Friday, November 22, 2013

I have become a Relocation Expert. . . featuring our Monterey Bay Area!

They are flocking here . . . .


. . . . .  and looking at every possible place to call home!

The Monterey Bay has some of the World's Best scenery, 
Best Living environments and 
a fascinating History!

In the past several years I have been placing clients . . . . 
From all over the World . . . . 
in this beautiful area we call home.

All professionals seeking and finding quality 
for themselves and their families.

Relocation is no easy task and I have developed a reputation
 with all involved, of consistent quality and efficiency in making the transition 
from one country to ours . . . .  seamless.

This makes guiding local residents transactions even that more smooth and knowledgeable and usually in English!!

So when the need arises for competent, professional experience . . . 
CALL ME

Marlene Henderson, Broker/Owner
RELOCATION EXPERT
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties
BRE 00599374
Jeg snakke norsk et parle francais 

831-429-9091

www.BestSantaCruzProperties.com


"When Only The Best Will Do . . . . . .
                                               MoeBEST-Henderson Properties" 






Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Windows of Opportunity and The Winds of Change in Real Estate


The Winds are always Changing in Real Estate, that's what keeps us on our toes!!  The latest recap is evidence of the variables that are tabulated, studied and pondered, to try and predict what's next!
I pay attention to the national news and what my clients personal experiences are.  In my 35+ years of experience, no one can predict the future ~~ there are too many variables in the mix.  

The BEST determinant is doing what is BEST for your family and current situation.  You might choose to be trendy, that could mean trouble, unless you have deep pockets and can absorb the unexpected.

There is a current Window of Opportunity by which I mean, a lull in the increases in prices.  Who knows how long this will last or what the next hiccup will bring!  But NOW is an opportune time to invest in YOUR FUTURE! 

The past year has been a wild ride with multiple offers for both my buyers and sellers but it has consistently worked out for the BEST for all my clients.  Amazing!  Even though we had been in bidding exchanges for my buyers, we ultimately came out with the BEST properties, in all instances, that suited my buyers ~~  it was just in the Stars!!
Just when you are getting discouraged, defeated, deflated ~~ up pops a property that is better in so many ways and I get the call, that the owner accepted our offer, as written, no counter!  Woowhooo!
This is the fun part, getting peoples dreams to materialize.  Having the experience to make it a smooth process and the knowledge and connections to have the right resources to work through the wrinkles.
The market is quieting down now, a combo of the season and a slight uptick in the interest rate affecting those non-cash buyers.

Since the inventory has been and  is still low, great time to put it out there if you are needing/wanting to sell any real estate.  Amazing amount of cash buyers, I have had several each year for the past four ~~  this results in a quick escrow AND SELLERS MOVING IN THE DIRECTION THEY WANT TO GO.

The bottom line is that now remains a great time to consider a home purchase or refinance, as home loan rates remain attractive compared to historical levels. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you.



Marlene Henderson, Broker - Realtor - Ca/Nv
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management
00599374

831-429-9091 Office
831-419-9091 Cell 
 
" When only the BEST will do . . . .
                       MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management"



Sunday, October 27, 2013

Relationships are Gold - Make good ones!


Reflecting on my last six months,  in this last six years of Real Estate dis-combobulations,  I can testify why I keep re-newing my Brokers license. 
It's all about the relationships.
Establishing, growing, nurturing the basic connections we all have.
Getting to know people and enjoying their company, families, activities is one thing, but when it gets into something more important, on the level of helping people, the relationship takes on a whole new level and can truly define who is who! This is when the true meaning of relationships come out and blooms. 
Amazing how the GOLD in people can shine through.
The opportunity to teach someone how to cook and a special dish is made, how to thread a needle and then, a piece of clothing takes shape.  The process and end result is GOLD.  This all develops a relationship of GOLD and inspires others to do the same!
Creating a thing of value far greater than material objects, feel good trophies and ribbons, but heart to heart understandings and quality interactions that can't be mistaken, that leave the warmest of memories.
 
Helping a client buy their first home or fifth, following through on all the specifics of the contract, inspections, details and having that successful - Close of Escrow . Following up after the COE making sure all is well -  A  GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE. 
To know you did the BEST job for them is GOLD.
This summer has been busy, and GOLDEN, with the referrals that keep popping up, it will continue into this next year. 
Yes, referrals from my happy relationships ~~  that's another story!

Keep making those relationships and memories, it's amazing how contagious it can be.

 

Marlene Henderson, Broker/Realtor
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management
BRE #00599374
 
 


Saturday, August 24, 2013

Real Estate ~~ Isn't for Sissy's

Don't even think of doing this as a career if you are weak of heart and lack nerves of steel! 
Yes, The Real Estate business isn't for Sissy's ~~ never has been, never will be.

The main focus in this biz should always be protecting your client. 
Investigating, disclosing, and remedying concerns. 
Every property has issues and needs maintenance, to what degree this has been performed and to what degree of acceptance, is always the question and the source of contention.

That being said, we move on to the current dynamics of the biz, that has reached a feverish pace as of late ( the last 18 months).

With the pent-up desire of both buyers and sellers, the hype by the media and resultant wildfire conversations of the Real Estate minded, we are back in the 2002-06 era "Action". 

