REAL ESTATE NEWS AND HOMEOWNERS TIPS
JULY 2007
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What’s in an Agent?


There has been an increasing trend recently among people who are selling their homes to do it themselves. This is traditionally referred to as “For Sale By Owner,” and the prime motivator is usually cost savings. Even though there are many homeowners out there who have tremendous business savvy and are highly intelligent, the intricacies of selling one’s own home present countless headaches to anyone who is not a highly-trained and accredited REALTOR®.

As you consider the benefits of hiring a Real Estate professional, what traits should you seek in an agent? Good agents are never pushy, always good listeners, and reliably consistent. Even though you might feel that they are being brutally honest at times, it’s truly in the best interest of properly pricing and marketing your home. It might not be what you wanted to hear regarding your asking price, for instance, but it’s accurate. Accurate pricing is key to a smooth transaction. That’s why good agents listen hard, to gather all details and assess them.

Seek an agent with a sense of humor. This relationship will last awhile, possibly many years to come, and you want to find a mentor who can also be your friend. It’s imperative that you trust your agent, and you can’t do that if you don’t like them. This person should also be patient. Remember that it’s in everyone’s best interest for your agent take a “client for life” approach. This is accomplished by building a mutually beneficial relationship, which will considerably decrease everyone’s stress levels and create an enjoyable atmosphere.

Demand complete information and a straightforward approach. You will receive a valuable education during your transaction process. Your agent genuinely wants you to be happy with the customer service you receive. This should include divulging every detail you want to know. However, it also mandates that the agent simultaneously and deftly handles all of the massive amounts of paperwork and legalities, plus the interface with Escrow, Lenders, Title Companies and other agents. These interactions should be seamless to you. That’s why you hired a pro.

If you ask your agent a question and he or she does not know the answer, they should promptly find the answer and tell you. Your representative needs to be direct with you, to create solid direction and to be strong. Once you’ve successfully completed your sale, you’ll be very grateful that you hired an agent. Most likely, you will wind up recommending this person to your friends and family. Last but not least, statistics prove that sellers who use an agent almost always make out better financially than the “Do It Yourself” homeowner. Not to mention all that unnecessary work you saved yourself! We thought you’d like to know.


This newsletter is not a solicitation for already-listed properties. Prudential California Realty is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
From the desk of...

The M & M TEAM
Hello Family and Friends,

Hurray! Summertime is here at last! This means congenial picnics in our local parks, complete with free entertainment. For some of the lucky ones, there’s an absence of the dreaded alarm clock. It’s time to clean up the barbeque and patio furniture. Impromptu gatherings are more likely during lovely weather. There’s a general aura of relaxation, even for those who must arise and deal with the daily commute.

Vacation plans abound. The beach, road trips, foreign destinations, or quality visits with family and friends who live far away. Or, they may be headed for your house instead!

It’s sort of a cruel irony that, as of June 22, the days began to get shorter. Oh well — we will still have plenty of daylight for many weeks to come, long into the evening hours. So, have a great 4th of July!!!

Warmly,
Ryan and Linda

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Activity


JUST LISTED
5361 Plata Rosa Court $1,699,000
 
PENDING
1654 Sweetleaf Lane $515,900
 
JUST SOLD
5411 Honeyman Street $470,000
1366 Vista Court $600,000
1787 Woodscent Lane $500,000
885 Fowler Avenue $629,999
640 San Telmo Circle $729,000
5261 Vanalden Avenue $1,275,000

The Speedy Gourmet
Great Recipes for Busy People

Cold Minty Cantaloupe Soup


2 ripe cantaloupes, about 2 pounds each
1/4 Cup dry white wine
2 Tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon confectioner’s sugar
2 Tablespoons plain yoghurt

Just right for summer luncheons or dinner parties. Cool and refreshing, but wonderfully complex taste. Quick and easy!

Peel the cantaloupe, remove seeds, and chop into chunks. As you prepare the melon, retain as much of the juice as possible. Work over a sieve in a bowl if you can. Puree all ingredients plus the retained juice in a blender and chill for a few hours. Pour into bowls, garnish, and serve.

Garnish: mint leaves--and edible flowers (nasturtiums) if you can get them.

Experiment with other melon, mango or sweet and juicy fruit (not citrus). The orange soup will contain small green flecks of the fresh mint. Delightful, attractive, and delicious.

Try serving this with a lemon chicken entrée, and a chilled tossed salad made with raspberry vinaigrette. Makes about 4 servings.

Recipe courtesy of Victoria Wood,Publicist, Prudential California Realty
Median Sale Prices

Here are the median sales prices recorded in May for single family homes, condos and new construction in the following communities:
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Agoura Hills $665,000
Source: Data Quick
Calabasas $1,075,000
Camarillo $550,250
Fillmore $455,000
Moorpark $844,500
Newbury Park $642,500
Oak Park $595,000
Oxnard $560,500
Santa Paula $495,000
Simi Valley $560,000
Thousand Oaks $685,000
Ventura $561,500
Westlake Village $849,000
Woodland Hills $675,000
ARCHIVES
June '07
May '07
April '07
March '07
February '07
January '07
December '06
November '06
October '06
September '06
August '06
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Please click your neighborhood below to view the recent activity in your neighborhood. ***Be sure to click the "SAVED" tab on each new page.***
 
The Pinnacle, Camarillo
Carriage Square, Thousand Oaks
Copperwood, Thousand Oaks
North Ranch Meadows, Westlake Village
Parklane, Simi Valley
Stoneybrook, Westlake Village
More
 
Would you like to add your neighborhood? Just email us and we will include it in the next Community Report. Check out our website from time to time for new updated neighborhoods.
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The M & M TEAM
2860 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Ryan Mills and Linda Mills

Ryan: Cell (818) 917-7782 | Linda: Cell (805) 402-2277
Ryan@TheMMTeam.com | Linda@TheMMTeam.com

www.TheMMTeam.com

A big part of our business is referrals. In appreciation of your confidence in us, we have a unique gift for you should your friend or relative choose to buy or sell with us. Thank you for your support!
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