fter nearly 2 years of being immersed in the Internet and Social Media discussions for the real estate industry, I continue to be surprised by the ongoing conversations surrounding tools - Facebook, Facebook Business Pages, Twitter, Flickr, Blogging, video, the list goes on.
As agents, there isn't a day that passes without being exposed to a new idea, a new tool, some new way that we can get business - and yet the vast majority of agents find themselves haphazardly securing business, flitting from one tool to the next.
It's Not About the Tools
The problem lies in the fact that it's not about the tools. We find ourselves seduced by the promised, the new sexy thing that promises to tie all this internet mystique together.
The reality is that the tools are only met to support and enhance the way an agent is already finding success. If you are farming - these tools can enhance and amplify that effort. If you tend to get business simply by being social and in the proximity of people, Facebook or a blogging can help to amplify those efforts.
Intention and Purpose
There is no magic bullet in all of these tools. They must be used in conjunction with a real purpose and strategy that one is willing to consistently implement and execute for an extended period of time.
This is a conversation Garron Selliken and I have spent a good deal of time on. As we continue to grow M Realty in Portland, Seattle, and Orange County - we are focusing on helping agents to find that purpose in their business and provide the tools that will help them execute that vision.
BuzzREOC - Making the Connection
We are so passionate about that conversation, we created an event in Orange County to present some of these ideas. In conjunction with Bob Fox with Escrow Leaders, and Sharon Whaley & Sandy Dow with Fidelity Home Warranty, we are hosting BuzzREOC tomorrow morning from 9 to 12 in Rancho Santa Margarita.
We have the good fortune to be hear from agents that are incorporated these tools into their practice daily, not just for the sake of using them, but as part of an overall intention within their business.
Every now and then, I have a well meaning prospective buyer say to me, "I'm already working with an agent, but if you find a good deal, let me know and I'll use you." Sometimes it's someone I meet at a social event or someone that inquires from my blog.
I think the buyer's mentality is understandable. Their intention is twofold: (1) get the feelers out about what they are looking for in the housing market (2) to let me know that I will be compensated if I find them that coveted 'good deal'.
My response is the same every time: (1)"Do you feel you are getting good support from your current agent?" (2) "If so, I would continue to work with them." I won't be calling with the inside scoop on a new listing.
Why, you ask? Several reasons:
Is it reasonable and fair to preempt another agent's hard work? As a buyer, if you have an agent that is working diligently and consistently on your behalf, it seems reasonable to reward that agent with your business.
As agents, we often have access to the same data. Is it simply a matter of who makes the call, or sends the email, fastest and brings you the 'great deal'?
If I'm listing a 'great deal', I would still want you to be represented by your agent. It's always my preference to have a buyer represented by their own agent.
Let's say I did come across a screaming deal before it hit the market - Who would I call first with that 'good deal'? The clients that are already committed to working with me in their home search, or the person that may work with me if I find the 'good deal'?
As a buyer, you may have signed a Buyer Broker Agreement committing you to utilizing your existing agent.
And lastly, the agents working in the area, comprise an almost small town-like atmosphere. Those actively working in the business know one another and complete real estate transactions together - often more than once. Reputation is crucial and undermining agent/client relationships is a career killer.
And one more quick side-note - if there is a 'good deal' to be had today, it WILL have multiple offers. No one calls me asking for a 'nice overpriced home' these days. Everyone is looking for a deal. The good news, compared to pricing as far back as 2003, it's all a good deal.
The best strategy, find a home you love, that fits the needs of you and your family, and your budget. If an agent calls you with the deal of the century, if it's not in your budget, and not going to support what you really need in a home, it doesn't matter what kind of deal it is.
Unfortunately, the short sales in Las Flores are abundant at all price points. Short sales comprise nearly half of all the inventory - 7 of 15 current active listings. The bulk of them (5) are in the $500 to $750 marketplace. The one big failing in my video post is the lack of mention in the short sale closings - there are none in the last 30 days. It's important to note because of the abundance of active homes and those in escrow that are short sales - in 30 days we haven't had 1 short sale successfully close. The pending, or 'In Escrow' inventory, are slightly skewed by the high number of short sales. Many of these properties have been in escrow for months, and some may ultimately foreclose. Out of the 17 in escrow - 11 of them are short.
So What is the Good News?
The good news is that there actually is good news. There are four big changes to note for Las Flores real estate conditions.
Active inventory is down. In March, there were 23 active listings and today we have only 15.
Pendings are up. In March, we had 9 pending, but today we have 17 in escrow.
Closings are up from 4 to 6 from that same 30 day period.
2 of the 4 closings in the last 30 days were over $750,000. In previous analysis, we had no movement at all in those price points.
So What Does This Mean If You Are Selling in Las Flores?
