Central Florida Real Estate Happenings - Alex Harb

Christianity and Real Estate --- The Birthday present God gave me!!!

2008-11-16T00:36:35Z

WOW!! Talk about God letting me know He loves me!!

On the day after my birthday I got a call from the
HouseValues Director of sales.

If you do NOT know who HouseValues is, they have
a 2.5 million dollar stake in ActiveRain and they are
a company that offers marketing solutions to real
estate agents for a monthly fee.

Three years ago I had leased 1 and a half zipcodes
from them to the tune of $750.00 per month. They
advertise on TV, radio, the Internet and in newspapers.

The plan is simple; they advertise YOU (the Leese of
the zipcodes they provide) will let the person (YOUR
potential customer) who calls or writes in via online
forms they fill out, their homes Comparative Market
Value.

YOU then have a potential customers complete contact
information, PLUS the owners home address. This was a
WONDERFUL concept.

EXCEPT:

People would NOT give correct phone numbers
People would e-mail in "Mickey Mouse" as the
persons name.
85-95% of people that contacted HV (YOU) just
wanted to know they bought a good home and
it had increased in value from when they bought
it 1-3 years ago.

The 5-15% of the total amount of "contacts" were people
who were REALLY wanting to sell their homes .... they were
the ones I was after.

After a while I had a database of over 450 people in my
1 and a half zipcodes and I knew things would happen
eventually...to me it was a numbers game. HV had a
GREAT drip e-mail system, plus a fantastic contact
management system.

After I had turned my 1st sale through HV, I KNEW this
would work for me. I kept at it.......... 20-50 phone calls
every night...... MANY CMAs sent every week. I felt I was
NOW a marketing MACHINE and eventually things would
turn out ok, even though I had put in approximately $7500.00
over the course of a year.

THEN the hurricanes came through Florida... over a 2-3
month period of time...... ALL 3 of them hit right near where
I lived.... Home Insurance was not issued 3 times for periods
of 2-4 weeks at a time..... real estate came to a stand still for
almost 5 months.

After I missed one of my monthly payments, a sales Rep.
called from HV and asked if I had my payment and I told him,
"Nope, I am thinking of quitting HV." It just had not made
enough money and I could NOT see how I was going to be
able to get the money for the next and current payment.

The sales rep. arm twisted me into staying with HV for another
month, despite the fact that I could have quit right then and
there on the phone without any problems... I had fulfilled
my contractual obligation prior to that and could have quit
any time. He did not tell me my obligation was up and I
could have quit right then and saved the money, he made
me THINK I could stay on and they would,"Work something
out" with me if things went sour for the next month.

Well, things did NOT go well the next month and I got a
wonderful phone call from my HV Sales Rep. demanding
nearly $1000 or they would have to shut down my database
and then put my account into collections. I asked him, what
about the "Working something out?" you told me about?

"You did not pay for half of last month and now you owe us
for this month in addition" he said.

I WAS FLOORED............ I couldn't pay it.

I also was VERY upset that this Sales Rep had roped me
into this AND THEN gone back on his word. I said,"Ok, do
what you have to..." and hung up.

All the marketing pieces I had bought: all the flyers,
door-hangers, file booklet covers etc. were thrown into
the trash. My hard earned "HouseValues Certified
Professional" Pin was thrown into the trash also.... All
the time and effort I put into this company and the
marketing system I so enthusiastically endorsed to
other prospective agents they talked to at all the
seminars they had in the central Florida area was now
a bitter memory that I had to swallow.

Fast forward to the day after my birthday, last
week.......

It has been about 3 years and I did not lift a finger
to pay the outstanding balance I had with HouseValues, because I felt they did not deserve it. The way I was treated I felt I owed THEM a call from a lawyer, but I just did NOT have the gumption to do it.

I am walking around in a local mall in the Orlando
area and my cellphone rings.

"Hello, this is ______ _______ from HouseValues,
can I speak to Alex Harb?"I immediately reply:

"I know I put those comments on those
posts about how I was
treated, but that is how I feel and
I am sorry you probably read
them, but from my perspective that
is how I felt I was treated."

This Representative from HouseValues states:

"That is what I want to talk to
you about...... You see, I feel
we did NOT treat you the way
you should have been treated
during a natural disaster like
what happened in Florida.... I
looked into your file and we
did NOT try to work with you to
help you though that tough time."

I am still waiting for the sales
pitch....... and I am VERY skeptical.

"The HouseValues Rep. continues:

"We have cancelled your outstanding
balance with our company."

And he is quiet....... for about
2 seconds you could have
heard a pin drop around
me...I am in AWE!!!

I start to blabber......

"You have no idea what that is
going to do for my credit score...
Thank you, THANK YOU...thank
you so much for doing this!!!"

I tell him, " I am going to let EVERYONE KNOW
what you just did and I will look into
HouseValues if the agents
testing it say it is a good system.

Well, here I am, testifying that I am now a believer in HouseValues
again.... and I am impressed they did this!!

