This week I’ve been talking a lot about connectivity; about how everyone finds themselves placing everything they encounter into its own little jar and slapping a label on it. And how, as we start to organize our cupboards, we begin to realize that it’s not as easy as it seems.

Here we’ve been distilling and dividing, separating and sifting, only to find that there were no jars.

Because we finally realize that everything is connected.

And it sounds very Woodstocky, doesn’t it? But I don’t mean connected just in the Avatar Na’vi , kumbaya sense, but in the real, actual trying-to-divide-water kind of sense.

Take technology, for instance.

Years ago, sending something between a Mac and a Windows machine was next to impossible. The “I’m a Mac and I’m a PC” ads want you to believe that it’s still a hassle, but, while some incompatibility still exists, there has been one great equalizer: the Internet.

Windows would love it if the only browser you used was Internet Explorer, and Apple would want you to search the web with Safari. But users are trending towards catch-all browsers like Firefox and Chrome for their ‘Net fix.

Likewise, it used to be that you needed a Walkman for your music, a printer to view documents, and your Zack Morris, Gordon Gecko mobile phone to talk while on the go. Once again, the Internet – and the smart phones that were borne of it – made all of these disparate technologies obsolete. The Internet not only connected people, it also connected the technologies people used.

Even the Internet itself can’t keep its own websites divorced: Facebook is connected with Twitter, which is connected to YouTube, which is linked to your own blog. And soon, even your computer’s hard drive will be impossible to separate from the ether.

Technology is starting to mirror biology – everything feeds off of everything else.

Of course, here at DotLoop, we understand this connection, and by bringing a holistic approach to online transaction management, we are able to seamlessly blend together online forms, electronic signatures, and a custom CRM tool into one secure domain. Everything works together, no jars or cupboards needed.

dotloop.com

Newport Coast Short Sale Experts

This market summary is for all property listings, short sales and bank REO sales statistics in Newport Coast , California. This report was generated by the short sale specialists at the Short Sales ASAP group, who are number one in short sale property listings sold and closed in Orange County.  Below is a tabulation of the statistics we have gathered for all sales, and short sales in Newport Coast – Orange County, California:

Newport Coast – Detached Homes Active for Sale:

• Total Listings: 115
• Median price: $2,995,000
• Average price per square foot: $770
• Number Short Sale Listings: 8
• Ratio of Short Sale to Total Listings: 7.0%
• Median price of Short Sale Listings: $2,495,000
• Average Price per Square Foot of Short Sale Listings: $732

Newport Coast – Attached Condos Active for Sale:

• Total Listings: 32
• Median price: $795,000
• Average price per square foot: $318
• Number Short Sale Listings: 4
• Ratio of Short Sale to Total Listings: 12.5%
• Median price of Short Sale Listings: $795,000
• Average Price per Square Foot of Short Sale Listings: $398

Newport Coast – Detached Homes Pending in Escrow:

• Total In Escrow: 30
• Median price: $2,720,000
• Number Short Sales In Escrow: 9
• Ratio of Short Sale to Total Pending: 30.0%
• Median price of Short Sales In Escrow: $1,395,000

Newport Coast – Attached Condos Pending in Escrow:

• Total In Escrow: 10
• Median price: $799,000
• Number Short Sales In Escrow: 4
• Ratio of Short Sale to Total Pending: 40.0%
• Median price of Short Sales In Escrow: $825,000

Newport Coast – Detached Homes Sold in Past 90 Days:

• Total Sold: 31
• Median price: $1,925,000
• Average price per square foot:  $588
• Number Short Sales Sold: 3
• Ratio of Short Sales to Total Sold: 9.7%
• Median price of Short Sales Sold: $1,425,000
• Average Price per Square Foot of Short Sales Sold: $409

Newport Coast – Attached Condos Sold in Past 90 Days:

• Total Sold: 8
• Median price: $650,000
• Average price per square foot:  $445
• Number Short Sales Sold: 1
• Ratio of Short Sales to Total Sold: 12.5%
• Median price of Short Sales Sold: $980,000
• Average Price per Square Foot of Short Sales Sold: $520

One of the important things to note is the high rate of failure when it comes to closing short sales.  Look at the ratio of Pending In Escrow short sales to Total Listings for Condos which is 40.0% .  Then compare that to the ratio of actual Sold short sale condos to Total sold Condos, which is 12.5% .   This large decrease in Ratios from Pending in Escrow to Sold shows that Short Sales fail to close at a high rate today in Newport Coast.

