Hello, this is Heather Ostrom. I specifically handle the marketing for our real estate team, both online, social media, and printed media, as well as handle much of our e-communications online.
Our real estate and community website, we try to provide a specific value for folks we work for and also educating buyers and sellers, and just to elevate our real estate world. We put in long hours, and part of our pride is providing a great service to those we encounter, but also educating those we work with (and even those we don’t work with) … on the “unknowns” of real estate, because it ultimately benefits our entire industry.
In that same light, I think it’s good to be paired up with real estate agents that are educated, experienced, but also are a good fit for you, so today I’m going to share a bit more of me in this post.
Recently I was interviewed by Teri Conrad of Agent Quest on her podcast “Conversations that Matter.”It was a huge honor to even want to be heard, but also was a great “growth session” to share with others past the typical “business environment” conversation. Anyone that knows me personally, knows I’m very open, honest, and hard-working, as is Steve O. We’re not everyone’s “cup of tea,” but we know we’re great for those that appreciate us.
Here’s a snippet from Teri’s website about CTM:“Conversations that Matter is a podcast focused on exploring hearty topics for hungry minds. Host Teri Conrad invites leaders, visionaries, authors, executives, innovators, game changers, and philosophers of all levels to create a space where TRUTH is told, perspectives are re-examined and new ideas can emerge.” ~ Teri Conrad
I think if you are interested, or know me, you’ll enjoy this conversation with Teri. I also encourage you, particularly if you’re a real estate agent, to take the time to “watch” the awesome set of videos on the YouTube channel (my preference to see facial expressions). But there is also a podcast to subscribe to on iTunes.
It’s absolutely fascinating to the workings of successful agents and/or business people, and also see their stories being shared, and seeing their humanity and vulnerabilities exposed. Presented as strengths, in my opinion and absolutely fascinating and refreshing.
I know a few of you have asked to document a “day in our lives” so here’s a inside look to what goes on inside our minds, for those of us in real estate, or work with those in real estate and I hope you enjoy, if not listening to the other talented individuals I’m sharing this space with … such a lovely honor and opportunity.
Thank you Teri Conrad and best of success to “Agent Quest” and “Conversations that Matter.”
I hope you enjoy and I look forward to connecting with you. ~ Heather Ostrom
About our Real Estate Duo – scroll over the “Contact Us” Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR – 916-764-2710
RosevilleAndRocklin@gmail.com or CBPlacerRealEstate@gmail.com
Coldwell Banker – Roseville, CA #CALBRE 01899313
How’s the Market Steve O? A question we’re used to hearing and love to answer for our clients, friends, and family.
In past years, we saw a real estate market largely influenced by banks with the foreclosures (also know as a REO or REPO) and short sales. Now we’re seeing more homes with sellers that have equity in their home, and we talk today about how that is affecting our current market in 2014.
So listen in and see what’s happening. I promise you’ll be entertained and educated. We also have another fun update about myself and Steve O – you may or may not have noticed we’re a bit more fit. So click the play button below, and lets listen in …
Questions for REALTOR Steve or Heather Ostrom? Bring it on.
Give us a call or send us an email – 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com
What is mortgage insurance and what are your options?
Definition from Wikipedia: Mortgage Insurance (also known as mortgage guarantee and home-loan insurance) is an insurance policy which compensates lenders or investors for losses due to the default of a mortgage loan. Mortgage insurance can be either public or private depending upon the insurer. The policy is also known as a mortgage indemnity guarantee (MIG)
With the info overload in new real estate and numbers that are presented to buyers, it’s no wonder why there’s confusion regarding mortgage insurance. There are many misconceptions about mortgage insurance, so we asked Ryan Nordby of Princeton Capital – Roseville, CA – to go into a deeper discussion about the three flavors of mortgage insurance. In some cases if your credit score is high enough, the “one-time” buyout might be a better solution instead of putting 20% down on your next home.
Here is the example that Ryan uses: For a $400,000 Purchase 10% down is $40,000.
The MI buyout for a client with 760 credit is 1.27 Points.
($360,000 Loan * .0127 = $4,572) vs. $40,000 more down.
