Archives Admin User

12October

Top 10 and Bottom 10 Performing Markets

  • Comments Off on Top 10 and Bottom 10 Performing Markets

In a September “home value forecast” Pro Teck Valuation Services predicted that the much anticipated foreclosure flood will not happen. The report supports the notion that the real estate crisis is not national but concentrated in specific local markets.

Top-Markets-Forclosures

Top-Markets-Forclosures

The explanation was detailed in the report and summarized by CEO, Tom O’Grady who stated,

“With regard to the U.S. foreclosure inventory, there has been a misperception that it is a problem for the entire market. In fact, it is quite concentrated in specific cities and neighborhoods. For this reason, potential buyers who have been waiting for bargain prices in desirable neighborhoods may be disappointed.”  

Top and bottom performing markets  –Core  Based Statistical Area( CBSA– metro and micro areas)  rankings considered factors including prices, inventory levels, changes in sales trends and REO sales.  The common denominator for best markets is a declining number of available listings.

Top 10 CBSAs

Top-Markets-Real-Estate

Top-Markets-Foreclosures

  1. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
  2. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA
  3. San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA
  4. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, California
  5. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, California
  6. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
  7. Baltimore-Towson, Maryland
  8. Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
  9. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas
  10. San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas

Bottom 10 CBAs  

  1. New Haven-Milford, Connecticut
  2. Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Connecticut
  3. Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia-South Carolina
  4. Rochester, New York
  5. Spokane, Washington
  6. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsborough, Oregon-Washington
  7. New York-White Plains-Wayne, New York-New Jersey
  8. Edison, New Jersey
  9. Nassau-Suffolk, New York
  10. Newark-Union, New Jersey-Pennsylvania

Source: DSNews.com. Pro Teck Ranks Top Markets, Says Foreclosure Flood Won’t Happen. Esther Cho. 9/28/2012.

  • For information about real estate portfolio management for institutional portfolios visit www.FirstPrestonHT.com
  • To search for properties or learn  about marketing and online offer management for broker/agent  portfolios visit www.BidSelect.com

Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for current events happening in today’s ever changing real estate market.

[gravityform id=”1″ name=”Contact Us”]


5October

2012 Hero Needs Your Vote

  • Comments Off on 2012 Hero Needs Your Vote
CNN-Heroes

Heroes

Your vote is needed!

Community service is a core value at First Preston HT.  We applaud the efforts of all people who work to rescue, comfort and equip the less fortunate among us.

The 2012 CNN Heroes campaign recognizes and rewards the efforts of humble heroes around the world. We invite you to take 3 minutes to scan the accomplishments of each of the Top 10 Heroes and vote for the one you’d like to see walk away with $250,000 and the title of 2012 CNN Hero of the Year.

Fast Facts

Each of the ten heroes will receive a $50,000 grant. The one voted CNN Hero of the Year will win an additional $250,000 for their charity. All nominees will sharpen their organizational skills with free training from the Annenberg Foundation, which counsels nonprofit leaders in fundraising, communications, and organization of volunteers.

You may vote up to 10 times per day. Voting ends Nov. 28.

The 2012 CNN Hero of the Year will be announced during a CNN awards show on Dec. 2.

Sampling of Candidates 

2012 Heroes

2012 Heroes

Pushpa Basnet learned that in Nepal, many children of incarcerated parents must live in jail with their parents. She stepped up and made a difference.

When Leo McCarthy’s daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Leo created a nonprofit that offers college scholarships to teens who promise to avoid alcohol until they are a certain age.

Malya Villard-Appoion, a rape victim, has supported over 4,000 survivors of rape on their path to safety and recovery.

Click on the link to review the Top 10 Heroes and vote for your favorite. Just by voting you’ll help direct a quarter million dollars toward a life-changing cause and encourage the nominees to keep shinning the light.

For information about real estate portfolio management for institutional portfolios visit  First Preston HT

To search properties or learn about marketing and online offer management for broker/agent portfolios visit  BidSelect

[gravityform id=”1″ name=”Contact Us”]

 

3October

Opportunity Available

  • Comments Off on Opportunity Available

We need your help in locating the right candidate for an exciting new career opportunity.  Please spread the word among friends or business associates who might be qualified and interested.  The position description is outlined below.  Qualified applicants are invited to click on the link at the end of the qualifications list to visit our website and apply.

Career Opportunity

Position Description:

HomeTelos is seeking a JAVA Developer with confidence in developing end to end enterprise level web based solutions that directly impact business processes and functionality within the HomeTelos suite of applications. We require a highly motivated individual interested in applying their skills to develop solutions to exceed expectations.

