Jim Bishop's Blog

Detroit Michigan - Networking and Referral Event (October 20th)

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:16:51 -0700

Background: Often professionals have experience with a referral club but sometimes they don't. Gold Star Referral Clubs are industry exclusive clubs that meet at the same time and same place every week for the purpose of giving and receiving referrals. We believe strongly in close relationships with our other members, support one to one meetings so we have a strong understanding of what a good referral is for you. We cross club which means that we encourage our members to visit other clubs where their industry category does not already have a member. Here in Columbus that is a selection of 14 clubs that have all started this year. Now your participation can expose you to a few hundred people.

When/Where: Tuesday October 20^th at 8:15 is our first meeting in Detroit and is being held at the Michigan Real Estate Professionals Office. Full details are at the following link on meetup.com - http://www.meetup.com/Detroit-Business-Strategy-Networking (Please RSVP on this site - many do not, if not we will make more coffee).

Why: I promise that you will meet somebody new at this meeting a professional sales person or a business owner. I promise you the opportunity to introduce yourself to the group, no matter how many attend (please tell us what a good referral for you is).

That is about all I can promise, but what I know is that Gold Star helps. What I ask is that you bring at least 20-30 business cards, a smile and a good attitude. Want to bring a door prize let me know that as well.

This one's one the house: Visitors are always free and this event is free, membership costs will be discussed at the meeting or email me. If you are an active networker this event will make sense. Invite a friend, invite a prospect, invite a client and be proactive helping us make this event a success.

Thank you and see you there.

Jim Bishop

Lunch/Breakfast Referral Groups

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:00:10 -0700

Is a networking/referral group the right thing for you? I have found some success with these groups and the common elements of all these groups is a REALTOR, lender, P&C so why not you? I am involved in Gold Star Referral Clubs and would be happy to talk about them or this concept. Let me know.

Now have a great day.

Jim Bishop

Are you particpating on LocalAdLink?

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:02:45 -0700

Target your advertising on the internet by zipcode using LocalAdLink. Signing up as an Account Executive is free and pays a 50% commission. Get yourself a 50% discount on your own advertising as an Account Executive and share with your friends. No website, thats fine, have a website, thats fine. Check it out, sign up and see if it is right for you.

http://communicator.localadlink.net/home.asp

Questions - jimbishop01@gmail.com

Make it a great day.

The Dublin Irish Festival List of Entertainment

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:34:38 -0700

The Dublin Irish Festival '08 kicks off on Thursday, July 31st with the Dublin Pub Crawl and the following list of entertainment starting then on Friday, August 1st.

The Official Website Link is http://www.dublinirishfestival.org/

Come and see the second largest Irish Festival in the US.

Dublin Stage

Friday, August 1

Time	Dublin Stage
4:15 p.m.	General Guinness
5:30 p.m.	Vishten
7:00 p.m.	Patrick Street
8:30 p.m.	Tannahill Weavers
10:00 p.m.	Stepcrew

Saturday, August 2

Time	Dublin Stage
11:15 a.m.	Knot Fibb'n
12:30 p.m.	Slide
2:00 p.m.	Vishten
3:30 p.m.	Patrick Street
5:00 p.m.	The StepCrew
7:00 p.m.	Tannahill Weavers
9:00 p.m.	Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance
10:00 p.m.	Gaelic Storm

Sunday, August 3

Time	Dublin Stage
10:15 a.m.	Authentic Irish Mass
Noon	Yankee Celtic Consort
1:00 p.m.	Patrick Street
2:30 p.m.	Gaelic Storm
4:00 p.m.	Tannahill Weavers
5:30 p.m.	Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance
6:30 p.m.	The StepCrew
8:00 p.m.	Ceremonial Closing
8:15 p.m.	Finale led by Beth Patterson

Killian's Celtic Rock Stage

Friday, August 1

Time	Killian's Celtic Rock Stage
4:15 p.m.	Seanchai & the Unity Squad
5:30 p.m.	Rathkeltair
6:30 p.m.	Scythian
8:00 p.m.	Neck
10:00 p.m.	Prodigals

Saturday, August 2

Time	Killian's Celtic Rock Stage
11:30 a.m.	Roger Drawdy & the Firestarters
1:00 p.m.	Rathkeltair
2:30 p.m.	Bad Haggis
4:00 p.m.	Scythian
5:30 p.m.	Seanchai & the Unity Squad
7:00 p.m.	Neck
8:30 p.m.	Prodigals
10:00 p.m.	Brother

Sunday, August 3

Time	Killian's Celtic Rock Stage
10:15 a.m.	Traditional Catholic Mass
12:30 p.m.	Roger Drawdy & the Firestarters
1:30 p.m.	Scythian
3:00 p.m.	Rathkeltair
4:30 p.m.	Bad Haggis
6:30 p.m.	Brother

Time Warner Trinity Stage

Friday, August 1

Time	Time Warner Trinity Stage
4:30 p.m.	O'Kelly & Cotter
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.	Festival Dedication
6:30 p.m.	Beth Patterson
7:30 p.m.	Makem & Spain Brothers
9:00 p.m.	Evans & Doherty
10:30 p.m.	Slide (Ireland)

