Gayle Rogers Blog

Mission Trip to Jamaica

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 20:04:46 -0700

I attend an incredible church that is Mission oriented. This year alone, there have been over 24 mission trips to various locations throughout the world and the U.S.A. I just returned from a week of serving in Kingston, Jamaica. When you think of Jamaica, most people think of beaches and beauty. Well believe me, that is not what I saw.

There is a group called "The Missionaries of the Poor". They are a Catholic organization that takes care of children, orphaned, mentally and physically handicapped, Men and Women with aids, women who were severely abused and neglected and others.

I need to tell you that I am not a Catholic. My church is a non-denominational Pentacostal, mission church. This trip was planned by one of the members of our church who is Jamaican. She has been to the childrens home, that is located in Kingston, Jamaica and her heart is to be of service to this ministry. A group of us joined her and I must say that it was one of the hardest things that I have ever experienced. It was heart wrenching but it opened my eyes to how wonderful the young Brothers of this organization are. They dedicate their entire life to this ministry with no complaints, with joy and love in their hearts and with so much appreciation that we even came to help them for a time.

If the Missionaries of the Poor did not do what they do, these children, women and men would not survive. The children are cared for, as much as they can care for them with the disabilities they have, by feeding them, clothing them and caring for them. No medicine is available. Only 1 towel to dry 65 children, wheelchairs that are plastic garden chairs on wheels, minimal food and no toys. All of the children are in diapers so they have to be washed several times throughout the day, which consists of them being picked up, undressed, washed, dried, redressed, etc. The amount of physical work it takes 24/7 is unbelievable. Feeding them is a feat in itself. Most cannot eat solid food so the food has to be pureed to put into a bottle. One meal a day is given, not only because of lack of money but lack of help to feed all of these children.

I come home, after a week of working extremely hard, crying alot and praying for them constantly. Leaving the comfort of my home, missing my grandbabies and thanking God for what he has given me.

Any donations, money, mops, brooms, new t-shirts, towels, etc., are needed more than you will ever know. We purchased as many towels as we could while we were still there but so much is needed.

God has sent us all to serve others in need. Joining together in the Love of God does make a difference. I gave one teeny tiny week of my life. These Brothers give their all, every day.

Please look up the great organization, via the web, and see for yourself the difference that they make. We are planning our trip again for next year!

Listing Another Agents Home

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:12:51 -0700

I was asked to list a colleagues home, who has recently moved out of town. Good idea? Not really.

It's turning into an event more than a job. Every day, and I mean every day, I receive an email from the colleague, with a forward from her spouse. Strange? Ya think?

They have brainstorm sessions each night on the next best idea to sell their home quickly. Without listening to my comments at all, they more than insist that I attempt to do what they ask. The first 3 times was amusing, but now it's not funny anymore. I'm trying to be patient, as it really is a good listing, even though I am doing it at a discount to help her out. I have sold a few homes in this neighborhood previously and it is very convenient for me, distancewise that is.

I am waiting on an offer this week, not because of any of their ideas, but because there is someone out there that likes this house.

Moral of story. Think twice before you jump.

Do You Do It Just To Make a Living?

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:47:52 -0700

I decided to go into Real Estate when my children were almost through with their High School years. I knew that making a career change would mean more time away from home, but I didn’t realize how much.

Real Estate is a wonderful opportunity to add income to your family, as long as you are willing to give up time and money to begin your journey.

After passing the test, which has been quite a while back now, the journey began. I started thinking “What Have I Done?” Where do I start? The ironic thing about it is that this question stays with you throughout your career. Selling Real Estate means that you have to have sellers – you have to have buyers, you have to work at selling homes daily, you have to show houses when the time is right for your purchaser. You have to work out deals. You stress about not having showings, not having offers, overpricing, underpricing and being available 24/7 so that you are doing your clients justice.

Working in Real Estate is gratifying and also disappointing. This week alone, a loan did not go through so my sellers lost out on selling their home and purchasing a new one. Was it my fault? No. Do I feel guilty? Yes. It’s an emotional roller coaster every day. Nothing feels better than to sell a home to a first time homebuyer or helping a seller move into their next dream home. Nothing feels worse than having to tell them that it won’t happen. Now the questions is, “Am I more upset that I lost my commission, which it is hard, or am I more upset for my clients? Being truly honest, the money hurts, but having my clients disappointed is worse. I know that its not just making a living. It’s helping others, while helping myself. It’s doing my best and what I enjoy doing. It’s trying to stay motivated when everything is going against you. It’s the real world!

