The Ca Central Valley, Napa & Solano County Real Estate Coach

Find The Real Estate Coach at his New Home!!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:24:44 -0700

Hi everybody, I have finally landed on a Blog platform that I can call "permanent" (till something better comes along). Wordpress is my new favorite! You can find me here from now on...Same great stuff and cool tools for your Real Estate Business, just a fancy new sign!

The Coach

PS - I can also be found Blogging for Zillow on their GeekEstateBlog!

Find the Real Estate Coach at his New Home!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:20:13 -0700

PS - I can also be found Blogging for Zillow on their GeekEstateBlog!

Ca. central Valley Real Estate will be 1st to Rebound!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:37:11 -0800

Pendings are up, in fact doubling", closings are right behind! The Ca. Central Valley is rebounding in a big way when it comes to Real Estate. Now even more "GOOD NEWS". the Feds are helping out too! Check this excerpt from the Mercury News today....

FHA boosts loan ceiling

LIMIT NOW $729,750 IN VALLEY

By Sue McAllister
Mercury News

Article Launched: 03/06/2008 01:33:45 AM PST

"Offering a ray of hope for a struggling California housing market, the government Wednesday doubled the limit for loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration in 14 high-cost California counties, including Santa Clara County.

New, temporary limits announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development were derived from median home prices in each county, and top out at $729,750. Previously, the maximum was $362,790."...

...Full story on this link... http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_8472574?nclick_check=1

It's a great time to buy in the Ca Central VAlley! For all the Agents who worked so hard to survive this market fluctuation...Way to Go!!!

The Coach

Ca Central Valley Real Estate will be 1st to Rebound! :)

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:35:38 -0800

FHA boosts loan ceiling

LIMIT NOW $729,750 IN VALLEY

By Sue McAllister
Mercury News

Article Launched: 03/06/2008 01:33:45 AM PST

...Full story on this link... http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_8472574?nclick_check=1

It's a great time to buy in the Ca Central VAlley! For all the Agents who worked so hard to survive this market fluctuation...Way to Go!!!

The Coach

Web 2.1 - Combining Web 2.0 Concepts!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:38:37 -0800

BooohoooHaaaaa! (Evil laugh), I have always been a kind of "mad Scientist" when it comes to "Stuff". Since my new passion is Web 2.0, it's only logical that I start mixing together strange potions designed to find a "Better Mousetrap" Working with my new partner...(see Video #1)

Click Here for Video #1

I have taken Web 2.0 tool, Jott - A free transcription software that allows you to speak into your phone and have the text written into an email or text message and sent from your phone. Not only does this maximize our "Drive Time", but it keeps us so much safer as well. I immediately thought of setting my teenagers up on this to keep them from texting when they drive!...

...and mixed it with Twitter, a Web 2.0 - Social networking application, that brings together groups of individuals in an IM environment (kinda like Chat rooms, but better!). Now I can receive updates from twitter via text, and rather than respond to them, while I am driving, I can call Jott, transcribe my response, and actually have it sent to the Twitter group. VIOLA!!!!!! Web 2.1~~~~~~~~

My newest best friend and future "Mad Genius" agrees (see video clip #2) - BTW, if you don't think this is the greatest video clip ever, you have no sense of humor!!! this kid is guaranteed to make you laugh!

Click here for Video #2

See ya next time, "The Coach"

When will Real Estate Brokers stop being "Control Freaks"?!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:01:00 -0800

Yesterday we started a new campaign through our in house Marketing dept. we called it "Agent 24/7" because of our affiliation with Prudential Real Estate and their national campaign surrounding Yahoo. Really, it's our way of highlighting our Agents successes using the Internet, and our Web 2.0 tools and approach. We simply provide a spot in our print ads with local newspapers for a photo, contact info, and a quick "testimonial" by the Agent regarding the tools we provide as a Brokerage.
Then it hit me, after reading the first testimonial by our Agent in Stockton, Laurie Hallquist. And I quote,,,

"My business truly hit the fast lane when I joined Prudential California Realty and gained the benefit of having my own web site - a huge improvement over those who simply offer a single web page. Its one-stop shopping for people who want to search for properties, get more information on featured listings, and learn about my personal guarantee. I can honestly say that I have truly become an "Agent 24/7" and love every minute of it!"

