Donna J's Blog

Halloween 2009

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:55:31 -0600

It's been a pretty quiet real estate day.

Ice and rain and snow in Nebraska has kept me inside today.

I ran across this charming photo of KayKay on Halloween.

A lady bug with a lady bug tattoo on her cheek. She went trick or treating with 8 of her cousins, a Mommy and a Daddy and lots of Uncles and Aunts.

Chili with crackers or Frito's, cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, picante sauce, and crackers were on the menu.

My oldest daughter and her husband hosted the get together.

The weather was perfect for the kids to go out and have fun. Lots of candy and few tummy aches made it a great day to remember.

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

Gratitude Attitude

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:44:30 -0600

Gratitude Attitude

The healthiest human attitude is gratitude.

Thankful people are healthier

Scriptures tell us to be "Thankful IN everything"

Not "Thankful FOR everything.

For example, we are not happy for the death of a loved one.

But we are happy for good memories and lessons learned.

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WORRY & STRESS

Worrying and experiencing anxiety are like opening an umbrella before it rains!

Live Life one day at a time!

God has it under control.

Trust that!

Of all the things people worry about, less than 10% are legitimate concerns!

Don't open the umbrella until it starts raining!

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People who attend church regularly live on the average 6 years longer than those who don't.

"WHY?" you ask.

Because they typically experience less stress and an attitude of gratitude!

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"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

Count Your Blessings

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:29:44 -0600

Today I am counting two of my special blessings .

Marlene Wyman,CRS, my cousin, my friend and my real estate partner & Ellie Bane,CRS, my friend and mentor.

Marlene and I have been working our listings together since 1998. It works for us and we have been doing this so long we can practically finish each others sentences.

We compliment each other. We can bounce things off each other. Ideas, venting, sharing, laughing. We enjoy each other and working together.

Ellie Bane, my friend, my mentor, and before 1995, my REALTOR®. With 38 years in the business, not much surprises her. She is my rock.

I often lean on Ellie for her ideas, her experience and her calm reserve. I have even been known to call her for directions prior to getting my GPS. There aren't too many streets in Omaha that she does not know.

This photo was taken on one of our trips to a Prudential Real Estate Convention in 2008. We are on our way home and at the airport waiting for our flight.

Who do you lean on in your business life?

Who are your mentors and REALTOR® friends?

What blessings can you count in your business life?

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"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

6790 Bedford Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68104

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:58:12 -0600

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!

Opportunity knocks here! Don't miss this one!

Large rooms, cozy family room with Chicago Brick fireplace, walk out your basement to the pool, or walk out your kitchen to an awesome deck and fenced yard.

Furnace, humidifier and water heater all new in 2002.

Hardwired smoke detectors for added safety.

This charming home is nicely decorated, clean and ready to go. Even the laundry room is tastefully done!

Sellers have simply outgrown this property.

Large fully fenced yard, deck and patio for fun and entertainment!

All for just $103,900!

Newer appliances, Dishwasher & microwave new Dec 2009. Furnace & humidifier 2002, water heater 2002, roof 2002.

COZY FAMILY ROOM WITH BUILT IN ENTERTAINMENT CENTER AND CHICAGO BRICK FIREPLACE

Cute laundry area is tastefully done and has a shower too!

Large deck has built in benches.

Large fenced and terraced yard for the family friends or pets to play! Nice above ground pool will be quite a treat on those hot Nebraska summer days!

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

SNOW DAY!

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:33:48 -0600

iT'S A SNOW DAY!

Toasty warm in

Freezing snow and icicles out.

Cooking chicken on the stove

Getting ready for dumplins.

Kids are playing

and scrap-booking.

Husband thawing out

Dreading the next bout.

Thankful for a good snow blower

a furnace and hot chicken & dumplings!

Hot chocolate, coffee cup full

Weather on the TV

Telling the story whole.

The future looks cold!

12 inches of snow

& 9 below!

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"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

Christmas Shopping on a Budget

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:34:56 -0600

30 people to buy for and so little time! Not to mention a budget! We like the zoo passes we buy each year for the families to enjoy all year.

But the kids want to open a gift.

So yesterday, my shopping not even begun, I stopped at Borders.

I wanted to buy two books. Of course they were on back order because they are so popular.

I purchased the two books online while at the store, which saved me about $7 and I got free shipping.

I started exploring the store. I found books, puzzles, games and so much more.

The Rain Forest coffee table book was a $40.00 book on the sale rack for $7.99. I spent over an hour exploring it last night and enjoyed the incredable photos and notes.

