Real Estate from Jay McHugh

Headed out to Vegas from Logan airport in a snowstorm

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:51:31 -0600

Ok, 5 hours now sitting in my chair waiting for a plane to come to Boston to take me out to Vegas....What is one to do? Well, I am still productive due to our technology...for many of us we use our tools to our best advantage; however, I still find many agents either afraid to connect or some other excuse not to embrace the technology.

I have learned quickly that if you don't try new technology and share your results you will be left behind...the easiest thing to do is to listen to the masses of naysayers and complainers...I love what Ken Blanchard told me last year; Either you a duck squawking and complaining or you are a Eagle soaring and sharing.

Today, as I sit here at Logan airport, I have connected with agents all over the world who are meeting me in Vegas to learn and share...without my technology the level of connection would be minimal.

My CyberStar Group led by Allen Hainge is a wonderful group of Realtors that share every new gadget, took, idea, etc. and to no one's amazement our EGOS are left at the door.

Embrace technology, share your ideas, and promote your industry and you too will survive in shine in 2009!!!

Jay McHugh I am...

617 699 7442

www.InsideUnlimited.com

Calling all RE/MAX agents attending the Vegas Convention

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:45:50 -0600

Ready set go....Vegas here we come....call me with any questions if this is your first convention and you need help:

Here are some good tips:

1. When checking in requst your room near the elevator

2. Leave your ego at home; you will meet agents making more and less the key here is to learn and share.

3. Comforatable clothes and sneakers; dress not to impress but to sponge ideas etc.

4. Bring extra business cards and marketing material...I just produced 1000 cards that referenced thanks for speaking with me in Vegas..this way the agent will know easily where they received this card a week from today and remind themselves of the creatitvity I have over others.

5. Make this trip a business trip not a half ass vacation...you will see the difference.

6. Stay away from the casino and negative areas...you know what I mean..enough said.

7. Call me on my cell if you would like to exchange a face to face introduction... 617.699.7442

8. Meet and greet everyone...I have meet personally Dave, Gail, Margaret, Vinny because I reached out and made it a mission....last week from the RE/MAX times I reached out to our newest owner from India and planned a meeting...folks the point is everyone wants to help and share...go find someone to share your story and share your story....

9. Follow up with TREO, Storms, laptops, etc...bring your tools to the sessions...extra batterys, cords etc...

10. Add suggestions to my blog...Love you all.... see me on Facebook, twitter, Linkedin, and Plaxo...find out how I made $10,231.67 with my www.JayMcHughPersonalNotecard.com website.....

See you on Monday morning at the reception for Top Producers or the reception on Monday evening...

I am Jay McHugh recepient of RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award 2009

Jay

617.699.7442

www.InsideUnlimited.com

Business is turning...

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 10:18:42 -0600

Business is turning forward again here in the East...more to follow but buyers are calling at all hours of the night....good sign

Jay McHugh

CyberStar Jay McHugh of RE/MAX Unlimited attends Conference In Arizona

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:12:36 -0600

Jay McHugh of RE/MAX Unlimited in Brookline, MA attended the 3-day CyberStar® National Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, recently. Jay conducted panel discussions and agent to agent training on technology including phone applications and video creation of seller’s homes & investment property. The CyberStars® are an invitation-only group of only 200 top real estate agents from the US, Canada, Australia and the Bahamas, chosen for their ability to meet the needs of today’s consumers through the use of today’s technology and personal service. Jay is the only representative selected form membership from the Greater Boston area. The annual CyberStar® Summit brings together top agents for a 3 day event where technology focused real estate professionals present, share and network with each other. The meeting’s purpose is to enable CyberStar® members to provide ever-improved customer service to their buyers and sellers. Summit participants were exposed to and learned uses for current technology tools and techniques as well as an emphasis on providing better service to their buyers and sellers. The CyberStars® have effectively marketed homes in the midst of what, for many, is one of the most difficult real estate markets ever experienced. Jay sees his CyberStar® membership as an important part of his success. “I am so honored to be part of such a wonderfully helpful and sharing group of real estate professionals. Our networking activities keep me up to date on the best ways to help my sellers and buyers because, an advantage not available to most agents” said Jay McHugh. Having traveled to Scottsdale to share his knowledge with and to learn from the expertise of other top agents willing to share what works for them in their respective markets, he returns with a new vigor and enthusiasm to elevate his level of service and commitment to his customers and clients. “I’m proud to be a real estate professional, honored to be part of the CyberStars® and humbled in the presence of some of the most successful agents in the country” said Jay McHugh. For more information about Jay McHugh and his team, call 617.566.0300 ext. 202, send an email to JayMcHugh@Remax.net or visit his Web site at www.JayMcHugh.com or www.InsideUnlimite.com.

