Christopher's Hemet CA Real Estate Blog - Mission Grove Realty: November 2006

O.K. I was reading another post about printing postage online with stamps.com and going to the post office early to buy package postage ahead of the holiday rush.

You can avoid all of that by using "Click-N-Ship" through the US Postal Service. You can use their FREE flat rate envelopes, media post or other FREE packaging for all of your documents etc. or use your own packaging for almost anything up to 80 pounds.  You print the packaging label online which allows you to track, send e-mail to your client or associate to notify of shipping status, insure your package and more. Simply tape the label to whatever you are shipping......and here is what I think is the best part.....You schedule the Postal Carrier to pick up the package(s) from your home or office. Fed-Ex and others have a similar service available online but the Post Office has been much more economical for what I have shipped.

If you havent already, picture all of your packages, posted, packed, ready to go...all from home or office and then get picked up with just a click! Surpirsed Santa dosent pick up on this!

Want to save Time....Without Long Lines?.....Ship Online!

HERE IS THE LINK:  https://sss-web.usps.com/cns/landing.do

O.K. I was reading another post about printing postage online with stamps.com and going to the post office early to buy package postage ahead of the holiday rush.

You can avoid all of that by using "Click-N-Ship" through the US Postal Service. You can use their FREE flat rate envelopes, media post or other FREE packaging for all of your documents etc. or use your own packaging for almost anything up to 80 pounds.  You print the packaging label online which allows you to track, send e-mail to your client or associate to notify of shipping status, insure your package and more. Simply tape the label to whatever you are shipping......and here is what I think is the best part.....You schedule the Postal Carrier to pick up the package(s) from your home or office. Fed-Ex and others have a similar service available online but the Post Office has been much more economical for what I have shipped.

If you havent already, picture all of your packages, posted, packed, ready to go...all from home or office and then get picked up with just a click! Surpirsed Santa dosent pick up on this!

Want to save Time....Without Long Lines?.....Ship Online!

HERE IS THE LINK:  https://sss-web.usps.com/cns/landing.do

We are taking the Family to Japan in December and would appreciate any suggestions....

We will be in Tokyo for a total of 10 days and Kyoto for 4

Already planned to vist Tokyo Disney on the first 3 days but the rest is up in the air. We will be ataying at Tokyo Bay while visiting Disney and in the Ginza district for the other Days in Tokyo. We have also purchased the Japan Rail Pass.

Any sugestions from those who have visited would be GREATLY appreciated!

Also would like info on NYC Times Square for New Year (See prior post)http://activerain.com/blogsview/21882/NYC-Times-Square-for

Thank You all in advance!

O.K, This might be the year.....with your help!

I have wanted to experience New Years from Times Square since....?

Have'nt most of us. Last year, I made an attempt at it last year  and ended up in D.C. Instead. Glad I did but still NEED Times Square.

What stopped me last year was the issue of where to stay. Ideally, I would like to be able to experience Times Square from the street and then be able to retreat to a hotel room with a direct view of everything...the ball dropping, other people freezing to death etc. Does anyone know if there is a hotel with rooms that you would be able to see EVERYTHING happening from?

Last year we saw tickets to all sorts of events advertising the best view, great food and the sort. I saw over 50 like that and could only picture myself ending up in some strange part of town, having a Happy Meal, a can of warm beer and watching all of the happenings from a black and white TV in the corner....I can do that from home.

I need some insight and information, help and suggestions from all of you folks in NYC!...or someone who is in the know or has had the ultimate experience there.

I would greatly appreciate everyones input. I am certain that others would also appreciate some input. Heck, we could all get together for the New Year.

Thanks in advance!

Our belief is simple: When it comes to spending Mission Grove Realty marketing dollars...go where the majority potential clients are. And it is no secret where the majority of potential clients are. NAR has this information readily available.  The type of media you choose and how you spend your money can easily break you....or make you. Choose wisely!

Whatever media you choose, the key to successful a successful marketing campaign  may be "Vertical Exposure". (Don't spread your marketing $ too thin and the $ you do spend....Make them count).  If you have budgeted $500, $1,000 or $10,000  month on advertising, do not try to get a cheap ad here, there and everywhere. Get a GREAT ad and run it for only a week during that month to gain that VERTICAL EXPOSURE. An example of this could be:      Radio advertising. It can be good in some markets and also expensive on the right station. You have made a decision to start a campaign on the right station but find that your budget will allow for only 20 ads during the month. (In our market, even with a media buyer, $500 would cover from 2-5 ads on the right station!). Most advertisers will run 1 or 2 spots a day until the money runs out.....What you should do is to run those ads only 1 day each week for 4 weeks. Have those ads placed during prime time and people are just about guaranteed to hear your ad. Spread too thin and very few will hear, see or read about YOU.

