from a Sow's Ear. Evanston Real Estate

the latest entertainment during "our system is down" maintenance.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:49:06 -0600

I went to visit a website today, and they were down for maintenance. But they were thoughtful, and instead of having us look for our keys, or view a fail whale, they provided the following video on their site, to keep me entertained.

It was much appreciated, so I'm passing it along to you, 'cause I think you'll find it enjoyable (if not truly silly) as well. C'mon, join in!

ALAN MAY, Realtor®
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate
-------------------------------
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
847.425.3779 Cell: 847.924.3313 Email: Almay@aol.com

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers
Evanston Homes for Sale • Evanston Buyers • Evanston Sellers • North Shore Homes for Sale • North Shore Buyers • North Shore Sellers

Please join me in remembering an icon.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:40:36 -0600

Please me join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community.

The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 51.

Dough boy was buried in a lightly greased coffin.

Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch.

The grave site was piled high with flour.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Dough boy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded.

Dough boy rose quickly and evenly through show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half- baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Dough boy is survived by his wife Play Dough, three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.

The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes

Chicago-area home sales soar in October.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:25:22 -0600

Nov. 23, 2009

(Crain's) — Chicago-area home sales jumped by a third in October compared to a year ago, according to the Illinois Assn. of Realtors, with the group citing lower home prices, low mortgage rates and the federal tax credit for first-time buyers as reasons for the spike.

CHICAGO-AREA SALES

Below is a monthly year-over-year comparison of home sales (single-family and condo) in the nine-county Chicago area.

Last month’s surge compared to October 2008 was the fourth straight monthly year-over-year improvement for the metro area and by far the biggest.

Sales in the city of Chicago also rose 28.5% last month, the second straight year-over-year rise, the association said in a release Monday.

Sales rose 24.2% statewide compared with October 2008.

“October's extraordinary sales totals reflect home purchases by many buyers who were sitting on the sidelines of the housing market waiting out the economic downturn as well as more home sellers coming to terms with accurate pricing given the market conditions,” Mike Onorato, president of the association, said in the release.

In the nine-county Chicago region, 7,286 single-family homes and condominiums were sold October, up 33.3% from 5,467 sales in October 2008, the Realtors group said. The monthly year-over-year percentage gain was much bigger than the previous three straight increases of 0.3% in July, 1.3% in August and 5.9% in September.

In the city, sales rose 28.5%, with 2,012 in October, up from 1,566 in October 2008. That easily topped last month’s 5.8% year-over-year monthly increase, which was the first since May 2006.

Median prices fell again year-over-year in the Chicago area and the city, as sales of distressed property pushed down the figure. The region’s median price — where half the homes sold for more and half sold for less — was $190,000 in October, down 15.6% from October 2008, the Realtors association said.

In the city, the median price was $215,000 in October, down 18% from last year.

"The first-time homebuyer tax credit has created a great incentive for buyers on the fence who are ready to invest in real estate,” Genie Birch, president of the Chicago Assn. of Realtors, said in the release.

But the Chicago association used the release to complain about tight residential lending policies, which need to be changed to help “creditworthy homebuyers.”

Good-credit buyers are finding it “very difficult” to get financing, and Chicago Realtors would welcome banks showing more willingness to lend to good prospects, says a spokeswoman for the Chicago association. Also, various guidelines make it harder to get loans for condos in the city than for unattached single-family homes, according to the spokeswoman.

President Obama signed a bill this month extending the tax credit for first-time homebuyers and expanding it to include a smaller credit for some buyers who already own their homes. Currently, first-time buyers whose incomes qualify now can receive a credit of up to $8,000 on home purchases that close by June 30.

Last month, the average interest rate was 5.0% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, according to the release.

The Illinois Assn. of Realtors' sales figures include new and existing homes. The nine-county Chicago Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

this article was written by Staff at Crain's Chicago Business, and appeared in today's issue. (Nov. 23, 2009)

the Realtor Two-Step.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:43:38 -0600

I was over on Trulia for a spell yesterday, defending the integrity of my chosen career, and a regular commenter, who agrees with me, about as much as he disagrees with me, but whose opinions are often well-founded and I respect, made a statement. He said:

I believe there are excellent people/Agents/ other Pros in the Industry
it's just some Agents work so hard to prove me wrong. LOL

Now, it was said kinda tongue-in-cheek, but the sentiment was true, and I believe far more widespread than just his own opinion. I rarely see any disrespect for the Realtor crowd out on the street, and haven't run into it in real life, but you see it in spades on sites like Zillow, Trulia and others, as well as finding it rearing it's ugly head here on AR, every now and then.