The Guinness World Records 2010, a $29 book was on sale for $20 and I got a $5 gift card too!

The Shel Silverstein book Falling Up is a classic that my Granddaughter will cherish for years.

So I wanted to share this with you. I spent under $280 and got $10 in gift cards and another 20 gifts! All in less than two hours and under one roof!

So if you need good ideas, stop by your favorite book store and see what pleasant surprises you can find!

Do you have any stories to share about shopping finds or book store bargains?

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

Say "Cheeese!"

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:01:04 -0600

Cheeese......

See the camera

Say "Cheeese!"

See your Nana and smile

See your Papa and giggle.

Run little one, he's gonna tickle you

Hurry, get your books or your puzzles

Time to read and play

Nana and Papa take time to read all the words, giggle and tickle and play

Cheese snacks and chocolate milk

Swing high in the swing, slide down the slide too many times to count

Walk around the block with Papa or Nana holding your hand

Making memories and making two grown people experience pure joy.

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

A MONTH OF BIRTHDAYS

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:25:24 -0600

Kailynn 10-14-2007

A Great Grandma, a Great Grandpa, 2 Grandmas and 3 Grandpas plus about 30 more loved ones attended this little ones 2nd birthday party.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Courtney 10-25-2001

A perfect fall day for a pinata and lots of cake, presents, family, friends and fun. A perfect #8 birthday party.

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Jazzy 11-2-2006

Over 40 people came to her 3rd birthday party today. She is also loved by many friends and family. Homemade Chili & ice cream cake, friends, family, and many presents for this little one.

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Sierra 11-5-1998

Eleven years old. So close to being a teen. Cheerleading is her passion. Family, friends fun. Sierras party is next Sunday. I know it will be awesome. We expect another perfect weather day and lots of friends and family will join us! We love to celebrate birthdays around here!

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"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

What is "cloture"?

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:13:37 -0500

Do you want to impress your friends and win bets?

Use "cloture" in a sentence and be able to explain it.

As explained by our Nebraska REALTOR® Association's own Kristen Anderson, Governmental Affairs Director:

Cloture is the only procedure by which the Senate can vote to place a time limit on consideration of a bill or other matter, and thereby overcome a filibuster.

Under the cloture rule (Rule XXII), the Senate may limit consideration of a pending matter to 30 additional hours, but only by vote of three-fifths of the full Senate, normally 60 votes.

Have fun making impressions and winning those bets!

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

We're Stuck!

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:54:26 -0500

I don't know about you, but I got several emails today telling me that lawmakers may pass an extension on the $8,000 tax credit.

I suspect this will keep the buying public from doing anything before a decision is made!

Just give us a yes or give us a no!

I really don't care which one they choose!

Do you?

I mean, we don't have any control of the choice the lawmakers make at this point.

What we will do is deal with it.

And we will do an awesome job of it.

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

OMAHA WCR EVENT OCTOBER 2009

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:34:11 -0500

Omaha's Women's Council of REALTORS®

had their 29th Annual Business Fair

and the first annual Mystery Masquerade today

at Tiberon Golf Course Clubhouse near Gretna, Nebraska.

About 30 vendors set up booths with their wares and prizes to entertain guests and attract future business.

Over a thousand dollars in prizes were given out!

I won $50 from HOME BUYER'S PROTECTION COMPANY!

THANK YOU PAT AND CHERIE CASEY!

Many Guests and Vendors came dressed in costume. It was a fun evening with plenty of food, drink, wonderful people, and of course, prizes!

Thank you to all the folks who worked so hard to make it an eventful evening and to the AWESOME Sponsors who made it all possible.

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

LAKE ZORINSKY IN OMAHA NEBRASKA

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:32:51 -0500

LAKE ZORINSKY is an extremely popular place to run, walk, skate, bike, boat, fish, picnic and play.

Located between 156th and 180th and F Street in Omaha Nebraska. There are picnic areas, soccer fields, a play place for children with slides and more.

People walk/run on both sides of 168th. One side is 4-5 mile and the west side is around 3 miles.

You can access the trails on 168th.

This pair of swans were first noticed by my friend this year.

Another lovely view of the lake.

Wildlife can often be seen in the trees.

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CONVENTION

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:35:25 -0500

I have been to Nebraska State Conventions, National Association of REALTORS® Conventions, CRS Sellabrations®, and Prudential's Conventions. I was on the committee that plans the Nebraska REALTORS® Convention for several years and Chaired the Committee in 2001. (Nebraska hosts over 800 REALTORS® at their convention. The cost of the convention is figured in our Association dues and is free to the members who pre-register and attend.)

