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Huntington Harbour, California
| 90-day stats for Single Family properties in HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA as of May 25, 2012 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median List Price: | $631,488 | Average List Price: | $794,673 |
| Total Inventory: | 523 | Price per Square Foot: | $327 |
| Average Home Size: | 1,751 | Median Lot Size: | 6,098 |
| Average # Beds: | 3.43 | Average # Baths: | 2.47 |
| Homes Absorbed: | 46 | Newly Listed: | 45 |
| Days on Market: | 135 | Average Age: | 33 |
Pam Etem Receives Star Real Estate’s Presidential Circle Award
Pam Etem
Frank McDowell owner and broker of Star Real Estate is honored to announce that Pam Etem has again received Star Real Estate’s prestigious “Presidential Circle” award for 2011. “This marks Pam’s 7th consecutive year for this top production award, a really difficult task given the turbulent real estate market of the last 7 years”.
Pam Etem ranked 57th out of over 1100 real estate agents in Huntington Beach 618th out of over 11,000 agents in Orange County for her production in 2011. Orange Coast magazine also recognized Pam in their December 2011 issue as being a “Five Star Real Estate Agent”. Their award was based on surveys from homeowners, peers and industry experts. They acknowledged “Pamela Etem as providing exceptional service and overall satisfaction” for her clients.
In receiving these acknowledgements Pam commented that none of this would have been possible without the incredible support of her family and the trust and loyalty of her clients. “I am honored and humbled that my past clients continue to support and refer me. Thank you all for these amazing accolades, now back to work”.
Star Real Estate, one of the largest family owned real estate companies in Southern California, has over 325 agents in seven area offices and two affiliated offices in South Orange County. The company’s goal is to bring its clients the total property-ownership experience, all under one roof — from residential and relocation services to commercial real estate transactions — with the expert assistance of its ancillary services, Terra Mortgage and Advantage One Escrow.
For more information, call Pam at (714) 717-6408, e-mail her at pamela.etem@verizon.net, or visit www.theoc-realestate.com. Pam’s office is at 16875 Algonquin, Huntington Beach, California, 92649. For more information about Star Real Estate, visit http://www.starrealestate.com/.
Realtor® Nationwide Open House Weekend Brings Buyers and Sellers Together
Star Real Estate
With plentiful inventory and record breaking housing affordability conditions, Realtors® expect this year’s spring home buying season to be a busy one. To kick off the season, Realtors® from coast to coast will host thousands of open houses as part of the Realtor® Nationwide Open House Weekend. On April 28 and 29 Star Real Estate Realtors® in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and the surrounding areas will hold open houses all weekend long, bringing buyers and sellers together.
“This nationwide event offers buyers the chance to visit some of the many homes in their local area while learning more about homeownership,” said Frank McDowell, CEO of Star Real Estate. “Open houses are also an opportunity for Realtors® to connect with consumers in their communities about the housing issues that matter most to them.”
Realtors® will be available at open houses to answer consumer questions about the home buying process and local market conditions. Star Real Estate will be giving away ten chances to win a $50.00 gas card to 10 lucky open house attendees.
While the housing market continues to recover, it’s showing signs of improvement, and for many, homeownership remains an important part of the American Dream. According to research from the National Association of Realtors®, more renters than ever aspire to become homeowners and an overwhelming majority of Americans believe buying a home is a solid financial decision.
“Homeownership matters to individuals, families, communities and our nation’s economy,” said McDowell. “The housing market plays a vital role in both the long- and short-term health of this country. Homeownership is not just an investment in your future; it’s an investment in the future of generations to come.”
Earlier this year NAR reported housing affordability conditions reached the highest level since record keeping began in 1970. The housing affordability index is based on the relationship between the median home price, median family income and the average mortgage interest rate. The index reached 206.1 in January, the first time the index broke the two hundred mark. The higher the index, the greater the household purchasing power. This means the typical family has roughly double the income needed to purchase a median-priced home.
“Realtors® believe that anyone who is able and willing to assume the responsibilities of owning a home should have the opportunity to pursue that dream,” said McDowell. “Realtors® know what matters most to buyers and sellers in this area and have the expertise and knowledge to help you achieve the dream of homeownership.”
