Inman News 2014 Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders Announced

Jeremy Lehman | The Boutique Real Estate Group
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Each year, Inman News recognizes real estate industry leaders whose ingenuity, strength, conviction, power and persistence are driving change.

The Inman 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders report seeks to include not only thought leaders, power brokers and deal makers, but entrepreneurs from outside the industry whose ideas are influencing the way homes are bought and sold.

Boutique Real Estate Group

Jeremy Lehman, a Realtor with The Boutique Real Estate Group in Orange County, Calif., draws on his background in real estate technology to train agents and brokers, and help develop new real estate programs and applications. A featured speaker at local and national events, Lehman is also an adviser to NuOffer, a technology startup creating an innovative way for real estate agents to submit purchase offers on behalf of clients, and to manage offers they have received. Lehman is president of the Pacific West Association of Realtors, and serves on the board of directors of the California Association of Realtors.

Twitter: @jeremylehman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremylehman
LinkedIn or other bio: Click here

The 12 Tips of Christmas from Top Real Estate Pros

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Christmas is just around the corner, and most Real Estate professionals have turned their attention to some last minute present-shopping, turkey-stuffing and snow-shredding.

So for this week’s Know It Now article we convinced 12 of the biggest names in Real Estate to spill the beans on what made them so successful.

Raj QsarChristophe ChooJoe SchuttPhil DuMoulinLeigh Brown, Cindy Banks and more have found their own unique way to separate themselves and generate a whack of business. So take notes!

The holiday spirit is upon us, and with such big names in the mood to share, this is a must-read occasion.

‘Tis the season.

So in no particular order, here are 12 Tips of Christmas from Top Real Estate Pros.

Enjoy!

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Are buyerʼs agents becoming obsolete?

By: Melissa Sims, The Boutique Real Estate Group

The Boutique Real Estate Group

In todayʼs digital age, buyers have incredible amounts of information at their finger tips,

literally. I have had buyers walk into an open house, smartphone in hand, not needing

information from me because they already know exactly how many square feet there

are in the home, what school district it is in, and what the asking price is. Most of these

buyers were not represented by an agent, so it begs the question: are buyerʼs agents

becoming obsolete? Am I worried, as a Realtor, that this will affect my career?

The answer to both questions is an astounding NO. While buyers have information at

their finger tips, many of the avenues in which they get that information are notorious for

inaccuracy. Information can be incomplete and outdated, and sometimes, just plain

incorrect.

However, I absolutely applaud buyers that have done their homework. It makes my job

smoother and easier. But, the property search function is a very small part of the entire

process. Regardless of how educated buyers are, most do not know the ʻins and outsʼ

of a real estate transaction. The amount of paperwork alone is enough reason to hire

an agent. And, if you happen to enter into a transaction where the selling agent isnʼt

aware of the disclosures needed, you could find yourself unprotected. In addition, when

you walk into a transaction without an agent, you are automatically hiring the sellerʼs

agent. Whose best interest does that agent protect? By law, it is supposed to be both

of yours. But in reality, that may not always be the case. Protect yourself.

With all of the new master-planned communities being built in the next few years,

bringing a licensed real estate agent with you when touring the properties for the first

time is the way to ensure that you are the most prepared you can be for the one of

biggest financial decisions of your life. We are here to be your advocate, your

negotiator and your friend through the process. We are here to guide you through the

contract process, inform you of your rights, and be the go-between for uncomfortable

scenarios that often arise.

You can search on You Tube for “how to perform an appendectomy” and it will give you

step-by-step instructions on removing an appendix. So are you going to go out and buy

some surgical tools and do it yourself? We certainly hope not! When making such a

huge financial decision, wouldn’t it make sense to use every tool available to you?

Especially when the tool is free to you?

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

To reach Melissa Sims directly please email her at Melissa.Sims@TheBoutiqueRE.com or 714-616-6442 or visit her at www.TheBoutiqueRE.com/Melissa-Sims

Corona Del Mar 35th Annual Christmas Walk

Corona Del Mar To Celebrate 35th Annual Christmas Walk On Sunday December 8th

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The Corona del Mar Christmas Walk will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 8, featuring live entertainment, the Fireman’s Grill, Santa Claus photos, bouncy houses, bungee jumping, a petting zoo and more.

The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual event, which draws thousands of visitors to town each year. Local businesses and restaurants feature tastings and parties, and a vendor fair will take place at the center stage near the Bandera parking lot. The lower lot will feature a beer and wine garden and the popular local band Pinch Me, and there will be an opportunity drawing with more than $15,000 worth of prizes.

