When writing blogs and being interviewed on Pod-Casts, we have been very happy to be able to give you the best information related to Real Estate and the Market at hand.  We want you to know, as we have shown in the past, that we are up for the challenge to meet with you and develop a sure plan about your path to home ownership or successful selling of Real Estate, Investing or all three.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your choices.  Also, that you have all of the facts as it relates to who and what we offer with our Premium services within the Real Estate Window!

Here are some Accurate numbers that The Paris911 Team with REMAX of Santa Clarita and REMAX of Valencia are reporting with regard to Current Active Homes on the Market in the communities that compose the Santa Clarita Valley California.

• Castaic - There are 232 active listings with average prices of 542K and median of 415K.
• Stevenson Ranch - There are 132 active listings with average prices of 655K and median of 640K
• Saugus - There are 299 active listings with average prices of 529K and 439K
• Canyon Country - There are 615 properties listed for sale with average prices of 453K and median of 340K
• Newhall - There are 279 properties listed for sale with average prices of 461K and median of 348K
• Valencia - There are 418 properties for sale currently with average price at 523K and median of 455K
• Agua Dulce - there are 68 Real Estate properties for sale with an average price of 941K with a median of 709K
• Acton - There are 160 properties for sale with an average price of 610K and a median of 449K

Any way you slice it true numbers don’t lie.  Another resource that we have to offer are market snapshots of the cities above that are contained within the Santa Clarita Valley Real Estate community.  Just type in any one of those cities followed by a 911.com and you will be transported to that cities specific market snapshot widget offered by www.TopProducing911.com.

"Best Real Estate Agents" - Depends on whom you ask.

"Number 1 agent" - Again this could be true when framed in the proper context.

"Voted number 1 agents" - Who’s doing the voting.

If you are looking for the most hardworking (I know not how others work - But we are usually the first at the office and last to leave), honest (this one I can prove with our testimonials from past clients), Agents (yes licensed) - Call and Be Safe.

Here is a Foreclosure that has not hit the market yet - Located in the San Fernando Valley we will keep you posted on this great REO property.  check out www.MoreThanForeclosures.com for other details and every single foreclosure that is on the Real Estate Market - Whether in The Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Ventura County, or the Antelope Valley.

I thought the 15 hours days were enough, Paris and I rolled in tonight at 2200hrs to our home.  Our last client leaving about 2130hrs.  I am glad that the REMAX of Santa Clarita offices don’t arm their alarm for a bit longer.

I speak with agents from time to time that want to know how we are able to keep busy in a market like this one.  I reply in asking where do they see themselves 7 years from now.  They usually tell me that they don’t know.  If you are going to take a trip to New York City, aren’t you going to have a map of driving directions?  I know that gas is toppling $4 bucks a gallon, but you would get a map to get to New York to get there in the shortest amount of time possible, wouldn’t you?

So there is the way of the business.  I used to subscribe to "The way of The Gun".  But I have become softer since this (Real Estate) has become something that is more clearer to my focus.  So I have studied different business models and watched and observed habits of the successful people and their teams in the Real Estate industry.  The one thing that I see as a commonality - is that they are consistent.  They don’t let the little things set them back from achieving or setting themselves back from their focus on their goal.  They keep their laser type focus on where they are going.

They also have a plan.  If you are going to get anywhere, whether it is in police work, sheriff’s department, or any other profession, you do need a plan.  Take your plan out 6 months, 1 year, 3 years and then 7 years.  Don’t forget to make the Last 10 years of life goal.  Have a time laid out depending on how long you want to live - and make the last 10 years real ages.  Example, I want to live to be 100 years old unassisted.  So I have planned the years from me being 90 years of age to 100 years.  I dream about them - I want to have my life a certain way with my grandchildren, my wife, my sons, and our business that we had built in the preceding years. 

I want to watch my legacy in action and I want it to be.  My faith, my love, my legacy, all are very important to my existence.  Trying to get someone that has already given up or is constantly looking back behind them to understand these things is a true task.  But if anyone wants anything - all they need to find is the emotional connection and it is theirs.  Emotion, a true motivator. -CONNOR with HONOR - REMAX of Santa Clarita and REMAX of Valencia, Santa Clarita Real Estate and The Paris911 Team.

