D-Day For Ada County Realtors - 12/31/08 05:58 PM

It's D-Day for Ada county agents as it's the last day to pay your dues. I like many others waited till the last minute to log on and submit payment. I wasn't about to be late considering what I can only call a true act of compassion for struggling agents they decided to send out a threat of a $100.00 fine (that's sarcasm for those of you who missed it).
I really like how they automatically added the suggested donation amount to the invoice which you had to work to figure out how to remove. What's that say about our … (1 comments)

Are You Driving People Crazy With Your Words And Catch Phrases? - 12/31/08 09:59 AM

They say when a word or a phrase is overused it loses its power. Take "unique" for example how often do you see that one? Did you know there's a list that comes out every year of banned words and phrases. Lake Superior State University's annual List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness has been released. Check it out to make sure you're not using words or phrases that people are tired of hearing.
Read the full article here.
… (6 comments)

MPC Computers Closing Up Shop - 12/29/08 04:00 PM

MPC Computers in Nampa, Idaho after almost 20 years has issued at letter to the Idaho Department of Labor stating efforts to reorganize under chapter 11 bankruptcy proved unsuccessful and will be closing it's doors and liquidating assets. You can read the full article here.
No doubt more bad news for the families it supported and the troubled Idaho economy.
… (0 comments)

Eagle and Stare Targeted For High Tech Growth - 12/28/08 09:39 PM

Eagle and Star are looking to attract high tech businesses and create a technology corridor. According to an article in the Idaho Statesman, private businesses, state and local government officials have plans to create the Eagle-Star Technology Corridor (ESTech).
You can read the full article here.
There's always going to be skeptics but sometimes the stances they take get to me. They say Idaho doesn't have enough skilled workers to generate interest of large tech firms. So why not focus on getting and retaining more skilled graduates to stay in state and help the universities programs to generate the talent … (0 comments)

Post-Christmas Crash - 12/27/08 11:22 PM

Post-Christmas Crash… Am I the only one who feels a tremendous let down that begins about 30 minutes after the wrapping paper is torn off the last present? We start hyping up Christmas in October and the hysteria continues to grow until its reached mania sometime around midnight on the 24th of December. I can’t take it anymore… There is no possible way any holiday can live up to the Hollywood, happy family, perfect present, roasted turkey, cranberry chutney, silver bells, Bing Crosby, deck the halls, idealism that is like a looming mirage. I think I’m loosing it. I went … (14 comments)

Have you seen this magazine? - 12/27/08 11:13 PM

OK, I found a new favorite magazine and I wanted to share. Just by chance I came across a copy laying on my in-laws counter and started thumbing through it. It seemed like an odd magazine for them to read. They saw me glancing through it and said "oh yeah, they started sending us that magazine and we saved it for you."
The magazine is Conde Nast Portfolio. I have since ordered a subscription and really love the writing. It may be a bit dry for some of you but if you really want to start to get a grasp … (1 comments)

One Thing A Seller Shouldn't Do In a Short Sale - 12/27/08 10:53 PM

If you find yourself in a situation where you're facing foreclosure and decide selling the property short is the best option there's one sure thing not to do. Remove fixtures from the house. I have seen this in short sales I have previewed and it's not only a good way to kill your chances of a sale and what you may not have considered is that while it may seem tempting to take that expensive stove, jacuzzi tub, or anything else that was permanently attached when you bought the home is the bank will add those thing to the deficiency … (7 comments)

Should Companies Requesting A Bailout Be Required to Disclose How Much? - 12/27/08 09:50 PM

GMAC is staying quiet about whether or not they fulfilled all the contingencies to become a bank holding company before the deadline. The had received approval provided they jump through a few hoops, I wrote about this in a previous post
You can read the full article here.
Is it just me or do you think these companies should be required to disclose how much bailout money they are requesting? After all it is our money they are borrowing
… (3 comments)

Words of Wesdom... - 12/24/08 05:21 PM

I'm not sure where to begin this or why but I feel the need to share.  There was a man I knew although not as well as I'd have liked named Wes Evans. 
He was my father-in-law's brother and we lost him a few years ago to Lou Gehrig's Disease.  In the limited interaction I had with Wes, even when he was sick, I always walked away feeling better.  The reason, Wes was such a loving person and he honestly cared to know about how you despite the fact that he was confined to a wheel chair in his last … (1 comments)

Fed Grants GMAC's Request - 12/24/08 04:40 PM

The Federal Reserves has granted GMAC's request to become a bank holding company in order for them to be able to tap bailout funds. Apparently "emergency conditions" were behind the decision.
Read the full article here.
GMAC is just one of the latest to join the a group of companies converting to bank holding companies in order to tap bailout funds, these most recently include the likes of American Express and CIT.
… (2 comments)

For All You Non Believers Out There - 12/24/08 10:04 AM


Well even if you don't believe in Santa Claus apparently our government does.  Looks like the tracking of Santa's flights at NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) has begun.  Apparently Old Saint Nick has already taken his first flight.
Read the full article here
Merry Christmas AR and all you naysayers!
 
