August 12, 2024 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

167 Things a REALTOR® Does for Clients

REALTORS® do A LOT more than show homes. Take a look at this list to discover just how much value a REALTOR® brings to a real estate transaction!

Pre-Listing Activities

1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation
2. Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment & call to confirm
3. Review pre-appointment questions
4. Research all comparable currently listed properties
5. Research sales activity from MLS & public records databases for comparable properties
6. Research “Average Days on Market” for property of this type, price range & location
7. Download & review property tax roll information*
8. Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish fair market value
9. Research property’s ownership & deed type*
10. Research property’s public record information for lot size & dimensions*
11. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records*
12. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials
13. Perform exterior “Curb Appeal Assessment” of subject property
14. Compile & assemble file on property
15. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps & actions are completed
16. Contact title company and obtain relevant information from a property profile or preliminary report

Listing Appointment Presentation

17. Give seller an overview of current market conditions & projections 18. Review agent’s & company’s credentials & accomplishments in the market
19. Present company’s profile & position or “niche” in the marketplace
20. Present CMA to seller, incl. comparables, sold properties, current listings & expired listings
21. Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment & current market conditions
22. Discuss goals with seller to market effectively
23. Discuss Compensation being paid to the Listing Broker, including the option to offer a cooperating commission to buyer’s agents and the amount, if any. Talk about the benefits and different strategies related to the offering to pay the buyer’s agent.
24. Explain power & benefits of Multiple Listing Service and office exclusive option and consequences
25. Explain power of web marketing, IDX & REALTOR.com
26. Explain the work you do “behind the scenes” & availability after hours and on weekends
27. Explain role in screening for qualified buyers in compliance with fair housing laws and principles & minimizing the inconvenience to seller from curiosity seekers
28. Present & discuss strategic master marketing plan
29. Explain different agency relationships & determine seller’s preference
30. Review & explain all clauses in Listing Contract & Addenda, including Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationships, and Advisories & obtain seller’s signature
31. Prepare net sheet (estimate seller proceeds, CAR form ESP) based on listing price and loan information provided by seller
32. Discuss with seller if there is a current tenant, if so whether the property will be sold vacant or occupied. If the tenancy will be terminated and property is to be sold vacant, advise seller to consult with a qualified landlord tenant attorney to verify the process is done correctly and in a timely manner.
33. Discuss with seller if there are any current adult occupants who are not the named sellers such as adult family members. If so, add C.A.R. form Tenant Occupied Property Addendum (TOPA)
34. Verify the name on RLA matches the name under current title. If seller is signing in a representative capacity, obtain all appropriate legal documentations (trust doc, letter of testamentary, board resolution, or operating agreement). Consult with and provide to title officer the appropriate document has been received to authorize sale by the entity.
35. Prepare detailed list of personal property that seller intends to take or leave, and whether there are items that will remain that are leased or liened
36. Discuss advantages of staging property

Once Property is Under Listing Agreement

37. Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available 38. Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents & showing times with seller
39. Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives & options with seller
40. Identify Home Owner Association manager, if applicable
41. Verify Homeowner Association Fees with manager (Homeowner Association Information Request, CAR Form HOA-IR)
42. Order copy of Homeowner Association documents required for the transaction, if applicable
43. Order NHD and any other reports and documents, as applicable
44. Verify security system, current term of service & whether owned or leased
45. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure
46. Prepare detailed list of property amenities & assess market impact
47. Compile list of completed repairs & maintenance items
48. Have extra key made for lockbox
49. Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
50. *Obtain from seller current lease agreement and Income and Expense Statement, if required under TOPA or RIPA
51. *Provide Tenant Estoppel Certificate for tenant to verify rent and security deposit, if required under TOPA or RIPA
52. *Inform tenants of listing & discuss how showings will be handled. Obtain tenant signature on Keysafe/Lockbox addendum and Tenant Permission to Access Property, CAR Form KLA). Discuss serving Notice of Sale and Entry (CAR Form NSE) to make showing the showing process easier.
53. Arrange for installation of yard sign
54. Provide seller with Seller’s Disclosure forms and advisories, such as Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement, CAR form TDS, Seller Property Questionnaire, CAR Form SPQ, Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazards Disclosure, acknowledgment and Addendum for Pre-1978 Housing Sales, Leases, or Rentals, CAR Form LPD, Disclosure Information Advisory, CAR Form DIA, Statewide Buyer and Seller Advisory, CAR Form SBSA, and offer to address questions seller may have about completing any such forms
55. Review Curb Appeal Assessment & provide suggestions to improve salability
56. Review Interior Decor Assessment & suggest changes to shorten time on market
57. Load listing into transaction management software program
58. Provide seller a copy of the Listing Agreement at the time of execution
59. Contact staging company, if agreed to by seller

Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database

60. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet
61. Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS Listing Database
62. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy – incl proper placement in map
63. Add property to company’s Active Listings list
64. Provide seller the MLS link or profile sheet for the property
65. Take additional photos for upload into MLS & use in flyers
66. Draft listing remarks for public view and private agent remarks

