During this time, we want you to know that we’re here to help…
💕 Our hearts go out to our families with children with schools shut down, our parents, grand-parents & great grand-parents, our seniors in assisted living, our neighbors at the hospitals, our local businesses struggling and anyone impacted by this pandemic.
🍊 TBREG was born here in The OC in 2013 and many of our agents were born and raised here as well. We are fortunate to know people who may be able to help you out for a trip to the grocery store, watching children or just someone to speak with to get the facts.
😊 You’ll be surprised how many good people are here locally who are happy to help you. They WANT TO HELP! Its time for our community to rally for good.
📲 Call or email us if you need anything. We can be reached at 888-917-8267 or info@TheBoutiqueRE.com. We can see if we are able to assist in some way or know someone who can help. To see how our business and team are operating for the time being, please visit our Instagram or Facebook page.
These are crazy, unprecedented times. Together, we will get through it.
In the most extreme example, some clients with private jets have begun asking about buying homes on islands and in other isolated areas that they can flee to in case of disaster
As some uber-wealthy homeowners stock up on hand sanitizer and hire cleaners for every showing, others are giving family members power of attorney to ensure a sale in case of quarantine.
The impacts of the coronavirus, the novel respiratory disease that began in China but has spread into an international pandemic with over 140,000 cases around the world confirmed, are just starting to reverberate across the real estate sector. Brokerages have had to close for deep cleaning after some of their agents became exposed to the virus while people in some of the hardest-hit parts of the country are isolating themselves voluntarily and holding off on all buying for the time being.
According to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, 11 percent of agents surveyed earlier this month saw less buyer traffic while 7 percent reported lower seller traffic thus far.Luxury real estate, which is generally considered to include homes worth between $5 million and $30 million, follows different rules. In 2018, high-end homes sat on the market for an average of 506 days compared to only 80 for an median-priced home. That said, this segment of the industry has not been immune to the fear and financial impact surrounding the novel disease.
Senada Adzem
Senada Adzem, a Douglas Elliman broker working with homes worth as much as $30 million in Boca Raton and other parts of South Florida, said some of her wealthy clients are especially hesitant to hold showings and require much more detail about who is coming into their home.
“We had to convince the seller to allow us to show and register every person who was coming in,” Adzem, whose eight-agent branch has cancelled all open houses until the outbreak stabilizes, told Inman. “After we were done, they had a cleaning team come in and wipe everything down.”
As a result, Adzem’s team has had to screen whom they show houses to not just by the standard ability to afford the property but also by travel history and whether they are showing any visible signs of illness, such as coughing or a fever. Adzem, who fled the war in Bosnia during the 1990s, said that crises like these cause people of all financial and social classes to panic.
She has been striving not only to reassure her clients but work around their fears. In the most extreme example, some clients with private jets have begun asking her about buying homes on islands and in other isolated areas that they can flee to in case of disaster.
“When people are in a panic mode, they think differently and make a different set of decisions,” she said. “As agents, we have to take it seriously and not just pretend it’s not going to impact our business.”
Raj Qsar
Still, the outbreak is not impacting all parts of the country equally. Raj Qsar, the CEO of the Boutique Real Estate Group in Orange County, California, said members of his team have held 20 open houses last weekend and have seen them packed with people each time. They have another 15 open houses scheduled for this weekend and do not expect a lot of changes in traffic due to the coronavirus.
This could be due to Orange County being a particularly hot market. In the area, median sales prices rose by 7.2 percent year-over-year in December while sales inventory is down 36 percent. According to Qsar, many people are so desperate to invest and tap into the market that a national pandemic hasn’t slowed them down — particularly when the stock market is responding to the cancellation of flights and adjustments to the typical workday.
“If people have funds in a 401K and those funds go down, those funds may not be there anymore,” Qsar said. “This is a 30-year opportunity for a three-month incident.”
