misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: A North Carolina Holiday Favorite: Deep Fried Mistletoe with a Dollop of Mint Jelly - 12/12/07 10:49 PM
Okay...we DON'T actually eat fried mistletoe in North Carolina (as far as I know), but we will put just about anything on a stick...fry it...and sell it for $6 at the State Fair. Think I'm joking? Shall I remind you of the fried dill pickle and fried snickers bar? I rest my case.
All joking aside...North Carolina is home to some of the finest food (and cooks) in the world. ::TAKING A BOW:: With the Christmas season upon us, I would like to share some of my favorite North Carolina recipes with you.
By any chance, did you know … (20 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: ANSWERS to 'What Country has the Stiffest Punishment for Drinking and Driving?' - 12/09/07 05:59 PM
This is a follow-up to yesterday's post, THINKING about DRINKING and DRIVING?? (What country has the stiffest punishment?). Check the answers below to see how well you did at matching the country with the punishment...
Australia Canada South Africa France Norway El Savador Bulgaria Finland and Sweden England Russia Turkey Poland Costa Rica Malaya
The first drinking and driving offense warrants loss of license for one year and the equivalent of a $600 fine. The second offense warrants two weeks in jail and loss of license for two years. (Canada) Drunk drivers simply lose their license for life. (Russia) If a man is caught … (25 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: THINKING about DRINKING and DRIVING?? (What country has the stiffest punishment?) - 12/08/07 04:57 PM
After reading several recent posts warning against drinking and driving this holiday season...I became curious about how our sentences for drunk driving compare to those of other countries. What began as a random curiosity has led to some really interesting conversation in my home. Since I was completely unaware of these laws and sentences for drunk driving...I imagine that many of you are not aware of them either. How knowledgeable are you? (These are ALL true punishments for drinking and driving. I did not make this 'stuff' up!!)
Can you match the country with the punishment???
Australia Canada South Africa … (16 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: What’s love got to do with it???…why it’s important to make a connection with your REALTOR®. - 12/03/07 12:01 PM
You WANT to sell your home...OR...you NEED to sell your home. Either way, chances are that you would not consider taking on the daunting task of FSBOing (For Sale By Ownering). I mean...these REALTOR® people are the experts. They work ‘out there' in the market every day. You know that you want to sell your home for the highest possible price. They know how to make it happen. This is a marriage made in heaven!
But wait...IF it is such a simple formula, why do only 30% of sellers (based on 2006 statistics) call the agent they used previously???
Before you … (7 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: Last night, I received one of THOSE phone calls…it reminded me to BE CAREFUL! - 12/02/07 09:38 PM
After six years in the real estate business, I should NOT need a reminder to be careful. Safety should be in the forefront of my mind at all times...in all circumstances. I've heard the terrible accounts of agents being robbed and murdered during open houses...even in my own city. I've walked into vacant homes and discovered drug addicts and vagrants living inside. I've taken self-defense classes and learned how to think quickly in the event of an attack. I've even been the victim of stalking. Yet...I do forget. I get busy, and I forget just how dangerous it really is ‘out … (49 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: A Little Bit of Christmas Cheer from The Nieves Family of Elves! - 12/02/07 12:37 PM
Well...it is official! December is here, and Christmas is just around the corner. Here in North Carolina...we rarely see a 'White Christmas'...but we still have LOTS of CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.
From the Nieves Family to Your Family...Merry Christmas!
So...click on the link and watch the Nieves Family of Elves boogie...woogie...woogie...till we just can't boogie no more!!! (We practiced ALL day just for YOU!!!)
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1136526868
Written and Posted by:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
Visit our website at http://www.elizabethnieves.com
… (22 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: Rule #3 (of Elizabeth's R.E. Rule Book) ***IF YOU WANT ME TO SELL YOUR LISTING...I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SHOW IT!*** - 11/30/07 01:27 PM
Dear Mr. Listing Agent,
Although we have not yet met...you have been the source of great inspiration for me. Oh YES...that is why I am writing you today. You see...I'm dedicating a whole chapter just to you...as you have contributed so much valuable material to my (yet-to-be-published) R.E. Rule Book. Rest assured that I will reserve an autographed copy just for you; however, I'll give you an exclusive, never-before-seen, sneak peek right now.
