Safety and Security in our Industry

 
This is NOT to scare or alarm anyone, but it is rated PG. 

Yesterday was another great class put on by First American Tile – in Vallejo, CA.  This class focused on Realtor Safety and Security Awareness.  There were quite a few things that were shared, and some of them may help you from becoming a victim or target of a crime.

The reason we sponsored and put this event together, was partially because of an article I received.  A Realtor in Texas assaulted and robbed.  Two days later, an email came from a client in Vacaville, who had just experienced a setup, and almost became a victim herself. 

Mornings on 2, (a local news station) announced, a person (offender) was targeting the Real Estate Community in Pleasanton.  This was all the inspiration and motivation I needed!   Safety should always come first! 

"The best way to avoid a crime or prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a crime, is by not being there when the crime takes place."  There are no absolutes, but just a little knowledge can go a long way.

James Magdaleno, of CPIT Inc., a former Police Officer and now private investigator, came to the Solano Association of Realtors to help educate our members on Safety.  James has taught this class to over 12,000 people and has helped many communities and industries by just heightening their awareness.

My Favorite Tips from the Class:

• When in trouble, always yell "FIRE, FIRE, FIRE" this will get attention more than any other word
• Your vehicle registration has your home address, right next to your garage door opener. Cover all but your name on the registration with a post-it, make a copy, and keep that in your glove compartment instead
• Always be aware of your surroundings, and tune into your instincts, it's your natural born gift
• Meet strangers (potential clients) at your office first, this way they can be seen and introduced to others
• Always carry a money clip with a 5 and 2 ones in your purse or pocket. When approached by a robber, pull out the money clip, say that's all I have, throw the money clip as far as you can, then run the other way
• Lastly, don't try and be a hero

I was given permission to share the informational booklet with all the Active Rainers.  Here is a list of Safety and Awareness Tips for the street, your vehicle, out shopping, or just in the workplace.  I really think you should at least preview this list, then print it, and share it with others. What you don't know, can hurt you.

The Gathering Place – The Farmers Market in Benicia, CA

The Benicia Farmers Market will begin on the Last Thursday of April , and go trough the end of October.

The hours open to the public are 4-8 p.m. (October hours 4-7p.m.)  Every Thurday!!!  Don't miss it!!

This is one of the largest and funnest events you will ever attend.  The Farmers Market is put on by the Benicia
Main Street group and they do a fantastic job!  You have to come by and see why the Benicia Farmers Market
has established the reputation that they have, as being one of the "BEST" in Northern California.

                            

 

The Farmers Market takes place at the end of First Street. The road is closed
to all vehicles and the whole end of town is dedicated to this spectacular event.
Hundreds of locals and visitors flock the streets to make purchases of Fruits,
Vegetables, Arts and Crafts, it's a real sight to see. If you have never been to
the Benicia Farmers Market, I recommend you visit just once, and see for
yourself why this event is so well attended by all.

 

                                                         

                                                          I look forward to seeing you there!
                                                       

The Benicia Spotlight – What A City!!

Benicia, CA., once known as the State Capitol of California, is a very quaint and beautiful town!  The spirit of community and brotherhood abounds.  Benicia offers many historic landmarks that make up it’s unique geography.

Downtown Benicia Landmarks include the Historic Clocktower, The Camel Barn and the Train Depot, which is one of my favorite places to chill and enjoy the cool breeze from the straits, and smell that fresh salt air!

Benicia has a great harbor loaded with vessels, bayliners and yachts.  The ambiance in downtown is like no other.  The local people and businesses are the most friendly people on earth. You feel a real sense of “pride of ownership” when you’re visiting the downtown.

There are good schools, great shopping, historical landmarks, plenty of antique and specialty stores, great restaurants, and even a new Starbucks down by the pier.  Benicia is a town that you feel right at home when passing through.

Some of my favorite dining experiences have been at Captain Blythers, Kaigon Sushi, The Union Hotel, Venticellos, and Kinders Beef.  There are many great places to eat in Benicia.  The Benicia Yacht Club is a superb setting for casual saturday afternoon strolls around the harbor.

There is nothing about Benicia that you won’t love.  Just off 780 is the Second Steet, Benicia exit (one I have personally taken 1000’s of times) and you are in Downtown Historic Benicia, just seconds after exiting the highway.

