Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Fashion Island in Newport Beach

5 Tips on Choosing The Right Days to Market Your Real Estate Services Online

Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):

How to Choose the Right Days to Market your Real Estate Services Online

Effective real estate marketing online has a lot to do with timing.  There has been a lot of research conducted, mainly for industries outside of real estate (i.e.retail, hospitality, automotive) on the best days and times to market services and products online.  Implementing the right timing to deploy marketing campaigns into your online marketing strategy is an effective way to ramp up your results.

Here are 5 tips on choosing the right days to market your real estate services online

1.  Tweet Midweek-

 You can tweet everyday of the week but for maximum effect make sure to tweet on Wednesdays and Thursdays as they are the most active days of tweets and retweets as found by HubSpot's State of the Twittersphere Q42008.

State-of-the-Twittersphere -

2.  Publish Your Most Important Blog Posts Midweek

Frequency of great original content is still important in building your readership and traffic to your blog.  I recommend to my clients that they blog a minimum of 3-5 times per week to be considered as a true content provider in the eyes of their readers.

That being said when is the best time for a blogger to publish their meatiest, most important blog posts?  Darren Rowse of Problogger addresses the timing factor in When to Publish Blog Posts-Timing Considerations,

"If I have a very important post that I want to get as much attention as possible I generally will publish it on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning (my time)."

Rowse's post also gives some advice as to publishing posts on weekends and holidays that is worth the read as well as the comments on the post (82 so far).

Roger Parker of blogforprofit.com recommends that if you were to only blog twice per week to publish those blog posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Clearly publishing your most important blog posts midweek is a winning strategy.

3.  The Weakest Link for Email Marketing is Saturday

You may have several email campaigns in your real estate marketing campaign:  email flyers, email follow-up, email newsletters.  Email marketing is a heavy hitter for real estate professionals but when is the most effective time for you to deliver your messages to your prospects and customers?

According to EMarketer.com the best days of the week to send email marketing are Mondays and Tuesdays and the least effective time by nearly 50% is Saturdays.

The best advice I found and agree with is to survey your email subscribers and ask them when they would like to receive emails from you. 

We are approaching the holiday season so it is important to consider the times that people are online and actively shopping.  Study these deployment times statistics provided on the emailstatcenter.com website before launching any niche holiday real estate marketing campaigns.

4.  Engage your Fans on Facebook on Tuesdays

In findings from Virtue SRM (Social Relationship Manager) the best days to post on your Facebook Business Page is Tuesdays, followed closely Wednesdays with Mondays coming in #3.

**Allow me one deviation~ What I find more or equally fascinating is the 6.49% CLR (Click Thru Rate) of marketing campaigns such as polls and incentives that are run on Facebook business pages.  Fans are clearly interacting with their friends on Facebook in a big way and their interactions are also being seen by their friends.**

 

5. LinkedIn Users Are Active In the Morning

According to a small study by SenderOK Statistics report which was based on a sample of 440 anonymous users the most activity on LinkedIn occurs in the morning.

"LinkedIn use is predominantly an 8AM-Noon activity with very, very little activity in the evening. Of particular interest is that LinkedIn users tend to arrive at work earlier than Facebook users do....Those serious early morning LinkedIn users will spend an average of 29 minutes reading real Email before they get around to checking your connection request which they could have read first if they wanted to."

While this is a small sampling of members on LinkedIn and their behavior I can attest that this mimics my LinkedIn use.  The first online activity I do in the morning is to check my email(which of course includes my blog activity) and the first social network site I check is LinkedIn and this occurs normally between the hours of 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Take into consideration the times and days that people are online and engaging in these online activities when you create and implement your online real estate marketing strategy.

Once you taken action use an analytics tool to measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.  Tweak the times you deliver your marketing messages based on your analytics and direct feedback from your recipients.

Get your game on and use the 5 tips on choosing the right days to market your real estate services online.

Subscribe to Blogging In the Rain, A Real Estate Marketing Blog

Join Me on Facebook. Tuesday I'll be posting a discussion about marketing to women.

