CB Blog Estate

REBarCamp Atlantic CIty and CBRB The Chevy Chase Office

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:15:06 -0600

REBarCamp Atlantic CIty and CBRB The Chevy Chase Office

Dateline: Washington, D.C.
by Darrin Friedman

It is my pleasure to officially announce that the Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase is adding our name to the list of sponsors for RE Bar Camp Atlantic City. For those of you have never been to a bar camp, let me explain the significance…

Please click here to see the rest of the blog

BREAKING NEWS: HUD Delays Enforcement of New RESPA Changes

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:25:49 -0600

Via Derek Massey (Mid-Atlantic Settlement Services):

HUD announced today that it will ask the board overseeing the enforcement of the January 1, 2010 rule changes to "exercise restraint in enforcing" them for the first 120 days of 2010. The new Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and HUD-1 Settlement Statement are still to be used as of January 1, 2010, but HUD will not take action against lenders "who have demonstrated they are making a good faith effort to comply" with the new law.

The full article from HUD.gov is here.

One the one hand this gives lenders more time to ensure their forms and processes are complete, but on the other there is the possibility that for the first four months of 2010 real estate agents and title companies will be dealing with both forms on an alternating basis.

What's your take?

Montgomery County, MD – Washington, DC Metro Real Estate Statistics – OCT – 2009

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:37:17 -0600

Montgomery County, MD – Washington, DC Metro Real Estate Statistics – OCT – 2009

Dateline, Washington DC
by Darrin Friedman

Well, Montgomery County real estate had the same kind of consistent growth we saw inside the district. October represented a solid month in over all in terms of home sale figures.

Here are some October details for single family homes in Montgomery County:

1018 New Listings up just 1.8%

Please click icon below to see the rest of my blog...THANKS!!!!

Washington DC Real Estate form changes!

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:57:16 -0600

Dateline Washington DC
by Darrin Friedman

If you are a Real Estate agent in Washington DC You MUST read this…Last week the Greater Capital Association of Realtors made several changes to vital forms for the Washington DC and Maryland area sales contracts. Though I do not profess to be an attorney in any way, and I recommend that if you have any questions that you call Randy Rothstein at Paragon Title (301-986-1114), I did want to give you the highlights so you would be aware of the changes.

Again, these forms are now on “the street” in the Washington DC Real Estate market, and if you are not using them, you will be exposing yourself to the ugliness.

OK, now that I have said all that, here are the forms that have been modified:

1) The Listing Agreement
2) The Washington DC Jurisdictional Disclosure and Addendum
3) Tenancy Addendum
4) Conservation Addendum
5) Extension of Home-buyer credits (first time and beyond)

Today, I’m going to JUST focus on the listing agreement. The other forms will come soon. Now the details:

To Read the details of this blog, please click the link below...

Trying to be everything to everyone? Don’t try!

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:27:47 -0600

Dateline Washington, D.C.
by Darrin Friedman

Tell me the truth – is anything more frustrating in the world of servicing clients then the unexplainable fear that if we do not try and be the person our clients want us to be, then we are somehow failing at our jobs?

Okay, I’ll admit it. I have – and more than once!

Whether as an agent or as a manager, I have tried to create situations for those I serve even though I understand in the long run I most likely will not be able to please them at all. Why? Well, for the simple truth that some people are just not please-able.

To read the rest, please click on the link below...

Washington, DC Real Estate Statistics – OCT – 2009

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:27:53 -0600

October came and went quickly. The Washington DC Real Estate market continue to be strong and show improvement, especially when compared to last year’s recessions terrifying beginning.

Inventory activity in Washington DC Real Estate regardless of type is as follows:

Please see the rest of the of the blog here: http://cbblogestate.wordpress.com/

Choosing the right broker as a Real Estate Agent in Washington DC

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:44:00 -0600

New and experienced Real Estate agents ask me a all the time what questions they should ask before they choose a brokerage. Now, my office is in Washington DC so as a disclaimer the people I meet with are in an urban setting, but I believe that there are universal truths.

So, if you are interviewing real estate brokers, in Washington DC or not, here are just TWO questions you may want to consider asking...

Question 1: Specifically, how will you help me build my business in the next 30-60-90 days?

This is such a hugely important question I cannot tell you. If they get too vague, CALL them on it! Now more than ever the real estate broker’s ability to help their associates build their business is VITAL! If they cannot tell you how they can do it, then they won’t suddenly be able to figure it out after you affiliate. The point? Ask them up front so you won’t be disappointed later.

