Lisa's Blog

Bring 30 agents min. to your listings at once!!

Lisa Forss (Allison James Estates and Homes, Inc/Forss Realty Group) — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:59:22 -0500

In Temecula, Ca, we meet weekly for our board "marketing" meeting where we share listings on the movie screen at a local theater and plug for " wants and needs", etc.... Usually there are bout 100 agents/affiliates at these meetings. Along with that, there has always been homes that you could go see that day on caravan...self guided tour.

The problem was that if you were holding your home open for that self guided tour, you had to hope and pray that agents would go check out the homes and you could look good for your client. However only a couple agents were sparcely go and then it was for the food or drawings, you could only hope that these same random people had buyers they were working for. Then it was just dwindled to no one going....

A couple realtors & affiliates took it upon themselves to start the coolest thing. They hired an Air conditioned bus (sometimes 2) and after the meeting, we all pile in for a caravan.

Usually the trips are hosted by an affiliate who has cold water, snacks, drawing etc... This affiliate has the opportunity and the microphone to talk about their product, joke and build relationships with agents because they reserved their spot to do do so. We are hostage for 2-2.5 hrs with someone else driving and using their gas (Ca. gas is off the charts I might add) ....great for everyone! I love listening to the affiliates because its better then meeting them for lunch or having them in your office when you are so busy. This is also an opportunity when other people ask questions that you wouldn't have otherwise thought of for them...great netowrking!!!

We don't see more then 10 homes that are close or about 7 if they are spread out and only agents are allowed to go on the bus. This insures that agents that can be selling your home, were looking at it and we weren't showing homes to affiliates that didn't have buyers and were only there to network with the agents on the bus (that's good to, but not when your telling your seller that agents are coming to see their home)

If your interested in starting something like that in your town, you can see the website they use which is http://www.homebustour.com/

These days, there are so many homes on the market that compete with your listings, you have to do things taht stand out and your clients home can be showcased. Marketing is key and part of that marketing should consist of "thinking outside the box". I love this bus tour! FYI, I had nothing to do with it's existence but am happy to participate.

It's pretty cool! Oh by the way, it costs us $60/house to have it on tour. However, you just paid $60 for about 30 agents to come visit your listing, sometimes there are 60 agents there which requires 2 buses, so its only $1-2 per person, but making your client happy because other agents, from every local real estate company, are seeing their home and they may have a buyer...!!? Priceless!

Inman names Active Rain as finalist "Most

Lisa Forss (Allison James Estates and Homes, Inc/Forss Realty Group) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 19:46:32 -0500

Finalists Announced! Congratulations Active Rain!!!!!

Inman News today released the finalists' names for the coveted 2007 Inman Innovator Awards, recognizing innovation in real estate. Winners will be announced at the annual technology conference, Aug. 1-3, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

The Inman Innovator Awards recognize companies that use technology and innovation to enhance the real estate transaction and experience for consumers and real estate professionals. In addition, one individual who embodies the spirit of innovation in real estate is honored each year.

The 2007 Inman Innovator Award finalists in five categories are:

Most Innovative Brokerage or Franchise

@ Properties
Coldwell Banker
Foxtons
Iggys House
John L. Scott Real Estate
Real Living
The Corcoran Group

Most Innovative Media Site

"60 Minutes" Multimedia Article Site
Active Rain Real Estate Network
Business Week's Hot Properties
Curbed.com's real estate network
New York Times' Real Estate Site
Wall St. Journal's RealEstateJournal.com

Most Innovative Web Service

Cyberhomes
FTC's Competition in Real Estate Web resource
HAR.com (Houston Association of Realtors)
HUD's Neighborhood Database
Point2 Technologies' National Listing Service
Trulia Voices
vFlyer
Wellcomemat
Zillow Q&A

Most Innovative Technology

Altos Research's Market Widget
Google Street View
Jott
Meebo
MyBlogLog
RealTech
Talkshoe
Xpressdocs

Most Innovative Blog

3 Oceans Real Estate
Bloodhound Blog
Calculated Risk
Mortgage Fraud Blog
Patrick.net
Real Estate, Real Competition & the Law
Real Estate Tomato
Redfin's Sweet Digs blogs
Transparent Real Estate

This market compares to putting gas in my car!!!!!

Lisa Forss (Allison James Estates and Homes, Inc/Forss Realty Group) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:24:50 -0500

It should be no surprise to most of us that there is a market correction going on right now in real estate. In Southern California our property values have nearly tripled in six years. Our homes appreciated in value faster than the price of gas, and we all feel that pain as we fill up. So it now appears that we have "given" back a little of that appreciation, kind of like when gas prices dip for a while. Ever notice that the dips in gas prices are usually for a short period of time, and then they go up again usually hitting a new record high?

