Bob 's Blog

Orgasm at the Weather Channel

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:49:03 -0500

I went to the weather channel website this morning just to see what the latest was for TS Gustav and this is what I found.
Not looking too bad for Sun City Center and Centtral Florida Gulf Coast, although there was a warning that the storm track could vary.

One of the headlines said New Orleans was preparing for a possible Cat 3 hurricane.

It's still a few days out and we won't know for sure what it will do for sure til at least sunday.

So, imagine my panic when I saw this. Seems the weather folks just can't get enough going to put a panic into us.

If one doesn't get us, the other surely will. Geez Loweez. Hang onto your hats folks.

I can just imagine what a field day all the reporters will have with this. I'm afraid to even turn the TV on when I get home.

A really dead tree

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:41:37 -0500

I'm back from my trip to California, and I have a ton of pictures to share.

My first and probably my favorite is of this tree I came upon at the top of San Jacinto Mountain in Palm Spring, CA. Even though it's dead, I thought it was beautiful. It has such character and such great lines. It had to have been a beauty in it's day.

So, what say you all? It this a thing of Beauty or a Beast?

The oil change - very comical

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:47:56 -0500

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR OIL

Men:

1. Go to O'Reilly auto parts and write a check for 50 dollars for oil, filter, oil lift (AKA kitty litter), hand cleaner and scented tree.
2. Discover that the used oil container is full. Instead of taking it back to O'Reilly to recycle, dump in hole in back yard.
3. Open a beer and drink it.
4. Jack car up. Spend 30 minutes looking for jack stands.
5. Find jack stands under kid's pedal car.
6. In frustration, open another beer and drink it.
7. Place drain pan under engine.
8. Look for 9/16 box end wrench.
9. Give up and use crescent wrench.
10. Unscrew drain plug.
11. Drop drain plug in pan of hot oil; get hot oil on you in process.
12. Clean up.
13. Have another beer while oil is draining.
14. Look for oil filter wrench.
15. Give up; poke oil filter with Phillips screwdriver and twist it off.
15. Beer.
16. Buddy shows up; finish case with him. Finish oil change tomorrow.
17. Next day, drag pan full of old oil out from underneath car.
18. Throw oil lift (AKA kitty litter) on oil spilled during step 18.
19. Beer. No, drank it all yesterday.
20. Walk to 7-11; buy beer.
21. Install new oil filter making sure to apply thin coat of clean oil to gasket first.
22. Dump first quart of fresh oil into engine.
23. Remember drain plug from step 11.
24. Hurry to find drain plug in drain pan.
25. Hurry to replace drain plug before the whole quart of fresh oil drains onto floor.
26. Slip with wrench and bang knuckles on frame.
27. Bang head on floor board in reaction.
28. Begin cussing fit.
29. Throw wrench.
30. Cuss for additional 10 minutes because wrench hit Miss December(1992) in the left boob.
31. Clean up; apply Band-Aid to knuckle.
32. Beer.
33. Beer.
34. Dump in additional 4 quarts of oil.
35. Beer.
36. Lower car from jack stands.
37. Accidentally crush one of the jack stands.
38. Move car back to apply more oil lift (AKA kitty litter) to fresh oil spilled during step 23.
39. Drive car.

Women:

1. Pull up to Jiffy Lube when the mileage reaches 3000 since the last oil change.
2. Drink a cup of coffee.
2. 15 minutes later, write a check and leave with a properly maintained vehicle.

Monday morning blonde joke

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:34:28 -0500

A BLONDE, wanting to earn some money, decided to hire herself out as a handyman-type and started canvassing a wealthy neighborhood. She went to the front door of the first house and asked the owner if he had any jobs for her to do.
        "Well, you can paint my porch. How much will you charge?"
        The blonde said "How about 50 dollars?"
        The man agreed and told her that the paint and ladders that she might need were in the garage.
        The man's wife, inside the house, heard the conversation and said to her husband, "Does she realize that the porch goes all the way around the house?"
        The man replied, "She should. She was standing on the porch."
        A short time later, the blonde came to the door to collect her money.
        "You're finished already?" he asked.
        "Yes," the blonde answered, "and I had paint left over, so I gave it two coats."
        Impressed, the man reached in his pocket for the $50.
        "And by the way," the blonde added, "that's not a Porch, it's a Ferrari."

