10 Questions with Raj Qsar | The Boutique Real Estate Group

10 Questions with Raj Qsar

Raj Qsar, Principal/Owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group, part of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate‘s Beta Brokerage Project. Read on as Raj answers ten questions with Clean Slate, and talks about digital and social engagement, buying a piece of dirt and Walt Disney.

  1. Which of our BHGRE® P.A.I.G.E. (Passion, Authenticity, Innovation, Growth, Excellence) core values do you identify with most, and why?

    Passion:  This is truly at the root of who we are and what we stand for.  There is a quote that our team references at meetings, on social and even in some of our marketing material, and it is by Walt Disney.  “Whatever you do, do it well.  Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will bring others and show them how well you do what you do.”   We take such time and effort into the smallest of details when it comes to marketing, social, systems and execution that the final outcome is a culmination of multiple passionate minds at work and the results bring success to our agents and our clients.

  2. What are your favorite qualities in a customer? 

    One of our favorite qualities in a customer is their ability to instantly trust us.  Many of our clients meet us in real life after watching, sharing and engaging with us online and when they meet us they say, “you are all exactly who you seem you would be.”  We know trust is built one block at a time and when you are building relationships, it is so important to realize that our clients are entrusting their largest worldly asset to our hands and our minds.  But trust is so much more than an online to offline relationship, it is making and keeping promises to our clients and our agents as well.  This enables a culture built on earned trust and respect for one another.

  3. What is the one characteristic that’s helped you the most in your career? 

    The one characteristic that has helped me in my career is the ability to keep asking questions.  We keep asking questions because we are just curious people.  And when you are curious about something you tend to search until you find the answer.  Albert Einstein said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning.  Curiosity has it own reason for existing.”

  4. What was the last book you read? 

    The last book I read was Peoplework by Chris Smith and Austin Allison with a forward written by Gary Vaynerchuk.  We have become so digital in all we do.  Everyone is head down and focused.  And they are focused on their phone.  So we forget sometimes that there is a person in that phone.  A real, live, living, breathing individual.  So it becomes increasingly important to almost have to remind yourself how to run a people-first business in a digital-first world, and that people communicate with people.

  5. If you were not in real estate, what would you be doing? 

     If I were not in real estate I would most likely move to Napa, buy a piece of dirt, and build a winery.

  6. What was the last song you heard that you couldn’t stop humming? 

    “Exit” by U2 from the album Joshua Tree.

  7. Who is your real-life hero? 

    My real life hero is Jesus Christ because he changed my heart.

  8. What is your favorite motto? 

    One of my favorite mottos is by Steven Covery from his book The 8th Habitand has to do with leadership.  He says, “The 8th Habit Leader has the mindset and the skill set to constantly look for the potential in people.  This kind of leadership communicates to people their own worth so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.”

  9. If you could sell a home in any market in the world, where would it be? 

    It would be really fun to tell the story of an estate home in Italy on a Tuscan vineyard that has been passed down from generation to generation.  The dirt, the grapes, the building and the people would be a wonderful opportunity to share with the world.

  10. What advice would you give your younger self starting out in real estate? 

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

    This team would have to have systems in place that are actually used every single day…from lead generation to lead conversion to lead nurturing.  From digital transaction management to eSigning and being 100% location independent by using your iPhone/iPad to manage the entire transaction.  And finally, this team would need a culture that is pure, genuine and intentional by giving back to their hyper-local community.

    Is this too much to ask for?  I do not think so.  I have met so many truly amazing people in this industry and I am re-affirmed each day that these people do exist.

Live From Real Estate Connect | Thursday July 17th at 5pm

This week’s “Mobile Agent TV” is a special episode, Thursday July 17th at 5pm PST, from Inman Connect San Francisco.

Our guest is Mark Fitzpatrick who is the CEO at RUHM, which is a full-service “Destination Marketing Agency” of marketers, real estate consultants, and artists that promote the world’s finest destinations.

We will also be joined by, friend of the show, Raj Qsar who is a finalist for Inman’s “Most Innovative Real Estate Agent” award and is owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group in Orange County.

You can interact with us during the show using the #MATVlivehashtag on Twitter.

