Marketing and Technology Fair at Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors

I'm realy excited about the upcoming Marketing and Technology Fair which will be held on November 13th by the Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors. This function, which is open to Realtor and Associate members, features three speakers and a trade fair. Mike Cutlip from the Massachusetts Association of Realtors will address Social Networking for Realtors. Bob Mitchell from Home Center Sotheby's will show you how to improve your listing's pictures, inside and out. Nelson Zide from ERA Key Realty will talk on Generating NOW!! Business.
The booths at the trade fair will feature local and national vendors whose products and services may enhance the Realtor(R)business. You can check it out and pre-register for this event at the PASS website.

Massachusetts Association of Realtors Holds Annual Convention

I'm back from two days ( September 22, 23) at the annual convention of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. This year's convention was held at the Worcester Conference Center. I'm not sure of the exact figures, but I did hear from one staff person an estimate of 600+ (?) registrations.


In addition to attending the Trade Fair (I was there on a mission, which I will explain), I had the opportunity to attend sessions on technology for the real estate profession as well as the real estate market in today's economy.


As this year's chairperson of the Marketing and Technology Committee at my local Realtor (R) association, the Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors, I was hoping to recruit some vendors for our own trade fair. This event will take place in Pembroke on November 13, 2008. We are looking for vendors whose product or service is consistent with the Marketing and Technology theme of the Fair, and it looks as those we will have some of these vendors at Pembroke. I'll write more about the convention in another post.

Update on FHA Loans

With all the excitement about the financial market, I almost forgot to post some intersting news about an event at our office, Century21 Annex Realty. We had William McCarthy, from Wells Fargo, give a very informative presentation on current FHA loans that available to the home buyer. It appears that many buyers and sellers could benefit from today's FHA program. Good buyers who do not have 20% for a down payment may still qualify to get a reasonably priced home. You can reach Bill at William.McCarthy at WellsFargo.com or contact one of our agents at Century21 Annex Realty.

Mass Real Estate Saleperson Classes and Cont. Ed Classes @ Annex Real Estate School Oct 2008

As the real estate market is recovering, there is the need for new, enthusiastic real estate people to make it happen!

You can start your real estate career by taking the Massachusetts Real Estate Saleperson Class at Annex Real Estate School and then passing the state examination.

At Annex Real Estate School, conveniently located in Quincy near the Wollaston T stop,
the Fall season continues on Tuesday, October 7th.
Day and Evening, Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson classes are being offered in the traditional, easy paced, 8 lesson class that runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can select the DAY program which meets from 9 am to noon, or the EVENING program which goes from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Start on Tuesday, October 7th.

Whether you elect the DAY or EVENING program, you will receive the same quality, state mandated 24 hours of classroom instruction that is a requirement before taking the state examination.

If you want a faster paced class, sign up for the intensive WEEKEND program that will start at 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Friday evening, October 17. The class then continues 8 am to 6:30 pm, on Saturday and Sunday, October 18th and 19th.

Class availability depends upon enrollment. Class size is limited to maintain class quality. Pre-enrollment is a must.

The cost of either program is still only $200, which includes two books and class material. (Annex Real Estate School uses professional books rather than someone's "class manuals").
Your class will be taught by experienced Massachusetts Real Estate Brokers who are also state Approved Real Estate Instructors. It's not too early to register for these classes.
You can read more about the whole process at this Massachusetts Real Estate Information
site. Or, go directly to the school's WEBSITE

Massachusetts licensed Real Estate Salepersons and Brokers will have the option to apply for an interview at our associated real estate office.


Already Licensed? A special weekend of Continuing Education in October is now posted on the Annex Real Estate School WEBSITE. You can get all of your state mandated hours in one weekend, Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th. Take all 12 hours or just as many as you need.

Annex Real Estate School
49 Beale Street (near Wollaston stop on the T Red Line)
617-773-2576

It Get's Even Better: Banker says, "Now people are going to actually have to have a job to get a loan.."

In yesterday's (September 18, 2008) online version of the New York Times, Louis Uchitelle wrote an article "Pain Spreads as Credit Vise Grows Tighter".