Valentines Day

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:09:26 -0800

I truly guess I have to apologize upfront but here goes. "I'm sorry that I don't buy into Valentines Day".

I've been married to my wonderful husband for over 32 years. I've known him for 44 years - since high school. I'm a romantic at heart, love movies like "While You Were Sleeping", "The Notebook", "Thornbirds", and a few others, but Valentine's Day - get real.

My husband is so good. He buys me flowers, cards, tools, you know, the common gifts. This year I finally said, "Please don't buy me a card, don't send me flowers". Is that tacky? I don't think so. Cards go in the trash, I feel like it's an obligation. Flowers die and they cost too much.

Sorry to sound like I don't care, but I do. My grandbabies made me cards. They range in age from almost 1 to 3. This is what shows love! A handmade card. They don't even write yet but are sooo proud to give me a card.

My valentines day will consist of me, my hubby being here, my grandbabies near me and my incredible daughters and their husbands in a family setting that means more than any card, flowers or material things could ever mean.

I'm so blessed. Who needs the fattening candy? I didn't say I didn't want candy - but I am on a diet, as usual.

I'll keep the handmade stuff. You can have the other stuff. I'll stick with mine!

2 for 1

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:30:16 -0800

Last week I took out two couples at the same time. I know, that's weird, but I didn't really have a choice.

I started working with a couple looking in a certain area, who also had friends, looking in the same area that wanted me to help them also. No complaining here. I set them both up on a home search through my MLS. Both were looking in the same price range, same area, same everything.

I had taken the first couple out for a couple of weekends to get started. Then, the 2nd couple decided they wanted to tag along. Sounds like a good idea, but then reality sets in.

We took off, with 17 homes to see. Yeah, I know, I'm a glutton for punishment, this area I am showing in is not my local area so I was trying to show as many as I could so I didn't have to go back so many times.

We took off with our homes in hand and began our search, one couple following us. Started off nicely. Didn't find anything either liked but then we found a house. Both liked it. Both were putting their furniture in it or placing furniture like they would like it to be. I started feeling kind of uncomfortable. One started saying that they had found it on the internet and knew this was the home for them. The other one said, "I saw it too and knew it was for me". Humph! Weird feeling coming on. Did I point out good features of the home or try to downplay it?

Let's move on to the next home. Kind of the same scenario.

OK, I'm not complaining. I have 2 interested parties but each one didn't really want to step on the other ones toes.

To make a long story short, we found two homes for two couples in one day. Do I recommend this? 'No Way". Can I say WOW! You betcha!

Would I do it again? Don't think so. I do have 2 contracts pending though. They both found opposite homes but ones that fit them both completely. I'm thrilled. They are too - but never again!

Hidden Branches - 5 Acres

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:59:45 -0800

Gayle Rogers | Solid Source Realty | 404-754-2077

340 Hidden Branches Trail, Canton, GA

5 gorgeous acres with creek, gazebo, firepit, fenced in backyard, and privacy galore. 2 story home with oversized master on main, 2 story family room,

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $375,000

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	2,976
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	217,800 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Incredible price for this incredible home on park like setting for the family that wants year round outdoor living.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Family room	- Office/Den	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Basement	- Laundry area - inside
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Lovely 2 story	2 story family living
Huge kitchen	Gorgeous gazebo

Contact info:

Gayle Rogers

Solid Source Realty

GA 243460

404-754-2077

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Feb 13, 2010, 6:41am PST

A Blast From The Past

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:33:20 -0800

There are so many ways for people to find you on the internet, and so many reasons why they do.

This week I was blessed with an incredible surprise. An old school friend found me after almost 46 years.

Yes, I'm showing my age, but this is really special to me.

When I was 12 years old, like most 12 year olds, life was fun, friends were so important and I was in that transition part of life. I was just beginning to get the fluttery feeling in my stomach with a certain boy but way too young to act on anything, thank God.

