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PAVING THE WAY: Century 21 Latina Leaders Empower Tomorrow’s Real Estate Entrepreneurs

October 8, 2020 By C21 Communications

The real estate industry is one which uniquely serves communities across the country with one common goal, to help Americans achieve the dream of homeownership. From differences in gender to ethnicity to sexual orientation, the diverse makeup of home buyers and sellers has never been more prominent. And when it comes to delivering the extraordinary for these unique groups, the power of representation has never been more important than it is right now. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, Century 21 Real Estate is proud to honor the communities we serve and the relentless professionals who represent us on the front lines.

PAVING THE WAY: Century 21 Latina Leaders Empower Tomorrow’s Real Estate Entrepreneurs image 1

Did you know that the number of Latino business owners in the United States has surged by 34 percent over the past decade?[1] In an industry where 10% of Realtors® identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino[2], the number of brokers/owners leading the way continues to grow. This month we sat down with three of our top-performing Latina business leaders and 2020 NAHREP Top 250 honorees, Peggy Clemente of CENTURY 21 Keystone Realty, Paulina Hurtado of CENTURY 21 Global Connections Realty, and Peggy Pratt Calle of CENTURY 21 North East, to learn what drives them and how they’re breaking barriers for future generations of Hispanic real estate entrepreneurs.

In the world of entrepreneurship, we know that mentorship is a critical factor in driving success, especially among the Hispanic community. How has this played a role in your career?

PRATT CALLE: Throughout my career, I have learned that you can find mentors in many places. From my first broker to a loan officer I worked with earlier on, inspiration came from both within and outside my office. Today, I am proud to mentor fellow Latinas looking to make their way in business including the admins in my office and a high school intern who worked with us last year. It is so important to pay it forward.

HURTADO: Mentorship and having a support system are critical to succeeding in any career. I was lucky to have an extremely supportive father who encouraged me to get my real estate license after a few years working in the banking and mortgage industry. He had his license as well and I had the chance to work side-by-side with him in the same office learning from the ground up. I owe a lot of my success to him and the support of other great agents that I worked with throughout my career. Now I make it a part of my mission to mentor the agents in my office and truly commit to their success.

CLEMENTE: My first broker taught me to do the right thing and always put the interests of our clients’ ahead of our own. When I started my own brokerage, I wanted to be able to pass on the knowledge and experience I had gained over the years to my agents. I’m also a huge supporter of the Century 21 Empowering Latinas scholarship program. When I first heard about it, I was so proud to hear that C21 was giving opportunities to talented, smart and hard-working Latinas who wouldn’t typically have the resources to become licensed and the support to start their own business with a globally recognized brand.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever got and what’s your advice to other Hispanic real estate entrepreneurs just starting out in this industry?

HURTADO: My father once told me to “always work hard and push yourself, even when things feel like they will fall apart – you will find a way to make it happen.” My advice to others is to never stop seeking ways to grow. Pursue your dream and use your passion to fuel your desire for success. Real estate is not easy but determination and hard work will get you there.

CLEMENTE: The best advice I received was preparation meets opportunity and failing to plan is planning to fail. A few pieces of advice from me: believe in yourself, never give up and never stop learning; be honest and do for your clients what you would do for yourself and surround yourself with likeminded people that help you rise.

PRATT CALLE: The best advice I got was simple: Stay true to yourself. For those starting out, I’d say always help your client to do what’s best for them and their family. Even if it means, in that moment that you’re not making money, trust me it will come back to you tenfold.

What key things can today’s real estate agents do to drive growth within the Hispanic market?

CLEMENTE: The top three things you should do are: understand the culture and what drives them, provide value by educating your clients and most importantly become involved in the Hispanic community as much as you can.

HURTADO: One of the most important things that agents can do is to gain the trust of the Hispanic community by being supportive, knowledgeable and available. Many members of the community are faced with language barriers, lack of knowledge of the laws related to real estate and loan qualification requirements. As agents, it’s up to you to provide this information in a way that is relevant to the client and serve as their guide as we help them achieve their dream of home ownership.

PRATT CALLE: The first thing you should do is educate yourself, whether it’s taking advantage of online classes right now or joining organizations such as NAHREP, to gain that understanding of both the industry and the culture. Then, most importantly, really listen to your clients. Learn what worries them, what drives them and put their needs first.

As Century 21 gets ready to celebrate its 50-year milestone, what do you envision for the future of your own business?

CLEMENTE: My goal is to grow a multicultural brokerage of highly skilled and educated professionals that goes above and beyond to meet their clients’ and community’s needs, goals and expectations.

