The #1 Home Accessory for 2019?

You saw our YouTube a couple weeks ago about “porch pirates”, so it’s no surprise that new data suggests that 2019 could be a boom year for smart video doorbells as Americans increasingly adopt home automation technology.

The data, from market research firm Parks Associates, indicates that 25 percent of U.S. households with broadband plan to buy a smart video doorbell this year. Currently only 8% of households have a smart video doorbell.

Smart doorbell models vary from company to company, but typically include a bell as well as a camera that allows homeowners to see who has come to visit. Popular models allow homeowners to access the video feed on their phones, and many integrate into other smart home technology. They have been marketed as providing both convenience and safety.

Last year, Amazon made headlines after acquiring smart doorbell maker Ring in a deal estimated to be worth more than $1 billion.

However, adoption of smart home technology does face challenges. Ring, for example, has raised concerns about privacy as it developed social networking features.

Resolution, Shmesolution

This weekend will be one of introspection for many of us in the real estate and loan business.  While still in the dawn twilight of 2019, we still have a little time to plan before being shot out of a cannon during peak buying season.  On the Easterbrook Team, we know how hard most of you work and we’ve been watching how you work.  Whether you’ve made your 2019 business plan or are still collecting your thoughts, we thought we’d share a few observations that we’ve made from our top agents.

1.    Start Early – This doesn’t necessarily mean rush out the door at 6am to sit at your office desk (or maybe it does – that’s up to you), but rather take the quiet hours before the day starts to go to the gym, have coffee, or do whatever it is that allows you to plan your day out your way, instead of having your day run you.

2.    Be a Social Media Star – on the Easterbrook Team, we have content for you and we can help you up your game by sharing or, heck, copying our daily posts about our industry – check out and  like our Facebook page (CLICK HERE).  Be the area expert and let your knowledge shine.

3.    Get Out More - Join a club, volunteer and become more active in the community. This is the best way to meet more people who could need the real estate services you provide.

4.    The Phone is Your Friend – while email is great, the phone has a much higher and effective connection rate.  Pick up the phone and call all the people you did business with in 2018 and wish them Happy New Year– it’s a great start.

5.    Want to Reinvent Yourself? – If you absolutely must reinvent yourself, master marketer Seth Godin has a 7 step plan for you (CLICK HERE). 

On the Easterbrook Team, we want to be a part of your success.  We want to help you do more of what you are already doing.  Your resolutions don’t necessarily need to be revolutionary, just a positive commitment to be the best you can be. Good luck – we’re here to support you right by your side.

The Easterbrook Team – We Make the Loan Process Easy

Fed Rate Hike Likely Today-12/19/2018

The Federal Reserve is expected to announce that they will raise the rate at which they lend to banks from 2.25% to 2.5%.  There is a lot of politically charged talk about the move, but the Fed has been consistent with making their decisions based on market data.  The unemployment rate is at a low 3.7%, a key marker that our economy is healthy.  Not everyone is happy about the decision to raise rates:

• ·         President Trump says the move is based on meaningless numbers and that the Fed should “feel the market”.   In Great Britain there would be a pause and they’d say, “Right then, in Zimbabwe today…”.

·         Bruce Bittles of Baird says, "First, I'm concerned that if the Fed does not raise rates, they look to be bending top political will," and added. "And no. 2, they'd be admitting that economy doesn't look too great."

Not everyone is upset with the Fed’s moves – the stock market jumped up 50 points today on the anticipated announcement.

The Easterbrook Team for Your Home Loan Needs!

3 Trends in Real Estate Market

A new report by RE/MAX sampled MLS data from 53 metropolitan areas in the US and found that the number of home for sale in November declined 6.9% from October.  The report shows that inventory has declined over the last 4 consecutive months.  The report also compares the first 11 months of 2017 to 2018, showing home prices have risen 6%.

3 trends are emerging in the current market:

1.    Buyers are grappling with affordability issues and tight inventory.  Interest rates are expected to increase, edging some out of the market (we have solutions – CALL US).

2.    Sellers are unsure how to react with the prospect of a cooling market fueled by rising rates and over-heated home prices.

3.    Listings that are priced properly are still selling quickly.

History tells us that we cannot sustain rising home prices, lowering inventory, and rising interest rates – look for new trends to develop soon. All three trends underscore the importance of a professional real estate agent that can navigate an ever-changing market.

The Easterbrook Team "Makes the Loan Process Easy!"

Porch Pirates Foiled by NASA Engineer

We’re all in the housing business.  There is a current phenomenon affecting people that have packages delivered to their front doors.  YouTube sensation, Mark Rober, a NASA engineer that helped put the rover on Mars, was plagued by “porch pirates” stealing packages off his front door.  Here’s how he got his revenge – this is classic! CLICK HERE

The Easterbrook Team is Your Local Lender!

Market Now for a Strong Spring Tomorrow!

What You Do Today Will Echo 4 Months from Now

On the Easterbrook Team, we firmly believe that “getting the word out” is critical to any business.  Timing, however, is also critical to nail your sales goals.   For inspiration, we turn to our friends at Forbes Magazine:

·         23 Bulletproof Marketing Ideas for Real Estate

·         Inexpensive Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

·         Must-Know Media Strategies for Real Estate Agents

·         4 Types of Content Real Estate Marketers Need to Be Using

·         Many More Ideas to Spark Your Marketing Genius

Here are 11 more current marketing ideas for real estate agents – CLICK HERE.

On the Easterbrook Team, we would love to partner in your success.  We have many resources for you, including a marketing team to provide custom marketing pieces.

Office Christmas Party!

Statistics show that 1 in 3 people will do something that they will regret at an office Christmas Party.  The average attendee will hear 7 pieces of gossip throughout the evening – CLICK HERE for Article