A day in the life... - 12/31/11 05:49 PM
Day 1: The Realtor came over today, and he brought a photographer with him.  First they moved some of my furnishings around a little (it tickled), opened my drapes, and had the photographer dude take photos.  I smiled my bestest smile.
Day 3: The pictures came in... I look radiant.  I heard that my owner (sniff, they're trying to get rid of me) is having a "cleaning crew" come over the weekend.  I'm a little nervous.
Day 5: The cleaning crew was here... it hurt a little, they used that horrid vacuum under the beds, and behind cabinets... but they also … (112 comments)

Just showin' in the rain. - 12/30/11 01:46 PM
Doo, doo, doo, doodoo-doo, Doo, doo, doo, doodoo-doo...
I'm showin' in the rain Just showin' in the rain. What a horrible feelin' I'm soaked to the brain. I'm frownin' at clouds So dark up above The shoes on our feet Left marks on the rugs. It's just like a race getting into the place running from the car I knocked over a vase. I walk down the drive feelin' barely alive Just runnin', and duckin' through the rain.
… (35 comments)

... and you wonder why it's been on the market for 234 days? - 12/29/11 04:05 PM
I placed a call for an appointment almost a week ago.  In fairness, they did tell me when I called that they were glad I'd called in advance, because this particular seller was slow to approve showings. 
"No problem", I said "we've got time".
It was in the midst of the holidays, so no big surprise, and I gave them almost a week's notice.  I called to check in now and again, over the past week... and was reassured, each time, that they're working on it... still haven't received approval from the seller.
I just got off the phone with them … (18 comments)

Hmmm... is that cake? - 12/28/11 04:53 PM
Failure.  It's a bitter pill to swallow.  At some point we have to step up and admit that we've failed... and I have.  Big time.
About this time, last year, I announced that, as my new year's resolution I was beginning a diet.  My goal, at the time, was to lose a total of 50 pounds over the year.  I gave myself some interim goals... but the main goal was 50 pounds over the length of the year. 
On January 1st, 2011, I began the quest... the Reckoning.  As part of the reckoning I set four goals.
     * A nine-pound … (73 comments)

Overlapping showings. Boon, or Boondoggle? - 12/28/11 11:46 AM
Making appointments for later this week, I ran up against a receptionist who did not want to grant me a showing that overlapped with another agent.
I convinced her to allow it... 'cause as I said: "I don't mind if they don't mind.".
If, when we arrive at the house, the other agent is there, we will politely wait our turn.  If they're on the first floor, we'll explore the yard.  If they're on the second floor, we'll start in the basement.  We'll happily stay out of their way, but we don't want to miss the house because it doesn't fit … (14 comments)

Are you a problem-solver, or a problem? - 12/28/11 10:16 AM
An agent in my office was just complaining to another agent in the office about how she'd had two flat-tires in our parking lot in the last few weeks.
She'd picked up to "screws" in her tires, and she's sure that they're from our parking lot.  Now we haven't been having any recent construction, so I find it confusing as to where/why we would have had screws in our parking lot.
Then she said the weirdest thing... she told the other agent that she was sure there were more screws out there, and people should "watch out".
The conversation was loud … (73 comments)

Whooosh! - 12/26/11 09:53 PM
I gave myself a holiday present this year, and drove (with my younger sister) to have lunch with my other younger sister in Indianapolis.
That's right... she lives in Columbus and we drove out from Chicago to meet her "bout" halfway.
Lunch was nothing fancy, just a triad of siblings sitting, laughing, eating (it wouldn't be a May event, without some eating), and a little driving our waitress at Applebee's (on 421 North) a little crazy, sitting way too long, laughing way too loud and overstaying our Applebee's welcome.
Along the way, we drove through a field of Wind Turbines which … (24 comments)

Christmas Greetings for my Realtor buddies and their families - 12/24/11 03:25 PM
Feliz Navidad
… (42 comments)

I couldn't help myself - 12/23/11 11:48 AM
Allright... I couldn't help myself.
 
