Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-What Do You Prefer to Be The Listing Agent or The Buyer's Agent? - 06/30/11 10:33 AM
Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-What Do You Prefer to Be The Listing Agent or The Buyer's Agent?
This is a question I've been mulling over for some time now and it is answered in a variety of different ways with valid points being made for each side. Carla Muss-Jacobs specializes in buyers' representation exclusively.  A  broker who takes a completely different tack is Katerina Gasset, who prefers to take listings only. My situation is quite unusual in that most of the listings and buyers come through me in my niche real estate market at Fishhawk Lake.
What is your preference and why? … (43 comments)

Who Would You Have in Your Lifeboat? - 06/27/11 05:56 PM
I've asked this question periodically for years. I'll ask friends, bring it up as a party question, or casually mention it in a business conversation. It could be more than one lifeboat, too. For example, my Personal Lifeboat would include my husband, but in my Business Lifeboat, I've got such a bastion of folks lined up on my real estate team that he's more of my 1st Alternate if someone were to jump ship at the last moment. Not because he's not "on my team", he IS, but when I talk about my business lifeboat, I think about people like my … (31 comments)

Okay, Everybody--Time Out! - 06/27/11 10:57 AM
Okay, Everybody--Time Out!
The last few days have brought out some mud slinging and passive-aggressive behavior towards some featured bloggers and instead of going postal, maybe we need to take a Time Out.
There are certain things you can do to re-direct your behavior, attitude or whatever emotional side-track has got you de-railed.
For me, sometimes it's music. This morning, as I ponder taking a deep breath, I was listening to a reggae tune called Take It Easy by the Meditations....how can you be in a bad humor with THAT??
Don't Worry Be Happy!


With happiness, comes smiles, and … (33 comments)

Fishhawk Lake Real Estate--Another Lousy Day in Paradise - 06/26/11 03:21 PM
Fishhawk Lake Real Estate--Another Lousy Day in Paradise
It's a gorgeous Sunday and my family will be here in less than a week to celebrate my young (really) mom's 80th birthday!  So, I'm going to throw in some past photos of them while enjoying Fishhawk Lake.


Catch and keep two cutthroat trout per day on Fishhawk Lake (a private lake community) from May to November 1st--catch and release salmon and steelhead.

You can have up to a 22' pontoon on Fishhawk Lake. All motors are electric only or human-powered!

Kids and dogs, off all sizes and ages are … (17 comments)

Half The Success is a Good Title-Paying it Forward to Some of My Favorites - 06/25/11 09:01 PM
Half The Success is a Good Title-Paying it Forward to Some of My Favorites
There are SO many titles to choose from that really capture your attention either by humor, shock value or it just happens to be the timing of what you've been through that day, but I want to share some of my personal favorites and these authors usually have so many that it's really hard to choose just ONE.
So subscribe to them and you won't miss a THING!
Kristine Ginsberg (an inspirational writer who can offer up many moods): Funniest, Vaguest and WTF? Comments Left on My … (17 comments)

Are You Still Having Fun In Real Estate? - 06/24/11 06:35 PM
 
Are You Still Having Fun In Real Estate?
My sweet friend, Mimi Foster has had one of those "days", weeks, you got it, we're all experiencing them.
She has opened the "Door of Dialogue" on what you're feeling about your romance with real estate. Do you have the Seven Year Itch?  Are you just in the whirlwind romance stage? It would be great to hear from you.
Here was my comment:
Mims--wow, beautifully written and I simply ALWAYS look forward to your blogs. Yup, funny what life as we know it can turn into daily. I just looked at … (16 comments)

Fishhawk Lake--Being Neighborly DOES NOT Include a Fence - 06/22/11 12:05 PM
 
Fishhawk Lake--Being Neighborly DOES NOT include a Fence
Like Lynn Friedman says in  her thoughtful post below, the idea of fences
 or no fences can create some dialogue about privacy or protection or can go so far as to state pretty emphatically STAY OUT! At Fishhawk Lake, we don't allow fencing because it disrupts the beauty of your neighbor's view and isn't welcome here. It's another reason why I love and embrace what Fishhawk Lake represents....a throwback to a simpler time, people wave at each other (even if you don't know one another), have morning conversations on the daily walk, … (8 comments)

Fishhawk Lake-Here's What I Did, Here's What My Husband Did and Here's What I'm Gonna Do! - 06/21/11 06:14 PM
Fishhawk Lake-Here's What I Did, Here's What My Husband Did and Here's What I'm Gonna Do!
Ever since I broke my wrist, buyers have been coming out of the woodwork to look at property. I should've done this back in February!  So while you lucky folks have been at RainCamp, I've been running around showing my listings and getting back to the office with renewed listing paperwork, calling for trios, calling to set up appointments and showing homes here at Fishhawk Lake as well as an incredible 64+AC country property first thing this morning.
I had a brief moment the other day … (19 comments)

The Friendship of Blogging - 06/20/11 11:13 AM
The Friendship of Blogging
Today, a dear friend reminded me of the "Friendship of Blogging", which is what I call it. When you find those people who continue to consistently come see your blogs day in and day out, and take the time to comment, remember to reciprocate.
They are supporting you in your business.  With their friendship; their thumbs up to what you have to say,
 

 
 or simply to say I care about you. They have your back.
Thank you for that reminder, girlfriend!




