We have to stop cutting down trees! Look how serious this is getting........ - 09/29/11 11:26 AM
Look what happens when we cut down too many trees.
This is terrible!Global warming is one thing, but scroll down and look at what might happen if we continue to clear our forests! We have to stop cutting down trees! This isgetting serious!

This was sent to me earlier today from our good friend, Rose Osman.  (leave it to Rosie.........)

Los Angeles Homes For Sale Los Angeles Condos For Sale Los Angeles Townhomes For Sale … (14 comments)

A closing gift for your sellers - Great! What if they are short sale sellers? Is that considered proceeds? - 09/29/11 10:58 AM
A closing gift for your sellers - Great!  What if they are short sale sellers?  Is that considered proceeds?
Many of us find it customary to provide a closing gift to our clients as a sign of good will.  Perhaps it may be more common for buyers than sellers.
But for those short sale sellers, can your closing gift be considered "proceeds" from the sale?
Are you violating any restrictions by the short sale bank(s) that held the lien on the property?
Would you, in fact, be committing fraud by giving a closing gift to your short sale sellers?
In many … (3 comments)

I just made another micro loan in Kiva.org to help a farmer in Tajikistan - Pay It Forward - 09/27/11 10:35 AM
I just made another micro loan in Kiva.org to help a farmer in Tajikistan - Pay It Forward
I tend to use my micro loan dollars for women in underdeveloped countries, or men and women who supply fruit and vegetable crops to their people.
I'm not a big supporter of anything to do with animal farming for reasons that are pretty obvious.
Anyway, Farhod was born in 1973. He is an honest and goal-oriented person. He is married and is a father of four children. His wife does not work; she is a homemaker and looks after the children. Farhod is … (7 comments)

Do you want your clients to consider you a "real" pro? Then why are you using a headshot from 800 years ago?! - 09/26/11 03:25 AM
Do you want your clients to consider you a "real" pro?  Then why are you using a headshot from 800 years ago?!
OK.  I get it.  We all want to look "nice" in our business headshots.
Cool.  I totally understand.
But honestly, if you're using a headshot that's more than 5 years old, what good can possibly come from it?
When you do finally meet in person, I'm sure the "shock" value will somehow transform into a form of deception to the client, sub-consciously or consciously, don't you think?
I mean, no one died recently and made me the headshot police, … (18 comments)

IS THERE ANYONE THAT DOESN'T WANT TO LOWER THEIR GROCERY BILL - 09/25/11 11:34 AM
This is a blog from Joe Petrowsky that I wanted to share with everyone.
I just thought it was the coolest thing ever to be able to download coupons, and also have the website where you can plug in ingredients you have in your home.
I need that myself as I HATE wasting food.
Anyway, check out these two websites:  Coupon Sherpa and Gojee.com

Los Angeles Homes For Sale Los Angeles Condos For Sale Los Angeles Townhomes For Sale Via Right Trac Financial Group, Inc:
“Is There Anyone That Doesn’t Want to Lower Their Grocery Bill”
The Kiplinger articles gives some … (7 comments)

Multiple offer situations where the listing broker represents one of the offers: Can We Talk?.......... - 09/24/11 10:51 AM
Multiple offer situations where the listing broker represents one of the offers:  Can We Talk?..........
I think almost all of us at some point have been in a situation where you are presenting an offer for your buyers in a multiple offer situation.
And in some of those instances it may or may not be apparent that the listing broker may be representing one of the other multiple offers.
What's the politically or legally correct thing to do?
Of course it never hurts to ask, does it?  Or does it?
Is it a question that can be appreciated by the listing … (127 comments)

I bought someone's Yogurt in line behind me yesterday at Menchie's - Pay It Forward - 09/20/11 02:16 AM
I bought someone's Yogurt in line behind me yesterday at Menchie's - Pay It Forward
We took a walk over to the Town Center yesterday with the dogs and went over to Menchie's.
I love Menchie's because the frozen yogurt there is de-lish and you get all the free samples you want!
Anyway, while I was in line getting my yogurt weighed, I noticed a kid behind me loading up on all kinds of things!
I thought to myself "that is going to weigh a ton"
He was a young kid and so I thought it would be nice to pay … (16 comments)

