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Redefining market area as 'me' and 'you' Premium Content

By Inman News, Thursday, December 18, 2008.

Q: Imagine how the real estate industry will be different when we recover from the current downturn.

A: Before we can ever claim to be mapping a recovery we must first define the phrase "recover from the current downturn." As an irreducible minimum, the term "recovery" must mean and involve several business concepts that are held simultaneously. Several key ingredients come to mind, such as:  more...

California brokerage joins BH&G Real Estate

By Inman News, Thursday, December 18, 2008.

San Jose, Calif.-based Ventura Barnett Properties has signed a long-term franchise agreement with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC to operate its two-office residential real estate brokerage firm as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Ventura Barnett Properties.

According to a joint announcement, Ventura Barnett will be the first brokerage in California to use the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand name.

Ventura Barnett Properties comprises 145 sales agents who operate primarily in the Santa Clara County area of Silicon Valley.  more...

When business is family

By Lai Saetern, Thursday, December 18, 2008.
J. Lennox Scott

By age 9, J. Lennox Scott was already working in the real estate business. He helped to paint "for sale" and "open house" signs for his grandfather's company, John. L. Scott Real Estate. And while growing up he absorbed nuances of the industry shared by his father and grandfather.

"I grew up learning the business from two amazing role models," Scott said. His grandfather founded the Seattle-based company in 1931.  more...

California sales spike reflects distress

By Inman News, Thursday, December 18, 2008.

The statewide median home price will fall an estimated 31.7 percent in 2008, to $381,000 -- which is the first annual decline in the state since 1996, according to a California Association of Realtors report released this week. An additional 6 percent drop is expected in 2009, to $358,000.

Meanwhile, sales of resale detached homes are expected to jump 12 percent to 395,600 in 2008 compared to 2007, with a projected additional 12.5 percent gain in 2009.  more...