There are promises galore by professionals from Real Estate in helping you settle with your new dream home or to sift the right buyer for your property. Sometimes its tough to find the right house with the kind of roomy bedrooms with enough light, big kitchens and to have schools closer - a dream so difficult to accomplish! But times are changing!
There has been complete makeover in the way houses are marketed. The role played by technology in real estate is overwhelmingly significant. Think of smart phone replies which are lightening fast to know more about the house, intranets that are portals feeding you with community information on the services on the neighborhood and global positioning systems that guide you to the exact place. Agents today look at specialized centers where detailed analyses of the various marketing trends are carried out which guide them with up-to-date information. Whether it is Sacramento or Roseville or Elk Grove or Placerville or Yuba City the analyses bring the information to the minutest detail. These centers have opened vistas for newer jobs for professionals in researching real estate data.
Careers in the real estate have indeed become high tech with the use of software to depict analysis through charts with the help of specialized tools. For example with a click of the button one can evaluate the market overview with pertinent information of median asking price, average asking price per sqft, compare it with the trends of the past year and could determine the distribution not just on one county but at least on four different counties.
Realtors carry out recruiting people who are techno savvy and experts in utilizing the internet to improve the marketing strategies. Social media in real estate has been the biggest revolution in the way it has penetrated the masses. Social media with its voluminous memberships, has helped realtors gain the much important personal touch with customers and also helped in networking. Prospective clients do look out for information through social media and honest opinions shared makes them more aware. Consumers have total control of their requirements. For Agents, they provide the ideal place to find prospective customers. If they are able to subtly market they are certain to bag people. Statistics on the current buying trends has indicated it was Internet marketing that has convinced an overwhelming 75% of the people and not the good old marketing techniques – they seem to have left the fray!
Make way for the knowledgeable power consumer today!
This is a great article about a huge solar project in Sacramento. Enjoy.
The roof of a North Sacramento plastics factory will host the biggest West Coast installation of a new type of solar panel.
The technology, built by Fremont's Solyndra Inc., uses racks of solar cells roughly the size and shape of long fluorescent light tubes. The shape allows the panels to harvest sunlight from any angle, including what's reflected from the white rooftops common on large commercial buildings.
The technology promises to cut the cost of solar power.
In March, Solyndra gained a $535 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to greatly increase its Fremont-based manufacturing operations. According to news reports, the company has contracts for orders worth more than $2 billion.
The 208-kilowatt system atop Sacramento's Plastic Package Inc. will supply about one-third of the factory's annual electricity needs, according to company Chairman Jim Kaye.
Plastic Package has been in Sacramento since 1984 and makes mostly food containers and trays. About a quarter of the raw material used in the plant is post-consumer recycled plastic, Kaye said.
The $1.3 million system was supported by a 30 percent subsidy from a federal renewable-energy program.
In addition, for five years SMUD will pay 30 cents for every kilowatt-hour of energy the project produces. That subsidy rate is set to decrease for future solar projects.
The SMUD subsidy is drawn from a fund created under a 2006 state law that promotes solar power. SMUD customers now pay 2 cents into the fund for every 100 kilowatt-hours billed.
Starting Jan. 1, ratepayers' contribution will rise to 9 cents per 100 kilowatt-hours, according to Jim Barnett, who oversees some of SMUD's solar programs.
Plastic Package's Kaye said he expects his solar system to pay for itself in five to six years. After that, power generated by the panels is virtually free.
A ribbon-cutting for the installation with Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, is scheduled for today.
Articles above have been provided by the listed author immediately following the article. For additional resources and information to the authors, please visit the following sites.
Resource Links:
Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net
GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com
GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com
T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com
Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com
GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com
GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens
Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens
Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale
MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens
MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest
Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens
GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com
Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com
Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com
ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens
ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac
Sacbee http://www.sacbee.com
Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com
Real Living http://www.realliving.com
Date: November 11, 2009
To: GMAC Real Estate Sales Associates
From: Graham Badun, Managing Partner & CEO, Brookfield Residential Property Services
Re: GMAC Real Estate to be Re-branded ‘Real Living’
I am very pleased to let you know that Brookfield Residential Property Services has acquired Real Living Network Services, and as a result will now rebrand GMAC Real Estate as Real Living.
Real Living is a national, award winning company known for its innovation, customer service and track record of attracting results-driven brokers and sales professionals, along with a culture of partnership and collaboration. It brings a suite of innovative marketing tools, relevant training and a technology platform that when brought together with key GMAC Real Estate services like Premier Service, will position us for success for many years to come.
I am also excited to let you know that as a result of this acquisition, we are welcoming an additional 2,000 Real Living brokers and sales associates into our North American real estate network of almost 30,000 real estate professionals. By merging GMAC Real Estate and Real Living, under the Real Living brand, we are creating a very solid real estate brand that will become the foundation for future growth opportunities across the U.S. and into new markets internationally.
