Spring Sales Are Strong

In between closing several deals and preparing for Passover, it’s been a busy week. Like every year, the house will be full of friends and family for the holiday, which means that I’ve been doing lots of baking, cooking, and shopping. In the meantime, escrow just closed on a condominium in the Wilshire corridor—it was a private listing so it never even hit the market. Now, I’m wrapping a deal in the Beverly Hills Post Office that will finish next week. And two more escrows will close in the Flats of Beverly Hills during the first week of May—wheew…quite a month.

I’ve also been helping plan a fundraising event for Aleinu Family Resource center. In Hebrew, Aleinu means “it is our duty.” The organization provides support for sexually and physically abused children under 12 years old. Saeed, my husband, his partner Peter, and I are donating space at Hollywood’s Boulevard 3 located on Sunset Boulevard for the event. The Harkum’s, owners of the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive will provide catering.

I have posted some more photos from my book launch event at Martin Katz’s Beverly Hills jewelry boutique. Enjoy your weekend.

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My Book Launch: Beverly Hills Style

Yesterday, I had my first book signing party at Martin Katz’s Beverly Hills jewelry boutique. Called the Diamond Doctor, Martin is a good friend of mine, and I couldn’t imagine a more fitting place to celebrate. Surrounded by friends, family, and some of the world’s most exquisite jewelry, the afternoon represented the best of Beverly Hills.
Citrus at Social catered the event. The restaurant is located in the historic Hollywood Athletic Club off of Sunset. It marks James Beard Foundation award-winning chef Michel Richard’s re-emergence into the LA restaurant scene.The original Citrus was one of our city’s most famous restaurants, and we’re glad he’s back.

Guests of the book signing noshed on mini-lemon meringue tarts, his famous chocolate covered grapes, cucumbers stuffed with seasoned fresh tomatoes, and more.

I’ll share more later, for now, enjoy the photos.

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Westside Real Estate Continues to Do Well

I recently published an article about the current Westside real estate market, and you can read it on the Reuter’s website by clicking here.

In Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air, Santa Monica, and other parts of LA’s Westside, property is still in high demand. In fact, it’s been an intense week as escrow closes on several of my listings.

That’s not to say that the market is still the same as it was a couple of years ago. But for the skilled sales professional, one who’s been through a slump or two…or three, there is still plenty of action—despite the fact that may newbies who hopped on when the market was hot are jumping ship. After twenty years in this business, I still love what I do, and I’m glad to share my experience with you.

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The Final "E": Enthusiasm

This week, we’ll explore the last “E” in my blog series, “The 4 E’s of Real Estate.” For review, the 4 E’s are Effort, Expertise, Ethics, and Enthusiasm. Be sure to refer to the “Previous Posts” section of my blog that appears on the left side of this page to read about the three other E’s. In addition to the words of wisdom that I give you here, you can also read more about the 4 “E’s” in my book.

Now that You're an Expert, Boldly Express It

Your clients are expecting you to represent them in one of the biggest investments of their lives. The more you can project enthusiasm and confidence, which signifies an unwavering ability to take care of their needs, the more they’ll rely on you and not question your approach.

By confidence, I don’t mean haughtiness or arrogance. Although it works for some agents, many people are put off by brokers whose egos are bigger than the backyard of a Holmby Hills estate. More importantly, a false sense of pride has the potential to kill a deal. Brokers who let their egos get in the way often ruin a sale. They’re too busy trying to be right and stubbornly hold onto their position, even if it means putting the transaction at risk.

When you’ve done your homework, your enthusiasm will follow. After you’ve fulfilled everything in the Expertise section, you can answer your clients’ questions with confidence. When you speak with a broker and he presents you with information that is inaccurate, you can tactfully correct his error. Enthusiasm that comes from being an expert is what will be one of the defining characteristics of your career. It’s what will establish you as the source of information for your clients and colleagues.

Enthusiasm also means that you’re prepared to walk away when circumstances may put your reputation at risk. No deal, as important as it may seem, is worth diminishing your impeccable track record.

Be passionate about the homes you sell. You’re in the business of providing one of the most important resources to your clients—their homes. Through real estate, you’re improving lives, making your clients money, and creating relationships that will last your entire lifetime.

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