RE/MAX United remains a solid real estate resource in 2010

When it comes to meeting individuals’ real estate needs, RE/MAX United remains a solid resource for both buyers and sellers. Its success is based on a special link to the community and professional representation.

“Most of our agents are well-experienced in the business and have survived good and bad markets,” said Fred Christiansen, broker and owner of RE/MAX United. “Many of them have come from corporate backgrounds before they got into real estate and are familiar with the business world and the challenges that come with it.”

A real estate transaction can be a complicated matter, but with the help of RE/MAX United agents, any challenges which may arise are swiftly resolved. Christiansen calls his group of agents “savvy” because of their ongoing and advanced training opportunities.

On a monthly basis, RE/MAX United offers its “Monthly Risk Reduction” class. There, licensed agents can keep informed of any new contractual changes, laws, or new information on the horizon.

Likewise, with Christiansen being on the professional standards committee of the San Diego Association of Realtors©, he is able to impart important updates to his agents.

The name RE/MAX is also synonymous with longevity.

“RE/MAX sells more real estate than any other company out there in the country,” Christiansen said. “The RE/MAX corporate web site draws a lot of traffic so more leads come through for potential buyers and that directly benefits our customers.”

At RE/MAX United, Christiansen said, they have three managers who are exceptional resources and sounding boards for their agents. The managers, at one time, sold real estate extensively, but no longer do so. Christiansen is one of these managers.

“Our management does not sell real estate, but we have, and we were good at it,” Christiansen said. “But I don’t allow my management people to sell real estate because that is a conflict.”

Noncompeting management firms give real estate agents a fair position, he explained. At some firms, brokers and owners sell real estate to help pay the bills and make a living. But this way of doing business, Christiansen said, can cause potential controversy within an office. The managers at RE/MAX United are there for agent support, not competition.

When the economic crunch arrived, it took a bite out of the housing market. Christiansen said compared to last year, things are looking better.

The market changes have provided great opportunities for new acquisitions.

“There are a number of first time buyers out there because the affordability index in San Diego County was below 10 percent four years ago; that means that less than 10 percent of people could afford the average priced home in San Diego,” said Christiansen, noting how the current affordability index is slightly above 50 percent. “That’s an incredible change, so now a lot of first time buyers can afford to buy something and that’s encouraging.”

Although home prices continue to be attractive, Christiansen said, there are more hoops to jump through in securing a loan these days. It’s a challenge, but it can be done. The key is to keep debt to a minimum and save enough money for a reasonable down payment. These are the required ingredients in today’s market.

This type of financial outlook and advice is a throwback to yesteryear.

“We are going back to how our parents used to be,” Christiansen said.

The area of Fallbrook still remains a highly sought after locale for many. Christiansen said the appeal is the Friendly Village charm, and quite possibly, a memory of where a person spent their youth.

“Fallbrook is close enough to major shopping centers, but it’s not on your door step,” he said. “When you come home, you can leave the concrete jungle behind.”

RE/MAX United has two convenient Fallbrook locations:

1667 S. Mission Road Suite AA

(760) 731-2900

1660 E. Mission Avenue

(760) 728-5878

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