I sincerely hope that you will enjoy reading Elizabeth's R.E. Rule Book and recommend it to all of your friends. As you read, you may even recognize THEIR contribution to this … (81 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: Have YOU ever been the victim of 'GOOD NAME' THEFT? (IF you are one of the 'GOOD GUYS'...you NEED to read this.) - 11/27/07 01:27 PM
In my seven years of involvement in the real estate industry, I've encountered EVERY kind of unscrupulous behavior under the sun...or at least it seems that way. In fact, I've often asked myself..."How do people get away with 'stuff' like that?" I've been tempted, at times, to carry a giant 'integrity stick' and knock a little 'integrity' into some of the real estate professionals I've been unfortunate enough to meet. (YES...my 'integrity stick' is really just a baseball bat...but it is highly effective!)
Before you get nervous...I've NEVER actually used my 'integrity stick' on anyone. I have, however, used all (non-violent) means, at my disposal, … (37 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: North Carolina says "NO!!!" to the Property Transfer Tax - 11/26/07 05:13 PM
The collective voice of North Carolina voters rang out loud, clear and in perfect harmony..."Don't tax the American Dream!" The proposed increase in The Property Transfer Tax was overwhelmingly rejected in 16 counties across North Carolina...including Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham and Johnston.
According to Tim Kent, Executive Vice President of The North Carolina Association of Realtors..."People sent a message that they absolutely, positively do not want to have a targeted tax on home ownership." The defeat of the proposed tax is largely due to the tremendous support from The North Carolina Association of Realtors and Home Builders...whose combined contribution totalled … (10 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: Rule #2 (of Elizabeth's R.E. Rule Book) ***NO! YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE A R.E. LICENSE IF YOU CAN'T COUNT!*** - 11/26/07 12:36 AM
In elementary school, we all learned the three R's...Reading, wRiting and aRithmatic. Anyone having flashbacks to storytime on the reading carpet? ::OH...THAT'S JUST ME!?:: What about the giant abacus with huge red and yellow beads...anyone have one of those in your class? MAN...I loved that thing!
Well...apparently...there are some listing agents (in my neck of the woods) who skipped elementary school. (OR...they fell asleep on the reading carpet.) I know this must be true...because all too often, I show their listings.
Not too long ago, I was working with a single mom (I'll call her Barbara)...a referral from another satisfied … (24 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: THANKSGIVING DINNER...with a Native American Twist (Hey!! We WERE there for the first one!!) - 11/22/07 08:45 AM
EVERYONE loves Thanksgiving Day! It is THE DAY that has been designated to 'count our blessings'. It is THE DAY that we give thanks for the many gifts that God has given to us...our homes, jobs, friends and family. It is THE DAY that we should remember that there are many who are less fortunate than we...and share our blessings. It is THE DAY that most of us sit before at a beautiful and bountiful table and eat...eat until we are stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey!
On this glorious Thanksgiving Day...and in honor of my Native American heritage...I wish to share with you a few recipes that may have been … (25 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: My FIRST Vacation in Six Months...I Don't Know How to DO NOTHING! - 11/04/07 03:07 PM
As of yesterday at 4:00pm, I was officially on a mini-vacation. My husband and I started out on our journey...heading for the North Carolina mountains...our FAVORITE PLACE on earth. After only an hour in the car, in horrible traffic, we decided to stop for the night at a nice hotel.
Last night, we had a wonderful dinner (room service)...watched a funny movie...and ACTUALLY turned off our cell phones. (I can't remember the last time we did that!) We went to bed much too late, but it was okay...we're on vacation!
This morning, I woke up early (habit) and leisurely read some of my … (17 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: It's RAINING in Durham, North Carolina...HALLELUIA!!! - 10/24/07 10:27 PM
Today...I spent the WHOLE day on the road...showing foreclosed properties to investors. Getting in and out of the car, I got ABSOLUTELY SOAKED FROM HEAD TO TOE at least four times today! And...you know what...I could not have been more thrilled. In fact...IF I could have gotten away with just spending the WHOLE day playing in the rain...I would have done it. Despite my best efforts, I just could not quite think of a good way to explain to my investor clients my uncontrollable urge to dance around in the rain.
