Cat's Meow a Central Oregon Real Estate Blog

Power to the Tweeple...confessions of a SM junkie.

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:01:26 -0600

I am a student (maybe an addict) of Social Media (SM). I really don't know a thing about how it works or even what I intend to do with it. Perhaps the goal started as a way to expand my business and let others on the internet know about the services I offer, or just to stay on top of my 13yr old as she begins to surf the net (yes I know all about her "secret" MySpace acct.), but along the way it's changed.

In the beginning there was Active Rain (AR) where I learned the art of blogging and continue to dabble in SEO while writing more blogs and continuing the process of finding my voice and expressing my thoughts on real estate and my locality as well as my view of the world.

On FaceBook I am reconnecting withold friends, from college and high school, as well as expanding my relationship with some of my AR and SM friends. It has also given me a vehicle to reroute my blogs to and post articles I find to amplify a thought or open discussion among my friends.

LinkedIn provides me with a professional platform for my resume allowing me to show my expertise in business and post recommendations from former clients and colleagues.

Lately I've been trying to figure out Twitter, and I think perhaps I've become addicted! I'm lost in the cyber babble of voices from th UK, Greece, South Africa and Canada as well as those I know locally here in the states. But this amazing group of SM users is truly just that AMAZING!

3 Examples of the power of tweets:

1.) On Monday I had an email from a friend, who was having a problem with Priceline, which I thought was unfair. I posted a blog on Google and than blasted it on Twitter. I won't say I personally caused the reversal of Priceline's attitude with a well placed "tweet", but quite a few people called on my friends behalf. Thank you @CoachKatrina, @JasonCrouch, @Armano and the many others who came to my aide and therefore that of my friend. I even got a few seconds of internet fame from Dave Armano, which was just a nice bonus!

2.) Yesterday there was the US Airways crash into the Hudson and this is how groundbreaking and fast Tweets can be: http://twitpic.com/135xa

Which resulted in this type of press for JKrum unsuspecting twitterer.

3.) Today it's an experiment in SM and the power of $1.00 By David Gandrud

So while I've not managed to create an actual business use for Twitter for myself, I've managed to learn a lot about the power of Social Media done right, and I have had my faith in humanity restored!

Tweeton!

Cat Zwicker-Grant is the Principal Broker of Desert Sky Real Estate, LLC in Central Oregon. All Opinions and comments expressed herein are her sole property and do not reflect the opinions and thoughts of her co-brokers, family etc...

Yet Another Seven for Seven 'Me-Me'

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:13:21 -0600

I have to apologize to Fred Chamberlain who tagged me with this task over a week ago. I've been trying to finish up some personal business and had basically taken time off from my addiction of "bloggin' in the rain", so his request was filed in my inbox! Fred I am sorry to have not addressed this sooner! (To my Facebook friends, well maybe this is old news to you, but a "Me-Me" is generally a topic related method to learn about people in your social network, e.g., you say 5 things on topic and tag 5 friends to do the same, etc...)

First the rules of the game....

•1. Create a blog post with a link to the person who so happily tagged you. See above! List all of these rules in the post. Feel free to cut and paste this.

•2. Share seven things that others may not know about you. Do I or have I HAD a life outside of real estate?

•3. Identify seven friends, contacts or near enemies in which to adorn this MEME

•4. Tag them at the end of the post and give a link to their blog.

•5. Contact each of the tagged members and let them know that you were indeed fast enough to catch them and that you did indeed tag them...no matter how much they say you missed them! No schoolyard rules in this MEME, nope you gotta do it if you are tagged. Sorry guys!

And now, since I won't shirk on a request from a friend, here at last because Fred asked is the latest and greatest seven things you didn't know about me...

I hope you find out something new from this and if not perhaps it can help you sleep at night:

1. I have a degree in Political Science with a background in International Economic Theory and a minor in Russian. (Guess I was going to be a spy when I grew up, yeah like I'd blend, I'm 6' tall!)

2. I was born overseas in Germany and am a naturalized citizen of the United States; which saves me from the burden of ever having to run for president. (Phew, glad that's off my plate!)

3. In college I worked at the University's local radio station WUOG 90.5 fm and did the morning and evening drive time news. In that capacity I actually interviewed Georg Bush before he was ever President and Al Haig. (What a political geek, yes?)

4. As the wall came down after I graduated, my dgree was worthless, so I worked as an assistant buyer for Macy's when they had a southeastern division and spent eight years in retail. (Great bargains, long hours,YUK)

5. I would rather work in the yard than do house work. I designed and built a water feature and only contracted the electrician for the pump. Oh, and I dug it all by hand myself, which I guess makes me one determined woman when it comes to projects.

6. I have lived in 10 different states but have moved interstate 15 different times and am extremely tired of reinventing my life so the last 8 years in Oregon have been heaven.

7. I seriously think I should have been a librarian, less stress and lots of books!

So here is where I break the rules. I'm not going to tag anyone. I am so late in responding this Me-Me has made it's rounds and I am fairly sure I'd have enemies and not friends if I hit them up now. So if you read this and want to share something about yourself with me and the AR or FB crowd, post away and send me a link!