Here's one more that I thought you should see.  C'mon, they're so damn funny, and you have to watch it all the way to the end.  Really, all the way to the end, 'cause it gets funnier as it goes.
Really, trust me on this one.
… (33 comments)

Are you a sitting duck? - 12/23/11 11:21 AM
Open Houses are the bread and butter for many real estate agents. They are also the bread and butter for many thieves. It scares me to think of FSBO owners who hold open houses and do not know what they are doing. I give my clients a safety check list for before and after my open houses. Many individuals are now coming to open houses and trying to steal jewelry or small expensive items and even more prevalent is the looting of medicine cabinets. How do we combat this?
Open houses are the bread and butter for many thieves.
The first … (14 comments)

Eric asked me to review his blog. - 12/23/11 11:20 AM
Eric Trautmann, on a recent post of mine, left a comment reaching out to me and asking me to take a look at his blog, and see where we can improve it.
My post had been, in part, about making your blogs look 'purdy'.  So I think that's where I'll start with Eric.  He asked me to look at his content, but I think he has some interesting content... (feel free to weigh in)... so I'm going to take on this post he created called "Open House Safety" (go click on that and see what his post looks like).  The first … (2 comments)

Be kind to your pets during the holidays - 12/23/11 10:01 AM
Just a reminder that our pets are members of our families.  That's right, members of our families and they deserve to be treated well during this festive time.
 
Don't forget to think of them as you get gifts for your children, and relatives. Spend time with them, play with them, buy them some special treats (hey, did you say "treats"?) They love you and they can't tell you themselves....  or can they?
… (7 comments)

A little holiday cheer - 12/22/11 06:20 PM
A little holiday cheer, from the Jewish boy.
 
Chicago a cappella performs Jonathan Miller's wacky arrangement of two holiday classics at its "Holidays a cappella" concert at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Dec. 9, 2011. www.chicagoacappella.org.  I thought it was something you might enjoy, so I decided to share it.
Make sure you have your speakers on, and yes I think it's safe for the office around this time of year.
Merry ChannaChristmaKwaanzikah to you all, and to all a good night.
… (16 comments)

I am not one of Inman's 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders - 12/21/11 12:22 PM
Inman News has come out with 2011's list of the 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders.
According to Inman, this is a list of those who embody leadership, ingenuity, strength, conviction, power, persistence, perseverance and progress.  Their voices and their actions most the industry to change, and include the industry's brain trust, power brokers and deal makers who impact the business of buying and selling homes.
Whew! That's a lot of pressure, I gotta tell ya.
I'm almost glad that I didn't make the list... after all that's a whole lot of stuff that I'd have to do... power, persistence, perseverance... … (24 comments)

When what to my wondering eyes should appear? - 12/20/11 12:00 PM
I try to check my office mailbox on a daily basis.  For some reason, I didn't get back there yesterday, it was a busy day.
This morning, sitting rather forlorn in my mailbox was a delicately addressed envelope, coincidentally, with my name on it.  Well, sort of my name... it was addressed to Alan 'Morklefeathers' May.  Hmm.... a clue.
After the bomb-squad finished their cursory inspection of the envelope, they retreated behind their 3-inch bullet-proof shields, while I tentatively pried the envelope open. (I think they're getting really tired of opening my mail).
[ pregnant pause ]
Whew... no explosion... (I've … (13 comments)

My automated feedback request. - 12/19/11 12:51 PM
You were kind enough to show my property at 1234 Main Street yesterday. I wonder if you'll also be kind enough to share with me, and my client, how your client LOVED the property.  Anything you can share would be most appreciated.
Please select from the choices listed below and feel free to fill in any additional comments you might have.  Thank you so much.
Do you think your clients have any interest in this property?
Yes, they liked it very much.  In fact they felt so at home, they settled in on your couch and watched Tim Tiebow praying in … (98 comments)