As with most things in life, it's up to you to find value in attending a convention. You get to choose how to spend your time. I will tell you how I plan ahead for conventions and how I have made the most of my time at them.

First you select the convention you want to attend. If you sign up early you can usually save lots of money. You can also save money by watching the airline fares and buying your ticket when rates are down. Another way to save money is to find a quality hotel near the convention hotel. I like to attend with REALTOR® girl friends and share the cost of the room. Besides it's more fun when you have someone to laugh with.

When I get the schedule for the convention I go through it with a fine tooth comb. I like to use a highlighter and select the classes, instructors, WCR and CRS meetings, meals, and parties that most interest me. I seek advise from seasoned REALTORS® so I don't miss out on anything exceptional. For instance, seasoned REALTORS® know the best parties and how to get a ticket, like certain banks or CRS parties at National Convention. They know the extraordinary instructors and popular classes to take. If they have been to that city they will coach you on touristy stuff.

After I select the events that most interest me I sit down with my calendar and see how many of them I can fit into it. Some things will conflict and I will have to choose. It's so much easier to plan this ahead of time! If I am visiting a new city, I plan tourist time. When I went to Washington DC for the first time I planned a couple extra days to see the city. I usually take a kazillion photos. Okay, now you need to add camera and batteries to your list of things to take.

Watch for some classes that may be offered prior to the scheduled convention dates. Often a one or two day course for CRS is offered in advance of the convention. These cost extra, in my opinion, because they are worth it. If you are interested in getting your CRS designation you may want to plan to go early and attend these classes. Again, this takes planning ahead!

There are many things to do that are included in your convention registration fee. Conventions offer generous vendors displaying their wares, offering expert advise and giving away hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars worth of prizes in drawings. TAKE LOTS OF BUSINESS CARDS! Drop them in the fishbowls/baskets for the drawings. You can't win if you don't enter! My cousin/real estate partner, Marlene, won a television while at the CRS Sellabration® in Hawaii in 2008!

I have found conventions useful in quality and selection of classes. You will find free/included courses on technology, forclosures, buyers, sellers, you name it, it can probably be found. Here's the link for the National Convention. Check it out!

To get the most out of networking at convention, I plan a small gift with my business card to pass out to REALTORS® that I personally meet. One year I took a Dumdum sucker and put a tag on it that said something like, "Don't be a Dumdum, call Donna with your referrals" and my card was attached. Another time I had a friend make fishing flies and my note said, "Cast your referrals to Donna". Go to lunches, meetings, classes and always sit with people you don't know. Meet new people and pass out your cards. Tell them about your business and ask about theirs. Meeting new people with similar interests is fun! Networking brings you business. Referrals are great! It's awesome to send referrals to people you have met!

CONVENTION TRIPS ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE! TALK TO YOUR TAX GUY!

Most important Things to take with you:

COMFORTABLE SHOES FOR WALKING!
CAMERA & BATTERIES
A COUPLE HUNDRED BUSINESS CARDS

Yes there is value in attending a convention.

It takes some planning ahead and using your plan once you get there.

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

My Nana Loves WCR!

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:44:53 -0500

I am scootin all over the neighborhood to let everyone know the NEWS!

Today my Nana became the President-Elect of Nebraska's State Women's Council of REALTORS® Chapter for 2010!

My Nana is Donna Stephens. She reads books to me and treats me to Biscottis and chocolate milk. We sing our ABC's, play with puzzles, color and sometimes we watch Dora on TV.

My Nana has lots of friends in WCR. True friendships that have lasted for many years. People she can count on when she needs them and who can count on her. Some are REALTORS® and some are affiliates.

I heard that WCR is one place Nana goes to grow her business. Speakers, classes, the WCR website, and monthly meetings with awesome speakers and wonderful people she meets there.

My Nana has learned a lot about leadership and speaking to a crowd of people through her WCR experiences. I hear she is looking forward to learning much more over the next few years. Nana is a better REALTOR®, a better negotiator, and has gained confidence through her WCR experiences.

WCR FRIENDS have sent my Nana referrals. My Nana says she loves referrals!

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

1864 North 84th in Omaha Nebraska 68114

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:27:06 -0500

Quiet neighborhood, quiet street!

Not a thoroughfare like south 84th. Just a quiet neighborhood street.

Backs to woods, full fenced back yard, wonderful patio, huge one car garage has room to work or room to store the toys. The level shady lot has plenty of room for the kids, husband and pets to run.

