Orange County In The News

December 28, 2012  by

5 Real Estate Trends to Look For in 2013

Posted By The KCM Crew On December 27, 2012, www.kcmblog.com

 

Predicting trends during volatile economic times in American is no easy task. However, we are going to give it our best shot. We strongly believe these are the five real estate items we should keep an eye on in 2013:

Demand for Housing Will Continue to Surge

The housing market has turned the corner and there is no reason to believe that buyer demand will not maintain momentum throughout 2013. Household formations shot up to boom-time levels in 2012 and are projected to increase at even a faster rate over the next twelve months. A lack of inventory will be more of a challenge to sales increases than will a lack of demand.

Generations X and Y Will Prove They Believe in Homeownership

Contrary to what many have hypothesized over the last few years, young adults (18-35 year olds) are just as committed to homeownership as previous generations. Recent studies have shown:

  • 43% already own a home
  • 72% see homeownership as part of their personal American Dream
  • 93% of those currently renting plan to buy a home

This, along with the increase in household formations mentioned above, makes us believe that 2013 will be the year that many of these young adults will jump into homeownership.

Prices Will Continue to Increase

Pricing of any item is determined by supply and demand. Demand for housing will remain strong throughout 2013. At the same time, the supply of homes ready for is shrinking in many parts of the country. Outside of a few states that still have challenges with large inventories of distressed properties (NY, NJ, CT, IL for example), prices will appreciate nicely.

Even in the areas that are still dealing with high percentages of foreclosures and short sales, prices will not tumble dramatically. The increase in demand will absorb much of this inventory. In these areas, prices will either flatten or perhaps soften to a small degree.

Move-Up Sellers Will Return in Great Numbers

Perhaps what many will find as the biggest surprise of 2013 will be the return of the ‘move-up’ seller. Over the last several years negative equity has prevented many of these sellers from moving up to the house of their dreams. However, with prices recovering, more and more of these sellers will realize that now may be their greatest opportunity to make the move to a lifestyle they always wanted.

With home prices expected to increase and more stringent mortgage qualifications (QR and QRM) scheduled to be announced this year, we believe that the first half of the year will bring many of these sellers/buyers to the market.

The Consumer Will Demand That Their Agent Be an Expert

Real Estate professionals who have invested the money, time and energy to truly understand what is happening and why it is happening will separate themselves from their competition and do very well this year.

Those who take that next step of learning how to simply and effectively communicate the market to their clients will be seen as experts. These industry leaders will dominate their markets.

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November 8, 2012  by

Listen Tonight | Raj Qsar on Agent Caffeine | BlogTalk Radio | 6pm

LISTEN LIVE TO AGENT CAFFEINE THURS NOV 8, 9pm ET 6pm PT HERE!
Raj Qsar of Orange County Premiere Real Estate will join us to discuss using video to market and sell properties. We’ll hear the down and dirty on storyboarding, budgets, the process, strategy. Everything you always wanted to know about video and were afraid to ask. Raj Qsar is Principal & Owner of Premier Orange County Real Estate. With more than 15 years of sales, marketing and leadership experience, Raj has achieved this outstanding level of production as a result of his unsurpassed commitment for providing superior representation to his clients. As a Local & National speaker, Raj has traveled the country educating Real Estate Professionals on the value of Technology & Social Media. As a recent Ambassador for Agent Reboot in Orange County and as a Featured Speaker at Real Estate Connect in San Francisco, Raj continues to make his mark across the country in today’s ever- changing market.

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October 4, 2012  by

Storyboarding Social With A Real Estate Twist

So the art of social starts with a twist! How do you sell real estate without talking about real estate? How do you create connections socially and bring them to where it really matters for the in-real-life meeting? How do you make real estate sexy? Where is the eye candy to get those eyeballs glued to what you are sharing? How do you curate content on multiple social channels yet make it engaging?

We believe it starts with a story! What is this home going to look like on a social storyboard across multiple channels? What is it like to live in this home, in this neighborhood, in this community? Well, we think the story starts on Facebook, with a whole lot of Pinterest and Instagram and some fabulous YouTube mixed in!

Here is a little Facebook, as we showcase the golf course community of Vista Del Verde inYorba Linda, Calif. This home at 4036HoosierLawn.com has all the aspects of a luxury home in a luxury neighborhood as is featured on our timeline cover on Facebook.

But you need to create visual appeal via eye candy as well! So we take stellar photos that are pre- and post-processed for color correction and digital enhancements (we actually physically touch each and every photo to ensure it is the perfect balance of “eye” plus “candy”).

Also, our description matters! In the gentle, rolling hills of Yorba Linda is Vista Del Verde, a luxurious master-planned golf course community … (you had me at hello!)

So what is this neighborhood like? What does this community have to offer a new family that purchases a home here? Got golf? Will play! Did someone say video? (This is the fabulous YouTube part!) Oh yeah, now you’re talking! Notice the post below! Just sent this listing to a client! Boom! Watch video here!

