Full Service Gas Stations Are Gone, But Full Service Real Estate is Alive at Windermere
Posted by Mark Loscher | Currently 1 Comment »
How many of you remember the true “full service” gas stations?
Well, I do.
For those of you who do not, let me fill you in, no pun intended.
Full service gas stations are a thing of the past, in California anyways. But not to long ago you could drive into your favorite gas station, say hello to a friendly gas station attendant, sit back, relax and let him or her, do all the service work.
What a concept!
They would ask you which grade of gas you’d like to have. They would check your oil levels for you. They would even check your tire pressure. Oh, and guess what? They would even wash your windows, without being asked. Wow, now that was service!
Unfortunately, that kind of service in the gas station business is a thing of the past, by and large.
In the Real Estate industry we are in danger of the same thing happening, if we aren’t careful. More and more companies are losing that personal touch, not only with their clients, but with the agents who work for them.
Not to long ago almost all Real Estate companies provided full service to their agents. They would provide a desk, a phone, a computer to work from, fliers, marketing materials, training, management support, and the latest technology products and support.They would have managers and administrative people available, 24/7 to help with a number of issues relating to helping the client.
Sadly, this too seems to be going by the way of the gas station and too many companies today focus on the number of people they hold licenses for, they focus on how many deals they produce, and they focus on themselves rather than on the client and the agent.
At Windermere we are a little old fashioned I guess, when it comes to service. We still believe it is very important to provide all of the support and tools that we can for agents, so they can provide the very best full service to the client.
We do provide all the tools, the technology, the administrative and management support, 24/7, to help our agents be the best they can possibly be. We understand the need to be on the cutting edge of technology and we are in so many ways, but not at the cost of that personal one on one touch that is so important in our people first industry.
Let us not forget that computers, phones and gadgets have been invented, developed and provided to assist us in our one to one personal business, not to replace it. The client and the agent need to have that personal interaction. They need to have that one on one conversation about the most important investment they are likely to make, a home. Just as an agent needs that same kind of relationship with their Broker and support staff.
At Windermere we value those relationships with our agents and the client.
We will continue to lead in our industry with the tools, the support, and the, yes, the “service” to our agents and ultimately to the client.
Check it out and see for yourself. I know that the support you need, we have.
Popularity: 50% [?]
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Windermere Announces 2008 Team Management Plan
Posted by Erica Vautier | Leave A Comment »
Windermere Exclusive Properties is ringing in the New Year with intensified agent services. We have restructured our management team for 2008 and are ready to offer our agents increased support, complimentary coaching, exceptional training and exciting new marketing tools.
For most San Diego real estate professionals, 2007 was a year full of challenges. That’s why we use a unique management style with multiple levels of support to ensure that our agents have the best resources at their fingertips. Whatever situation may arise – from a credit crisis to a wild fire or a correcting market place – we want our agents to know that we are there for them.
“Teamwork is a fundamental part of the way Windermere conducts business,” said Windermere President, Mark Loscher. “We believe that by working together our output will always be greater and the quality of our already outstanding services will continue to improve”
Windermere Exclusive Properties San Diego offices have a team of management, marketing, and administrative professionals ready to assist agents and clients. In addition, the company conducts on-going weekly training classes that are available to agents in every office.
“Our goal is to use our combined talents to support Windermere agents more efficiently and more effectively, in our constant quest to provide exceptional service to our clients” said Loscher.
This year’s educational calendar will feature popular classes and Top Agent Panels from past years, and an infusion of training sessions on the industry’s latest marketing and technology. Agents can expect a host of new tools, lead generation plans, and interactive recorded training sessions that can be viewed from anywhere over the internet.
Other improved agent services include a mentoring program and a complimentary coaching program. Windermere agents can enjoy one-on-one sessions with experienced managers who coach them on writing business plans, generating leads and much more. The Mentorship program allows newer agents to work with seasoned professionals within the company in a mutually advantageous relationship.
Windermere continues to offer a non-corporate environment for agents and, despite its growth, maintains a family-like atmosphere. Every agent has access to all offices, giving them a solid support system designed to fit their needs and the needs of their clients.
“Last year was a great year for Windermere. We substantially increased production, hired a lot of excellent agents and invested in new technologies,” said Loscher. “With the best people and the best tools in place, I am looking forward to making 2008 our most successful year yet.”
- Windermere Exclusive Properties Owners: Mark Loscher, Jim Browne
- Branch Managers: Rich Johnson, Carole Ferris, Ron Brownell
- Director of Marketing & Public Relations: Erica Vautier
- Advertising Coordinator: Sherry Moore
- Director of Management Services: Donna Tabor
You can read more about the outstanding support Windermere offers agents here, or contact us directly.
