A Friendly Reminder to Homebuyers: Don't Let Pettiness Come Back and Bite You in the Butt - 10/31/10 10:20 AM
A Friendly Reminder to Homebuyers:  Don't Let Pettiness Come Back and Bite You in the Butt (The Seller May Have a Trick or Two Up Their Sleeves for You)
I read a very interesting post by Nona Swann this morning titled:  "As-Is" sales contracts mean maybe?
Although Nona's sellers had full intentions of being generous in the end with their contribution of leaving certain items that the buyers may need and provide some instruction on how to work the pool. The buyers pettiness soured the sellers otherwise giving spirit.
I'm not painting a picture of angelic sellers so don't get carried … (106 comments)

Prevailing Thoughts for Today: Integrity In Your Work Parts I & II - 10/30/10 08:33 AM
Prevailing Thought for Today:  Integrity In Your Work Parts I and II
Overzealous Seller Pricing (Part I)Who hasn't been faced with the seller that believes that his/her home is worth far more than it is?  I have certainly had my share. How you choose to handle this situation could make or break both you and the seller.
There are 2 kinds of agents represented in this text.  The first in (Ezekiel 3:18) is likely to be a green (new agent) eager to please and/or just needs to get some experience in making presentations AND getting more listings (whether they have any … (13 comments)

Do You Want Your Business to Be at 100% Capacity? - 10/29/10 08:44 AM
I completely understand the analogy here of not wanting to maintain 100% capacity.  It makes sense to me. There may be a flipside and if there is, please be the first to point it out.  Being at the top has it's pitfalls.  One is that you have no where else to go and the second is having to pass all of those people on the way down.  If you get to the point where you think "you've arrived" then also think about where you have to go from there.
I've disabled comments so please click here to comment on BLiz's post.

… (2 comments)

Prevailing Thought for Today: Ezekiel's Call - 10/29/10 06:38 AM
"You must speak my words to them, whethey they listen or fail to listen......" (Eziekiel 2:7).
Sometimes when working with both buyers and sellers, how many times does it feel like you are talking to your children? 
You know how it is:  sometimes you feel like the more you talk, the less they listen.  But with our children, we know that we MUST keep talking, and talking and talking.  And by the Grace of God, know that when that crucial moment comes, they will remember what we told them and as they grow older, they will tell others Momma (or Dad) … (17 comments)

Book 'em Danno: Hawaii Five O's James MacArthur Dies Today - 10/28/10 07:02 PM
Book 'em Danno:  Hawaii Five O's James MacArthur Dies Today
If you grew up watching Hawaii Five-O, if you ever heard the phrase Book 'em Danno, you'd know exactly what it referenced.
To the girls and ladies, Danno was a hearthrob as was Jack Lord.  But that Danno, he was a sweetie even in my little girl eyes.
It's funny how we feel as if we've lost a good friend when we lose those that we grew up watching develop as actors, actresses, singers, entertainers and more.
Book 'em Danno!
… (15 comments)

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh --- I Got A New Blogatude. - 10/28/10 06:32 PM
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh --- I Got A New Blogatude.
Do You Have Blogatude?  This post inspired by Alex Morris' new group:  Music, Lyrics  & Blogs.  Maybe it's because I love to write.  Maybe it's because I like catchy tunes or phrases (and Alex's posts are always full of them). Or maybe it's just because like creativity.  Whatever the reason, I can always find an inspiration from Alex's post that sparks my own creative energy.  I call it inspiration.  He calls it one upping. At any rate, I was inspired to join Alex in singing about my Blogatude.
Wouldn't … (18 comments)

I'll stop the world and blog with you!!! - 10/28/10 11:26 AM
Alex has taken the Active Rain addiction to a whole new level.  He's now re-writing popular songs changing the themes to reflect his new found passion (for blogging).  Alex is clearly having fun with AR and so should we.  Far too often I get the impression that a lot of people on AR don't know how to laugh or smile.
Will you stop the world and blog with someone today?
Via Alex Morris:
My girlfriend finds it humorously annoying that when I check my blog, I then report back to her about what I saw.  She doesn't care.  I can't say I blame her.  I have … (11 comments)

