roseville Archives • Page 2 of 3 • Steve + Heather Ostrom

Black Widows, Buzzing Wasps, and Beetles – OH MY!

Appraisers or Inspectors, Buyer Information, First-Time Home Buyers, Home Safety, Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

So perhaps you’re considering regular pest service … or maybe you just need one-shot to get rid of wasps. Black widows are another item we see often in our area. They’re the shiny, eight-legged vampires of the night – you won’t always see them during the day, but look out once the sun is down. Okay, I know … that’s not nice that I am typing this and freaking you out (bleegggh, they freak me out)

The reason we love working with Zack is he’s a good person, that knows and loves what he does, and helps home owners with their pest problems. And he always has an idea for how to tackle pest problems.

Sometimes one visit takes care of items, but sometimes the right solution is on-going service.

So listen in to what options you have with regular or one-shot pest service.

Also one other thing to mention, if you’re considering putting your home on the market for sale, a clear pest (WDO / wood destroying organism) report is a great thing for a listing agent to have or know about, so be sure to mention to your listing agent (but of course, that’s us … right?) * wink wink *

Visit Finley Home Services: Termite and Pest Control Website 916-741-2847 (BUGS) or info@finleyhomeservices.com

REALTORs® Steve & Heather Ostrom

Roseville & Rocklin Real Estate

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What should you do with your pets at an open house?

3 Comments / Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

“We’re hosting an open house, what do we do with the pets?”

Great question, and something we’re often asked and it’s a stressful one often for the homeowner. Not only do you have the upkeep of the home for showings to buyers, the property showing schedule, but you may also have a confused pet in the home.

Often we’re asked, “What should we do with our dog … or our cat during the open house?” There’s no simple solution, and will depend on your pet. Ultimately you’re trying to sell your space, at a top dollar, so advice might come to you, with the intent to maximize your time on market, both in your pocket book and time on market. Animals can be, understandably a sensitive issue – whether in moving them around, showings, or the “marks and barks” they can leave behind in the home.

Hold your breath, you may not like this next comment … I know, this is going to sting … not every buyer likes dogs and/or cats (or at least wants to see their evidence, yard bombs, nose smudges, or pet toys). So do you want to limit your audience to a specific group of folks? This sounds extreme, but from a market perspective, you really want to know your audience and not limit your audience.

So check out this awesome post on Coldwell Banker, and you might even notice SOMEONE got quoted on the national CB website. Not mentioning any names. 😉

See all of the “Expert Advice on Hosting an Open House with Dogs,” by clicking here
Avoid making an open house “fur paux” with these expert tips

If you have any questions about what to do with your pet at an open house, please let us know. We love fur babies and we want to make it as least stressful as possible for you and them.

“Coldwell Banker has teamed up with Adopt-a-Pet.com, North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website, to help 20,000 adoptable dogs find a loving home this year.” So in this theme, you’ll be seeing a ton of great information and tips for home owners with dogs, cats (and more).

Learn more about the Coldwell Banker and Adopt-A-Pet Campaign here

Property Questions or Showings?
916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com
REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at:
www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Steve Ostrom, Primary Listing Agent + REALTOR – 916-308-2446
RosevilleAndRocklin@gmail.com – CBPlacerRealEstate@gmail.com
Coldwell Banker – Roseville, CA – CALBRE# 01899313 + 01899313
2200 Douglas Blvd B-200, Roseville, CA 95661

Learn more about listing your home with us!

What should you do with your pets at an open house? Read More »

The Importance of Great Photos for Seller Marketing

3 Comments / Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

So you’re starting to research selling your home. Where do you start?

There’s so much to consider when hiring a listing agent.

Typically, one of the first questions we’re asked is, “What is your past and recent work experience?” A great question, and that way you know the listing agent is well-versed, current to real estate changes and knows what’s going on in the market, and qualified for selling your home.

So what’s the action often forgotten by sellers, before they hire a listing agent …

We believe it’s “photo interviewing” their listing agent. What’s a “photo interview?” We define it as a seller requesting to see the listing agent’s current or recently sold listings “online,” and seeing how their photos look and are displayed. How was the lighting, quality, cropping, and visual interest of the photos? Were there enough photos, and how was their quality?

It breaks our heart to see awful photos or even NO photos online, of homes that we know are gorgeous (regardless of price range). So we want to empower sellers to ask the right questions. And more importantly with bad or no photos, you’re risking frustrating or turning-off buyers. Do you want to risk this?

