Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi's Blog

A Rate Reduction and a Donut Hole - Senior Fun?

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:47:40 -0800

A Rate Reduction and a Donut Hole – Senior Fun?

Changes in Medicare for 2012 could be called “major” or “dramatic” or indeed, even both. They could also be called “complicated” or “confusing!”

Folks currently enrolled in Medicare need to be aware that plan changes that may be elected during “open enrollment” are already on a fast-track. The open enrollment period opened earlier this year (October 15) and will close earlier as well (December 7.) Elected changes will take effect on January 1, 2012 (with some select changes can be elected as late as February 14.) Starting on December 8 – you can switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan with five-star rating! AND … there is more!

As indicated earlier … major, dramatic, complicated and confusing! BUT… they can be costly if no elections are made and even costlier is the wrong choice is made. You can find some answers at the Medicare website (click here) OR call 1-800-Medicare and ask for a copy of “Medicare and You, 2012.”

If you are a Medicare participant, please don’t hesitate to get information NOW. Then share that information with someone you know and trust and see if you can sort out what works best for you! If you are a real estate professional with a senior clients in your practice, please consider getting this information to your clients as soon as possible.

Finally about the “reduction” … new participants qualifying in 2009, 2010 and 2011 will see premiums for Part B – reduce from $115.40 per month to $99.90! As for the donut hole … that’s the “gap” in coverage in most Medicare drug plans between payments of $2,930 to $4,700! JUST ANOTHER reason to call that Medicare number!

Between the shining seas and above the fruited plain … a personal paradise

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:22:50 -0800

Between the shining seas and above the fruited plain … a personal paradise; just a beautiful and scenic 28 mile drive east of Downtown Lodi, California is the stunning historic community of Wallace, California. In the southern reaches of Southworth Estates is 7538 Southwood Court ... a rural custom piece-of-paradise ....

Go down your private gated drive to a beautifully upgraded home. Three well appointed bedrooms surround the inviting Great Room concept home … reflected in the upgrades galore! Situated on just over seven acres that range from wooded to meadow environments, rural living will rarely be better presented. Popular equestrian properties are found throughout the area, but this property would be able to support its own mini-stable. The close-to-the-house spaces include a stone in-ground koi pond and a second water garden pool. Parking should be no problem with the four-car garage. Located between the Lake Comanche recreation area and Valley Springs … this home has it all!

All of this could be yours for just:

$249,900.

This Bank Owned property also qualifies for special lending incentives from GMAC Mortgage. (Call for Details – 888-868-4398)

Beautiful gleaming wood floors invite you into this home. Walls accented with field stone features and an easy open-living plan make it a delight to move from one living area to another. The views from the living room open onto the expansive mountain and meadow features of the country location. Steps away from the main living area is the wonderfully arranged kitchen area with the immediate kitchen-style nook – nestled into an East facing bay window and enriched with wood floors. Outdoor access is “just through the door…”

Situated in Wallace California, the community continues to reflect the easy and relaxed life style typical of communities with large tourist activities. Lake Comanche Recreational Area is just miles north of the property. The “census-designated place” known to the local community as Wallace, has a population of several hundred people and encompasses an area of 4.3 square miles. The Post office was originally founded in 1883, was closed in 1945 and reopened in 1951.

The original map of the town site was signed by John Herbert Wallace and for decades it was presumed that the town got its name from the surveyor. However, in the 2006 issue of the Calaveras Historical Society, local historian Sal Manna suggests that the town was actually named for the surveyor’s father, John Wallace who was a well-known engineer of the founding period.

Vaulted ceiling and a stunning stoned-faced fireplace are focal points of the master bedroom suite. French doors open onto the flagstone patio area of the backyard surrounded by the “domesticated” grounds. Arbor areas, planting areas and cultivated garden area are easily assessable to the backyard. Off the master bedroom is the well-organized walk-in closet and the master bath facilities featuring a dual-headed shower over an oval jetted tub enclosed in a glazed tile surround.

The other two sleeping areas share a bathroom, wood floors and beautiful country views. Both bedrooms boast of oversized closets with hinged panel doors. Far from the noises of the city, all the bedrooms invite the sights and sounds of county-living into the home.

Wallace is located in the extreme western part of Calaveras County, one of California original counties upon entering the Union in 1850. Calaveras County is one of the “gold country” counties of California with much of its history beginning in the gold rush period of 1849. However the county takes its name from the Calaveras River – named in the 1830’s by Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga after his discovery of the remains of Native Americans along the river banks. Calaveras is the Spanish word for “skulls.”

