I was lucky enough to interview Jon for my outside blog here in London, but I thought there'd be no harm in posting his interesting answers here on AR too. So why not start your day (or end you day - I don't get these time differences!!!) with a few insights into the man who gave us another reason to be addicted to the internet....
What one thing would make online property search easier?
Real estate 3.0: A home search that goes beyond just matching database inquiries, but is actually smart. For instance a home search that could start off by asking the users a series of questions, then perhaps show the user a series of house pictures trying to find out what style the user likes. Then tries to match that style to homes in it’s database. I guess more like what a living breathing real estate agent (estate agent) does.
Would you pay more to live in a property a celebrity had lived in?
Yes. As a modern society we went through the manufacturing period where success in business was all about mass production and getting products to be correct (defect-less). I think we are pretty much past
that period; we expect our products to be defect-less 100% of the time. We are now in a period of wanting meaning or experience from our products or acquisitions. I think that is why you see that the most successful companies deliver on something more than just their product; you are often buying into a movement or at the very least an experience.
Would you move if a die-hard party animal moved in next door?
Only if they didn’t include me in the party.
What’s the best thing and worst thing about where you live?
Cold and rainy is the worst thing. Best thing is it’s only a 2 hour plane flight from somewhere hot and sunny.
If you could have a second property anywhere in the US where would it be and why?
I just moved from Laguna Beach and absolutely loved it while I lived there, so assuming Laguna Beach can’t be my first home it would have to be my second.
What would be your dream home and why?
Mid-century modern or modern architecture. Not more than 3,000 sq/ft, maybe 3,500 sq/ft if it was absolutely perfect otherwise. Oh yeah did I mention it would be in Laguna Beach?
What’s the one thing you’d love in your kitchen?
My wife, Sara, making me something yummy! (Seriously I do all the cooking, but if we are just talking hypothetically…)
What would be the worst housewarming present you could receive?
Oh wow, I am drawing a blank, so I will have to default to saying something cheesy like “I am honored with any housewarming present. It is the thought that counts.”
Tell us about a weird flatmate you’ve had.
My wife, we are high school sweethearts, so she is the only flatmate I have ever had.
Would you rather have a crappy lounge or a crappy bathroom and why?
Bathroom. If you think about it don’t “crappy” and “bathroom” kind of go together naturally anyways?
What’s been your biggest DIY disaster?
I have never done anything myself. I am completely incompetent around the house. (Some say my incompetence is by design 
)
Would your best friend trust you to decorate their house?
I think so. I have pretty cool decorating style. Pretty much everything in my house now is from the 40’s, 50’s, or 60’s, purchased off of ebay, from different households all over the world.
Would you like a property in London?
Sure. It doesn’t rain there does it?
If you could have a second property abroad where would it be and why?
I saw an MTV episode of cribs once that showcase Richard Branson’s Necker Island home in the British Virgin Islands. It looked pretty nice.
Thanks for that Jon, and I guess we won’t be seeing you over in London any time soon, not if you don’t like your rain particularly active!
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