Watch intro video here!

Mobile Agent TV

Top 5 Things To Do at Real Estate Connect #icsf

By:  Raj Qsar

This will be my 4th Real Estate Connect hosted by Inman News in San Francisco and it is the one event I look forward to year in & year out.  I remember my first Connect like it was yesterday and it really helped me connect with people & solidify connections I had made online over the years.  So for all you first time or repeat attendees here is a simple Top 5 list for you before you head to #icsf:

1.  Make a list of the people you want to meet “in real life (IRL).”   Connect is an amazing time for me personally to connect with people who I admire and respect and make that true IRL connection.   Some of the connections I have made at Connect have become life long friends on mine!  Remember this quote from GaryV, “People are not addicted to social media. People are addicted to people.”  Some of my friends I met at #icsf:  @chris_smth @katielance @lauramonroe @tericonrad @debra11 @kellymitchell @nobuhata @topbrokeroc @kendyl @jefflobb @tkjellander @lisaarcher @lauriewdavis @jimmymackin @sethstuff

2.  Attend the sessions that are a must attend for you!  Look for the sessions that pull you out of your comfort zone and will challenge you on a professional level.  See the full schedule here.  For me I always get something new from “The New Kids On The Block” session which this year is on Wednesday July 16th at 10:10am and these “KIDS” are the startups that are changing the real estate game.  Also of note this year is “The Uberification of Real Estate” session which is on Wednesday at 10:30am (sounds killer)!  Did someone say Luxury?  The session called Luxury Power Players will be off the kilt!  Connect Here.

3.  Meet the 2014 Inman Connect Ambassadors.  Talk about a fab list of people!  If you could create a memory with each of these rockstars at Connect it would truly be epic!  Meet them here –> Real Estate Connect Ambassadors.  Secret hint….They are having a mixer and you can meet them all there —>  Click Here.  Also, connect with everyone in the Real Estate Connect facebook group.

4.  The Party after the Party!  Do I need to say anymore?  We all know the real fun starts after 10pm!  So just ask around, jump in an Uber Cab (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 do not know where the party is just ask my friend @JeremyLehman!!  Check out the video we made from ICSF2012.

5.  Get out into the city!  San Francisco is truly a gorgeous city with sights, sounds and killer food!!!  Check out this drone fly over the city just in case you needed a visual!  Click Here.  And since our team at The Boutique Real Estate Group are total foodies check out this list of  The 38 Essential San Francisco Restaurants.

If you made it this far here is my Top Secret List of must meets.  Shhhhh, do not tell anyone.  I am really shy and do not want anyone to know!  =)

@valeriegarcia1

@katiemmax

@vboakland

@zachschabot

@thatpeterbrewer

@laurahbrady

@avhellman

San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge at sunset, California

July Events at Pavilion Park | The Boutique Real Estate Group

COOKING DEMO | Ode to the BurgerUnleash your inner chef. The theme of this month’s cooking class will be Ode to the Burger. Perfect for cooks of all levels. July 5 10:30am-12:00pm
YOGA IN THE PARK | Self NavigationYoga and meditation that will focus on self navigation. Perfect for beginner and intermediate yogis. July 12 9:00-10:15am
FRIDAY NIGHT HAPPENINGS | Honky Tonk NightCountry music is about storytelling. Join us for a night of music in the great southern tradition, by the Freightshakers. Plus a convoy of food trucks, including GD Bro Burger, Bear Flag Fish Co., the Viking Truck, and Drive Me Cookie. And pottery demonstrations. July 18 6:00-9:00pm
YOGA IN THE PARK | Strength and SoftnessYoga and meditation that will focus on strength and softness. Perfect for beginner and intermediate yogis. July 19 9:00-10:15am
GARDEN WORKSHOP | Surviving the Summer HeatThe heat of summer can take a toll on gardens and gardeners. Discussion to include irrigation techniques, how to operate irrigation timers, water conservation, runoff friendly hardscape, and the benefits of mulching. July 19 10:30-11:30am
YOGA IN THE PARK | Creating SpaceYoga and meditation that will focus on creating space. Perfect for beginner and intermediate yogis. July 26 9:00-10:15am
Please register in advance for Cooking Demos, Garden Workshops and Yoga Classes.