We're rated somewhere slightly below used-car-salesmen, and slightly above whale excrement (you know, the stuff that floats to the bottom of the ocean!?). Most people, like my friend on Trulia, want to believe that Realtors and Agents are professional, ethical, honest and hard-working, they really do ... but then along comes that doofus of a Realtor who'll make some ridiculous statement like:

"Of course I look at the co-op commission first. I have a right to make a living don't I? So sure, I won't show FSBO's, and I won't show any property that co-ops less than 3%... 'cause I'm worth it", and with that statement, down plummets our reputation again.

"Yer dang right I don't want an inspector to find any problems with the house.... just gloss over 'em... it'll be okay, and I need the paycheck... after all, how bad can it be... there's someone living in it now!", and down we go again.

Two steps forward, Three steps back.

Some agents are working soooooo dang hard to prove him wrong. I wish they'd take some time off.

are you a part of a national conspiracy?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:26:13 -0600

In a recent thread found on Trulia, a local inspector responded to my assertion, that if you're looking for an inspector, your Realtor can be a good resource for finding good inspectors. He replied with:

"Asking your Realtor is NOT a great way to find an inspector. Your Realtor gets paid only if the home sale goes through. Many good inspectors are called, 'Deal Killers' by R.E. agents and will not appear on a list of inspectors that are referred to home buying clients."

I suggested that most Realtors are highly ethical and interested in the best interests of their clients, and he suggests that there's too much of a conflict-of-interest in the Realtor / Inspector relationship, and we're only interested in the quick commission check.

I contend that I want any of the inspectors who are found on my recommended list to seek out and find any of the problems that exist in the property we're looking at. I want any deficiencies found, as I may be called upon to represent that property in it's next resale, and I want as clean a property to resell as possible.

Now, I do want an inspector who finds the problems, but isn't someone who "panics" the client, rather explains carefully what the problem is and it's potential solution. Is this a $50 problem, a $500 problem, $5,000 problem, or is this so severe that it compromises the structural integrity of the building.

Not to mention that I really am trying to look out for the best interests of my client. I take a perverse pride in walking my clients carefully through the minefield that is a real estate transaction.

He then quotes, nationally syndicated columnist and inspector, Barry Stone who writes:

"The trunk of the problem is this: Agents do not get paid until the sale is completed, and defect disclosure can make buyers change their minds about the sale. Since the best home inspectors disclose more defects, a large number of real estate agents regard the best home inspectors as “deal killers” — not because those inspectors actually kill deals, but because their thoroughness engenders the fear that they might kill a deal. As a result, some agents do not refer the best inspectors to their clients. Meanwhile, unwary clients assume that they are getting top-notch home inspection referrals from their agents.
On the other hand, there are many excellent agents who truly represent the interests of their clients; who recognize the value of total and unabridged disclosure. Those agents are the shining stars of the profession, the ones who recommend only the most thorough and qualified home inspectors to clients. Realtors of this caliber deserve praise and recognition for the exemplary work that they do.
What we have are two dissimilar groups of agents — the compromised and the committed — separated by an ethical divide that tarnishes the public image of the real estate industry, while jeopardizing the financial interests of trusting homebuyers. "

I like to think that the majority of agents (Realtors included) are looking out for their clients best interests. I also think that the majority of certified inspectors are doing the same, independently of any visible or invisible pressure from the agent to give the property a clean bill of health.

Clearly he's presuming the opposite, that the majority of agents are in collusion with the majority of inspectors, who give the property a quick once over, and any inspectors who do otherwise are quickly ostracized and blackballed from doing further business with those agents.

a pumpkin in the sun

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:26:13 -0600

I was scheduled to take a buyer out condo-hunting today, but they've changed their minds, and decided to put-off their house hunting for a year or so, to allow them to save up some money toward a better down payment.

I've been out showing property a lot lately, and find that I'm not so disappointed. Today is a beautiful day, here in the Chicago area. Crisp and cool, blue skies... I'm gonna grab a cigar, take my dog gus-gus, and go plant myself on the hammock in my back yard. Maybe I'll take a book with me. I rarely find myself with battery-recharging time like this.

I don't anticipate a lot of business this coming week, as we approach Thanksgiving. So we should have some lovely restorative days up ahead. I'll check in with y'all later.