Prevailing Thoughts for Today - 10/28/10 07:09 AM
Prevailing Thoughts for Today
When I woke up this morning, the first thought in my mind was:
This is the day the LORD has made; (I will) let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)
The second thought is an obvious message but it also expresses the way I feel about my real estate career.  My second prevailing thought is "I'm going through" and it was inspired by the Rev. Clay Evans and it goes something like this:
I'm going through.  I'm going through.  No matter what others may do. 
I'm going through. Oh, oh, oh.  I'm going through
… (7 comments)

Duh! I've Been Trying to Get Some Pictures Off of My Camera For Two Days! - 10/28/10 12:00 AM
Duh!  I've Been Trying to Get Some Pictures Off of My Camera For Two Days!
Two days ago, I took some pictures of a new rental listing at 1503 Harrison Lane. When I got home and connected the USB to the camera and my computer, I kept getting a message that the device was unrecognizable. Ooookaaaaay.  I'm not panicking.  I'll just try the other USB port.  Nothing happening there either.
Not to worry Charita.  Just wait until you get to the office and connect it to the desktop. Whew!  I'll be relieved then.  That is until I found out that my laptop must … (15 comments)

Lessons Learned Are Just as Important as What We Earn - 10/27/10 04:44 PM
The AR Lessons Learned Are Just as Important as the Leads, Referrals and Checks We Earn
This is my version of an ActiveRain Success Story.  While may may think of AR Success Stories as directl leads, referrals and closing of those leads and referrals, I contend that
The AR Lessons Learned Are Just as Important as the AR Leads, Referrals and Checks We Earn
I wrote a post today about a listing that I have that is now pending.  Oddly enough, I ended up showing this home to a buyer that was working with another agent.  The buyer's agent actually called me … (50 comments)

Boy Am I Glad I Showed This Listing Which is Now a PENDING SALE: 820 Marion Lane - 10/27/10 09:20 AM
Boy Am I Glad I Showed This Listing Which is Now a PENDING SALE:   820 Marion Lane
Sometimes listing agents can get a bit annoyed when a buyer's agent ask them to show a home to their buyer of let them in if the buyer's agent does not have an electronic key.  And I understand that sometimes it happens.  Lucky for me, I viewed this as just another opportunity to show the great house that I had listed for my seller.  Although I was a little pressed for time since I was a hostess at a wedding the day before I showed … (14 comments)

Update: Rental Home Listing in the Birmingham MLS - 10/26/10 11:04 PM
Rental Home Listing in the Birmingham MLS
Last week I wrote a post expressing my trepidation about the our MLS's decision to allow rental listings in the MLS.  We attended a meeting at our local Association and the Alabama Real Estate Commission's top legal counsel, Charles Sowell was on hand to explain the "truth and consequences" or rental listings in the MLS.
The majority of the inquires came from brokers and agents that specialized in residential sales.  Their primary concerns were fears that by adding rental listings in the MLS, that they would be taking on the role of property managers … (8 comments)

Get You Flu Shots Here Folks: Mickey D's Style - 10/26/10 03:05 PM
Get You Flu Shots Here Folks:  Mickey D's Style
This has got to be a first (at least the first I've heard).  The Shelby County Health Department is offering flu shots today until 6:00 p.m and get this, it's Mickey D's style.
That's right, just pull up to the drive through window and a health department worker will administer your flu shot for just five bucks ($5).
The Shelby County Health Department is located at:  2000 County Services Drive in Pelham.
See Birmingham News online for full story.
 
… (19 comments)

In and Around Birmingham: The 69th Annual Magic City Classic - October 30, 2010 - 10/26/10 09:57 AM
In and Around Birmingham:  The 69th Annual Magic City Classic - October 30, 2010
Second only to the Alabama and Auburn rivalry, is the Magic City Classic: The annual football face off of the year between the Alabama State University(ASU) and Alabama A & M.
It ain't nothin' but a party y'all.  Starting on Friday night October 28, 2010 the festivities begin.
Thursday, October 28, 2010:  Alumni Pep Rally, 7:30 p.m.  at the B & A Warehouse
Friday, October 29, 2010: Magic City Scholarship breakfast, 7:30 a.m at the Harbert Center
Saturday, October 30, 2010:  Magic City Classic Parade:  8:00 a.m. in Downtown Birmingham
Saturday, October … (10 comments)

Starting At Ground Level.....A Test Of Determination - 10/25/10 09:14 AM
One thing I absolutely love about Barbara Todaro is that she is her own woman.  She sets her sights on something and you better watch her smoke as she blazes the trail to reach her goal.  We could all learn a lesson from Barbara.  And the primary lesson is this:
This is your business.  Treat like that and not be dependent on someone else for your success.
Via Barbara Todaro (RE/MAX Executive Realty in Franklin, Ma):
After reading a post by Harry D'Elia titled "Are you associated with a winning real estate brokerage" I was inspired to share my opinion on this topic.  … (7 comments)

