The Most Common Question Asked By First Time Home Buyers - 03/31/09 08:39 AM
"What is the first step in the process of purchasing a home?"
This is the most common question asked of me by first time home buyers.
My answer is always the same. (watch the video)
 
 
Have you seen the commercial with a man sitting at his kitchen table while on the phone with his doctor? The doctor starts by saying.........
"Hey Bob...... have you disinfected the area?...Good....Now make a three-inch incision between the fourth and fifth abdominal muscles." The worried-looking man on the other end of the phone stares at the knife and says.........."Shouldn't you be doing this?"
"It's … (7 comments)

Happy Birthday to My First TRUE LOVE --- Hazel Patterson! - 03/28/09 08:12 AM
March 28 is a very special day on my annual calendar.
On this date 59 years ago, Hazel A. Smith was born to a coal mining family in West Virginia. She became the 14th of 15 children that would be born to William and Sallie Smith.
About 18 years after her birth, Hazel decided to attend West Virginia State College (now known as a university). While attending college, she met a charismatic man named S. Benjamin Patterson. On March 28, 1970, they decided to exchange vows.
After spending some quality time together as husband and wife, January 13, 1972 crosses the calendar. About 11:17am on … (11 comments)

Another Patterson Appearance on WOIC 1230AM - Saturday at 10:05AM EDT - 03/25/09 03:54 PM
On Saturday (March 28, 2009), please tune into The Charles Campbell Show that will air live from Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Campbell presents news, views, guests and information that is unique to his radio broadcast. Dr. Campbell is an award-winning journalist, foreign correspondent and syndicated columnist. Dr. Campbell's SCHEDULED GUESTS include another appearance by David Patterson.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM OF DR. CAMPBELL'S SHOW
David Patterson is Broker Associate and Career Development Chairman for Keller Williams Realty in Columbia SC. Mr. Patterson is recognized by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a licensed real estate instructor with a faculty at the Real Estate School for Success.
Patterson earned his Bachelor Degree in Mathematics from … (6 comments)

Patterson SCHEDULED to Appear on The Charles Campbell Show - 03/20/09 09:10 PM
On tomorrow at 10:05am (Saturday, March 21) please tune into The Charles Campbell Show that will be live from Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Campbell presents news, views, guests and information that is unique to his radio broadcast. 
Dr. Campbell is an award-winning journalist, foreign correspondent and syndicated columnist.
Dr. Campbell's SCHEDULED GUEST(S) include David Patterson.
David Patterson is Broker Associate and Career Development Chairman for Keller Williams Realty in Columbia SC. Also, Mr. Patterson is a licensed real estate instructor with the Real Estate School for Success.
Patterson has his Bachelor Degree in Mathematics from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mr. Patterson's mission is to become one of the most trusted, … (5 comments)

Why Don't Realtors Have FAITH in Preapproval Letters? 8 Questions Every Preapproval Should Answer - 03/17/09 08:31 AM
Janet Guilbault is a FHA Certified Mortgage Professional with LendingSynergy.com in Walnut Creek, CA. Janet wrote one of the "best ever" FEATURED BLOG POSTS on ActiveRain.
If you want a litmus test for the strength of your real estate transaction, refer to this article on every occasion.

My sincere gratitude goes to Janet Guilbault for sharing this information.

Via Janet Guilbault, California Mortgage Expert (Banker/Broker with RPM Mortgage, FHA Certified):
Why do Realtors think preapproval letters are about as worthless as a wet cocktail napkin? Has it become so bad that Realtors believe a do-it-yourself prequalification is better than one from the mortgage … (5 comments)

Columbia SC Homeowners Should Find Legitimate Ways to Avoid Foreclosure - 03/16/09 05:39 PM
March 16, 2009 marks the fourth day of "Save the Dream" at the Carolina Coliseum. This event was organized by the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) as an attempt to minimize the number of home foreclosures in metropolitan Columbia, SC.
For some....."It was just a blessing..." Before attending the event, one homeowner was looking at making payments on a 12.3% Adjustable Rate Mortgage. After meeting with NACA mortgage counselors, this homeowner was able to obtain a fixed-rate mortgage and reduce their mortgage payment by 40%.
Unfortunately, there are many others throughout this country that were not able to attend this … (4 comments)

Talking Politics in ActiveRain? Let’s Set Some Ground Rules! - 03/15/09 02:04 PM
While responding to my weekend emails, I received my daily email update from THE PROBLOGGER HIMSELF Darren Rowse. What was today's topic? 
Seven Tips for Writing About Politics - A Guest Post by Allen McDuffee
Allen McDuffee writes for The Nation, Mother Jones and the New York Observer.
When reading the title of Mr. McDuffee's article, I was reminded of my Open Letter to Commenter #44 on last Monday. Though I'm not a big fan of political blogging on this platform, momma taught me to not place my standards on others. Hence, let's agree to set some rules.
Rule One - … (7 comments)

You’ve Caught Someone in Your Web! Now…Ask Them the Right Questions! - 03/10/09 04:19 PM
Over the last few months, I've discussed a few of the twelve tactics that are in Gary Keller's newest book entitled Shift. I will use this post to share an experience that occurred through implementing Shift Tactic #6.....Catching People in Your Web.
Internet Lead Generation ("the web") can be summarized through a three-step approach.
•1.      The Continual Growth of an Internet Presence (Thanks ActiveRain!)
•2.      Driving Traffic to Your Website (Thanks ActiveRain!) which results in Leads
•3.      Converting Leads to Appointments
My 2008 efforts to create a web presence have helped me build a bigger, sticker web to catch potential home … (6 comments)

An Open Letter to Commenter #44 – Uneducated Rednecks Have Rights and Deserve Respect - 03/09/09 10:25 PM
Wait! Wait! Before going on a David Patterson rampage, PLEASE READ THE LETTER!
Dear Commenter #44:
(That number is very ironic for this letter.)
Hopefully, this letter finds you in good spirit and health. I am not known for my letter writing. However, I was moved to share some words with you.
Debra Brooks is a well-respected member of the ActiveRain Community. She has been willing to share many thoughts about her profession and her personal views. For that, she should be commended and praised.
During my evening email-reading ritual, I came across a FEATURE NOTIFICATION about a post by Debra. … (14 comments)

What’s Your 180 Day Plan? Your Career Might Depend On It! - 03/09/09 05:30 PM
"Where have you been David Patterson?" This has been a frequently asked question over the last two weeks. Some ask that question in a literal sense. 
‘David....I've been trying to touch base with you. Where have you been?'
‘David....You've been on my mind. I hadn't heard from you. I checked your blog. Your activity has decreased. Are you well?'
Members of the David Patterson Inner Circle have asked this question in a figurative sense.
 ‘David......You don't seem yourself. Are you okay? What's on your mind?'
For those asking these and other related questions, THANKS!
From a literal perspective, I've had to make … (8 comments)