Communication

One of the biggest challenges I face in all my relationships can be summed up in one word "communication"  or the lack thereof.  I was raised as many men are, to suck it up don't show your feelings, never let them see you sweat.  I am masterful at this, so my family says.  I am mostly cool, calm, and collective when confronted with situations to the point that they say I can be cano tonic like, emotionless, "out there" is a term used from time to time.  I guess part of it can be traced back to all the many John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies I watched growing up as a kid although I never uttered "go ahead punk make my day" to my kids.  I do however have the occasional blow up and Nuclear meltdown which is not the ideal and recommended way to deal with matters of communication but hey I'm human.

One of the biggest breakthroughs I discovered was with my teen daughters.  When we talk, I have a tendency to begin fixing the problem before they are even done finishing whatever they are talking about.  "See Dad that is why I don't like talking to you, you never let me finish"  So the first step was just sitting there and listening to them no matter how bad I wanted to jump in and fix the situation.  The second was to not judge and reprimand them even though I did not like what I was hearing but to guide them thru those issues that come up.  The third was just communicating in general.  Our conversations generally would start with "how was school?"  "alright" "what did you learn about today" " you know, stuff" "Well what kind of stuff"  "Why are you asking me all these questions dad"  and then it would go south from there.  The only other occasions we would really communicate was on our way out to see my brother and sister in laws in Buellton Ca.  It's a two hour drive from Santa Clarita and in between Ipod Jam sessions I would have these really meaningful conversations on a variety of different topics mostly boys and why we (parents) were put on earth to ruin all there fun.  But we also discussed a lot of other topics and I learned more about my girls on these trips more than in all other ways combined I tried to relate and communicate with them.  I enjoyed taking these road trips primarily for that very reason,  But you can only visit family so often.  What can I do in the meantime?  I don't remember how but I am sure there was help from a higher source.  I came across this game   http://www.thecommunicationgame.com/index.htmland I was intrigued I had to get it what harm could it do? Who knows this could be just another tool to help me in this communication challenge  Well the day came when I decided to break the game out and see what would happen.  My wife was taking our youngest out of town and leaving me with my teen daughters over the weekend.  I later found out my girls were horrified at the thought of being home with Dad "it's going to be sooo boring"  Dad just sits at the computer all day he doesn't like going to the mall or shopping etc...."  What are we going to do? You can't leave us here with him."  My wife just laughed "have fun" as they both (my daughters)held on to her legs dragging as she walked to her car to leave" Don't leave us here.... (I'm exaggerating of course) but it was pretty close.

So the next morning I woke my girls up and said "get ready we are going to the mall"

"What?  I really thought for a moment you said we were going to the mall"  "We are" I said,  "Are you feeling O.K.?"  "Feeling great let's go" So we had been in the mall for a little over an hour when my middle daughter asked "Dad can we get something to eat?"  "Sure how bout Red Robin" I said, O.K.  but I have to go get this game from the car I wanted to play with you guys."  No, that's okay Dad we can play another day"  No I'll be right back"  No really Dad let's play next time!!  I later learned that my oldest was envisioning this whole board game in this restaurant and how uncool that would be and what if one of her friends saw her there playing this board game!, she was mortified, she wanted to die of embarrassment but when I showed up with these cards her reluctance dropped and she was willing to give it a shot.  Well we played for over an hour and I cannot recall laughing so hard and really getting to know my daughters during that time. There is not much to learn to play this game, basically reading open ended question cards that deliberately require a thought out response.  The game was a total hit and I would recommend it to any dad who is searching for ways to improve the communication between them and their teens.  I cannot guarantee the same outcome but it is worth a shot to try. That day will be one of those moments I will treasure forever one of those rare moments I shined as a father.  One of the greatest investments I made in my daughters and I relationship was that time together and the playing of this game.  A deposit in that emotional bank account that needs more of my interest.  My hope this year and every year is that we all take a moment to invest in communication.  The investment is priceless.

All thoughts, opinions expressed are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent.

All Rights Reserved         www.pablosantibanez.com        Copyright 2010

(Part 1) of this series.

I don't know if Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, or  Donald Trump are even aware of this investment.  I hope they invested heavily here while they created their Empires.  We all want to make a difference, we all want to have something to show for our efforts.  We all want to be remembered for our accomplishments and contributions to this world.  Would you like to be remembered for being here.

