Results, While Often Harsh Are Fair - 09/30/10 10:21 PM
 
I heard this phrase today 'Results, while often harsh are fair'
 

Isn't that a slap upside the head!  And, Oh so very true. 
We can't control other people's behaviors or decisions, we can only control what we do and how we do it. 
Mass amounts of $$$$ are spent learning how to manage time.  We spend endless hours of time trying to learn how to manage our time. (is that an oxymoron?)
One of the very best training sessions I ever spent time in talked about creating a counter balance life and had us focus on this  
WHATEVER  YOU  SAY  YES … (14 comments)

Swimming in a Sea of Verbiage! - 09/29/10 08:41 PM
WHAT TO SAY!  WHAT NOT TO SAY!
I am swimming in the sea of verbiage!
 

Can the loan officer pull me out of the treacherous waters?

A recent home inspection uncovered two issues of concern to the buyer, one of which was  "mold" on the attic wall behind some old insulation that was sealed up with heavy duty plastic.  The inspector felt the way the insulation was installed, it caused moisture behind the insulation and created the goo on the wall.
 
We all know that in today's real estate market, underwriting has gotten very strict - no … (20 comments)

It's Dark - Turn on the Lights! - 09/28/10 09:46 PM
Do I really have to say this?  Apparently so!  It is getting darker earlier,  Sellers Please Turn On Your Lights.
 
So this is me pulling into the fourth house I showed this evening and all of them were in the same dark state!  And as you can see by the windshield, it was raining too!
 
Now I have to make my way to the front door and fumble with a small flash light, listing information sheets, umbrella that I'm using for the buyers AND try to read those little numbers and maneuver the tumblers, push buttons or Ibox codes … (12 comments)

Radon Gas - What's Okay? - 09/27/10 02:15 PM
 
Radon Gas is found in every day life, but What's Okay?  
 

 
 
 
 
One of my buyers had a recent Radon Test done on a home they are purchasing, which I always recommend to do.  
Typically I do not use a Radon tester who also sells the systems - Bad vibes for me!  In this case, the general home inspector recommended a tester to my client whom I have never met before and my clients hired the tester based on the general inspectors recommendation.  
 
While we were at the house I quickly … (9 comments)

A Fun and Interesting Find in Mentor, Ohio - 09/26/10 06:04 PM
Looking for something fun and interesting to do in Mentor Ohio?                                                 /image_store/uploads/1/8/1/1/5/ar128553594751181.jpg" height="90" alt="Garfield Museum" width="120" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" />
 
Take some time to visit the James A. Garfield National Museum.  James A. Garfield was our 20th president and was from Mentor, Ohio.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
A Fun Fact - Ohio is known as the "Mother of Presidents"  as EIGHT Ohioans have become presidents.  
 
 
The James A. Garfield … (9 comments)

Search for Murder Suspect of Ohio Real Estate Agent - 09/25/10 07:52 PM

 
The hunt for the accused killer of a prominent Portage County Realtor has gone nationwide, Portage County Sheriff David Doak said Friday.  Learn more of this story
 
Robert W. Grigelaitis
 
Anyone recognize this man?   Call Portage County Sheriff:  (330) 678-7012 
 
According the news reports, this may have been over a property dispute.  Scary!  
 
Thankfully two men were arrested for the murder of another Ohio real estate agent and the robbery of another agent. 
It appears the one murder and robbery of  another agent were committed by the same two men, but not related to … (14 comments)

How to be a Social (Media) Butterfly on Facebook - 09/25/10 07:02 PM
I saw this post a few days ago by Jason Crouch and put it into action that very day and have done so every day since.  This is a great piece of advice to keep you engaged with your friends on Facebook without spending too much time searching through the posts.  Better yet, it really helps to keep you focused on your task at hand and not get side tracked by games and what not.  
Try it! It's easy!
Christine
Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):
With the advent of Facebook as a keeping-in-touch … (7 comments)

BE CAREFUL!!!!! BE SAFE!!!! - 09/23/10 09:40 AM
PLEASE - PLEASE - PLEASE
BE CAREFUL!  BE SAFE!  HAVE A PLAN!
 
Do what you need to do to be safe, especially now!  Travel in pairs.  If you have not met the buyers or sellers before, bring them into your offices, walk them around - let people see their faces.  Let your office or someone know where you will be at.  Have a safe plan at open houses and vacant homes.   Attend some safety courses.  And as the experts always say -  FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS  If something seems off, don't go there!  Nothing is worth your life or injury!
 