Best Places to Watch Fireworks In Orange County

Written By:  Melissa Sims

The 4th of July is the ‘unofficial start of summer’ – the smell of barbecue, the sounds of waves at the beach and fireworks somehow signal that summer has begun. Orange County has so much to offer on this patriotic holiday – there’s just about something for everyone.   It was hard to narrow down, but here are my best picks for watching fireworks in the OC.  And if you think I’ve missed a great spot, let me know!  I’d love to add to this list for reference in the future!  Wherever you enjoy your holiday, remember to be safe, and have fun!

The Boutique Real Estate Group

Dana Point Harbor

Watch the skies over Dana Point Harbor for a spectacular show beginning at 9:00 pm.  Presented by the City of Dana Point, this is an annual show that draws large crowds – and it’s well worth it!  Doheny State Beach is a great vantage point, but you’ll need to make a day of it – forget trying to get a parking spot after 10:00am.  Not interested in a full-day affair?  You can watch from along the cliffs of Blue Lantern Park or Heritage Park, or even book a dinner at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott for terrific views of the fireworks as they light up the night’s sky.  Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, book a dinner cruise and watch from the water.  Visit http://bit.ly/DanaPointFireworks for more info.

Ladera Ranch – Founders Park

The Fireworks Spectacular in Ladera Ranch is just that – absolutely spectacular.  It has long been a favorite in South Orange County, and this year, the city is hosting a 5k/10k run, with proceeds to benefit Laura’s House & the Ladera Ranch Education Foundation.  Registration for the run begins at 6:00am and the 10k race starts at 7:00am.  This day is chock-full of activities, ranging from parades, to teen zone entertainment, to live music.  Get there early to snag a spot, it will definitely be a full house.  Fireworks begin at ‘dark’ – usually 9:15 – at Founders Park.  Visit http://bit.ly/LaderaFireworks for more info.

Newport Beach 4th of July Celebration

Disco AND Fireworks?  How can you go wrong???  This year, KC and the Sunshine Band will be headlining the Newport Beach Independence Day on the Back Bay extravaganza.  In addition to great music, the event will offer great dining options and lots of great activities for the kids.  The event is a bit on the pricey side, so if you’d like to take advantage of the fireworks show without having to open your wallet, just snag a spot in Newport Beach with a great view of Back Bay and you’ll be just fine.  Visit http://bit.ly/NewportDunesFireworks for more info.

Lake Mission Viejo

A long-standing tradition in Mission Viejo, the 4th of July Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular is a safe, fun-filled, patriotic celebration that includes food, game booths and live music.  Festival begins at noon and the fireworks begin at 9:00pm.  Admission is free, as well as a free shuttle service operating from 1-8:00 pm surrounding Lake Mission Viejo.  Visit http://bit.ly/MVFireworks for more information.

Honorable Mentions: Disneyland and Anaheim Stadium

If you are lucky enough to have tickets to either attraction this Friday, you are in for a special treat.  Disneyland puts on a special version of their nightly fireworks display at 9:25pm.  Best places to see the fireworks are from main street, right in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.  The Angels will be playing against the Houston Astros this Friday night at 5:15pm, with a special fireworks display immediately following the game.

Anne Sternchak | The Boutique Real Estate Group | www.TheBoutiqueRE.com

Anne Sternchak, Realtor

Connect with Anne today at Anne.Sternchak@TheBoutiqueRE.com or TheBoutiqueRE.com
Anne Sternchak joins The Boutique Real Estate Group with over ten years of diverse marketing and communications experience for large Orange County companies. From professional sports to health care, Anne has excelled in collaborating with multiple departments to strategize and achieve overall brand identities. As a member of the public relations department for the Angels Baseball team, to managing the marketing and communications for MemorialCare Health System, Anne leverages her business experiences in the field of real estate to be an effective communicator, skilled problem solver, marketing strategist and superb negotiator. She has a passion for real estate and thoroughly enjoys helping clients achieve their real estate goals. Anne listens to her clients’ needs and works endlessly to be sure goals are met and expectations are exceeded.

