How to Sell a House in Southern Calfornia: Make a Movie

The New York Times

By Debra Kamin // Nov. 12, 2019, 1:53 a.m. ET

Shooting a music video to showcase, then sell, a home in West Hollywood, Calif. Production budgets for these films can range from $3,500 to $70,000.Credit…Ariana Drehsler for The New York Times

Raj Qsar is eyeing the sky nervously. It’s early afternoon in Corona Del Mar, Calif., and his six-man camera crew is on the clock only until sunset. But clouds are rolling in fast over this wealthy Southern California neighborhood, and the next scene on today’s docket — a glamorous drive down the Pacific Coast Highway followed by a beachfront double date — is now feeling tricky.

On other film sets, the producer and director might huddle and order a break, or call it a wrap until tomorrow. But Mr. Qsar isn’t a director — he’s a real estate agent. And the star of his film is not a good-looking young actor (although there are four of those on set), but rather, a $1.7 million Orange County home. This short and sudsy film, he hopes, in which two young couples drink wine, play board games and wander through sleek, neat rooms, will do the trick to attract a buyer.

“Telling stories and creating connections with people takes more than just photos,” said Mr. Qsar, who heads a luxury brokerage called The Boutique Real Estate Group. “For us now, it’s all about the power of video.”

Video marketing is not new territory for home sales — wide-angle walk-throughs of staged living rooms and sweeping drone footage of leafy neighborhoods have become common tools in real estate agents’ kits. But cinematic mini-films, complete with paid actors, lighting crews and full-fledged story boards, are something new.

Mr. Qsar began dabbling in cinematic videos in 2008, just two years after leaving his job as a pharmaceutical sales representative to jump into the Orange County housing boom. He came across a wedding videographer who was producing emotionally charged, story-driven films for brides and grooms, and, he says, a light bulb went on.

“I had an idea about telling the story the same way, but as the story of a house,” he said. “One of the things I always tell my clients when they walk through is, ‘Can you see yourself having Christmas dinner here or birthdays and bar mitzvahs here?’ I wanted to really pull out the emotional aspect.”

After putting the wedding videographer on his payroll and investing $20,000 of his own money in video equipment, he made a handful of short film promotions for homes in the $1 million to $2 million range in Orange County, including a four-bedroom Mediterranean-style estate in Villa Park.

On set in Corona del Mar, CA USA
The Boutique Real Estate Group

In that video, images of a young blond wife sitting at a piano and singing Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Wind” are spliced with images of a Porsche-driving husband arriving home from work. As he showers upstairs, the wife ushers in a flock of eager friends and children with balloons and sets up a surprise party by the pool. The song reaches its crescendo, the husband descends the stairs, and there’s his family, there’s a cake, and there’s a sweet, picture-perfect backyard celebration.

When that home sold, for $1.7 million, it set a record as the most expensive home sale ever in Villa Park.

“Once real estate agents started doing high-end video productions, putting in models and actors was a no-brainer,” said Jimm Fox, president of OMM Video Marketing, a Canadian agency that tracks trends in cinematic storytelling. “You’re not just selling an address, you’re selling a lifestyle. And to do that, you need humans.”

Production budgets for these films can range from $3,500 to $70,000. Often the real estate agent is picking up the tab, but in some cases, agents discuss their plans with sellers and agree to split the bill or have the costs added to their fees.

Mr. Fox said the trend for Hollywood-style videos kicked off around 2007 and was a natural progression from the lush but empty footage of staged homes that preceded it.

“Real estate at the high end is always an aspirational sell,” he said. “You want to showcase a lifestyle. So you start shooting homes, and then you add models to make it more vibrant, and very soon you want to turn it into a story.”

The Australian production studio PlatinumHD claims to have been the first to produce these Hollywood-style real estate films. In 2011, the studio helped the trend spread internationally by producing a video for the Queensland-based property management firm Neo Property.

In it, a young woman clad only in a lacy bra and panties and bound to a chair inside a hyper-modern luxury home, makes an emergency call for help and is asked to describe where she is. As she describes the home’s chef’s kitchen and waterfront views, its in-house movie theater and its private elevator, a SWAT team descends to rescue her, led by none other than Neo Property’s real estate agents themselves.

