Category Orange County Real Estate | The Boutique Real Estate Group

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

April 23, 2024 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS AS THE BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE GROUP

THE BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE GROUP CELEBRATES

Setting a standard for excellence within our industry while fostering meaningful connections with our community and our agents.

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For Immediate Release

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WRITTEN BY: RAJ QSAR, CEO & FOUNDER, THE BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE GROUP

Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on the journey that began 11 years ago when The Boutique Real Estate Group was just an idea sketched on a napkin during a journey to a real estate conference in San Francisco. Now, stepping into my 18th year in the industry, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness, excitement, and encouragement.
Owning your own business is a blend of both fulfillment and challenge, a path I’ve walked with deep gratitude. As one of the few independent real estate companies left in Orange County, we feel immensely blessed to serve our community from within, rooted in the very fabric of our neighborhoods.
Looking back, the road has been a tapestry of experiences – from the exhilaration of closing my first deal in the parking lot of The Yard House Restaurant, to navigating through the complexities of tough real estate markets, economic fluctuations, and continually battling the media, to setting price records on stunning multimillion-dollar homes. Each moment, whether a triumph or a trial, has shaped our journey and helped us grow as one of the top real estate companies in Orange County.
Throughout it all, one constant remains: the bonds we’ve forged with our deeply loyal clients. To each person who has entrusted us with the pivotal task of buying or selling a home, we extend our deepest heartfelt thank you. It’s an honor to play a role in such significant chapters of your lives, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As we commemorate this milestone of 11 years as an independent real estate brokerage, I stand with immense pride knowing that our business has etched a lasting legacy. Beyond merely selling homes, we’ve set a standard for excellence while fostering meaningful connections with our community and our agents who continually go above and beyond each & every day.
To my family, friends, and agents who have stood by me unwaveringly, offering support and encouragement at every turn, I am endlessly grateful. And to all of you who have been with The Boutique from our humble beginnings and continue to stand alongside The Boutique in this journey, your dedication inspires me daily.
A heartfelt thank you extends to each and every one of our clients. Your trust and partnership have been the cornerstone of our success, and we hold each of you dear in our hearts.Here’s to the next chapter, filled with continued growth, shared successes, and deepened connections. Let’s embark on this journey together, penning the next chapters of our story with gratitude, enthusiasm, and an unyielding dedication to pushing our industry daily and fostering immense care for our clients.

Cheers to you all!

RAJ QSAR

20920 QUAIL CIRCLE / YORBA LINDA / CA 92886 / USA

17290 BRAMBLE COURT / YORBA LINDA / CA 92886 / USA

3313 GARDENIA LN / YORBA LINDA / CA 92886 / USA

About The Boutique Real Estate Group

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.

The Boutique Media Contact:

Raj Qsar / 714-412-5019 / Raj@TheBoutiqueRE.com

20920 QUAIL CIRCLE / YORBA LINDA / CA 92886 / USA

March 17, 2022 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

Broker Spotlight: Raj Qsar, The Boutique Real Estate Group

In the spotlight this week: Meet Raj Qsar, the cabernet-drinking, country music-loving CEO and owner of Orange County, California’s The Boutique Real Estate Group. Find out how he creates once-in-a-lifetime marketing experiences that surprise, delight and win referrals.

BY TROY PALMQUIST (March 17, 2022)

Broker Spotlight: Raj Qsar, The Boutique Real Estate Group

Title: CEO, owner

Experience: 16 years

Location: Orange County, California

Brokerage full name: The Boutique Real Estate Group

Team size: 40 agents

Transaction sides: 200+

Sales volume: $250 million

Why Raj Qsar is in the spotlight

After starting out in medical school, Qsar made the move to real estate following a “horrible experience” with the sale of his home. Since then, he has built a business on marketing acumen, offering custom design, professional staging, architectural photography, cinematography, and even feng-shui consultations. He has been featured on CNBC, HGTV, and has been the recipient of scores of awards, including being named a Top Video Influencer on Social Media by BombBomb.

Qsar prides himself on the white-glove service he provides and it shows in his referral rate — 75 percent of The Boutique Real Estate Group’s business comes from past clients and referrals. Their least expensive sale was $20,000 while their most expensive was $20 million.