Note your price point. Under $600,000 seems to be moving nicely and there is significant demand for equity sellers - those that can sell without bank approvals. Just don't think that it means you can expect a premium sales price. The ones that sell are the ones that are priced right. Even over $750,000 is moving for the first time in a while, but you must be priced to reflect market conditions.
So What Does This Mean If You Are Buying in Las Flores?
Prices have come down dramatically but available properties are tough to find. Be prepared to watch and wait carefully for the right fit. Speak to your agent about automatic notifications if you are focused on Las Flores - especially in the lower price points.
So What Does This Mean If I Am In A Short Sale Position?
If you need to sell and you owe more than your home is worth, develop a strategy that makes sense. Talk to someone you trust and someone that understands your circumstances and your needs. Don't pay upfront. Be careful. There are NO guarantees in this area of the market. Every short sale is different and every bank is different. And, honestly every day it can change.
Questions?
If you have questions, I'm happy to help. There is no obligation and no pressure; we really do want to serve the homeowners and potential buyers in Las Flores. Let us know how we can best help you.
It's important to go into any listing of a home with an idea of your 'bottom line'. But, the Plan B is also just as important. Often I will go to a listing appointment and while the 'bottom line' is clear for a seller, they may not have a Plan B.
In today's market, perception of value may vary dramatically. For example, the home seller that had a value of $700,000 at one time, may have a hard time believing they are looking at a market value of $550,000. And the buyer, who may still believe there is room to fall in this market, may see the value at $500,000.
As we know, seller need, seller desire, does not determine value in the eyes of the buyer, lender or appraiser. So what happens when you can't achieve your bottom line? Your listing agent should have this discussion with you on the very first appointment - even if the number seems achievable.
What's your Plan B? Plan B's rarely are fun and they generally involve some tough decisions that you hope to avoid. But avoiding the questions and the possibilities, won't help.
Possible Plan B's:
Don't sell. If you don't have to move and you are determined to get a particular price, stay.
Bring in cash to close. If you know that you will not be able to cover all the costs in a particular price range, do you have the money to bring in if this is the only option and you must move?
If you don't have the cash to bring, and you owe more than it's worth, can you do a short sale?
Can you lease out the property until the market appreciates enough for you to get your price?
If the loan is part of the need to sell (creating affordability problems), can you qualify for a loan modification? Will that allow you to stay?
These are some thoughts to get you started in the Plan B conversation. Again, I recommend that these tough questions are asked prior to ever listing your home. If you get what you need - super! If not, everyone knows the plan.
The foreclosures are abundant in Orange County and the impact is felt by many - including tenants. With the sharp increase in investment purchases during the boom, many of the properties currently in foreclosure are tenant occupied.
What Happens When the Home You Are Renting Forecloses?
Tenant rights have been addressed in recently weeks under the 'Helping Families Save Their Homes Act'. On May 20th, 2009, Obama signed the new law that extends the rights of a tenant to stay in the foreclosed property from 60 days to 90 days.
Recently I had a client ask whether this would apply only to homes foreclosed from this date forward or those that have recently been foreclosed on. From contacting various tenant's rights groups, it looks as though the 90 days applies to homes foreclosed from May 20th, 2009 and forward, otherwise, it is still 60 days.
Also, it is worth noting that the following language is included in the law: "the lease or tenancy requires the receipt of rent that is not substantially less than fair market rent for the property." In other words, you still may be required to pay rent to the lender that now owns the property.
If you have questions about your rights, I'm happy to assist. You may also find assistance at various Tenant Advocacy sites. For example, TenantsTogether.org, California's Statewide Organization for Renters Rights.
If you've spent any time reading this website at all, you know what a huge advocate I am of professional photography on every listing that I have.
But there is something else that as seller, you must be aware of in a your new listing: the photos must go in the moment your new listing is online. Why?
Agents are constantly looking for their buyers. If two listings come up at the same time, one with photos and one without, which one do you think they are more inclined to take notice of?
Buyer Online Searches (this is the critical point): In the age of information, the internet dominates a large majority of buyer's home searching efforts. Many serious buyers are on a automatic delivery system for new listings. When your new listing comes to them without photos, they often ignore it. Putting in fabulous professional photography a week after it is listed is meaningless. Too many buyers have ignored it and may never return to see those wonderful photos.
There are instances where there is a sense of urgency and a need to get the property in the listing services immediately. In this case, I recommend using the agent's digital shots temporarily. I still would never recommend going without and fortunately, in this day and age, there is absolutely no need to go without photographs.
In my mind, this failure is the ultimate breech of a listing agent's duty to their client - that seller. When interviewing listing agents, ask about the process they utilize. Will they have photography professionally shot? Will they take the time to wait for those shots prior to listing? Will they use those images in all the initial launches online? Or will they list your home and add photos in a few days?
