By: Gary Krieger

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler” and “we can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

So, how does that apply to real estate?  Simple!  Selling one’s home, or buying a new home should be a simple, enjoyable experience.  I make it as simple as possible for my sellers and my buyers.  I have a philosophy that says we do what we need to do to get the job done without creating chaos, conflict or confusion.  Complex contracts can be reduced to simple explanations.  Difficult negotiations can be synthesized to key issues to break barriers.

I use new marketing ideas, new approaches for sellers and buyers and new concepts in dealing with people from an ethical position to get the best deal for my clients.  I believe that by working as a team to get the job done, everyone benefits.  I love my clients and work extremely hard for them.  Are you looking for a Realtor who shares your goals, listens to, and more importantly, understands your visions?  Call me and let’s talk about how my strategies can compliment your goals.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Gary Krieger

Seneca

“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult”.  That particularly applies to real estate.  This can be a daunting market and the rules, the strategies and the nuances can be particularly confusing.  So, the choice of a realtor is one of the most important decision one will make in finding representation for themselves.  That choice will make the difference between difficult and manageable, between daunting and reassuring.  What’s happening in the market today?

Well, in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana and Woodland Hills, the market is mixed.  Some areas are experiencing a large number of sales.  Prices are mixed, but it seems we are bouncing off a bottom.  We go up a bit and down a bit, but overall, inventory is still somewhat low.  Short sales and bank owned homes may be dragging the market down a bit again, but that’s specific to certain areas.  Get in touch to find out the specifics of what’s happening in your neighborhood…that’s the most important information to most of us!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Gary Krieger

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “As every man had ever a point of pride that was not injurious to him, so no man had ever a defect that was not somewhere made useful to him…Every man in his lifetime needs to thank his faults.”  Likewise, the faults of the market offer opportunities to those who pay attention.  And, we must thank those faults and pay attention to what they offer us.

Today on the radio I heard an economist say by 2012 we’ll be back to normal.  Recovery will have taken hold and the stock market will thrive.  Now, we all know that economists are notorious for digging themselves into holes and then explaining how they get out of the holes, but more and more economists are predicting recovery in the not-so-distant future.  That leaves opportunity for savvy people to buy real estate now, before the market heats up again.  And, those who do will likely reap the profits from those purchases.  2012?  2013?  2014?  We really don’t know.  But we do know that historically, in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana and Woodland Hills, for example, the markets have always rebounded and have always gone higher than the previous highs.  I hope this is helpful…

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Gretchen Ueland

Selling or buying residential real estate is a collaborative project.  While the realtor is the professional and should provide valuable guidance to his clients, the clients provide the most important input into the process.  There’s a wonderful quote from Brenda Ueland, the writer, journalist and teacher who lived from 1891 to 1985.  She said, “Listening is a majestic and strange thing, a creative force.  When people really listen to each other in a quiet, fascinated attention, the creative fountain inside each of us begins to spring and cast up new thoughts and unexpected wisdom”.

As I listen to my clients, I focus on the issues at hand in order to hear them at a deeper level.  I always hope they do the same when I speak to them.  This synergy offers an opportunity to work as a team, collaborating to find the best solutions that work for my clients.   One of my clients had a constraint on purchasing a new home in a specific area.  By discussing similar areas in other parts of the hillside, by asking questions and by putting our heads together, we opened up several new, and previously not considered areas for them to look for a home.  We succeeded and they now have a home outside the original, and rigid, geographic boundaries.

My clients tend to be in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana and Woodland Hills.  While I go wherever they take me in Los Angeles, this is my primary area of focus.  If you’re looking for a professional to help you sell your home, and want someone who will partner with you, call me.  And, if your looking to purchase a home, I’d be honored to help you.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Gary Krieger

How do you work with the professionals whose job it is to help you, counsel you, or guide you?  Do you have a trusted advisor who listens to you and really understands you?  After all, if you are not heard accurately, how can your advisor truly help you?  Stephen Covey, the highly acclaimed author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People says, “As you learn to listen deeply to other people, you will discover tremendous differences in perception.  You will also begin to appreciate the impact that these differences can have as people try to work together in interdependent situations”.

