Thursday, December 16, 2010

How Much is my Home Worth?

This is a question that gets asked more often now days.  Home values are kind of all over the place, but it does depend on geographic location and supply and demand.  Homes in Santee, California will differ greatly from homes in El Cajon and in La Mesa.  In fact, differences in value can be seen from one part of town to another.

Some home owners use services such as Zillow to identify the value of their home and some mistakenly base it off of the letter they recently received in the mail from the county assessor. I wouldn't use either necessarily. There are many factors that go into determining the actual value of your home and this is why real estate agents are trained to conduct Comparative Market Analysis (CMAs) and more importantly why appraisers conduct appraisals.  A few things to keep in mind when looking at Zillow or the steep drop in value according to the county assessor (this is for tax purposes) is that no one actually came out to your home to determine the real value.  This is when appraisers come into play, though, do not go run out and hire an appraiser for $500.00 to determine your home value each year or two.  If you are to hire an appraiser, be sure to ask around.  The cost of an appraisal may differ based on a few factors, location and type of real estate.  For example, Santee, Ca. vs. La Jolla, Ca. or Condo vs. Detached Home.

Alternatively, any competent real estate agent will be able to conduct a free CMA for you in a relatively short amount of time.  This is standard operating procedure (SOP) for when homes are listed.  Many agents may also offer this service to potential clients as well, and they should.  The value of your home is related to the value of the homes built around yours.  For example, appraisers will need to examine homes that meet very similar characteristics as your home but are within .5 or 1 mile, the closer the better.  If there are not any homes that meet the same (or similar) characteristics, then adjustments are made to compensate.  For example, garage vs. no garage, or small square footage adjustments.  Real estate agents also consider the same characteristics and have tools to conduct CMA's in a fairly quick and accurate fashion.  That said, nothing will replace the appraisal; if selling, an appraisal will be done. Keep in mind that the value of your home is what someone is willing to pay at any given time and if you accept such an offer.  Condo's are easier to determine value when there are many other condos in the same complex that have recently sold.

There are many factors, but there isn't really any need to worry about the value of your home if you do not plan on selling it in the near future.  If you are.... contact a real estate agent that you trust will provide some sound information.  If you live in Santee, Ca. and would like a Santee real estate agent to conduct a CMA, let us know, we'd be happy to help provide some free information or advice.

Santee Real Estate Agent

Videos of Santee California

When searching for your home in the greater San Diego area, you would want to consider taking a close look at Santee, CA.  The City of Santee has published some very nice videos.  These videos of Santee include a welcome message as well as other videos on the following:

  • Business and Industry
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • Dining and Shopping
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Quality of Life
  • Residential Growth
  • Tourism and Things to do

These videos show off the City of Santee quite well, but Santee still remains a "must see in person!"

Check it out and let me know what you think!

-Santee Real Estate Agent

 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Pine Valley Real Estate

Looking for Real Estate in the Pine Valley area and want access to all the latest listing reports?  Contact us at Rally Realty or visit our website at http://www.rallyre.com to find our contact information.  Email us today in order to be placed on our FREE daily or weekly email list of newly listed properties in your area.

Don't use your valuable time searching the internet for newly listed properties when we can email them directly to you without any delay.  This happens the second the properties have been placed on the market.

Get the advantage over the competition and be the first to place the winning offer on your Pine Valley dream home.  In addition to Pine Valley Real Estate, we are able to provide this FREE service for all Real Estate listings in the State of California.  If you are interested in property listings outside the greater San Diego area, please provide zip codes and your desired search criteria, i.e. price, bed, bath, garage, sq ft, laundry, etc...  We are more than happy to provide this FREE service even if you decide to use another real estate company.

Email Keith Bennett at keith@rallyre.com

 

International Real Estate

Now is the perfect opportunity for real estate to be purchased by the international community, not only U.S. citizens.  This is easily accomplished by contacting Rally Realty to discuss how the international real estate process can be completed, in the State of California.  Visit our website at http://www.rallyre.com/contact to find our contact information.

In addition to speaking English, we also have translators on staff who communicate in the English, Russian, Spanish, and German languages to assist our international real estate clients during their international real estate transactions and other real estate related needs.