Marketing The Listing

67. Create print & Internet ads with seller’s input
68. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, & other REALTORS®
69. Return all calls
70. Install electronic lock box if authorized. Program agreed-to showing times
71. Prepare mailing & contact list
72. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list
73. Order “Just Listed” labels & reports
74. Prepare flyers & feedback forms
75. Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive
76. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review
77. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or flyers
78. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mailboxes
79. Upload listing to company & agent Internet site, if applicable
80. Mail Out “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents
81. Advise Network Referral Program of listing
82. Provide marketing data to buyers coming thru international relocation networks
83. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network
84. Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable
85. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites
86. Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups
87. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed
88. Loan information reviewed & updated in MLS as required
89. Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers’ agents after showings
90. Review weekly Market Study
91. Discuss feedback from showings with seller to determine if changes are needed
92. Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing
93. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database
94. Receive & review all Residential Purchase Agreements (offers) submitted by buyers’ agents
95. Evaluate offer(s), prepare Summary of Multiple Offers, CAR Form SUM-MO & prepare a “net sheet” for the owner for comparison purposes.

The Offer & Contract

96. Submit all offers received to the seller unless otherwise instructed in writing

97. Counsel seller on offers. Explain objective merits & weaknesses of each offer, including any special terms written in by buyer such as termite report, and any costs assigned to seller

98. Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications & discuss offer

99. Deliver Seller’s Disclosures to buyer upon request & prior to offer if possible

100. Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer

101. Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer, if not submitted with offer

102. Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, including price, costs, and all time frames

103. Prepare & convey counter offers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent

104. Deliver copies of contracts to Escrow and all other necessary parties

105. If Buyer’s signed Offer to Purchase is acceptable to seller, obtain seller signatures and then deliver a copy to buyer’s agent

106. Verify that the buyer has submitted the initial deposit to Escrow Holder

107. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller

108. Send copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender

109. Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file

110. If additional offers are submitted between contract & closing, submit to seller and advise

111. Change status in MLS to “Pending” or “Active Under Contract” or similar status

112. Update transaction management program show “Sale Pending”

113. Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed

114. Buyer’s agent to refer buyer to loan broker or lender if buyer has not already made contacts, and if applicable follow-up as necessary

115. Buyer’s agent to coordinate with lender on Discount Points being locked in with dates

116. Deliver seller disclosures to buyer’s agent

117. Discuss with buyer the Buyer Inspection Advisory (BIA)

118. Fill out Buyer Inspection Election (BIE), Buyer Material Issues (BMI), Buyer Inspection Waiver (BIW), as applicable

119. Order septic system inspection, if applicable

120. Receive & review septic system report & assess any possible impact on sale

121. Deliver copy of septic system inspection report to buyer

122. Deliver Well Flow Test Report copies to buyer

123. Verify termite inspection ordered, if required

124. Verify mold inspection ordered, if required

125. Prepare timeline of events and calendar. Notify buyer or seller client if contractual terms are not or have not been met and discuss consequences and potential actions, such as cancellation, delivery of notice to buyer or seller to perform. Use as applicable, Notice to Buyer to Perform, CAR Form NBP, Notice to Seller to Perform, CAR Form, Demand to Close Escrow, CAR Form DCE, Cancellation of Contract, Release of Deposit and Joint Escrow Instructions, CAR Form CC

126. If not already done, conduct reasonably competent and diligent visual inspection and disclose material facts that may affect value and desirability of property using agent portion of TDS or Agent Visual Inspection Disclosure, CAR Form AVID. Review seller disclosures for inconsistencies

Tracking The Loan Process

127. Follow Loan Processing All the Way through underwriting

128. Add lender & other vendors to your management program so agents, buyer & seller can track progress of sale

129. Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track

130. Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller

The Home Inspection

131. Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller’s agent

132. Review home inspector’s report with buyer

133. Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program

134. Explain to buyer the seller’s responsibilities & explain any clauses in the contract

135. Use C.A.R. form Request for Repair (RR) to ask seller to make any repairs, give credit or reduce the purchase price

136. Negotiate RR and explain consequence of removing investigation contingency, and any other contingency, as term of the request process

137. Assist seller with identifying contractors to perform any agreed to repairs

138. Confirm with seller all repairs are final at least five days before Close of Escrow and that seller provided receipts for those repairs

The Appraisal

139. Coordinate Appraisal appointment with seller’s agent

140. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser

141. Follow-up on appraisal

142. Enter completion into transaction management program

143. Assist seller or buyer in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low

Closing Preparation & Duties

144. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent & lender

145. Update closing forms & files

146. Ensure all parties have all forms & information needed to close the sale

147. Confirm with seller they will be available in person for the signing of closing docs, including the deed. If they will be not available, make alternative arrangements via Remote Online Notary and verify with title that is acceptable

148. Confirm closing date & time & notify all parties

149. Coordinate with title company in solving any title problems, such as obtaining Death Certificates or representative signer’s documentation

150. Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling buyer’s Final Verification of Property prior to closing

151. Request final closing figures from escrow holder

152. Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation

153. Request copy of closing documents from escrow holder

154. Coordinate with escrow and title to verify that lender requirements have been met and documents, such as title policy have been obtained, to enable closing

155. Reviews all closing documents carefully for errors

156. Verify seller has received all closing documents

157. Coordinate closing with seller’s next purchase & resolve any timing problems, if applicable

158. Have a “no surprises” closing so seller receives a net proceeds check at closing

159. Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable

160. Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker, etc.