Tropical Storm Fay update

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:32:04 -0500

Well, Here I sit, 2 days later still waiting on the effects of TS Fay.

Originally this storm was set to come right up the west coast.

As it got closer it looked like it would run right up the center of the state. The reports almost seemed like they were hoping it would strengthen.

After hitting land, they decided it looked like it might go over to the Atlantic, but then again, maybe not. Now they seemed disappointed that it didn't amount to much more than a TS, although there was one report of a wind gust of 78 mph, which is Hurricane strength.

Then it was decided it would do what they called a "boomerang". What are we in Australia? There was a bit of a glint that the storm was getting stronger than weaker. Very unusual.

Currently, the storm is sitting off the Atlantic coast of Florida near Cape Canaveral. Supposedly it is going to make that turn to the west yet. Soon. By tomorrow morning.

Maybe tomorrow afternoon, or not. We'll see come tomorrow.

We have been very lucky here in Sun City Center and the central west coast to have dodged the bullet once again.

Hopefully, tomorrow afternoon my plane for California will take off from Tampa and I will be on my way before the storm threatens us again.

Maybe when I get back on Tuesday night, it will be heading back east again.

I know I make fun of the weather folks and the storm chasers, but I also know this has truly been one unpredictable storm. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who suffered damage due to it.

A special thanks goes out to all those who expressed concerns for the residents of florida during this.

God Bless and stay safe.

Florida Gator brings home dinner

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:21:18 -0500

I do watch Animal Planet occasionally and other Nature shows, so I know that this is possible.

I lost the email that accompanied these two pictures, so I don't remember exactly where in Florida this occurred. A helicopter pilot flying overhead noticed the gator and snapped the pictures.

I hope and pray I never run into this Gator when he's hungry.

That is a deer in Mr Gators mouth - In case you were wondering.

Do you suppose that's his refrigerator?

Snake vs Snake. You won't believe this.

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:10:57 -0500

I received this email about snakes.
My friend(?) obviously knows I have a huge fear of snakes.

The title of this particular email said :

This is EXACTLY why you never kill a black colored snake!!!!!!

I should have known better.

Living in a very populated Tampa Bay, Florida area, we see our fair share of critters and snakes, so I did know what I was getting ready to look at, but not in my wildest dreams could I have guessed.

I really hesitated to open this, but I'm a thrill seeker. Oh what a thrill. Now I really am scared.

Apparantly this is an Indigo Blue Snake and a Rattle Snake (somewhere in Texas - Thank God!). The Rattler lost.

going

going

Gone! HOLY CRAP!!!!

There was a series of 16 pictures. I didn't think anyone really wanted to see all of them, but if you do, I'd be happy to send them. To me, This is just too much. I'm gonna have freakin nightmares for weeks to come.
I commend whoever took these great photos - for their lack of fear and their steady hand. And how lucky to just so happen to have a camera in hand.
Have a great day!

Hurricane Prep Kit

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:08:34 -0500

For those Florida Residents who don't already have a Hurricane Preparedness, I downloaded one from our local BayNews 9 station. They've put together a excellent comprehensive kit and I wanted to share it with all who might be interested.

As Realtors we should probably make sure our out of state newcomers have a copy of this list. It's quite extensive and I'm sure will be most helpful even to the most seasoned Hurricane Veteran.

Hurricane Kit
Flashlights and extra bulbs
Battery-operated radio
Fully charged battery-operated lanterns. Don't get candles and kerosene lanterns. They are fire hazards. (I know this goes against the safety warning just given, but I would have these items handy just in case, and use extra caution should you need to use them)
Extra batteries
Matches
Clock (wind-up or battery-operated)
Plastic garbage bags
Working fire extinguishers
Scissors
Clean change of clothes, rain gear, sturdy swamp boots
An inexpensive rabbit-ears television antenna to use if cable goes out (can't help but wonder what we will do when rabbit-ears will no longer work)
I would add - Recharge all rechargeable batteries and battery operated items.
Another Item I would add (I didn't see this listed anywhere) ~ keep a gas powered grill handy. I know we used it to cook on when the power went out.

