This month we pause to honor the heroes who lost their lives when our nation was attacked on September 11, and to celebrate the courage and compassion that has since flowed from all American people. Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with everyone affected by the tragedy.  

"The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the
chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us."
- Nelson Mandela

REALTORS® Reflect and Remember 9/11

REALTORS® play a vital role in helping Americans realize the dream of home ownership. In the world we live in after 9/11, REALTORS® are contributing in ways that go above and beyond. It's been a year since that senseless terrorist attack on American soil changed our lives forever. The attacks tested the limits of our strength, compassion and resolve. And, as a nation, we discovered we have no limits. This is readily apparent in the selflessness and courage of the REALTOR® family.

Both collectively and as individuals, REALTORS® came to the aid of those in need and provided both monetary and spiritual support. From the REALTOR® Housing Relief Fund, which provided mortgage and rent assistance to more than 1,300 families of victims, to individual feats of heroism by REALTORS® throughout the country, we are proud to be working with these unselfish leaders.

Realtor.org has created a 9/11 Remembrance Website to commemorate the efforts of REALTORS® throughout the country, and to show the positive impact on the victims' families. The stories will inspire you and make you as proud to be a REALTOR® as we are to be working with REALTORS® across the country.

Hawaii Success Story Contest Winners Announced

We were truly OVERWHELMED by the response to our Hawaii Success Contest, and thank you sincerely for taking the time to submit your entry. The response was so tremendous that we had to develop a program for posting the entries and a ranking system to keep the stories organized. Our team of judges read each entry carefully and judged it for content and originality. Since we had received so many great stories, we decided to award a Second and Third prize in addition to the Grand Prize of a Trip for Two to Hawaii.

The Winners are...(drum roll please) 

Grand Prize: John O'Rourke, from Rancho Bernardo, CA
Visit John's website: www.talk2orourke4homes.com

John has won our Grand Prize of a Hawaiian Vacation Package for two valued at $2,600.00. 

Here is John's story:

"About a little over a year ago, I had the good fortune of becoming acquainted with you and your outstanding company. I was just beginning my real estate career with Prudential CA Realty in Rancho Bernardo following nearly a decade of owning and operating an in-line hockey league. As it was for many, the year 2001 was a trying year for me and my family. In January, our then five year old son suffered a stroke. Needless to say, my wife and I were devastated. Next came the tragic news and events of September 11th. On a day that no American will ever forget, I lost four friends and classmates whom I attended High School with in Baldwin, NY."

"With my wife and I preoccupied between running to physical therapy sessions several times a week as well as caring for our three year old and new born sons, I was desperately in need of some products and systems that would help me build my real estate business. I can honestly say that Advanced Access was truly a blessing from above."

"In August of 2001, Advanced Access helped me design and implement a first-class interactive website and also introduced me to one of their new marketing systems called Intellicards. During the past year, these dynamic and unprecedented marketing tools have enabled me to develop and maintain a flourishing database. The Intellicards have been in many ways the key ingredient that has enabled me to enjoy success during my first year in real estate. Used consistently, these innovative e-cards have generated a steady stream of leads and closed business during the past year."

"Advanced Access also designed and customized a "Classic" website for me that has given my clients and prospects an integral resource that they actually use on a regular basis. This website has actually generated between 2-4 leads consistently each month throughout the year, and has been a vital lead generating tool that has translated into significant closed business."

"Through the help of these dynamic marketing tools, I am currently on pace to close 24 sides totaling over $6,287,000 in gross sales. This translates into over $104,000 in earned commissions!"

"I am truly most grateful to Advanced Access for helping me put the systems in place that have enabled me to become successful in just my first year in the business. I highly recommend these systems for anyone who wants to take their business to greater heights! My sincere thanks to you and your wonderful staff for your commitment and dedication that has helped make my first year in the real estate business a successful one!"

John was THRILLED to hear the news that his story won the Grand Prize: 

"Thank you so very much for your phone call today, Kristina, to inform me that I won the Hawaii Contest. I was both shocked and thrilled to hear the wonderful news. My family and I are extremely grateful to you and your company for all you have done and continue to do to keep us abreast of staying efficient and successful in the real estate market, and we are most grateful for this awesome surprise!" 

"I also wanted to recognize Rianna Lehmkuhl who is a truly outstanding customer service representative who has helped me immensely in this capacity...and is always there for me in a prompt, courteous, professional fashion!"

