The Time of the Year to get Organized! - 12/30/10 12:35 PM
 
This is the time of year that many of us get into a organizing frenzy....my self included!  We  are deluged  with ad in the newspaper to buy every plastic storaga container known to man!!
Buying the plastic containers can be spendy....however once the investment is made you are done...and they will last for many years.   
If you are on a quest to get organized and want to do this on a shoestring budget.....consider the following ideas:
Shoe boxes.....these can organize smaller items such as kids toys...Lego's, coloring crayons, craft supplies or even stationary...thank you cards or birthday cards.  Shoe boxes … (6 comments)

Beautiful Boise Short Sale Home - 12/29/10 06:50 PM
Listing Courtesty of Ivan Castillo Keller Williams Realty Boise … (13 comments)

Looking for a Handyman for this Extreme Makeover Candidate in Caldwell Idaho - 12/29/10 06:01 PM
Listing Courtesy of Patric Cudmore Keller Williams Realty Boise … (4 comments)

Beautiful 4 Bedroom Home In Nampa Idaho - 12/29/10 05:21 PM
Listing Courtesy of Patric Cudmore Keller Williams Realty Boise … (7 comments)

New Home Sales Rise In November; Hint At Strong Winter 2011 - 12/28/10 10:09 PM
Dean and Shanna from Waterstone Mortgage always provide up to date and accurate data on the market!  As they say we are heading in the right direction although we have a ways to go....
Via Dean Tucker Waterstone Mortgage - Prime Equity Group:
Like most housing data in November, the most recent New Home Sales report showed sales volume increasing last month, and home supplies falling. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, sales of new, single-family homes increased to 290,000 in November on an annual basis, a figure equal to the New Home Sales 6-month rolling average, and a 6 percent improvement … (4 comments)

Awesome Home on an Acre in Meridian Idaho - 12/28/10 08:18 PM
Listing Courtesy of Terry Taylor Keller Williams Realty Boise … (0 comments)

Cute Investment Cottage in Caldwell Idaho - 12/28/10 07:18 PM
Listing Courtesy of Tom Turner Keller Williams Realty Boise … (6 comments)

Important Holidays in January!!! - 12/27/10 08:15 PM
Got this from my good friend Carole Hymer!!!   Lots of fun in January!!!
 
JANUARY January 1 is …First Foot Day and Z Day January 2 is …Run Up the Flagpole and See if Anybody Salutes It Day January 3 is …Festival of Sleep Day January 4 is …Trivia Day and Humiliation Day January 5 is …Bird Day January 6 is …Bean Day January 7 is …Old Rock Day January 8 is …National JoyGerm Day and Man Watcher's Day January 9 is … Play God Day January 10 is … Peculiar People Day January 11 is … National Step in a … (8 comments)

The New Year...... - 12/26/10 01:13 PM
Before you read any further I should post my usual disclaimer.....
Laughter is the best stress reliever out there!!! 
 
The New Year’s Eve party had turned into a regular marathon
with numerous guests coming and going.
At one point, a man knocked on the door,
was greeted heartily although no one knew who he was,
and was led to the bar in the basement.
He sat there happily for a couple of hours
before a strange light dawned on his face.
“You know,” he confided to his host,
“I wasn’t even invited to this party.
I … (8 comments)

Where Has Christmas gone? - 12/24/10 09:15 PM
Merry Christmas Eve Everyone!
It is Christmas Eve and I know some of you are relaxing and enjoying special times with your families....some of you are probably still trying to get "one last thing done"
But I just wanted to share a video with you....I will share a link with you as I don't know how to post it as a video.....
 
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S82MtmyE6qE
 
My prayer for you is that you keep the real meaning of Christmas in mind while watching this.  It is one of my favorites!!!
 
We are all ready in our house hold and are … (11 comments)

Some Christmas Fun - 12/23/10 05:49 PM
Remember before reading these.....Laughter is the best stress reliever!!!
 
 
What do monkeys sing at Christmas ? Jungle Bells, Jungle bells.. ! ----------------------------------------------------------- Why are Christmas trees like bad knitters ? They both drop their needles ! ----------------------------------------------------------- What's Christmas called in England ? Yule Britannia ! --------------------------------------------------------------- What did the bald man say when he got a comb for Christmas ? Thanks, I'll never part with it ! -------------------------------------------------------------------- Why is a burning candle like being thirsty ? Because a little water ends both of them ! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- What do you get if you cross an apple with a … (10 comments)

It is the First Day of Winter!!! - 12/21/10 10:12 PM
Today is December 21, 2011.....other wise known as the first day of Winter....