Saturday, August 2

Time	Time Warner Trinity Stage
11:15 a.m.	Ladies of Longford
12:30 p.m.	Clancy Legacy
2:00 p.m.	Homeland
3:30 p.m.	Beth Patterson
5:00 p.m.	Evans & Doherty
6:30 p.m.	Slide (Ireland)
8:00 p.m.	Makem & Spain Brothers
9:30 p.m.	Brigid's Cross

Sunday, August 3

Time	Time Warner Trinity Stage
10:15 a.m.	Interdenominational Service
Noon	Clancy Legacy
1:30 p.m.	Brigid's Cross
3:00 p.m.	Evans & Doherty
4:00 p.m.	Beth Patterson
5:30 p.m.	Makem & Spain Brothers
7:00 p.m.	Homeland

Scotts Miracle-Gro Irish Thunder & Theater Stage

Friday, August 1

Time	Scotts Miracle-Gro Irish Thunder & Theatre Stage
5:00 p.m.	Shamrock Club Pipe & Drum
5:30 p.m.	Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance
6:30 p.m.	Shamrock Club Pipe & Drum
7:00 p.m.	Brass Band of Columbus
8:00 p.m.	Milwaukee Irish Arts Theater - "Melody"
9 p.m.	Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance
10 p.m.	Tartan Terrors

Saturday, August 2

Time	Scotts Miracle-Gro Irish Thunder & Theatre Stage
11:30 a.m.	Columbus Police & Fire Pipe & Drum
Noon	Brass Band of Columbus
1:30 a.m.	Columbus Police & Fire Pipe & Drum
2 p.m.	Milwaukee Irish Arts Theater - "Father, Forgive Me"
3 p.m.	Cyril Scott Pipe Band
3:30 p.m.	Tartan Terrors
5 p.m.	Milwaukee Irish Arts Theater - "Melody"
6:00 p.m.	Ni Chiara School of Irish Dance
7:00 p.m.	Sister Bernie's Bingo Bash
8:30 p.m.	Parade of Feis Champions
10:00 p.m.	City of Chicago Pipe & Drum

Sunday, August 3

Time	Scotts Miracle-Gro Irish Thunder & Theatre Stage
10:45 a.m.	Traditional Catholic Mass
Noon p.m.	Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance
1:00 p.m.	Milwaukee Irish Arts Theater - "Father, Forgive Me"
2:00 p.m.	Capital City Pipe & Drum
2:30 p.m.	Cahal Dunne
4:00 p.m.	Capital City Pipe & Drum
4:30 p.m.	Sister Bernie's Bingo Bash
6:00 p.m.	Ni Chiara School of Irish Dance
7:00 p.m.	Tartan Terrors

IGS Energy Ceili Dance Tent

Friday, August 1

Time	IGS Energy Ceili Dance Tent
4:30 p.m.	The Kells
6:00 p.m.	Shanahan School of Irish Dance
7:00 p.m.	Feis Warm Up
8:00 p.m.	Feis Adult Dance Competition

Saturday, August 2

Time	IGS Energy Ceili Dance Tent
11:30 a.m.	Vinegar Hill
1:00 p.m.	Jim Keenan - Clare Orange and Green
2:00 p.m.	Drowsy Lads
3:30 p.m.	Jim Keenan - Flight of the Earls (Louvain)
4:00 p.m.	Jim Keenan & Cape May Ceili Band
5:00 p.m.	Columbus Celtic Dancers/General Guinness
6:00 p.m.	General Guinness/ Columbus Celtic Dancers
7:00 p.m.	Shanahan School of Irish Dance
8:00 p.m.	Jim Keenan - A Polka Set
9:00 p.m.	CEILI - Jim Keenan & Cape May Ceili Band

Sunday, August 3

Time	IGS Energy Ceili Dance Tent
11:30 a.m.	Regan Dancers
12:30 p.m.	Columbus Celtic Dancers
1:30 p.m.	Jim Keenan - The Armagh Set
2:30 p.m.	Jim Keenan \| Cape May Ceili Band
3:30 p.m.	Richens/Timm Jr. Academy of Irish Dance
4:30 p.m.	Contra Dance w/ Kate Power / Boys of the Hock
6:00 p.m.	Cape May Ceili Band
7:30 p.m.	Richens/Timm Jr. Academy of Irish Dance

Celtic Music House

Friday, August 1

Time	Celtic Music House
5:00 p.m.	Begley's Braes
6:00 p.m.	Grey Larsen
7:00 p.m.	Sandy Jones & Rick Nelson
8:30 p.m.	Mossy Moran

Saturday, August 2

Time	Celtic Music House
Noon	Killashandra
1:30 p.m.	Marian Funk
2:30 p.m.	Randy Clepper & John Sherman
3:30 p.m.	O'Kelly & Cotter
4:30 p.m.	Charlene Adzima
5:30 p.m.	Sue Mogan & Kevin Sutton
6:30 p.m.	Andy Irvine
7:30 p.m.	Two Too Many
9:00 p.m.	Beth Patterson