One of the more celebrated residents of the County is the author Mark Twain, whose story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” is still celebrated today in the annual County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee.

Special homes are available throughout the Central Valley of California. If you are considering relocation to the Central Valley Counties of Amador, Calaveras or San Joaquin … call the team that can show you the way:

THE NINES TEAM REALTY

888-868-4398

Sister Cities ... no degrees of separation?

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:11:38 -0800

The idea of “Sisters Cities” has a long history starting eons ago in Europe. The earliest known "twinning" in Europe was between the German city of Paderborn and the French city of Le Mans in 836. The US versions started last century in 1931 with Toledo Ohio officially creating a “person-to-person” connection with Toledo Spain. Since that time many US cities and towns have forged bonds with other cities world-wide, enriching each city’s cultures and enlarging local understanding of cultural diversity.

Lodi, California has several such cities … each adding a dimension to the local community. Lodi has Sister-cities relationships with Kofu, Japan and Lodi, Italy. Lodi, California has a long international history that has produced a dynamic impact on the agriculture and culture of the city. The Tokay Flame grape was introduced to Lodi from Algeria in 1857 and until the latter part of the 20^th Century was a major portion of the grape production of the community.

Lodi has also made several contributions to the world’s commerce and culture. In 1906 A&W Root Beer was born here – and later the international A & W restaurant chain. In the last decade, world class wines have made “Lodi” an almost household word in many North American countries and the wines are making strong inroads into other international markets.

It has been said that there are only six degrees of separation from one person knowing all other people in the world. Perhaps … even fewer degrees separate us from other world economies … So the reach from one Sister City to another … gets closer with each passing year!

If you may be considering relocation to the Central Valley of California considering adding Lodi, California to your interest list. The folks at The Nines Team will be delighted to show you our town … and some of the best real estate buying opportunities in the valley. If you wish to search the local MLS please click here. Don’t hesitate to call us if we can answer questions or get additional information for you:

888-868-4398

Gated Communities appeal to seniors in Lodi, California

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 15:46:17 -0800

Located on the far western side of Lodi, nestled within the Sunset West area is the small gated community – Parkview Terrace. Ninety brick “bungalows” most with two bedroom floor plans and interior “terraces” are placed “behind the gates” at the corner of Lodi Avenue and Lower Sacramento Road.

“Days on Market” in Parkview Terrace tend to be well higher than the rest of the surrounding area, since owners appear to be holding equity positions and are “waiting for their price.” Of the five properties that are current active, only one is a bank owned property and none are currently disclosed as short sales.

Here’s the list and brief description of the current active properties:

2463 MacArthur PARKway 2 bedroom 2 bath 1914 SF $229,900

2446 Central PARK Drive 2 bedroom 2 bath 1787 SF $239,900

2388 Hyde PARK Circle 2 bedroom 2 bath 1631 SF $305,000

2469 Central PARK Drive 3 bedroom 2 bath 1803 SF $329,000

2557 Central PARK Drive 2 bedroom 2 bath 1617 SF $238,900

All the properties in Parkview Terrace are single story homes with attached garages, built on “zero lot-line” sites. Central mail collection facilities are next to the clubhouse/recreation area, common area pool and tennis courts. The HOA fees are approximately $250.00 per month and include trash service and common area maintenance.

Many of the residents are 55 and older, so the very attentive Home Owners Association plans and executes activities that appeal to the more active lifestyles of their senior community residents.

The Nines Team in Lodi can arrange for private showing for any of these purchase opportunities.

888-868-4398

The first 10 about XLV

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 18:01:33 -0800

Ten things to know about SUPER BOWL XLV and where to find them

Ok, our local paper carried a section on the Super Bowl and highlighted what needs to be known if you’re going to have a chance of sounding like you know what’s up! I admit to being surprised by some of them … but then I did “pass” if I graded on a curve …

So what are the 10?

First and second – you gotta know about the teams (and the order goes in whichever you prefer.) So you can check out the Steelers or the Packers by clicking on their name and going directly to their respective websites.

Third is the “history” of the most talked about Super Bowl commercial … the 1984 Apple crashing into the IBM “big Brother.” If you don’t get this oblique reference … stick with your own age group and it will never come up!

Fourth – Just say what the person next to you says … the next time the situation seems the same. I’d avoid repeating any comments about the quarterback and center’s apparent closeness … that usually only gets a laugh the first time.