PRATT CALLE: I run a small team. My vision is for them to grow and learn as much from me as possible so that they can prosper in their own businesses. Building a team that is empowered and self-sufficient also allows me to free up my own time to focus on growth.

HURTADO: My vision is to create an environment where my agents can grow and become successful, not just professionally but on the personal side as well. My desire as a leader is to influence those around me, instill the desire to achieve and provide the tools necessary to do that. My ultimate vision is to achieve greatness as a team!

To learn more about the CENTURY 21 Empowering Latinas program, visit: C21EmpoweringLatinas.com

If you have questions related to the CENTURY 21 Brand and Franchising,

please visit century21.com/about-us/franchise.

[1] Stanford Graduate School of Business Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative, 2019 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report, https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/publication-pdf/report-slei-state-latino-entrepreneurship-2019.pdf

[2] 2020 National Association of Realtors Member Profile, https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-member-profile-realtors-used-more-technology-cited-inventory-constraints

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Roof Talk

October 5, 2020 By C21 Communications

The unsung hero of a house, the roof is an essential construction and design element.

Though it sometimes doesn’t seem to be given as much consideration as other design elements, a house’s roof is a vital feature, both aesthetically and functionally. A roof is almost like a hat: some provide more shade than others; some are better for warm weather, and some are better for cold. Some are complex and trendy, while others are simple and straightforward. The difference is that you don’t need a hat to complete an ensemble, but you do need a roof to complete a house.

Compared with things like square footage, kitchen countertops and outdoor space, roofs sometimes sit low on the list of factors affecting home-buying decisions—but perhaps we should pay them more attention. There are countless designs, each with its own set of pros and cons. Different roofs are better suited for different environments, and each option offers various features that might affect how you enjoy your home. Here, you’ll find an overview of the roof variations that you’re likely to come across in your house search.

Hip

The earliest examples of the hip roof design date back to the 18th century, when the clean, handsome style was used atop buildings in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Compared with the gable, the hip roof is slightly more complex; instead of two slopes, the hip roof has four, which meet at points, or “hips.” This makes for a more wind-resistant design that is still capable of allowing water drainage, with the added advantage of a consistent, level fascia that enables full gutter installation around the house. A downside is that more seams and valleys mean more opportunities for potential water leaks to occur, but as long as the roof has been properly installed, this shouldn’t cause much concern. Aesthetically, the hip roof is favored by those looking for a bungalow or cottage look, and the design is said to potentially increase property value.

Gable

This classic structure, which is commonly found atop homes throughout the United States, consists of two roof sections that slope in opposite directions from a ridge. It’s a simple design, and one that has stood the test of time; gable roofs date all the way back to ancient Greece. Part of the reason that architects have long favored the gable roof is its functionality—the sloped design works as a drainage system that easily allows water or snow to run into the gutters, and the simplicity of the design means less potential for leaks and damage. Homeowners often favor a gable roof because of the amount of space it allows beneath—and because of its classic appearance.

In many environments, a gable roof is practical and sturdy, but in windy areas or those prone to hurricanes, they’re not always the best option. Under extreme conditions, the upper part of the roof can trap in wind that might build up and peel off roofing material—or even lift the roof from the frame of the house itself. With built-up snow and strong winds, gable roofs have been known to collapse. If gables are what you’re looking for, just ensure that you’ve inspected the quality of construction before you buy.

Dutch Gable

This roofing style is the result of the gable and the hip joining forces. The Dutch gable (also known as the gablet) comprises a shallow hip roof topped with a smaller gable roof, which allows for a greater amount of space (provided by the gable) and a sturdier structure with a gutter running the full way around (courtesy of the hip roof). The Dutch gable was first popularized during the Renaissance, and it made its way into Europe in the following centuries. A Dutch gable adds a little more architectural interest than a simple gable or hip roof, and with the addition of a window in the gablet, natural light is maximized. And while the paired constructions mean more materials and a complex design that takes more effort to build and maintain, the end result is striking and multifunctional.

Manard

Named after the French architect François Mansart, who was designing buildings during the baroque period of the 17th century, the mansard roof emerged crowning the tops of châteaus and grand townhouses throughout France. If you’re looking for some je ne sais quoi, the mansard roof delivers. The style is characterized by four roof sides that each contain two slopes, and decorative dormer windows. Devotees of this style love the extra space beneath the roof, which is substantial given the almost-flat upper slope and virtually vertical lower slope. The additional light from the dormers, better heat distribution and high-class look are other drawcards.