***************************************************

Rebecca D. Levinson is a real estate marketing consultant with 17 years of experience serving real estate industry professionals. 

If you need assistance with online marketing, offline marketing, social networking, or blogging contact Rebecca D. Levinson at #262-203-5231 or email rebecca@bloggingintherain.com.

Lido Isle in Newport Beach, CA

Emerald Bay in Laguna Beach, CA

Wordless Wednesday - Changing Colors

Newport Shores Market Update

Speechless Sunday - Newport Shores Sunset

Lake Arrowhead ~ 1031 Exchange

Via Kim Kelley, Realtor DRE#01412099 (Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty):

Lake Arrowhead is a great vacation destination and so close in Southern California.  There is no better time than to invest in your family and the future than now in Lake Arrowhead.  Invest in your Legacy.  A 1031 exchange is a smart move.  Take that far away vacation getaway or rental property and sell it and re-invest in Lake Arrowhead.  Here are some helpful tips on a 1031 Exchange, some Q & A to get you started.  Give me a call and I would be happy to lead you further into this great opprotunity.

1031 Exchanges... advantages, especially for the Baby Boomers looking for a way to transition into a retirement home and make it their dream home later on. 

 Q - What is a tax-deferred exchange?

In a typical transaction, the property owner is taxed on any gain realized from the sale. However, through a Section 1031 Exchange, the tax on the gain is deferred until some future date.
Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business, or for investment. A tax-deferred exchange is a method by which a property owner trades one or more relinquished properties for one or more replacement properties of "like-kind", while deferring the payment of federal income taxes and some state taxes on the transaction.
The theory behind Section 1031 is that when a property owner has reinvested the sale proceeds into another property, the economic gain has not been realized in a way that generates funds to pay any tax. In other words, the taxpayer's investment is still the same, only the form has changed (e.g. vacant land exchanged for apartment building). Therefore, it would be unfair to force the taxpayer to pay tax on a "paper" gain.
The like-kind exchange under Section 1031 is tax-deferred, not tax-free. When the replacement property is ultimately sold (not as part of another exchange), the original deferred gain, plus any additional gain realized since the purchase of the replacement property, is subject to tax.

Q - What are the benefits of exchanging v. selling?

A Section 1031 exchange is one of the few techniques available to postpone or potentially eliminate taxes due on the sale of qualifying properties.
By deferring the tax, you have more money available to invest in another property. In effect, you receive an interest free loan from the federal government, in the amount you would have paid in taxes.
Any gain from depreciation recapture is postponed.
You can acquire and dispose of properties to reallocate your investment portfolio without paying tax on any gain.

Q - What are the different types of exchanges?

Simultaneous Exchange: The exchange of the relinquished property for the replacement property occurs at the same time.
Delayed Exchange: This is the most common type of exchange. A Delayed Exchange occurs when there is a time gap between the transfer of the Relinquished Property and the acquisition of the Replacement Property. A Delayed Exchange is subject to strict time limits, which are set forth in the Treasury Regulations.
Build-to-Suit (Improvement or Construction) Exchange: This technique allows the taxpayer to build on, or make improvements to, the replacement property, using the exchange proceeds.
Reverse Exchange: A situation where the replacement property is acquired prior to transferring the relinquished property. The IRS has offered a safe harbor for reverse exchanges, as outlined in Rev. Proc. 2000-37, effective September 15, 2000. These transactions are sometimes referred to as "parking arrangements" and may also be structured in ways which are outside the safe harbor.
Personal Property Exchange: Exchanges are not limited to real property. Personal property can also be exchanged for other personal property of like-kind or like-class.

Q - What are the requirements for a valid exchange?