Since 1847, Benicia has been home to the sea loving, outdoor fanatics, and artistic individuals who thrive on community and moral values.  Benicia has some great artists, businesses, and private shops run by the local residents.  Some other facts you may not have known about Benicia are:

 

 

Benicia is one of Money magazine’s “Best Places to Live 2005” (August 2005).

Nick Jr. Family Magazine recognized Benicia in April 2004 as one of the “10 Most Playful Towns in America”

History is alive in Benicia – it was the third California city to incorporate, the third California State Capital, and the only historic capital location where the original building still stands

Benicia has more parks per capita than any other Solano County City

Schools ranked top 15% in nation by SchoolMatch, a private corporate site location firm

Named Best Place to Raise a Family according to a San Francisco Chronicle survey. 38% of households have children under age 18 at home

Benicia was recognized by Money magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live on the Coast”

Benicia is noted for our arts community. American Style magazine ranked Benicia #7 of the “2005 Top Art Spots”, in the small town category

Benicia was one of San Francisco magazine’s featured areas in the November 2001 article “A Change in the Hood – 15 Bay Area communities that are hipper, cheaper, and more neighborly than anyone knew”

You need to come to Benicia for yourself to experience all this great city has to offer! Whether you are just visiting, or considering a move or relocation, you need to stop and see why Benicia might be your first choice as your next place to live, invest, or just retire.

Come to Benicia by the Bay to shop, explore, enjoy a hike, drop your fishing line, have a cup of java, grab a bite to eat, or just relax in the sun as the cool breeze melts away any stresses from the day!!

There is something for everybody in Benicia, CA.

 

          

Warning ALL Active Rain Members – You Can't Go Back!!

Be careful when you have multiple windows open while creating a post.  If you accidentally click the back button on the wrong browser window (the one you're posting in) you will loose your post if not saved.  I just spent 45 minutes creating my VERY BEST post for Localism on the City of Benicia. 

I went to find some URL links to some of the favorite restaurants in another browser window. (I had 3 windows open at the time).  I had created links, keywords, photos, and spent alot of time researching the area I was posting about. Then, Crap…  (can I say that?)  I accidentally hit the back button on the browser I was posting on.  BAM!!  GONE!!  The whole thing was toast, just like that!  No way to refresh, or get it back. 

So here is my advice to you unless someone has a better way. Three things you can do to make sure you don't use the same language I did!! (COL) …cry out loud!!

1. Create your post in word or publisher and save them.  Then cut, copy, and paste into AR
2. Give your post a title and immediately save it in AR as a Draft!
3. Don't open multiple windows like I did, or, definately be careful to NEVER hit the Back Button

If this has happened to you, (right when you were ready to post), then you know how it feels!!  It didn't make me want to go out and buy a Hallmark Card!  I hope this post helps others to be mindful of what you are doing when you are posting.  This is my first lost post, and hopefully my last. 

I will regain my composure, get some rest tonight, and try again tomorrow.  Man, it was a great post too!  I'll get over it!  Don't let this happen to you. If you know of other ways to prevent this from happening, please post your comments for all our members benefit. This was a real learning experience for me!

                                (The post I lost was suppose to be my 50th blog, not this one!!)

California Home Sale Price Medians By City

              The Market information provided here was gathered for 2006 and 2007. 
               I will update this information monthly as it becomes available to me. 
             My goal is to provide accurate and current data of the Real Estate Markets
                  in California.  You can also get this data from my website located at:

                                                www.TheEscrowGuy.com 
                                       Check back for updates each quarter                   
   
                                                       For California:
                                                         Click Here

                  

                            

Why First American Title in California

Since 1889, First American Title has been helping protect the rights of Homeowners across California and the Nation. Headquartered in Southern California, First American Corporation has grown to be the largest and leading provider of Title, Escrow, and Information Systems in the World.

First American Title has offices all over the State of California, you can find any of our offices by clicking here.

We all know that as the pace of American life grows faster with each passing day, more and more of life’s events are influenced by the rapid flow of information. The information needed to make economic-transaction decisions must be timelier and more accurate than ever before. The need for this information is the engine that powers The First American Corporation.

Using expertise gained over more than a century of service, and employing the finest technology tools available, First American has built information resources that touch the economic events that occur in all of our lives. The range, depth and geographic reach of these services are unequaled in private industry. The thread that weaves it all together is our people.

