Become Our Fan
Archives
Archive for the 'Home Buying' Category
Postal Carriers and Realtors…We’re More Alike Than You Might Think!
May 9th, 2011
I have a long line of postal carriers and realtors in my family…and yesterday, I was reminded of how similar they really are.
I’ve heard story after story from my grandmother(now 93 years old) of how she and her father would deliver mail through all kinds of treacherous conditions via horse and buggy…and how she delivered it alone when he went off to war! About how they would make sure to check that each of their customers was well, and meet needs far beyond delivering their mail. They would often stop to pick up groceries for those who were housebound, or medicine for those who were ill…they met their customers where they were.
In 2001, the USPS created a television commercial edited to Carly Simon’s song “Let the River Run.” It featured no voice over, only the following text:
“We are mothers and fathers. And sons and daughters. Who every day go about our lives with duty, honor and pride. And neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, nor the winds of change, nor a nation challenged, will stay us from the swift completion of our appointed rounds. Ever.”
Yesterday was Mother’s Day and I spent much of my day in the hospital…gowned, gloved and masked. I sat on the edge of the bed with of one of my clients sharing our joy over the fact that the Lakers’ had just lost, and signing the necessary paperwork for he and his wife to accept the offer we’d received on their house in Folsom, California! Oh the joy!!! I couldn’t imagine spending my day any other way! I realized yesterday that realtors are a lot more like postal carriers than I’d previously recognized…except that we work holidays. I guess you could say… Read the rest of this entry »
Representing Princes and Princesses…It’s a Good Life!
April 30th, 2011
There’s been a lot of hoopla surrounding the Royal Wedding this week, and the real estate community has joined in on the fun. Throughout the week, I received numerous emails and blog posts from colleagues around the globe who have creatively integrated the royal wedding into their businesses. Many have shared their childhood dreams of growing up to be a Princess (surprisingly, no one expressed dreams of becoming a Prince…I blame Disney for that!) or their adult dreams of working as the Royal Family’s Realtor!
One of my favorites was entitled “Will and Kate – Above the Clouds”
The author asked the question? “If Will and Kate ventured across the pond to buy a home, what might be the perfect match for them?”
I LOVE MY JOB! April Fools? Nope, totally serious :)
April 1st, 2011
I do love my job! Whether I’m working with buyers and sellers on a “shoestring budget,” or those with “champagne wishes and caviar dreams,” I’m privileged to work with some incredibly wonderful people.
You may have heard about the recent transaction which set a new record for the most expensive U.S. residential sale…Russian billionaire Yuri Milner (who heads Digital Sky Technologies) has reportedly paid $100 million for a 25,500-square-foot Los Altos Hills, California home which was not even listed for sale. According to The Wall Street Journal the sellers, Fred and Annie Chan took back a $50 million note on the home. Wow, that was awefully nice of Fred and Annie…that’s quite a note!
This record-setting sale is just one indication that the wealthy have opened their wallets and are shopping for homes again. The million dollar and above housing market rose 4% in February year-over-year as luxury buyers snapped up homes, often for all cash. Earlier this month a Palm Beach, Florida home sold and closed for a reported $24.6 million and I personally was involved in a $1.5 million transaction right here in Northern California. Why the rise in luxury sales? Read the rest of this entry »
Just listed-825 Ashley Lane, Walnut Creek, California
February 28th, 2011
I’ve received numerous inquiries as to why I’m not representing my brother-in-law myself. Many have speculated that perhaps it’s because I’m “too close to the situation emotionally.” The truth is that I’m simply too far away geographically. It’s not my area of expertise. So I referred him to a fabulous agent in his local market who has a reputation for being an expert in his field. Fun fact…I actually identified three Realtors in the area, each of whom I believed could do the job well. I presented each of them to my sister prior to her death, and she selected the one with whom we are ultimately working. I don’t know why really, but it does make me feel good knowing that she was part of the process.
If I can help you find a Realtor in your local area, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
825 Ashley Lane goes on the market tomorrow. Check it out for yourself and feel free to pass this along to your friends. It’s a spectacular house!!! I’m praying for a spectacular buyer!
…OR MIND READER?
February 7th, 2011
I received a fun call from a client in response to my most recent blog post. She was calling to let me know that while I may be a “genie,” she believed I was also a “mind reader.” She reminded me of the home she purchased that was nothing like what she “thought” she was looking for, but was “perfect” for her family. She was calling to thank me for being their Realtor…so sweet! Her story is certainly not unique! Many of my clients come in with a list of “must haves.” They must have a kitchen w/a center island in Folsom, or they must have a home on a cul-de-sac in El Dorado Hills, or they must have an open floor plan in Granite Bay…you get the idea. It’s uncanny how many people fall in love with a home that is not what they thought they were looking for.
Take for example the family who was looking for an open floor plan with all of the bedrooms on one level…they ended up purchasing a Victorian style home w/cozy rooms and bedrooms scattered throughout the house. They declared upon seeing the home that it was “perfect” for them! “How did I know?” they asked.
Realtor or Genie…or Gypsy? Either Way, Your Wish Is My Command!