Ahhhh.... where are those matches?

the Multiple Listing Systems begin to respond to SEO

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:25:31 -0600

Our local MLS sent out an inquiry to agents who might be interested in joining a task force, as to how our MLS might better communicate and interconnect with our members through social networking and SEO.

They requested that you tell them your qualifications, as you see it, to discuss SEO and social networking... and I applied. Apparently they thought that my twittering, facebooking, linking in, and active raining qualified me, as they asked me to join a task force of about 11 Realtors, and 2 MLS staff members.

I'm excited to see where this goes.

While a couple of the members who will be attending this task force are also AR members (no big surprise there), I thought I'd put it out to the Active Rain brain-trust (who better to ask), and ask... what do you think?

How do you think, if your MLS were open to it, how they might make use of social networking... and how they might assist their users with content that might be SEO efficient?

Any thoughts?

We'll be meeting next month, and I'd love to have some thoughts to bounce off of one-another.

Free speech and feather pillows.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:42:30 -0600

There's an old Yiddish story, that takes place in a small village in Poland around the turn of the last century.

One of the members of this small village has been gossiping. Displeased with this young woman, the village elders send her to the Rabbi for counsel.

The Rabbi invites her into his home, and explains that gossip can be harmful. The young lady does not agree, and feels that gossip is harmless, and is a good way to pass the day.

The Rabbi sits and thinks, and finally says to the young lady, go to your home, and bring me your pillow.

The girl is confused, but does as she's told, and returns shortly with her pillow.

The Rabbi then instructs her to to go to the center of town, in town square, open the seam at the end of the pillow, and release all of the feathers in her pillow into the wind, then return to him.

She does as she's told, and soon the wind catches all of the feathers in her pillow, and casts them to the wind... spreading them around. She then returns to the Rabbi, and asks... what now?

The Rabbi then directs her to go back to the town square, and collect all of those feathers, and return them to the pillow.

Shocked, she tells the Rabbi, but that's impossible. I can't recapture all of those feathers... some of them are probably still in the town square, but it's a windy day, and they've mostly scattered. Why some of those feathers may be miles away by now, and some of them... why I have no idea where they went.

"So it is" said the Rabbi, with a wise glance "with your words. Once your words are released to the world, there's no telling where those words will go, and what impact they will have."

What does this have to do with real estate or active rain? Not much, but the words we tell our clients, and the words we type on our blogs... they are the feathers... and they can't be taken back. Once they're released, as posts... as comments... as advice to clients... it's almost impossible to retract them, and they are carried quickly away from us and around the world.

Make sure that the words you speak, truly represent your thoughts and ideals. Make sure that you don't type anything that you wouldn't mind your mother, your minister, or your spouse reading. Words can be powerful, they can help, they can hinder, they can inform, and they can harm.

Be mindful of the words that you release into the world, as they can't easily be retrieved.

it's our job to be a facilitator... not a roadblock, nor a bully.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:07:38 -0600

I read a post this morning, where Greg Nino was talking about agents who treat a transaction like a lawsuit.

We all know agents like that, who try to leave their "mark" on each and every transaction. They treat every agent like an adversary, and guard their client like a rabid Chihuahua defends his chicken bone.

Ladies and gentlemen of the rain... it's not necessary to be adversarial to protect the interests of your client. You can do so pleasantly and professionally. I have a client, who today, requested some information about the poor-looking tuckpointing on the side of a mult-unit building. The listing agent replied: "if your people are that concerned, they may not be the right people for this building".

Really? If my people are concerned enough to do their due diligence, then they might not be the right.... what??? Trying to bully me into telling my people to stop asking questions about the condition of the building?? Whaaaat?!

My response was: "hey gashole, who do you think you're talking to... what kinda crap are you trying to hide?" "They're merely trying to do their due diligence and make certain this is the right building, before bothering you with a contract, that might not work... if you can get that information for us, it might help us get to contract... thanks for your help."

Our job is to be a facilitator of the sale. We have a buyer who wants to buy, we have a seller who wants to sell. What can we do to facilitate that to a successful conclusion, while at the same time advocating strongly on behalf of the interests of our client.

Remember... it's not about US... it's about the buyer and seller. Facilitate that!

---------------------------------

Now... extra credit... spelling lesson... I was watching the tonight show, with Johnny Carson, many years ago and there was a memory genius showing his expertise... and he taught the audience a mnemonic how to spell Chihuahua, and how you'll never forget how to spell it once you've learned it... and he was right... I've never forgotten it since.

