Archive for the ‘Tips and Advice’ Category

LAR Red Alert: Listings – Vandalism, Burglary and Theft

July 28th, 2009

burglarThe Lodi Association of Realtors® released this special alert for Stockton and Lodi area agents:

A large number of Realtors are experiencing theft of items from their listings in the Lodi and Stockton area.

It may be no coincidence that some of the thefts have occurred immediately following an open house. The perpetrators seem to have some knowledge of what is in the home and are in and out of the house within minutes.

Please be vigilant of your listings especially after open houses.

Remember if your lockbox is stolen to report the loss immediately to your nearest MetroList Admin. Office – Lodi, Stockton or Modesto.

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Cool Tool: Translate your Documents with Google

July 10th, 2009

Google Document Translate

Well, a lot of tech savvy users are probably asking themselves, “So what? Google has had translation support forever now?” –Well, not like this.

Now you can upload files (DOC, PDF, TXT, HTML, XLS) to Google’s translation engine, it will read the file for you and spit out a web page with the translated document on it.

It think that’s pretty cool! I think this could be of some help to our agents.

Check out Google document translation here »

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PMZ iPhone Application Ignites Listing Presentation

July 8th, 2009

Tonight I had a great listing appointment in Manteca (house to go on market tomorrow).  Armed with my listing packet and my iPhone I was able to shed light on the enormous market share we enjoy as PMZ agents.  During the listing appointment I simply pulled out my iPhone and showed the home seller how PMZ not only has incredible Internet presence but is now present on thousands of iPhones.  I have to say it was impressive to the seller to be able to see homes instantly on the iPhone from the immediate neighborhood and beyond.  I scrolled through the list and said, “your home will be here tomorrow.”   That was … as they say… way cool!

Jeff Green – REALTOR

www.JeffGreen.PMZ.com 209-247-1127

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Realtors: Join us for Modesto Tweetup #5

July 8th, 2009

If you are still wondering what Twitter is and how it can enhance your social networking experience, come check out the Modesto Tweetup #5 on July 29th at Clayton’s Restaurant in Downtown Modesto.

Modesto TweetupWhat is Modesto Tweetup?
A collaborative of Modesto’s Twitter and social networking community.

What’s going down?
It’s our 5th meeting to get our local tweeps to meet, greet, network, share insight and their experiences with social media.

Benefit?
The Triumph Fitness Program offers an opportunity for cancer survivors to take those first steps to regaining normalcy in their lives through physical fitness with a group of fellow survivors.

Purpose?
Modesto Tweetup connects people who are creating possibilities, engaging in social media, and caring for the city we all live in. Join the community – connect, share and be inspired.

Learn more about Modesto Tweetup at http://www.modestotweetup.com

RSVP for the upcoming Tweetup on July 28th at http://twtvite.com/toxaqs

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Help! I Need Advice

June 16th, 2009

In today’s world of foreclosures, short sales, loan modifications, economic recession, job loss and an economy that is changing daily many people are confused not only about what is going on, but how to find specific guidance to make informed choices.  In previous markets it was easier for most people to draw conclusions by talking to family, friends and associates.  As the complexity of the current real estate recession has increased the need for professional consultation has grown in direct proportion to the number of choices avaialbe.  The complexity of today’s choices has added more  consequences to the actions of the average citizen.  Following is a quick look at some “go to”  people that can help you in these difficult times.

Family, Friends and Clergy:  When facing tough choices it is always good to touch base with your core values and the core people in your lives.  Many people have averted disaster by avoiding bad decisions as they have sought counsel from friends, clergy and loved ones.  While your friends may not have the expertise to guide you through legal, credit and financial matters, they offer a bedrock of confidence and support on which to base your decisions, as well as a listening ear.  Sometimes just talking your issues through can give you clarity.

Mortgage Professionals:  People who are facing foreclosure or bankruptcy often ask, “how will this affect my credit?”  Loan officers are uniquely qualified to answer general and specific questions and guide you to credit recovery.  Degrogatory credit experiences should not be the end of your credit life. If you intend to have good credit in the future it is in your best interest to find a loan officer that will go the distance with you through your credit  recovery.

Local Realtors:  Realtors offer a thorough understanding of today’s market as well as the saleability of your home.  Detailed statistics about market trends provide an overview of the greater market.  A Realtor’s “street view” can assist you in understanding local issues.  Many Realtors facilitate more real estate transactions in a month than most people will experience in a life time.  This constant selling of homes provides detailed understanding of the pitfalls and benefits of real estate transactions.

Certified Public Accountants:  CPAs are familiar with how to prepare you to minimize tax consequences.  A CPA can give you detailed information about tax rules enabling you to make decisions based on their professional expertise.

