About a month ago, after much cajoling and harassing from a couple of friends, I made the leap to purchase an iPad.  I bought it as a convenient way to check my emails and check the MLS while working with buyers.  Well, it was such a nice convenient size and I thought it would be so much easier than trying to open up my notebook in the car.

So, I bought this thing for only two purposes, right?  Much to my surprise, after trying to work with GoDaddy for nearly an hour, we weren't able to access my emails.  I became frustrated as I needed to board a plane and decided to abort the process until I had a bit more time.  Lately, finding another hour in my day has been pretty much impossible.

Okay, so at least I can check listings on MLS, right?  While working with a client looking for a rental condo, he presented me with his "surprise list" of other properties that he found on the internet.  So I thought, aha, this is a great job for my handy, dandy iPad.  After 5 minutes, the MLS still had not loaded.  I became very frustrated with this slow process and again, decided to abort the process.

After cooling off, I considered my iPad purchase.  It didn't seem that it was making my life easier, just more complicated and slower.  So, I screwed up my courage and decided to go back to the Apple Store in the mall, plead my case and try to return my iPad.  When I got to the mall, there was a line of about 50 people waiting to get into the store to buy the newly released iPad.  The Apple guy at the head of the line, sent me directly into the store, where another Apple guy was waiting for me.

I told the smiling Apple guy my story.  He began texting on his iPhone.  Within seconds, he was saying, "I'm sorry you had an unhappy experience.  Would you like the full amount credited to your credit card?"  What? No restocking fee, no hassle?  I said, that would be lovely.  Then I asked, what about the AT & T account I set up?  He replied, "I've already canceled that account for you, Mam. You will only be billed for the one month you had the account."

WOW!  Now that's service!  I found out a few things last night:

1. Apple is very customer friendly.
2. GoDaddy email works on POP which is not iPad friendly.
3. The MLS uses an antiquated platform that does not work smoothly with iPad's more contemporary system.

So, if you're considering an iPad, you might just want to go to your local Apple store and have a chat with one of the friendly Apple guys.  Tell them what you'll be using the iPad it for and have them demonstrate it.  But, if it doesn't work for you after you buy it...you have a safety net.  Apple is very customer friendly!

We all decide to sell our homes for different reasons.  No matter what the reason, most everyone I meet here in Orange County, California wants me to help them sell their homes and condos in the shortest period of time, for the most money with the least amount of hassle. 

For years, print advertising was a great way to advertise properties that are for sale.  If you've met with a Realtor® lately to discuss selling your home, you may have been surprised when they told you they wouldn't be advertising your home in the newspaper or in a glossy magazine.  Watch this compelling video to see why...then ask your Realtor® how they will be using social media and other types of internet marketing to get your home S O L D...

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in Orange County California it would be my pleasure to work alongside to help. Helping you achieve your goals and dreams is what I get to do...it's my profession and my joy...I'm here to help!

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2010

Marlene is an experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods (formerly Leisure World), Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo.

Today, while researching properties for a buyer I came across a listing that piqued my interest.  The reason I decided to look further at this particular property is that it was priced at nearly double the asking price of any property in the development.  The description suggests that the property is "A Must See" and that needs to be taken literally rather than figuratively...Why?  Sadly, after 34 days on the Multiple Listing Service there is "No picture available".  Here's what prospective buyers of this property saw on MLS:

GREAT REMODELED UNIT; NEW KITCHEN, BOTH BATHROOMS, NEW FLOORING, NEW PAINT, NEW WINDOWS, --- A MUST SEE !!!!!!! 3 LARGE BEDROOMS, MASTER BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE BATHROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, PRIVATE PATIO, ---------------------- A MUST SEE !!!!!!

In today's market, people rarely sell because they want to.  There is typically a need that causes them to put their property on the market.  It may very well be that this seller needs the price they are asking.  But it would be very surprising that anyone would even look at this property that appears to be so overpriced.  Even if someone decided to look at it and make a full price offer (pretty much a long shot, but let's just say it happened) the buyer would need to be prepared to pay cash or pretty close to all cash to get it to close escrow.  There simply is no loan available for overpriced properties.  The buyer would need to come in with cash to cover the gap between the loan amount and the purchase price.

The simple truth of the matter is when hiring a real estate agent, which would you prefer?

• Are you looking for an agent who tells you what you want to hear or a real estate agent who knows the current market and tells you the truth about what your home should sell for?
• Are you looking for a real estate agent who will actually market your home or a real estate agent who does the minimum and of just placing a sign on your property and a cursory job of putting your property on MLS?