The design is not ideal for extreme weather regions; due to the flatter upper slope, the drainage system of the roof is not as efficient as compared to other, simpler options. Maintenance and repair costs can also be high due to the flat surface and the introduction of dormer windows.

Butterfly

As architectural styles evolved, roof design began to appear on some homes as their defining feature. The butterfly roof, although first used in 1930 by Le Corbusier in Chile, was popularized through mid-century modern design in Southern California in the late 1950s, and has been heavily associated with that movement in the years since—though it is still not particularly common. Also referred to as an inverted gable, the butterfly roof is named for its two surfaces that slope down from opposing edges to form a valley in the middle. The roof is appealing to home buyers for a few reasons, including its water-collecting design, and the taller external walls that support the higher edges of the roof, which allow for the installation of larger windows.

Butterfly roofs are notoriously difficult to build and maintain, and they can be pricey to install. They also don’t fare well with snow, which is why you’ll largely find this style in warmer environments like Palm Springs. But the aesthetic interest that comes from this silhouette is arresting, and perfectly suited to those who favor the mid-century look.

Flat

A persistent trend in modern design is simplicity and minimalism, and you can’t get much more minimal than a flat roof. And although they are now a marker of modernism, flat roofs have long been used in Middle Eastern building due to their simplicity, cost-efficiency and ability to keep out the sun’s heat. When roofing materials became more advanced, the style spread across Europe and into the United States.

Despite appearances, these roofs are not completely flat; they are designed with a slight pitch to allow water drainage, but they’re also flat enough to be used for a terrace or rooftop garden. A clean, crisp silhouette is achieved with a flat roof, allowing other features of the building design to shine.

The biggest drawback to a flat roof is the minimal slope as water buildup can cause damage, but advanced, modern roofing materials have largely solved that problem. These include single-layer membranes made of neoprene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC); modified bitumen, which gives durability and a rubber-like characteristic; and built-up roofing (BUR), which consists of several layers of materials designed to mitigate water infiltration.

The roofs that crown our homes have changed and adapted a lot over the years. Yet, whether your preference for roofing is a new architectural style or an innovative way of building, a roof will always have one central mission: to cover our heads.

Illustrations by Kane Grose. This article was originally published in the CENTURY 21 Fine Homes & Estates Magazine.

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Working Together as a Team: Negotiating with Commercial Tenants During COVID-19

September 24, 2020 By C21 Communications

The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread mandatory closures of all types of commercial properties. These closures, along with reduced consumer spending, have hampered business operations and created challenges for many businesses that lease office and industrial properties – some of which have asked their landlords for assistance in the form of rent abatements or deferrals.

Landlords facing this issue should refer to a research brief issued by the NAIOP Research Foundation that identifies best practices for triaging office and industrial tenant requests, offering reasonable accommodations to those tenants who need short-term assistance and responding to affected tenants.

Based on input from brokers and building owners as well as NAIOP data, the brief identified these common practices:

Rent relief. Building owners are generally willing to offer tenants reasonable rent relief to help them weather short-term disruptions due to COVID-19. The most common practice is to offer tenants a few months of deferred – not forgiven – rent that can be repaid over the remainder of the lease. Some landlords also agree to rent abatements, but only in exchange for a longer lease term.
Due diligence. Owners commonly request tenant financials to confirm that the request for relief is due to COVID-19 and to determine if the tenant is able to fulfill the lease terms.
Lender assistance. Many owners seek assistance from their own lenders to help them pay for property maintenance, taxes and insurance during periods when tenants are deferring rent payments. Lenders have been amenable to borrowers deferring principal payments as long as they can demonstrate need and maintain the property.

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Working Together as a Team: Negotiating with Commercial Tenants During COVID-19

September 24, 2020 By C21 Communications

Based on input from brokers and building owners as well as NAIOP data, the brief identified these common practices:

Rent relief. Building owners are generally willing to offer tenants reasonable rent relief to help them weather short-term disruptions due to COVID-19. The most common practice is to offer tenants a few months of deferred – not forgiven – rent that can be repaid over the remainder of the lease. Some landlords also agree to rent abatements, but only in exchange for a longer lease term.
Due diligence. Owners commonly request tenant financials to confirm that the request for relief is due to COVID-19 and to determine if the tenant is able to fulfill the lease terms.
Lender assistance. Many owners seek assistance from their own lenders to help them pay for property maintenance, taxes and insurance during periods when tenants are deferring rent payments. Lenders have been amenable to borrowers deferring principal payments as long as they can demonstrate need and maintain the property.

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The Power of the Network is the Network

September 24, 2020 By C21 Communications

Being a part of the CENTURY 21® Network gives each broker and agent access to a host of tools, tech resources, training, marketing materials, and some beautiful branding. But time and time again brokers and agents alike emphasize the valuable relationships that they’ve built with others around the country as the reason why they love this gold brand so much. Since 1971, members of the CENTURY 21 Network have been able to turn to fellow real estate professionals around the world for support with running their office, managing their business, and navigating the ups and downs of the market. With knowledge gathered from coast to coast (and beyond), CENTURY 21 affiliated brokers and agents expand their skills, gain new insights and ideas, and defy mediocrity together.

FROM ALASKA TO NEW JERSEY

An unlikely relationship under any other circumstances, Jessie Hoff from CENTURY 21 JRS in New Jersey and Mike VanSickle from CENTURY 21 Gold Rush Alaska, text regularly. Whether it’s to discuss difficulties with a new agent, looking for help with a new lease agreement, or just to vent about the changing real estate market, the support that Jessie experiences from Mike in Alaska helped her to survive a tumultuous transition into office management.

Jessie began her career in real estate as an agent in 2005 at CENTURY 21 JRS. After attending the brand’s International Management Academy* in 2015, she began to transition into a manager-lite position in her office. Shortly afterwards, her broker and mentor suddenly passed away. The closely-knit office was thrown into chaos and struggled to pick up the pieces. Jessie began to lead the office but, “constantly felt like I was drowning.” With nowhere else to turn Jessie began to lean on the relationships that she’d just begun to build at CENTURY 21. “I felt so alone during that time, so in over my head.” Jessie attended as many brand events as she could, seeking out wisdom and advice from whoever she met.

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And the CENTURY 21 Network did not disappoint. Fellow brokers gave tough advice, asked hard questions, and then offered to look through and fix up her contracts and documents. Emerging from years of navigating her company’s loss, Jessie attributes her success as now the company owner to the relationships that she has with other CENTURY 21 brokers – like Mike in Alaska.

TRANSPARENCY IN REAL TIME

The value of the CENTURY 21 Network has perhaps never more apparent than in 2020. As offices struggled to navigate the volatile market at the start of the pandemic, brokers were eager to share what they’d learned and resources that they’d compiled. CENTURY 21 president and CEO, Mike Miedler ran regular sessions for all brokers and agents where topics like transitioning to a virtual environment, market analysis, and mental health were discussed.

In early March, details were shared in one of these sessions on how to apply for agent and office funding via a PPP loan. The next day, the requirements changed. Melanie Banks and Ken Murawski, from CENTURY 21 Veterans in PA, created a YouTube video on how an agent should apply for their own loan and how they had completed the application as an office. Shared with brokers in their area, this tutorial went into details on how to enter agent wages, office expenses, as well as what to keep in mind when choosing a bank to apply through. The time and effort that Melanie’s video saved offices was invaluable as Real Estate had been deemed a non-essential business in PA. Local brokers came together for a weekly call where best practices were shared both while their offices were closed and then as the state began to re-open. CENTURY 21 Jackson Real Estate was located in one of the first counties that reopened in PA. They put together documents on how to run virtual open houses, as well as where to find compliant PPE for showing homes. Sharing knowledge transparently in real time helped PA brokers to survive months of uncertainty.

SUPPORT, NOT COMPETITION

The connections formed between brokers across the Network are so valuable that some have created groups that regularly meet to share best practices and resources. In meetings of the CENTURY 21® broker-organized Broker Business Advocacy Association, members are able to be open and be vulnerable about the issues they’re dealing with. Sensitive topics like value packages and recruiting are frequently addressed with sample contracts, recruiting materials, and comp plans compiled into a resource center without fear of competition. The group’s president Fernando Semiao from CENTURY 21 Semiao and Associates in New Jersey states that, “Because of the diversity of the group, we’ve been able to clearly distinguish myth from reality in real estate, especially when it comes to our competition. This has helped us put together strong value packages, pulling pieces from each of ours to create the very best version that we couldn’t have made alone.”

Another significant benefit for Semiao are the referrals that he’s received from feeder markets in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. In the last few years, he estimates to have completed almost 100 deals based on referrals from the group. Holding about 6 huddles each year, the originally regional group recently opened their doors to any broker within the Network.

“IF I HAVE SEEN FURTHER IT IS BY STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS.”

The desire that brokers have to transparently collaborate and share with the CENTURY 21 Network is especially invaluable for growing companies. The top 100 female brokers recently created a group where they’re able to candidly discuss the trials and successes that they’ve experienced as women in real estate. While women make up 67% of real estate sales associates in the US, yet more men lead real estate companies as a broker-owner (NAR 2019 Member Profile.) The mentorship that the owners of the smaller companies in the group are able to access from women who run some of the most successful companies in the Network has radically changed their mentality towards the way that they’re able to grow their business.