Understanding GRACE - 10/24/10 07:22 AM
Grace:  Another one of those precious gifts that can only come from a single source.
Do you really understand GRACE?  Do you know what GRACE is?  If not, it should be your mission to not only find out, but aim to be a recipient of this most precious gift.
Via Loreena Yeo, Realtor® Frisco TX Homes www.316teamREALTY.com (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):
GRACE .... is such a beautiful word. The meaning is even more extraordinary. The experience is simply unexplainable. Thank the Lord for all the GRACE He has extended to us for nothing more than because He first loved us.
I find … (7 comments)

Selling Bonus, Owner Occupant, Offer over $25k: This Just Kind of Threw Me - 10/23/10 07:23 AM
I've got an investor set up on an automatic email list to receive new listings daily.  Well as I was scrolling through the listings, I noticed the following in the agent notes of a particular listing for a condo 
$1000 SELLING AGENT BONUS FOR OWNER OCCUPANT PURCHASES, FROM 9.13.10 to 11.14.10. With a sales price greater than $25,000.00. Must be Closed by 12.31.10What's my point? you might be wondering.
Well it's not the bonus.  I'm all for that.  This is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in an area that is known to have one of the best schools systems in … (23 comments)

Justin Beiber: Ooooh I Like --- Love Him. OMG. He's Coming to the Ham (Birmingham That Is) - 10/23/10 05:19 AM
Justin Beiber:  Ooooh I Like --- Love Him.  OMG. He's Coming to the Ham (Birmingham That Is)
Okay parents pull out the credit card because your girls are going to see teen heartthrob Justin Beiber at the BJCC.  Yep you heard me, Justin Beiber.  And you thought the girls have been practicing their Halloween scream.  Nope, nadda, not one chance.  Just the meer mention of Juuuuus-tin sends them off into a tangent.
Well this Just-in:  Justin Beiber will be headlining at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center.
When:  Friday, December 21, 2010
Time:  7:00 p.m.
Tickets:  $46.05-$67.65 (went on sale June 9, 2010)
… (8 comments)

Pending: 2829 Aster Lake Road, Bessemer, AL 35022 - 10/22/10 09:16 PM
Pending: 2829 Aster Lake Road, Bessemer, AL 35022
Listed:  September 14, 2010
Offer Made:  September 30, 2010
Seller Accepted Offer:  October 1, 2010
Bank Approved BPO, Proceed with Short Sale:  October 21, 2010
Sometimes it pays to be in second position, but most times it just pays to be first.
BUYERS:  When you see a house that you really love, don't risk loosing out on it because you are just so afraid you'll miss out on a better deal.  If you really love the house, then it IS the best deal.

 
 
… (6 comments)

Warren H. Brown, Jr. Always Had My Back.....No Matter What - 10/22/10 03:38 AM
Warren H. Brown, Jr. Always Had My Back......No Matter What
One year ago today, my friend Warren H. Brown, Jr. died.  We dated on and off for a little over 15 years.  Although when he died, we had not dated for nearly 2 years, he was still my friend and he still always had my back.
Warren lived life very simply.   He didn't want much, he didn't need much.  He was no saint and I'm not trying to make a martyr out of him but he really cared about helping people.  He lived in the small house where his parents raised … (19 comments)

Yea! Disney on Ice is Coming to Birmingham Alabama! Do I Have to Take a Kid? - 10/22/10 03:29 AM
Yea!  Disney on Ice is Coming to Birmingham Alabama!  Do I Have to Take a Kid?
Disney on Ice.  Wow!  I remember when my daughter Candice was a little girl, we used to go to Disney on Ice.  I remember being so fascinated by everything:  the color characters, the ice skating, the excitement.  It was sheer beauty the way that the cast performed.
I remember that every year, I would get really giddy when I heard the words "Disney on Ice" as it was being advertised on the radio.  A joy would come over me as if I I had a … (5 comments)

If They Have An Issue With Earnest Money, That Just Might Be A Sign - 10/21/10 09:19 AM
Scott hits the nail on the head AGAIN.  How many times have the signs slapped us squarely in the face and warned us to run in the opposite direction as fast as we can.  Turning away a buyer or seller can sometimes be the most difficult thing to do, but in the end, if the signs are all there, it will prove to be one of the best things you've ever done.
Via Scott Hayes (Austin Real Estate Agency):
I'm dealing with several buyers at the moment, and explaining the offer process to my them. One of my favorite parts of that conversation, … (7 comments)

Looking for Something for the Kids to Do For Halloween in Hayden Alabama? - 10/21/10 12:09 AM
Looking for Something for the Kids to Do For Halloween in Hayden Alabama?
There's more to Halloween than trick or treat.  Every year, kids everywhere look forward to all the candy that their parents will allow them to collect.  No other time during the year is candy such a semi-welcome treat to parents.
Kids look forward to dressing up and either going to church for the Hallelujah Night or knocking door to door dressed as witches and goblins and chanting trick or treat at the top of their lungs.
Oh, but what's a kid to do before Halloween? Well go to the … (2 comments)

A Bald Eagle Was Sighted In Talladega County, AL - 10/20/10 11:34 PM
I can't say that I have ever seen a bald eagle.  But watching this video that Diane Williams post, I can definitely see where the phrase "soar like an eagle" comes from.  This is just beautiful to watch.
Via Diane Williams (RE/MAX Realty Pros~Logan Martin Lake, St. Clair, AL):
A Bald Eagle Was Sighted In Talladega County, AL
                                                                                                             
 
Last year a friend of mine was told that a Bald Eagle was sighted in Talladega County. AL on Renfroe Road near the Cotton Patch Store. He made several trips to the location and finally did see the Eagle. I have never had the … (9 comments)

Alan May Has My Muse, Tish Lloyd Has My Hat and Me, Well I got...... - 10/20/10 09:00 AM
Alan May Has My Muse, Tish Lloyd Has My Hat and Me, Well I got......Nuttin'
Alan May Has My Muse, Tish Lloyd Has My Hat and Me, Well I got......Nuttin'.  Nuttin to say that is.  I've hit rock bottom.  I joined the ranks of the uninspired led by none other than Alan May himself when he posted Where's My Muse on Sunday.  He passed the "uninspired" torch to me right when I was on a roll.
Now what?  I got nuttin'.  Nuttin' to say that is. 
A month or so a go, Tish Lloyd got a hold of my thinking cap that I … (68 comments)

Bham WIiRE Rentals: Birmingham Alabama Rental Homes - 316 79th Street N East Lake - 10/20/10 06:04 AM
Bham WIiRE Rentals:   Birmingham Alabama Properties for Rent $500/mo each side

 
This duplex is located in East Lake near Oporto Madrid Road.  Both sides are available for rent at just $500 each side.
Both sides have 2 bedrooms and 1 bath and the units are totally electric.
Please visit our Bham WIiRE Rentals website for:
Showing Instructions
Preliminary Application
Rental Qualifications
… (3 comments)

Propsective Tenants: Rule #1 - 10/18/10 04:01 PM
Propsective Tenants: Rule #1
Dear Prospective Tenant,
I am delighted that you called about our advertisement for a rental property.  Really I am.  Please know that sometimes we put addresses in our ads and sometimes we don't.  But in either case, there is a reason behind it.
I'm getting a little off track here, or maybe not, so back to Rule #1:
If you are going to call me regarding one of my rental home ads to get the address:
RULE #1:  PLEASE HAVE PEN AND PAPER HANDY!
We are both pretty positive you'll have some other questions too and that … (13 comments)

Rented: This Cute Little House is Now Someone's Home - 10/18/10 12:02 PM
Rented:  This Cute Little House is Now Someone's Home
While everyone is searching for that perfect 3 bedroom/2 bath home with a basement, deck, den, swimming pool and everything under the kitchen sink.......
Sometimes a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house is all that's needed to make a house a home.
Bham WIiRE Realty welcomes its newest tenants to this East Lake rental property.

… (9 comments)

How Is Your AR Driving? - 10/18/10 09:14 AM
Jon ask not only how is your AR driving but also what's your AR speed?  Are you one of those people that shoots for a goal and then once you get there the fun seems to be over.  What's your real purpose here I ask?  I'm disabling comments here.  Please make comments on Jon's post.