7th grade was a wonderful time for me. I had so many friends and so much to look forward to. I was a "Safety Patrol". We wore badges of honor and had the privilege of monitoring the halls, and feeling very important to the younger children in school. Back then there was no middle school. We were the seniors to the others! The greatest thing about being a "Safety Patrol" was having the opportunity to go to Washington DC with your classmates. Girls went as one group, boys as another.

This trip was so much fun. I loved my friends, I loved the freedom to be able to go and be away from home (that's a story that could take years to tell) but a time in my life that I remember with loving memories. Each girl meant something to me. I cherish those friendships - especially since one month after I came home from this trip my family and I moved away.

I kept this picture because it meant so much to me. It's cracked and worn but I still have it.

This week I received an email from one of those girls. A question on Facebook? Are you the Gayle that went to Dodson Drive Elementary and lived on Piney Woods Drive? I was blown away, and still am. The girl on the top row right found me. Had I ever even thought about trying to find someone from that long ago? No. But why not? This really has made me realize how many people that I've come across in life truly touched me. Have I touched them in any way?

The picture. This wonderful picture that I held on to was posted on her site. There I am, looking like Jackie "O". Well not really, just the clothes, but here we are so young and proper, but it seems like yesterday.

I posted it on my Facebook to see if my friends could find me. My daughter said I hadn't changed at all but if she only knew. I would love to see so many of these wonderful people again. My sweet teacher, Mrs. Bell, short little lady on the top row - a pleasure to have had her as my teacher.

My message to you today is that each hour of each day you can make a difference in someones life. Looking at the faces in this picture makes me a little sad but also very happy. How many of these young ladies made a difference in someones life? How many are still living today. How many of them have families, friends and have made a difference in someone else's life. I hope I have and that I will continue to do so.

HUD Homes & Pemco

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:11:56 -0800

There are so many homes that the normal buyer can find online through their local MLS search, agent websites and company sites. To effectively serve your buyers you can't forget about HUD homes, VA homes and others that are not always on the normal websites.

Incredible training is available and many doors can be opened to agents that want to expand their business and their expertise in serving their clients to the fullest.

PEMCO provides training and all the information you need to help your clients find a home with very little down and at a great price. I recommend everyone to check out the training being offered.

Supporting Your Colleagues

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:12:58 -0800

I attended a Board breakfast this morning, which isn't one of my favorite things to do, to support a previous Broker/Friend who was being sworn in as the new President of the Association. Many people were there but to my shock and dismay only 3 people from her own office came, two of those being sworn in themselves so I don't even count those. I could see how hurt she was that others didn't come and I started to think about our lives in general. How can we, on an every day basis, make others feel good. Does it cost money? Are we all so busy in our real estate career to take a couple of hours out of our lives (I don't think so) or are we getting too self centered?

I remember a few years back when one of Oprah's shows dealt with doing something kind to a stranger, no matter how small. Pay for their toll fee, pay for someone elses cup of coffee, say THANK YOU to a person in the service! The expressions on peoples faces were amazing. Such shock, but such gratitude.

We are entering into a time of the season when so many people are hurting. So many people are alone. With the economy hurting as it is, people losing jobs, and everyday expenses going up there are still ways to give back that doesn't cost money. A simple thank you to your police and fire personnel, a simple note of thanks to a teacher or bus driver, or just attending a breakfast for a person you know that deserves honor and respect.

Support goes a long way. Even if the person we voted for wasn't elected we still have to support that person. Without support, we fall. One day I may need support. Will anyone be there for me because I was there for them? I sure hope so.

Georgia's Gas Shortage

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:53:53 -0700

I know this is not a funny situation we are going through but sitting in line, trying to get gas for over 45 minutes brings out things in people that I guess shows their true colors.

I finally found a gas station that had gas. I turn around to get into a long line and decide I might as well wait, since I really don't have any other option. It was like sitting at the airport and watching people, by the way is one of my favorite things to do. No one was directing traffic so if your gas tank was on the opposite side of the drivers side it was not good for that particular person because after they sat in line and it got to be their turn they had to somehow turn around. The person in front of me finally made it to the pump but had to turn around. During this process another car barrels around and gets that next available tank. I know that I would have probably gotten pretty upset too, and really I should have because that made me have to wait longer but watching the reactions, arguing, yelling and attitudes got me laughing. When people saw me laughing, others starting laughing too. Believe me, not everyone but a lot of them. Patience is a virtue! Tell that to people about to run out of gas and then have to pay over $4.00/gallon when they finally get there. Keep on smiling - It can be contagious.