If you are need to speak with one of our associates in any language other than English, please notify our staff at Rally Realty.  Please email any questions in reference to international real estate to keith@rallyre.com.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoys the long weekend!  Be safe out there on Black Friday!

Keith Bennett
Santee Real Estate

http://www.rallyre.com

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Branding | Real Estate

How important is branding to you and your business?

Branding is probably even more important today than ever before.  There was a time in the past when it was much easier to get by with less focus on branding; that time has come and gone.  Today, branding is one of the necessary components in your overall marketing strategy that will separate you from your competitors.

Being mediocre in the real estate industry is commonplace.

On the other side of the coin, we have the real estate agent who provides uniqueness and valuable services to their clients.  This type of agent has found and exploited their niche to its maximum potential and still continue to squeeze out every remaining ounce of value with all their effort.

How can a real estate agent implement a marketing strategy to mitigate mediocrity and increase leverage by changing how they promote their brand and self image?

Finding a niche is one way to ensure you are effective as an agent as well as having fun.  Generally speaking, most find a niche that suits their personality and that they enjoy.  It is much easier to be successful on a day-to-day basis when one enjoys what they do.  This is why many real estate agents don't consider their real estate business as work.

Websites & Domains:

When creating a website for clients to visit or to generate and cultivate leads, it is important to remember that the name of the website should be related to your business as well as memorable.  Trying to keep the domain name shorter may also help clients and online searchers remember who you are and what you do.  Meta tags are not new, but should be used appropriately.  In the past, meta tags were more important to Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  Today, content is king, and like everything in the real estate industry, consistency plays a significant role.

There are many ways to be unique when creating a brand for your company (many more that I have listed).  Remember that often people fail before they succeed.  Failure is not always fun, but it often a positive learning experience and a stepping stone to future success.

 

Keith Bennett
DRE# 01869992
Premier Mortgage & Real Estate
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Suite #3
Santee, CA. 92071
Direct Line - 858.344.4512
Fax - 619.312.1621
Email - Keith@RallyRE.com
Web - www.RallyRE.com

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Search Condos for Sale in Santee, CA

If you are looking for condos for sale in this market, you are in luck!  Condos for sale in east county, San Diego, CA are some of the lowest priced condos available on the market today.  Keep in mind that low priced condos do not last long on the market, and the ones that do may have hidden issues with the condo itself or the complex.

Be wary of condos that have unusually high Home Owners Association (HOA) dues for this reason.  Generally this is a signal of deeper problems.  However, this may also mean that issues are being resolved and the HOA has taken action by implementing a special assessment to bring the HOA current.  An experienced REALTOR(R) will be able to contact the HOA and or management company in order to inquire about the condition of the HOA.

That said, there are many great areas in Santee and El Cajon to find these diamonds in the rough.  It may take some time (more than you think) and the competition may be tough, but try not to get discouraged.  Keep searching, there is light at the end of this tunnel!

 

Keith Bennett
DRE# 01869992
Premier Mortgage & Real Estate
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Suite #3
Santee, CA. 92071
Direct Line - 858.344.4512
Fax - 619.312.1621
Email - Keith@RallyRE.com
Web - www.RallyRE.com

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When it's "OK" to Show Homes to the Non-Qualified Client

I showed some homes to a client in the El Cajon and Santee, CA area when I knew he was not qualified.  I was not even hoping I would get him into a home.  I was however refining some skills with my new found friend.  This could be (and often is) perceived as a waste of time by some real estate agents, I wanted to take this lemon and made lemonade.

Here are some of the benefits:

*There is nothing to lose if you effectively control your time with this client, you will win.
*Go see listings that you want to see.  Go see some areas outside your normal or identified marketplace.
*This client knows people and though he cannot buy a home (even if he thinks he can), he still knows people that may be able to, ask for a referral
*Ask your client to conduct a survey, post it to the internet (LinkedIn), but this also to helps you build your communications skills.

Of course, this is not an everyday event, but take it for what its worth, if you find yourself without any clients or if you have some free time.  Ultimately, use every resource you have at your disposal, you never know what will become of it.

 

Saturday, November 20, 2010

When Real Estate (Social) Networking is not Networking

I wasn't thinking about social networking until recently.  In fact, I am still a little skeptical about social marketing (as it is advertised).  I do believe in social networking, however, when done right.