Attorneys:  If you are considering bankruptcy, foreclosure or have any questions whatsoever about the legal ramifications of the choices your are considering, consult an attorney.  Many attorneys offer an initial free consultation either on the phone or in person.

In navigating the difficult choices that many will make in these troubled economic times it is critical to seek competent advice.  Many have made decisions based on false information found online, on TV or from casual conversations.  The stakes are too high and the help available is too valuable to not seek professional advice.

For futher information visit:  www.JeffGreen.PMZ.com or email jeffgreen@pmz.com

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Zagaris, Hutchinson speak at The State Theatre

May 28th, 2009

Over at the State Theatre today, PMZ’s real estate and home loan professionals had the opportunity to hear Michael Zagaris, PMZ Real Estate President and CEO, give a compelling presentation about the state of our local and national economy, real estate and the future of PMZ. Agents and loan officers also heard the latest DRE regulations and form changes from Gov Hutchinson, Assistant General Counsel and Staff Vice President for the California Association of Realtors®.

Zagaris spoke about our economy entering a “new normal” period after we come out of the current economic downturn. “Corporations and consumers won’t operate like they used to,” said Zagaris. “Consumers who save and work hard will be rewarded.”

Below is a copy of his presentation. Feel free to flip through it. You can also download it here.

Zagaris State Theatre

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Gov Hutchinson to speak at The State Theatre

May 19th, 2009

Gov HutchinsonAttention PMZ Real Estate Professionals! We are pleased to announce that Gov Hutchinson, Assistant General Counsel and Staff Vice President of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, will be coming to speak at The State Theatre (1307 J Street, Modesto, CA) on May 28th, 2009 at 9am. Every year that we have been fortunate enough to have him come and speak, he has offered invaluable information in his legal update and review of changes for the year.

There will also be a presentation from Mike Zagaris on the economy, the local real estate market and where PMZ stands in the real estate community preceding Gov’s presentation.

3 Hour DRE accredited class
After Gov’s presentation he will be offering a 3 hour DRE accredited class on “The Essential Concepts of CAR Residential Purchase Contract.” This class is not mandatory, but is designed for newer agents in the business and is recommended for agents who have been in the business for less than one year and for those who would like a review on the basics of the CAR contract. Phil Levin will be taking registrations for the class up to the day of the class on May 28th.  Contact Phil Levin to sign up and for more details (209) 548-4535

About Gov Hutchinson
Gov Hutchinson is Assistant General Counsel and Staff Vice President of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. He has been with C.A.R. since 1985 and manages C.A.R.’s Member Legal Services Program in Los Angeles. Gov advises REALTORS® through the “Hotline” on all aspects of real estate law and trains and supervises other “Hotline” attorneys. Received his Bachelor’s degree in History from Princeton University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Gov has written for CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE magazine, co-authored C.A.R’s continuing education courses and is a master instructor for the Education Division of C.A.R. with certification from the Department of Real Estate. He also regularly speaks to Associations/Board of REALTORS®, affiliated trade associations, city and county bar associations and major real estate firms. He is also a member of the Real Property Law Sections of the American, California and Los Angeles County Bar Associations.

Many thanks to American Home Shield for making this happen.

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Listening and Communication is Key!

April 22nd, 2009

The #1 skill in communication is to listen. Without listening to what is important for your client or business partner, it is impossible to understand what solution is best for their needs. This simple action can lead to higher quality business and welcome referrals from clients and business partners for doing what most people fail to do. Presenting a more appropriate solution for your clients or business partners can impact profits, productivity and sales, as well as improve relationships. Be assured that most people are not good at listening. Listening is a learned skill and an art form that you have to work at. Here are some examples of how to fine tune your listening techniques:

Think like you are the customer: When you look at a situation like you are the customer, you can be objective about what is needed and put yourself in a position to present options for those needs. Remember that you are there to present solutions, not to sell products or services.

Validate your understanding of what you have heard: Validating a customer’s needs builds trust because it confirms that you listened to what they shared with you about their situation and needs. Starting sentences with “I agree” or “I can understand” is a great way to communicate this point. When you summarize and repeat the major points to your client, it validates you are both on the same page. Remember to clarify, paraphrase and review (CPR).

Fight the urge to interrupt: Dale Carnegie said, “You can close more business in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” The client or business partner sitting across from you is there because of your persistence or a nice referral. It is reasonable to think they know about the service you provide and how qualified you are to help them. Be an active listener and hold back the urge to interrupt. When it’s your time to do CPR, do your thing. Hear your client out…there will be ample time to impress them with your knowledge later

***Please note I will be out of the office 4/30-5/3, returning 5/4/2009***

“Your Partner In Success!”

Tony Frerking
Sr. Mortgage Consultant
PMZ Home Loans
1600 N. Carpenter Rd. Ste. C
Modesto, CA 95351
Direct: (209) 404-2200
Fax: (209) 254-7142

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