Top 20 Real Estate Videos of 2012 via WellcomeMat

So truly honored that our Goodbye 2012 | Hello 2013 highlight video was named a Top 20 Real Estate Video by WellcomeMat for 2012. If you LOVE Video have a look at some of these truly amazing stories from some amazing companies.  Corcoran Group in New York, Inman News, CORE Real Estate NYC, Facebook, Zillow, Redfin, Richard Silver, Napa View Real Estate, Prudential Steamboat Realty, The New Wave Group, KW, Sage Real Estate, Halstead property, Georgetown Real Estate, Las Vegas Real Estate, Dave Dugdale, ReMax and Jessica Riffle Edwards.
Congrats to all!

Raj Qsar | 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders | Inman News | 2013

So truly honored & humbled to be able to share this recognition with this exceptional group of individuals.

Being named as Real Estate Industry’s 100 Most Influential Leaders truly has me speechless!

 

Inman News today releases the Inman 100 report, an annual list of the Most Influential Real Estate Leaders that recognizes those who embody leadership, ingenuity, strength, conviction, power, persistence, perseverance and progress — their voices and actions can move the industry toward change.

They include the industry’s brain trust, power brokers and deal-makers, and those outside the industry who impact the business of buying and selling homes.

Inman News accepted and reviewed hundreds of reader nominations via an open, online nominations process. An Inman News in-house review and selection process considered reader-selected nominees and also suggested additional individuals worthy of consideration.

See The Top 100:  http://www.inman.com/inman100

View Raj’s Recognition:  http://www.inman.com/inman100/2013/raj-qsar

 

Why Better Technology Means Better Service

By Jeremy Lehman

The Boutique Real Estate Group

 

When you think of real estate, the last thing that comes to your mind is probably technology. Technology has come a long way in the past few years, but unfortunately, the real estate industry tends to lag behind the curve. Sometimes decades behind; have you seen our MLS?

Today, our team employs an industry leading approach to improving response time, customer service, client convenience, and business management using mobile technology and cloud based applications. We work closely with vendors to help tweak their products or even create new ones that can help our team and clients enjoy a painless process of signing documents, accessing property information, communication, scheduling activities, sharing documents, and more. Our team is on the cutting edge of using technology in real estate. Every member of our team is equipped with an iPhone, iPad, Laptop, and mobile internet connection, allowing us to work from anywhere at any time.

Our listings receive a best in class marketing campaign with HDR photography, HD video, HD V-Tours, professional graphics & design, staging & interior design individual property websites, and even floor plans; creating maximum exposure and ultimately a maximum price. We use social media, blogs, and the most visited real estate websites to promote our listings, open houses, and interact with potential buyers. We’ve also created online groups of the top agents throughout Southern California to share listings with the agents that actually do business. Our use of video has received national accolades & recognition, but better yet, gives potential buyers the #1 thing they’re looking for. Listings with videos tend to sell for more money and faster than listings without. Our open house events are almost always packed with potential buyers and curious neighbors. To take advantage of the opportunity, we use an iPad application to track the visitors, follow up with property information, and notify them of any future price changes. We’ve also been able to assemble a big list of interested buyers for the neighborhoods we service.

Our clients can expect a quick response, the convenience of signing contracts via your mobile phone/tablet or computer (some transactions require “wet” signatures), maximum exposure for your property resulting in a maximum price, regular updates and communication and  market updates. We know technology does not replace service, skills, and knowledge, we just use to better serve you. Our agents are all proven industry experts as well.

5 Real Estate Trends to Look For in 2013

Posted By The KCM Crew On December 27, 2012, www.kcmblog.com

 

Predicting trends during volatile economic times in American is no easy task. However, we are going to give it our best shot. We strongly believe these are the five real estate items we should keep an eye on in 2013:

Demand for Housing Will Continue to Surge

The housing market has turned the corner and there is no reason to believe that buyer demand will not maintain momentum throughout 2013. Household formations shot up to boom-time levels in 2012 and are projected to increase at even a faster rate over the next twelve months. A lack of inventory will be more of a challenge to sales increases than will a lack of demand.

Generations X and Y Will Prove They Believe in Homeownership

Contrary to what many have hypothesized over the last few years, young adults (18-35 year olds) are just as committed to homeownership as previous generations. Recent studies have shown:

  • 43% already own a home
  • 72% see homeownership as part of their personal American Dream
  • 93% of those currently renting plan to buy a home

This, along with the increase in household formations mentioned above, makes us believe that 2013 will be the year that many of these young adults will jump into homeownership.

Prices Will Continue to Increase

Pricing of any item is determined by supply and demand. Demand for housing will remain strong throughout 2013. At the same time, the supply of homes ready for is shrinking in many parts of the country. Outside of a few states that still have challenges with large inventories of distressed properties (NY, NJ, CT, IL for example), prices will appreciate nicely.

