The naked truth about Tampa Bay Real Estate - 08/31/06 10:02 PM
OK, here it goes.  Let me take a deep breath.
I have a pretty extensive professional resume. I have soldiered for almost twenty years now.  I have studied several languages.  Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Croatian, & Albanian. (and German drinking songs)
I am an accomplished pilot, (Flew my Cessna 150 from Monterey to Tampa) Real Estate Broker, Builder, Communications Technician, (old Signal Corp Days).
I have worked in various Government capacities that were very great jobs. And done some cool stuff that I will not elaborate on, just know it is hi-speed low drag kind of stuff, and I enjoyed it. … (9 comments)

The Business plan - 08/31/06 02:27 PM
  I am very involved in the Real Estate community.  I sit on two boards and two committees.  I teach and mentor to my troops and others as well.  I also mentor others in similar industries.  A home inspector and a Title Start up.  All of this is mutually beneficial or of course I wouldn't do it because remember, I am an Evil Republican. 
Every week I meet agents who are starving and they all say the same thing......I am working my but off and I just don't get it.  How do you do it? 
 Me:  Well it is really pretty simple.  … (7 comments)

Not original but it fits me to a tee. weird - 08/31/06 12:21 PM
I ran my name in this computer program
You entered: Gary De Pury
There are 10 letters in your name.Those 10 letters total to 59There are 3 vowels and 7 consonants in your name.
Your number is: 5
The characteristics of #5 are: Expansiveness, visionary, adventure, the constructive use of freedom.
The expression or destiny for #5:The number 5 Expression endows with the wonderful characteristic of multi-talents and versatility. You can do so many things well. The tone of the number 5 is constructive freedom, and in your drive to attain this freedom, you will likely be the master of adaptability and … (3 comments)

How many homes has Dr. Phill bought lately? - 08/30/06 11:13 PM
OK, so I just posted a touchy feely blog  about all agents being equal.  But I wanted to clarify myself with a new blog.  Why....More points.......NO!!! Duh!!!
I was just getting too tangential in the old one. 
I ask my agents a question allot.  That question being who are you reaching out to?  Who is your sphere of influence?  Who even knows you are in the Real Estate business? 
Then I will even go so far as to ask, how many homes has Dr. Phil bought lately?  You see there are so many agents that will sit on their couch and watch TV … (5 comments)

Is it still a people business. - 08/30/06 10:25 PM
I have plenty of good Realtors whom I work with on a regular basis.  Some work with Bay Vista Realty and some work with other firms.  It doesn't matter since I consider us all co-workers in this crazy field.
So I got a call from a fellow Broker today who also owns a Title company.  He has some of the hottest agents in the field and then he has some who never sell anything. 
Now as a Broker, the rule of thumb is that an agent has to earn their keep, and some agents follow that rule to far.  My friend is … (4 comments)

Life TIVO - 08/28/06 08:16 AM
I sometime wish I had a Life TIVO but not a REWIND Button.  
 
I mean how would you use it?  If I could Tivo my Life, I could look at things more clearly.  Slow down a little and make better Real Estate Decisions, without affecting the eventual outcome.
I could grow and comprehend things in a whole new way and learn from my mistakes but still reach the end at the same destination that is ordained for me. 
I mean if you believe, like I do that life is a decision of choices leading you to your ultimate destiny, … (5 comments)

Someone beat me to it!!!! - 08/27/06 10:53 PM
I have a great story that I can't share yetttttt......But is very close to this other blog about not showing your clients around.  
What I wanted to say is........Be A Pro..
 
