Vera's Blog

Accountability

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:49:35 -0500

What does it mean to be accountable? Recently, a life and business coach advised me that there is very little difference in the way we run our lives and the way we run our business. So what does that mean and how do we show others we truely are accountable in our lives as well as our business practices. I found a company called Total Accountability. This company is only for individuals that are proud to deliver quality service and are accountable to their clients. I think this could be a great help to Real Estate Agents as well as lenders, who are proud of what they do and want to show others. Go to www.total-accountability.net to see what it is all about. This is really exciting for those in our business who want to show they are above the rest and proud to be in Real Estate!

Be sure to let me know what you think!!!!

Resolutions

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:13:25 -0500

Unfortunately I haven't been very good about blogging. Since the beginning of the year I think I wrote only one or 2 blogs. One of those blogs was about my New Year Resolutions. I just read it again......Hmmmm, not doing so well. In fact I'm doing down right terrible. When I wrote about my resolutions I thought if I tell the world about it, I'm sure to do it. Well, human nature stepped in and I find even telling the world won't make me stick to something. On the other hand I did follow through on a few things. On the business side, I am working my business better and I am at work early each morning. Personal goals included exercising and eating better.........both of which I can honestly say I have succeeded at. I have lost a few pounds and my cardio is much better. I feel good about this!!

Now that I am at the end of July, more than half way through the year, I am revisiting my resolutions to see what I can change or improve before the end of the year. Still an improvement over ignoring something I wrote 7 months ago.

23 Days into my New Year's Resolutions

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:01:59 -0600

Along with multitudes of Americans, and, for that matter, people all over the world, I've made some great New Year's Resolutions. They say (whoever "they" are) to make sure you follow through on a Resolution one should let as many people as possible know what you've resolved to do. So I've decided to include my Active Rain Community.

Ok, here it goes.

Realtor Goals:

1.I resolve to plan each day the night before. Write my plans down, and be ready to check each item off as I complete it.

2. I resolve to get up early every morning and be at my desk working by 9:00.......I tried earlier but found I just can't fight the fact I'm a night person and would rather start work later and work on into the evening than to get up earlier. No getting up at 5:00 A.M. for me.

3. I resolve to follow plans that are in place, not get distracted, and not make excuses. If I realize I've failed at any point, I will treat each day as a new opportunity to start over......even at day 364.

4. I resolve to remain optimistic about the market and my abilities to turn it into a success (with all the negatives out there, this should be quite a challenge).

Personal Goals:

1. Exercise more and get into shape. I did join a club and now I work out 2 to 3 times a week. Not great but more than before. My goal is not to just lose weight, although losing 6 or 7 pounds wouldn't hurt. I want to improve my energy and my general health.

2. Eat less meat and more vegetables and fruits. Drink more water.

Ok not great goals, but ones I can live with. So far I am working out. I generally eat ok, but junk food from the holidays is still on my mind. I need to get away from sweets. As for work, I moved my office away from my house and back into my company's office building. I try to go in each day and find I've been much more productive. Now I just have to work on keeping lounge potatoes from visiting my office while I'm trying to work......

Hmmm, a great subject for another blog.

New Member

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:16:45 -0600

I'm excited about a new group just for our area. Here we goooooooooo!!!

Riverside Mission Inn Festival of Lights

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:28:26 -0600

This is one of the biggest weekends all year in the city of Riverside. Each year the downtown Mission Inn is decorated with millions of lights and the festival begins Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. They are estimating there will be tens of thousands of people there this year for the largest atendance ever. In fact I've been told Good Morning America will film the event this year. Various other TV stations from around the area will also be there. This is a huge event. In addition to the lights on the Mission Inn and mall, there will be an ice skating rink, horse drawn carriage rides, music, food and much more. If Friday is too much of a crowd the event will continue throughout the holiday season. Families can see the lights, skate or walk the mall every day or evening. You'll find more activities on the weekends, but everyday is great for a visit. So don't hesitate. Come and be part of the Festival of Lights.......You'll be glad you did!

Don't turn Real Estate into an expensive hobby.

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 22:01:35 -0600

One of the first things I learned in real estate is that there are an enormous variety of ways to spend your money on this business. As soon as you get your license, there is someone there trying to sell you something. At first I spent a lot of money on what I thought were must haves. I know I must be one of the most gullible people out there and each time I think I've learned my lesson, I spend on something new. I bought post cards, personal brochures, talking house, leads, calendars, note pads, and training, training, training. I can't believe it!!! Thank goodness I've sold enough to pay for all of this. Sometimes I feel like this is an expensive hobby instead of a business. And I have to blame myself for all of it.