In the article, he quotes Bradley E Rock, Chairman, President and CEO of Bank of Smithtown, Smithtown, NY (L.I), and current Chairman of the American Bankers Association, "Now people are going to actually have a job to get a loan and they are going to have to make installment payments that are actually higher per dollar borrowed than they used to be,"..

Uchitelle has this to say: "The winners so far are the Brad Rocks of America, the bankers who have emerged unscathed, their capital intact and with enough retained earnings to support lending, on their terms. A residential mortgage from Bank of Smithtown requires 20 percent down and clear evidence of adequate income to repay the loan, as well as a good record of paying down debt. "

Then, as a further comment: "Bank of Smithtown specializes in small businesses — the stationery stores, pizza parlors and pharmacies of eastern Long Island with annual revenue of $2 million or less, regularly in need of bridge loans, for example. During the credit boom, Mr. Rock said, many of these business owners went to lenders who required, as he put it, nothing more than a tax ID number to qualify for a loan. [Emphasis added]
“Now many of these lenders are gone,” Mr. Rock said, “and the small-business borrowers are coming to us, and we are doing good old-fashioned underwriting, and the result is that fewer people are getting loans.”

Also, in the same piece in the New York Times, there is also an example about loans in the trucking business:" “The banks were giving loans for the full value of these trucks and the value was falling, and the truckers found themselves owing more than the trucks were worth,” Mr. McCormack said. “They found themselves forced to keep driving or let the banks repossess, and many have elected repossession.” In the Times article, Mr. McCormack is referenced as being the operator of an online site called truckertotrucker.com.

So let's see, not only were loans made on homes, but also on businesses and on personal property (trucks), with the same lack of standards. And, some bankers, who held to standards are in pretty good shape. Furthermore, traditional Wall Street brokerage firms and insurers are in trouble.

This would seem to emphasize that the real source of the problem is NOT the housing market. IF, the source of the problem is in the housing market, then that's were you would need to find and make the fix. But as you can see, the problem is being worked on in the financial marketplace. They need to stop the rhetoric of blaming housing. That's just where we all live.

They Still Don't Get It

Yet another of many articles on why the housing market is the cause of today's financial market crisis appeared on Yahoo Finance, as supplied by CNN.com.

Let's understand that there are two markets. The housing market is where the sellers and buyers of houses get together to negotiate the transfer real property from one person to another. The financial market is where lenders and borrowers get together to negotiate a loan of money.

The real crisis in the housing market has been caused by financial market. The headlines that blame the housing market, without looking at the real source of the problem are making it difficult, if not impossible for sellers and buyers to get together.

This may seems rather naive. But, as long as a mortgagor, the real estate buyer and borrower, makes the monthly payments on their loan, regardless of the value of the property,there should not be a crisis in the housing market or the financial market.

From what I see, the crisis in the financial market is occurring because of two factors: 1) Loans were made that never should have been. (Have you heard of ninja loans? No Income, No Job, No Assets) So now loans are not being repaid, and 2) the Gamblers who bet on the future increase of value of those loans, have lost their bet.

The loans were made in the financial market, not the real estate market. The bets were placed on Wall Street, not Main Street. Now, we're all losing.

Hm..I remember, not too long ago, when the banks wanted to get into the real estate business and sell houses. The only real opposition they had was from the Realtor (R) Association. This one article in BNET Business Network, from April 2001, is one of many that talk about this issue. Now it looks as though the banks have their wish fulfilled. The banks have a lot of houses to sell.

If this problem is going to be fixed, someone will have to be gutsy enough to fix the way loans are made, and limit the gambling to those who can afford to lose without asking the rest of us to pay.

It's NOT the Housing Market

Today's financial news was dismal, at best. Lehman Bros has declared bankruptcy, insurer AIG is having financial woes, and Merril Lynch is being bought out by Bank of America. The Dow Industrial Average on the New York Stock Exchange, closed at 10,917, down 504 points!