The California Association of Realtors expects the virus to have some impact on the luxury market as people hold off on buying second homes and investment properties in the face of uncertainty. Qsar has seen both buyers and sellers who are in the escrow process and need to travel transfer power of attorney to a family member or other trusted person. Rather than the fear of contracting the virus, some fear a quarantine, not having access to WiFi and allowing a sale to fall through their fingers
“They may put their masks on, they may bring hand-sanitizer with them but they’re still going to walk into that open house,” Qsar said, adding that he does not expect serious buyers to be deterred by the coronavirus.
McKenzie Ryan
New York City real estate has been particularly responsive to market effects from the virus — the state has seen more than 200 cases of coronavirus and, subsequently, 13 percent of open houses had no traffic at all last weekend. According to CNBC, average open house attendance fell 27 percent in the last week alone — from an average of 5.6 people to 4.1 peopleper event.
McKenzie Ryan, a Compass agent working on high-end properties in Manhattan, said that the New York real estate market is particularly affected by daily headlines. And while that’s having real-world effects, some wealthy buyers are also capitalizing on the situation. She’s seen billionaire clients who normally spend a large portion of their time traveling get landlocked in New York and, as a result, use the extra time to arrange private showings.
“I think people are going to stay focused on their long-term goals and take precautions to keep themselves safe in the interim,” she said.
Real estate agents are using TikTok to take their business to the next level. Here’s how creating content on this popular video-sharing app can help you build your brand and generate leads
Image by Harry CunninghamBY BERNICE ROSSMarch 04, 2020
Would you be willing to spend a few minutes a day to obtain over 100,000 page views for your new listing video? Better yet, what if it cost you nothing? This is what TikTok can do for your business provided you’re willing to jump in and play.
Agents are finally realizing that if they want to remain competitive in 2020, video is a must. The challenge is that producing video requires time, separate uploading to the various social media sites, plus identifying a way to attract page views.
Next-gen social networking: ‘social entertainment’
Emarketer explains that TikTok is a part of a new type of “social entertainment” where users can watch and create short videos. They can also create profiles and interact publicly with a network of contacts, as they do on other social media sites.
It’s this social entertainment element that differentiates TikTok from other social media channels and has led to the app being installed nearly 1.6 billion times.
An article from Inside Hook explains why this is happening:
“The platform is currently the best way to reach young people, as they’re the age group using the app more than any other (60 percent of its users are ages 16 to 24). If you’re looking to get a message across to the largest (about 1.5 billion) and, arguably, most influential group of consumers, a short 15-second TikTok video is, at the moment, the fastest way to do that.”
7 reasons TikTok matters for your business
When you first visit TikTok, you’ll probably wonder how a site that features Gen-Z users dancing to trendy music — like the viral “Renegade” dance challenge — could be relevant for real estate. Here are seven reasons TikTok should matter to your real estate business.
1. It hits the sweet spot for millennial buyers and sellers
In terms of TikTok’s users, 26 percent are between the ages of 25 and 44, the sweet spot for today’s millennial buyers and sellers. The average user spends 52 minutes a day on the platform and opens the app eight times throughout the day.
2. It generates insane amounts of free organic traffic
Gary Vaynerchuk argues that TikTok and LinkedIn are the two places that give you amazing organic reach that don’t happen on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. He likens it to buying real estate in Manhattan in 1898, long before it became incredibly valuable. Vaynerchuk recommends posting a minimum of four videos per day.
To illustrate this point, Alisa Glutz, a Scottsdale mortgage broker and author of Color My Credit, decided to “go play in the sandbox” over at TikTok because her two daughters and their friends were all avid users. Her experience illustrates how powerful this app can be for real estate.
In less than 60 days, she generated over 4 million page views, 455,000 likes and 77,000 followers. Today, at the 90-day market mark, she has generated over 8.4 million page views.
TikTok has also generated leads for her mortgage business, in addition to becoming a referral source for her clients who need the services of a real estate agent. What’s more, she sold 800 copies of her book in only one week. Before TikTok, it had taken her three years to sell that many books
3. It’s about the moms
Glutz was surprised by how many adults are embracing TikTok. What’s fascinating is that the teens who have seen Glutz’s “Color My Credit” videos are going to their moms and saying, “Mom, I don’t understand what she’s saying, but I think you should watch this.”