161. Close out listing in your management program

162. Verify with seller all personal items and debris will be removed by close of escrow. Confirm all items included in the sale such as appliances will remain at closing

Follow Up After Close of Escrow

163. Answer questions about filing claims with Home Warranty Company if requested

164. Respond to any calls & provide any information required from office files

165. Provide referrals to service providers that might assist clients with evaluating conditions

166. Offer to transmit communications to the other agent

167. If any dispute cannot be resolved between the parties, remind the parties to mediate before moving to arbitration or litigation, if required in the purchase agreement

What Is A Buyer Rep Agreement Download

9 Reasons You Need A Buyers Agent Download

Link to original CAR Article

June 27, 2020 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

Raj Qsar on the state of the luxury market: ‘It’s on fire’

The owner and CEO of The Boutique Real Estate Group in Orange County has seen a significant shift in buyer attitudes since the onset of the pandemic

This spring has been an exceptionally tumultuous one for the luxury market — a pandemic, an initial fear of a market crash and, later, a boom of affluent buyers looking to spend big money on homes in places like Orange County and the Hamptons.

Raj Qsar

Raj Qsar, the owner and CEO of The Boutique Real Estate Group, has been at the forefront of that ride through the unknown. His brokerage, which works with homes from $2 million to upwards of $10 million in Orange County, California, has seen a direct shift in buyer attitudes — from fear and hesitation when the pandemic first hit in March to a present-day focus on finding a home that can be a long-term source of shelter and enjoyment. Money is going toward not just primary and vacation home markets but also home improvements aimed at making a home a personal haven.

“Many dual-income millennials who are making decent money have really changed their perspective,” Qsar told Inman, adding that size and amenities are the hottest trends in real estate. “You can see a definite mindset shift. They’re really coming in and not buying that tiny shack with room for one bed. They want a single-family home with a front yard and a backyard.”

We’ve interviewed Qsar about what his buyers are asking for and how that could shape the future of luxury real estate for years to come.

Inman News: What’s been happening in the Orange County luxury world during the last few weeks?

Raj Qsar: We’ve definitely seen a change in the luxury market. You could even say it’s on fire. It’s picked up a lot, at all price points — $1-$5M, $5-$10M and $10M and up. Buyers and sellers are definitely both in the market. There was a pause at the beginning of the virus just because no one knew what was going to happen. The last two weeks of March were definitely interesting but then things slowly started picking up. In the blink of an eye, the market was back. It’s now the strongest it’s ever been, really.

Is that due to pent-up demand, springtime buyer interest or a combination of both?

We keep hearing about pent-up demand from every news channel. I think there’s a little bit of truth to that but I think that people also, after going through what the country went through and spending so much time locked up inside, just want a nice place. Home offices were gone and now everyone wants a home office again. They’re working from home and want a place to be when the kids are all over. The secondary housing market is strong too because people want a place that they can escape to.

So the initial fear of the pandemic prompting a housing crash has been far from your experience?

That’s right. They’ve been saying that the market is going to crash and that we’re going to go into a recession for the last four or five years. The exact opposite is happening, actually. The market is stronger than ever, and people want to spend money on real estate. The first couple of weeks were a little bit scary, but I really do feel like people want to spend and they want to spend it on their house.

What are some other things that luxury buyers are asking you about?

Pools are back in, outdoor kitchens, outdoor barbecues — anything outdoors. People are putting money into their homes, upgrading with really nice high-end appliances, things like that. Owners want to love their house and everything about it. A lot of stuff that was being put off, like adding another bedroom or bathroom, is back. People are doing whatever they wanted to do.

You’ve observed a big change in buyer priorities?

Yes. Many dual-income millennials who are making decent money have really changed their perspective. You can see a definite mindset shift. They’re really coming in and not buying that tiny shack with room for one bed. They want a single-family home with a front yard and a backyard. All the stuff that wasn’t important has become important again.

Could these buyer preferences alter how future houses are built for years to come?

I think so. There’s definitely a shift in the whole indoor/outdoor space. People want the inside to feel like the outside and the outside to feel like the inside. Living rooms, cabanas, TVs — the stuff that we’re seeing right now is jaw-dropping. The stuff people are doing to their houses, it’s like going to a beach party in Vegas. We’re just a few months into the virus, but the aftermath of it is going to be years and years. People are always going to remember 2020 and being locked up at home. That will influence what they want in their homes.

BY VERONIKA BONDARENKO via Inman News

March 27, 2020 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

10 Questions with Raj Qsar

With so much panic and uncertainty in the world today, I figured there was no better person to interview for this week’s 10 Questions series than my good friend, Raj Qsar. Raj is the owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group based in Orange County, CA. Not only is Raj one of the leading minds in real estate innovation, but he’s not too proud to share everything he knows with the industry he loves to challenge us all to find new ways of doing things. His marketing is a step above the rest (just check out one of his videos) and when it comes to just about anything – I know Raj not only has everyone’s best interests at heart but delivers with a laugh and a smile. Get to know more about Raj here.