Fifth – Laugh loudly about Troy’s shampoo commercial (That’s Steelers safety Troy Polamalu – not Helen of Troy.)

Sixth – Finds some ribs to bring to the party … buy some, make some … but "ribs is in!"

Seventh – Find something for the kids to do … in the “other room” – consider that the Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl has their kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM.

Eighth – Dress the part – you know – cheese hats and black and yellow face paint … and if you’re asking what does that mean … consider the following note:

Ninth – Gather your less frantic friends and go to a movie … you’ll be the only ones there … so finding a good seat should not be a problem.

Tenth – At least tune in for half-time; this is not the time for “snacking” … do that during the coaches’ challenges …. Or the commercials … use smaller plates so it doesn’t take as long to “fill up!”

Above all – remember to have fun … after all … it’s just a game!

888-868-4398

Together we can do more -

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:48:19 -0800

The “Hunger Free and Health by 2020” summit held on January 27 at the Robert J Cabral Agricultural Center, is still looking for means to achieve their goal, but is taking steps to provide plans for building and rebuilding relationships in the drive to provide for the County’s poor and hungry. Part of the goal is to pay particular attention to the “kind” of food donations received. They are taking steps to provide for healthier food in their drives.

Another focus of the summit was to establish relationships in the local “distribution” communities to work together. Major not-for-profits seem to “network” well together, but other smaller organizations like service clubs, communities of faith and small businesses are not as well organized. Business Administrator for the Salvation Army in Lodi, Ted Van Alen, suggests that working together a more effective and wider distribution network would evolve.

Perhaps we as an industry may be able to help … earlier than just the holiday season. Here’s a list of the foods needed most – and the percentages of the food providers who tell us they ALWAYS need more of these food types: Bread (59%) – Fresh fruits/vegetables (74.6%) - Milk/cheese (61.1%) – Meat/poultry (65.8%) – Beans/peanut butter (26.3%) – Formula/baby goods (28.6%) – Canned goods (63.2%) –

For information about how you, your office, your committees, your associations can participate, please contact: Salvation Army the in Lodi, California (ca)

The Salvation Army
Street: 525 W Lockeford St
Lodi, ca 95240-
Phone: (209) 369-8834 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (209) 369-8834

888-868-4398

end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Really ... ?

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:52:41 -0800

The Lodi New Sentinel printed an Associated Press story on Page two of the Thursday, January 27, 2011 issue … headlined: Really … ???

The story tells of a Miami, Florida Key Biscayne sandbar … and the latest in scenic wonders … a grand piano … left on the sandbar … above the high water mark! Unless it becomes a hazard to wildlife or boaters … the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has no plans to remove it. Until it becomes a navigational hazard … the US Coast Guard has no plans to remove it!

So at least for awhile … it seems that the Grand is now at home … as a roost for traveling seagulls!

Hmmm … I wonder …. If you bought the sandbar … would it then become personal property?

Lodi, California is on the far side of the nation from Miami … but while we do not have Biscayne Bay and Sandbars … we do have a lot to share with the folks who are looking for adventure in the waterways of the Central Valley Delta.

Looking for Sandbar Sonatas? Nope ... try Miami!

If you may be considering relocation to the Central Valley of California considering adding Stockton, California to your interest list. The folks at The Nines Team will be delighted to show you our town … and some of the best real estate buying opportunities in the valley. If you wish to search the local MLS please click here. Don’t hesitate to call us if we can answer questions for get additional information for you:

888-868-4398

Telemarketing to Distress

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:07:05 -0800

One of my “senior” clients lost her home to foreclosure on Monday – due to an unrealistic expectation of the second lender. At some point in the earlier short sale process, the first became aware of my cell phone number as her primary contact number. The hard-of-hearing seller wanted to insure that she understood everything that might be presented to her. The bank took back her property at noon on Monday. She is now and has been prepared for this event – and is looking forward to moving forward with her life ….

To date, at this late afternoon writing, she has received 16 calls … one for cash-for-keys and 15 others from various law firms, save-your-home agencies and sundry companies offering her a way to “remain in your home.” If I did not answer the call, they left voice mail messages including this one:

“If you didn’t know, your house was sold at auction this afternoon. The Bank that now owns your home does not want you to call us, because we guarantee that we can keep you in your home. Call now for details ….”

OK, while there may still be viable options for the former owner …. a voice mail message of that character …. seems … well … just wrong!

