Do you collect bric-a-brac? Do you like antiques? Perhaps you just like window shopping? Well, the Escondido Antique Mall is a great place to take advantage of all those three things!

Located in the heart of historic downtown Escondido at 135 W Grand Avenue (760-743-3210), the Escondido Antique Mall is a large emporium filled with wonderful antiques. Whether you are looking for an old chair for a corner of your living room, a fifty year old lunch box to complete a collection, or an antique cameo brooch, this place has it all!

Antiques are like those old books on grandmother’s shelf. They hold a wealth of knowledge yet to be revealed. The owner of an item that becomes an antique passes that item through history from generation to generation. People who collect antiques are passionate about their collections and they love the hunt and the mysteries that unfold when obtaining new items.

An antique is an object at least a hundred years old. Antique items include furniture, silver, china, stoneware, folk art, quilts, toys and collectibles. Some folks collect antiques because the items evoke a specific memory. Other items are collected because of their monetary value such as an old piece of furniture or a painting.

It doesn’t matter what your goal is when shopping at the Escondido Antique Mall. You will thoroughly enjoy waling down the aisles and browsing the merchandise.

If you want to make a whole day out of your outing to the Escondido Antique Mall, you may also want to consider visiting the Mingei International Museum and dining at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto-both of which are just a hop, skip and a jump from the Antique Mall.

Escondido does have parking restrictions. So, beware. Street parking is limited to two hours. Three hour parking is available in the public parking lots.

Elizabeth Weintraub wrote a response to my blog post “Thanks, Melissa. How Much Do I Owe You?” and that comment has prompted this blog post which, plain and simple, is about thinking BIG.

To make money in real estate you need to think BIG. You can preach all that you like about how you love helping people, but if you consider selling real estate your career, than you need to think BIG.

BIG means create a big pipeline of prospects, and a big marketing and business plan. In coaching agents, I have seen so many agents focus tons and tons of their time on the problems plaguing one single transaction that they do not spend enough time building their pipeline. I’ve seen short sale listing agents spend 10, 20, 30 hours waiting on hold at the banks to get their short sales approved. How many short sale listings could that very same agent have taken while paying someone else to wait on hold for that very same 10, 20, 30 hours? You see, it is all about thinking BIG, making a plan and sticking to it.

Put simply, if I have 80 deals in my pipeline, and my business is cut 50% by a new law or some new lending regulations, I still have 40 deals in my pipeline. I’m a little bit disappointed because I just lost 40 deals. Right? But if I have 2 deals in my pipeline and I lose 50% of those 2 deals, I’m really going to have a hard time making ends meet!

You know all of those great lead generation and programs that are advertised in the local agent magazines?  Craig Proctor, Brian Buffini, Roger Butcher, Tom Ferry-all of those programs for growing your business are very effective. The only time that they are ineffective is when the individual is not consistent in putting the program into action.

So next time you find yourself fixating over the minute details of a transaction, step away and ask yourself if this is the best use of your time. Are you thinking big or thinking small? Perhaps you could hire an assistant or outsource the transaction coordinating or short sale negotiations.

If someone told me that I would get 00 per day everyday of the week just as long as I agreed to give away half of it, I’d be on board in a minute. If you want to see your business increase, than you need to think big-you need to be willing to give away that 00 and focus on collecting the next two grand!

Interested in outsourcing your short sale negotiations, feel free to contact my office!

So How DID You Get to be the Listing Agent?

An innocent question, with many possible answers. 

I suspect we all feel we deserve the listings we get because of our expertise – years of knowledge and experience, familiarity with the local market conditions, the ability to demonstrate our value as an agent, our thorough and convincing market analysis, the diverse marketing targeted to the particular home, the chemistry and the rapport, and so on.

 We compete with others and come out on top. Not always, of course. And perhaps then we wonder – how did YOU become the listing agent? 

Sometimes we become the listing agent without competing. We get the call, because someone has heard of us, or learned about us through our blogging, and they want us to list their home. Just us. I suspect you have had this experience. It’s happened more than once to me and it’s a great feeling. 

Or we get referred to the sellers.

Or did business with them as buyers.

Or assume the role because of marriage or blood, because we are neighbors.

