HomeSmart Takes Real Estate Technology to a Whole New Level!

The real estate industry is filled with so many technology options for different purposes. However, oftentimes these programs are rarely designed to truly work together. There are very few real estate companies that effectively market a proprietary platform that agents can operate. We believe that we are the only franchise to do so!

HomeSmart has won the technology game from transaction management, agent websites, and everything in between. Our in-house technology company provides one integrated system that enables agents to access and use the systems for free.

But what makes our offering more unique than any other? At HomeSmart Evergreen Realty, our agents get eight different technology systems rolled into one platform at no additional cost. All of our agents are on our company’s transaction management system, making it completely paperless for agents in all of our seven offices.

Having access to integrated technology means having the capability to grow and scale affordably. The technology HomeSmart Evergreen Realty provides decreases operating expenses and saves time by having everything in one place for free!

RealSmart Agent

This is the central hub from which all real estate agent business is conducted. Agents can access all business-planning goals, listing information, websites, custom marketing materials, and more. This one login gives our agents access to everything they need to run and grow a successful real estate business. Its key features include the following:

• Buyer home search
• Custom virtual tours
• Listing websites
• Personal agent websites
• Custom YouTube video for each listing
• Search engine submission of listings to 2,000+ websites
• Automated listing flyers
• Broker communication
• Transaction management
• Product catalog

 

Centralized Agent Services

Agent Services is here to answer incoming agent questions, provide technology support, and administer training for agents.

SmartSites/Agent Websites

Our SmartSites include the following: agent-branded websites, customer relationship marketing (CRM) tool, full IDX-enabled with powerful consumer search, and a comparative marketing analysis (CMA) tool.

 

SmartTools/Automated Marketing Tools

The amazing automated marketing tools we provide our agents include the following:

• SmartTube – YouTube property videos for each listing
• SmartFlyer – automated custom listing flyers
• SmartGallery – custom listing websites
• SmartSearch – easy buyer searches
• SmartTour – custom buyer tours
• SmartSES – automatic search engine submission of listings to over 2,000 websites

Want to know more about HomeSmart Evergreen Realty? Go to JoinHomeSmartEGR.com.

(Article via RIS Media)

NEW SB 407 WATER FIXTURE REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS

As real estate agents, it’s important to keep up with current housing requirements for our client’s sake. In case you weren’t aware of the new water fixture requirements, read below.

Current Requirements

When a property that was built on or prior to January 1, 1994 and is going through additions, alterations, or improvements; SB 407 requires that non-compliant plumbing fixtures should be replaced with water conserving fixtures.

Future Requirements

• For single-family units: these features must be replaced by January 1, 2017, regardless of additions, alterations, or improvements. Duplexes and attached units are considered single-family units.

• For multi-family units: these features must be replaced by January 1, 2019.

Future Disclosure Requirements

By January 1, 2017, the seller or transferor of single-family units needs to disclose to a purchaser, in writing, the requirements for replacing plumbing fixtures. Also, the seller needs to disclose whether the real property has noncompliant plumbing fixtures. The starting date of this requirement for multifamily units is January 1, 2019.

These plumbing fixtures are considered noncompliant:

• Toilets that use more than 1.6 gpf (gallons of water per flush).

• Urinals that use over 1 gpf.

• Showerheads that have a flow capacity of over 2.5 gpm (gallons of water per minute).

• Interior faucets that emit over 2.2 gpm.

9 REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS

Do you have some confusion about real estate advertising? As agents, it is important that we follow the rules and regulations to avoid hefty fines. But good news! We’ve condensed all of the requirements for you below:

1. HomeSmart Evergreen Realty Logo

According to the NAR Code of Ethics (CE), it is imperative that you include the logo and company name of your brokerage along with the Fair House, REALTOR®, and MLS logo.

2. Agent CalBRE Number

The California Bureau of Real Estate has a regulation which states that agents need to incorporate his or her CalBRE number in the ad. The number can’t be smaller than the smallest font size in the advertisement.

3. Using the term REALTOR®

In your ad, the word “realtor” must be written in all capital letters with the trademark symbol on the right side.