If you may be thinking about relocation to the Central Valley of California considering adding Lodi, California to your interest list. The folks at The Nines Team will be delighted to show you our town … and some of the best real estate buying opportunities in the valley. If you wish to search the local MLS please click here. Don’t hesitate to call us if we can answer questions for get additional information for you:

888-868-4398

Where do we cut?

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:18:54 -0800

Lodi Unified School District is requesting community input as the board considers cost cutting actions. The reductions are needed as the expected State Budget cuts will have a direct impact on the District’s budget.

It is widely expected that even if Governor Brown’s budget plan is approved, there will still be local cuts required.

There are a number of methods of getting community suggestions to the district: email at breductionidea@lodiusd.net; complete at survey on the district’s website – click here; speak directly to the District at scheduled Budget Advisory Committee meetings (call 209-331-7002 for schedule and further information.)

There seems to be little doubt that reductions will be required. Here is an open invitation to be part of the solution!

888-868-4398

THAT'S COLD ... I'll stop whining ..

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:29:52 -0800

Wind Chill of minus anything is COLD! I remember years ago when this California born and bred man moved to North Carolina. The term "wind chill" meant absolutely nothing to me. At that time in my life, I was pretty much a home worker ... and one day, my first winter, I heard that the wind chill was "minus ten." OK .. so what. My condo was over the garage ... and as with many Western North Carolina small building plan, the access was outside, off the deck. I had left some papers in the car, so I thought I'd just run down and get them.

I've been pretty much a Hawaiian shirt kind of guy most of my adult life ... even in North Carolina. My motto was "Paradise is where you find it ..." So in my Hawaiian shirt, I stepped out the door took two steps and learned what wind chill was!

It's hard for me to even fathom the Minus 40 wind chills we've been reading about in the papers and online. Last week I was complaining about the chill in the air ... at a round 45 ... ABOVE!

So for all my ActiveRain friends ... sorry ... I guess I just lost perspective! But I understand there is reason to be of good cheer ... highs in the teens are due by Wednesday!

888-868-4398

Could you use another hour in the day?

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:11:32 -0800

So what would I do if I had an extra hour everyday … you know a 25 hour day? I guess it would depend where the extra hour was located!

How many times have we heard at the end of the day … “I’m almost done … I just need another hour?” How many times have we thought … “I’m so tired … I just need another hour?”

OK, maybe I’m the only one that says or thinks this … but for me it seems to ring true and does so frequently! So I started to look at my time planning … or in some case the lack of time planning. And I noticed that I would reduce some of my non-productive work time by as little as 5 minutes … I could add an extra hour to my day … well not actually an extra hour, but the use of an extra hour!

So instead of stressing over deadlines that seem to approach all to fast … I’m going to try and start a little earlier … there’s just no reason for the self-inflicted stress!

Pink is the new Blue - Honeysuckle is the new turquoise

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 22:56:03 -0800

Pantone has selected the bold, reddish-pink Honeysuckle as its 2011 Color of the Year, calling it "a brave new color for a brave new world."

"While Turquoise, 2010's Color of the Year, served as an escape of sorts, Honeysuckle confidently goes a step further to encourage and uplift, according to Pantone Color Guru Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman. It's a hue that's meant to scream, Recession be damned! We will prevail!" - Pantone Announcement

So how are we to handle the "new color of the year" ... It is afterall , well .... PINK! As Pantone rolls out its new color pallet for 2011 .. the announcement goes on to say ... "honeysuckle is the new turquoise!" What ... that was after all, well .... BLUE!

I'm not sure that I'd be suggesting to my clients to "update" their home for an timely and elegant listing appeal using either color ... neither as a theme nor as an accent. So indeed, how do we stay "with-it" as far as colors go and still produce property brochures, business cards, logos and other marketing materials that will have a wider appeal in the marketplace.

I'm just a Realtor® - perhaps some of our ActiveRain stagers and designers can give us some pointers ...

and by the way ... if you said what color is honey suckle ... "pink is not the color that comes to mind!

Over a century of grapes ... and few of them sour!

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:27:04 -0800

The end panels on one of the Street Murals in Lodi, California represent the progression of the agricultural history of the community.

In early 1900’s the major agricultural production was table grapes … a variety now known as Flames. This grape is still grown in the Lodi area, but the production is less than 10% of the total acreage under vineyards’ plows. Late last century, the growers of Lodi started becoming world renown with the production of the locale’s Zinfandel grapes. By the middle of the first decade of this century, Lodi had become the Zinfandel capital of the world … accounting for over 40% of global production.