In other words, what teenagers see on TikTok has the potential to influence their parents’ approach to the listing or buying process.
4. It provides genuinely helpful information
Glutz uses text boxes to provide her message. “How to Create a Great Credit Score” has garnered 845,600 views:
A different approach is to explain a topic without the music. “How to Handle Late Payment to Get It Removed” has received about 674,100 page views. (Note that Glutz has two additional videos in this series. The total length of the three videos is only 45 seconds):
5. It’s a syndication hub for other social media platforms
According to Raj Qsar, the CEO and founder of The Boutique Real Estate Group, TikTok allows you to syndicate your TikTok videos to other social media sites with a single click. You can also cut and paste your link to IGTV (Instagram TV) and YouTube.
6. It’s a great tool for brand building
When Qsar first began using TikTok, he was receiving about 200-800 views per post.
Once Qsar figured out that TikTok did not have to be so formal and that you could use trending dances and popular music, his view count climbed into the thousands. Here’s an example of how TikTok provides exposure for his brand.
Jeff Pfitzer heads up a USA Mortgage team in St. Louis and has been training the real estate agents he serves to use TikTok. Pfitzer explains that your goal is to reach the local micro-community that would be interested in buying or selling where you do business.
Both Pfitzer and Qsar agree that your TikTok videos work as tease for your listings. Once viewers see your TikTok video, they can then “swipe up” to your Instagram, Facebook and YouTube pages, where you can share longer videos. Since your buyers and sellers are on these sites, this is where the lead conversion actually occurs.
Because of its global reach, TikTok can also be a powerful resource for generating international real estate leads as well.
Real estate’s most successful TikTok user
Aaron Grushow, a 23-year-old Compass agent, has probably garnered more page views than any other real estate professional on TikTok. His posts typically receive at least 50,000-100,000 views. His goal is to establish his brand and generate leads.
Grushow shoots 15-second videos highlighting lavish multimillion dollar estates in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Malibu. The following video has garnered 1.7 million views:
Like Glutz, Grushow has also had great success creating videos where he personally delivered a commentary. This video has received 5.5 million views and 1.7 million likes.
Grushow’s videos illustrate how amazingly powerful coupling unusual content and the right music can be. The following video is set to the theme for Jaws — something that Gen X-ers and Boomers would recognize, but many younger people wouldn’t know. It generated 4.2 million views.
When Grushow created a second video on the same subject and paired it with a trending TikTok song, the page views jumped to a whopping 48.5 million with 6.5 million likes!
Will TikTok become the next big social media site for real estate?
“Social entertainment” is probably here to stay. The question is: Will TikTok emerge as the dominant player over today’s social media sites or will it go the way of Snapchat?
No matter what, jumping on TikTok now can give you a significant edge over your competitors. If you need help figuring out how to use it, find a teenager to help you — renegade anyone?
Bernice Ross, President and CEO of BrokerageUP and RealEstateCoach.com, is a national speaker, author and trainer with over 1,000 published articles. Learn about her broker/manager training programs designed for women, by women, at BrokerageUp.com and her new agent sales training at RealEstateCoach.com/newagent.
A real estate appraisal is a report by a certified inspector that determines the value of a property based on its features and condition. Buyers compare this value to the home price to ensure there is not a large discrepancy. Appraisals are also required by lending institutions to secure loans for the purchase of property.
How a Real Estate Appraisal Works
A home appraisal is an independent report about what a property is worth and how much the buyer should pay for it. To secure an appraisal as part of the homebuying process, the buyer or the mortgage lender researches appraisal companies, determines the best fit based on price and reviews, and hires a company. Once a seller accepts an offer letter, the buyer schedules a visit from a real estate appraiser to determine the value of the home.
To find a qualified appraiser, a buyer typically works either with the lender or with their real estate agent to determine best options. These are reviewed and vetted based on price and testimonials from prior clients. Then the appraiser is selected and conducts a full home appraisal after the seller accepts the buyer’s offer.