Qsar has taken the stage at some of the industry’s most prestigious real estate conferences where he speaks on the value of marketing, technology and social media. Find out more about how he maximizes the marketing experience for his clients.

Let’s start at the beginning. How did you get your start in real estate?

I went to medical school and decided to take some time off after my third year. A friend of mine was in the pharmaceutical industry and asked if I wanted to “take some time off” by working for them. They were hiring people with advanced medical degrees.

I did that for about five years before deciding to sell our first home. I hired the local real estate agent who lived on my street. It was a horrible experience. My wife said, “I could do this job and do it way better.” Hence, I sat for my exam and got my license in 2006.

What do you wish more people knew about working in real estate?

Almost eight years ago, I got a call from a friend who had a friend, who wanted to list her home. We were prepared and ready to hustle and sign a potential $1.6 million listing (listing presentation ready, CMA ready, marketing material ready, iPad charged, game face on, and ready to Boutique-ify this listing).

We showed up to this estate home, which governed 30-foot entry doors and the sweetest little lady struggles to open the door. Arms wide open, smile from ear to ear, and just so full of life. As I peer over her shoulder all I see is a baby grand piano sitting in the dining room with views of the backyard, pool and a half-acre lot.

She sat us down in her garage (where she was living — the home was about 4,000 square feet, mind you) and told us her life story. She had us in the palm of her hands. Once we wiped the tears from our eyes she gave us a tour of her home.

As we came to the dining room I asked her who played the piano? Her eyes started watering and you can see the story pouring out of her soul. She said, “My husband.” I asked, “Did he have a favorite song?” She simply said, “The Summer Wind,” by Sinatra.

I asked her if we could do a “mini-movie” in her home with someone playing that song. She said sure but had no idea what we had planned! Hence, the real estate story begins. I had the storyboard for this listing. The vision. The emotion.

We did a casting call for someone who could play the piano, sing “The Summer Wind” and do a little acting. After a few days of screening, we came across a reel of the “blonde gal” you see in the video. She also had a husband who could act and so that fit perfectly into our storyline of a surprise birthday party that she prepared for her ultra-busy husband.

The entire video is her singing “The Summer Wind” as her husband comes home, head down on his phone, and not even noticing all his family and friends in the backyard as he sees a note on the kitchen island and walks outside.

People ask me why we do what we do? Why do we take so much time, money, and thought into one single listing? Why not just do the easy thing — point, shoot, and list? Why do you do appointment-only showings?

Why are you doing a 24-page glossy booklet? Why are you staging the home? Why are you taking three days to shoot content for this home? Why are you doing a 3D tour? Why do you provide 2-dimensional floor plans?

Why did you have a crew of 5 people here? Why did you hire a drone pilot? Why are you spending money on digital ads? Why do you provide booties at the front door?

This single home recorded the highest closed sale in that city for homes of similar characteristics. The highest closing price per square foot in the entire city for the past five years. And the story told from this effort has been mentioned across the country and internationally for the past eight years.

There is literally not a week that goes by that I do not get a text, email or call asking to use this video as an example of real estate marketing. I always say, let me tell you the story of this video before you simply just play the video.

This effort gives our clients the absolute best chance for success, and it is what they deserve. Even if the average days on market is zero, you still do everything and do it right upfront.

Our clients are our clients. They are real. They have their own struggles. Treat them amazingly. Cherish them. Make them feel like they are your only clients. Create beautiful memories from the work that you do.

Capture these moments. Think bigger, and then go big. Pour your passion into everything you do. Love your team (I mean love them). You have one life so live it well.

What are 5 things you’d like readers to know about you and your brokerage?

I am an extrovert and feed off people’s energy.
I love wine. Especially Napa wine. Cabs are my favorite. I even have a wine account on Instagram called CounterClockwiseSwirl to showcase what I am drinking during the week. It’s all just for fun.
I am a huge country music fan. It’s just about all I listen to.
The idea for my company came to me at John Wayne Airport on the way to an Inman Conference. I did not tell anyone but knew I had something unique and special.
I work out five days a week at a local Crossfit gym.

What’s one thing you wish every agent knew?