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Chrissie Wright, a broker from CENTURY 21 Wright-Pace Real Estate in Arkansas, recently posted on Workplace, the CENTURY 21 internal communications platform, searching for any advice on building a mortgage business in house. She had first been inspired to streamline the real estate process for her clients after attending a brand event focused on elevating the customer experience. “I’m trying to create a one stop shop. I’ve seen other C21® brokers do the same thing who found it very successful. Our markets and demographics may be different, but every consumer is looking for a seamless experience.” She began by bringing a closing company in house, choosing the final moment of the real estate process as her starting point. After successfully implementing the new process where clients physically come into her office to sign their closing paperwork, Chrissie was ready to take the next step.

Because of her post on Workplace, Chrissie connected with another CENTURY 21 broker who was looking to do the same thing. They are now researching together how to best bring a mortgage company in house. “The network is what keeps me here, the ability to build ideas off each other. Everyone is very honest and willing to share their opinions. They’re willing to tell about their success and failures. C21 has a lot of history and knowledge between the agents, brokers, and the corporate team that we can learn from and use as a guide.”

The insights and connections that brokers and agents gain access to simply by being a member of the brand might come freely, but their value is priceless. From the brokers just starting out to those looking to bring their business to the next level, there is someone who has been there before. The comradery, support, and transparency that’s the norm within the CENTURY 21 Network is exactly what makes it so powerful.

*The International Management Academy is a training program designed for CENTURY 21® Franchisees, Responsible Brokers, and Senior Management team members. The focus of the course includes recommendations on effectively leveraging the CENTURY 21® brand in order to position companies for growth including attracting and retaining agents and developing strong business strategies in 4 core areas: Recruiting and Retention, Agent Productivity, Agent Coaching and Development, and Company and Office Culture

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This Doesn’t Have to be Awkward

September 22, 2020 By C21 Communications

This time last year, the term “new normal” was unheard of. Fast forward to today, and it’s become a term that just about all of us (like it or not) has adapted as every day language to sum up, the unexpected turn of events of 2020. A year ago, it was common to muster up a casual conversation with someone, while grabbing coffee at your favorite barista. Trying to initiate this same conversation today, and it can become a mildly awkward moment where two people are attempting to speak to one another through muffled words while wearing face masks with misinterpreted hand gestures. When you’ve become accustomed to interpreting facial expressions such as a smile, or someone mouthing the word, “Hello,” the challenge we’ve all come to face, at some point, is how do we continue interacting with one another and building relationships day to day, when our main lines of communication have been impacted through the measures of social distancing? How can we avoid making things awkward?

Century 21 real estate agent, Bernz Fernandez, hasn’t missed a beat with his clients and says he’s found the sweet spot in making things less awkward in his day to day interactions. Building and maintaining relationships is the bread and butter for most real estate professionals and entrepreneurs alike, and the measures of social distancing can make it difficult to communicate and show yourself friendly to others.

In California, when masks were first mandated, Burnz began hand-delivering them to his clients to continue fostering those relationships. “It’s about making sure people understand that you are here to help them,” Burns says. It’s in times like this where you may have to consider thinking outside the box for simple ways to communicate through thoughtful gestures while interacting with those you encounter.

According to psychologists, increased levels of social interaction can cause the hormone oxytocin to be released in the brain. Known as the “soothing hormone” studies have shown the release of this hormone can have a positive impact such as wellbeing, stress reduction, and even health promotion. Though we have a new normal with our person to person interaction, there are other ways we can create non-awkward social experiences. Paul J. Zak, Professor of Economic Sciences, Psychology & Management and Director, Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, believes that using technology to communicate and stay connected with others may be 80% as effective as face to face interaction.

Entrepreneurs can follow the necessary safety precautions while still building relationships. Implementing technology such as texting, video chatting, email, and social media can be ways to build awareness for your business and simultaneously build the relationships you and your business need. “Social media has helped a lot,” Burns says. “I post a lot about work and personal life and I try to be genuine. People see this and when they see they can learn from you or relate form you, they are more inclined to reach out to you and they feel like they can trust you.” He has continued to generate new leads through the use of social media. He has also used technology as leverage to communicate “what to expect” with his clients during the homebuying process to help put them at ease and build their trust.

Engaging with others doesn’t have to be awkward, and in speaking with Burnz, he shares some of the ways he’s been able to not only continue building his business, despite social distancing measures, but he’s also strengthened relationships and built new ones.