Star Real Estate, one of the largest family owned real estate companies in Southern California, has been providing residential real estate services for more than 34 years. The company has over 325 agents in seven area offices and two affiliated offices in South Orange County. Its agents, experienced in navigating the complex housing market, are continuously trained in all facets of residential real estate, from equity sales to foreclosures and short sale properties.
The company’s goal is to bring its clients the total property-ownership experience, all under one roof — from residential and relocation services to commercial real estate transactions — with the expert assistance of its ancillary services, Terra Mortgage and Advantage One Escrow.
To learn about Star Real Estate and its innovative programs and extended training for Realtors, call Diane van der Goes at (714) 378-3496 for a confidential interview. Catch her on Twitter @StarREInOC. Follow Star and the latest trends in real estate at www.facebook.com/StarRealEstate, or visit http://www.StarRealEstate.com
“Green” Broker Jennifer Thomas of Star Real Estate Deals Up Options
Jennifer Thomas
Going above and beyond the call of duty is what clients have come to expect from Broker Jennifer Thomas. Throughout her 25-plus year career, she has consistently ranked in the Top 1% of agents at Star Real Estate. As a former teacher, she is patient, caring and honest. She holds a short sale/foreclosure resource certificate, and goes the extra mile to fully disclose the details of all contracts while relaying complex information in a clear, concise manner. With a strong sense of personal responsibility, she often helps secure bids from contractors when helping to upgrade a listing. Integrity is her guiding principle.
As one who aggressively pursues further education, Jennifer is certified as an ECO-Broker and has a Green Designation from the National Association of Realtors. With a focus on energy efficiency, she works enthusiastically to help clients save money by recommending “green” home options. This also enables clients to obtain a higher resale value when putting the home back on the market. Her interests motivate her to serve on the board of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. She also participates as a Public Works Commissioner for the city of Huntington Beach.
Jennifer is also trained a Senior Real Estate Specialist, and estimates that about 20% of her business comes from this segment of the population. She is dedicated to serving in the best interests of families with senior members and strives to keep seniors independent by being able to stay in their own home. Family members have come to trust her judgment, and rely on her for her expertise. Referrals and repeat business is her reward.
As a member of the National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors and Orange County Association of Realtors, Jennifer is driven to stay current so that she can fully educate her clients in all aspects of a real estate transaction.
To contact Jennifer, call (714) 415-5052. For more information, visit http://jenniferthomas.com/.
Star Real Estate, one of the largest family owned real estate companies in Southern California, has been providing residential real estate services for more than 34 years. The company has over 325 agents in seven area offices and two affiliated offices in South Orange County. Its agents, experienced in navigating the complex housing market, are continuously trained in all facets of residential real estate, from equity sales to foreclosures and short sale properties.
The company’s goal is to bring its clients the total property-ownership experience, all under one roof — from residential and relocation services to commercial real estate transactions — with the expert assistance of its ancillary services, Terra Mortgage and Advantage One Escrow.
To learn about Star Real Estate and its innovative programs and extended training for Realtors, call Diane van der Goes at (714) 378-3496 for a confidential interview. Catch her on Twitter @StarREInOC. Follow Star and the latest trends in real estate at www.facebook.com/StarRealEstate, or visit http://www.StarRealEstate.com.
Star Real Estate’s Pam Frey Teams Up for Better Buyer/Seller Service
Pam Frey
Realtor Pam Frey is a Top Producer, having been one of the top 10% of all agents at Star Real Estate for almost six years. Well-known throughout Orange County, she remains focused on providing the highest level of customer service. Pam draws upon the resources of The OC Home Team, a group she formed nearly six years ago. The team is devoted to offering a full range of services to help clients make better-informed decisions when buying or selling real estate.
Pam is short sale and foreclosure certified and is a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors. She is also a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network, a small group of agents who must satisfy a set of consumer-valued criteria.
An active businesswoman, Pam’s expertise includes mortgage banking and small business development. She covers all aspects of property acquisition, including investment properties and 1031 exchanges. Her services include presenting buyers with a comprehensive market analysis of areas of interest within their qualifying range. She strives for quick pre-approvals and assists in obtaining the right financing. She explains all pertinent real estate documents in advance of any transaction, and protects buyers’ interests by presenting offers professionally, while negotiating the best possible terms.