Question 2: What social media training do you supply, and how will you help me create an online presence that will generate me business?

Everyday social media changes. Everyday we learn. The Real Estate broker you choose must have a handle on this platform. They don’t necessarily have to be the expert but they must be able to lead you to the right person and have enough confidence to know what they’re talking about.

Summary: These are just starter questions, but important ones, and regardless of market make sure you ask them. You owe it to yourself to know the answers.

5 Easy Upgrades that Raise House Value - Coldwell Banker TV

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:27:35 -0600

Social Media: Strategy v. Tactics

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:45:10 -0500

This just one example of why Derek Massey is a very smart dude...

Via Derek Massey (Mid-Atlantic Settlement Services):

It's behind the Inman "pay wall" now, but a few weeks ago Rob Hahn penned an article suggesting that having a social media "strategy" was a flawed endeavor. Rob later posted somewhat of a rebuttal to his critics, which you can read here for free. I won't even bother trying to summarize it. I love reading Rob, but sometimes he makes my brain hurt. (H/T to Jim Duncan)

You can and should have a social media strategy

I would suggest you have a strategy for almost everything you do. A strategy is a high-level game plan for what you want to accomplish. Whether it's more money, a more fulfilling career or a happier life, and strategy helps you get there. Without a strategy, you're playing. Without a strategy, you're guessing that your activity will pay off without any way of measuring the payoff.

For social media, your strategy may be as broad as increasing your sphere of influence. Maybe it's connecting with more people face-to-face. Perhaps it's getting your brand out there more. It could be educating yourself about the field you're in. More than likely (and for me personally) it's some combination of all four. Even if it's not explicit, there is likely a strategy behind your web presence.

Be wary, however, of your social media tactics

I'm not going to put words in Rob's mouth, but if I had been asked to write the article, I would have said that it is the tactical use of Twitter (and all social media) that can be flawed. If I get on Twitter with the sole intention of complimenting Annie Agent to suck up to her, that is as insincere as it gets. If I prop up an agent, it's because I think he or she really is great, and I just saw something to remind me of that. Equally ineffective is the mechanical bullhorning of data, quotes, listings and other impersonal communication that we see on Twitter. To me, that's a tactical blunder.

Social media at its best is the human exchange of ideas, thoughts and experiences through internet and mobile channels. For that, tactics can lack authenticity. But I'm not sure I see the flaw with a well-intended strategy for harnessing those interactions to make yourself, your clients and your practice (whatever it may be) better.

"What do you mean you won't have any desks" Part 2 THE DETAILS!

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:21:31 -0500

"What do you mean you won't have any desks" Part 2

THE DETAILS!

Well, first I want to thank everyone for their patience. The support you have shown me based on my obvious anxiety was tremendous, and Active Rain people are the best people there are so I want to thank you.

Second of all, I am going to try and explain the exact vision as best I can. I am still debating whether I should try this using video, but I'll give it a start using those things we call words first, so here we go.

The Vision:

To create a transformational space that not only emphasizes functionality using the latest technologies, but inspires all that are associated with it by combining form and function with aesthetic. (While doing so on a shoe string budget of course!) Why? Because the industry has changed and so has the way we work. Creating a space that is dedicated to that premise is vital to the success of the Chevy Chase office. Therefore the result I am seeking is to create something no one in the Real Estate industry has seen anywhere.

The Components:

1) Idea Central: The nerve center of the office, Idea Central is the very heart and soul of the office and is meant to encourage all staff and associates to grow. The largest part of the office, this open space takes over where the traditional bullpen used to be. No longer are there rows of desks, empty and void of production and life. Now it is the lifeblood of the space - where agents share, laugh, learn. Now Idea central has two parts: the functional and the lounge.

The functional part is where an agent will bring their laptop, plugin, and get to work. There are two crescent shaped tables, like at a library, where the agent will work, print, create, write, market, and do everything else they would do in a traditional office setting. The only difference is there is no assigned seating and it has tremendous style! This is for the mobile professional who comes, does their business, and leaves.

The lounge section is the other part of the large room. Like a Starbucks, it encourages people to hang out, share, and do work in a much more casual setting. The space is strewn with comfortable furniture, soft lighting, and even a wii. The point is, if you are the type that enjoys sitting on the couch, with your laptop and a cup of coffee, Chevy Chase's Idea Central lounge will allow you to do that. Idea Central will be completed in Phase 1.

2) Agent Alley: This is where the best may still have a place to call their own. Though you must earn your way to a spot that is dedicated to you, production is not the only prerequisite. An agent must also USE the space.