Over iterate- Burnz shares, “I am very expressive and I talk with my hands. I also have very expressive eyebrows.” Even wearing a mask, you can communicate with others in a meaningful way. Whether it’s through a gentle head nod or smiling with your eyes, adding some extra expression can go a long way.
Be sensitive- “I keep things short and quick, in a caring way, instead of going straight to asking them if they want to buy a house. You just don’t know what they’re going through, with all that’s happening,” he says. Putting others first and considering them outside of your work relationship can help build a solid foundation moving forward.
Be authentic- “Be your authentic self. There is only one you and you can’t alter yourself because of what’s happening. Learn to work around you.” Creating authentic workarounds to new communication challenges can help put an end to those awkward encounters.

If you’ve found yourself struggling with what to say, or wondering if the person you said “hello” to as you walked past each other even heard you; know you’re not alone. We are all learning to find our new footing with what’s become our new normal. Taking just a few moments, each day, to intentionally communicate, in a more meaningful way, can help things feel…well, less awkward.

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The Pandemic Can’t Stop Military Home-Buyers – 5 Reasons VA Loan Usage is Surging

September 17, 2020 By C21 Communications

It comes as no surprise that the rise in COVID-19 cases rocked the housing market in more ways than one. Military homebuyers are facing new challenges in their search for a dream home. Yet, VA loan usage has surged in 2020 and is likely to hit record highs dating back to when the program started in 1944.

The VA loan has always been an attractive and beneficial mortgage option for many military borrowers, but there are a few reasons it is increasing in popularity during the pandemic.

They are safeguarded against foreclosures. One of the most important VA loan benefits during COVID-19 is the protection against foreclosures. Many mortgage lenders have foreclosure avoidance teams to ensure that veterans can keep their homes in times of financial instability, making this an attractive option for homebuyers financially impacted by COVID-19.
Mortgage rates hitting historic lows. Veterans and active-duty homebuyers are taking advantage of lower monthly mortgage payments and the VA loan’s competitive interest rates.
No down payment means more cash. Unlike many other mortgage options, one of the most significant benefits of the VA loan is the ability to purchase a home with $0 down. With financial hardships hitting many families, taking advantage of the no down payment provides more money in the bank and peace-of-mind for military members.
No PMI or monthly mortgage insurance. Unlike other mortgage options, VA loans don’t require either of these recurring, monthly charges. Military homebuyers can expect to save a couple of hundred dollars a month without these fees.
Limits on closing costs. This is to ensure that homeownership is affordable. While other mortgage options tack on fees during the closing, the VA adds another incentive by limiting what the buyer is required to pay.

Regardless of the circumstances, the VA loan is a powerful mortgage option that military homebuyers choose time and time again. Military homebuyers won’t be stopped by these uncertain times, and the VA loan is their key to purchasing the home of their dreams.

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Compliments to the Chef

September 15, 2020 By C21 Communications

As more Americans turn to home cooking and entertaining, the functionality of a kitchen is more important than ever when choosing a home.

Over the past half-century, kitchens have become somewhat fetishized; a place to display high-tech appliances and high design cookware, a social hub for friends and family, and a continuation of home style that showcases elegance and considered design choices. Pare it back to basics, though, and today’s kitchen is still essentially what it always has been: a place to prepare food. And homeowners, spurred recently by stay-at-home orders, but also inspired by home-cooking television shows, health concerns and the rising expense of dining out, are increasingly relying on their kitchens in times when eating out is not an option, as well as using their kitchens as additional entertainment space; somewhere to try their hand at cooking for their friends and family. For house hunters who relish the opportunity to regularly entertain and prepare food for guests, it pays to know what to look for when assessing kitchen space during your house search—and the best person to ask is an expert.

Edouard Massih is a private chef and caterer in New York City. He hosts intimate dinners in his own home, giving local diners the experience of enjoying his food in a less formal, more personal way. Massih, who was born in Lebanon, found his love for cooking in his grandmother’s kitchen. Sharing food and creating community has always been the driving force behind Massih’s cooking, and he has discovered a way to do that in his own backyard—literally.

“I wanted to invite people into my backyard, because I had a very unique space in Brooklyn, and not a lot of people [in New York] get to have dinners in a backyard,” Massih says. To bring to life his vision of cooking for the community, Massih extensively renovated his Greenpoint backyard, creating a lush urban escape where guests can enjoy the exquisite food that he prepares in his own kitchen—each dish enhanced by a dash of his grandfather’s olive oil, all the way from Lebanon.

