Interview with Rosemarie Barrera

Rosemarie Barrera
Realtor
Century 21 M&M and Associates

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the most hardworking ladies in the real estate field, Rosemarie Barrera. Rosemarie is a Realtor with Century 21 M&M and Associates in Clovis, California. Mrs. Barrera specializes in residential real estate in Fresno and Madera County. She has been in the real estate business for 12 years and has won many awards for her hard work and determination. I was excited to interview a Realtor who works in the Central Valley to see what their perspective is for our residential real estate market’s valuation now and in the future, and Rosemarie was just the right Realtor to ask.

Q: Why did you get into the residential real estate business and how long have you been a Realtor?

A: “I was living in Orange County at the time and my brother’s girlfriend Rafeala suggested that I would do great in real estate. The rest is history. I was licensed in November 9th, 1999; I will be starting my 12th year in 2011.”

Q: What changes have you seen in the market since you started?

A: I have seen the market in the low times and in the high times, and now we are back in a low market.

Q: How has your marketing for obtaining listings and buyers changed over the past four years?

A: I have started to utilize Facebook, You Tube, and the general Internet more in order to obtain listings and market. It has become easier over the years to market listings since the Internet has opened up so many possibilities.

Q: Do you have different types of clients now as compared to a few years
ago?

A: No, not really. I mainly work off of referrals so others may have different clients than they are used to, but I stick with my referrals. I have been working with more banks, as foreclosures have been flooding the market.

Q: How would you describe the Central Valley residential real estate market?

A: It is great for first-time home buyers and investors. The only problem now is the lending. It is much harder to get a loan now and lenders are requiring much more documentation and inspections.

Q: How would you describe the value of residential properties now compared
to 4 years ago?

A: In 2006, Fresno and Madera counties properties were valued at the highest, and I was just waiting for the market to fall.

Q: What is the best technique for estimating property values and what method do you use most often?

A: I can’t really say what the best technique for estimating property values is for everyone, but for me I use the Comparative Market Analysis. It is a great technique when there many accurate and plentiful comparable properties to your subject property. I use the Comparative Market Analysis daily in estimating property values.

Q: What is your future prediction for the residential real estate market in the Central Valley?

A: Hopefully it will remain stable, but I believe that property values will continue to fall a little bit more, as the economy tries to recover.

Q: What qualities do you possess that make you a successful real estate
agent?

A: I am honest, reliable, know the market well, and I am a great problem-solver. If you are going to be a successful Realtor, it is imperative to be honest and know the market.

Q: Do you have any tips for a new real estate agent just entering the
market?
A: Number one is to be honest in all of your dealings. Also take as many classes as you can, learn how to value properties well and the prices of properties in the area you are working. Just learn the market and start running with a buyer or a seller.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for first-time home buyers?
Right now the prices of homes are low and so are the interest rates, so it is a perfect time to buy the perfect home!

Q: What would you suggest to homeowners who are looking to sell their homes in this down market?

A: If you must sell your home at this time, then the biggest tip I could give is to price accordingly. If you price your home to high it will just sit on the market, and will be a waste of your time. Make sure your home is appealing on the outside as it is on the inside, hire an aggressive Realtor that will market your home well, and clean the house well for showings.

Q: How are short sales and foreclosures affecting the Central Valley residential real estate market?

A: They are most of the market. This makes the prices of homes with regular sellers decrease drastically. If there is a house on a street with a regular sell listed for $150,000, a foreclosure will be listed the next day for $100,000 and will have multiple offers, while the regular sell will remain and eventually have to reduce their price to sell. We have seen this over and over again in the Central Valley, which explains the drastic reduction in prices since 2007.

I would like to thank Rosemarie Barrera for taking time out of her hectic schedule to answer my questions. We had our interview in her car on a way to a showing of one of her many listings in Fresno, which shows just how busy she really is. After interviewing Rosemarie, I now have a better understanding of the condition of the market in the Central Valley, and picked up some good tips for getting into the real estate field.