 
Gayle Rich-BoxmanRealtor® Vernonia Realty Direct: (503)755-2905Specializing … (22 comments)

Paying it Forward--A Little Something in Return - 06/19/11 09:46 PM
Paying it Forward--A Little Something in Return
I met a really kind man this week. A man who loves his dad and he felt compelled to write about his memories of his drives with his father to Fishhawk Lake.
It is a gentle, loving and poignant piece. I asked him during our conversation if I could actually reprint the whole thing he had written in 2009 that appeared in the Portland paper, the Oregonian. He was so gracious and said, "whatever you want to do with it is completely okay with me." I was thrilled.
"A Father's Day Reflection: Finding … (0 comments)

My Brief Six Month History at ActiveRain in a Nutshell - 06/18/11 11:09 AM
My Brief Six Month History at ActiveRain in a Nutshell
Looking back at my long tenure at ActiveRain(!), as a blogger anyway,(starting January, 2011) I am amazed at what has happened! For any new blogger out there, let me give you some words of encouragement. In my first six blogposts, I had no comments at all til the 6th one, got three and was THRILLED! My first eighteen blogs, I  had a total of 66 COMMENTS. That only averages out to 5 comments per blog. Well, I didn't know any better, so I was completely nonplussed about the whole thing. I just kept pluggin' away. Then number 19 came along. … (24 comments)

When Is It a Good Time To Go Postal? - 06/17/11 12:38 PM
When Is It a Good Time To Go Postal?
This has been one of those questions I keep asking myself...I don't mean breaking out the Uzi and shooting everyone in my midst,



 I mean WHEN is it a good time to take my little gem





out of                                                 DRAFT


 
and allow it to                                                      GO POSTAL!!!


I'm sure there are many schools of thought on this. One dear friend of mine posts hers religiously the same time of day (that's what she said works for her). I'm not that consistent (or patient).
… (19 comments)

Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-Local Shop Offers "Flowers 'N Fluff" - 06/16/11 10:39 PM
Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-Local Shop Offers "Flowers 'N Fluff"
My Fishhawk Lake clients (who later become my neighbors)are always asking me about things you can do here at the lake besides all of the great nature-oriented opportunities we offer. One of my "finds" is an adorable and trendy shop in nearby Clatskanie, called Flowers 'N Fluff...gotta love that name, right off the bat, huh?
Owned by Sherri Lumjarvi, a cool, wild-haired rocker-chick lookin' gal, whose personality is all over this place;

her taste and style shine in the way she displays items and the great and varied selection of gift ideas she has … (15 comments)

Warning What You're About to Read May Be Dangerous to Your Health - 06/16/11 05:45 PM
Warning What You're About to Read May Be Dangerous to Your Health
There's a new virulent disease, please read the following very carefully (those of you in New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts may already be aware):
 
 
 

 

Just want what's best for you!!
 
Gayle Rich-BoxmanRealtor® Vernonia Realty Direct: (503)755-2905Specializing in Fishhawk Lake Recreation Club"Your Gateway to the Lake!"http://activerain.com/blogs/gayleatfishhawklake   My website: http://www.lakehomesatfishhawk.com/My blog: http://fishhawklakerealtor.wordpress.com/
 

… (18 comments)

Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-People Who Have Been Smart About Their Money Are STILL Smart About Their Money! - 06/14/11 04:28 PM
Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-People Who Have Been Smart About Their Money Are STILL Smart About Their Money!
This has been my mantra for the last year or more. My sellers at Fishhawk Lake ask me about my thoughts on buyers out there and IF they're out there and What are they thinking? This is my simple answer. And I firmly believe it to be true.
Fishhawk Lake Recreation Club, my niche is a private lake, and a vacation-oriented community and so for the most part, these are properties that are for PLEASURE, for creating memories with family and friends and are not necessary compared to a … (7 comments)

Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-The Little Cabin That Could - 06/13/11 04:34 PM
Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-The Little Cabin That Could
This little darling one-owner all wood cabin is perched on Fishhawk Creek, which is the main water source for Fishhawk Lake. It has been loved, but hasn't been lived in for awhile because the owners are having health issues that keep them from being here anymore.  Reluctantly, they put it up for sale.