I know where I am we have felt the impact of Winter    for many weeks...at least since Thanksgiving....and   are plenty sick of shoveling driveways already!  
My husband spent an hour this morning digging out   our drive way....thank you to the crew who plowed the street in front of our house for stacking up the snow    in front of our driveway!  grrrr   LOL  but what can you do?!?!
Then it took another hour for him to thaw out...Thank good ness for good hot  and strong coffee! 
 
… (6 comments)

ActiveRain Challenge: Never Answer the Same Question Twice (5000 points) - 12/21/10 04:17 PM
What a great contest!    I know many of my colleagues don't see the value of blogging at all!   Maybe if they read about this contest they will be challenged/ motivated to blog every day!!!    It really has been a good thing for me! 
Via Bob Stewart - ActiveRain (ActiveRain):
Whether they choose to acknowledge it or not, most agents are doing a form of blogging every day. It's called email. When a client sends them a question via email, they take 10 or 15 minutes (or sometimes much longer) to respond to that person, giving them some of their valuable expertise. They sit … (2 comments)

Handbook for 2011 - 12/20/10 08:07 PM
I got this in an email and thought it was wonderful advice!!!!  There was no author or credit given in the email!
 
 
Handbook 2011
 
Health: 1.       Drink plenty of water. 2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar. 3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.. 4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy 5.       Make time to pray. 6.       Play more games 7.       Read more books than you did in 2009 . 8.         Sit in silence … (11 comments)

What a Women Does!!! - 12/13/10 05:41 AM
 
*WHAT A REAL WOMAN DOES*
 
A real woman is a man's best friend. 
She will never stand him up and
Never let him down.
She will reassure him when he feels insecure
and Comfort him after a bad day.
She will inspire him to do things
he never thought he could do;
to live Without fear and forget regret.
She will enable him to express his
Deepest emotions
and give in to his most intimate desires.
She will make sure he always feels
as though he's the most handsome man
In the room and … (8 comments)

Motivational Monday....Quote of the Day - 12/13/10 05:37 AM
Here is a little something to get your week started on the right track!!!
 
While creating women,
God promised men that good,
respectful and obedient wives
would be found in all
corners of the world.  And then he made
the earth round.
Have a wonderful week everyone!!!
… (3 comments)

Beautiful View from the 14.57 Acres with a Cedar Sided Home in Nampa Idaho - 12/12/10 08:01 PM
… (4 comments)

Reduced $10K Beautifully Remodeled Short Sale in Nampa Idaho - 12/12/10 07:43 PM
… (0 comments)

Some Sunday Wisdom.... - 12/12/10 11:02 AM
Just got this Facebook quote a few minutes ago!!!  
 
 
There is a voice inside of you that whispers all day long,
"I feel this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.
" No teacher, preacher, parent, friend or
wise man can decide what's right for you--just
listen to the voice that speaks inside."
 — Shel Silverstein
 
I love this...as it makes me think of a good friend of mine...she always wants advice and she will ask 10 of us in the office...but when it comes down to it she does what she … (7 comments)

the little closing that couldn't. - 12/11/10 07:37 PM
Alan talks about a really important point in being a Real Estate agent...we need to remember what our end goal is at all times.    Just because not closing really hurts...some times really really hurts...doesn't mean it is the best thing for our clients...we must not every be solely focused on what is best for us as a Realtor...but what is best for our clients....
When we get closings...or not...but we recieve stellar help...it is important to say thank you and acknowlege all who worked hard!    It will come back in a hundred different ways!!!
 
 
Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston … (4 comments)

Vacant Land Wilder Idaho----Look at the Price---Now only $29,900-34,900 - 12/11/10 06:17 PM
… (7 comments)

Back on the Market 608 Slate Creek Nampa Idaho Bank Approved Short Sale - 12/11/10 06:08 PM
… (0 comments)

Saturday's Dumb Joke of the Day - 12/11/10 06:02 PM
CEO Means Business
The board of directors for a large company,
 believing it was time for a shake-up,
 hires a new CEO.
This new boss is determined to rid
 the company of all slackers,
 so on a tour of the facilities during his first day,
the CEO notices a guy leaning casually against the wall.
 The room is full of workers and he
 wants to let them all know he means business,
and wasting time on the clock is not acceptable.
 The CEO walks up to the guy and asks,
 "And how much money do you make a week?"
A little … (7 comments)

Looking for a Free Meal in Nampa Idaho? Check out these Deals! - 12/10/10 07:18 PM
Who said there is no such thing as a free lunch?
A recent article I was reading proves that there is a such thing as a free lunch....at least around your birthday time....some restaraunts even let you have a free lunch all during your birthday month!  
So check out these birthday deals....you may be able to play your cards right to get a whole lot of free meals!!! 
Many of these deals are email based....and it is a good idea to call your local restaruant to make sure they are participating in the national franchise promotion!  
Here they are in alphabetical … (2 comments)