Currently, since FHA financing has changed so much, we are seeing much more conventional loans. In the past, it seemed like anything with less than 10% down was FHA. Once FHA changed their mortgage insurance to being attached to the loan for the life of the loan, we are now seeing primarily conventional loan offers on our listings. Many of them are with as little as 5% down. It is important to go over all scenarios with your lender to know what is the right fit for your current situation, and also for planning down the road and your economic success.
To speak to Ryan directly, and get a specialized quote specific to you, give Ryan a call or send him an email.
So maybe you had a short sale a few years back … or perhaps experienced a foreclosure, but time has passed and you’re ready to be a home owner again (or not). Nothing wrong with being a home owner or renter, it’s whatever you’re comfortable with, but we are seeing a surge of requests from folks that are ready to buy again, who have experienced a home loss or sold their home by short sale in the past. So we want to help you know what your options are … there are many folks in your position.
The Question: “So When Can I Buy Again, After my Short Sale or Foreclosure?”
We sat down with Dara Delgado, Senior Loan Officer and she provided some invaluable insight to buying after a short sale or foreclosure. Steve and Dara discuss what you should be looking out for, how to prepare yourself, and what the timelines are right now for when you can buy after a short sale or foreclosure. We also touch on checking your credit report to verify items have cleared.
To talk to Dara Delgado about your specific situation, whether about buying after a short sale or foreclosure, and/or to simply buy your next home or refinance … or to simply ask questions, post below or give her a call at (916) 224-3327 – www.DarasLoans.com (Pronounced DaaaRRR-ruh – so don’t panic on the pronouncing of her name, we have your back, we’re cool like that …)
** Before making any big decision regarding purchasing, executing a short sale, or allowing your home to foreclosure – always make sure to consult your tax person and/or attorney and research what is the best option for your specific situation. **
So you’ve been tossing around the idea of buying a bigger home … maybe you have outgrown your home, and now you have a bit of equity in the home … or perhaps now that you have some equity in the home, you want to downsize in preparation for the future. Or you’re ready to shift from a two-story to a single-story home … Whatever the reason, we’re seeing many “contingent sale” purchases amongst our buyers. This is not to be confused with “dual agency,” as this is two separate transactions … read up more on dual agency here
To explain better, you’re a current home owner that wants to buy another home, BUT in order to buy that other home, you must first sell your current home. Below in our video, we review the Contingency of Purchase form … because this form covers so much, we’re breaking this into a two-part series. We hope you enjoy and please feel free to ask us any questions.
If you’re needing help and entertaining this idea of buying and selling your home. We’ll be happy to help you with a detailed plan specific to you and your home, and situation. Give us a call at 916-308-2446 or shoot us an email (pew, pew) Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com
What we’re familiar with in our industry, and what our clients are familiar with, are often two separate items … and there’s a lot of confusion with knowing the difference between a “contingent sale” and “dual agency.” We have had more contingent sales this year (and still to this day), more than we have had in our entire career. And apologies for my horrible imitation of Flavor Flav. My first video take was SO good and funny, but sadly, content won over best imitation. But back to topic …
So what cued this topic – this conversation:
Phone call: “Hi Heather, I have this friend that wants to sell their home, and buy a bigger one, but I know it’s probably not okay for you to work on a contingent sale.” Me: “Wait, what? Why do you say that …” After a few more questions, I asked … “Do you mean ‘dual agency?'” Friend: “Oh yeah, that’s it … dual agency. Sorry about that …” 🙂
After the third time of having one of our friends being confused on what the two are, I thought it was a blog post that was in order to be “vlogged.” (video blogged).
So here we are … if you’re considering moving up to a bigger home, you have equity in your home and you want to test the waters … give us a call. You might be surprised what your options are … there’s no doubt to be stress with timing of sales. Anyone that says otherwise, is blowing smoke in your face. BUT having stated, that you really do want to work with the same person for your listing, and purchase of your home. The less “cooks” in the kitchen, the less opportunity for confusion. All of course, within reason, and what works best for your interests. It’s all about good communication, trust, and coordination between all parties. The more we work like a team, the better chance for a smooth transition from one home to the next.