 
 It could be just what you're craving as an easy weekend getaway cabin! It's all one floor,
 

 
 
 
 has two bedrooms, one with wooden bunkbeds--perfect for those active kids who want to share a room … (15 comments)

Pay It Forward--Reward Great Customer Service - 06/11/11 02:24 PM
Pay It Forward--Reward Great Customer Service
When you are in the midst of a serious situation (mine was surgery) and everyone you encounter is wonderful, don't you think they need to hear about it?
Well, I decided to talk about my experience with Tuality Hospital by writing a blog about it. (See below) I also sent it to the CEO of Tuality Hospital in an e-mail and it came back undeliverable. So, I called the hospital operator back, she gave me his administrative assistant's e-mail and it went through.
Here is her response:
Gayle,
 Thank you so much for forwarding the link … (11 comments)

Fishhawk Lake-If You're Going to Have Surgery Enjoy it I Did! - 06/10/11 04:37 PM
Fishhawk Lake-If You're Going to Have Surgery Enjoy it, I Did! Day Surgery or any surgery for that matter is all new to me. The last time was 1962 (I'm guessing) for a double hernia operation and that involved having ether--a most disgusting form of putting you out.  Thank GOD they don't do that anymore. 
From meeting the gal at registration, Lynette, who was all bubbly and cheerful to the last RN that wheeled me back out to the car 6 hours later, the "customer service" at Tuality Hospital was IMMPECCABLE.
 

 
Jill was our first volunteer, who took my husband … (11 comments)

Banks Are Learning Fast What Customers Think Through Social Media - 06/09/11 12:01 AM
 
I noticed that my dear friend and one of my mentors, Katerina Gasset ("SEO Queen to the Stars") wrote this Go-Get-Em approach to holding some of these banks responsible for their untimeliness, bad BAD customer service and what you can do about it as a consumer or as a realtor by SPEAKING UP! Because of all of the stories that ensued in the comments, I am doing my very first
RE-BLOG!!
I will also add my recent "personal" story about US Bank. They have informed us that our "free checking accounts" will no longer be free and without certain stipulations they … (14 comments)

Blogging with One Hand-Now THAT'S FUN! - 06/08/11 11:38 AM
Blogging with One Hand-Now THAT'S FUN!
It'll be a week Friday since I tripped over my dog, took a header and broke a bunch of bones in my dominant-hand's wrist. The week before that I had my first Daily Drop Feature. It's funny what can happen in a week.
Spellcheck, anyone?? i'm spending a lot of time not capitalizing, doing some texting shorthand(u 2?) and trying to figure out exactly what that word was that i completely bastardized while using my hunt&peck method...
Bye-Bye Writing-Anything handwritten, Forget-About-it!
  
And unless you're on SpeakerPhone, holding that cool little phone squnched between a shoulder … (17 comments)

Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-Victorian in Mist Oregon - 06/06/11 08:13 PM
Fishhawk Lake Real Estate-Victorian in Mist Oregon I was putting together another article on this lovely historical home for Vernonia's Voice, a local paper and came across more photos that I wanted to share.

The local resident of the potting shed.

In the hallway, going up the stairs.

One of the owner's sons was born in this bedroom, Larry Garlock, who now has an insurance company in Clatskanie, OR.

Downstairs sitting area. Tea, anyone??

Original windows and mostly original upstairs bath to wile away the hours...

One of the many views out the window in back. Some marketable … (17 comments)

What One Trip Can Do - 06/06/11 12:10 AM
What One Trip Can Do. Picture this: it's early AM, 3:45 to be exact. You head to the bathroom.  In the dark, half asleep. You suddenly stumble over a large sleeping dog, Golden Retriever. In a single second you are airborne, much like Superman. However, Superman always landed on his feet.
 
I did not.
My "trip" landed me in a yelping heap.  The dog was fine (thank God).
 

 
 
 My ten-point landing was taken completely by my left wrist--my "dominant" hand (up til this point, I was not aware of this commonly used phrase when catching yourself … (26 comments)

Pay it Forward--Another Love Connection For My Clients! - 06/05/11 06:32 PM
Pay it Forward--Another Love Connection For My Clients!  At Fishhawk Lake, many of my clients are vacationers. My neighbor two doors down is one of them, from CA. They came up to find that their pipes downstairs had burst, flooding a good part of the downstairs. This was Friday nite, late. We talked Saturday and I connected the wife with a wonderful Servicemaster franchise owner, Paul Samburg who came out on a Sunday! He and I had met a few years ago, when we'd had our first flood ever here at Fishhawk Lake and he had volunteered to do clean-up for those with … (7 comments)

Fishhawk Lake Localism- Birkenfeld Store CD Release Party - 06/02/11 04:26 PM
Fishhawk Lake Localism- Birkenfeld Store CD Release Party 
 Saturated Phats, a local four member band will be having one of their two CD release parties out at the The Birkenfeld Store ("The Birk") on Saturday, June 4th. The other one will be in Gresham, Friday, June 3rd at The M and M Lounge. This is their first self-titled CD.  They are pop/rock with a smattering of country thrown in. 
I
Three Guitars: (from right to left) Ron Neighhorn (singing), Chris Moss-bass guitar, Brian Baker-lead guitar


Drummer, Judas Espinor

Part of their press release is included below:

"Saturated Phats contains 12 original songs … (8 comments)