All eyes are on blaming the Housing Market for what is being described at a financial hurricane. I don't see where the blame should be on the 'Housing Market" which is where buyers and sellers meet to exchange real property. Although the recent surge in prices (yes, it seems so long ago that prices were on the increase) was fueled by a pent up demand by buyers and the exuberance of sellers (another familiar word), they certainly could not have done this on their own.

If there wasn't the financing, this couldn't and wouldn't have happened. The experts and commentators on TV and the Internet are looking for an easy scapegoat for today's bad news. It's not the housing market. They should instead take a serious look at the real source of the problem, those that made the loans that shouldn't have been and those that bought and exchanged the paper that those loans created, without really looking, caring or understanding about the value. This was not the housing market. It is a different market where money is changes hands to finance these loans, loans that never should have been. That's where the focus of any correction needs to be.

Final Score:Boston Red Sox 7; New York Yankees 3

As a Red Sox fan, for more years than you might imagine, this score really makes me feel good. Now, I know this may have nothing to do with real estate, but I felt that I had to state it ;)! Also A-Rod's 0 for 5 in this game, which is probably the last time the Sox will meet the Yankees in the old field. "How sweet it is"

I'll probable add more to this posting later....

Consumer Affairs Alert About Digital TV

Although most of us, locally, subscribe to either cable TV or one of the satellite services, there are still many thru out the country, who still get their TV programs over the air. In February of 2009, there will be a major change, as most of the stations will be switching from the current system of analog signals to digital signals. If your TV is hooked up to one of the subscription service boxes, satellite or cable, you probably won't notice the difference. This is also true if you have one of the newer TV sets that can receive digital signals.

But, if you are watching TV over the air with one of the older analog only sets, you might be in for a surprise!

Here in Massachusetts,the local broadcasting stations have been showing an alert message. Our state Consumer Affairs has also prepared some information. Here is the text from their latest bulletin:

"www.mass.gov/consumer Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation
CONSUMER ADVISORY
Analog TV Owners Beware!
The federal government has mandated that on February 17, 2009,
U.S. broadcasters must shut down analog TV broadcasts. But the transition to digital television does not mean you have to buy a new TV! To protect you from misinformation or potential fraud, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation and the Department of Telecommunications and Cable want you to be aware that some retailers may try to persuade you to buy a new, expensive TV or premium converter box.
If you have an analog TV, you have the following options:
• Buy a digital converter box (costs range from $40-$70+) • Subscribe to cable or satellite TV service (if available) Digital converter boxes are the least expensive option and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has certified more than 80 boxes that can be purchased with DTV Converter box coupons. To see a complete list of DTV Converter Boxes go to https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm.
Each household is eligible for two coupons in the amount of $40 each. You can apply for your coupons at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ ApplyCoupon.aspx or call the coupon program hotline at 1-888DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). Be aware that the coupons expire 90 days after issue so be sure to use yours within three months of the date of issuance, not delivery, to you.
For more information, call the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable at 1-800-392-6066 or go to www.mass.gov/dtc. "

Consumer Price Index Information for May, 2008

The index for housing rose 0.5 percent in May. The index for shelter increased 0.2 percent, following a 0.1 percent rise in April. Within shelter, the indexes for rent and owners' equivalent rent increased 0.2 and 0.1 percent, respectively. The index for lodging away from home, which had declined in each of the preceding three months, increased 1.3 percent in May. (Prior to seasonal adjustment, charges for lodging away from home declined 0.5 percent in May.)

The index for household energy registered its fourth consecutive large increase--up 2.8 percent in May. The index for fuel oil rose 10.4 percent and was 64.0 percent higher than in May 2007. The indexes for natural gas and for electricity rose 5.6 and 0.9 percent, respectively. During the last 12 months charges for
natural gas and for electricity increased 16.5 and 5.8 percent,
respectively. The index for household furnishings and operations, which declined 0.1 percent in April, increased 0.2 percent in May.