Happy 2009,

Cat Zwicker-Grant is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the state of Oregon. All content and photographs are her exclusive property and may not be reused without her express consent.

Be Careful What You Wish For...

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:01:23 -0600

I want a White Christmas, I love snow at Christmas....

"Give me strength oh Lord I pray, so I can shovel snow yet again today!"

I arrived early and shoveled my share,

there was no snow falling I was free from care...

But here it is only 11:00 am

and the snow is falling once again.

The forecasters are saying 3-4 inches today,

with more snow overnight... oooh flipping hooray.

This stuff just keeps falling and it's getting piled high!

I'm sitting in the office doing paperwork why?

I should be out tubing, or skiing I think.

At the very least a walk in the snow and a nice hot drink!

But the City will fine me if I let the walks go, so I just will sit here and wait to shovel more snow.

If you are in Redmond, and looking for a property to buy or just some small town fun... stop on by... the comic relief is worth it and then some!

I shouldn't have to say it, but I will... the subject matter (as corny as it is) and photos are the property of the author. Cat Zwicker-Grant. "Borrow them at your own peril."

Going Once...Going Twice....The World of Auctions (Part 2)

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:26:28 -0600

For those of you who have been following my blog about the first "On Site" Auction in Redmond, Oregon.... here's the scoop!

After holding the home open for the two previous Saturday's from 12-4PM, Terri and I once again opened the home to prospective bidders at 2:30 on December 5th, the day of the auction.

Ads had been running in the local and regional papers as well as on line. Both Terri and I had contacted our client base and invited area agents to sign up and participate. By 4PM there were roughly 20 people at the house; by 4:30 there were 31 total with just about 20 actually bidders actually registered to participate in the process.

Willing bidders had to have proof of identity, a cashier's check for $2500 and the ability to show proof of funds and write a personal check for the balance of the earnest money (5%). The $2500 was redcuded from the original $5000 we had been instructed to ask for at first, but as we learned the rules of the game changed online almost daily. The winning bidder would then need to write a personal check for 5% of the accepted bid + a 5% buyer's premium. Therefore if the winning bid was $200,000 then the final sales price would be $210,000 and the bidders 5% would equal $10,500. Closing needs to occur within 30 days if this is a cash deal and 45 days for financing.

The auctioneers and staff arrived at 4:25PM, a tad late due to problems at the previous auction. After rushing to confirm on line registers and then register any last minute bidders they assigned bid numbers. At 4:40PM they reviewed the auction and bid process and held a "mock auction" to show how the process would move along. The Auctioneer again read a mile long disclaimer how houses are sold strictly as is, that there was no real estate representation on the part of the seller and that any agents involved were simply there to facilitate the access to the property, etrc.., and the hidden little gem that there was an "undisclosed reserve" for each home that the bank has authorized the auctioneer to reach for a successful offer. Therefore, even if at final bid the bank has a 15 day right to review the bid/offer and decline it if it is not within an acceptable margin of their reserve.

Off and running at 4:45PM and wham the first house sold (we hope) for a fraction of it's original value and only $95,000 over the opening bid price. The second home followed suit moving just as quickly and it had an accepted bid of $165,000 for a home initially on the market at $300,000. Both homes went in less than 15 minutes total! Now let's just get them to close by january 10th!

So if you're looking for help with purchasing forecolsed or auction homes in Central Oregon feel free to call!

All I want for Christmas-A Christmas Me-Me

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:22:06 -0600

Kat Delong.... Bless her heart as tagged me with a Christmas MeMe, if she was on Face Book I'd be throwing snowballs at her! So here are the rules:

The Christmas MeMe Rules:

You have to name a gift you would like to have for Christmas.
It HAS to be an object. We ALL want happiness for Christmas.
If you could pick one single gift out for yourself, what would it be?
Remember, it HAS to be something you can touch and hold.
THEN, name 5 people or more and send this to them to do the same.

And here is my Christmas MeME:

Of course, I never know what I want for Christmas, you can ask my husband it frustrates the ever living bejeebers out of him. So thankfully with the shortage of funds this year he's off the hook from thinking outside the box, I'm thrilled with copier paper and ink cartridges for the office at this moment!

If I was into stuff I'd go for the 2009 911 Carrera Cabriolet, I have this cute little model on my desk to motivate me to keep up in the fast lane!

As an avid bookworm I'm sure I could list innumerable books that I couldn't live without but where is the fun in that? I think this Me-me calls for a touch of whimsy and nostalgia....

So I'd have to say given the times and the stress, I choose unconditional love and a touch of trouble in the package of a wiggly little puppy! (Oooh drat that Cat she got the happiness thing in afterall!)

I'd really love a puppy. Now I can't have one mind you as I'm never home and it would die of boredom after it gnawed through my house. But my favorite Christmas memories have had dogs. I got my first dog for my birthday, I was 13 and as a December baby this was also part of my Christmas. Brandy and I spent the entire break inseparable, we even slept in the basement together that way I'd either wake up to let her out of her box when she had to go or if she she piddled it be on vinyl. We just ended up sleeping together on a camp cot in a sleeping bag and that dog never once had an accident in the house. I had that dog all through Jr. High and she even went to college with me! We had 15 great Christmases together!