During the on-site appraisal of the property, the home appraiser looks for any damage and potentially costly repairs. He or she will also consider sales prices of comparably sized homes in the area to help determine the amount that the house should sell for in the current market. After considering these factors, the appraiser determines a home value that the lending institution uses as the basis for its final loan amount. This also serves to validate the initial buyer offer.
The report of the appraiser reinforces that the house is a sound investment for the buyer and the lending company. If the property is valued significantly lower than the initial offer, however, then the buyer can renegotiate the offer price.
Real Estate Appraisal Costs
A residential real estate appraisal costs between $300 and $400, depending on the area and the company. The cost for a real estate appraisal is determined by the size of your home, the location of your property, and the company you pick to do the inspection.
Elements of a Real Estate Appraisal
A real estate appraisal is comprised of four main parts, including the property description, market information, best use, and property valuation. Collectively, these four pieces are used by the lender to determine the home loan amount.
These are the four main sections of a real estate appraisal:
Property description: This is the section where the appraiser details the basic information about the property―sometimes with pictures―like the number of rooms, square footage, attached land size, and other features unique to the property.
Market information: This area of the report focuses on the neighborhood, trends in real estate in this location, how the market is developing, and what other houses with similar features are selling for in the area.
Best/highest use: The best use section talks about how the property can be used to ensure the property retains its value. For a home, the continued occupation by owners is the most likely recommendation because this is the use type that yielded the current property value.
Property valuation: The property valuation section of the real estate appraisal uses one of the property values approaches below to determine a likely sale amount if the buyer defaulted on his or her loan and the property needed to be resold.
Many people confuse a real estate appraisal with other types of home inspections, like termite or sewage inspections. A residential real estate property appraisal, however, only involves examining the property for foundational or structural damage or anything that might negatively affect an investment due to costly repairs. Determining an accurate valuation is the priority for a real estate appraiser because it is the basis for the bank’s approved loan amount.
3 Ways Appraisals Determine Property Values
Property valuation, which is part of a real estate appraisal, is calculated using one of three different approaches: a sales comparison, cost, or income approach. These give both the lender and buyer an idea of the property value. The approach used by an appraiser is dependent on the type and use of a property.
Here are the three property value approaches used in a real estate appraisals:
Sales: This type of real estate appraisal is used for most single-family dwellings. This method determines property value based on what other properties in the area/neighborhood with the same features sold for in the last year.
Cost: The cost approach is commonly used for properties not sold on the open market like schools or hospitals. This judges the cost of rebuilding a property with similar features in the present economy.
Income: The income method is used for properties that generate income for the buyer or represent an investment, such as apartment buildings, rental houses, and commercial spaces. This type of real estate appraisal takes into account how much can be charged to tenants and lessees in the current market.
By using one of these methods for a real estate appraisal, the final valuation report reflects the value of the property and―or does not support―the price of the property set by the seller. The approach is decided upon by the inspector and is dependent on the type of property.
7 Pro Tips for a Successful Residential Real Estate Appraisal
It can be difficult to understand the role of the appraiser in the real estate sales process and how an appraiser protects the buyer during the homebuying process. With this in mind, we asked seven top real estate appraisers and agents to share their best tips for a successful residential real estate appraisal.
Here are the top seven pro tips for making the most of your real estate appraisal:
The first place a potential buyer should look―if they are hiring outside of the loan process―is to ask the following people for names [of appraisers]: real estate agents, attorneys who handle real estate transactions, building inspectors, and other appraisers. Typically, what will happen is that one name will keep resurfacing as someone who really knows their profession and can appropriately handle the buyer’s questions.
Appraisers will check the external factors of your home such as the site, quality of construction, integrity of roof and foundation, issues with gutters and siding, parking, and the neighborhood. Inside, they are most concerned with square footage and functionality of the layout. For a complete list, you can ask for a copy of the 1040 URAR form that appraisers use.
One of the main things an appraiser will look at to value your property is recent sales of comparable properties in the area. Make sure you review the relevant comparables with your real estate agent so that you aren’t caught off-guard by a lower-than-expected appraisal.