Sunday, August 3

Time	Celtic Music House
Noon	Killashandra
1:30 p.m.	Randy Clepper \| John Sherman
2:30 p.m.	Craig & Kara
3:30 p.m.	O'Kelly & Cotter
4:30 p.m.	Sandy Jones \| Rick Nelson
5:30 p.m.	Sue Mogan & Kevin Sutton
6:30 p.m.	Begley's Braes

Shamrock Pub

Friday, August 1

Time	Shamrock Pub
5:30 p.m.	Bob Ford & the Ragamuffins
7:00 p.m.	Yankee Celtic Consort
9 p.m.	Ladies of Longford

Saturday, August 2

Time	Shamrock Pub
1:00 p.m.	Aisling
2:30 p.m.	Bob Ford & the Ragamuffins
3:30 p.m.	The Kells
5:00 p.m.	Silver Arm
6:30 p.m.	Hooligans
8:00 p.m.	Knot Fibb'n
9:30 p.m.	Mossy Moran

Sunday, August 3

Time	Shamrock Pub
Noon	Aisling
1:30 p.m.	Vinegar Hill
3:00 p.m.	Mossy Moran
4:30 p.m.	Drowsy Lads
6:30 p.m.	Hooligans

Wendys Wee Folk

Friday, August 1

Time	Friday, August 1
5:00 p.m.	Marian Funk - "Stories and Songs of Ireland"
6:00 p.m.	John Locke - "Celtic Tales"
7:00 p.m.	Magician Debbie O'Carroll - "The Irish Magic Show"
8:00 p.m.	Pirate MacGregor

Saturday, August 2

Time	Saturday, August 2
12:00 p.m.	Pirate MacGregor
1:00 p.m.	Seonna McDowell - Erin Go Braugh, A Musical Program
2:00 p.m.	Magician Debbie O'Carroll - "The Irish Magic Show"
3:00 p.m.	Ceili McDaniel - "Keltic for Kids"
4:00 p.m.	Candace Mazur-Darman - "Fergus and the Night Demon"
5:00 p.m.	Michael O'Malley - "Stories from Ireland"
6:00 p.m.	Seonna McDowell - Erin Go Braugh, A Musical Program
7:00 p.m.	Pirate MacGregor
8:00 p.m.	Marian Funk - "Stories and Songs of Ireland"

Sunday, August 3

Time	Wee Folk Stage
12 p.m.	Julie McGhee
1 p.m.	Pirate MacGregor
2 p.m.	Cathy Jo Smith - "Tales of the Irish Fairy Folk"
3 p.m.	Irish Contests - Reddest Hair, Greenest Eyes, Most Freckles
4:30 p.m.	Pirate MacGregor
5:30 p.m.	Candace Mazur-Darman
6:30 p.m.	Magician Debbie O'Carroll - "The Irish Magic Show"

Cultural Workshops

Friday, August 1

Time	Cultural Workshops
6 p.m.	Columbus Feis Adult Language Competition

Saturday, August 2

Time	Cultural Workshops
12:30 a.m.	How to Make Soda Bread and Brown Bread - Mary Tracy
2 p.m.	Knitting - Barbara Murdock
3 p.m.	Celtic Knotwork - Cindy Matyi
4 p.m.	Leatherwork - Father Stephen Hayes
5 p.m.	Copper Repousse - Kathryn Looby
6 p.m.	Chain Mail Workshop - Megan Murphy
7 p.m.	Tatting Workshop - Eunice Hayes

Sunday, August 3

Time	Cultural Workshops
12:00 a.m.	Chain Mail - Megan Murphy
1 p.m.	Intro to Celtic Stonecarving - Dan Roth
2 p.m.	Fingerloop Braiding - Father Stephen Hayes
3 p.m.	Knitting I - Barbara Murdock
4 p.m.	Knitting II - Barbara Murdock
5 p.m.	How to Make Soda Bread and Brown Bread - Mary Tracy

Music Workshops

Friday, August 1

Time	Music Workshops
6:30p.m.-8:30p.m.	Singer/Songwriters - Learn about the stories that inspired the lyrics and the melodies.Featuring Robbie O'Connell, Aoife Clancy, Kevin Evans, Sue Mogan and Hilda Doyle

Saturday, August 2

Time	Music Workshops
Noon	The Fiddle - Charlene Adzima
1 p.m.	Irish Bodhran Drum Demo - Michael Vignoles
2 p.m.	Irish Songs - Aoife Clancy
3 p.m.	The Harp - Candyce Dunham
4 p.m.	Guitar - Donal Clancy
5 p.m.	Tin Whistle - Brian McCoy
7 p.m.	Irish Song Writing - Robbie O'Connell
8 p.m.	Jerry Gibson - Bagpipes