I had never had the chance to take our car in for service as of yet.  But we were a bit apprehensive after the experience that we had at Mercedes Benz of Valencia during our purchase.

I entered the dealership and met with Matthew who was very kind and considerate, my vehicle seemed to be bottoming out when driving around while showing properties.  I spent a few minutes with him and while I was sitting there I felt a feeling as if someone was watching me.

A few more minutes later, I felt as if someone was standing over me.  I looked up and in a Mercedes Jacket was an old friend of mine from 17 years ago when I led another life, Luis Torres, he is a Service Consultant at Mercedes-Benz of Valencia and can be contacted at 661.753.5555, and his direct number is 661.753.5512.  If you have a Mercedes and it is in need of service - Please give him a call - From time past I have seen his character and he is definitely upstanding and will be a straight shooter with you.  E-mail is luis.torres@mbzvalencia.com.  You never really know someone’s true ways unless you are under fire with them - I can say Luis is made of the same metal that I preach day in and day out about with regard to "Full Disclosure" Real Estate!!!

I was extremely happy to see him there and will be utilizing his services from this point on.  There is nothing quite like seeing old friends. - CONNOR with HONOR with REMAX of Santa Clarita and Paris911!

It is no secret that I run a few different blogs in an attempt to inform, educate, and just keep even and level in this world.  Blogging is great therapy and I am happy when I stumble onto a Blog or City site that has blogging capabilities on subjects that we are passionate about.  While surfing our local news, to keep on top of our current Real Estate market and trends, I stumbled upon the website for the Signal, which is the Santa Clarita Valley’s Local Newspaper.

The Signal also is running a nice website with an internal blogging platform, at least I think it is internal, but not as I think about it while I am typing, it is probably crawled by those spiders.  Anyway, it is accessible by going to:   http://community.the-signal.com/blogs/, and registering.  I hit the viewers and users with a conversation Paris and I had with a few friends that we went out with the other night. 

That is Door to Door solicitation, this is something that the group thought might strike a chord in me, but I made it very clear that Paris and I are not geographical Real Estate Farmers.  Furthermore, I have always respected others privacy and would rather meet them when out and about and not have them as such a "captive" audience.  Almost unfair, like shooting ducks in a barrel.

The general consensus by the group 6 or the 8 were Cops and Firemen, that are working terrible hours, some of which I have chewed some of the same asphalt with.   Going to the door for the knock and to see a cheery - bright eyed - bushy tailed - person standing there that wants to tell me about what is going on in my neighborhood does nothing to make me happy.  This was the groups feeling as well, especially when they are woken up from a dead sleep after pulling a double and when their wives or significant others are not home.

So we tossed around the City of Santa Clarita starting a local ordinance that would prohibit Door to Door solicitation that would be an infraction, citeable on a "greenie", which is LAPD slang for a traffic ticket or a notice to appear.  This would also capture those famous door droppers.  The ones that have you making unnecessary trips to the trash can when you did not have to.  When they leave those items on your front door.  Door dropping 1000 flyers for about $100 dollars, or doing the mailing for that which is over $400, that is the reason that the door dropping is so popular.

The question that arises, is doesn’t local Law Enforcement have better things to do?  Absolutely Yes, but I am wondering if some of the Home Owners associations can get involved.  Most hire security, but I am going to stop there.  This would be something that would be difficult to enforce by anyone other than a Sworn Peace Officer, this involves "detentions"  and the right to leave etc.  The City contracts out with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  So they pay money per car that is deployed.  To solve a problem, maybe that could be increased and balanced with the revenue that would be generated by the fines that would be imposed when Door to Door solicitation is made a enforceable local ordinance?

Federal Do Not mail List?  Is it coming?  What do you think about that one? -CONNOR with HONOR (We are unveiling a new HomeValue Engine - www.HomeValue911.com - I’m still tweaking it, I will advise when I am satisfied, but the Field Forms do work and are hooked up - please excuse the mispellings, like I said its still in progress-Thanks)

Looking for Insurance?  Do you have your services under a broker, or do have your insurances spread out with different companies?  Whatever the case, "do I have a fella for you."  One of the most - impressive and most meaningful things - is his ability to give fantastic customer service.  I mean, "isn’t that what "business" is all about?"  Customer Service? 