Via Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL. FunCoast Realty, 386-405-4408:
When on a highway, I usually use cruise control. It disciplines me, I am guaranteed from speeding beyond the speed that I set, and I do not need to watch and maintain it.
And there are always … (0 comments)

Silly Sunday: That Irreverant Humorist Dave Barry on "How to Argue Effectively" - 10/17/10 07:04 PM
I want to thank Barbara Chatterton for this delightful post.  I know that some people think (or act like they think) that laughter is a waste of time, but this is just too hilarious.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  I just could not stop laughing.
Via Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company):
Silly Sunday: That Irreverant Humorist Dave Barry on "How to Argue Effectively"

In researching tips for effective argueing, I found that Thesaurus.com offers this definition:
Compare your opponent to Adolf Hitler.
This is your heavy artillery, for when your opponent is obviously right and you are spectacularly … (10 comments)

Rented: Birmingham Rental Home 4309 Avenue L in Belview Heights - 10/16/10 07:05 AM
Rented: Birmingham Rental Home 4309 Avenue L in Belview Heights
It's been rented but don't you worry, we've got more.  Visit Bham WIiRE Rentals website to view our available rentals.  And if you're ready to buy, well we can help you there too.  Just visit our In and Around Birmingham website to view available properties for sale in the Greater Metropolitan Birmngham area and then get ready for the customer focused service ride of your life.

… (3 comments)

Dear Buyers-There Is A Simple Reason You Are Sitting In The Dark Today - 10/15/10 11:51 AM
Some actions result from common sense.  Buyers and sellers alike in their haste to move into or out of a home, often forget to do something as simple as transfer or turn on utilities. But if for some reason they forget, then just man/woman up and TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.  Some people just ALWAYS have to have someone to blame and it's a darned shame.
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (CJ Realty Group, Inc.):
It is a dark and dreary day in Northern Virginia.  It is raining hard and when the phone rang the voice on the other end was … (12 comments)

AR SOI Can You Help Me Talk This Out? Rental Listings in the MLS - More Harm Than Good - 10/15/10 08:43 AM
Rental Listings in the MLS:  More Harm Than Good
I'm calling on my AR SOI to weigh in on this and help me talk it out.  You already know that I really do value your opinions, so please read on!
Upon reading the following:  Here are the real questions that I need answered:
Now here's the real rub:
If the (selling) listing agent has ane exclusive MLS rental listing in place and states that they are the sole agent/broker to list the property for rent (and they don't manage the property):
Where does that leave the owner if he/she/they wishes to … (41 comments)

Your Broker/Owner Is Not Responsible For Your Success!!! - 10/15/10 05:59 AM
Barbara Todaro is singing a song that some agents will never learn and that is that their success depends on them and no one else:  not even their broker.  I cannot even imaging depending on some else (beside God) for my success.  It's unthinkable to me.
Via Barbara Todaro (RE/MAX Executive Realty in Franklin, Ma):
After reading a post by Bliz titled "Innovation Probably Isn't Found In Your Brokerage's Classroom" I thought I'd go one step further and give my opinion as to why that occurs.  The most important task any broker/owner/manager has is to recruit, and most recruits today are new blood.  … (2 comments)

Nobody Likes Being in Second Place: Possible Short Sale in Silver Lakes - 10/14/10 11:55 AM
Nobody Likes Being in Second Place: Possible Short Sale in Silver Lakes
Nobody likes being in second place but when you've got a home like this that's priced to sell quickly at the bargain basement price of just $265,000, you wouldn't even want to risk not being in position.
This home showed well right of the bat.  Within the first week, several buyers had expressed interest, but waited just a bit too late and let someone slip in with an offer and acceptance by the seller.
We're just waiting for the bank's okay, but you just never know how that will … (19 comments)

Bham WIiRE Realty Has Just Listed This Great Home for Rent in Birmingham (Centerpoint) - 10/14/10 11:44 AM
Bham WIiRE Realty Has Just Listed This Great Home for Rent in Centerpoint
1503 Harrison Lane, Birmingham, AL 35215. 
There is just something about living on a corner lot.  Maybe it's all of that extra space you get and the beauty of the land.    I don't know, but whatever it is, I'm sure that many feel the same way.
This lovely home sits high off the street so that you've got a lovely view as you sit perch is your favorite chair gazing out of the window.
The backyard is a haven for holding family get togethers.  Plenty of room for … (0 comments)