3) Home Rooms: The home room is the answer to unused space! There is nothing more frustrating than staring at an empty conference room, or seeing two agents want the same conference room when one can easily see only 1/3 of the space used. The homeroom is the answer to that. Small, private, and comfortable, these rooms will emphasize the intimacy one must have when they are speaking with their clients. It's not about old antique furniture, it's about privacy. The home room will provide that. Unfortunately, the home room build out will be a year or so away :( but I'm working on it.

So, there's the idea. Construction should begin on Wednesday, and at this point I feel like I'm giving birth. What do you think? I have some drawings but I'll have to add those later. So patience my friends!

By the way, I actually came up with those names so if you steal them, send me royalties! LOL

Listing Presentation (A video) Part 2

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:18:59 -0500

Listing Presentation (A video) Part 2

Here is Part 2 of the listing presentation performed by me for my agents.

The Listing Presentation (A Video Series) - Part 1

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:15:04 -0500

The Listing Presentation

Video Series Part 1

The following video is a class I gave at my office on how to do a Listing Presentation. It is a 3 parter so ya'll don't get bored! In any event, the first part which is embedded below is only a couple minutes and leads you up til the actual sit down and formal presentation.

"What do you mean you won't have any desks!"

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:17:29 -0500

"What do you mean you won't have any desks!"

So here’s what happened. I had an idea, a concept really. I wanted to create the most innovative office anywhere - and though the office has made huge strides over the last couple years, I never felt like I would achieve the full potential of what we wanted to become until the physical space matched the philosophical ideal.

So, like Jerry McGuire, I put the idea to paper in an official presentation called, “The Chevy Chase office build out - building the office of the now!”

I sent it everywhere, talked it up and sold it hard because I really believed in it.

That was seven months ago. What happened? They said yes! And for a while I was actually feeling pretty good about it to. That was until this morning.

Since then, I am on the verge of a panic attack without any Xanax anywhere! Why, you ask? Why have my innards gone all mushy with chaotic disorder?

Because it was not until this morning, where we sit on the verge of the construction that I realize there is so much riding on me being right. I work for a large company, and that company likes making sure bets. Is this a sure bet? Probably not, but, they're letting me do it anyway.

Why? Because they have faith in me; because I have sold them on the idea that we MUST do this; we HAVE TO do this. I just know it! I haven't been this passionate about anything since like ever!

But, of course, the thought has occurred to me that I might be wrong. Then what! All I know is I will not only look very stupid but have spent someone else's money while doing it.

So there, that's why I’m stressin...that's why my stomach is doing that whole turn on it’s side thing, and why I want to cry my little eyes out like my six year old daughter after I turned off Hannah Montana before the end of the show.

However, I was reminded about something else today...that anything worth doing should scare the Beatlejuice out of you. That if you're going to create something the word SAFE should be stricken from your mindset completely.

So, safe I am not, nor will I ever be. I guess that's why I'm me.

The next question is: Who is with me?

Terrific example of a Video Tour by Lise Howe

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:51:53 -0500

Here is a CB Chase Chase agent Lise Howe doing a great job on a video tour...please let her know what you think!

email: Lise@LiseHowe.com

blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/lisehowe

CRT Spotlight Finalist - You mean ME?!

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:53:01 -0500

About an hour ago I found out that I was a finalist for the 2009 REALTOR(R) Technology Spotlight Award - "Visionary" category. How? I have no idea. Seriously, it's just weird.

Why?

Because when it comes down to it, there are like a gazzilion people out there that blow my mind on a daily basis. These people are the ones I think of when I think of visionary real estate people. Here are just a few that continually blow my mind:

1) Jonathan Washburn (ActiveRain): the smartest guy I have ever met, though I do have more hair than he does.

2) Derek Massey (Mid-Atlantic Settlement Services): the smartest man on Twitter, who, as a leader, is one of my idols.

3) Jeff Turner (Mr. Everywhere - meaning there isn't a business this man isn't doing): okay...it's a tie. Jeff is also the smartest person I have ever met. The fact that both he and Jonathan have no hair is something I must look into!

Anyway, those are 3 of my visionary idols and wanted to mention it here first.

See you in San Diego!

It's My First Post On The YPN Lounge!

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:14:12 -0500

Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):

It's finally up: Accentuate the Positive? Maybe Not!

It's my first post at the YPN Lounge. It the Young Professionals' Network blog on the Realtor® Magazine online edition.

It was fun to be included in this impressive bunch of bloggers (I'm sure that Darrin Friedman - the Blogging Broker himself - had something to do with this)

So please, please feel free to drop by and leave a comment.