So what do we do and what do we advise our clients to do? Sell? Buy? Refi?

There is no "one size fits all" answer. Each person has different motivations. Just like gas prices, you either pay the price or drive less; in most cases we don't sell our car. Different motivations determine different outcomes!

•1) Lately, it's "Should we sell & then rent until the market comes back?" So when it comes back and homes are appreciating again, you'll pay more for the home you just sold. Sell to move up or down, not out!

•2) I'll wait until interest rates (I/R) go down before I buy. This is another unknown & I'm sure in the next Presidential election we will have a I/R change. Bottom line, if you don't own...you lose the tax deduction this year and you'll be buying on the upswing, instead of at the "everybody wins" market.

•3) What if prices drop more? Woulda, coulda, shoulda; don't let them be your best friends. There will be no warning on 60 Minutes that the low in Real Estate will be a certain day. Just like those gas prices, if you need it and can make the payments, maybe you are ready to buy.

Bottom line, you do not likely sell your car when gas prices go up, maybe change to a more efficient model or drive less but talking to them should determine what is best for them; just talk them through it!

(Talk them off the ledge is more like it! )

Tried BNI (Business Networking International)? This is a Gold Nugget for you!!!!

Lisa Forss (Allison James Estates and Homes, Inc/Forss Realty Group) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 11:46:35 -0500

I want to share an idea that will put money in you rpocket during this compressed market....

If you have never heard of BNI, hang tight.... but if you have, I have a question for you!

I'm just a tad curious about anyones luck with BNI. I have been a member for 1.5 years and it's an amazing source of income,referrals and resources for me but I'm looking for new ideas to share at BNI. We have a group of about 35-40 and so our commercials are only 40 seconds now because we are getting so big and so it gets harder and harder to get in something with impact. I'm a fast talker and although I've tried to shove in more with faster speed, that just makes it worse....I need less words with more impact :)

I usually hit on the market when its appropriate, making sure not to beat a dead snake (I don't like the horse metaphor). I really work hard to identify something each week that sets me apart from the competition but its growing hard to be creative.....any ideas? I love this BNI concept and have grown tremendously because of it, but I want to keep it fresh. My marketing is key to my growth as a realtor but I like to think outside of the box and am always looking for new ideas. Got any?

If you have never heard of BNI, its a worldwide organization that educates its members on how to be an efficient networker and relationship builder! http://www.bni.com/ Check it out when you have a moment. You can visit each group in your area twice to find a good personality fit but keep in mind that Real Estate and Lenders are most "in demand" seat in that group so it will be hard to find one unless you help develope one yourself. Thats what we did and now we can help define the personality of our group, which is awesome, high energy and full of referrals. We are only about 1 yr old as a group and we are well into the 6 digit figures on value of referrals passed to each other. Tiffany with Bella Casa Staging http://www.bellacasastaging.com/ is in our group and she is highly active on

About BNI

Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you ...

...because all of them carry several copies of your business cards around with them. When they meet someone who could use your products or services, they hand out your card and recommend you.* It's as simple as that! It's simple because it's based on a proven concept by BNI Founder, Dr Ivan Misner, called "givers gain." If I give you business you'll give me business and we'll both benefit as a result.

Networking is so important in our field and building relationships are the foundation.....BNI is a great resouce! (Tell them I sent you :)

¸..·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ¸.·´ -:¦:-Lisa Forss -:¦:-

-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´

What in the World is going on in this Real Esate Market? What do we advice our clients?

Lisa Forss (Allison James Estates and Homes, Inc/Forss Realty Group) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 11:24:15 -0500

What in the World is Going on?

So what do we do? Sell? Buy? Refi?

You do not likely sell your car when gas prices go up, maybe change to a more efficient model or drive less but to determine what is best for you, let's talk!

We are no pressure, no obligation and we will advise you what is best for you, not us!

Lisa & Goran Forss

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

(951)302-1492, (951)760-6027

http://www.lisaforss.com/

thoughts with Jennette/Brookhavens Mtg 951-506-3181

A Pet Peeve....Full time Lenders acting as Part time Real Estate Agents & visa versa

Lisa Forss (Allison James Estates and Homes, Inc/Forss Realty Group) — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 15:31:25 -0600

Ok, Now I know what your going to say...why not?