Photo Credit: The Boutique Real Estate Group
446 Morning Canyon Rd, Corona del Mar, CA USA

The film, of course, is as much about the appeal of the model as the home. But by using sex, helicopters and shots of a gleaming red Corvette to sell the property, Neo made it quite clear: In this sort of marketing, peddling a fantasy can help close a deal.

Ben Bacal began adding actors to his listing videos in 2014. The Los Angeles-based agent, a former film student who also dabbles in internet companies and has more than $2 billion in sales to his name, is a fixture on the high-priced home circuit in Hollywood. He offers his clients a professionally produced video for every home he agrees to represent, and he estimates that in 40 percent of those cases, he includes actors and a story line.

Some are sweet: A home in Bel Air, which he listed in March 2016 for $48.5 million, shows a brother and sister channeling their best Ferris Bueller impressions, faking sickness in their custom bedrooms before dashing out to their backyard infinity pool with skyline views after their parents head off to work. (The home sold for $39 million in December 2016.)

Others are more slapstick, like the film for a home on Rising Glen Road in Los Angeles (the house where the actress Brittany Murphy died), in which an adorable corgi named Sherlock Bones inherits the mansion listed for $18.5 million and heads there to live his best canine life. (That home sold in 2017 for $14.5 million.)

In all of Mr. Bacal’s videos, plots are thin but visuals, and humor, are laid on thick. That’s intentional, he says.

“Instead of telling a long dramatic story, I like to pull characters through the house and do something that makes it voyeuristic, where you can see the property. Focusing too much on story takes away from the home,” he said in a phone call from Mykonos, Greece, where he was on vacation. “I’m not Quentin Tarantino.”

His greatest triumph to date is a home on Hillcrest Road in Beverly Hills. Markus Persson, the Swedish video game programmer behind Minecraft, saw the short film that Mr. Bacal produced for the eight-bedroom, 15-bath home, showing two young women arriving in a Rolls-Royce and enjoying the home’s features, which include a candy room and a 24-seat theater. Beyoncé and Jay-Z were also reportedly interested in the property, which was priced at $85 million. Just seven days after seeing the film, Mr. Persson purchased it for $70 million.

Photo Credit: The Boutique Real Estate Group
Kerrigan Ranch, Yorba Linda, CA USA

Mr. Bacal credits his success to his ability to not just create compelling footage, but also to distribute it effectively.

He pours cash into boosting the films on YouTube, advertising them across Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and promoting them in the right markets. In Mr. Persson’s case, Mr. Bacal had made the decision to promote the mansion not just in the United States but also in Sweden, a decision that paid off.

“It’s not just about creating a 90-second video. It’s also about knowing how to use video to effectively market that property. And that’s going to mean breaking it up into smaller components and using social media platforms to promote it,” said Mr. Fox, the Canadian marketing executive.

It makes sense that Hollywood-style promotional real estate is hitting a peak in Southern California, said Jonathan Miller, a New York City-based real estate appraiser and consultant. That’s because the high-end market from Los Angeles to San Diego is flush with inventory, creating longer marketing time, reduced foot traffic at open houses and greater competition between agents.

“In a market where there’s escalating supply but still anchored to another time, the sellers are trying to market much more creatively,” Mr. Miller said. In his mind, the sleeker and more expert-looking the video, the more likely it is that the seller is trying to justify a high price tag.

“When I see these videos, or something like a camel at an open house, that’s a clear sign of something that’s overpriced,” he said.

Mr. Qsar, the Orange County real estate agent, produces a video for every home that he represents, spending from $2,500 to the low six figures to produce them. He pays out of his own pocket. While he has had eight-figure listings, most of his sales are in the $1 million to $2 million range.

“Fifteen years ago, I never thought I’d be shooting films,” said Mr. Qsar. “I had a day job and just wanted to sell a couple houses and see what happened. But then I sold 10 and then 15 and 20, and then social media hit, and I thought, ‘O.K., how can I be different?’”

In the hypercompetitive world of Southern California real estate, he said, it’s worth it because his videos give him a definitive edge.