So, what is wrong with social media when it comes down to doing business?  I "think" most people perceive that social networking means to collect as many contacts as they possible can.  In this perceived theory, it makes sense, kind of.  For example, the more contacts I have in my social media network means a much larger audience.

However, if I learned anything while earning my marketing degree, it was to identify the target market.  I think the question should be asked, who in my social network is in my targeted market?  I am sure that number is quite small, but I do have some ideas to mitigate wasting time pretending I am networking via social channels.

One example would be to ask clients to conduct a survey on LinkedIn or Facebook (Company Page).  This would be the truest form of social networking, and one of the ideas behind LinkedIn that I like.

All social media channels present the opportunity to be productive, when used correctly.  So, if social media has not paid off for you, re-think who your contacts are and if they are in your identified target audience for the product you are marketing.

 

Real Estate Viral Marketing

Viral marketing is a strategy used by marketers to spread the word about a product or service.  Typically, consumers would be doing the work for marketers when the value in the product or service speaks for itself, so to speak.....

We often see this occur in the real estate industry when an agent receives a referral from a past client.  This is one form of viral marketing.  The agent has intentionally or unintentionally marketed himself or herself in such a manner that the client discovered value from services provided by the agent.  Naturally, the client wanted family and friends to benefit from the value this real estate agent could provide.

It is always essential to keep viral marketing in mind when working with clients.  Of course, viral marketing can also cause a lot of damage when real estate agents do not provide value to their client.

In cities such as Santee and El Cajon (California) which have a very small population, this type of marketing will provide noticeable leverage.  There are many other marketing approaches and this is only the surface of how viral marketing can benefit the real estate agent.

Marketing Yourself

How do you think about marketing your product?

When your marketing is not as successful as you anticipated, think about marketing yourself vice your product.  You are sure to be successful marketing yourself as unique and interesting.   You will see that marketing yourself vice your product will also win over your target market.  Keep it simple.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Real Estate Related Terms | Violations

California Laws: Business and Professional Code 10176 & 10177
Google the California Codes to find more!

Misrepresentation

10176(a). In real estate transactions this is when a broker or salesperson fails to disclose to his or her principal material facts of which the principal should be made aware.

False Promise

10176(b). A false promise is a false statement about what the promisor is going to do.  According to the California Department of Real Estate (2000), "Many times a false promise is proved by showing that the promise was impossible to perform and that the person making the promise knew it was impossible."

Dual Agency

10176(d). Failure to inform all principals that the licensee is acting as agent for more than one party in the transaction.

Commingling

10176(e). Commingling takes place when a broker has mixed the funds of a principal with the broker's own money.

Definite Termination Date

10176(f). Failure to include a specified termination date on all exclusive listings related to transactions for which a real estate license is required.

Secret Profit

10176(g). "Secret profit cases usually arise when the broker, who already has a higher offer has a higher offer from another buyer, makes a low offer, usually through a dummy purchaser.  The broker then sells the property to the interested buyer for the higher price.  The difference is the secret profit" (California Department of Real Estate, 2000).

Negligence or Incompetence

10177(g). Demonstrated negligence or incompetence in performing any act for which he or she is required to hold a license.

Inducement of Panic Selling

10177(l). Solicited or induced the sale, lease, or listing for sale or lease of residential property on the ground, wholly or in part, of loss of value, increase in crime, or decline of the quality of the schools due to the present or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons having any characteristic listed in subdivision (a) or (d) of Section 12955 of the Government Code, as those characteristics are defined in Sections 12926, 12926.1, subdivision (m), and paragraph (1) of subdivision (p) of Section 12955, and Section 12955.2 of the Government Code.

Failure to Disclose Ownership Interest

10177(o). Failed to disclose to the buyer of real property, in a transaction in which the licensee is an agent for the buyer, the nature and extent of a licensee's direct or indirect ownership interest in that real property. The direct or indirect ownership interest in the property by a person related to the licensee by blood or marriage, by an entity in which the licensee has an ownership interest, or by any other person with whom the licensee has a special relationship shall be disclosed to the buyer.

Other California codes that are relevant to the real estate industry are as follows:

10137, 10138, 10140, 10141, 10142, 10145, 10148, 10160, 10161, 10162, 10163, 10165, 10167, 10176, 10177, 10178, 10475.