“It is always our most popular event each year,” said Linda Leonhard, president of the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the event click here. To read about last year’s Christmas Walk, click here.

The Christmas Walk traditionally takes place the first Sunday in December, but this year’s event will be held a week later to avoid conflicting with the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Leonhard said.

www.TheBoutiqueRE.com

The Boutique Real Estate Group now Open in Corona Del Mar.

3653 E. Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, Ca 92625

949-612-2535

The Boutique Real Estate Group To Open Its Newest Office in Corona Del Mar

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Click the photo above to view more information about our new office!

Call us today at 949-612-2535 or visit http://TheBoutiqueRE.com
The Boutique Real Estate Group is delighted to announce the opening of its 2nd office in Coastal Orange County. Our newest office will be located in the beach community of Corona Del Mar, Ca.
Most Recent Accolades:
*2013 Next Generation Brokerage
*2013 Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders in the USA
*2013 Top 20 Real Estate Videos in USA

The Boutique Real Estate Group represents one of the most dominant Real Estate Teams in the Orange County Real Estate Market. Every Real Estate listing is assigned a best-in-class sales & marketing campaign, and receives the support of industry leading marketing, advertising, social media, video, staging & interior design, graphics & design, all of whom work together to develop a strategic and tactical marketing plan customized to each client and each property.

Call us today at 949-612-2535 or visit us at http://TheBoutiqueRE.com

Whether you are looking to buy or sell Orange County Real Estate or if you are an Orange County Real Estate Professional looking for a change give us a call today!

The Boutique Real Estate Group
South & Coastal OC
3653 E. Coast Hwy
Corona Del Mar, Ca 92625

North & Central OC
3000 E. Birch St. Suite 102B
Brea, Ca 92821

From The Trenches: Raj Qsar of The Boutique Real Estate Group

Every month FreeAgent by AdWerx brings you advice from top-performing agents and real estate technology experts in “From the Trenches.” Here atAdWerx, we believe that to be the best, you have to learn from the best. While doing your own research can be helpful, getting tips straight-from-the source can offer new perspectives and give you a taste of each real estate maven’s personality.

This month in From the Trenches, we’ll hear from Raj Qsar, Principal and Owner ofThe Boutique Real Estate Group, in California. His company serves as one of the most dominant real estate teams in the Orange County real estate market, serving north, central, south and coastal Orange County. It’s easy to see why they come out on top. While agents with The Boutique Real Estate Group excel with their personal branding, the marketing of each listing the firm represents is impeccable. According to theboutiquere.com, “Every real estate listing is assigned a best-in-class sales & marketing campaign, and receives the support of industry leading marketing, advertising, social media, video, staging & interior design, graphics & design, all of whom work together to develop a strategic and tactical marketing plan customized to each client and each property.”

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Raj is no stranger to the value of technology and social media. Aside from employing modern marketing in every aspect of his business, he has also spoken professionally on using these strategies in real estate. Raj was recently named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders for 2013 by Inman News. This annual list recognizes those who embody leadership, ingenuity, strength, conviction, power, persistence, perseverance and progress. Raj is also a contributor at Inman News covering the topics of creative video for real estate, social media and networking. The Boutique Real Estate Group was just selected in 2013 as a Next Generation Brokerage by Better Homes & Garden Real Estate and 1000 Watt Consulting.  These NextGen brokerage projects represent a new breed of real estate brokerages growing across the country. These firms empower agents and clients by providing the most up-to-date and flexible technology. They build meaningful brands, and attract and engage new customers.

1. How did you get your start as a real estate agent?

It’s a funny story. When I initially began selling real estate, I just wanted to sell one to two homes a year and keep my real estate career relatively small. After having my license for just three days, I was absolutely hooked. I was in escrow with a client and it was just the beginning. The social media and technology aspects of my business came later, but I’ve been addicted to the real estate industry since day one.

2. You’re very active on Pinterest. What advice can you give to agents about using Pinterest for real estate?

Pinterest is great, but I advise people to not be a “real estate agent” on Pinterest. Showcase your community and lifestyle.

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Raj keeps a personal Pinterest page focused on his personal brand aside from the Pinterest page of The Boutique Real Estate Group. Both feature a variety of content with some overlap. Topics they post about include aspects of the Orange County lifestyle, including homes, pools, luxury items, famous residents, beaches, cars and style. The company page also features a board dedicated to their video tours.

