Surviving California

Calif. median home price - November 06: $555,290 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region November 06:
Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,083,000 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region November 06:
High Desert $332,340 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - Third Quarter 06:
24 percent (Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 1/4:
30-yr. fixed: 6.18%; Fees/points: 0.4%
15-yr. fixed: 5.94%; Fees/points: 0.4%
1-yr. adjustable: 5.42%; Fees/points: 0.6%
(Source: Freddie Mac)

How does one survive in a state like this. The states economy if it was a nation would be in the top 10 world economies. In a state like this how does a Realtor set themselves apart. Real estate is in my opinion one of the best jobs around. We set our own schedules and make our own rules. That freedom sometimes is non existent because of the competitiveness of this business. It takes a lot of work to set yourself apart in this business especially in this state. In an 80/20 business it all comes down to service. Some would argue that price is the difference but it is not it is service. We whine about the discounter but it is our own fault if we cannot show the value of our services and are outdone by a discounter. All I know is that this Californian Realtor is doing all I can to stand tall in a sea of Realtors so that I may survive this state and live the lifestyle of my dreams. "California dreaming"

Orville McCallister
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Temecula Valley