THAT WAS GODS BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO ME!!

"Wait patiently on the Lord...He will deliver you..." Old Testament

Alex Harb -- Founder of:
"Christianity and Real Estate"

A BIG THANK YOU TO: Sara Mu , Konstantin Sutyagin ,
Thomas Hawk and www.flickr.com for the GREAT pictures!!

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Guess who these people are and YOU might get POINTS!!!

2008-11-09T12:10:17Z

THESE people got their pics taken with my stinky
camera on my Palm Treo700w.... at the NAR
ActiveRain Gathering at the Hard Rock Cafe in
Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida!!

Now, mind you, this camera at one time WAS a
nice camera... BUT I bought it used....

(I FORGOT to bring my NICE 2 megapixel camera with me....pphhtttt!!! IT HAD A FLASH WITH IT, the Palm 700w DOESN'T .... AARRGGGggggg!!!)

SO...if YOU can tell ME who all of these people
are in my pictures....

and I MIGHT be able to wiggle some BONUS POINTS
out of the ActiveRain constituency....

Here they are.... may the FIRST ONE to get ALL the
names to the pictures WIN!!!

Some of these people I have been DYING to meet,
just because of their professionalism and upbeat
way of communicating!

Some of them I have talked to on the phone and
we have had some really nice conversations!

Some of these people I highly respect and look
up to, just because I see in THEM character that
is born from adversity and a positive, overcoming
attitude.

Some of them I have JUST recently met and I did
NOT know them in the almost TWO YEARS I was in ActiveRain, even though I had heard of them and knew they were MOVERS and SHAKERS within the network.

When you see some of these pictures, you will
know faces right off the bat, BUT SOME of them
you will have to SEARCH for.... hehehehe....

I HOPE THIS is a nice break in your day as you
SEARCH OUT who EVERY SINGLE ONE of these people
are!

How many of these faces ARE there??? Well, You
will find out as you scroll on DOWN to the end of
this post....hehehehe.... SOME of these people I met
in the line to the bartender.... OMGoodness...ALEX, YOU were at the bar??!!??

YES....getting a PEPSI..... (I do not drink alcohol out of choice...NOT conviction or because of my religious views...)

Well, SOME of these faces MIGHT be HARD to
SEARCH for.... BUT... FIND EVERY ONE OF THEM...
and YOU MIGHT GET SOME BONUS POINTS!!

Some of the people I met wanted to MEET ME...OMGoodness!! I was FLOORED by how NICE
these people were.

ActiveRain has GREAT people in it.... I guess
that is why I have stayed around so long....
hehehehe.......

Some of the people here LOOK ALMOST JUST LIKE THE PICTURES they have on their profiles...... WOW...talk about BEING REAL!!!

I LOVE it when I do NOT have to wade through a BUNCH of PLASTIC to see a persons character or their heart.

Some of the members of ActiveRain I took
pictures of I met QUITE a while back
when I FIRST became a MEMBER!!

Talk about COOL!!! The way some of the
members shook my hand and talked to me,
you would have thought we KNEW each other....

(WE DO...every time we COMMENT back
and forth on blogs we get to know each
other more and more!!)

My goodness, SOME members were agents I wanted to meet so I could let them know THEY lived closer to areas I want to serve than I did....so I could let them know I would send the customers I get in their neck of the woods to THEM!!

ActiveRain helped me CONFIRM the GOOD nature of certain members through this gathering.... so I can now FEEL GOOD sending my customers to them!!

Is ActiveRain AWESOME...or WHAT??!!??

Some people here just touched my life in a BIG way a LONG time ago.... (I even BLOGGED about some of
them before...)

These people are near and dear to me.... and I am
NOT ashamed to admit it!!

I am SO GLAD I am in ActiveRain..... GREAT things
have happened to me since I joined up!!

Some things are just UNIVERSAL... like being human.... and having struggles in life... and needing OTHERS to be there to answer questions you may have.

I FOR ONE am GLAD other members of ActiveRain are there to answer MY questions when I have them....

So, the next time someone asks YOU,

"Why are you in ActiveRain....?"

You can answer them, "Because they are there for me when I NEED them!"

REMEMBER...guess EVERY SINGLE picture
CORRECTLY and you MIGHT WIN BONUS POINTS!!

Alexander Harb PSEM®, E-Agent®
The Knights Team Sales Leader

Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.

Christianity and Real Estate --- What problems do... They HELP us GLORIFY GOD!!

2008-11-06T15:54:08Z

Here I am again to give you the ending of my
"ordeal" with my cars starter, which gave out on
me before I began my trip to work at Perkins
Restaurant and Bakery last week.

You can read what happened in the beginning of my "ordeal" at this link:

Christianity and Real Estate --- What do PROBLEMS do...THEY HELP US!!

After everything that happened as reported in the
above mentioned post, I got home with my new
starter for the car and later that day I proceeded
to remove the old starter and install the new one.