 

3. In a hot real estate market like this, it’s tempting to spend too much time working in the business instead of on building the business. How much time should an agent spend on marketing themselves versus marketing listings?

The fact is, busy agents need help.  None of us can do this alone, and you shouldn’t try to do it all on your own.  At The Boutique Real Estate Group, we believe the team approach is best, because there are just too many hats to wear right now for an agent. You really have to dedicate time to both. Remember to “walk before you can run,” and don’t get too ahead of yourself. Build your team block by block. Building and nurturing a quality team takes time! And always hire the best.

If you are an agent, find a team that you respect and admire. Demonstrate your skills, and ask to join.  If you are lucky enough to become a part of the team, work hard and contribute. Soak it all up and enjoy the ride!

4. As an agent, you value social media and technology. What are some specific examples of ways they have helped you communicate with clients and increase productivity?

Social is just an amplifier. If you are a rockstar agent, social will just amplify all of the great things you are doing. You have to be doing well in your business for social media to add value to your brand. Also, my tagline is, “If you are not in my newsfeed, you do not exist!” It’s not enough to just have a social presence. You have to be engaged with users and clients if you want to get noticed.

Twitter really is a cocktail party. It is a great tool for agents, but remember, you are in and out in 140 characters.  Make every post short and simple, and talk to people!  If you talk to people they will talk back!

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5. What trends are you seeing in real estate right now in terms of technology and social media? 

We are a 99.9 percent paperless office.  All of our agents sign a contract that they will have an iPhone and iPad at the start of employment.  We also have a technology standard – we call it the #tbreg tech standard  – which all agents must master.  This is the new normal.

Many agents struggle to adopt the technology we have now, and I’m not sure why they put this on the back burner.  For our team, it’s all we talk about.  We ask ourselves, “How can we create a REAL estate experience that our clients will enjoy?”  We want the entire experience to be as easy and painless as possible. Today, utilizing technology is an integral part of that experience with clients.

If you are a great agent, you will get referrals.  It’s that easy.  Put your clients first in all you do and the technology and referrals will follow.

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One way The Boutique Real Estate Group goes the extra mile for their clients is by producing creative listing videos. Watch the story unfold in this video for 9741 Janice Circle, with gorgeous shots of the home in an entertaining and beautiful presentation. The Boutique Real Estate Group is at the forefront of video for real estate, and one of their videos was awarded a spot in the Top 20 Real Estate Videos in the USA in 2013. Watch the video here.

 

6. Is there anything else you’d like to share with FreeAgent readers?

I have truly made some wonderful friends over the years via social. It has been a wonderful ride and has been a true blessing. Turning online relationships into meaningful real life friendships has been one of the greatest joys for me. There are so many great people in this world and in our industry who are trying to raise the bar in all we do. If you take the time to talk to them, they will talk back.

Find Raj Qsar on FacebookTwitter and LinkedIn, and be on the lookout for the opening of The Boutique Real Estate Group’s second luxury office in Corona Del Mar, California in January 2014.

As an agent, do you ask yourself “How can I create a REAL estate experience that my clients will enjoy?” What do you think are the most important parts of this experience? Let us know in the comments below!

The Boutique Real Estate Group Joins RESAAS – The Real Estate Social Network ™

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Vancouver, British Columbia CANADA, Nov 26, 2013 (Filing Services Canada via COMTEX) — RESAAS Services Inc. (RSS – CNQ), The Real Estate Social Network(tm), is excited to announce that The Boutique Real Estate Group (http://www.theboutiquere.com/) will be joining the RESAAS (http://www.resaas.com/)platform.

Why are we so excited? Simply put, The Boutique Real Estate Group is at the forefront of the real estate industry. Just look at their depth of engagement and interaction across all social platforms. Every listing of theirs is assigned a world-class sales & marketing campaign team, receiving the support of industry leaders in social media, internet marketing and print advertisement. For example, take a look at the listing video (http://rebla.st/9t6bf3a) for 49 Golden Eagle, Irvine, California in the exclusive triple-gated neighbourhood of Shady Canyon. The Boutique’s marketing campaigns include an aggressive mix of print advertisement & Boutique branding, social media integration, search engine optimization, HDR Photography (see below), 360? HD V-Tours, full responsive custom built property websites and full-colour custom property brochures, as well as top placement of the world’s largest search engines and real estate websites.