Then there was the Christmas "Golden" I got my Dad just before he retired. Talk about man's best friend. I'd never managed to find a gift that my Dad wanted to take everywhere he went until he got K.C.

Yep, puppy kisses & nips, and tail wags! Totally impractical but it would be well loved!

Now I am tagging:

Terri Visser Karl Peidl Elizabeth Nieves Jason Crouch and Richard Weisser

So if you just want me to explain a MeMe or you want information on property in Central Oregon here's how you find me... and Happy Holidays!

On Site Foreclosure Auction Offers Great Opportunity!

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:28:40 -0600

Savvy Investors this is an unbelievable opportunity at Redmond's first On Site Auction!

4156 SW Salmon Pl., in the Majestic Ridge Addition of SW Redmond, Oregon.

This 2844 square foot Custom built Home is being offered for auction through REDC (Real Estate Disposition Company) and has an opening bid of $119,000! Projected Retail value of this home is over $369,000!

Also being offered for auction at the 4156 Salmon Location is 2505 NW 12th St, Redmond, OR 97756

Opening bid is $69,000 and approximate value is $300,000.

HOW IT WORKS:

To bid you must be preregistered through their website at www.ushomeauction.com.
You may use an Oregon licensed Realtor to represent you, but that Realtor will need to register you as their client at the same site; this must occur at least 48 hours prior to the actual auction!
Bring a $5000 certified check/funds made out to yourself
Be prepared to write a personal check for 5% of the accepted bid price as earnest money should your bid be accepted and
Pay a 5% "buyer's premium over the accepted bid for the costs associated with the Auction.

JUST THE FACTS for 4156 Sw Salmon Plc.

3 Bedrooms
2 Baths
Open Great Room
HUGE Bonus/Rec. Room
Concrete Composite Counter Tops in Kitchen
Walk-in Tile Shower in Master Suite
Tandem Three Car Garage
Covered patio
Cascade Mountain Views

OPEN Saturday November 29th and from 2PM until the auction is over on December 5th!

So much detail you need to come and see it to believe it!

*This property is not listed or marketed through Desert Sky Real Estate LLC. We are gladly facilitating access to the property as a service to REDC and respective bidders. We are of course happy to assit with any questions about how to register for the auction or to assist with representing prospective bidders throughout the auction process.

CARS & GUITARS Installment #2

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:17:22 -0600

UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL

January 15th, 2009 at 6pm!

For those of us in Sunny Central Oregon there is usually more to do outside than in, and once the skies get dark earlier our play time is limited. Here with something fun and classy to do...Club Carrera. In this second concert of their series they are offering jazz/blues guitars from local group "Smudge". Don't miss out on this great venue and if you love high end cars this is your chance to see them up close and personal.

A Club Carrera Concert Event
November 13 6 pm

Please Join Us on Thursday, November 13 as we continue our
Cars & Guitars concert series.

Artists Smudge will perform light jazz amid the collector cars on the second story of the Club.

$20 per person ($25 non-club member/guest) includes concert, dinner appetizers and two drink vouchers. Cash bar as well.

Concert - Thursday, November 13, 6 pm @ Club Carrera

RSVP to Michelle by November 11

How to Eat an Elephant.....

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:31:08 -0600

...One Small Bite at a Time!

Got Bail....I need your help to keep me out of the SLAMMER!

UPDATE - I go to jail tomorrow....unless you want endless tweets and cyber pleas send bail now...PLEASE!

I am trying to Raise $1,600 for MDA

In our little community of 26,000 people this is a lot of cash to try to raise especially in these tight times. My goal is to get at least 320 Individual $5.00 contributions. Versus the larger $50-$85 MDA suggests. Please give up the Grande Latte or Chai for one day and help me out!

Now if you feel generous and want to give more than $5.00, please don't hold back! But together we can ensure that at least two of Jerry's kids can get to summer camp if I meet my goal!

So I'm being Shameless and I'm asking .....my AR friends, social network buddies, real estate peers and associates, as well as my personal friends and family members, "If you can help me out please do!" The MDA website link below offers secure online payment options so please help me help Jerry's kids this year! I need to have my contributions in by November 19th!

I'm proud to tell you that I'm being locked up . . . that's right, I'm going behind bars to help Jerry's Kids and MDA. To be released on good behavior I have to raise bail and I need your help!

Visit my website below and make a donation via credit card! It doesn't get any easier than that! Please help me raise my bail of $1,600. . . I want to send two kids to MDA Summer Camp!

https://www.joinmda.org/redmond08/rebycat

7463 SW Canal Blvd., Redmond, OR 97756

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:14:10 -0500

REDUCE TO $770,000

Whether you feel like horsing around or just want a little extra room to roam this 16 acre hobby farm with 12 acres of irrigation may be just the place for you!

Conveniently located between Bend and Redmond and outside the Redmond Urban Growth boundary. This parcel contains two legally permitted dwellings, with the potential to tear down one and site your dream home to take in the Cascade Mountain View!