Sunday, August 3

Time	Music Workshops
Noon	Tin Whistle - Brian McCoy
1 p.m.	Uillean Pipes - Michael Vignoles
2 p.m.	Hammered Dulcimer - Andi Wolfe
3 p.m.	Guitar - John Sherman
4 p.m.	Flute - Brian McCoy
5 p.m.	Fiddle - Charlene Adzima
6 p.m.	Accordion - Marian Funk

Irish Traditions

Friday, August 1

Time	Irish Traditions
	CLOSED

Saturday, August 2

Time	Irish Traditions
1:00 p.m.	History of Irish Traditional Music - Barry Stapleton
3:00 p.m.	Genealogy - Dwight Radford
4:00 p.m.	Irish Symbolish - Joseph Keane
5:00 p.m.	Irish Language 101 - Paul Curran
6:00 p.m.	Songs from Dublin - Tom O'Carroll
7:00 p.m.	Irish Wake Traditions

Sunday, August 3

Time	Irish Traditions
1:00 p.m.	"Idnat's Year, an Herb Woman" - Julie McGhee
2:00 p.m.	Irish Comic Songs - Tom O'Carroll
3:00 p.m.	Irish Language 101 - Paul Curran
4:00 p.m.	Irish Fairy Faith, History & Tradition - Cathy Jo Smith
5:00 p.m.	Irish Travellers - Tom O'Carroll
6:00 p.m.	"From Ireland to Americana"- Bob Ford & Al White

Spoken Word

Friday, August 1

Time	Spoken Word
7 p.m.	Storytelling - Joseph Keane
8 p.m.	Storytelling Roundtable

Saturday, August 2

Time	Spoken Word
1 p.m.	Cathy Jo Smith
2 p.m.	"Tales of the Wild Women of Ireland" - Alan Irvine
3 p.m.	"Our Trees:Earth's Pillars from past to Present" - Julie McGhee
4 p.m.	Batt Burns
5 p.m.	Ancient Irish Saints: Fact & Fiction - Cindy Thomson
6 p.m.	"From Exile Come: Meditations in Poetry" - Mac McGowan
7 p.m.	Batt Burns
8 p.m.	Mystical Tales of Ireland - Michael O'Malley

Sunday, August 3

Time	Spoken Word
12 p.m.	Storytelling for All- John Locke
1 p.m.	Batt Burns
2 p.m.	Melanie Pratt
3 p.m.	"Tales of the Wild Women of Ireland" - Alan Irvine
4 p.m.	Writing Irish History - Cindy Thomson
5 p.m.	Batt Burns
6 p.m.	Mystical Tales of Ireland - Michael O'Malley

Bank of America to Buy CountryWide for $4 Billion in Stock

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:42:31 -0800

Questions on this feel free to ask........

Bank of America to buy Countrywide Financial for $4 billion
Paying $4 billion, entirely in stock, to become nation's top mortgage lender

By Alistair Barr
Last Update: 8:59 AM ET January 11, 2008

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Bank of America Corp. said on Friday it's purchasing Countrywide Financial Corp. for $4 billion, effectively doubling down on a previous investment in the troubled firm and catapulting the buyer into the top spot among mortgage lenders and loan servicers in the U.S.

The stock-swap deal will put an end to the independence of the troubled California lender headed by Angelo Mozilo, and represents an increase from the Charlotte, N.C., bank's August investment of about $2 billion.

"We believe this is the right decision for our shareholders, customers and employees," said Mozilo, Calabasas, Calif.-based Countrywide's (CFC) chairman and chief executive, in a statement.

Terms call for Countrywide stockholders to receive 0.1822 of a share of Bank of America (BAC) stock in exchange for each share they own.

At Thursday's close, that values Countrywide at $7.16 a share -- lower than the $7.75 closing price after news leaked of a possible deal.

Countrywide's shares fell 15%, dropping $1.22 in Friday's pre-open trading to $6.53.

The purchase is expected to close in the third quarter. It's expected to be neutral to Bank of America earnings per share in 2008 and contribute to the buyer's bottom line in 2009, excluding merger and restructuring costs.

Bank of America expects $670 million in after-tax cost savings in the transaction, fully realized by 2011.

Thursday rally signaled deal

Countrywide shares soared 51% to close at $7.75 on Thursday, after The Wall Street Journal reported the two financials were in advanced talks.

The news also buoyed other leaders in the troubled mortgage industry, including Washington Mutual (WM) , shares of which jumped 15% to $14.16.

Bank of America's shares, meanwhile, rose 1.5% to $39.30.

For Bank of America, an acquisition is risky but could generate big gains if the mortgage markets were to stabilize, analysts said. The bank is a leader in retail deposits and is a big commercial lender and credit-card issuer, but it hasn't expanded as much in mortgages.

"The potential payoff if things improve is very big for Bank of America," said Kathleen Shanley, analyst at Gimme Credit, in an interview before the deal was announced.

"Countrywide is the largest mortgage franchise in the country, and it's a huge servicer. But we don't know how long the mortgage downturn will last and how bad the mortgage losses will ultimately be."

