Field Notes from a Realtor

Journal Alex Wang Journal Alex Wang

Chronicles of a Silicon Valley Real Estate Agent - Day 2,950

A lot on my mind recently. Reflection is a word that comes to mind. I think you do this more when you are older and more mature? :) So, I'm just going to start writing.

Woke up late today and wasn’t able to find the time to spend some time centering myself with scripture or some positive affirmations. (Note to self: when I don't spend time in the morning to just be silent, I find myself being more quick tempered and impatient). Quickly jumped on the phone with some out-of-state sellers to discuss negotiation strategy on their North Los Altos property. Motivation is key. Motivated sellers. Motivated buyers. Motivated agents. Without motivation, real estate is like drudgery. With motivation, you can create happy buyers, happy sellers, and wonderful real estate experiences.

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Mortgages, Economic Update Alex Wang Mortgages, Economic Update Alex Wang

Economic Update from Steve Papapietro of Opes Advisors, Palo Alto

Our view on rates this week is that the most widely followed indicators are sending different signals, but short term rates are likely to be steady with upward pressure on long-term rates. Increased  volatility is likely as the markets adjust to the new qualitative guidance from the Fed.  

Here is what we are watching:

Back to the Future

The U.S. added 192,000 jobs in March with the unemployment rate holding steady at 6.7%. Total private payrolls reached 116.1 million, finally surpassing pre-recession highs.  Employment numbers were also nudged higher for January and February.
 
In sum:  Moderate improvement in the labor market means that the Fed  will continue to gradually reduce stimulus while keeping interest rates low.

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Real Estate Career Alex Wang Real Estate Career Alex Wang

Thinking About Becoming a Real Estate Agent? Read This First...

A great post from Greg Nino, Houston real estate agent, titled, "An Open Letter to Anyone Wanting to Get Their Real Estate License". Don't get me wrong, I love my job. But like any industry, it has it's challenges. If I had a dollar for every time I heard, "I like people and love looking a homes. I would like to be a real estate agent." Nino's well-written 42-point letter below plus my commentary:

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Home Sellers Alex Wang Home Sellers Alex Wang

Listing Your Home for Sale: How Buyers View the Things You Do and Don’t Do

When interviewing for a new job, how do you prepare yourself? You get a haircut and ensure your hands are well-manicured. You put on your best suit, pick tasteful jewelry, and shine your shoes. In short, you ensure that you present a polished, professional image so that the interviewing company will hire you for a nice sum of money. Because everyone knows, ‘you only have one chance to make a first impression.’ Now take this same lesson - you only have one chance to make a first impression – and apply it to a home for sale. I ran across the perfect scenario to illustrate my point while showing properties recently.

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Sunnyvale, New Construction Alex Wang Sunnyvale, New Construction Alex Wang

New Construction Review: The Estates at Sunnyvale by Toll Brothers [updated 12/13/2012]

[Updated 12/13/2012] The Estates at Sunnyvale by Toll Brothers has opened its Sales Center and model homes. Located at 700 Timberpine Avenue in Sunnyvale, the Sales Center is open Thursday through Monday from 11am to 6pm.  Model photographs are now up on the Toll Brothers website if you would like to preview them from the comfort of your home. Homes are priced from the $1.3 million.

Sunnyvale has long been known to offer homebuyers the best value for their money in the Bay Area. It is now seeing a renewal by way of several new home communities under construction. The Estates atSunnyvale by Toll Brothers will join this renaissance when the new home community opens its doors soon.

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