COUNTY CARAVAN UPDATE - Julia Maio and Markus Feldmann
SDAR CEO Mike Mercurio and Mark Marquez interviewed caravan hosts from areas throughout San Diego County. Mike spoke with caravan host Julia Maio from the area covering East County from La Mesa to Alpine. Among the findings were that homes on market have increased 11% to 175 and the average days on market have decreased 14% to 24, indicating there are new opportunities that are going quickly. She also discussed the SDMLS RealTOURS caravan app, which allows her caravan attendees to see the information in real time. Markus Feldmann also was on hand to represent the Point Loma Ocean Beach Realty Association (PLOBRA). While the market area has seen a similar number of new listings, Marcus highlighted the increase in pending sales, which had declined immediately following the COVID-19 outbreak. The new pending statistics appeared promising. Both Markus and Julia were optimistic about market opportunities in the weeks ahead.
East County Caravan info can be found here. Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. Networking; 9:00 a.m. Pitch
PLOBRA Caravan info can be found here. Thursdays, 8:45 a.m.
RESOURCES:
Caravan Statistics
RealTOURS Caravan App: Download RealTOURS to receive updated information from caravans throughout San Diego County. Search for “SDMLS RealTOURS” in app stores and get started today.
County Caravans: Get more information about the San Diego County Area Caravans by visiting our site. To join one of our countywide virtual caravans, contact the caravan host for more information.
SOCIAL MEDIA DISCUSSION - Seth O'Byrne, Compass
Social media expert and leading San Diego area REALTOR® Seth O’Byrne joined the program to provide tips and tricks for effective social media marketing practices. Previously awarded SDAR’s prestigious “REALTOR® of the Year” designation and with more than $1 billion in home sales, Seth is a well-known and respected real estate professional in San Diego. Seth is also the star of HGTV’s real estate show “Hot Properties” and credits much of his success to effective social media marketing.
Interviewed by Mike Mercurio and Mark Marquez, Seth shared some recommendations for how REALTORS®, especially those with a limited marketing budget, can leverage social media to capture new business and market their listings. Of note, Seth reinforced the importance of using videos recorded from a user’s phone. A new agent hoping to break into a market area can even appear as the community expert by featuring local updates, such as the opening of a new coffee shop, in their videos. Meanwhile, not all social media platforms offer the same value, according to Seth, with Instagram proving some of the best opportunities to expand your reach.
Would you like to become a social media expert? You can learn directly from Seth at a SDAR-members only webinar scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 3:00 p.m. Register today at: sdar.com/seth.
GOVERNMENT UPDATE - San Diego County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar
Representing San Diego County’s District 3, Supervisor Kristin Gaspar joined the program to provide an update on the most recent government response to COVID-19. Interviewed by SDAR President Carla Farley, Supervisor Gaspar discussed hospital capacity in the area, which is holding strong and remains at about 60% of capacity. At present, the County is working to open the economy to the extent possible, taking into account health and safety concerns. Challenges remain as the Governor has yet to authorize the County’s plan to reopen additional businesses as requested by the County Board of Supervisors.
Also discussed were the challenges faced by landlords and tenants. SDAR previously weighed into the conversation sharing concerns over the need to not only protect tenants, but to also make certain that landlords have resources to account for the lack of rental income. In response to these concerns, Supervisor Gaspar successfully championed an amendment at the Board of Supervisors meeting to pursue a grant program authorizing rental assistance funds available to landlords with qualifying tenants.
RESOURCES:
County of San Diego Coronavirus Updates
Union-Tribune Article on Evictions Moratorium Update
ASSOCIATION UPDATE - Carla Farley, Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® President
Carla Farley provided a range of updates and shared information about new events, programs and services for SDAR and SDMLS members, including:
Practice Safe Real Estate – Safe real estate care packages are available through SDAR, which include hand sanitizers, masks, foot covers and gloves. Call SDAR Member Services at (858) 715-8040 to order. Learn more about safe real estate practices here.
SDAR Delivery Service – As an exclusive member benefit, we’re offering free delivery service for anything from our store. Use our simple order form for your supplies.
SDMLS Caravan App - Access caravans throughout San Diego County! The caravan app is available for download: Search for “SDMLS RealTOURS” in your app store. Learn more here.
SDAR / Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) San Diego Virtual Networking Event, Friday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m. – Featuring SDAR President Carla Farley and WCR San Diego President Alma Porras discussing women in leadership. Register here.
RESOURCES:
SDAR Real Estate Connections Landing Page
Q&A
We received some great questions from participants, and the experts gave honest and informative answers. To view these now, click here.