… (4 comments)

Made To Stick... - 12/23/08 06:40 PM

Just finished up reading this book and I would say it's worth picking up if you're interested in learning a thing or two about the most effective ways to get your ideas across and getting people to retain your message.
I think it's very applicable to what we do as Realtors® considering we're constantly in front of people and effective communication plays such a huge roll in our success. If anything read the chapter about how a word loses power when overused.
Bottom line, it was worth a read.
… (0 comments)

Want a huge salary no matter your performance? Become an executive at a failing bank - 12/21/08 09:07 PM

Doesn't this just make your blood boil? According to an AP study over 1.6 billion in bailout money given to top executives at failing banks. It really gets me going because as an agent I'm paid purely on performance. If I don't do what I say I can then I don't get paid. As a matter of fact as a listing agent I actually lose money when I don't perform because I don't recoup my hard marketing costs.
I can only hope that after all this comes to light and these people are exposed for what they are, we learn … (5 comments)

They're watching you... - 12/21/08 08:42 PM

Here's one I read that doesn't really pertain to real estate but since so many of us are on the net it drives home the a really important point. It seems the music industry is looking to team up with ISP's (internet service providers) to crack down on piracy. It states that people stealing music over P2P (peer to peer) networks may end up having their service shut off or what's more find themselves being billed for the songs they download.
Read the full article here.
So what's the point this drives home? When on the internet nothing you do … (4 comments)

I'm firing my clients becasue they won't listen - 12/20/08 11:45 PM

So I was driving around listening to my iPod on random and it started in on a Matthew Ferry audio program I usually click to the next song but every once in awhile I catch the very beginning of something that strikes me as profound. So across my speakers comes his voice and it says "Stop blaming your clients for not understanding you." Now this might be a tough pill to swallow and as agents I think we are more prone to this than most. I see it on the rain here all the time. Most recently I saw a … (7 comments)

Short Sale Acreage Property In Nampa - 12/19/08 03:33 PM

Just Reduced! Country Living at a bargain. This "short sale" home sits on over 2 acres with a detached 30x40 shop. Home has been recently remodeled with an updated master bedroom and master bath. Nampa's new commercial shopping centers are close by. Not too far out and not closed in. Home is subject to lender's approval of a short sale please call for details.
Click Here For More Details
… (2 comments)

Extremely Clean Kuna Property, Staged And Ready To Show! - 12/19/08 12:58 PM

This bright and cheery home in one of Kuna's premier subdivisions boasts a great floor plan with tons of closet space for storage. Attention to detail shows in the home's cleanliness and condition with beautiful raised flower beds, chair rail moldings, and freshly cleaned carpets. The large side yards and above average lot size lend to the home's privacy. The homes functionality is greatly served by efficient use of square footage, openness, and huge bonus room above the oversized garage.
for more images click here.
… (1 comments)

Microsoft Issues IE Patch In Record Time - 12/17/08 05:48 PM

I watched the news of a security flaw spark blogs left and right yesterday and today. It seems a security flaw in Internet Explorer was exposed and everywhere you looked you were being advised to switch. I even finally got around to finally installing firefox on my computer after reading a few of them.
Well it seems Microsoft got the message. They launched a patch at record pace. It's actually the fastest I think I remember ever seeing them move.
Read the full article here
… (8 comments)

Even the IRS Has A Heart In These Troubled Times - 12/16/08 04:45 PM

Even the IRS is doing their part to help out the housing and mortgage market. The announced today that they will be making efforts to make it easier for homeowners to sell or refinance their home.
We can only hope they get this one right and don't make a bigger mess than it already is. Read the full article here.

… (3 comments)

Plan Your Christmas Light Tour Spectacular Here - 12/16/08 01:18 PM

One of my favorite things to do with the family during the holiday season is driving around the Boise area looking at Christmas lights. Now that gas prices have dropped so significantly you may be able to actually afford to do it. It's great fun and my kids love it. The only difficult part, knowing where to find the good ones. Thankfully the Idaho Statesman published a great photo directory with addresses included. Find the gallery here.
If you know of some great houses or neighborhoods please post them in the comments.
… (0 comments)

BMHC Moving Their HQ To Boise - 12/15/08 04:51 PM

A spot of good news is always welcome. While this may have been lost in the headlines of doom and gloom it was a little glimmer of light that caught my eye. It seems Building Materials Holding Corporation (BMHC) will be moving its headquarters to Boise from San Francisco.
Read the full article here.
This is welcome news to Idahoans and speaks to the many advantages we have to offer corporations coming to the state.
… (0 comments)

Idaho's Foreclosure Rate Is 10th In The Nation - 12/15/08 04:30 PM

Idaho ranks 10th in the nation for in November with it's foreclosure rate. According to an article in the Idaho Business Review the number of foreclosures climbed nearly 10% from October.
Read the full article here While it's not good news there are steps struggling Idaho home owners can take to avoid foreclosure. The most critical being seek help sooner rather than later. Doing so increases the number of options you have and gives you more time to come up with a solution, even if that solution is selling your home.
… (0 comments)