Roman has proven himself not only with us and our family, but all of our clients that we speak with and close escrow on, get my speech about how he was and has been constantly available and how he gets back with us and does what he says he will do with regards to claims and insurance.  Tried and tested - He is an absolute gift to the Insurance Industry.

You have to check him out, he is one of Paris911 and The 911 Team’s Approved Vendors.  Which if you have been following us for any time or have been a client of ours - That is quite an achievement. 

Thanks Roman and See you at Dinner next week! - CONNOR with HONOR

Roman Rokita - ARES Insurance - 818.986.4207 - 800.706.8873 - Fax: 818.986.2957 - E-mail:  roman@aresins.com

On the 18th of March, year of our Lord 2008, Los Angeles Superior Court prosecutors formally filed charges against 6 Mortgage lending companies.  This was conducted by the Attorney General’s office because they had pushed homeowners into "illegal and unconscionable loans."

Due to the Mortgage and Real Estate crunch, these lenders are using whatever means necessary to put some of those elusive green-backs into their pockets, no matter what the cost.  Instead of preparing for the thinning of the flock, they are still hitting people from illegal and with totally unethical approaches. 

The Attorney General Brown commented, "The illegal sales practices of these companies… included psychological pressure, forgery and outright lies."

Brown had these companies and their assets frozen in the tracts.  Money, cars, real estate holdings and the like were held and will not able to be accessed until this thing is worked out properly.  There is also a $20 Million dollar price tag that Brown is pushing for with regard to penalties and restitution.

What does this mean.  People will sacrifice others to make a buck.  Be Careful with whom you choose to hitch your trailer.  Be weary of the fast talkers and people quick to have you sign.  Have us Run interference for you when it comes to all aspects of Real Estate.  Our reputation is viewed by us as being priceless.  I’m not about to loose all of the ground we have gained over the past 10 years by selling someone short or putting someone where they do not want to be!- CONNOR with HONOR - We are REMAX of Santa Clarita and REMAX of Valencia - I love this Place!!! 

St. Patrick’s day has a couple of meanings for the MacIVOR household.  One much more important than the other.  Besides being our heritage that we are Scottish/Irish, we also have our eldest son that was brought into the world on March 17.  What a glorious day that was for me laddie.  You can almost hear the accent when I speak of such things.

It does bring a tear to me eye.  But seriously, he is the apple of my eye and the apple of my other eye is his brother.  If we had a third, I am not sure what they would be the apple of.  But me thinks that cannot happen. 

Thanks for reading my stuff about Santa Clarita Real Estate and Real Estate in general it is fantastic to have an audience.  I also hope it serves you well.  With as Much Honor as I can muster.  Happy St. Patrick’s Day - Here are some Green Fireworks.  Crazy - CONNOR with HONOR - RE/MAX of Santa Clarita and Paris911…

Open houses, according to the National Association of Realtors, do not do much to help sell those properties.  But if the agent that is representing the seller does it correctly, they sure do get people that are interested in purchasing Real Estate showing up at the front door.

My approach to conducting an open house is simple, I want to give the visitor enough room to ask questions and to be curious about what the various aspects of this home are.  How the home is different and whether or not the the price is something that is reasonable or our of their reach.  The buyers that are visiting open houses are very well educated these days.  It is not necessary to have them from the moment of "hello".  What is important is to convey to them that you are indeed the agent that they cannot find anywhere else.

Some of the points you will need are following, you need to make sure you are up to date on the tract activity, number of homes for sale, currently, 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years ago.  You will also need to compare where the market is now "current down - up - buyers - sellers - foreclosure etc." and when the last time,that was similar to the current market condition, was and why, comparatively, they are different, if they are.

You will need to be the Subject Matter Expert on which ever area you are holding an open house in.  Remember, you are only to have a few minutes to make an impression.  I would recommend some type of handout as well.  Something with the target property on it, but even more, something of use.  I have pens, I go through over 3000 pens a month, not just at open houses either.  I give pens to everyone I can.  Pens are great and not as intrusive as business cards.  The card indicates some sort of commitment that you are wanting.  Pens, write on paper.  The business card has no other use but to remember who you are, and were, the keeper of the card.  The pens, still continue to write on paper. 

