As homeless shelters overflow, seven homeless people in Boise are taking their case to the courts.  A lawsuit has been filed in federal court over Boise rules against camping in public spaces. 

You can read the full article here: Homeless sue over camping rules.

In my opinion, in these troubled times, it's wrong to penalize people fallen on hard times with no place to go.  We shouldn't make it any harder than it already is to be homeless.

Being prepared for anything….

Just thinking about this topic as my wife is getting ready for her upcoming interviews for PA school.  As we mull over questions that she might face on ‘D’ day I think we’ve settled on the fact that there will probably be a few that are just unexpected. 

So I’ve asked myself what is it that ‘those’ people do differently.  You know the ones that everyone likes, that seem to put everyone at ease and always get what they want with what seems like very little effort. 

I’ve decided that what they do is act and react with confidence and certainty.  As my wife prepares for her interview and as we all prepare for the unexpected questions in life I think sometimes we just need to take a deep breath and go forth with confidence.  

We may not always be prepared for what we find ourselves up against, but sometimes the only way to get others to believe in you is to truly believe in yourself first. 

If this sounds like an inspirational, you can do it, go forth and prosper kind of post… well I guess it is.  Trust your gut, speak from the heart, and do both with certainty

What do you do when no one wants to give credit where credit is due?  You give it your best week in and week out until the stench of the hypocrisy known as the BCS reaches so high that all the figure heads in the big six can't deny it.

Every week the Boise State Broncos have to put up with all the naysayers and every week they put up a "W". 

It's the same old excuse week after week.  We don't play in a big conference, we don't have a tough schedule and etc, etc.  Well guess what the excuses don't hold water so long as the schools from the big conference keep refusing to play us. 

First and foremost, I'm a big proponent of short sales.  Done right, short sales can be a win-win for everyone involved.  The lender lowers their loss, the seller avoids foreclosure, and the buyer gets a great deal.

So this is one that left me scratching my head and if anyone would like to explain please chime in. 

The story goes:

I had a property listed and after some time on market we eventually settled ended up at $129,000.  How did I get to this price?  Well after the first offer went south the negotiator advised me to lower it to that price and let him know how it progressed. 

Another offer came and wen while we tried to get the first (Chase) and second (Resurgent) to play nice with each other and agree on who gets what.  After some mediation I did get the first to approve a higher payout to the second and in comes a third offer.  Now the second decides to 180 on me and wants even more money. 

The buyer who really wants the house arranges to borrow the additional funds.  All is well until Chase comes back and says that the home is price too low they have a BPO that supports a higher value (don't get me started on BPO agents, there are a lot of people running around doing these who have no business establishing value).  Odd, considering I priced where my negotiator from Chase asked me too.

Ultimately with the second digging their heels in and not responding and the first deciding they wanted to increase their net, the buyer decided it wasn't worth it and moved.  My seller who had run the emotional gamut 3 times in a row decided to throw in the towel.

Well I decided to attend the auction just to see exactly what the lender was going to net. 

As bidding progressed the home eventually sold for $98,100.

The net for the short sale offer we submitted to the lender was $110,931 to Chase with the sellers willing to sign a promissory note to the second.

The rocket scientist in loss mitigation cost themselves an extra $12,831 and Resurgent got a big fat goose egg.

I've told clients that banks don't want to foreclose because it costs them more money than a short sale many times, but I'm starting to wonder if the monkey's in loss mitigation know that.

Please don't call me an expert, just call me when you want it done and hopefully sooner rather than later.

With the slew of certifications and designations flying around out there I think the word "expert" or "specialist" has started to develop a negative connotation with me.

That's not to say they aren't worth obtaining, but it's hard for a consumer to know which is valid.  Sure, their website says they're the Number 1 expert but how is the consumer to differentiate which requires some legitimate training/production and which you can pick up for $59.95 per month?

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure if you read far enough back in my blog posts or combed through my marketing materials the term "expert" or "specialist" would probably surface.  With the onset of the foreclosure and short sale markets, those are two terms that now raise a red flag with me.

So what would I tell a consumer seeking the truth?

I've resorted to telling clients that I don't consider myself either of those.  I'm good at what I do, and I have the experience to back it up.  I've taken the classes and continue to do so.  This is an industry in which you should be a life time student.  I even have some designations you've probably never heard of.

Do they count for anything? 

Yes, in that I tend to be certified or carry designations in areas that I truly have experience working in.  My production validates my claims.

No, in that our industry doesn't require us to disclose any more than I'm an "expert" or a "specialist" because I've taken a class that says so, despite the fact that the "expert" or "specialist" production may tell a different story.

The fact is we're in a market that changes so rapidly it takes a daily effort to keep up.  To me being an "expert" or "specialist" means you know everything there is to know about something.  In regards to short sales and foreclosures, you'd be hard pressed to find an agent willing to claim they do, and I'd be suspect of anyone who did.

Boise State Broncos deliver a victory over the Spartans!

It's Sunday and time for me to give it up to the Boise State Broncos for another convincing win. 

Yes, they still fumbled a snap but only one this time.  Actually I would like to congratulate any of the teams outside the BCS who are in the top ten.  If the trend continues I don't see how they can keep denying all the schools a fair shake.  

Meridian, Idaho acreage property with detached shop!

1811 N Leisure Lane
MLS #98418798

Great acreage property tucked away in central Meridian within walking distance to schools and the library! Convenient single-level floor plan with the open dining/living room concept, lots of built-ins, an elegant tile-framed fireplace, a covered back porch, a hot tub patio, a custom water fountain, a fire pit, and more set this home apart from all others! Well-manicured and easily maintained 1.2 acres. Additional detached shop can house multiple cars & toys - use your imagination!

This is a short sale and final approval from the lender is required.

Greenbriar Commons home for sale in Boise, Idaho

- 10391 W Kingsbriar Drive, Boise, ID 83709
MLS #98418327

Great home now available in Greenbriar Commons! Three roomy bedrooms upstairs separate from the large and open main-level great room/kitchen layout. Kitchen has an island/breakfast bar combo, lots of cabinets and granite counter space, and an adjacent dining area. Great room has an elegant fireplace. Nice tile counters in the bathrooms. Upstairs bonus room, too! Fully fenced and low maintenance back yard.

This is a short sale and final approval from the lender is required.

I couldn't resist posting this picture of my little vampire.  At just over a year old he already looks as fearsome as any.  He's sure to make the strongest of men weep when they see him. That is if he doesn't fall asleep before dark.

Have a happy Halloween and be safe.

Every once in a while I run across a feat in modern technology that amazes me.  I had to share this one.  It seems the U.S. Navy has a new toy and if you're a pirate trying hijack a ship, you might want to think twice. 

One of two new designs vying to be selected for production.

You can get the full story here:

Navy's newest warships top out at more than 50 mph