Security System, Sprinklers, appliances included, whole house fan beautiful gas fireplace, full finished basement. This home has much to offer.

4th Bedroom is non-conforming in the basement.

Only $122,500

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

7007 North 24th Street Omaha Nebraska 68112

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:00:46 -0500

ONLY $80,000 FOR THIS WONDERFUL ONE AND A HALF STORY HOME!

COOKS KITCHEN! BEAUTIFUL! More counter space than you can imagine.

Almost one hundred year old woodwork looks prettier than new!

Huge master bedroom is 19 x 15 and an enclosed porch.

3 bed, 2 bath and one car garage.

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

Thank you Chuck Bode, CRS Instructor

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:02:32 -0500

Thank you Mr. Chuck Bode, CRS for the lessons we learned from you, at our Omaha Women's Council of REALTORS® luncheon Thursday October 8, 2009.

Chuck never ceases to amaze me. I recommend Chuck for your next event. He is a national speaker who is honest, sincere, and energetic. You would not be sorry if you were able to book him for your speaker, trainer, or teacher.

Chuck started with having us pair up and then gave each pair a package of Smarties candy. The package has 15 candies. We were to divide them up and stand up. It was a lesson in negotiating that I will never forget.

The next lesson was to write down the best negotiator you know. Mine was Kailynn, the two year old grandchild. Many in the room wrote the name of a child. Chuck says, "They just don't take no for an answer. They keep trying to explain until we understand and give them what they want."

Awesome lessons learned in a brief 20 minute time frame.

REALTOR® Chuck Bode sold 54 units his first year in real estate without a computer or a personal assistant! This former high school teacher and coach has a rare blend of humor, real world experience and passion for the real estate industry.

Chuck has been teaching real estate and sales courses for the last 24 years and is a Senior Instructor for the Council of Residential Specialists.

Courses:
Business Planning and Marketing (CRS 200)
Listing Course (CRS 201)
Sales Course (CRS 202)
Referral Course (CRS 210)

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

H1N1 Prevention

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:05:25 -0500

Contact with H1N1 is not as much of a problem as proliferation is.

It's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1, but it's important to note that the only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat.

While we are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of the infection, in order to prevent the virus from proliferating, we can take some very simple preventive steps:

1. Frequent hand-washing, as highlighted in all recent official communications.

2. Hands off the face! If we don't touch our face, the virus has no "portal of entry."

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine. H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat or nasal cavity to proliferate and show symptoms; simple gargling with salt water washes the viruses away before they can take hold and proliferate.

4. To bring down the viral population in the nasal cavity, we can blow our noses once a day and swab out nostrils with a q-tip or cotton ball soaked in warm salt water.

5. We can boost our natural immunity with foods rich in vitamin C or vitamin C tablets (with zinc to boost absorption).

6. We can drink as many warm liquids as possible. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, except that rather than expelling viruses when we spit out the gargling liquid, we wash them off from the throat into the stomach, where they cannot survive.

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

12120 PARKER CIRCLE, OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68114

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:02:18 -0500

SOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BUILT FOR A HANDICAP PERSON, AND A DELIGHT FOR THE REST OF THE FAMILY!

THIS ALL ON ONE LEVEL RANCH HOME HAS MUCH TO OFFER!

This home was built in 1981 and updated in 2007. The interior to be replaced with new drywall and all new kitchen, new appliances and bath.

The roof was new in 2008. The extended 2 car garage has extra room for workshop or for storage. Room for RV, boat or motorcycles.

Awesome Candlewood ranch has large rooms, open floor plan, and is truly handicap accessible. Wide doors, wide hallway, no steps, automatic back up generator, whole house fan, security system, and only $140,000!

EASY TO SEE! JUST PHONE

DONNA 402-598-5117 OR MARLENE 402-659-8090

Bedrooms are 20'5" x 12 and 19'6" x 13'6" and 10'6" x 9'4"! Two huge and one average!

Master Bedroom or sitting room with separate entrance to bath.

Bath is large room that has a handicap shower, tub with shower and large vanity.

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

Buyers "TO DO" List

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:48:01 -0500

For my buyers who are about to close on their new purchase of a home, I have made a "to do" list.

Do any of my ActiveRain friends have anything to add?

Insurance

You will need to get insurance on the property prior to closing.
Most people check with their car insurance carrier first.
I recommend checking Farmers Insurance or Farm Bureau for good rates.
You can pay for the first year directly or at closing.
The mortgage company will collect 1/12 of the insurance each month, with your payment, so they have the money to pay it on your behalf next year. We figured that in when we did your estimated closing costs.