The 1940's farm house has been refurbished and offers

2 master bedrooms
large country kitchen and dining area
Cozy living area with wood stove
Small den or 3rd bedroom

For more information on this property go to 7463 SW Canal Blvd., Redmond, Oregon.

Posting for Points....is it Cyber Crack?

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:35:08 -0500

WHY We Post on Active Rain...

Before some of you get angry or pull out the soap box.... I LOVE MY POINTS! I've just noticed that there are some people who have a real addiction to them. I guess it's part of the competitive spirit. There will always be those of us who need to be #1, and then there will be those of us happy to just contribute and have recognition over a creative or quality post.

Active Rain has opened windows and doors to the world of Real Estate that I thought I knew. I've been able to expand my mind and learn new things as well as utilize it as another avenue to market myself and my listings through Localism and my outside blogs and alternate social network posts. I have made friends. I am able to post random questions and rants with a good number of responses to set me on the right path or offer up confirmation of where I was heading in a thought process. For me AR is A CYBER THINK TANK with the added benefits of friendship, peer counseling and oversight! Who knew?

What I want to know is why do you post? I am seeing a diversity of character and content (all of which I am learning a lot from); so maybe it's just my inner anthropologist, but what has Active Rain brought to you and what do you get from posting your thoughts and information on it?

Maybe I can blame this on Sally "Woo Hoo" Cheesman, who made us stop and think about "Why We Love Our Profession" over the last few weeks...Partially because many of us spoke about the friendships and information here on AR that added to our love of our profession and maybe I'm just nosy....

So, now I want to know, what it is about Active Rain that keeps you coming back for more?

Who Pulled the Plug....

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:13:06 -0500

...or "How I fell off The Energy Bus and Didn't Even Know!"

Jon Gordon, author of The Energy Bus, imbues the concept of living life with positive energy and purpose. I have read both The Energy Bus and The No Complaining Rule and try to implement the concepts and lessons in my personal and work day life. So why if I have all this positive mental energy am I such a slug?

This is a lesson in not making life excuses based on "The Market" and "The Economy". I kept saying it's probably just stress instead of saying, which I also knew all along, this just isn't me!

Hint #1) In June I got really ill after giving blood....hmmm, I've been giving blood since I was 18 and that has NEVER happened...

#2) I was beyond tired at the end of the work day, but could never seem to sleep through the night; so I took up late night blogging....because my legs were sore and waking me up.

#3) Little nagging headaches kept creeping into my days, and again I said it's stress, but I really don't feel stressed...

#4) I ALWAYS have cold hands and feet, but that too was a hint.

Finally, I went to give blood again in September and low and behold the Red Cross has a new toy, a hemoglobin reader to check your iron. Not only am I too low to donate, I'm REALLY low. I let better judgment rule this time and went to my health professional for a check-up ASAP! Well, after a ka-grunch of needle sticks and tests with no real results, I've adjusted my diet, added iron supplements for the next 30 days and I'm actually having none of the above symptoms or interruptions to my life! I even wake up at o'dark thirty ready to face the day and have energy when I get home at night! Hopefully, the positive energy will last and this is all I will need to do to get my body back on track.

But the moral of this story is you do know what is normal and if you're tired and down, it may not be the market! Just FYI, common causes of anemia and low iron can be internal bleeding, ulcers, and colon issues, thankfully none of which I seem to have! But for those of you who arent' listening to your body...Don't forget you may need a tune up in these hectic times or you too can fall off the Energy Bus!

2011-2015 SW CANYON, REDMOND, OR - Unbelievable Seller Terms!

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:40:42 -0500

$275,000

Details

Address: 2011-2015 SW Canyon Type: Residential Style: Triplex "Craftsman" Bedrooms: 7 "unit #1- 2, #2-2; #3-3" Bathrooms: 6 "unit #1=1.5, #2-2; #3-3" Garage: 4-Stalls, Attached "units 1&2 1 car; #3-2car" Size: 3,961 sq. ft. "3- units: 1- 1270 SF, 2- 1131SF, 3-1560 SF" Lot Type: Irregular Year Built: 2004 Taxes: $3,885.00 (2007) HOA Fees: $223.00 MLS®: 2803237

Description

MAKE AN OFFER! OWNER WILL CARRY FOR SMALL DOWN AND YOU TAKE OVER PAYMENTS!
Fabulous investment opportunity! Live in one unit and rent the others and make this a stepping stone to your property investment portfolio. Home Owner's Association (HOA) fee/mos that covers exterior landscaping, common area maitenance, water, sewer, property management and reserves, there was no space to note this in the listing. Currently, units are 100% occupied on month to month leases with opportunity to bring rents up to current rates upon new ownership.

An opportunity worth investigating for the savvy investor with interest in the growing Northwest and Central Oregon region! * NOTE: Not all features checked apply to each unit. All units are fully equipped with refrigerator, range/oven, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposals, washer, dryer and blinds.

Features

Interior Features

▪ Carpeted Floors	▪ Laundry Room	▪ Vaulted Ceiling
▪ Window Covers

Heating

▪ Wall Unit

Exterior Finish

▪ Frame

▪ Siding

▪ Wood

Sewer/Water Systems

▪ Public

Roof

▪ Composition

Lot Features

▪ Patio

Appliances

▪ Dishwasher	▪ Garbage Disposal	▪ Microwave
▪ Oven Range	▪ Refrigerator	▪ Washer
▪ Washer/Dryer Hookup

Extra Features

▪ Cable Available

A long Shot but I need a home!