The Real Living acquisition is the culmination of several months work and satisfies all that we were looking for through the rebranding process. We considered many options including developing a brand from scratch and the Brand and Transition Councils were instrumental in guiding our thinking and reflecting the broad interests of our entire company. As well, our research pointed us toward creating a company that has great services to help you be more successful and a differentiated culture and brand promise that positions us to stand out from, and above, the competition. With this acquisition, we can take the best from what we have in our existing business, such as Premier Service, and combine it with the best that Real Living has to offer; allowing us to take advantage of the opportunity identified in our research and deliver a brand that meets your needs.
I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Real Living’s Harley Rouda, Jr., a long-time real estate industry broker, owner, operator and franchisor, as President of the newly combined operations. We believe that under Harley’s leadership, and with our solid, combined management team, the guidance of our Advisory Board which is chaired by Dick Schlott, and strong, successful brokers and sales professionals on the frontlines delivering exceptional customer service, we have a winning team with a proven track record for success.
We realize that you may have a number of questions about the new brand and transition, and we want to make it easy for you to get the answers you need. Accordingly, we are making available in the News > Transition News section of gmacmembers.com, a number of informational pieces including the Press Release, Sales Associate Q&A, Talking Points, Real Living Fact Sheet and a biography on Harley Rouda. Also included will be materials, such as a new video, and client and vendor letter templates, that will help you to communicate this great news to your clients, prospects and vendors. If this information does not provide answers to all of your questions, please speak to your broker or manager, or alternatively, contact the Real Living Help Desk at 866-208-6050. And, as always, we will continue to communicate with you on a regular basis.
Kindly direct all media enquiries to Hugh Siler, Siler & Company PR at 949-646-6966 or hugh@silerpr.com.
On a final note, it has been my pleasure to serve you as Interim President of GMAC Real Estate over the last few months, and to get to know many of you personally. I will return to my role as CEO of Brookfield Residential Property Services (the parent company to our real estate and relocation operations) and will remain closely involved throughout the transition and integration of Real Living. Thank you all for your commitment to GMAC Real Estate and your untiring service to our industry and clients. I hope you join in my excitement about our future, as we begin this great, new chapter for our company.
Graham Badun,
Managing Partner & CEO
Brookfield Residential Property Services
Articles above have been provided by the listed author immediately following the article. For additional resources and information to the authors, please visit the following sites.
Resource Links:
Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net
GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com
GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com
T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com
Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com
GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com
GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens
Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens
Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale
MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens
MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest
Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens
GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com
Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com
Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com
ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens
ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac
Sacbee http://www.sacbee.com
Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com
Real Living http://www.realliving.com
Below you will read from one of our valued partners, Cindy Holland of Costello and Sons Insurance Brokers. We are so Proud. Thanks Cindy!!
From: Cindy Holland [mailto:cholland@costelloandsons.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 8:33 AM
To: T. Sami Siddiqui
Subject: The difference between you and other brokers I have come to know or encountered
Is very simple;
Character, integrity, kindness, genuine concern for others....
I have a theory or personal conviction; We are all accountable for our own reputation.
With that said I for one hold you in the highest esteem, and just wanted you to know that!
And - you surround yourself with those that mirror those same qualities!!!
I am honored to serve your offices, but more important value the relationships I have had the privilege of developing!
With respect & gratitude - your friend & colleague,
Cindy
***Proudly serving the Real Estate Community as the:
"California Association of Realtors" endorsed Insurance Broker...
Cindy Holland
Personal Insurance Sales Executive
4564 Stoney Ridge Rd
Placerville, CA 95667
p: 415.257.2126 | c: 916.919.3005 | f: 916.932.1105
cholland@costelloandsons.com
www.costelloandsons.com
Voted one of the 25 Most Innovative Agents in the United States.
The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research and The Rough Notes Magazine
This message originates from Costello & Sons Insurance Brokers license #0754591 and is intended for the use of the individual entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by calling 415-257-2100, and return the original message to us. Please note, email does not constitute authorization to bind coverage. Thank you.
Articles above have been provided by the listed author immediately following the article. For additional resources and information to the authors, please visit the following sites.
Resource Links:
Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net
GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com
GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com
T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com
Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com
GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com
GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens
Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens
Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale
MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens
MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest
Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens
GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com
Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com
Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com
ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens
ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac
Sacbee http://www.sacbee.com
Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com
News Flash
Homeowners win big with extension and expansion of federal tax credit
The U.S. House of Representatives today voted 403 to 12 to extend and expand the home buyer tax credit. The bill passed the U.S. Senate late yesterday and now will go to President Obama for his signature, where it is expected to be signed this week.
The tax credit will be extended through April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension if a binding contract is in place prior to the deadline. First-time home buyers will continue to receive a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners will receive a credit of up to $6,500. Existing homeowners will be eligible for the $6,500 if they have lived in their current residences for at least five years. The bill also will increase the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively. The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000.