“Our listings are recognizable before they even hit the market, because people see them on social media,” he said. “So now, every time I get together with my team on a house, the first question we ask is, ‘What is the story going to be on this house?’”A version of this article appears in print on Nov. 16, 2019 in The New York Times International Edition. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe


You’re Invited // Legacy Loung & Music Mixer // Corona del Mar

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RSVP Here: 

Mix & mingle at our swanky Corona Del Mar office. Experts on asset protection and digitizing photos/videos will share tips on preserving treasured memories and valuable possessions for your lasting legacy. “Unplugged” musical performance by Burden of Groove, including the Realtor-Hostess-Vocalist, Greta Tucker. Refreshments will be served.

For more info please contact Greta Tucker at 949-339-9940 or Greta.Tucker@TheBoutiqueRE.com

5 Free Things to do in Orange County this week, Sept. 24-30

Why sit home because you don’t want to spend any money? Here are five free things you can do this week.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 24

Enjoy a concert at the Newport Beach Public Library’s Fall series of Sunday Musicales with a free 3 p.m. performance by Four Hands One Piano, a piano duo of Lucy Nargizyan and Marina Grozdanovi, in the Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach. Learn more:949-717-3800 , ext 2 or newportbeachlibrary.org.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

Take in the Wacky Magic Show at the Yorba Linda Public Library, 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the community room. Presented by David Skale. Location: 18181 Imperial Hwy. Yorba Linda. Learn more: Ylpl.net.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

See “Beauty and the Beast” (the live-action 2017 version) at Seal Beach Movies in the Park. Movies start at sunset, at Eisenhower Park next to the pier. Bring your chair and blanket. Learn more: moviesintheparksb.com

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

Take a free nature walk with a bird talk, led by naturalist docents at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Thousands of birds make Bolsa Chica their home year-round and also when they’re on migration. The walk takes place the last Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. Meet at the south parking lot, across PCH from the entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach. Get there early and carpool because the parking lot is small. Learn more: amigosdebolsachica.org

Walk with a Naturalist 9-10:30 p.m. Join naturalists at O’Neill Regional Park and learn about the animals and natural world of Trabuco Canyon. This is a light-to-moderate walk on mostly paved roads. The walk is free, parking is $5. Contact:949-923-2260 . Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon. Learn more: ocparks.com/parks/oneill

View Original Article Here

The Boutique Real Estate Group Rides To Build

Newport Beach, Ca

The Boutique Real Estate Group teams up with Giveback Homes & Soul Cycle Newport Beach to help build a home in Orange County for a deserving family.

GivebackHomes is a trusted network of real estate professionals dedicated to creating social change through the act of buying or selling a home. By simply choosing to work with a Giveback Homes real estate agent, you will help build a home for a family in need. People want to work with people who are doing good, and Giveback Homes is making it easy to find them. Founders, Blake Andrews and Caroline Pinal were recently named to the prestigious Inman 101 List highlighting the Most Influential 101 people in real estate for 2015.

The Boutique Real Estate Group, a worldwide luxury real estate brokerage, with national & international recognition and known for its brilliant design, beautiful marketing, luxury services and world-class technology has made a commitment to partner with Giveback Homes for their Orange County build day. “Our goal of raising $5,000 to help build a home for a family in need is our goal,” says, Founder/Owner Raj Qsar. “Our brokerage is motivated and so encouraged by the work that Giveback Homes has been doing in the real estate industry,” says agent Christina Boladian with The Boutique.

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Joining The Boutique in the cause are other celebrity and well known Real Estate Companies and personalities including; Mauricio Umansky with The Agency, Madison Hildebrand with Pacific Union, Joyce Rey with Coldwell Banker Previews International, David Parnes & James Harris with Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles and Roh Habibi from Million Dollar Listing San Francisco.

The next international build project for Giveback Homes is in Nigaragua and they only have 4 spots left. To register see below.

Click here to register
Enter: GV16118 as your event code.

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About The Boutique Real Estate Group:

2017 Real Estate Video Influencer Award
2017 REAL Trends Finalist for Best Overall Website
2017 Inman News Innovator Award for Most Innovative Brokerage
2017 Inman News Real Estate Influencer Of The Year
2016 Top 100 Real Estate Influencers on Social Media
2016 Inman News Innovator Award for Most Innovative Brokerage
2016 SP 200 The Most Powerful People In Residential Real Estate
2015 Inman News Innovator Award for Most Innovative Technology
2015 Top 33 People Changing The Real Estate Industry
2014 Best Real Estate Video of The Year
2014 Inman News Innovator Award for Most Innovative Real Estate Agent
2014 Next Generation Real Estate Brokerage
2014 Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders in The USA
2013 Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders in The USA
2013 Top 20 Real Estate Videos in The USA

 

We are hiring… Weekend Warrior wanted!