Look, I drive a Suburban.  My Agents call it the Bus.  I pay for Gas with a Banker and armored car at my side, you think I want to
tool around town, but if I am representing a client, I am representing a Client.  We are labeled Professionals
like Attorneys.  Imagine this
 
Uh...Your honor,   My Attorney said I could just drop by and take a look-see.
Or … (0 comments)

Down 20 Pounds - 08/27/06 10:15 PM
Well, I am not really certain why, but the moderators of Active Rain have been helping me with my diet.   It seems that every time I post a response they tell me what to have as a snack.   And every time it is a healthy fruit snack.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I am ready for a big, fat, juicy, hot-off-the-grill, Steak.
I better get a few listing tomorrow or my agents are going to think the lovely Mrs Bay Vista isn't feeding me because I am not Bringing home the . 
Tampa-Bay's self proclaimed Funniest Broker(I voted, it was … (6 comments)

Sunday Night Fights - 08/27/06 10:03 PM
Well folks, it's that time again. 
Tomorrow is a school day and I get to practice my negotiation skills with a 3, 6, and 8 year old. 
 
I am amazed that with the tens of thousands of dollars that the US Government has spent on me training me to be a "master of observation" and Negotiation and yet my kids still want to argue. 
At least I know I am not alone in this world.  I write to you knowing the The King of Tutas Towne is probably tucked into his bed, laptop open working away with the lovely Mrs. making … (3 comments)

Turning the Big 20.....000 - 08/27/06 08:17 AM
SO a friend of mine hit the 20K mark on his active rain points.  I thought that was pretty cool and having met this man in person and speaking to him on the phone a few times.  He deserves it.  While so many agents are looking for Handouts, he is looking for listings.  While agents are complaining about the downturn, he is converting FSBOS, and while agents are writing Resumes, he is writing Contracts.......(and got one accepted)
I see big things for this guy.  Not because of his points, but because of his attitude.  He explained that he and his wife … (8 comments)

Late Night Client Call to close the deal. - 08/27/06 07:51 AM
SO my phone rang last night at Two AM.  It was a recent home Seller/Buyer and friend of mine who wanted to call.
Now some of you are thinking Oh...Crap.....What did Gary do to piss this guy off?  But remember, I am still somewhat young (37) and many of my clients are my Military Friends who are younger still. 
My Client, acting on the mistaken premise that 2:00, yea, 0200,or O-DRUNK-THIRTY would be a great time to call and give me a referral, rang my cell.
He also invited me to go out and personally meet this prospect.  When I declined, … (5 comments)

New sign.... - 08/26/06 10:13 PM
OK, come-on folks.  I put alot of work into this sign.  I built the entire monument and did everything myself.  (The Lovely Mrs. Bay Vista) designed the landscaping.  So what do you guys think?  … (9 comments)

Great Idea. - 08/26/06 09:55 PM
There is a blog on here tonight about a photo that the authors want us to guess what is going on.  I threw in my two cents and I am really curious.  But what a great idea.  I would love to see a similar post every day because it would be fun and educational.  I have hundreds of great Real Estate photos.  I will be posting a few to see if you can figure out what they are. 
Take a look at  Dimitris post. 
… (2 comments)

Check your mailouts - 08/26/06 05:54 PM
I got an offer to buy my company the other day.  It was a really nice letter and really complimented me on how well run Bay Vista Realty is.  IN other words, the offer(er) blew lots of wind up my skirt.  While I think, actually I know that my company is well run and well managed, (I mean...just take a look at my new sign)But really, How would he know.
Then I looked at the sender again and pulled a file and I realized that the sender and I had recently spoken, so maybe this wasn't a form letter after all.  … (5 comments)

Cheque-Check - 08/22/06 11:04 PM
Sorry, but I use the word CHEQUE.  I have been using it for years.   I am not a stickler for the English Language and Grammar rules.  I am not a Linguistics Expert, nor am I a novelist or English major.  Hell, I can barely read and only own a Dictionary for the pictures. 
I caught hell today from a friend of mine who made me explain my usage of the word Cheque. 
So here it is....CHECK   per Webster
·  An action or influence that stops motion or expression; a restraint: Heavy rains were a check on the army's advance.
·  The … (1 comments)

Open Houses - 08/22/06 10:24 PM
OK, OK, OK....so I don't do open houses......I am like the venerable Bryant Tutas.  Hell, I don't even list houses to open, but I do take listings and I have some very hard working agents who will gladly run with the ball after the proverbial handoff. 
So I have this agent.  He is everything that I love in a good agent.   Eager, willing to learn, smart, enjoyable, classy, good taste, hardworking.....in short, all around success in a bottle.  (I'm afraid The Lovely Mrs. Bay Vista is trying to adopt him as her little brother)
I give him a listing to work and … (3 comments)

Next years goals - 08/22/06 08:21 AM
I am planning a few things...  
I want to fly my Cessna around the entire State of Florida and visit with all of you Super Cool Realtors.  I think a month or so should do it and I think it would be fascinating to meet so many of you.  
Also I am planning to Canoe the length of Alligator Alley  (Approx. 120 Miles) with the help of sponsors to raise money for Children's Cancer research.  I am looking for a dime a mile from individuals and a quarter from businesses. 
But most important I am planning to close 150 transaction sides next … (2 comments)

Test Stories - 08/21/06 08:42 AM
I was wondering if anyone had any horror stories about the state exams.  I am going to share mine and would love to hear others.   
It has been a  few years since I took the exam, and the test itself was pretty easy.....but the damn closing statement, well, none of the answers were even close.......I tried and tried and couldn't come up with anything close to the given answers.  Finally I guessed and turned in my test.  As I stood there waiting for my score, another guy came out and said to the proctor....
"I don't think this closing statement goes with … (0 comments)

In the news.... - 08/21/06 08:23 AM
I am amazed at the disparity of the news of today.  The news is one thing and the news anchor put thier SPIN on it.  I wonder if I could, using all of my God (Yes GOD!) given talents, professional training and gift of Gab, put a News like Spin on a Real Estate Transaction.
 As a Deal goes down in flames for buyers failure to finance.....
 .......Mr. and Mrs. Homeseller, you have nothing to worry about.  With the price of gas these days, we are actually very lucky.  This buyer want to close in Largo and with that drive......how about this, I will find … (0 comments)

Like MacAurthur and the Pink Panther - 08/20/06 05:29 PM
I have Returned!  Sorry for my absence to any one who noticed.  Been a little busy with a few things and have not had the time required for insightful writings.
I have had a few very interesting items come across my plate in the past few weeks and I would love to share them with the readership community, but I have to wait to see how they play out.  Other than that, I wanted to announce my return to the Blogoshpere Here and start my point catching up.
 So, I have to figure out what I have missed and get going......
… (2 comments)

Giving Back - 08/10/06 10:58 AM
I know that I am most likely going to be kicked out of the Republican Party because I have a generous streak, and from what I have read on various credible websites, like Moveon.org heard on Air America that is not even possible. 
 But I just returned from my local board where I sit on a couple of committees.  One of which is the communications committee. 
In this committee, we have helped to organize a program that is called Backpacks for kids.  Click on the backpack for information. 
Anyway, I have the greatest feeling knowing that some children will be helped … (4 comments)

Team Building - 08/09/06 11:03 AM
I have a great group in my office.  From Doctors to Bricklayers, Pilots to Pet groomers.  But what I want to see more of are teams.  I recently build a team that is targeting FSBOS and another that is targeting Expired.  What are some of your thoughts on building these types of teams and is a team of four, 4x as effective as one. 
… (4 comments)

Brokers Breakfast. - 08/08/06 06:30 PM
By a show of Hands (Typing on your keyboard) who is up for a Brokers Breakfast?
A Bi-Monthly meeting of the minds for brokers and agents in the Hillsborough county area to learn from each other and share wit and wisdom.  Everyone would pay their own tab and come and go as they wished over a 2 hour period. 
Any Takers. 
 