The agent you choose to represent you is a critical factor in how quickly your home is going to sell.  The speed of the sale becomes one of the most important factors to consider when home prices are in a downward trend.  To avoid becoming an example of what not to do when hiring a real estate agent ask good questions during the interview with your prospective agent.  For a list of questions to ask your real estate agent during the interview, email me and I'd be happy to email you a great set of questions to ask your prospective agent.

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in Orange County California it would be my pleasure to work alongside to help.  Helping you achieve your goals and dreams is what I get to do...it's my profession and my joy...I'm here to help!

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free  ~ or ~  Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Marlene is an experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods (formerly Leisure World), Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo.

This morning is a beautiful Spring Saturday.  I came downstairs to check my emails and get ready for the day ahead.  The first thing I saw was Sally Cheesman's email announcing the winners of her latest POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul.Group's contest - Spring Fresh Contest.  So of course I needed to check the list to see how many of my old friends made the cut.  I met some new friends there and of course saw the names of some great old friends and now have a great list of positive reading for the next couple of weeks as I work through the list.

Today in many ways is like a lot of Saturdays.  I get to show property.  That's not just part of my job, it's a privilege.  There are some nice folks who have entrusted me with the responsibility of making the many phone calls to line up the properties that are appropriate for them to see.  This task has become a bit more lengthy than in previous years.  Selecting the properties, then calling each agent to see if the short sale truly is a short sale and if the agent is skilled at working with short sales or REO's is an added layer of effort.  The few extra hours of effort in the office can save countless hours and possible disappointment for my clients.

Today, as I began collecting all the materials and staging them next to my front door, I thought about how many times I've gone through this process before.  It's a little like a matador who prepares in advance for his work (my job isn't quite so glamorous or dangerous).  I won't be donning a suit of lights, but I will be putting on appropriate attire for the day including flat shoes that allow me to keep up with the long strides of my 6'2" client.  My shoes are also slip-on so I can easily kick them off to protect the freshly cleaned carpets in homes we will be seeing today.  All the listings of the homes we'll be visiting are neatly organized in little books for both my clients.  Pens have been attached for their convenience.  My GPS has been programmed with the addresses we'll be visiting.  The car is clean and has a full gas tank.

As I began preparing for the day, I thought of how many times I've done this before and yet each time it is brand new.  There's a hint of excitement in the air as I think that today may be the day that we find the perfect house for my clients.  Today may be the day that we all get to experience that wonderful AHA moment where we all know that this is it...the home we've been hoping to find.   No matter how many times that happens, it seems new every time.  That's just one of the best parts of what I get to do as a REALTOR®.  I get to participate in one of the most exciting times of another person's life.  I get to help them find their dream homes.  What an extraordinary opportunity that is and one of the many reasons I realize that I love what I get to do for a living.  It's an honor, privilege and joy.  Today is a good day!

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in Orange County California it would be my pleasure to work alongside to help.  Helping you achieve your goals and dreams is what I get to do...it's my profession and my joy...I'm here to help!

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free  ~ or ~  Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Marlene is an experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods (formerly Leisure World), Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo.

A Realtor® friend of mine called me today to ask my advice on what to do to be sure his buyers were able to see houses while he's going to be on vacation for the next week and a half.  He hasn't taken a vacation in years, so wasn't sure how to make sure his clients needs were being met.  He explained that in the price range his buyers are looking in they've been making offers, but have been getting beaten out in multiple offer situations.  He wants to assure that while he's away they won't skip a beat in seeing properties as soon as they come on the market and getting their offers in early.

My friend plans to take his laptop with him and to write up any offers and negotiate them on behalf of his clients while he is out of state.  He was wondering what kind of compensation he should offer to an agent who would show houses to a couple of his clients while he's away.

I suggested that rather than doing a commission split, he might want to consider paying one of the office agents an hourly rate ($25/hr.) just to set the appointments with the sellers and open the doors for his clients.  I have done this in the past when I just couldn't be in two places at one time.  It works well because your clients feel that you're making sure they get to see the houses as they come on the market.  And, they know that you are still the one who will be handling presenting the offer, doing the negotiating for them and walking them through the process to closing. 

It's a win-win-win situation:

Buyer's Agent is happy...he gets a vacation

Showing Agent is happy - he gets paid without having to much more than just show up

Buyers are happy - they don't feel that they are missing out on making offers on properties while you take a well-deserved vacation

Over the years, I have been surprised when I tell my clients that I'll be away for a few days to attend a seminar or to take a vacation that they consistently are very supportive and tell me to relax and have a great time because I deserve it.  Try it, you'll come back rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to deliver even better service after more training or some well-deserved rest.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free  ~ or ~  Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Marlene is an experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods (formerly Leisure World), Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo.