Guerin says that Highland Park’s affinity for the arts goes back to its history as a charming artist’s colony and gateway to the City of Los Angeles back in the 1800’s and early 1900’s.

“Highland Park stands out among L.A. neighborhoods as the home of Los Angeles’ first museum, the Southwest Museum. In fact, an historic piece of Highland Park real estate is the rustic stone and adobe home of Southwest Museum founder Charles Fletcher Lummis. The Heritage Square Museum of several preserved Victorian Homes is an additional attraction that also holds various events throughout the year for the community.”

In addition, he states the Audubon Center at Debs Park is a prominent fixture in the area with a variety of family programs being offered.

“Highland Park is the home of one of the most respected nature conservation centers in the country, located in nearly 300 acres of scenic native woodlands and grassy fields which also expands into the community of El Sereno. Over 140 species of birds have been spotted at the Audubon Center, and a number of nature programs are available to the public.”

Guerin says that nature and the arts are not the only attractions for families interested in moving to Highland Park in Los Angeles, CA. He notes that the Craftsman, Custom and Vintage homes in Highland Park represent a sensational value for today’s buyers seeking character and view properties.

With over 200 properties sold this year so far in Highland Park, he says that bank-owned property inventory is minimal and short sales account for about 25% of homes presently for sale.

“There are many Highland Park homes for sale as interest rates hover in the 4% range offering a historic buying opportunity to get into this desirable Northeast L.A. neighborhood at bargain prices in a prime location.”

Guerin says that average home prices range from the upper $300s to mid $500s, with inventory at approximately 100 single family homes now available for sale.

“Highland Park residential properties are currently under contract in about 60 days, with about 3.5 months worth of inventory. These are healthy statistics for this market.”

What does all this mean for the average homebuyer? Guerin says that’s an easy question to answer.”

Now is a great time to buy a home in Highland Park, one of the Top Five Desirable L.A. Neighborhoods.”

Raphael Guerin’s Top Five Desirable Northeast L.A. Neighborhoods:

1. Mt. Washington
2. Eagle Rock
3. Atwater Village/Silver Lake
4. Highland Park
5. Glassell Park

For more information, contact:

Raphael Guerin, Realtor/e-PR0
Short-Sale & Bank-Owned Certified Specialist
DRE-LIC # 01381746
Keller-Williams Realty
1660 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 369-5111
http://discovernelahomes.com

Hudspeth, who works with all types of buyers from military families to custom home buyers, says that fluctuations in the real estate and job markets nationwide have led many families to relocate to San Antonio for job or cost of living purposes.

He says that when there is a timetable to adhere to for buyers to start a new job, often the most efficient way to purchase a home is to fly in and do it in a weekend.

“It takes some preparation and a good deal of communication to make this happen, but it actually makes the home buying process easier on buyers when it can be compressed to a shorter time period.”

Hudspeth says the benefits of committing to a shortened time frame for decision making is that it focuses the mind and encourages decisiveness.

“A common misconception is that making a quick offer means you are sacrificing finding your dream home or not getting a very good deal. The opposite is actually true.”

He says that finding a dream home is simply a matter of preparation, and in his experience, buyers get the best deal when they can show they are serious. Whether a buyer is dealing with custom San Antonio builders or a private homeowner, Hudspeth says sellers know the most serious buyer is one who is preapproved and will only be in town for two days.

“The limited time frame helps both buyer and seller focus on what’s really important.”

“My report is called Top Ten Tips for Buying a Home in a Weekend, and you can get it for free on my website www.newsanantoniohomes.net. It will explain exactly how to prepare ahead of time to make sure you have a great experience flying into town to make an offer.”

For more information, please contact:

Kurt Hudspeth
Texas Real Estate Agent
1141 N. Loop, 1604E
San Antonio, TX 78232
210-254-2485
http://www.newsanantoniohomes.net/
http://www.sanantoniobuilders.org/
http://www.newbraunfelshomes.org/

Virtual back office software technology has been helping real estate companies improve productivity for a long time, says Fred Doleac, Owner/Broker of Virtual Homes Real Estate. The problem, he says, is that the technology in the past only benefited those agents who became technically advanced enough to master complex real estate CRM software. Doleac says his company set out to change that.