The reason being, is that many local Realtors do not have the training or experience in order to close short sales at a high rate of success.  Short sales are the most complex of all residential transactions and require skill, and expertise in order to close at a high rate of success. It is important for Newport Coast homeowners, who owe more than their home is worth, to work with an experienced short sale realtor. For more information, feel free to call: (888) 201-7066, or email us at: Info@ShortSalesASAP.com , or visit:  www.NewportCoastShortSaleExpert.com

ORES Real Estate Index for February 2010

By Brian Madigan LL.B.

(ORES)

Here is the “ORES REAL ESTATE INDEX” which tracks the average resale prices of single family homes and condominiums in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It also tracks certain benchmark comparisons such as the price of oil and gold, as well as the Consumer Price Index.

In addition, the stock market indices for Toronto, and the three largest US markets are also compared.

For ease of comparison, everything we look at is worth 100 points on the Index as of 1 January 2005. That time period compares favourably with the five year average used as a standard benchmark comparison in the mutual fund industry.

As of 31 January 2010, here is the Index representing average prices [the last three months] and (the highs):

Real Estate

133.54……[126.59/127.48/129.50] (133.54) GTA single family homes
136.35……[130.77/126.87/125.03] (136.35) All condos in GTA
147.44……[142.83/131.14/123.40] (147.44) Downtown Central Condos
136.99……[122.82/135.95/122.12] (136.99) East condos
122.67……[118.94/116.47/121.57] (130.60) North condos
132.79……[131.68/123.00/134.64] (134.64) West condos

Other market comparisons

259.08……[252.13/254.24/274.87] (274.87) gold (price per ounce)
181.35…….[165.72/180.60/175.59] (320.88) oil (price per barrel)
133.54…….[126.59/[127.44/129.50] (133.54) ORES Index single family homes
126.35…….[120.54/127.62/124.37] (158.90) TSX index
109.31…….[109.02/109.40/108.83] (109.40) CPI index
108.53…….[104.12/110.02/103.99] (130.99) NASDAQ index
98.43………[95.97/99.41/98.62] (132.47) Dow Jones index
93.50………[90.91/94.40/92.75] (131.16) S&P Index

Using the Index

Just a quick note on reading the information. Have a look at the ORES Index for Real Estate (single family homes). As of the end of January, the index stood at 133.54. That’s a 33.54% increase in 62 months. That means the increase is 0.541% monthly, or it could also be expressed as 6.49% annually. The performance here is shown without annual compounding for the sake of simplicity.

The same index was 126.59 at the end of January, 127.48 at the end of December and 129.50 at the end of November. The next number, in square brackets is the all-time high since 1 January 2005. That number is 133.54, which is the February figure and is in fact the all time high.

We are now staring into the early part of the Spring market. Prices should rise, and demand should rise as well, placing even more pressure upon prices.

The other statistics are reported in a similar fashion for the ease of comparison.

Observations (on the Index)

As we use index, there are several notable comments:

• Commodity prices are just commodity prices

• There is no other “extra return” for commodities

• The same is true for the CPI

• The CPI is a benchmark to see whether you are keeping pace with inflation, that number is 109.31 (It has been modest and appears under control)

• For a realistic performance goal, you should aim for CPI plus 3.5% annually

• Stocks provide dividends in cash or extra stock. This return is additional to that shown in the stock market indices

• The stock market Indexes only measure the survivors. So, this year both GM and Chrysler would have been dropped due to the bankruptcies

• If you held GM and Chrysler, you lost everything, but two new companies moved in to replace them in the Indexes

• Real estate offers a return in terms of occupancy. You can rent out the property and receive income, or occupy the property and enjoy it yourself

• Actually, I should have mentioned that if you held gold bullion, you could sit in a room, count it, and enjoy that experience too. I’m not quite sure how to measure that. You’ll have to ask King Midas or Goldfinger!

Comparative Observations Using the New Index

• Gold was the best performer over the five year period, however it is now off its recent highs and that could mean that investors believe the recession is over

• Oil was the most volatile, (yes it dropped in half over our measurement period)

• Real estate was the most stable, with solid predictable returns at about 6.49% annually

• Downtown condos did extremely well this month. They are substantially off their earlier highs achieved just before the commencement of this Index

• Our own stock market posted reasonable gains, and now slightly trails single family homes over the last five years, however, don’t forget that the TSX is still well off its highs

• Two of the three US stock market indicators show negative numbers, with the NASDAQ now in positive territory

Conclusion

For steady, predictable, measured gains pick real estate. It’s a solid performer with lower risk (less volatility) and generally moving in a positive direction.