Even in the areas that are still dealing with high percentages of foreclosures and short sales, prices will not tumble dramatically. The increase in demand will absorb much of this inventory. In these areas, prices will either flatten or perhaps soften to a small degree.

Move-Up Sellers Will Return in Great Numbers

Perhaps what many will find as the biggest surprise of 2013 will be the return of the ‘move-up’ seller. Over the last several years negative equity has prevented many of these sellers from moving up to the house of their dreams. However, with prices recovering, more and more of these sellers will realize that now may be their greatest opportunity to make the move to a lifestyle they always wanted.

With home prices expected to increase and more stringent mortgage qualifications (QR and QRM) scheduled to be announced this year, we believe that the first half of the year will bring many of these sellers/buyers to the market.

The Consumer Will Demand That Their Agent Be an Expert

Real Estate professionals who have invested the money, time and energy to truly understand what is happening and why it is happening will separate themselves from their competition and do very well this year.

Those who take that next step of learning how to simply and effectively communicate the market to their clients will be seen as experts. These industry leaders will dominate their markets.

Storyboarding Social With A Real Estate Twist

So the art of social starts with a twist! How do you sell real estate without talking about real estate? How do you create connections socially and bring them to where it really matters for the in-real-life meeting? How do you make real estate sexy? Where is the eye candy to get those eyeballs glued to what you are sharing? How do you curate content on multiple social channels yet make it engaging?

We believe it starts with a story! What is this home going to look like on a social storyboard across multiple channels? What is it like to live in this home, in this neighborhood, in this community? Well, we think the story starts on Facebook, with a whole lot of Pinterest and Instagram and some fabulous YouTube mixed in!

Here is a little Facebook, as we showcase the golf course community of Vista Del Verde inYorba Linda, Calif. This home at 4036HoosierLawn.com has all the aspects of a luxury home in a luxury neighborhood as is featured on our timeline cover on Facebook.

But you need to create visual appeal via eye candy as well! So we take stellar photos that are pre- and post-processed for color correction and digital enhancements (we actually physically touch each and every photo to ensure it is the perfect balance of “eye” plus “candy”).

Also, our description matters! In the gentle, rolling hills of Yorba Linda is Vista Del Verde, a luxurious master-planned golf course community … (you had me at hello!)

So what is this neighborhood like? What does this community have to offer a new family that purchases a home here? Got golf? Will play! Did someone say video? (This is the fabulous YouTube part!) Oh yeah, now you’re talking! Notice the post below! Just sent this listing to a client! Boom! Watch video here!

So how about Pinterest and Instagram? How does that fit into the storyboard of social real estate? We try to capture the true essence of Orange County, Calif., on our Pinterest page because we know that people want eye candy! Beautiful people, fast cars, fabulous food, drop-dead-gorgeous real estate, and a client-focused team that will provide white-glove service to our clients whether they are buying or selling real estate in Orange County.

Instagram is truly one of our favorite channels right now, as it presents a more intimate atmosphere for getting to know people. It is the day-in and day-out photos that can bring that street-level story to the home or lifestyle you are showcasing.

The photo below is one of the only unobstructed 270-degree-view lots in a luxury neighborhood called Kerrigan Ranch in Yorba Linda. The story is laid out nicely on video and photos as we stroll through this amazing neighborhood truly giving your connections a real-life perspective on this home and this neighborhood.

Our team truly believes that relationships are created in that person-to-person, in-real-life moment when that individual decides she is going to look at you as her trusted adviser. It may initially start on social, but you are going to have to earn her trust and respect in real life. Once you do that, then it’s time for the story of that home, in that neighborhood, in that city. Enjoy!

The Presidential Collection | 2583 Nixon Way | Fullerton | California

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Tucked Away in the Serenity & Peace of Fullerton is This Gorgeous Single Story Estate Home in The Presidential Collection. Located Within A Gated Community in The Heart of Fullerton This Home Boasts 3,100 sq. ft. of Living Space on a 8,000 sq. ft. Flat Lot, 4 Bedrooms + Office (4th Bedroom Currently Used As Office), 3 Baths, Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen with Custom Tile Inset Backsplash, Massive Kitchen Island and Breakfast Nook. Beautiful Custom Floors, Custom Carpet & Crown Molding Throughout.  Media Center Custom Cabinetry in Family Room & Cozy Fireplace. Opulent Master Bedroom & Bathroom with Dual Vanities, Soaking Tub & Custom Built-Ins in Master Closet. Custom Blinds Throughout Home. Great Entertainers Backyard with Room for a Pool & Spa, Stamped Concrete Patio with Retractable Awning.  Three Car Attached Garage. Minutes Away From Coyote Hills Golf Course, The Brea Mall, Restaurants, Movies & Easy Freeway Access.  Do Not Miss This Opportunity To Live In This Fabulous Community. Call Raj Today For A Private Showing.  This Home is A Must See!!! Please visit www.2583NixonWay.com for additional information.