Pronounce: CHEE - HOOAH - HOOAH (or in other words.... CHI - HUA - HUA)... There... you'll never forget it again.

SCHMELP!

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:58:30 -0600

How many of you have heard of an online service that rhymes with "SCHMELP!". (hopefully you can figure out which site I'm talking about... but I don't want to name them here, 'cause I don't want to be the subject of a lawsuit)

It's a website that allows the public to review local business (restaurants, and such)... and gives personalized experiences by members of the public. It's one of the ways that I know many people are using today to find new restaurants to go to.

One of my colleagues has a son who recently opened a rib joynt, in Chicago... so he was hoping for some good reviews from the public via SCHMELP! Oddly enough, soon after opening, the only reviews that appears on SCHMELP! seemed to be negative. He couldn't understand it, since the general feedback from the public, and more traditional printed reviews had been so positive.

Finally, a bit frustrated, he contact SCHMELP! to see, if perhaps some good reviews just hadn't been pubished yet. They informed him, and this is the part that floors me, that "yes, there were positive reviews too... but they would only publish negative reviews... and would HOLD all positive reviews until the restaurant agreed to pay SCHMELP! $500.00 per month.

[stunned silence]

Yes, you heard me right. It is SCHMELP!'s policy that they will only print negative reviews until you pay up! The owner of the new fledgling restaurant contact the local authorities who informed him that unfortunately this was perfectly legal. They could publish whatever they wanted on their own website. The negative reviews were totally legitimate, and they could choose to publish only the negative, if they so desired.

It's an electronic shake-down! Plain and simple.

Now, fortunately, word of mouth has spread, and his traditional foodie-reviews have been excellent, so he's doing well, in spite of SCHMELP! But I have lost a great deal of respect for the SCHMELP!.

Know your value, and tailor your business for your client's needs.

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:52:38 -0600

In several of the posts I've written and read in the last few days, the one constant that's come up is "service".

Service is King. If you're not providing service, you're failing. And I'm not just talking about chauffeuring the clients to and from homes, and unlocking the doors.

But you want to make sure that you're providing a valuable service... unlike our DVD rewinder to the left.

What does the general public want from we Realtors today? What do they need us for? What part of our services are they willing to pay for?

FINDING THE RIGHT HOME
With the advent of Zillow, Trulia and more, including our local MLS that offer a watered-down version to the public and our commercial corporate sites (ie: coldwellbanker.com, remax.com, redfin.com)... the general pubic of buyers can find the house themselves these days

Yes, we can find more accurate and more current results, but that's likely to change in the pretty near future. So it seems they don't really need us to FIND the house.

DETERMINING THE HOMES WORTH
This one works for both buyers and sellers. Some buyers and sellers are savvy enough to have a fair idea of what range the house should be in, but they generally need us to narrow the range. While they can access information (like Zillow) to determine what recent homes have sold for... they probably haven't been in the homes, so they don't really know just how "comparable" those are to their home.

NEGOTIATION
This one is key. The general public, while capable of negotiation, does not like to do it. They feel as though they're in a foreign land when trying to negotiate for their car, let alone a purchase such as a home. This is where they truly need us, we've seen the other homes, we know the value of this one vs. others... and we're comfortable with the negotiation process... nay, we ENJOY it, and we've had lots of experience doing it, and bring new and exciting tactics to the table for the buyer and seller.

NAVIGATING THE LANDMINES THROUGH CLOSING
Another critical aspect. Most people buy or sell a home 2 or 3, maybe even 4 times in their lives. They can't keep up with all the nuances of the sale. What paperwork is required, which legal forms must be signed, again this is where our expertise shines. Once the contract has been signed, there's still enough work left to be done. Lending has become trecherous today... we know our way through... yes, they need us here.

INSPECTION and RE-NEGOTIATION?
Again, yes, they need us here. Very few laypeople know an inspector. Sure, they could find one in the yellow pages, but they don't know which ones are good, which ones are excellent. Which ones fit their personality, and which ones put out a stellar computerized report. They have no idea which inspectors specialize in "walking the roof", or which ones were an electrician in a former career. Yes, they need us here too.

Which problems, when found during an inspection, should I request a credit for... should I request a repair for... should I walk away from the deal for?? Again, we've seen many, many, many prior inspections, and know a great deal about what's salvageable, what's repairable, what's credit-worthy (and how much we might be able to get), and what's so serious that we should run (don't walk) away from the deal. Yes, they need us here.