What is the Consumer Price Index? "Brief Explanation of the CPI

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change in prices over time of goods and services purchased by households. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes CPIs for two population groups:

(1) the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which covers households of wage earners and clerical workers that comprise approximately 32 percent of the total population and (2) the CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and the Chained CPI for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI- U), which cover approximately 87 percent of the total population and include in addition to wage earners and clerical worker households, groups such as professional, managerial, and technical workers, the self- employed, short-term workers, the unemployed, and retirees and others not in the labor force."

NOTE: This data and definition are taken directly from the site of the website of the Brief Explanation of the CPI

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change in prices over time of goods and services purchased by households. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes CPIs for two population groups:

(1) the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which covers households of wage earners and clerical workers that comprise approximately 32 percent of the total population and

(2) the CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and the Chained CPI for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U), which cover approximately 87 percent of the total population and
include in addition to wage earners and clerical worker households, groups such as professional, managerial, and technical workers, the self-employed, short-term workers, the unemployed, and retirees and others not in the labor force.

Domain Name Sale - Limited Time Offer

(Even if you are not a real estate agent or Realtor(R), you can still take advantage of this money saving opportunity).

As a real estate agent, I was anxious to get my own domain name. I could get email sent directly to me at my own name! Then I realized that my MLS provider had provided me with a free website, somethink called a VOW (Virtual Office Website). Unfortunately the internet address of the site is something like: http:/vow.mymlsprovider.com/myid# !

Not too easy to remember. So I went and bought my own domain name and redirected it to the VOW. Now, all I have to do is tell my clients and customers my domain name and they end up at my VOW!

Then I found a way to offer other real estate agents the opportunity to get their own domain name and save a few dollars. When you click on the link above, you'll be connected to the GODADDY site, where you can buy a domain name at a discount from the going rate.

With each domain name purchase, you will get free EXTRAS:
Online Photo Filer
Quick Blogcast
Hosting with Website Builder
Personalized Email Account **
Starter Web Page
Getting Started Guide
Domain Forwarding and Masking **
...and more!

** These are the two features that I use to get my own mail and to send clients and customers to the free VOW.

The new rules of marketing...

The new rules of marketing and PR. I'm reading a good book, called "The New Rules of Marketing and PR", written by David Scott. It shows how the internet can be used in marketing all kinds of businesses. I'm hoping to learn from it how to use the internet to market Annex Real Estate School, that's our real estate school, and our Real Estate Company, Century 21 Annex Realty. Also located in Quincy, Massachusetts.

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Just heard online that...

Just heard online that the financial markets are responding to the fact that they think that credit problems are over and the market is taking off. Good news. listen

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Celtic Pride and My Real Estate Team

It wasn't too far into this year's NBA season, when it became apparent that something special was happening with the Boston Celtics. Playing as a team, they accomplishing something that brought out Celtic pride. After last night's game, they had a .809 average in the NBA standings. Their nearest challenge is from Detroit with .720 .

Regardless of the numbers, our Celtics just took three games in Texas!

I know it's been said before, but it's not just having great players. It's when the players working together as a team.

I like to think of Century 21 Annex Realty as my real estate team. I've been there for over 25 years and have watched this team grow. Last year, Century 21 Annex Realty, located in Quincy, Massachusetts, was in the top 11 offices out of 152 Century 21 offices in the Northeast Region. Go Team!

There are now over 70 agents as part of this team. Men and women who are all there for one purpose: to help sellers and buyers of real estate accomplish their goal of having a successful and satisfying real estate transaction.

In addition to the real estate office, there is also Annex Real Estate School.
This school was founded over 16 years ago by one of the principals of Century 21 Annex Realty.

Annex Real Estate School features Massachusetts Real Estate License Classes that are a pre - requisite for taking the Mass state real estate licensing examinations. After succesfully becoming licensed Real Estate Salepersons, students may apply for an interview at Century 21 Annex Realty.

In addition to preparation for the first license, that of a Real Estate Salesperson, Annex Real Estate School is one of the few schools in Massahusetts offering a Real Estate Broker program that is taught by practicing real estate Brokers.

Is Now the Time to Buy Real Estate? Read This Article in Time Magazine

Whether it's stocks or real estate, there are those who hope to squeeze the most out of the market. When they buy low, nobody buys lower. And when they sell high, nobody sells higher.