With a new “smart” something coming out almost every day, what products amaze and astound you?

I am pretty sure you know my answer to this… TikTok. It is not just a dancing app where you are being silly. It truly is addictive. And the skills an individual can learn from mastering the app will carry on for years to come. What you can simply do on TikTok used to take a team of five people to pull off 5 years ago. It also gives you some insight into what is trending and relevant in today’s world.

With a million things happening at any one moment, how do you manage your time?

I am a huge believer in having a schedule and time-blocking chunks of the day. My routine is pretty much the same everyday (for work and my personal life). The details of what I am doing may change, just like a real estate transaction, but the core is the same.

What is something you’re really proud of? Why?

Probably the fact that back in 2008 I decided to take a leap and shoot a video. And not just a video but an actual movie on a listing. This was back before any of us knew how to shoot video on anything. I wanted to be different. I wanted to stand out. I wanted to give our clients the best chance of success on selling their home (which they tried to do several times before they met me). We had no idea of what we were doing or how to cut or edit the video but it was one of the most critical “ah ha” moments in my real estate career.

What’s the best and worst thing about getting older?

Worst – The fact that you are getting older and realizing that you can not control time.
Best – You truly realize who your tribe is over time. The people that stick with you, love you no matter what and want to do time with you. You also realize that life is full of moments with people (not things). And every moment is what you make of it and is irreplaceable.

How do you relax?
Ever since I was a kid I have loved the ocean. I am not sure why because my parents really do not love the water. I mean my Mom does not know how to swim? But at an early age, they got us all into swim lessons and started taking us to the beach. In Orange County, I love to relax (in the afternoon) on any beach and watch the sunset.

What kind of projects would you like to do more of?
I think there is a huge need in our industry for true camaraderie, especially in leadership. CEO’s helping CEO’s navigate the waters we sail every day. Our industry is so complex and slammed with “what if’s” that it can sometimes be difficult to have a standard way of doing things. So to answer the question, I would love to be able to reach out to more CEO’s and give my time and see where I can assist and have a CEO sounding board where you can throw stuff and see if it sticks.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?
As you know I went to medical school. So pretty much from college on that’s what I wanted to do, but life does take some interesting turns. I found out by going to medical school it truly was not my calling. It’s a long story on how I eventually landed in real estate but, for now, it is where I belong.

Why do you believe having mentors is so important?
Sometimes I think the world puts people in front of you for a reason. There are some really good people out there and these are the folks you need to cling to. When starting a business there are people who have run your race and finished the course and are willing to share their experience with you. Whether they take on the role of “mentor” or simply “friend” it is these opportunities that make you and your business better. No one business person has all the answers, it is humanly impossible.

What gets you fired up/energized?
It has become a trend that most people in our industry will do the least amount of work possible, put in the least amount of time and try to have the biggest rewards. Our team has become know in Orange County as the cleanup kids (and we are not kids anymore). But basically, when a listing does not sell due to over promises and under delivery, we get the call. This is not a business where your brothers, daughters, next-door neighbors dog sitter who just got licensed should be navigating the sale of someone’s most valuable asset should come into place to save x%. So coming into a listing that has not sold, charging the same amount and delighting our clients is what gets me the most fired up. We recently took a listing that had been listed 5x by 5 of the top brokers in Orange County and we sold it for full price. We truly care and every single listing matters.

Original Post via https://alyssahellman.com/blog/10-questions-with-raj-qsar

in Anaheim Hills / Brea / Central Orange County / Coastal Orange County / Featured / Fullerton / Irvine / Los Angeles / Los Angeles Real Estate News / News / North Orange County / Orange County Luxury Real Estate / Orange County Mortgage News / Orange County Real Estate / Orange County Social Media / Orange County Technology / Pasadena Real Estate / Placentia / Random Orange County / South Orange County / Yorba Linda 0 comments

December 9, 2019 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

Raj Qsar on Cheddar TV Los Angeles

As I walked into the lobby of the Cheddar Los Angeles TV building in #hollywood this morning I was hit with a huge neon sign that read, “do what you love.” 💡 My mind travels 100 MPH in a 55 MPH world so it is difficult to pause, reflect and take it all in and realize that I am doing what I love. So I made the most of my 6 minutes on the air today with co-hosts Max Godnick and Alyssa Julya Smith on CheddarTV 📺 chatting about my journey in real estate, video marketing, and social media. When we were done I just wanted more. I was like, “it’s over? Ask me more?” So what’s next? Video clip coming soon… 😉

in Los Angeles Real Estate News / News / Orange County Luxury Real Estate 0 comments

August 9, 2018 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

Top 100 Real Estate Slogans In 2018

We were recently recognized as #14 of Property Spark’s top 100 Real Estate Slogans in 2018!

Top 100 Real Estate Slogans In 2018

These remarkably talented real estate agents and brokerages have summed up their real estate value in a few words. Here are the best real estate slogans for 2018.

A good real estate slogan is important for professional or personal branding and creates an emotional connection with potential clients. It can help you stand out in a crowd and set you apart from everyone else. We have gathered the best real estate slogans from the top professionals in the industry. Below, we present to you the Top 100 Real Estate Slogans In 2018!