Starting your own real estate business might be easier than you think! - 10/14/10 11:05 AM
Here's a great list for those thinking about branching out on your own and opening up your own brokerage.  I must warn you though that if you are short on motivation, you might want to rethink a opening up your own shop.
Via Cynthia Larsen - Sonoma County Real Estate (Safe Haven Realty):
A lot of agents I know are perfectly happy hanging their real estate license with someone else, whether it's a national company, a privately owned franchise or a local mom and pop shop. I started with a large company but I knew that one day I would want to earn … (8 comments)

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Birmingham Alabama Homeowners It's a Great Time to Sell! - 10/14/10 09:26 AM
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!   Birmingham Alabama Homeowners It's a Great Time to Sell! BREAKING NEWS:  Haven't you heard?  Traditional home sellers catch a break.  Some banks have put the breaks on the sale of foreclosures and you know what that means don't you?    Hellooooooooooooo!   YOU NOW HAVE LESS COMPETITION!    Not only is this a great time to sell, but it’s a great time to buy.
How good is that?    Been thinking about selling or buying a home in Metro Birmingham, Alabama?  Now is a great time to do it.  Now let's get down to the business of … (7 comments)

Buy a House in This Market? You're Kidding Me Right? - 10/13/10 04:59 PM
Buy a House in This Market?  You're Kidding Me Right?
You Must Be Out of Your Mind.  Why would you want to buy a house in this market?
First we kept telling you that "now is a great time to buy." With all the foreclosures on the market, we felt sure that if ever buyers wanted to buy a house, now would be the time to do it.  With home prices being as low as they are, who wouldn't think it was a great time to buy?
As if that wasn't enough, interests rates were and STILL are at an … (28 comments)

Boo Radley Says These 13 Movies Ought to Get You in the Spirit of Halloween - 10/13/10 08:53 AM
Boo Radley Says These 13 Movies Ought to Get You in the Spirit of Halloween!
I'm going old school here.  I'm the biggest chicken in the world when it comes to watching scary movies.  I just won't do it.  So this list stems from when I was a kid (and had no fears other than my brother scaring the living daylights out of me). 
Top of the old school horror movie list:
To Kill a Mockingbird
Friday the 13th
Halloween (1978)
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Carrie
The Birds (and ANYTHING else by Hitchcock)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Don't Look  in the Basement (1973)
Night of the … (28 comments)

How Did "Do Not Answer" Get Saved in My Blackberry's Phonebook? - 10/12/10 03:05 AM
How Did "Do Not Answer" Get Saved in My Blackberry's Phonebook?
Do you have a person in your cell phone address  book by the name of "Do Not Answer?"  Well I've got a few by that name.  Want to know how they got there?  There are only 2 occassions when I label a caller "Do Not Answer."
Telemarketers if they call me more than a few times and I've already told them that I am not interested. But the #1 way that people get label "Do No Answer" in my phonebook is this:
Anyone who calls my phone 30 times in … (25 comments)

Blogging: The Art of Giving AND Receiving - 10/11/10 11:31 AM
Blogging:  The Art of Giving AND Receiving
ActiveRain member Susan Gaieski, made the following comment on my post titled The SEO Boat is Passing Me By. Bye, Bye SEO. Maybe Someday We'll Be Friends  
She said:  Charita, Everytime I read your blogs - I find a wealth of information. 
I appreciate that she said that and I took it as a compliment to the membership at large. But what was more valuable is the lesson that Ilearned from that brief statement.
I realized that whenever we write a post, we not only have an opportunity to inform (teach) others, but it's unbelieveable … (17 comments)

No, I didn't say it wrong. You heard it wrong. Score one for Cheeky Assistant! - 10/08/10 03:14 PM
We are in a business that requires us to listen far more than we talk.  But do you really listen to yourself talk? If you do, are you certain that you are getting your point across without any ambiguity?  Unless you're playing CLUE, make a point of getting your point across with out the guesswork.
Via Tish Lloyd Real Estate Agent Wrightsville Beach, NC (Prudential Laney Real Estate 910.547.1446):
How many times has this happened to you?  You tell someone something and they just assume that you meant something else entirely -- then they act, or don't act, accordingly?  Or they somehow draw a different … (9 comments)

Congratulations to Active Rain's Own Gerry Michaels - 10/07/10 11:04 PM
Congratulations to Active Rain's Own Gerry Michaels
I missed Gerry's post on Wednesday announcing that he had won a seat on the board of the Realtors Assoc. of York and Adams Counties (RAYAC),
I think this may have slipped under a lot of our radars based on the number of responses to his post.  I would have re-blogged it but that option was not available.
I'm disabling comments on this post, so please click on over to Gerry's post RAYAC Annual Meeting Elects New Board Members announcing his victory and congratulate him.  He deserves it.
CONGRATULATIONS GERRY!
… (0 comments)

