Real Estate Headlines
April 7, 2008
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
Century 21 Vista Sales Professionals Lauded for Excellence in Area of Customer Service.
Realizing that customer service is an integral part of its commitment to professional excellence, Century 21 Real Estate LLC has recognized Andrew Olson, Gay Folden, Scott Norton, Michelle Pearson and Tom Verhelst of Century 21 Vista, Inc. with the Century 21 Quality Service Producer Award.
This national award is presented annually to those Century 21 System members who receive a minimum satisfaction index of 85 percent. Surveys are emailed to all customers immediately after the purchase or sale of a home through a Century 21 System office.
"The Quality Service Producer Award is an integral part of the Century 21 System's commitment to excellence and recognizes these agents's dedication to contonuously exceeding the service expectations of clients," said Alan Olson, Broker. "Only 8% of agents nationally achieve this service level."
Century 21 Vista, Inc. is a full service brokerage located at 405 W Lincoln, Fergus Falls, MN specializing in residential, luxury, commercial and recreational properties.
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March 26, 2008
Press Release by Alan W. Olson, Broker/Owner
Three Receive Centurion Award from Century21 System
Tom Verhelst, Michelle Pearson and Alan W. Olson, Broker/Owner of Century 21 Vista, Inc. recently earned the Century 21 System's Centurion Producer Award for their continuous sales success.
The Centurion Producer Award honors Century 21 System sales associates who sell in excess of 7 million dollars in real estate within a calendar year. Only 2% of all Century 21 agents worldwide achieve this award. These agents were presented with a Centurion Award statue and lapel pin, in addition to being recognized at the Century 21 System's International Convention in Orlando, Florida.
"Tom, Michelle and Alan have over 70 years of combined experience in the real estate industry and are leaders and innovators in delivering powerful home buying and selling choices to their clients because they are so knowledgeable about the communities they serve," said Barb Ecker, Office Manager. "These agents area a valued and trusted resource for the Fergus Falls community and major contributors to the overall success of Century 21 Vista."
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March 11, 2008
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker-Owner
“BUSINESS AS USUAL” IN
In One Local Market, Broker Says Real Estate Business Is Stable
Orlando,
“It’s pretty much business as usual. Sales are quite good,” said Alan Olson, a veteran Century 21 Broker, from the Century 21 International Convention in
Being 180 miles northwest of the Twin Cities, “we’re somewhat isolated from the big swings both up and down because we’re a rural area and quite stable.” Olson said in describing why his particular area is faring well. “We haven’t had huge inflation and consequently we don’t lose a lot either.”
Olson, a self-described Pollyanna, echoed what many other real estate experts have said, namely that if a person is willing to sell their home for a “bit less” than they thought it was worth, there are plenty of bargains to be had. Someone selling in
But Olson acknowledges that in many regions of the country the real estate market is not as vibrant as his. “There are areas that are suffering and areas that are booming,” he said. “It’s strictly local,” saying
In fact, Olson sees another profitable year for his business. “From what I’ve seen in the last 4 months, our market is going to grow, he said. “I feel I’ll be looking at another ten to 15 percent increase in 2008”.
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February 26, 2008
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker-Owner
Kurt Nygaard Joins Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Alan Olson, Broker-Owner is proud to announce that Kurt Nygaard has joined the sales staff of Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Kurt has 19 years of sales and business experience in this area. Kurt and his family are life-long residents of the community and realize the neds of area home owners.
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February 13, 2008
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker-Owner
Local Century 21 Agent Earns e-Pro Certification
Alan Olson, Broker/Owner of Century 21 Vista, Inc. announced today that Michelle Pearson, Century 21 Vista, Inc. agent successfully completed the e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered by the National Association of Realtors.
The e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools to assist customers in the purchase or sale of a home.
With more than 82% of consumers beginning their real estate career on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today's buyers and sellers.
"The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental chagne technology-wise over the past several years," said Alan Olson, "and Michelle Pearson is one of the first Otter Tail County real estate agents to have the training to meet the needs of those changes."
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February 7, 2008
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker-Owner
Tim Moore Has Joined Century 21 Vista, Inc.