The Boutique Real Estate Group is expanding! And we are SUPER excited! We are looking for an amazing individual to fill our Weekend Warrior position. If you are looking for that next bold move or know someone who would be perfect then please email us your Resume, CV and headshot to info@TheBoutiqueRE.com and we will be in touch. We LOVE it here and YOU will too…

WeekendWarrior

We are hiring! // Matchmaker – Inbound Internet & Phone Guru

The Boutique Real Estate Group is expanding! And we are SUPER excited! We are looking for an amazing individual to fill our Matchmaker position. If you are looking for that next bold move or know someone who would be perfect then please email us your Resume, CV and headshot to info@TheBoutiqueRE.com and we will be in touch. We LOVE it here and YOU will too…

TBREG-Matchmaker

Meet Raj Qsar: The Boutique Real Estate Group, Newport Beach

via Leverage Global Partners

Get to know Raj Qsar, Principal/Owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group, the exclusive representative for Leverage Global Partners in Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Balboa Island, Newport Coast, Huntington Beach, and Sunset Beach, CA, USA. 

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What was your vision in founding The Boutique Real Estate Group?

I reflect back on a quote that crossed my news feed some years ago.  “Excellence is never an accident. It is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.”  The Boutique had our “ah-ha” moment back in 2008 as technology and social media found Real Estate. We knew there had to be a better way of not only marketing luxury real estate but there also had to be a better way of managing the mountain of paperwork and people involved in a real estate transaction. Our vision was clear. We had to digitize the real estate experience. The world is on the web – advances in technology are changing the way businesses interact with clients. People are on their smartphones, heads down and focused in a hyper-local world, yet our listing content grabs worldwide attention.

We know we need to be where our clients are, so we can be at the forefront of their minds all the time whether it is on a smartphone in Newport Beach or on an iPad in China. You will never find our clients running to a fax machine and most likely our clients will never even pick up a pen to sign anything. We are a paperless office, completely mobile and can run an entire real estate transaction from our iPads and iPhones. Our technology does not require our clients to be tech savvy – it only requires our agents to understand the benefits of technology and to implement that technology into our client experience.  With this simple direction built on technology first, our brokerage concept came to life and then layered on in-house design, creative marketing strategies, world-class social media and internet optimization.

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How has social media, creative marketing, and in-house design changed or impacted your approach to business?

Real Estate marketing has truly evolved over the last 10 years. The Boutique has developed a comprehensive in-house strategy which showcases our client’s home through real-life video (actual movies with creative storylines), Architectural Photography, 360 HD V-Tours (amazing technology), custom built individual property websites for each & every home, in-house staging & interior design, custom graphics & design, and a social media content strategy that reaches people on a global scale. We have had the pleasure of being able to bring all aspects of our marketing standard completely in-house. What that means to our agents & clients is that we have complete control over our designs, feel and strategy when marketing luxury real estate. When surfing the web for real estate, our listings stand out: they have a unique look & feel and buyers recognize our listings as being “boutique-ified.” Every part of the marketing strategy has been touched by our in-house team to ensure the story has been told on that particular home. Hours of storyboarding a listing video, post-production of each and every photograph, creating a content strategy for each social portal and custom in-house designed print brochures & booklets for each of our listings.  This is all done with intention and skill to give our clients the upfront best chance of success when marketing their home on the open market.

 How do you like to spend your free time?

I am an Orange County Native and growing up, my parents would always take us to the beach to play, surf, BBQ and just enjoy our time together.  So this tradition has carried onto my family as we spend most of our free time on the beaches of Orange County.  When we travel we look for resorts on the beach anywhere in the world.  One of our fav spots is Nantucket Island off the coast of Boston.  We have spent many summers on Nantucket and it truly has a piece of our hearts.  Most recently, we have developed a true passion for wine and all the intricacies it brings to life. Most family gatherings as we break bread we are also opening a nice bottle of wine, which of course always has a story behind it.

Leverage Global Partners is proud to have Raj Qsar and the team at The Boutique Real Estate Group as our partners in the network.   