Wow what a fast 5 years...

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 06:53:30 -0500

As I woke this morning something was different. The cool air was obvious but something else was on my mind. Today, we will have many references of what happened that horrible day 5 years ago. I am lucky to have not known anyone directly but the more you hear from the family members who struggle day in and day out, I realize that I am connected and that I can help. Whether it is supporting a golf tourney, a walk or road race, a church service etc, or just lending an ear to listen one must assist these innocent families.

Our Country needs to come together not fall apart...today is a day to reflect on how we can solve problems not create problems. Make today a day to reach out to give thanks to those families, police officers, firefighters, and others who make our Country great.

Forbes Article on Real Estate investing....

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 09:51:52 -0500

Google Alert for: jay mchugh

A+ College Real Estate
Forbes - USA
... "It's a real win-win situation for people who have liquid assets," says Jay McHugh, a broker/owner at RE/MAX International in Brookline, Mass. ...

Recently, I have been sought out by the Globe and the Boston Herald....above you will find a entry from Forbes Magazine...it seems the media cannot get enough stories on real estate.....in the end, press coverage is good and creates that sense of knowledge for the public to call on....

Go make it a great day....

Business picking up...

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 07:16:59 -0500

Finally, an open house that does not just draw noseee neighbors!

Across the board, my agents have confirmed that the buyers are stepping out and starting to come back to the market. Prices have adjusted accordingly compared to the interest rates and the breath of the market is quite good.

For those who have not been watching this sharply, I suggest to reconnect with those that have been sitting on the fence since they will buy in the next 4 to 6 months.

Rates are holding steady and the weather is starting to cool...this is where you can find your way in this tough market by preparing now!

Golf Tourney

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:08:45 -0500

Tomorrow is our 10th year golf tourney in memory of our Mother...wow how time flies..in those years many friends and clients have lost loved ones...however, these tourneys keep the memory alive and the spirit of getting together and reflecting on the good times and not the sad times.

Without a doubt, the support of business associates and vendors makes this event a very comfortable one where a lot of laughs and prizes are exchanged. In addition, we write a large check to the Neely foundation.

Thanking in advance those that contribute, even a prayer, for we are truly lucky for our health and happiness.

The Fall Market

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 07:52:23 -0500

Well we are very close to our make or break year. The Fall season can make us happy through the Holiday season or frustrated beginning the Spring season. Since the fall can be a spring board to the Spring season, one must take leads very seriously. In addition, one must price the current inventory at a or below the market if a sale is trully needed, I.E. divorce, relocation, etc.

I see often many agents taking the next few weeks for granted. This is when your postcard campaigns with strong messages must go out. Rekindle the flame of those that have been largic etc...

Working you plan and planning your work is so simple and true. Unfortunately, there are more agents that fail to plan and that as we know is a plan to fail!

Enjoy these last few weeks of the summer but remember to plant some seeds for the Fall and shortly the Spring Season!

Building relationships

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:52:07 -0500

Have you ever called a high producing loan officer, too busy attorney, and full of himself Realtor and gotten no where in a day...I find that speaking to their assistant, secretary, or partner is a sure way to getting results that you want but you must plant the seed for that to happen. Example this week covered the uselessness of this loan officer who knew nothing of the loan...when I made friends with this assistant we smoothly carried out what we needed to do...Going forward I always try to grab the email or direct number of the person who will get things done..then I make it a point to let them know how much I appreciate their work and then some. Most of these people never get the credit they deserve and they unfortunately take the blame...if you shift your model of how to get things done you will find that your day will run smoother and for the better. Now I have to write some thank you notes to those who helped me with week.....

Inventory getting on the very high end!

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 09:59:42 -0500

I just came back from the Cape this week and boy do they have a lot of homes on the market. I reached out to a colleague who indicated that the market is dead in the 400-2 million dollar range. Now the Greater Boston area is experiencing an overwhelming amount of inventory. The truth is that the day of looking at comps from 6 months ago is not enough...you need to anticipate what the buyer is thinking and create a value in the eyes of the buyer.....We all will know more in 3 weeks but do your homework to assist you clients...they need more education than ever before to get good results.

