Jean Powers CRS,PMN,ASP Broker, Northern California

We just had a presentation in our office from a title company in Alameda. The marketing rep was talking about the new law SB133. She spoke about the services that they can do for agnents now that this law has passed. RESPA is really coming down hard on the do's and dont's of services to real estate agents. They can only offer services that actually are related to title and escrow. They can no longer provide classes, escrow folders, buyer's and seller's booklets and much more. This is being enforced so that title companies cannot offer services in exchange for business. What does your favorite title company have to say about this?

Give Back to Your Community!

20 Ways to Give Back!!

Have any of you wondered how to find as many ways as possible to give back to your community. Well, here are 20 ways in which you can help others! Not every volunteer effort has to change the world. Let your efforts shine a bit more/ Here are some simple ways you can improve your community:

1. Help an elderly neighbor rake leaves, grocery shop or do home repairs.

2. Give away free flowers, seeds or plant to a neighbor in the Spring.

3. Put out flags for the Fourth of July in neighborhood front yards.

4. Sponsor a Little League team or any children's athletic team.

5. Become active in the Chamber of Commerce.

6. Start a garden or historical walk.

7. Speak at career day at the elementary school.

8. Repaint a playground.

9. Take your pet to the local senior center.

10. Organize and gather goods & beds for the Women's Shelter.

11. Be a Big Brother or Sister to a child.

12. Encourage homeowners to donate clothing and furniture.

13. Get involved with your local community.14. Sponsor a school to help with their needs.

15. Bring a carload of newspapers,towels & blankets to the animal shelter.

16. Ask a local teacher what supplies his or her class needs most and donate them.

17. Hold a canned food drive and deliver the goods to the food bank..

18. Organize a town or beach clean-up day.

19. Take a lonely child with you when your family goes to the movies.

20. Sponsor a family in need in providing food and clothing.

How does one choose a good Realtor? There is a difference between an agent and a Realtor. a Realtor belongs to the National, State and a Local Association of Realtors. A Realtor must abide by the National Association's code of ethics. We have a good monitoring process if a Realtor does not abide the code of ethics. An agent is one who has a license but does not belong to the National, State and Local Association. They are not bound by our strict code of ethics unless they belong and are in violation of their Multiple Listing Service . In California the consumer should check the validity of the Realtor's license before working with them. The public can go to the Department of Real Estate's website to check any agent's license. I always check to see if an agent has a license before I write an offer. As of July 1st, all agents whether they are a Realtor or not will be required to place their DRE license number on their business cards and other marketing materials. Below is a little bit about me.

I received my Salespersons license in 1984 and with much further education received my Broker's license in 1989. I am constantly taking consumer protection classes in order to protect my clients. I currently holds six designations . Prior to working with Kane & Associates, I was part owner of a small Alameda real estate company, worked with two Alameda real estate companies and a prominent Bay Area Franchise. I have extensive real estate experience in sales, negotiating, technical skills, management, marketing and training other REALTORS®. I give the best service to my clientele. I stay in constant communication before and after the transaction closes escrow. I have been a State Director for the California Association of Realtors® since 1993 and continue to be active in Local Real Estate Associations. This keeps me updated with Real Estate Laws, Regulations, and Contracts.

The decisions we make today will determine our future, and I want to help my clients make the right decisions and find the perfect home or investment property. I take great pride in my dedication to high quality service and commitment to my clients. Thorough and thoughtful consideration is incorporated into each transaction to achieve the perfect balance of professionalism, sensitivity and toprovide a positive experience. With my prominent professionalism and sensitivity, your investments are in trusted hands.

This prospectus gives me the opportunity to highlight my background, strengths, experiences, and achievements. I am committed to providing the highest level of service to each buyer and seller and guiding them throughout the transaction process. Having been in the industry for 24 years, my negotiation skills, knowledge, and expertise will bring you winning results.

For Sellers, excellent positioning of the property and presenting it with positive market exposure is the key to getting the highest and best price for your property, regardless of market conditions.

For Buyers, keeping you updated with the most recent Real Estate market trends and information will help you make better decisions when you are ready to buy. As an experienced Real Estate Broker, I continuously attend seminars and training programs on how to better assist you in locating properties that will fit your needs. During the transaction process, I will make sure that you have a trusting qualified lender and a pre-approved loan to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

I will keep in constant communications with you every step of the way. Making a decision to buy or sell is an important decision, both emotionally and financially. I recognize your needs and will be there to walk you through this exciting process.

You will find why it is important in selecting me as your real estate agent. Doing so, your real estate needs will be handled with the utmost professionalism and confidence. As a real estate Broker, I have more education and am better trained in my profession. My REALTOR® designations as a CRS, Certified Residential Specialist, which is held by only 4% of REALTORS® in the country, ASP Accredited Staging Professional, e-PRO, (Online Real Estate Marketing) and PMN (Performance Management Network), will allow me to better assist you in your investments and make your dreams come true.

If you are interested in Purchasing, Selling a property or have any real estate questions please contact me:

510.908.9002 cell/text

800.378.7300

Homes@JeanPowers.com

www.JeanPowers.net

What is it that you like about being in the real estate business? I have been a broker for over 24 years and sometimes I wonder why I am still here. I love closing escrows for satisfied buyers and sellers. I love educating myself to pass along to consumers and other Realtors. I love to help others. The most difficult part of the business is to be consisitent in getting business. How do you feel and what do you like about being a Realtor?

How do you the consumer feel about your Realtor?

I wish you all a Prosperous New Year in 2009!

I am off to Monterey in a week for the first director's meeting of California Association of Realtors. Being a director since 1993 keeps me updated and current on contracts and California's real estate laws. If you ever have the opportunity to attend it is worthwhile. Thursday is the best day to attend committee meetings and your regional caucus meetings in the evenings. It is a great way to network and meet other Realtors from every city in California. View Lesley Appleton Young's 2009 forecast. I believe the consumer can access this forecast too. It is always helpful and Lesley is very well known as a reliable economist. She is always sold out at our luncheons!