Under additional provisions in the bill, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns. The bill maintains the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit, provided the home remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase, and waives this requirement for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.
For weeks, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (C.A.R and its members have urged Congress and the U.S. Senate to extend and expand this crucial piece of legislation.
Nationwide, more than 1.4 million first-time home buyers were given the opportunity to become homeowners as a result of the Federal Tax Credit for First-time Home Buyers. According to C.A.R. research, nearly 40 percent of first-time home buyers surveyed said they would not have purchased a home without the federal tax credit, and approximately 70 percent said the tax credit was "the most important" or a "very important" factor in their decision to buy a home.
To read stories about the extension and expansion of this valuable home-buying incentive, please visit the following:
Aid for jobless, homebuyers clears Congress
To read the full story, please click here.
Congress Extends Jobless Benefits, Home-Buyer Credit
To read the full story, please click here.
Congress passes bill extending unemployment insurance, home buyer tax credit
To read the full story, please click here.
Articles above have been provided by the listed author immediately following the article. For additional resources and information to the authors, please visit the following sites.
Resource Links:
Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net
GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com
GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com
T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com
Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com
GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com
GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens
Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens
Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale
MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens
MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest
Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens
GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com
Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com
Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com
Corporate Offices: GreatWest GMAC 3604 Fair Oaks Blvd., #120 Sacramento, California 95864 Offices in 5 Locations of Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yuba Counties. Sacramento, Placerville, Elk
GreatWest GMAC Real Estate is here to assist you with all your real estate needs. Whether you are looking for property in the counties of Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Yuba, Sutter, or Yolo, we will be able to help you find the perfect home for you and your family.
Sacramento
3604 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Suite 120
Sacramento, CA 95864
Phone: (916) 481-3400
Fax: (916) 481-0816
Elk Grove
9401 E. Stockton Blvd. #120
Elk Grove, CA 95624
Phone: (916) 481-3400
Fax: (916) 481-0816
Placerville
87 Fair Lane
Placerville, CA 95667
Phone: (530) 622-2000
Fax: (530) 622-1310
Roseville
2235 Douglas Blvd.
Suite 520
Roseville, CA 95661
Phone: (916) 789-0900
Fax: (916) 789-9395
Yuba City
1110 Civic Center Dr., Ste.304
Yuba City, CA 95993
Phone: (530) 673-2400
ChoiceOne Funding
3604 Fair Oaks Blvd. #120
Sacramento, CA 95864
Phone: 916-481-5700(Sac)
Fax: 916-481-0652
Our Real Estate Professionals specialize in the marketing and sales of Residential, Investment Income, Commercial, and Land.
Our Premier Service Speaks for itself. WE may not be the biggest real estate company, but we are the best.
How would your real estate experience improve if you had a skilled professional guiding and advising you every step of the way?
All too often, customer service programs are created in cushy conference rooms, far removed from the people for whom the programs are designed. Those efforts often miss the mark because they aren't drawn from the group that matters most: the customers.
But with Premier Service, GMAC Real Estate's comprehensive business philosophy, we've gone right to the source. You've told us that buying and selling a home can be stressful, time-consuming and sometimes overwhelming. We want to change that. The Premier Service pledge of service excellence means that GMAC Real Estate's professional team of Sales Associates assume three important roles:
With specialized knowledge and extensive training, GMAC Real Estate Sales Associates will help you navigate your home buying and selling process. We will listen to your goals, and recommend ways to help you achieve them.
The real estate process requires negotiation of complex issues; we are committed to working in your best interests. We will help you secure the best possible price, with the most favorable terms, in the shortest period of time.
We will work to ensure your purchase or sale stays on track and on time. You will receive outstanding customer service, our professional expertise, and be offered other services that can help enhance your result - far beyond the transaction itself.
As Trusted Advisors, Skilled Negotiators and Expert Facilitators®, our Sales Associates will commit to quality service - in writing. Since we know that a smooth process is based on trust, the Premier Service pledge assures delivery on our promise to provide extraordinary customer care. Both the Sales Associate and you, the client, sign an agreement to make this unique relationship official.
We want you to understand the process in full, from beginning to end, and stay in regular contact so you are informed at every step. Our sales team can also recommend ancillary home services that will offer clear, added value. » See the pledge.
And then, we want to know how we measure up. The Premier Service program was created with your input. Our customer satisfaction surveys, provided to you upon transaction close, help us continually refine our customer focus and maintain high standards. Over time, all our customers will be given the chance to give input to help make us the best that we can be.
You deserve a knowledgeable advocate in the real estate process, and Premier Service is designed to do just that. Because it's about commitment: By partnering with you, listening to your needs and communicating clearly, your home sale or purchase will become exactly what it should be.
GMAC Real Estate
Service You Deserve. People You Trust.®
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