For months, North Carolina has been experiencing a severe drought. Rivers and lakes have dried … (15 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: BREAKING NEWS: ‘MONSTER SPRAY’ is BACK on the MARKET! (Same old formula…NEW uses for REALTORS®!!) - 10/23/07 02:39 PM
I, Elizabeth Nieves, am the proud and rightful inventor of ‘MONSTER SPRAY'. YES...YES...YES...I KNOW you are thinking that a little, country girl from North Carolina could NOT possibly have been the first to create such an amazingly useful product. ::slightly puffed up:: Oh...it is true, my friend. I assure you it is very true. (Just ask Former V.P. Al Gore...He'll vouch for me! I invented it around the same time he invented the internet.)
For those of you who may not be familiar with ‘monster spray'...and certainly that is only a small handful of you...I will introduce it to … (22 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: Laughter is GOOD MEDICINE! - 10/22/07 09:18 PM
Today was ONE OF THOSE DAYS when I just needed to end the day with a good laugh. I thought...'Why not share my laugh with my friends on Active Rain?' I mean...it is more fun to laugh together!!!
Here are some funny signs that have been spotted around the world:
In a Tokyo bar:"SPECIAL COCKTAILS FOR THE LADIES WITH NUTS." Cocktail lounge, Norway:"LADIES ARE REQUESTED NOT TO HAVE CHILDREN IN THE BAR."
Doctors' office, Rome:"SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES."
Dry cleaners, Bangkok:"DROP YOUR TROUSERS HERE FOR THE BEST RESULTS."
In a Nairobi restaurant:"CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES … (15 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: Another MIRACLE Closing!!! - 10/20/07 10:40 AM
Yesterday...at 1pm...I attended ANOTHER MIRACLE CLOSING!!! If you are thinking that I'm being a little too dramatic, I assure you I am not. (Read on...and I'll make you a believer!)
This client (I'll call her ‘Tonya') was referred to me by another client almost two years ago. Upon meeting her, I knew that it was going to be a challenge to find her a home that she would love...that would also fit her budget. THANKFULLY...I LOVE A GOOD CHALLENGE!!
Getting ‘Tonya' approved for a loan was not the problem. She has good credit, and we were able to find a first-time … (31 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: Random Acts of 'BLINDNESS'………. - 10/19/07 08:40 AM
In 2001, I accepted a secretarial job in a small, independently owned real estate company in Raleigh, N.C. From 1994 till 2001...I owned an interior design company in the Cary/Apex area of North Carolina. Following a separation from my junior high school sweetheart and husband of fifteen years, I NEEDED a break from the responsibilities and pressures of being self-employed. (I had no idea that my decision would lead me to where I am today! ONLY GOD KNEW!)
Having absolutely NO background or experience in real estate, I knew little about ‘fair housing laws' and ‘protected classes'...but I did know about PREJUDICE. … (18 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: IF................. An original poem by Elizabeth Nieves - 10/18/07 02:28 PM
IF....................
IF Somehow I could find just the right words
They would be like keys
I'd place them into the secret locks of your soul
And release all of the captive pain hidden there
IF A hug could mend a broken heart
I would wrap you securely in mine
I'd hold you warmly in my arms
Until even the scars were no more
IF A kiss could stop your tears from falling
I'd dry your cheeks and eyes
I'd rest my lips gently upon yours
Until I could … (11 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: Thanks for the Dance! - 10/17/07 11:45 PM
Atlanta Fest Christian Musical Festival...an annual event...is held at Six Flags Over Georgia. Some years ago, I took a group of 25-30 teenagers to Atlanta Fest for the four day event. We camped (an experience I'll NEVER forget) on the grounds of Six Flags and attended concerts day and night.
On the second day of the festival, we waited in line for several hours to get the best seats. The kids were incredibly excited about seeing the bands live and up close. Waiting in line paid off, as we were able to get seats on the front row of the second section...dead … (15 comments)
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misc thoughts from bilingual nc realtor: The Touch of the Master's Hand - 10/15/07 09:03 PM
The Touch of the Master's Hand
It was battered and scarred, And the auctioneer thought it Hardly worth his while To waste his time on the old violin, But he held it up with a smile. "What am I bid, good people", he cried, "Who starts the bidding for me?" "One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?" "Two dollars, who makes it three?" "Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three",
But, No, From the room far back a grey haired man Came forward and picked up the bow, Then wiping the dust from the old violin And … (10 comments)
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