This Same principle can hold true for all of your print media and internet marketing as well.

For print, resist the temptation to place an ad because: "Every one else is in there so it must be good" or "I can justify the cost with just 1 sale"   That kind of thinking will put you in the poorhouse real quick. Instead, place a GREAT ad on Friday,  Saturday or both and skip the other days when most go the web for their news and info. Don't waste your hard earned money placing a business card sized ad in a great monthly publication that has hundreds of real estate ads. Your money could be better spent....somewhere else.

For the web, do a search on a key phrase that you think someone would search. Really think about it. Ask someone outside the industry what THEY would search. Search those terms and see what comes up. If it is you every time...No need to go any further.  If it is not you, who is it? Is it a site that YOU could be adding content to? There are many places now that you can add your listings or create great ads...Online...for FREE. Be where your potential clients are looking!  If you are thinking of adding pay-per-click to your advertising campaign and you are on a budget...DON'T DO IT!  Do I need to add here that you had better have something to promote when you start you web campaign. A great site is essential!

Well, I hope that that helps a little. Something old for those that knew, something new for the rest of us, nothing borrowed and the only to be blue are the ones getting the same old results from the same old advertising and wondering why nothing has ever changed. (The definition of insanity).

A bit of luck will always help too!  (Luck is when preparation meets opportunity)

Christopher Walker - Broker, Realtor

Mission Grove Realty

      You are on the web and understand the value of hiring a web saavy REALTOR to represent you. Should'nt you expect the same from the one who reprensents you in the sale or purchase of a home?

How do you know that the REALTOR has, at the very least, an understanding of the internet and the value of marketing your property online?

E-PRO is the only certification program of its kind recognized nationwide and endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS^®. Customers have confidence that e-PRO graduates are savvy about the Internet and that they take the Internet empowered consumer seriously and can meet their online needs.

A REALTOR with the e-PRO certification will probably have the tools needed to market your property the way you ecpect. The e-PRO cerification is the ONLY internet certification program for REALTORS. So, when looking for a REALTOR that has an understanding of the web, look for an e-PRO certified REALTOR.

E-PRO is the only certification program of its kind recognized nationwide and endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS^®. Customers have confidence that e-PRO graduates are savvy about the Internet and that they take the Internet empowered consumer seriously and can meet their online needs.

How do I find an e-PRO in my area?

The e-PRO Web site explains what e-PRO Certification means to the consumer and contains a National Directory of e-PRO Graduates.

E-PRO Cerified Member Search

                                    Below is a summary of the e-PRO certification program

e-PRO is the only NAR approved Internet Certification Program.

• The New Real Estate Professional must meet the needs and expectations of the Connected Consumer. The rules of business are changing, especially the real estate industry. The e-PRO Certification Program is specifically designed to keep you on top of changes and help you thrive in the exciting and rewarding world of online real estate.
• e-PRO Certification is not only about technology. The e-PRO Certification Program will establish a baseline of online competence, and it will also introduce its students and graduates to the best aspects of Online Community...the Internet is about the power of people connecting with people. This Program will bring you in contact with real estate professionals from all over the country and establish a solid foundation of confidence on which to build a productive Referral Network.
• This is a skills development program and will train you in the use of E-mail for marketing and risk reduction. Real estate professionals are spending millions of dollars on Web Sites, without really knowing the purpose or the result. How does one evaluate all the products on the market today? Should I "buy" or "Build" my web site? What about legal, copyright, security, and privacy issues? This program will help you answer these questions and give you constant contact with other e-PRO grads across the country.
• When students enroll in the comprehensive, educational, and interactive e-PRO Certification program, they will be participating in the ongoing creation of the e-PRO curriculum and will continue to participate after Certification by involvement in the e-PRO Community and the e-PRO Referral Network.
• The e-PRO Vision:
• The vision for the future of e-PRO Certification is to create a well-trained, core group of real estate professionals who are thriving in the online-based real estate industry. The e-PRO Internet Professional belongs to a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained real estate professionals who collaborate to enjoy deeper satisfaction and greater financial rewards as the result of their e-PRO Certification status.
• This Program will teach the REALTOR® about Internet business principles required to remain in the center of the real estate transaction, including:

1. Options and requirements to Get Connected
2. E-mail Communication and Marketing Practices
3. WWW Marketing Strategies and Practices
4. Creating and Maintaining Personal Technology Plan of Action and your Internet Marketing Plan

                                          YOU HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST STEP.....What NEXT?