I'm sure you have more "value" to add...that I've not listed here. Finding the home, just isn't one of the strong ones anymore. Many of my clients arrive at my "internet door", with properties in hand that they want to see. But they're more than happy to have my strengths assist them through a strange and unfamiliar process.

Just be sure that you're offering value-added services to your clientelle. Make sure you know what they need, and that you can provide it.

Paraskevidekatriaphobia - or - Friday the thirteenth done come on a Friday this month.

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:40:43 -0600

The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia, a word derived from the combination of the Greek words Paraskeví (meaning Friday), and dekatreís (meaning thirteen), attached to phobía (meaning fear).

The term triskaidekaphobia (with which many of us are familiar) is only regarding the fear of the number 13... But paraskevidekatriaphobia is the actual fear of "Friday the 13th", and no, I don't mean the movies.

In case you hadn't noticed... TODAY is Friday the 13th. I hope you have a good one.

This year (2009) we had three months, where Friday the 13th done fell on a Friday... and we will experience the same thing in 2012, where we'll have the trifecta of Friday the 13ths.

You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain.

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:12:06 -0600

no Active Rain drives a man insane.
you broke my will
oh what a thrill
Goodness Gracious, Great Balls of Fire!

My hands are still shaking, and sweat is forming on my brow. My eyes are bloodshot, and my nerves are rattled. Why, if I didn't know any better, I'd think that I was preparing to write a country-western song. All that's missing is for my wife and dog to leave me (in that order).

But no, that's not it. I've just survived a self-imposed moratorium of Active Rain, cause I thought I was spending far too much time here, "working". Now, I'm sure some of you noticed that I haven't quite been able to stay completely away... i have still been reading, and commenting here and there. But not writing any of my own posts.

It has been somewhat liberating, freeing up almost 7-extra-hours each day... (you fellow AR-addicts know just what I mean, now dontcha). That gives me extra hours to perform important duties like, Mafia Wars, or Bejewelled Blitz on facebook.

But I'm getting the DT's... I can't hold off anymore... I need, need, need to write something and post it...

I need that instant feedback of my homies, commenting on my blogs, telling me I'm wrong, I'm right, I'm radical, etc... I'm jonesin' for it.

and here you are you lucky dogs.

phew... I feel better.

The New and Improved Home Buyer Tax Credit

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:40:45 -0600

this is as good an article with as decent an explanation as I've yet seen, regarding the new potential Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Via Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Exclusive Buyer Broker (The Buyers' Counsel):

The much-anticipated extension to the home buyer tax credit has finally been approved. The Senate's vote yesterday resulted in a 98-0 win and today it was passed in the house. The bill now moves to the President's desk for a final signature.

First-time home buyers have been eligible for tax credits of up to $8,000 since last January as part of this year's economic stimulus package. The newly backed program will expand the credit to include existing home owners.

Under the revised program, those who have owned a home for at least five years will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase their next home.  To qualify, buyers will have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30.

The maximum purchase price on a home will be $800,000 with vacation homes not eligible. Income limitations are $125,000 for single tax payers and $225,000 for joint filers.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have been lobbying hard for the extension and expansion of the tax credit. NAR claims that so far, about 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the program and they estimated that 350,000 of these buyers would not have otherwise purchased.

The tax credit is also set to be extended for another year for military personnel serving outside of the United States until June 30, 2011.

Senator Johnny Isakson, who heavily pushed for the extension, along with his own version that would have increased the credit to $15,000 stated, "This is probably the last extension."

But, is this really true? When April 2011 comes around and the housing market is still not in full recovery mode, will the politicians be able to let this go and actually come to an end, or could it possibly become a more permanent subsidy?

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how to carefully navigate your office

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:31:22 -0600

I work in one of the largest (and most successful) offices in Evanston. We have over 100 agents who hang their shingle here and practice real estate in Evanston and the surrounds. And we don't really have private offices, all the desks are out in one ginourmous room, divided by half walls and file cabinets.

I like the bullpen-style office, where we can interact with other agents easily... and we have several private conference rooms, for meetings that need to take place in privacy, as well as two small offices, that can be used for privacy when necessary.

I like this style, I've grown accustomed to it, and enjoy it.

There are several land-mines, however, in our office, that I have learned I must avoid. There are some agents, with whom I try not to make eye-contact. I know if eye-contact is made, I can kiss a good chunk of time goodbye, as they will engage me in conversation, and become a true time-suck, from which it will take great effort to extract myself.

If eye contact is made, I know that I will have to endure a handful of real estate horror stories, some bad jokes. I particularly like to avoid the Eeyores... (or Debbie Downers)... they can ruin an entire day.