When listing a property, Pam utilizes an extensive marketing program to get properties exposed to a broad range of prospects for the fastest sale possible. She reviews all offers, and counsels clients accordingly. With a background in customer service management, Pam is adept at helping relieve any stress that may result from any type of real estate transaction.
In addition to guiding clients through a single transaction, Pam’s group is positioned to provide clients service for life. To contact Pam, call (714) 317-1678 or visit www.TheOCHomeTeam.com.
Star Real Estate, one of the largest family owned real estate companies in Southern California, has been providing residential real estate services for more than 34 years. The company has over 325 agents in seven area offices and two affiliated offices in South Orange County. Its agents, experienced in navigating the complex housing market, are continuously trained in all facets of residential real estate, from equity sales to foreclosures and short sale properties.
The company’s goal is to bring its clients the total property-ownership experience, all under one roof — from residential and relocation services to commercial real estate transactions — with the expert assistance of its ancillary services, Terra Mortgage and Advantage One Escrow.
To learn about Star Real Estate and its innovative programs and extended training for Realtors, call Diane van der Goes at (714) 378-3496 for a confidential interview. Catch her on Twitter @StarREInOC. Follow Star and the latest trends in real estate at www.facebook.com/StarRealEstate, or visit http://www.StarRealEstate.com.
Star Real Estate’s Birgitta Ganz and Chris Bowman Achieve Highest Honor
Birgitta Ganz & Chris Bowman
Birgitta Ganz, Broker Associate and Chris Bowman, a Realtor and MBA at Star Real Estate/Harbour Homes have once again achieved recognition for their continued success through renewed achievement of the President’s Circle award, comprised of Star’s Top 10% producers.
With a combined total of over 43 years in the business, Birgitta and Chris bring a high level of energy and commitment to achieving their client’s real estate goals. They offer full service real estate support tailored to their clients’ business and personal needs. Their well-known, outstanding personal service is key to client satisfaction. The team’s repeat and referral business is a direct result of their dedication to and successful achievement of their clients’ goals.
Birgitta and Chris are certified in short sales and foreclosures through the National Association of Realtors, something very necessary in today’s economic conditions. They maintain a high percentage of referrals and enjoy working with previous clients’ children and parents. Their expertise allows them to offer the best options for the individual needs of all clients.
Birgitta may be contacted at (714) 393-1776 and Chris may be reached at (714) 458-5653. For additional information, visit www.BirgittaChris.com.
Frank McDowell, CEO of Star Real Estate said, “Birgitta and Chris have been consistent top producers. Their reputation among peers for conducting business with credibility and integrity are assets that keep them at the top in this industry. Their knowledge of the latest information in home pricing, mortgage costs and neighborhood values allows them to offer the best options for when and where to get the most for one’s real estate dollar.”
Star Real Estate, one of the largest family owned real estate companies in Southern California, has been providing residential real estate services for more than 34 years. The company has over 325 agents in seven area offices and two affiliated offices in South Orange County. Its agents, experienced in navigating the complex housing market, are continuously trained in all facets of residential real estate, from equity sales to foreclosures and short sale properties.
The company’s goal is to bring its clients the total property-ownership experience, all under one roof — from residential and relocation services to commercial real estate transactions — with the expert assistance of its ancillary services, Terra Mortgage and Advantage One Escrow.
To learn about Star Real Estate and its innovative programs and extended training for Realtors, call Diane van der Goes at (714) 378-3496 for a confidential interview. Catch her on Twitter @StarREInOC. Follow Star and the latest trends in real estate at www.facebook.com/StarRealEstate, or visit http://www.StarRealEstate.com.
Cutting Edge Technology is at Your Fingertips with The Pier Team at Star Real Estate
Doug DiGiore and Kevin Sullivan
Realtor & Broker team Doug DiGiore & Kevin Sullivan deliver results by utilizing cutting edge technology. Doug is backed by 20 years of Internet and finance experience. Licensed as a Realtor in 2001, he joined forces with Star Real Estate in 2006. Kevin also has a technical background and worked as a mortgage loan officer pervious to joining Star in 2007. Kevin and Doug have been in the top 10% of Realtors at Star for 2 years.
