Bugged off! Fuming mad! Over what, I hear you ask? To have or not have Termites is the question...

I live in Florida, we have termites, like we have hurricanes, part of the bundle of  joys of living in the sunshine state. We have seasons, spring, summer, TERMITE, hurricane and winter.

I don't have termites, at least I don't think so. But, I know the previous owner had treated for termites, so I know there is a history and as a precaution it is good to stay ahead of these monsters, so I decided to call a professional.

First I called Truly Nolen and met with a charming inspector that actually ironed a shirt for me! He said I didn't have termites in my house and maybe in my garage, but as a precaution I could do a preventative treatment for Drywood termites with the injections for  $1175. He told me you couldn't really prevent Drywood only kill them, but if there were any around that would kill them. I could however, prevent Subterranean Termites for $1,105 and I definitely didn't have them.

Hmmm, a lot of money...so I called Orkin for a second opinion. That charming inspector told me that he didn't really see an sign of them, but there was evidence in the Attic from before and the best thing to do to be sure was to tent the house. Which would mean killing all my lovely vines that creep up the house, paying lots of money and moving out for 2 days. He said the injections don't really work as if you miss a spot, wham bamm! You are in trouble. And all for the special discounted price of $1652!

Hmmm, so unsure, I decided to call a third company, Guarantee Floridian. This charming inspector showed up, and said there is no evidence of any LIVE TERMITES, but that it is swarming season and if they are present, I will see them or their little wings especially over the next two months. He told me to keep an eye out and call him at the end of August and he would be happy to have a look again in my attic.

So, the moral of my story...3 inspections later, 3 wasted Saturday mornings, I am a happy, richer, termite free home owner with lush creeping vines.

2nd or 3rd opinions are usually always a good idea. 

  Just in case you are not aware, (as these kind of things seem to creep up on us)...

Monday, May 14th the United States Post Office will increase postage.

That's right, those 39 cent stamps are going to need a companion stamp again, so stock up on your 2 cents or remember to update your postage machines.

Letter-size mail will increase from $.39 to $.41

Flats (large envelopes) will increase from $.52 to $.80

Parcels/packages will increase from $.52 to $1.13 

Just thought I'd share the reminder!

And, check out PHOTO STAMPS. They are real stamps that you can personalize with your photo or design.

This can be a nifty tool to promote yourself on your mailings, or for your customers as  a Thank you (you could print their new house on them) or for gifts for your family with pictures of your kids or pets. I sent some to my Dad once with pictures of his Grandson and he loved them...

Does serving food or the quality/type of food have anything to do with the turnout at your Brokers' Open Houses?

Is it Necessity or a Nicety?

It is an interesting thought, I thought, or at least worth pondering....

I mean, it's Tuesday, or Wednesday or whatever your "day" is and between 12-2pm, it's a social caravan of meet and greet and previews...

It is lunchtime, and you are busy...what better, to multi-task and eat en route...Keep the momentum rolling...No need to "do" lunch as you are doing lunch whilst you preview...Seems efficient? No need to waste time afterwards actually sitting down to eat...

Some Realtors® go all out with the food...Some are known for their homemade specialties, some are known for being "cheap"....Does it matter?

Do you expect more from a high end listing? Would you, or do pick the order of your caravan by the menu being served? In a carb-concious city like Miami Beach, home of the South Beach Diet, is it unfashionable to serve carbs? Or is comfort food a draw? What about the Vegetarians? Doesn't everyone love sushi? Should cheese puffs ever be served? Is sugar a sure way to sell?

What do you serve if anything and why?