When I renewed my Broker’s License, I had over 80 hours of credit; I really only needed 40 hours of credit.  I have never lost my love for learning, and even before involving myself with real estate, I took numerous classes, some that really didn’t count in the world of Bachelor or Master’s Degrees, but help to develop me into the whom I am, and how I go about doing business.

I am now applying to take a course through IREM for a designation called ARM.  Those intials stand for Accredited Residential Manager.  This certification is the most widely esteemed credential for residentail real estate managers.  To potential clients and employers, the ARM credential symbolizes broad-based expertise in the whole spectrum of residentail real estate management, from day-to-day maintenance to financial planning.  Bottom-line, I will be able to provide property management to condos, townhouses and single-family homes. 

I’ve taken coursework before in Property Management, and know some of the particulars, but I want to expose myself to a structured and realistic program that will add to my experience and knowledge this important facet of real estate, and add this in as a certification.  To ignor persons who are landlords and only list and sell property, is not providing the full service to my client’s needs. 

Sometimes, it may actually be a solution to financial situations to just rent your property and move out. I have questioned why persons who are “underwater” don’t consider this.  Having a foreclosure on your credit report is anything but a plus, and it takes seven years to have it removed. 

Nobody wants to hastily sell their home or turn it into a rental, concerned about someone trashing the property or other reasons.  Some drastic measures have to be initialized if a person loses his job, and in this economic market, turning a house into a rental, moving and renting their home in California may be a solution.  There are other states that may not have the ideal weather we have here in Silicon Valley, but they may have the job necessary to put the bread on the table.  This can be a better solution than watching life savings go down the drain as month-by-month unemployment robs you of your dignity.  Selling a property in a downmarket, is no solution unless it was purchased considerably cheaper than the current market value.

Managing financials are important.  Since so many people do not save up the recommended six months of income for a safety net, immediate consideration of renting out their home if laid off has to be seen as lifesaving their credit.  This may seem earth-shattering, but you don’t always have to live in California where rents are very high and price of homes higher yet.  Even in this deflated market, there is still a high majority of people who cannot buy due to home prices. 

You can rent out your home in California and find a job in another state where the cost of living is lower.  Plan to stay at least a year or two.  Use the internet to pull in that job and be prepared to move there, the family, the furniture, and the dog! 

If you have to rent your home and not get totally all you need to pay the mortgage, you can try refinancing to today’s lower interest loans.  Getting a qualified tenant into a one year contract and asking for a solid month’s security deposit will start you on the road to paying that mortgage.  You absolutely have to have a new job to begin the process unless you have other income from other sources.  Waiting for the better day, may not happen for years, so ACTION may be necessary to rent out your home.  Come to terms, realize this is nothing short of an emergency for your family like Katrina or Haiti, and SOLVE THE PROBLEM!

Living in another state, paying lower rent than California and taking a job that pays a little less, but at least brings in a regular income, can help to stabalize for better days.  Consider areas outside California, and keep your nest egg and rent it out until you are able to return and find a job that can support your lifestyle, until the price of homes in California elevate again…then and only then, consider selling it.

You may find out you are a better financial expert than you thought.  Every DAY without a job is a loss no one can afford.  Talk to a financial expert to work out the numbers with you to see if this can be your solution. 

Some of us are simply “blessed.”  Being blessed to me is having a good family, kind friends, and have good enough health to be able to do what I love, which involves working for and among people.  I learned a lot of science skills (computer programs) to accomplish this!

When in college, I provided volunteer work with children with Muscular Dystrophy.  As a full time mother, I volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, Librarian and Vacation Bible School helping Los Gatos Christian Church.  I wrote newsletters and assisted in some television ministry here too.  At one time, I encouraged the principal at my son’s school to purchase computers for use of all students, not just for the gifted.  Years later, I received a “thank you” note from him.  I did not realize at inception of this, that the then infantile computer industry would mushroom into the industry that has brought education and jobs to millions!   I developed a Writer’s Group called Powerful Pens, which met once a month in Cupertino. 

I can’t solve the hardest social problems, but I do what I can to be a part of the solution.  There’s an expression used in Silicon Valley…”If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” 

I want to be part of the solution in Silicon Valley.  I am now promoting my Charity of Choice Program, whereby I will donate $1,000. to a charity at close of escrow.  Hopefully, this action will prove I’m doing what I can to be “part of the solution.”    

Call me today!     

Silicon Valley bred and fostered entrepreneurs who developed a massive industry - the computer industry.  Recognized results were business growth, jobs and real estate developments that created a remarkable  economy.  

You are either an entrepreneur or not.  I’m one of them.  I’m a real estate broker, and serial entrepreneur.  I’ve sold to Fortune 500’s consulting in ergonomics and resold other technical products.  I owned a resume-writing business, and published articles, wrote newsletters, and provided presentations.  Not always an entrepreneur, I worked as an employee or contractor, for the “best of the best” including Hewlett-Packard, Apple Computer, Stanford University, and Ford Aerospace.  However, my story is small compared to the giant entrepreneurs of the tech industry.         