Space, truth, and unfocused attention is what is important.  If someone is currently working with a Real Estate agent.  Then you will need to redirect their conversation and include their "mystery" agent.  Stop the hunt, these people are already someone else’s.  Be weary taking and working something that is not yours.  That is coveting, and could cause you problems in places you don’t realize.  Have some code and make sure that you extend that "code" to those who choose to utilize your services in the home buying and or selling process. 

If you are a code enforcer, as am I, within the realm of the Real Estate Re-sale community, then you will understand that it is up to us to change the view that the majority of consumers have with regard to Real Estate Agents.  The way we do that is by developing a Relational approach versus a Transactional approach to this business of Real Estate.  Making sure we focus on the client and their needs instead of the commission.  If you have the relationship, you will have all of the commission you will ever want, without having to play the "predator". "Don’t you think there are enough "predator’s" in the world? - CONNOR with HONOR

I blogged about Buca Di Beppo and it being a great place to eat in the Valencia Town Center, Valencia California.  We we had a date with our friends from Realty Marketing and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  We all showed up promptly at 1900hrs and Peter Han, the Manager at Buca Di Beppo was there to greet us.

The greeter was warm and friendly with a frown proof smile from ear to ear.  Peter Han came by after we were seated with a bottle of our favorite wine.  The fantastic Italian Red from Italy - Luna Di Luna.  We have tried to purchase this private sector, but have been unable to locate it, until now!  The only restaurant we had been able to get it is at Buca Di Beppo, I would recommend it to anyone.  As far as a more complete description about its Aroma, Backbone or its Balance, I must refrain.  This is something that you will need to experience.  It is not the most expensive of wine, but it is really wonderful.

We stared with the wine and a bit of bread and olive oil.  The conversation was about many things, the Real Estate market, the advertising world, and of course Police and Sheriff work.  We spoke at length about their and our children and other assorted family matters.  It was very nice and the restaurant was not very busy, it being during the week and all.  Time flew because we had good drink, at a good restaurant, good food and a very warm, hospitable and talented Manager with his very supportive staff.

The food was served hot, it was filling, the follow up cappuccino’s and dessert provided a very well rounded experience at Buca Di Beppo.  I am no critic, but I must say that I do love food and when coupled with a great ambiance and environment, I am in Earth’s best representation of Heaven.  I would hope that when you have a chance you give Buca Di Beppo in the Valencia Town Center a call and make some dinner reservations for you and your special friends and family, you won’t regret it.

Hope fully Paris and I will see you there! - CONNOR with HONOR

We can help you understand everything you need to know about the home buying process.

Not all real estate licensees are the same; only those who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® are properly called REALTORS^®. They proudly display the REALTOR " ^®" trademark on their business cards and other marketing and sales literature.

REALTORS^® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS^® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reported that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR^® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments of most people’s lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $250,000. If you had a $250,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a certified professional accountant? If you had a $250,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be wise to work with a professional REALTOR^® when you are buying a home.

If you’re still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR^®, here are more reasons to use one:

1. We can help you determine your buying power - that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a us some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, we can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders - banks and mortgage companies - offer limited choices.
2. We have many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by us to find all available properties.
3. We can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Because we are REALTORS^® we have access to a variety of informational resources. We can also provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. There are two things you’ll want to know: First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
4. We can also help you with negotiations and inspections. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or appliances. The purchase agreement should allow time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. We can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. We also provide due diligence during the property evaluation. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. We will assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports.
   You will also want to see a preliminary report on the property title. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. We will direct you so you are well protected and if you need direction we can put you into contact with a title search company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
6. We can help you understand different financing options and identify qualified lenders.
7. We can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.  

There is a lot of direction we can give but we are also held to a much higher standard than that of being Realtors.  Paris and I function and have a much different direction and that direction is you.  We want what is best for you and want to ensure your future is bound in happiness with our performance so when it comes to the topic of Real Estate ever being presented anywhere, we will be on the tip of your tongue. -CONNOR with HONOR