A year earlier I had another new starter put into
the car, but unbeknown to me, the fuel filter was
partially clogged and giving the starter more trouble
than it needed to start the car. As the cars starting
got harder and harder (more than a second or two
of cranking to start) I just figured the cars engine
was getting old, since I was giving it periodic oil
changes.

The car was now 20 years old at this point and
had achieved the venerable standing of "Antique". The car was now worth 3 TIMES what I paid for it, which was a reason to thank the Lord!!

Now, when the first starter had been put into the car,the church choir member who did it tightened those bolts a LOT!! As I put the ratchet wrench onto the first bolt holding the old starter onto the car, I remembered how much the brother had strained to tighten those bolts and I prayed I had the strength to loosen those bolts.

The Lord spoke to me while I was under the car........

"Do NOT worry about getting this part to your car
changed, I will provide a way to make it happen,
and you will GLORIFY ME in the doing of it."

I sighed after straining on the bolt....... it did NOT budge an inch......

The Lord reminded me.....

"Did I not tell you this part
to the car would be taken care of ? "

I reminded myself that our Creator does NOT
speak WITHOUT following through with what
He says is going to happen. What He says
He will do, He PREFORMS! THAT is our Lords
REPUTATION to us and to the WHOLE WORLD.

I fought with myself for a while...and proceeded
to get a phone number to a mechanic my landlord
knows, but I did NOT know him and the Lord was
guiding me to ask people at work to see if someone
would do this loosening of the bolts and change
out the starter, since I obviously could NOT unloosen
those bolts my church choir brother tightened a
year ago.

Using my room mates car, I went to work
after having my car in the garage sitting for 2 days.

I talked to everyone at work I saw about what had
happened and why I was not at work the last time
I was scheduled to be there.

I spoke to our busboy/dishwasher about this also.

He said, "I can do it..I can change out your starter
for you."

Now, this man is a Christian and we have fun talking
about things while we are at work. I NOW know why
the Lord caused this to happen:

This man has done a LOT of work for people -- fixing
cars, etc. and has been taken advantage of by a
LOT of people. I will NOT be one of those people.

I want the Lord to let this man know I am NOT like
others by treating him with RESPECT and appreciating
him for what he has done for me. Of course actions
speak louder than words!!

I find I have to wait another 2 days for him to come
over to my house and get that starter taken care of.

NOW it has been 4 days since my car has been sitting
in the garage...almost like Lazarus' 4 days in the tomb!

After guiding my buddy by cellphone as he drove to
the home where I live, together we got the old starter
out and the new one installed.

While I had a couple of days off from work I helped
my landlord purchase a new (used) dryer for the one
that died while my car sat in the garage..... WHAT
timing, hmm? AND I made out a legally binding
document for my landlord that stated if anything
was wrong with the dryer, it could be given back to
the old owner and my landlord could get the money back for it.

I then installed the power cord to the dryer for my
landlord...apparently the old owner sold this dryer
because one of the power cord wires plastic holding
parts was broken and his wife did not want the wire to
touch any other wires and spark a fire...so my
landlord got a GREAT Whirlpool dryer for a song!

The old owner had told us his wife was VERY happy with their new washer and dryer, so I surmised that is why he was selling them, hehehehe....

I simply used electrical tape to insulate the loose wire so it would be SAFE to use for us!

The landlord is interested in doing business with me
in the future...can you see why?

Put this all together and GOD got
the glory for this whole "ordeal" !!

("ALL things work TOGETHER for
GOOD to those who LOVE God and
ARE CALLED according to HIS purposes")

Is God AWESOME or what??

YOU BET HE IS!!

Alexander Harb PSEM®, E-Agent®
The Knights Team Sales Leader

Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.

Founder of "Christianity and Real Estate"

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Mercedes Homes webpage is up and running!

2008-11-06T13:39:30Z

Hello there!

After getting every single shred of information
on the models/prices/styles/options available
from Mercedes Homes, the first couple of
webpages are now put together for the inventory
of real estate they have to offer in Orlando and
central Florida.

It is The Knights Team policy to give a 1% REBATE
on new construction purchase price of homes when
we represent Orlando and central Florida home buyers.

You will WANT to come to US when purchasing your
new home in central Florida or in the Orlando
area. We will SAVE YOU MONEY on your real estate!

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

Here are the new links to our webpages for Mercedes
Homes Orlando and Central Florida real estate
inventory:

This is a website work in progress! You will see
right now homes priced from about $190,000 to
about $245,000.

___________________________________________________

These model home floorplans listed through those
links are in Shingle Creek Reserve, near the shores
of Lake Toho in Kissimmee, Florida.

Some of the features include:

Lake access and view
Community Golf Course
Conservation Areas
Boat Basin

Amenities include:

Boat Ramp
Community Boat Lift to Shingle Creek
Playground
Fishing Dock

There is MORE to come, STAY TUNED!!