“In the process of providing our real estate MLS search technology to agents, we were soon able to predict which agents would sell more homes each month based almost entirely on how agents were using the system. As a result, we were able to provided extensive training to help agents increase their closings and excel in their real estate career.”

Training was not enough to improve sales in every case, however. Some agents simply did not use the technology to its full potential, even with plenty of training and support.

Doleac soon realized that improving sales also meant off-loading some lead management tasks to staff members.

He says that Virtual Homes’ CRM technology along with constant improvement of in-house business processes supported by staff allow the company to remove many day-to-day tasks from its agents.

Now, Doleac says agents can focus on closing more deals with more clients instead of sitting at a computer all day chasing unqualified leads — or trying to find them.

He says that the company in its present form is the answer to the question ‘If your technology is so good, why are you selling it instead of using it?’

“The fact is, our technology is so good that we decided to stop selling it. It’s much more profitable for us to use it to help our agents sell more real estate.”

Many real estate offices see their agents as their customers, according to Doleac. They charge desk fees, add charges for basic office services, and even sell third party products to agents.

“At Virtual Homes, we are not interested in selling our agents anything. We’re interested in improving their sales. When they succeed, we succeed.”

The system works, he says, because if the real estate leads generation and CRM is superior, overall results will improve, and the number of successful transactions will increase. Ultimately, the agent, broker, and consumer win.

“Most real estate companies today have been real estate companies forever, and have had to work hard to adapt to changing technologies. Our edge at Virtual Homes is that we started out with powerful sales technology, and have applied it to real estate with amazing results.”

“It is a breakthrough way to start up a real estate business. It’s also the reason many top selling agents are joining Virtual Homes.”

For more information, contact:

Fred Doleac
Broker/Owner
Virtual Homes
55 Ponemah Road
Amherst, NH 03031
603-732-1800 or 800-856-2479
603-732-1817 Direct
Fax toll free – 888-884-0543

Virtual Homes Real Estate
http://www.virtualhomes.com

Virtual Homes Careers
http://www.virtualhomes.com/careers/

Virtual Homes MLS
http://www.virtualhomes.com/mls/

Massachusetts Real Estate
http://www.virtualhomes.com/mls/MA

New Hampshire Real Estate
http://www.virtualhomes.com/mls/NH

Many property owners in the Silicon Valley have lost their real estate investments to foreclosure when renters in one or more of their properties moves out or stops paying rent. Jerry Garrity, Owner of First Statewide Realty, says that losing investment properties to the bank can often be avoided through more diligent property management.

He says the true expertise of a property manager shows most during a recession, because that’s when it’s most important to pinch pennies and squeeze as much cash flow out of an investment property as possible.

“Many San Jose property management companies were formed during good times, and they haven’t experienced an extended down market. What that means is that the investor is probably not getting the tight control over costs, pre-vacancy planning, vacancy avoidance, and other services that an experienced PM can provide.”

Garrity, whose investment real estate management business of over 21 years has weathered many different market conditions, says that his previous experience with down markets has played a large role in his clients’ positive cash flow.

“We pride ourselves on a very high-quality tenant screening process that experience has show gives us better tenants for our clients properties than other firms. As a result, our tenants stay longer, take care of the property better, and make their payments in a more timely manner.”

A property manger’s attention to detail during a recession becomes even more important than in other markets, because mistakes and inadequate oversight of a property can have serious consequences for the owner.

“We’ve seen properties go into foreclosure that could likely have been avoided with better property management oversight. So much of this business involves keeping a tight control on costs and being able to keep properties occupied with good tenants.”

He says that when property managers are lax in controlling costs, collecting rent, and keeping a property occupied and in good condition, the owner risks losing the investment to the bank when times get tough.