Second Prize: Sherry Downie of Warner Robins, GA

Sherry is the lucky winner of a $500.00 award certificate for www.GiftCertificates.com -- the largest selection of merchants online, including Apparel, Food/Wine, Dining/Entertainment, Sports, Electronics, Hotels, Travel and more.

Third Prize: Phyllis Harb, of La Canada, CA
Visit Phyllis's Website: www.realtorharb.com

Phyllis is the lucky winner of a $300.00 award certificate for www.GiftCertificates.com.

EVERYONE who submitted their success story is a winner, because you will each be receiving a free month of website hosting just for entering our contest. We'll be sending you an e-mail soon that confirms your free month of hosting.

We would like to thank ALL of our clients who entered the contest, and to let you know that we certainly enjoyed reading your success stories. At Advanced Access, we will never lose sight of the fact that our success is directly linked to the satisfaction and success of YOU - our valued clients. Therefore, you can COUNT on the fact that we will never stop looking for ways to EXCEED your expectations of our products and our service.

Look for the AA Sales Team at a Convention Near You

Advanced Access' Star Sales Representatives are packing up our booths and getting ready to exhibit at conventions and trade shows around the country during the next few months. 

We invite you to come over and introduce yourself to us if you happen to see our booth at YOUR convention. Here's where you'll find us:

Texas Association of REALTORS® Convention September 20-22
California Association of REALTORS® October 8-10
National Association of REALTORS® November 8-11
Triple Play Convention (NY, NJ & Philadelphia) December 3-5 

The highlight of the conventions for us is talking to our customers from across the country. Many of you are "old friends" whom we've known for years, and others are new clients and friends. We appreciate all of our valued clients who take the time to stop by and say hello to us during your busy convention schedules. If you introduce us to someone who is interested in an Advanced Access website, we will reward you with a gift. =)

Congratulations to AA Client Linda Norton
NAR's Good Neighbor Award Finalist

The Good Neighbor Awards recognize the ongoing efforts of Realtors® who make exceptional contributions to improving the quality of life in their communities.  

We are proud to recognize Linda Norton, one of our valued clients, as one of the prestigious finalists in the Good Neighbor program. Linda, who is affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Fort Collins, Colorado, co-founded Funding Partners for Housing Solutions, which has provided 400 affordable units for low-income homebuyers and 700 units for renters. She recently led a difficult renovation that created 47 units for low-income seniors and saved a historical building.  

We created this award to recognize Realtors® who've made major contributions to their communities," said REALTOR® Magazine Editor Stacey Moncrieff. "All the outstanding nominees-and particularly our finalists- demonstrate how integral Realtors® are to the well-being of their areas. The Good Neighbor Awards show the world the positive difference Realtors® make and will likely inspire more Realtors® to give back to their communities."

We are so proud of Linda, who, in addition to being a shining example of the REALTOR® ideal, is a wonderful person and a valued, long-time Advanced Access client. You can visit Linda's website at by clicking here.

September Housing Market Outlook

The following information is compiled from www.RealEstateABC.com. If you haven't yet visited RealEstateABC's REALTOR® directory, you should definitely check it out. It is in your best interest to become a part of the highest trafficked real estate website that still offers free links. Click here for more information. 

Record Year for Home Sales 

"We're definitely heading for a record year." Those are the words of David Lareah, Chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, when July's existing home sales figures showed a strong surge after a slower-than-expected June.  

Sales growth for July was 4.5% above the figures originally reported for June; however, June's figures were downgraded during the month. July's sales were at a seasonally adjusted annual sales pace of 5.33 million housing units.  

Regional sales growth figures are: Northeast - 4.9%, Midwest - 10.19%, and South - 6.37% Growth actually slowed in the West by 2.92%.

Price Appreciation 

Nationwide, the average resale home increased in value 9.18% over the last year - West 9.11%, Northeast 7.41%, Midwest 9.32%, and South 9.96%. 

Housing Inventory 

The latest figures show the current inventory of homes for sale is 4.6 months. That is down slightly from last month's inventory of 5.2 months. 

Owner vs. Renters 

Almost 68% of America's non-vacant homes are occupied by owners. Home ownership was highest in the Midwest - 72.8%, followed by the South - 69.3%, then the Northeast - 63.9%, with the West following up the rear at 62.4%.

August 2002  |  Back to Main Page  |  October 2002

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