Hollywood and Politics

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:42:05 -0700

This is a free country and one that I'm so proud to a born ciitizen in. I believe in free speech and all the other amendments to our great constitution but right now I've just about had enough.

I am so sick of the so called Hollywood Stars running their mouths on every talk show, awards show and any other place that gives them an open mic. It is a persons right to vote for whom they want to vote for. It's our right to choose the candidate of our choice but for them to cram their sides down everyone's throat is beyond tacky. Even if they are for the one I am for doesn't make them the experts. Just because they can memorize lines and look into a camera doesn't make them a political expert either. We all need to weigh our options but not brainwash others or cut down the people now who hold offices because they were elected in the first place. Respect is a word that I grew up with and continue to have for others. I respect authority and more needs to be shown to our elected officials no matter who they are. Yes, it is hard to keep respect for ones that are immoral, caught lying, etc., but no matter what we have to stand together in this country for other countries to have respect for us.

The stars in Hollywood that I respect the most are the ones that keep their political views private.

Perfect Land for Church

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:17:00 -0700

27 gorgeous acres located in Dallas, GA off Hwy 278. Owner financing available with down payment.

Level land - wonderful opportunity. Trailers will be removed.

$3,375,000

Proud New Member

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:36:05 -0700

I just joined Solid Source after being with 2 top real estate companies previously. I love the entire concept of this wonderful company and look forward to becoming a productive agent for them.

Working independently is exciting but also a little intimidating. I'm relying on my faith and myself to make it in this business. There is no one to disagree with but myself so there should be very little quarreling going on. Will I miss the office atmosphere? Yes and No. Really, the only competition I have is myself. I do look forward to meeting other Solid Source agents at the incredible training classes that they offer, and also continuing to mingle with my fellow realtors at Board meetings and get togethers. Change is good and I hope to become a vital part of this wonderful team.

The Craziest Listing Appointment Ever

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:46:59 -0700

I am a blessed Real Estate Agent. I have a successful business, even during these hard times that the media won't be quiet about. My broker asked me if I would co-list with one of our newer agents because she had a lead that she wanted to give to a top agent. I of course said yes, I would be more than happy to help out a new agent and get a new listing.

An appointment was set up, but not at the clients home because he wasn't ready to let a real estate person come into his home yet so he wanted to interview me. The meeting began and I started telling him what I would do to promote his home, etc., and then he started interrogating me. 2 hours later with questions I had never heard before. I sat there and answered each and every one, why? I still don't know. I think I was mesmorized! First of all, I wouldn't take this lisitng if my whole business was down the tubes but I couldn't dismiss him because I finally had reached the point that I wanted him to want me as his agent so that I could turn him down. He demanded that I do 2 agent luncheons between 3 weeks of each other, that he could contact my last 6 clients and speak with them personally, that my Post sign would be a certain number of inches high and inches wide, that his house could not be shown before 2:00pm each day and that a prequal letter would be emailed to me before they were allowed into his home. I was only allowed to preview his home once he made up his mind who his agent would be, that no negative comments about the house could be relayed to his wife or he would have to fire me Yeah, I want this listing. Sounds great doesn't it? This example was only the starting point. He wanted to see each and every virtual tour I had for my listings. He liked my virtuals but preferred Mozart as the background music, could I do that for him?

Ok, I fell for the hype of this man. My broker could not believe I didn't dismiss him but let him continue with this charade. I want him to want me! I'm waiting for that call! I'm not sadistic, I'm honest and straight forward but this one put me over the edge. He said he would contact me within 3 weeks with his decision. I want him to grant me this wonderful opportunity to list his home. Anybody want a referral?

Slow Activity?

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:21:26 -0800

It's a New Year and I'm seeing a change already. The phone calls are are starting to pour in! The only problem is most of them want to list, not buy! I'm using this time to really enhance my website, work on creative marketing plans and just keep on keeping on. Everyone knows that the market is slow, even the man who does my nails but it seems like the sellers don't hear this. Why aren't they getting more showings? Their house is the best one on the market. I'm learning to just smile and agree with them as much as possible. We need to keep our sense of humor during this fun time and keep on blogging so that we can vent.

