HOTEL BOUTIQUE CASA FARALLONES

QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES

IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA

On check out, Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones Cali Colombia’s machine was not processing Visa cards.

I was directed, on departure day, to go to an ATM to pay full in cash.

I didn't want to lose air miles or proof of purchase that Visa delivers.

They demanded US dollars, then gave most of them back.

It took a few days, stressed communications and using PayPal to pay my bill.

The hotel is like staying with an oddball family, albeit in a great location at a great price.

They mean well -- they just are nothing corporate at all.

Overall, with six nights’ stay costing half what one night would cost in New York -- I’ll be back.

HOTEL BOUTIQUE CASA FARALLONES

QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES

IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA

The Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones Cali Colombia could benefit from having a staff member who speaks decent English.

I communicated in my mediocre Spanish in person and used Google Translate via WhatsApp to talk to the manager.

Some things were missed.

I wanted no housekeeping, but came back late one night to find my misarranged because a housekeeper had serviced it.

I did a day trip a day late over confusion with the manager on booking a driver for a faraway trip, not in-town visiting.

HOTEL BOUTIQUE CASA FARALLONES

QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES

IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA

The Rio Cali, and its wonderful park filled with cat sculptures, is very close by Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones in Cali Colombia.

Breakfast is about 2 dollars and includes coffee, hot chocolate, toast, arepas and eggs done many ways.

For security, they lock the front door. 

You can get out at any time, but to get back in, you need to ring a buzzer.

I think it dates back to rougher times -- I felt 100% safe all over Cali, even well past midnight, and the Casa Farallones neighborhood is quiet, sleepy and safe around the clock. 

I would return.

HOTEL BOUTIQUE CASA FARALLONES

QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES

IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA

The Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones Cali Colombia air conditioning  is strong – a huge positive because a lot of properties in Cali do not have AC despite 90 degree days.

Platillos Valadores, world class restaurant, is practically next door.

We had some confusion, but they ultimately found me an English speaking driver who took me past gorgeous scenery in Cauca -- to historic/colonial Popayan -- and back for $60 USD (a tour company would want triple).

HOTEL BOUTIQUE CASA FARALLONES

QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES

IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA

Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones Cali Colombia is quirky.

They try to charge you for shampoo, but it's only a dollar per packet.

They do not speak English.

Google translate use is a must unless you speak Spanish.

An odd (mainly all restaurants and drug stores but with a tremendous supermarket) mall is very close by and the dorm sized fridge allows you to store some milk, berries and beverages.

HOTEL BOUTIQUE CASA FARALLONES

QUIRKY COMFORT WITHIN GREAT VALUE CONFINES

IN THE HEART OF CALI, COLOMBIA

The Hotel Boutique Casa Farallones Cali Colombia value/price point is incredible.

The hotel also was super quiet at night -- something not all properties in Cali can deliver.

The location is great.

You are walking distance from colonial San Antonio, posh El Penon, vibrant Granada and quirky Centro neighborhoods -- 

Most of what a visitor would want to see in terms of museums, restaurants, architecture, music, nightlife, culture, etc.

 

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 16

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

RESOURCES

National Association of REALTORS

https://www.nar.realtor/coronavirus

NAR FAQs

https://www.nar.realtor/political-advocacy/coronavirus-advocacy-faqs-re-transactions-independent-contractors-nar-grants

John Rosshirt/Stanberry

https://www.seeaustinareahouses.com

Ohio REALTORS

https://www.ohiorealtors.org/coronavirus-updates-and-information

Scott R. Williams, Ohio REALTORS CEO https://www.ohiorealtors.org/blog/1276/this-is-not-a-time-for-business-as-usual

Houston Association of REALTORS 

https://www.harconnect.com/2020/03/26/real-estate-in-a-coronavirus-world/

Will Doerlich/Realty One Group

http://www.rogtoday.com

Sara Briseno Gerrish/Beatric Briseno Team

https://www.remax.com/real-estate-teams/the-beatrice-briseno-team-san-antonio-tx/101894139

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 15

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

“I believe most people will still want to walk through what may be their largest purchase of their lives. These tools will not replace the knowledge and expertise that a REALTOR can provide in a transaction,” Gerrish said.