House Checklist
Gather supplies early
Store loose outdoor items
Anchor small sheds
Trim dead branches from trees and shrubs
Put chorine in pool - protect filter motor
Tape or board up windows
Fill gas tank of cars - park in safe place
Remove valuables (furniture and rugs) from the floor
Move furniture away from window - cover with plastic
Put important documents in waterproof container
Get extra cash (ATMs may lose power)
Keep tuned to Bay News 9 for the latest information (stay tuned to your local station)

Food and Water
Bottled water. Figure on a gallon of drinking water per person per day.
Shelf-package juice and milk boxes
Canned and powdered milk
Beverages (powdered or canned, fruit juices, instant coffee, tea)
Prepared foods (canned soups, beef, spaghetti, tuna, chicken, ham, corned beef hash, fruit cocktail, packaged pudding)
Canned vegetables and fruits
Dried fruits
Snacks (crackers, cookies, hard candy, nuts)
Snack spreads (peanut butter, cheese spreads, jelly)
Cereals
Raw vegetables
Sugar, salt, pepper
Bread
Dry and canned pet food
Right now, buy all the nonperishable foods you will need, put them in a box and leave them alone, except to rotate stock. Stock up on ice and pack coolers as early as possible. Freezing them ahead of time is less hassle than fighting for them at a store.
Before the storm, turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and drape blankets over them, but keep bottom vents clear. Then move perishables you'll use first into ice chests to limit opening of refrigerators.
Designate one cooler you will open regularly; fill that with drinks and less perishable items. Set aside other coolers for more perishable things such as meats and open them only rarely.
Crank up your ice maker, break out the ice cube trays or fill jugs with water, so you can be making and storing ice in your freezer or coolers around the clock.
Store cubes or small blocks of ice in sealed bags and containers so you can drink it after it melts.
Clean your bathtub out, then wash it with bleach. Rinse thoroughly. If possible, line it with plastic. Then fill it and as many clean bottles as you can with drinking water. Fill your toilet tank; you'll want it to flush after the storm.

Hardware
Hand tools - hammer, screwdrivers to use now, shovel and pickax for after the storm
Power screwdriver
4x8-foot sheets of plywood 5/8-inch to 1/2-inch thick to put over windows. Ask for exterior plywood.
1/4 machine screw sockets and screws
Plastic sheeting to cover furniture
Rope
Sturdy working gloves
Duct tape to waterproof items; masking tape isn't strong enough.
Canvas tarps
Nails. There are many kinds, so look over your home now and determine what you will need.

Medical Needs
Medic-alert tags
Insect-repellent sprays and candles
Feminine hygiene items
Sunscreen
Soap
First-aid kit and first-aid handbook
A supply of any prescription drugs
Extra over-the-counter medicine (for colds, allergies, cough)
Children's medicines
Aspirin
Bandages
Adhesive tape
Cotton-tipped swabs
Antiseptic solution
Sterile rolls, bandages
Ear drops
Thermometer
Tweezers
Needles
Disinfectant

Baby Needs
Disposable diapers, wipes
Formula, baby food
Diaper rash ointment, petroleum jelly
Baby medicines (pain, cold, cough)
Medicine dropper

Emergency Toilet
Small can with tight lid
Plastic bags for liners
Disinfectant or bleach
Deodorizer

Kitchen Supplies
Plastic to line bathtub to fill with water
Jugs or containers to store water
Water purification tablets (usually available only in drug stores), 2 percent tincture of iodine or ordinary household bleach, which contains hypochlorite as its only active ingredient - not bleach with soap, lemon or other additives.
Manual can opener
Bottle opener
Matches
Pocketknife - preferably Swiss Army style
Camp stove or other cooking device and plenty of fuel. Use canned fuel, not charcoal or gas
Disposable dishes
Ice chests or coolers
Paper plates, napkins, cutlery, cups
If you have special dietary needs, be sure to have these items handy

Items in red are some tips I added based on our last encounter with a TS/Hurricane.

Stay safe in the Hurricane Season.

Hurricane Fay is a coming! Should I board up or watch a movie?

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:14:02 -0500

Tropical Storm Faye packing wholloping winds of almost 50 mph (gusts) is headed our way. It's all over the news and internet.