Or are on the bank’s list. 

So how did YOU become the listing agent? 

Now admit it. There have been times you wondered this when encountering a new listing, met an agent at a showing or open house, or worked with a particular someone in the transaction.

Or when you lose to the competition.

Sometimes it’s your ego talking. Sometimes it’s not.

Did they misrepresent the value of the home?

Promise they could get the sellers a ridiculous price?

Mislead the sellers on their marketing?

Distort the market conditions?

Provide a discount? 

There are times when you can’t help but wonder HOW it happened. Or what the sellers were thinking. 

Perhaps they weren’t. Or they don’t really care.

********************************

GOOGLE ME

Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about San Diego real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

So How DID You Get to be the Listing Agent?

An innocent question, with many possible answers. 

I suspect we all feel we deserve the listings we get because of our expertise – years of knowledge and experience, familiarity with the local market conditions, the ability to demonstrate our value as an agent, our thorough and convincing market analysis, the diverse marketing targeted to the particular home, the chemistry and the rapport, and so on.

 We compete with others and come out on top. Not always, of course. And perhaps then we wonder – how did YOU become the listing agent? 

Sometimes we become the listing agent without competing. We get the call, because someone has heard of us, or learned about us through our blogging, and they want us to list their home. Just us. I suspect you have had this experience. It’s happened more than once to me and it’s a great feeling. 

Or we get referred to the sellers.

Or did business with them as buyers.

Or assume the role because of marriage or blood, because we are neighbors.

Or are on the bank’s list. 

So how did YOU become the listing agent? 

Now admit it. There have been times you wondered this when encountering a new listing, met an agent at a showing or open house, or worked with a particular someone in the transaction.

Or when you lose to the competition.

Sometimes it’s your ego talking. Sometimes it’s not.

Did they misrepresent the value of the home?

Promise they could get the sellers a ridiculous price?

Mislead the sellers on their marketing?

Distort the market conditions?

Provide a discount? 

There are times when you can’t help but wonder HOW it happened. Or what the sellers were thinking. 

Perhaps they weren’t. Or they don’t really care.

********************************

GOOGLE ME

Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about San Diego real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

After receiving calls for real estate advice or consultations, I’ve heard those lines many times. “Thanks, Melissa. How much do I owe you?” People are always surprised by the response-nothing.

The general public, I believe, is under the misconception that if you charge for a service is MUST be of a better quality than a service that is free. For example, many lawyers and accountants charge upwards of 0 per hour. Realtors® also provide a service, yet we do not charge by the hour.

This is how Realtors® are paid. A Realtor® represents either a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction. Traditionally, sellers agree to offer a pre-determined percentage of the sales price in exchange for a successful closing-and all that goes along with it. For example, a seller could sign a Residential Listing Agreement and offer to pay 6% of the purchase price in commission. This six percent would be shared (usually in equal parts) between the buyer’s brokerage and the listing agent’s brokerage and is reduced from the seller’s net at the end of the transaction.

Say, for example, that the sales price is 0,000. Six percent of 0,000 would be ,000. The ,000 would be shared between the brokerages of the listing agent and the selling agent.

A common reaction to hearing that an agent will be making ,000 is that it sure sounds like a lot of money for one little transaction. And, ,000 is a lot of money. However, that ,000 does not go directly to the agent who represented you. The agent must share with the brokerage, pay for advertising, Errors and Omissions Insurance, office fees and any other expenses associated with the transaction. Additionally, the agent will pay taxes on the commission later on.

Now, in a short sale transaction, the commission is approved by the seller’s lender and comes from the buyer’s purchase money that is being paid to the bank in order to resolve the short sale. The seller makes no money on a short sale transaction and pays no commission.

Believe it or not, Realtors® do a lot of things for free. Since we do not charge by the hour and only make money when deals close, we frequently prepare Comparative Market Analyses, attend and host Open Houses, prepare marketing materials-all without being paid a penny.

While it is always nice to hear the phrase, “How much do I owe you?” My answer is simply, “You do not owe me anything for this appointment. I do hope that you will please keep me in mind for any future real estate needs and feel free to refer me to anyone you know who might benefit from my services!”

