650 And 408 Homes

When Does Your Realtor Say Goodbye?

650and408homes — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:26:27 +0000

Most realtors feel that their services are concluded when all the documentation for the purchase of a house is completed and they have received their commission. While technically this may be correct, many of the better ones want to establish a long term relationship with their clients and offer a range of both pre and post purchase services and help that can make life much easier for the homeowner. One Silicon Valley realtor who has made client service a fundamental business principle and whose support begins before you become a client and extends to long after you buy a house, is Avi Urban.

A Homebuyer’s Support Website

As Mr. Urban says on his website, having bought homes for his family, he knows what it is like to be in the buyer’s shoes. The website contains a variety of useful resources including:

A monthly newsletter on issues and news that affect home buying and selling decisions
A city by city report on Silicon Valley & Bay Area localities
An annual Real Estate Report
Information on Housing Stimulus Laws
Details of utilities, schools, transport and other factors that intending house buyers need to know
Links to sites for home repair estimates, pre-screened service professionals and the contractors State License Board so you can save yourself from a bad contracting experience
Access to his highly rated real estate seminars which have helped so many families find homes and to make the right real estate investments for their futures
And much more

You don’t have to be a client of his to access all this. But, as his clients have found out, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the support, guidance and advice that Mr. Urban is both qualified and happy to provide. It is the service that he offers, along with his expertise in real estate matters and his understanding of the larger economic issues that impact both home buyers and sellers, that have earned him the enviable reputation he enjoys. Anyone planning to buy a house in Siicon Valley should contact Mr. Urban for a complementary initial consultation. He is available on his cell phone at 650.305.1111 or on email at avi@650and408homes.com.

What Else Does Your Realtor Know?

650and408homes — Mon, 03 May 2010 07:22:47 +0000

Every licensed Realtor must have a detailed knowledge of the real estate market in the localities he serves. But to be able to offer his clients the best guidance and advice, whether it is in regards to buying a home or selling one, he must have a knowledge and appreciation of the wider issues that impact these decisions. The Encyclopedia defines a Realtor as “a person who acts as an agent for the sale and purchase of buildings and land.” But a Realtor who limits his activities to finding a home to buy / customers for a house for sale and negotiating on behalf of his clients is doing only the basics.

Basic Services Are Not Enough

Beyond knowledge of local real estate, a Realtor must be aware of the larger economic issues that will affect the future of the new place of residence and be able to provide the inputs and knowledge that will make the decision to buy a house the most secure one possible. A family moving to a new locality needs a lot of support. Utilities have to be contacted, schools found, transportation availability checked, reliable contractors located for repairs and renovations and so much more.

A Realtor is often the first, and for a long time the only, contact the family has in their new locality. The best Realtors are those who provide services and support beyond managing the real estate transaction. Avi Urban is a leading Realtor of Silicon Valley with an unequaled knowledge of both the real estate market and living conditions in Silicon Valley & Bay Area communities like Campbell. Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale.

A visit to his website will demonstrate the kind of support and resources he places at his clients’ disposal and why he is known for his commitment to client service beyond the basics as much as for his expertise and experience in real estate matters. He is also well known for his very useful and popular real estate seminars which are open to all and for which registration may be done at http://www.650and408homes.com/seminars.html. Those looking for a Realtor who will go the extra mile to make his clients’ home buying experience as hassle free as possible need look no further than Mr. Urban.

Selling A House In A Buyer’s Market

650and408homes — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:01:10 +0000

With property prices at a low and a market full of foreclosed homes selling for cents on the dollar, this is not the best time to sell a house. But there are many reasons why a home owner may be forced into this decision – financial duress, a new job at a new location, the need for a bigger home and so on. If you need to sell your house now, there is no need to lose heart and think that you will have to suffer a major loss on the equity you created with years of hard work. A realtor will be able to help you out but not all realtors are equipped with the experience, knowledge and, most importantly, the mindset that will enable them to offer you the kind of service you need.

Client Focus Is The Key

A realtor is a professional and the commissions he earns are his income. The faster he can conclude a sale and earn his commission, the better for him. That is an inescapable aspect of business and applies to all realtors. But there are some who do take client service to a higher level and keep their focus on maximizing client benefit.