And remember, when it comes to real estate, it’s never “wiped out” completely, like GM or Chrysler stock. So, unless you’re sitting on the edge of a tsunami, you’ll still own something when the storm is over.

For a benchmark of success, there’s 1,000 years of history to point to a rate of return in real estate being about the equivalent of 5% per annum, simple interest (non-compounded). That means that real estate doubles in value every 20 years. There are a lot of companies (now bankrupt, including CanWest Global, and many US Banks) that would have been happy with that return.

Brian Madigan LL.B., Real Estate Broker, is an author and commentator on markets, finances and the law related to real estate
www.OntarioRealEstateSource.com

With over 300 million users on Facebook, it’s pretty clear that many people’s preferred method of getting information is through social media. I’ve created a Fan Page on Facebook that allows users to see all of my post on the Las Vegas Luxury Home Market. It will have links to great articles, hot properties, and the latest trends and statistics. To become a fan, simply click on the box below. Once you are on the fan page, click become a fan. Having this fan page will enable you to communicate easily, by posting questions, or adding hot properties to the wall.

Las Vegas Luxury Homes

As always, free feel to contact me directly, toll free at 1-866-589-1646 or email me at felipe@felipecrook.com

You can also search for las vegas homes anytime here.

Felipe Crook

Prudential Americana Group Realtors

Las Vegas NV 89117

This Market Condition Report is provided courtesy of Nevada Title Company and reports on closings of Single Family Residences for the period of Feb 2009 through Feb 2010.

Overall, the supply and demand schedules are little changed from previous month. Supply is relatively tight, especially for REO (61% of demand/16% of supply). Prices continue to show weakness for all types, more so for Short Sale and Standards. High price point properties, while showing increasing levels of activity, are still relatively slow exhibiting depressed Percent Selling/and Market Speed outcomes relative to lower priced offerings (about half the Percent Selling and half the Market Speed). Note from the market history table that February 2009 demand is about equal to February 2010 while supply is greatly reduced. The reduction in supply relative to demand has shifted the price schedule to the current level where it appears to be “hovering.” Large changes in the price schedule are no longer occurring in favor of relatively small tentative up and down movements from month to month. This is characteristic of proximity to market bottom in terms of price.

REO monthly demand continues to exceed REO supply maintaining a Months Supply outcome of .9 (holding steady from February) and Percent Selling of 87%. Buyer preference for this type of property is clear and the competition amongst buyers is keen with multiple offers the norm. Market Speed is very fast (and holding in the current range) signaling quick conversion from listing to closing. Note heavy activity in the EAST and the corresponding price schedule. The REO segment of the market is slowly declining as supply continues to tighten from month to month.

Short Sale supply (47% of supply) exceeds Short Sale demand (21% of demand) by a factor of 6.7 (see Months Supply). Months Supply is holding in the current range implying resolved inventory is being replaced by new supply. Market Speed is slow (holding) and Percent Selling depressed, while escrow inventory remains at high levels and is increasing. Days on Market until Closed (CDOM) is elevated when compared to REO/Standard. These factors continue to support anecdotal reports of an inefficient closing process. Prices are weak with that trend likely to continue.

Are you looking to purchase property in the Las Vegas area? Now is the time to buy!

If you would like a FREE, confidential short sale consultation, please give me a call toll free at 1-866-589-1646. We’re here to help you avoid foreclosure, get a loan modification, or assist you to short sale your home. Certified Short Sale Professional and Certified Distressed Property Experts handle every aspect of your short sale.

Felipe Crook

Prudential Americana Group Realtors

Las Vegas, NV 89117

1-866-589-1646

On Tuesday, I had an opportunity to listen to Brad Nix speak on blogtalkradio.com and he had this to say about my personal favorite day of the week: “Nothing defines your local community better than what people do on Saturday.”

He continued:

“Saturday’s the only day where you don’t have to work, and you don’t have to work the next day.  Whether it’s going to little league or grilling out with your friends or taking your wife or girlfriend out on a date, that’s what really goes on in your community.”

My Saturday includes volunteering at InkTank, a local no-profit and attending a friend’s birthday party.  Taking a look at what is going on here in Cincinnati  in a few days – music, parades, art, food, and wine – I have to smile.  Looks like I live in a pretty eclectic and cool community.  So, to paraphrase Mr. Nix, what are you doing Saturday?