Well, let me tell you why not..... if I am doing Real Estate full time I wouldn't dare be able to properly keep up with the legalities, new forms, laws, inventory, prices, marketing, servicing the listing etc.. if I were also doing the loan and keeping up with the daily rates, lenders, loan programs, new laws, forms and also servicing the loan to my clients best interest so why do lenders or real estate agents cross over that line and do it all the time?

Ok, first let me put in a disclosure..if your doing it for yourself or brother and they do not expect marketing, follow up, up to date forms, law etc... thats another story. Its their/your backside on the chopping block but as long as you guys are both OK with that and advise the agent on the aother side , that is doing work for both parties, just so they can know what they are getting in to.

But just this week I had a horrible experience and I've had it about up to here (you can't see me but I have my hand over my head:)

Forget all the inaccuracies in the MLS but he listed the home for Sale and also for Lease or Lease with Option to purchase. We took the latter method. There were 2 other lease contracts on the table (no options). He told me upfront that he had never done a lease option/purchase before so I would have to guide him....no problem, thanks for the headsup !

I sent him the Lease, Option and purchase contract along with an increased monthly payment of $300 (so they would be picked over the other 2) and we already had an agreed upon detailed assesment of how the option would work as well (via email) so I wrote it up verbatum.

I got a 2 page letter back with all 20 pages of contracts, the cashiers check and personal checks that he required saying that none of the option is applicable because his seller now only wants to lease it out now for the increased amount (none of which will go towards down payment) and by the way, write all new contracts...... yeeeeek. (the new contract requirement was because of a typo on the address that I made because he made us get him all the contract within a couple hrs...no problem it was my mistake but it could have been cleaned up in a counter) But now he wants the increased amount in rent but nothing to go to his loan!!!!!!

Here is what I found out in the end..... he never ran the options by his client, he only sent over what he thought was best. Can I just tell you that the email was titles.... "If you want to go the option route, here is how it must go: " mmmmmmm sounds like the seller has already set his parameters right?...not!

All this and my clients are 1.5 hours away, love the home and since his orginal verbal acceptance, put a 30 day notice into their apartment complex (premature I know, but I wasn't aware they did that until it started getting bumpy) So I had them call the apt. complex, find out how hard it would be to stay so atleast that pressure wasn't looming over their shoulder guiding them into the wrong decision. I needed them to think clearly.

This lender/agent did not disclose to his client all the things going on so I put it in a letter in return(the same way I got a counter offer with time constraint) giving the seller a specific idea of how he is making money by going our route and the lender/agent was mad because I was writing a letter and not just re-writing the contract which is one the first ways I figured out that his client (out of state) had no idea he was negotiating and make decisions on his behalf. He told me not to write the letter because he would just reject it anyway..... (who is the principle here, him or his client?) I went ahead and submitted new contracts, a counter offer because he didn't want to write one because he doesn't have winforms (computer generated) and also attached the letter to his seller as an addendum on the counter in hopes that his seller actually would read the letter.

We got a counter (wala...he can hand write!! no computer form needed) with another letter attached, but no acceptance of my first counter showing that the seller had actually seen it.

You know what....I'm not even going to finish how he now sent over a counter to reduce my commission etc (we paid full price by the way)...it only gets worse but we did end up finishing the deal and my clients loved the house so much that they took his bait. I also know the buyer can not sign a counter confirming that my commission will be reduced but I will address that in a year when we close escrow....UGH !

Lenders and Realtors.....please stick to what you do best and protect your clients, don't get greedy and try and wrap up commission around every corner. Don't try and pretend to be something your not! It doesn't even matter if you refer off the loan to one of you employees, atleast someone else is physically focusing on and concentrating on what is best for that client. Do what's right, refer it out to a lender or realtor that is serious about their business and does it full time. No matter what, you win because you get a referral fee right (most of the time) I never accept a referral fee my lenders but that's me.....

Am I wrong here ?

Craigs List Scam.....BEWARE!!!!!!!!

Lisa Forss (Allison James Estates and Homes, Inc/Forss Realty Group) — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 15:29:47 -0600

My client put her home for lease on Craigs List and has rcv'd tons...no, not KG or pounds, buts tons of SCAM emails and calls. I put my TREO on there as well and had the same problem with a similiar outcome.

It starts out with someone from the UK or other country saying that they want to rent or purchase goods right away (without seeing the product or home)

My clients house is 1995/mth in Temecula CA on the golfcourse but here is how the SCAM goes....