Note the reference to an "individual website". You see, we provide a fully customizable website and integrated CRM for all our Agents. These websites are not affiliated or attached to our Corp site, so all traffic goes directly to the Agent, and does not incur any referral fees. Every other Brokerage in this area, that offers any web tolls, supply the Agent with a "webpage" that is attached to the Corp website, so they can have copies of everything that goes into that website (probably in case the Agent leaves the Broker, they can assign those customers to another Agent that is still there).
Isn't it time the Brokers realized that the days of "Big Brother" are long since past, and that Agents are increasingly more educated on Web 2.0 and the Internet? or do they just think that everyone still needs them to "Baby-sit" and "Spoon Feed" them? Maybe I am crazy, but I like it our way!

Love to hear from anyone with comments on this subject,
The Coach

When will Real Estate Brokers stop being "Control Freaks"?!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:00:17 -0800

When will Real Estate Brokers stop being "Control Freaks"?!

Then it hit me, after reading the first testimonial by our Agent in Stockton, Laurie Hallquist. And I quote,,,

"My business truly hit the fast lane when I joined Prudential California Realty and gained the benefit of having my own web site - a huge improvement over those who simply offer a single web page. Its one-stop shopping for people who want to search for properties, get more information on featured listings, and learn about my personal guarantee. I can honestly say that I have truly become an "Agent 24/7" and love every minute of it!"

Note the reference to an "individual website". You see, we provide a fully customizable website and integrated CRM for all our Agents. These websites are not affiliated or attached to our Corp site, so all traffic goes directly to the Agent, and does not incur any referral fees. Every other Brokerage in this area, that offers any web tolls, supply the Agent with a "webpage" that is attached to the Corp website, so they can have copies of everything that goes into that website (probably in case the Agent leaves the Broker, they can assign those customers to another Agent that is still there).

Isn't it time the Brokers realized that the days of "Big Brother" are long since past, and that Agents are increasingly more educated on Web 2.0 and the Internet? or do they just think that everyone still needs them to "Baby-sit" and "Spoon Feed" them? Maybe I am crazy, but I like it our way!

Love to hear from anyone with comments on this subject,

The Coach

When will Real Estate Brokers stop being "Control Freaks"?!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:55:18 -0800

When will Real Estate Brokers stop being "Control Freaks"?!

Then it hit me, after reading the first testimonial by our Agent in Stockton, Laurie Hallquist. And I quote,,,

Love to hear from anyone with comments on this subject,

The Coach

Real Estate & The Media - What's Their Problem?!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:30:35 -0800

Seems like I can't enjoy a good cup of coffee anymore. Every day I am inundated by the negative spin on everything, but in particular the state of the economy and how Real Estate is to blame! Today was no exception. Our local bastion of goodwill, The Modesto Bee (McClatchy Newspapers) pasted all over the Business section more CRAP about Real Estate being in a tailspin and the economy being way down, bla bla bla CRAP! I hesitate to even give you readers this link, because it will just increase numbers on a website, I wish would go away, but you gotta see the "Stench" of negativism that is so pervasive in this periodical. Headlines = "New Home Sales drop for 3rd Month" "Economy Slows to Near Crawl" .

Here's the real story, the one they won't talk about, the one that we have been trumpeting to anyone at the paper that would listen (No one)...We have seen a definitive shift in activities in our market, Pendings are up significantly, Closings are up slightly, but of course with Pendings up so much we are poised for significant increases in Closings as well, the average sales price that was dropping at rates as high as 22% per month has slowed to as low as 5% in many of our markets, Buyer activity is at an all time high, inventory has actually seen a slight reduction over the last 12 month period. All indicators of a true "Bounce Back" for our area. this area, along with others like Riverside County, Florida, and areas that were hit the hardest with foreclosures and Short Sales are now primed for the fasted turn around anywhere. We were hit that hardest, but because the prices have been driven so far down so quickly, we now represent the best opportunities for "First Time Home Buyers" anywhere! More families can now engage in Home Ownership than ever before.

Why aren't we "trumpeting" that? Instead of perpetuating a negative attitude that will only keep out local families from participating in this incredible opportunity? The activity we are seeing is coming from investors from "OUTSIDE" our area! They get it! Now they will take advantage of it, and leave "Bare Branches" for our Central Valley families! That's what The Bee is doing, not helping. They are hurting our locals, and they need to get off the "Yellow Journalism" Brick Road & get on the "Midnight Train" to opportunity!!