Countrywide has been hit hard by surging home-loan delinquencies and foreclosures. The company's shares have slumped nearly 90% in the past year, and earlier this week the company was forced to deny market speculation that it was close to filing for bankruptcy.

For its part, Bank of America has already stepped in to aid Countrywide. In August, the bank invested $2 billion in the mortgage lender by buying preferred securities that could be converted into stock at $18 a share in the future.

But since then, the mortgage crisis has spread and deteriorated into a global credit crunch. Countrywide's shares traded above $25 after the August deal.

'Jubilation'

Without a deal, Countrywide was set to face serious credit and liquidity problems, Shanley warned.

Countrywide debt due in 2016 was trading at roughly 41 cents on the dollar before news of a potential deal broke Thursday, while the company's bank debt was changing hands at about 70 cents on the dollar, she said.

Countrywide used to package up the home loans it originated as mortgage-backed securities and sell them to institutions such as hedge funds, insurers, and pension funds. But surging delinquencies and foreclosures handed hefty losses to some of these investors, and the secondary mortgage market froze up in the summer.

That left Countrywide without its main source of cash with which to keep offering new mortgages. The company borrowed more than $10 billion from banks and started funding a lot of its loans with retail deposits from its thrift unit, Countrywide Bank.

It also borrowed a lot of money from the government, through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, and sold conforming mortgages to government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE) .

But those lifelines began dwindling in recent months, putting Countrywide in the position of seeking more of the financial support it needed from other sources.

Tuesday Fed announcement - Is decreasing the discount rate a good thing?

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:36:41 -0700

OK AR's, this Tuesday we are expecting a major announcement with a direct impact on every Realtor's business.

One of the following will happen to the discount rate:

.25 discount bsp decrease
.5 discount bsp decrease
NOTHING

Any decrease in the discount rate can feed a recession, as well as spark some life in the real estate business. What are you hoping to see happen? What do you see as the impact of the three options if chosen?

Let talk about this. This is important.

Jim

Hot Job Markets - Does this mean Hot (better) Real Estate Market?

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 11:36:16 -0700

The following information came from the following article in bizjournals (http://www.bizjournals.com/specials/pages/115.html). Some of you are in these markets (follow the link for the coldest employment markets), do these numbers like 20% plus job growth mean your market is already doing well or do you at least see a light at the end of tunnel with news like this.

I would love your thoughts.

Percent growth in private-sector jobs (2002-07)

Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Fla.	32.2%
Las Vegas	29.2%
Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.	27.3%
Phoenix	23.4%
Orlando	21.5%
Boise, Idaho	21.3%
Lakeland, Fla.	20.9%
Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla.	20.7%
Bakersfield, Calif.	18.7%
Tucson	16.6%

Percent growth in private-sector jobs (2006-07)

Salt Lake City	5.2%
Wichita, Kans.	4.9%
Austin	3.7%
Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.	3.7%
Charleston, S.C.	3.6%
New Orleans	3.6%
Tucson	3.6%
Oklahoma City	3.5%
Houston	3.3%
Boise, Idaho	3.2%
Phoenix	3.2%

Unemployment rate (June 2007)

Boise, Idaho	2.1%
Salt Lake City	2.8%
Honolulu	2.9%
Phoenix	3.0%
Richmond	3.2%
Washington	3.3%
Des Moines, Iowa	3.4%
Knoxville, Tenn.	3.4%
Lancaster, Pa.	3.4%
Virginia Beach-Norfolk	3.4%

SOURCE: Bizjournals.com

No featured posts on American Home Mortgage

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:11:44 -0700

I am bit suprised that I could not find a featured post about American Home. This is more than just they are not taking applications, they are cutting staff and are about to go under. When a top 10 lender can not sell its loans then it is time for REALTORS to think about where they guide the home buying public.

Will American Home be able to fund their loans in process?

Did the deal you locked have a commitment from American Home, if so is your deal in limbo?

No-Docs/Low-Docs are passing away. Does this impact your business?

Will banks be the only ones with access to funds? Yes banks sell on the secondary market but they have a stronger asset base to keep business moving.

83% of American Home stock was owned by Institutional Investors, is your spouses pension fund taking a hit?

I really think this is just scratching ther surface.

The names we now type for graphics

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 22:17:47 -0700

OK Activerain.

Did the hackers get to this system. I was getting used to the fruits and all but the new ones, please.

Today I had to type "bigay", this can not be coincidence can it! Maybe this was already covered and really is not all that important, but I have been away for awhile.

Have a great weekend.

Jim

RIS Media Says - One in Four Agents Should Go

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Fri, 18 May 2007 08:11:08 -0700

OK this is two times in a row that I am posting a RIS MEDIA article but I know that some people do not get this in there inbox. We just have a post about discount brokerages being the anti-Christ and the internet will continue to change the business. I would love educated debate on who is pulling the cart down.

This article suggests there are just too many agents for everyone to support themselves so they can not stay full-time. This pressures and allows them to discount their services since real estate is not their sole source of income. This will force full time agents to support themselves in other ways financially and to (OH NO) discount as well.