… (10 comments)

Sellers- Are your Buyers Courtesy Peekers???? - 09/22/10 09:56 PM
Here's another great post from our staging partners.  
 
Kathy makes some great points here.
 I have been here many times with buyers - Courtesy Peekers and she is right about making your house a point of interest and keep the buyers interest.
It is more important than ever to bring a stager in to edit your listings!
Via Actively Raining Thoughts-Kathy Streib- Stager-South Florida - 561-914-6224 (Room Service Home Staging):
Sellers- have you noticed that your Buyers are Courtesy Peekers??? 
You know what I mean...  they walk through your home and PEEK into each room.  They're in and out of your … (2 comments)

As Inspections Go... - 09/22/10 08:21 PM
...This Inspection Went Very Well!
 
Even though I was informed by our risk management instructor that there can be liability to the real estate agent for attending the inspection, I just have a hard time letting my buyer go through any part of the home buying process by themselves.  
 
(At a recent risk management class we were informed that if an agent attends a  home inspection, the agent could be dragged into a lawsuit if something should arise and held to a different level of liability.  Things are getting out of hand!)
 
So, I still attend home … (14 comments)

"FLOPPING" - 09/21/10 09:44 PM
Here's a new term for you, if you haven't already of it
FLOPPING
 
FLOPPING is a new short sale term and is considered to be short sale fraud.  
Freddie Mac has issued a warning against Flopping and State Licensing authorities are investigating.  Basically Flopping is when an investor enters into an option or contract to purchase a property, gains authorization from the  owner to negotiate with the lender, meanwhile the investor finds an end buyer at a higher price and submits the investor's lower offer to the bank for approval and acceptance and the investor is selling the property to the end buyer … (19 comments)

Have You Heard of Surround Sound? - 09/20/10 04:49 PM
You may be thinking of the Surround Sound speaker systems people can get for their home and car, but in this case I am referring to the phenomenal program by National Association of REALTORS.
 
The program was created in early 2008 to combat the onslaught of negativity in the real estate community and the buying and selling public.  In a nut shell, it is all about sharing your stories, in your own words  through a multitude of media platforms.
The irony about this great program is that I don't think most agents even know about it!  And that is a … (10 comments)

RESPA and Home Warranty Fees - 09/19/10 06:16 PM
I learned some new information on RESPA and Home Warranty Fees while at the Ohio Association of REALTORS convention this past week. 
Peg Ritenour, OAR's Staff Attorney provided us with this valuable information.
The issue is the payment of fee to REALTORS for selling home warranty, is it prohibited by RESPA?
The issue arose out of a letter interpretation and several law suits.  There have been many meetings with NAR & Home Warranty Industry and HUD.  Since, HUD has issued an interpretative rule on June 25, 2010
This is a rule and not law, although Peg has stated that it is … (16 comments)

Heading out to Day 2 of Women of Faith - 09/18/10 07:22 AM
Today is Day 2 of Women of Faith Over The Top Event in Cleveland, Ohio
 
One of the featured speakers today is Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman. I have not personally heard them speak live, I understand it is very moving and an incredible story of forgiveness, healing and bonds of a close family.
 
Thank God, I have my three children near me and healthy, I can't begin to imagine the loss of a child!
 
 Yesterday, someone spoke up who had lost her son and she just did not want to go on anymore. Of course we … (8 comments)

Women Of Faith, Over The Top, Cleveland Stop - 09/17/10 10:37 PM
I attended my first ever Women of Faith event -
Over the Top in Cleveland Ohio at the Quicken Loan Arena
I was invited to attend the two day event by a girlfriend of mine who is a group leader for the event.  I  had no idea what I was committing to other than I wanted to go to support my friend, I really thought this was something her church was putting on.  Then she told me it was downtown, so I thought oh, they must have a really great turnout.  Little did I know this is a really big event … (9 comments)

In A Perfect World... - 09/16/10 11:25 PM
...A buyer would call up 3 - 4 days before they want to see a few houses and I can make the appointments in a timely fashion.
As Real Estate Reality would have it, the perfect world does not always exist!

When my buyer called me last night to say she was able to get some free time today to look at a few homes, I told her no problem - it's before 8:00 pm and I still have time to call the showing company to make my appointments.
So, I pull up the listings to make my appointments and … (12 comments)

Networking, Net-Sitting, Net- Attacking... - 09/15/10 10:39 PM
I joined a local Business Network International chapter about two years ago and ever since I've been
following and reading Dr. Ivan Misners' books and articles
I love one of the lines he has used in many articles and books -  Its Networking - Not Net-Sitting!
 and I've add my own Its Not Net-Attacking.
 