Come on, even President Bush is having to let people know that the economy is not as bad as we are being told by the papers.

Way up and smell the "black ink" McClatchy (et al)!!!

The Coach

Real Estate & The Media - What's Their Problem?!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:29:30 -0800

Come on, even President Bush is having to let people know that the economy is not as bad as we are being told by the papers.

Way up and smell the "black ink" McClatchy (et al)!!!

The Coach

Real Estate & The Media - What's Their Problem?!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:27:24 -0800

Come on, even President Bush is having to let people know that the economy is not as bad as we are being told by the papers.

Way up and smell the "black ink" McClatchy (et al)!!!

The Coach

Freedom "expression & search" in Real Estate

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:29:32 -0800

Freedom "expression & search" in Real Estate
Courtesy of BloodHoundBlog comes this Video by David Byrne (of Talking Heads fame). It's Titled "Don't Fence me in" and through it's use of familiar faces and complete strangers, becomes an entertaining lesson on the "Freedoms" we possess as Americans and how they can relate to our favorite subject: Real Estate. As RE Bloggers we are guided by morals, values, honesty, and to a certain degree the unwritten rules many of the mainstream press reporters follow.
Here David reminds us that an unsuppressed, uncontrolled, and uninhibited mind will lead to meaningful and relative idea exchange.
OK, so what about that relation to real Estate you were talking about? How about this; When a consumer comes to your website to search for property, Are you "Charging" them a fee, by asking for a registration first? If so, are you speaking to the consumer subliminally, saying "Before I help you, you help me 1st"? I say yes, and I think most Americans will as well.
Secondly, I now realize why Google (in their infinite wisdom) places such a premium on Blog content vs Web content, it's real! Not Fluffed or Marketed (in most cases) just real! The reality comes from the freedom that is inherently based in all Blogs; The "Freedom of the Press".

Fore all who read them, remember they are just opinions. For all who write them, remember they are just "YOUR" opinion! follow the rules!

Enjoy this entertaining video....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3p_Rf0AY6E

The C.A.R. and Short Sales - Need help?

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:15:35 -0800

In today's real estate market terms like Short Sale, Foreclosure, REO, & BPO run ramped. It is easy for the consumer to get confused, frustrated, or even down right angry. Now more than ever, it is vital to align yourself with a knowledgeable Realtor who has taken the time to educate themselves on all the nuances involved in these process's. I read a nice article today out of Realty Times that brings attention to the C.A.R.'s recent addendum regarding Short Sales, I though I would share it with you.

Realty Times is a nice stop for online Real Estate info, stop by sometime and check it out!

C.A.R. Form Reminds of Short Sale Pitfalls

by Bob Hunt

There is a sense in which the term short sale is a bit of a misnomer. That is because short sales often take a very long time. This is just one of the things that principals and their agents need to be aware of if they are intending to be involved in a short sale -- i.e. a sale in which the proceeds will be less than the balance owed on the mortgage loan(s).

Recently, the California Association of Realtors® (CAR) published a Short Sale Addendum (SSA) that may be used with an offer or counter offer in a short sale situation. The addendum is useful because it provides a reminder to agents and principals, who might not normally deal with such situations, of things they might not think (or remember) to address.

The SSA covers six topic areas. Two of them require the principals to make a decision. The remaining ones are advisory in nature.

The first section notes that the sale agreement is contingent upon the seller receiving written consent from all existing secured lenders who will be required to reduce their loan balances in an amount sufficient to permit the sale proceeds to pay, not only the reduced balances, but also other costs of the transaction such as escrow fees, title charges, and brokerage commissions. This paragraph provides a space for buyer and seller to agree on a date by which such consent must be obtained. It stipulates that if consent is not obtained by that time, either party will be entitled to cancel the agreement and the buyer's deposit shall be returned.

In this regard, some experience and/or some pre-negotiation work by the listing agent with the lender(s) will be important. All need to know that it is going to be weeks, perhaps months, not days, before lender consent is obtained. Putting down an early date is not going to force the lender to move any more quickly.

The next section addresses the issue of the time periods for inspections, contingencies, and other obligations of the parties. Will those time periods begin to run at the time a sale agreement is reached, or after a set time, or not until lender consent is received? Most will probably want to wait for the latter. Few buyers will want to go to the expense of having inspections before they know whether or not the lender is going to accept the deal.