You know you have a good agent when they are willing to take the necessary time to prepare your listing professionally with the marketing that is needed. Waiting a few days and going live with really quality marketing can actually create a quicker and higher sale.
If you are in Orange County and have questions about selling your home, please don't hesitate to contact me. If you are out of the area, but are looking for an agent that is committed to quality marketing, let me know and I'll help you make the right connection if I know someone in your area. Originally Posted on WhyDidn'tMyHome Sell.com
Las Flores continues to suffer some of the same conditions we are seeing in the overall South Orange County market - very little activity in the upper price points, a large number of short sales, and very low bank owned activity.
As of today, there are 23 homes on the market in Las Flores and 10 of them are short sales, and presently there are no bank owned homes active. Unfortunately, I'm fully expecting the foreclosures to increase in the next 30 to 120 days (refer to my post on OC Real Estate Voice) and subsequently bank owned listings to increase.
Ironically, even with the abundance of active short sale listings, there have been no short sales that have successfully closed in the prior 30 days. There are currently 5 short sales in escrow. These can be in escrow for as much as 6 months, so we can expect the number of short sale closings won't be dramatic in the coming days. As a matter of fact, the MLS notes only 2 short sales have successfully closed year to date in Las Flores, the last one was 2/17.
The highest closed sale in the last 30 days is in the Avelino tract for $525,000. The higher price points (over $750,000) is particularly slow with 8 active listings, no recent sales, and nothing presently pending.
If you ever have questions about the Las Flores real estate market, these numbers, or conditions in Orange County, please consider me a resource. If you, or someone you know, is currently thinking of buying or selling in Las Flores, I always appreciate your recommendation.
To contact me, (949) 939-2514 or email me at linsey@ocrealestatevoice.com.
All information and statistics are from SoCalMLS and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
No crystal ball needed here - we are about to see a sharp increase in foreclosures in the coming months. The foreclosure report for the month of March was recently released by Foreclosure Radar.
During the final months of 2008, many lending institutions participated in a voluntary moratorium on foreclosures. Notice of Defaults (NOD's), the first step in the foreclosure process in California, plummeted. The final days on the moratoriums have just passed. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's were lifted as of March 31.
And if you've been paying attention to my 'Microscope on the Market' series, you've noticed the drop in bank owned homes on the market - hence the second half of that headline, 'Foreclosure Sales Drop'. Without the new NOD's, there's been a dramatic reduction in bank owned homes.
Notice the following chart that tracks Notice of Defaults and Foreclosure sales. The green line represents California's NOD filings. Notice the arrows - the dramatic dip in September and the sharp rise as of March '09.
With the rise in filings, we can expect the foreclosures to rise. Will Obama's plan help? My guess is no for Orange County. Why? The loan modifications the banks are offering, by and large, don't change the significant negative equity that many of these homeowners are facing. Without a substantial equity reduction, many sellers (who've already seen their credit damaged) will opt to walk away from the property.
What does this mean for buyers and sellers? If we see a large rise in distress inventory, this market may see some downward pressure on pricing - although in some of the lower price points, overall inventory is still low (especially if you remove the difficult short sales). I would expect that demand for this inventory will remain high - as we have seen in recent months.
One interesting note in the Foreclosure Radar report:
"The California Foreclosure Prevention Act, which goes into effect this summer, adds an additional 90 days to the foreclosure process if lenders fail to take certain actions. It is quite possible that the dramatic rise in foreclosure notices occuring now is an attempt by lenders to process as many foreclosures as possible before this law takes affect."
If you are interested in viewing foreclosure data and bank owned homes don't hesitate to contact me.
This Sunday the 19th from 1 to 4pm is your opportunity to come see this wonderful property in the Encore tract of Marina Hills in Laguna Niguel at 203 Fleurance. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath townhome with attached 2 car garage is beautifully upgraded and maintained. Absolutely some of the best views and a prime location!
If you are looking to buy and you are trying to avoid a short sale - good news - this traditional seller will respond quickly. We look forward to seeing you.
If you are looking for an amazing opportunity in Las Flores, I have one at 31 Sunny Slope. This Saturday, April 18th, from 1 to 4:00, we will be holding this beautiful 4 bedroom, 2500 square foot home open for you to see. Don't hesitate to contact me with questions.
Questions about the Las Flores real estate market, you can always check you My Las Flores for the lates listings, trends, and sales.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
fter nearly 2 years of being immersed in the Internet and Social Media discussions for the real estate industry, I continue to be surprised by the ongoing conversations surrounding tools - Facebook, Facebook Business Pages, Twitter, Flickr, Blogging, video, the list goes on. 
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