Via https://propertyspark.com/top-100-real-estate-slogans/

#100: Illustrated Properties

“Our Roots Run Deep”

#99: Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers

“Hawai’i Real Estate Lives Here.”

#98: Team Koki

“Koki is the Key, Your Key to Real Estate”

#97: Jennifer Saavedra

“List. Rent. Invest…with us!”

#96: The Jamie Hering Team

“Just Ask Jamie”

#95: Andrew Scherl

“HaveYouSeenAndrew”

#94: Luna Ge

“If you talk about it, it’s a dream. If you envision it, it’s possible, but if you schedule it, it’s real.”

#93: Darren Wilford

“Your Real Estate Wealth Strategist. When your wealth matters, your strategy counts!”

#92: Wendi Cornell

“Ready to Sell? Call Team Cornell!”

#91: Anita Sharma Turner

“#findyourwayhome”

#90: Jeanne Johnston-Sanders

“Solution Minded, Positive Results!”

#89: Katrina Lewis

“Raise your standards, Exceptional service, Unprecedented Luxury Living, Closing Deals in Heels..Katrina Lewis”

#88: Bernadette Metts

“We are Red Hot and Cutting Edge!!”

#87: Ben Caballero

“Realtor Marketing for Homebuilders Made Easy”

#86: Brett Jennings

“Go BIG or go homeless”

#85: Gilbert Gallegos

“Dream. Search. Live”

#84: Chen Liang

“Home is a place where you can be you.”

#83: Vincent & Lisa Archibeque

“The Archibeque Group – where clients are like family – come join our family.”

#82: Colin Whitenack

“Live where you love”

#81: Dolly Rivero

“Professionalism and trust, Hire Elite KY Homes to bring you results”

#80: Emily Kozloski Foebar

“Real Estate with an Equestrian Perspective…”

#79: Chris Duke

“Turning transactions into relationships”

#78: Jeff Scislow

“The Name You Know”

#77: Nathan Galloway

“More than a Realtor”

#76: The Stanco-Misiti Team

“The Next Generation of Real Estate”

#75: The Noble Black

“Extraordinary Reach. Extraordinary Results”

#74: Mike Murphy

“Delivering the Very Best in All Facets of Real Estate, Because you Deserve No Less”

#73: Melanie Piche

“No BS. No fridge magnets. No broken promises.”

#72: Brenda Barajas

“Results that will move you.”

#71: Eric Rollo

“Authentic Local Experience. Authentic Global Results.”

#70: Lauri Lansdale

“Have a Smooth Sale with Lauri Lansdale”

#69: Carrie McCormick

“Live where you are Inspired”

#68: Chelsea Holden

“Your Laid-Back Realtor”

#67: Melissa Vasic & Tawnya McVicker

“Integrity, service, commitment. Your trust is the heart of our business”

#66: Mike Nichols

“Downtown, In Town, Around Town.”

#65: Heidi Harris

“We do the hustle so you don’t have the hassle”

#64: Chase Olsen

“Better Service | Better Marketing | Better Results”

#63: Harry Page

“Team Aggressive specializes in helping families”

#62: Vikram Deol

“Speed to lead. The winner in this game gets to all their leads before the competition.”

#61: Michael Hickman

“Lifestyle is Where it Begins”

#60: Carol Staab

“Pick the broker who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear!”

#59: Maxim Shtraus

“Selling A Lifestyle, Not Just Real Estate”

#58: Fernando Branco

“Working by referral. Let me help you find a home too!!”

#57: The Meldrum Knybel Real Estate Group

“The Meldrum Knybel Real Estate Group, We Sell Homes!”

#56: Olga Ribardo

“Service as unique as the properties I sell”

#55: Podley Properties

“Your Next Chapter Starts Here”

#54: Zak Bushey

“Is Yours Next?”

#53: Judi A. Desiderio

“The Power of Deep Roots”

#52: Carrie Nenonen

“Selling St. Louis since 2001!”

#51: Katia Samson

“We Sell The Sud-Ouest✨”

#50: Roosevelt Mompremier

“We’ve got you covered!”

#49: Kristine Cuddy

“Keeping the Real in Real Estate”

#48: Shannon Milligan

“We Take Care of Everything”

#47: Wes Stoyanov

“Our Expertise Your Lifestyle”

#46: Real

“Your Success is Real’s Mission”

#45: Jordanna Moskal

“Let’s Make It Happen!”

#44: Gina Tufano

“Unlock the possibilities”

#43: Jared Anthony

“Serving Real Estate Realness”

#42: Gabe Mendez

“I’m That Realtor They Told You To Ask For”

#41: Harrison Beacher

“Negotiation in real estate transaction is all about leverage, Understand who has it and who knows they have it.”

#40: Nur Koseoglu

“Don’t trust your online home value estimates, your home is worth more! Find out how”

#39: Joshua Baris

“Bar is Raised for Real Estate!®”

#38: James Silver

“We never stop work for you!”