The third section advises the buyer that the lender(s) will not be obligated to accept this particular offer. Moreover, it is noted that the lender(s) "may require Seller to forward any other offer received; and (iii) may accept other offers." Just because the owner of the property is agreeable to the offer made doesn't mean that the lender(s) will be. Another section of the addendum specifically notes that the seller may continue to market the property and to submit other offers to the lender(s), unless there is a specific agreement to the contrary.

Both buyer and seller are also advised that they may incur other costs -- such as those associated with a loan application and appraisal -- for which they will be responsible even if the lender(s) ultimately reject the transaction.

Finally, the SSA informs the seller of that which the seller should already have been informed, namely, that there may be tax, credit, and legal consequences from a short sale, and the seller should seek advice on those matters from experts in the fields. It isn't something a real estate agent should be giving advice about.

Short sales are going to be around for a while. Those who may be involved with them would do well to be aware of the various considerations raised by the Short Sale Addendum. And be prepared to spend some time.

Published: February 20, 2008

Three Stories Worth Reading

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:25:06 -0800

From the V.A.R. (Virginai Assoc. of Realtors) Blog, courtesy of The "Real Estate Zebra".

Some intresting topics being discussed regarding Real Estate & Blogging. A good Read, enjoy!

Three stories worth reading...
Three really interesting real estate related stories in the round-up of weekend newspapers....

· This, from the LA Times, discusses the emergence of real estate blogs as effective marketing tools, gossip forums and occasional thorns in the side of organized real estate.

· And this, from today's Washington Post, about a Sawbuck, new DC-based online brokerage that manages to provide consumers discounts for getting the package of brokerage, title and mortgage services from them (Sawbuck). Interesting model. Wonder how it jives with RESPA?

· And then there's Ken Harney's column from Saturday's Washington Post, on an Alabama lawsuit that threatens to become a class action against real estate brokers who charge "junk" admin fees on top of commissions.

SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Three stories worth reading...", url: "http://varbuzz.com/two-stories-worth-reading/" });
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"The Coach"

Three Stories Worth Reading

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:23:28 -0800

· This, from the LA Times, discusses the emergence of real estate blogs as effective marketing tools, gossip forums and occasional thorns in the side of organized real estate.

SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Three stories worth reading...", url: "http://varbuzz.com/two-stories-worth-reading/" });
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"The Coach"

Three Stories Worth Reading

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:22:54 -0800

· This, from the LA Times, discusses the emergence of real estate blogs as effective marketing tools, gossip forums and occasional thorns in the side of organized real estate.

SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Three stories worth reading...", url: "http://varbuzz.com/two-stories-worth-reading/" });
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"The Coach"

Three Stories Worth Reading

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:21:28 -0800

From the V.A.R. (Virginia Assoc. of Realtors) Blog, courtesy of The "Real Estate Zebra".

Some intresting topics being discussed regarding Real Estate & Blogging. A good Read, enjoy!

Three stories worth reading...
Three really interesting real estate related stories in the round-up of weekend newspapers....

· This, from the LA Times, discusses the emergence of real estate blogs as effective marketing tools, gossip forums and occasional thorns in the side of organized real estate.

SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Three stories worth reading...", url: "http://varbuzz.com/two-stories-worth-reading/" });
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"The Coach"

Help for a Friend to the Industry

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:30:17 -0800

From thegeekestateblog;

Jan 14, 2008 (3 days ago)

Realtor Scott Kleiman Needs Your Help To Live

from GeekEstate Blog by Larry Lohrman

Susanne Hayek who is a real estate photographer in the Pasadena, CA area and reader of my blog told me yesterday that her good friend Scott Kleiman who is a Realtor at Sotheby's in Pasadena is very sick with CLL (Leukemia) and needs to find a matching bone marrow donor to survive. Scott was Susanne's very first client four years ago when she started shooting real estate photography and is a big supporter of real estate photography.

If you are a match you may be able to save Scott's life by being a donor. Now days being a bone marrow donor is as easy and painless as giving blood. But first you need to find out if you are a "match". To get a test kit fill out the registration form at Scott's site. Scott thanks you for your help.

Beware of Credit Scam! Yes, it affects Real Estate too!