Avi Urban is one such Silicon Valley realtor. Having bought and sold homes for his family, he knows the pressures a homeowner forced to sell a home faces. This is one of the reasons why he has such a reputation for always looking after his client’s best interests. If you are thinking of selling your home, why not contact Mr. Urban and schedule a complimentary one-on-one consultation? This is the best way to understand the options and avenues open to you and what course of action will result in selling your house for the maximum profit. Mr. Urban is available on phone number 650-305-1111 and on email at avi@650and408homes.com. His website http://www.650and408homes.com/ contains a host of useful information for both those wanting to sell or buy a home. You will also be able to register to attend his free real estate seminars on the seminars page of his website.

Who Wants A Double Agent?

650and408homes — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:42:00 +0000

An agent is a person who acts on your behalf to conclude a transaction to your benefit. Any transaction involves at least two parties, both looking for the maximum profit – that is fair and is the basis of all business. Obviously, the interests of the parties involved will not be the same. A person hiring a CPA to help him with his tax planning is looking for the maximum tax saving; someone hiring a lawyer for a divorce settlement wants to be sure that his or her spouse does not get undue benefit from the break up of the marriage. But suppose the CPA is also employed by the IRS to ensure maximum tax collection or the lawyer is also retained by the spouse? Whose best interests does the agent work for? The expectations of both his clients are not just different but often diametrically opposed.

Is There Any Benefit In Working With A Realtor Holding A Dual Agency?

The same applies to a realtor with a dual agency. If you are looking to buy a house and your realtor also represents the person selling a house you are interested in, whose interests come first? You want the house at the cheapest price and the seller wants to sell it for as much as he can. A realtor with a dual agency is representing two parties with opposing interests. Even the most experienced and well intentioned of realtors in a dual agency situation will have to work for a compromise result which while satisfying both parties, does not offer either the maximum benefit. Because of the potential conflict of interest, many states no longer allow dual agency and those who do limit the responsibility of the dual agency to activities that do not constitute any fiduciary obligation on the part of the agent towards his clients.

The main attraction of working with a realtor holding a dual agency is that since he knows the results expected by both parties, he can quickly work out a compromise agreement that will satisfy both sides. But a satisfactory agreement is rarely the same thing as the best possible agreement for either of his clients. Avi Urban, a leading realtor in Silicon Valley with a reputation for client service, works to provide the best possible outcome for his clients, be it either buying or selling a home. He does not believe in the dual agency concept because of the huge potential for conflict of interest – he has only one interest, the best outcome for his clients.

That is why his website provides so much useful information and why he conducts his real estate seminars to help people understand the issues involved in buying a home. These seminars are open to all and registration may be done at http://www.650and408homes.com/seminars.html. Those interested in selling or buying a house on the best possible terms need only contact Mr. Urban on phone number 408.245.7327, cell phone 650.305.1111, fax 650.560.6222 or by email at avi@650and408homes.com to arrange for a free initial one-on-one consultation.

The Economy, Your Realtor And You

650and408homes — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:37:44 +0000

Most realtors are experts in the real estate of their area of operation. A San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay Area realtor will not only know of new home listings, he will know of houses that may soon be available for sale. He will know the market valuation of houses, and also the pros and cons of the localities they are in. A good realtor should be able to provide you with all the location specific information you need to make a decision on buying a house. But there are other issues that need to be taken into account and without these inputs; you could end up making a decision that may not be in your best interest.

When The Government Sneezes, You Could Catch A Cold

The more uncertain the economy, the more governments, both state and federal, make policies to set things right. While the correctness of these policies are often open to question, what is important is the implication they have for the house buyer. The Obama administration has implemented various housing stimulus programs and is planning more. Avi Urban is a leading Silicon Valley realtor who understands how economic policies may affect your future and uses this knowledge to help his clients make the right decisions in both buying and selling houses.

His website offers news and analysis of developments that affect the real estate market and how they may impact you. You will also find a range of tools there that will help you to understand the current situation and provide you inputs you need to know what you should do, where you should look and when you should act when you buy a house. Mr. Urban also conducts regular real estate seminars to provide people with the opportunity to learn and discuss the latest developments in the real estate market, how they will affect both buyers and sellers and a chance for one on one interaction with a leading Silicon Valley realtor. If you are thinking of buying or selling a house, the information that these seminars will provide you can be invaluable. And since they are complimentary and open to everyone, there is no reason not to take advantage of them. To register, click on http://www.650and408homes.com/seminars.html.

Does Your Realtor Know Best?