I can lose an entire day's productivity if I don't tread carefully through the office.

I have been told by a whip-wielding-leather-clad blogger, here on AR, that I should really stick to real estate related subjects in my posts.

Bill Cosby is Awarded the Mark Twain Award

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:40:49 -0600

I happened across the Mark Twain Awards last night on the television. And there were honouring one of my all time favourite comedians Bill Cosby, so I had to stay and watch.

Many celebrities and comedians dropped by to say a word or two on his behalf, and talked a bit about Mr. Cosby's barrier-shattering part as the half of a espionage team in I-Spy (with Robert Culp)... which was originally designed to be two white spies, but Rob (then 13) and Carl Reiner decided that Bill Cosby has the chops to play that role, after seeing his "Noah" routine on the Tonight Show (with Jack Paar).

Fellow comics, Jerry Seinfeld, Sinbad, Chris Rock as well as actors who'd worked with him over the years, came to pay tribute to a great comedian. Rita Moreno dropped by to sing him a song. Rita was his opening act for many of his Las Vegas performances. She's still got chops... check this out.

Here's Malcolm, talking about "Mr. Cosby" and his time on the Cosby Show.

And Here's Phylicia Rashad discussing the same show.

Thoroughly enjoyable. If you haven't seen it, and you get a chance... I'm sure it'll be playing over and over on PBS. Set your DVR.

Okay, I saw my first episode of "Million Dollar Listing"

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:56:30 -0600

Okay, yesterday I saw my first episode of "Million Dollar Listing".

Chad, Madison & Josh attempted to relate to real estate clients... they were boorish, cloddish and immature, and I am humbly embarrassed to be a member of the same industry. These prepubescent pretty-boys were driving expensive cars, mishandling mult-million dollar clients and their listings, and giving surprisingly bad real estate advice.

If the public believes half of what they see on MDL, they're totally destroying the already battered reputations that Realtors enjoy. This is a PR disaster.

My daughter walked into the room while I was watching it... and besides the "Don't you get enough of that stuff all day long?" her first question to me was "which one do you hate the most?".

I had to think about it, but I decided that I hate them all... some of them I hate less than the others, but that changes with each different scenario.

I'm thinkin' that my first episode of MDL is also my last episode of MDL.

more random firings, from a seriously addled brain.

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:17:45 -0600

I used to eat lots of natural foods, until I learned that most people die of natural causes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When looking for something, it's always in the last place you look. Duh! Once you've found it, you stop looking!
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There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and the dead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Life is sexually transmitted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Health" is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
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Have you noticed since everyone has a cellphone with a video recorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to? I know, stop and think about THAT for a minute.
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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
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All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
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In the 60s, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.
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How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes the whole freakin' box to start your grill?
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Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?"
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And who was the first person to say, "See that chicken there? I'm gonna eat the next thing that comes outta its butt.
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If quizzes are quizzical, are tests testicles?
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Do illiterate people get the full impact of Alphabet Soup?
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Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
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Do you ever wonder why you read my blog?

One shot, or two...

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:55:24 -0600

This morning, on the news, they were discussing the H1N1 virus. There was some heated discussion as to whether children under the age of 12, and adults should get 1 shot, or 2 shots.

The general consensus seemed to come down to the availability of the shots. If they were available, they should take two shots... and if in short supply, only one shot.

I can't believe it took a brain trust to come up with that plan. That's the same plan I've always practiced ever since college. The more alcohol you digest, the less likely the virus is to find a receptive body. D'uh!

I guess I just don't understand modern medicine.

... as the weather turns

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:05:21 -0500

Okay all. As the weather begins to turn toward Winter, here in the Midwest, I thought it might be an appropriate time to remind agents how to view/show their homes during the colder months. A few reminders of things that are important to note during the winter months.

As the Listing Agent:

1) If you use a lock box, please make sure that the lock box is "protected" from the elements... so that they don't "Freeze". Placed on the door knob is okay, if protected by a storm door. Placed outside on the water spigot (where drips of water will encase it in a coffin of ice) is not.

And please make sure that the promised key is actually IN the lockbox! Check it occasionally.

