March 2020

How accurate has Tom been in the past? Here are some insights from years past

March 30, 2020This one attached was written in 2005 when we were coming out of the previous tech meltdown of 2000-2001 and the market had launched into another crazy time of irrational exuberance. "I feel vindicated. Redeemed. Many Realtors are the finest, most giving, service-oriented people that I know. But let’s face it - a resounding reputation as sterling human beings is not always the one that most often precedes us out there in the real world. Like any profession, Realtors run the gamut from good to...

Terry Ballantyne

- Terry Ballantyne

In it together

March 28, 2020We finally find ourselves with something in common. Rich or poor, red or blue, Christian or Muslim, boy, girl or non binary, we are finally, indisputably, once again ALL part of the human race. A totality. I used to think it would take a visit from Martians for us to put down our petty squabbles and appreciate this magnificently beautiful planet we live on and to celebrate the one in 20M-100M shot of even getting to take the ride called LIFE. To savor simple pleasures, to marvel at the miraculous...

Here’s to hunkering down in times of uncertainty

March 23, 2020Here’s to hunkering down in times of uncertainty.... We’re experiencing unusually “high callvolumes” these days. Messages about social distancing, meeting cancellations, shelter-in-placeprovisions. Helpful suggestions, insistent ad-hoc advice and a litanyof daily woes about thefuture. And lots of tone-deaf pitches trying to leverage coronavirus into a platform for personalpromotion. At the risk of adding to the overexposure, here’s some added perspective about how the normalebb and flow of the real estate market may be affected. Please note:Real Estate of Mindis notan essential service. Feel free to...

Now’s the time to question your own assumptions and re-adjust your approach

March 9, 2020This is for all you circling birds. First-time flyers, empty nesters and standard garden-variety homing pigeons seeking a place to land. Well-intentioned, well-prepared, wanna-be homebuyers looking for a roost in what has to be one of the most lopsided Seller’s Market anyone can remember. Late last year you decided to take a break. Out of sheer frustration or extreme buyer-fatigue. Or both. But it’s just the beginning of a New Year. You’re battle-tested and rested. Ready to stretch your wings and get back in the...

Let’s explore why those Zillow Zestimates aren’t very accurate.

March 3, 2020We’re talking about Zillow becoming a go-to voice for people who are curious about real estate values. Mostly because it is “free” and easy. And doesn’t require any commitment. Let’s explore why those Zillow Zestimates aren’t very accurate... but first a few quick observations: -There are no free lunches on the internet. Websites harvest your contact information to sell it into big data servitude. Think digital Soylent Green. -The bulk of Zillow’s revenue comes from selling “leads” to the same real estate agents Zillow users...