Pictures of tourists leaving the keys in droves are everywhere you look. Folks stocking up on gas and food supplies.

Now understand this. I don't mind being warned and given time to decide what to do, but it just seems the media is once again going overboard. this is barely a TS, and they are acting like it's a major hurricane already. It could possibly become one, but all too often they cry wolf. Then they wonder why people become complacent.

I'm going out now to see if my hurricane shutters are where I keep them stored, and make sure I have all the necessary items ready should this become a major storm.

My biggest concern now is my trip to California. I'm supposed to leave for CA on Thursday. Between prepping for the trip and the hurricane, I'm going to be exhausted.

I know what I'll do. I'll just put a movie in and worry about it tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day. LOL. Have a great day in the Rain.

Awesome motorcyle!

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:08:20 -0500

Tarpon Springs, Florida is about a 2 hour drive from Sun City Center, and whenever we have out of town guests it is on our list of cool places to go. Not only do they have some of the coolest gifts shops, this quaint little Greek village has several boats that will take you out into the Gulf of Mexico to see dolphins at play or you can take a Sponge boat out and see an actual sponge dive. Both very interesting. I myself prefer the dolphins.

On this particular visit the best sight was actually on land. This motorcycle was sitting at the curb after we got off the boat. I just had to have a picture of it.

or two

My encounter with a Luna Moth

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:51:56 -0500

A few years ago before "Lunesta" came along, I took some pictures of the stranges moth/butterfly I had ever seen. Fortunately, I had access to the Internet and googled it (what did we do before google?) and found that it is called a "Luna moth".

At first glance I thought it was a leaf on the tree.

Getting closer I realized it was some sort of flying creature. Almost looked Alien to me.

Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder, because initially I thought "What an ugly butterfly" and the closer I got to it the more delicate and beautiful it looked.

When I got too close it fluttered a bit, and scared the (???) heck out of me. It did howerer let me get a face shot.

Encounters like these just gives more meaning to the beauty of nature and how blessed we are to be touched by the hand of God.

I encountered this Luna Moth in Western New York outside the Rochester area. I don't think I will ever see one down here in the Sun City Center area, but I'm sure there are other creatures of nature that are just as beautiful. After all we do have alligators.
Have a Great Day!

That mouse was Gigantic!!

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:26:17 -0500

I received this little kitty picture with the caption in an email and just had to share it with you all.

I really got a good laugh at this one. I'm not a cat person by nature, but this little guy really got to my heart.
Not to mention the fact that his eyes say he's telling the truth. His paws may be exxagerating a bit. The extended claws make me suspicious.

Have a Great Real Estate day.

The White Peacock in full beauty

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:59:12 -0500

Living in Sun City Center, Florida has it's perks. We are so close to so many of the Theme Parks, and major Florida attractions.

I was going through some pictures today, looking for one a friend had asked me to send her.

While searching my thousands....and I do mean thousands of pictures I came across a couple of a white peacock I took a couple years ago, and thought I would share.

These pictures were taken at Busch Garden in Tampa. The peacocks wander the park freely, and it's not unusual to see them proudly showing their beautiful plumage. The shot is a bit blurry

On this particular day, the White Peacock was sitting up in a tree, and I snapped what I thought was a pretty good shot.

To my amazement and delight this beautiful bird jumped down from the tree, saw the other peacock and shook himself vigorously and WHAM, up came the tail and WOW. I couldn't click fast enough.

Getting this shot made my day.

Every time I look at it, I'm amazed I was able to get this shot.

NEXT ???

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 13:54:32 -0500

This job can be so frustrating sometimes.

I spent 3 days with a couple showing homes, and the community, and thought we had something going.

I haven't heard from them in the last 3 days. They don't return my calls, and I know they are leaving town today, so I guess they just didn't want to really buy a home. I just wish people would show a little common courtesy.

So, with that said, I say.... "NEXT?"

Moving on is the best medicine, and least destructive.

Have a great day Realtors everywhere!

The choices we make

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:54:02 -0500

In this business we make choices every day. Sometimes the choices are simple, like whether to delete that junk email. Other times, they deal with peoples lives and their futures. The road we choose to take could make or break them.

I recently had a situation where I ran into several of those choices to make.

