About San Bernardino County, CA

When do you get your termite inspection done on your listings?

I'm just coming off a two week stall of getting any showings on my newest listing. Bummer. What happened was, I listed it, we got the inspection done, then the Seller wanted to take care of minor wood replacements outside and it halted my showings!! WOW.

We are opening escrow tomorrow....so it still sold in 20 days or less. We are ecstatic!!

Just thought it was funny how this all worked out....so if this happens to you, wanted to offer some advice. You may want to get inspection done, so you know what you're Seller(s) is/are looking at as far as dollar amounts and figures. But don't let it halt showings.

The first two weeks of a listing are the most critical and crucial for maximum exposure.

Sell, Sell, Sell!!

Good Morning Everyone!!

How many of you have relied on newspaper advertising in the past? Did it work well for you? Well, I feel the same. Nowadays, though, I'm not sure how many people are really reading newspapers anymore?

I read them when I'm traveling. Don't you? When else do you? I don't really read them any other time.

Reason for my question is that I'm embarking on a new venture with a local newspaper and it's what they are calling a "social experiment". They want to make me a Rockstar...and of course, who doesn't want to be a Rockstar. Honestly, I could do without the Rockstar title, as long as I'm closing more deals, or just closing is what matters to me.

So, starting in a few weeks, I will have an ad in the paper near the continuation of articles from front page, inside the first section of the paper, next to lotto numbers, etc. The hope is that people will see me so much that they will start calling me. If it works, then the paper and I have worked out some numbers where I will be paying for the leads. If not, I'm not on the line. Seems like a good risk, eh? And who wouldn't risk being a rockstar with an offer like that. (I do have to pay just probably not their regular advertising rates)

Saturdays and Sundays, I will be featured prominently in the real estate section with an 1/8 of a page...this should also stir up more buyer calls, as well as other Realtors advertising in the paper as well.

You've done that haven't you??? Where you see a Realtor advertising and think, I want to do that, because you think they have some unfair advantage or something...isn't that funny and ridiculous?? Nevertheless, I will be glad if more people advertise and wish them much success with it as well.

Meanwhile, I will keep asking around to find out whether or not people really read the newspaper anymore. I read my articles usually online...but there are definitely those people who don't have a computer or just prefer holding the paper in their hands, right?

This "social experiment" will go on for 13 weeks. We will play with it, tweak it as we go, to see what happens or where it leads. My hope is that it's positive, successful and ultimately helps bring more inventory into our local marketplace, as well as helps the economy.

Thanks for listening!! And if you've tried certain ads that have had great responses, I'd be interested to see what those look like? (Please!!) You can email to me at: todd.picconi@yahoo.com with "Sample Ad" in Subject Line. Thank You.

PEACE, SUCCESS, HAPPINESS TO YOU & YOURS.

I think the Groundhog, who recently predicted six more weeks of winter, should be taken out to the wood shed!

Anyway, more storms are baring down on Southern California and, at this very moment, so is the SNOW. So if you're planning a ski trip to one of our mountain ski resorts, CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS. Here are the current ones for Highway 18 (Rim of The World Highway):

SR 18
[IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA]
CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH SNOW
TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM 4.4 MI NORTH OF THE JCT OF SR 189 TO 6.7 MI SOUTH OF THE JCT OF SR 38 (SAN BERNARDINO CO)

And while you're at it, take a peek at LOCAL WEATHER conditions. BE SAFE.

California Real Estate Agents Beware! As a RE/MAX Lake Arrowhead agent who specializes in Lake Arrowhead Real Estate and Foreclosure properties I came across crucial information concerning all California Real Estate Agents. C.A.R Members have reported that several investor buyers are using an "As-Is Contract for Sale and Purchase" form which fraudulently claims to be approved by C.A.R. Although C.A.R. has not reviewed or approved the form.

The "As-Is Contract for Sale and Purchase" form, referenced at the bottom as "FAR/BAR ASIS," has been modeled after a purchase agreement approved by the Florida Association of REALTORS®.

This standard form agreement has been used by Greenhills Financial Investment, LLC, among others. C.A.R.'s Legal Dept. is vigilantly pursuing this matter, which includes issuing cease-and-desist letters against anyone using the form. C.A.R. has no business affiliation whatsoever with Greenhills Financial Investment or the form's publisher. C.A.R. currently has no standard form with the words, "As Is," in the title.

REALTORS® who come across the form are encouraged to report the matter to C.A.R. by contacting our Strategic Defense Counsel, Nicole Briggs mailto: nicoleb@car.org

First off, let me start with an apology. For quite a while (years it feels like), I was fairly consistent with my blog posts and the information I was sharing with you all each week. Right around Thanksgiving, though, I was derailed, burned-out and, well, ready for a break. Then.......the blogging came to a screeching halt! Sorry guys......

I did this for a few reasons:

1. My material was gettting stale and route
2. I was bored with doing the same stuff over and over
3. I had a lot of things on my plate and life was hectic
4. Frankly, I got somewhat lazy!

I probably should have just "pushed through" this period and kept going, but I'm glad I took some time to get re-focused. It was good, too, to look at my blogging from the perspective of the buyers and sellers out there and what type of information they want and need.

On that vein, what kind of stuff are you guys looking for? I'm looking for some constructive input, so please comment and tell me what would be some good stuff to post. I'm very interested in hearing what you guys have to say....

So, anyway, I'm back! Stay posted.....(get it?!).......