So why am I even writing about this? First of all, to admit once and for all that I've spent way too much money on things I don't need. Second, to warn others, newer agents, not to get caught up in buying things to improve business. In reality the answer is, create a plan and work it. And third, perhaps if anyone else has done the same thing, they can write and commiserate with me. Then we can make a pact not to spend another dollar without thoroughly thinking it through. A 24 hour cooling off period would be good. If you still think you need the items or service after 24 hours, chances are it is a good purchase.

So, if anyone out there wants to admit to being gullible like me, and spending too much on business stuff you don't need. Or if you've had bad, or even good, experiences with what you bought, write and let us know about it.

Reflecting on the Real Estate Market

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:01:56 -0600

Considering the way this Real Estate market is, with prices falling, difficult mortages, cautious buyers and the media putting it's own slant on everything, I find myself reflecting on what it means to buy a home. Traditionally, buyers had a goal to find a place to call their own. A place where they could paint the walls any color, have pets, plant trees, and maybe even raise a family. I remember when my husband and I went out to purchase our first home, we looked for the perfect home for our needs within the price we could afford to pay. We knew what we could afford and looked within that price range. Our goal was to find a "home" that would be safe and secure, and a great place to raise children.

We did not go from house to house looking for the cheapest house that would be best to flip in a few years.

It's sad the way things have changed. People don't have a sense of neighborhood where they will stay, build close friendships, and raise their children.

Current buyers are so affraid real estate values will fall, many have stopped shopping for a home, the American dream. I can't say I blame them. No one wants to find out they own something worth less than what they paid.

The ironic thing is that as a society we constantly buy things that are worth less the minute we get them home. The biggest example of that is when we buy a new car..........the minute we take it off the showroom floor it loses thousands of dollars. Yet Americans do it every day of every year. Most individuals will do it over and over again, never thinking there is anything wrong with it.

At least in real estate, if you buy a home that loses value, it will gain it again in a few years. Too bad the same isn't true for automobiles.

No More Short Sales

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:08:09 -0600

I know many people have had great luck with short sales. And I know I haven't really given it a fair chance, but I hate short sales. This is why; I've had 3 different buyers try to purchase a short sale home and all 3 transactions have given me trouble. Here is what happened. On the first short sale the process took so long my client got impatient. But he stuck with it. We went into escrow (big mistake) did a home inspection, and found some major plumbing problems. Since this was an "as is" property, my client felt it was too much to pay for in addition to other repairs that were needed. So he backed out, and we initiated the cancellation. The agent either refused to have the seller sign to return funds, or maybe the seller refused. We almost went to small claims court a month later when they finally released the earnest money. For the second short sale, I had learned my lesson and held my client's money until the bank approval of the sale. In this case it took so long for the lender to respond that my client lost interest, and, once again, backed out. At least I was still holding his check so that was much easier. The third time everything was going very well. The lender holding the first lien responded very quickly, then we waited for the second lien holder. They took their sweet time and, in the end, refused to accept the deal sayingeven though they were getting a small sum, they weren't getting enough. Now the way I understand it, if the property goes to foreclosure the lender in second position loses everything. It didn't make sense that they would want to lose everything, but here we are. We are in fact still working on this deal two weeks later, and maybe we will come up with an answer. The cog in the wheel is the second lien holder.

If nothing else I've learned some important tips.

1. Advise your clients this could take as much as 6 to 9 weeks for the lender to approve.

2. If there are two different lenders involved the lender in 2nd position could stop the entire process. Try to work with just one lender on a short sale.

3. Go the the 2nd lien holder first. If they don't accept, it doesn't matter what the first says.

4. Hold the buyer's check in the file or your broker's file until acceptance. That way the buyer is assured of getting their money back in case of a cancellation.

Great time to Buy.......Even Now!

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:21:00 -0500

This is a great time to buy.

I've said it before and will continue to say it. Find a daring agent who isn't afraid to search, then negotiate a great deal and you can buy the perfect home for your family and your budget. Thanks to the media, everyone is afraid prices are going down..........well they are. But if you are paying rent and have a good income, you are losing money every single month anyway. Stop worrying about losing on the value of a home. You are already losing. Don't waste any more time. Find that great deal today. Some properties are going for so low, it is unlikely the market average will ever get that low.

With the money you will save it is definitely a great time to buy!

