Monrovia, Ca, December 18, 07 –- Hugo Torres of CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes has successfully completed the e-Pro course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to the prestigious certification offered by the National Association of REALTORS®.
The course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available. Comprehensive and interactive, it is specifically designed to provide modern real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.
With more than 70% 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 and tomorrow’s buyer and seller.
“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years,” said Torres at a recent marketing meeting. “A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. As a professional who teaches and guides other associates at our company, I felt it necessary to enhance my education of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public.”
Once completed, the e-Pro certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. In his practice, Hugo is known to use mobile, on-line, database, and graphic design technology to stay in touch with the company’s sales associates, track sales trends, create eye-popping home marketing pieces and much more.
To learn more about Hugo Torres at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes visit his website at www.hugotorres.com or e-mail him at epro@hugotorres.com
CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes : Gears Up For An Open House Extravaganza this Fall
CENTURY 21 International and the sales team at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes are working hard this Fall season to offer home sellers and buyers an unprecedented property marketing campaign that will reward one lucky winner a year’s worth of free gasoline. On three big weekends, (October 14, November 11 and December 2) participating CENTURY 21 offices from Santa Barbara to San Diego will schedule hundreds of estates for preview. As a President’s Hall of Fame office and local favorite, CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes is quickly coordinating its agents, training them on the details of this unseen event and preparing tens of homes from its Monrovia and Glendora offices.
“This is an exciting time for our company and for the CENTURY 21 system,” said General Manager Hugo Torres at a recent sales meeting, “every agent is ready for these three weekends and as the local leader we are prepared to showcase our fine home listings that range from affordable housing to extravagant estates in the San Gabriel Valley.” In addition to the home marketing opportunity for current sellers, these weekends will provide current buyers a rare opportunity to enjoy a vast selection of housing options and the opportunity to win a year’s worth of free gasoline.
Thus far, the CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes sales team is the only confirmed San Gabriel Valley participant in the Open House Extravaganza and Free Gasoline Sweepstakes. Sales agents have begun offering details on their own personal Real Estate websites and spheres of influence and calls from buyers inquiring details are flowing in to their offices
To learn more about the Open House Extravaganza and/or to receive a entry form and details for the free gasoline sweepstakes, simply visit any of the scheduled home previews on the weekends of October 12, November 11 or December 2 and speak with your CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes sales associate of choice or contact the company at 626.358.1858 / Monrovia or 626.963.7621 / Glendora.
CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes WELCOMES CASSANDRA MEYER
Monrovia, Ca, Sept. 25, 07 –- The management team of CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes’ Monrovia office are thrilled to announce Cassandra Meyer’s induction to its firm as a sales associate and REALTOR®. Specializing in residential and investment property sales in the San Gabriel Valley area, Cassandra will focus her past success as a business owner to advising and guiding customers. To see full article click here.
WESTWINDS TOASTMASTERS COMES TO MONROVIA! Club Celebrates 50 Years & Looks for Growth in Monrovia
Monrovia, CA, May 24, 2007 -Westwinds Toastmasters is celebrating their 50th anniversary by moving to Monrovia. Club President Ed J. Mihalka, DTM said “We are excited about the opportunity to bring the many benefits of Toastmasters to the greater Monrovia community. This is the first Toastmasters club in Monrovia that is open to all residents of this fine city.” According to Toastmasters Division B Governor Gregg Van Citters, DTM, “This move provides an unprecedented opportunity for local citizens to develop communication and leadership skills to improve their self-confidence and accelerate their personal growth. Most people join Toastmasters to get over their fear of public speaking, but most continue with the program because they become self-confident leaders making significant contributions to their community.”
The idea of bringing Toastmasters to Monrovia was that of Realtor Hugo Torres who sought a venue in which to express his opinions and strengthen his public speaking skills. "For many of my colleague" says Torres "this is an opportunity to practice the art of public speaking. Communication and understanding different points of view are key in our evolving society and I am glad to have an outlet for personal development."
This non-profit event is open to the public and will be held Wednesday, June 20, at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes located at 433 W. Foothill Boulevard in Monrovia. The meeting will begin promptly at 12:00 noon and will at 1:00 pm. Drinks and light refreshments will be served. This event is supported by an educational grant from Division B Toastmasters. Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams.
If you would like more information about this event, would like to attend the event to report, or to schedule an interview, please contact Hugo Torres at 626.675.0658 or visit www.hugotores.com/toastmasters for more information.
CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes Achieves "HALL OF FAME" HONOR
Monrovia, CA, March 1, 2007 - Tom Kunz, President of CENTURY 21 LLC. Recently announced that CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes will be inducted into the newly created "President's Hall of Fame" at the brand's International Convention in Las Vegas on Tuesday, March 13, 2007. To see full article click here.