#37: Faith Hope Consolo

“You Need Faith”

#36: Rich Jackson

“Real Estate Rich, helping people establish a foundation to wealth through real estate”

#35: Mike McCann

“Mike McCann ‘The Real Estate Man’”

#34: Cristina Grossu

“It Only Takes ONE”

#33: Mike Bottaro

“Before You Schedule to Show, Call Bo”

#32: Gea Elika

“The better way to buy real estate”

#31: Cecilia Sherrard

“Loving What I Do Since 2002! Thinking Of Buying Or Selling A Home? Think: YouShouldOwn!”

#30: Greef Properties Christie’s

“Where it Counts”

#29: Chris & Stephanie Somers

“Real Dreams – Real People – Real Estate”

#28: Quinn Lawrence

“Where you live is my business.”

#27: Dolly Lenz

“Client Focused. Results Driven.™”

#26: Kate Bradway Rahn

“#UniqueDenverProperties”

#25: Dusty Baker

“Santa Barbara’s Premier Real Estate Professional”

#24: Leigh Brown

“#MoreThanHouses”

#23: Pacific Union

“Local Real Estate / Marketed Internationally”

#22: Exit Realty

“A Smart Move!”

#21: Stribling & Associates

“The Right Broker Makes all the Difference”

#20: ERA Real Estate

“Always There for You”

#19: New Story

“A home changes everything”

#18: Halton Pardee + Partners

“We Are Life Changers”

#17: eXp Realty

“The Agent Owned Cloud Brokerage”

#16: Austin Frangoules

“The Realtor who goes above and beyond for all”

#15: Jeffrey S. Detwiler

“Defined by Service & Expertise”

#14: Raj Qsar

“Our Passion is People What’s Yours?”

#13: Saunders & Associates

“A Higher Form of Realty”

#12: Rodeo Realty

“Local Expertise, Global Presence”

#11: Bond Real Estate

“Move/Forward”

#10: The Altman Brothers

“The Difference”

#9: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

“Good to Know”

#8: Sothebey’s International Realty

“Luxury Real Estate: Redefined”

#7: Compass

“Let us Guide You Home”

#6: Douglas Elliman

“Ask Elliman”

#5: Corcoran Group

“Live Who You Are”

#4: RE/MAX

“Above the Crowd”

#3: Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate

“Expect Better”

#2: Coldwell Banker

“Where Dreams Come Home”

#1: Century21

“Real Estate for Your World”

in Anaheim Hills / Brea / Central Orange County / Coastal Orange County / Corona Del Mar / Featured / Fullerton / Irvine / Laguna Beach / Long Beach / Los Angeles / Los Angeles Real Estate News / News / Orange County Luxury Real Estate / Orange County Real Estate / Orange County Social Media / Orange County Technology / Random Orange County / Yorba Linda 0 comments

February 13, 2018 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

Raj Qsar at Inman NYC- The Boom Real Estate Podcast

“Raj Qsar at Inman NYC // It’s time for Inman—it’s Inman time! In this episode, Raj Qsar is a blinding, brilliant light from heaven. He brings all of his energy and passion for video in real estate and just CRUSHES it. You’ll be inspired—just like we were—when you hear Raj talk about how he broke into the luxury market using video; the ROI of video in his business; and how much he can bench press. For real. He can bench press a lot.” -The Boom Real Estate Podcast Episode #34.

Check out the podcast here:

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January 2, 2018 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

No End in Sight for Toll Brothers’ Luxe Push in OC

$44M Yorba Linda Site Offers Half-Acre Lots

Via Mark Mueller / Orange County Business Journal

Monday, December 11, 2017

Toll Brothers Inc. is adding another high-end housing development to its Orange County portfolio.

Its latest addition, a 47-lot site in Yorba Linda, will likely be one of its highest-priced local communities, which is saying something for the Horsham, Pa.-based builder, whose local developments’ homes top $2 million.

The builder, whose market value is about $8 billion, recently reached a deal to buy the Stonecliff Estates development site in Yorba Linda, roughly 30 acres on the northwest corner of Lakeview Avenue and Bastanchury Road. It’s a little more than a mile northeast of the Richard Nixon Museum and Library.

The site was listed for sale a few months ago by Sal Provenza and Curt Crandall at the Irvine office of land brokerage WD Land.

It traded hands for about $44 million, a little under $1.5 million per acre, or nearly $940,000 per lot, among the highest per-lot prices for an OC housing development site not along the coast.

The land was technically bought by an undisclosed land banking firm that will sell the lots to Toll Brothers in phases, according to Provenza.

Stonecliff Estates has been in the works for nearly a decade and was sold by an entity listed in marketing documents as Bastanchury Holding Co. LP.

The sellers are affiliated with Kuwait Finance House, a large Islamic banking firm that was one of the initial equity investors in the development, according to Provenza. The property is believed to be its only OC land investment; it also has some commercial property holdings in the Los Angeles area, he said.

Toll Brothers, which bills itself as the country’s largest luxury homes builder, is no stranger to Yorba Linda (or OC, where it’s now selling at 16 different projects), and has built a few developments in the city over the past three years.

Its latest, the 119-unit Enclave project, is about a half-mile from the recently bought property. It opened last year with prices near $2 million, and was about half sold as of a few months ago, according to brokerage data.

Stonecliff Estates will likely have a higher price point, thanks to some of the largest lot sizes—about a half-acre, or a little more than 20,000 square feet—for a recent OC housing development.