The other day someone drives by me while I was hanging a sold sign on one of our listings. They said, “Hey, don’t you have people for that?” Then they laughed and drove away.

There is a reason I still hang my own sold sign on all of my listings. It’s a constant reminder to me of how tough yet how rewarding this business can be. This industry is both physically and emotionally challenging all at the same time. It’s no wonder why 90 percent of agents don’t even make it past their first year and 80 percent do not make it to their third year in the business.

Everyone and everything in the “deal” matters. Nothing can be left to chance or luck. From our clients, our staff, our agents, every handshake, every showing, every click of a wine glass, email, text, social media post, print campaign, social strategy, websites, networking events, worldwide listing syndication, conferences, co-operating broker, lender, escrow team, inspectors, every connection we make completely matters.

No home will ever sell itself, and if someone tells you that then find someone who thinks like this. It’s been a blessing to be in this business and even more of a blessing to survive in this business for 16+ years. I have made some truly amazing lifelong friends along the way, and I am truly excited about the future.

Troy Palmquist is the founder and broker of DOORA Properties in Southern California. Follow him on Instagram or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Link Back To Original Article

in Orange County Luxury Real Estate / Orange County Real Estate 0 comments

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

in Anaheim Hills / Brea / Central Orange County / Coastal Orange County / Corona Del Mar / Featured / Fullerton / Irvine / Los Angeles / Los Angeles Real Estate News / News / North Orange County / Orange County Luxury Real Estate / 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

May 22, 2020 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

How To Market, Sell, and Recruit in “The New Normal”

Raj Qsar and Rachel Holder join Chris Smith & Jimmy Mackin on their latest #WaterCooler roundtable discussion, as they discuss the specific tactics and strategies they are using to navigate “the new normal.”

The best agents are focusing on how to market, sell, and recruit during these unprecedented times. Find out exactly what they are doing day in and day out to stay productive and keep their teams motivated.

in Anaheim Hills / Brea / Central Orange County / Coastal Orange County / Corona Del Mar / Featured / Orange County Real Estate / Orange County Social Media / Orange County Technology / Random Orange County / South Orange County / Yorba Linda 0 comments

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

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November 16, 2019 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

Catch Raj Qsar on CNBC Squawk Box

November 15th, 2019

Catch video pioneer and real estate influencer Raj Qsar on CNBC Squawk Box chatting about the influence of video marketing with his real estate company. Homes selling for more money and faster using highly produced and directed video marketing.

Raj Qsar on CNBC Squawk on The Street

Raj’s story goes a little something like this. Beautiful design evokes emotion. Emotion stirs the soul and creates a connection between client, agent and the home buying or selling process. The Boutique Real Estate Group has invested heavily in bringing all aspects of the real estate experience completely in-house. From custom design, professional staging, architectural photography, award-winning cinematography, and social media to technology, internet optimization, cloud-based transaction management, and global listing syndication. This not only provides The Boutique with complete control of the design, marketing & technology of luxury real estate but also gives them the look & feel of a true boutique marketing agency. This design & tech-forward approach has earned The Boutique Real Estate Group accolades & awards worldwide.

in Featured / Orange County Real Estate 0 comments

November 12, 2019 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

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

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

July 21, 2019 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

Top 8 Tips for ICLV 2019

Inman Connect Las Vegas.

Bigger. Better. Bolder.

Author: Raj Qsar, The Boutique Real Estate Group

1. Make a list of the people you want to meet “in real life.” Connect is an amazing time to solidify some of those online relationships and connect with people who you admire and respect and make that true emotional connection. Some of the connections I have made at Connect have become lifelong friends of mine. They are the ones I call when I need advice, encouragement or just a plain old kick in the tush! Remember this quote from Brene Brown “What we know matters, but who we know matters more.” Some of my favorite folks include who can show you the ropes at Inman include: Vanessa Jones Bergmark, Sara Sutachan, Seth Price, Andrew Flachner, Alyssa Hellman, Lynn Johnson, Rob Hahn, Laura Brady, Chris Smith, Jimmy Mackin, Leigh Brown, Bill Lublin, Celeste Starchild, Katie Lance, Debra Trappen, Valerie Garcia, Joe Schutt, Jay Thompson, Heather Elias, Laura Monroe, Teri Conrad, Audie Chamberlain, Joe Rand, Wendy Forsythe, Sam DeBord, Seth O’Bryne, Jason Cassity, Caroline Pinal, Troy Palmquist & Veronica Figueroa, and so many others….