“We specialize in Web marketing,” Doug said. “About 80% of homebuyers start searching for a home by doing an online search, so we developed a Web portal for those people.”
PierTeam.com was launched, and the team developed their global marketing strategy.
“We came up with a system that allows our clients to reach an international market,” Doug said. “We can put any home in front of buyers throughout Asia, India and Europe, as well as Orange County.”
Doug and Kevin use search engine optimization, as well as auto notifiers, among other key strategies, to place homes at the fingertips of buyers near and far. They partner with top international relocation service companies to assist buyers as well as sellers.
Kevin said, “ Our main focus is to assist our clients by overcoming any obstacles that may stand in the way of meeting their goals.”
Both Doug and Kevin hold certifications in Short Sales Foreclosures Resource Services. Doug holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and Kevin has a Green Designation from the National Association of Realtors. Kevin enjoys sharing tips on how homeowners can become more eco-friendly and save energy as a result. He said, ”One aspect that I especially enjoy is helping a client lower their family’s carbon footprint.”
You can contact Doug by calling (949) 279-4547 or Kevin by calling (714) 721-1006. For more information, visit http://www.ThePierTeam.com.
Star Real Estate, one of the largest family owned real estate companies in Southern California, has been providing residential real estate services for more than 34 years. The company has over 325 agents in seven area offices and two affiliated offices in South Orange County. Its agents, experienced in navigating the complex housing market, are continuously trained in all facets of residential real estate, from equity sales to foreclosures and short sale properties.
The company’s goal is to bring its clients the total property-ownership experience, all under one roof — from residential and relocation services to commercial real estate transactions — with the expert assistance of its ancillary services, Terra Mortgage and Advantage One Escrow.
To learn about Star Real Estate and its innovative programs and extended training for Realtors, call Diane van der Goes at (714) 378-3496 for a confidential interview. Catch her on Twitter @StarREInOC. Follow Star and the latest trends in real estate at www.facebook.com/StarRealEstate, or visit http://www.StarRealEstate.com.
Everyone Enjoys VIP Status with Star Real Estate’s Cheryl Coleman
Cheryl Coleman
A distinctive background beyond your typical Real Estate Agent has contributed to Cheryl Coleman’s success and brought credentials such as Star’s President’s Award and the Top 5 status during the toughest years in the real estate market. She is certified to sell short sales and foreclosures and is also certified for the Home Affordable Foreclosures Alternatives program. She is an active member of the Women’s Council of Realtors, The Orange County Association of Realtors, the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
Coleman took her first real estate class in college and majored in marketing. She rose quickly to become Vice President of Marketing at various organizations. One employer sent her around the world as an international negotiator. In 1999, she moved from her home in Virginia to Huntington Beach, where she obtained her real estate license. She has enjoyed great success at Star Real Estate.
“Star is not a franchise. It is a company made up of extremely knowledgeable professionals who have been in the business for 30 to 40 years. They have seen it all, and they share their knowledge,” Coleman said. “They treat everyone like family.”
Home sellers enjoy fast sales with Coleman’s ability to get their homes placed at the top of Internet listings and her ability to stage homes to appeal to a wide range of buyers, including those of other cultures, which she credits to her travels abroad.
Bank negotiation is another key to her success. Coleman built relationships with financial institutions in order to negotiate on behalf of her clients. Armed with experience in FHA & VA loans, Coleman’s skill set was in place when the market became flooded with foreclosures. Her compassionate nature became evident, as she took special care of foreclosed homeowners. When short sales became popular, her relationships were in place and her clients benefited.
Real Estate is what Coleman believes in. She purchased her first home as a teen-ager, and to date she has handled 18 negotiations for herself and her family.
To reach Coleman, call 714-717-1728 or email her at Cheryl@CherylSellsOC.com. For more information, visit http://www.CherylSellsOC.com.
Star Real Estate, one of the largest family owned real estate companies in Southern California, has been providing residential real estate services for more than 34 years. The company has over 325 agents in seven area offices and two affiliated offices in South Orange County. Its agents, experienced in navigating the complex housing market, are continuously trained in all facets of residential real estate, from equity sales to foreclosures and short sale properties.
The company’s goal is to bring its clients the total property-ownership experience, all under one roof — from residential and relocation services to commercial real estate transactions — with the expert assistance of its ancillary services, Terra Mortgage and Advantage One Escrow.
To learn about Star Real Estate and its innovative programs and extended training for Realtors, call Diane van der Goes at (714) 378-3496 for a confidential interview. Catch her on Twitter @StarREInOC. Follow Star and the latest trends in real estate at www.facebook.com/StarRealEstate, or visit http://www.starrealestate.com/.
Star Real Estate moves from Mortgage Broker to Mortgage Banker.
Star Real Estate is constantly evolving and, for over 25 years, Star’s ancillary divisions – Terra Mortgage and Advantage One Escrow – have provided services that have gone beyond the exchange of real estate. In August of this year, the company reached another milestone. Terra Mortgage has now gone from mortgage broker to mortgage banker and is now a direct lender.
“As a direct lender, we now have full authority over what we can offer the consumer in terms of lending,” said Kevin Piel, executive vice president of Terra Mortgage. “The homebuyer can now choose to go from A to Z with us. This benefits buyers because they can get lower rates when their loans are funded through us. In my 23 years in the industry, this is the best option I have seen for the consumer,” Piel said.
In this one-stop shopping approach, the entire home-buying process becomes streamlined. The team at Terra Mortgage can verify all information provided and pre-approve the buyer for a specific loan amount. This differs from the typical prequalification process, which is based on unverified information. During a typical transaction, the pre-qualified homebuyer may go through a broker who will then act as a third party in the home-buying process. A pre-approval by Terra Mortgage eliminates the extra time it would then take for a homebuyer’s file to go through different channels for verification.
“In a time when foreclosures are being snapped up fast, our clients will now have the advantage of being able to move faster by becoming pre-approved through our process of verification.” Piel said.
As a result, a homebuyer who works with a Star Real Estate agent can get an edge over other buyers interested in the same home. To expedite the process, Terra Mortgage’s team will process the loan, underwrite the loan, and approve the loan. They will draw up the loan documents and fund the loan, all under the same roof.
“When a buyer chooses to work through us to obtain a loan, their file never leaves our hands. This results in a faster closing, giving our clients a tremendous advantage. This allows all of us to keep one step ahead of competitors,” Piel said.
Terra Mortgage knows what it takes to be a successful lender. Take advantage of the company’s experience and flexibility and overcome the potential roadblocks in obtaining a home loan. Star’s dedicated mortgage professionals are committed to making the entire process, from application to funding, as fast and as smooth as possible.
Star Real Estate, one of the largest family owned real estate companies in Southern California has been providing residential real estate services in southern California for more than 34 years. The company has over 325 agents in seven area offices and two affiliated offices in South Orange County. The company leads the way in cutting-edge technology. Its agents, experienced in navigating the complex housing market, are continuously trained in all facets of residential real estate, from equity sales to foreclosures and short sale properties.
To find out more about Terra Mortgage programs, call 714-500-5151. For more information about Star Real Estate, visit http://www.starrealestate.com, or call 1-888-887-1897 or your Star Real Estate associate to begin the new real estate experience – the “all about you” experience.
Star Real Estate Chips in to Celebrate a Big Little League Win
The members of the Majors Division All Star Team from Ocean View Little League of Huntington Beach played their hearts out to win the 2011 Little League World Series title, so it was only fitting that members of the community pour their hearts out in return. This is the first time a team from Orange County has won the Little League World Series! It finished No.1 out of more than 7,500 teams worldwide.
However, because this big win was not something that could have been foreseen, the cost of a celebratory parade was not within the city’s budget. But some big hearts stepped up.
Huntington Beach Mayor Joe Carchio said, “As I watched the games on TV, I knew immediately that this was a special team. Even before they qualified, I felt they deserved some recognition. I reached out to Robert Mayer and to the community, and they responded.”
Frank McDowell, CEO of Star Real Estate, said, “It was so exciting watching these kids on TV. I am so proud of these boys. This kind of thing is so uplifting in today’s trying times. I wanted to celebrate their success, so when I learned that the mayor had put out the word for funds, I acted.”
Mayor Carchio said, “Star knew what I needed without me having to ask. They stepped forward. They do a good job for the community, and I thank them for all that they do.”
With teamwork by The Fourth of July Executive Board, Star Real Estate, dozens of other business members of the community, and so many others, a parade was afforded, all without the use of public funds.
Saturday, Sept. 10, began with thunder and rain, but the weather was similar on the day the team won the World Series Championship. A member of the team posted his comment online, “Funny how it is the same weather on the day of the parade. It cleared up for the game – I have faith it will clear up for our parade!” It’s clear that this player’s positive attitude contributed to his team’s success.
The team’s genuine, innocent joy brought the city to life. A large group of volunteers from Star Real Estate helped decorate the streets. More than 2,500 people gathered, and just before 3 p.m. the clouds cleared. The Mayor led the parade down Main Street to the Pier Plaza, where he presented each player a key to the city, the highest award that the city provides.
Star Real Estate congratulates the Ocean View Little League All Stars on its big success!
Star Real Estate, one of the largest family owned real estate companies in Southern California, has been providing residential real estate services in Southern California for more than 34 years. The company has over 325 agents in seven area offices and two affiliated offices in South Orange County. Its agents are experienced in navigating the complex housing market and are continuously trained in all facets of residential real estate, from equity sales to foreclosures and short sale properties. The company’s “win/win” strategy works well for both buyers and sellers.
For more information about Star Real Estate, call any office or visithttp://www.starrealestate.com.
Star Real Estate’s Scott Kramer Driven to Provide More Service
Scott Kramer
For some, buying and selling a home can be a bit of a challenge. For Scott Kramer, Star Real Estate agent, challenges are his driving force. By nature, Kramer thrives in challenging situations. He also has a strong sense of responsibility directed toward helping others. These traits, when combined with over 20 years of real estate experience, become a strong force that’s hard to beat.
Kramer is also one of a select group of agents who holds a California Mortgage Loan Originator License (MLO). He went that extra mile through a rigorous process that involved the successful completion of a pre-license course approved by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), the passing of an NMLS-administered state and national exam and the completion of a national background check. He has been processing loans since 2004.
Kramer has recently joined the ranks of Star Real Estate’s south Huntington Beach office, located at 20951 Brookhurst Street, Huntington Beach.
“Star Real Estate has the strong resources that a large company can provide, while still having the heart of a small company,” he said.
That is important to Kramer. He didn’t start out in real estate. A graduate of Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School, he became a ship’s officer for the Merchant Marines, but felt the need to do something more. Drawn by a sense of adventure, a desire for a challenge and a need to help others, Kramer became a river-rafting guide after his last sea voyage in 1987. He mastered the ability to safely negotiate rough river currents. He still enjoys guiding tourists safely through the rapids. And he continues to negotiate the best deals for his clients.
“I enjoy the art of negotiation and the challenge that each transaction brings,” he said.
His strong negotiator skills work in his clients’ favor, and he keeps a buyer’s best interest in mind when working on their behalf to obtain a loan.
“At the end of the day, I gain satisfaction by helping others. I look out for people and enjoy leaving them better off than they were when I first met them.”
Kramer also has a natural ability to put people at ease and make them smile, reducing the stress that may come with a major decision.
“I like helping people make decisions that are in their best interest,” he said.
For more information, call Kramer at (714) 553-6900 or (714) 593-4879, e-mail him at Scott@ScottKramer.com, or visit http://www.scottkramer.com/.
Star Real Estate, one of the largest family owned real estate companies in Southern California, has been providing residential real estate services in Southern California for more than 34 years. The company has over 325 agents in seven area offices and two affiliated offices in South Orange County. The company leads the way in cutting-edge technology. Its agents, experienced in navigating the complex housing market, are continuously trained in all facets of residential real estate, from equity sales to foreclosures and short sale properties.
The company’s goal is to bring its clients the total property-ownership experience, all under one roof — from residential and relocation services to commercial real estate transactions — with the expert assistance of its ancillary services, Terra Mortgage and Advantage One Escrow.
For more information about Star Real Estate, visit http://www.starrealestate.com.