Closing Date Strategy: Let's talk about it...................... - 09/19/11 05:20 PM
Closing Date Strategy:  Let's talk about it......................
Choice and planning of a closing date can play a critical part when you are writing an offer for your buyer.
It's sometimes tricky depending on what the goal is.
It's easy to just state, for example, "30 days".  But depending on when the last signature on the last counter is signed, that closing date could end up on a Saturday and Sunday or even a holiday, which would require and addendum to the contract to change the closing date to one conducive to a business day.
Alternatively, if you just state a specific … (17 comments)

One of my neighbors little girls was raising funds for her school program so I bought a $13 magazine subscription - Pay It Forward - 09/18/11 11:21 PM
One of my neighbors little girls was raising funds for her school program so I bought a $13 magazine subscription - Pay It Forward
She was so unbelievably cute!  She went door to door on our block with her Dad by her side, and had her little brochures and a notepad and pen.
I think she's about 8 or 9 years old. Too cute.
So I bought a subscription to Vegetarian Times for $13.
Hey, that's a bargain and at least it's going towards the little sweetie-pie's school program.
She was just a little ball of sunshine.  I think I want … (5 comments)

I'm sorry, but there's nothing funnier than dogs eating peanut butter...... - 09/18/11 10:31 PM
I'm sorry, but there's nothing funnier than dogs eating peanut butter......
We make a protein shake every morning and our little guys know instantly from the sound of the blender what time it is.
So they wait ....... patiently.
Until it's time.
To LICK THE SPOON!
I've seen it a million times, but it's still funny each time.
One of these days, I'm going to get it on video!
I know.  I'm a twisted sister. 
So just deal, people...................
 

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… (6 comments)

So................What's New? - 09/18/11 10:18 PM
So ................ What's New?
Don't "axe" me why, but I just felt like checking in with everyone and seeing what's new in your life.
How's business?
How's your personal life?
Anything new and exciting?
Same 'ol ..... Same 'ol?
Just a light and breezy blog post to dish a little.
No strings attached!
So talk to me ........

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… (0 comments)

"Los Angeles 411" - Late Night Thai Food in Hollywood, CA - Torung Restaurant - 09/18/11 09:26 PM
"Los Angeles 411" - Late Night Thai Food in Hollywood, CA - Torung Restaurant
One of my favorite Thai restaurants is Torung, in Hollywood, California.
Not only is the food fresh and tasty, but the prices are extremely reasonable.  And Torung opens at 5PM and stays open until 4AM!!  So if you're making it a late night in Hollywood, it's the perfect place.
There's nothing better than a nice, fresh piping hot pot of Thai soup delivered to your table in a flaming hotpot.
I think the most popular Thai dish is Pad Thai, made with rice noodles in a savory, … (1 comments)

Want to advertise yourself to over 200,000 ActiveRain members for FREE? And have fun doing it? Here's how..... - 09/17/11 10:21 AM
Want to advertise yourself to over 200,000 ActiveRain members for FREE?  And have fun doing it?  Here's how.....
I have a weekly post entitiled "2 Truths and A Lie".
Our group has TONS of fun each week, as one of our ActiveRain members gets featured in our weekly game.
The featured member states 2 Truths and 1 Lie about themselves, and for the remainder of the week, all the other members need to guess which is the lie.
At the end of the week the featured member reveals their answer with some fun comments.
Some of the comments on these posts … (18 comments)

What is your "WHY"? Do you even have one? - 09/16/11 10:19 PM
What is your "WHY"? Do you even have one?
Very often, we find ourselves churning and burning, doing what it takes to keep the money coming in.  And many times the constant struggle brings us to a burn-out point where we need to chill, ponder and re-charge in order to keep going.
What I've observed is that most of those who really seem like they're the Energizer Bunny when it comes to being a total unstoppable die-hard in their career have something that others don't:  A "Why"
By that, I mean:  Why do they get up every morning and continue to … (54 comments)

The ActiveRain Masterminds monthly challenge for August is complete, and the judges scores for each team are in! - 09/16/11 08:07 PM
The ActiveRain Masterminds monthly challenge for August is complete, and the judges scores for each team are in!
If you missed this months challenge, you can read each teams entry here:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2464780/activerain-masterminds-challenge-august-2011-real-estate-scams-how-can-we-prevent-them-
If you are new to the ActiveRain MasterMinds and want to learn what the monthly challenge is all about, you can click here about how to join and what the rules are:
http://activerain.com/groups/ActiveRainMasterMinds
Put your own team together and be part of the Creative Mindshare to coming up with solutions to issues in our industry!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The August issue to find … (18 comments)