Popularity: 42% [?]
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How to Come out of the Credit Crisis Unscathed
Posted by Mark Loscher | Leave A Comment »
I recently heard a story about a couple whose approved mortgage evaporated just as they were about to move in to their new home. In fact, they had already moved into a temporary apartment with their three kids and had a moving van en route, when they got the news.
The spreading mortgage crisis had hit their broker hard and the he was no longer able to offer them a loan. Despite their perfect credit rating and a combined income north of $175,000, the broker now felt that the couple was too much of a credit risk.
This is just one example of the hundreds of stories unfolding here in San Diego and around the country in response to the real estate market’s battle with excessive inventory and lending greed. A lot of loans were made to people with bad or no credit, and now the piper must be paid.
Home buying-hopefuls are faced with the challenge of navigating through a market exacerbated by reckless spending.
So where does that leave us?
The San Diego area has more than 20,000 homes for sale at an average asking price of $692,685. The number of homes for sale has been declining for the past four months and the average sales price has fallen by $44,000 in that same period.
While the media loves to splash portentous tales of credit catastrophes across their headlines, the forecast is not all doom and gloom. The speculative buying frenzy may have done a number on the loan industry, but the influx of foreclosures and resales is actually helping market prices self-adjust. Buyers will find that there is a large selection of homes available and that the prices are becoming more realistic.
Today’s buyer is highly sensitized to both price and condition. They are well-informed and willing hold out for the best overall value. With the seller to buyer ratio reaching 42 to 1 at the start of August, buyers can now find upgraded properties at competitive prices. Translation: the property you’ve been coveting for years but thought was unaffordable is probably within your reach. Falling prices and excess inventory make it a great time to be a buyer. Properties that are priced correctly are moving.
For years, real estate values appreciated so rapidly that it was hard for lenders to lose money. Even properties that faced foreclosure appreciated enough for the lender to make a profit. With housing prices depreciating, lenders have to price loans for the borrowers to bear the full risk of their credit score. The loan process is returning to a more prudent scenario, but with proper professional guidance you can find a lender with proven funding. Good money is always available to people who have good credit.
Your real estate agent will help you find a house you can afford and connect you to a lender who can secure the appropriate financing. To ensure that you get the best loan available, you should be ready to demonstrate the following things: you have a good credit score, a significant down payment, and the ability to make enough money to afford the loan. Ask your agent to scrutinize the loan-approval letters from lenders – they have a lot of experience pairing their clients with reputable lenders.
We are surrounded by wonderful, well-priced homes for sale. And financing is readily available to those who meet normal and prudent guidelines. I’ve been involved with real estate for more than 25 years and have watched the market rise and fall through the natural cycles of the industry. The market has always corrected itself in the past and, rest assured, it will correct itself this time, too.
San Diego is a one of the most resilient markets in the country. Our population has grown significantly in recent years and continued growth is anticipated. People want to live in San Diego and are willing to pay top dollar to enjoy this lifestyle. It is a great time for buyers who take the time to work with their agent on securing safe and affordable money.
Oh, and the couple I mentioned at the beginning of this article did get a loan. Their agent worked with a loan officer to verify that the couple was more than qualified and they were soon able to move into their new home.
Popularity: 23% [?]
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Windermere Golfs for a Cause
Posted by Erica Vautier | Leave A Comment »
Windermere Exclusive Properties will host their third annual Golf Day on July 23 at Morgan Run in Rancho Santa Fe.
“Golf Day gives Windermere the opportunity to relax and get to know each other,” said Debra Fine, the Windermere agent who organized the event.
This year, more than 20 Windermere agents, managers, family and friends will enjoy a day of golf and camaraderie. The day will be packed with contests, prizes, appetizers, a mobile drink cart and cash bar.
“What we look forward to the most is having fun and laughing a lot,” said Fine. “Last year everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed the food, prizes and drinks after the event.”
Participants can look forward to prizes for the longest drive and closest to the pin. “Any money we get from the event goes to the Windermere Charitable Foundation,” said Fine, an avid golfer won both contests for the women last year.
Windermere, a company admired for its lively atmosphere and personable employees, encourages their agents to participate in the numerous social events they host. Their offices regularly throw agent appreciation parties, company barbeques and happy hours.
As company owner Mark Loscher says, “The Windermere Way is a way of life, not just a way to work.”
Popularity: 34% [?]
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