This notice about Mercedes
Homes real estate in Orlando
and central Florida real estate
was brought to you by:

Alexander Harb PSEM®, E-Agent®
The Knights Team Sales Lleader

Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.

Christianity and Real Estate --- New movies from,'Simple Truths'!!

2008-11-04T19:19:37Z

Hey there,

There are some new movies out at the website, "Simple Truths".

The movie that caught my eye today is called, "Finding Joy".

It is a video about some principles that will motivate you and inspire you to keep on keeping on in this tepid real estate
market we are doing business in.

Just click the picture on the right to see this neat movie!

There are several principles that are mentioned in this movie.

To be a "giver" is to find joy!
To dream is where joy resides.
Without action a dream is meaningless.
Simply deciding to KEEP GOING can bring joy!

I am adding some principles on joy that the Bible talks about:

The story of Naomi, Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 2:20;4:14)
When David killed Goliath (1 Samuel 18:6,7)
When they made gifts to the house of God (1 Chronicles 29:9)
Of the Jews, after hearing, anew, the word of God (Nehemiah 8:9-18)
Of David, over the offerings of the princes and people for the house of God (1 Chronicles 29:10-19)
Of Elizabeth, when Mary visited her (Luke 1:5-44)
Of Mary, when she visited Elisabeth (Luke 1:46-56)
Of angels, when Jesus was born (Luke 2:13,14)

There are times when THINGS and situations can bring us joy.

I have found the MOST stable thing to have joy in is Gods kingdom
and the victories that are wrought because of and within it.

May YOU have a stable source of JOY!

Our Moderators:
* Elizabeth Nieves
* Don Draughn
* Andrew Trevino
* Jason Crouch
* Sara Washburn
* Brian Foxworth
* Loreena Yeo

Founder:
* Alexander Harb

Thanks to: Thai Jasmineand
www.flickr.com for the GREAT photos!

Christianity and Real Estate --- What do PROBLEMS do...THEY HELP US!!

2008-10-31T01:54:51Z

Yesterday I was getting ready to drive to my part
time job at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery......

My hair was all blow dried and styled, I had my
uniform on, my cologne and body lotion had been
applied and I was ready to go and make some
money.

I got into my car after putting my "manbag" in the
back seat...and turned the key to the ignition.

The cars starter whirred and spun, with no resulting
turn of the engine. My starter was dead..... and I
started to panic.

The Lord was right there, watching me during everything.

Even BEFORE I asked Him what was going on OR why
this was happening to me, He spoke:

"I am letting this happen to teach you something
about Me."

Instead of wondering what sin I had commited, or what
I had done to anger the Lord, I pondered the tone of
His voice and His facial expressions while He spoke to
me. He was NOT angry with me, BUT He wanted me to
LEARN something about who He is in the midst of trouble.

I did what I knew to do.... I got quiet in His presence
and thought about what to do about the situation.

I called a church choir member who is a mechanic and
told him about my dilema. This brother is notorious
about NOT returning calls, so I made SURE he understood
this was an emergency. I then called our head usher,
who might be able to find someone else to help me
with my car if the first brother I called did not come
through.

After an hour of waiting, no one called me back....
I started to grumble...and the Lord said:

"I am causing these people to NOT call you so you will
trust completely in Me....keep standing and watching what
I will do."

I decided to just wait and see what will happen. I then asked
the Lord..... "What is going to happen, I have done everything
you asked me to do...... and I am STILL believing you will do
a miracle in my life, even though this has happened to me. I
am sorry, but I NEED to know before I go to sleep.... I do
NOT need to see it happen, I just need to hear what you have
in store for me, because I believe what you say will happen."

The Lord said,"I am going to cause your room mate who is
leaving on his DJ trip to give you the use of his car for the
entire time he is gone. Just make sure you do everything
you need to do to get the car fixed before he comes home,
or you will have problems."

I said,"The Lord is to be praised because He turned my
whole bad situiation around and caused me to have joy
in His presence at His deliverance......He does mighty
works and causes us to believe Him MORE for EVEN
MORE GOOD THINGS in our lives" ...and I worshipped.

After I woke up the next day, I went and did my
devotions and told my room mate about my car and
the fact that I lost one day of work and potentially
a LOT of money.

My room mate said to me,"Well I am leaving for 4 days
and you can use my car while I am gone."

HOW MANY FLIPS do you think I did in the spirit?

I am right now in the middle of purchasing the starter
I will need to fix my car. It will cost about $70.00.

Right after I got my room mates car, the VERY 1st thing
I did was go and find out about purchasing a starter for
my car.

Will you join me in prayer for GOOD income and good
things to keep happening for everyone who reads this
post or hears about it by Gods mighty hand?

God can do so many things we do NOT even think about,
because we do NOT stretch our faith to believe for it, then
don't ask, OR if we find He has spoken to us if we DO ask,
we do NOT want to do what is needed to be a part of what
God wants to do.

God wants to do AWESOME things in our lives..
Are YOU ready?