4. Photos from the MLS

HomeSmart Evergreen Realty and the MLS have a policy which states that agents cannot use ANY listing photos on the MLS without the permission of the listing agent. This includes an image of the front of the home. Agents are always welcome to take their own photos for their advertisement.

5. Identifying Yourself

According to the NAR Code of Ethics (CE), a real estate agent needs to identify him or herself as an agent, broker, RE Licensee, or REALTOR®.

6. Neighborhood Market Reports

Before using a neighborhood market report, agents need to check if the property has been opted out. If the status of the listing is Active, Pending, or Back Up, it must have the listing company and listing agent attribution in the same font and color as the main content. Agents should not include confidential information in the report.

7. MLS Information

If you use MLS information in your ad, you must include the following disclaimer: “Based on the information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of “date the AOR/MLS data was obtained) and/or other sources. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.”

8. #1 REALTOR®

If you want to use statements such as #1 REALTOR®, etc, you will need to cite and include the resources to substantiate that claim, according to the NAR Code of Ethics (CE). It would best not to use it.

9. Credits

All offering/advertising credits must include the following disclaimer: “All credits, and amounts, are subject to lender approval.” When you advertise “Discounts” or “Free” you must include all terms, conditions, and restrictions to the offering. HomeSmart Evergreen Realty doesn’t allow advertising of commission amounts and advertisements of reduced commissions. Example: “1% Listing” or “Discount Broker”.

 

BEST 4TH OF JULY EVENTS IN THE OC

Still don’t know what to do for the Fourth of July? From huge parades to fireworks shows, celebrate America’s birthday the Orange County way!

Huntington Beach Parade/Fireworks

This is the largest and oldest parade in the western portion of the United States! From morning to evening, there will be a 5K run, great bands, funny clowns, popular celebrities, intricate floats, and spectacular fireworks.

When: ALL DAY

Location: Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street

Cost: FREE

Dana Point Fireworks

If you live close to Dana Point, you don’t want to miss the aerial sky show. This will feature a musical simulcast that will be presented by KSBR 88.5 FM. Make sure to come early for the picnic over the Harbor on the cliffs of Blue Lantern Park.

When: 9:00PM

Location: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

Cost: FREE

Disney’s Celebrate America/4^th of July Concert in the Sky

Attention Disney fans, this event is for you! Disneyland’s Fourth of July fireworks can be seen over the castle inside the park and syncs perfectly to the music playing in the background.

When: 9:30PM

Location: Disneyland California

Cost: Disneyland Ticket – Regular Admission

Knott’s Berry Farm Fourth of July Fireworks

Unlike Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm rarely holds fireworks shows, so this celebration should be nothing short of spectacular. Ride the great attractions and watch the fireworks for an unforgettable ending to America’s birthday!

When: 9:30PM

Location: Knott’s Berry Farm

Cost: Knott’s Berry Farm Ticket – Regular Admission

 

AVOID THESE TOP 5 MLS VIOLATIONS!

#1 – Late Entry of your Listing

This happens when your listing is not entered in the MLS in a timely manner and the listing broker didn’t previously file an MLS Exclusion Form with the MLS Association.

You can avoid this by entering your listing into the MLS within 2 business days of the:

• Date of the listing contract

• Date the seller’s signature was collected on the listing agreement

FINE: Violation warning, $250, or $500 per offense.

#2 – Auto Sold…in other words, INACCURATE INFORMATION!

The term “auto sold” occurs when a listing is changed to the Sold status automatically by the MLS system. It appears as “S*” or “Closed Sale*”. This is a result of not manually updating your listing in the Pending/Backup status. It’s considered an Inaccurate Information violation because the listing is closed and shows sales information that is estimated or not confirmed.

Avoid this violation by properly managing your listings in the Pending/Backup status. Within 2 business days of your estimated close of escrow date, you must:

• Extend your estimate close of escrow date if escrow is delayed

• Update your listing to the correct status if a status change has occurs

• Confirm the sale info and manually update your listing to sold

FINE: Violation warning, $100, or $300 per offense.

