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The Rise and Fall of the BLS (Bakersfield Listing Service)

For a while we had 2 Multiple Listing Services in Bakersfield. The BLS, which was the new one, owned and operated by 5 Real Estate companies, has ceased operations. What happened?

The Pros and Cons of using a Real Estate Agent to buy New Construction

During the recent boom, most new construction wouldn’t cooperate with Real Estate Agents. Now that homes are taking longer to sell, they are much more open.

The Caravan

Once a week Real Estate agents meet and view up to 15 homes in a Caravan. The areas covered rotate every six weeks, so it gives agents an opportunity to see what is available all over Bakersfield.

The GEAR logo branding fiasco

The Bakersfield Association of Realtors spent a lot of time and money developing a brand and logo that would reflect the emergance of outlying cities, but when it was put to a vote, it was voted down. What happened to the Golden Empire Association of Realtors GEAR, and what are they going to do with all the hats, websites, and other paraphenalia already made with the logo on it?

What is Happening with all the Sub Prime loans?

The Sub Prime Loan, as it existed in the recent past, is no more. Tighter loan restrictions are now in place. What went wrong, and why are there so many foreclosures now? What about ARMs? What about Pre Payment Penalties? Who will help these people now?

How about these new web sites that will give you a value for your home?

There is quite a bit of information available on the web these days. You can even get a value for your home. How accurate are their results, and how do these companies make money? Where can I try them out?