I received a call to list a 1 bd/1 1/2 bath home (condo) . Choice ~ Do I even want to bother? (to this choice, I say YES, it's part of my job) These homes do not sell fast, and with the recent drop in Real Estate, their value is dropping too. So, I pull the address and started my CMA and researched the home. Oh boy... problems right from the start. I noticed that most of these homes are selling for 40k less than what they paid for it. Yikes. Choice ~ Do I even want to continue? (to this choice, I say YES, I want to see this home and meet these folks. It's part of my job)

I did notice that throughout the history of the home that they had dropped the price consistantly. It had last been listed 25k lower than they paid. Now, unfortunately, I had to inform them prices were still dropping. Choice ~ Do I just phone him and tell him, or do I meet with him? (to this choice, I say YES for the same reason as above)

I met with him at the home, his wife couldn't make it. Choice ~ Without both decision makers, do I continue? (to this choice, I say YES, nothing ventured, nothing gained) Seems, they bought a larger home, and this one was currently vacant. It turned out to be a lovely little home, well kept and upgraded with a nice golf course view. I told him so, and also informed him that even so, if we overpriced it, it wouldn't get shown. Choice ~ Do I even want this listing? (to this choice, if the price is right, YES!). I recommended a price, and I could see the wheels turning and he asked if I could guarantee a sale before December. Choice ~ Do I lie and say yes? (to this choice, absolutely NO! I NEVER, ever lie to get a listing)

I told him that unfortunately I couldn't give him any kind of guarantees one way or the other. Especially in this market. Choice ~ Do I then make promises I know I can't keep? (to this choice, I never make promises I can't keep) I then told him that if they really didn't have to sell at this time, it might be a good idea to get it rented and just hang on to it for a couple years.

He told me he appreciated my honesty, and that he would go home and talk to his wife. He really wants to sell, but he wasn't sure he could convince her they could afford to lose 40,000 of their hard earned money.

I doubt that I will get his listing, but I walked away from there with my "Integrity and Honesty" and my reputation intact. I feel good.

Convince me I want to live in your Community.

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:44:03 -0500

I received a call the other day (wednesday) from some folks from across the Bay. They had read an Article about Sun City Center in their local paper and had a few questions.

We talked for several minutes, and I answered all his questions to his satisfaction.
He then told me that I had done good, and now my next job was to convince him and his wife that Sun City Center was a place they would like to live. They would be looking for a 1 or 2 Bd condo, minimum 1 1/2 bath and they needed a pet area for 50k - 60k. They would come by the following day (thursday) sometime in the late morning if I could be available to show them some of the highlights of our community.

I told him that I would be available to spend as much time as they wanted or needed.

After hanging up, I gathered together my information packet on Sun City Center and Kings Point (the gated portion of our community - condo's) and then pulled a couple listing from our MLS that might suit their needs.

A couple agents in the office commented that this could just be looky loos and that I shouldn't spend too much time with them, especially with the cost of gas these days. I just smiled. I couldn't help but think, "And what else would I be doing with my time?" Driving around checking out fsbo's?"

Unfortunately, they got a little lost (he didn't follow my directions) but managed to find our office by just after noon.

We sat in the breifing room, and I presented them with all the information I had gathered for them, and explained that I would like to show them both communities as I felt it was important they see it all to get the broad picture. They agreed. Then they informed me that they would not be making any choices on homebuying today as they needed to sell their condo across the bay. I told them the agreement was I had to sell them on the community, not to sell them a home. We all laughed at this.

He then told me that he felt he needed to inform me that both he and his wife had dealt in Real Estate in the past. He at one time had his Broker's license, and his wife had been a Realtor both in Ohio and Florida. I thanked him and informed him that it only made my job that much more easy. They obviously understood how Real Estate worked, and that I wouldn't be spending a lot of time explaining things to them.

With that, we loaded up in the car and off we went.

We first stopped at the Community Center to view what facilities were available as part of the membership.

Our next point of interest was the Old Town Hall. This is now used as a Ham Radio Operators shop.

Next was the Outdoor heated Swimming Pool and the Indoor heated Swimming Pool.

We also have an Indoor heated walking pool, and a jacuzzi. There is another Clubhouse on the south side of town which also has a large indoor and outdoor pool.