4. Trust the Appraiser
Gynell Vestal, Certified Residential Appraiser & Founder, Consumer Home Value
An appraisal is a safeguard, so the buyer doesn’t overpay for a property. Of all the people involved in the homebuying transaction, the appraiser is the only party that is unbiased. They do not have a stake in the game. The appraisal requirement is in place to protect all involved parties by providing an unbiased, independent opinion of value to ensure the property provides adequate collateral for a loan.
5. Prepare to Negotiate Sales Price Based on Appraisals
A property inspection and appraisal report will both need to be completed. The inspection tells you if there are any repairs needed, and the appraisal will give the definitive value. Depending on what they say, you may have some room to negotiate the price.
The most important factor in an accurate appraisal is having someone with local knowledge that knows the nuances of the neighborhood, any pending zoning changes, and local market conditions. An appraiser who lives outside of your county or city is more likely to provide an appraisal that misses the mark. You can ask who is doing the appraisal and ask where she/she is from. If they’re not local, ask for another appraiser.
In the case of a low appraisal, your agent can either assist in disputing the appraisal or negotiate with the seller on your behalf to see if the selling price can be lowered. Lowering the purchase price may cause an issue with your lender, but there are a number of options available in the case of a low appraisal. A good real estate agent will consider all of these options and guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who pays for and picks the real estate appraisal company?
The buyer pays for the real estate appraisal as a part of the closing costs. If you are using a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured lender like a bank or credit union, then they will pick the appraisal company. If you are not using lending sources for a mortgage, then you can pick your own appraisal company.
Does the seller see the real estate appraisal?
The seller does not get a copy of the real estate appraisal unless you give it to them. In cases where you want to negotiate the price after the appraisal, you might need to supply the seller with a copy of the report to justify your request to lower your offer.
What should you do if your real estate appraisal is inaccurate?
If the real estate appraisal contains inaccuracies like the wrong house area comps or features, then you can report these issues to the appraiser. Your real estate agent can help you review the report and figure out where the problems are if you get an unexpected result.
Can your agent do your real estate appraisal?
Some real estate agents can do appraisals because they are trained and certified for a home inspection. A real estate agent representing the buyer or the seller should not do a home appraisal for your property, however. A home appraisal should be completed by an impartial third party with no ties to either the buyer or the seller.
How do I find a real estate appraiser?
You can ask your agent or a real estate lawyer for a reference for an appraiser. If you would rather research appraisers yourself, then you can use the Appraisal Institute’s advanced search to find an appraiser in your area.
Bottom Line: Residential Real Estate Appraisals
A residential real estate appraisal is a report from an independent, trained inspector hired to determine the value of a property based on home or sales values in the area, damage to the property, and overall property condition. A home appraisal costs between $300 and $400 and is paid for by the homebuyer. A home appraisal makes sure that the seller’s asking price is in line with the value of the home so that a buyer does not overpay.
An appraisal— alongside real estate contacts and sales documentation—can be full of hard-to-understand legal terms and concepts. Rocket Lawyer can look over home appraisals, offer letters, and contracts for a fraction of the price of a lawyer to help you fully understand every part of the homebuying process. Find out more about Rocket Lawyer’s services today.
Marketing is all about story telling – Stories stir emotions in us, create connections, and motivate us to act. In real estate marketing, we must learn to listen to our clients, hear them, understand them, and push THEIR story out into the market place. We are telling their story, not ours. The practice of using “beautiful design to evoke emotion” is what helped launch Raj Qsar and The Boutique Real Estate Group into a massive success. Raj felt so strongly about the need for unique design work in his company that his first hire was a graphic designer. Today, Raj is expanding his company, developing his high end branding, continuing his extensive and wildly famous listing videos, and traveling the world speaking for Inman. Tune into this special episode to learn how important it is to market with intent, and to not only listen to what others are doing, but WATCH what they are doing.
Honored to have been recognized by Kitcast!blog as one of the 10 creative real estate ads they loved in 2018!
Check out our honorable mention and some other favorites below!
Real estate has always been a market with great advertising opportunities – companies often get highly creative to win over hearts and wallets of the customers. As the end product is very visual, marketers have a set of unlimited possibilities to present their properties in the best way possible. 2018 has seen some of the coolest and most original campaigns in the real estate world, here are our 10 favorite real estate ads.