If you are interested in purchasing or selling real estate in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana or Woodland Hills, call me to discuss your needs.  I assure you I will listen attentively so that I will truly HEAR you.  I will continuously check my perceptions with you, and thereby confirm I understand what you mean.  What you say will become my mantra and as a result, your goals will be fulfilled.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Saint Exupery

Our imagination and our vision drives much of our creativity.  If we honor that part of ourselves, we have unlimited opportunities in all areas of our lives.  Antoine de Saint Exupery was a famous French writer, the author of The Little Prince, and Night Flight amongst many other books and articles.  Saint Exupery became a student at Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris to study architecture in the early 1920’s.   He made this really incredible statement, so simple yet so profound: “A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”   So, never cease to tap into your creative energy.  By focusing our attention on the important things in our lives, we can create the space we need to succeed in all sorts of arenas; family, friends, career, finances, play, architecture and so much more.   The paradox is that the more we do, the more time we seem to have to do the things we want to do.  And, our imagination can keep us young, vital and interested in all aspects of life!

So, if you have a dream, a vision or your imagination is telling you to act, call me and let’s discuss it.  Your rock pile can become whatever you envision it to be!  My clients generally have me working for them in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana & Woodland Hills.  But, they take me everywhere!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Gary Krieger

In all areas of our lives, this credo applies.  However you define simple, or whatever you are doing can be simple, simpler or complex.  Sometimes, in the interest of looking at all aspects of an issue, we make things more complex than necessary.  But, on the other side of the equation, if we make things simpler than simple, we lose ground, meaning and intention!  So don’t oversimplify.  This applies to dealing with our children as well.  In this case, simple is what the little ones can understand relative to their age, and certainly different from older kids or adults.  We can apply this to marriage, business, school, hobbies, sports and all other areas of interest to us.

What does that mean in regard to real estate?  Well, as a buyer or seller of property, your transaction should not be overly burdensome or overly complex.  Of course, there are the issues related contracts and loan documents, inspections and contingencies, and these can be complex issues.  But, your agent should simplify all these for you help you and make the transaction as smooth as possible.  If your agent does not keep things as simple as possible under the circumstances, you may want to consider finding another agent who will.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Gary Krieger

Ethics in Real Estate

We hear a lot about the lack of ethics in real estate transactions.  But, does it have to be that way?  I would state categorically NOT.  If one approaches any transaction with good intentions, with the presumption that things will be right, and with the aim of behaving honorably, there is a very good chance that things will go well.  Often time, by acting as one would like to be treated, the other party responds in like kind.

Does ethically mean one should not negotiate ferociously?  No!  Does ethically mean one should roll over if the other party to the transaction is behaving badly?  No!  Does ethically mean one must acquiesce to all the other party’s demands?  Absolutely not!  Negotiation is a process of give and take on key issues.  Often, the mark of a good negotiation is when each side of the transaction comes away feeling that the other side got a little too much.
So, what does ethically mean?  The dictionary defines ethics as, “A set of principles of right conduct.”  I would suggest we can behave according to a set of principles of right conduct and still get great deals.  And, we still leave the same escape clauses in the contracts so that if one finds himself/herself in a transaction with someone who is not behaving in a like manner, one has the ability to cancel the contract and move on.

Let’s keep ethics and morality in real estate transactions!  And, let’s fight like crazy to get extraordinary deals in the process.  These two statements are not mutually exclusive and in fact are quite doable.  The feeling of accomplishing this provides a high level of satisfaction and is often quite long lasting!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Technology is obviously getting better, faster, cheaper and smaller every day…

By: Gary Krieger

The attached article in the New York Times talks about how our new technology will look “quaint” to our kids and grandchildren in the not-too-distant future.  The landscape is changing, and it’s changing at a furious speed.  Take a look at what this has to say and think about how this is going to affect us with Real Estate!  Some of it is already here, but think about smarter homes.  Imagine more efficient homes and control of things we haven’t thought of controlling yet!  What will this do to our buying and selling property experience?  Paperless escrow transactions?  Cell phone apps for instant “home inspection”?  It’s all coming folks, so get on board and buckle up for a wild ride.  We’re going to have some fun!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/26/technology/personaltech/26pogue.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&th&emc=th

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Gary Krieger

The median list price in Woodland Hills, CA this week is $639,000.The Market Action Index has been basically flat.

Supply and Demand:

The market has shown some evidence of slowing recently. Both prices and inventory levels are relatively unchanged in recent weeks.

Price:

Recently prices in this zip have settle at a plateau even though they dipped this week.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices significantly move from these levels.