“Our job is to manage our clients’ properties to help them weather the uncertain financial storms.”

About First Statewide Realty

First Statewide Realty is a professional San Jose property management company specializing in quality single family homes, condominiums, town houses and other investment property in the greater San Jose metropolitan area. The Cupertino property management firm has been in business for over 21 years, and is a member of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, Tri-County Apartment Association and National Association of Residential Property Managers.

Contact:

Jerry Garrity

First Statewide Realty
20045 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 2-D
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel: 408-253-1000
Lic#: 01036982

Email: investments@firststatewiderealty.com
http://www.firststatewiderealty.com

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be speaking at the commencement, which will take place in Falcon Stadium on the Air Force Academy campus at 10:00 am.

Lee, whose company provides real estate services to military personnel such as home purchases, property management, and help finding suitable Colorado Springs rentals, says that the Ashford Group is immensely proud of the graduates who have worked so hard to earn such a prestigious honor.

“Living in Colorado Springs gives me a big appreciation for the character of the military men and women who serve our country. We’re very proud of the graduates from the Air Force Academy, because we know how difficult it is to get into the program, much less complete it.”

Lee says that she’s helped many graduates in past years to find homes for their families in the community and celebrate a new phase of their lives.

“Having spent many hours with military families showing homes in all sorts of Colorado Springs neighborhoods, I get excited about helping them fulfill another big part of their dream.”

She says that graduation is the end of an era, but getting settled into a home, whether it’s a Fountain home for sale or a Colorado Springs rental, is another big accomplishment to be proud of.

“We can’t help them graduate, but we certainly can help them establish a household after graduation. We consider that to be our small contribution to their life and our way of thanking them for their service.”

Lee says that for graduates who already own a home and will be transferred out of town after graduation, her Colorado Springs property management services can help them turn their current home into a long term investment in their future.

“We are pretty creative about finding ways for owners to keep properties and turn them into a source of income. We work hard to keep maintenance costs low and screen prospective renters well to make sure their homes are well taken care of.”

Directions to Falcon Stadium from the Airport

The directions from the Colorado Springs airport to Falcon Stadium, where the 2010 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony will be held, have been posted to the Ashford Real Estate Group’s blog:

http://www.coloradospringshomesource.com/blog/

About Ashford Real Estate Group

Nicole Lee of Ashford Real Estate Group is a part of the Masters Group and provides a variety of real estate services to Colorado Springs and surrounding military installations such as the Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, Shriever Air Force Base, and Cheyenne Mountain Air Station.

Nicole Lee’s passion is finding the right place to live for military personnel and other residents looking for Colorado Springs homes for sale or rent, and managing investment properties efficiently for local and out of town investors. She also specializes in helping renters learn how to become first time homebuyers and enjoy the benefits of home ownership.

Nicole Lee can be contacted at:

Ashford Realty Group
4760 Flintridge Dr, Ste 100
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: (719) 314-6057
Fax: (888) 631-0062

http://www.coloradospringshomesource.com/
http://www.coloradospringspropertymanagement.net/
http://www.coloradospringsrentals.org/

An expert in military relocation, Hudspeth says that the new business relationship is expected to help his clients close loans much faster than through traditional sources of San Antonio VA loans.

Bruce Reichstein, President of Texcorp Mortgage Bankers and the lead VA automatic underwriter for www.VALoans.com, attributes his company’s success to hard work, taking care of details and to solely originating VA loans throughout military communities. As a leading source for VA loans in San Antonio, Texas, as well as throughout the U.S., Reichstein says that they have underwriters who work around the clock in order to allow Veterans to close quickly on military housing purchases.

“With Kurt’s expertise in military relocation and our expertise in closing VA loans fast, we are able to provide unparalleled customer service to military families who want to buy a home” says Reichstein.

Hudspeth says that the new San Antonio homes market in particular is more attractive than many military personnel are aware.

“Many young families just don’t realize how affordable a new home is in this market. There are builders out there offering nice buyers’ incentives, and many of them are very motivated to move their new home inventory.”

