To Thrive In The Current Market ..Be Positive. Be Innovative. Be Visible

Ken Baris is beyond positive about real estate. You could even say he's excited. When he talks, it's like 2004 or 2005. There's a cascade of words like "opportunity," "fantastic" and " tremendous'".

"Buy Now'," he says. "Take (advantage of this unique opportuity" Either Baris hasn"t read a newspaper in a few years, or he has a unique understanding of where this market is going.

" Why isn't the message getting out thal right now is a tremendous buying opportunity wonders” Baris, president of Jordan Baris lnc. Realtors, based in West Orange, New Jersey.

"We ought to be putting up billboards that say, 'Attention bargain shoppers! Real estate on sale now 25 percent off peak prices!'

“It is not a time to be timed. Nor is it a time to back off. Nor, clearly, is it a time to be pessimistic or cynical.

"Furthermore, interest rates are in credibly low! The savings on interest alone arc huge!". Baris stated. "What we've launched at Jordan Baris is a 'Thought Leadership Campaign.'

He says, "The message we need to get out is that now is the time to buy real estate and, if you do few years from now people are going 10 say you' re a genius."

Real estate agents in top stressfull jobs

(CARLSBAD, California)- The employment Website Careercast.com has named "real estate agent" as one of the top five most stressful jobs in the country, but not as stressful as being a surgeon or an airline pilot.

Among the least stressful jobs were actuary and dietitian.

The site, which lists 200 jobs. said the top five most stressful were: surgeon, airline pilot, photo journalist. Advertising account executive and real estate agents.

The least most stressful were: actuary, dietitian, Computer system analyst, Statistician and astronomer.

Florida considers mandatory registration of empty homes

(TALLAHASSEE. Florida) - The State or Florida is considering legislation that would require property owners to identity empty homes so that State and local officials can watch them to make sure they do not become the targets of vandals and house squatters.

The bill requires that property owners pay a fee to place vacant, abandoned and pre-fore closure homes on a Web site. The site would be monitored by both state and local officials to make sure homes are kept in good repair.

The purpose of the biII is to stabiIize housing markets in areas hard hit by foreclosures, said sponsor Representative Ari Abraham Porth, D-Coral Springs. He said deteriorating homes harm housing values for properties around them.

City says owners must register foreclosed properties

(MEDFORD. Massachusetts)-City Officials, worried about the rising tide Off or eclosures and the deterioration of vacant properties, have adopted an or finance requiring property owners to advise the city when a home is empty.

The ordinance is designed to make sure local officials know what homes are vacant so that city departments can monitor their upkeep.

In the past, the only way the city would know if home was empty was when neighbors would call and complain about vandals or such things as the smell of gas.

Housing starts down, Mortgage applications up

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - In what can be interpreted as "good news" for sales associates, the Mortgage Bankers Association reports mortgage applications are up and the Commerce Department reports new housing starts are down.

The combination of the two shouId help drain off inventory of unsold homes. The MBA said applications increased 45.7 percent from the week before and are 5,2 percent up from this time last year.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed rate mortgages was 4.99 percent. compared to 5.1 9 percent the week before.

The Commerce Department said new-home starts dropped loan annual rate of 466,000 units in January. Permits for new housing construction fell to rate of 521,000 units. Both are record lows.

Monte Carlo world's most expensive real estate market

(MAKATI CITY, The Philippines)Global Property Guide's 2009 1isl of the world's most expensive real estate markets shows that Monte Carlo is No. 1 at $45.000 per square meter (a square meter equals .836 1 of a square yard). Following Monte Carlo were:

• Central Moscow, $20,853 per square meter
  
• London, $20,756
  
• Tokyo, $ 1 7.998
  
• Hong Kong, $ 1 6, 125
  
• New York, $ 14,898
  
• Paris, $ 1 2, 1 22
  
• Singapore, $9.701
  
• Rome $9, 166
  
• Mumbai, India, $9, 163

For more information, you can visit: www.globllipropertyguide.com

SentriLock launches "Lockbox Live"

(CINCINNATI. Ohio) – SentriLock, leading provider of electronic lockboxes to the real estate industry, recently launched "Lockbox Live:' a virtual presentation that allows Boards. Associations and individual real estate professionals to gain keen insights into the numerous high-tech benefits of electronic lockboxes.