So how about Pinterest and Instagram? How does that fit into the storyboard of social real estate? We try to capture the true essence of Orange County, Calif., on our Pinterest page because we know that people want eye candy! Beautiful people, fast cars, fabulous food, drop-dead-gorgeous real estate, and a client-focused team that will provide white-glove service to our clients whether they are buying or selling real estate in Orange County.

Instagram is truly one of our favorite channels right now, as it presents a more intimate atmosphere for getting to know people. It is the day-in and day-out photos that can bring that street-level story to the home or lifestyle you are showcasing.

The photo below is one of the only unobstructed 270-degree-view lots in a luxury neighborhood called Kerrigan Ranch in Yorba Linda. The story is laid out nicely on video and photos as we stroll through this amazing neighborhood truly giving your connections a real-life perspective on this home and this neighborhood.

Our team truly believes that relationships are created in that person-to-person, in-real-life moment when that individual decides she is going to look at you as her trusted adviser. It may initially start on social, but you are going to have to earn her trust and respect in real life. Once you do that, then it’s time for the story of that home, in that neighborhood, in that city. Enjoy!

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August 10, 2012  by

5 Ways to Build a Pinterest Following With Facebook

By 

Published August 7, 2012

Are you looking to build a strong Pinterest following?

Did you know that you can integrate your Facebook and Pinterest marketing?

Yes, there’s a way to get Facebook fans to create exposure for you on Pinterest.

Establishing a large audience of followers on Pinterest is one of the most important aspects of a successful Pinterest marketing campaign.

Here’s the skinny: Although during the setup process you can choose to link yourPinterest account to your Facebook personal page, there is currently no way to automatically hook up to your Facebook fan page.

So what’s a business to do?

The truth is most business owners have not figured out a solution. They are failing on Pinterest because they think that they have to build a new following from scratch. Well, that is patently untrue.

Here are five ways to use Facebook to build your Pinterest following.

#1: Get a Pinterest Tab for Your Facebook Fan Page

The easiest thing to do is just go to Woobox and create a Pinterest tab for your Facebook fan page.

woobox
Easily get a Pinterest tab for your Facebook fan page from Woobox.

It’s very simple to do and requires little to no technical skills. Within minutes, you can have your Pinterest account in front of thousands of your fans! This way, whenever people come to your Facebook page to either check out your latest posts or learn more about you, they can also see that you are on Pinterest.

The Pinterest tab allows fans to view all of your boards and even your pins while staying on the Facebook platform. They will not be transferred over to Pinterest until they try to repin or comment on one of your pins.

pinterest tab fb fan page
Within just a few clicks you can easily create a Pinterest tab for your Facebook fan page.
inside the pinterest tab
Inside the Pinterest tab as seen on the Facebook fan page.

#2: Post Pinterest Links as Updates on Your Facebook Page

There are a few different ways to use your Facebook status updates to promote your activity on Pinterest.

One way to build your follower base is to share the direct link to your Pinterest page as a status update and tell your fans WHY they should follow you on Pinterest.

What helpful information or cool contests will they have access to? Are there exclusive promotions? Why should they follow you on Pinterest AND Facebook?

facebook status update example
Example post of a Facebook status update promoting a Pinterest business account.

The more specific you can be about the type of value you are creating for your followers on Pinterest, the more likely your fans will join you there too.

#3: Promote Specific Boards on Your Facebook Page

On Pinterest, people can choose to either follow all, or just a few, of your boards.

Because of that feature, you may find success promoting specific Pinterest boards on your Facebook fan page.

I recommend you promote a few different boards throughout the week.

That way, you have the opportunity to showcase your Pinterest account to a wider audience on Facebook, and you can introduce them to the diverse areas of value shared on your Pinterest page.

There are two ways you can promote a specific Pinterest board on Facebook.

  • Update your status by uploading an image of a pin to Facebook. Add a description and include a link to the board on which that pin is featured.
facebook pinterest board example
Example Facebook post promoting a particular Pinterest board.

This works well if you have a really compelling image, because it will be granted more space on the Facebook newsfeed than a link.

  • Post the link to your Pinterest board as part of a status update. An image of one of your pins on that board will be automatically generated.
full board view
Generate a full board preview (photo and all) by posting the board’s direct URL .

Posting the link will also automatically include the text in your board description.

Make sure that you add proper descriptions of the content when setting up your boards. I’m always amazed by how few people take advantage of this opportunity.

Look how brilliantly realtor Raj Qsar utilizes this space for his branding purposes.

His board description reads:

“Raj Qsar & Premier Orange County Real Estate – is one of the most dominant Real Estate Teams in the Orange County Real Estate Market. For over 15 years Team Raj Qsar has held the philosophy to give the best service and most qualified advice to both buyers & sellers.

Implementing honesty and integrity at the highest level possible and to enjoy the entire process along the way. We are truly passionate about real estate.”

raj qsar team | christine thomas | social pepper
Take advantage of the description area below your board titles for adding value to your brand and board.

To add a description to one of your boards, simply click Edit Board and fill in the Description field.

edit board
Add a description to your board by clicking the “Edit Board” button at the top of your Pinterest board page.