Come visit Riverside, CA

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 13:01:12 -0500

Riverside, CA is a great place to live. If you take time and look around you will find there is something for everyone. As for Riverside Real Estate, I love the older sections in the downtown areas of Riverside. In fact I've included many pictures of downtown Riverside homes on my web site www.verashomes.com. If you want to see some of the flavor of Riverside please visit my site. You will see many homes were built in the early 1900s with styles that include both Victorian, Bungalow, and cottage. The streets are tree lined and feature old street lamps. Each neighborhood has it's own way of celebrating the holidays throughout the year. Some are subtle and still others have huge ornamentaion for every holiday in the year.

If old is not your style there is no worry because Riverside homes include the very modern too. You can find anything from a two bedroom starter to a 5000 square foot estate complete with gorgeous views of city lights and mountains.

In addition to real estate, a visitor to Riverside will find an active arts community, Universities, great restaurants, parks and much more. You can't beat the weather either. Riverside is centrally located between the coast and the mountains. Where else can you surf in the morning then snow ski in the afternoon.

If you are ever in town, don't hesitate to give me a call!

Want an investment suggestion? Try Quartzsite

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:22:21 -0500

Last weekend I went to visit my brother in Quartzsite, AZ. It was a true eye opener. For those of you who don't know, Quartzsite is the destination of thousands of snowbirds every winter. They arrive with their campers, trailers and variety of other RVs to camp out in the warm desert until the chill of winter passes from their homes, then they head home again. Quartzsite is a sleepy little town for most of the year with only about 5,000 year round residents. Most of the town and surrounding areas are taken up with RV parks that remain empty until the snowbirds arrive starting in the fall. What struck me about Quartzsite are the plans for growth and industry that the city is planning. New restaurants, grocery stores and other small businesses are trickling into town bringing more year round residents. When I was there I saw the first organized housing project going up. With all these indications of growth and the inexpensive land, I am thinking this would be a great place to research further for investment potential.

Yes, it is desert, but it grows on you. The air is clean, sunsets are gorgeous, and the night skies are lit with a million stars. Believe me, the place grows on you!

When is a loan officer overstepping the legal limits?

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:15:20 -0500

It has been a while since my last entry, but I'm back.

Some interesting things have happened to me regarding a transaction I have been trying to close. I'll try to explain without going into too much detail. My client, the buyer, was ready to close escrow, everything was goin g as planned. Then I started getting that funny feeling that things were not as they should be when the lender stopped returning my calls. My client was still getting calls full of promises about docs being delayed for this reason and that. Finally the docs did show up 2 days after promised and late on a Friday. We paid for a mobile notary to sign, and the escrow officer worked Saturday to get everything in order. We should have funded Monday, but there was an appraisal problem, then the lock expired, then the whole deal fell apart. What a mess. My client was furious and wanted nothing more to do with her lender. She not only told her directily over the phone but emailed her this fact as well. I contacted a trusted loan officer who could pull everthing together in a week so we started over. The problem is my client could not get rid of the original loan officer who continued to call and make promises and push a new set of docs through. My client started ignoring her calls so she began calling the selling agent and escrow to put pressure on my client to accept the second set of docs she was able to pull together.

My question, is there a point when a lender is legally out of line in a case like this? My client clearly did not trust her, or want to work with her anymore, but she could not stop this lender from calling everyone involved in the transaction.

Exclusive Listings

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 00:07:42 -0500

I have a listing for a friend and we decided to keep it exclusive until they have finished fixing up the property and when they are really ready to sell. This is quite a unique property and there have been many responses, even with just a sign and flyers. The thing is, it says exclusive right on the sign. Yet I have had 2 real estate agents so far calling to ask what the comp is for the selling agent. Don't people know what exclusive means? Or maybe they just figure sales are so hard to get they will try anyway. Since my clients are not really ready to move and are just testing the waters right now anyway, should I respond and offer a commission? Should I make it a very low commission? Or pay the usual. My clients originally wanted to have the negotiating power to give back to the buyers, but that won't happen if they have to pay the selling agent. Is there a right or wrong way to do this?

Etiquette of the Real Estate Agent

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 08:30:44 -0500

A while back I blogged about buyer etiquette. Now, I think maybe it is about time to write a little about Real Estate Agent's rules of etiquette.

The thing is, what I believe to be the best rules for agents may not be what the majority believes. So, in this blog I'd like to ask you, both professionals and the public, what you think should be included in the Real Estate Agent's rules of etiquette when working with clients and/or other agents.

I look forward to your answers!!!

Keeping a Positive Attitude

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 23:18:25 -0500

Ok, I've heard enough from the media, Realtors, lenders, escrow, title, etc., etc. The market is what it is. And we have a choice, or at least I do. The choice is a great attitude!! I figure we all have a choice. We can complain and mope about the market. Or, we can enjoy the fact that, even though every other person we meet has a real estate license, half of them are looking for other jobs right now. There are buyers out there and homes are being sold. More and more buyers are figuring out that prices have fallen quite a bit yet interest rates are still low. Now is the time to buy, and I, for one, am anxious to be there to help when the dam breaks and buyers are frantic to buy before it is too late.

