Blogging bait and switch.

I commend bloggers. I believe that on-line journals are a powerful new tool (in any industry) that helps us teach, commiserate, laugh and debate.

So, when I enter a blogging environment and I look for commentary that can help me gain insight on a topic, I hope that the posting will be on point. Lately though, I have found that many companies, brokers, agents and/or affiliates are using blogging for blatant advertising purposes.

I am not naive. I know that we all write and post to gain an audience. And audience that may potentially use our services.

But most real bloggers take the time to think of who they are writing to and post pieces that propagate knowledge. Their write ups are not loud annoying neon-like signs that say "buy from me, buy from me, buy from me."


Am I the only one? Is the bait and switch acceptable? How can the blogging community address this?

Multiple-Counter Offer Conundrum

44 offers over the course of four days. That's a new record for me and I am still a little shocked by it but its a sign of the times where homes are flying of the shelves if they are priced and marketed correctly.

Many years ago when I entered the industry working with multiple-offers and/or multiple-escrows at any given time was standard practice. At the height of things (as a full time transaction coordinator) I managed approximately 35 escrows at one time and I blame that era for a few pre-mature gray hairs.

For me, I handled multiple things with a combination of a written down grid (in the style of HOUSE''s diagnosing white board) and an internalized timeline in my head. I remember having developed an encyclopedic knowledge of my files in my brain that helped me sort through the hundreds of people and vendors involved in the sale.

I would have conversations in myself outlining when things would need to happen before closing and how I could overcome them. People in the office knew I was stressed if they found me talking to myself with my fingers in the air attempting to corral all the thoughts into one plan of action.

The rush of dealing with a myriad of tasks at one point was a rush that I am glad to be re-living. Its as close to a contact sport as you're going to have in real estate.

So for you...what are the most escrows/offers you have worked on at one time? How do you decipher through them all? Do you love it...or loathe it.

A Walk

On a late afternoon a few days ago my feet seemed restless and wanted to hit the pavement. I'm not much of a radom walker so when their call came I had to choice but to oblige.

Of course, if I was going to take a hike, I might as well take a camera along. Its funny how a short 20 minute walk spurred over 40 different shots. It just goes to show you how much beauty is in the world and how much of it we pass by in our every day dealings.

So here is my favorite shot from a walk. I found these chains securing a fence that prevents casual and reluctant walkers to access the foothills near my home.

Enjoy and any comments you can provide are greatly appreciated.

Did it just turn into a "seller's market"?

We put the property on the market at 12:35 pm. We have had 36 phone calls in the last two hours and the first offer just came in.

On Monday, the clients rushed to the home in the late afternoon because we "knew" it was going to go fast. We wrote the offer on the hood of the car with the light fading fast and my lap tops battery running low.

Nearly every listing or offer we have out there right now is involved in a "multiple counter offer" situation and buyer's are starting to feel the stress of loosing out on good homes if they don't act quickly.

It just turned on a dime it seems and I have to ponder....did it just turn to a seller's market?
Sure this is Southern California but perhaps you're feeling something else. But I'd like to get an idea of what you're experiencing and do you think this will turn back soon the other way.
Why the fluke?

Is it here to stay?

Yella

I don't claim to have a green thumb. Actually, I have to admit that most plants are afraid to come into our house because of my awfull track record as a plant owner.

So I was very surprised to find that (unbeknownst to me) there is a wild, gorgeous and yellow tulip in our back yard.

Kuddos to you toughie and I vow to take care of you this summer.

A Pretty Face?

Our front desk admin popped into my office announcing that my 4:00 p.m. agent interview had arrived. She had a Cheshire cat grin on her face and I knew that I was going to meet someone interesting.

When I turned the corner onto our front desk lobby I was greeted by a "well-proportioned" woman who had chosen a crimson colored mini-skirt and a low cut white top for our first business meeting. In my practice of discussing career goals with people I take great efforts to side step first impressions and use our talk as an opportunity to delve in the personality and priorities of the person in front of me.

I escorted this potential associate into our conference room, thanked her for her time, opened my Franklin Covey (for note taking) and began to explain the process of affiliation with our brokerage. As she shifted and adjusted in her seat it became obvious that the amount of fabric on her person limited her ability to place herself in a professional stance.

I could not help at that point to ask the question: "Do you consider a listing appointment to be a job interview and if so what do you feel a consumer's expectation of the REALTOR should be?"
To this she answered (I paraphrase because its been some time): "Of course its an interview and besides expectiing the agent to be knoweledgeable the public expects them to be professional and trust worthy."

Good point and great answer. It seemed ironic though, considering the source of the opinion.
In all, I found that her business plans and ours were not compatible and she was not asked back for a second interview. The issue that the conversation raised (and this is not the only such interview I've experienced like this) is the definition of professional wear as a real estate professional.

I think we all know that looking presentable is a necessary minimum standard for agents, but specifically for women in and/or entering the industry, does dressing "sexy" help you or hurt you in the field? Where do you draw the line in your personal choice of clothing? Have you ever gained or lost a listing because of what you wore? What is your experiencing interacting with other women when one is dressed provocatively?

Site Make Over

So....you may have noticed that HugotTorres.com has changed a little.

I decided to try a new look because I feel that a more personable site helps me interact with visitors to the site.

Also, I have been searching for a more colorful interface.I began the process by looking outside of the real estate world to see how other industries showcase their wares and services.

My search (partly because of my love for photography) brought me to wedding photographer Theresa Minnette's website: www.theresaminnette.com

Her site's lay out (in my opinion) is tasteful, bold and interesting and I have used its concept of using the entire screen as a visual play area for HugoTorres.com visitors.

I am still slowly laying things out but I would love your comments and critiques. I appreciate any/all feed back that you can provide at feedback@hugotorres.com