The impact of the noble grape can be seen “everywhere” in Lodi … the names figuring importantly in the culture of both high schools, festivals and local community events, arts and entertainments in various individual wineries, a major visitor center, and the City’s logo … all bear names and/or images of one grape or another.

Few of the images of grapes in Lodi carry with them the historical scope of the mural facing Lodi Avenue at School Street. Flanking Queen Zinfandel are the markers of a century of commerce: Grape production in 1906 gives way to toasting the finest of wines in 2006!

If you may be considering relocation to the Central Valley of California considering adding Lodi, California to your short list. The folks at The Nines Team will be delighted to show you our town … and some of the best real estate buying opportunities in the valley. If you wish to search the local MLS please click here. Don’t hesitate to call us if we can answer questions or get additional information for you:

888-868-4398

What's for lunch? ... ActiveRain

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 22:08:00 -0800

From time to time I have noticed AR Icon Margaret Rome posts on various lunches that she and other AR members share shared. She chats about the cuisine and camaraderie … and the impact of Active Rain on the lives and business of those sharing the repast.

Today two friends, colleagues and former co-workers and I met for Lunch in beautiful downtown Lodi, California. In between the sweet potato fries, extra crispy real fries, BBQ sauced bleu cheese burger, French dip and other assorted yummies at Moo Moo’s Burger Barn … we talked about life, real estate and ActiveRain … The first two were small talk … the main entree was ActiveRain.

Susan Goulding and Christina O’Neal and I talked, smiled and laughed about some of the people we have come to “know” having met them on ActiveRain. We shared about some folks that were not common to us all, recounted tales of some to whom we each subscribed and found ourselves sharing strategies about lead generation, SEO and blogging technique!

At the end of a 90 minute lunch … we agreed that we should do it again … next month, but we plan on reaching out to other members of the ActiveRain Community in our region … lunch once a month …. And food for thought for the next 30 days!

So, thanks Margaret for modeling leadership, thanks ActiveRain for giving us something to talk about other than the people we know … and thanks Susan and Christina … for lunch and for so much more!

Lodi California - Grapes and Wine - The stuff of history

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:42:00 -0800

Hey … it was nice outside today …. Sorta! Nice enough anyway to take a drive … look at sites and ponder about this place called Lodi, California. One of the “ponderings” was prompted by the street wall mural on the corner of Walnut and Schools Streets.

If you’ve followed any of my Lodi writings, you might have guessed by now that vineyards and wine are a major portion of the community’s economy and culture. This mural depicts the early years of the industry … and the “working conditions” that surrounded those working in packing plants. Please notice the sign … “no talking …” Boy, have we come a long way … in both the working environment … and the WINE!

The sign and parking lanes on the street … is a side note … to give you an idea of the size of the mural. There are a bunch of these murals in town … I’ve talked about some and other still remain to be discovered.

Cheating! Is it an absolute bad idea?

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:14:16 -0800

Cheating! Is it an absolute bad idea? Or does it depend on the situation, definition and circumstances?

I often get caught up in “institutional mixed messages” – or as I define them … teaching one thing when the opposite better serves most situations.

Please don’t misunderstand … this is not a position that condones “cheating” but it is a position that asks for rational reconsideration of the definition of “cheating.”

As an example, the University of Virginia builds great credibility on its “honor system.” Most of the written work being done by students has a required or implied pledge: “On my honor as a student, I have neither given nor received aid on this assignment.” Jerry Harvey’s book “The Abilene Paradox” holds the position that the University’s focus is not uncommon … they hold further that from kindergarten to adulthood … we are admonished to not “give or take aid from others” at the risk of being labeled a “cheater!”

So then, at what point in our lives do we “convert” this fundamental teaching to one where it is OK to both give and accept aid? Where the principle of teamwork, of learning from one another becomes the norm? Or for many people does that transition never happen?

Where’s is this going? Simply this – if we are working with (or perhaps are) someone undergoing the stress of a short sale … and we run into a wall of resistance … measure where that resistance may be coming from. When we have been socialized to this that taking aid from someone is an inferior condition – and add to that the possible sense of complete failure surrounding the inability to provide a safe and lasting home … it should come as no surprise that some folks … “just don’t get it!”

