Skyrocketing Gas Prices Affect San Diego Realtors
Posted by Rich Johnson | Leave A Comment »
I had to stop for gas yesterday on my way home, having milked my gas tank down to 3 miles remaining. Since I was driving my Mercury Mountaineer SUV, I paused to think as I looked at the $4.47 price per gallon. I did a quick calculation in my head…$4.47 times 21 gallons, gee that’s over $90 bucks! And that didn’t include the quick drive-thru car wash I was going to get and desperately needed.
After the pump stopped filling up, at $97.43 (I guess my tank holds a little more than 21 gallons) and I added the $10 car wash, my stop cost me $107.43! As I pulled out of the wash, looking down at my “miles remaining” guage, my vehicle told me I could go another 311 miles until the next day that I would be totally depressed. That works out to a whole lotta cents per mile. At these costs, thoughts of getting a bigger better and newer SUV evaporated and were replaced with the thought of that itty bitty car, what’s it called, the smart-car.
Now somehow I just don’t see me or my fellow REALTORS carting around people in one of these. Does it even have a backseat? What’s funny is that just last week I saw one truckin down Hwy 15 that was “wrapped” in advertisement and the owner was a REALTOR!
I don’t remember what the name of the REALTOR was or his company name, but I guarantee you that I’m on the lookout for him. Is this the next big thing for us real estate pro’s? Are we showing our clients that we are no longer wastefully driving around previewing homes for our buyers burning large amounts of gas? And then I wondered…how would I feel about my REALTOR if he showed up to meet me at a property driving one of these things?
What with all the history behind rising gas prices, OPEC, the War in Iraq, don’t you ever feel like your just the victim of world politics? There’s a funny video on YouTube that was forwarded to me…click the arrow at the bottom of this page.
Most successful REALTORS drive nice cars. It’s been a part of our culture for many years. Part of the vision I had for myself when I decided to get into the real estate business was a mental picture of me in my big black Mercedes 500 series. Is that image now going to be replaced by a smart car?
The price of gas has definitely been a water cooler topic around my offices. REALTORS are becoming more creative, planning more carefully, and even carpooling more because of the price of a barrel of crude oil. For those of us who were driving back in 1974 (I had just gotten my license a year or two earlier), I can remember the impact it had on American car makers. Big Chevy Impala’s were replaced by the Vega and Ford’s Pinto. This was a very depressing period of time for those of us who enjoyed the 60’s muscle cars.
So on behalf of all my fellow REALTORS, I hope and pray that our government does something to reduce the price we pay at the pump to something more reasonable. Gas prices seem to be at the top of people’s minds when they think they have to cut and save. This will definitely have an effect on our housing market recovery and lengthen the time it takes.
I’m not ready for the smart car yet, and I can’t sell my SUV because nobody wants to buy one now. So I guess I too will have to be more creative and plan more carefully my routes, but it’s not gonna stop me from being the best REALTOR I can be!
Popularity: 9% [?]
Related Posts: Real Estate News, San Diego
Brookside Escondido - Steal This House!
Posted by Rich Johnson | Leave A Comment »
Here we go again, we just took another listing in the gorgeous gated community of Brookside, and once again we have an incredible value for you!
This home at 448 Adelaide Glen is one of the finest homes built in this development. A plan 6, (the largest model in Brookside) is a 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home on a huge lot of 18,200 feet!
This fabulous homes, set on the back side of a very private cul-de-sac, is situated with a south facing view, with extensive professional landscaping and built for a big family.
Brookside is a gated community adjacent to Reidy Creek Golf Course in North Escondido. Schools are close, with near brand new Reidy Creek Elementary just a couple of blocks up Broadway.
This original owner did extensive work on professional hardscape both in front and in back, and succeeded in creating a truly beautiful home worthy of a very discriminating buyer!
As you enter the home through the turret entry, you’ll find oversized 20″ tile throughout the downstairs areas. A gorgeous chef’s kitchen with beautiful cabinetry and granite countertops will please and excite 
your culinary skills. A giant island complete with storage and bookshelves along with double ovens, microwave and five burner cooktop. A nice long and functional butler’s pantry is adjacent.
As you wander to the family room, you’ll see the large custom cabinetry that houses the media niche and big screen tv. A patio door will take you out to the friendly and serene center courtyard, to enjoy a glass of wine or to read a book.
A formal living room creates another experience as does the large formal dining room. This home will handle a large group for any occasion.
There’s one large bedroom downstairs, with its own full bath and lots of privacy. A three car tandem garage and large laundry room complete the downstairs
The house seems to go on forever, as you travel upstairs. It’s actually a little over 3600 square feet!
The master is huge…giant…big! I’m running out of adjectives. A very large room with the master bath suite is truly impressive. His and her sinks, large soaking tub and separate shower with beautiful tile surrounds. Two walk in closets give you plenty of room for all the clothes and storage.
Three more bedrooms of great size and lots more upstairs, again too much to mention.
Meander out to the backyard and you’ll be amazed at this lot. Most of the homes in Brookside are on approximately 10,000 square foot lots. This home sits on 18,200 feet! The owner created an oasis with a large covered barbecue area with seating, a basketball area, putting green and concrete walkways.
The grounds have been landscaped professionally and beautifully by one of the areas better designers.
Watch our video tour of the home right here: Click to Watch the Tour!
MLS #081037122
Seller will entertain offers between $724,900 and $774,900
Popularity: 18% [?]
Related Posts: Escondido
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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Windermere Names Rich Johnson Branch Manager
Posted by Erica Vautier | Leave A Comment »
Windermere Exclusive Properties is excited to announce Rich Johnson as the Branch Manager of the La Costa / Encinitas and Carmel Valley offices. Johnson, who has more than 25 years experience in real estate and financial services, ran the Escondido Windermere office from 2004 to December 2007.
As a veteran manager and former business owner, Johnson offers his agents incredible support and a host of new real estate tools. He is extremely well versed in marketing and known for being on the cutting edge of technology.
“Rich is an incredible businessman,” said Windermere Owner, Jim Browne. “His experience as a highly successful entrepreneur brings a new dynamic to the office. I look forward to watching our business grow through his experience.”
Johnson’s understanding of the local market, motivational skills and enthusiasm towards his work have earned him numerous awards in the industry. He has been listed as an Honored Professional in the Nationwide Register’s Who’s Who in Executives and Business, awarded a National Leadership Award and named an Honorary Co-Chairman of the Business Advisory Council.
“Working with Rich is such a rewarding experience,” said Erica Vautier, Windermere’s Director of Marketing. “He is an industry expert and continually introduces Windermere and our agents to new tools and better practices.”
Johnson, who is a California native and has lived in San Diego since 1982, loves being part of the Windermere family. His commitment towards having the greatest training, technology and service are parallel with Windermere’s founding philosophy: Hire the best people, provide the best tools and create a professional approach.
Popularity: 38% [?]
Related Posts: Agent Services, Careers at Windermere, Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Join Windermere, Windermere, Windermere Agents, Windermere Managers, Windermere Offices