Watch the video and see our tips for what the difference is in contingent sales, and also the tricks to improving your “contingent” purchase experience!
Property Questions or Showings?916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom
Hello, I’m Heather Ostrom, a REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Roseville, CA.
I originally wrote this post back in 2013. Wowza, does time fly fast. So updates to this post (2015): for three years consecutively, I have had the amazing privilege of being on the Coldwell Banker International Social Squad. And now in 2016, I have been asked again to participate in the social squad, but lets keep this as my happy 2015 post.
A lot has changed since even 2013, including our waist lines.
For New York, Hollywood, and now Chicago #GenBlue – I have had the opportunity to continue to be a brand ambassador in the social media waters and as a positive figure for our company, Coldwell Banker. It’s a great honor, and not something I take lightly, along with our clients and business.
Last year I even had the privilege of going on stage with Jane Lynch, to say I had an amazing time, would be an understatement. We work hard, but we also like to be fun to work with (particularly since this tends to be one of the more stressful points in your life, buying and selling a home). We take pride in our experience and personal touch to do all we can, both in education, and making the experience more enjoyable.
So what why do we attend the Gen Blue experience, year-after-year? See below – all that changes is, that it only gets better each year. Evolving with tried and true ways of working, mixed with the new expectations of consumers, and ways to work smarter and not harder.
How Has Attending the #GenBlue Conference Improved Us?
#GenBlue is the Coldwell Banker Annual International Conference. For the past three years, Steve and I both have attended the conferences. Gen Blue offers classes for self-improvement and inspiration to improve anyone who is part of the Coldwell Banker brand – both for elevating our online and offline skills.
Attending these Coldwell Banker #GenBlue conferences has changed Steve and I in so many positive ways in relationships, work habits and tools, and personal improvement. I have met so many talented individuals across the country who have forever changed me – sharing tips and also putting me in touch with solutions that I may not have found on my own.
Talk / writing is cheap, without proof, right? You’re probably saying, “Hey Heather, give me direct evidence for improved behaviors and some feedback on the conference.” Fair enough (bare with me as I talk about myself in third person). 😉
First and foremost, videos. I learned what techniques to improve our videos. “Slow pans” … dynamic backgrounds, changing your setting for videos, while realizing the importance of “audio.” I learned from other agents their own person tricks in video editing.
Online tools – Stephanie Hahn was an amazing past speaker at Gen Blue. She fueled me to explore Google Tools more and how insanely amazing all the options are …. I now use the G-Cal and attachments like an online ninja and my clients love it.
Matthew Ferrara, Philosopher – A CB speaker staple and never ceases to be awesome. I learned about online and offline behaviors and how he conducts his business (he’s fantastic). Not to mention, Matthew was part of one of the most epic moments of conference history witnessed – Ferrara vs. Mike Ferry in 2011. Steve O and I STILL talk about this event.
I also learned and got to know Debra Trappen and Linda Aaron better and learned all of their SwissArmyKnife tricks for better interaction online and improved visuals online. Such happy energy and the crowd dialogue was intoxicating with the Q&A that was initiated.
The main stage speakers – inspiration for the soul and mind. Always a “wow” factor every year of someone from outside of real estate and also some of the best in our business.
Finally, and definitely not least – the final party is ALWAYS amazing. Sure, it may sound immature to rank a party amongst the reasons, but I definitely made new friends from dancing and going around introducing myself to new agents. I also have earned quite a few referrals because people remembered me. How awesome is that?
Direct from the Source: I learned how to better use the amazing tool of CB Exchange (formerly CBWorks) – the undiscovered gem of educational videos, logos, and templates. Also some of the nerdiest of nerds (written with the highest affection), that told us how to leverage the free info to do our market updates.
Online and Offline Agent Improvements
Whether you’re a broker, manager, marketing bossy pants, or an agent in the field … the Conference is not just about online items – it’s about the entire package of being a real estate agent in the current age.