He says that his proximity to Randolph Air Force Base, Lackland Air Force Base, Brooks Air Force Base, and Fort Sam Houston makes it easy for him to meet in person with San Antonio military personnel to help them buy a home here. But he also says that he has a nationwide network of real estate agents who are committed to helping service men and women with their real estate needs in any market.

“We are the military relocation experts in the U.S. because we understand the needs of military families and can help them realize their dream of home ownership.”

For more information, please contact:

Kurt Hudspeth
Texas Real Estate Agent
1141 N. Loop, 1604E
San Antonio, TX 78232
210-254-2485
http://www.hotnewsanantoniohomes.com/
http://www.militaryrelocationexperts.com/
http://www.sanantoniovaloans.com/
http://www.offbasehousing.net/

Bruce Reichstein
Texcorp Mortgage Bankers, Inc. / VALoans.com
7915 Westglen
Houston, Texas 77063
http://www.valoans.com/
800-518-0099
281-398-6111

Maez says this is due in part to the fact that sellers who have been resistant to lowering their price have been convinced that it’s necessary to do so in order to get their home sold. He says that during any kind of market pullback, there are going to be homeowners who refuse to accept the price declines.

“Some sellers start out convinced they can outlast it. For owners who have no pressing need to sell, this is fine, but for those who become more motivated over time, the point comes when reality sets in.”

Some of the motivating factors can be job transfers, a change in employment status, or a variable rate loan that has become unaffordable. Other factors can be a growing family or a suddenly empty nest. Maez says the recession has contributed to the supply as well, with foreclosures serving to bring prices for NM homes down to more affordable levels.

He says that while every seller has their own personal reasons for making the decision to sell, statistics from Southwest MLS (SWMLS) show that whatever the reason, more sellers are in fact lowering their price expectations. Those lower prices have led to an increase in the number of investors who are purchasing Albuquerque homes.

Maez says he’s already sold several homes to investors in 2010 alone, some from out of state.

“Overall, I believe this is very healthy for the market in the long term. Buyers just needed more of a reason to buy, and they seem to have found it here in Albuquerque, Correles, Rio Rancho, and Los Lunas.”

He says that at this rate, he doesn’t believe higher prices lie too far ahead.

“With Kirtland Air Force Base and the need for off-base housing for military families, I believe the Albuquerque economy and real estate market has a lot going for it.”

###

For more information, contact:

Joe Maez
New Mexico Real Estate Agent
505-401-5775
8100 Wyoming Blvd Ne
M4 #234
Albuquerque, NM 87113

http://www.nmhomesplus.com/

He says there are many pitfalls companies run into when trying to handle relocation efforts in-house, and it pays dividends to avoid them.

“Providing a smooth transition for employees and their families when they are being transferred is critical if you want to get the most productivity out of them as a worker.”

He says that finding a home in the Silicon Valley is just one part of the relocation process. Working with a professional San Jose property management company simplifies the operation and ensures that the transferring family stays happy and maintains a positive impression of the parent company.

“Providing a smooth transition for employees and their families when they are being transferred is critical if you want to get the most productivity out of them as a worker.”
One thing Garrity tries to impress on companies is that it’s in their best interest to make the transition a smooth one.

“We all know instinctively that if home life is not pleasant, work productivity is going to suffer. So it’s very important for transferred employees to feel they are being taken care of, and that starts with helping them take care of their new living arrangements.”

Relocations are often relegated to the expense column, but Garrity says it’s more properly thought of as an investment in the company’s bottom line. He says that companies wouldn’t be relocating an employee if they didn’t see the financial benefit. Failing to ensure a pleasant transition for the transferee serves to reduce that financial benefit, because employees facing a lot of inconveniences during their transition will not be giving 100% in the workplace.

“What we do is reduce the stress on employees associated with corporate relocations. We know the areas, the homes available, the owners, and the expectations of the company. Our goal is to make the parent company look good by avoiding the pitfalls that can happen when selecting a new home.”