… (1 comments)

What is a Purge - 08/07/06 10:16 PM
As a former student of the Russian Language and culture, I learned about the Purges.  Now, years later, I have just re-read "Inside Stalin's Kremlin" and was reminded.
A Purge was what Stalin would use to get rid of those he didn't trust.  He would imprison or "remove" all of those around him who he felt posed a threat.  ( For those who don't know, Stalin made Hitler look like an Amateur)
The term Purge is not limited to Stalin but is used in that respect often.  Well, I am convinced that the Real Estate Industry as a whole is about … (3 comments)

When is enough, enough? - 08/07/06 08:32 PM
I recently had a friend go through a bad divorce.  I love that term, Bad Divorce.  As opposed to a Good Divorce?  Anyway, since he realized that the electrician wasn't really rewiring his entire house for free, he has been down in the dumps.  I stood by him and helped to rebuild him.  Almost a year has passed and he is a better, stronger, tougher man.  (Almost Steve Austin) He is dating again and his first order of business was to send one of his new sweethearts my way to sell her house. 
The problem is She won't return my calls.  She … (9 comments)

Procuring Cause - 08/07/06 06:39 PM
I have one of the funniest Pro-Cause cases that I have ever been involved with.  However I don't want to post it, even though I could get points.  If you would like to have it emailed to you, please email me and I will send it to you.   It involves all of the drama of a cheesy 70's Sitcom and when you read it you will see why I say that.
With the Market changing as it has, I am wondering if we are going to see more bad faith attempts.  Right now I have one in Arbitration that I files last month.  It is … (3 comments)

Day of rest! - 08/06/06 10:52 PM
Since Sunday is a day of rest, I did my normal Sunday routine and rested my tired feet in a pair of my Flip Flops.  Now today I planned on doing some light construction, so I selected my Steel Toe'd Flip Flops. 
Off to my Favorite Home Improvement store. South Tampa Lowe's, and then to one of my rentals.  While I was at my rental, (New tile and paint thru-out, plus a new door where a window used to be) I realized that I forgot to buy thin set, (Tile stuff) and returned to the lowes.  Two hours into my task, I needed more materials, … (2 comments)

What does it matter what I think? - 08/06/06 09:32 PM
I recently got a really nice comment on one of my posts.  The one about me being an Evil Republican.  The Commentator made the remark that she never tells anyone her political affiliations, because it might hurt her business.  
Well First I must say that I respect her decision and completely defend her right to do just that. 
I however; have never been one to take the Safe Route.  In Fact, I am the one who often stirs up the good political debate; like I am doing now. I often do this when I am around a group.  Sometimes these people are my … (0 comments)

I think this is Plagiarism..so sue me. - 08/05/06 07:51 PM
The Star-Spangled Banner
-Francis Scott Key, 1814 O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.O say, does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that … (5 comments)

The Things we will do - 08/05/06 01:07 PM
Well I just went to put up that sign panel that I spoke of earlier, and I decided to inspect the property.   This listing is one of my agents and she is out of town for the weekend.  So in my endeavor to support her and her client (Who lives in France) I see that the lawn company has been doing a wonderful job on the front yard.  But neglecting the back yard altogether.  Waist high weeds everywhere.  My normal yard guy (Timmy the Trimmer) in that area answered the cell phone but he is 30 Miles off of the coast looking for NEMO, or anything edible. So I … (8 comments)

Breakfast - 08/05/06 11:10 AM
I just enjoyed a nice breakfast with my family before I start on my days appointments.  ( Two Listing, a Photo, and a sign panel up)
I wanted to "get my Blog on" before I did those things so I am taking a breather and putting a few words on the screen.
At breakfast, we talked about how the kids will all get their Real Estate Licenses when they turn 18, and I wondered how many parents out there feel the same way. 
 Imagine, completing college, military service, other jobs and just growing up in general and one day saying Let … (7 comments)

Real Estate Devil - 08/04/06 10:40 PM
I  just read a really great post on the proof of a Real Estate God.  SO what about the converse.  Is there one and how many have sold their soul to him.  Is he a firm or a broker, is it Greenspan or Bernanke.  Is it this recruiting firm that arrived from nowhere and is going back.  Is it the evil client that lies and gets you all spun up around nothing.
if there is a Real Estate Satan, I think he is not as we would depict him.  No horns or pointed tail.  No fiery pitchfork or trips to Hell.  Nope … (0 comments)