ActiveRain is a great start towards connecting REALTORS and service professionals throughout the Country. Another step, since most of you here are either internet pros or wanting to learn, is to earn your e-PRO certification. The certification program will help you in learning even more about electronic marketing and allow you to connect with other professionals throughout the Country that have the same common goal. The e-PRO certification also shows your clients that you are committed to providing additional services that, we all know, are paramount in today's real estate market.

               ****Fellow e-PRO REALTORS, lets get connected and add each other to our "Associates". ****

I have included information about the certification program below. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

e-PRO is the only NAR approved Internet Certification Program.

• The New Real Estate Professional must meet the needs and expectations of the Connected Consumer. The rules of business are changing, especially the real estate industry. The e-PRO Certification Program is specifically designed to keep you on top of changes and help you thrive in the exciting and rewarding world of online real estate.
• e-PRO Certification is not only about technology. The e-PRO Certification Program will establish a baseline of online competence, and it will also introduce its students and graduates to the best aspects of Online Community...the Internet is about the power of people connecting with people. This Program will bring you in contact with real estate professionals from all over the country and establish a solid foundation of confidence on which to build a productive Referral Network.
• This is a skills development program and will train you in the use of E-mail for marketing and risk reduction. Real estate professionals are spending millions of dollars on Web Sites, without really knowing the purpose or the result. How does one evaluate all the products on the market today? Should I "buy" or "Build" my web site? What about legal, copyright, security, and privacy issues? This program will help you answer these questions and give you constant contact with other e-PRO grads across the country.
• When students enroll in the comprehensive, educational, and interactive e-PRO Certification program, they will be participating in the ongoing creation of the e-PRO curriculum and will continue to participate after Certification by involvement in the e-PRO Community and the e-PRO Referral Network.
• The e-PRO Vision:
• The vision for the future of e-PRO Certification is to create a well-trained, core group of real estate professionals who are thriving in the online-based real estate industry. The e-PRO Internet Professional belongs to a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained real estate professionals who collaborate to enjoy deeper satisfaction and greater financial rewards as the result of their e-PRO Certification status.
• This Program will teach the REALTOR® about Internet business principles required to remain in the center of the real estate transaction, including:

1. Options and requirements to Get Connected
2. E-mail Communication and Marketing Practices
3. WWW Marketing Strategies and Practices
4. Creating and Maintaining Personal Technology Plan of Action and your Internet Marketing Plan

e-PRO certification link

Get Connected, Stay Connected as Together, We Will All Accomplish More!

Selling your home can be a daunting task to say the least. 

          In a day where some tout discounted fees and services, we believe that when it comes to selling your largest asset, more is more: More time spent on accessing your needs, more time spent on evaluating your property, more time spent on developing a marketing plan to meet your goals, more time spent with you throughout the process to protect your interests and finally, more time spent in the actual marketing of our property. Today's agent must be able and capable of spending the time necessary to market a home. They must also have a knowledge of marketing and technology that is so necessary necessary in today's market.

         You may hear that by listing your property with a REALTOR that you will get the best possible exposure and representation. "Agent", by the way, is anyone that is licensed by the Department of Real Estate. The designation of REALTOR belongs only to those that agree to subscribe and uphold to the highest code of Ethics and Morals that are outlined by the National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors and to their local Board in which they belong. Any licensed agent can represent you. A REALTOR agrees to represent you in a way that makes them accountable at the highest level. When someone states that they are a REALTOR, ask them if they are a member of the Association of Realtors or, if they are simply an agent. You can verify their credentials by calling the local association or, by visiting http://www.car.org/. By using a REALTOR, you can be reasonably certain that you have chosen someone that has your best interests in mind. At the very least, verify that they are licensed and if they have had any violations by visiting http://www.dre.ca.gov/. If violations exist, call the DRE with the case number listed to find the nature of the violation (916) 227-0906.

