Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Accessing “Best in Class” Realtors Through Local, National and Global Networking



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Real estate purchases are most often the biggest purchase in an entire lifetime for most people and the last thing they want to do is to get stuck with a mediocre agent that is not truly in it with full spirit.  We already know and aspire that if you are in the Southern California area you would allow us to service your real estate needs but did you know that as part of the nation’s top mastermind groups, I have access to the top 1% of agents in our country? In fact, it goes even further than that with the best real estate agents in North America and overseas.  And not surprisingly, our reach stretches beyond America going far and wide to many corners of the globe. 

Regardless of whether or not I am the agent on record for your transaction or those of your friends, family, colleagues or anyone else in your social circle, what I can provide is genuine guidance and assistance with a number of valuable resources.  Each year through many national and international real estate conferences, coaching events and other retreats, the nation’s top-producing agents get together under one roof.  Through the years and through our many experiences we have become more than just passing acquaintances and we can speak for the integrity for one another.

The next time you hear someone you know inquiring about a quality, reputable and experienced “Best in Class” Realtor, I ask that you ask me without hesitation and I will make sure that that person is contacted by one of the best in the industry.
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As your Realtor and friend in all things real estate, it would be a pleasure and honor to continue to serve you (and those in your circle) with my insight and assistance in any way you may need.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Single-Family Homes a “Very Attractive Asset Class Now” – Warren Buffett



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The news spread like wildfire.  No, it’s not another politician’s sex scandal or the latest (definitely not greatest) gas prices.  It is the monumental statement made by Warren Buffett that he would buy up “a couple hundred thousand” single-family homes.  The catch is that he would do that if it were something he could practically manage. He may not be able to practically manage it but individuals certainly can.


Think about that.  For months, if not more than that, countless Realtors have been urging their clients and potential clients that now is the perfect time to buy.  Now that it comes from one of the biggest investors of our time, it brings new light to the subject for many investors and has generated widespread industry buzz from the moment the billionaire uttered those words.

In an interview where he discussed several topics, soon into the discussion with Becky Quick of CNBC’s Squawk Box, he said that in addition to equities, single-family homes are probably the most attractive investment there is out there right now.  With the low rates that seem to be heading further down still, he suggests buying at these low interest rates and then for homeowners to refinance if and when the rates dips even more. 

He cited that the only reason he has not purchased as many homes as he would have liked is because of the practicality of managing the transactions and properties.  Apartment units might have been more manageable and in his words, he said he would “load up on them” had that been the case. But for the everyday investor it makes perfect sense to seize this opportunity and Warren Buffett highlights this repeatedly in his most recent discussion on CNBC.

Mr. Buffett shared his perspective on the idea of buying homes at distressed prices, fixing them up and renting them out as an ideal way to get a solid return on investment.  Referring to the changing trends and attitudes within the housing market, he also said this is the perfect way to “short the dollar” because with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage it can go two ways; either the interest rate is too high down the line after which you can go and refinance or if it’s too low the other guy’s stuck with it for 30 years.  Could this be the return of the house-flipping craze that we saw boom in the mid 2000s?

Mr. Buffett’s statement brings new light to something that so many agents and mortgage consultants have been saying all along.  Buy now.  At a time when stocks are just now rebounding after four years of inching their way back up, he says that consumers should acquire 30-year fixed rate mortgages and then refinance when rates go down further. 

If homeowners can hold on to their property for a long time after purchasing it at the lowest rates the industry has to offer they are sitting on the best investment possible of our time.  Of course equities are still very strong but they have come up quite a bit and Warren Buffett says owning a home is a “leveraged way of owning a very cheap asset”, making it quite possibly the most attractive investment that you can make.