2) If your property is vacant...

a) check your property frequently... make sure that mail is collected

b) make sure the walk is clear of snow/ice (have your seller pay to hire a neighborhood kid, if necessary)

c) provide a nice mat in the foyer for wet shoes/boots. It will serve as a 2nd reminder (aside from the note that says "kindly remove your shoes") to remove their dirty/wet shoes and boots.

d) make sure that the temperature in the house is sufficient to prevent pipes from bursting, and pleasant enough for buyer's comfort.

e) keep property clean / neat ... vacant houses tend to collect dirt in the foyer, and dust bunnies throughout...

f) make sure there are enough lights in each room to view, if viewed later in the evening.

g) protect your property from vandals and thieves by using a few timed-lights to mimic someone is at home

3) Make sure there are plenty of printed materials (listings, flyers) in the house to provide the buyer's agent with good sources of information. You want to make your listings sales-pitch "idiot-proof"... cause you and I both know... that there will be some "idiots" showing your property. Even though they've opted not to be informed... you can supply them with all the information they need to sell your listing through flyers, and well-positioned note cards.

4) Make sure the key/remote for the garage is available, and clearly visible

As the Buyer's Agent:

1) If the weather outside is "frightful" (rain / snow)... please, please, please, remove your shoes/boots, whether asked to or not.

2) Please make sure to leave the lights, as you've found them. If they were on when you arrived, leave them on. If they were off when you arrived, return them to the off position.

3) Do not mess with lights that are on a timer.

4) Please leave the window blinds/drapes as you found them. If they were closed when you arrived, return them to closed. If they were open... well, you get the idea.

5) If the house is vacant, and you find a problem there (piles of magazines at the door, lots of dirty footprints in the foyer, or tracked through the house, the prior agent left the back door wide opened, or perhaps leaking water pipes...standing water in the basement... maybe a strong gas-odor in the house).. please make sure to track down the listing agent to let them know... immediately.

6) If you accessed the house with a lockbox key... please, please, please return the key to the lockbox as found. Do not leave the property with the key in your pocket. If by chance you DO leave the house with the key... return as soon as possible!! If you are called by the agent or their office... don't be rude and belligerent about returning the key... YOU were the one who screwed up... do whatever you can, as quickly as you can to make it better.

Above all, be courteous and thoughtful. You're in someone's home, whether it's occupied or not. Treat it as you would your own.

Those of you located below the frost-line, can sit back, relax and have some sweet-tea.

spring forward, fall backward, feed a cold starve a fever.... what??!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:05:16 -0500

It's that time of the year again; time to set our clocks back an hour, return to standard time, and "gain" an extra hour. That means this Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time officially ends until its return on the second Sunday in March, 2010.

Since 2007, Daylight Saving Time has actually been four weeks longer, thanks to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005 (which my car hasn't yet caught onto). The Act extended Daylight Saving Time by four weeks in an attempt to save 10,000 barrels of oil each day through reduced use of power by businesses during daylight hours. Unfortunately, the Department of Energy (DOE) says that it's difficult to determine actual energy savings, if any, as a result of Daylight Saving Time. But, there are definitely some easy steps you can take to save significantly on your household energy bills.

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Did you know that water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home, especially in the coming months? According to the DOE, it's true. With this in mind, I thought I'd share with you a few of the DOE's energy-efficient water heating strategies to help you save throughout the holiday season.

    * Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
    * Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F.
    * Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period of time.
    * Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads. Select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm (gallons per minute) for maximum water efficiency.
    * Consider natural-gas on-demand or tankless water heaters. Researchers have found savings can be up to 30% compared with a standard natural-gas storage tank water heater.
    * Consider installing a drain water waste heat recovery system. A recent DOE study showed energy savings of 25% to about 30% for water heating using such a system.
    * Install heat traps on the hot and cold pipes at the water heater to prevent heat loss. Some new water heaters have built-in heat traps.
    * Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater.

Have a safe and happy Halloween – and enjoy your "extra hour" of standard time.

More random thoughts that cross my mind, as I sit floor-time.

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:12:42 -0500

Here are a few more random thoughts that cross my mind, while I sit floor-time in our office, waiting for the phones to ring.

Why does the sun lighten our hair, but it darkens our skin?

Why can't women manage to apply mascara with their mouth closed?

Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"? C'mon, if they were truly psychic.

Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?

Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"? Shouldn't they have perfected it by now?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavors, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Shouldn't there be mouse-flavored cat food?

And when dog food tastes new and improved, who tested it?

Is it really necessary to sterilize the needle used for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they just make the entire plane out of the stuff?!

Do sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called "apart"-ments when they are all stuck together?

If con is the opposite of pro, is CONgress the opposite of PROgress?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

When do you use your lower back?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:04:44 -0500

You use your lower back when you...