I hold you, and your opinion, in high regard! - 12/18/11 10:59 AM
I recently received an e-mail from a fellow Active-er... uh, Rainer (there's that's better) who was seeking my counsel, that used those exact words. (Of course, I've also received a few e-mails at the other end of the spectrum too, but let's not talk about those right now).
They don't know me personally, having never met me, they only know me from my blog, and comments here on Active Rain.  But based on what they've read, they've formed an opinion of my value, my worth.
They've decided that they like what they've read.  That my opinions appear knowledgeable and worthwhile, they … (43 comments)

Walking in a Zoo-Light Wonderland! - 12/17/11 01:08 PM
If you're fortunate enough to live in (or near) the wonderful city of Chicago, you have heard of, or visited the Lincoln Park Zoo.
 
It's a wonderful facility with a zoo (and farm) right in the heart of Lincoln Park (a tony area on the north side of the city).
Every year, around this time, they offer the public the opportunity to visit the zoo at night, when it's lit for the holiday season.
The animals demand (and deserve) a little holiday festivity, just like the rest of us, and they seem to enjoy the colours and the crowds who come to ooh … (16 comments)

In the spirit of the holiday season? - 12/16/11 09:21 AM
Jimmy Kimmel, in his infinite wisdom... (wait a minute.  I don't think that sentence has ever been used before)... sent out a challenge to his viewership, and asked them to tell their children that they could open up one Christmas gift early, and to video tape their kids opening them.
Then take the videos and upload them to Youtube, and label them "JimmyKimmel, I gave my kids a terrible present".  The reactions were varied, but similar.  Some of them are a bit painful to watch, and some of them are downright hilarious.  Here is a compilation of a few of those … (27 comments)

Acrid Rain - 12/15/11 12:38 PM
I've noticed a recent trend toward agitation. Maybe you've noticed it too?
Some comments are leaning toward caustic, bitter and acerbic.  We all know a few blogs that we avoid because it's always a "yell-fest" in there.  The host is always contentious, and angry.  Every now and then one of those finds their way to the featured blog roll, and you can't avoid getting drawn in, and kicking yourself afterward. (What was I thinking?  What WAS I thinking?)
I've even seen a few taking shots at Bob Stewart and Kerrie Greenhalg.  I know!  That's what I'm saying!  What were they thinking?
… (22 comments)

the Sign of Confidence - 12/14/11 11:33 AM
I ran across this the other day during my marathon showings.
As a homeowner, don't you think that this would fill you with confidence to find on your door.
A lockbox, put there by your trusted real estate agent, that's clearly marked on the front "BargainLocks.com".
I don't know about you, but the lock box is one area where (again, as the homeowner) that I don't want you to skimp.
I want the strongest, biggest, best and bad-ass-est (yes, I made that word up)... lock you can find.
I don't want you going to Lock Be Us and getting a discount … (30 comments)

It's hard to argue with success - 12/13/11 11:05 AM
There's a featured post, this morning, by Conrad Allen, entitled "Success is a lousy teacher..." using a quote from Bill Gates.  It goes on to suggest that it "seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose."
This is an interesting concept.  "Success is a lousy teacher".  So, let's follow this for a moment.
Our hero becomes a Realtor, and begins by connecting with his sphere of influence, taking every floor duty opening he can manage, and sitting an open house each and every Sunday for his first entire year in business.
All of that prep work brings him a mildly successful … (15 comments)

Let's creep in the frozen aisle and think one thought. - 12/08/11 05:04 PM
It's been said before that government is trying to reach us with subliminal messaging.
It's not that I'm skeptical (although I am), but now that I'm convinced (I'm not) I'm a little unclear (a lot) on what exactly the message is (there's a message?).
 