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:28:07 -0800

Taking excerpts from an Inman News Story, Wednesday, January 16, 2008 By Ilyce R. Glink; Every day, thousands of people type the words "credit repair", "bad credit" or "bad credit repair" into an Internet search engine in an attempt to find some help. Only problem is some of the Web sites that come up in a search like that can do more harm than good. The typical credit repair scam works in one of a couple of different ways; 1) The promise that your credit history will be wiped clean, or 2) The credit repair organization will tell you that you'll get a brand-new Social Security number, then you'll be asked for a large payment upfront, sometimes as much as $1,000 to $1,500. Another common credit repair scam is to dispute all of the negative information on your credit history. Under federal law, a credit reporting bureau must investigate all disputes within 30 days. If the bureau can confirm the negative information, it stays on your report. But if it can't confirm it, the information is pulled off of your credit history. But here's the key: While the information is being disputed, it temporarily disappears from your credit history. So, your credit history looks perfect, even though it isn't. At the end of the 30 days, the credit repair company will dispute all of the charges again. For a big fat fee! Credit repair companies promise you the moon. Unfortunately, all you're going to get is trouble -- and a much thinner wallet.

Now, where does this fit in Real Estate? I am embarrassed to say this, but there are Mortgage Brokers and Lenders out there that are partnering with these companies to "clean up a customers credit" so they can qualify for a loan. Once they qualify, and get the loan (everyone gets paid), the customer is left to clean up the mess. you as the Agent who recommended the Mortgage Broker (who has closed the office and opened a new one under a different name) are the only one left to "take the blame". It is an ugly scenario. We will always have thieves in our business, and that's why it's best to do your "Due Diligence" as a consumer when choosing a Real Estate Professional, and our Fiduciary duty as professionals to stay committed to the consumer's best interests. "can't we all just get along?" (sorry, needed some humor injected into a serious subject)

So "Take Care" and "Beware" when times are tough, the dishonest get tougher. Find a friend in the industry you can trust, and listen to their advice.

See ya soon, The Coach

"25 Things You Must Do to Web 2.0 Your Company"? Shame on you Inman TV

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:02:22 -0800

Forgive me fellow Bloggers, it has been 12 days since my last Blog.

Today I was "Dooped" into watching a 46 minute video by Inman TV titled "25 Things You Must Do to Web 2.0 Your Company". I, like many of you, am fascinated by web 2.0 as it applies to Real Estate and my company in particular. So when I see a title like that, from a respected company like Inman, I am enticed to view it.This time however, I wasted 44 min. For you see, there was but 2 min of usable content. Of which, only Kevin Boer of 3 Oceans Real Estate Blog, had insight that was of value. Here is a copy of my comment after viewing the video...

... "Wow, a 46 min video and I watched the whole thing! In the end, I probably should not have, but I am beyond curious right now about web 2.0 and where it will take this Industry and my company in particular. Your Title of this Video was "25 things you must do to web 2.0 your company", but you truly discussed about 5! Kevin Boer was the panelist I found most informational, and I will become a reader of his blog. Bottom line - You tricked me into watching 46 min, of what was 2 min of useful info, shame on you!"

Don't get me wrong, I will not stop viewing Inman videos, they are quite good on average, and insightful much of the time, but I will keep my distance from any video of that length again. which brings me to a great point; "keep your videos short & sweet" a lesson I now take to heart! Video is king in the Industry now, but long video is regarded more as the "Jester"!

See you all soon (sooner tan 12 days, anyway! :)!

The Coach

"25 things you must do to web 2.0 your company" Shame on Inman TV

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:01:41 -0800

"25 things you must do to web 2.0 your company" Shame on Inman TV

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:00:46 -0800

"25 things you must do to web 2.0 your company" Shame on you Inman TV

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:59:50 -0800

"25 Things You Must Do to Web 2.0 Your Company"? Shame on you Inman TV

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:57:37 -0800

A Cry For Help - Forwarded from Inman News - Please Read

Eric Bryant (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:04:21 -0800

Help

Inman News writer and Coldwell Banker top producer Dian Hymer is a friend of the industry who needs our help. Suffering from cancer, she needs a bone marrow transplant. An initial run of the National Marrow Donor Program registry showed no matches. You may be a match. Registering for the program is simple. Click here.
Thanks

Technorati Tags: bone marrow, dian hymer, real estate