Thursday, August 6, 2009

Sun Newspaper Article - August 6,2009

“How’s Business” TAKES ON A NEW MEANING
I am a business owner and I recently attended the local Chamber of Commerce meeting and realized “How’s business?” doesn’t mean the same thing as it did in the past.
For years now, it was not unusual to hear “How’s Business?” from family, friends, and other folks in general... Life has always been this way. Business owners said it to each other the same way we ask “How are you?” It’s a greeting, a habit.
The general response was “Fine, Thank you”. and conversations turned to other things.
I talk with a lot of business owners at Chamber meetings, networking events etc. and I observe there is a change taking place.
The reply of “Great!” to the “How’s business?” was fake for many - business wasn’t “Great!”, but no one wanted to admit it to others.
This past year has been an awakening for many small business owners of all types, from retail and service to manufacturing. Much of the business as we all knew it has disappeared – gone and no matter how well you manage your business, you have no control over the current economy.
Everyone just wants to survive and come out of this stronger.
I’ve noticed the attendance at business meetings and networking events has improved as we share ideas and look to support each other. We discuss our problems and fears more openly.
“How’s business?” The meaning of these words has evolved from a routine greeting to words of genuine care and concern.
We all seem to be returning to the real things that matter, and that’s a good thing! – Rachel’s Corner - Rachel Torchia

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Thank You Renee and I Love You Too!

WE were preparing our news letter and Renee always writes a column on the work shops and educating the consumer. This is the copy she submitted for the next issue. It is with much Love and Pride that I pass it on to you. - Renee's Mom.

My Boss Amazes Me!
Most people who work usually have a boss that they tolerate or pretend to like because they have to. I am lucky here at Gateway Title because my boss is my Mom! What amazes me about my mom, oh I mean Rachel, is how she seems to be able to predict the future trends of the real estate market.

For example, during our morning meetings she will discuss what's going on for the day and we will get on the subject of.. lets say people refinancing. Well then like 6 weeks later we get a ton of people using us when they refinance their homes. The amount of refinances we had late spring/ early summer quadrupled from previous years!

Another example, she was talking about filming her next show on "Golden Opportunities" on channel 3, she was going to discuss sales between close family members and relatives. Well like 6 weeks later again, before the show even aired, we started getting a lot of calls about parents selling their houses to their kids,or parents buying their grandparents house. It was so crazy that she knew this was going to happen. We have at least 2 deals come in everyday now between relatives and close friends. The $8.000 dollar tax credit has helped that along to.

Another wonderful perk about working here at Gateway Title is that I get to work with my Mom and see what an incredible business owner she is. It can't be easy for her dealing with being a boss and a parent. She has not only me here, her youngest daughter, but she also employs my older sister Michelle and her daughter, Ashley. Sometimes the lines of parenting and bossing blur, but she always seems to know what to say to keep her and my focus on work throughout the workday.

One of the reasons so many of our customers say they love us is because we make them feel special, like they are part of the family, and its true, we treat you like family, because we are family.

If you want to come meet my Mom and see whats happening in the real estate industry before it happens…(just kidding) or if you want to learn more about what's happening now in the real estate market give us a call or just stop by.

440-546-9660 or go to Gatewaytitle.com

Free for sale by owner kits and free for sale by owner workshop info available.


Renee Torchia
Gateway Title Agency
440-546-9660
Renee@gatewaytitle.com

Real Estate Making The Turn

Got some GOOD NEWS For Sellers!
It looks like the housing market is finally making and upward turn.

Got a warning for buyers!
If you are going to buy a home, get moving!

The $8,000 credit is still on until Dec. It may or may not be subject to change. To find out how you qualify, talk with your local lender.
"Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda" won't do you any good next year if the credit is expired and prices are higher.
As I observe the activity buzzing around Gateway Title, I see that many are taking advantage of the market right now.
FSBO (for sale by owner) dealing between family, friends and neighbors is still going strong. We see them every day.
Please call us if you have questions about selling or buying by owner or about real estate in general. We can help you estimate costs. This something we do for buyers and sellers everyday. There is no charge for this information and it can prove very helpful.Talk with you later!