650and408homes — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:25:36 +0000

He usually thinks he does. A realtor with years of experience in buying and selling houses will have learned the intricacies of the business and have a far greater understanding of the process, perils to be avoided and the advantages to be embraced than the layman. But this does not mean that you should follow the advice you receive blindly. For a realtor, buying a house is a business transaction that needs to be concluded in his client’s best interest. But for the client, it is not only a business transaction but one of the biggest decisions most people make. While it is a business transaction in terms of creating equity, it is also a matter of providing a safe and comfortable home for a family. That is not something that can be valued in terms of dollars. A good realtor is one who understands both these issues.

Avi Urban Has Been In Your Shoes

Avi Urban is not only one of the most highly regarded realtors in the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay Area; he is himself a home owner who has bought and sold homes for his family. He understands that while the present and future financial implications of the decision to buy a home are of vital importance, so to are the needs of the family who will occupy the home. Their comfort, safety and happiness are not issues to be ignored. Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, Mr. Urban will devote all the time needed to not just finding the right home for you, but to ensure that you are fully aware of the implication and consequences of your decision and how it will affect your future both financially and in terms of quality of life.

That is why his website offers so much information to enable a prospective buyer to understand the current pros and cons of real estate investment. And to ensure that people fully appreciate the benefits and consequences of purchasing a home, he conducts his real estate seminars which are free and open to all, not just his clients. Not only do these seminars equip buyers and sellers with the inputs they need, they also provide a platform for one on one interaction with a leading Silicon Valley realtor who is known for providing the highest levels of client service. Those wishing to attend one of these seminars need only visit http://www.650and408homes.com/seminars.html to register. You can also call to get an appointment for a free one-on-one consultation with Avi Urban.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Pandora’s Box

650and408homes — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:28:00 +0000

Many realtors, often with the best of intensions, hold back information from clients or try to dissuade them from asking too many questions. They feel that they are the best judge of the house for sale that you are considering. They feel giving irrelevant information or encouraging their clients to ask too many questions will open a Pandora’s Box of doubt and uncertainty that will cloud the judgment and may cause the client to hesitate. This may cause the client to lose the house the realtor thinks is right for them or make them confused and lead them to the wrong choices. It is in this regard that Avi Urban, one of Silicon Valley’s most reputed realtors, is different.

Communication Is the Key

Mr. Urban knows that buying a home is a huge decision. And he believes that a client should be given all possible information about the investment he is making. Yes, all the inputs may cause the client to become confused. But Mr. Urban considers it his duty to guide his clients through the maze and take them to a position where they can make the right decision on what house to buy. It is his willingness to spend as much time as required to understand all the needs and desires of his clients that has earned him his enviable reputation.

Anyone thinking of buying a home should make a start by having a look at all the information available on his website and then attending one of his very popular real estate seminars which will not only provide the information needed to make the right property investment decisions but will also enable direct interaction with a real estate expert. These seminars are free and open to all. Registration may be done by logging on to http://www.650and408homes.com/seminars.html.

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

650and408homes — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:50:18 +0000

Anyone who grew up in the 60s and 70s will remember the old Rolling Stones song with this title. That, coupled with their other great classic “Satisfaction” seems to sum up modern life – where dreams and desires often exceed reality. Nowhere does this seem truer than when buying a house. Everyone has an idealized picture of the home they want, but very rarely will you be able to buy a house that is exactly like your dream. Does that mean you should settle for second best? Not at all! But you cannot search forever for the perfect home. You have to draw the line some where and take a call on what you will actually buy.

Buying a house is not all about what you buy, but what you make of it. Perhaps it is better to think of buying a home – the place where your family will be happy and secure and use this as the benchmark for making your decision. But how do you know when to stop searching for a Bay Area townhouse and opt instead for a Bay Area condo or single family detached house that fits your budget, meets your needs and where the family will be happy? You need a realtor who understands what you want, what you need and can help you find the right balance.

Avi Urban Can Find You A Home

Avi Urban is a highly respected Silicon Valley realtor. Before entering the world of real estate, he bought and sold homes for his family and, as he says on his website, he has been in your shoes. He knows how difficult it is to find a house for sale that is exactly what you want. That’s not to say it is impossible – he has done exactly that for many of his clients. But often, exactly what you want may not be available when you want it. Mr. Urban knows the difference between a house and a home and will take all the time that is required to understand what your needs are and suggest alternatives in the right neighborhood, that will give you and your family all the comfort, security and financial stability that you want.