“We assist a lot of first-time home buyers and many have had their jobs affected.  

They are coming to us for guidance about how the Cares Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, that allocate $2.2 trillion in federal support to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic and economic downturn) can help them,” Gerrish said, noting that REALTORS – in good times and challenging ones -- help people find, afford, and protect their homes. 

“This is not the right time for everyone to buy or sell -- but if it is, we are trying to equip our agents with tech tools to be safe but also effective in this climate.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 14

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

“Although real estate was deemed an essential service in Bexar County, it has not been business as usual. We have chosen to close our office for the safety and health of our employees and agents and work 100 percent remotely,” she said.

“As expected, we are leveraging technology heavily.  We are communicating with our agents via Facebook group to share tips/resources, motivational posts and giving updates on the almost daily changes in our market/industry and hosting office meetings via Zoom.”

Gerrish said tech will be an increasingly crucial tool in the industry, but she does not think they will be the be-all, end-all in residential real estate.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 13

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Regarding remote closings, we remain in continued communication with organizations representing real estate attorneys, financial institutions and title insurers to ensure that closings can continue across the state,” NCR’s Palmer added.

“This has included recommending clarifications to local orders to require that Register of Deeds offices remain open in some fashion, as well as any additional allowances for closings to be completed in a timely fashion.”

Sara Briseno Gerrish is broker-owner of a family-operated, boutique ReMax real estate office in San Antonio. She assists buyers, sellers and tenants, as well as managing the agents in her office.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 12

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

NC REALTORS, the statewide association in North Carolina, has an online platform that supports “Selling Homes from Home.” 

The resources, gathered from numerous sources including the National Association of REALTORS, discusses topics such as virtual showings and how to host virtual meetings. 

“Throughout the state, real estate has been both designated as and as not an essential business activity through local governments’ stay-at-home orders. This has resulted in a significant amount of disparity in how REALTORS are able to conduct business in different areas of North Carolina,” said Seth Palmer NCR’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and External Communications.

“In support of those who are able to conduct business in their area, we have created a Best Practices guide for members with important information about how to conduct any activities in compliance with health and safety guidelines.”  

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 10

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Doerlich said the channels are now virtual versus in-person but it still is vital for him as a broker to keep in contact to encourage and mentor agents for continued engagement and returning to full productivity.

“On-line messaging and social media access were `nice-to-haves’ – now it’s essential to maintain continuity, communication and camaraderie among the agents and staff,” he said.

“We have started a weekly web conference with all the agents in our offices. It keeps the team in synch and is encouraging to hear the activity of our agents. 

We can also answer questions about new protocols and maintain the enthusiasm in a difficult market time,” Doerlich added.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 9

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Will Doerlich is Broker/CEO of Pleasanton CA-based Realty One Group in the eastern San Francisco Bay Tri-Valley area.

“As REALTORS, we need to support the efforts to contain and maintain the health of our communities – the economic as well as the physical and mental health of our communities. Each of these are intertwined together,” he said.

“And right now, a healthy community will be a strong economic community sooner when the market is fully opened and available to our clients.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 8

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

“What’s about to happen to Houston real estate reminds me of Hurricane Harvey in that we are bracing for impact, but don’t yet know what the full extent on the market will be,” said HAR Chairman John Nugent with RE/MAX Space Center. 

“There are consumers out there for whom finding a home is critical, however, HAR has urged all Realtor members to conduct as much business as possible online, using technology such as virtual open houses, virtual tours and electronic signature documents, in the interest of protecting everyone’s health.”

On March 20, all in-person open houses were removed from HAR.com out of an abundance of caution. 

The website introduced a virtual tour feature allowing REALTORS to host and post virtual open houses and conduct virtual showings. 