First American’s stock is publicly traded on the NYSE. The symbol is FAF, and many employees of the company are shareholders. This is what makes First American the most powerful and stable force in the Industry. Look to us in California to provide you and your customers with the care you deserve and should expect!! Think First, Think First American!

Target Marketing your Real Estate Business

What is Target Marketing? I like to refer to it as laser surgery. While many Realtors, before building their referral business, try Farming as a way to generate buyers and sellers, I have found that most will use geographic and neighborhood Farming as a first resort. The are lot's of Farming ideas out there to be utilized.

Did you know that public records (varies from county to county) offer some great ways of building prospects using the data in a different manner?  We all know you can search and Farm for empty nesters, move-up and move-down buyers, renters and most likely to list properties. Non-owner versus Owner-Occupied etc.  What you may not know are all the ways public records can be searched to get you the most results, with the least amount of cost or time invested.  Target Marketing!

Some examples of Target Marketing might include:

• Investors (multiple property owners)
• 1031 Exchange Candidates (investors)
• The For Sale By Owner
• The City (planning commission or permits dept)
• REO Properties (Data Available)
• Relocation Companies
• Active Rain Real Estate Investors
• The Local CPA or Tax Accountant
• Transfers By Deed Type (Affidavit, Interspousal, Quitclaim etc)
• Search by Land-Use Code (99 Different ones in my County)
• Nearby College Properties
• $1,000,000 Property Farm
• The "Rich and Famous" Farm
• The "Moving Sale" or "Garage Sale" Farm (check your local listings)
• The Cemetary Farm (Homes Adjacent to Cemetary)
• Statistical Farming (using demographics and analysis data)
• Zoning Codes Farm
• Interest Rate Type & Loan Type etc

plus many other options are available in different market areas.

This post is just to get you to think outside the box.  What other ways might data be available to you?  How about your MLS, the Internet, Your Local Paper, Online Database Managers, other official records from the assessor and recorders office etc?

Of course once your business is established, you will no longer need to farm, most your business should come from referrals or sphere at that point.  Target marketing is probably one of the least utilized, most over-looked forms of increasing business.  For the most part, many realtors and lenders don't even know this data is available to them.

Check with your local Title Company and see what they can provide you as a "Target Marketing Farm".  My advice is to find one or two niches that work well for you, "follow your passions", and be relentless in your efforts.  If you want the worm, don't just be the early bird, dig even deeper, then you can be the bird that gets to sleep in once in awhile!

My One Month Active Rain Anniversary – Celebration Today!

The Cyber drinks are on me today, what's your pleasure? If you have a liquid refreshment in front of you right now, please lift your glass and join me for a "Cheers" and "Celebration".

 

There are alot of members on AR who Celebrate many different occasions.  I have seen State and Local Area Celebrations, 300 Active Rain Post Celebrations, Holiday Celebrations and much more.  Well today is my One Month Anniversary as a rainer.  It may not mean much to anyone else, but to me, It is a day for Celebration.

• I have seen the membership grow from 17,233 to 22,114
• I have met hundreds of really great and fascinating people
• I have witnessed and been part of many success stories and seen incredible results
• My Title and Escrow orders have increased and so have the opportunities!

I can't believe that all this has taken place since 2/25/07. Just one month ago today, I had no points, no network, no website (to speak of) and no worries.  (Boy was I sheltered).  Exactly one month later, to the day, here is my stats and why I have this urge for a CELEBRATION!!!

Brad Andersohn's Summary:

I am proud to be a member of such a great community of professionals in the same industry as me.  Kudos' to those of you who appreciate and respect this network as much as I do.  I can't wait to see where the next month takes me.  Thanks for Celebrating with me, it's been an awesome Journey.

The Vallejo Spotlight – March 2007

One might ask why is Vallejo, California the place to be? How was this the chosen City to spotlight this month? It's simple, the City of Vallejo has it all! Our spotlight this month is all about Vallejo, California. A very pleasant place with lot's of affordable housing, fun and amusement, great food and shopping, and a history that dates back hundreds of years.

I think you will find many parts of this Beautiful City to be very attractive. From the Mare Island Projects, to the Spectacular Golf Courses, there is something in Vallejo for everyone. I know you'll find this City to be one of sincere welcome, warmth, and great opportunity. We are proud of Vallejo, and hope you'll consider this City as one to visit or relocate! Vallejo exemplifies what community is all about!