Qualifying Property - Certain types of property are specifically excluded from Section 1031 treatment: property held primarily for sale; inventories; stocks, bonds or notes; other securities or evidences of indebtedness; interests in a partnership; certificates of trusts or beneficial interest; and choses in action. In general, if property is not specifically excluded, it can qualify for tax-deferred treatment.
Proper Purpose - Both the relinquished property and replacement property must be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment. Property acquired for immediate resale will not qualify. The taxpayer's personal residence will not qualify.
Like Kind - Replacement property acquired in an exchange must be "like-kind" to the property being relinquished. All qualifying real property located in the United States is like-kind. Personal property that is relinquished must be either like-kind or like-class to the personal property which is acquired. Property located outside the United States is not like-kind to property located in the United States.
Exchange Requirement - The relinquished property must be exchanged for other property, rather than sold for cash and using the proceeds to buy the replacement property. Most deferred exchanges are facilitated by Qualified Intermediaries, who assist the taxpayer in meeting the requirements of Section 1031.

Q - What are the general guidelines to follow in order for a taxpayer to defer all the taxable gain?

The value of the replacement property must be equal to or greater than the value of the relinquished property.
The equity in the replacement property must be equal to or greater than the equity in the relinquished property.
The debt on the replacement property must be equal to or greater than the debt on the relinquished property.
All of the net proceeds from the sale of the relinquished property must be used to acquire the replacement property.

Q - When can I take money out of the exchange account?

Once the money is deposited into an exchange account, funds can only be withdrawn in accordance with the Regulations. The taxpayer cannot receive any money until the exchange is complete. If you want to receive a portion of the proceeds in cash, this must be done before the funds are deposited with the Qualified Intermediary.

Q - Can the replacement property eventually be converted to the taxpayer's primary residence or a vacation home?

Yes, but the holding requirements of Section 1031 must be met prior to changing the primary use of the property. The IRS has no specific regulations on holding periods. However, many experts feel that to be on the safe side, the taxpayer should hold the replacement property for a proper use for a period of at least one year.If the owner later on wants to take advantage of the home owner's exemption (up to $250,000 or $500,000 for a couple), there is now a five year holding period requirement.

Q - What is a Qualified Intermediary (QI)?

A Qualified Intermediary is an independent party who facilitates tax-deferred exchanges pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The QI cannot be the taxpayer or a disqualified person.
Acting under a written agreement with the taxpayer, the QI acquires the relinquished property and transfers it to the buyer.
The QI holds the sales proceeds, to prevent the taxpayer from having actual or constructive receipt of the funds.
Finally, the QI acquires the replacement property and transfers it to the taxpayer to complete the exchange within the appropriate time limits.

Q - Why is a Qualified Intermediary needed?

The exchange ends the moment the taxpayer has actual or constructive receipt (i.e. direct or indirect use or control) of the proceeds from the sale of the relinquished property. The use of a QI is a safe harbor established by the Treasury Regulations. If the taxpayer meets the requirements of this safe harbor, the IRS will not consider the taxpayer to be in receipt of the funds. The sale proceeds go directly to the QI, who holds them until they are needed to acquire the replacement property. The QI then delivers the funds directly to the closing agent.

Q - Can the taxpayer just sell the relinquished property and put the money in a separate bank account, only to be used for the purchase of the replacement property?

The IRS regulations are very clear. The taxpayer may not receive the proceeds or take constructive receipt of the funds in any way, without disqualifying the exchange.
Q - If the taxpayer has already signed a contract to sell the relinquished property, is it too late to start a tax-deferred exchange?

No, as long as the taxpayer has not transferred title, or the benefits and burdens of the relinquished property, she can still set up a tax-deferred Exchange. Once the closing occurs, it is too late to take advantage of a Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange (even if the taxpayer has not cashed the proceeds check).

Q - Does the Qualified Intermediary actually take title to the properties?

No, not in most situations. The IRS regulations allow the properties to be deeded directly between the parties, just as in a normal sale transaction. The taxpayer's interests in the property purchase and sale contracts are assigned to the QI. The QI then instructs the property owner to deed the property directly to the appropriate party (for the relinquished property, its buyer; for the replacement property, taxpayer).

Q - What are the time restrictions on completing a Section 1031 exchange?