That's why this article in Time magazine by Dan Kedlec is so good. In 'Ignore Headlines', author Dan Kadlec addresses the buyers who are waiting and waiting and waiting. They want it all, all time lows in home prices and all time lows in interest rate. But will they get it?

Let's check out the crystal ball. Are the prices still heading lower? And, what will interest rates be when the right time to buy comes along? In his article, Kadlec shows the effect of waiting a year for another 10% drop in the prices of real estate coupled with a 1 % increase in the interest rate (from 5.5 % to 6.5%). If that is to be the case, then the total monthly payment of principal and interest on a 30 year, 20 percent down loan, is actually 63 cents more per month. And as Kadlec says in his article, "...you'd have saved nothing. Meanwhile, home prices might steady and sellers might become less willing to negotiate. And you have spent a year living someplace you'd rather not be."

Now, nobody has a reliable crystal ball :) but if you're looking for a home as a place to live, it doesn't make much sense to wait.

NOW Listed Online: Massachusetts Real Estate License Classes: Thru May

Annex Real Estate School has listed the February thru May schedule for Real Estate License Classes to prepare for the Massachusetts state Real Estate Salesperson examination. There is also a February, Massachusetts Real Estate Brokers Class for those persons who are already licensed Real Estate Salespersons. (See more info below).

Do not be misled by offerings of online courses or other options to get your license in Massachusetts.
In order to qualify to take the state examination to become a Massachusetts Licensed Real Estate salesperson, you must first take 24 hours of classsroom instruction that follows the state curriculum. Your instruction must be given by an Approved instuctor working for an Authorized school at an appoved location. Also, unless you are a Massachusetts attorney or you are already licensed as a broker in another state, you must first become a Salesperson and gain experience working for a Broker before you can go for your Broker license.

You can read some information about this at this ONE PAGE EXPLANATION or go directly to the About page on the website of Annex Real Estate where there is information on getting started on your real estate career.

You will find Applications under the HIGHLIGHTS column.

Questions? Call the Schools direct line 617-773-2576. If we are unable to take your call, please leave your number and let us know what is a good time to contact you.
If you prefer, you can always email the Registrar at AnnexRealEstateSchool.com

Class availability depends upon enrollment. Class sizes are kept small to assure class quality. Pre-enrollment is a must.

For licensed Real Estate Salespersons: If you are looking for that small class where you can learn the material for the Brokers exam, while networking in the environment of an active real estate environment, call 617-773-2576 NOW, as the class is about to start.

Annex Real Estate School is conveniently located in Quincy, near the Wollaston T stop on the Red Line.

Annex Real Estate School
49 Beale Street
Quincy, MA 02170
617-773-ALSO (2576)

Free Online Magazine About You

We got a link from Mike King, VP at 1st Mariner Mortgage, to "You Magazine .. An online magazine about your favorite subject"

This month's articles and videos are on a variety of subject, including Budgeting Basics, Improving Your Relationships, Attack of the Killer Fees (an article about credit repair), Pet Insurance , and Cooking at Home in 2008.

So check it out. Here's the LINK to the magazine. If you want to contact Mike, here is a LINK to his Contact Information at 1st Mariner Mortgage.

For information on getting your Massachusetts Real Estate License, visit Annex Real Estate School in Quincy Massachusetts.

Political Phone Calls: What's Your Opinion? Take A Survey

Now I know what our neighbors to the north in New Hampshire fel,t just a few weeks ago. We here in Massachusetts are now getting a barrage of phone calls prior to Super Tuesday. And I thought the Super Bowl was enough! These automated phone calls are certainly a misuse of technology.

barrage of calls = gabbage of calls ;)


Any comments? And please stay on subject.

You can take a survey right here: Click Here to take survey

Patriots Fan - Giant Winner - Take A Mass Real Estate Salesperson Class

You can be a New England Patriots Fan and still be a giant winner in 2008! Despite the gloomy talk, Real Estate is still alive and selling in Massachusetts. To get in on this, you must be licensed.