February 4th, 2011
realtor or genie...or gypsy?
I recently had a client refer to me as her “genie,” because I helped to make her dream of owning a home come true. I’d never really thought of myself that way…as a genie! I’ve thought of myself as a gypsy on occassion…but never a genie!
I grew up watching I Dream of Jeannie, and remember two things about the show…well, three:
- How well intentioned she always was
- How much trouble she always managed to get herself into
- How beautiful she was (I was a very young girl at the time!)
In retrospect, I did learn a thing or two from her:
- She didn’t ask enough questions
- She didn’t gather enough information
- She was very impulsive.
It’s Groundhog Day…It’s Groundhog Day!
February 2nd, 2011
It’s Groundhog Day…thank you, Bill Murray!
At the risk of sounding like a broken record (and taking a cue from the movie Groundhog Day), there simply isn’t a better way to introduce this, than to repeat myself…so bear with me!
“Wow, life’s been a bit of a whirlwind lately…which should come as no surprise to any of you; since I haven’t updated this blog since July October! I know, I’m not supposed to say that (just in case someone stumbles upon my website for the first time…I’m supposed to make them think this is a regular occurrence!), but that’s a risk I’m willing to take. I’ve built my business working with the most fabulous clients in the world, and almost exclusively by referral. Thank you, thank you, thank you…and please keep them coming. I promise to continue to take great care of whomever you entrust to my care.” “Since July October… [copied from blog entry dated 10/29/10]
It’s true, “Since July October,” my world turned upside down! And not simply due to the unrest in our economy and the effect that it has had on the real estate market…which has made my job very interesting by the way! There is little dispute among the general public that Realtors are a necessary commodity in navigating their way through the “mess (and opportunity) of real estate!”
In November, I lost my very best girlfriend…who also happened to be my younger sister. She died very suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving a hole in my heart and a laundry list of action items…talk about tyranny of the urgent! Read the rest of this entry »
Still Making your Real Estate Dreams Come True…The State of California Says I Can!
October 29th, 2010
Wow, life’s been a bit of a whirlwind lately…which should come as no surprise to any of you; since I haven’t updated this blog since July! I know, I’m not supposed to say that (just in case someone stumbles upon my website for the first time…I’m supposed to make them think this is a regular occurrence!), but that’s a risk I’m willing to take. I’ve built my business working with the most fabulous clients in the world, and almost exclusively by referral. Thank you, thank you, thank you…and please keep them coming. I promise to continue to take great care of whomever you entrust to my care.
Since July, one of my daughters got married and moved to Philadelphia, my youngest moved “out of the house” and into a place of his own, and my husband and I have been trying to figure out how to live in our “empty nest.” We often find ourselves looking around and wishing it hadn’t emptied so quickly! One of the upsides of our “new life,” is that I have even more time to devote to my business and to you. And good news; the State of California has decided that I can continue doing what I love for another four years…representing you in the wonderful world of real estate! I’ve completed all of the required ”continuing education” classes, passed all of the necessary exams, and haven’t violated any rules, regulations, or laws that have been established by the Real Estate Commissioner…yay!
I’m going to do a better job of keeping my blog updated…really! So please let me know if there is anything specific you’d like to know about. So many real estate blogs simply regurgitate the same information…I don’t want to bore you with that! I’m tempted to just blog about the day to day happenings in the life of Pamela Brooks, Realtor…but I don’t want to bore you with that either 
And in case you’re wondering, I HAVE been working…just haven’t done a very good job of telling you about it!
New Listing ~ Gorgeous Yard & Koi Pond
June 25th, 2010
108 Oak Mill Road, Folsom, CA 95630 $315,000
Fabulous single-story home, lovingly maintained by original owners. Open & spacious great room with fireplace, dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar, & plenty of storage…this 1565 square foot home has it all. Three bedrooms and two baths: spacious master with vaulted ceiling and two additional bedrooms. The yard is Sunset Magazine material! A definite must see! Large private yards, gorgeous flowers, established fruit trees (sweetest myer lemons you’ve ever tasted!), serene koi pond & waterfall, covered & uncovered patios…spectacular! NEWER A/C, tile roof, appliances. Recently painted interior/exterior.
More pictures below -
Great News for Sacramento Real Estate!
June 21st, 2010
Sacramento Home Sales for May are the strongest they have been in 4 years! Over 3,700 homes were purchased in May alone according to a Sacramento Bee Article. Additionally, the average sales price was higher this year than last. This is great news for sellers.
This also means the first-time California buyer state tax credit is quickly running out. Over 15,000 buyers have applied for the state tax credit, which is now 80 percent claimed. If you’re thinking of buying a home, be sure to act quickly enough to take advantage of this great tax credit worth up to $10,000. Interest rates have also remained below 5 percent for the past six weeks, making it a great market for both buyers and sellers. It’s a great time for real estate in Sacramento!
Quick Search
Categories
- Home Buying
- Roseville
- Home Selling
- Staging
- Real Estate News
- Home Retention
- Luxury Living
- Folsom
- Granite Bay
- El Dorado Hills
- Just for Fun
Community Resources