In order to help his clients understand the real estate market better so they can realistically decided on what kind of home to buy, Mr. Urban conducts regular real estate seminars. These seminars are free and open to all. Why not attend one and learn the best way to find the right home for your family? To register, all you need to do is click on http://www.650and408homes.com/seminars.html.

Should You Buy A Townhouse?

650and408homes — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:02:50 +0000

To buy a home in the Bay Area is the aim of many families. But what kind of home should they buy? This is often a matter of great uncertainty. Everyone wants the best home possible. Does that mean that everyone should opt for Bay Area Townhouses? Or would it be better to plan to buy a condominium in San Francisco? Perhaps a less expensive house in Cupertino, Los Altos, Milpitas, North San Jose, Palo Alto, Santa Clara or Sunnyvale would be the best option. There are no rule books or guidelines on what kind of house a family should buy. Every family is different and each will have its own needs and priorities – it could be proximity to schools and workplaces, extra room for future grown, a large garden, good shopping in the locality and so on. And of course, the budget – there is no point in having dreams bigger than your pocket. Did you know that mortgage rates are set to rise? Read the latest Silicon Valley Real Estate Market Trend Report to learn more.

Finding The Right House

The first thing most people do when they decide to buy a home is to contact a realtor. This is not wrong, but it’s always a good idea to do some background research yourself so you can give your realtor a proper brief to enable him to do his best for you. The problem for many people is that they have neither the time nor the inclination to spend hours and days looking for the information they need. Those planning on buying a house in the San Francisco peninsula & South Bay Area, including Silicon Valley and all the communities mentioned above, need only go to Avi Urban’s website at http://www.650and408homes.com/ to find all the information they needs in one place.

Mr. Urban is one of the most highly respected realtors of the region and is known for the quality of service he provides his clients. On his website you will find monthly real estate newsletters, a city by city report, an annual real estate report, community information, inputs of the 2009 housing stimulus laws, details of schools, a wide range of knowledgeable real estate articles and more. With this kind of information at your disposal, making your home buying decisions becomes much easier. And to be sure of taking the best decisions for your family, why not attend one of Mr. Urban’s very popular real estate seminars where you will not only get a great deal of very useful guidance, but also be able to interact with one of the leading realtors of the area. These seminars are open to all and are free of cost. To see the schedule for upcoming seminars and to register, all you need to do is follow this link: http://www.650and408homes.com/seminars.html.

Has The Economic Recovery Begun?

650and408homes — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:18:25 +0000

Few issues in recent years has taken up so much newsprint or TV air time as that of the recession and the road to recovery. While most informed opinion today agrees that the worst is over and that light is visible at the end of the tunnel (and it’s not a train), there is widespread disagreement on how long it will take for things to get back to “normal.” Or even if “normal”, meaning the way things were, is the way to go. The government and economic experts are talking of various plans to restructure the economic management of the country to try and ensure that what happened at the end of 2008 does not happen again. All this talk and planning are necessary, the economic future of a country is not something to be decided in haste. But where does this leave the intending home buyer?

To Buy Or Not To Buy

An economy still in a state of recession means lower property values. And a weak investment climate results in low mortgage rates. So is this the time to buy in real estate? To be honest, there is no clear cut answer to this question. As per current indications mortgage rates are likely to firm up in the short term.

If you have the funds available and can conclude financing arrangements, you could buy a house at a price lower than what it would have been 2 years ago. But even if the funds and financing are available, is this the time to channel your resources into buying a home? To know where you stand and what will be the best course of action for you, you need to have access to expert advice. This is not economists and financial gurus telling you what to do. The real estate market is a very specialized and complex one and only an experienced realtor will be able to give you the guidance you need. But for most realtors, the primary aim is to complete a transaction as quickly as possible and move on to the next one. That is their business.

Avi Urban is somewhat different. This highly respected Silicon Valley realtor is a thorough professional. But he is also someone who has bought and sold homes for his family before becoming a realtor. This has given him an understanding of the issues and uncertainties that someone planning to buy a home faces. His impeccable reputation for client service is built on his willingness to invest time to understand a client’s needs and work to fulfill them. The advice he gives is advice that is based on experience and an understanding of real estate and is always in the client’s best interest. To learn more about Mr. Urban and the quality of service he provides, visit his website at http://www.650and408homes.com/. A demonstration of his focus on client service is the real estate seminars he regularly conducts. These are free and open to all and have helped many families find the right house, at the right price, at the right time.