What will you do when He speaks?

Our Moderators:
* Elizabeth Nieves
* Don Draughn
* Andrew Trevino
* Jason Crouch
* Sara Washburn
* Brian Foxworth
* Loreena Yeo

Founder:
* Alexander Harb

Thanks to: Squid!

and www.flickr.com
for the GREAT picture!

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... I have been interviewed by 'The Street.com'

2008-10-28T21:15:50Z

ActiveRain© does it AGAIN!! I told everyone a while
back about a phone interview I had with John Morell
of "The Street.com", a financial advisory website that
is top notch and has a GOOGLE page rank of 7.

(You can click on the image of "The Street" logo on
the right and read the interview if you so desire. I
MIGHT be partial, but I LIKED it!)

"The Street" gets THOUSANDS of HITS every month from
people looking to invest money in a smart and timely
manner... I am honored to be interviwed by Mr. Morell to
be able to give advice to readers who want professional
advice about real estate.

Mr. Morell found me in ActiveRain© and gave me a
phone call 2 weeks ago. He apparently interviewed
another agent, Tawny Stanton -- with the Schwartz-
Stanton Group in Lake Tahoe, Calif and included her
in his article also.

I was asked by John what I would say to owners of
real estate in Orlando and central Florida to help
them get their properties sold fast and for the
highest possible price.

I told Mr. Morell quite a lot on the phone and he used some snippets of the guidance I would give to owners of Orlando and central Florida real estate. To see the whole article, you will HAVE to click on The Street picture above...do ya THINK I WANT you to click on that link?? YOU BET I DO!

I was just notified that the interview came out and I
popped over to see it. I can tell you I was VERY excited
as I clicked on the link to the interview. (The link is
above on the right..... can ya tell I am excited about it??)

After reading reports of Broker Bryant, Margaret Rome
and other ActiveRain© members being interviewed by outside
sources, I started praying for this also. After posting regularly
in ActiveRain© about central Florida real estate for 2 years,
it finally happened!

Knowing what to do to help owners of Orange, Osceola and
Polk Counties in Florida get properties sold as quickly as
possible in this buyers market is part of our services to the
real estate owning public who partner with The Knights Team.

This just goes to show members of ActiveRain©, if you are
consistent about blogging and have relevant local knowledge
of real estate in your area, leads WILL get generated from and because of your use of ActiveRain©... SO MIGHT INTERVIEWS!

ActiveRain© is doing AWESOME THINGS for my business

Are You utilizing it to the MAXIMUM you can in yours?

This post about ANOTHER ActiveRain© boost
in the arm for my real estate business is
brought to you by:

Alexander Harb, PSEM®, E-Agent®
The Knights Team Sales Leader

Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.

Christianity and Real Estate --- Another TRUMP CARD for success !!

2008-10-28T11:05:14Z

I read Elizabeth Nieves post about consistent marketing and "watering" of her sphere of influence by keeping in touch with them periodically and I was inspired to include ANOTHER way to bring success into your real estate business.

Actually this principle I am going to tell you is done BEFORE you go out and 'water' your S.O.I. or even before you start marketing efforts for the day, every day.

What will this habit do for you?

You will have GOOD success (Joshua 1:8)
Whatever you do will prosper (Psalm 1:2-3)
You will EXCEL in wisdom and understanding (Psalm 119:97,100)
You will have even MORE power over temptation and sin (Psalm 119:9,11)
You will discover HOW to live your life (Proverbs 4:4)
Your success will be obvious to everyone around you (1 Timothy 4:5)

What am I talking about?

I am talking about a VERY important way to grow your WHOLE life.... not just your real estate business. The habit I have mentioned
above will do just that!

"Success is not determined by what we ARE, but what we are compared to what we COULD be. It is NOT measured by what we have done, BUT rather by what we have done compared to what we COULD have done in any given circumstance." **

How can you KNOW what to do in any given situation in life, if you do not have the understanding about what is the right
path to take? ActiveRain© has been a GREAT source of this wisdom! There is an even BIGGER source of wisdom on what to do in any given situation in life, not just in real estate......

That source is the Bible. Out of the many years over which it had been written and the MANY authors of all 66 books of it, It remains the one BEST source of information and understanding
as to what makes our lives tick.

The Bible is the NUMBER ONE seller in the whole world and has been since it became published for the masses to read..... The New York Times Best Seller List would have the Bible on it at the #1
position if it were 100% accurate and the Bible would NEVER have fallen from that position at any time since the beginning of the creation of that list.

If you have read the scripture references in the list I gave above,
you would have surmised that scripture meditation and memorization
is the BEST way (and the foundational practice) to success in life.
I myself make a habit of getting scripture into myself every day in
various ways:

Anointed Christian music
Christian programming on TV
DVDS and video teachings and movies
Reading the Bible outright
Doing bible studies like the one I am doing here via Biblegateway.com
Listening to anointed sermons at church
Attending bible studies through the week

Just read the scripture references in my list above to see what the
outcome is of making scripture meditation and memorization a habit
in your life... I can definately say..... IT IS a TRUTHFUL FUNCTION of
your input in this habit.