ROTARY CLUB OF AZUSA CELEBRATES 80 YEARS OF SERVICE
Azusa, CA, February 08, 2007 - Dozens of notable civic, business and community leaders joined members of the Rotary Club of Azusa earlier this month as they celebrated the organization's most recent service projects and 80 years of existence. The gala dinner joined many of Azusa's most prominent figures at Azusa Rotary's original meeting place; the Azusa Woman's Club. There, they were treated to a brief history of the club and its long lasting impact on men, women and children of the San Gabriel Valley.
Azusa Mayor Diane Chagnon was on hand to present a proclamation to club president Hugo Torres. The document acknowledges the group's contribution to the city and its continuing support of Azusa programs and events. Also present was Azusa District 5300 Governor, Chris Montan who spoke highly of the club's 'progressive' attitude and energy.
Azusa Rotary also took the opportunity to celebrate one of its members 80th birthday. Azusa resident and proud birthday 'boy' Ray Boyer gave a charming 'thank-you' speech where he enlightened the crowd in the virtues of getting older. "Ray is a 'life-force' in our club," said President Torres "and we are proud to have the opportunity to publicly acknowledge his longevity and giving nature."
The night ended with the induction of new member and restaurateur Jay Zheng who continues his family's Rotary support. Soft spoken, Zheng thanked Rotarians and guest alike for the honor and hopes to contribute much to Rotary in the months to come.
To learn more about the Rotary Club of Azusa, visit www.hugotorres.com/azusarotary or visit them at their membership meeting every Thursday at Shanghai Buffet in Azusa.
CENTURY 21 ADAMS & BARNES BOWLS FOR CHARITY
Pasadena, CA, February 03, 2007 – Pins dropped and crowds cheered as CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes associates and their families came together early this month to compete in the Arcadia Association of Realtors’ Annual Bumper Bowling Tournament. The group of 12 awoke early to meet dozens of other teams at Bahama Lanes in Pasadena. Their efforts raised hundreds of dollars for local charities and gave the bowlers the opportunity to display their pin- dropping ‘prowess’ to their peers. To see full article click here.
CURRENT ECONOMY STILL BOASTS HISTORICALLY LOW MORTGAGE RATES
Monrovia, CA, January, 2007 – The continuing decline of mortgage rates have prompted several industry experts to review historical data and compare it to our current economy. They found that 1966 saw average mortgage interest rates of 6.26% *1 and that 30 years later, home buyers and current owners were enjoying rates averaging 6.11% *2. The averages were a welcomed indication, that despite current media reports, consumers of real estate are currently taking advantage of mortgage rates that may save them hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of their loans. For Boulevard Mortgage*3, and its team of Loan Officers, the experts’ findings mirror their own research and can attest how the trend has impacted increased interest among new and past borrowers. According to Owner/Broker Tom Adams, “I remember the early 80s when rates reached percentages in the high teens and low 20s. Compared to those days, modern consumers have numerous financing options coupled with historically low rates. This has helped many achieve their dream of home ownership or additional investing.” The lower rates and healthy economy has encouraged many to re-examine Real Estate. Investment has once again become a hot-topic amongst current home owners and re-financing is a popular choice amongst those who have weighed the cost of their present Adjustable Rate Mortgage and/or other types of ‘creative financing.’ But like with any other trend, change is eminent and future mortgage rate increases are likely. Therefore, Boulevard Mortgage encourages Real Estate consumers to review their portfolio with financing specialists and take advantage of these low averages soon. Boulevard Mortgage is a locally based mortgage company with associates servicing the San Gabriel Valley. Loan officers may be reached at 626.385.0020, via email at contactus@blvdmort.com or via their website at www.blvdmort.com
LOU JEAN BARNES WINS REALTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Burbank, CA / December 1, 2006- The beat of the Latin drum set the tone for the Arcadia Association of Realtor’s Installation Dinner early this month. Hundreds of area Real Estate agents and industry affiliates were on hand to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and appoint the incoming Association President and his incoming Board of Directors. The night’s top award (Realtor of the Year) was presented to CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes’ Broker Lou Jean Barnes who celebrated with her beaming partner and an entourage made up of the company’s sales and administrative staff. To see full article click here.
CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes COMES TOGETHER FOR TOYS FOR TOTS
As the holidays approach, we are reminded of the spirit of giving and the importance of helping those who are not as fortunate as some. In this time of goodwill, CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes will be a collection site for again this year’s Toys for Tots program. If you are interested in donating to this cause, please visit our office lobby at 433 West Foothill Boulevard in Monrovia (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). We have conveniently placed toy collecting bins where you may drop off your new and unwrapped gifts. In addition, as part of our efforts, please inform anyone who would be interested in helping Toys for Tots and CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes reach and aid our children by informing them of our drive and making a donation. The campaign will last until Friday, December 08, 2006 so that volunteers can make the toys available for children on Christmas day. For additional information, please contact our office at 626.358.1858 or visit us on-line at www.hugotorres.com
GOVERNOR SIGNS TOUGHER LICENSING EDUCATION MEASURES FOR REALTORS
Recently, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed "Real Estate Salesperson Licenser" measure (AB 2429) into law. The policy, sponsored by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, will change the process by which applicants are licensed. Measure AB 2429 will require hopefuls to complete all three of the Department of Real Estate's (DRE) mandated pre-license courses prior to taking the state examination. Currently, the state has two ways to qualify. The first option requires an applicant to take and pass three college level real estate courses before applying for the DRE's exam. The second choice, allows an applicant to pass only one such class before taking the state test. This earns that student a "Conditional License" and he/she has 18-months to complete and pass the additional two courses. Under the new measure, Rea l Estate hopefuls will need to complete all courses before joining a brokerage after September 31, 2007, thus making it more difficult for persons to enter the field. Currently, CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes offers a Pre-Licensing course and advises those wishing to enter the Real Estate profession to take advantage of these classes before the Sept. 2007 deadline. For more information, contact Hugo Torres at 626.358.1858 or via email at hugo@yourmonroviateam.com
CENTURY 21 ADAMS & BARNES CELEBRATES HATS OFF TO DUARTE 2006
The sales team at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes came out in full force to celebrate a successful and growing tradition in the City of Duarte. The "Hats Off" celebration on Wednesday, November 08, 2008, is a business and food exposition that showcases many of the communities most involved companies. With dozens of booths and food vendors on-hand, Foothill community citizens were treated to great food, countless giveaways and the opportunity to get to know influential Duarte representatives. The sales team also had the distinction of being the only Real Estate firm represented at the event and members of its Residential & Commercial Division were on hand to discuss changing market conditions and positive news about the Real Estate market. For more information about the event or to see photos of the celebration, contact CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes at 626.358.1858 or on-line at www.c21ab. com
CENTURY 21 ADAMS & BARNES’ TEAM MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Monrovia, CA - This October, CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes associates and a myriad of Monrovians joined thousands of volunteers throughout the country for "Make a Difference Day - A National Day to Help Others". The event, coordinated by Monrovia's Volunteer Center, gives "community service organizations, church groups and families" an opportunity to "spend the day donating their time to repaint, repair and revitalize houses and yards for senior citizens and homeowners with disabilities, throughout the city" according to the Volunteer Center's website. For the CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes team , the assigned project was yard clean up and trash disposal from a home in the foothills. Early that morning, the group gathered, fueled-up on fresh coffee and donuts and put pruners, rakes, ladders, and muscles to work on overgrown brush and heavy trash bags. "The work was exhausted but extremely rewarding" said General Manager Hugo Torres after the event. "Make A Difference day gave us yet another opportunity to come together as a company and fulfill the needs of the community that has been so good to us over the years. I am very proud of Cecilia (Farnum) and Cory (Adams) for building the team again and coordinating our efforts", added Torres. CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes is a returning contributor of the event. Throughout the year, the company through its associates donate to local charities and events and is a fixture at most community affairs. For more information, contact Hugo Torres at 626.358.1858 or via email at hugot@century21.com
CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes HAUNTED MANSION CELEBRATION
MONROVIA, CA / October 17, 2006 – Spiders, bats, snakes and ghosts are among the temporary resident’s at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes’ Monrovia office this October. The creepy guests are part of the company’s month long Halloween celebration which will culminate on Friday, October 27 during their costume and cubicle decorating contest. “The event first began with a few decorations on desks” says General Manager Hugo Torres, “but the agents’ scope soon grew and some imaginative installations started to take shape. It wasn’t long after, that we decided to turn the event into a contest and get the community involved.” Local teachers were then contacted at Wild Rose School and nearly 30 fourth graders will be on hand on October 27 at the office to judge the cubicles and vote on their favorites. In addition, the company asks Monrovia youths with their parent’s to stop by its office on Foothill Avenue and choose their desk of choice. Candy, treats and giveaways will be on hand for all who attend and their opinion will help the company determine the associate or staff member with the best Halloween spirit. CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Local children with their parents can visit the company’s facility at 433 West Foothill Boulevard in Monrovia during business hours and cast their vote.
CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes WALKS FOR HOPE
Joining thousands of participants, the CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes team “Walked for Hope” this past Sunday to help City of Hope’s efforts to cure breast cancer at their annual event. The team, made up of the firm’s staff, Sales Associates and managers was among the largest organized groups to take part in the walk. Dozens of company participants worked for over two months prior to the event to fund raise, train and spread the word. Ultimately, the CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes group donated over $3,400.00 to City of Hope which when added to the efforts of the Escrow Associates of San Gabriel Valley accounts for nearly $30,000 towards the medical center. “I am thrilled to see the efforts that our associates and staff take in order to help local causes,” said Manager Hugo Torres, “they worked tirelessly to get the word out and to get all of our company members involved.” CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes is known as a company that always gives back to the community. A special thanks to our Escrow Division for their efforts. Sally (Adams), Sharon (Cowell), Lisa (Pollard) & Sonia (Banuelos). According to City of Hope’s website, the Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer “is an opportunity for women, their families and friends to come together and demonstrate unity in the face of a disease that takes the lives of loved ones. Tens of thousands of walkers from around the country join City of Hope in the fight for a cure.