#3 – No Photo in your Listing

This occurs when your listing has been on the MLS for over 5 calendar days and at least one exterior structural photo of the property hasn’t been added. This violation also includes photos of animals, people, a company sign, and contact info.

You can avoid this by adding an exterior photo of the listed property within 5 calendar days of the MLS listing entry, regardless of the status. This requirement doesn’t apply to land/lot listings or canceled listings within 5 calendar days of entry.

FINE: Violation warning, $100, or $300 per offense.

#4 – Misusing Public Remarks

Public Remarks Field includes:  the property description, list price includes, list price excludes, and driving directions. This violation happens when prohibited info is placed in any public remarks field because it puts homeowners at risk.

To avoid this violation, you should know that the remarks field is limited to the property’s aesthetic and physical characteristics. The following is prohibited:

• Agent/brokerage contact info

• Open house info

• Showing instructions

• Info about the occupancy of the property

FINE: Violation warning, $100, or $300 per offense.

#5 – Inaccurate Status Violation

This occurs when:

• A listing change isn’t made in a timely manner

• A listing isn’t listed in the correct listing status

You can help avoid this violation by reflecting the appropriate listing status. All status changes need to be made within 2 business days of the date that the change in status has occurred.

FINE: Violation warning, $100, or $300 per offense.

 

JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

HomeSmart Evergreen Realty has been named the Top Work Place by the Orange County Register for 7 consecutive years!

First and foremost, we are dedicated to investing in YOU. To make real estate easier, we have provided many resources for our agents and brokers. Our professional Irvine office has superior in-house escrow, lending, and title services. We willingly accommodate our agents with complimentary marketing, legal, technology and social media support as well.

Gain use of HomeSmart Evergreen Realty’s collaborative office space:

• High-tech conference rooms

• State of the art computers, copy, fax & scanning machines

• High-speed internet & Wi-Fi

• FREE training

• Exceptional agent support

View HomeSmart Evergreen Realty’s Interactive Virtual Tour here:

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=RrUBq3t8zwU

Love what you see? Go to http://www.JoinEvergreen.net for more information!

What to do in Orange County for Mothers Day

Take Mom to the Spa

Where – The Spa at Laguna Cliffs
Massage Cost – $95 and Up

or

Where – Lemon + Honey Day Spa
Massage Cost – $69 and Up

What’s better than the gift of relaxation? With all that mother’s do they could all use a day of facials and massages to de-stress and detox. Listed above are 2 of the very best Spas in the area, if they aren’t exactly what your looking for here’s a link to some more!

Take Mom on a Rose Garden Tour

Where – San Clemente (Multiple Locations)
Cost – $25 (Self Guided Tour)

Every mom loves getting flowers. This year take it a step further and give her THOUSANDS of flowers! Well..sort of. The Rose Society of Saddleback will be hosing their annual Mother’s Day rose garden tours, which will be explore multiple beautiful and serene locations around San Clemente.

Take Mom to Brunch

Where – Old World German Restaurant
Cost – $29.95 (all you can eat + unlimited champagne)

or

Where – The Nixon Library
Cost – $55 (all you can eat + 1 glass champagne)

Delicious food, great company, and who doesn’t like a little champagne? The mom in your life will be sure to love either of these great Mother’s Day brunches. The Old World features a German/American style buffet in a classic German environment, while the Nixon Library pulls out all the stops including a red carpet arrival and live music!

Take Mom Shopping

Where – Irvine Spectrum (Irvine)
Where – South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa)
Where – Fashion Island (Newport Beach)

If all else fails and you can’t decide what to get your mom, then let her choose herself! All 3 of these locations have stores for every taste, as well as food, and most even include some form on entertainment from Ferris wheels to movie theaters.

Evergreen Realty Has Shifted!

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Creative Valentines Day Ideas in Orange County

Valentines day is coming up fast, if you still don’t have plans we may be able to help you out. Below are some of our favorite ideas of romantic, and fun things to do right here in Orange County.