Most of Toll Brothers’ other area luxe homes in Irvine and other parts of OC have lots in the 6,000- to 12,000-square-foot range. Its Alta Vista development in Irvine’s Orchard Hills community, for example, with some homes priced at nearly $3 million, has lots of about 11,000 square feet, according to WD Land.

Homes at Stonecliff Estates were envisioned to be a little more than 4,000 square feet to nearly 6,000 square feet on the half-acre lots under the prior ownership group’s proposed designs, which Toll will likely tweak.

A community opening should be in about nine months, according to WD Land’s Provenza, who previously worked on land acquisitions for Toll Brothers.

Record Year, Rents

Apartment construction in OC is projected to reach an all-time record this year, according to a new multifamily research report by the local office of Marcus & Millichap.

Nearly 7,500 units will be completed at large apartment projects across the county, a record level and one that will increase OC’s base of rentals by 3%, the report said.

The heavy development is having a slight impact on vacancy rates, which have ticked up to 4%. But that hasn’t slowed rental appreciation, which has also risen 4%. Average monthly rents now stand at $1,972.

Construction should keep pushing on into next year. There were nine apartment projects with more than 300 units under way in Anaheim and Irvine combined at the start of the fourth quarter, and two projects, each larger than 500 units, were going up in Huntington Beach, the report said.

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July 5, 2017 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

Real estate agents make movies to sell mansions as traditional home tours become obsolete

via Financial Express

In a world of extreme competition, traditional home tours are becoming obsolete. Real estate agents are now using movies to sell mansions.

It’s not easy to sell houses. In a market spoilt for choice, selling mansions becomes even more tougher. So real estate agents are finding new ways to lure customers and one of them happens to be making movies to sell mansions. A woman in a red dress twirls with a mysterious man through light-filled hallways. There is light music that surges in a romantically-lit courtyard, which overlooks a twinkling city. A mischievous coda plays, and then the credits roll. You could mistake it for a scene from a romantic blockbuster. Not really, as this eight-minute mini movie is a real estate advertisement—uploaded on Vimeo—for an $8.5-million, 1.5-acre compound in Encino, Los Angeles. The days of good old brochures with high-resolution pictures are over. So is successfully marketing a mansion using shots from an iPhone or even expensive videos shot by drone. In the days of ever-evolving technology and infrastructure, real estate agents need to do a little more hard work to pitch the perfect sale bid.

So luxury listings are now experimenting with full-on property movies—films featuring actors, story arcs, scores and tinseltown-caliber cinematography. The money is spent on movies to be recovered through million-dollar sales. In another movie for a mansion, gorgeous women dressed in bikinis, sipping fine wine, are sitting by the poolside. The short movie made by realtors to sell a $32-million Hollywood Hills mansion cost its makers a whopping $40,000. Real estate agents Rayni Williams and Branden Williams were one of the first ones who came up with such an over-the-top marketing idea to sell a mansion in 2015.

The storyline of the movie pays attention to showcase all the finer details of the mansion. The man of the house is out of town and his wife texts her friends to come over and party. So the director of photography used five different cameras and three drones to capture the home’s splendour. The eight-bedroom estate boasts breathtaking views, a theatre and a gym. The husband and wife realtor team also made a $100,000-mini movie to sell a $70-million property the same year.

People are short of time and so the classic, old-school walking tour of the house is becoming more and more obsolete. So here come movies for a generation that is short on attention, but is addicted to smartphones. A movie makes people feel attached to a story, and they want to stick around and see what’s happening. Making a movie doesn’t come cheap though. Typically, the filmmaking cost is covered by either the listing agents, sellers or both. Movie-style real estate videos can cost anywhere from $5,000 to upwards of $30,000. Real estate agent Ben Bacal, an early innovator of high-gloss property films, worked with married clients Ori and Nafisa Ayonmike to craft a $20,000-film to market their home in Hollywood.

The Ayonmikes star in a fictional narrative that begins with Ori skulking through the sleek, contemporary rooms of his 5,500-square-foot, five-bedroom estate. In the next 11 minutes, Ori tells Nafisa that he wants a divorce. A passionate fight ensues, Ori gets kicked out and Nafisa chucks her massive diamond ring into the pool. Amid all the high drama, the camera-person captures the home’s 20-foot ceilings, high-tech security system, marble fireplaces and the tony Hollywood Hills neighbourhood.

The video of the property, listed at $3.65 million, has generated nearly 61,000 views since being posted on YouTube last year. As movies are doled out so are online video platforms, which have become a key component in property sales. Some 36% of home buyers used YouTube, Vimeo or another video-hosting website in their search last year, despite only 8% of real estate agents using films in their marketing strategies, as per the National Association of Realtors in the USA.

Bacal posted another movie trailer-listing video last year for a Bel-Air property, in which two children develop Ferris Bueller fevers and spend the day playing hooky. The pair splash in their infinity pool, shoot golf balls over the Los Angeles skyline from their lawn, try on outfits in their generous closets and have a puppy delivered by drone. The 14,230-square-foot spread sold in December for $39 million.