There are many things to consider before choosing someone to represent you:

• Choose someone that you feel comfortable working with. The process can sometimes be long and include much paperwork. You don't want to find out that, halfway through the process, you simply don't get along with the person that represents you. 
• Consider the exposure of your property. Don't simply listen to how many homes someone has sold in the past, how much money they have earned or how many months they have been the top whatever. What will that do for you? What they will do for YOU NOW is what is important. Ask them to see a current listing and how it is marketed. Look at the fliers produced for the property, how it is listed in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and where else it will be listed. Ask them for a printout of all of these items then ask yourself these questions: 
• Is the description of the property accurate?
• Is the description well written and leave you wanting more information? There are many properties available, what sets this one apart from the rest?
• Are there photographs?  How many of them?  Most services allow for a minimum of 6 photographs. How many have they used? Do the photos represent the home as described? How do they make the home appear? Are the photos clear, easy to see and have the appearance of being professionally taken? Again, there are many homes available. Will yours be seen? Does the agent or REALTOR make excuses as to why they have either have no photos, very few photos or bad ones? Do you want excuses from a professional?
• Does their list of marketing areas include the MLS system only, or all available sources? Sources should include at least 2 MLS systems (Any excuse as to why an agent does not use more than one MLS system is just that....an excuse). Additional marketing should include: Realtor.com, MSN, Yahoo, Homeseekers.com, AOL, Trulia.com, Postlets.com, Craigslist.com, local media and many others if you are truly looking to get the most exposure and the most possible for your property. We hear that the internet does not sell homes....people do and that the internet is a waste. The fact is, that more than 80%, by some estimations, research their home purchase before they speak to an agent.An agent that does not market to the 80% who are looking to the web probably does not have the knowledge to provide this valuable form of marketing.  All of these sources should include multiple photos, accurate and colorful descriptions and top shelf visibility. Does the agent or REALTOR provide this information or make excuses?  Before you sign any agreement, verify what you see. The only reason why the majority of agents do not use all electronic media available is because it costs them money or they simply do not wish to learn how. Money and time well spent in our opinion!
• Are there any "hidden fees" with your listing agreement?  Many agents will tout low commissions and then bury added fees for advertising, assistants, documentation or, what have you. A professional will set their commission and include all of their services including advertising at no additional cost. If your home does not sell, you owe them nothing. Hidden fees, once you sign an agreement, are sometimes owed to the agent even if they don't sell your property!  A listing agreement must state the listing date, expiration date and the amount owed to the agent when the home is sold. Beware of agents asking for additional fees or money up-front to list your home. Never pay upfront fees or agree to extra charges of any kind when listing your home unless those agreements are discussed with you, in advance and NEVER sign a listing agreement that contains blank spaces. Make certain that you receive a copy of the listing agreement at the time it is completed.
• Listen.  The person offering to list your home should provide current market information, current listings and sales in the area, should be knowledgeable about your community and have the answers to your concerns or, know where to get them. By listening to their questions and to the responses they give to yours, you will have a good idea of what they will be able to do for you. Will they be able to listen to a potential client's needs? Your home could be the one. Will they be able recognize this in their next client?
• Location, Location, Location. This has been the golden rule in real estate... until now. With the advent of the internet, and over 85% of Consumers researching their next home, we feel that the age old adage has come to an end. The new golden rule, in our opinion, is:  Exposure, Exposure, Exposure. Homes that are properly exposed typically sell for more money, in less time. Where will your property be marketed?  Will your agent or REALTOR provide this to you?

These are a few things to consider when choosing an agent to represent you provided by Mission Grove Realty, REALTORS - Hemet, Ca 

http://www.missiongrove.com/

 California - Riverside County - San Jacinto - Market Conditions

Growth has still remained strong as demand for local housing increases. Prices (avg. home $307,000) have remained steady to increasing over the past few months with San Jacinto (pricing up 16.7%) and homes in the Hemet Zip code of 92544 (prices up 1.6%) experiencing the most activity and appreciation. Yes, appreciation. Although many parts of California and the Country in general have experienced a slide in values and activity, the Valley continues to grow and must to meet demand. The press has had some effect on the market yet, home Sellers with proper marketing still experience much activity and those with MLS exposure only, are experiencing much less activity and average time on market approaching 180 days or more.
A excellent area for investors with rents increasing over 20% in the past 18 months and projections indicating a severe shortage in future rental units. The Valley can be an excellent investment for the budding investor or experienced pro.