____ raise your hand to use the remote to change the channel.

____ turn to look over your shoulder.

____ sneeze. (small sneeze, big sneeze... doesn't matter)

____ get in and out of the car.

____ wipe your behind. (that's right.. I said it)

____ laugh. (titter, or belly laugh... doesn't matter)

____ walk up stairs. (one or two, or 3rd floor walk-up, d.m.)

____ walk down stairs. (more stairs?)

____ walk at all. (oh, yeah!)

____ reach across a table. (can you hand me that?)

____ hand a client a pen. (here!)

____ hiccough. (hic, hic, hic,)

____ yawn.

____ all of the above, and then some more I haven't thought of.

You tend to notice that you use your lower back, more, when you have lower back pain. There's nothing like a back spasm, to point it out, each and every time you move. Then you notice each and every occurance of using that lower back. Hiccoughs suck.

(ouch).

we're doomed, I say... we're doomed!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:27:18 -0500

Just in case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed due to stupidity, here are some actual label instructions that appears on consumer goods.

On a Sears hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping. (but that's the only time I have to work on my hair).

On a bag of Fritos! .You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. (the shoplifter special)?

On a bar of Dial soap: "Directions: Use like regular soap." (yeesh... i hate to think about "irregular" soap.)

On some Swanson frozen dinners: "Serving suggestion: Defrost." (but, it's "just" a suggestion).

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom): "Do not turn upside down." (well...duh, a bit late, huh)!

On Marks & SpencerBreadPudding: "Product will be hot after heating." (I'm speechless.)

On packaging for a Rowenta iron: "Do not iron clothes on body." (but wouldn't this save me more time?)

On Boot's Children Cough Medicine: "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication." (We could do a lot to reduce the
rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5-year-olds with head-colds off those forklifts.)

On Nytol Sleep Aid: "Warning: May cause drowsiness." (well, we sure wouldn't want that... would we?)

On many brands of Christmas lights: "For indoor or outdoor use only." (I wonder what the third option is?)

On a Japanese food processor: "Not to be used for the other use." (the "other" use.... the "other" use... now I'm intrigued)

On Sunsbury's peanuts: "Warning: contains nuts." (alert the media!)

On an American Airlines packet of nuts: "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts." (insert your own punchline here.)

On a child's superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly." (I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)

On a Swedish chainsaw:"Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals." (was there really a need for this label? yikes!)

there was a Turtle, a Lizard and a Rabbit....

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:21:34 -0500

It's now been four years since my older sister Chelley was taken from us. It's odd, losing a sister, as those of you who've also lost close family members can attest. They say time heals all wounds, and while time does make it better... I don't think the wound is yet healed. As my brother-in-law once said, regarding the death of his Father. "It doesn't get better... it just gets different".

Chelley died from AML (Acute Myloid Leukemia) at the ripe old age of 53. She'd battled the disease valiantly, but in the end, she ended up right where she didn't want. In a sterile hospital room, dealing with "needles". (she hated hospitals, and she hated needles). At least she was surrounded by as much family as would fit in that little hospital room.

I don't think of her every day. In fact there are entire weeks, where she doesn't cross my mind. And then, suddenly and without warning, someone will say something "Chelley-esque", or I'll hear a song of her genre (ala Lesley Gore's "Sunshine Lollipops and Rainbows", and memories of Chelley will come flooding back.

(I know, Lesley Gore was kinda geeky, but her songs were catchy... go figure )

Rochelle Rose
1952-2005

Chelley had that kind of infectious laughter, that once she started giggling, it made those around her laugh too. And Chelley would giggle at the drop of a hat. Especially at stupid jokes.

She used to tell this one joke... okay, it was funny ONCE. But Chelley laughed at it every time, and primarily because it ended with a "bad" word.

So if she tried to tell the joke (with the bad word in it) she'd start laughing at the beginning... 'cause she knew what was coming... and by the time she was firmly in the middle of the telling... she was laughing so hard that she was crying... and everyone was laughing with her.

We rarely made it to the "bad" word, but the entire family knew that joke by heart... and would often request that she "attempt" to tell it, just to watch her dissolve into laughter.

I miss that.

In the end, the disease had inured her to "bad words", and she had become able to even "flip me a bird" with those fancy manicured nails of hers (she liked her manicures to include racing stripes, and attached gemstones)... which was funny, in and of itself. The girl who couldn't say the "bad" word, could "flip me a bird"...

so, there was a turtle, a lizard and a rabbit.