A taxpayer has 45 days after the date that the relinquished property is transferred to properly identify potential replacement properties. The exchange must be completed by the date that is 180 days after the transfer of the relinquished property, or the due date of the taxpayer's federal tax return for the year in which the relinquished property was transferred, whichever is earlier. Thus, for a calendar year taxpayer, the exchange period may be cut short for any exchange that begins after October 17th. However, the taxpayer can get the full 180 days, by obtaining an extension of the due date for filing the tax return.
Q - What if the taxpayer cannot identify any replacement property within 45 days, or close on a replacement property before the end of the exchange period?

Unfortunately, there are no extensions available. If the taxpayer does not meet the time limits, the exchange will fail and the taxpayer will have to pay any taxes arising from the sale of the relinquished property, unless the IRS has expressly granted extensions in specified disaster area(s).

Q - Is there any limit to the number of properties that can be identified?

There are three rules that limit the number of properties that can be identified. The taxpayer must meet the requirements of at least one of these rules:
3-Property Rule: The taxpayer may identify up to 3 potential replacement properties, without regard to their value; or
200% Rule: Any number of properties may be identified, but their total value cannot exceed twice the value of the relinquished property, or
95% Rule: The taxpayer may identify as many properties as he wants, but before the end of the exchange period the taxpayer must acquire replacement properties with an aggregate fair market value equal to at least 95% of the aggregate fair market value of all the identified properties.
Q - What are the requirements to properly identify replacement property?

Potential replacement property must be identified in a writing, signed by the taxpayer, and delivered to a party to the exchange who is not considered a "disqualified person". A "disqualified" person is any one who has a relationship with the taxpayer that is so close that the person is presumed to be under the control of the taxpayer. Examples include blood relatives, and any person who is or has been the taxpayer's attorney, accountant, investment banker or real estate agent within the two years prior to the closing of the relinquished property. The identification cannot be made orally.

Q - Are Section 1031 Exchanges limited only to real estate?

No. Any property that is held for productive use in a trade or business, or for investment, may qualify for tax-deferred treatment under Section 1031. In fact, many exchanges are "multi-asset" exchanges, involving both real property and personal property.A multi-asset exchange involves both real and personal property. For example, the sale of a hotel will typically include the underlying land and buildings, as well as the furnishings and equipment. If the taxpayer wants to exchange the hotel for a similar property, he would exchange the land and buildings as one part of the exchange. The furnishings and equipment would be separated into groups of like-kind or like-class property, with the groups of relinquished property being exchanged for groups of replacement property.
Although the definition of like-kind is much narrower for personal property and business equipment, careful planning will allow the taxpayer to enjoy the benefits of an exchange for the entire relinquished property, not just for the real estate portion.

Q - What is a reverse exchange?

A reverse exchange, sometimes called a "parking arrangement," occurs when a taxpayer acquires a Replacement Property before disposing of their Relinquished Property. A "pure" reverse exchange, where the taxpayer owns both the Relinquished and Replacement properties at the same time, is not allowed. The actual acquisition of the "parked" property is done by an Exchange Accommodation Titleholder (EAT) or parking entity.

Q - Is a reverse exchange permissible?

Yes. Although the Treasury Regulations still do not apply to reverse exchanges, the IRS issued "safe harbor" guidelines for reverse exchanges on September 15th, 2000, in Revenue Procedure 2000-37. Compliance with the safe harbor creates certain presumptions that will enable the transaction to qualify for Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange treatment.

Q" a - How does reverse exchange work?

In a typical reverse (or "parking") exchange, the "Exchange Accommodation Titleholder" (EAT) takes title to ("parks") the replacement property and holds it until the taxpayer is able to sell the relinquished property. The taxpayer then exchanges with the EAT, who now owns the replacement property. An exchange structured within the safe harbor of Rev. Proc. 2000-37 cannot have a parking period that goes beyond 180 days.

Q - What happens if the exchange cannot be completed within 180 days?