Upon leaving the pools we encountered numberous golf carts parked outside which I explained was a alternate means of transportation here in Sun City Center.

We then toured the Atrium - where all the clubs and craft shops are located, and then went to the (new state of the art) Fitness Center.

Leaving there, I pointed out to them that we also have our own volunteer Security Patrol which patrols the community 24/7/365.

I showed them a couple homes to give them a idea of the type of housing available, and then we went to Kings Point where the condos were. On the drive over he informed me that he was really pleased with all the effort I had put into showing them the community and that they had really enjoyed what they had seen so far.

Our first stop was the Kings Point Community Center which is very much like Sun City Centers, with all the same type of amenities.

Upon leaving there, we looked at a few condos and they fell in love. They found 2 that they really liked and if they could, they probably would have bought one right away. Mrs informed me that she was going home to wash her windows and put the house on the market. Mr thanked me again for taking so much time out of my schedule to give them this tour. He too had plans of going home and getting their home ready to sell, and they would be in touch with me soon. By the way, I spent 4 hours with them, and thoroughly enjoyed being with them.

It may be a long time before they sell their present home and buy something here, but I know that someday I will be getting a call from them saying "Set some time aside, we're ready to buy.

Florida's Great Wheel

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:40:22 -0500

The Great Orlando Wheel is coming to Florida. At a cost of $200 million and a scheduled opening date sometime in 2010, Orlando's Wheel will most likely become the Icon for the city.

Rising 400 feet above the city, passengers will have an unobstructed panoramic view of about 25 miles, and on clear days will include a sky view of shuttle launches from the Kennedy Space Center.

The 24 glass-enclosed, air-conditioned capsules will be 16 by 38 feet, and carry approximately 40 passengers. The ride will take about 30 mins to complete a revolution. The wheel never stops, and is slow enough for guests to step on and off. At a cost of about $20 a spin, this should prove to be a real draw.

The Great Orlando Wheel has been engineered with consideration to cope with the severe weather conditions in Florida including the annual threat of hurricanes.

This is a photo I found taken from the Singapore Flyer - built by the same company. This wheel rises to 541 feet. They are also building a wheel in Beijing which is scheduled to open in 2009 (unfortunately after the Olympic Games) and will rise to an incredible 682 feet..

I can't wait to take my ride. If you fear heights (as I do) you may want to go when it isn't too busy. No time to chicken out. LOL.

You can check out the company website at The Great Wheel where you will find all kinds of information on current and future projects.

50,000 and driving on

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:48:55 -0500

WOOOOO HOOOOO to me.

I zipped right by 50,000 points today. I know we shouldn't pat ourselves on the back for points, but to me this is quite a accomplishment.

When I first signed up to the Rain, that's all I did. I signed up and quickly forgot about it. Almost 5 months passed before I actually did something.

Since then, I've become very involved in learning and blogging whenever I can, and I love being in the Rain. Someday I hope to be a highly respected force here in the Rain.

I'd like to say a special "Thank You" to all those that have inspired me and read my blogs and commented. I appreciate all the kind worda and kudos.

Continued success to you all and Have a Great Day.

Closing Gift Idea

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:26:44 -0500

I'm always looking for that special Closing Day Gift. You just never really know what to give. I found something that will definitely appeal to just about any new home owner. Of course this will only work with a really nice looking house. This is not the gift to give the investor who bought the house in need of major renovation.

Gift Box of 24 Folded Notes and Envelopes
with recipient's name and new address

You can order this and several other great gift ideas at Closing Day Gifts.

I gave this gift at my last closing and they were so pleased when they opened it and their new home was on the front. It can be a real tear jerker , so be careful.

Hope you find that special gift for your buyers.

Disclaimor: I have no affiliation with this company. Just found this in my searching. Enjoy.

Success in the Rain

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:08:42 -0500

HOLY MOLY!!!

Look who's number 100 in Florida.

I've been watching my points accumulate and planned on doing a whoopie to me when I hit 50,000. Not too far off for that, but I couldn't help but notice that today I hit the big 100 in the whole state of Florida. Considering there are a total of 10,632 real etate profiles in the state of Florida, I'm pleased with my progress. Thanks to all my new found friends who helped me stay addicted to the Rain. I love being here.