Make your Move from Agent to Broker.

Have you been wanting to fire-up your real estate career?

Those in the real estate industry who know me well also know that I firmly believe real estate brokers and agents should continue to practice real estate to the best of their ability.  I was told once by a very wise person that "if we are not progressing, we are regressing."  Since that day, I have always tried to find new ways to ensure that I am not stagnant (i.e. regressing).

How long should a real estate agent remain an agent before making the push forward to become a broker?  My suggestion is simple, why wait?  The best way to ensure one is progressing in the real estate industry with personal and professional goals is to continue moving forward to the next higher level.  Even when an agent is not ready to start their own brokerage, I still believe it is beneficial to become an associate-broker.  Most real estate agents will need to meet the requirements listed below to become a broker:

2 years full time (or 4 years part time) experience
Eight real estate/business related college courses (outlined by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE))

or

In lieu of experience it is possible to meet the qualification standards by earning a degree from a four-year university or college.  The eight real estate/business related college courses still apply and are considered by the DRE to be equivalent to a minor in real estate.

Any active broker or agent should have the desire to act in a progressive manner though both experience and education.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

How Many Real Estate Agents are there in California?!

Doing loans and Real Estate in Santee, California seems fairly routine.  However, I wanted to know how many agents there were out there, who is my competition?.....in my market....
Would you believe that there are 483,250 licensed real estate agents in the State of California? According to http://www.dre.ca.gov/gen_stats_09_10.html
Is that a lot?  Well, yes!...... and thankfully.... No... I will explain later why it is so good.... That said, what other profession has that ratio?  Just think about that for a minute?  1 agent for every 90 people.  How many of those people are renters?  How many of those people cannot qualify for a loan?  50%?  I am not sure the exact number, but lets wipe out 50% just for the sake of argument.... Would it be realistic to say there is "now" 1 licensed agent per 45 people in the State of California?  Maybe and maybe not, because there are how many inactive agents?  I'm not sure about that either... But, for the time being I am only conducting surface level secondary research, so this is about as in-depth as I can go.  I do want to dig much deeper to find some more firm statistics.

Though that may seem high, the rate is decreasing each month. One year ago this month there was 519,941 licensed agents and two years ago this month there was 542,267 licensed agents.
At this rate, we will soon shed some 100k licensed agents from where we were a few years ago, and with a higher population. I tend to be optimistic; when the market turns the remaining agents who stuck it out or even made the system work will be well positioned.... Are you using this market to your advantage?  Are you keeping tabs on your competitors?  I know I am....

Stack of Money

I am not sure how many licensed agents who are also hold the MLO designation, but I can say that I will be in this category.  With the new NMLS requirements, I am looking forward to seeing some room on that side of the fence....
See you in Santee, CA.

Best Regards,

Keith Bennett
DRE# 01869992

Premier Mortgage & Real Estate
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Suite #3
Santee, CA. 92071
Direct Line - 858.344.4512
Fax - 619.312.1621

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Friday, June 25, 2010

Mortgage Rates Keep Dropping......

Historic low mortgage rates.  Do you have an FHA mortgage at 5.5% or higher?  Utilize the FHA streamline program in order to lower your mortgage at no cost.  If you are current on your existing FHA mortgage, you are ALREADY qualified.  That means, no credit pulls!  FHA approves you based upon your current loan.  How is this done?  Ask me how!

This is NOT a loan modification.  This is an FHA ONLY program that will lower your mortgage rate.  Lower your rate today, give me a call to set up an appointment in our Santee office.  Don't let these low rates pass you by another day!

Best Regards,

Keith Bennett
DRE# 01869992

Premier Mortgage & Real Estate
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Suite #3
Santee, CA. 92071
Direct Line - 858.344.4512
Fax - 619.312.1621

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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Homes and Condos for Sale in Santee Mission Gorge

Low priced condos and homes for sale in Santee (Mission Gorge Area).  Santee is a small and beautiful city located in East San Diego County.  Real Estate prices in Santee are much lower than other areas in San Diego County due to the distance from the City of San Diego.  If you are planning on relocating to San Diego County, I recommend taking a tour of the lovely city of Santee before making your choice to purchase real estate.  There are plenty of detached homes and condos available for sale.  Call today for a free list of all available homes in Santee or a free home loan pre-approval.