Listen to this video (or watch it, whichever turns you on)... this is not intended to be a political statement.  It's not the time for Obama-bashing... 'cause I've got copies of videos with Mitt Romney and Herman Cain, too, and I'll play 'em... I will!  Don't make me come back there... 'cause you know I'll do … (22 comments)

i-phone keyboard - 12/08/11 01:23 PM
I recently replaced my P.O.S. Palm Pre, recently, with a brand-spankin'-new i-phone.
I have to tell you.. I am enjoying this phone.  I'm downloading new apps, I'm learning new things about this phone each and every day.
It's fun, it's sexy and it does what it's supposed to do, and Siri and I are having a lot of fun!
"What are you wearing, Siri?""Titanium and Silicone... sexy, huh?"
Someone at Apple has a sense of humour.
(take THAT Palm!)
So, being the Apple-guy that I am, I have been touting the wonders of the i-phone in our office. Several of the … (30 comments)

Yo! Mr. I-Just-Want-To-See-It-Now! - 12/06/11 12:58 PM
The email lead came in this morning saying: "Additional information requested for my listing 123 Main Street" and had an email address for contact.  No name, no phone.
I sent back an e-mail with the message:"Thank you for your inquiry regarding 123 Main Street.  What 'additional information' would you like?  I'd be happy to answer any questions."
I received a quick response: "I'd like to see it Sunday."  Hmm... that's not "additional information"... that's asking for an appointment.
"Okay", I replied "Are you currently working with an agent?"
"Are you freakin' kidding me?" Came back the reply.  "I just want to … (42 comments)

If you don't have an appointment with a buyer or seller, you're unemployed! - 12/05/11 01:02 PM
This morning, in our staff meeting, we were assaulted... er, I mean we had a presentation this morning by a motivation speaker, who was supposed to give us "50 ideas to increase your business".
Instead, he gave us 50 buzz phrases to bore us to tears.  And his presentation style was angst ridden, and whiny.  When he came to the one that said "Don't associate with negative whiny people, I wanted to walk out of the meeting, but my legs had fallen asleep. Maybe assaulted was the right word after all.
However, of the 53 ideas that he presented (that's right... … (23 comments)

Allright, I'll show you mine, but you may want to shield your eyes. - 12/04/11 11:54 AM
Anita Clark has a currently featured post, in which she says "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours".  She is, of course, referring to her Secret Active Rain list, which she says the majority of Active Rainers have.
Oh, crap.  Once again, I find myself in the minority.  I ain't got no list.
I'm not a list-maker. Ask anyone who's seen my desk, I'm more of a pile-maker.  I stack stuff up 'till it threatens to topple over. My desk is the Midwestern tower of Babel.  And yet, I know just where everything is within that pile.  I can … (85 comments)

Oh the weather outside is frightful - 12/02/11 09:28 AM
For those of us in the northern climes, this is the time of the year when the sun is low in the sky, and even when the sun is up there, we don't feel the full force.  For those of you in more temperate climes, you can go get yourself a snack, while I talk to the rest... g'wan... we'll wait.
The weather outside is frightful.  Some of our neighbours to the north have already experienced measurable snow and sub-zero temperatures. Fortunately, that hasn't hit my area yet.  We've had a couple of flurries... perhaps a dusting of the white-stuff.  But … (20 comments)

A son we could all be proud of. - 12/01/11 09:16 AM
I just ran across this post of a youtube video on Facebook.  I thought it was worth sharing with all of you.  This is a young man who speaks so eloquently, and so from the heart that it's refreshing and wonderful.
 
Listen to his message. It's notable. It's a message we've surely heard before, but it's worth repeating.  The sexual orientation of his parents has had zero effect on the content of his character.  While I doubt that's quite true, it appears that the sexual orientation of his parents has had zero NEGATIVE effect on the content of his character... … (32 comments)

 
Alan May, Coldwell Banker Realtor® Evanston, Illinois & Northern Suburbs (847.425.3779 almay@aol.com) Ambassador_large

Alan May, Coldwell Banker Realtor® Evanston, Illinois & Northern Suburbs

Evanston, IL

More about me…

847.425.3779 almay@aol.com

Address: Attn: Alan May, Realtor®, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL, 60201

Office Phone: (847) 425-3779

Cell Phone: (847) 924-3313

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