I have heard that the internet alone is the reason for the drop in commission. Given the millions spent in "lead generation" I almost think this is a counter argument.

I am holding back some thoughts:

Where do you sit in the one in four?

Why do you get the full 6% or more?

Why do you believe 6% is artificial and you charge a flat fee and it works?

We do not live in an 80/20 World - Try 93/7.

Print this page

Average Realtor Productivity Collapses

Industry needs to lose one in four Realtors

RISMEDIA, May 18, 2007-We all know that 2000 - 2005 comprised one of the hottest real estate markets on record. During this period the country experienced a buying frenzy fed by low interest rates, a plate full of new mortgages, bullish customer confidence, low unemployment, strong economic growth and excellent price appreciation. Not only did home prices and the number of home sales surge but so did the number of Realtors.

As a result, according to the Swanepoel TRENDS Report, the industry is now burdened with too many licensed real estate agents and too many Realtors. Statistically the average Realtor sold about 30% fewer transaction sides in 2006 than in 2000 (see graph). Normal supply and demand would have resulted in halting the influx of new agents, but commission income was enhanced by the sharp increase in house prices. As a result, the number of agents and Realtors continued to grow past the market peak.

Along with the growth in broadband usage, cheap hardware and open-source software, the Internet is also rapidly creating a new home buying and selling playing field. In addition, as we saw this week on the CBS show, "60 Minutes" (‘Chipping Away at Realtors' Six Percent'), real estate commissions are also facing a strong threat of being sliced in half over the course of the next years. Add to that the fact that house prices are declining on a broad basis across the country and suddenly total commission dollars have a real possibility of a sharp decline over the next few years - maybe as much as $20 billion dollars.

So the real estate industry would actually be better off if we could reduce the number of agents and Realtors - say 25% over the next few years. If we don't see a reduction, there will be a large number of agents not able to make a living and the number of part-time agents will increase even more.

According to the 159-page Swanepoel TRENDS Report 2007, the 2000-2006 housing frenzy has spawned numerous additional issues contributing to a hangover affect. According to the Report, some side effects like the following will be part of the fallout:

Rise in the number of foreclosures
Increase in mortgage fraud

It's not that the real estate industry hasn't experienced a shifting housing market or any of these challenges before, but this time the added impact of the many new business models adds more pressure on the decline of commissions. It will certainly result in far more fundamental restructuring than ever before. "The residential real estate brokerage industry is shifting towards a new paradigm and the change can no longer be halted," said Swanepoel

Those real estate professionals that want to be the dominant players in the new real estate paradigm are going to have to rid themselves of yesterday's mindset and habits. The good news is that, according to Swanepoel, no single business model (traditional or new) has yet emerged as a clear winner. However, he strongly encourages brokers and agents to "to incorporate a strong online capability, a strong consumer-driven focus, offer a wide selection of services at a lower cost and above all remain current and knowledgeable about what is happening."

To stay on top of all of the trends and your options, get your copy of the encyclopedic 159-page 2007 Swanepoel TRENDS Report detailing the top 10 trends. Go towww.ReTrends.com and use the promo code RIS2007 for a 10% discount and free shipping.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Please send them torealestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

RIS Media Interview of Jack Canfield about Sending Good Vibes

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:58:35 -0700

Today's RIS Media included an interview by Maria Patterson with Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul) about the Law of Attraction and making positive thinking work for you. If you do not subscribe to RIS Media (newbies) you should, it is a source of what is going on in your industry and you are a professional.

Here is the link: http://www.rismedia.com/wp/2007-05-15/sending-good-vibes/#

Print this page

Sending Good Vibes

Jack Canfield shows how the universe can work for you

By Maria Patterson

RISMEDIA, May 16, 2007-A veritable poster boy for the benefits of positive thinking, author and speaker Jack Canfield went from meager concept to larger-than-life success with his best-selling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series. In this interview, Canfield discusses his most recent project, the wildly popular book and DVD, "The Secret," and how the Law of Attraction can open the door to success for all of us.

Maria Patterson: Please describe for those who may be unfamiliar with ‘The Secret,' the main theory of The Law of Attraction.

Jack Canfield: The Law of Attraction states that whatever you focus on, think about, read about, and talk about intensely, you're going to attract more of into your life. The good news is that if you want more of something in your life, all you have to do is visualize it. The bad news is that most people focus on what they don't like about their current reality-markets are down, sellers aren't selling, buyers aren't buying, interest rates are too high-and by doing so you create more of it. When people feel stuck, they continue to live the same experience over and over and they don't realize that they're the ones recreating it.

The Law of Attraction is a law as infallible as gravity. It works all the time whether you're aware of it or not. From my point of view, in terms of all the laws in the universe, the Law of Attraction is the one that most relates to success.

MP: How can people take this very grand concept of The Law of Attraction and apply it to improve their own individual lives?

JC: As we say in "The Secret," there are three steps to the Law of Attraction: Ask, Believe and Receive.

