August 7th, 2014 at 10:00 am
The real estate industry has been buzzing about the Zillow – Trulia merger. Separately, these are the two largest online real estate listing companies in the United States. The plan to merge swirled throughout the industry last week and have since been confirmed; causing a substantial gain in Zillow’s stock price. However, the merger will do more than boost the bank accounts of those invested in these companies, it will also affect the real estate industry as a whole.
What Likely Will Not Change
If you’ve ever used either of these sites before you’ve probably also noticed that there isn’t as much information available for a property when compared to a local real estate agency. This fact is not likely to change as neither site is an MLS. Plans to take over MLSs have not currently been discussed in terms of this merger. Consumers should not expect to get access to more listings or depend on better information, but the ease and functionality of these sites should continue to improve. Most buyers begin the process online and these two sites are the most popular places to start. Consumers expect to receive hyper-local content from local real estate companies. Although they may begin their search online, those in the market to buy a home will be looking for local information from an agent.
Likely Changes (more…)
August 5th, 2014 at 12:30 pm
No one said the home buying process was quick and easy. In fact, for most people it takes months from the time a buyer starts looking for a house until they actually close on the house. As you near closing there is no shortage of items on your to-do list – inspections, finalizing loans and setting an escrow closing date to name a few. However, you’re not done quite yet! You still need to complete your final walkthrough.
What is the final walkthrough?
The purpose of the final walkthrough is to make sure everything is as it should be for closing. This is the step where you make sure the seller has fixed anything that needs fixing, if you negotiated keeping the refrigerator, now is the time you ensure the refrigerator is there and no additional damage happened as a result of the seller moving out. Your real estate agent will coordinate your walkthrough about a week before closing and you can expect that it will take about 30-60 minutes to complete a full walkthrough.
Why does it matter?
August 5th, 2014 at 9:45 am
Our offices are growing and we are proud to welcome three new team members to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties family! Michelle Sargent, Del Mar; Max Hechtman, Beverly Hills; and Stacy Alvarado, Encino each joined us during the month of July.
“Michelle brings an extensive knowledge of sales and marketing to her new career,” says Delorine Jackson, manager. “With her passion for real estate and determination to succeed, she will quickly rise to the forefront of our industry.” As a pharmaceutical sales manager and territory manager in the biotechnology industry for 12 years, Sargent learned that building relationships is the key to establishing a successful business. “To understand your customers’ needs you have to be a great listener,” explains Sargent. “This is also critical to figuring out the type of service a person prefers, and which method of getting and receiving information is their favorite.”
Nick Cacarnakis, manager of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ Beverly Hills office, welcomes broker associate and international marketing guru Max Hechtman. “It’s professionals like Max that elevate this company as a leader in the real estate industry,” comments Cacarnakis.Having received personal training and mentorship from world-renowned marketers, Hechtman is skilled at implementing comprehensive marketing campaigns for a wide variety of high net-worth clients. Previously receiving his bachelor’s degree in Media Management, and raised in the high-expectation world of the entertainment industry, Hechtman is proficient with delivering outstanding results and maintaining the strictest standards of confidentiality.
Kathy King, manager of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ Encino office and regional vice president, is pleased to welcome Stacy Alvarado. “Stacy is a determined and passionate Realtor,” says King. “Her communication skills, personal experience managing real estate and in-depth knowledge of the area will benefit our office and her clientele.” Prior to real estate, Alvarado spent 25 years as an account executive and operations manager in commercial collections. Leveraging her astute understanding of negotiating strategy, she has personally bought, managed and sold a dozen properties. A result-driven Realtor, Alvarado combines her passion for real estate and her talent for negotiating to benefit her clientele.
August 4th, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is pleased to recognize Erica Huang Derby for ranking number six for individual agents in the La Jolla office, which includes approximately 150 agents, for her sales performance through the first half of 2014. A Realtor for more than 15 years, Derby also recently celebrated the closing of a property valued at $4.5 million.
Derby, who is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, explained that her sales over the past six months have already made 2014 her best year ever in real estate. Working with people from widely differing countries and backgrounds, she has built a thriving business by focusing on helping her clients successfully acclimate into their new surroundings.
August 4th, 2014 at 10:30 am
Gregg and Debbie Neuman, of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ Downtown San Diego office, were recently named to The Thousand for 2014, a prestigious list compiled by The Wall Street Journal and Real Trends, Inc. to honor the nation’s top real estate agents and teams. Gregg and Debbie Neuman’s sales production and number of transactions also made them two of Real Trends Best Real Estate Agents in California for 2014.
As the leaders of the Neuman & Neuman real estate team, Gregg and Debbie Neuman have earned a reputation for the integrity and professionalism they bring to their clients’ transactions. The results speak for themselves, as they have achieved a closed sales volume in excess of $2 billion over the course of their career, with over 5400 successful transactions.
“The fact that Gregg and Debbie have led the San Diego market for more than 33 years is no accident,” said Nelson White, manager. “Their negotiating and marketing skills are superlative and they never miss an opportunity to go beyond the call of duty on behalf of their clients.”
Committed to provide their clients with a positive experience and a successful closing for their transactions, Gregg and Debbie Neuman carefully manage all of the details and constantly research the latest updates in real estate. Their team includes a Fine Homes division, a number of full-time staff members and a group of professional buyer specialists—all focused on providing a superior standard of client care.
The Neuman & Neuman team has made a considerable impact on the San Diego community over the years, as they have consistently their time, effort and funds to support local charities. Their office is located on 5th Avenue in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego.