Best Regards,

Keith Bennett
DRE# 01869992

Premier Mortgage & Real Estate
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Suite #3
Santee, CA. 92071
Direct Line - 858.344.4512
Fax - 619.312.1621

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Santee Housing, Santee Condo for Sale

Housing in Santee:

Santee condo for sale, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, price lowered from $165,000 to $125,000.  Priced to sell.  Condo located in Mission Gorge area.  One of the most desirable locations in Santee.  At this low sale price, who would want to rent an apartment in Santee, when you can buy a condo.  This one will not last long.  Price recently reduced $40,000 to sell.

Call your local real estate agent and loan officer in Santee today!

Best Regards,

Keith Bennett
DRE# 01869992

Premier Mortgage & Real Estate
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Suite #3
Santee, CA. 92071
Direct Line - 858.344.4512
Fax - 619.312.1621

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Saturday, June 19, 2010

Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) (Santee Realtor)

Are you Active Duty Military? Did You Know!?

The Government approved Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) allows Active Duty Military Members under PCS orders to (apply in order to) sell their home at fair market value and be released from at least 95% but up to 100% of their current mortgage obligation, regardless of the outstanding balance due on the existing mortgage. This program is to assist Active Duty military members who (but not limited to):

*Purchased homes prior to 01July 2006, and
*Were issued PCS orders prior to 30 September 2010.

CALL ME IN SANTEE TODAY, FIND OUT HOW TO PCS AND BE FREE OF YOUR MORTGAGE BEFORE YOU PCS!

Best Regards,

Keith Bennett
DRE# 01869992

Premier Mortgage & Real Estate
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Suite #3
Santee, CA. 92071
Direct Line - 858.344.4512
Fax - 619.312.1621

Santee Realtor, Homes for sale in Santee, Real Estate for Sale in Santee.

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Thursday, June 17, 2010

Streamline Your FHA Mortgage

Lower your FHA Mortgage NOW.

Do you have a FHA Home Mortgage at or above 5.75%? Did you know that if you are current on your existing FHA mortgage you ARE already pre-approved to "Streamline" your FHA mortgage!

Today's rate was as low as 4.75%. Would you like to lower your mortgage rate for no cost? That's right, I said no out-of-pocket cost to you! Nothing!  Just a lower rate!  This is not a loan modification, this is an approved, no-cost FHA refinance opportunity for existing FHA home owners.

If you live in the State of California, I can help you do this in person or via email. Just give me a call or send me an email.  Ask me about "FHA Streamline." There is no credit check, no pressure, or obligation. Don't miss this low mortgage rate!

Best Regards,

Keith Bennett
Realtor / Loan Officer
DRE# 01869992

Premier Mortgage & Real Estate
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Suite #3
Santee, CA. 92071
Direct Line - 858.344.4512
Fax - 619.312.1621


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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

FREE list of REO/Foreclosure Properties

For a FREE list of REO/Foreclosures and Traditional Listed homes in your neighborhood, just ask.  I'd be more than happy to filter out all the Short Sale listings if you would like. email request to me keith@rallyre.com.

Provide your name, email address, city or cities, and zip-codes that you are interested in.

Best Regards,

Keith Bennett
DRE# 01869992

Premier Mortgage & Real Estate
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Suite #3
Santee, CA. 92071
Direct Line - 858.344.4512
Fax - 619.312.1621

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Become a Fan of my Facebook Page

Help me launch my Facebook Real Estate Page and become a fan. Click Here!

Best Regards,

Keith Bennett
DRE# 01869992

Premier Mortgage & Real Estate
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Suite #3
Santee, CA. 92071
Direct Line - 858.344.4512
Fax - 619.312.1621

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Santee Homes for Sale

Homes for sale in Santee! Great Prices and Low Mortgage Rates!

There are 80+ Detached homes listed for sale in Santee.  Much of the real estate for sale in Santee is awaiting buyers to come and sweep them off their foundations!  Perhaps that is not the best way to put it, but, you get the idea!  If you are interested in taking a look at the beautiful city Santee in East County, San Diego, drop me a line.

Best Regards,

Keith Bennett
My Direct Line 858.344.4512

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