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Carrie and I have been busy looking for the next “nugget”, as Jenni would say, and contrary to the “experts”, the Los Angeles real estate market-- and more specifically, Los Feliz-- is still HOT. Consequently, people are not throwing houses on the market, foreclosures are not popping up on every block, and optimism is greater here than in other parts of the country. The movie industry has had a blockbuster year. The market is very active, and inventory continues...]]>
Moving is one of the most stressful things in life. I remember when I was managing Scott Weiland, from the Stone Temple Pilots, we moved around non-stop, from one destination to the other. I didn’t know which end was up. Jeff said he has moved over 27 times! That makes him a professional!
When tension and stress start building up, you take it out on the ones closest to you: Chris and the kitty pooper scooper and-- oh yeah-- his change! Jeff was talking about Stephen and his bad attitude, focusing on every one else, and Chris said that Jeff just wanted to yell at someone. Jeff is going to temporarily down size the staff, as he is moving to a smaller place “Ben Lomond”, and he won't need as much help. But which one will go: Chris or Stephen? Well, Jeff...]]>
Wow! Such controversy. I always knew that real estate was extremely emotional for people; right up there with divorce and death. But the interest and debate generated by "Flipping Out" is unreal! I deal with clients' emotional roller coasters daily and believe it or not, what you see Jeff going through on the show and how crazy he gets is everything that Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. experiences while going through the process of buying or selling their homes.
Good Market/Bad Market. It makes no difference.
During the last upswing in the market (1997 to 2006) prices were too high, houses sold before open houses and multiple offer situations with no contingencies were the norm. Buyers were miserable unless they "got" THE house and if they didn't, the agent was at fault. But they kept on BUYING.
Sellers also found things to stress about too: "How come my house sold so quickly,...]]>
Well, I think after watching a season of Flipping Out, we could all use a recap of the "reality" of this reality show. Jeff and I were talking last night about the response the show has received, both positive and negative, and while we knew the show would be successful, we never dreamed it would generate the frenzied hype that it has.
Jeff is a talented, ambitious, if not a bit eccentric, investor with his eye on the prize. We can try to attribute his personality and accomplishments to any number of disorders or his upbringing, but the truth is he's just naturally gifted and incredibly determined - those two qualities are a recipe for success and, as we all now know, for great television. He channels his energy into his work and stays focused, constantly altering his business model to reflect the ever-changing real estate market. Jeff is not out to take...]]>
Greetings All,
Right off the bat, I want to thank Jeff for being one of my most prolific, talented and interesting clients… in fact, my MOST prolific, talented, and interesting client. Having done this for the past 18 years (ten in Taos, NM, and the past eight in L.A), I have worked with all types of people, the good and the bad. Despite what you see on the show, Jeff really is one of my least difficult clients.
We met two and a half years ago when I represented a buyer who bought one of his houses above the Sunset Strip. We did the deal in a flash (two week closing), and he got his price for the house. He was happy, the buyer was happy, and I was happy because it set the tone for our future relationship. That was also where I met Carrie. Jeff knows what he...]]>
Hello, everyone! I'm so thrilled to be a part of this project and to be able to write to you all about what our contributions as agents are to this whole crazy Flipping Out experience! I meet people all the time who think that flipping houses is as easy as buying a fixer, slapping a coat of paint on it, and selling it for profit. Puh-leeze! This show very accurately discounts that theory, and portrays the reality of this work; the risk, the stress, the unpredictable complications, and the day-to-day drama that even the best television writers couldn't make up!
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I met Jeff and Ryan about nine years ago when they were still dating; we were great friends before we ever worked together and in the course of our friendship and business relationship have so far closed 14 escrows. I feel lucky to say...]]>
Well... Jeff really knows his stuff. I really enjoyed watching Jeff with his “poker face” calling peoples' bluffs, but willing to step down if it makes sense. The man is smart, has experience, knows the real estate market is changing, and has properly prepared himself for that…and is making sure his employees know it's coming. I am taking a hit-- 20% less-- and everyone needs to be grateful they have a job, and pitch in when they can. Like I said, the guy is smart: he still knows the real estate market is they way to go. Supply and demand, my friend: where else is there to go? Los Angeles is amazing, and the real estate market is a great investment.
I really like that Jeff has great taste and wouldn’t think twice about gutting a joint, taking a risk, and putting his expertise...]]>
It never pays to get caught up in group hysteria, especially when it comes to real estate. Conditions vary from town to town, and no national statistics can give you a clear picture of what’s happening in your neighborhood. So don’t let headlines spook you into making costly mistakes.
If you are a seller…
Price It Right. The worst mistake a seller can make in a softening market is to overprice a home. Even putting a high price on your home to “test the market” for a few weeks (with the notion that you can always lower it later) is a bad idea.
Set the Stage. In a faltering market, you need to stand out. That’s where something called ‘staging’ comes in. That is, sprucing up your home in a way that encourages prospective buyers to envision themselves living there.
Hire An Agent. You may hate the idea of parting with 6% of...]]>
”Scotty, an agent called today to see the house with a client that sounds similar to yours. Can you call me back before I call him back?”
My head started spinning. I called my client. It turns out that he has an investor that wants to see the property with his own agent! Well, my old behavior comes back to me, I want to start threatening everyone. But that doesn’t work for me anymore, so I went back to my mantra: “Breathe In Faith, Breathe Out Fear!!”
I called Chris and tried to nip it in the bud. In the real estate...]]>
Justin writes: "I have been watching you and your team on "Million Dollar Listing." You are doing things big down there in Malibu. I am a young buck, just starting out. Do you have any advice?"
Young buck ... you have your whole future ahead of you!! I would start out mentoring with the top producers wherever you hang your license. Soak it all up, learn as much as you can and build your data base. To be a success you have to get to know the business from the inside-out. When you are ready to make the leap -- you’ll know when the time is right. Always remember the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!!”
I always say that if you...]]>