After receiving calls for real estate advice or consultations, I’ve heard those lines many times. “Thanks, Melissa. How much do I owe you?” People are always surprised by the response-nothing.

The general public, I believe, is under the misconception that if you charge for a service is MUST be of a better quality than a service that is free. For example, many lawyers and accountants charge upwards of 0 per hour. Realtors® also provide a service, yet we do not charge by the hour.

This is how Realtors® are paid. A Realtor® represents either a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction. Traditionally, sellers agree to offer a pre-determined percentage of the sales price in exchange for a successful closing-and all that goes along with it. For example, a seller could sign a Residential Listing Agreement and offer to pay 6% of the purchase price in commission. This six percent would be shared (usually in equal parts) between the buyer’s brokerage and the listing agent’s brokerage and is reduced from the seller’s net at the end of the transaction.

Say, for example, that the sales price is 0,000. Six percent of 0,000 would be ,000. The ,000 would be shared between the brokerages of the listing agent and the selling agent.

A common reaction to hearing that an agent will be making ,000 is that it sure sounds like a lot of money for one little transaction. And, ,000 is a lot of money. However, that ,000 does not go directly to the agent who represented you. The agent must share with the brokerage, pay for advertising, Errors and Omissions Insurance, office fees and any other expenses associated with the transaction. Additionally, the agent will pay taxes on the commission later on.

Now, in a short sale transaction, the commission is approved by the seller’s lender and comes from the buyer’s purchase money that is being paid to the bank in order to resolve the short sale. The seller makes no money on a short sale transaction and pays no commission.

Believe it or not, Realtors® do a lot of things for free. Since we do not charge by the hour and only make money when deals close, we frequently prepare Comparative Market Analyses, attend and host Open Houses, prepare marketing materials-all without being paid a penny.

While it is always nice to hear the phrase, “How much do I owe you?” My answer is simply, “You do not owe me anything for this appointment. I do hope that you will please keep me in mind for any future real estate needs and feel free to refer me to anyone you know who might benefit from my services!”

The Mingei International Museum displays folk art and crafts from all cultures of the world. The Mingei International Museum has two locations: one in San Diego at Balboa Park and the other in Escondido. Both locations are on fabulous grounds and include gorgeous displays.

So that all community members can appreciate the beautiful galleries, the Escondido location of the museum (155 W Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025) has recently lowered its admission prices to for adults, for seniors, and for children, students and active duty military. Entry to the museum is free on the first Thursday of the month, and the 2nd Saturday (from 4 – 8 pm).

The Balboa Park location also has great admission prices so that it is an affordable activity for one and all. Located at 1439 El Prado – on the Plaza de Panama
San Diego CA 92101, the admission prices for this location are for adults, for seniors, and for children, students and active duty military. Entry to the museum is free on the third Tuesday of the month

The Mingei International Museum has changing folk art, craft and design exhibitions as well as an educational center. Established in 1978, Mingei International Museum is a non-profit public institution dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of art of the people (mingei) from all cultures of the world. The museum’s collection consists of more than 19,600 objects of folk art and craft from 141 countries.

If you are interested in the viewing the cultural objects from around the world, I would highly recommend that you consider spending an afternoon strolling the Mingei’s galleries. You’ll be glad you did!

Click for more information on the Escondido Museum

Click for more information on the Balboa Park Museum

The Mingei International Museum displays folk art and crafts from all cultures of the world. The Mingei International Museum has two locations: one in San Diego at Balboa Park and the other in Escondido. Both locations are on fabulous grounds and include gorgeous displays.

So that all community members can appreciate the beautiful galleries, the Escondido location of the museum (155 W Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025) has recently lowered its admission prices to for adults, for seniors, and for children, students and active duty military. Entry to the museum is free on the first Thursday of the month, and the 2nd Saturday (from 4 – 8 pm).

The Balboa Park location also has great admission prices so that it is an affordable activity for one and all. Located at 1439 El Prado – on the Plaza de Panama
San Diego CA 92101, the admission prices for this location are for adults, for seniors, and for children, students and active duty military. Entry to the museum is free on the third Tuesday of the month

The Mingei International Museum has changing folk art, craft and design exhibitions as well as an educational center. Established in 1978, Mingei International Museum is a non-profit public institution dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of art of the people (mingei) from all cultures of the world. The museum’s collection consists of more than 19,600 objects of folk art and craft from 141 countries.

