Today's Arizona Republic had an article, Valley Home Resales Slow. This article is something to ponder. Not the stats, or the fact that the market is "slow", but rather the question, what is the positive spin on this?
If you know me, do business with me, or otherwise were directed to this blog by me, then you most likely focus your real estate career in the Northeast Valley. So when you read articles about the "Valley Market" or the "National Market", you need to remember that our world is a little different. In Scottsdale and surrounding areas we don't share the same issues as other places in the Valley, like Gilbert or Surprise. We don't have new-build communities around every corner. Communities that are dropping prices and offering an insane amount of discounts to buyers, making it extremely difficult to compete with.
We also have the attractions that buyers want: prestigious location, golf communities, proximity to business, airport, shopping, and transportation corridors. When we look at the things that Arizona has to offer that will keep us going, we see that our NE Valley is THE place to be.
So don't let the Republic, or any other news source, get you down. Rise above the negativity, and stay positive. Don't get me wrong, I'm not telling you to ignore facts, or put on those proverbial rose-colored glasses, thereby walking around with your head in the clouds. Quite the opposite. I encourage you to be and stay realistic. Set your expectations as such. Stay informed on what the news reports, especially because this is often the only education on the real estate market that your clients and prospects receive. You need to know what they are learning, so you can sort out fact-or-fiction issues for them. Give them the real scoop, not the sensationalized. As I am always reminding my agents, the reporters' job is NOT to report the news. It's to sell newspapers. And let's face it, sensationalism sells.
Want to stay informed? Contact me to learn more about NATnews, our daily real estate news email blast. It's free, and can keep you informed on the day's news pertaining to real estate in Arizona. Email me at jsemerau@nat.com or by calling me at 602-294-2904.
Until next time...
Showing posts with label real estate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label real estate. Show all posts
Friday, July 13, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Virtually Amazing!
I'm excited about a new marketing tool that we are offering at North American Title Company. In today's market, where listings are abundant and buyers are few and far between, you as an agent need to use all the tools you possibly can to set your listing above the others.
Virtual tours are a great tool to help you accomplish that. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of home buyers begin their search on the internet. On popular consumer-based real estate websites, such as Realtor.com, the listings with virtual tours attached are usually viewed first. Wouldn't you like to make sure your listings were gaining as much exposure as possible to that 80%?
So by adding a virtual tour, you increase the number of internet viewings significantly. And we, like other title companies, have a relationship with a traditional virtual tour company. The company we promote is vi360.com. If that is something that is of interest to you, contact me and I will get you in touch with the right person so that you receive our preferred pricing. They do a great job, and I refer them with confidence.
BUT WAIT.....that's NOT the new tool I was telling you about!
As an alternative, we are now offering what we call "Virtual Commercials". They look like virtual tours, act like virtual tours, and link to sights such as Realtor.com like virtual tours. They are not, however, actually virtual tours!
Want to see an example of what this tool is all about? Visit my website at http://www.northeastvalleyresource.com/ and click on the sidebar "Welcome to Pinnacle Peak". There you will experience a virtual commercial of my North American Title Pinnacle Peak Office located at 8525 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd #115, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Here's the exciting part: if you contact me directly at 602-294-2904, I can get you set up on this program with the preferred NATC pricing of just $100/year! And that gives you absolutely unlimited access to create as many virtual commercials as you would like. You will even be able to track how many viewings your commercial receives.
As always, we at North American Title are constantly trying to find new ways to help you become a more successful agent. Because the more successful you become, the more successful you will help us to become. We Take Your Career as Seriously as You Do. More than a tag line, it's a way of life for us at NATC!
So call me at 602-294-2904 to get started on your new virtual commercial program!
Until next time,
Jacki
Virtual tours are a great tool to help you accomplish that. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of home buyers begin their search on the internet. On popular consumer-based real estate websites, such as Realtor.com, the listings with virtual tours attached are usually viewed first. Wouldn't you like to make sure your listings were gaining as much exposure as possible to that 80%?