" With Lockbox Live. we've listened to our customers and developed an innovative, next-generation tool hat they can access at their convenience to gain additional information on the numerous benefits of electronic lock boxes, " said .John Heithaus, Senior Vice President of sales, marketing and alliances for SentriLock.

SentriLock LLC. founded in 2003, is majority owned by the National Association of Realtors and is the official lockbox solution of NAR's REALTOR Benefits Program.

Trulia sees surge in consumer real estate interest

(SAN FRANCISCO. California) The online real estate information site Trulia.com reported recently a surge in the numberof consumers doing property searches on the site and a substantial increase in consumer networking, as well.

The company said page visits were up 40 percent in January- compared to a year ago -and that activity on its blogs. And queslion and answer sections was up by 115 percent.

Trulia co-founder Pete Flint said. "In Reality, consumers were engaged more than ever and we believe the dramatic increased engagement in January is a good indication that consumer optimism is on the risk." (http://www.trulia.com).

"Buy a house, we'll give you a job"

(SHANGHAI, China) -A real estate company is making a novel, if risky, offer to young homebuyers: Buy a condo. And we' 11 gi ve you a job to pay for it.

Shanghai Sanxiang Co., .. a Iarge developer in the city, says so far it has hired eight of its buyers.

As unemployment goes up in the overbuilt city, millions of young people who were drawn to Shanghai during the boom are now returning to their homes in rural pans of the country.

Sanxiang says it believes the market will turn by the end or the year and will need the additional trained staff.

Top relocation destinations

(CHICAGO. lllinois) -Allied Van Lines has released its annual survey of top relocation destinations. and for the fourth year in a row Texas tops the list.

The company said the number of inbound relocations to Texas exceeded the number of outbound moves by a net of 1 .903.

North Carolina was second with a net Of 800 inbound moves and Virginia was third with a gain of398.

The largest net relocation losses were Michigan. Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Illinois.

Gloria Nilson GMAC Real Estate

(RED BANK. New Jersey) –Gloria Nilson GMAC Real Estate, one of New Jersey's largest and best-known real estate Finns with 16 offices and more than 700 sales associates, has been purchased by SCS Realty Investment Group LLC, a firm led by 40-year real estate veteran Dick Schlott.

As part of t he agreement. Gloria Nil son GMAC Real Estate wilt continue 10 operate under that name and will become a franchisee of GMAC Real Estate. owned by Brookfield Residential Properly Services. The Schlott name Gloria Nilson GMAC Real Estate firm will now be the largest GMAC Real Estate franchise in the Northeast "The Schlott name is synonymous with New Jersey real estate and we are absolutely thrilled Dick has chosen to purchase these offices and in turn become a franchise of our company." said John Dearden. Presideut and CEO of GMAC Real Estate.

Donovan told HUD must be more active

(WASHINGTON, D.C)- HUDSecrctary Shaun Donovun agreed at his Senate confirmation hearings that the government could do more to ease the mortgage crisis and promote affordable housing. Senators criticized HUD' s role in the Hush administration as being lackluster and said HUD's new leadership needed 10 be more aggressive in addressing the mortgage crisis.

Among those participating in the hearings was Senator Mel Martinez, RFlorida, who served as H U D secretary during the Bush administration before resigning to run for office.

Martinez suggested Donovan reel in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with tighter regulation and demand that the GSEs become more transparent in the way they operate.

RE/MAX celebrates 36 years of service

(DENVER. Colorado)- RE/MAX International Inc, one of the most recognized real estate networks in the world marked its 36th Anniversary. or "Founder's Day:' on January 30th. The Denver-based real estate franchisor celebrated another year of major milestones with the company's original founders. Dave and Gail Liniger, Still at the helm.

" Westarted REIMAX i n 1973 with an agent-centric business model designed to foster the entrepreneurial spirit," said Dave Liniger, Co-Founder and Chairman of RFlMAX International who with his wife Gail Liniger, still oversees the company's daily operations. and travels the world speaking to RF.JMAX Affiliates. " We continue to be successful because of our commitment to the founding principles of the company to provide outstanding customer service and build franchise network of the most experienced real estate professionals.

This focus has given us the experience and know-how to anticipate and adapt to changing markets." In 2008 RE/MAX sold more than 700 franchises worldwide and now has nearly 7.000 offices i n more than 70 countries lind territories. An international presence greater than any of its competitors.