Alan Olson, Broker-Owner at Century 21 Vista, Inc. announced today that Tim Moore has joined their team of Realtors. "Tim will be a real asset to our office in Battle Lake, Ottertail and Fergus Falls", Olson said, "having lived in between all 3 in Underwood all his life". Tim has 30 years of sales experience, the last 6 in real estate as a Top Producer.
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January 4, 2008
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker-Owner
LOCAL CENTURY 21 VISTA AGENT EARNS e-PRO CERTIFICATION
Alan Olson, Broker/Owner of Century 21 Vista announced that Kevin Hennagir, Century 21 Vista agent has successfully completed the e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered by the National Association of Realtors.
The e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.
With more than 82% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today's buyers and sellers.
"The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change technology-wise over the past several yhears," said Alan Olson of Century 21 Vista, "and Kevin Hennagir is the first Otter Tail County real estate agent to have the training to meet the needs of htose changes."
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December 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker-Owner
REAL ESTATE SALES OF LAKESHORE HOMES STABLE
"A resurgence of lakeshore sales this fall has brought total lakeshore sales back to 2006 levels," according to Alan Olson, Broker of Century 21 Vista. Lakeshore sales had fallen behind 2006 levels by summer's end, but as of December 1st, sales caught up with 2006. "Lower cost lake homes have sold well this fall, according to Olson, with the average sale price dropping from $286,682 last year to $257,375 this year."
We are seeing the trend of buyers and sellers of lake homes negotiating more aggressively as most lakeshore buyers are from metro markets where both sales and prices have dropped. The outlook? "We at Century 21 Vista finished our year up 6%. I see no reason for the trend to change", said Olson.
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November 12, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker-Owner
REAL ESTATE SALES STABLE
National averages do not reflect market conditions for real estate in Otter Tail/Grant county anymore than average national temperatures reflect our average temperatures! While the headlines blare REAL ESTATE SALES ARE DOWN, the sales in Otter Tail/Grant county continue to be identical to last year. "In fact, we at Century 21 Vista just ended our fiscal year with an increasein sales of 6%," according to Alan Olson, Broker/Owner of Century 21 Vista.
The headlines do have an upside for our local area real estate sales, however, in that as a result of a lack of consumer confidence in the state of Minnesota, we have a good supply of homes for sale. And, that lack of confidence has also put downward pressure on pricing. Lower prices and inventory is what consumers want. "It is a very good time to buy and sell real estate here," according to Olson.
Tom Kunz, President and CEO of Century 21 international, stated in San Juan, Puerto Rico on October 22, 2007 to a select group of Brokers at which Alan Olson was present that we now have the best inventory and value in years, low mortgage interest rates, low unemployment and increased incomes of 3-4%. It is those key factors, according to Olson, that has kept the Otter Tail/Grant county real estate sales so stable.
The outlook: sales to year around residents will continue to be strong. Sales of property to non-year around residents will be affected by national trends.
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November 6, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
BOARD OF DIRECTORS SELECTS RYAN HANSON
Broker/Owner Alan Olson is pleased to announce that Ryan Hanson has been selected to represent the Lake Region Association of Realtors on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Association of Realtors. The MAR provides a wide range of services to its members who are involved in real estate transactions and is the largest business trade association in Minnesota with over 24,000 members. Ryan is a Broker Associate with Century 21 Vista and specializes in residential and lakeshore property sales.
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October 22, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
OTTER TAIL AND GRANT COUNTY FIGHTS THE TREND
Headlines in Minnesota metro newspapers have stated that Real Estate sales are way down. In fact, the Minnesota Association of Realtors is recommending some specific business practices that can help.
According to Otter Tail and Grant County Multiple Listing Services statistics, real estate sales are on par with last year for the previous 12 months in this area. The public does not know that, however, because it's mostly bad news from the metro areas that is reported. Consequently, buyers are expecting deep discounts or concessions due in part to the headlines. The Minnesota Association of Realtors is advising Minnesota Realtors and their customers that:
1. housing must either go on sale or be taken off the market in order to reduce inventory which will spur demand and
2. buyers ARE being realistic in their offers.....it is many sellers who do not understand that we are in a falling market and selling in this market means getting perhaps 10% less price now is better than 20% less next spring.