Closing finally happened after 4 sales and many broken promises

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:20:00 -0500

Finally a great client is closing today....4 sales and many promises from brokers, buyers, loan officers and many other unprofessionals....no wonder why the public does not care for Agents...needless to say I am happy this one is behind me...but what does one do...do you win the War and loose the battle..do you move on...do you try to steer the ship right...what I do is learn from it and continue to update my seller client as much as I can..and for that I just received a great email from them detailing this happy ending...We move on.....and that what it is all about!

Banks...why do the promise and then not deliver!!!!

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:44:53 -0500

You are ready to close Monday, now Tuesday, maybe Thursday..well it is now Friday tomorrow and it looks like Monday...well the sellers says sure it only costs us $92 per day..take your time...whenever you like...who pays we all pay since the seller remembers only the bad and not your good work...the loan officer pays since he will not get any more loans and the general excitement is now worn down to vanilla service! Please Banks and Loan originators...DO NOT promise what you can not deliver on! Period!!! In this quiet summer month with a vacant house and all the seller's docs in order...the hurdle of getting a Home Insurance Binder caused a 3 day over the weekend delay....Disgusted once again!

What is up for the Fall months...

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 12:34:22 -0500

More and more brokers are running scared with this market. I have never enjoyed the challenge more. For instance, I sold one simple little house 4 times and it will finally close this week...what did I gain from it you might ask? For starters I sharpened my skills as a negotiater. I truly believe in what I do and my clients recognized this. While they moved to Virginia, they left with complete confidence that I would assist them with anything to get their home sold....moving the lawn, calling over 200 interested leads back, referring an aggressive attorney to keep an escrow..whatever the case, my skills emerged.

For those that are nervous about the upcoming fall, this is where you learn those skills...100 degree heat will not bring out buyers but there is some much mone can do in the plannnig for a vibrant Fall season.

Rest assured everyday I learn a new skill and I am happy to pass it along...are you? Recognize we get by giving and the more you give the more you eventually will get...go make it a great day.....stay cool....

Research....more misleading information from local media....

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 12:14:18 -0500

Once again www.zillow.com was on my local t.v station. The station would have you thinking that this tool is worthwhile and then the next sentence it says beware....Now if this is not confusing to the consumer I am not sure what is.....The media is nothing but story chasers and they can create misleading thoughts...too bad for the professionals that truly know the difference between appraised value; assessed value; and market value. No we have to add zillow value!!!!!

Golf...just like real estate today!

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 21:14:36 -0500

Being sidelined with a ruptured vertabrae for 5 weeks I hit the links for 3 rounds this week! Just like Boston real estate I was hot and cooled off....

Foxborough Country Club with a 90, Beaver River in RI with an 84 and then today at the TPC in Norton I played like John Daly with a 105 from the tips!

Well I am glad to have my health back and I would rather shoot 105 than not shoot at all. We all need time off to stop and smell the roses and although cliche is it not the truth...enjoy your health and family there really is not much more of importance for most of us!

Boston Summer headaches...Tunnels and Man of War!

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 21:07:56 -0500

By Chelsea Phua, Associated Press Writer | July 24, 2006

CHARLESTOWN, R.I. --Like many people soaking up the sun on Blue Shutters Town Beach on Monday, Julie Coburn was determined to spend the day at the shore, despite warnings about Portuguese men-of-war, a jellyfish-like organism with a painful sting.

"They're not supposed to be here, we are," said Coburn, 44, who drove 2 1/2 hours from her home in Bernardston, Mass., for a weeklong vacation in Rhode Island, and was disappointed to find out the warm-water creatures were floating offshore.

From Westerly in Rhode Island to Nantucket in Massachusetts, the summer has seen an unusual number of Portuguese men-of-war off southern New England. Scientists say a change in the pattern of the Gulf Stream, warmer waters, a northern wind and recent storms are probably all to blame.

Rhode Island state officials said the creatures had been seen at beaches in Jamestown, Newport, South Kingstown, Narragansett, Block Island, Charlestown and Westerly this summer.