And please, don't anyone tell them I'm on Medicare!

Sometimes we just need to shut up...

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:02:02 -0500

Sometimes we just need to shut up

By Darrin Friedman

(An open letter)

Dear REALTOR:

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last 20 hours, President Obama gave his State of Health Care speech last night, and unless you are a corpse you most likely have an opinion about the subject, and the opinion surrounding the heckle from a congressman from South Carloina.

It seems people, regardless of background and profession, seem are all heated up and any criticism of public apathy in regard to politics seems like the long forgotten distant past. So, when I turned off the TV last night and checked Facebook and Twitter for the last time before bed, I was amazed at the very honest and raw feelings of my friends that make up real estate community in which we participate.

It's not that I was surtprised tht pepple were pissed. I expected it. I mean regardless of sides, people are hot. On the other hand my surprise was that people were be so "raw", so angry, in such a public forum; a forum we all use for personal marketing and sphere outreach.

It just shocked me.

Now, maybe I'm being too cautious, but when I use these platforms I try to remember that what I say is out there for ever. I try to remember that being in sales is about being a chameleon and that alienating anyone is at best unwise.

I know what you're thinking..."Darrin, how can you be so cold?" "Don't you care?"

Sure. I care like everyone else cares. I'm passionate about my beliefs just as you. The point is I don't tell half the online world what they are.

Why? Because someone out there is going to want to buy a house and maybe he doesn't think the way I think - and you know what? I still want to sell that guy a house! What it comes down to is socail media is a wonderful vehicle to meet people you otherwise would not have met, and to develop relationships that matter - but until you know each other better, sometimes, you just need to shut up!

Anyway, happy fall market!

Sincerely,

Darrin

Hanging Out In The "YPN Lounge"

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:57:47 -0500

Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):

Late last month, I got an invitation to join the blogging team for Realtor Magazine’s online “YPN Lounge”. I immediately clicked on the attachment with the guidelines and today submitted my fist post.

Then I went over and checked out the “YPN Lounge”.

OK, “YPN” stands for “Young Professionals Network”.

I look young.

I feel young.

I’m young at heart and all that.

But my real estate license is older than some of the kids blogging on this site.

Did they make a mistake? Did they really want me for the GPN – Geezers’ Professional Network? Or the EPN - Elders’ Professional Network? Oh, I could think of a few more.

And you know what? I don’t care! This is going to be great fun. And I can’t wait to see my first post go up in a few days - even though they do not award any points. I’ll give you all the link.

And thank you, Active Rain, for keeping me young!

Washington, DC : Market Update 9/8/09

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:54:43 -0500

Via James Downing - REALTOR®,GRI, ABR - DC Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage):

Current Number of Homes Active and Under Contract in the Washington DC area:

Here is the breakdown as of September 8th, 2009

The number of properties on the market continues to drop. Sales and inventory tend to be at one of it's lowest points in the month of August. We should see things pick up again over the next few weeks..

Here are the number of homes on the market including the number of homes that were taken Off (EXPIRED) the market last week.

Washington DC

Single Family: Actives: 1596 (Down 43 from last week) Expired: 65 Under Contract: 646 (Up 16)

Condos:              Actives: 1188 (Down 17 from last week) Expired: 45 Under Contract: 470 (Down 5)

Arlington County

Single Family: Actives: 416 (Down 15 from last week) Expired: 13 Under Contract: 169 (Up 1)

Condos:              Actives: 483 (Down 1 from last week) Expired: 15 Under Contract: 193 (Up 23)

Prince Georges County

Single Family: Actives: 4857 (Down 163 from last week) Expired: 179 Under Contract: 2278 (Up 178)

Condos:              Actives: 819 (Up 34 from last week) Expired: 29 Under Contract: 156 (Up 6)

Montgomery County

Single Family:     Actives: 2870 (Down 7 from last week) Expired: 57 Under Contract: 1917 (Up 10)

Condos: Actives: 1145 (Down 9 from last week) Expired: 27 Under Contract: 518 (Down 1)

It is important to see the number of homes taken "Off" the market. While many of these homes will return to the marketplace a week or two; seeing a listing "expire" means that the seller and agent thought or expected the home to be sold by now.



Contact James Downing of the Downing Real Estate Group, if you are selling, buying or have questions!

Office: 202-362-5800 Cell: 703.244.3971

Licensed in Washington DC, Virginia & Maryland.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase
5028 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 100 * Washington DC 20016

AMAZING Video about Social Media

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 09:16:42 -0500

Thank you Todd Carpenter and Sheri Chris for showing me this video. It is amazing!