In spite of that metro doom and gloom attitude, home sales have been very good this year in Otter Tail and Grant counties which in part has been due to great selection. Buyers and sellers who have consummated a sale/purchase have demonstrated good home preparation and good negotiating practices.
The future?? Buyers and sellers - continue to be aggressive!
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September 26, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
SALES UP IN OTTER TAIL/GRANT COUNTY
Alan Olson, Broker/Owner of Century 21 Vista reported today that real estate sales in Otter Tail and Grant County are up 5%. The information is taken from the Lake Region Multiple Listing Service for the last 10 months, compared to a year ago.
Most significant is that residential home sales are up 7% while the sales of lake homes are down 13%. In addition, according to Olson, residential average sale prices have risen 9-10%, while lake home and cabin average sale prices are 6% less than last year. Average sale prices are as follows:
Property Type Last 10 months Preceding Year
Rural Residential $154,195 $138,943
Residential $109,548 $100,242
Lake Homes $256,096 $272,593
When asked why the increase in sales and sale prices in Otter Tail/Grant County, Olson stated "Our area is a very desirable place to live and work. Real estate taxes are less than in many areas, we have an abundance of water and forests and good jobs are available. Also, when the housing economy appears to slump, the people who could have purchased more expensive homes last year still can and are buying this year, which allows for higher priced homes to sell."
Century 21 Vista is up a full 10% in sales volume over the last year. Olson said there are several factors responsible:
"When the real estate market appears to slump, clients make the move to do business with full service, full-time agents and full service real estate companies as they become concerned that it takes more than mere supply and demand to buy and sell real estate in tougher market conditions."
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August 8, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
REAL ESTATE SALES UP
Home sellers in Otter Tail County are experiencing average to strong demand by purchasers for their families. Sales for the9 months ending July 31, 2007 compared to last year are up, according to Alan Olson, Broker of Century 21 Vista. Multiple listing service statistics show that sales of both rural homes and homes in cities and town in Otter Tail County have increased about 12% in dollar volume.
Century 21 Vista sales with 4 area offices and 20 full-time agents are up slightly higher with a 17% increase in sales. This is contrary to reports from large cities around the nation and the twin cities of Minneapolis/St Paul.
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May 4, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
CENTURY 21 VISTA SALES PROFESSIONALS LAUDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN AREA OF CUSTOMER SERVICE
Realizing that customer service is an integral part of its commitment to professional excellence, Century 21 Real Estate LLC has recognized Tom Verhelst, Alan Olson, Ryan Hanson, Michelle Pearson, Pat Johnson and Andrew Olson of Century 21 Vista with the Century 21 QUALITY SERVICE PRODUCER AWARD.
This national award is presented annually to those Century 21 system members who receive a minimum satisfaction index of 85%. Surveys are emailed to all customers immediately after the purchase or sale of a home through a Century 21 system office.
"The Quality Service Producer Award is an integral part of the Century 21 System's commitment to excellence and recognizes these agents' dedication to continuously exceeding the service expectations of clients," said Alan Olson. "Only 8% of agents nationally achieve this service level."
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April 19, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Owner/Broker
CENTURY 21 VISTA REALTORS RECOGNIZED
Michelle Pearson, Scott Norton, Ryan Hanson and Robert Veland earned Masters Awards for 2006 sales production. Century 21 Corporation recently recognized these Realtors as some of the system's Top Producers nationwide when it honored them with the system's coveted Emerald and Ruby level Master's Awards.
"These agents utilized their real estate wisdom and passion for life in their everyday business, helping to make clients more comfortable with the real estate transactions as they make what may be the most significant purchase of their lives," said Alan Olson, Broker/Olson of Century 21 Vista. Michelle, Scott, Ryan and Robert are valued and trusted real estate resources and are major contributors to the overall success of Century 21 Vista and the Century 21 System as a whole".