The Fake Showing

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:44:14 -0500

I received a call from one of me sellers last week complaining that the agent didn't show the property.

Here's how it went down. We received a call for a showing on the property, called the seller and made the appointment. The seller and his sick wife, tidied the house up, and gathered up their things, hopped in the car and left the house so the prospective buyers could view the house privately.

Unknown to the agent, the seller and his wife didn't go shopping or out to lunch as they do most times. They had just made their lunch, so they packed it up and drove down to the little church parking lot down the street and had a impromptu picnic. They also had a clear view of their house.

Imagine their surprise when the agent showed up alone. He got out of his car and went into the house, just long enough to drop off his card and leave.

Needless to say, I got a phone call.

When I called the agent to question him about it, he answered and immediately went on about how much his buyers really liked the house....that is until I told him I wasn't calling for feedback.

Upon telling him about my sellers witnessing everything, he apologized and said he would never do that again. He couldn't explain whay he did such a thing. I think he was too embarrassed to come up with a decent excuse.

I've heard of selling agents doing this, but never a buyers agent. Makes no sense to me at all.

I called my seller back to explain my conversation with the agent. I informed them that I'm sure this won't happen again. We ended up joking and laughing about the whole issue. I look forward to the next time this agent calls to "show " a home from our agency. The word is out.

So, just remember this. You don't know where the seller might be when you "show" the home. Don't fake it.

Father's Day

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:49:25 -0500

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all The Dad's here in the Rain a very Happy Father's Day.

As you sit out and enjoy this day with your friends and family, I hope you are building lasting wonderful memories. All too often we tend to foret the important times of our lives. Take some time today to relax and put away your work troubles and just enjoy being with your loved ones.

Have a Great Day!

Don't let them drag you down!

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:31:57 -0500

A couple months ago, I went on a listing appointment. I was one of four agents he had called, and I was the first to be interviewed. I felt the owners and I really hit it off well, and the home was lovely.

Because of the declining market, I was having a tough time with pricing the home. He wanted to come away with a fixed amount, but he was willing to hear me out. The CMA I did wasn't even close. He said he would have to speak with his daughter first. I suggested that he allow me to put his home on caravan that week and get a feel for what others thought on the price, and the home. He okayed that and we did. Outcome was as I feared. It would be way overpriced.

Unfortunately, because he felt he had to walk away with X amount of money from the closing table, I turned down the listing. I told him during our meeting after the caravan, I couldn't take an overpriced listing and he'd be better off holding off til the market changes for the better if he really didn't need to sell. I left him all the information I had put together for him, so he could discuss this with his daughter. They thanked me and assured me that if they did decide to list, they would call me back.

After getting back to the office, I was informed - "That's the kiss off" "You'll never hear from them" "Oh, I hear that all the time".

And here I was really feeling good about the whole situation.

Fast forward 2 months.

I received a call today from him and he wants to list his house with me, at my suggested price. They did their homework, and with the help of their daughter decided it was time to call "that nice Realtor" that didn't sugarcoat things.

So, sometimes when they say they will call you, that's exactly what it means. Don't let others drag you down. Hang in there and be true to yourself and your clients.

You decide. Would you use these pictures?

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:14:19 -0500

I received a flyer of a listing in my email this morning, and couldn't help but want to share a couple of the photos with the group.
I'm not sure what the agent was trying to get across in this listing, but I missed it.

Why is the A/C up there on that precarious shelf? And, why would you spotlight this in the listing?

And now for a shot of the kitchen/living room.

I'll leave it at that.

Get out of your way?

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:56:40 -0500

I stumbled upon this quote by Jeffrey Gitomer, and couldn't help but see the need for this to be published as a blog to help inspire others to continue to strive to reach their goals.

Obstacles can't stop you. Problems can't stop you.
Most of all other people can't stop you.
Only you can stop you.
-- Jeffrey Gitomer --

If there is an obstacle in the way of you completing a goal, then pick it up and move it. If you need help, ask for it.

If you run into a problem trying to complete your goal, solve it. If you can't solve it alone, ask for help.
Someone will surely help if you ask for it.

If people try to stop you, simply go around them.

Your biggest obstacle, problem or person is yourself.