The tech industry sprung up in the 70’s and coined the name, “Silicon Valley.”  No city in the U. S. can mimic the history of economic growth and opportunity as was spun here.  Silicon Valley remains ”the source” for the computer industry.  The commercial and residential real estate reflected the success of this industry.  Streets once were narrow and large lots of fruit trees enhanced the roadside.  Those lots are now commercial buildings, which represent strength and hope for eager and brilliant workers.  The mere presence of a company in Silicon Valley, was a promise of success.    

To meet a constantly competitive environment, corporations hired the brightest and the best employees, who were enhanced with degrees from Stanford, MIT, and Harvard.  Every need was met, one way or another.  Jobs were ample for workers of all levels, with or without even Bachelor Degrees.   

History is behind us now…The newest ”sell” is websites and on-line software.  Marketing is Facebook, Twitter and Linked in, all at the tap of a mouse.  The computer industry matured, and now on the right-hand side of the bell curve.  The computer industry still is the highest employer in Silicon Valley.  It’s easy.  Marketing is done on-line requring no person-to-person meeting of people.  Charm and networking skills simply require the written word.          

The 2009 economy challenges almost every business.  International markets need America’s next innovative product.  The business and stability based on the backs of the former entrepreneurs is disappearing.  Simply, we need jobs because we need an entrepreneur to develop the next “sell.”  I worked at Hewlett-Packard in the late eighty’s and even then I had remarked to one of the software engineers, “If we don’t sell computers, then what do we sell?”  This reflects that the big bang was becoming closer to a loud whisper!        

Now company’s shrink their forces and we gasp watching the news to the next announced layoff.  In this market, every innovative marketing method is needed to just maintain staff.  Large corporations utilize on-line selling techniques involving home workers like Google and E-Bay grasping time and talent for a song.  Personal networking is reemerging and become an important avenue to drum up business.

For entrepreneurs, joining a Chamber of Commerce can provide the means to personally network and grow a business.  Some of the success of Silicon Valley is a result of networking and intermingling talent and education along with the necessary funding to finance results.  

Historically, Silicon Valley has been the axis of jobs and innovation  A source that needs considered is an organization who’s mission is all about building the economy, namely, the Chamber of Commerce.  Joining is not just using this tool for networking, but being a corporate member reflects the larger company’s supporting the community and smaller businesses.  This is where the Bill Gates entrepreneur began, small. 

Consider joining the Chamber of Commerce in your city.  Not unlike other non-profit organizations, tough times have impacted memberships.  A dollar toward a Chamber is a dollar helping a smaller business to survive.  Give today! 

I love selling good investment properties.  I especially love selling properties that are close to being new. 

There are many options to buying properties of newer homes located throughout Silicon Valley, where builders select an area and build on maybe a small acre or two.  The problem with this, is that they are located in areas where there’s a lot of older developments.  This pulls down the value of the new homes when Sellers want to sell it. 

In the Silver Creek area of Evergreen, San Jose, off 101, close to the 85 intersect and before arriving at Morgan Hill, is a huge development known as Silver Creek.  These homes generally start in the $900,000 to $4,000,000.  Graced with every amenity you can imagine!  It has a Country Club, Swim Club and rests among rolling hills, with fantastic views!  If a Buyer selects to purchase within a large development of assorted homes, built around the same time, and multiple floor plans and price ranges, it maintains good future property value because they are “like-kind”.  Contrary to this is a new home built around homes that are very aged.  In that case, property value will be diminished by an older home next door. 

I target the Silver Creek homes because I want to sell the BEST!.  The advantage of buying in this area is that the homes are 11 years or younger, and they are spacious homes on larger than normal lots, with elite values like a Country Club, Swim Club and Golf Course.  It’s unbelieveable that we can actually appreciate this kind of property so close to downtown San Jose.  To get into most of the industry in our area, its just a quick hop onto 85 or 101 to commute to major corporations.  

I am in process of touring these properties EVERY WEEK to become the expert about the floor plans, sizes, and amenities,  If you want to join me, to just see what’s on the market in the area, just call me!  

The Open House I performed on Sunday at 5815 Newgate Court, was showing one of the SMALLER homes in the Silver Creek Valley homes.  It is 2,695 square feet on a 7,405 square foot lot, in one of the best school areas.  I won’t go into great detail here on this property, as it went under contract the day of the Open House.  Being under contract should not deter qualified buyers to see a property, however since until all contingencies are signed off, it is still in a PENDING SHOW status.  So it is viewable by anyone.  I am holding it open again on Saturday, July 11th from 2-4 PM.  List price on Sunday, July 5th was $1,025,000. 

