The Future of the New York Times

While browsing news ads today I found myself increasingly annoyed by the inability to comment.  I attribute this to the free voice we have in the blogging world.  Our ability to respond and be heard is valuable.  Some news articles have a comment area, many do not, I find this very frustrating.

The NY Times publisher,  Arthur Sulzberger, announced today that he doesn’t know if the paper will be in print 5 years from now.  He further went on to state that the paper has already begun to shift to the Internet. 

Mr Sulzberger goes on to say that the NY Times Internet service will not be free.  I find that amazing.  In an innovative Internet society with so many free news sites and feeds, why would anybody pay for that service?  Five years is a long time, there will be many sites expanding their free services, increasing the variety of information provided and building their subscribers. 

Direct Quote:

“We are curators, curators of news. People don’t click onto the New York Times to read blogs. They want reliable news that they can trust,” he says.”

Do you really think it is not possible to find reliable news for free?  I cannot imagine anybody paying for news service or feeds five years from now, we can already access this information through feeds for free.  I can only imagine the innovations in the tech world in the next five years. 

Do you remember when Trans World Airlines (TWA) and Pan American Airlines (Pan Am) owned the skies?  Do you remember a huge computer company called Wang? 

Did you notice who Time Magazine chose as “Time’s Person of the Year“? My favorite quote from that article is:

“It’s about the many wresting power from the few and helping one another for nothing and how that will not only change the world, but also change the way the world changes.”

Wake up and smell the coffee Mr Sulzberger.

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Posted on February 8, 2007 by Laurie Manny

Downtown Long Beach Market Report – January 2007

Downtown Long Beach Real Estate Market Report

Area Sales Information (West)

1/1/2007 through 1/31/2007

For the area bounded by the 710

Freeway on the West, 1st Street on the South,

Pine Avenue on the East, Anaheim on the North.

1 Bedrooms

Active                27     Avg Price  $366,825      Avg DOM   77

In Escrow            6                         $312,316                         98

Closed Escrow    2                          $247,000                        65

On Hold              0

Withdrawn          1

Cancelled             1

2 Bedrooms

Active                 27     Avg Price  $368,551     Avg DOM   84

In Escrow             8                        $369825                        163

Closed Escrow     4                        $331,875                         81                

On Hold               2

Withdrawn           1

Cancelled              2

3 Bedrooms

Active                   3    Avg Price $549,300      Avg DOM  67

In Escrow             1                       $410,000                        81

Closed Escrow     1                       $625,000                        89

On Hold               0

Withdrawn           0

Cancelled              0

The above results do not include properties on Ocean Blvd.

and reflect all sales for the Western side of Downtown Long

Beach.

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Posted on February 6, 2007 by Laurie Manny

Realtors and Commissions – Why?

                  Why    

The consumer  wants to know what makes one Realtor worth more than another and is seeking an explanation about  commissions.  I think the consumer should have some answers.

At the end of 3 interviews a sellers head must be spinning.  Most of the Realtors seem to be offering much the same, but the commission rates and suggested sale price are different and the seller just cant figure out why.  All of the Realtors said they do the same thing!  They all send out Just Listed postcards, provide flyers, signs and MLS listing.  They all will put my home in the local newspaper.  They all will do open houses.  They all will put my home on their websites.  They all will put my home out on the Internet.  They all had suggestions about how to show better.  They all showed me the comparables and had a comparable market analysis.  All of their findings were not the same!   Agent 1 said he could sell my house for a lot more and is not charging as much as that Agent 2 gal who said it would sell for less, but she wants a higher commission.  Agent 3 is out, didn’t make the cut (pick your own reason, there are many). 

What do I do?

I really want to make as much money as I can from the sale, that Agent 1 says he will get me more money and charge less commission!

Did the seller ask each agent how many Just Listed Postcards were going out? 

Agent 1 will send out 200/300 around the immediate property, the seller does not know this because Agent 1 didn’t say how many he would send out, the seller only knows that he said he would send out the cards.

Agent 2 is sending out 2500 cards-to the entire neighborhood and told the seller how many and where, does the seller assume that Agent 1 is doing the same, seller didn’t know then to ask how many. Large difference in coverage and expense here.   

Did both agents bring sample postcards and flyers from past listings? 

Does the seller get an opportunity to see the quality of the advertising and marketing they will receive?  Agent 1 brought a few flyers, that Agent 2 had a binder filled with beautiful, high quality flyers and samples of past post cards, and left me with a stack of samples.  (I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, I have a stack of her postcards in my kitchen drawer, I have been receiving them for years.)

Both agents said they would advertise my home in the local paper. 

Does the seller know that Agent 1 will advertise it for only 2 or 3 weeks?  No Agent 1 was the first interview - the seller didn’t know to ask.  Agent 2 has a annual contract with the local paper and will advertise my home for the life of the listing.  Does the seller know the difference?