Core Competencies and Responsibilities:

• Under general direction, analyze, design, develop, unit test and debug new software solutions and enhancements to existing Java software
• Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle processes, version control, and project management to effectively meet client needs
• Strong ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with limited supervision
• Accurately employ development tools and adheres to coding standards defined by technical management
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of object and component methodology and technology
• Manage personal work plan to meet project deadlines
• Display a positive attitude with ability to accept and apply feedback to improve performance
• Excellent interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, teamwork and issue resolution
• Value internal and external clients and responds to their needs as they arise
• Understand the professional development process and becomes actively involved by setting challenging goals and meeting them through continuous learning
• Work with both the business and testing teams to ensure that the software developed exceed client expectations

Qualifications:
• 2 years of software design and development experience
• 1 years of Database experience includes relational database concepts, knowledge of physical design and writing efficient queries/logic using SQL Server
• 1 years of solid JAVA/J2EE experience
• Strong object oriented design skills
• Knowledge of EJB, JMS, JUnit and DB Tuning techniques is preferred
• Strong background in HTML, JavaScript, Servlets, JSP, XML, XSL, Ajax, Eclipse and UI skills
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills and capacity to think creatively under pressure
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or significant related job experience
• Must pass credit and criminal background checks
• Must be able to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship.  Click here to apply.

28September

Technology for Real Estate: Revolutionary iPad Apps – Final Installment in 3 Part Series

  • Comments Off on Technology for Real Estate: Revolutionary iPad Apps – Final Installment in 3 Part Series

Part 1
Part 2

Mobile technology for real estate professionals has
been revolutionized by the tablet computer. The right
app can inject a marketing ‘wow factor’ for skillful
users.

Technology for Real Estate

Technology for Real Estate

This is the third and final installment in a series of blogs for iPad owners based
upon content from an Inman News webinar entitled, “So You Bought an iPad. Now
What?” Inman Chief Evangelist, Chris Smith, showcased top application technology
for real estate professionals covering several functional categories. Which apps
deliver? Check out these top contenders for photo editing and sharing, back-office
productivity, and “experience” apps that are designed to impress.

PHOTO EDITING AND SHARING

1. Instapad – Edit photos and even make notes on them, then seamlessly
share them via social networks.
2. Snapseed – 2011 Best Paid App of the year (for iPad). This photo editing
app “Lets users pinch, mold, and shape effects to make jaw-dropping
beautiful photos.”¹
3. IPad IMovie – Video editing.

BACK OFFICE/PRODUCTIVITY

1. CloudOn – Helps to make Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs
work on the iPad.
2. LogMeIn – If your MLS will not allow you to login to the MLS on your
iPad, login on your laptop and LogMeIn will enable you to view laptop MLS
info on your iPad screen. Users must remain logged in on the laptop to
display MLS data via their iPad.
3. Evernote – Organize, and record notes and files for easy access.
4. GotoMeeting IPad App – Attend GoToMeeting webinars via the iPad.
5. Dotloop.com – Electronic signature tool.

EXPERIENCE APPS – MEANT to IMPRESS

Technology for Real Estate

Technology for Real Estate

1. Open Home Pro – Collects attendee information, sends an email thanking
guests for attending, notifies prospects of status changes. Open rate on
status change email is 67 percent. Agents report 98 percent accurate email
addresses on sign-in sheets.
2. Roambi – Facilitates data visualization and interaction for market reports.
3. TourWrist – Discover and share 360-degree panoramic photos on demand.
4. Realtor.com – Circle the area where the prospect lives and display market
activity data for property transactions within the circle. (Free branded version
for agents).

For information on effective ways to manage institutional or individual portfolios
nationwide, visit www.FirstPrestonHT.com
You can also join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Source: InmanNews. So You Bought and iPad. What Next? [Webinar]. Chris Smith, Chief Evangelist. August 10, 2012

  1. Apple Revealed Its Best Apps For The Year 2011. Technorati. Dan Reyes. December 20. 2011.
  2. For information about real estate portfolio management for institutional portfolios visit www.FirstPrestonHT.com
  3. For information about marketing and online offer management for broker/agent portfolios visit www.BidSelect.com

[gravityform id=”1″ name=”Contact Us” description=”true”]

25September

Technology for Real Estate: Top Tablet Tools – Part 2 in 3 Part Series

  • Comments Off on Technology for Real Estate: Top Tablet Tools – Part 2 in 3 Part Series

Part 1
Part 3

This is the second installment in a three-part series recapped from an InmanNews webinar entitled So You Bought an iPad. Now What? The content simplifies the hottest trends in technology for real estate.

technology for real estate

Technology for Real Estate

The Future Is Mobile—Real estate prospecting and marketing is increasingly mobile. These stats document the escalating trend:

  • 91% Of all U.S. citizens have  a mobile device within reach 24/7*
  • 70% of all mobile searches result in action within one hour.*
  • 2014: The year mobile devices will overtake the use of desktops. **

LISTING PRESENTATION APPS– For dynamic, “jaw dropping” listing presentations, the following three got rave reviews from Inman.