If you are interested in the viewing the cultural objects from around the world, I would highly recommend that you consider spending an afternoon strolling the Mingei’s galleries. You’ll be glad you did!

Click for more information on the Escondido Museum

Click for more information on the Balboa Park Museum

Encinitas, California has been recognized as the flower capital because it is the largest supplier of poinsettias to the resent of the world. Perhaps, Encinitas, California should also be called the skateboard capital of the world because it is an extremely large supplier of professional skateboarders as well. Such famous skateboarders as Tony Hawk, Danny Way, Mike McGill, Bucky Lasek, Bob Burnquist and Shaun White all consider Encinitas and more specifically, the Magdalena Ecke YMCA Skatepark as their home.

The Ecke YMCA Skatepark boasts a street course with multiple ledges, rails, boxes, and mini ramps, and four stairs designed for both beginner and expert street skaters.

If you want to see Shaun White or Tony Hawk, you will have to head over to the vert ramp-the 120′ vert used at the 2003 X-Games! That is where the pros hang out.

The skatepark also has two of the best cement pools in the country. One is a backyard style kidney pool the other is a multi-tiered clover bowl. Both pools have smooth transitions, flawless coping, and perfect tile.

For beginners, the skatepark has a mini land that contains gradual transitions and smaller ramps.

The Ecke YMCA offers summer skate camps and private skate classes for those interested in learning or honing their skate skills. But, even more surprising than all of this is that if you head over to the skatepark right after lunch, you will see a group of teenagers skating intensely when the park is not open to the public. You see, the local Encinitas high schools offer skateboarding as one of the physical education courses, and it is extremely popular! So, it’s no wonder that Encinitas has groomed so many professional skaters.

The Ecke YMCA Skatepark is located at 200 Saxony Road in Encinitas, California. From I-5 exit Encinitas Boulevard, head one block east to Saxony.

Open Skatepark Sessions:

Monday thru Friday                           2:30 – 5:00 p.m
                                                     5:15 – 7:45 p.m.

Fridays only                                   12:45 – 2:15 p.m.

Weekends                                      9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
                                                    11:45 – 2:15 p.m.
                                                     2:30 – 5:00 p.m.
                                                     5:15 – 7:45 p.m.

Skatepark members pay .00 per session. (non-members .00 per session) To purchase a membership, the cost is .00 annually and includes a t-shirt, and photo i.d. (Helmets and pads are required.)

The city of Encinitas (population approximately 60,000) is flanked by Carlsbad on the north, Cardiff-by-the-Sea on the South, Rancho Santa Fe to the East, and the gorgeous Pacific Ocean to the West.

It is comprised of several smaller enclaves, most commonly known by the name of the development itself. Once such area is Encinitas Ranch, famous for its golf course and spectacular ocean views.

Encinitas Ranch is also an upscale neighborhood composed of approximately 500 homes ranging from 1800 square feet up to nearly 6000 square feet. Some of the homes are situated on large lots up to approximately .5 acre. Homes in Encinitas Ranch (all of whom belong to the same Homeowner’s Association-Encinitas Ranch Community Association) were made by various different developers-and all of which were built over an eight year period beginning around 1999.

Part of the appeal of Encinitas Ranch includes the fabulous ocean and golf course views as well as the open space and lovely walking trails.

Encinitas Ranch is situated between La Costa Avenue and Encinitas Boulevard, El Camino Real and Saxony.

Encinitas Ranch is known for its 18-hole golf course. Aside from the fact that the course overlooks the ocean, it also has a golf school that offers programs with PGA and LPGA instructors.

Encinitas Ranch does not have its own school. Children and adolescents residing in Encinitas Ranch attend schools in the Encinitas and San Dieguito School Districts, including Capri Elementary School, Oak Crest Middle School, Diegueño Middle School, La Costa Canyon High School, and San Dieguito Academy.

Encinitas Ranch is centrally located, close to shops, schools, highways, and hospitals. And . . . all this with a view of the ocean! What more could you ask for?