THE BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE GROUP JOINS LEVERAGE GLOBAL PARTNERS

THE BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE GROUP JOINS LEVERAGE GLOBAL PARTNERS, THE FASTEST GROWING NETWORK OF INDEPENDENT LUXURY REAL ESTATE BROKERAGES IN THE WORLD

The Boutique Real Estate Group Becomes Exclusive Leverage Global Partner for Newport Beach, CA.

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For Immediate Release

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Beverly Hills, CA. – 10/31/2014 – F. Ron Smith, President of Leverage Global Partners, recently welcomed The Boutique Real Estate Group as the Network’s exclusive member in Newport Beach, CA.  A unique alignment of the most prestigious independent real estate brokerage firms around the world, Leverage Global Partners offers its members the opportunity to better serve their clients’ relocation and real estate portfolio needs by establishing each member firm as key players in the international real estate arena.

“We personally vet each real estate brokerage before offering them membership, so we are certain that The Boutique Real Estate Group is an innovative and forward-thinking market leader, offering exceptional service to their clients and to the communities of Newport Beach,” said Smith. “We are thrilled to welcome them to Leverage Global Partners.”

“This partnership is seen as a win-win for both our agents at The Boutique and our clients on an international level.  Leverage gives The Boutique the unique opportunity to connect with some of the most respected brokerages worldwide and to make that important connection to a trusted & well respected colleague anywhere in the world.” Says, Raj Qsar, Founder of The Boutique Real Estate Group. “Its been an amazing year for us at The Boutique as we continue to grow and empower our agents and our clients with the most innovative techniques in our industry.  The relationship with Leverage and our recent acquisition of FPRE has positioned us well moving into 2015 and beyond.”

As a member of Leverage, The Boutique Real Estate Group will be promoted as the Network’s exclusive representative for the Newport Beach area, facilitating a framework in which the company can expand and compete with larger franchise networks. Through Leverage’s “Just Ask” referral program, The Boutique Real Estate Group associates are offered personal introductions and provided access to top firms around the world, ensuring them incomparable networking ability in the worldwide luxury real estate market.

In addition to offering exceptional service and connectivity, Leverage differentiates itself from existing international luxury real estate associations by increasing the online and social media presence of their members, and providing marketing tools designed to help a member expand their individual business.

Leverage promotes the presidents of member firms and extends media access for their members’ properties through a robust public relations outreach and digital platform.

Leverage Global Partners is rapidly expanding its membership base and currently has members in numerous dynamic communities around the world, including Paris, Los Angeles, New York, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vancouver, Tokyo, and Bangkok.

The Boutique Real Estate Group

 

About Leverage Global Partners

Leverage Global Partners aligns the most prestigious independent luxury real estate brokerage firms from around the world – only one exclusive member per community – creating a unique global network of professionals that serve the relocation and real-estate portfolio needs of their clients, nationally and internationally. Founded by the visionaries of a leading independent luxury real estate firm in Beverly Hills with over US $4 billion of collective sales expertise, Leverage Global Partners offers its member cutting-edge marketing resources in social media, public relations and communication. In addition, Leverage promotes unique real estate developments around the globe. www.LeverageRE.com

About The Boutique Real Estate Group

The Boutique Real Estate Group is a boutique real estate brokerage founded in Orange County, CA, that focuses on brilliant design, beautiful marketing & luxury services. The Boutique has created a culture that spurs collaboration, technology and social media with a unique marketing approach. This design and tech-forward approach has earned The Boutique Real Estate Group accolades and awards worldwide: 2014 Inman News Innovator Award nominee for “Most Innovative Real Estate Agent,” 2014 “Next Generation Real Estate Brokerage”, 2013 and 2014 “Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders in The USA”, and 2013 “Top 20 Real Estate Videos in the USA.”

The Boutique Media Contact:
Raj Qsar
949-612-2535
Raj@TheBoutiqueRE.com 
 
Leverage Media Contact:
Jenny Mueller
310-500-3657
Jenny.Mueller@LeverageRE.com

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A Day in the Life of Raj Qsar | www.Realtor.com

By: 

 Raj Qsar is the principal owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group, an independent real estate brokerage that integrates mobile technology, brilliant design & creative storyboarding into their real estate transactions. His Southern California offices specialize in luxury homes and has expanded into the coastal region of Newport Beach. In his words, here is a peek into a day in his life.
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Walk us through a typical day in your life.