  1. Keynote – (If you have Mac.)
  2. Slide Rocket (PC users) – No issues with formatting. Great for PowerPoint users.
  3. Prezi — Cutting-edge, cinematic, jaw-dropping presentations, but a bit more complicated. Build presentations on your PC and present/display on your iPad.

SOCIAL APPS – If you’re ready to take your social marketing efforts to the tablet platform, these apps deserve a look:

  1. LinkedIn — Easy to navigate, great for sharing articles, find birthdays, see who has been looking at your profile, who changed jobs, etc.
  2. Google+ – Discover amazing content. Find content that has proven to be popular and useful.
  3. HootSuite –“Best way to run Twitter from an IPad.”
  4. Spotify – Listen to music as it is shared on Twitter without additional keystrokes.
  5. GetGlue – Check in to TV shows and sporting events you are watching. Your participation is automatically shared on social sites.

CONTENT APPS – Looking for impressive content to curate? These apps are big on substance and eye-appeal.

  1. Fancy – Great images and content to curate on Facebook.
  2. Houzz – Beautiful pictures of interior décor and great content.
  3. Pinterest – Collect and share images. Use iPhone app on your iPad.
  4. Skitch – Captures screen images/photos etc. that can include notations on the screen images.
  5. Zite – “The Pandora of reading apps.” Useful for reading and locating content to blog about or curate.
  6. Google Currents – Groups favorite blogs and/or news sites in one user interface.
  7. Huffington Post – Content rich. Cutting-edge news.
  8. TED App – Inspirational big ideas.

For information on effective ways to manage institutional or individual portfolios nationwide, or to shop for real estate visit First Preston HT.

You can also join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

*Source: mymobilpeek.com/mobile-statistics/ (From: Mobile Marketer)

**Source: TechJournal.org

[gravityform id=”1″ name=”Contact Us”]

20September

Who Throws the South’s Best Tailgate Party?

  • Comments Off on Who Throws the South’s Best Tailgate Party?
Best Tailgate party

Best Tailgate Party

Great food. College football. Spirited rivalries. Southern charm… and a $2,500 sweepstakes.

In the South, college football is a culture all its own.  Elaborate tailgate parties at college games compete with the action on the field for the attention of fans.  On some campuses the art of tailgating resembles a cross between a cocktail party and a portable feast.  With delicacies like grilled salsa, mini-muffulettas and ham-stuffed biscuits with mustard butter—the gourmet social events caught the attention of a major lifestyle magazine, which researched the field and selected 20 of the ultimate tailgate destinations.

The “Top 20 Schools with the Greatest Pregame Parties” is a feature in the magazine’s October issue. They’ve taken it to the next level by inviting the public to vote for your favorite tailgating team and a chance to win $2,500 in the process.

The Top 20 Teams are:

The Powerhouses-“Most bowl victories”

  1. University of Alabama
  2. University of Georgia
  3. University of Texas
  4. University of Oklahoma
  5. University of Tennessee

The Most Spirited-“Schools that turn fan into fanatic”

  1. University of Florida
  2. Grambling State University
  3. Louisiana State University
  4. McDaniel College
  5. Mississippi State University

The Traditionalists–“Schools renowned for game-day ritual”

  1. Auburn University
  2. University of Arkansas
  3. Clemson University
  4. University of South Carolina
  5. Texas A&M University

The Style Setters-“From sundresses to cake stands, these schools showcase true splendor in the grass.”

  1. University of Mississippi
  2. Hampden-Sydney College
  3. Howard University
  4. Southern Methodist University
  5. University of Virginia

One of the Top 20 teams will earn the title, “South’s Best Tailgate.” You are invited to vote early and vote often, for your favorite team between now and October 1.  To vote for your favorite team, check out sweepstake rules, or score top tailgate recipes and menus, click here.

For all things real estate-related, check out www.FirstPrestonHT.com

Source: Southern Living Magazine.