Listen in on our interview with one of our photographers, Trevor Jobson, with Trevor Glenn Photography.

Our mixture of excellence in sales, paired with quality marketing and graphic design background, equals success and a happy experience for our sellers.

Photos sell your home during the day and at night – when buyers are searching online. Do you want to take the risk of not maximizing your audience that might be interested in your home by not having amazing photos?

Click the Photos Above to View Trevor’s Photos for Steve Ostrom

View Trevor’s Samples for Listing Agent Steve Ostrom

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Steve Ostrom is an experienced listing agent, with an excellent selling record both in time on market, sold price, and also in his negotiation skills. Heather Ostrom is an experienced and successful graphic designer and REALTOR. She’s spoken on numerous real estate tech panels on her marketing approach and experience.

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Need to Sell Your Current Home before Buying the Next: Contingent Sales

See More of Trevor’s Real Estate Photography and Design

Property Questions or Showings?
916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com
REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at:
www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Learn more about listing your home with us!

The Importance of Great Photos for Seller Marketing Read More »

Agent Quest Podcast Interview: Conversations that Matter

3 Comments / Agent-to-Agent Education and Helpful Tips, Media Interviews, Real Estate Education, Videos / Heather Ostrom

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

Ways to Reach Teri Conrad of Agent Quest:
Website: www.AgentQuest.ca
Twitter: @ConvosTMatter or @TeriConrad – 1-778-887-8374

YouTube channel for “Conversations that Matter”
Subscribe to the Podcast for Agent Quest: Conversations that Matter

Most current episodes: http://agentquest.ca/category/episodes/

More CTM Podcasts / Videos to Enjoy

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

Steve Ostrom, my hubby, is the primary listing agent – all production is housed under Steve.

Agent Quest Podcast Interview: Conversations that Matter Read More »

A “People Driven” Real Estate Market

Real Estate Education, Relocation, Videos / Heather Ostrom

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

Read more: Do you know the difference between a Contingent Sale and Dual Agency?

Property Questions or Showings? 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Steve Ostrom, Primary Listing Agent + REALTOR – 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Coldwell Banker – Roseville, CA – CALBRE# 01344154 + 01899313 2200 Douglas Blvd B-200, Roseville, CA 95661

Learn more about listing your home with us!

A “People Driven” Real Estate Market Read More »

The Different Flavors of Mortgage Insurance

First-Time Home Buyers, Lenders, Real Estate Education, Videos / Heather Ostrom

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.

Ryan Nordby, Senior Loan Consultant – www.RyanNordby.com

Cell: (916) 600-6480 – RyanNordby@princetoncap.com
NMLS# 260857 – CalBRE# 01405357

Property Questions or Showings? 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Learn more about listing your home with us!

The Different Flavors of Mortgage Insurance Read More »

Buying a Home after a Short Sale or Foreclosure

3 Comments / Lenders, Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

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 …)

Watch Dara’s Video on “Upside Down, Buy Moving Up”

** 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. **

Dara Delgado, Sr. Loan Officer
NMLS# 249825
Direct: 916-224-3327
Fax: 866-488-8512 dara@darasloans.com
Visit Dara’s Website

Property Questions or Showings? 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Learn more about listing your home with us!

Equal Housing Opportunity

Buying a Home after a Short Sale or Foreclosure Read More »

Need to Sell before Buying? Understanding a Contingent Purchase

1 Comment / Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

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

More Helpful Tips:

If you’re looking to research Utility or City information for Roseville or Rocklin, or the greater Placer County area – definitely check out our “good info” tab above.

Property Questions or Showings? 916-308-2446 – Homes@RosevilleAndRocklin.com – REALTORs Steve + Heather Ostrom

See more informative posts at: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Learn more about listing your home with us!

Equal Housing Opportunity

Need to Sell before Buying? Understanding a Contingent Purchase Read More »

Dual Agency + Contingent Sale: Knowing the Difference

4 Comments / Real Estate Education, Seller Information, Videos / Heather Ostrom

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

See more informative posts at: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com – Roseville and Rocklin Real Estate + Lifestyle

Author: Heather Ostrom, Real Estate Marketing – REALTOR

Learn more about listing your home with us!

Equal Housing Opportunity

Dual Agency + Contingent Sale: Knowing the Difference Read More »

2013-2016 Social Media Squad – Coldwell Banker

2 Comments / Media Interviews, Real Estate Education, Videos / 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.

Managers and Agents – sign up today: www.GenBlue.ColdwellBanker.com

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Original Post from 2013 below

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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