In Massachusetts last month, a man was hospitalized after being stung by two men-of-war in Westport. Officials at the time said it was the first sighting there in 10 years. They have also been seen off Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven and Mattapoisett.

An 18-year-old girl was stung at Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly Monday afternoon and taken to the hospital as a precaution, said Gail Mastrati, spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Management. Restrictions were in place at state beaches in Rhode Island's South County area, where people were warned not to go further than waist-deep into the water.

Charlestown officials also restricted swimming at the town's two beaches after a few people were stung on Sunday, including a 9-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy, said Lisa DiBello, the town's director of parks and recreation. In her 18 years with the department, DiBello said this is the first time she has encountered the Portuguese men-of-war here.

Lifeguards at Blue Shutters said a 14-year-old boy was also stung on Sunday at the beach, where Coburn sat in a beach chair on Monday watching her two daughters, ages 12 and 15, play in the sand at a safe distance from the water.

Coburn said the children were disappointed that they could not go further than knee-deep at the Charlestown beach.

"It takes a little bit of the fun out for them," Coburn said.

Coburn's 12-year-old daughter, Zoe, who recently wrote a school report on the creatures, said she was afraid of getting into the water and getting stung.

"They're poisonous," Zoe said, while filling up a bucket full of sand.

The Portuguese man-of-war, also known as a bluebottle, is actually a floating colony of polyps. The organism, with a balloon-like sail propelled by the winds, trails tentacles that can reach 100 feet or more and that sting when touched. The stings deliver a neurotoxin that can be extremely painful and sometimes require medical attention.

Typically, the creature sticks to warm tropical and subtropical areas. They sometimes appear in the Northeast after being carried here by warm currents or storms, but typically not in such large numbers.

"It's pretty unusual to have this many and to have them spread over such a large area," said Larry Madin, a senior scientist in the biology department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, Mass.

Najih Lazar, supervising biologist with Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management, said officials don't know for sure why the creatures are finding their way to New England. But he said it's probably a combination of factors.

The Gulf Stream moves north from Florida along the East Coast before turning east toward Europe, Lazar said.

"That turn is usually south of Delaware, about 300 miles off shore," he said. "This year it's a little more north than usual."

A recent tropical storm off the coast of New England, along with about a week-and-a-half of winds pushing north, are also probably to blame for the latest group of organisms, he said.

"This animal floats on the surface. It has a balloon-like shape. The prevailing winds just push it," Lazar said. "They are at the mercy of currents and winds."

In previous years, the creature would not have survived Rhode Island's cold waters, which typically average between 73 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, he said. This year, the average temperature is already up to about 78 degrees, he said.

Beachgoers and lifeguards alike are hopeful the men-of-war aren't here to stay.

Graham MacCoy, a lifeguard at Blue Shutters who helped the 14-year-old boy who was stung, said he was anxious for them to leave.

"So people can enjoy their beach day," MacCoy said.

Boston area Homes...

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 20:41:35 -0500

Tonight another local t.v. station is going to try to toot the horn of zillow.com in this age of everyone knows more than the professional.

I can expect a number of phone calls this week arguing that this so called expert on Channel 25 says my house is worth X! I cannot wait to tell my clients that a zillow.com can pick your Dr., your College, and a host of other similiar choices......when will this foolishness stop!

What to expect this Fall...

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 13:11:47 -0500

Many of my peers are expecting a very flat market here in Boston. I suspect it is due to the horrible first half of 2006. Although many factors do play a part in the marketplace, one factor that we all need to remind ourselves is believing in our business. For instance, time and time again I hear brokers cutting their commission to put a deal together this past year. IN fact, I hate that pharse all together. Deal! Commission! Cutting! Get rid of those terms and focus on your value as a professional. If you cannot put the sale together then move on and continue your efforts in a positive way. Once you reduce your fee everything else that follows will take that same path. I.E. enthusiasm, time of the essence details, caring, attention to important facts of the sale, follow up, and much more. We all know that the public does not put a high regard to our industry but we cause this thinking by allowing our clients to take, take, take. Remember it is a client relationship not a client order that we sign on to when assiting one with their real estate needs. Once our membership educates themselves that it is much better to walk away from a fast nickel than a slow dime we will all be better off including the client....Although this might not be the case with the uneducated broker and I am sure to hear resistance the fact remains that you cannot get the cheapest service with the best results in any industry....think about it and stay true to your word...

Boston area news....