Raj Qsar, Owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group, has a dream and is on a mission. He has used his more than 18 years of sales, marketing and leadership experience to turn the brokerage into one of the most dominant teams in the Orange County Real Estate market, bringing the key components of his brokerage entirely “in-house” – including back-end SEO and technology, graphics and design, staging and interior design, as well as social media, listing and transaction concierges for each of their agents.

What’s more, Raj has traveled the country to educate and consult other brokerages, brokers and real estate professionals on the value of technology and social media as a local and national speaker. In 2013 he was named as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders by Inman News. Also in 2013, The Boutique Real Estate Group was named as a Next Generation Brokerage by Better Homes & Gardens and 1000 Watt Consulting.(http://nextgenbrokerage.com/) Finally, The Boutique Real Estate Group won an award for the Top 20 Real Estate Videos in the U.S.A.

Now he’s joined RESAAS – The Real Estate Social Network(tm), along with his entire team at The Boutique Real Estate Group.

“The real estate industry needs to think outside of the box and we need to stop thinking like real estate agents,” said Raj Qsar, “which is why I am always on the search for new ways to improve my team’s ability to sustain their elite service through technology and social media. RESAAS is an exciting opportunity for us to do just that. It will significantly improve internal communication, boost each agent’s personal marketability and further increase the exposure for our listings.”

Each agent at The Boutique Real Estate Group will receive his or her own corporate branded agent page on RESAAS, and will be connected together into an exclusive group to communicate and stay connected with every other member of their team. In addition, The Boutique Real Estate Group will have its own corporate branded page in order to easily broadcast relevant information and market their company’s content.

To view the image “Raj-Listing-Photo.jpg” please click on the following link:

http://corporate.resaas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Raj-Listing-Photo.jpg

“We are very excited to welcome The Boutique Real Estate Group to RESAAS,” said Nadia Suttle, Account Executive at RESAAS. “They are a prime example of how to lead the real estate industry by providing modern, effective and quality service for their clients and their listings. With them now onboard, it lends massive credence to RESAAS – The Real Estate Social Network(tm) as a powerful tool for real estate professionals everywhere.”

About RESAAS SERVICES INC.

RESAAS – The Real Estate Social Network(tm), is designed specifically for the real estate professional to connect and communicate in real-time. Known as real estate broadcasts, RESAAS’ powerful reblasts(r) engine automatically generates all of your real estate workflow into valuable social content that is instantly pushed out to the RESAAS platform and other social networks. Visit www.resaas.com.

On Behalf of RESAAS

Danielle Sissons

VP Communications

RESAAS Services Inc.

Telephone: (604)558-2929; Email: danielle.sissons@resaas.com

Investor Relations

RESAAS Services Inc.

Telephone: (705) 888-2756; Email: scott.young@resaas.com

The CNSX has not reviewed, nor approved or disapproved the content of this press release.

Forward-Looking Information:

This press release and the company’s website referenced herein may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the company’s technology platform. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by RESAAS’ management, including future plans for the design and development of the company’s technology platform. Although RESAAS believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because RESAAS can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. RESAAS disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

To view this press release as a PDF, please click on the following link:

http://www.usetdas.com/pr/resaas11262013.pdf

Source: RESAAS Services Inc. (cnsx:RSS) http://www.resaas.com

Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com

 


		

32 Home Buying Tips from Some of the World’s Most Popular Realtors

CaliLove

Via Scott Riley @homebuyernation www.HomeBuyerNation.com

After the success of the last expert roundup, I knew another one was in order. This time I asked some of the world’s most popular Realtors from around the country to share one uncommon tip for a first-time home buyer.

They all delivered with some priceless insights and wisdom. We even had 3 agents from the hit TV show Million Dollar Listing weigh in with tips for the HomeBuyer Nation!

I learned a ton and I think you will too. After you’re done, I’d love to hear which one you thought was the most helpful, in the comments.

For full article, follow this link:  http://bit.ly/I1bTBB

Top Resorts in Southern California | Raj Qsar | The Boutique Real Estate Group

Recently, Conde Nast magazine released their annual ‘Top Resorts In Southern California’ list.  Four of the resorts in the top ten are right here in Orange County, believe it or not.