Sunday, I was very busy showing Newgate Court.  There are five other available properties nearby, which I would use as comps for this home.  As many people inspected Newgate, I was curious whom they were and why were they there?  I found many people coming in without agents who did not set up tours for them!  Although people do explore by going to Open Houses, just to get a general idea of price and area, ideally, they should be working with an agent who will set up several properties to see in a days’ time - called “a tour!”  

Realtors have so much information on properties that it behoves the Buyer to get all the details he can before he spends his precious time walking through an Open House.  I have all the scoop on property, BEFORE you look.  By calling me, we can TOTALLY investigate the details BEFORE driving out.  Then I’ll send you a map, photo of property and discuss other critical information to be sure you want to see it.  Besides this, by my viewing all these properties WEEKLY, chances are I’ve already walked through many of these homes and have a personal experience of seeing it, essentially working AS YOUR EYES! 

I was surprised how many visitors actually already lived in the area, who were looking to simply MOVE UP from their smaller home.  Because of the huge range in size, and price, this CAN BE DONE in EVERGREEN area.  

The marvelous beauty and elegance of these homes, is only exceeded by the great investment value!  It’s an unforgetable experience to view these properties.  I am specializing in this area, but of course, I know about A LOT of areas in Silicon Valley, having lived and worked here for over 30 years.  I’m happy to show you what you want to see — ANYWHERE!

Call me if you want to see something that you may find at www.MLSLISTINGS.com and I’ll take you out for a tour of these homes or others!  I can set you up with an automatic system to receive the properties meeting your criteria, and send it out to your email address to keep you posted on the latest developments in the area of your choice.  You can set it up to receive immediate notice, every other day, weekly or monthly, at your preferred time.

Help me to help you to take out some of the labor of looking at Open Houses and homes…it’s a cinch with the technology we have at hand…at least those Realtors who know how to USE IT — and I DO!

Call me today!  408-737-1695

I attended the Evergreen Broker’s tour meeting held every Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. at Mega Pizza in Evergreen area of San Jose.  I toured properties in the area.     

The Broker’s Tour speaker for the day was Jim Harrison of MLS Listings.  Jim reminded the attendees that the new agent’s software MATRIX is up and running!  Although the former www.pro.mlslistings will continue to be available to agents, the fact is, MATRIX is where all agents will want to graduate to.    

One advantage to connecting with an agent is all the data accessible through this and other tools to the agents.  Tours for clients can be done which will save hours of stress, time and gas!  This task alone could be a formidable one without a Realtor!  More than that is the advantage that I can set up daily, weekly emails directed to my clients email addresses that provides information on newly listed properties, and SOLD properties, essentially teaming up for convenience for client and for the agent.  

Some properties in the Silver Creek Valley area require 24-hour appointments to show, and  this requires planning ahead.  By a buyer’s agent contacting the Listing Agent, this provides a medium of important communication between Buyer’s Agent and Seller’s Agent, and can set the stage for an offer.  Before doing a tour, an agent should check all properties on the tour to be sure they are still available to show.

Learning new software is just ONE of the challenges that face real estate agents now that was not critical criteria in the 80’s.  Today’s realtor is a true professional, and “cut above” the ”trained specialists” of bygone years.  Technology has imposed technical standards besides the Department of Real Estate increases standards periodically.  The more a client knows about a property before making an offer, the more savvy the offer!  

Tools like MATRIX or www.pro.mlslistings are “The Bible” to Realtors today.  These type of tools are so critical that persons who just walk into an auction intending to save money and buy a property, may realize just how important running comps are!  They place themselves at risk of paying higher than what the market is asking!  Bidding itself can exceed what the market value actually is. 

Many TV shows brag about cheap housing and great buys - but without an agent to do the homework for the client, it is still BUYER BEWARE!       

I talked to Janice today to learn more about NAPW classes in Silicon Valley area.  We had a good chat!  I want to share with you the results of a class I plan to attend that is OUTSIDE of just real estate!  Take a look, and if you want to go, or take others along, contact me at 408-737-1695.  Otherwise, just go direct and register! 

Here’s Janice’s words:

Here is the link for the class.  Please note that for every three paying attendees who register together, the fourth is free. http://www.nationalseminarstraining.com/Seminars/How_to_Handle_Conflict_and_Confrontation%20/1820239/index.html Our STAR12 Gold program is on sale through tomorrow for $249.00 Janice M Suddath, CSC
Customer Service
Rockhurst University Continuing Education Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 419107
Kansas City, MO 64141-6107
jxsuddath@natsem.com
www.nationalseminarstraining.com
1-800-258-7246 Ext 3234
Fax 913-432-0824 ******Ask Me About Our Star12 Membership Program******

Take a tour -  http://www.nationalseminarstraining.com/videos/star12Tour.cfm

Welcome to Patricia Johnson’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Silicon Valley, California!