Garrity says that a good property manager becomes an extension of the Human Resources team, delivering quality executive homes, and taking care of problems when they arise. Renee Smith, Manager in charge of relocation at Litepoint Corporation agrees, saying “First Statewide Realty is our number one source when it comes to finding a house for our transfers.”

First Statewide Realty is a professional Santa Clara County property management company specializing in quality single family homes, condominiums, town houses and other investment property in the greater San Jose metropolitan area. The Cupertino property management firm has been in business for over 20 years, and is a member of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, Tri-County Apartment Association and National Association of Residential Property Managers.

Contact:

Jerry Garrity

First Statewide Realty
20045 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 2-D
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel: 408-253-1000
Lic#: 01036982

http://www.firststatewiderealty.com

http://www2.litepoint.com

Hudspeth, who specializes in getting military personnel into new San Antonio homes, provides a free consultation to military families to show them how to buy a home using their BAH.

“Not every real estate agent or mortgage broker has sufficient knowledge of the military to be able to develop an creative strategy to help our service men and women buy a home. We’re proud to offer our services nationwide with our network of military-friendly professionals across the U.S.”

He says BAH rates, which stands for Basic Allowance for Housing, commonly called military housing allowance, varies by pay grade and geographic location, and can be used to help qualify for a home loan. A good strategy for Fort Sam Houston personnel as well as other Air Force service members nationwide can be to combine the terms of a VA loan with a soldier’s BAH allowance. In this way, payments on the home loan are essentially being paid by the soldier’s BAH benefits.

Hudspeth says that many military families have questions about the benefits of home ownership in the military lifestyle, but he assures them it can be very feasible.

“We try to provide a long term strategy for our military home buyers, including some tips on what to do if they are transferred or deployed. These situations can actually work to their advantage by providing long term investment income fully financed by their BAH.”

He says that experienced property management companies can do all of the routine work of maintaining a home in the event a military family moves out of town, keeping it rented out so that rental receipts cover financing costs.

“Our passion is helping military families get into a home ownership lifestyle rather than a renting lifestyle. With our BAH Strategy for buying a home, it’s easier than it’s ever been to own a home as a member of the armed forces.”

Kurt Hudspeth serves all branches of the military in the San Antonio area and nationwide with real estate services, including Fort Sam Houston and nearby Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, and Brooks Air Force Base. He is currently planning a free BAH Home Buying Strategy Seminar for the San Antonio area. Interested military personnel should contact Kurt at 210-254-2485.

Located conveniently off the I-84 just one mile from the Treasure Valley Marketplace, the Karcher Mall is easily accessible to clients in the area. However, John Brown, owner of the carpet installation company, says that commercial clients in particular still prefer onsite visits.

“We actually work with commercial clients like bank and medical centers anywhere in Southwest Idaho and beyond. We’ve been asked to send crews as far as Idaho Falls and Seattle because of our company’s commitment to eliminating down time and keeping our clients operational.”

While Brown says the expansion into the Karcher Mall was an important one allowing him to add more residential carpet installation to his firm’s resume, the company’s primary focus is still the commercial clients that he’s built a strong relationship with over the years.

“We’ve been doing commercial flooring for 30 years and have enjoyed working with many business owners during that time to solve their flooring problems. We’re often able to complete flooring projects entirely during off hours so a business’s customers and clientele aren’t inconvenienced by our work.”

Customer service is a top priority for Brown, who says his Idaho commercial flooring company pursues excellence with a passion, because he knows that’s what his clients expect.

“We really take the time to learn what each client wants and needs, then we help them find a solution for their particular problem.”

Brown says the reason Westma has gotten such well-respected customers as Wells Fargo, Sun Health, and Saltzer Medical Group is his goal of exceeding expectations with every job.

“We work very hard to make our commercial clients’ jobs easier, whether we’re dealing with the owner or a purchasing manager. I guess our clients think we do a pretty good job of that.”