Working short sales is more than just “knowing your stuff” on the transaction side. It also requires us to open our “feeling” capacity – to be willing to understand the processes of grief … to help our clients come to a point of acceptance. No matter how a client got into the circumstances they find themselves … we can be the helping hand that may hold the lantern lighting the “way out.”

Over the years many of us have known the absolute joy that coming from helping the first member of a family become a home owner … ever! That act of home ownership has the ability to change that family’s history forever. The flip side of that coin … is a family losing their home. More than most other people, we may find ourselves in a position to help that family see a future … and it may depend on us “cheating” – giving to and/or taking aid from someone else … something we didn’t do on our own!

Embezzlement - small business danger

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 23:31:43 -0800

Small business owners are usually more concerned about their business than they may be in running the business. The passion and excitement of business ownership does not usually extend to the nuts and bolts of “managing the business.” Real Estate agents are small business owners, and as individuals we can also be caught up in the “in the business” attitude and not spend as much time on managing our own businesses.

Reaching out into our local small business communities is one way that we can expand our contacts and benefit from the networking that local businesses seem to enjoy more than their bigger corporate cousins. Small business owners seem more willing to share their resources … corporate sees their resources as a competitive edge.

There is a rising issue in both business worlds that seems to be more dangerous for the small business, than the corporate world. (The operative word here is “seems.”) According to the Central Valley Business Journal (January 2011) there is an upward rise in embezzlement activities. Small business owners not keeping an “eye on the till” are at risk.

Suggestions for minimizing the danger of embezzlement include getting money-handlers bonded, check your books frequently and sign checks yourself. In the case of small business the amount of money is usually rather small, at least when compared to the potential millions at risk in some corporate environments. However, the percentage of damage may be just as devastating to a small business owner as a corporate giant.

The lesson – spend a little more time “in your business” not just “doing business.” There are other safety nets in money management that stem from the skills of experience. Consider getting involved with your local business associations … share what you have learned … and learn from other members as well. We all win when we become part of the community we serve!

If you are looking for a business opportunity in an engaging and evolving community – consider Lodi, California - and The Nines Team has just the right staff to help you find one! Call us today:

888-868-4398

Live – Work – Play

Alice's mushrooms and other fairy food

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:28:56 -0800

Sometimes the wisdom of the ancients seems to make sense. At other times it may seem a little far fetched. In the latter case, it may be that we try and catch meaning a little too literally. Perhaps we might be better served to look for wisdom in the illustration rather than the words.

I recently came across an illustration in Claire Nahmad’s book “Dream Spells – Victorian Spells to Reveal the Magical Wisdom of Dreams” as the result of one of my Internet searches connected to the “American Dream.” While Victorian wisdom may not be ancient in a literal sense, I found this particular nugget playing directly into the mystery of my business today.

The discussion was simply about the impact of partaking of “fairy food” in a dream state. (Yes I know, this may seem “out there” but when looking for answers, I’ll give most thoughts a serious look.) The premise proposed was that “if the food seems insubstantial or unreal, the indication is that what you are pursuing is a phantom or that you are building on a baseless assumption …. because someone has seriously deceived you or because you are deceiving yourself.”

The two servings of “fairy food” that may have side tracked our professional focus might be our willingness to pay for lead systems to come up with the “client” and a conviction that when the “shadow inventory” hits the market all will be well with the world.

If one is actually working the system leads … and conversion are few and far between … it might be because buyers really are on the fence … and leads generated by Internet inquiries are little different from those that evolve from other tire kicking sources. Looking for either an easy way or a more numerically superior way of lead generation may remove us from the more direct and narrower niche of personal face-to-face contact. The effective but frequently time-consuming personal follow-up … the nurturing of leads until the buying decision is foremost in the desires and we are foremost in their minds as the agent of choice.

The “shadow inventory” reason for a poor market seems to offer an opportunity to let the “reason” of market malaise fall squarely on the shoulders of someone or something about which we have control. Again, when we abandon our need to become both responsible and accountable for our business growth it may allow us to find ourselves perched “on the fence” with our client buyers.

So while the results of my search did not give me the results I was seeking … it did remind me that no “pixie dust” or “fairy food” will be a substitute for good old fashioned, roll-up-the-sleeves, do-it-myself effort. I know the basics of real estate … and even in the day of social media, instant gratification, and microwave-mentality … if I’m not making the focused effort to succeed … then I can’t lay the results of my business upon any other doorstep.

Winter .... enough!