Video Tour - Poolesville, MD

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:09:34 -0500

The follwing is a video tour of an open house one of my agents is doing on Sunday. I am very proud of her for doing something new:

10 Things you need to do right now!

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:04:07 -0500

Very recently, I did an exercise with my agents. Basically it was this: if there is 1/3 of the year left, what are you going to do to maximize the potential you have?

So here is my challenge to all of you out there that are finding it difficult to create momentum, and challenge yourself to exceed your own expectation level.

Are you doing the following:

1. Developing superior time management skills focusing on profitable activity not busy work?

2. Actively participating in coaching with your manager, where you are staying accountable to what you have laid out in your business plan?

3. Prioritizing your schedule, either through “GTD” (getting things done) or a Franklin Covey type system?

4. Visualizing the success you want to have and the end result. It’s not enough to just say that you want to do something - it’s finding the strength to see it and execute it.

5. Have you categorized your database into people most likely to refer you business? There is a reason Brian Buffinni is a gazzilionare! His methods work!

6. SHOW UP!!! You are business owner. If the person who owns the cleaners you used never went to work would you use him?

7. Taking advantage of learning opportunities? You can always learn and the best of us are those who USE what we learn!

8. Using the resources your company offers? There is a reason you chose the company you did. You are in business with them so, as their partner, they give you materials to increase your business. Use them.

9. Actively ask for referrals! If you are “touching” 5 people a day, are you asking them for a referral? Those that are hugely successful right now are those who have created a sphere that is dedicated to making sure they bring you business. The problem is we sometimes forget to ask.

10. Last but not least - HAVE NO FEAR!!! If you are afraid, you might as well quit and now and sell at Nordstrom. Fear is not an excuse. You control your destiny and success, so if you are holding yourself back with excuses STOP IT. get out there and make it happen!

Anyway, as always, if you need any guidance, I’m always available. HAPPY 1/3 of the year!

American TV Legend Dies

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:31:18 -0500

Before I went into Real Estate I was a TV guy. I lived it and breathed. I guess a lot like I do with Real Estate now.

Anyway, here is a video tribute on him...I hope you enjoy it.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Bloggers Needed

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 05:18:22 -0500

As a member of the NAR's Young Professional Network Board I have been given the task of recruiting blogger's for our YPN Lounge. Oy, is right! Simply, if you think you have the right stuff email me through Active Rain and point me towards some of your posts. I'd love to check them out.

Happy writing!

ATTENTION REAL ESTATE LICENSEES: HOW TO LOSE YOUR LICENSE!

Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:41:47 -0500

Fantastic Blog!

Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:

* * * * HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK * * * *

WARNING! THERE APPEARS TO BE A COTTAGE INDUSTRY DEVELOPING FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS:

LOAN MODIFICATION ADVICE

Read on Inman this a.m. an article "Loan modifications: salvation or scam?" in which they describe and even recommend that real estate agents can provide this advice and even charge for it.

* * * * shared a number of ways that Realtors can legally assist their clients in navigating through the loan modification process and, in some cases, be paid for their efforts, more. . . . .

I believe that this is very risky business for any licensed real estate agent or broker.

Offering loan modification advice to a home owner is not, IMO, our business. We are neither trained nor skilled to give such advice and may violate the scope of our license to do so. I'd be interested to know whether an E&O insurer would represent a real estate licensee in a claim against them for mortgage modification advice.

Most of the real estate agents I know don't know the difference between a deed and a deed of trust. Nor do they understand the structure of the loan/loan servicing, investor, markets and relationships. When the vast majority of real estate agents must send a prospective home buyer to a loan officer for simple price range pre-qualification, the thought of those same agents giving advice and charging for it to home owners in mortgage distress sends shivers down my spine.

IMO, real estate brokers/owners would be advised to have written policy limiting their agents' ability to offer loan modification services, paid or unpaid.

REALTORS^® CODE OF ETHICS

Article 11
The services which REALTORS^® provide to their clients and customers shall conform to the standards of practice and competence which are reasonably expected . . more. . . . .

REALTORS^® shall not undertake to provide specialized professional services concerning a type of property or service that is outside their field of competence . . more. . . . .

"Honey, how can the mortgage company be foreclosing? I thought our agent was helping us get our mortgage modified."

"I don't know Dear. They promised that our loan was one that would be easy for the mortgage company to modify so we don't lose our home."

Courtesy: Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.