August 09, 2011

Credit Suisse July Report

Posted to Larry Smyth, Rentals, Sellers

The Credit Suisse July Housing report is just out. The general trends across the nation are as follows:

  • Some buyers recognize affordability – low prices and low interest
  • Some buyers are afraid to make a move
  • Slight increase in buyer traffic
  • Continued downward pressure on home prices

Looking at the major markets in California here is what we hear:

  • Buyer traffic down
  • Home prices down
  • Builder incentives holding steady

Here are a few comments from agents in various California markets:

To view the full report, just click here. As a side note, even a fine company such as Credit Suisse is not immune to the slow economy. Last week it was announced they are laying off 2,000 workers world wide.

Posted by:  Larry Smyth



January 14, 2011

A Million Times Better

Posted to Buyers, Larry Smyth, Owners, Property Management, Real Estate Sales, Relocation, Rentals, Sellers, Tenants

We just received our final numbers regarding our web traffic for 2010. Let me just say that we are a million times better. In 2009 the Farrell Smyth web site generated 2.3 million hits. For the year end 2010, we generated 3.35 million hits, so we are over a million times better. Not too bad for a little ole real estate company from San Luis Obispo. So the question is, what is all the buzz about the Farrell Smyth web site?

First, we have the most up-to-date information on all properties for sale throughout San Luis Obispo County and Northern Santa Barbara County. The information is tied directly to the Multiple Listing System and updated every few minutes. You can’t find more current information then right on the Farrell Smyth web site. This information can be accessed by clicking on the “View Listings” button on the home page. Put in the criteria you want to search and there you go. At the same time you can set yourself up for instant updates when new properties come on the market. Next you can search for properties all over the world when you hit the RELO Home Search button. This will link you to any of our partners in the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World network. I go there once in a while myself just for fun. Give it a try.

If you are looking for a rental, just hit the “Rental List” button and get the most up-to-date information on the rentals we have available. Our rental list includes houses, condos and apartments throughout San Luis Obispo County. In addition, we list commercial properties such as office space and retail space. Again by going to our list you can sign up for instant updates so you will be notified each time a new property comes on the rental market. You can choose from e-mail or Twitter. You know the choice you make may show your age.

Here are a few of the other thing you can find on our web site.


  • Loan Calculator
  • Community comparisons
  • School Reports
  • Real Estate School Information
  • Homeowners Association Management Services
  • Property Videos
  • Maps
  • Blogs
  • Relocation Information
  • Community Activities and Events
  • Much More

Like our on screen spokesperson “Yoko” says, when you get to our web site take a few minutes and look around the site. Maybe with your help we can get to 5 million hits in 2011.

As always, your questions and comments are always welcome.

Larry D. Smyth
Broker/Owner

Farrell Smyth, Inc.

Posted by:  Larry Smyth



December 02, 2010

Credit Suisse Report

Posted to Buyers, Larry Smyth, Rentals

Have you ever had one of those weeks. You know the kind I mean, you drop the toast and it lands jam side down, the refrigerator light burns out, and then your server crashes. Well that describes our week here at Farrell Smyth. Our server went down the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and we were not fully operational until Monday morning. Everything seems to check out A OK for now so we dodged a bullet. Thank goodness for back up tapes, a patient staff, and a good IT group. It’s good to be back.

This week I did my duty and responded to the survey request from Credit Suisse regarding market activity for the month on November. We will get the results later in the month. In the mean time I also received the final report from Credit Suisse for October. The headline item is “Buyers Sit Out Another Month”. The main reasons cited are:

· Buyer Uncertainty

· Fear of Lower Prices

· Worries About Foreclosure Issues

To View the full report click here.

The Credit Suisse report gives details for many specific regions of the U.S. including many areas of California. There is some very interesting stuff. Take a look and see what’s going on in your specific area.

As always, questions and comments are welcome.

Posted by:  Larry Smyth



September 24, 2010

Dream Rental

Posted to Larry Smyth, Rentals

OK. So you have been looking for months and finally find that “Dream Rental” you have been waiting for. You are so excited you rush to the rental office, grab an application, fill it out, turn it in, and days later you hear nothing, or even worse you get the call that you have not been accepted. What the heck is wrong? You know you are a good person, with great references, a good job, so how could you not get the unit?

From years of experience, let me tell you that one reason tenants are turned down is for turning in incomplete applications. Sure you know all about your references, and good job, but you didn’t give the full details asked for on the rental application. Particularly when there is more than one applicant for a unit, a complete detailed application is a big advantage. Be sure to read the rental application carefully and answer each question completely and honestly. Even if you have had a financial or landlord issue in the past, if it is explained well, you may still be accepted. When in doubt about a question, don’t guess. Ask for help to be sure your application is correct including providing any extra items requested by the rental office.

My advice is to use your rental application to your advantage. Your application is your best spokesperson. It gives the first and most lasting impression to the landlord. Be complete, be thorough, and be timely. Go to the property management section of our web site, where you can view a typical rental application that may help you prepare for when that “Dream Rental” comes along. Good hunting.

As always, we welcome you questions or comments

Posted by:  Larry Smyth



August 24, 2010

e-PRO: An Advanced Designation to Help Provide the Best Services to Our Clients

Posted to Buyers, Homeowner Associations, Larry Smyth, Owners, Press Releases, Property Management, Real Estate Sales, Relocation, Rentals, Sellers, Tenants

We all know how the real estate industry has been changed with the advancement of the electronic age. We have all had to learn new technologies beginning with e-mail, and continuing with social media sites, web sites, and even Blogs like the one you are reading. As a long-time Real Estate Broker, I long ago recognized the importance of these changes. As a result, our company, Farrell Smyth, has made every effort to keep up with consumer demand for up-to-date electronic communications and information. As a part of our effort, I have recently completed the course to earn my e-PRO designation.

The e-PRO designation course is designed to train real estate professionals in the latest internet technologies to best serve our customers’ needs. Only 4% of all Realtors across the country have earned the e-PRO designation. So we are proud of our efforts to provide the best technology we can.

You already know about our Blog, but we want to tell you about another program we are just beginning. Constant Contact is our new marketing program. While our Blog will continue to provide general real estate information and updates on current market trends, Constant Contact will be strictly our marketing arm. We will provide information on new listings, price changes, open houses, and other cool stuff. Initially we will market to our current data base. Customers will be able to opt out if they wish, and rejoin at any time. If you would like to be added to our data base feel free to contact us, or in the near future you will be able to sign up on our web site home page at www.farrellsmyth.com. We continue to provide you with the most up to date information from the Central California Coast and beyond.

As always, your comments and questions are welcome.

Posted by:  Larry Smyth