I don't know about you, but I know that here in the Simi Valley real estate area, I am now seeing how the Internet (technology) affect how I do business. After all, my background (pre-real estate) was public relations...yes, face-to-face contact with all people...yet, I utilize all the facets of technology and I love it. But here's another take on it for you whether here in East Ventura County (Simi Valley properties, including Wood Ranch homes)...or elsewhere.

Let's take a positive spin on first-time homebuyers...one of my recent buyers, call him John, was a referral to me from a past client. The past client bought a Simi Valley condo as a first-time buyer. Positive Spin #1.

John is very Internet and technology savvy. We corresponded via email for weeks before we even met. He insisted on only Internet shopping. He gave me his parameters...Simi Valley properties...I sent him the Simi Valley real estate listings. Positive Spin #2. And, by the way, this buyer was in the very low price range and possibly wanted to buy in an area that was not in my back door. Refer him, you say...I typically do not refer clients and/or customers that were referred to me in the first place.

So, we trekked 30-45 minutes away practically every weekend...we made several offers on REOs...didn't get them as we were up against all cash. Positive Spin #3

Had an offer accepted. He got cold feet after the home inspection. Positive Spin #4.

Finally, we hit a good one...made an offer on an REO, got accepted and entered escrow...Positive Spin #5.

Okay, so what's with the positive spins, you may ask.

Bottom line is...a low-end first-time home buyer who took lots of my time has not only become a very good friend; he has already referred me business...if I would have dismissed him because of distance and price range, I wouldn't have the referral business. Who khows, maybe his referrals will provide an apportunity to learn more about areas other than where I primarily work,

Moral -- look at the positive reasons to work with potential clients...never turn away referral business...they, in turn, will mostly always continue the referral domino effect.