Year-after-year, Coldwell Banker continues to set-up a FRESH and NEW schedule for their agents and brokers, BUT also in the education straight from the agent’s mouth. I gain so much from the Q and A’s that happen from the audience, as well as the agent panels, and speakers. Interactions are always dynamic and passionate.
Steve O and I have always thought of Coldwell Banker to be the best. I’m proud to be #GenBlue. So if You’re Coming to the Conference, I’m very tall (6ft) and I love orange – please come up and say “hi” and I look forward to meeting and sharing with you! I’m proud to be #GenBlue
For California Agents: Help and Tech Tips – Specifically Targeting the Greater Sacramento Area
Agents, do you ever receive contracts on your listings, with page 10 of the RPA not filled out completely, or even worse, with the wrong information? Well let’s not get stomping mad, let’s solve the problem! It’s so simple, you’ll pinch yourself for not knowing sooner. It’s awesome and there will be no more visual mud on the bottom of your agent shoe (Like that tie-in to my visual above? Nice!)
Does this Make Your REALTOR®s Eyes Twitch? Then Share this Post today and help others stop their RPA eye twitches.
If you’re a visual learner, watch the video below. Steve O does a virtual walk through in ZipForms, of how to get “connected” today. It’s SO simple. If you want to simply read up on MLS Connect, that’s fine too – visit this link below for more info and see which California MLS Groups and AOR (Local Associations) are “connected” www.CAR.org/tools/zipform/mlsconnect
From the California Association of REALTORs ® website: “ZipForm MLS-Connect is a free C.A.R. member benefit. ZipFormMLS-Connect® integrates data straight from an MLS system into a zipForm® transaction. This eliminates the need for double data entry for many fields in a transaction.”
“Steve Ostrom and Daniel Allen introduce the new zipFormMLS-Connect® that allows you to integrate data straight from MetroList into a zipForm® transaction. This eliminates the need for double-data entry for many fields in a transaction.” (from Sacramento Association of REALTORs® YouTube Channel)
If you have questions – post a comment below and we’ll be right back with you. Share this post and spread the word about ZipForm® MLS-Connect! There’s so many agents not using this free tool via the California Association of REALTORs® and we need to get the word out.
Property Questions or Showings?916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom
Email Etiquette + Winning Offer Packages – Helpful tips for Real Estate Agents and Related Industries Wanting to Earn New Business.
Offer Packages, you know we love them.They’re GLADLY part of our daily workings as a real estate agent. Without them, we’re eating top ramen daily, or perhaps having to take a second job. In our case, this is our full-time job as real estate agents in Roseville, CA. Some items mentioned, may only apply to our state (California)
I always try and think in terms of ease of where to improve my quality of life in my job and at home. I’m not perfect, but I love learning what others think is a great way to work smarter, not harder. So to help elevate the quality of our work world, I’m hoping this post can get either help you, or get you thinking in terms of how we can all help one another. Today I’m going to tackle the art of packaging an offer (in our humble opinion). 🙂
We all have our own individual business habits and personal wishes, particularly when it comes to delivering offer packages. Some wishes are merely for control, and others might be for personal preference. But what we have to differentiate with these “wishes” are, what’s a control and preference. AND what is truly interfering or creating more work for another agent. Why would we EVER want non-verbal cues, to color us, our offer AND clients – so poorly?
Did I just drain another agent’s battery with a large file being opened on the road? Did the agent have to go to the MLS to find my contact info? Did I just write from the bizhub again? DOH!
music2work2 Andrew Mccluskey
Get on board with better e-behavior. Sure items may seem small and insignificant to you, but when it happens often, it becomes a huge time suck for another when you could have eliminated that issue with just a few words and actions. So here’s my list of helpful “gems” and I probably forgot a few in assembling this list and I would love to hear your helpful-hints too …
Offer Packages – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
1.Label your email “subject line” appropriately, AND reference property name
Example: : “Offer – 1234 Main St, Roseville 95678 – Buyer Brown” So when the agent goes looking for my email, they find it easily and perhaps based on “search terms” whether by “offer” and “Property Name.” FYI, a misspelled property address, may mean a missed email for agents. Particularly for agents that receive a high-volume of emails and for those of us that look for emails based on property name. This may be your one client, but when interacting with agents with a team, or multiple clients and listings – be e-courteous. 🙂 Do not send emails with “no subject” line – it’s lazy and all I’m thinking is … “I’m going to become this agent’s babysitter for this transaction.”