Emerson Homes - Buy, Rent, or Lease Purchase

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:59:58 -0800

My builder is getting desperate as so many builders are. 3 lovely 2 story homes, full basement on quiet private street in quaint town are all now $150,000.00 These homes are priced so well they can even go Nehemiah! No down payment or down payment assistance.

Pick your home. One is master on main. Bring your buyers and you won't be disappointed.

Right off I75 just north of Cobb County into Bartow

Home Grown Georgia Girl

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:40:34 -0800

I had a doctor appointment yesterday, which is weird for me because I'm one of those who never goes, and as we were talking he started asking about my family. Funny, he was foreign and asked me where I was from.

I told him that I was born in Georgia! I was the first person he knew that had lived here all my life. I then went on to tell him that my husband was born in Alpharetta! Not in a hospital but in a doctors office that was in the middle of this small wonderful town (57 years ago). He was amazed that both of us are still here. It made me start to think that really this is amazing. I've been in the real estate business 7 years, not long for a 55 year old but long enough to know that I've made it! Hallelujah! Roots are important. Family is important and I'm so fortunate that I can tell my clients that I truly know the area because I've always been here. Georgia is my home! Georgia is where I will stay! I'm proud to be an American but I'm prouder to be a Georgia Peach! It may sound boring to some but here I am and here I am to stay.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:00:13 -0800

I receive so many e-mails each day that it's almost getting out of control. People forward me cute things, sweet things, funny things, and dumb things. Sometimes I read them, sometimes I don't.

The one that really gets to me is the, "If you don't forward this to 10 friends within 24 hours you won't have luck"?

Give me a break!

Anyway, I received an e-mail that touched me so much that it stays with me. I am posting so that more people can read this and make a new tradition in their family.

A Simple White Envelope

It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas Tree.
No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the Branches
of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

It all began because my husband, Mike, hated Christmas -- oh, not the true
Meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the overspending, The
frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry And the
dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in desperation because You couldn't think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way , I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts,
Sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike.

The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an Inner-city church.

These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our Boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling Shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was Wrestling without
headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a Wrestler's' ears. It was a luxury The ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended walloping them. We took every weight class. And, as each of their
boys got up from the mat, he swaggere d around in his tatters with False bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could
have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and He knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.

That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and Shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church.
On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years.
For each Christmas, I followed the tradition -- one year sending a group of mentally Handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of Elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.
The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new Toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as heir dad Lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.
As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the Envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we Lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still
so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by Three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an Envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our
Grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching As their fathers take down the envelope.
Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas Spirit this year and always. God Bless!

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love
truly! Laugh uncontrollably......and never regret anything that
made you smile:)

New Comment on Yahoo Front Page - Big Bang Theory

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 07:30:30 -0700

I went to check my other email account this morning and almost choked on my morning coffee.

On the front page of Yahoo is the newest BIG BANG THEORY proof! Yikes! What is happening to our media. It worries me to see how far lost all these people really are. Now we are about to have a new movie, starring Nichole Kidman, open on December 7, written by an athiest trying to make children denounce God. They say the first movie isn't too strong about this but it makes the kids want to read the next two books, which then draw them in. We all need to get together and try to discourage people from bringing their children to this movie!

Hard to be Silent

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:03:29 -0700

This is a group that I can really have a lot to say. It's hard to be silent while politics are creeping into every aspect of life. The fires in California are an example of this. Global warming is the reason for the fires (one example) not having enough military to fight them (a bunch of bull) and I could go on and on.

Our country is becoming more and more divided daily. When 911 was here we all came together but that only lasted for a short time. Why is everything political. Every talk show on TV, and I don't mean political talk shows, promoting their candidates, cutting the President down, using their status, which I'm losing so much respect for most actors, actresses, etc. We have a man who is our President, agree with him or not on issues, he is still our commander in chief, who deserves respect. No matter what he does there are complaints. I'm tired of it. No other country would allow this kind of disrespect to their leader. We live in the best country in the world but at the rate we are going it won't be for much longer.

