Owned, The Documentary Film

by | Jun 3, 2019 | About the author, Bubbleinfo TV, Documentary Film, Jim's Take on the Market | 6 comments

Here is a brief clip of the movie, plus a few moments with Giorgio and myself from the Q&A session at the local Carlsbad premiere:

This is the link to iTunes to order the movie (starting June 4th):

https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/owned-a-tale-of-two-americas/id1459949822

This is the link to the other blog posts about the movie:

http://bubbleinfo.s020.wptstaging.space/category/documentary-film/

Here’s my blooper reel of ten homebuyer tips plus outtakes at the end:

Thank you for watching!

P.S. This is my 8,000th blog post!

Best 12 Real Estate Blogs

by | May 28, 2019 | About the author, Bubbleinfo Readers, Jim's Take on the Market | 12 comments

Somehow I got on another list of real estate blogs, which I appreciate – but maybe there are only 12 left?

The author has been a realtor in Killeen, Texas, but in April went to work for Zillow’s ibuyer division:

https://hooquest.com/real-estate-blogs/

Two Comments:

The #1 blog is run by a ReMax agent in Massachusetts. The example given is his post on the Top Lies Real Estate Agents Tell Home Sellers to Get a Listing.

He puts open houses on his list, due to the risk of theft, and that any buyer who want to see the home will do it by appointment too, making open houses unnecessary. A couple of realtors objected in his comment section, and he berated them for some reason.

The only time I’ve had a theft at an open house was in 2003 when we lost a Vicodin perscrption in Solana Beach.  I’ve done hundreds of open houses since, and never had a problem.  The big benefit I experience is having the Fear of Loss kick in with the attendees, which makes them hurry up and make an offer – and usually a better one at that, so they don’t lose it.

The other point was that he put me on the B2B list, suggesting my blog is tailored to agents?

His site, bubbleinfo.com, features more than just real estate blog posts. He frequently talks about the big picture stuff going on in real estate, and brings a refreshing and analytical approach.

I’d love to get feedback on whether the content here is too focused on agents.  I think I talk about what agents do in order to help educate consumers, but if it comes off as too much agent stuff, I’d like to know it.

I work in a vacuum here! Help me out if you can.

10 Films on Housing Crisis

by | May 9, 2019 | About Kayla, About the author, Documentary Film, Jim's Take on the Market | 3 comments

This article features ten films that document the housing crisis and discrimination in America, with a bonus eleventh film that includes a certain part-time blogger:

https://heathersquire.com/2019/03/01/10-films-to-help-you-wrap-your-head-around-the-housing-crisis/amp/

Here is one of the ten:

Our film ‘Owned’ will debut publicly on June 4th. If you’d like to pre-order a viewing, click here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/owned-a-tale-of-two-americas/id1459949822

Yes, I resent being called an eccentric Orange County realtor – this is San Diego!

Compass Culture Champions

by | Apr 16, 2019 | About the author, Compass, Jim's Take on the Market, Klinge Realty | 3 comments

Going to work at Compass came with expectations of high-tech, big-game, etc. on my part, but underneath it all has been a quiet and humble fit for us among the family of experienced agents who appreciate being on the right team.

All three recipients today (Donna on our behalf) mentioned how it felt like we are in the right place, at the right time with a brokerage who cares.

In one of the most curious things I have ever seen in my career as a realtor, Compass doesn’t award agents based on production. In truth, it kind of bugs me because competition is what drives me.

Instead, what is rewarded is those who champion the culture of being a team player, which is commendable.

You can probably guess that Donna had everything to do with this recognition, and it’s true.  She is the ultimate team player, and deserves to be recognized by the staff of Compass for this honor.  Thank you team!

Realtor Sales History

by | Mar 29, 2019 | About the author, Jim's Take on the Market, Listing Agent Practices, Why You Should Hire Jim as your Buyer's Agent, Why You Should List With Jim | 4 comments

When evaluating which agent to hire, the best thing a consumer can do is check their sales history to help determine the agent’s level of experience.

We’ve known that Zillow has the 12-month sales history of each agent, but those sales are inputted manually by the agents, and can be manipulated.

https://www.zillow.com/agent-finder/real-estate-agent-reviews/

Homesnap provides the MLS mobile app to agents, and, as a result, has the direct connection to the sales history.  They publish the data on each agent from the last 24 months, which provides a more extensive track record, and:

  • Helps to iron out any hot and cold streaks
  • Shows the average days-on-market and sales-price-to-list-price ratio
  • Shows listings that didn’t sell (labeled ‘off-market’)

The average days-on-market and sales-price-to-list-price ratio gives you a good sense of the agent’s pricing accuracy.  If listings languish too long on the market, there is an increased likelihood that buyers will offer less.

We know that 40% of all listings don’t sell, so failure can happen. Select an agent who has done better – in my case, one seller decided not to move, two decided to rent instead of sell, and the fourth was when I was mentioned as Richard’s co-agent on a listing.

If they have a huge number of off-market listings, they are probably a serial refresher, which means they like to manipulate the market time – which aggravates other agents and buyers.

Bottom line: An agent’s sales history verifies how successful they are at getting clients to the finish line.  With the market changing, buyers are putting up a fight now, and you want an experienced agent on your side to ensure success.

Here’s the link to Homesnap (their mobile app is better):

https://www.homesnap.com/

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