The Itsy Bitsy Spider.... - 08/04/06 10:04 PM
I was working on my office today.  Notice the new pic.  I built the monument and the sign was delivered two days ago.  (The columns are over 4' tall for a reference.)  So anyway, as I was putting some of my tools away, this huge house spider lurked from behind some paint brushes and scared the something out of me.
Now I am not really scared of spiders or snakes or most things like that.  But it reminded me of this time I was showing a house and the Mother of all Rats jumped out of the closet like a Nun on roller … (3 comments)

I am an evil Republican! - 08/03/06 10:17 PM
This was a comment in a post, but I realized it is a good blog too and I wanted to share with more of you...my blogging victims.
The question was who is right about all of the global warming and other stuff like that.  My personal opinion is that Michael Moore is personally responsible for more than his fair share of Global Warming. 
I live in Tampa Florida and in a Flood Zone, my bigger problem is Global Leaking.  Every day at about 3:00.
As one of those evil Republicans I would love to answer some of those questions.  But I … (5 comments)

Bad Blogger....Bad! - 08/03/06 09:40 PM
I was wondering how bad a blog could be before it was retracted.  I mean, could I just spell out the words one through fifty.  I have read some stuff on here that is pretty dismal and at the same time I was scolding myself for using the same term in two different blogs.
Some remind me of a Seinfeld episode, "and what are these Tag Clouds, anyway?"
Some are more of a Cheers..."Everyone knows my name"
 These are not (have I reached 50 words yet) actual quotes from the blogs, just how I took them.  My point is if I … (4 comments)

Why break the rules? - 08/03/06 05:28 PM
There was this guy that we were talking to.  I can't say why or what he did but I can say that it didn't look to good for his future.  Everyone in the room knew that this guy would never see the outside of the prison walls again.  
Having been there and seen first hand the look on someone's face when they come to terms with the fact that they are forever the property of the US Prison system, I can tell you that no matter what kind of vile crime the person may have committed, a small part of you feels for … (5 comments)

Blogiddy Man - 08/02/06 10:50 PM
I have three children, of various ages and personalities.  My middle daughter is the comedian of the family.  We are certain that she will be a professional comedian or politician.  (Makes no difference to me) My son is more of the Social  kid that every one loves and wants to be around.  Then there is my baby.  She is at that age where everything she does is cute, no matter how vile or disgusting it would be if an adult did it. 
I am writing this because as a Father, Husband, Business Owner, Broker, Realtor, & Soldier, I have allot to … (4 comments)

Being Number 2 - 08/02/06 08:32 PM
It is kinda funny that I am here on this website and I see all of these people doing different things for points.  I Have spent most of my life being number two.  In the State of Florida I was 1st Runner up for the Non-Commissioned Officer of the year for the Florida Army National Guard.  In high school I was second string Pitcher, in college I was second in the class.
At one point one of my buddies made the comment that 2nd place is the same as first loser.  I stand to correct him today.   2nd place is the … (7 comments)

My New Office - 08/02/06 03:39 PM
As I endeavor to make this office worthy of my fine Agents.  I have learned a great deal about the trades that work with us in the Housing industry.  I mean let's face it, we primarily work in the housing industry and because we work with the end consumer, we have an awesome responsibility and power.
I bring this to you because on almost every occasion that a Vendor, Contractor, Supplier, Worker, Appraiser, Painter, or whatever was supposed to arrive he/she was delayed by Traffic, birth, death, client, boss, Realtor, or other tradesman. 
This in turn made me late … (4 comments)

 
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Gary De Pury

Land O Lakes, FL

More about me…

Bay Vista Realty

Address: Short Sale Professionals, 21035 Leonard Road, Lutz, FL, 33558-1234

Office Phone: (813) 909-8202 x 221

Cell Phone: 813917GARY

Email Me

YOUR FRIENDS AT BAY VISTA REALTY PROVIDE COMPLETE REAL ESTATE SERVICES FOR HOME SELLERS AND BUYERS IN THE TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE, COVERING ALL OF HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO, AND PINELLAS COUNTIES.

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