If the reverse exchange period exceeds 180 days, then the exchange is outside the safe harbor of Rev. Proc. 2000-37. With careful planning, it is possible to structure a reverse exchange that will go beyond 180 days, but the taxpayer will lose the presumptions that accompany compliance with the safe harbor.

Q - Can the proceeds from the relinquished property be used to make improvements to the replacement property?

Yes. This is known as a Build-to-Suit or Construction or Improvement Exchange. It is similar in concept to a reverse exchange. The taxpayer is not permitted to build on property she already owns. Therefore, an unrelated party or parking entity must take title to the replacement property, make the improvements, and convey title to the taxpayer before the end of the exchange period.

Q- What is the difference between "realized" gain and "recognized" gain?

Realized gain is the increase in the taxpayer's economic position as a result of the exchange. In a sale, tax is paid on the realized gain. Recognized gain is the taxable gain. Recognized gain is the lesser of realized gain or the net boot received.

Q - What is Boot?

Boot is any property received by the taxpayer in the exchange which is not like-kind to the relinquished property. Boot is characterized as either "cash" boot or "mortgage" boot. Realized Gain is recognized to the extent of net boot received.

Q - What is Mortgage Boot?

Mortgage Boot consists of liabilities assumed or given up by the taxpayer. The taxpayer pays mortgage boot when he assumes or places debt on the replacement property. The taxpayer receives mortgage boot when he is relieved of debt on the replacement property. If the taxpayer does not acquire debt that is equal to or greater than the debt that was paid off, they are considered to be relieved of debt. The debt relief portion is taxable, unless offset when netted against other boot in the transaction.

Q - What is Cash Boot?

Cash Boot is any boot received by the taxpayer, other than mortgage boot. Cash boot may be in the form of money or other property.

Q - What are the boot "netting" rules?

Cash boot paid offsets cash boot received
Cash boot paid offsets mortgage boot received (debt relief)
Mortgage boot paid (debt assumed) offsets mortgage boot received
Mortgage boot paid does not offset cash boot received

Q - I bought the property as a single person and I would like to acquire the replacement property together with my spouse?

The most conservative way is to stay consistent and complete the exchange the same way it was started and to add the spouse after the completion of the exchange. An exception can be made if there is a lender requirement that the spouse has to be added in order to qualify for a loan. If an exchange is planned well ahead of time, another solution would be to add the spouse to the title of the currently held property. Timing should be discussed with the CPA.Q - I closed escrow on my first replacement property within the 45 day identificationperiod. Can I now identify three more properties within my 45 day identification period?If you are using the three property rule, the completed acquisition counts as one and you may identify only up to two additional properties. Q - How do I identify two different properties (or percentages of ownership through a TIC) covered by ONE purchase contract?If the properties could be sold separately at a later date, they should be identified as two properties.

Kim Kelley ~ DRE#01412099

For all your real estate needs turn to a professional Realtor, Kim Kelley. 

Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty ~ 27206 State Hwy 189 Blue Jay/Lake Arrowhead CA

Team Kelley ~ Sellers

Team member Rich Sellers DRE# 01148405

909-336-7949 Direct

909-725-1248 Cell

www.arrowheadeliteproperties.com

kimkelleysells@gmail.com

Lake Arrowhead Homes ~ Lake Arrowhead Real Estate ~ Lake Arrowhead Realtor ~ Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge ~ Republican Women of Lake Arrowhead ~ Mt Calvary Lutheran Church ~ Lake Arrowhead Country Club ~ Lake Arrowhead Yacht Club ~ Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce

New and Interesting Homes for Sale in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa

Downstairs, there is a in door spa with a rock waterfall. And there is also a full bathroom located on the first level.

Another home I toured yesterday was 301 North Star Lane which is located in the highly sought after Dover Shores area of Newport Beach. This single family home located on the water features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and is priced at $3,795,000. The home has a slip in front for a yacht.