For more information:
Call Mission Grove Realty today to learn more about the Hemet and San Jacinto Valley: (951) 927-8940

Mission Grove Realty is located at 4140 E Florida Ave. Hemet, CA 92544.

http://www.missiongrove.com
A excellent area for investors with rents increasing over 20% in the past 18 months and projections indicating a severe shortage in furture rental units. The Valley can be an excellent investment for the budding investor or experienced pro.

For more information:
Call Mission Grove Realty today to learn more about the Hemet and San Jacinto Valley: (951) 927-8940

Mission Grove Realty is located at 4140 E Florida Ave. Hemet, CA 92544.

http://www.missiongrove.com



ZIP Codes: 92583, 92582

Location Characteristics: Created by Mission Grove Realty...
The Hemet - San Jacinto Valley and surrounding communities are surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains. Located in South West Riverside County between the I10 and I15 freeways, the Valley is an excellent central location within an hour of Orange County, San Diego and within minutes to the mountain resort community of Idyllwild. Recent growth in the area has brought many new restaurants, shopping centers and services with many more exciting retail, residential and civic improvements coming in the future. Home to the Ramona Pageant, Diamond Valley Lake, The Western Center for Archeology and Paleontology and so much more. The Valley certainly has much to offer and the future is even brighter. Over 30,000 new homes have been built over the past 5 years and over 30,000 additional homes have either been approved or, scheduled for development. Even with the Valley's rapid growth, predictions are that the Valley will still not meet future demand and growth statistics published by the California Association of Governments. Overall, the Valley is, and will remain active for many years to come. Once known as a retirement Mecca, the Valley has now become a place for anyone to enjoy.

California - Riverside County - HEMET market conditions

Growth has still remained strong as demand for local housing increases. Prices (avg. home $307,000) have remained steady to increasing over the past few months with San Jacinto (pricing up 16.7%) and homes in the Hemet Zip code of 92544 (prices up 1.6%) experiencing the most activity and appreciation. Yes, appreciation. Although many parts of California and the Country in general have experienced a slide in values and activity, the Valley continues to grow and must to meet demand. The press has had some effect on the market yet, home Sellers with proper marketing still experience much activity and those with MLS exposure only, are experiencing much less activity and average time on market approaching 180 days or more.
A excellent area for investors with rents increasing over 20% in the past 18 months and projections indicating a severe shortage in future rental units. The Valley can be an excellent investment for the budding investor or experienced pro.

For more information:
Call Mission Grove Realty today to learn more about the Hemet and San Jacinto Valley: (951) 927-8940

Mission Grove Realty is located at 4140 E Florida Ave. Hemet, CA 92544.

http://www.missiongrove.com
A excellent area for investors with rents increasing over 20% in the past 18 months and projections indicating a severe shortage in furture rental units. The Valley can be an excellent investment for the budding investor or experienced pro.

For more information:
Call Mission Grove Realty today to learn more about the Hemet and San Jacinto Valley: (951) 927-8940

Mission Grove Realty is located at 4140 E Florida Ave. Hemet, CA 92544.

http://www.missiongrove.com



ZIP Codes: 92544, 92545, 92543

Location Characteristics: Created by Mission Grove Realty...
The Hemet - San Jacinto Valley and surrounding communities are surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains. Located in South West Riverside County between the I10 and I15 freeways, the Valley is an excellent central location within an hour of Orange County, San Diego and within minutes to the mountain resort community of Idyllwild. Recent growth in the area has brought many new restaurants, shopping centers and services with many more exciting retail, residential and civic improvements coming in the future. Home to the Ramona Pageant, Diamond Valley Lake, The Western Center for Archeology and Paleontology and so much more. The Valley certainly has much to offer and the future is even brighter. Over 30,000 new homes have been built over the past 5 years and over 30,000 additional homes have either been approved or, scheduled for development. Even with the Valley's rapid growth, predictions are that the Valley will still not meet future demand and growth statistics published by the California Association of Governments. Overall, the Valley is, and will remain active for many years to come. Once known as a retirement Mecca, the Valley has now become a place for anyone to enjoy.