President's Message

So here we are in 2008. In the last several years we have had some major changes to our business. The internet should be a normal course of business for all agents. Over 70% of buyers and sellers now use the internet as their first foray into the purchase process. You can bet before they have spoken with you they have seen your site, googled you, and driven the neighborhood. Many of these perspective clients are active internet user and utilize their E-mail regularly and expect you to do so as well. This can be a huge time saver for you and I hope all members embrace this communication technology. However, knee to knee is still with us and I think always will be so don’t forget to take advantage of face to face meetings. 

Changes are ahead on the legislative front as well. Changes to your lenders loan requirements will mean fewer buyers will qualify for homes. It also means buyers who purchased two years ago may not qualify for new loans today when their initial teaser rates expire. Take this time to guide them to the right lender and be their real estate agent for life. The banks are back!! The exclusion of banks in real estate is up for debate again but this time we have strong backing in congress and the senate to defeat this effort for many years. Did you know that sustained discussion is taking place that could forever get rid of the Home Mortgage Deduction!!? It is true and now is the time to snuff this out. Want to help? Here is what you can do besides contacting your local and state representative, give, give, give!!! Contribute to the political action fund for CAR. The true cost of doing business in California is just $197 per year. Last year alone either by defeating or helping to pass legislation CAR saved every agent in California $13,000. We are one of the largest trade organizations in the state; with your help we can be very persuasive on issues facing real estate.

The new SoCalMls and Wyldfyre is here in 2008. These new MLS search engines are the Ferrari’s of MLS search engines. Tremendous features for you and your clients will keep the real estate agent at the fore front of real estate transactions. We will be able to search a wider range of areas down to Orange County with 55,000 agents participating. These systems are loaded with features and classes will be offered to help with the learning Curve.

I look forward to an exciting year as your President and a great 2008.

Grace Fogg Miranda