Will I Take a Selling Agent Bonus? You Damn Skippy I Will! - 10/07/10 03:50 PM
Will I Take a Selling Agent Bonus?  You Damn Skippy I Will!
Stephanie Frymer wrote a post titled:  "Buyer Agent Bonus" - Ethical???  (Please note that I had a link to this post, but for some reason Stephanie has removed the post.  It's too bad because it was a good read).
Let me first disclaim that this is in no way a discredit to Stephanie. 
Stephanie calls into question the ethics of offering and acceptance of a selling agent bonus and believes that agents who accept a bonus may not be working in the best interest of their client.
I respect Stephanie's opinion … (105 comments)

Kids and Social Media - 10/06/10 08:37 AM
This post just goes to show (1) how out of touch some parents are with their kids and (2) surely these parents must have misunderstood the question.  What are your kids up to?
Via Kristin Johnston,Realtor,Waukesha County WI Real Estate (Remax Realty Center 414-254-6647):
I saw some poll results regarding kids and social media and wanted to share them.  When asked how many times a day do moms think their kids log onto a social network, such as Facebook,Formspring or Myspace, here were the results:  
20 percent said once, at the most twice
26 percent said several, before and after school, … (17 comments)

Have You Found Your Niche In The Real Estate Business.....It's Career Saving !!! - 10/05/10 03:47 PM
For those still feeling their way around in this business, Barbara Todaro offers up some solid advice.  Yuu can learn this lesson now, or learn it later.   But the sooner you do, the better off you'll be.
Via Barbara Todaro (RE/MAX Executive Realty in Franklin, Ma):
Finding your niche in the real estate business is very important.  It's the difference between working with whatever comes your way and focusing on a sector of the business that you enjoy and about which you are knowledgeable.  Finding your niche is career saving for many agents, today.  
New construction is my niche, and my team members … (3 comments)

Birmingham Property Management: I Gotta Love My Tenants - 10/04/10 07:21 PM
 
Birmingham Property Management: I Gotta Love My Tenants
It's Monday, October 4, 2010.  Rents are due on October 1st of each month.  Ask me how I'm feeling right now.
I'm feeling G.R.E.A.T Now go ahead and ask me why?
I'll tell you why:  All of the rents are in BABY!
I love my tenants and I sure know how to pick 'em through our extensive and thorough screening process.
I'm excited, but you know what?  That's nothing new.  I've got great tenants who pay on time each and ever month.   Want the best tenants in Birmingham, Alabama?  Place your … (8 comments)

Need Another Reason to Buy a Home in Gardendale Alabama? - 10/04/10 11:36 AM
Need Another Reason to Buy a Home in Gardendale Alabama?
How about no property taxes.  That's right, Gardendale is one of only a few municipalities in the Metropolitan Birmingham area that does not collect property taxes.
A whopping 46% of Gardendale sales tax revenue is generated from the WalMart located right off of I-65. Gardendale is not alone according to an article in today's online version of the Birmingham News which states the following:  Smaller municipalities in Jefferson and Shelby counties without a property tax are Clay, Pinson, County Line, West Jefferson, Chelsea, Indian Springs Village and Westover.
Here's a look … (10 comments)

Well Here They Are: Mr. & Mrs. Stan Hill - 10/02/10 07:25 AM
 
Well the wedding was a small and intimate ceremony.  A few family members gathered for the special occassion and it was as beautiful as any wedding I had ever attended.
Allow me to introduce Candice and Stan Hill(and my grandbaby Tristan of coursee)
Mr. & Mrs. Stan (Candice) Hill & Tristan
The Bride & Groom & Grooms Parents
The Bride & Guess Who?
… (39 comments)

Today Is the BIG Day - 10/01/10 02:37 PM
Today Is the BIG Day
Well many of you know that today is the day that my daughter is getting married.  I first mentioned this several months ago and then just recently with the post The Wedding is Off But the Marriage is On.
Up until now it's been all talk. But it's different today.  Before I've been all smiles as I talked of the marriage.  Don't get me wrong, I am still very happy.  But today is a little different.  As I sit here and type my last post for today (or until late this evening), my eyes are beginning to … (16 comments)