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 22:11:47 -0800

This is a new experience for me … the season of winter … is getting to me! To be fair, I don’t usually even notice winter. It’s not that there are not changes in the weather … it sometimes just is plain cold. It’s not that am avoiding looking at the calendar. Whatever ... I noticed the other day that I was just getting impatient with the gray gloom, the wetness and the piercing chill. So why now?

At first I thought maybe it was just me getting older (there is that!) Then I thought, naw … I’ve been old for a long time … so why now? Then this morning it hit me …. I am no longer in isolation with those that share my immediate weather with me. ActiveRain (or from time to time it may be more apropos to say ActiveSnow) has me involved with people from all over the nation daily …. Not only do I see the gloom hereabout, but I’m involved virtually with the rains and floods in Southern California, the snow mounds in the Northeast and the blizzard conditions everywhere in between. I read the messages from a colleague in the Chicago area … and I feel the wind chill off the Lake. I see pictures daily of drifts of snow … and wonder if they have enough shovels?

Ah … now I feel better … at least I have a reason for these “yucky” winter doldrums … and like those friends in their frozen North … I am anxious for the coming Spring! AND, to make it clear ... this is not some "shared hardship" post ... this is ... I want better weather ... it's way too uncomfortable to go outside and take pictures! It just not the same licensing commercial sources!

What do you do when your Bluetooth won’t disconnect?

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:34:59 -0800

What do you do when your Bluetooth won’t disconnect?

I’m pretty sure that I’m not the only person on the face of the planet who has been talking with a hands free device and suddenly the happy blue flashing goes solid! I couldn’t turn it off and the phone would not route calls to the hand set! So when you are traveling down the freeway at 65 MPH … the only alternative that came to mind …. toss the hands-free device out the window! AND in nano seconds … the phone worked!

Now I know that I’m now at great risk talking without a hands-free device. So I knew at the earliest opportunity I would get another one. That opportunity was this morning at the AT&T store … just me and about 30 other people who happened to be there when they opened!

At the end of the day (not quite literally – but if I was going to be there any longer I was going to ask for the employee benefits package) I got a new hand-free device something called a “Blue Ant!”

I’m told (by AT&T employees of course,) that it is the best little device on the market and with tax and everything it came to +/- $140.00. So far, so good! The sales clerk even “paired” it for me (no wine involved) and I’m “good to go!”

However, I do now have another concern. My very Smart Phone and my new Blue Ant are becoming unduly friendly. They have entered into a relationship … talking to each other and entirely without me! I presume that at some point they’ll let me back into this new ménage a trois … but I suppose they’ll be making all the rules!

Ah … the wonders of technology!

That's an easy question ... the answer is use a FTP ... and a menu

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:23:36 -0800

So what do you do when the art work is so small that you can’t read what you want people to see?

Answer: Expand your technological applications:

Recently I posted a bit about one of my favorite restaurants in Lodi. I included some of their “art” and a pictures of one of the dishes I like best ( … that’s OK, it MY blog post!) I even took a photograph of the menu! When I went to add it to the post … it was far from readable. So, I just omitted it from the publication.

One of my excellent admin folks, Kathy Quinn, solved the problem for me using an “FTP” (like I know what that is) … a File Transfer Protocol – a service that our IT email-provider make available to us. So using magic, smoke, mirrors … and a little FTP dust … click here to see that menu!

Thanks Kathy … and I’m going to be looking for fore use of this application!

New Homes are still selling in Lodi or San Joaquin County, California: 1/9/11

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:46:50 -0800

New Homes are still selling in Lodi or San Joaquin County, California: 1/9/11

New homes sales were off overall in San Joaquin despite a much higher traffic count. The new year also produced some “updates” of year end numbers reducing overall sales counts.

The Financial News produced by the Builder Division of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage observes that unemployment dropped to a 9.4 percent national rate. The report also noted that 260,000 workers were removed from the work force. However the gains in employment were in the private sector, suggesting possible sustainable improvement. Unemployment rates in San Joaquin County remain near 13 percent.