#4: How to Promote a Particular Pin

Sometimes the best way to really serve your Facebook community is to highlight the value that you are providing in one particular pin.

This is a great way to get maximum exposure when pinning your own original content. Remember these posts can and will be shared across Facebook by your fans.

The same two strategies apply here, as they do to promote a specific board above. You can either upload the image of the pin as a status update (or include a link in the image description), or you can just include the direct link to the pin in your status area.

promote a particular pin
Promote a particular pin by pasting the pin’s direct URL into your Facebook status update.

When you post a direct link to a pin as a status on Facebook, the following information will be automatically added and visible:

  • The image of your pin
  • The name of the board that includes the pin
  • The caption that has been added to your pin

So make sure you have fully optimized both your board title and caption for maximum impact. Focus on creating intriguing board titles and including a further explanation of value in the caption.

#5: Promote Your Pinterest Contests on Facebook

Contests and promotions are becoming all the rage on Pinterest. They are a very effective way to quickly add a lot of new followers and drive a ton of traffic to your site.

Unlike Facebook, there are no real restrictions regarding the way contests are promoted and hosted on Pinterest. A great way to leverage both platforms is topromote your Pinterest contest on your Facebook fan page.

pinterest contest facebook fan page
Example of how Bergdorf Goodman promoted their Pinterest contest on their Facebook fan page.

Bergdorf Goodman recently promoted their Pinterest contest on their Facebook fan page by posting an image of one of the prizes with a brief explanation. They included a link to their blog within the description of the image where fans could find more details about how to enter.

Hopefully you’ve found these five ways to use Facebook to build your audience on Pinterest helpful. I know from personal experience that introducing your fan base to your presence on Pinterest is an effective way to get more followers.

Despite all the hype surrounding Pinterest, Facebook is still the largest social media network. Why not leverage the audience you have already built there and let them fast-track your success on Pinterest?

So what do you think? Can you see the benefits of using Facebook to get more followers on Pinterest? Leave your questions and comments in the box below.

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July 26, 2012  by

The Purpose of Video

by Kendyl Young →

The sad state of most video in real estate is long, boring and entirely selfish.  Slide shows of still pictures with voice over.  Long videos showing the Realtor drone on about the features. Overwrought glide cam shots panning from floor to countertop and over to the sink.  Beside the home seller and the Realtor’s mother, does anyone watch more than a few seconds of these videos?

Boring vs. Captivating

What is the key difference between the videos that bore me to death and the ones that captivate my attention?  Said another way, what is the best use of video?

I think video is at it’s very best when it delivers something unattainable in a brochure- either online or printed format.  Still pictures?  Effusive ad copy?  A recitation of the home’s features?  If I can get all of that by scanning a brochure or a webpage in 20 seconds, why should I invest my time watching your video?  Many of these videos are 4 minutes or more- these are minutes that deliver no value to me- and they are minutes I will never get back.

What is Captivating?

In contrast, consider Eric Lavey’s Pacific View Dr. video.

Now, I am neither young, male nor that impossibly cool- but for 2 minutes and 20 seconds I could see myself living an amazing life- if I could just find a way to buy that house.

Similarly, Raj Qsar’s recent video, Bob White Rd. tells the story of a family oriented life style.

I am sure my life would hold no worries if I lived in that house.  (The perfect kids and the beautiful friends are included in the purchase price, right?)

In both of these videos, the point is not the granite counter tops or the stunning view.  The point is to show you what it feels like to live in this home.

It’s the Benefits, Baby

It is the first lesson taught in Real Estate- talk about benefits, not features.  What benefit does your listing offer to the potential buyer?  I think video can make this point better than any other medium.

Authenticity Matters

Authenticity is something else video delivers effectively.  Consider Dave Chomitz’s delightful thoughts on the importance of location.

We’ve all heard how important location is, but seeing Dave make that point as the 18 wheelers thundered by was priceless.  Just as priceless is Dave, himself.  He is just talking into the camera like he was chatting with a friend.  Honest.  Authentic.  Approachable.

Applied to a home, consider my video for 732 South.

There is something about a homeowner telling you why she loves her home that is emotional and captivating. If a salesperson said exactly the same things, or, if an ad had that same copy it would feel very different.  It would seem suspect.

Respect the Audience

In the end we need to respect the audience- respect their time, their intelligence and their needs.  Make sure your video delivers something that can’t be captured on paper.  A few ideas – show how the rooms flow together by walking through the house.  Ask the homeowner what their favorite feature is- highlight that and tell the viewer why it is special.  Show a little bit about the community- a park, the shopping, the nightlife.

Give the audience something of value and you will be rewarded with more views, more appointments and, ultimately, more listings.

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December 22, 2011  by

Stop & think about this!

Stop & think about this! Friday December 16th, 2011 marked the 11th best day in the history of mortgage rates since the beginning of mortgage rates! Said another way, only 10 days of the last 29,200 days of mortgage interest rates have been better! Thinking about buying or doing a refi? This truly is history in the making!!  Give our team a call today and do not miss this opportunity!  www.RajQsar.com

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