Have you ever had a song that you CANNOT stop from humming every
moment of the day? It is just STUCK in your mind and heart? THAT is
memorization and meditation combined. Try doing that with a song
that has scriptural principles in it and see what happens to your day!

You will see a GREAT change in everything that you do...and a change
in HOW YOU RESPOND to everything!

This tidbit of encouragement to read
and memorize the Bible is bought to you by:

Our Moderators:
* Elizabeth Nieves
* Don Draughn
* Andrew Trevino
* Jason Crouch
* Sara Washburn
* Brian Foxworth
* Loreena Yeo

Founder:
* Alexander Harb

**Quote is from "Institute for Basic
Youth Conflicts" by Bill Gothard....

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Baldwin Park Market Update... 10.23.2008

2008-10-23T14:47:53Z

Since last months market report, here are the
changes in the Baldwin Park area in central Florida:

There are 170 single family homes, townhomes,
condos and villas for sale as of the date of this report.
That is UP 7 properties since one month ago.
The LOW asking price is $255,000, holding steady
from last months drop from $230,000.
The high offering price is for a fantastic 7300 square foot estate -- $5,244,000 which is unchanged from when it first went on the market almost 2 years ago.
There are 24 homes in special circumstances: These include being bank owned,
in foreclosure, in pre-foreclosure, having an assumable mortgage, the owner will consider financing, the owner will pay closing costs, or the property is a fixer upper.

In Baldwin Park that is 4 properties MORE than there were last month in special circumstances.

Baldwin Park has come a LONG way from when it was
a military installation. When the base was closed down in
1999, investors took over and the result is QUITE a transformation!

Downtown Orlando is just 2 minutes away and the Orlando
International Airport is 8 miles away. You will spend MINUTES,
not a half an hour or more driving to go dancing, shopping, out
to a picnic, the ballet or an Orlando Magic basketball game. There
is easy access to highway Interstate 4, Route 408 or Route 417
to get you anywhere you want to travel.

The Baldwin Park Community Network provides owners access to a
business directory, resident directory, calendar of Property Owners
Association events and parties, developer updates, club information,
current neighborhood news, classifieds, a photo gallery plus links to
recreation, shopping and others areas of interest.

Clubs in Baldwin Park currently include a Maj Jong & Canasta Club,
Sand Volleyball Team, Aviation Club, Book Club, Walking Club and more.
All clubs and organizations are sponsored by residents.

There are four major parks and recreational facilities in Baldwin Park:

Cady Way Trail is a very well-known jogging and bike trail in central Florida that has over 50 miles of walking paths with benches and tranquil rest areas alongs its route.
Blue Jacket Park, a 55-acre City of Orlando park, sports lighted baseball fields and concession stand, a track and field complex,tennis courts, picnic areas with covered pavilions, two children's playgrounds, basketball courts, a great lawn for soccer and field games, fountain plaza and grand stairs. Reservations are made through the City.
Enders Park is a recreation center for residents only that offers a state-of-the-art fitness room, a community gathering room, large pool and kiddie pool, playground and much, much more. Swimming lessons and fitness classes such as Pilates and yoga are available. This facility is access-controlled.
Grace Hopper Hall is another beautiful residents-only recreational
facility that offers many of the same features as Enders Park. Grace
Hopper Hall is access-controlled and also home to the Property Owners
Association office.

Not only are the community features excellent, but so are the schools!

The Winter Park High School campus borders Baldwin Park.
Audubon Park Elementary School is now located within the neighborhood.
Glenridge Middle School borders Blue Jacket Park and is just a short walk for many residents.
Excellent private schools are nearby, as are esteemed Rollins College in Winter Park and the University of Central Florida.

Here are some recent news articles and press releases about Baldwin Park:

This Baldwin Park Community information
and market update is brought to you by:

Alexander Harb PSEM®, E-Agent®
The Knights Team Sales Leader

Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.

Christianity and Real Estate --- A phone call with Rich Jacobson!!

2008-10-22T13:18:50Z

Hey everyone!

Have you ever wanted to know what makes some
of the ActiveRain© staff tick??

I had a really nice talk with Rich Jacobson today on the phone after
I read one of his comments in Update: Open Letter To Political Groups.

His comment was so applicable to what sometimes goes
on in political posts, just because of the passions that are
so prevelant.

I am going to quote the LAST part of his comment for
everyone to read here:

"It's very sad and unfortunate that people cannot seem to
disagree with civility and respect."

It is part of the ActiveRain© guidelines that EVERYONE treat
each other with respect and professionalism. Personal attacks
are NOT tolerated in any way.

Now many of you may not know this; Rich is a commited Christian.

He has served in various churches in a meaningful way
and is currently an active Assembly of God church member.