RE/MAX LeadStreet· delivered five million leads to RE/MAX Associates after making its debut only two and a half years ago. In addition to its many milestones, www.remax.com is frequently ranked as the most visited web site of all the real estate brokerage brands.

RE/MAX also leads the industry in education and training. with RE/MAX Universily offering training in classrooms, online and through satellite broadcasts via the award-winning RF/MAX Satellite Network (RSN). Visit www.remax.com or www.joinremax.com.

NAR launches real estate radio show

(CHICAGO, Illinois) - The National Association or Realtors has announced it launched a consumer-radio show. " Real Estate Today" on Saturday. Feb. 14.

Accoruing to N A R . ''Today' s consumers are faced with myriad questions and concerns about their own home and mortgage. how housing trends are affecting their immediate community. And whether they should buy or sell a home in the current marketplace.

Real Estate Today" will provide a forum where listeners can learn about real estate news; get comprehensive information about buying, selling and (maintaining the value of their home; and ask questions of real estate experts from across the country." N A R stated.

Realtors Support Aid To Troubled Homeowners

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) February 18,2009- Preventing Fore closures is critical for the nation's economic recovery and the National Association of Realtors commends the Obama administration's plan to help millions of homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes.

"When people lose homes to foreclosure, our communities, the housing market and our economy all suffer." said NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. "The administration's proposed plan, combined with provisions Iike the $8.000 first-time home buyer tax credit in the just-enacted American recovery and Reinvestment Act. with help minimize foreclosures. shrink housing inventory_ stabilize home values and move the country closer to an economic recovery."

President Obama' s $75 billion Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan would help struggling homeowners by providing incentives to lenders, servicers, mortgage holders and borrowers to help modify mortgage loans. The U.S. Treasury Department will be issuing uniform guidelines in two weeks. Consistent with NAR ' s recommendations, financial institutions receiving assistance must agree to follow the guidelines.

Under another element of the program. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will help make monthly payments more affordable For 4 to 5 million homeowners by refinancing mortgages with loans that these entities own or guarantee. Finally. The plan provides more support for Fannie Maeand Freddie Mac. which will in turn help keep mortgage rates low for all buyers and could lead to even lower rates.

NA R called for improved foreclosure intimation as pan of its overall housing recovery plan in late 2008 and welcomes this initiative. The association supports the administration' s goals to reduce mortgage payments for millions of Americans. avoiding financial crises for families and communities.
"Realtors· build communities, and in today’s challenging Environment helping neighbors in need is what we all need to do. A renewed, revitalized and robust housing market is essential to generating commerce and helping families buiId wealth and stability and we are eager to see these measures implemented,” said McMillan.

Housing Stimulus And Stabilization Will Help Economic Recovery

(WASHINGTON. D.C.) February 12.2009-·'The Amerian
Recovery and Reinvestment Act is important for the
U.S. economy and contains some important housing provisions.

Eliminating the repayment provision in the $7.500 first time home buyer tax credit will help bring buyers to the market and reduce housing inventory. NAR has been advocating that this provision be improved -the change will stimulate more than 200.000 additional home sales. which will help stabilize home values.

"Reinstating the higher loan limits for FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgages in high-cost areas is also important ,and will help reduce inventory and improve liquidity in the overall mortgage market. The allocation of resources for neighborhood stabilization efforts to help communities purchase and rehabiIitate foreclosed and vacant properties is also very promising for the housing market. This funding will help protect communities across the country and preserve home values from further decline.

"As the leading advocate for homeowners and the real estate industry. NAR will continue to address issues facing Americans who are trying to purchase a home, protect their current home or preserve investment opportunities in residential and commercial properties. N AR recognizes the efforts of the members of Congress who understand that without a housing recovery, an overall economic recovery is impossible.

"NAR believes that positive steps are being taken 10 improve the housing market and will continue to work with President Obama. Congress and regulators to make housing stabilization a key component of any federal recovery plan.”

The Real World

Charles Darwin described a theaterof reality which will appeal only to those of your prospects willing to face facts that are sometimes painful but always inescapable.

P.T. Barnum his accidental look alike espoused a Big Top comprising fantasy and temporary escape from the real world.