 

What's in Vallejo?

• City Information:
  City Data Information
  The City of Vallejo
• Entertainment and Fun:
  The California Maritime Academy
  Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (formerly Marine World Africa USA)
• The Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bereau
• Absolutely Beautiful Weather:
  The Vallejo Weather Bereau
• Local News Paper Online:
  Local News and Information
• Hotels, Motels Vacations and more:
  Vallejo Travelguide
• Vallejo Real Estate and Market:
  Local Real Estate Information
• Title and Escrow Company
  The Escrow Guy

Vallejo offers plenty of parks, walking trails, waterviews, shopping, golf courses, outdoor activities, sports and theatre. Whatever it is you are looking for, you will find it in Vallejo.

If you or someone you know is considering a move to Solano County, you might want to start with Vallejo and see if you aren't captivated by it's surrounding beauty and it's wonderful people of the community.

Vallejo is Centrally located and only moments from Napa, Benicia, American Canyon, Fairfield and Vacaville. Transportation is readily available via the Ferry, the Bus, or a good old fashion Taxi. Within one hour of driving to Sacramento and San Francisco.

There are great jobs, good schools, and local businesses (small and large) that help support the community, that make up the Vallejo population. Come visit Vallejo, California and see why so many people are relocating to this great historic and growing City!

If you need more infomation about Vallejo, CA., Call or write: Brad Andersohn at First American Title Company located at 942 Admiral Callaghan Lane in Vallejo, CA. 94591. You can reach Brad at (707) 553-8930  8am – 5pm, Monday thru Friday or you can email bandersohn@firstam.com Visit Brad's Localism.com site.

To contact a Real Estate or Lending Professional in the Vallejo area, click on this Active Rain Network Link.
You will find a variety of Industry Professionals and the services that they can provide you. A great place to find everything from Real Estate Agents, Lenders, Title Companies, Home Stagers, Inspectors, Appraisers, Insurance Brokers, Builders, Contractors and much more!

To search the entire United States, here are the links to those individuals:
Real Estate Agents (13271) , Loan Officers (2428) , Real Estate – Others (1163) , Real Estate Brokerages (1093)  , Mortgage Companies (958) , Home Stagers (566) , Inspectors (515) , Title Companies (340) , Real Estate Medias (231) , Appraisers (229) , Real Estate Trainers (191) , Virtual Assistants (186) , Account Execs (167) , Insurance Brokers (160) , Builder-Contractors (144) , Real Estate Attorneys (101) , Commercial Real Estate Agents (96) , Notaries (79) , Mortgage Processors (69)  , Commercial Lenders (48) , Real Estate Auctioneers (47) , Property Managers (18) , Business Brokers (17) , Environmental Services (12)

Internet Explorer -vs- Firefox

There are two very popular internet browsers on the web.  When using google analytics to check my website stats today, I found that there were more Firefox browsers than ever before. Is Microsoft Interenet Explorer on it’s way out? Is Firefox soon to be “standard” for internet browsers?

I noticed that on my wifes PC, her Internet Explorer would keep locking up. When I downloaded Firefox on her computer, and she started using it regularly, we never had her system lockup ever again. I noticed that some webpages (including my own), looked different in Firefox too.

Firefox claims to have the following advantages:

• Faster surfing using tabs:
  Several websites open at the same time? Firefox has a special feature that enables you to browse easily and quickly from one window to another.
• Popup blocking:
  Fed up with windows that open up spontaneously? Mozilla Firefox recognises and blocks unwanted popups automatically, ridding you of this irritation.
• More secure:
  Spyware, adware, worms and viruses? Mozilla Firefox automatically protects you against these, removing any worries you might have in this respect.
• The Google toolbar:
  A search feature always at hand when you are looking something up? No problem. Use the Google Toolbar to search effortlessly and at high speed. This is a standard feature of Mozilla Firefox.

I have compared the two and see many similiarities, I’m wondering if it is just a matter of preference?!?

Just trying to decide which one is best for me to use with the amount of Internet Searching and Browsing I do. Would love to hear your thoughts and comments on this. Which one do you use and why? I am most curious.

Always trying to be the smart Fox, and Exploring new and better ways to browse the NEW WEb 2.0!