Some helpful tips to protect your home while on vacation - 09/15/11 01:46 PM

Make sure to hold the mail and newspaper. If you can't have someone pick it up every day, it's a sure giveaway that nobody's home and can be a green light for burglars. If possible, leave a key with someone you trust, preferably a neighbor and have them keep an eye on your home while you're gone. Make sure to offer returning the favor and thank them with a gift when you return. Unplug all electronics that don't need to be used like the television, coffee maker, and home computers. Lower the temperature on your water heater. If you can, … (9 comments)

2 Truths and A Lie - Congratulations to our August Winner: - 1,500 Bonus Points! - 09/13/11 08:49 PM
Congratulations to our Winner for August:
Larry & Sheila Nassau
They guessed 3 out of 4 weekly featured members correctly!
1,500 Bonus Points!!
This month's "Liar" posts were from featured members:Kwee HusetJane GrantJerry NewmanDonna Bosze
To join the group, click here:
That should be it for this blog series.  It's been a fun and interesting series for almost 2 years of learning some fun facts about your fellow ActiveRainers, but as with most things it's time to move on to more new and exciting things that ActiveRain has in store.
Thank you to EVERYONE who participated in the fun!
Below … (9 comments)

I have Tornados in my house!! - 09/11/11 11:22 AM
I have Tornados in my house!!
And on occasion, one of those tornados, with its powerful forces, somehow manages to get a napkin out of my wastebasket and shreds it to pieces all over my floor!
One the little tornados is black and white, and the other is brown.



Los Angeles Homes For Sale Los Angeles Condos For Sale Los Angeles Townhomes For Sale … (10 comments)

Speechless Sundays - One of the 7 Natural Wonders - 09/11/11 10:43 AM
Speechless Sundays - One of the 7 Natural Wonders
We went to Ontario, Canada earlier this year and went to Niagara Falls for the first time.
I truly was Speechless when I first saw the falls.
I took dozens of photos and still haven't posted any yet, but thought I'd put this one out today because it's just so stunning.
Niagara is one of our 7 national natural wonders.
In this photo you can see the falls to the left that are on the U.S. side, and the amazing "horse shoe" falls on the Canadian side.
We took the Maid of … (0 comments)

What software/program/website do you use for your database? - 09/11/11 10:06 AM
What software/program/website do you use for your database?
Just wanted to take a poll of my ActiveRain Peeps to see which program or website you use for your database.
Are you happy with it? Does it allow you the marketing and communication features that you are satisfied with? Is it easy to use? What are some of the outstanding features? Is it affordable? Are there features that you wish it had or feel it's lacking? Is it just a database tool or does it have other administrative features? Let me know,


Los Angeles Homes For Sale Los Angeles Condos … (6 comments)

Should the seller have to reimburse the buyer for a re-inspection? - 09/10/11 01:03 PM
Should the seller have to reimburse the buyer for a re-inspection?
I just thought I'd take a poll to see what the AR members think.
If a buyer does an inspection, and there are things that are not quite finished being installed, OR the utilities were not turned on, do you think the seller should reimburse the buyer at the close of escrow for the cost of having the inpsector come back out to the property for a re-inspect?
Let me know what you think.


Los Angeles Homes For Sale Los Angeles Condos For Sale Los Angeles Townhomes For … (20 comments)

Freddie Mac Short Sale Addendum - Item #13 - I DON'T THINK SO!! - 09/08/11 11:44 AM
Freddie Mac Short Sale Addendum - Item #13 - I DON'T THINK SO!!
The Freddie Mac Addendum is often a required doc for the bank in a short sale transaction.
I've had 2 short sales with BofA recently that have a Freddie Mac Short Sale Addendum as part of the transaction, however I see a new added Item #13 that reads the following:
"13. Each signatory agrees to indemnify the Servicer and Freddie Mac for any and all loss resulting from anynegligent or intentional misrepresentation made in the affidavit including, but not limited to, repayment ofthe amount of the reduced payoff … (83 comments)

Foreclosure Prevention Workshops for Consumers in your area - sponsored by Freddie Mac - Check it out! - 09/06/11 10:32 AM
Foreclosure Prevention Workshops for Consumers in your area - sponsored by Freddie Mac - Check it out!
Freddie Mac has many FREE workshops for existing homeowners and consumers looking to buy in several states and cities.  You can check out one in your area by clicking here:
http://www.freddiemac.com/avoidforeclosure/workshops.html
The next one in the Los Angeles area is this weekend!
 
Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County & Center for Foreclosure Solutionsin partnership withCongressman Howard BermanSenator Alex PadillaAssemblyman Felipe FuentesCouncilman Richard Alarcón andSouthland Regional Association of Realtorsinvite you to a
Homeownership &Foreclosure Counseling FairSaturday, September 10, 20119:00am - 2:00pmLos Angeles Mission … (1 comments)

I just made a $50 donation to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life - Pay It Forward - 09/05/11 12:04 PM
I just made a $50 donation to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life - Pay It Forward
I'm involved with many American Cancer Society Relays for Life throughout the year.  This time around, I made a donation to the Relay in Glendale, CA on September 3rd.
I have one older brother and 2 older sisters, and I LOVE them VERY much.
One of my sisters, when she was in her teens, had a form of cancer called non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  She went through major treatment back then and is still here today as a survivor.  And she's had some bouts with … (6 comments)

For the first time in our career, my partner and I have 12 escrows in the pipe! - 09/04/11 11:30 PM
For the first time in our career, my partner and I have 12 escrows in the pipe!
Between our own listings, our buyers, and the short sales I am facilitating, we have 12 transactions in escrow.
And we have six more in the works!
Because of the extremely hard work and diligence we've put in over the last year, and the GREAT positive energy from being part of the John Aaroe Group,  we are out-of-control busy and have hired a 2nd assistant to help with the real estate transactions and marketing.  (and she is amazing!)
I have all my my short … (14 comments)

Playing doubles in a tennis tournament this weekend - with tennis elbow!! - 09/03/11 12:23 PM
Playing doubles in a tennis tournament this weekend - with tennis elbow!!
For those of you who may not know, I've been playing tennis since I was about 12 years old.  I played all 3 years in high school varsity, and then I played one year NCAA Collegiate tennis.
I continue to play USTA events and other tournaments from time to time.
I've been working on my game with one of the best tennis pros around, Pat Pucinelli.
He has helped bring me closer to my goals of getting my game back to a 5.0 level of play.
My dilemma is … (5 comments)

Great 2 Bedroom North Hollywood Condo at an Unbelievable Price! - 09/02/11 11:10 PM
… (4 comments)

Short Sales and Buyer's Deposit: After the contract is signed or After the written approval is obtained? - 09/02/11 11:04 PM
Short Sales and Buyer's Deposit:  After the contract is signed or After the written approval is obtained?
Just wanted to take a poll and see how many of you out there require the buyer on your short sale listings to submit their deposit before or after the written approval has been obtained.
In our C.A.R. addendum, section #3 has a box that can be checked off that states the deposit is to be submitted per the original contract:  on or before 3 days after full execution of the contract between buyer and seller.
I personally feel that the deposit is an … (3 comments)

I just made a $25 donation to help an African village through SaveAfricaNow.org - Pay It Forward - 09/01/11 12:30 PM
I just made a $25 donation to help an African village through SaveAfricaNow.org - Pay It Forward
I met this organization and it's founders personally at the GoGreenExpo in Los Angeles earlier this year.
They are great bunch of people and I truly admire their dedication to help those of our brothers and sisters on the African continent.
If you have any disposable income that you can share, even just a few bucks, this is hands-down a worthy and fulfilling cause.
OMG.  This is such an emotional thing for me that believe it or not, after I make my donation I … (4 comments)

Agents Faking Multiple Offers? - Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire!! - 09/01/11 11:46 AM
Agents Faking Multiple Offers - Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire!!
As Suze Orman would day:  "Don't do it, don't do it, don't you DARE do it!"
I can't tell you how many times in the last few months I've written offers for buyers and then the listing agent tells me there are multiple offers on the property when I know darn well there are not.
An example would be an offer I wrote for a client where the listing agent stated there were multiple offers, some over asking price.
My first indication of something rotten in Denmark was that my client … (11 comments)