In the asking part, one has to really clarify what one's goals are. You have to determine exactly what your vision is. That can be a long-term plan-"five years from now I want to be financially independent"-or it can be a specific, short-term measurable goal, like "I want to lose this much weight by this date" or "I want to sell X number of listings by this date." Too many times people leave out the specificity. You can say I want to earn more money next year, but if you earn just $4 more than last year, that's more money.
I teach that you need to write your goal out as a description of the event as if it's already occurring in the present moment: "I am so happy and grateful-I am walking across the stage to receive the salesperson of the year award." You have to state it very clearly-I call it a purchase order to God or an infinite intelligence.

MP: How do we know what to do next? Do we sometimes fail to see the way that the universe is guiding us?

JC: Ask and your subconscious mind and the universe will act like a GPS system in a car. The "how" will come up-that's where the Law of Attraction comes in. We're often very set on getting there one way, but the universe often knows a better way.

We get fixated on one door and we think that's the only way to do it. We study the way to list and sell, for example. Then when something else shows up, we don't recognize it. We have blinders on and we're not paying attention.

If you're doing the Daily Disciplines for Effortless Success (see sidebar page 74), what happens is that the universe starts giving you all the resources-the money, the people, the opportunity, the books-you need. They start to show up in your life, but you have to be looking for them and you have to trust your intuitive impulses to act.

MP: How about the receiving part of the equation? How does that come about?

JC: For the receiving part, you have to be emotionally vibrating at the same frequency as you already would be as if you already had the result. This would be a state of gratitude. When I get out of bed I take five minutes to review what I'm grateful for.

There is nothing more important than that you feel good all day long. Think a better feeling-think about a thought that makes you feel better. When you're feeling bad, ask yourself, "What thought am I thinking that made me feel that way?" You have the ability to stop and change your thinking. When you're in a state of feeling good, you're in a state of attracting things.

A lot of people think that they just have to visualize what they want and it will show up. Well, the last six letters of attraction spell "action." When you're in a state of belief you also have to be in a state of action. If I believe I can sell X amount of real estate then I need to be out there doing the things that people who sell real estate do. Without movement, there's no flow. Go to a sales seminar, develop your sales pitch and build your referrals. At the same time, pay attention to the emergent intuitive impulses to act. Your subconscious is saying, "Here's the solution."

MP: What about doubt? It's human nature to doubt, so how might this affect the Law of Attraction process?

JC: It's not human nature to doubt. Does a baby doubt that he or she will be able to walk? Kids are full of potentiality and possibility that gets slapped down by a parent, a teacher, a coach. Doubt is not part of our DNA-it's part of our later programming that comes from society.

Basically, a doubt is a thought that's negative. You have to replace it with a belief and this is done on faith. Beliefs are thoughts you think over and over. What you want to do is replace any doubt with its opposite-change it to a positive. Start thinking, "I eat the perfect amount of food," as opposed to, "Everything I eat goes straight to my hips."

Scientific studies have shown that it takes 25 to 30 days to build a habit. If you can do a visualization or a set of affirmations for 30 days in a row without interruption you can achieve your goal. Most people skip a day unknowingly and if you do, you have to start at day one again. You have to do the discipline for 30 days to create new neuropathways in the brain. Anyone can turn around a belief system or a corporate culture in 30 days.

MP: How would you describe the degree of effort involved in this process?

JC: We were always taught that you have to work hard, sacrifice and struggle-that there's no such thing as a free lunch. That's not really true. The Law of Least Effort tells us that the thing that's easiest for us to do is our unique ability and talent and that's what we should be doing. For Tiger Woods, that's golf. The best therapists have been doing it since they were 8 years old, breaking up fights on the playground.

Too many people make the mistake of chasing the money instead of doing that which they love. If you're doing what makes you happy, then you'll attract more of what makes you happy. People need to focus on their joy and gratitude and get rid of resentment and judgment. When you're following the Law of Attraction, everything that you want is lined up and moving toward you. If you start resisting, you're not vibrating at a level of love and joy and forgiveness. When you're focusing on resentment, you're pushing away from you exactly what you want.

MP: "The Secret" points out that no goal is too big. Can you explain why?

JC: You can't have a wish without the ability for it to come true. What I say in The Success Principles is that it doesn't take any more time to dream a big dream than a small dream-so why not dream big.

The universe doesn't care about speed and size. The universe has an infinite supply and we are extensions of this infinite source. With the universe size and time are truly irrelevant.

MP: There is a lot of negativity surrounding the real estate industry right now. What would you say to real estate professionals who are caught up in this wave of negativity?

JC: Stop following the media. Walk away from negative conversations. Look at what you focus on-if you focus on how bad it is you'll produce more of how bad it is. Your choice is to walk away or to change the conversation to something more positive. People have an addiction to the way things are as opposed to the reality we want to create. Always be talking about, thinking about, reading about what it is you want.

Sidebar: Jack Canfield's Daily Disciplines for Effortless Success

According to Jack Canfield, the first step to using the Law of Attraction as presented in the movie "The Secret" is to clarify exactly what you want. Be as specific as possible. Once you have clarified what you want, do the following each and every day.

