Happy March! I have lots to say this month, but it's good stuff.
If you have a pulse, you've probably read the headlines about the imminent armageddon for Real Estate Agents. What do I think?
Top Five Myths about the NAR lawsuit.
- The New York Times article published last Friday got all the facts right. (My first career was PR, remember?)
- Home prices will decrease.
- Real Estate Agents' commissions will be drastically reduced or eliminated. Waitressing was easier than this job, but I was fired from the Hard Rock Cafe after 5 days for a bad attitude, so my future is bleak.
- Buyers will represent themselves when purchasing a home. Have fun with that.
- Class action lawyers are trustworthy and put their plaintiff's needs ahead of their own.
Here are the top Five Truths.
- We can now say the "C word" out loud. No, the other one. We will create more transparency about how we get paid.
- Lenders and title companies will develop creative options to finance the buyer's agent commission.
- Our jobs have not changed. We don't have less liability.
- We'll need to articulate our value to buyers upfront. I'll work on my stand-up routine.
- Consumers need a solid, local, knowledgeable Real Estate Agent more than ever. Me, Me, Me!
In summary, what's changed? Nothing. Capitalism is alive and well. Contact me to hear more.
CalHFA: Downpayment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers April 3rd!
- On April 3rd, California is relaunching the Dream for All program, which gives down payment assistance to first-generation home buyers. Last year, when the Dream For All Program opened, it had 300 million in funding, which was predicted to last five months but ran out in just 11 days. This year, it returns with 250 million and is now a lottery. First-time home buyers who apply and are chosen will receive down payment assistance of 20% or $150,000, whichever is less. First-generation home buyers whose parents don't currently own or have not owned a home in the last seven years. The lottery opens on April 3rd, 8 am PDT.
Blood Drive: Wednesday, April 17th, from 9 am-1 pm.
- On Wednesday, April 17th, from 9 am-1 pm, at our Montclair and Berkeley Offices, Red Oak is hosting a blood drive. I did my first blood drive at our Montclair Office last year. In the past, I've thought, why the hell do people do this? Then I went, hung out with my Red Oak friends, and finally got it. I felt grateful to be alive, with blood to give. I fully realized what a great way this is to give back, and Red Oak made it all feel very safe, professional, and community-oriented. I would love to see you at our blood drive this April, so let me know if you can make it to the Montclair office for a good cause and because Ilan and I are making cookies for everyone!
Do you want to know more, or are you curious if you qualify? If you're curious, send me a message. This is exciting stuff, and I would love to help you navigate it!
My Real Estate Coach is a former Hostage Negotiator for the FBI.
Next week, I'll attend a real estate conference led by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, and Steve Shull, a former NFL linebacker and renowned business coach. Yes, you read that right. I'm a valuable agent because I am always training with real estate coaches to become a more aggressive and better negotiator for you. Sound serious? It's because I am dedicated to being the best agent possible. (Don't worry, though—I'm also the most fun.)
I'm your gal if you know someone looking to buy or sell anywhere in the country. According to multiple reviews, I'm a "a force of nature" for you!
With Gratitude,
Mariss