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:57:19 -0500

I need a little help here one of my cats has decided to not play well with others and is no longer tolerant of our other kitties. She is a great "people" cat and loves to be the center of attention. Obviously I need a local soul or someone who can make an in-state drive to rescue her, otherwise it's the pound...and I can't bear that! Or if you have any advice on how to make her change her ways... I am open to suggestions.

Free To a Good Home!

· 8 1/2 yr old Tabby Cat - "Katie"

· Inside Cat Only

· Declawed Front

· Spayed

· Litter Box Trained

· All shots current in past 3 years.

Generally well behaved, I can sit up and beg for treats and have a good purr when scratched in the right places. I do not like to be ignored and socialize well with people. Unfortunately I'm an alpha and do not play well with other kitties, though I've been known to tolerate a dog or two.

I would be best for a retired person who is home a lot and loves to snuggle. Past times include laying in the sun and watching birds (I even chirp at them).

Bad habits... I tend to shred toilet paper if I can find it.

To adopt me please contact the "other cat"

Build Your Dream Home Here!

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:43:20 -0500

Only 2 miles from

Eagle Crest

Priced at $349,000

(make an offer)

10 acre parcel. with Multiple Cascade Mountain Views!

2801 SW 75th St.,

Located in Redmond Oregon; offering views of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, The Three Sisters and more...

Ideal for the outdoor enthusiast or horse lovers alike. This parcel is currently used as a recreational site and sits just 2+/- miles from Eagle Crest. A great location for a dream home or a vacation get-a-way. Power is available at the property line. Horses are okay and there is plenty of BLM nearby for riding.

Enjoy all that Central Oregon has to offer from this centrally located parcel... from golfing, hiking, horse back riding, fly fishing, ATV riding, skiing and more. For more information on this listing and others go to:

http://www.realestatebycat.com/ or http;//centraloregonhomeprices.com .

Central Oregon's Diverse Landscape...

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:14:26 -0500

...It's as easy as a day at the park - Smith Rock State Park that is!

Most people, when they think of Oregon immediately think of our lush valleys with verdant hillsides, vineyards, orchards and the like, or of our beautiful rugged coastline with crashing surf and rocky drops to narrow beaches.

Another favorite vista, is the Cascade Mountain Range with its rocky peaks and almost year round dusting of snow. In Central Oregon this is our predominant view, you can drive just about anywhere and see Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, The Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack and Mt. Jefferson... on a really clear day you can even add Mt. Hood to the list. But my favorite views are not necessarily of this beautiful mountain range, but of the world renown climber's paradise Smith Rock.

Just a short drive from north Redmond and east into Terrebonne; down a meandering country road of small cattle ranches and hobby farms Smith Rock rises on the horizon.

The Nez Pierce and other regional tribes thought the rocks here held power and considered this to be a magical place. At times there is an almost spiritual feeling, especially at dawn when Smith Rock is bathed in a rose to tangerine glow.

Smith Rock is a great place to hike and has trails for the novice and expert alike; click here for a trail guide. It can be a goat scramble so where sturdy hiking shoes and layered attire, the weather can be chilly in the morning and evening and down right toasty at mid day when the high desert sun bakes the rocks. Be sure to have plenty of water on hand as well. And if you're a climber this is absolutely paradise but since I'm afraid of heights, here is a better guide to the challenges available to you at Smith Rock State Park.

I Love My Real Estate Profession Because...

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:06:46 -0500

15 years ago, after spending yet another day complaining about how unchallenged I was in Retail Sales, at the time I was an area manager for a large retail chain, my now ex said, "You should get your real estate license; you'd be good at it." The rest as they say is history...

I love my real estate profession because "it took me out of my box." I am an introvert by nature and an extrovert by necessity and yet through real estate I have learned to connect on many different levels with a variety of people, both individually and in groups. Today, I address 30-45 people at a time and can actually remember what I said when all is said and done; before it was abject terror and sheer will that kept me going!

I love my profession because it has empowered me with knowledge and taught me to share- I was blessed early on to be a product of Womble Realty's (now Rose & Womble in Virginia Beach, VA) 'New Agent Training Program' and to have had a wonderful and caring broker, Diane Cote, who insisted that we not only have two weeks of 9-5 training on contracts, listing and offer presentations, as well as how to read a good faith estimate, but who also provided weekly mentoring sessions for the entire office. I learned early on that caring for your peers and helping them grow did not mean empowering the competition but improving our industry and our credibility as professionals.

I love my profession because it has allowed me to grow as a person both in knowledge and in skills. I am never bored because every client, every listing every transaction is different and requires that a different combination of skills and knowledge be used. Not to mention that as our market changes the rules and guidelines can change too requiring new information and knowledge to be learned and to be shared with peers and clients. Call me sick, but I love the challenge.