[gravityform id=”1″ name=”Contact Us”]

13September

Technology for Real Estate: 4 Apps to Impress – Part 1 in 3 Part Series

  • Comments Off on Technology for Real Estate: 4 Apps to Impress – Part 1 in 3 Part Series

Technology for real estate professionals is getting a boost from must-have iPad apps. Tablets have revolutionized the marketing and communication power of users. According to Inman News, technology for real estate is now about “creating remarkable experiences through technology for your current and past clients. It’s about being able to wow someone at Starbucks when` they ask you, “How’s the market?”

Technology for Real Estate

Technology for Real Estate

If you have invested in tablet technology and are asking the question, “Now what?”—You are not alone. Inman Chief Evangelist, Chris Smith, recently conducted an hour-long webinar entitled “So You Bought an iPad. Now What?”

Here’s the short version. We have recapped featured iPad apps in a three-part series so that readers can digest the mountain of savvy insights in divided sessions.

3G/4G or WI-FI?

  1. If you have a Wi-Fi only iPad, (Internet access via local area networks), you may want to consider the following options for wider Internet access and greater productivity.
  • Subscribe to a My-Fi/ mobile Internet access hot-spot, which will allow online access from almost anywhere in the United States.
  • Inquire with your wireless carrier about subscribing to tethering service, which allows the iPad to share the Internet connection of your mobile phone.

 APPLE TV – A BUSINESS TOOL?

Apple TV (AirPlay capability) allows users to mirror images or presentations, from an iPad or iPhone onto a big screen TV monitor wirelessly. Subscribers make a one-time $99 investment for the device. Presentations go from the small screen to theater-style for maximum impact.

MINIMIZE PUSH NOTIFICATIONS & MAKE AN IMPRESSION

After downloading several apps you may become bombarded with involuntary notifications. To limit unwanted “push” notifications, go into the notifications center of the offending app and turn off non-essential notifications. There is an app that can assist with the process.

  1. AwayFind – Manages “push notifications.” AwayFind acts as a filter for automated notifications.
  2. Pimp Your Screen — Customize your screen with an eye-popping background layout.
  3. Google Chrome iPad App — Allows users to move seamlessly from laptop work sessions to iPad work sessions. Open tabs and browsing history will be visible on both devices. (New App)
  4. How’s the Market? (iPad edition) — Displays market trend and analysis data. Add a bookmark to your iPad screen so that when someone asks, you can show them rather than just talk about them.

Before You Shop

Apps shopping should start with a pen and paper. Write a list of the daily tasks you perform. Search for an app to assist with specifically identified tasks.

Organize Apps by Category

Organize app folders for quick access. Be sure to group apps by category into folders on your screen.  To create a folder, click on an app hold it down until it shakes and then drag it atop a similar app. Label the folder something that is easily identifiable, such as “Listing Presentation apps.”

For information on effective ways to manage institutional or individual portfolios nationwide, or to shop for real estate, visit www.FirstPrestonHT.com. You can also join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for industry updates and current news and events.

11September

First Preston HT Broker Reaches Out to Wounded Warrior

  • Comments Off on First Preston HT Broker Reaches Out to Wounded Warrior

It is not often that we post a blog saluting one of our Neighborhood Listing Brokers– there are so many who serve so well. Occasionally, someone does something so special, it must be shared. Such is the case with Alma Sofia Logan, RE/MAX Real Estate Associates of Houston- Owner. On this Patriot Day, we hope her actions motivate others to help people and reach out in their communities.

While serving as an infantryman with the 4th Infantry Division in Afghanistan, SGT Andrew Miller was wounded in an IED explosion on September 11th, 2010. The long list of resulting injuries included the loss of his leg.  One year after the IED attack, SGT Miller competed in the Heroes Run in Houston, Texas. He was re-admitted to the hospital following the event. After a nearly 2-year recovery period, SGT Miller was medically retired from the Army.  Discharged with little more than his clothing, his positive attitude made him an inspirational figure.  He began speaking at various Houston venues, including elementary schools, where he taught children about patriotism, courage, and determination.

Alma and her husband, Brian met SGT Miller at a RE/MAX Convention; heard his story and knew they wanted to do something to help. While participating in an event to raise funds for the Texas Sentinels Foundation, Alma and Brian requested that event proceeds be allocated to SGT Miller. In February, the Texas Sentinels Foundation awarded SGT Miller a scholarship to assist with costs associated with his relocation and transition to civilian life. The Sentinels Foundation is dedicated to supporting wounded warriors, as well as building awareness in the communities where they make their homes.

SGT Miller is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Purple Heart, the Army Accommodation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, NATO Service Medal, and Afghanistan Service Ribbon. Miller served as Infantry Team Leader and Squad Designated Marksman.  He plans to pursue a degree in Finance.