I toured another spectacular yesterday and was located at 939 Via Lido Soud. This is a spectacular home located which is a French Chateau. It is located at the end of the Lido Island with a sweeping view of the turning basin and Newport Harbor. There is a spa located outside to enjoy the weather and amazing location. This home has a spectacular entry with beautiful leaded glass in the entry. This property can accommodate up to four large yachts ranging in size from 40′ to 80′. This home is priced at $11,500,000.

The view from this home on Lido Island is amazing. Because of the location, there is so much to appreciate in Newport Harbor.

Another property I toured yesterday is a very good opportunity to own a single family home in Newport Beach. I am going to suggest it for the Newport Beach Top Ten Deals.  The address is 340 Prospect in Newport Shores which is located in the west end of  Newport Beach. This single family home is a well maintained home. There is a very nice patio area to enjoy the California Climate and a koi pond.  This single family home in Newport Shores is priced at $699,000. A great buy for a home located right across the street from one of the finest beaches in Newport Beach.

If I can answer any questions about Newport Beach Real Estate, Dover Shores Real Estate, Newport Shores Real Estate, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com.

Disclaimer:  Information contained herein are the views and opinions of Sharon Paxson. This information may be based on information from multiple sources, and may be subject to change without notice. This information is not guaranteed, have warranties either express or implied, may be time sensitive, and may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article. Information regarding property for sale and market reports is obtained from the SoCalMLS.

Top Ten Best Deals in Newport Beach

Newport Beach Top Ten Deals of the Week

October 13, 2009

I recently joined a committee with other Realtors in Newport Beach to determine the top ten best deals in Newport Beach, Newport Coast and Corona del Mar. New listings and price changes are reviewed to determine the 10 best deals in Newport Beach, and post them to share price per square foot and price changes.

The criteria is however, no short sales. The top ten best deals are standard sales or REO's. We look at price per square foot and create a list of approximately ten properties to "make the list". This week, there are 13 in the top ten.

The following is the list of the top thirteen for this week:

5 Rue Deauville, Newport Beach $1,799,000

• This property on 5 Rue Deauville just had a price reduction from $1,995,000 and is now priced at $444.86 per square foot.

401 Seaward, Corona Del Mar $699,000

• There was a recent price reduction from $729,000 and now priced at $499.29 per square foot.

2705 Fifth Ave, Corona Del Mar $795,000

• This property in Corona del Mar has two bedrooms and was completely re-done in 2007.

2651 Bungalow, Corona Del Mar $799,000

• This is the lowest priced condo in Sailhouse community in Corona del Mar, and is a great two bedroom condo priced at $584.49 per square foot.

61 Jasmine Creek, Corona Del Mar $949,000

• This three bedroom, three bathroom property is located in in highly sought after Jasmine Creek. There are 3 swimming pools & spas and 6 tennis courts, and is located near the clubhouse.

2733 Shell, Corona Del Mar $1,995,000

• This property is located in China Cove in Corona del Mar and this home features four bedrooms, and three bathrooms. 

3212 Broad, Newport Beach $799,000

• This three bedroom, three bathroom condo in Newport Beach was recently listed and is priced at $450.65 per square foot.

546 Catalina, Newport Beach $999,000

• This home has had a recent $100,000 price reduction on this Newport Beach home and priced at $432.47 price per square foot.

522 Riverside, Newport Beach $1,694,000

• This home is a five year old craftsman style home located in Newport Heights, this home features 4365 square feet. This home has five bedrooms and six bathroom, and is priced at $388.09 per square foot.

521 San Bernardino, Newport Beach $1,795,000

• This home is located in Newport Heights and features five bedroom, six bathroom home features 4200 square feet located in Newport Heights in Newport Beach. The price per square foot on this home is $427.38.

526 Riverside, Newport Beach $2,350,000

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

This post was originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com.

 
Disclaimer:  Information contained herein are the views and opinions of Sharon Paxson. This information may be based on information from multiple sources, and may be subject to change without notice. This information is not guaranteed, have warranties either express or implied, may be time sensitive, and may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article. Information regarding property for sale and market reports is obtained from the SoCalMLS.