I am Proud to attend Nampa First Christian Church!! - 12/10/10 07:01 PM
Last weekend our church, Nampa First Christian Church voted to accept a proposal on a new project called "The Marginalia"  Project.
What is this??
The Marginalia Project is a group of people in our church who found a need and asked the church to meet it!   It seems that in our area the local shelters as a rule make their patrons leave the shelter during the day.   On Wednesdays the shelters for what ever reason don't serve a noon meal!   
The group got to gether and asked the congregation if they could have Nampa First Christian Church opened up from about 10 … (2 comments)

Protect your pets from Antifreeze - 12/10/10 08:34 AM
Wayne brings us a topic that is so important!  Our family lost a beloved bet when I was in college.  Dandy had found some antifreeze and sadly we didn't find him in time to save him!   
A bit of prevention will save heart break later on!!
Via Captain Wayne Rowlett (Rowlett Real Estate School LLC):
Even the smallest amount of antifreeze can be fatal.  Antifreeze is a necessity for our vehicles to operate properly in the cold weather, but unfortunately is very deadly to cats and dogs. Often antifreeze is spilled on the ground or leaks from vehicles. Although it is usually neon … (5 comments)

31 Days to December Challenge Day 9 - 12/09/10 09:03 PM
Today I managed to stay busy....
Got the corporate addendum back to accept an offer I wrote up 2  weeks ago from Bank of America!    My client is thrilled that he got the home.   Now to coordinate the inspection and de-winterization and re winterization long distance!   Glad that some agents in my office owe me from when I watched their busines!  LOL 
I also talked to a previous client who needs some comps on her home!   Good to catch up with her today!   
I wrote a few blogs as well here on Active Rain....
On a personal note...got all my Christmas … (5 comments)

Great Cookie Recipe for the Christmas Season - 12/09/10 08:57 PM
Looking for a great cookie recipe?   Or a wonderful recipe for a Cookie Exchange?
Try these melt in your mouth cookies!!
 Easy Holiday Seven Layer Bars
1 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups crumbled graham crackers
1/2 cup butter
1 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat over to 350 degrees.   Place butter in 13 x 9 in pan; melt in oven.   Swirl to coat bottom adn sides with butter
Spread crumbs evenly over bottom of pan.  Layer chocolate chips, butterscotch chipsa nd nuts over crumbs.  … (8 comments)

Do You Enjoy Holiday Goodies? - 12/09/10 08:49 PM
If you are like me you really enjoy the holiday sweets that seem to be everywhere during the Christmas Season.
I live alone so I don't like to bake much as I seem to eat it all!   LOL  
But a great solution to getting a taste of many holiday treats is to host a cookie exchange.    Cookie Exchanges can be hosted in many ways....
Typically you want to keep the crowd manageable...maybe 7-10 attendees.   Everyone will back batches of the same cookies or candies,    Separating them into plates or boxes of 12.   
Attendees will then exchange cookies so that everyone goes … (12 comments)

Mailing Packages Via UPS this year? Bring your ID - 12/09/10 08:36 PM
When mailing your holiday or business packages don't forget to bring your ID. 
This year UPS has tightened security due to the foiled package bomber from yemen who tried to mail exlosives to Chicago.
All retail shippers will need to show ID to ship their packages unless it is a company preprinted shipping label!  
This could cause a little bit of a delay to customers as UPS goes into their busiest time of the year.   So far independent retail shipping centers have not adopted this policy but many say they may implement it.  
So don't for get your ID when you … (12 comments)

The BZY BEE has been very BZY.....she hit 200,000 points on Active Rain - 12/04/10 07:17 PM
Well I did it....
After I wrote my last blog post I surpassed the 200,000 mark! 
I set a goal to hit it before the end of the year
that and I wanted to hit 500 blog posts before the end of the year...
i am curently at 487 wiith this blog...so i should hit that mile stone in the next week or so...
I love the accountability with Active Rain...the sharing..the ideas and the support are amazing
Active Rain keeps me informed of hot button topics..and industry trends. 
I have achieved the number 2 spot in my town and also … (14 comments)

Things to Do Treasure Valley....Journey to Bethlehem Dec 11-12, 2010 - 12/04/10 06:22 PM
Journey to Bethlehem
Walk through the city of Christ's birth
A live Nativity
December 11-12, 2010
5:30-8:30 pm
Meridian Seventh Day Adventist Church
`1855 N Black Cat Road
Meridian ID
For additional information please call:
208 376-4577 or 208 455-1675
FREE Admission
Allow one hour to walk to complete the tour
Please dress warmly for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
… (2 comments)

Mailing Packages to our Troops - 12/04/10 12:00 PM
Just heard it on the news this morning....
If you have packages to mail to our troops in Afghanistan or Iraq the deadline to ensure they are received by Christmas is today!   
If you are mailing to other bases the deadline is December 10th!   
We wouldn't want our troops to be disappointed would we??
… (0 comments)