You probably have the image clear in your head of the Net-Attacker - heck, you've probably dodge them or ran for cover on a number of occasions.    Its the person who hits the party or event with one thing, and only one thing in mind, collect as … (9 comments)

Two Easy Steps to DeClutter Your Home! - 09/15/10 08:52 PM
Here's a great example of surrounding yourself with professionals to help you exceed in your business.  Bringing in a Stager to speak with your sellers will help them to set their product above the competition. 
Well said Kathy!  Thank you!
Via Actively Raining Thoughts-Kathy Streib- Stager-South Florida - 561-914-6224 (Room Service Home Staging):
DeCluttering is the buzzword of the day for anyone in the real estate , design, and home staging professions.   You hear it daily on HGTV; read about it in home decorating magazines, see it in a good majority of blogs, and it's probably mentioned by any Realtor or … (4 comments)

A Busy Day at OAR Convention - 09/14/10 05:12 PM

Whew!  Its been a busy day at the OAR Convention today. 
I woke up this morning early to attend the 8:00 am Enlarged Legislative Committee meeting which discusses timely topics in our industry, bills and laws.
10:00 o'clock brought me to Legal Issues with Peg Ritenour, who delivered phenomenal information on short sale fraud and what to look out for, HUD's new ruling on Home Warranty Companies and Respa issues with regards to agents receiving payments for home warranties sold and Transaction/Administration Fee law suits.  All very interesting.
I stopped for lunch with some real estate buddies....
And then it … (3 comments)

OAR Convention Highlights 9/13/10 - 09/13/10 10:46 PM

Monday, September 13, 2010 OAR Convention Highlights


OAR welcome ceremony featured Brian Olsen, Art in Action.  Phenomenal and Amazing.  He is an artist that paints live to music and he used both his hands and brushes.  He did 4 paintings, John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe, MLK and Elvis.  It was fun to watch.  I loved his message of creativity and his passionate saying 'It's not what you do, it's how you do it'
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
The REALTOR of the Year Awards were given out too at the welcome session and it was awesome … (8 comments)

Ohio Association of REALTORS Convention - 09/12/10 10:40 PM
 
Ohio Association of REALTORS convention starts today and is being held in Cincinnati.
OAR is celebrating 100 years!
 

 
Today was a good day meeting up with fellow Real Estate Friends, a couple of great continuing education classes and the opening of the expo show.
We received a great commemorative anniversary book as part of our registration packet and was excited to see our local board's president's picture prominently displayed on one of the first few pages. 
This evening, the directors from our local board, Lake Geauga Association of REALTORS had dinner together and discussed important issues, had … (4 comments)

I Was Elected Today and I Am Happy To Serve! - 09/11/10 10:45 PM
 
Today was the Ohio State Women's Council of REALTORS meetings and our annual elections....
....And I am excited to say I was elected today as the Ohio State Chapter's Treasurer to serve on the 2011 board.
 
I am happy to serve our State chapter in this capacity!
I've been a member for a number of years and have served on our local chapter's board, Lake Geauga Chapter, on several committees and I was the 2009 Local Chapter President.  I've worked on committees at the State level and am the 2010 Strategic Planning Chairperson. 
I've learned an immeasurable amount from … (11 comments)

Admitting When You May Not Be The Best Thing For Your Client - 09/10/10 08:34 PM


Sometimes the best thing you can do for your client is to admit when you might not be the right person for a particular job.
                We have a real estate license to help a client buy or sell a home and in my state, I can sell anywhere in it. 
But just because we can doesn't mean we should!
Today I received a call from a client who will be investing in a franchise and will need a commercial space.  Of course, I can legally help him as a real estate agent, but it would not be in … (12 comments)

What's With This Aging Stuff? - 09/09/10 10:35 PM
 
I use to hear all kinds of stuff from my mom (when she was with us) and now my aunts, my older sisters,  and friends about the side effects of old age  and to be  honest, I really took it all with a grain of salt!
 

 
               Now I'm asking on a regular basis What's With this Aging Stuff?      
 