The Boutique Real Estate Group listings
Listings are at the core of the real estate advertising. Sometimes, though, the quantity doesn’t equal quality. This Orange County-based real estate firm crafts visually spectacular videos and shows the right way of doing listing videos doing real estate ads that work. Their shorts are filled with gorgeous scenery, flawless camera work, great storytelling, and crazy rhythm.
Douglas Elliman – Show and Tell
Inspired by the “Questions” YouTube series of Vogue, Show and Tell follows the same concept but very cleverly applies it to the real estate industry. If Vogue follows celebrities around asking questions about themselves, Douglas Elliman uses the format to showcase their agents and properties in a visual, non-intrusive and lively manner. A brilliant idea and an amazing execution that works as both real estate Facebook ads and a YouTube video.
Corcoran – Be Home campaign
One of the most vivid players on US real estate market Corcoran chose a simple message behind their latest campaign. It is centered around the phrase “Be home” which radiates good vibes and makes you feel the coziness instantly. There are several videos that follow this concept showing the clearest and the most uncomplicated ways of broadcasting the warm notion of “homely feeling” to the viewers. Definitely a campaign to learn from.
Sotheby’s International Realty – LIVE series
Sometimes you have to give the client all the talking to convey and amplify your brand’s message. That’s exactly what Sotheby’s International Realty did in their LIVE YouTube series. The real estate powerhouse produced a set of shorts featuring real people and real houses. We believe in the power of honest marketing and this campaign hits all the right notes being one of the most truly catchy real estate ads.
Storytelling is essential for a successful marketing campaign. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices mastered the craft of making a trustworthy story in their ads, a story that resonates and touches the hearts and minds of the viewers. For their latest #goodtoask campaign they opted for an interesting format: a client answers the questions from a real estate agent. Combine that with a dramatic narrative and a great soundtrack and you have one of the most emotionally powerful and best real estate ads of 2018.
Tim Smith Group – Teach Me How To Duffy
How many real estate firms that became a part of pop culture you know? Well, here’s one that made a sensation on YouTube in October 2018. “Teach me how to Duffy” video by Tim Smith Group from Orange County, California is a perfect example of how you can use trends to showcase your company, your culture and ultimately become a cultural happening in your own right. The video features Mr. Swag and Smoove da General of Cali Swag District that hailed the original “Teach Me How To Dougie” back in 2010 as well as a trio of influencers that add a modern flair to a hit. Did we mention that Tim Smith himself makes a cameo rapping about the property? Pure YouTube gold.
In its second year, Agent2021 is a one-day conference that educates agents and owners in four industries (real estate, auto, insurance, and mortgage) on how to use innovation to grow your business. Join Gary Vaynerchuk and other industry thought leaders on Jan 17, 2019 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL to learn about the tools, platforms, and tactics that can be used to start marketing for the year we live in.
Our very own Raj Qsar will be speaking on the topic of ‘Personal Brand Building in the Age of Tech!’ To purchase your ticket to this event, please visit https://www.agent2021.com/
Personal Brand Building in the Age of Tech
With the rise of real estate tech, buyers can now browse and buy listings all online, without ever calling an agent. So how do you stand out as a Real Estate agent in the age of tech and show your value to prospective clients? We’ll hear from top producing agents on how to use today’s tools to skillfully build an online presence that inspires trust and positions yourself as an expert that will aid buyers in the home buying process.
After such a successful release of the 2017 Real Estate Video Influencers Guide and Awards, BombBomb began the process again this year to honor and celebrate talented video influencers in real estate for 2018.
After months of gathering over 1,200 nominations and watching tens of thousands of videos, BombBomb completed a comprehensive guide that we are so excited to share with you.
The Boutique Real Estate Group is proud to announce that our CEO and founder of #TBREG, Raj Qsar, was honored with a Real Estate Video Influencer Award, in the Listing Video Category! Keep reading to learn more about the ranking, the educational guide, and see tangible tips from all the winners.