As a professional. it befalls you to seek out the Darwinists (as described in our metaphor). however few they might be in today's real estate climate. and profit by serving their needs.

The hesitant and wishful thinking “Barnumisls” should be encouraged to "step right up" before the big tent of opportunity folds and the show leaves town.

You have no way of knowing when that will happen. nor any reason to doubt that it will.

Meanwhile. if you are "fit to be tried" by present conditions. A bright future awaits you beyond the storm clouds. Been there and done that folks. So you can take my words forit!

FACTS TO DEAL WITH

Those "things" are facts of brokerage life that can't be ignored or waited out, but must be identified and dealt with by anyone contemplating a future in real estate. They are - but are not limited to the following:

• The law of supply and demand is still on the books and will never be revoked.

• Demand is measured by the present availability of ready, willing and able buyers.

• Those able to buy arc not in the equation unless they are ready and willing to do so.

• Their wants and needs must jibe with what is now available in the marketplace.

• Prospective sellers must be willing to trigger buyer response with attractive terms.

• Prospective buyers must be willing to act on the most attractive terms available.

Only those buyers and sellers who meet (or can be persuaded to meet) those criteria are worthy of the attention of real estate processionals and all others should be avoided like carriers of the pox.


The bright side of all this is that there are always bona fide Buyers and Seller. however scarce, fearful. uncertain and misinformed they might be.

Those ready willing and able buyers who are sitting on the sidelines and waiting for the "best time" to make a move may be ignoring the opportunities that may never come again –genuine bargains and great financing terms on the buyers' side and little competition for those willing 10 take the plunge.

Those prospective seIlers unwiIIing to accept the best offer obtainable from the best buyer available are failing to recognize that such an offer is the true (and highest) present market value of their properly. regardless of how unpalatable it may appear.

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

Similarly, in the business world in general (and real estate brokerage in particular). survival of the fittest implies deselection a euphemism for professional genocide - of those unfit or unwilling to cope with changes in market conditions.

Fortunately for us, we are not doomed to the fate of the dinosaurs, who were left with no choice except to provide us. Eventually, with fuel for our oil-driven modern society.

However, those who are just waiting for "things" to get better. without adjusting their modusoperandi, are flirting with ;L1most instant "de-selection" by the market.

That is to say - and to say most emphatically -that, while an eventual business turnaround is as certain as tomorrow's sunrise. The interim period will be survived only by those who recognize "things" as they are and conduct themselves accordingly.

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

Similarly. in the business world in general (and real estate brokerage in particular). survival of the fittest implies deselection a euphemism for professional genocide - of those unfit or unwilling to cope with changes in market conditions.

Fortunately for us, we are not doomed to the fate of the dinosaurs, who were left with no choice except to provide us. Eventually, with fuel for our oil-driven modern society.

However. those who are just waiting for "things" to get better. without adjusting their modusoperandi, are flirting with ;L1most instant "de-selection" by the market.

That is to say - and to say most emphatically -that, while an eventual business turnaround is as certain as tomorrow's sunrise. The interim period will be survived only by those who recognize "things" as they are and conduct themselves accordingly.

Natural De-Selection And How to Avoid It

The phrase " survival of the fittest" was popularized in the mid-1880s by naturalist Charles Darwin, best remembered and frequently decried for his theory that modern humans evolved from prehistoric apes.

Interesting aside: photographs of him and contemporary circus impresario P. T. Barnum suggest that they could have been identical twins (we'll get back to that in a bit).

Mind you. my personal preference and religious upbringing steer me away from this aspect of Darwin’• s teaching. Although certain specimens on the TV screen promoting Wrestlemania give me moments of doubt.

I find it easy, though. to relate his observations of "natural selection" to the evolutions I've witnessed in real estate brokerage over the past six decades in America.

In extensive studies of birds in the Galapagos Islands. of all creatures and places. Darwin noted that although individual species might otherwise have almost identical physical characteristics. those with physical assets most compatible with the current environment tended to survive and reproduce, while the others stumbled. slid or were driven toward extinction. Mother Nature. it seems. tends to favor those of her creatures who are willing and able to adapt 10 changes in their surroundings.

Thus it is that the spectacular creatures appearing in Jurassic Park. although patterned after animals that once abounded on this troubled planet, now exist only in fantasy. History, and/or museum exhibits.