Guys, Stay Out Of The Dog House This Christmas - 12/11/08 06:07 PM

I thought this was hilarious. I don't know how many of you have seen this but it was some much needed comic relief for me and I wanted to share. My wife sent this to me. I'm not sure if she was trying to drop hints but guys it's a must see.

http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/VideoPage.aspx
… (3 comments)

11 Lamest Blogs On The Net Revealed - 12/11/08 09:45 AM

Well thanks to PC World's tireless search we now have what are considered the 11 lamest blogs on the interenet. Thankfully I didn't make the list and neither did anyone else from Active Rain but it does give some good insight about the things people and corporations do on blogs that truly turn people off. If you're guilty of any of these it's annoying, so stop it!
See the resluts here:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27792365/?pg=1#Tech_PCWorld_11LamestBlogs

… (3 comments)

Fannie an Freddie...Who's To Blame and Who Cares. - 12/09/08 10:00 AM

It looks like former executives are headed back to capital hill for another dog and pony show about who's to blame for the collapse of Fannie May and Freddie Mac.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081209/ap_on_bi_ge/financial_meltdown
The majority of these people were appointed by the Clinton administration and have either left or been ousted by scandals. The truth is I don't care which party they belonged to becasue I'm sick of it all. It smacks of greed, it stinks, and now American tax payers are on the hook for it. Oh sure they'll march them up their and point fingers. Maybe a few harsh words … (4 comments)

My Most Productive Saturday... - 12/06/08 08:49 AM

Well it's been a pretty good Saturday, I've managed to reclaim the number two spot on AR, completed my ethics training, write a few blog posts and it's not even 8am yet.  I'd like to think I'm this productive every day but I have my good ones and bad.  It feels good to get things done though.
… (0 comments)

If You Have Nothing Else To Give This Season... - 12/06/08 06:48 AM

I normally don't write the touchy-feely posts but I'm sitting here this morning reading headlines and thinking about all the troubled families out there and I feel compelled to get this off my chest and offer a little advice to any struggling parents out there.
Now that the holiday season is upon us it can compound the difficulties a lot of families are facing. Personally I have 3 little ones that I adore and want nothing more than to give them a big Christmas. However for many this is not a possibility this year and if you're one of these … (4 comments)

Idaho Unemployment Jumps With The National Numbers - 12/06/08 06:08 AM

Idaho's unemployment rate jumped again along with the national rate. We do however trail the national number. This is not welcome news for anyone looking for signs of improvement.
Read the entire article here:http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/595320.html
I have clients ask me when I see the market start to improve and my response is while many of the pros say 2010 before we see a full recovery I'm really looking to April for any indication that things are going to start improving.
… (0 comments)

1 in 10 Home Owners Facing Foreclosure - 12/06/08 05:49 AM

This report was a tough one to read. Now the economy is being blamed for home owners continued woes and no doubt for good reason, employers are slashing jobs at a record pace and families are struggling.
You can read the full article here:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081205/ap_on_bi_ge/home_foreclosures;_ylt=AuF11ON03Py.1TF1DQvnKQLv5rEF
If you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer afford to make a house payment it is important to seek help before it's too late. If selling your home becomes your only option and a shortsale is neccecary the more time you give yourself the better chance you have a successfuly negotiating … (0 comments)

Want to know which remodel projects will generate the highest return? - 12/02/08 12:09 PM

 
Thinking of remodeling the 2008 cost vs. return report is now available.  This a great tool to use if you're looking at remodeling to make a home more appealing to buyer before putting it on the market.  Granted this will vary at a local level but serves as a great guide for getting started and generating some ideas. 
 
Here is the link to the report:
http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/articles/2008/0812_costvsvalue_2008?id=bcaa4b804bfb44b98fe18f66fe42bfc9&wcm_page.resetall=true&cache=none&contentcache=none&connectorcache=none&srv=page
 
… (0 comments)

Big Three Back On The Hill, Shamed Into Acting Responsibly - 12/02/08 11:51 AM
What the big three automakers are going to start acting responsibly? Well that appears to be the case since they are back on the hill today with new plans that justify their bailout. There are two articles about this on yahoo:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081202/ap_on_go_co/meltdown_autos
and http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081202/autos_ceo_travel.html
I think it's great when CEO's do this. It shows a passion for their work and they understand that they serve a greater purpose than personal gain. It's just too bad they had to be shamed into doing so.
Granted this does not pertain to real estate but it does concern us all since it's our money … (0 comments)

Winners forget... - 12/01/08 10:15 PM
“Winners forget they are in a race, they just love to run”
This is one of my favorite quotes from a favorite movie, whoever guesses which wins the honor of being first. Anyway, after a brief hiatus from AR and maybe even from real estate(I really haven’t gone anywhere just seemed to be mentally checked out and doing some reflection) this line popped back into my head. It reminds me that it’s not about winning. It’s about a love of the industry, the people, and the opportunities it presents. Sometimes it’s hard not to lose sight of that. Maybe it’s one … (6 comments)

 

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