My day typically starts at 5 a.m., sometimes a bit earlier. I just get up out of bed. No alarm. I grab my phone and head downstairs. I am totally a morning person. I make a protein shake and jump on my laptop and scroll through emails, Twitter, Instagram and then Facebook. I usually check analytics on our website and social channels, and look at ad campaign results.

On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, I am at the Crossfit gym by 6 a.m. After the gym, I am at home helping get the kiddos—Hannah, Emma, and Cooper—get ready for school. Breakfast, clothes, homework review, and they are off to school by 8:30 a.m., and I am off to one of our offices. At 8 p.m. or so, I start shutting down.

Phone / tablet / laptop / desktop of choice?

iPhone 5S, iPad Air, MacBook Pro with Retina Display, iMac 27″ on my desk. We are an Apple company.

Apps you can’t live without?

DocuSign, DocuSign Transaction Room, DropBox, Facebook, Instagram, and recently I have been using Refresh as I am meeting with so many people.

Emails sent per day? Received?

My Google app business account said I received 7,000 emails last month, and I sent out 1,400.

Tell us about your market.

We tend to market homes above $1 million. It was not intentional, but our services are considered luxury and tend to attract those types of buyers and sellers.

Real estate marketing has truly evolved over the last 10 years. We have developed a comprehensive strategy which showcases our client’s home through real-life video—actual movies—amazing photography, 360 HD V-tours, individual property websites for each home, staging and interior design, custom graphics and design, and a social media content strategy that reaches people on a global scale.

We have complete control over our designs, feel and strategy when marketing luxury real estate. When surfing the web for real estate, our listings stand out: they have a unique look and feel, and buyers recognize our listings as being “boutique-ivied”—and we believe every home has a story.

Total number of transactions you worked on last year? Expected this year?

I personally did about 40 transactions last year with an average sales price of about $2 million. I will do about the same this year, but our price point has moved up. Look for our new office in the beach city of Corona Del Mar in Newport Beach as we launch into the coastal Orange County real estate market.

What made you choose a career in real estate?

After watching an agent “sell” our first home, I knew there had to be a better way. I personally held the open houses, I printed the flyers, I wrote the content. That was all pre-social.

It was so massively complicated, and we were so in the dark the whole way through. I had an “Ah, ha!” moment back in 2008 as technology and social media found real estate. We knew there had to be a better way of not only marketing real estate but also of managing the mountain of paperwork and people involved in a real estate transaction.

So in a sense, our team has digitized the real estate experience. You will never find our clients running to a fax machine and most likely never even pick up a pen to sign anything. We are a paperless office, completely mobile and can run an entire real estate transaction from our iPads and phones. Our technology does not require our clients to be tech savvy—it only requires our agents to understand the benefits of technology and to implement that technology with our clients.

What’s the biggest challenge the real estate industry faces today?

One of the biggest challenges in real estate today is that everyone seems to be swimming in the same pool. There is no original creative. Nobody wants to tell a story. There is an old quote, “Those who tell the stories rule the world.”  What I love is when I meet someone, and they just instantly pick up with a story. We believe this type of mindset is so needed in our industry.

What advice would you give to new agents?

The advice I would give to a new agent entering into the world of real estate would be to join an amazing team. And I do not just mean a busy team, but an amazing, highly-respected team where you can learn, experience and absorb everything and anything that is real estate. That includes not only all the “beautiful and shiny” things that real estate offers, but also all the challenges that real estate brings each and everyday: from contracts, lender guidelines and appraisals to staging, photography, pre- and post-processing of photos, editing video, print campaigns and the entire social media and web content strategy.

Who inspires you the most?

Jesus Christ because he changed my heart.

Link to original article.

Previous “A Day In The Life” articles:

Sarah Schnell Jones

Carol Wolfe

Tiffany Kjellander

Geeky Girl Laurie Davis 

Sam DeBord

Bill Lublin

 

Top 10 Orange County Beaches | The Boutique Real Estate Group

Written by Melissa Sims

I spend probably half of my year at the beach.  No joke.  We are a family of surfers, scuba divers, spear gun hunters and stand-up paddlers.  Squeezing the amazing beaches of Orange County into a ‘top 10’ is no easy task.  With over 40 named beaches (and I’m sure numerous unnamed), trying to pick the best is like trying to compare wine to beer.  You just can’t…each beach here in the OC has something unique and breathtaking about it. So let’s start south and head our way up.