Clarification is Key- 31 Days of December Challenge - 12/03/10 08:49 PM
I love this challenge for so many reasons...the first reason being the accountabilty aspect of blogging....and running our businesses...I don't know about you ...but I can "look" busy...busier than anyone...but am I really doing work on my business?  
This challenge will help us all out so that we don't let ourselves fall into a December slump...of "well no one is buying or selling now anyway...I am staying home"    Already I have a listing appointment on Sunday as well as Tuesday....so business is still out there!!!  
And finally the points...i know it isn't all about the points...but lets face it...they are a … (2 comments)

My Favoritie KODAK Moment....The Day before my Wedding! - 12/03/10 07:26 PM
 
 

January 2nd 2009
This picture was taken the day before I married the Love of My Life....Franklin Leffler......
  My best friend Faye Chapman of Fayes Captured Moments came from Laguna Beach California to be my wedding photographer.    Because Frank and I hadn't ever taken any "engagement" pictures when we had gotten engaged a year earlier, Faye insisted that we needed a few more for our guest book/album.  
We went to Historic Nampa Idaho's downtown area... and we had a photo shoot...it was rather windy...but when Faye is taking photos it is always a lot of fun!    Faye … (5 comments)

31 Days of December Challenge Deborah Byron Leffler Days 1-3 - 12/03/10 01:53 PM
I love this challenge....I don't know that I will be 100% there due to a surgery on December 13th...but I intend to still do 31 things to continue my business even if not every day!!!
Here is a recap of what I have done thus far......
Day 1     I posted a blog on Active Rain, I braved the six inches of snow to attend our fantastic Office meeting where we roleplayed scripts.  I also completed a Multiple Counter Offer for a client and I called on a few MIA leads I had been working.    Got one who I think is back … (4 comments)

Say Hello to a Newer Active Rain Member..... - 12/02/10 10:07 PM
I wanted introduce a fellow Keller Williams Realty Boise agent to all of you . 
Keith Vermilyea
Keith and I met last summer so I could introduce him to Active Rain and he tried it out....but didn't do a whole lot....last month he contacted me again about getting a "refresher" course.   We met a couple of times and he took off on his own....now looking at how professional his Blog looks I need to sit down with him for a few lessons on my own blog!  
Keith brings much wisdom and wit to his blogs...they are thought provoking and very well … (11 comments)

Things to do Treasure Valley Bazaars Dec 4, 2010 - 12/02/10 09:12 PM
Dec. 4 NAMPA — Idaho Arts Charter Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 1220 5th St. N.
NAMPA — Holiday Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nampa Church of the Brethren, 11030 W. Orchard St.
 BOISE — Chateau de Boise Craft Bazaar, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 7250 Poplar St.
KUNA — Kuna Senior Bazaar, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Kuna Senior Center.
 NAMPA — Hip Holiday Craft Market Extravaganza, 9 a.m.-5 pm., downtown Nampa, 2nd St. S., 12th –14th Ave. — Flying m Coffeegarage, The White Pine, The Shed, Brass Razoo and Puffy Mondaes.
STAR — Star Community Christmas Festival, Dec. 4-5, 9 a.m.-8 … (2 comments)

I had an Snow Angel Visit this Morning..... - 12/01/10 04:05 PM
Yesterday I talked in my blog about the Winter Wonderland that had arrived in Nampa Idaho.  
When I got up this morning I was dreading what I would find.....
Sure enough it had snowed...and continues to snow to the tune of about 5-6 inches of snow.    I wasn't going to shovel my drive...thinking I would do it when I got home this afternoon!  
I was ready and had a few minutes so I thought I would get a head start on the shoveling!   When I went out side I saw the new neighbor guy was out there shoveling....I started talking to … (6 comments)

December 1 is Pay it Forward Day... - 12/01/10 01:13 PM
December 1 is "Pay it Forward" Day....
I challenge you to find it in your heart
to do something nice for someone today,
then challenge that person do pay it forward. 
Let's help make this world a better place!
 
I got this off of another forum I visit...Thank You Carole...
What a great thing to celebrate....
I know there are many who practice this every day...
For those of us who don't....lets start...
Lets all post our Pay It Forwards today.....
 
… (3 comments)

Winter has Arrived in Nampa Idaho - 12/01/10 12:14 AM
Well it is interesting...for an area that is known as the Treasure Valley this whole year has been a bit different....
We are in the High Desert so our precipitation is only about 10-12 inches  each year...total.....Now i know some of you out there can get that in one storm....but not us!  
I am trying to remember if I even had to shovel any snow this past year...I don't think I did....or if I did it was in December and it wasn't much....
I had shoulder surgery in January and was very worried about snow removal....my husband who is from Illinois … (5 comments)

 

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