Not all of the properties are extravagant or overwrought. One narrative video, for a four-bedroom home in Brea that sold in October, focused on family. The movie trailer for the 3,008-square-foot property, posted on YouTube three months earlier by the Boutique Real Estate Group, features little girls at a sleepover, romping through various bedrooms and having a late-night living room dance party to Taylor Swift songs. Some properties take naturally to the camera.

Consider the 20,500-square-foot Opus spec estate in Beverly Hills. The $100-million listing—which includes seven bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, two swimming pools, art by Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol, and a champagne vault with 170 bottles of Cristal—was featured last spring in a video inspired by David Lynch and Eyes Wide Shut. Producer Alexander Ali of the Society Group worked with Hilton & Hyland selling agent Drew Fenton and developer Nile Niami—who co-produced Steven Seagal’s 1998 film The Patriot—on the Opus film. Opus has now received inquiries from China, Russia, Brazil and India.

in Corona Del Mar / Featured / Irvine / News / Orange County Luxury Real Estate / Orange County Real Estate / Orange County Social Media / Orange County Technology / Random Orange County / Yorba Linda 0 comments

July 19, 2016 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

Luxury listing: Pinnacle House in Yorba Linda

via inmanLA

More than 8,000 square feet of modern beauty

This beautiful hillside estate in Yorba Linda is minutes from the esteemed Black Gold Golf Course, but with a stunning backyard and infinity pool, wine cellar and in-home theater, you might never want to leave.

The five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home is listed at $10 million by Raj Qsar and Christina Boladian with The Boutique Real Estate Group.

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February 14, 2016 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

How to turn Starbucks into a lead goldmine

Via Inman News

Get out of the office and make personal connections that generate leads.

Key Takeaways

Starbucks and other places like it are great locations to generate leads.
Be consistent and focus on creating relationships that build credibility and lead to sales down the line.
Always bring marketing materials and discreetly advertise yourself with branded accessories, such as a laptop cover.

Starbucks isn’t only the place to pick up your daily triple nonfat latte with a drizzle of caramel and extra foam on the side — it’s also a great place to find leads.

James Michaelin recounts how he got two leads in one morning at Starbucks thanks to good listening and quick action.

“I overheard a business meeting that someone was starting a business and they brought up needing to find a Realtor for a location,” he wrote. “Well, [the] keyword Realtor was said so of course I introduced myself, gave my card to both of them and they [wanted] to get together soon.”

Twenty minutes later, James got another lead from a man who overheard his conversation with the two businessmen.

As it turns out, Michaelin isn’t the only agent who uses Starbucks as a lead-generating tool. There’s been a lot of chatter online over the past two months about the power of Starbucks and other places like it, such as Panera Bread or even Dunkin’ Donuts.

Here’s some of the advice agents gave on how to make Starbucks work for you:

1. Mark it on your weekly schedule

Raj Qsar goes to Starbucks three times a week to do local real estate research and work on handwritten thank-you notes. Because of his consistency, customers expect Qsar to be there and look forward to asking him questions.

2. Make your presence known

Agents aren’t the only people who use Starbucks as a second office. Most of the people are there are to get work done and rarely look up from their phone, tablet or laptop.

So how do you let people know a Realtor is in the room? JT Takacs suggests telling the cashier to write “Realtor (insert name)” on your cup, so when the barista calls your name, everyone will know your profession.

3. Discreetly advertise yourself with branded accessories

Order a customized laptop cover that has your name, logo, website URL and a great call-to-action. Amanda Miller Hudson says: “I have the Realtor ‘R’ logo in sticker form over the apple on my MacBook Pro. It works! I picked up a seller lead last November at Panera.”

4. Focus on making personal connections before generating leads

What agents love about Starbucks is the chance to get from behind the tech wall and make real-time, face-to-face connections. Don’t stop in with the expectation that you’ll walk out with a handful of deals each day, because as many will attest, there will be days and weeks when you won’t.

But you will build the relationships and familiarity crucial to establishing your brand and long-term success.

5. Offer on-the-spot advice

When Zillow evangelist Jay Thompson goes to Starbucks, he brings a sign that says: “Have a real estate question? Fire away!” And he buys a cup of coffee for those who are brave enough to take the offer.

6. Bring marketing materials

This seems like a given, but some may feel apprehensive about bringing their regular marketing materials with them into Starbucks. David Fresquez suggests having a set of “ready-made buyer or seller folders that includes information about you, your latest accomplishments along with some social proof.”

Keep these folders in your briefcase, backpack or bag and give them to your potential lead once your conversation is done.

7. Small sacrifices can hook a big fish

At Luxury Connect in October, Josh Altman shared a story about how he was able to snare a sale at Starbucks. He frequents one Los Angeles store in particular and had purchased his coffee when he saw a well-known celebrity join the line.

So Altman threw out his just-procured drink and stepped in line behind the celeb, struck up a conversation and discovered he was looking for a home. He offered the star $1,000 to come with him to a place he thought would fit the bill — certain it was perfect. And it was. Being willing to throw out the coffee and offer money to show sincerity generated a happy ending to the story, a $12 million sale.

Do you have any extra advice for getting leads at Starbucks? What are some other places you like to hang out? Share them in the comments below.

Via Marian McPherson and Inman News

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