He accepted the Messiah Jesus as Lord of his life when
he was 18.

Rich said on the phone that "We as Christians are here
(in ActiveRain©) to touch others lives for God in a positive way."

He also told me he prays for me a LOT.... Well, well , well!!!

Not much more can be said
to add to Richs' statements!

Thanks, Rich....for the fantastic shot in the arm
for the founder of,"Christianity and Real Estate"

(I told Rich i would be writing a blog about our phone call and he said,"Go right ahead!!")

AWESOME, HMM??

Our Moderators:
* Elizabeth Nieves
* Don Draughn
* Andrew Trevino
* Jason Crouch
* Sara Washburn
* Brian Foxworth
* Loreena Yeo

Founder:
* Alexander Harb

Christianity and Real Estate --- What our group is like.... 10.22.2008

2008-10-22T12:03:45Z

These are typical posts you will find in this group that has this as
its mission statement:

**We are a "family" of real estate professionals
within the Active Rain Network, committed to
exploring the application of Christian principles
in our real estate businesses.

We seek to live what we speak, in words, deeds,
motives, and methods.

We spotlight God and Jesus the Messiah
over money, material things, and ourselves. **

If THAT goal is part of your life OR you just want to see what
we are all about, come and join us!

Without further ado, here are the BEST of the Best in, "Christianity and Real Estate"
as of 10/22/2008:

Real Estate 101...by Faith? Is What You do Deeply Connected to God?
09/30/2008 11:01 PM - (10 comments)

Man Cannot Live By Bread Alone: What do you eat?
10/01/2008 05:18 PM - (17 comments)

Lord, increase my faith! (warning...long post)
10/01/2008 05:52 PM - (13 comments)

T & A...Tongues And Angels...Weapons Of Mass Destruction...!!!
10/02/2008 09:45 AM - (9 comments)

Dear Diary... Thank you for active rain
10/03/2008 11:46 PM - (10 comments)

John Ward, November 20, 1944 - October 03, 2008
10/04/2008 01:43 PM - (6 comments)

A lesson on being poor
10/06/2008 11:05 AM - (31 comments)

Something to Tape to Your Computer...is it a Christian Computer?
10/06/2008 09:39 PM - (18 comments)

The BRIGHTEST SUN is just behind the DARKEST CLOUDS...
10/07/2008 01:05 PM - (39 comments)

Are you eating a ‘WRONG STUFF' sandwich?
10/09/2008 09:57 PM - (22 comments)

He Who Knows He Has Enough --Is Rich
10/10/2008 09:33 PM - (13 comments)

Degage...Rebuilding the Heartside Community with the Mortar of Love & Dignity!
10/11/2008 09:56 AM - (31 comments)

Melissa Grant's daughter. UPDATE-TODAY OCT 15...
10/12/2008 08:12 PM - (46 comments)

Prayers needed, Anyone there?
10/12/2008 11:18 PM - (14 comments)

The Christian and Accountability
10/15/2008 05:04 PM - (12 comments)

We Just Prayed -- God is Bigger than Any Problem We Have!
10/16/2008 10:14 PM - (17 comments)

Here's Why I Blog, What About You?
10/15/2008 05:59 AM - (9 comments)

I Dearly Miss my Friend
10/16/2008 07:44 PM - (34 comments)

Where Do You Think Your Business Comes From?
10/19/2008 12:08 PM - (12 comments)

As you will see in these posts, some of them have been picked for
the posts contents, some for the comments they inspired and some
for BOTH!!

There is a whole range of emotions in these heart felt posts:

Love
Anguish
Fear
Hurt
Praise
Thankfulness
Hope

If YOU are looking for a group in ActiveRain© that has great
people and is active in its prayers, praise and relationships
that build you up and encourage you, give us a look.

This little look into "Christianity and Real Estate" is brought to you by:

Our Moderators:
* Elizabeth Nieves
* Don Draughn
* Andrew Trevino
* Jason Crouch
* Sara Washburn
* Brian Foxworth
* Loreena Yeo

Founder:
* Alexander Harb

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... It's Official..... I work for Mercedes Homes!!

2008-10-16T10:56:24Z

Hello everyone,

A while back I told everyone about a nationally
recognized builder that had called me on the phone
and asked me to help them market their inventory
of new construction homes in central Florida.

Well, after a couple of weeks and getting most of
the needed information about the homes they have
to sell, it is official:

I am working for Mercedes Homes!

Now, granted, this IS NOT an hourly position. BUT:

I get a 5% commission on any new construction
home NOT finished being built that comes to closing
through me.
I have the entire sales staff of Mercedes Homes to
help me if I don't have the time to bring my client(s)
to a model home tour. AND I WILL STILL GET the 5%
commission! It's like havin my own office assistant
right there to complete all the paperwork!
They have a Creations Office, with everything to pick
out for decorating a new home: Carpeting, paint colors,
fixtures, appliances, landscaping...EVERYTHING except
furniture!