So by adding a virtual tour, you increase the number of internet viewings significantly. And we, like other title companies, have a relationship with a traditional virtual tour company. The company we promote is vi360.com. If that is something that is of interest to you, contact me and I will get you in touch with the right person so that you receive our preferred pricing. They do a great job, and I refer them with confidence.
BUT WAIT.....that's NOT the new tool I was telling you about!
As an alternative, we are now offering what we call "Virtual Commercials". They look like virtual tours, act like virtual tours, and link to sights such as Realtor.com like virtual tours. They are not, however, actually virtual tours!
Want to see an example of what this tool is all about? Visit my website at http://www.northeastvalleyresource.com/ and click on the sidebar "Welcome to Pinnacle Peak". There you will experience a virtual commercial of my North American Title Pinnacle Peak Office located at 8525 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd #115, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Here's the exciting part: if you contact me directly at 602-294-2904, I can get you set up on this program with the preferred NATC pricing of just $100/year! And that gives you absolutely unlimited access to create as many virtual commercials as you would like. You will even be able to track how many viewings your commercial receives.
As always, we at North American Title are constantly trying to find new ways to help you become a more successful agent. Because the more successful you become, the more successful you will help us to become. We Take Your Career as Seriously as You Do. More than a tag line, it's a way of life for us at NATC!
So call me at 602-294-2904 to get started on your new virtual commercial program!
Until next time,
Jacki
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Quarters, Dimes, and Nickels...
...Or in other words, CHANGE. And I've got some to talk about!
North American Title's Pinnacle Peak branch has some very exciting news! Heidi Gardner has accepted the position of Branch Manager! For those of you that know Heidi, I'm sure you're as excited as I am!
She's been in escrow in the Pinnacle Peak area for over 12 years. Her customer service skills are incredible, and she's just as strong in the technical aspects of escrow. Many of her clients have been top producers in the area for years. And no matter if you are a seasoned agent or a brand new agent, she treats you with the same respect and service. In fact, she treats all our customers the same, even if they are not the agent that directed the deal to us. You can learn more about Heidi by visiting my website at www.NortheastValleyResource.com and clicking on the sidebar "Get to Know Heidi Gardner".
As you know, Cindy Kappus was the previous branch manager at our Pinnacle Peak location. And I have great news about Cindy as well! She is now the branch manager for our Hayden Branch. Cindy is working towards the position of Northeast Valley Escrow Manager, so this move is a step towards her ultimate career goals. She is available to handle your escrows. If you were previously her client at the Pinnacle Peak branch and prefer to stay with her, just let me know! You can still use the PP Branch as your "location"...Cindy will come up for signings with your clients...no problem!
So as you can see...good things are happening at North American Title!
Until next time...
North American Title's Pinnacle Peak branch has some very exciting news! Heidi Gardner has accepted the position of Branch Manager! For those of you that know Heidi, I'm sure you're as excited as I am!
She's been in escrow in the Pinnacle Peak area for over 12 years. Her customer service skills are incredible, and she's just as strong in the technical aspects of escrow. Many of her clients have been top producers in the area for years. And no matter if you are a seasoned agent or a brand new agent, she treats you with the same respect and service. In fact, she treats all our customers the same, even if they are not the agent that directed the deal to us. You can learn more about Heidi by visiting my website at www.NortheastValleyResource.com and clicking on the sidebar "Get to Know Heidi Gardner".
As you know, Cindy Kappus was the previous branch manager at our Pinnacle Peak location. And I have great news about Cindy as well! She is now the branch manager for our Hayden Branch. Cindy is working towards the position of Northeast Valley Escrow Manager, so this move is a step towards her ultimate career goals. She is available to handle your escrows. If you were previously her client at the Pinnacle Peak branch and prefer to stay with her, just let me know! You can still use the PP Branch as your "location"...Cindy will come up for signings with your clients...no problem!
So as you can see...good things are happening at North American Title!
Until next time...
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Dancing with the STAARS
If you are a member of the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors (SAAR) then you may have heard of STAAR Night. This is a stage production that is put on by real estate professionals with talents in the performing arts to benefit the Hutch Fund.