1.  San Onofre State Beach (my personal favorite)

Located in the southernmost coastal part of Orange County, San Onofre state beach is an old-school surfer mecca.  You will not find any food stands or bike rentals here – this is strictly for the dedicated beach goer, as you have to be in line for parking no later than 6:00am on the weekend in order to find a spot.  They let a limited number of cars in, so if you show up late, you can count on waiting for someone to leave before you get your spot.  Why such a draw?  Well, for starters, you park DIRECTLY in front of the sand.  No sidewalks, no hauling your cart-o-crap.  Just open up the trunk and set up shop. Everyone that comes here respects the beach, and usually respects you (as long as you aren’t THAT guy).  The surfing at San Onofre, affectionately called ‘Old Man’s,’ is smooth, somewhat consistent and perfect for longboarders and beginners (on a small day).  You won’t find a lot of young groms here ripping arials.  It’s an awesome vibe and a clean beach – the San Onofre Surfing Club takes impeccable care of this beach, with hand-built showers and garden walks. Cost to park = $15 (or buy a state park annual pass for $195, good at any state beach).

2.  Doheny State Beach

Located in Dana Point, just south of the harbor, Doheny is notorious for it’s unhealthy water report.  It has gotten cleaner in past years, but still ranks among the ‘bad’ in Orange County.  So why is this beach on our list?  Doheny is the ultimate beach trip – with an awesome snack shack, volleyball courts, barbeques, camping, grassy lawn and promenade with rentals.  Doheny used to have one of the best breaks in Southern California, but once the jetty was built, the shape of the wave changed and it is now known as one of the best beginner spots in Orange County.  In addition, the city of Dana Point puts on some spectacular events at Doheny, including Doheny Days, the Blues Festival and the annual Outrigger Canoe Races.  Even if you don’t get in the water, Doheny is definitely worth a visit.

3.  Salt Creek

Buzzing up the coast, just north of Doheny in Laguna Niguel, is a gem called Salt Creek.  Not the easiest to get to from your car…you have to hike down a very steep hill to get to the beach, so pack lightly.  The trek is worth it – trust me.  With beautiful cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and a view of the Ritz-Carlton high above, you’ll feel like you’ve found a private paradise – except for the crowds.  It can get quite busy here, so head out early.  There is a snack shack and restrooms here, so you really just need the essentials.  Salt Creek is a popular spot for surfers and skim-boarders, and not always the best for swimming.  There is also a grassy park above the beach, for those that just want the view. Metered parking.

4.  Treasure Island, Laguna Beach

Arguably one of the MOST beautiful beaches in Southern California, Treasure Island Beach is located below the famous Montage Resort in Laguna Beach.  Meander along spectacular paths, peppered with California native plants and views of the posh resort.  Take the stairs down to the beach and you will understand why this beach is so special.  Not only is this beach spectacular in its own right, it is also known for it’s protected tidepools.  The Montage Resort offers docents to educate the public on busy weekends and holidays, during low tide.  Metered parking, very limited.

Treasure Island

5.  Crescent Bay, Laguna Beach

I like to pretend this is my little secret, I’ve just let everyone in on it!  Crescent Bay is a beach found in a residential area of Laguna Beach.  It is not easy to park, nor easy to walk to…but locals love this spot for it’s sheer beauty.  Surrounded by cliffs, with mega-mansions to gawk at, this crescent-shaped beach is absolutely stunning.  No sound of trains or traffic…just crashing waves and seagulls and pelicans.  You will spot the occasional dolphin or sea lion, but mostly just sparkling waters and easy-going people.  Beware – the waves can get quite powerful.  Limited metered street parking.