Also define in the email “subject line” what it pertains to, example, “request for repairs,” “addendum #1,” etc. When scanning through emails, this helps from opening ten different emails all labeled the same. When the file is closed and you have to go back, you’ll appreciate this two second task.
Consider attachment labeling as well – so each download is known to be what it contains, whether offer, preapproval, etc, and readily references which associated property and buyer. It takes little to no effort and has a high-appreciation return.
Sample Email “subject line” for Offers
2. File size of your email attachments
Biggest reason for being conscious of file size, may not be as obvious – if an agent wants to check the specs of an offer, and they’re on the road (mobile) – a small file size opens quickly on a phone (win). You don’t want to drain a battery for opening your large file-size offer (bad – we all lose). You don’t want to be this person. You know you have been there, opening that huge massive file waiting for it to download, and in the process it took your phone down to “battery funky town.”
One of the most frightening things in real estate – a dead phone battery
It’s not excusable that you’re using your home scanner that creates large files. There are solutions out there to help, heck even an e-fax does a great job with scans and keeps files compact in size. E-fax it to yourself, relabel – and voila – compact and clean file. I know Adobe Acrobat can downsize some files, but it doesn’t always work to reduce enough – particularly if they’re locked e-signed PDFs. And for the love of pizza, do NOT send separate JPEG attachments. One file, one PDF (sometimes with “protected or locked files” you can’t do this). And there’s not one solution, but hopefully we can create less work for one another.
3. Send ONE email with all offer pieces
It’s not impossible, but it’s challenging to receive items pieced back together over three or four emails and creates opportunity for error. Accidents happen, but do your best to send over one concise package offer. When you’re juggling 10+ offers (sometimes more), it’s a set-up for trouble to piece all items over multiple emails. Eliminate the risk.
Another great tool, I encourage agents to spell out the terms of the offer in written form, contained within the actual email. This text should spell out, amount of offer, terms, if applicable, preapproval and who with, and any other details that might help formulate a decision. So that the agent knows what’s going on, without even having to open the attachments. This behavior below, is a HUGE time saver and so appreciated.
This is how we present our offers (also accompanied by an email “story” and details about the buyers that might prove positive for acceptance)
4. Did you READ … the MLS instructions?
It’s a bummer when you take the time to give the answers, but nobody is reading them. It happens to us too, but double-check there aren’t attachments on the MLS. If you’re on the road all day on appointments like Steve often is, there’s that occasional need for a call. Or if the property came on while en route, sure that call is cool and really, calls are always cool with us. But be part of the solution of good communication and doing your research. And admittedly, we have a lot to always improve on ourselves.
5. Do you have your Contact Information in your email (e-Signature)? Did you write from the email you Want to be Responded to?
We’re not wanting to be a detective solely just to call/text or write you as a buyer’s agent – or simply to confirm receipt of your offer. Make sure it’s easy to respond and call you. Write from the email you want responded to, and call from the phone you want to be called back on … this includes NOT sending emails direct from a “printer or biz hub” (office scanner/printer) where one can’t quickly respond “received” or “ask additional questions via email.”
Take the extra two minutes to forward to yourself, relabel subject lines and address, and have your e-signature with all of your contact information provided with your offer. We often receive emails from the Bizhub (office scanner / printer) with no contact information, I’m asked to confirm receipt by the buyer’s agent. This is an easy fix, and ways to avoid making it hard to hunt you down as a buyer’s agent.
Our e-signature for our iPhones
6. Be Responsible with Your Client’s Account Information
Every time a file is opened on a desktop, guess where that check or account paperwork is housed … that’s right, on the agent’s computer. This will become a larger issue once banks and groups start thinking in terms of items that are housed on any agent’s computer. Some agents request account items upfront, and with items blacked out, that’s fantastic. Always see offer instructions and send just what’s requested or needed, and still protects your client.