Century 21 Vista is a full service real estate brokerage company specializing in residential, lakeshore, agricultural and commercial properties and lots in west central Minnesota and Wahpeton, North Dakota. Offices are located in Fergus Falls, Battle Lake and Ottertail, Minnesota and Wahpeton, North Dakota.
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April 15, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
CENTURY 21 VISTA AGENTS RECEIVE DESIGNATION WITH THE WORLDWIDE RECREATION AND RESORT SALES COUNCIL
Judi Olson, Scott Norton, Jon Drews, Pat Johnson and Connie Caspers of Century 21 Vista have successfully completed the qualifications for the RRS "Recreation & Resort Specialist" designation awarded by the Worldwide Recreation and Resort Sales Council. RRS is the first designation earned exclusively by Realtors working in the recreation, resort and 2nd homes market.
These agents have completed a comprehensive course which focuses on the unique needs and practices of recreation and resort property sales and management. By receiving the title of "Recreation and Resort Specialist" it will be possible for them to share information with an increased nationwide network of Real Estate professionals, allowing them to better serve clients and customers.
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April 5, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
FOUR RECEIVE CENTURION AWARD FROM CENTURY 21
Tom Verhelst, CRS, Gay Folden, GRI, Alan Olson, Broker/Owner and John Olson, CCIM recently earned the Century 21 System's Centurion Producer Awards for their continuous sales success.
The Centurion Producer Award honors sales associates who sell in excell of 7 million dollars in real estate within a calendar year. Only 2% of all Century 21 agents worldwide achieve this award. These agents were presented with a Centurion Award statue and lapel pin, in addition to being recognized at the Century 21 System's International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Tom, Gay, Alan and John have over 100 years of combined experience in the real estate industry and are leaders and innovators in delivering powerful home buying and selling choices to their clients because they are so knowledgeable about the communities they serve," said Barb Ecker, Office Manager. "These agents area a valued and trusted resource for the Fergus Falls community and major contributors to the overall success of Century 21 Vista."
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April 3, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
TOM VERHELST RECORDS STRONGEST JANUARY IN THE GREAT NORTH REGION
Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently named Tom Verhelst as the Top Producing Century 21 agent in the organization's Great North Region. "The success Tom achieved in January and continues to accomplish is very exciting," said Alan Olson, Broker/Owner of Century 21 Vista. "Tom is a consistent 30 year leader in real estate sales in the Fergus Falls area."
The Great North Region of the Century 21 System includes more than 100 independently owned and operated Century 21 franchise offices operating in Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakot, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Only 2% of Century 21 agents produce at Verhelst's level.
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March 30, 2007
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
JUDI OLSON HAS BEEN AWARDED THE CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST DESIGNATION BY THE COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS.
Judi Olson has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
Realtors who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than 38,000 Realtors nationwide have earned this credential.
Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS Designees subscribe to the strict Realtor code of ethics, have access to the latest technology and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.
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March 8, 2008
Press Release by Alan Olson, Broker/Owner
CENTURY 21 VISTA RECORDS STRONGEST JANUARY IN THE FIRM'S 30 YEAR HISTORY
Further validating the value of real estate servcies that it provides area home buyers, sellers and investors, Century 21 Vista announced today that in January 2007 sales were the highest on record for the company during its 30-year history. In addition to their great start in 2007, Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently named Century 21 Vista as the top-producing Century 21 company in the organization's Great North Region. "The success that Century 21 Vista achieved in January and that we continue to see so far in 2007 is very exciting," said Alan Olson, Broker/Owner of Century 21 Vista. "Our seasoned team of real estate professionals are leaders within the real estate community and are committed to engaging consumrs and educating them about the real estate process so that they can make informed real estate decisions."
In addition to a dedicated and experienced sales staff, Olson credits much of the company's recent success to a special promotion that it offers all consumers who either buy or sell a home through Century 21 Vista. "Through our affiliation with Century 21 Real Estate LLC, we are able to offer clients a free seven-night resort vacation at one of more than 3,900 global locations," said Olson. "This promition has been well received by our clients and is seen as a very positive added-value to doing business with Century 21 Vista."
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