So what's the Hutch Fund? This is a charity set up through SAAR that benefits real estate professionals in crisis. You can learn more about the Hutch Fund by going to my website, http://www.northeastvalleyresource.com/ and clicking on the sidebar "STAAR Night."
OK....so why am I blogging about this? First of all, the Hutch Fund is an amazing charity that I fully support. And it just so happens, I have a background in a particular performing art...dance. More specifically, choreography. It was my major in college, my professional aspiration prior to discovering real estate, and remains my passion. So who knew I might get a chance to use this talent in my current career with a title company? Not me!
Last year was STAAR Night's debut. I was interested but had no idea what to expect. So instead of auditioning, I sat in the audience. What I saw blew me away, and I said to myself, "I've GOT to be a part of this next year."
And so I am! Originally, I just intended to perform in the production. But as luck would have it, last year's choreographer couldn't be involved this year. So I submitted an audition tape of some of my choreography, and here I am! And I have to say, this has been an amazing experience.
Tickets are on sale...you can reach the link through my website or you can go to http://www.saaronline.com/ and link into ticket sales that way. I encourage you to join us for a wonderful and entertaining event on May 1st at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. If you decide to attend, please send me an email at jsemerau@nat.com and let me know! I'll look for you there!
Until next time...
So what's the Hutch Fund? This is a charity set up through SAAR that benefits real estate professionals in crisis. You can learn more about the Hutch Fund by going to my website, http://www.northeastvalleyresource.com/ and clicking on the sidebar "STAAR Night."
OK....so why am I blogging about this? First of all, the Hutch Fund is an amazing charity that I fully support. And it just so happens, I have a background in a particular performing art...dance. More specifically, choreography. It was my major in college, my professional aspiration prior to discovering real estate, and remains my passion. So who knew I might get a chance to use this talent in my current career with a title company? Not me!
Last year was STAAR Night's debut. I was interested but had no idea what to expect. So instead of auditioning, I sat in the audience. What I saw blew me away, and I said to myself, "I've GOT to be a part of this next year."
And so I am! Originally, I just intended to perform in the production. But as luck would have it, last year's choreographer couldn't be involved this year. So I submitted an audition tape of some of my choreography, and here I am! And I have to say, this has been an amazing experience.
Tickets are on sale...you can reach the link through my website or you can go to http://www.saaronline.com/ and link into ticket sales that way. I encourage you to join us for a wonderful and entertaining event on May 1st at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. If you decide to attend, please send me an email at jsemerau@nat.com and let me know! I'll look for you there!
Until next time...
Monday, March 19, 2007
Best Little Title Company in Arizona
That's right! Arizona Business Journal's Ranking Arizona has ranked North American Title Company number 1! What does this mean for you? This means that when you write North American Title Company on Line 91, you know that you are putting your transaction, your clients, and your paycheck in good hands.
Thank you for voting North American Title your title company of choice.
Until next time...
Thank you for voting North American Title your title company of choice.
Until next time...
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Boulders Sunset Tour
Tours is one of the services that I provide to agents that has proved to be very valuable. Tonight's tour is at the Boulder's, which is a community you hardly ever have the chance to tour, so I hope to see you there!
My previous tours have been at McDowell Mountain Ranch, Troon North, Lone Mountain Vistas, Cresta Norte, and Camelback Corridor to name a few. These tours have been great for the listing agents that particpated. I've had many tell me that the tours led to showings. That's a great thing! And on the Troon North Tour that I had a couple of weeks ago, I had an agent get a full price offer on his $2.5 million listing within a few days of having it on tour with me! (The two had nothing to do with each other, but all the same...)
For the agents that come through the tour, they have had great benefit in learning inventory while having a great time in the process.
So if you are a listing agent with a particular need, feel free to contact me to see if we can put together a tour for the community that your listing is in. It doesn't always work, but I will look at the possibility. I have certain criteria that the community and listing must meet before I will consider the tour. Call me at 602-294-2904 if you feel that this might be a tool that is of benefit to you.