And, in the back of my mind I remember sitting in a jazz bar in Athens, Georgia discussing what I wanted to do when I got out of college and I remember saying I don't know exactly, but I want to know that I have touched peoples lives in a positive way.... so I love real estate because it allows me to do just that! First time home buyers, downsizing "empty nesters," even in life's tragedies through divorce and loss of a spouse I've been able to be there and assist in a caring and knowledgeable manner; these are not just clients, but they are life long friends.

Last but not least, in the maze that has become my education in Real Estate, I love my profession because in the pursuit of excellence it lead me to Active Rain. A living a breathing example of over 114,419 individuals who share a common spirit and dedication to their craft but when all is said and done you can call them friends!

I am tagging..... Alexsandra Stewart & Cameron Novak You're it... tell us what you love about your profession!

Oregon Clouds and Positive Thoughts

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:39:05 -0500

"Tell me not in mournful numbers, that life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers, and things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not it's goal; dust thou art, to dust returnest, was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, is our destined end or way; but to act, that each tomorrow finds us farther than today."

"...Let us then be up and doing, with heart for any fate; still achieving, still pursuing, learn to labor and to wait."

(Excerpts from "A Psalm of Life," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807-1882; the complete text is subject to Public Domain in the United States.)

Central Oregon's Hidden Gem-Tumalo

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:56:37 -0500

I can hardly say that I'm an expert photographer. But you can't miss when snapping pictures of the rural beauty of Tumalo. Hidden between Bend and Redmond, Oregon, Tumalo offers small to large acerage parcels for the rancher or horse lover in all of us. I just took these photos Wednesday, and today there is snow in air and clouds. Who knew winter was so close on our heels! So just enjoy the pictures and know that if you move to Central Oregon tyou could have a yard like this!

A bit more grass than I'd like to mow...but what a view!

Looking for property in Central Oregon, don't forget to contact Cat!

All photos and content are the property of Cat Zwicker-Grant a Licensed Oregon Realtor and may not be used or reproduced without her permission.

Today's Home Buying Maze

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:18:30 -0500

For buyers today, purchasing a home has become a series of turns and twists. Whether due to the soft market and the fear of continuing decline of home prices and loss of future equity or the daunting task of acquiring financing with the ongoing tightening of lending guidelines and loan parameters.

Through all of this a few key points remain the same and will make this process much easier for the enlightened buyer.

1. Choosing the right Realtor can make a big difference. Interview 2-3 brokers prior to making your final choice. Use the interview to determine who has the best knowledge of not only the area you are interested in but of real estate contracts and the nuances of the buying a home from start to finish. Check the agent's credentials. What type of education do they have and continue to participate in to maximize their skills as your potential Realtor of choice? (CRS, ABR, etc...; remember this person is going to help guide you through a process not just open doors!) For a list of interview questions go to "How do I choose a Realtor?"

2. Determine how much house you can afford. A standard rule of thumb is approximately 1/3 of your gross monthly income should comfortably pay your mortgage or rent. But a good agent will help you take into consideration the added costs of utilities, property taxes, home owners insurance, association fees, and maintenance costs that will impact your monthly budgeted costs. for a mortgage calculator to begin determining how much you can afford go to "How much can I afford?" Once you think you know how much you want to spend, your Broker can refer you to a reputable local lender/mortgage broker to assist you in detrmining how best to finance you future home purchase. For more on selecting a local lender see "Real Estate is Local; Why You Should Choose a Local Lender", by Fred Chamberlain.

3. Review the sales agreement and associated documents 'before' you actually write an offer.If this is your first home purchase, or your first purchase in a specific locality or state, it is a good idea to review the sales agreement prior to finding your home. This provides time to review contract clauses and stipulations that you may be unfamiliar with and get answers upfront from your broker or a legal adviser.

4. Obtain a professional home inspection. "OBTAINING A PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTION IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING A BUYER CAN DO FOR THEIR PROTECTION. A professional home inspection report will provide the buyer with detailed information about the home's physical condition, its systems and fixtures and usually note any potential future problems." (From the Oregon Home Buyer's Advisory.)

5. Review all documents in a timely fashion! Seller's Disclosures, CC&R's and Homeowners' Association Documents can be time sensitive. In Oregon, unless otherwise stated in the sales agreement, the buyer only has a 5 day right to review, accept or rescind the sales agreement based on the acceptability of the content of these documents! If you have concerns over RV parking, fence heights, pet restrictions, horses etc... be sure to communicate these needs with your agent in advance of the purchase offer so that they are looking for properties that meet your criteria. A good broker will request neighborhood covenants and restrictions prior to writing an offer to assist you in verifying that the property will meet your needs.

6. Surveys/plat maps and preliminary title documents,while not time sensitive, are critical documents in the sales process and should be reviewed with your broker to alleviate any questions or concerns about title, property size, and approximate boundary lines. Please note that a plat map is not the same as a survey map. If you are interested in the actual property boundaries you can pay to have corners marked or a full survey completed on the property. In Oregon there is no obligation on the part of the seller to have this done for a sales agreement.