Crescent Beach Laguna

6.  Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Beach

Personally, I’m a state park kind of gal.  I love feeling like I am getting away from the crowds and enjoying the beauty of nature.  If you like that too, you’ll love Crystal Cove.  Surprisingly, this is right off of Coast Highway – but has a huge preserve between the water and the highway, so you’ll never hear any traffic noise.  The park is quite expansive, with 3.2 miles of coastline, offering mountain biking, scuba/skin diving, horseback riding, swimming and surfing.  There is also a campground across the street and primitive camping at Moro Ridge.  In addition, Crystal Cove is home to the famous Beachcomber Café and the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, available for rent through ReserveAmerica.com. The history of Crystal Cove dates back to the early 1900s, as a favorite spot of the Irvine family and shooting spot for many classic movies.  This is definitely one of Orange County’s best treasures!

Crystal Cove State Beach

7.  Corona Del Mar

‘Big Corona’

A favorite spot for families, Corona del Mar is located just south of the Newport Bay jetty, off of Ocean Blvd. and Breakers Drive.  A huge parking lot and spectacular views bring lots of crowds, but this spot never feels touristy.  This is a great beach for kids because the waves are much calmer than other local spots because of the jetty.  But you’ve been warned – LOTS of kids.  If you aren’t in the mood for that, go to elsewhere.  Parking is $15, and even though this is a state beach, it is run by the City of Newport Beach – so you can’t use the annual parking pass here.

‘Little Corona’

Little Corona is just south of Big Corona, off of Poppy Street.  This is one of the only beaches where you don’t have to walk down stairs to get to the sand.  It is a path entry, making wheeling your equipment down very easy.  It has a public restroom and showers, and is a local favorite for diving and children.  It is flanked on both sides with rocky reefs, so waves are not an issue here.  Snorkeling is another favorite activity here.  Street parking only.

8.  The Wedge, Newport Beach

If you want to see some of the biggest, most mind-boggling waves, go to the Wedge.  On a big day, the surf can reach 30 feet…yes, that’s right.  30 feet!  Not known for swimming, this is mainly for bodyboarding and body surfing, and if the sets are optimal, surfing.  In the winter, this is a major spot for watching some serious talent.  During summer months, from May-October, boards of any type are not allowed so that others can enjoy the water.  Not only good for water-watching, the beach itself is great, and offers amazing sunset views.

9.  Newport Beach

Newport Beach is so spread out that it is hard to feel crowded in once you are on the sand.  With great restaurants and bars close by, you’ll never get bored here.  Rent a beach cruiser in town and experience Newport like the locals do.  All thirteen of Newport’s beaches have been ranked superbly high in cleanliness.  Just beware of major holidays, it can turn into a crowded party scene.  If you want to be closer to the ‘scene’, head over towards 24th street.  If you want to stay away from the crowds, head north, closer to 38th street or Superior.  Parking is a nightmare, and you’ll likely circle for some time trying to find a street spot.  But this is definitely not a beach you want to miss experiencing.  Quintessential Orange County.

Newport Beach

10.  Huntington City Beach

Infamous, or just famous?  With recent press, Huntington Beach is getting a bad rap.  90% of the time, this beach is just like every other beach.  But during major holidays and events, it has been known recently to have a rough crowd.  Located just off Main Street and PCH, Huntington is one of the most recognized beaches in America.  Regardless of some of the recent events here, people still visit in droves to experience Surf City at its finest.  You have the best of everything here – surf, sand, good food and great people watching.  Not only can you walk the pier, you can hop across the highway to some of the hottest party spots in town.  Visit in early August and watch the US Open of Surfing.  This year, promoters are banning alcohol sales and will not have live music – in an effort to bring the focus back to the sport of surfing, and away from partying.  I say, ignore the bad press and give Huntington Beach a chance.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Honorable mention:

Main Beach, Laguna

50% surfing, 50% people watching.  Main beach is located in the busiest part of Laguna, right in the heart of downtown.  There are volleyball and basketball courts right off the highway, and a boardwalk that snakes down the beach.  There are tons of easily accessible restaurants right across the street, so don’t be surprised to see people walking barefoot through downtown in nothing but a bathing suit.  This is probably the most crowded beach in Orange County…sometimes it is hard to see any sand because the beach is so full.  This beach is great for families, as there is a large play area for kids.  Regardless of the crowds, still one of the best beaches in OC.  Park on a side street and you’ll be fine.

So, where will you be heading?

Connect with Melissa Sims at http://TheBoutiqueRE.com/Melissa-Sims or Melissa.Sims@TheBoutiqueRE.com