Utilities

Start the utilities in your name for closing day.
It's cheaper on you if have them switch from the seller to you and they don't turn them off first.
Even if the seller is turning them off a day early, just have them switch to your name. It should save you a few bucks.
OPPD (electric) 402-536-4131
MUD (gas and water) 402-554-6666
Cox (cable TV, Internet, phone) 402-933-3000
Qwest 402-341-1500

Other stuff

Turn in a change of address to the post office and notify your friends and realitives.
If you get a newspaper you will want to call omaha world herald 444-1000.

For closing

You will need to bring a cashier's check made out to the title company.
Hopefully we will have that figure a day or two before closing.
You will need to bring your photo ID, like a driver's license because the title company will be notarizing and they need to copy it for the file.

Lastly, we will do a walk through a day or two before closing.

Any questions?

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

RECIPE FOR GETTING THE HOUSE SOLD

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 09:15:23 -0500

For a successful sale you must combine the following ingredients:

1 part Condition

2 parts Price

3 parts Location Location Location

Add a pinch of great marketing

Blend in a fantastic and caring Real Estate Team

Stir up a reputable company

Sprinkle in a willing and able Seller

Fluff up a willing and able Buyer

Toss in a reputable mortgage lender.

Blend well.

Bake for thirty to forty five days and check often.

Garnish with a cool fruity beverage and enjoy the results.

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

I am Almost Speechless

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:53:28 -0500

I would be speechless if so many questions did not arise.

•1. What was the developer thinking?

•2. how did this happen?

•3. How much red tape did the owners have to go through to attempt to fight this?

•4. How many people drove into the gutter before they put up the poles and chain?

•5. Who would buy this with so little access to the driveway?

•6. Was the lot discounted?

•7. Was it enough savings?

•8. What do you think of this?

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

Nebraska Agency Disclosure

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:01:55 -0500

Nebraska Agency Disclosure brochures must be completely and accurately filled out

The form is to be given to buyers and sellers at the first substantial contact.

For example, not everyone who enters an open house will need to be given one.
Only if you meet the client/customer for a second showing or if they show interest in writing an offer on the home you have open do you need to present the form.

Be sure your name is printed at the top as well as your business Partner's name too!
Explain the lines that apply to the client/customer.
If you cross out areas on the pre-printed forms have client/customer initial by the area changed.
When you're the listing agent writing up the offer but only want to represent the seller, the buyer is your customer and you are the Seller's agent.

It is just amazing that this form has been in effect since before 2003 and we still seem to have questions about it. I am guilty myself.

Why do you think this is so difficult? Is it this hard across the country? We are still talking about it in our sales meetings!

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

1612 Franklin, Bellevue, NE 68005

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:49:50 -0500

OH, DEAR, LOOK AT THE DEER!

(More photos to come of deer in the yard!)

Quality shows in this comfortable 3 bedroom home in Bellevue, Nebraska. 2 treed and fenced lots, humongus deck, hot tub, gleaming wood floors and fabulous decor. A lovely home for the great price of $135,000

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117

Birthday 2009

Donna J Stephens (Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Co.) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 10:49:54 -0500

9-18 Stacey started my day buying coffee for me at the Beanery.

Met Susie, Brian and Marlene for lunch at Applebees.

Got special cards from Kathi & Debi on my phone. Enough Beanery cards from Brit and Gil to last a month or two. Vince played the harmonica while Terry sang and Cissie laughed (clear from Minnesota), Birthday wishes from Nick and Rusty. Nick sang "happy birthday", sorta, Rusty did not.

Gil got me an afternoon frozen coffee.

Marcie and the girls put on a wonderful birthday party for me.

Family and Tammy. Thank you all for coming. Missy and Ricky cut out of their camping trip to come; Rick, Angie and Jenny, Imogene and Debbie traveled over 20 miles; Gil, Stacey, Jamie, Greg and Kellie (thank you for the angel food cake), Lindsay (thank you for all your help in planning the party and the candle), Tammy (thank you for the gifts and the strawberries), Raymond, Marcie's friends; Rachel, Brigette and Jodi, and all the wonderful children, my blessings.

Thank you Jordan for my special card and the money.

Thank you all for the gifts, cards an wonderful thoughts on my Happy Birthday.

I now have six matching frames for my wall. [I just need updated photos of my kids & their families. An 8 X 10 please. (Christmas?)]

Good food, good company, good times. Thank you all!

"I am never too busy for you or your referrals!"

Donna J Stephens, CRS, GRI

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate, 13340 California Street Omaha, NE 68154

(402) 598-5117