Both agents said they would put my home on the Internet. 

Does the seller know that Agent 1 considers the Internet sites that the MLS sends the listings to as putting the seller on the Internet and that Agent 2 spends days placing the listing on 20 or 30 or more sites, and pays for premium services for the sellers exposure?  Did the seller ask Agent 1, how many sites, which ones, how powerful are they? Or does the seller assume that Agent 1 is doing the same as Agent 2?

Both agents said they would put my listing on their websites. 

Agent 1 has a company issued website with a Google Rank of 0, does not advertise his site and receives little or no traffic from the website.  Agent 2 has a custom site, with lead capture and automated drip system, perhaps even a blog and/or an RSS feed or 2, and is constantly cultivating leads, showed the site to the seller on her laptop, brought them into the back end and showed them the stats, hits and lead generation system.  Does the seller know the difference? 

Part of the problem is that while both agents sounded like they provide the same service, the service is no where near the same.  Agent 1 glossed over details that many sellers do not catch or understand, while Agent 2 explained the details and numbers.  Some sellers may go back and ask Agent 1 for the numbers, many assume they are doing the same and the Agent 1’s of the world slide by the radar. 

Gee, this also explains why there are so many expired listings these days!

There is no telling whether a seller will choose Agent 1 or Agent 2.  Those that choose Agent 1 stand a high chance of not selling but may get lucky, another agent might sell it after a couple of price reductions and with concessions.  They also may net less than Agent 2 quoted originally because;  they will sit on the market for a long time while prices decline.  Agent 2 will sell it, with a lot less stress and will more than likely end up netting you more money because you will not be chasing the market down.  Why?  Because it is priced properly and marketed to a wide audience.

You might want to read How to Hire the Best Realtor in Your Area

Traditional advertising and marketing, postcards, newspaper and magazine ads no longer provide the same punch they did in yesterdays market.  These are however, still expected by sellers.  They are very expensive.  Internet marketing and advertising is more effective.  With 80% of buyers searching for properties on the web it has quickly become the venue of choice.  However,  we are in between worlds right now.  Sellers still expect the traditional advertising and marketing along with the Internet punch and sometimes they are right, sometimes it still works.

Realtors are beginning to pull away from traditional advertising and marketing. 

Why do you think the news media is squealing so loudly.  Their revenues are down big time.  We are good business.  Buyers and Sellers are moving to the Internet for their housing needs. 

We Realtors are in a difficult position right now.  We are providing much more service now than ever before at a time when commissions are under scruitiny and are being challenged while expenses are up considerably.  Sellers do not want to pay the traditional commissions but do want and need the elevated services.

When we can move to a purely virtual world and possibly bring down expenses hopefully there will be more harmony between the consumers and Realtors.

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Posted on February 2, 2007 by Laurie Manny

Artcraft Manor, Long Beach California

Artcraft Manor Neighborhood of Long Beach California

Just south of the 405 Freeway and north of the traffic circle, you will find this charming area of Long Beach.  Artcraft Manor provides the best of two worlds: Easy, quick access to work, fabulous shopping and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB); plus a family-friendly, quiet neighborhood where you can enjoy outdoor activities like walking or jogging.  Homes in the Artcraft Manor neighborhood were primarily built between the early to mid 1900s.

Centrally located in the Long Beach area the Artcraft Manor neighborhood is only a hop, skip or a jump to the beach, Belmont Shore, Downtown Long Beach, Bixby Knolls, Colorado Lagoon, or to El Dorado Park for a great day of golf or outdoor family fun.

Community and school information for 90815.

Investment Opportunities

If you’re looking for investment property, look no further than Artcraft Manor. Here you’ll find many well maintained duplexes ideal for owners who want to occupy one unit and rent the other.  You’ll have no trouble finding renters.  Because of the convenient location, the demand for rental properties are high in Artcraft Manor.

Let´s Play Ball

With night-lighted volleyball and basketball courts, its no wonder that Stearns Champions Park is a favorite of residents and visitors.  Within its 20.97 acres, you’ll find a baseball field, community center with rentable rooms, picnic area, playground and soccer field

Make Artcraft Manor Your New Home

It would be my pleasure to consult with you regarding available properties in the Artcraft Manor area.  Contact Laurie (562) 212-5420 For all of your Long Beach CA Real Estate needs.

If you are Relocating to Long Beach; thinking about Selling your Long Beach Home or about to Purchase a Long Beach Home, Contact Laurie today, 562-212-5420.

In a Slow Market you need a Strong Realtor.

I dont make promises.

I deliver results!

Relocating to Long Beach California-Resource Guide

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Posted on May 26, 2012 by Laurie Manny