7. Do you need/want a Homeowner's Warranty? Unlike Homeowner's insurance, a Homeowner's warranty covers the basic working systems of the home and some appliances for the first year of occupancy. Available as an "add on" from a third party provider, your broker can try to negotiate for the seller to pay this expense or you can buy it for your own peace of mind. Like any warranty the coverage has its limitations and conditions so be sure to review the policy thoroughly if this is important to you!

7. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! There is no item to little or unimportant to bring up with your broker. If it's a concern to you let them know! Conversely, your broker should be communicating with you throughout the entire process and well after the closing to assist you in the transition from home buyer to home owner!

If you have questions about buying property in Oregon, feel free to contact me.

Facebook... I Just Don't Get It?

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:15:09 -0500

I knew I was lost when someone "Threw Obama" at me. (Okay people, what the heck?!?)

I agree Facebook can be fun for reconnecting and linking up with some of my old friends, as well as furthering relationships with my WCR, AR and CRS friends. But I find it incredibly awkward to move around in.

I'd love a little direction here, as this is just beyond confusing to me; having read all the positive comments here, on how Facebook is helping others grow their business I don't want to let this resource go to waste. Of course I joined right at the change from "old Facebook" to "new Facebook." I set up on old and woke up to new.... that was a HUGE shock!

So if you are willing, I have a few questions... I am a fast learner and can hopefully help someone else down the road.

1) What applications should I be looking at to expand my business network through Facebook? I get lost/overwhelmed by all the 'Stickerz' and 'Lil Green Patches' and 'Loves'... not to mention people poking me... What's the point (or am I just a stick in the mud?)

2) Are there more useful applications I should be using to make my page rock? And does anyone know if these application I keep getting asked to download will potentially infect my computer with spyware and other noxious "slow it down to the pace of a snail stuff?"

3) Is there a way to get your listings to feed through Facebook other than as part of my blog stream? I have my blog feed to my page! Yea, one down! ... but what I can't figure out is if or how I can embed something like postlets; has anyone done this? Or is this a waste of effort on Facebook?

I will have more questions as I delve deeper into this so what I could really use are a few talented"Facebook friends" to mentor me!

So I'm asking, well maybe I'm begging, ...heck, I'm frankly groveling... could someone shed some light on this system; maybe invite me to be a friend so I can see their page and help me through this mess?

A Penney Saved...Winterize Your Home!

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:22:11 -0500

Home Winterization Tips for the High Desert!

No doubt about it, as much as I love fall it is one of our shortest seasons here in Central Oregon. I can't remember more than one Halloween where my daughter's costume wasn't buried under a parka. (At least the fairy wings fit outside one year!) So, before it get's too cold to care, here are a few things to do to winterize your home in Central Oregon.

If you have gutters, clean out any debris and clear the downspouts. Where necessary seal corner joints to prevent unnecessary damage to the fascia board and trim. In this climate clogged gutters can lead to ice buildup and eventually ice damns if we get enough snow. Not only is this bad for the roof it's not so hot for the inside of your home when the ice starts to thaw!

Blow out your in-ground sprinkler lines and insulate the valve box. This is a cheap fix with most landscaping companies charging $35-40 to do this for you.

Remove hoses attached from outdoor spigots. The Frost Free Feature does not work if there is a hose attached! Insulate spigots that are not frost free!

Clean and seal deck surfaces. Pressure wash or clean the surface with a good deck cleaner and seal with a reliable product. (Ask your local hardware guy what he recommends.) A little effort here goes a long way in preventing costly refurbishing later!

Caulk exposed joint corners and openings at exterior beams and windows; when re-touching these areas with paint don't forget to touch up any other areas that may have missing paint or exposed wood. Cracks at joints and seams as well as exposed wood eventually can allow moisture to accumulate under the surface leading to an eventual breakdown of the product through dry rot or mold. Also, if moisture does get trapped in these openings and freezes it can cause expansion which is usually not good.

Have a licensed professional service your heating system to be sure it is running optimally, and don't forget to change the filter. With energy costs on the rise this is one place where an ounce of prevention is well worth it!

Close foundation vents when it gets cold. Keep the wind and damp out from under your home and decrease energy costs by closing the ventilation to your foundation.

If you have perennials, now is a good time to add an extra dose of winter fertilizer and mulch. This should protect the roots from freezing and give them an added boost of nutrients for the winter.

This is the "short list" and I'm sure there is more that I've left out! Please feel free to add your comments and to-do lists here and I'll update the list!Need help locating a contractor? Call your local Realtor, they're happy to help and generally have a list of icensed professionals in their community!

Rural Realities - Corn Maizes and Pumpkin Bowling

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:19:19 -0500

I adore fall, the crisp feel of the air in the morning, the hotter afternoons that make you think well maybe one more day of summer, the blazing orange sunsets, hot pressed cider, October Fests, pumpkins and corn fields... well maybe just one corn field....

If you Build it.... One Central Oregonian's Field of Dreams

Matt Lisignoli, owner of the Central Oregon Pumpkin Company knows adversity and skepticism when he sees it. Linsignoli not only grows 25 acres of one of the more difficult crops to grow here with our short growing season (pumpkins) he plants 8-10 acres of corn each year, not for consumption or sale, but to turn into Central Oregon's only corn maze! This year look forward to getting lost in roughly 8 acres of corn rows designed with the theme of "Castles and Dragons." (Hint: the maze is laid out in the outline of a castle... but where's the dragon???)