The following information has been extracted from New Homes Sales and Marketing reporting companies and on-site visits for the week ending 1/9/11: (YTD Sales numbers reset on 1-1-11)

Focus on Stockton: Total Projects Reporting: 4; Traffic: 34; Sales: 1: Cancellations: 1; Net Sales: 0; YTD Sales: 1

San Joaquin County: Total Projects Reporting: 27; Traffic: 303; Sales: 4; Cancellations: 3; Net Sales: 1; YTD Sales: 7

Lathrop reporting 3 projects: 0 new releases, 9 in available inventory;

Linden reporting 1 project: 0 new releases, 3 in available inventory;

Lodi reporting 0 projects: no other information available

Manteca reporting 13 projects; 7 new releases, 55 in available inventory;

Mountain House reporting 5 projects: 0 new releases, 26 in available inventory;

Stockton reporting 4 projects: 0 new releases, 30 in available inventory;

Tracy reporting 1 project: 0 new releases, 6 in available inventory;

New Homes purchase is just one option for home ownership. If you have an interest in seeing any of the new construction projects in San Joaquin County, please call The Nines Team and let us schedule a showing for you: 888-868-4398

If you would like to search for current listings on MLS, please click here.

They are living the words …. while others are writing about them

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:42:42 -0800

They are living the words …. while others are writing about them

So exactly who is the more “distressed” homeowner – one contemplating a short sale or one facing a foreclosure?

It’s interesting that this “housing crisis” has added several new words to our ordinary lexicon – but often people think they know what they mean … and they may be close, but not exactly spot on. “Distress” is an emotional response to a usually difficult situation. It can also be a physical response to a medical condition. One thing for sure, not everyone’s distress is the same.

Someone on the brink of foreclosure may have made an intentional decision to let the property go back to the lender – and they may have little distress at all. Someone else staring foreclosure in the face, may still be so deeply mired in the throes of denial that they are actually paralyzed when faced with make decisions.

Others when faced with the decisions required in considering a short sale may also be possessed with paralysis. Their inability to make decisions may spring from concern that they are afraid of making another mistake, inability to understand their options or even more basic needs, like “where am I going to live?”

So words like “Toxic Asset” or “Cash-for-Keys” or “Distressed Property” or even “Distressed Homeowner,” have become part of our everyday vocabulary. While we may clearly understand the words and their meaning, we need to remember that there are literally scores of thousands of people who do not. More importantly we also need to remember that behind these words are real people, with real problems and real situations that are not just part of a vocabulary. They are living the words …. while others are writing about them!

Pollution is preventable ... it's a choice we make ... everyday

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:19:25 -0800

The rainy season is upon us and for those of us living in the Delta areas of the Central Valley in California we should be paying particular attention to some of our car-cleanliness habits. Often the mud and grime of a rainy road isn’t really “stuck” on our vehicles and it’s a real easy thing to just take the hose and flush it off.

However, I noticed some folks today cleaning their cars in the cool but sunny afternoon. The “goop” products they were using are chemical compounds designed to remove the “gunk” that builds up in wheel wells and side panels. If you number yourself among those that need to “keep it clean” please read the label and make sure the products you are using are bio-degradable and water supply safe.

Please remember that those drains that are only a few feet from where you are working … lead directly to the Delta water ways. If you need to do some chemical cleaning on your car, please use professional sites that have recycling resources … and keep our water clean!

Living and working in Lodi, California – the real estate we buy and sell are all directly or indirectly linked to our Delta Waterways … The recreational quality and usefulness of the wetlands … can only be protected by people like us …. Please wash with care!

The first season of the year ... three more to go!

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team in Lodi (The Nines Team Realty) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 21:01:00 -0800

The Grape Festival in Lodi California is a summer event. But…the activities at the vineyards which produce the fruit that is feted at the festival … aren’t just a summer event! It’s pretty much a year-round thing.

On the western wall of the festival hall is a mural that depicts the entire year. The two end panels celebrate each of the seasons while the main panel depicts the impact to the culture and economy of the community.

The first tableau on the left is “winter.” So starting with winter and then following each of the next three seasons, the “real world” and the world of art will collide. We'll look at the real life representations of the mural, season by season and make a few side journeys along the way.

The pruning season is upon us… and not by some slick machine. Vines are groomed and dressed by hand. The same way that it’s been done from time immemorial. It takes a lot of time and energy to prune the vines in a manner that protects the vine from disease and will stimulate it to the best levels of production in later seasons.

So here are four vineyards … and we’ll be visiting them again three more times this year. Two of the vineyards have been carefully trimmed, while the other two are waiting for the fine skills of the grower’s hand in the coming weeks.

Not only is Lodi, California the zinfandel capital of the world … it’s a wonderful place to live or work. If you might be considering a move to the Central Valley of California, you might want to add Lodi to your short list. Buying and selling real estate in Lodi, California is something that we do every day … and along the way we meet some wonderful people and share in the community goodwill.