Websites that Your Company Provides

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:38:53 -0700

I learned a hard lesson when I first started off in the Real Estate business. This specific company offered you a website and an e-mail address. At first I thought, this is awesome! I worked on this website, sent out emails consistently to clients, customers and prospects, really built this site up and it became a site that was getting me many leads and was being used for their daily internet search engine. Needless to say, I left this company for many reasons but one being our Broker had gone off the deep end and was handling business underhanded (finally was let go by company).

Once I left, there went my website! Oops! Now what. It was still there (nothing with my information) but theirs, and still is after 4 years, but when you go there it is no longer me but a direct link to their site. There went my familiar e-mail address that so many people new. Lesson learned and one I want to pass on to new agents.

No matter what company you go to work for, have your own Domain name and e-mail address. I see new agents on a daily basis only using the company addresses for their new growing business.

I'm a dedicated person and plan to stay at the company I am at but have learned that things do happen, so be prepared. It takes a lot of hard work to get your website user friendly, don't lose it. Make it yours and keep it yours!

Fires in California

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:46:20 -0700

I've been sitting here tonight working on new listing stuff and realizing that our market really does "suck" but then I started reading the blogs of people in California and how they are helping other people move their belongings, or having to evacuate and I get a reality check. People are losing everything there, including their business, personal belongings, homes, etc., but they aren't losing their compassion, which is the best thing to keep. We are all in different dilemma's around the country and the world, but helping each other out is what we are meant to do. What can we do to help our fellow agents, our neighbors, and others we don't even know. We can help in so many ways! Praying for them is #1. I'm sitting here in Georgia, where we are told we are running out of water because the Corps of Engineers is sending our water downstream to save the fish! Go figure! I want to better myself by reaching out a little further each day to others. Active Rain is giving us all an opportunity to reach out to fellow realtors, but let's reach an arms length out to others closer around, like new agents in our office or others that struggle a little more.

Keeping the Excitement

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:13:28 -0700

We all get in a slump once in a while because business seems to have come to a standstill.

I found myself yesterday getting all excited because of three new listings I just got. Then I started really thinking about it and laughed! Listings are great but not if they just sit there, so now, what to do. I began seaching for different ways to begin promoting my newest listings and started getting that old "EXCITEMENT" back into my real estate life!

Where does that energy go when we're in a slump. The same place it goes in your personal life or in your business life. To the dogs!

We do need to keep the excitement in our life - that's what makes some agents stand out from others. Keep looking for ways to improve yourself and your business. Each time I look, there are more sites out there to help you in your business, including active rain! A great place to vent but a great place to learn.

Don't take listings just to have them, take them and do a good job with them. We owe it to our sellers and to ourselves!

Have a great and exciting day

Do Real Estate Agents Have a Life

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:19:50 -0700

It's amazing sometimes to think that if we take a day off we feel guilty about it! I find myself needing to explain if I just want a day off. I think it came about because of the fact that when a holiday comes around, as an example, Mother's Day, that there always seems to be that one person that wants to see a house right then, can't do it tomorrow, but has to do it today.

I sit around complaining that my listings aren't getting showings but then after no showings for days that call comes right after you eat dinner, sit down to relax and they want to go now. Or, that family get together, like Memorial Day, and someone wants to see your listing in the next hour! Even worse to me is Sunday AM, which I am in church, others probably are sleeping, but I get a call, usually from another agent that they want to show one of my listings! Some people do go to church on Sunday! I feel my phone vibrating in my purse and I can't answer it, then I can't concentrate on the sermon because I think who needs me? Could it be that buyer I've been waiting on? Does somebody need to get into that house that has been sitting there with no showings and they want to know if its still available and if they don't hear from me in the next 30 minutes I lose them. I wish there was a pill to help us not feel guilty when we don't answer our calls in 10 minutes or we lost a sale!

Wish we could also explain that we are human too! A few hours notice would be great but then again we must be thankful our phone is ringing at all.

Dealing with jealous Realtors

Gayle Rogers, ABR (Solid Source Realty) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 07:26:07 -0700

I have been in the business 6 years and have been blessed and very successful. I just listed an adorable home. Another agent called my seller, upset that she didn't give her a chance at listing and told her that "She had made a huge mistake". First of all, this agent doesn't know me, I don't know her and I believe this is unethical and rude. I'm not the type to pursue this but warning to other agents. You look better in your clients eyes if you don't act this way. Can't wait to sell this house so I can say, "TAKE THAT"