1. Morning Intention, Visualization and Releasing
As soon as you wake up in the morning, take about five minutes to focus your mind on your desires, goals and intentions. You can also take a few moments to visualize your day going exactly as you would like it to. When you do this, you will often find negative limiting beliefs that are the result of negative programming from your childhood will come up. Don't fight or argue with the thought; just release it. Remember to also spend several moments feeling the feelings you would feel if you had already manifested your desire in your life. The intensity of the feeling is what fuels the intensity of the attraction.

2. Use External Images to Keep You Focused on Your Desires and Goals
To keep yourself focused on what you want to manifest surround yourself with visual images of the things and experiences you want to attract into your life. Cut out pictures of the things you wish to own (like your ideal car or home) and pictures that represent the experiences you want to have (like the perfect relationship, your ideal job, perfect health) to remind yourself of how you want it to be. Tape them up where you will see them every day.

3. Think a Better Feeling Thought
Start paying attention to the many times during the day that you have emotional responses (to other people, experiences, or your own thoughts) that are not in alignment with having or producing your desires. Remember, it's your feelings (which are created by your thoughts, opinions, and beliefs) that are attracting your current circumstances. You must make a vibrational shift by changing your thoughts to ones that make you feel better (i.e., raise your vibration). It is especially important to focus your thoughts and behaviors on things that cause you to feel joy.

4. Have an Attitude of Gratitude
It is critical to take time each and every day to focus on what you are grateful for. Some people do this in the morning before or after they visualize their desires; others prefer to do it in the evening. No matter what your situation, there are always things to be grateful for. The more you focus on what you are grateful for, the more things and experiences you will attract to be grateful for.

5. Take Action
There are two kinds of actions you can take. Obvious actions are things like, if you want a better car, going to test drive all of the models you are interested in and choosing the exact car you want to have, and saving 10% of your income in a "car account."

There are also what I call "inspired actions." The universe will start responding by sending the people, resources and opportunities you need to manifest your desired result. You are going to find that you have inspired ideas; you must act on them. Often these intuitive impulses will have no seeming connection to achieving your goal, but if you follow them, they will lead you down a path of wonderful fulfillment.

If you are feeling joy while you are doing these actions, then you are on the right path. Remember, joy is your internal guidance system.

6. Acknowledge that it is Working
If you start to see something change for the better, acknowledge that it is happening. Appreciate it. The more you acknowledge that it's working, the more it will work. It's that simple. If you are attracting things into your life that you don't want, remember the Law of Attraction is still working. Ask your self, "What am I focusing on, thinking about, talking about, feeling or doing that is attracting this into my life?" To change those results, you will first have to change your vibration by changing your thoughts and feelings.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to:realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

The Dublin Irish Festival

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Thu, 03 May 2007 10:59:29 -0700

The Dublin Irish Festival is August 3rd,4th and 5th this year (2007).

Not the largest Irish Festival in the country but I do believe it is second.

Check out the website for more information -

http://www.dublinirishfestival.org/entertainment/index.php

Here is the list of entertainers with links from the website:

2007 Entertainers

87th Cleveland Pipe Band

Adult Feis Competition

Aisling

Ann Richens

Armagh Rhymers

Begley's Braes

Beth Patterson

Black 47

Bob Ford

Boys of the Lough

Brigid's Cross

Cape May Ceili Band

Capital City Pipe & Drum

Celtic Tenors

Central Ohio Safety Forces

Changeling

Charlene Adzima

Cincinnati Caledonian Pipe & Drum

Cleveland Memorial Firefighters Pipe & Drum

Columbus Celtic Dancers

Columbus Police & Fire Pipe & Drum

Columbus Symphony

Craig & Kara

Cyril Scott Pipe & Drum

Doon Ceili Band

Dublin Singers

Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul

Flogging Molly

Gaelic Storm

General Guinness

Heartstone

Homeland

Hooligans

Jim Keenan

Kate Power

Killashandra

Knot Fibb'n

Ladies of Longford

Lone Raven

Makem & Spain Brothers

Marian Funk

Mickey Finns

Mossy Moran

Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne

NiChiara Dancers

O'Kelly & Cotter

Parade of Feis Champions

Prodigals

Randy Clepper | John Sherman

Regan Dancers

Richens/Timm Dancers

Richens/Timm Jr. Dancers

Sandy Jones | Rick Nelson

Scythian

Seven Nations

Shamrock Club Pipe & Drum

Shanahan Dancers

St. Louis Irish Arts

Step Crew

Sue Mogan & Kevin Sutton

Teada

The Kells

Tommy Makem

Two Too Many

Vinegar Hill

Windsor Police Pipe & Drum

Yankee Celtic Consort

New to ActiveRain

Jim Bishop (Morgan Stanley) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:58:47 -0700

Very excited to be here. I have heard so much about the quality of people involved in this community.

Thrilled to be here.

All the best.

Jim