Just making it in to the top ten, the St. Regis Monarch Beach received the #9 spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s list.  With numerous awards, from Forbes five-star, AAA Diamond, Travel & Leisure Top Spas, it is no wonder that this resort has withstood the test of time.  Probably best known for it’s challenging, award-winning Robert Trent Jones golf course, the resort has been a staple in Orange County for decades.  Rumor has it that the sand in the bunkers has crushed abalone to help give it that ‘sparkle’ that no other resort around has.  Designed with impeccable detail, the St. Regis has a Mediterranean flair, complete with grand fountains and courtyards.  The entire resort and golf course have spectacular views of the gorgeous Orange County coastline.  Visit http://bit.ly/Hd6Lda to reserve.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point is #7 on the list.  Located atop a 150-foot bluff, the Ritz-Carlton encompasses luxury.  It evokes a kind of romanticism that feels novel-worthy.  The resort’s impeccable design, coupled with its gold standard of service, have given it an impressive track record of success.  World-class surf just below, amazing restaurants and some of the best weather anywhere, and views up and down the coastline of Orange County make you realize just how special the resort is. http://bit.ly/Hd6IxZ

Almost topping the prestigious Conde Nast list is The Montage in Laguna Beach, making it to the #2 spot. Perched on a cliff in the arts and crafts city of Laguna Beach, the Montage lends a sense of serenity and artistry that is, in my opinion, unmatched.  Laguna Beach began as an artist’s colony in the 1800s and continues its tradition of creativity through art festivals and galleries, a world-renowned outdoor theater and spectacular restaurants.  No hotel could fit the mold of this town more perfectly than The Montage.  From the bungalows, to the chic pool, to the 5-star dining, the Montage lends an air of sophistication that leaves its guests feeling elite and its onlookers feeling mystified.  To make reservations, visit http://monta.ge/H8rizc

I have saved the best for last…The Resort At Pelican Hill embodies everything that is Orange County: extraordinary, awe-inspiring beauty, exclusivity, and elegance without being ‘stuffy.’  The list of awards received is too numerous to detail here; Pelican Hill has not only received the #1 resort in Southern California but also the #1 resort in the entire US.  Having been built in a Palladian style, the resort appears as if it is nestled in the rolling hills of Northern Italy.  Pelican Hill is located in the prestigious and exclusive Newport Coast, home to some of the world’s most spectacular views and exquisite homes.  With a 36-hole Fazio designed championship golf course, award winning dining, enviable views and a location unmatched by any other resort in Orange County, it is no wonder that Pelican Hill has received the honor of the number one spot.  To learn more about this exclusive resort, visit http://bit.ly/18GZFax

I am not surprised that Orange County is home to some of the most beautiful resorts in the world; after all, it has earned the nickname “The Golden Riviera.”  Today, I may just take a moment to enjoy this paradise I am so fortunate to call home.  Drive down the coast, stop by one of these amazing resorts for a spa treatment, a round of golf with a friend, or a bite to eat.  Or maybe I’ll just drive past and be immersed in a sense of tranquility and beauty that is incomparable – a tranquility and beauty that is Orange County.

40th Annual Corona Del Mar Home Tour 2013 | The Boutique Real Estate Group | Beth Sparks

 

Corona Del Mar Beach

BREAKFAST AND GUIDE DISTRIBUTION:

LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN  8am-10am

LUNCHEON BY PASCAL, AND BOUTIQUE AT SHERMAN LIBRARY & GARDENS

Luncheon from 11am-2pm; boutique from 11am-3pm

HOME TOUR 10am-4pm

AFTERNOON RECEPTION AT BLISS HOME &DESIGN 4PM-6PM

Corona del Mar or CdM (Spanish for “Crown of the Sea”) is a town in the affluent city of Newport Beach, California.  Nestled on the foot of the San Joaquin Hills and fronting the Pacific Ocean, Corona del Mar ranges along a bluff at the south end of Newport Beach and includes some of Orange County’s most prestigious residential areas.  Also known for its fine beaches, tide pools, cliffside views, Corona Del Mar features world renowned restaurants, quaint village shopping and unique business services.

A $75 ticket includes a light breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, lunch by Pascal of Cafe Jardin at Sherman Gardens, fabulous afternoon reception at Bliss Home & Design, and six beautiful homes to tour.

Home #1:  800 Bison Road, Newport Beach

Home #2:  1999 Port Nelson Place, Newport Beach

Home #3:  1942 Port Carney Place, Newport Beach

Home #4:  604 Acacia Ave, Corona Del Mar

Home #5:  203 Heliotrope, Corona Del Mar

Home #6:  109 Bayside Place, Corona Del Mar

The following are sponsors of the event:

  • Orange Coast OBGYN

  • Premier Dermatology Associates

For more information on any of the featured homes, please contact Beth Sparks at (714) 348-6276 or www.TheBoutiqueRE.com/Beth-Sparks