Not content with just recommending SGT Miller for a scholarship, Alma and Brian decided to offer   the wounded warrior a career opportunity at their Houston office complete with an agreement to accommodate his school and work schedules. They are committed to mentoring other wounded warriors in conjunction with the Texas Sentinels Foundation.

Asked for comment, Alma denied that she and her husband had done anything special, stating that she doesn’t think “we could ever repay these soldiers for what they do for us”.

We salute the Logans, the Texas Sentinels Foundation, and all who work to support current and former service men and women.  And we honor the members of our armed services and their families for their sacrifices in defending our freedom.

 

Sources:

  1. TexasSentinels.org.   Announcing a New Project for Houston Wounded Warrior
  2. Alma Sofia Logan. RE/MAX Associates of Houston, Owner
  3. Margo McKay Broughton. Vice President, Program Development, Quality Control and Director of Training
21August

Best Cities For Newlyweds To Live

  • Comments Off on Best Cities For Newlyweds To Live

The best cities for newlyweds are those with low unemployment rates, affordable living costs, a high mean annual income and a healthy housing rental inventory. If you’re getting ready to tie the knot, and you and your spouse are flexible regarding the city where you’ll live, consider these top 5 best cities for newlyweds to live in after marriage. Each of these cities performs better than the national average on the points that are most important to newlyweds.

  1. Austin, TX: If you and your spouse are creative types, you’ll love the thriving art scene in Austin. You’ll have the chance to enjoy unique date nights and meet other couples while enjoying the benefits of the city’s strong economy.
  2. Kansas City, MO: The perfect blend of historical culture and affordability is found in Kansas City. The low unemployment rate and high mean annual income are additional benefits that contribute to this being one of the best cities for newlyweds.
  3. Raleigh, NC: New families often find this city to be perfect for them, what with its affordability, friendliness, and pleasant climate. The sprawling landscape offers all the cultural benefits of a large city while still feeling residential, making it a great place to settle down.
  4. Dallas, TX: Active couples and sports fans find that there is never a dull moment in Dallas! Whether you love watching professional sports or participating in outdoor activities, this city could be your perfect new home.
  5. Denver, CO: If you are adventurous and love the great outdoors, Colorado—and Denver in particular—is the place for you. Day trips to Rocky Mountain National Park and the beautiful climate make this one of the best cities for newlyweds.

If you like what’s offered by of any of these best cities for newlyweds, please visit First Preston HT for real estate asset management, short sales services, or other real estate information in the city of your choice.

Source:  Rent.com

9August

Real Estate Asset Management: 6 Tips to Set Your Real Estate Portfolio Apart

  • Comments Off on Real Estate Asset Management: 6 Tips to Set Your Real Estate Portfolio Apart

The opening ceremony of the Olympics.  Your favorite Fourth of July fireworks display. The face of a child with a new toy. These are magical experiences all made memorable because someone took the time to pay attention to the details.

In the world of real estate asset management portfolios whether rental or for-sale properties, the volume and the process points can often compete with the need for correct and compelling marketing communications. Property descriptions and photos are often rushed to press failing to capture the property or the real estate professional in their best light.

It’s all about the details, especially as it relates to real estate asset management. Inman NextAgent Contributing Editor Katie Lance recently shared insights encouraging real estate practitioners with reminders that that, “Details matter. They matter more than ever before.” With the advent of syndication and a global electronic market place, dreary photos and a lackluster description can be in front of millions of online eyes within seconds of posting. If ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ what does a poor photo say to millions of institutional and individual online shoppers? Real estate asset management pros that go the extra mile engage shoppers and place listings on an accelerated path to closing. These details are not lost on private and institutional sellers in their search for top level agents.     

Key points include:

1. i-Phone listing photos? “Not good enough today”.

2. Damp black and white fliers in a flier box? Rethink the value and the impact on your brand.

3. Spelling errors and “odd capital letter placement”?—Enlist someone to proof all branded material prior to release.

4. Website in need of updates?—Employ a student to make sure the links actually work.

5. Take the time to engage clients by responding to celebratory life events they’ve posted on social sites.

6. Make each closing memorable for buyers or new tenants.

Gwen Banta of AG Beat produces a weekly to “hall of shame” for property description bloopers retrieved from the MLS. Due to the lack of proofing Gwen finds plenty of material for her weekly column now in its 3rd year. Names are withheld to protect the guilty.

A little bit of prior planning could set you apart, earning faster closings, and future referrals.

For more details on real estate asset management visit FirstPrestonHT.com