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 11:03:34 -0500

To fight the glut, home sellers push their prices down

By Kimberly Blanton, Globe Staff | July 2006

Home sellers are learning what any retailer, from Wal-Mart to the owner of the corner gas station, already knows: Low prices are one of the surest ways to beat the competition.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Massachusetts' largest real estate firm with more than 3,500 agents, is coaching agents on how to persuade clients to list their homes at an asking price that undercuts those of comparable ones on the market.

The hope is low prices will attract more prospective buyers, leading to faster sales. Other real estate agents in the Boston area report success with similar strategies in a housing market with an unprecedented glut of properties for sale.

Called ``drama pricing" or ``energy pricing," it is a drastic measure for difficult times. And it seems to run counter to the conventional strategy of selling your home for the highest price possible.

Buyers are ``overloaded" with options and ``only respond when they see a perception of value," said Angela Stamoulos, who teaches Coldwell Banker's course on this pricing technique, which the firm rolled out this spring in Connecticut and last month in Massachusetts.

By grabbing buyers' attention, she said, ``the true market value of the property comes to fruition."

While the real estate industry has been reluctant to publicly acknowledge a downturn, that's not what they are telling their clients.

After Robert Picciano's employer, EMC Corp., relocated him to Connecticut, he and his wife wanted to sell their two-bedroom condominium in Walpole. They estimated its value at $360,000.

But Coldwell Banker agent Robin Wish laid out the facts on how tough it would be to sell: five other active condo listings in their complex -- all 1,488 square feet, like Picciano's -- were on the market for $329,900 to $359,900. Wish suggested $342,500, slightly undercutting another two-bedroom with extras her clients didn't have, a fireplace and extra bath.

``We were disappointed," Jennifer Picciano, Robert's wife, said.

Within four hours of their May open house, the couple received an offer at the asking price -- within the week, a second offer, slightly smaller, came in.

Their reaction to the quick sale? ``Shock," Robert Picciano said. They expect to close July 31 and are buying a home in Fairfield, Conn.

Four of the other condos haven't sold, Wish said, including one on the market since April with more amenities. The price started at $364,900, and has been cut nine times, to $319,900, according to the listing.

``The point is if you start too high, buyers forget about your property -- it doesn't matter how beautiful it is," said Wish.

While it may seem obvious a house will sell faster at a lower price, Coldwell Banker's efforts reflect a sea change in the market's psychology. During years of record house-price gains in Massachusetts, a prospective seller would examine ``comps" -- reports prepared by agents listing comparable houses that have sold in the prior six to 12 months -- and then determine how much more he could get for his home.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now this is an article that the doom and gloomers love to publish. Bad news sells papers and the herd mentality can control a market. I disagree often with Kim and her opinions and this is another example of the media creating this flat market here in Boston..I hope others across the Country have a more objective paper!!!

Boston area problems....

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 22:29:30 -0500

It cannot be easy living in Boston with the latest Big Dig problems..my heart goes out to the family who lost their loved one....

What to do about these entry only sites!!!!

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:01:09 -0500

Here in Boston, we are experiencing these fly by night offices that are allowed by our MLS to only enter the listing for a flat fee...the seller normally gets poor results and then calls on us to pick up the mess...unfortunately, I feel like many others that the MLS has created a monster that is only interested in collecting membership and not upholding our professional status....would there be a time for a civilian to argue in front of a Judge and then if he or she losses they defandant gets a second chance....of course not...or the 1 year med student who opens your chest and fails..do they turn it over then to the 20 year veteran to save the patients life? We need more leadership in our MLS and Realtor leaders...this has gone on too long for us to stand by and hope that it shakes out the bad apples..I appreciate your feedback....Jay McHughy

Update...

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:32:02 -0500

The Boston market is finally picking up today...we put 3 contracts together and saved one sale from going in the tank.

WE expect a quiet weekend but slowly but surely we will pull out of this soft market.

Jay McHugh's Daily Blog

Jay McHugh, CBR, CDPE, CRS, CyberStar, (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 05:55:45 -0500

We are half way through a very tough market here in the Greater Boston area. What many us have done to tighten our belts is to look at what truly is working for us and remove the advertising etc that is not working for us. IN addition it is very important to partner up with a like minded professional to co brand or co market your services.

Please share with me your successes in your local business...have a great day and stay cool....