Congratulations! You’ve bought the home of your dreams! Now all that is left to do is pack and move. But before you flip open the Yellow Pages to find the cheapest mover out there, take a moment and consider the importance of finding a good, reliable mover.

• Take the time to get estimates from several moving companies, as rates can vary widely. Also, make sure the mover gives you detailed breakdowns of all the costs, including professional packing services, if necessary.
• Consider hiring a separate specialty mover if you have pricey antiques or larger items, such as pianos. These companies are insured to handle these kinds of items, and they are also properly trained and equipped to handle them.
• Understand the difference between a non-binding and a binding estimate from your mover. Binding estimates will be determined beforehand, while non-binding estimates are usually not determined until after the move. In other words, the final cost of your move is only determined after the mover has weighed your items through certified weighing.
• Consider asking for a “not-to-exceed” estimate (this may also be called a guaranteed price or price protection). This is essentially a binding estimate that states that the mover can not charge you more after the estimate have been given.
• If you hire a professional packer, don’t simply think that they will take care of everything. Be present during the packing process so you can guide the mover when packing your belongings. Also, start the packing process a few days before the actual move so you won’t feel overwhelmed or stressed out.
• Consider packing your valuables by yourself and store them with friends or family, if possible. Often times, taking care of your most precious items and storing them safely can avoid the heartbreak of losing any of them during a move.
• If you have a considerable amount of household items to move from your Irving Apartment home, ask the moving company about additional insurance on your goods.
• Read and re-read the contract before signing it. Never enter into a moving contract if you don’t fully understand the terms and conditions associated with it.

Caleb is the marketing director for NoCostMove, the best Dallas Apartment Locators. Feel Free to search all APTs and receive a Free Texas Move.

I had planned on writing a bit more on connectivity today, but I found this video created last summer and thought it was amazing enough of an idea to share.  Luckily, it deals with the connectivity between nature and cities, so it seems appropriate.  I think this is riveting, although maybe I’m just a sucker for English accents.  If you haven’t been to ted.com, I’d recommend taking a look – there are some brilliant ideas out there.  Of course, I’d like to think that DotLoop is just one of them. 

DotLoop is growing and, with growth comes departments and teams. We have the forms team and the sales team and the marketing team. Each has its own function, of course, but we all work together quite seamlessly, kind of like DotLoop itself.

It’s working great here at DotLoop, but I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how erroneously compartmentalized we have made our world. As a news junkie, I stop by all kinds of news sites and see the same separating tabs: politics, business, entertainment, science and technology, health. Of course lately, everyone – even those not within the industry – are clicking on that other tab: real estate.

But after reading about the TARPs and the DOWs and the NASDAQS, I’m starting to see how silly all of these little categories are. After all, it only took one tab – real estate – to affect every other tab in one way or another.

And now that the housing bubble has burst, it seems more and more clear how interconnected everything really is. The effects of one thing collapsing can and do resonate throughout the rest of the economy not only here in America, but all over the world. A defaulted mortgage in Iowa can cause a farmer in Taiwan to lose his job. Not only are you and your neighbor Jim feeling the effects of this crash, but so are Otto in Germany and Kim-Ly in Vietnam.

If we have learned anything from this financial crisis we’ve all been trudging through, I hope it’s this. Everything is connected. Your loss is your neighbor’s loss is the world’s loss.

While I understand that this need to categorize and separate is a natural thing to do, I feel that we’ve gone overboard. We’re suffering from separation anxiety, that is, our need to separate and categorize is making us crazy.

So I am calling an end to all of this distilling and dividing. Get rid of the marker that draws lines around us. Pop those barrier bubbles faster than that housing bubble. After all, most times, it’s not about black and white, wrong and right, or day and night. It’s about the dusk that connects all of us.

Can I get a little kumbaya here?

Disclosure Laws and the Use of the SPIS

By Brian Madigan LL.B.

I am pleased to announce that I have been designated by the Real Estate Council of Ontario as an Education Provider pursuant to the provisions of the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (Act).

I am also pleased to announce that the Registrar has approved my course entitled:

Disclosure Laws and the Use of the SPIS

To qualify for 3 hours of continuing education credits under the Act.

Any registrant wishing to attend the course which is currently only available in classroom format should contact me for the times, dates and locations of the course.

Brian Madigan LL.B.
Broker
905-796-8888 (tel)
905-796-8899 (fax)
BrianMadigan@rogers.com
www.OntarioRealEstateSource.com