THAT WILL HAPPEN!!!!

Don't get me wrong. I know the facts of the market but being negative won't change it. I am determined to stay positive because I firmly believe a positive attitude is a great way to make it through the day, week, month. I love this business and I love a challenge. As a result of this market, all of us real estete professionals will be much better at what we do when the market turns around again......AND IT WILL!

How can we improve the Real Estate Agent Image?

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:29:26 -0500

It was in the news again today. The Real Estate market is going down, down, down. The turn around won't be until 2009. Ok we get it!! The market isn't what it used to be, so what can we do as Realtors to improve? I believe people have come to view most Realtors or Real Estate Agents in a negative light and we need to do something to help improve that image.

These 3 questions about Realtors and Real Estate Agents should help shed light on what we need to do. If readers in all professional categories respond to these questions maybe we can gain some insight to improve ourselves in the public eye.

How do you think people in general feel about Real Estate Agents?

2. What makes a good Agent?

3. Why don't many clients use the same Agent for their next transaction?

Home Clearance - 20% Off all Homes Through ???

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:52:35 -0500

If it works for the retail industry, why doesn't it work for real estate? Most people love sales and usually, we flock to them. So why is it the opposite scenario for real estate? When prices were high, and rising even higher, people were standing in line to purchase a home. This happened even though "experts" were saying the bubble was going to burst. In fact that almost fueled more buying, as though people were scared to miss out. Now prices have dropped and few are interested in buying. Or maybe I should say only the smart people are interested in buying. Some investors know this is the time to buy. Like buying when autos, furniture or clothing are on sale, investors realize the drop in prices and relatively low interest rates are reasons to get out there and buy. Of course the same can be said for the stock market. Right now the stock market is hot and people are investing like crazy. However there are the smart ones waiting for the market to take a big dip and that is when they will step in and find the bargains.

For buyers of real estate, now is the time to find the bargains. Don't wait too much longer or you'll find the market will turn and you will miss some excellent bargains.

Networking Groups

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:44:34 -0500

Did you know the average person has about 250 individuals in their sphere of influence? Since people love doing business with people they know, networking is a great way to meet new clients. One of my favorite networking groups is our local Riverside Chamber of Commerce. There are so many networking opportunities starting with the Business in Action group that meets each Wednesday morning. I have gotten to know several of the regulars and we have traded business from time to time. It is always a good feeling when I can refer my clients to people I know like painters, interior designers, plumbers, and so on. In addition to meeting other business professionals, Chamber meetings provide information about what is going on in our community.

In addition to the Chamber, local service organizations such as Lyons Club, or established networking groups like LeTip International or BNI are very helpful. Whatever you choose, it provides a great advantage to get out there and meet as many other people as possible.

Buyer Etiquette

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:28:48 -0500

From time to time I read stories about difficulties with buyers. Either it is their behavior while looking at homes, or it is how they treat a Realtor, or they simply don't do their part supplying information required to close a deal. Whatever it is, frustration and embarrassment can result. We as Realtors and lenders need to train buyers better about what is expected of them when they are ready to purchase a home. Since it is a buyer's market right now, especially in California, I am afraid matters will get worse before they get better.

Starting from the beginning:

•1. Be Honest. When a buyer calls requesting information or help from a Realtor they need to say exactly what they want. If they are just curious, say that. If they are working with a Realtor already, say it. Realtors are just people and require the same basic considerations that every buyer would expect in return.

•2. Make an appointment. Don't expect the Realtor to drop what they are doing and run out to show a property immediately. Sometimes a Realtor is available to do that, but more often their days are scheduled and they will need to wait until there is an opening. They are professionals, and as such, expect clients to respect their time. And when you do make an appointment, be on time.

•3. Provide basic information. Don't try to make an appointment providing only a first name. When making an appointment with a dentist, you don't simply say, "Jack is on his way". If you expect a Realtor to schedule a time in their day to meet , then provide a full name and phone number.

•4. Plan and Prepare. When planning to purchase, meet with a Realtor at her or his office to discuss exactly what you need and want. Know what you can afford. Or if you don't know, allow the Realtor to suggest a lender to help get started with financing. Be prepared to provide information about your financial situation.

•5. Prepare to look at homes. Make sure to have eaten recently, you are not too tired, and go to the bathroom before leaving. If at all possible, call a babysitter for the children. This is a very tiring activity and children have little tolerance for all the driving around and getting in and out of cars. And, no matter what, DO NOT BRING THE FAMILY PET, unless needed as a seeing eye dog.