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IF YOU GO:

Fall Market Place
Hay Rides
Hay Fort
Petting Zoo
Pony Rides
Pumpkin Cannon

For directions, fees and times of events (access to the maize is limited to Fri-Sun) go to;

http://www.pumpkinco.org

Saturday October 25th -

You might be a Central Oregonian if....

You have ever been Pumpkin Bowling!

Join the Downtown Redmond Partnership, area vendors, and business as they kick off the Halloween Season with-

Scarecrow Themed streetlight and window decorating contest
Pumpkin Bowling
Spooky Sidewalk Sales
and more!

October 31st -

4 -6 PM Trick or Treat Downtown; Then gather your treats and beat feet to the Haunted House at Dawson Station! More Details to follow!

Looking for other events and activities in Central Oregon, who better to contact than your local area specialist and Realtor?

Creating a Legacy-Oregon's Land Use System

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:39:53 -0500

"Oregon's statewide population has grown dramatically in the past 30 years from roughly 2.5 to 3.5 million. Our population is expected to grow by an additional 1.7 million new Oregonians in the next 30 years." - The Big Look Task Force Sept. 2008

Oregon is the only state to have a land use and planning system reviewed and mandated at the state level.

Tom McCall, a Central Oregonian native and State of Oregon Governor from 1967-1975, believed that part of the legacy we as Oregonians could leave to our children and our children's children was stewardship of the land and its resources. McCall was dismayed by what he perceived to be the ongoing misuse of public and privately held lands and wanted to set forth Oregon as the environmental model for the nation. To that end, McCall became the founding father of Oregon's Land Use and Planning system which was enacted into law in 1973 under Senate Bill 100.

The Goals & Successes of Land Use Planning

Manages growth through a consistent and predictable process
Limits sprawl
Preserve farm and forest lands
Maintain rural landscapes while keeping cities urban
Support the agriculture and timber industries
Build Healthy livable cities

...And The Hurdles

Providing new housing & jobs while maintaining Oregon's high quality of life
Addressing farm and forest lands that do not provide an economic benefit; reexamine how they are designated and potentially allow for alternate uses
Addressing the implementation of environmental protections where they have been lax in the past.
Researching and developing methods to pay for infrastructure and growth.
Understanding the effects of carbon emissions on our climate and the challenges that may create.

If you are currently living in Oregon get invovled! go to www.oregonbiglook.org They have several great videos to help you understand the specific concerns and challenges Oregonians face as well as research documents, an on line survey-Statewide Public Opinion Survey and a schedule of Town Hall meetings and upcoming events.

If you are thinking of moving to Oregon, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about our state and Oregon manages her lands to prevent urban sprawl and ovely rapid development, this is one of the reasons' our housing market may recover sooner than most!

The Big Look -Watch the film and get involved!

NOTE: Cat Zwicker-Grant, P.C., a licensed Oregon Real Estate Broker and Desert Sky Real Estate, LLC, are not affiliated with the Big Look Task Force in any way other than personal interest and involvement in land use issues in the state of Oregon.

2941 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond, OR 97756

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:28:32 -0500

The Work's All Done in this Gardener's Delight!

And the price is right at $240,000

Built in 2005
1873 Square Feet of Living Area
3 Bedrooms
2.5 Bathrooms
Large great room with gas firplace
Spacious Dining Area
Covered Patio
Large Bonus Room
Immaculate Inside & Out
Custon Blinds
All Appliances
Raised Garden Beds
Silver Falls Slate Stone Walking Paths
Potential RV Parking

For more information and inside pictures click the link below:

2941 SW Deschutes Ave.

9477 SW Panorama Rd, Terrebonne, OR 97760

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:13:49 -0500

Welcome to Central Oregon's four-season playground.

At Crooked River Ranch recreational opportunities range from rock climbing at Smith Rock, hiking the Cascades, swimming, fishing and water skiing at a variety of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and horse back riding. In the winter, CRR is a short drive to some of the best skiing and winter sports at Mt. Bachelor and Hoo Doo Ski Resorts. A great place to live and play year round, or juas a seasonal get-a-way!

Surround yourself with mountain views!

for only $259,900

This spacious manufactured home is located in quiet Crooked River Ranch. Enjoy stunning sunsets over Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top and the Three Sisters from your cozy front porch. This low maintenance one plus acre lot is naturalized and allows you to come and go as you please so you can truly enjoy the Central Oregon lifestyle as well as nature in your own backyard.

Inside, this home has it all! You won't believe the attention to detail: sunken and vaulted ceilings, over sized windows, formal living room, great room w/LP fireplace, an open kitchen w/breakfast bar and separate nook, over sized 2 car garage w/built in cabinets, plenty of room for RV parking as well as a hook-up and clean-out. Offering 1875 SF of living area, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, there is more to this house than can be appreciated in virtual media! You need to see this home to believe it!!!

Not to pass the buck... but for more information on this home go to

9447 SW Panorama Rd.

Or contact Cat and come see Oregon's real wildlife!