They don't fill out the documents, they say they are sending over their financier with a cashiers check for $25,132.25 and if you "the unsuspecting shmuck" would please pay the difference to the courier for the delivery of all their furniture (in this example anyway)

My client didn't get back to him because she knew it was bogus. Low and behold, the next day is an email with a UPS# saying that the financier couldn't come but that he sent over the check and to just give the difference to the courier when he arrives the next day afte UPS.

Saying that she "freaked out" was an understatement. I checked the UPS website and also called and there was, if fact, a letter package be delivered that day to my client.

It delivered, my client refused and we reported this guy to the authorities. Take the time to read Craigslist disclosures on scams and such. It specifically says to not accept any paymentfrom "out of your area" especially out of country and without proper documentation confirming all data.

How valuable are we to our clients?

Lisa Forss (Allison James Estates and Homes, Inc/Forss Realty Group) — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 11:26:37 -0600

I just thought I would share something that I use as a marketing tool for advertising and a resouce to my client. I joined a BNI Group (if your not in one, let me know and I will hook you up with a contact....very lucrative for our industry).

I started with members of my BNI group and other individuals I have worked with and developed a "resource list". That resouce list is 4 pages long and includes services such as handymen, electirician, insurance, lenders, utility services, gift basket design, home staging etc... you get the the idea.

Anyway, the point is, that one form of my advertising revolves around people calling me for that FREE resource list (let ME interview or be the guinea pig for the services so that they can benefit and love me in the long run)

In other words, people do not go on my list lightly. As a matter of fact, I put a start beside those that I have used and value and if no star; there is a disclosure at the bottom that says that " they were highly recommended by clients and/or friends that I trust". I have very strict limits on who goes on there.

I do not get anything from anyone on this list and it is important to me that people know that and that the service company do the right thing...client comes first kinda thing. If not, they are gone! My reputation is what is being passed around and I have passed out hundreds since I started just 8 months ago! I give them to other real estate agents as well.

Another side benefit....when these people see that I admire and value their work enough to pass on their good name, they have given me real estate referrals to further enhance my own business. (just a perk, not an expected)

I will include the top portion of it below and if you are local to the Inland Empire (Temecula, CA) and think you could use the whole thing, just shoot me an email !

Either way, I think small benefits like that this that you actually take time to work on can be of a benefit to your business in many ways and if your client is happier because you just became their consierge service, the better for you. So what if they are calling everytime they need a plumber, tree cutter, electrician....their thinking of you aren't they??? ;p Next time their call will be for a listing appointment or even better, they will tell their friends how valuable their real esate agent is and the word will spread. Am I biting off more then I can chew? (I just notice that the graphics, color and such did not translate but you get the idea I hope......

1^st Forss Realty Group

Resource Letter

Lisa Forss

(951)302-1492

______________________________________________________________________________

"One more way that I keep you informed and armed with a pool of resources!"

My Office Team

Marketing Assistant Juliana Hansen 951-303-3000x 115

Transaction Coordinator Sara Hill 951-302-0026

Transaction Coordinator Marilyn Zimel 951-302-9176

Financial

Preferred Lenders Roge Karma 951-743-4923*

Coldwell Banker Mtg Dave Asmus 951-303-3000*

Preferred Lenders (comm.) Peter Rosen 951-440-6975

1^st Centennial Bank Chuck Washington 951-521-1857

Real Estate Services

Coldwell Banker Residential/ Land Lisa Forss 951-302-1492*☺

Ward Commercial Don Inkster 909-841-4450

Legal Services

Prepaid Legal Sve Solange Sheppy 951-837-8145*

Home Inspection Services

Accurate Property Insp. Carol Wiley 951-285-7850*

Superior Inspections Sve David Becker 951-929-4303*

Mold Insp. Services Attila Csikos 951-413-7889

Please let them know Lisa Forss referred you!

Do you have a 10 second commercial for "elevator type" quick discussions?

Lisa Forss (Allison James Estates and Homes, Inc/Forss Realty Group) — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 22:02:13 -0500

I know that one must always have a 10-15 second commerical ready for the "elevator speech" type communication. Any ideas on real estate?

Even though I "soft sell", there are times when it is appropriate to just say it..... I don't like people to push their stuff on me and so I am considerate of other peoples personal space as well. Don't get me wrong, I love real estate, have been blessed and I've had a very successful run but who doesn't want to get better at what they do? I am always looking for ways to be a better value to my client but I am trying to think of a "quick speak" elevator, soccer field, golf course bystander-type discussion to keep things rolling and increase my business at the same time.

Any ideas?