This is a DREAM come true!!!

The KNIGHTS TEAM will GIVE 1% of any sales price to
buyer(s) who use OUR services in purchasing a new
construction home! That is a LOT of money!

For example:

A home priced at $350,000 will get the buyer a check for $3,500.00 in COLD HARD CASH at closing! They can use it for part of a downpayment, furniture, a vacation...or anything they want!

I will have more information on
the homes available soon!!!

WooHOO!!!!

Alexander Harb, PSEM®, E-Agent®
The Knights Team Sales Leader

Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.

2008-10-14T14:36:02Z

Hello there!

I just got interviewed via phone call by John Morell of "The Street.com", a popular financial website that has stock quotes, financial market and business news. This site has a Google
page rank of 7!!!

I was asked about what I would do and say to owners of
homes in this troubled real estate market to help them sell
their homes.

The first thing I told him was get a GOOD agent that
will do a current Comparative Market Analysis on the
home, based on the last 4-6 months of comparable homes that have been sold.

I then went on to describe other things I would do for and say to owners of central Florida real estate to help their home sell for TOP DOLLAR, regardless of the current market.

When the interview comes out I will post a notice about it!

Here are some past posts about how we do business
at The Knights Team:

OH YES IT IS!!!

Alexander Harb PSEM®, E-Agent®
The Knights Team Sales Leader

Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Hunters Creek Market Report 10.14.2008

2008-10-14T13:29:13Z

Hello again!

This is the Hunters Creek Market report for 10/14/2008.

As of this date:

There are 166 Single Family Homes for sale in Hunters Creek, down 2 from my last report in August.
The high asking price is $719,000 which is unchanged form the last report.
The low asking price is $170,050, DOWN $19,850 from my last report!!! There are some GREAT DEALS out there!
There are 44 homes in special circumstances:
That includes: Pre-foreclousure, in foreclousure, seller will consider financing, seller will pay closing
costs, bank owned, assumable mortgage or a fixer-upper. That is UP 9 properties from my last report of 35 homes.

Hunters Creek is right on the border of Orange and Osceola Counties,
convieniently located near Disney, Universal Studios, Sea World and
downtown Orlando. Routes 528, and 417 are just a minute or so away,
so you can get ANYWHERE in central Florida FAST!

This is a community that prides itself on excellence and professionalism,
from the landscaped medians with palm trees and flowers, to the types of
businesses in the area:

Target Retail Super Center
Publix Grocery store
The Loop and The Loop West with all upscale retailers
Numerous casual and some fine dining restaurants

Hunter Creek schools are consistently ranked at or near the
top of the scoring system for Florida schools. You know your
children will be getting a GREAT education when they attend
schools in the Hunters Creek area.

This post about Hunters Creek real estate
for sale is brought to you by:

Alexander Harb PSEM®, E-Agent®
The Knights Team Sales Leader

Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.

Facebook networking..... MY THUMB IS GETTING TIRED!!! =-)

2008-10-04T19:33:45Z

Facebook is pretty cool! I have been updating my friends
list today and oh my goodness, does the SUGGESTION box
EVER quit with all the AR members over there??

As I confirmed and sent suggestions to others for network
friendships among AR members, the photos and suggestions
KEPT coming and coming AND COMING....

It did not stop.........and STILL MORE suggestions are coming
as I click to confirm the other suggestions I am given by the
facebook "wizard"..

My THUMB WAS GETTING TIRED WITH ALL THE CLICKING and
confirming friendships..... whew...I HAD to stop and give some
of my OTHER fingers some exercise by typing out this blog
about MY POOR THUMB.....

Just think...all those suggestions came with just 3 friendships
made right now..

While I made this blog.. another couple of friendships were
confirmed...with I am SURE, MORE to follow!!

My goodness, will this ever stop???

(Hehehehehe.....)

I HOPE NOT!!!

Alexander Harb, PSEM®, E-Agent®
The Knights Team Sales Leader

Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings - Alex Harb

Christianity and Real Estate --- The Birthday present God gave me!!!

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Guess who these people are and YOU might get POINTS!!!

Christianity and Real Estate --- What problems do... They HELP us GLORIFY GOD!!

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Mercedes Homes webpage is up and running!

Christianity and Real Estate --- New movies from,'Simple Truths'!!

Christianity and Real Estate --- What do PROBLEMS do...THEY HELP US!!

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... I have been interviewed by 'The Street.com'

Christianity and Real Estate --- Another TRUMP CARD for success !!

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Baldwin Park Market Update... 10.23.2008

Christianity and Real Estate --- A phone call with Rich Jacobson!!

Christianity and Real Estate --- What our group is like.... 10.22.2008

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... It's Official..... I work for Mercedes Homes!!

ActiveRain© WORKS..... an interview with John Morell of 'The Street.com'

Central Florida Real Estate Happenings..... Hunters Creek Market Report 10.14.2008

Facebook networking..... MY THUMB IS GETTING TIRED!!! =-)