Newport Beach Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise
Newport Beach
www.hornblower.com

If you’re looking for some romance on the ocean, and a gourmet dinner look no further! Newport Beach Tours offers a 3 hour Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise complete with champagne, a 4-course dinner, live entertainment, and romantic views all evening. If you can’t make it all the way out to Newport don’t fret, cruises also leave out of Marina del Rey, and Long Beach.

 

Valentine’s Day Concert with The Tenors
Costa Mesa
www.pacificsymphony.org

If you’re looking impress a music buff, take your Valentine to see The Tenors. They’ll be setting the mood for Valentine’s Day with nothing but their magnificent voices. The Tenors will perform songs from their 2012 Platinum album “Lead With Your Heart” as well as other fan favorites.

 

Newport Gondola Ride
Newport Beach
www.newportbeach.gondola.com

How many movies have ended with a couple cuddled up together, on a gondola, propelled by oar and oarlock, sailing into the sunset? Now you can recreate exactly that with your Valentine. Gondola Adventures is the only company licensed in Orange County to offer wine, champagne, and singing gondoliers. Extras include chocolate, roses and even a photographer to capture your one-of-a-kind date.

 

Valentine’s 4 Course Winemaker’s Dinner
Laguna Beach
http://www.lagunacanyonwinery.com/

Laguna Canyon Winery is a beautiful winery situated right off of Laguna Beach. For Valentine’s Day, check out the winemaker’s dinner which includes a 4 course meal, wine (of course), and live music. Menu items will be paired with both red and white wine and include items like a Java Crusted Filet Mignon, seared scallops and much more. 

 

The Cellar
Fullerton
www.cellardining.com

Block out the outside world and travel back in time with your date at the Cellar in Fullerton. The Cellar offers a romantic, old European upscale dining experience built by the same craftsmen that created Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland. The Cellar will be serving a special four-course Valentine’s day menu that comes with a complementary long stem red rose for your date.

 

Couples Massage
Westminster
www.groupon.com

Give your valentine the gift of relaxation, with a couples foot and body massage at Massage-1-Spa. Spend an hour decompressing together, while you get your knots worked out by some of the best massage therapists in the business. Check out the link above for a $55 dollars off coupon.

 

Picnic on the Beach
Your Favorite Beach
www.Pinterest.com

If all else fails, of your on a strict budget you can always go for a sunset picnic on the beach. Grab some wine, crackers, cheese and whatever else your valentine likes and head to one of Orange County’s many beautiful beaches! We’ve included a link above to some great picnic food ideas found on Pinterest.

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The Results are In – Top Producer of December

December can be one of the toughest, and most unpredictable months in real estate. With the weather, holidays, and travel it can be near impossible to close any deals. Don’t tell that to any of these agents however. These 4 assisted in over 20 transactions during that 31 day span alone! Who are these 4 amazing Realtors? Well, lets take a look:

Shevy Akason
#1 Sales Units, #1 Sales Dollars

It sounds cliche but we are honestly running out of things to say about Shevy. In 2015 he has claimed one of, if not both, of the top spots on our list in over half of the 12 months. Needless to say Shevy and his team know what they are doing when it comes to selling and buying homes, and they do it better than anyone in the area. Find out more about Shevy and all he does on his website here

Teagan Prukop
#2 Sales Units, #3 Sales Dollars

Talk about finishing the year strong! This is the second straight month Teagan has been at the top of BOTH unit and dollar sales. She’s one of the most dedicated Realtors out there, always on the move meeting with clients, hosting open houses, showing homes, and everything in between. She is really making a name for herself and you can expect to see a lot more of her, here on our top producer posts. To learn more about, and get in touch with Teagan check out her Yelp page here

CaLee McManus
#2 Sales Dollars

CaLee is a model of consistency here at Evergreen. She often finds herself in the mix of top producers, and in the months she doesn’t shes usually right outside the top three. Regardless of the market, season, or home, she seems to always be able to find a way to sell for top dollar. To work with, or read up a bit more on CaLee check out her website here

Marie Miller
#3 Sales Units

Marie and her partner Vera make up one of the best real estate duos in the county. Together they have over 25 years of experience, so needless to say, they have seen it all and know how to handle anything a transaction might throw at you. To find out more about Marie check out her Zillow profile here.

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