2. Attend & be present in as many sessions as you can possibly attend! DO NOT MISS ANYTHING. Specifically, look for the sessions that pull you out of your comfort zone and will challenge you on a personal & professional level. See the full schedule here and meet the speakers here. This year catch Molly Bloom on the main stage sharing the story of “the most exclusive high stakes underground poker game in the world.” 😮

Bonus: Please do not miss CAR’s #womanup on Tuesday at 2pm with Sara Sutachan, Leslie Appleton Young & Debra Trappen. See the full lineup here.

3. Have you joined the Inman Coast to Coast Facebook Group? If not join here for all the latest posts, connections and updates. Hashtag is #ICLV

4. The Party after the Party! Do I need to say anymore? This is VEGAS! Text “PARTY” to 415-818-1555 (thanks Jessie) to find out about all the parties, after-parties and events at #ICLV. We all know the real fun starts after midnight! So just ask around, jump in an Uber (download app here) or Lyft (download app here) and find out where the action is. Check your email for last-minute invites to all the happening VIP parties and events. If you still can not find the party make sure to DM Joe Schutt or Laurie Weston Davis (they will steer you in the right direction, I promise). If you are looking for the top-secret karaoke party then there is only one name you should know 👉🏼 Notorious.

5. Lobbycon! You have heard all the rumors and it is true! You will find everyone in The Aria’s Lobby Bar (open until 2am) and this is the spot where you will meet the CEO’s, Founders, Presidents, movers & shakers all just “hanging out.” Bring your selfie stick & business cards and make sure to say hi. BTW, when is the next time you will be in the same hotel with folks like Brad Inman, Sherry Chris, Sharran Shrivatsaa, Rich Barton, Glenn Kellman, Robert Refkin, Glenn Sanford, Ryan Gorman, Eric Wu, James Dwiggins, Joel Singer, Leslie Appleton Young & Josh Team.

6. Get out of the hotel! VEAGS is an amazing city with sights, sounds, history and killer food! Check out this list of The Best Restaurants in Las Vegas via Thrillist. Then catch a show! Or check out some of the worlds best clubs or pool parties. Jump in a helicopter over the grand canyon or do the superman zipline over vegas. Also, everyone loves a good speakeasy and they are all the rage now in Vegas. Here is a great list to tackle.

7. Stay fit and drink a ton of water. It will be over 100 degrees the whole week we are in Vegas and you will be eating, drinking & sitting in a lot of sessions. Please make sure to stay mentally & physically fit at the hotel gym, or find the local SoulCycle, OrangeTheory, CrossFit Gym, TopGolf or 24 hour fitness. If you are still alive midweek there is a group hitting SoulCycle at The Wynn on Wednesday morning at 7am.

8. Ambassadors. These are the ones who will lead us through the first ICLV. Joe Schutt & Laure Weston Davis have been “in charge” of this program for years now and if you have a question about anything ICLV these are the folks to ask. Have you met them? If not connect with them here.

🔥If you made it this far and are headed to #ICLV please find me in one of the sessions, lobbycon or at one of the after-parties. I would love to connect with you and hear your story.

Raj Qsar, The Boutique Real Estate Group, www.TheBoutiqueRE.com

@rajqsar

@TheBoutiqueRE

@SeriouslyOC

@CounterclockwiseSwirl

in Featured / Orange County Real Estate / Orange County Technology 0 comments

February 13, 2019 by The Boutique Real Estate Group

Hello Stranger / Goodbye Friend – Volume 3 – Raj Qsar / February 12, 2019 by Keith Saarloos

You can not make this stuff up! If you have 60 minutes then please hit the play button. If you know Keith Saarloos or Raj Qsar you will not want to miss this epic LOVE FEST! Two guys who are doing something they are NOT supposed to be doing. I will personally call this episode Passion in a Bottle Part 2.

The stories. The passion. The love.