laguna Beach Real Estate

Gettting a web site that works

The Hartanov Team (Prudential Ca Realty) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:19:01 -0800

What's going on in the real estate web site business? Companies seem to be getting bought out or management is leaving the companies. Is the day of these companies selling template sites and having thousands of realtors with almost duplicate content just becoming a commodity market.. a numbers game? Why is it that customer service at some of the previously privately held companies is becoming almost extinct? Could it be that the new owners simply cut the staff just to get the bottom dollar return? Seems to me that offerings of new technology, stats programs, etc is almost at a stand-still once new owners arrive. What about the continual problems with server issues and your site is continually down (many agents are not even aware of this when it happens), IDX's not working, no return calls from customer service, no updates as promised, getting banned by some search engines due to their recommendations...the list goes on. Then, magically one day, you find you know more about web sites than their new hires. Isn't that just great when you need help and they have no clue!

So, what is the solution if the internet and your web site is focal to your business? Well, we were loyal to a couple of these companies for many years as we got our site to the top of the SE's. One of our sites easily generated hundreds of leads a month. Our business florished as a result. No more cold calling, door knocking, dropping flyers, mailings, etc. It was a dream come true! Then, guess what.. new owners came with all the glory of how wonderful it is going to be... there would be no changes.. It was not a laughing matter as our site got fewer and fewer visitors.. spiraling down from a thousand-plus a day. Come to find out our site was continually down many days and the company was mute about it. Our site was banned for recoprocal linking that the company encouraged we participate in. And the fix never really got fixed after a year of promises. Everything is worse than status-quo... And, the sad part of it is that most agents apparently don't know that this is happening where they put their hard earned money.

So, we looked for a solution for many months as we had had enough. We took the plunge and moved up to a custom site and we can not believe the results. Not only having a custom site, but having a custom IDX makes a huge difference in generating leads. No, it is not for everyone as it will put a dent in your pocket book.. especially if you don't work you site, or if you want one for free, or just want some site as an "I Love Me" site.

So, we are back on top, thanks to Real Estate Webmasters in Canada. One of our sites has some 4,000 or so pages indexed. It took work, but what doesn't in Real Estate? If you are interested, I suggest you check them out, especially what you can learn about SEO and site promotion on their REW Forum if you are so inclined. They just announced that they are offering some kind of a Free Website deal for new subscribers. I think some of you may want to take a look at them..and, no I receive nothing in return, no kickback, no referral fee and no residual as a result (like some other companies offer!). Based on our results (and yours may vary of course!), I just think anyone who is serious about having a site that works owes it to their future to check them out and consider a change if you are not generating leads from your site now.

If you want a site for free or don't want to work on your site.. then good luck with what you are doing....REW is definitely not for you. However, if you are serious about being on the internet and are anticipating making a change from what may not work for you, there may be no better time than now! It would be a great way to start the new year! I know our year will be fantastic...

Drew Hartanov and The Hartanov Team, Orange County REALTORS ®

San Clemente Real Estate - Dana Point Real Estate - Laguna Beach Real Estate

Condos vs Single Family Homes In Orange County

The Hartanov Team (Prudential Ca Realty) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:44:39 -0700

There is a constant debate in the real estate industry over which type of home is more valuable and preferable, the condo or the traditional home. And you know what? It's a tough call and a highly personal choice. Both types of homes offer some great options and seem to be tailor made for certain lifestyles, and indeed each type is definitely suited to specific lifestyles. These should all be considered before the purchase of either type of home and factored into the decision to purchase.

Condos, for example tend to lend themselves towards a more active and professional lifestyle. As many condo complexes are located in urban centers that have become ideal residences for those who work and play in the city. Condos and high rises have become synonymous with city life and developers are now focusing more on building upwards rather than outwards. High rises have become part of the city landscape and builders have had to get clever about how they present their new buildings to match the evolving and discerned taste of today's average condo buyer. Condos are also offering a number of great lifestyle choices woven into the buildings themselves, health clubs and spas are becoming common place in most new developments amongst other valuable additions.

Homes on the other hand have always been the traditional place where people raise families and this has not changed. The single family home has maintained it's allure over the years and has never lost that special feeling that come with its purchase. Taking care of a home can be a bit more work than a condo but that is all part of the charm of a home, you are free to make it into your dream residence. Another thing about homes that is a good asset is the fact that your neighbors are a short distance away. It can be aggravating living in a condo or apartment with noisy neighbors. Single family homes generally have a sense of freedom to them that is hard to achieve in any kind of housing.

Both types of homes are great investments that should see nice appreciation in the coming years. Single family homes are becoming more rare as space is quickly being used up in many areas. Condos on the other hand seem to be going up everywhere around any typical city. Whichever you choose, know that you are making a long-term investment in your future.

Drew Hartanov & The Hartanov Team are the elite choice for Orange County real estate. Drew's attention to detail and professional manner are essential tools in the Hartanov Team's quest to bring the best in real estate service to buyers and seller in Orange County. Contact Drew for more info.

Drew Hartanov and The Hartanov Team, Orange County REALTORS ®

San Clemente Real Estate - Dana Point Real Estate - Laguna Beach Real Estate

State Of Affairs: San Clemente

The Hartanov Team (Prudential Ca Realty) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:43:16 -0700

Buyers and investors alike are constantly searching for areas where real estate is continuing to appreciate. One of these areas is San Clemente in California. Over the past few years San Clemente has show remarkable growth and maturation in terms of home values. Although the real estate market on a broader scale has not entirely recovered from a period of concern, the numbers for the San Clemente area speak largely of the areas ability to withstand a cooler market and they also show that home values have continued to appreciate making it one of the more highly sought-after home areas in the state.