When you watch Raj’s videos, you feel like you’re watching a mini film. He includes actors and uses a professional video crew. The goal of each film is not to show you every single little detail of the home, but to help you feel attached to the home by telling a story. By the end of each listing video, you want to live the life of the actors in the video. They’re luxurious and they’re adventurous. EACH VIDEO GIVES YOU A SENSE OF WHAT LIFE COULD BE LIKE IN THE HOME. This sets Raj apart.
We were recently recognized as #14 of Property Spark’s top 100 Real Estate Slogans in 2018!
Top 100 Real Estate Slogans In 2018
These remarkably talented real estate agents and brokerages have summed up their real estate value in a few words. Here are the best real estate slogans for 2018.
A good real estate slogan is important for professional or personal branding and creates an emotional connection with potential clients. It can help you stand out in a crowd and set you apart from everyone else. We have gathered the best real estate slogans from the top professionals in the industry. Below, we present to you the Top 100 Real Estate Slogans In 2018!
Owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group honored for his commitment to safe housing for all
Manhattan Beach, C.A., April 24, 2018 — The housing crisis is a growing issue, not just for the United States but for the world. Giveback Homes, real estate’s social good movement, today names Raj Qsar, Principal and Owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group in Orange County, California, as a 2018 Advocate for Social Good. This distinction is given to prominent individuals within the real estate community who have demonstrated their commitment to giving back and pursuing the goal of safe and secure housing for all, and are eager to do more.
“We started Giveback Homes because we saw the opportunity to bring a focus on social good to real estate,” said Blake Andrews, founder of Giveback Homes. “Through the years, we’ve found a tribe of real estate professionals who are going above and beyond in their communities and the world and the Giveback Homes Advocate program will aim to mobilize them even more. They will also help shape the future of Giveback Homes.”
The Advocate program is a select group of Giveback Homes members who each had to apply by describing what the future of Giveback Homes looked like to them. Some of their answers included, educational seminars about home ownership, meeting with Congress, referral programs, and partnering with more non-profits. The Advocates are dedicated to amplifying Giveback Homes initiatives, promoting new membership opportunities, and leading initiatives in their community. The Advocates will meet once a quarter to strategize on social good projects and mobilize other industry professionals through their engagement.
As the Principal and Owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group, Raj Qsar is known for his marketing innovation, use of technology and commitment to excellence in all aspects of the real estate experience. In 2017 Raj & The Boutique were awarded The Real Estate Influencer of The Year by Inman News, Most Innovative Brokerage, REAL Trends Finalist for Best Overall Website and the #1 Real Estate Video Influencer Award. As a national and international speaker, Raj travels the world and has taken the stage at some of the most prestigious real estate conferences. He has participated in multiple build days and fundraising events for Giveback Homes. “My team and I just love Giveback Homes,” added Raj. “They’ve helped us give back both locally and globally and I look forward to helping them continue on their mission as a social good movement in real estate.”
“Raj and The Boutique Real Estate Group are a very special group of people,” said Caroline Pinal, co-founder of Giveback Homes. “Raj is systematic when it comes to sharing the Giveback Homes story with his agents, clients, and other brokerages. We are so excited to name him as one of our Advocates. ”
Giveback Homes mobilizes the real estate industry to provide safe homes and clean water to families in need. Giveback Homes has provided safe and secure homes for over 200 families in Nicaragua, 50 affordable housing projects in the U.S., and water filters to give over 5,000 people access to clean drinking water. The company has mobilized funds for times of crisis in the wake of hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Through volunteer experiences, fundraising events, and impact reporting, Giveback Homes empowers the real estate community to take an active role in making the world a better place. To learn more, please visit GivebackHomes.com.
About Giveback Homes
Giveback Homes is dedicated to creating a sustainable relationship between real estate professionals, their clients, and communities in need throughout the world. Their goal is to create social change through the act of buying or selling a home. Through fundraising events, build days, and international trips they are dedicated to inspiring the real estate industry to take action for social good. Together with their giving partners, Giveback Homes has funded and built over 200 homes for families in need in Nicaragua. To learn more about Giveback Homes and join the movement for social good, please visit www.givebackhomes.com.