Multiple offers, bidding wars, accusations, fevered searches, wire transfers, international clients,  jubilation, disappointment,        phewww . . . .  I'm worn out just writing this.
 
In this atmosphere, many times, the important aspects get forgotten  - lost!
Again, $$$$, profit, cap rates, equity, winning the bidding wars, coming out on top, takes preeminence.  STOP!!
Do it right ~~ focus, focus, focus! 
What is YOUR job??  Who are you working for?? 
Get those inspections, disclosures and READ THEM. 
Just had to scream that!
 

Yes, I have been scampering around in this melee and yes, opening those escrows with trumpets blaring, while not be blinded by the 'Game'.
A big change, is the electronic paperwork flying around, so-o-o-o ~~ being tech savvy, has pushed the edges and caused this whole biz to escalate and for me, created an ease of doing business and making it seamless and efficient.

But the real crux is the tenor, the frenzy.  Slow down, remember what your role is and don't "JUST DO IT" ~~  DO IT RIGHT!

Looking for that Professional?  With years of experience?  Great reputation?

Yes, I'm just a text, e-mail or phone call away!

. . . . and Happy to get you where you want to be.
 


   

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Yes, the buying season is in full swing!

Yes, the buying season is in full swing and yes, if homeownership is the right direction for your life, then this is the right time to do it.  Unbelievably great interest rates and that's what you should be paying attention too.  The prices can creep up, but it is when the interest rates do,  is when to pull on the reigns and do that personal assessment ~~ can I still aford this?
I truly believe EVERYONE should own their own home, their piece of dirt and build a quality life with it!!
True with the uncertainties and mobility we experience today, this is not always the choice that can be had. 

There has been good activity and I have had three smooth, quick, all cash transactions this year that have made my awareness of global situations more accute.  All three were international buyers.
Don't get me wrong, I am happy to have the business and these have been great people to work with.  I have been paying more attention to happenings in Real Estate around the globe that could have an impact on our local market though.  We all read the 'Headlines' but how true is it for the local or more specifically YOUR neighborhoods value?
Just because Bakersfield is in a slump doesn't mean Des Moins is in the same boat.  All Real Estate is local.
But keeping an eye on the big players these days and I mean BIG PLAYERS could easily turn local markets on their heads.
So make sure you are "Paying attention".
 Call me when you are ready to make that move into ownership or just need to make a change because life never stays the same.




Marlene Henderson, Broker/Realtor    
00599374

831-429-9091 

"MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management . . . .

                                      When only the BEST will do"





Monday, July 15, 2013

When away from the Real Estate World . . . . . Live the life you Love!

The journey starts early everyday.  So much to see, smell and conversations to be had when biking around the vinyards.
The "Wine Country"  being a culture and pace unto itself, one has to shift gears, relax,  appreciate the subtleties and just cruise through the region with no expectations.


As I stopped and chatted with winemakers and vinyardists along the country roads and while  intruding on their dirt paths as they enchanted me in, I discovered growing techniques I had never heard of, that have been developed and used for generations.

 Names of old vines that are 100+ years old, this is Atlas, that produce scant grapes but the richest, deepest flavors sought after by oenologists.

 
 Cooling off in Adirondack  chairs made from old wine barrels, looking over an incredible field of Lavendar while my friends - the Bees - diligently work away.  One realizes, this is what is real and this natural system is what should be important to all of humanity.  Caring for what God created and the incredible dynamic system that the planet has been operating under since the beginning of time.
 The neat, orderly rows that have been developed to harness the abundance of the land, the vines, the sun.  It smells heavenly here.
and more rows . . . .
Take the time, enjoy the gifts!
 
Marlene Henderson, Owner/Broker
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Managment
831-429-9091
 

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Current Real Estate News - Improvement Everywhere

No matter which region you are in or interested with, the story is the same  - The Real Estate Market is improving.
The desire for Home Ownership has never died and now that the deep price dive has halted, rather abruptly, buyers are literally in a frenzy.  Multiple offers, overbidding, quick closes, cash purchases and disappointed offerees ~ again!
The supply currently is low for many reasons and regardless of those, the desire is building and driving the price increases.

Although the numbers can be vastly different from Santa Fe to Santa Cruz and Billings to Boston ,  seemingly bouncing around like a ping-pong ball, the old adage stands true ~~ it's the location that dictates the value.

Those of us lucky enough to own property in one of these higher priced areas and deciding to make a  change, can really turn their equity position around and benefit from this uptick.  Those "Underwater" have quickly come up for air and are breathing easier now.

One more aspect is the Gen Y'ers are highly focused on the New, energy efficient homes.  The benefits of the features are amazing in savings, check out this article. 

One great opportunity I am handling, that will benefit any eager homeowner, is this wonderful ready-to-build lot  at 4855 Dawn Lane, Soquel, Calif. 95073.

All the improvements are in, water meter connected, plans for a 2200 sq. ft. home drawn.  Just waiting for you to build YOUR energy efficient and cost cutting castle!
Call me, I am ready to help guide you to the right decisions.

Marlene Henderson, Broker 
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties
00599374

831-429-9091  Office
831-419-9091  Cell

"When only the BEST will do . . . . .

   MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management"