7. Please don’t CC your Buyer on the Email to Us
Unwanted “reply all” situations are often dangerous and not always communication your client had intended come to us. Yep, it happens – so please avoid this … I have seen everyone do this … title, agents, and lenders … no group is guilt-free. It’s a dangerous behavior that can open up unwanted doors of unintentional communication, that was meant just for your eyes only. We should not risk these unwanted and unintentional “reply-alls” situations.
Do YOU have any Gems of Advice to Share?
Comment below – you’re awesome gems to elevate our industry for everyone. **Keep it kind, as we’re hoping this is a tool of education to improve our workplace amongst agents**
The excitement of Steve O after opening a well-packaged offer
Property Questions or Showings?916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom
Have you been debating if you’re going to move up to the “apartment in the sky George Jefferson” or are you going to make your home the place you always dreamed to live in?
Hard questions for many of us to answer. Do you go out and find the perfect home or do you create your “nest” to reflect your perfect world? Well, what I would suggest starting with making lists of the pros and cons of what’s the best route for your situation.
Do you love your current home and neighborhood?
Have you been looking for an opportunity to change school districts or move to another neighborhood? Maybe a cul-de-sac location is your dream situation, or perhaps more land to stretch on or maybe a lower-maintenance yard?
Will you be “over-building” for your neighborhood (with a remodel)?
Will you be selling in the near future due to needs of a downsize or more space? Important to ask if you’re trying to get return on your upgrade or remodel.
Draw up the costs of that pool you have been dreaming of, or that must-have upgrade you have always wanted (example kitchen, or master bedroom, etc). Get quotes for your upgrades. Concrete items for your budget.
Are you in a two-story and you’re starting to think of the future and a one-level home, or need that first floor full bedroom and bath? Are monthly bills fitting into your future budget?
Do you know the values of your neighborhood and current value of your home model (no, not your Zestimate)? We can help you here. Just let us know.
Your ‘target’ neighborhood – do you know what the going prices are going for, with what size of home you might need that will fit your budget? (including Mello Roos / taxes, utility group fees, etc)
Life is not always perfect and not all of us have the means for change, or desire.Why not see what the options are for your improved life quality and daily life function in your home. In many cases, with this market, if you’re unhappy with the area you’re in, it might make sense to move-up into your “perfect home.”
For folks where expensive and costly remodels may NOT make sense and are NOT the solution. Example, a “move-up” buyer or maybe someone that might need to downsize in the near future. Get a second opinion on your choices for upgrades, particularly if you do have intention to sell soon. You might want to modify upgrades and remodels that are appealing to a larger group of folks, and perhaps not drain the life savings into a kitchen remodel if you might be moving (and hopefully find that perfect kitchen in another home).
Are you the Lexus amongst the lot of “Tow Maters?”
Are you at the top of the food chain with or without these upgrades already? Do your homework on your competition and be aware of pricing of that competition in the neighborhood and know how appraisals can affect buyers on your home. When it comes to selling time, you might find yourself frustrated that you didn’t consult an appraiser before making costly upgrades … and talk to a REALTOR, so you know what the values are in your neighborhood, tailored to your home.
One thing not addressed in the video by Steve O, are the folks that ARE perfect candidates for a remodel or home upgrade. Particularly if you love the area you are located. I know, some folks don’t mind the money invested if it means for their quality of life, enjoyment and for those that qualify for those comments – do it! If you’re blessed to live in your “FOREVER” home and do NOT want to move – and you are the perfect candidate for a remodel. What are you waiting for? Start requesting some quotes from a few licensed contractors and create the space you deserve. (and don’t forget to check with your state board with contractor licensing and bonding for remodeling, if applicable)
We’re here for your needs and what’s right for you, BUT if you’re NOT in the place you want to be, and you do have the means to move-up – you SHOULD check out your options out there.
Don’t let “what-ifs” keep you from research, and give us a call today – let us know if we can help you put your dream home on the radar. 916-308-2446
“Should You Stay or Should You Go Now?” :-
Property Questions or Showings? 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom
