Homeowners Choose Synthetic Grass As Best Drought Tolerant Landscaping Says San Diego Expert

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - As the perennial discussion about Southern California's water shortage continues, homeowners in San Diego and surrounding areas are choosing synthetic grass as the most popular form of drought-tolerant landscaping according to San Diego artificial turf expert Scot Wozniak, President of San Diego Lawns, Inc.

A long-time synthetic grass installer in San Diego, Wozniak has helped hundreds of homeowners save water and money every month.

"We regularly sit down with homeowners and go through the numbers to find out what they will save on water and maintenance costs. Most are very surprised at how much they currently spend and are excited to find out they can cut that number significantly."

He says that most homeowners find that synthetic grass pays for itself within one to three years, but that can be greatly accelerated by taking advantage of occasional rebates offered by regional water departments.

"Getting rid of water-thirsty grass and replacing it with draught tolerant synthetic grass will qualify some homeowners for a rebate from their local agency, bringing down the cost of artificial turf installation."

Wozniak says that even if a homeowner doesn't qualify for the rebate, the money saved on projected water and maintenance costs often makes the investment worthwhile.

"Even owners who do their own lawn maintenance benefit from converting to artificial turf, because they will save on lawnmower fuel and maintenance, and avoid the inconvenience of having to mow the lawn every week."

About San Diego Lawns, Inc.

Scot Wozniak of San Diego Lawns, Inc. has been installing synthetic lawns in the San Diego area for years with an impressive record of customer satisfaction. He provides free cost estimates and cost savings projects based on reduced water usage and lawn maintenance costs. San Diego Lawns, Inc. serves the entire San Diego metro area, including Chula Vista, La Mesa, El Cajon, Del Cerro, Del Mar, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Escondido, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Sante Fe, Coronado, National City, Bonita, Imperial Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma Leucadia, Oceanside, and Spring Valley.

Scot Wozniak
President
San Diego Lawns, Inc.
1035 Surrey Dr
Bonita CA 91902
619-495-0722
http://www.sandiegolawns.com/
scot@sdlawns.com

http://twitter.com/#!/san_diego_turf http://www.sandiegolawns.com/ http://www.sandiegolawns.com/natural-vs-artificial-grass/ http://www.sandiegolawns.com/products/synthetic-lawns/

Spring Real Estate Market Increases Investor Interest In Mountain View Property Management Services

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - As the spring real estate market continues to boost certain types of home sales, investor interest has increased in Mountain View rentals and other Bay Area cities, according to professional property manager Jerry Garrity of First Statewide Realty.

Garrity, who has shepherded the portfolios of his high-end real estate investor clients through five recessions since the late 80's, says that trends in sales come and go, but good investors learn how to make a good return even in tough markets.

"The difference between amateur investors and those with more experience is that the experienced ones learn how to grow their portfolio's value in virtually any market. One way they do that is by making sure their portfolio is managed professionally."

He says that good property management in Mountain View or anywhere else doesn't cost the investor, it add value to any portfolio.

Gayle Sabin, one of First Statewide Realty's senior property managers, agrees, saying that a common mistake of amateur investors is thinking that they can save a lot of money by managing the property themselves. She says in most cases, they end up costing themselves a lot more money and spending a lot more time involved in the day-to-day hassles of property management than they ever expected.

"Studies have shown that over the long term, portfolios managed by a professional property manager provide far greater returns than self managed properties. That's both in terms of monthly cash flow and overall portfolio value."

About First Statewide Realty

Jerry Garrity's First Statewide Realty is a seasoned expert in property management whose expertise has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and other publications. His Silicon Valley property management company specializes in managing single family homes, condominiums, townhouses and other investment property. Services are provided for all of Silicon Valley, including San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Campbell, Mountain View, Los Altos, Saratoga, San Jose rentals, and Los Gatos.

The firm has been in business for over 21 years, and is a member of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, Tri-County Apartment Association and National Association of Residential Property Managers.

Jerry Garrity
First Statewide Realty
20045 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 2-D
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel: 408-253-1000
Lic#: 01036982
Email: investments@firststatewiderealty.com
Website: http://www.firststatewiderealty.com

Albuquerque Real Estate Agent Sees Foreclosures and Bank Owned Homes Dominating 2012 Market

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Bank owned homes will dominate the 2012 real estate market according to Albuquerque REALTOR® Joe Maez of Keller Williams Realty Westside.

Maez says that Albuquerque foreclosures are still driving the market due to problems in the banking system getting bank owned properties through the foreclosure process and into the market. As a result, he says the Albuquerque real estate market will continue to be affected by the flow of bank owned homes.

"Banks have battled a number of legal challenges, but the foreclosure inventory continues to impact the local market in a big way."

Maez says that while buyers are getting some amazing deals right now, sellers are also seeing an uptick in price and buyer interest.

"It's definitely a win-win for buyers and sellers in the New Mexico real estate market right now."

He says another factor in the market that is making buyers take notice is the extremely low but rising interest rates.

"We have never before seen the national average for interest rates below 4% like this. Low rates in combination with low prices is a gift for home buyers right now."

According to Maez, the powerful combination of low rates and low prices due to the large number of bank owned homes has spurred investor buying as well.

"Investors are the ones to watch. When we see investors coming into the market like we do now to pick up Albuquerque homes for sale from the banks, our experience has shown that it's a great time to buy."

About Joe Maez REALTOR®

Joe Maez is a proven real estate professional who knows how to do things right. Every day he is out there working to make the home-buying or -selling process easier for his clients. Regardless of which way the market has gone, Maez's sales have gone up every year. He says, “If you really do a good job, you’ll always have clients,” and his track record proves it.

Joe, who has personally sold more than 500 homes in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque, has unique and extensive knowledge of the local markets. He works regularly in the Albuquerque New Mexico market, covering Rio Rancho, Corrales Real Estate, and Los Lunas.

For more information, contact:

Joe Maez REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Westside
8100 Wyoming Blvd NE
M4 #234
Albuquerque, NM 87113
505-401-5775
joemaez@gmail.com

Recession Fears in Europe Leads US Investors To Flight To Quality Says Bay Area Property Manager

CUPERTINO, Calif. - News of weakness in the European economy and a U.K. double dip recession has caused U.S. investors to flee to quality in their investment decisions, according to Bay Area property manager Jerry Garry of First Statewide Realty.

Garrity, whose property management firm in Cupertino has served real estate investor clients in the Bay Area through five past recessions, says that historically good prices and low interest rates have brought investors into the market in a big way.

"I call it a flight to quality. When a bubble bursts, as it did in 2006 and 2007, the masses run away from it. As the bubble recedes, the serious investors with narrow criteria for choosing quality investments start coming in to pick up the pieces."

That's what he says is happening right now, as the more savvy professionals in the business seek out the best deals with the best cash flow.

According to Greg Garrity, one of First Statewide Realty's property managers, the firm's clients are always careful to select only quality deals, and to protect their investments with experienced property management services.

"Our clients are among some of the most successful residential real estate investors in the state, and they know that property management, especially in a recession, is a necessity. Good management doesn't cost money. Good property management adds value, increasing cash flow over the long term."

About First Statewide Realty

Jerry Garrity's First Statewide Realty is a seasoned expert in property management whose expertise has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and other publications. His Silicon Valley property management company specializes in managing single family homes, condominiums, townhouses and other investment property. Services are provided for all of Silicon Valley, including San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Campbell, Mountain View, Los Altos, Saratoga, Cupertino rentals, and Los Gatos.

The firm has been in business for over 21 years, and is a member of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, Tri-County Apartment Association and National Association of Residential Property Managers.

Jerry Garrity
First Statewide Realty
20045 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 2-D
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel: 408-253-1000
Lic#: 01036982
Email: investments@firststatewiderealty.com
Website: http://www.firststatewiderealty.com

 

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Florida REALTOR® Sean Farrer Says 2012 Tourism Boosting Key West Real Estate Market

KEY WEST, Fla. - Tourism will be the key to boosting the 2012 Key West Florida real estate market according to local REALTOR® Sean Farrer.

Farrer, who adopted the so-called Conch Republic as his hometown after moving to the relaxed community from native South Africa, says he did like many others continue to do every year: he fell in love with Key West while on holiday.

"Florida tourism is clearly a driving factor, not only in the economy, but the Key West real estate market, because people come here from all over the world to experience the fun, relaxation, and beautiful beaches of Key West."

Farrer says going to Old Town Key West on vacation or as a stop on a cruise just whets the appetite for the Florida Keys' trademark relaxed island lifestyle.

"A few days or a week is just not enough for many people. Those who choose to live their dream of relocating to Key West soon become buyers in the Key West real estate market."

He says his familiarity with all the Key West neighborhoods has helped many clients achieve a dream they may have started out thinking was impossible to achieve. But he attributes his success in working with clients moving from a long distance to his customer-service driven work ethic and friendly personality.

"I really enjoy taking people to the hot spots on Key West as well as the hidden gems most tourists don't know about. As a resident, I'm passionate about where I live, so I look forward to handing a lot of keys to tourists-turned-homeowners in 2012."

About Sean Farrer

Sean Farrer is an expert in the Key West real estate market, covering Key West foreclosures, Old Town Key West, Key Haven, Stock Island, Boca Chica Key Homes, Big Coppitt Key Homes, Bay Point, Sugarloaf Key, Cudjoe Key, Ramrod Key, Summerland Key, Little Torch Key and Big Pine Key.

Originally from South Africa, Farrer moved to the Florida Keys over 13 years ago. He enjoys helping folks who are looking for a dream home and an island lifestyle to find both in the beautiful Key West area. With previous careers in management and IT services, he is very organized with a dedication to customer service that shows in his work with Key West real estate buyers and sellers.

A buyer's time spent with Sean looking for Key West homes will be fun and productive, and he provides a wealth of insight on the best neighborhoods for price and lifestyle, regardless of age or income bracket. Farrer is an expert at helping out of town visitors buy a second home in Key West.

Sean Farrer
1201 #101 White St
Key West, FL 33040
305-924-0700
http://key-west-real-estate.net
keysrealestate@bellsouth.net

First Statewide Realty Releases List of Common Myths About Self-Managing Rental Properties

SAN JOSE, Calif. - First Statewide Realty property managers have released a list of common myths owners often believe about self-managing their rental properties. The list of myths, compiled from years of experience in the San Jose area property management business, can help save potential amateur investors the cost and frustration of trying to manage investment properties without the proper experience.

According to Jerry Garrity, owner of First Statewide Realty, the top 3 myths about self-managing investment properties are:

Myth #1: Self-managing investment properties saves money. In fact, numerous studies have shown that professionally managed properties return higher and more consistent cash flow.

Myth #2: Managing investment properties is an evening and weekends only job. In fact, managing rental properties is a full time job, and renters frequently require the attention of a property manager around the clock.

Myth #3: The private homeowner can find tenants just as easily as a property management firm. To the contrary, property managers often have waiting lists of renters and know how to screen for the best ones. This is key to keeping the rental occupied as much as possible.

Natalie McNany, a San Jose Property Manager with First Statewide Realty, says "While managing your own investment property may seem free, it's certainly not hassle-free. The fact is, not having a professional do it almost always ends up costing owners and investors a lot more money in the long term."

Property Manager Greg Garrity agrees. He says that most homeowners do not have the time to manage their own investment properties well.

"Between work, family and other responsibilities, the self-managed approach to property management usually ends badly with lost income and frustrated owners and renters alike."

He says that professionals who work full time managing properties and developing positive relationships with renters are much more effective at retaining good tenants and keeping costs down.

Gayle Sabin, another of First Statewide Realty's full time Property Managers, agrees.

"Because this is a full-time job for me, I am able to spend the time to build relationships with our clients and tenants. I know the properties, clients' styles and tenants' idiosyncrasies. I can anticipate problems and how to resolve them quickly and efficiently."

As a result, Sabin says she's been able to dramatically improve the bottom line for her clients' real estate portfolios.

"Cash flow is king in this business. While homeowners can always self-manage their properties in an attempt to save money, the data show that more often than not, self-management hurts cash flow."

Jerry Garrity says that his firm offers a free cash flow analysis to prospective clients to find out what their investment can return when managed by professionals.

"We encourage owners who have tried to go it alone to give us a call. We're a friendly group of professionals and love to help our clients make money."

About First Statewide Realty

Jerry Garrity's First Statewide Realty is a seasoned expert in property management whose expertise has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and other publications. His Silicon Valley property management company specializes in managing single family homes, condominiums, townhouses and other investment property. Services are provided for all of Silicon Valley, including San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Campbell, Mountain View, Los Altos, Cupertino, Saratoga rentals, and Los Gatos.

The firm has been in business for over 21 years, and is a member of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, Tri-County Apartment Association and National Association of Residential Property Managers.

Jerry Garrity
First Statewide Realty
20045 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 2-D
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel: 408-253-1000
Lic#: 01036982
Email: investments@firststatewiderealty.com
Website: http://www.firststatewiderealty.com

Orlando Foreclosure Inventory Pressures Prices for Sellers But Creates Buying Opportunities

Orlando, FL - The flow of Orlando Florida bank owned property coming on the market continues to pressure prices, but still creates buying opportunities for investors and other buyers, says Orlando real estate agent Jonathan de Jesus of Dominium Realty Group.

"Orlando short sales and foreclosures continue to have a major impact on the market here as with every other part of the country, but the silver lining in the story is that buyers can get exceptional deals on these listings."

He says the deals are not limited to Orlando foreclosures and short sales, because other sellers have to compete with the prices in the distressed property side of the market.

"I've had clients find the home of their dreams for far less money than they ever thought possible, simply because prices are so attractive right now. Those who can buy real estate now may end up the winners once all the economic uncertainty is gone."

At some point, de Jesus is convinced the market will recover to pre-crash levels again. Until then, he believes those who can take advantage of the buying opportunities now are the wise ones.

"We may not see an Orlando FL real estate market this attractively priced for another generation."

About Dominium Realty

Dominium Realty Group is a leader in residential real estate brokerage services in Floridawith expertise helping U.S. and international clients navigate the Orlando real estate market. Through its experienced team of real estate professionals and their commitment to exceed their clients’ expectations, Dominium is able to confidently deliver solutions to meet the needs of any real estate client.

Included in the company's extensive array of specialized offerings are Dominium's expert property management services. With licensed specialists working close with investors, clients get the most effective property management possible for their real estate portfolios. Dominium agents are experts in the Orando market, including Downtown Orlando homes, Windermere Homes, Dr. Phillips, Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Baldwin Park, Metro West, Longwood, South Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Lake Nona, Waterford Lakes, Altamonte Springs, Mount Dora, Sanford, Apopka, Winter Garden, and Ocoee.

For more information, please contact:

Jonathan De Jesus
Dominium Realty Group
6236 Kingspointe Parkway #10
Orlando, Fl 32819
407-588-7828
http://www.florida-real-estate.pro/
jonathan@dominiumrealtygroup.com