Having worked on his kitchen to ensure that it had everything that he needed to support his at-home dining experiences, Massih has the knowledge of both a professional chef and a home cook. We asked him for some tips to help aspiring culinary hosts to choose the right kitchen space, starting with the five kitchen elements that he finds to be indispensable. First, Massih says, is “the right fridge, or the right fridge space.” Part of taking the pressure off yourself when entertaining, he says, is making sure that you’re prepared in advance. “Entertaining is all about making it simple for yourself when people are there— being able to prep ahead and batching the drinks; having the pitchers of water ready in the fridge; and having everything ready to go. Maybe serve more cold stuff than hot. You can do a pasta salad and an orzo salad, and make it two hours in advance.”

Preparing food in advance, chilling drinks and ensuring that all of your produce is fresh all comes down to having the right fridge. And while interactive fridges with weather forecasts and recipe databases can be useful, the main thing is space—and plenty of it. If you want to get fancy, you could go for a hot-water dispenser and temperature-adjustable drawers, both of which assist in various cooking processes; just make sure that you have enough shelf space to hold all of the food and beverages that you’ve prepped for your guests.

Because you can’t make a lot of food without creating a lot of mess, Massih insists that having two sinks is vital: one dedicated to food prep, and one to cleanup. You can keep your prep equipment near your prep sink (think bowls, colanders, appliances), and dishes near the cleanup sink (which should ideally be close to the dishwasher). In addition, having two sinks creates more flexibility for multiple cooks, and streamlines the flow while you’re cooking.

The third must-have for Massih is “a lot of prep area—lots of counter space.” You need space for laying out, preparing and organizing ingredients, which most people consider when thinking about counter space; but if you’re planning on entertaining groups of diners, you also need enough counter space to plate all of the meals at once. Nobody wants to be balancing plates on top of kitchen stools because there’s not enough room for everything on the countertop.

Fourth for Massih is storage, in terms of both kitchen cabinets and a decent pantry. You want plenty of space, and also space that complements your cooking flow. Pots and pans should be as close to your stove as possible—either on a rack above or in a cabinet below—and serving utensils like spoons and tongs should be close to where you do your plating, to minimize the number of steps you have to take to collect your cooking tools, which helps with efficiency when you’re cooking for a group of people. A walk-in pantry is ideal, with various shelf sizes and storage options for appliances that are not in regular use. For chefs, there’s nothing worse than a cluttered cooktop.

Lastly, Massih emphasizes the importance of, as he calls it, “legit trash.” “You want a trash can that’s near the sink or accessible around [where you’re working], and not one of those little tiny trash barrels that fits nothing,” he says. “Otherwise, every two minutes, you’ll have to take the trash out when you’re prepping.” Massih also spends a lot of time cooking in other people’s kitchens as part of his catering and private-chef business, and the one feature that he is always delighted to see is a back kitchen.

“What is really nice about some of [the private homes that I cook in] is they have a back kitchen, like the ‘help’ kitchen,” he says. “That really does help a lot. If I [had the resources], and I was looking for a house to entertain in a lot or to do a lot of dinners in, then that’s definitely something that I would look for. “A lot of these kitchens nowadays are very open-plan, because the idea of it is that it’s really fun. But it gets annoying when you’re [hosting] a formal dinner, and you can’t do dishes [or hide them away] while your guests are eating. Having a small back kitchen really helps, because then you can hide all of the stuff that you don’t want people to see.”

There’s nothing wrong with a kitchen as a style statement, and most people whose interests lie in kitchens will admit to some fetish-like reverence. Just keep practical concerns in mind, particularly when you have culinary aspirations; remember, you can have a waterfall countertop AND legit trash. That’s what we call the best of both worlds.

For more information on Edouard Massih and his home-style cooking, visit www.edouardmassih.com.

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What you need to know about refinancing your home

September 9, 2020 By C21 Communications

With mortgage rates at historic lows, it’s not surprising so many people are looking to refinance their home. Is such a move right for you? Here are a few things you need to know.

Several refinancing options

Many homeowners seek to refinance to lower their monthly home mortgage payment. However, you can also pursue refinancing to change the duration of your loan, cash out the equity of your home, remove your mortgage insurance requirement or change the structure of your loan.

Risks remain

While refinancing is a popular option today, there are still risks. Many mortgages include a clause that assesses penalties if you pay down your mortgage with a line of home equity credit. You may also incur fees in the beginning hiring the proper professionals to manage the refinancing process.