After tonight's tour at the Boulders, my next upcoming tour will be at Desert Highlands on March 21st. Look for more information to come!
Until Next Time...
My previous tours have been at McDowell Mountain Ranch, Troon North, Lone Mountain Vistas, Cresta Norte, and Camelback Corridor to name a few. These tours have been great for the listing agents that particpated. I've had many tell me that the tours led to showings. That's a great thing! And on the Troon North Tour that I had a couple of weeks ago, I had an agent get a full price offer on his $2.5 million listing within a few days of having it on tour with me! (The two had nothing to do with each other, but all the same...)
For the agents that come through the tour, they have had great benefit in learning inventory while having a great time in the process.
So if you are a listing agent with a particular need, feel free to contact me to see if we can put together a tour for the community that your listing is in. It doesn't always work, but I will look at the possibility. I have certain criteria that the community and listing must meet before I will consider the tour. Call me at 602-294-2904 if you feel that this might be a tool that is of benefit to you.
After tonight's tour at the Boulders, my next upcoming tour will be at Desert Highlands on March 21st. Look for more information to come!
Until Next Time...
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Inaugural Blog
So I decided to do it. Blogging...who knew? I've stayed away from it as long as possible (and, if I'm going to be honest, because my company had all blogs blocked from viewing!) But about a week ago I told myself, "if I see one more article on blogging...I'll begin to think there's something to it!" And alas, about 20 minutes ago, Rismedia sent out an email about...you guessed it...blogging in real estate.
I had heard horror stories regarding how long it takes to set up a blog. So instead of overthinking it, I took the Nike approach (Just Do It). And like I said, 20 minutes later, I'm typing this out. How about that?
I'd like to take this first blog to let you know what I intend to blog about. I'm a Marketing Rep for North American Title Company (we prefer the term Business Development Manager, but it's all the same). I specialize in the Northeast Valley in Arizona (Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek, NE Phoenix). And it's my intention to blog about issues as they arise in my arena of the local real estate industry.
Some of my blogs will address technical issues, some will address marketing issues, and some will address the real estate market in general. I will highlight community events, ideas on how they can be used in marketing yourself, and more. (in other words, whatever comes to mind at the time that I'm typing away)
My intended audience is as follows: Real Estate Agents, as well as investors, in the Northeast Valley here in Arizona. If you are reading this blog, and you don't fit that description, then you are forbidden and must vacate the premises immediately. JUST KIDDING!!! Of course you're welcome to play along!
And at any time, please feel free to visit my website at www.NortheastValleyResource.com. There you will find information such as:
I had heard horror stories regarding how long it takes to set up a blog. So instead of overthinking it, I took the Nike approach (Just Do It). And like I said, 20 minutes later, I'm typing this out. How about that?
I'd like to take this first blog to let you know what I intend to blog about. I'm a Marketing Rep for North American Title Company (we prefer the term Business Development Manager, but it's all the same). I specialize in the Northeast Valley in Arizona (Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek, NE Phoenix). And it's my intention to blog about issues as they arise in my arena of the local real estate industry.
Some of my blogs will address technical issues, some will address marketing issues, and some will address the real estate market in general. I will highlight community events, ideas on how they can be used in marketing yourself, and more. (in other words, whatever comes to mind at the time that I'm typing away)
My intended audience is as follows: Real Estate Agents, as well as investors, in the Northeast Valley here in Arizona. If you are reading this blog, and you don't fit that description, then you are forbidden and must vacate the premises immediately. JUST KIDDING!!! Of course you're welcome to play along!
And at any time, please feel free to visit my website at www.NortheastValleyResource.com. There you will find information such as:
- Title and Escrow - what is it, how does it work, and why do you need it.
- Schedule of events - Classes, tours, clinics, seminars, etc.
- Meet my staff - Get to know the escrow professionals that will be taking care of your transactions when you write North American Title on Line 91 of your next contract.
- Important links - Valley information, Building projects, County and governement websites, etc.
- Community Updates - What is going on in the NE Valley, and how can you use that information to grow your business.
- And more!
Until next time....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