Consumers can watch them live on HAR.com at scheduled times and REALTORS can then share the recordings on their own websites and social media platforms.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 7

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

The Houston Association of REALTORS (HAR) has member coronavirus FAQs on its website and has published columns that address business in the pandemic era. 

With more consumers home-bound, there has been a surge in traffic to its award-winning HAR.com website.

HAR is waiving Q3 MLS fees for both residential and commercial subscribers, which represents a savings of more than $5 million.

It’s an innovative strategy that proves REALTORS are committed to rebuilding the nation’s economy.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 6

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Rosshirt said prolonged work from home will show the weakness or benefits of current living arrangements.

“Flex space may be less desirable than a dedicated work area. Internet reliability, capacity and speed will be critical for some jobs. Areas with Google fiber may earn a premium,” he observed.

If two people are working at home, a shared work space may not be practical,” Rosshirt added.

“One couple I just closed with on a new house have been both forced to work at home. Her counseling work is transferring to the internet well enough, but she must maintain privacy in her work.

His work is high tech and he has been capable or working at home for a long time but now it is full-time and it can be loud (gaming). So, the floor plan they chose provided two workspaces very separate from the other.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 5

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Ohio REALTORS has created a coronavirus resources page on its website, providing members with important links and top headlines from lawmakers, agencies and related groups in Ohio and across the nation.

Its best practices include conducting virtual meetings with its local boards and associations, as well as with elected Realtor leadership -- since the onset of the pandemic.

Rosshirt said with so many people working remotely, there likely will be a permanent change to facilitating virtual work in home design.

“A company may realize they do not need expensive real estate if their employees can be effective remotely,” he said.

Developers are already moving to multi-use plans where the office component is matched with nearby appropriate living and retail/entertainment.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 4

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Ohio was one of the first states to adopt remote notarization three years ago.

The legislation requires notaries to obtain a separate certification, but the opportunity to process documents and finalize deals exists. 

Closings in the Buckeye State are now occurring with only one party present to ensure social distancing compliance.

“Ohio’s Realtor community has dramatically changed its individual and collective business practices – using proper social distancing protocols, tapping into technology to conduct virtual showings and remote meetings with customers,” said Chief Executive Officer Scott Williams. 

“Throughout, we’ve stressed to our membership that, while Ohio deemed real estate as an essential service, this is not a time for business as usual. It’s imperative that the industry make necessary adjustments to find the proper balance of serving our clients while also protecting society’s greater good.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 3

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Rosshirt sees the pandemic focusing some homebuyers on high-performance, healthier homes – noting a house with a tighter seal and better air exchange and filters may now be well worth the expense.

These are features of High-Performance homes that may be called Energy Efficient or Green by some builder.  

As homeowners respond to difficult times, their house serves as the: office/boardroom, classroom, coffee shop, movie theater, gym and safe sanctuary to shelter in place.

Ohio REALTORS, a statewide association, is conducting weekly surveys to track the market’s condition in an effort to provide insight to members. 

Equally important, Ohio REALTORS are sharing the data with Governor Mike DeWine’s administration (lauded for quick action to stop Corona spread), the Economic Recovery Task Force of the Ohio House and other key policy makers to be influential partners in identifying initiatives to stabilize the real estate sector during the pandemic.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 2

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

John Rosshirt, Associate Broker/Co-Owner of Stanberry REALTORS in Austin Texas, said more visuals are being added to many listings. He said agents are using high and low tech to add video.

“Some agents are just walking through their listing with a simple wordless video on their smart phone to have something extra to upload,” he said of low-tech solutions. “Photographers are adding 3D technology to their offerings to agents. 

Agents are using Zoom to stay in touch with their clients.

“I have set up special lighting and rearranged what is behind me so I make a professional impression. People who are isolated love this contact and I find they like to talk,” he said, reminding REALTORS that the personal touch is needed – even if it is virtual.

“Calls do seem to take longer because people have a need to talk about the new challenges in their life as well as the new challenges in achieving their real estate goals.”