•6. Be Polite. When looking at houses to buy, remember, you are in someone else's home. If the sellers are there take a look through the entire house, even if it is obviously not what you are looking for, and don't make negative comments. If they have opened their home to strangers, they need to be treated with respect.

•7. Don't handle things. Remember everything you see belongs to the occupants of the home. Do not pick up and handle things. If you have children with you, instruct them not to touch things, stay with you, and stay out of closets and other hiding places.

•8. Say very little to the Seller or Occupants. You don't want to either insult or get their hopes up. Remain as stoic as possible, then discuss what you've seen after you are back in the car pulling away.

•9. Making an offer. When ready to make an offer, arrive with the checkbook in hand. There must be sufficient funds to cover the check. Hmmm, I wonder why I included that. Be reasonable with your requests. And don't even bother if you are not serious about wanting the house.

•10. Take this seriously after the Offer is accepted. This is the last point I want to make. Buyer and Seller have entered into a legally binding contract. Time is of the essence. All parties have to perform certain requirements within certain time frames and if they don't the contract can be cancelled.

I came up with these 10 pointers because of some of my outrageous experiences. I encourage everyone to add to the list if you've had things happen that were not addressed here. Let me know some other buyer etiquette you would add to this list.

7621 Ayr Court, Riverside, CA. - Price Reduced Again

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:29:59 -0500

Priced way under market and sellers are extremely motivated to sell. This is a gorgeous home priced way under market. It is absoluetly turnkey and ready for the perfect buyer. Don't miss out, there is nothing close to being this nice in the area. To view a flyer and more pictures click here: http://riversidehomes.vflyer.com/1/index.html

If you know of anyone or you are interested yourself in a great investment, give me a call! Cell: 951-334-6002

What should be on a Realtor's Web Site

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:21:31 -0500

I am currently having my web site rebuilt. Rather than using one of the many companies out there who provide web sites, I am using a private individual who is building a business by building web sites. We have been going back and forth as to what should be on the site. Our goal is to be unique, but useful to those who visit.

What are some helpful elements that will help drive visitors to a web site?

We are still working on this but if you would like to take a look at www.verashomes.com you can see what we have done so far. I know we are going to add more Real Estate specific pages plus more text on the About Vera page. Any feedback would be helpful! Thanks

Interior Designer in or around Riverside, CA.

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:10:24 -0500

If you are, or know an interior designer in or around the Riverside area who would be interested in writing a short article about decorating to be featured on my web site, please contact me. I am dedicating some space on my site to interior design and would like articles from designers in this area.

I could feataure articles from just one person or I could vary the articles from different people, depending on interest.

Thanks, have a great 4th!

A web site listing ways to help our Troops

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 09:48:33 -0500

Sometimes I think it is important to write about things that are important to us besides real estate. I just ran accross this link to a web site listing ways we can help our troops. Some of them are very simple but ways we can show we care. http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/

My daughter and son-in-law are in the US Air Force. They have only had to go over to the U.A.E. but that was bad enough. While they were there, various people sent them care packages (they were there over the holidays) and it meant so much to them that perfect strangers would think about them. You can imagine how the men and women stationed in Iraq or Afganistan would appreciate our attention.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July holiday!

Beautiful Working Horse Ranch, Near Lk Mathews, CA.

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:42:20 -0500

Click the link to see the details on this unique property. http://riversidehomes.vflyer.com/2/index.html

This property with 2 on a lot, is on approximately 5 acres in a very private location in the Gavilan Hills in Riverside County, Ca. It was appraised twice at $1,000,000 and now the seller will sacrafice it forn only $929,000. Don't miss the opportunity to own this gorgeous property.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions or comments.

Thanks for looking!

Blogging: Learning and Getting Better

Vera Gleason (ReMax All Stars Realty) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 09:02:20 -0500

I guess I am a slow learner. Being fairly new to blogging, I am still trying to understand this whole process, and just realized I am supposed to respond to my responses. When I started, I wasn't sure if I was supposed to answer in the blog or contact the person directly or what. So, typical of anyone who doesn't know what to do, I didn't do anything and hoped to figure it out. I am writing this as a blog instead of as a response to Jason's "Strafing Run" blog in order to possibly help others who are wondering what to do. Or who are wondering what kind of a dummy I am to never answer.

And in addition, I want to apologize to those who've responded to my blogs, but I never responded to them (this is getting complicated).

I may be slow to learn, but I think I have the point now. Maybe this will help others as well.