Anne grew up in Yorba Linda. Along with her husband, Greg, they are now raising their twin boys in the Land of Gracious Living. When Anne isn’t selling homes, she enjoys running the bike trails, gardening, cooking and swimming in the pool with her family. She also enjoys giving back to her local communities. Anne has volunteered for Make A Wish Orange County, March of Dimes, Ronald McDonald House and has walked many years in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 60 mile walk to find a cure for breast cancer.

Kelly Enciso | The Boutique Real Estate Group | www.TheBoutiqueRE.com

Kelly Enciso, Realtor

 

Introducing Kelly Enciso. Watch her video here: http://bit.ly/1nE1mJu

Connect with Kelly today at http://TheBoutiqueRE.com/Kelly-Enciso

Kelly Enciso believes that home ownership is essential to a thriving, growing community. She understands that purchasing a home is a massive decision, and she is thrilled to be able to step in and help individuals and families find not just a house, but a place they are truly able to call home. Kelly has a background in both architectural and fashion design. She began her career by working on the design team for large multi-family residential luxury homes. With this keen sense of design, she is able to see the potential in any property. Kelly has a strong ethical standard, and has the ability to connect with clients and listen closely to their needs.
Kelly is a native of Orange County, and enjoys the different dynamics of this diverse place we call home. When not working, you can find Kelly enjoying time with her husband and daughter, or diving into a book or magazine at a local coffee shop.

Introducing: 2014 Inman News Innovator Of The Year Awards Finalists

Inman News is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2014 Innovator Awards in five categories. Winners chosen from the list of finalists below will be announced during the Real Estate Connect conference in San Francisco, which takes place July 16-18 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.

This year’s award categories are:

  • Most Innovative Real Estate Agent
  • Most Innovative Brokerage or Franchise
  • Most Innovative MLS or Real Estate Trade Association
  • Most Innovative Real Estate App, Tool or Vendor
  • Most Innovative Use of a New Technology

An additional annual award, the Innovator of the Year Award, recognizes an individual who embodies the spirit of real estate innovation. This award, which is not open to nominations, will be announced at the Real Estate Connect conference.

2014 Inman News Innovator Awards

 

Lindsay Bergeron, founder and associate broker, Military Movers Real Estate LLC, @lindseybergeron

Lindsay Bergeron is out to be the go-to broker for military families. She’s planning to turn her Alaska-based brand, Military Movers Real Estate, into a national franchise.

Brandon Doyle, Doyle Real Estate Team, Edina Realty, @DoyleRealtor

Brandon Doyle, who has a degree in real estate degree from St. Cloud State University, says he enjoys helping first-time home buyers, and using the latest technology to market his team’s listings. Lately he’s been using drones to shoot aerial photography that can be incorporated into MLS listing detail pages.

Gary Gold, executive vice president, Hilton & Hyland, @soldbygold

Gary Gold is a marquee name in Beverly Hills real estate and one its most successful technology marketers. He’s an internationally recognized marketing and luxury real estate expert in Beverly Hills real estate, Bel Air real estate and Sunset Strip real estate.

Anthony Lolli, founder and CEO, Rapid Realty, @Anthony_Lolli

A colorful character who casts himself as the embodiment of the American Dream and gives raises to employees who have themselves tattooed with company’s logo, Anthony Lolli launched New York City-based Rapid Realty as a franchisor in 2009, and is now in cities including Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and San Diego.

Brian Murray, agent, Houlihan Lawrence, @BrianSMurray

Brian Murray produces listing videos that transform home tours into short stories. His portfolio includes a spoof on a Nike commercial and a home tour starring golden retrievers.

Mauricio Umansky, CEO, The Agency, @MauricioUmansky

One of California’s leading agents by sales volume, Mauricio Umansky has expanded from his Beverly Hills base, opening offices Shanghai, Cabo San Lucas, Venice, Marina del Rey, Palm Springs and Las Vegas.

Zach Schabot, CEO, Go Realty, @zachschabot

Go Realty is known for its responsive website, blogs, videos, community outreach, and creative use of social media including Pinterest and Vine. Zach Schabot is the author of “My Brand New Home,” an interactive children’s book designed to teach kids about the homebuilding process. He’s also developed a free agent app, “GoConnect,” with comprehensive transaction checklists.