Annex Real Estate School offers a full lineup of Spring Classes starting on February 5th. Become a licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson and get in on the action now. Visit the WEBSITE to see the your classsroom opportunites for February, March, April and May!

Read more Information about getting your license.

Already licensed as a Salesperson and want to get your Massachusetts Real Estate Brokers license? Call 617-773-2576 NOW to get into the February Class. If we are unable to take your call, please leave your call back number and a convenient time to contact you.

The cost of the Salespersons Program is still only $200 and the cost of the Brokers Program is still only $250. The cost of your course includes professional textbooks as well as other classroom material.

You can email the Registrar. We return emails.

Annex Real Estate School
49 Beale Street
Quincy, MA 02170
617-773-ALSO (2576)

Patriots Official Massachusetts Real Estate License School ;) !

We'd like to be the Official Real Estate School of the New England Patriots! Until that happens though, we do want to go on record. Win or lose, the Patriots are our team. And on Monday morning we will still be admiring our team that made it to the Super Bowl.

On Tuesday, Februry 5th, there will be the return to reality, as Annex Real Estate School starts it's February schedule of Massachusetts Real Estate License Classes with the traditional MIDWEEK classes. There is the Morning Program that go from 9 am to noon, on Tuesdays and Thursdays for four weeks. (24 hours of state mandated classroom instruction).

Then there is the traditional MIDWEEK Evening Program that meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This program also starts on February 5th and runs for four weeks. (24 hours of state mandated classroom instruction).

For those who would like an INTENSIVE WEEKEND Program, that will start on Friday evening, February 15th, at 5:30 pm. The classes will then continue on Saturday and Sunday, February 16th and 17th, 8 am to 6 pm, both days. (24 hours of state mandated classroom instruction).

What is so important about '24 hours of state mandated classroom instruction'?
We don't want you to be misled by what you might read elsewhere. We've taken online courses and sometimes they're great. But, in Massachusetts, in order to qualify, all of your pre-Licensing Instruction and Continuing Education must be given at an Authorized Massachusetts Real Estate School. There must be a Massachusetts Approved Real Estate Instructor present in the classroom, ie , 'live' instruction.

At Annex Real Estate School your pre-Licensing Instuctors are all state Approved who are also experinced Real Estate Brokers. You can read a synopsis of the process to become a Massachusets Real Estate Salesperson by clicking on the link. If you need an Application, just download one from the HIGHLIGHT on the school page. Application 02T for the MIDWEEK Program. Be sure to check off your choice of Days or Evenings. Download Application 02W for the WEEKEND Program.

What do we like about the Patriots? Besides being our hometown team, we like their attitude! They know that their success depends upon their education, training, practice, as well as their commitment to each game. They're also out there with a 'no brag' attitude. They have played each game as the most important.

It's also the attitude that makes for a successful real estate agent. With all this negative talk, there are real estate agents and offices that are just going about their business of servicing their clients and customers. They have stayed focused in their job of putting sales together. With the right education, training and practices they know they can be succesful in the real estate field.

For those who are already licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Salespersons and want to advance their career by becoming a Real Estate Broker, Annex Real Estate School has a program for you. There will be a Massachusetts Real Estate Brokers License Class that will start the 2nd week of February. This is a 30 hour program.

This Brokers Course is being taught by experienced, practicing Real Estate Brokers who are Approved Real Estate Instructors. Your lead instructor, with over 28 years of of practical real estate experience, is the Co-Owner of one of Quincy's major real estate offices with over 70 agents. Don't miss out on this incredible experience of sharing real estate knowledge with your fellow students other while learning the information needed to pass the Massachusetts. This class has not been posted to the website so call direct 617-773-2576 to apply and get information. If we are unable to take your call, please leave your call back number and when is a good time to contact you. Or, you can email the Registrar at Annex Real Estate School
We do answer emails!

Availability of all classes and programs depends upon registration. Class size limited to assure class quality. Pre-registration is a must.

Annex Real Estate School is conveniently located at 49 Beale Street in Quincy and is near the Wollaston T stop on the Red Line.