While homes listed on the market look pretty much the same as this point last year with just 6 more listing in 2006, the value of those homes has risen by an average of $134,000. Not bad appreciation for a one year period! Now, keep in mind that selling a home has become more of an effort on the part of the home owners and buyers are expecting more for their dollar. Also it seems to be taking longer for these sales to complete as the average days listed has increased from 75 to 92 as of May 2007. That being said it is apparent that 20 days or so could be said to be worth oh, say $134,000?

As this is a great time to buy a San Clemente home, sellers should be sure to properly prepare their properties for sale. Staging the home has almost become essential as buyers have come to expect a real presentation when they view homes. Staging is not too difficult to do yourself if you have the time available, if not then there are a huge number of home staging businesses that have sprouted in response to this increased need. These businesses specialize in the preparation of homes for sale and it is truly amazing what can be done with the average home. Beneath that family home could lie an undiscovered jewel. Then again, after you stage the home you may not want to sell it anymore!

Drew Hartanov & The Hartanov Team are the elite choice for Orange County real estate. Drew's attention to detail and professional manner are essential tools in the Hartanov Team's quest to bring the best in real estate service to buyers and seller in Orange County. Contact Drew for more info.

Drew Hartanov and The Hartanov Team, Orange County REALTORS ®

San Clemente Real Estate - Dana Point Real Estate - Laguna Beach Real Estate

Finding the Best Real Estate Agent for You

The Hartanov Team (Prudential Ca Realty) — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 02:20:14 -0700

Finding the right real estate professional requires doing a little research and asking a few questions. After all, your home is probably the most valuable asset and you want to make sure you are hiring the REALTOR who can net you the most money, in the shortest time, with the least hassle to you.

Here are some questions to ask during the interview process.

1. What is your marketing strategy? Do you actually spend money to market, or just depend on your broker ads?

2. How do you use technology in marketing my home?

3. Do you have a website(s) to advertise my property? Or, how will my house be found on the internet?

4. How will you communicate with me?

5. Are there improvements I can make to my home that will increase it's market value?

6. What / where is your written marketing plan?

7. What credentials and experience do you have? Do you have any technology related certifications?

8. Will you provide me with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)?

9. Do you have any Performance Guarantees?

10. Will you provide me with references of past clients?

11. Why should I list with you rather than another agent?

Also, real estate agents should know what the competition is and how much it will effect your sale.

NEVER choose a realtor on price alone. Remember that a realtor cannot magically raise the selling price of the house. Consider the buyer. The purchaser won't willingly pay too much; it's most likely that he or she will do research on the market and try to find the best product for the best price. The facts simply cannot be changed, no matter which REALTOR you select.

In spite of these unchangeable factors, the REALTOR you select must still be diligent and knowledgable. We are the real estate Team with these qualities.

Here is what our clients have to say about us:

"Drew and Linda work as a team to give you the best service possible from a realtor. They worked with us to sell our home at top dollar in a short and fast paced schedule.

We had a home in Laguna Niguel to sell quickly so we could complete our purchase of a house in the state of WA.With their help we were able to over come several obstacles, get the highest price for our home, and purchase our home in WA on schedule.

They worked as a team and were always available to talk when we called, and returned calls promptly. They are professional’s, people that listen and respond to their clients concerns, request and needs.

You need a professional (realtors) when selling and or helping you purchase your home. There are so many variables (and paper), and deals that need to be played out in real estate that you need a filter and or barterers. A realtor that can help you close a deal, communicate what is important and not important in the final completion of selling your home.

You need Drew and Linda Hartanov on your team. "Frank & Maryetta West - Laguna Niguel, CA

Give us a call today, 949-481-3739.

Drew Hartanov and The Hartanov Team, Orange County REALTORS ®

San Clemente Real Estate - Dana Point Real Estate - Laguna Beach Real Estate

NAR Predicts 3rd Best Year

The Hartanov Team (Prudential Ca Realty) — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 01:46:13 -0700

The housing market is settling but should experience its third-best year in 2006, with job creation and a growing economy offsetting some of the effects of rising interest rates, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

The South Orange County April 2006 sales statistics generally are consistant with this prediction, but when you look closely at individaul towns there is much disparity.

Dana Point's inventory remained unchanged from April 2005 to April 2006. However, the sold listings are down 44% and market times have increased by 34%. Appreciation over the past year is merely 1%.

Laguna Beach's inventory increased 27%, sales dropped 37% and market times increased by 97%. But, homes appreciated 3.46% compared to April 2005.

Laguna Niguel, on the other hand, saw a 6% decrease in listing inventory compared to last year. Market times are basically unchanged even though the number of sales is down 46%. But, the best news is a 9% appreciation!

Mission Viejo's 15% appreciation more than makes up for a 6% increase in inventory, 43% decrease in sales and a 10 day longer market time.

San Clemente is experiencing a very similar market to Mission Viejo. 14% appreciation, 10% increase in inventory, 29% drop in sales.

San Jaun Capistrano is the only area to see a depreciation in sales prices with a 6% drop in prices.

This is a market where both, buyers and sellers, will want to work with only the best agents. Agents who have their thumbs on the pulse of the local market. Agents who can differentiate between the different localities and not lump all markets into one. Agents who have the knowledge and experience to counsel buyers and sellers on how to get the best possible deal.

We are those agents. We will look out for your best interests and put our years of experience to work for you. Give us a call. You will be glad you did!

Search for all homes for sale on our website at www.HartanovTeam.com , or
Search for all Orange County homes via Satellite / Aerial Map Search at www.GuideToLocalRealEstate.com

All stats are compiled for the Southern California Multiple Listing Service (SoCalMLS). Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Drew Hartanov and The Hartanov Team, Orange County REALTORS ®

San Clemente Real Estate - Dana Point Real Estate - Laguna Beach Real Estate