Stay with what you know

Most lenders will want you to have been in your home at least one year before attempting to refinance. It’s also better to try and refinance with your original lender as this can remove fees and time associated with title searches and property appraisals. It also offers you a better chance at the most favorable rates.

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Century 21® 2020-08-27 09:27:26

August 27, 2020 By C21 Communications

ALL IN: Building on a foundation for exponential growth

Earlier this year when Broker/Owners Phillip Bolte and Renee Bolte-Stein held a team meeting to announce their decision to affiliate with the C21 Brand and become CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate, they knew there was a lot at stake. What can be considered an institution in their area, the Bolte name celebrated a unique history with their local community that extended back to 1936. Not only did they have tenure, they had notable wins as well, all ingrained in an unshakable culture that has carried their company – and clients – through generations. As recent as 2019, the real estate company completed a key acquisition in their local market, effectively growing their reach. All indications point to a successful company with great longevity and momentum. So, from an outsider’s viewpoint one cannot help but wonder, “Why join the C21 Brand now?”

A Good Fit

A general rule of thumb for job seekers is that the interview process is a two-way street – it’s an opportunity for the company to interview you and more importantly, for you to interview the company for fit. The same rules apply when positioning your business for a potential partnership. The CENTURY 21 Brand takes pride in our mission: to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences. That is in the DNA of everything we do and business decisions, projects, partnerships, etc. are all taken on with that filter in mind. Spend 5-minutes with Phillip and Renee and the commonalities in their business approach to ours are evident. They often cite their unique company mission, to “have fun, treat people right and make money.” How this translates to business is through their ultimate focus on growth. As Renee said, every decision they make must answer one of two questions, “will this help our brokerage grow? or “will this help our agents grow?” – if the answer is no, they will not move ahead – simple as that. For the C21 Brand, the journey to affiliation did not occur overnight, but was 5-years’ worth of building relationship on both sides of the conversation to evaluate alignment. What was mutually discovered in the process?

We both have a growth-oriented mindset
The desire to continue to improve is core to our success
We believe in delivering exceptional experiences to our clients and maintaining a commitment to excellence by taking a personal approach with customers

The challenge the Bolte team was experiencing is that, despite the efforts they took in working towards some of these needs, they ultimately began to learn there was a limit to what they could achieve on their own when it came to their growth aspirations. With dedicated consultants from the C21-side as well as platforms and resources available to spur growth and productivity, value was supported on both sides of this conversation.

It’s About Time…

But back to that team meeting. CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate consists of 48 agents with an agent age range spanning 50 years, the youngest agent clocking in at 24. The decision to affiliate not just extended to their culture and community – but also to their agents, who all have unique needs. A reality they had to consider is this announcement and could result in an agent deciding to leave, also known as breakage. As Phillip recalls, the moment he knew this transition would go well is when the oldest agent in his office, at 74, approached him after the announcement and simply said, “it’s about time.” What it showed Bolte leadership was that their team recognized there was more opportunity out there to individually – and collectively achieve their goals. The transition to the CENTURY 21 Brand for the Bolte team ultimately saw 0 breakage. What’s more, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the U.S., the company had two consecutive record-breaking months in June and July 2020. They went into that meeting confident, and cautiously optimistic. They came out on the other side – ready.

Bolte 2.0

According to the Harvard Business Review, there are two qualities to be a coachable person: demonstrate a commitment to development and have the capacity to reach a desired skill level. Our team across the global C21 network all have that in common – despite our location in the world, we are all 121% committed to delivering extraordinary and we are dedicated to success. This common denominator came into play in affiliating with CENTURY 21 Bolte. The Bolte team has a long history of being trailblazers in their own right, going back to their founder, Ann Bolte being the first female Broker in Ohio. In addition, they understood the importance of technology in their business but often felt it was a challenge to maintain a competitive edge. That combination of qualities opened the door for the C21 Brand to provide the right resources to the Bolte team to make these attainable realities. The Bolte team is a leader in their local market and arguably know the real estate landscape in their area better than anyone, they made the conscious decision to become students of the brand – and absorb all of the learning, training and tech opportunities they could from Century 21 Real Estate. This allowed that team to build on their fundamentals and create a new space to push through the barriers they might have previously experienced and effectively impact their business with best-in-class resources.

The best way Phillip captured the company’s reasoning to affiliate, “we knew it was something we had to do – to get to the next level…and once we committed, we were all in.” There are some things that just won’t change. Although Buckeyes might visit CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate to a slightly different name and look, the fundamentals of this organization are sound, steeped in 80-years’ worth of growth and culture that has left – and will continue to – leave an indelible mark on the communities they serve in the Northern/Central Ohio area.

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