H-to the-eather that spells ...

Okay, many of you know I am a Wildcat. No let's not go THERE people, but I am a Chico graduate with a B.A. in Communication Design, with an emphasis in Graphic Design. A Chico State Wildcat and proud of it (CSU, Chico).

So with that being stated, I am often blessed with inquiries to my abilities as a graphic designer with many years of marketing and who exactly I am in this somewhat unique pairing (meaning Steve & I). We are both extremely social people that are equally hard workers and quick minded. I am although NOT a REALTOR®. I am completely submerged in the world of real estate. Steve is the housing aficionado and REALTOR®. So we are not a typical "coined" team. But in that same respect, I find us just as powerful and just effective if not more so (only in my biased and humble opinion). Take a look for yourself.

Oh and yes that REALLY is Steve in photo shoots. I have had people state that I did a good job, photoshopping Steve in on a few of the postcards ... that is Steve O alright. I do fancy myself a great photoshop gal, and a good form of fun for birthdays and special occasions, but in this case, that is the real deal. Thanks to all who participate.

Are you really still reading?

To continue on with my background ... I have experience with direct mail, billboards and branding for companies on various levels. I worked in Downtown Sac for many years, off and on, and enjoyed my experience tremendously there. Then I ventured on my own.

This has all taken backseat as Steve's business has surged and expanded as I knew it would, plus the introduction of little ones. I have since transferred my energies and applied my talents towards Steve's expanding business. I have really enjoyed working with Steve ever since. I have applied my people skills and knowledge of marketing to successfully transition to real estate marketing and helping people prepare and present their homes. If you are a buyer, I may have not met you in person, but e-met you (aka via email). Sellers, Steve usually warns you before I step in. My intentions are good and my objective is to get what you need done. I also handle a good portion of Steve's e-communications.

SO there is your little nugget of Heather info if you are not already asleep yet.

My little Q&A

1. What do you use for videos or virtual tours? www.WellcomeMat.com (I still use YouTube, but I was concerned with hearing rumblings of REALTOR videos getting yanked, so I use it as a backup as they support REALTOR videos). And "NO" I didn't spell welcome wrong ... that is how it is written. I really like the concepts and workings of the site.
   
2. Who does your virtual tours and 360 views? I do all of my own virtual tours, photography, flyers and websites (so all in-house)
   
3. Are you on Google or Yahoo? I do pride myself on most of my "google-ability" and try to improve constantly. Our rankings vary throughout the month. Yahoo we are doing extremely well.
   
4. How easy will people find our listing? Your address will be found and associated with your listing and THEN some! Coldwell Banker does a tremendous job and we also marry it up with many other powerful and effective websites geared towards real estate. I also tag your website to show up on searches.
   
5. Do you provide a website for your listings? You will have your own domain name for the duration your listing with US. Sample 1 and Sample 2 (basically if you leave us, so does your domain name). This also comes with a rider for your sign if you opt to have a sign on your property. Otherwise it will be online and on flyers retrieved either from the sign post or via your website.
   
6. Heather, if your husband is reading this, what would you really love? I am still waiting for Santa to come and replace our 700p phone with an iPhone. (gotta capture your audience here with occasional humor people)
   
7. What is your primary website for local information? Oh and I am trying to always update our primary site that I created: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com with new local info at the very top
8. Do you have your own property search engine through e-automation and a strong client database? Our property search engine: www.MakeTheJumpWithUs.com has been doing very well too and your property will be posted here too. Many clients regularly check in here on a daily basis to conduct their searches either through email or self-automation.
   
9. Why the goldfish? "Make The Jump With Us" what is that all about? ... I like goldfish and I thought it was kind of funny and original. I cannot bring myself to pose Steve and I on our marketing in front of our names with a little ampersand on a real estate sign, so this is my best alternative. Besides, who doesn't like a fan-tail goldfish? Our demographics amongst lizards and boa constrictors has proven high returns in desirability. I jest, I jest. I love orange and it pairs up nicely with Coldwell Banker blue.
   
10. Whom do we find working with primarily? move-up buyers, relocation, estate sales and much more. We are both golfers too ... hint hint.

So on that note, I bid you adieu. I hope you enjoyed this long session of "get-to-know the other O."

Putting the "Ville" in the Rose (... Parade that is)

Did you hear? Roseville has been invited to participate in the Tournament of Roses parade for next year. This also marks the year for Roseville's 100th anniversary of its incorporation (April 10, 2009). Click the hyperlink to learn more about Roseville's 100th year celebration. Roseville is just one of 48 entries in the 2009 Rose Parade, although their entry has NOT been confirmed yet. Roseville will be raising funds through donation to prepare the float.

When: 10:30 – 11 a.m., Wed., April 23.
Where: Green Acres Nursery, 901 Galleria Blvd.
News conference will be held on the back patio, with a backdrop of 1,000 rose bushes.

REO Quick Searches!

Bank-owned homes, also known as REOs, REPOs — whatever you choose to call them. We have now added to the VERY top of our home page of our property search engine as an "instant search" at www.MakeTheJumpWithUs.com.

Many of you are solely targeting bank-owned/REO homes so this will not be any modification on the homes you are receiving via email. Bank-owned homes may not always a good fit for everyone, depending on their condition. But why not take a look ... doesn't cost you anything.

Steve's thoughts ...
Do know the great, well-priced ones, do sometimes go quick and we have found many of them are going over listing price. What does that mean? Well it "can" mean that the comparable homes still makes the home a GREAT deal even at OVER listed price. Homes may just need to be relieved from their inventory and that can possibly mean that prices are meant to create some bidding interest. MANY people have searches targeted to "bank-owned/REO" only, so know the areas that you like, how does the home need to function for you and slowly try to best define what your requirements are out of a home so you can move appropriately when that "gem" of a home shows up. Quite a few people have already experienced multiple offer scenarios, so particularly in this situation, you have to keep focused on "what is a good deal" and "how much do I want this home?" A hard thing to swallow if you are getting caught up in the literal "listed" price, so all the more reason to be VERY educated on property trends and what is going on in that area ...

Let Steve Ostrom assist you in finding "a good fit" for a home. Be smart and do the research or let Steve help you to know how you can get the home you desire and still get a great deal!

Please use Steve's search engine, target one or target four areas to watch property trends by signing for myREalerts (our property email search engine)! We will help when you ask. Want feedback on a home? Give us a buzz by email or by phone.

Steve looks forward to helping you!
916-308-2446

Set up or conduct Property Searches:
www.MakeTheJumpWithUs.com

Relocation and Area info at the very top of our primary "info" website: www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com