And it all happens so fast!  One day your young and youthful...
    ....the next, the skin is starting to sag above the knees and elbows, the wrinkles … (21 comments)

Solon, Ohio is One of 10 Stops for the KW Cares Road Show! - 09/08/10 11:44 PM
I am excited to share that the KW Cares Road show will be making one of their 10 stops here in Solon, Ohio
 

The Solon Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Southeast Market Center spent many hours petitioning for the opportunity to be a host city for the KW Cares Road Show.    Their hard work paid off and was awarded one of the stops!  Congratulations!
 
Fun festivities are planned for the  weekend with a Sock Hop on Saturday 10/16/10
A tour of the Rock-N-Hall of Fame and the concert on Sunday 10/17/10
Tickets for the concert can be purchased at … (8 comments)

Home Buying Seminer - 09/07/10 06:52 PM
Come One!  Come All!
 
Welcome to the
2010 Keller Williams Home Buying Seminar
Saturday, September 25, 2010
10:00 a.m.
7400 Center Street, Mentor Ohio (or a location nearest to you)
 
Free - Free -Free   Workshop
Find out how to take advantage of Today's Market, Short Sales, Real Estate Owned, Foreclosures
This is going to be great workshop filled with lots of information that you can use right away!
Financing Options, Credit Score Rules, Changes in the Law, Using the Internet to find your home and much, much more!
You are welcome to bring friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers. … (5 comments)

Christine! I'm Disappointed in You! - 09/07/10 04:33 PM
 

 
 
   I answered the phone call of a friend of mine today and the first words out of his      mouth were:
 
 
Christine! I'm Disappointed in YOU!  My stomach twisted into knots and I asked why?  He said because I didn't hear from you last week!  Now, I'm thinking I missed a birthday, an anniversary, or some kind of event and how did I miss something like that and mess up.  I am one to always call and send notes for birthdays and so on.
 
So, I ask, what did I miss?  He said … (16 comments)

Eliminate Buyer Disappointment - 09/05/10 09:12 AM
 
                                 
                                                    Take care to eliminate buyer disappointment!    
Home selling websites have gone to great lengths to increase the number of pictures one can view and the amount of information that can be shared with the viewing public.  Our local area multiple listing   service increased the amount of pictures we can upload and the amount of information  that we can input, allowing us to showcase the property better.
 
And all of this information is open and available to the buying public in many different avenues.  I liken the Internet to the old Sunday car lot shopping days.  When I was younger, our family would walk up … (7 comments)

Family Ties - 09/05/10 12:00 AM

These two ladies are the Matriarchs of the Latessa Family.  82 years old!
 
Today we had our Latessa Family Reunion with well over 100 people and we had the good fortune to meet some of my grandfathers' brothers relatives from as far as Canada.
 
My aunts were especially excited because the one brother, who came from Italy with my grandfather had gone back to Italy before they were born and they never had the chance to meet their uncle or his descendants.   Today, that changed and they were so very happy for this opportunity.  
 
One … (6 comments)

Happy and Sad At The Same Time - 09/03/10 10:50 PM
 
Dropping my daughter off at college today, I was both happy and sad at the same time!
One minute they're in your arms tending to all their needs and the next your dropping them off and leaving them to fend for themselves.    Scary!!!
I am very proud of my daughter, she has worked hard for her good grades and to get into the school she wanted, she's in the Scripps School of Journalism and is double majoring in broadcast and video productions.  She has a real passion for it! 
  

She is one of the lucky ones to be … (16 comments)

This Is Not The Time To Slow Down! Squirrel Time! - 09/02/10 09:11 AM
 
Make Like a Squirrel!  
 
 
This is not the time to slow down!  It's squirrel time!
 
You may be feeling a little drunk with all the leads and business you've done over the spring and summer
You your mind might be screaming for some down time to recover from the glutton of business you've been doing these past few months and the hard work you've put into your business and each client.
 
 
 
 
 
 
But,  If you want to eat this spring...............
  ....then we have to make like a squirrel and get to … (7 comments)

The Red Plate Tradition - 09/01/10 08:15 PM
 
This past year I learned of The Red Plate Tradition and I have been giving it as a wedding shower gift ever since.
 

 
The Red Plate was an honored tradition from the early American families and has been carried on for generations.  Back then, when someone deserved special recognition or attention, they were served on the 'red plate'.
 
The Red Plate Tradition is carried on today as a simple reminder of those who mean so much to us and that the events in their lives are meaningful to us.  Use the 'red plate' to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, praise … (11 comments)

 
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Christine Pappas REALTOR® Willoughby Ohio Homes For Sale

Willoughby, OH

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Address: Christine Pappas c/o RE/MAX Results, 9954 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord, Oh, 44077

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