Raj Qsar, founder, The Boutique Real Estate Group, @RajQsar

Raj Qsar employs an in-house production team to create storytelling videos that creates a better experience for buyers and sellers. He has also digitized the entire real estate experience for his agents, in-house staff and also for their clients.  The Boutique is recognized as an International Luxury Real Estate Brokerage has has won awards and distinguished accolades year in and year out and they continue to make their mark on the real estate industry.

Nick Segal, founding partner, Partners Trust, @nicksegal

As founding partner and president of Partners Trust, Nick Segal says he’s out to create a company that “strives to raise the bar of professionalism at every touch point of a real estate transaction.”

Hans and Steve Wydler, The Wydler Brothers

The Wydler Brothers team functions as a high-end boutique within Long & Foster Real Estate, allowing the small team to combine hands-on, high quality and professional service with the marketing horsepower and resources of Long & Foster. Their use of branded Starbucks cards, and of drones to produce neighborhood video tours, are examples of their innovative approach.

Takeaways from AREAA Vancouver 2014 Luxury Real Estate Conference

Written By:  Raj Qsar

Leaving the comforts of Orange County have never really been to easy for me.  I am a creature of habit.  Not sure when that started or why it started but it just did.  Personally, I would rather vacation at The Montage in Laguna Beach than fly to some 5 star resort in the Caribbean.  But, this trip for me to Vancouver was just full of memories that I will keep with me for a long time.

The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) is a nonprofit professional trade organization dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals that serve this dynamic market.

I had the opportunity to be invited to speak at AREAA Vancouver this past week and this conference had a heavy luxury presence and a heavy international presence.  And I had the opportunity to take away a few gems and here they are:

1.  “The market goes up & down but SERVICE lives forever.”  This quote was by my friend Nobu Hata, Director of Digital Engagement for The National Association of Realtors.  And this is so very true!  More than ever we are living “in the moment.”  We, as Realtors are expected to reply at a moments notice at all times of the day.  And we do.  Its just in our DNA to provide this level of exceptional care & attention and when it is executed our clients will continue to look to us for support.

2.  “Give your clients something they can NOT google.”  Once again Nobu is on a roll here.  This really resonated with me because saying “just google it” is totally acceptable in our culture now.  But if you are able to give your heart & soul to your clients and provide amazing knowledge & service (not found on Google) you will earn the trust of your clients.

3.  Think Globally Locally.  Love love love this from my friend Teri Conrad!  You really need to understand not only worldwide economies but also worldwide customs.  For example, the way you accept a card from a potential client, what you do with the card and where you put it after you have read it.   This was truly eye opening for me.  Having your website in multiple languages, having a country code on your cell number or office number and incorporating this into all the things yo do.  This matters!

4.  Destination Marketing.  As agents we are required to do so much.  Know so much.  And execute so much.  What we as agents have to do is beyond the upper limits of what is possible in this day & age.  So…..what if you had a team of creatives that could take care of all the creative work for you on your luxury listing?  What if this group of creatives could fly anywhere in the world to do all the super-smart thinking for you and then assist on the digital push out to all channels and add your smiley happy face on the marketing content?   I…LOVE…IT!  Please check this out —>  HaleAlii

5.  Competitive Immunity.  This little nugget of inspiration hit me while I was on MobileAgentTV with my friends Michael Thorne, Teri Conrad & Tony Joe.  By doing the little things each & every day and doing them at a level that exceeds 99.9% of other agents in your Global Hyperlocal Market you will be successful and your clients will love you.

Conference Website

AREAA Agenda

AREAA Speakers

Live from AREAA Vancouver 2014

 

Live from AREAA Vancouver | Tuesday June 17th at 6pm PST

Tuesday June 17th at 6pm PST catch Raj QsarTeri Conrad, Tony Joe & host Michael Thorne for a LIVE episode of Mobile Agent TV right from AREAA Vancouver Luxury Real Estate Conference. This will be EPIC! Watch the show at www.MobileAgentTV.com and follow on Twitter #MATVlive

 

AREAA Vancouver