I will reveal just one of a handful of investments I recently made which has produced me and my family an unprecedented return on investment. The compounded interest alone is tremendous!  This one investment has provided me with the greatest source of wealth I could ever imagine.   Would you like to learn how to invest properly to be rich?  Sounds like a scam right?  No I won't be selling you CD's, or coaching or any other product.  I will share this absolutely free, in fact not only will you become rich as a result, but you can enrich others by sharing this one investment secret with those you know and love.  Your getting in on the ground floor and this small investment, If you invest today, will pay back dividends you never dreamed of.  Don't take a risk of not getting in now before it's too late! A small handful of investors revealed to me in confidence that they had wished they had invested in this early in their lives and they shared with me a secret that I am going to reveal to you but you must take action you must have faith in what I share with you.  This investment will change your life for the better it is 100% guaranteed.  There is risk involved though, but those that take risks get the highest returns!

But before I reveal the source of my greatest wealth I would like you to do an exercise to reveal what kind of an investor you are?  Aggressive, conservative, or passive?  Write down all of those things that are most important to you then put them down in order.

(Go get a piece of paper and take 15 minutes to write this all down)

Once you have completed this exercise then continue on.  Don't look or read beyond this point in fact cover it with a piece of paper or hand until your done.,

Lets compare our lists it should look something like this. 

•1)      God

•2)      Family

•3)      Everything else after that

If 1 and 2 are not on the top of the list then you will never create "true wealth"  everything else is temporary the first two are the most important.  Not just my opinion but it has been written.

Now here is one of the best investments you can make here on earth is  (Drum roll please)  TIME. Yes it's that simple yet it is the hardest thing for us to do. Build relationships before high rises.   Do you realize how many times you say to others (those you love) Can't you see I'm on the phone", "not now I'm busy", or "maybe tomorrow" or "I don't have time for that now" "I'll be there in a minute" and the an hour goes by, etc.... I am guilty as charged, I have said everyone of these not just hundreds but thousands of times!  What message am I conveying ?  Then I wonder why no one wants to do anything with me when I am available? I have not been nurturing relationships but slowly creating a daily wall of indifference brick by brick day by day that may take years to break down.  What is your favorite put off line?  What is it your doing that is soooo important you have to put everyone off to do!.   It took me 45 years to uncover this secret. 

The time I have spent recently with my family as a result of the down economy has been a blessing in disguise.  I was initially forced to spend more time with my family, now I willingly seeking it over other investments of my time. You know the saying "stop and smell the roses" or the song from Harry Chapin "Cats in the Cradle" comes to mind.  The returns on investment have been HUGE. 

I will share one way I have broken the ice with my teens with another investment I am trying to invest more into and that is communication with both my wife and teens.  That is in (Part 3) of this series.

(Part 2) One decision in "time" with my teens and how it's payed off so far.

(Part 3) December 5^th 2009 A day I will never forget.  How I have invested in Communication with my teens.   

All opinions comments and commentary are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent.  

All Rights Reserved   www.pablosantibanez.com  Copyright 2009

My wife called the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center the other day to schedule her annual Breast Exam.  Unbeknownst to her our present insurance carrier did not cover this type of preventive care and so when she was told she would be faced with a $160.00 bill she told the lady on the other line that she didn't realize it would cost that much and would get back with them.  Later that day she told me she was holding off from having her breast exam due to the cost.  I told her to call back and schedule an appointment anyway and that I would come up with the funds by the time she went in, it was too important.

That afternoon or the following day I am not certain when but I found myself on Facebook and an image came up asking me to be a "friend" or a fan of the Sheila R. Veloz  Breast Imaging Center.  It rang a bell because I recently gave a ride to an elderly friend of the family there to have her annual breast exam.  So I clicked and became a friend/Fan.

Well apparently the Director of the Sheila R Veloz Center Terry Bucknall received my friend request the name rang a bell because of my wife calling earlier and wouldn't you know it she was just notified that they had recently received funds from a fund-raising event specifically for this type of situations and would be able to cover her costs. Divine intervention?  They never want cost to be the determining factor in a womans well being.

She notified my wife through Facebook to call her.  My wife calls me says what did you put on Facebook the director of the center wants to talk to me says she may be able to help me?  "I don't know" I said "I think I became a friend or fan why?" I'll call you later. Well Terry at the center told my wife that her costs were covered and that all she would have to come up with the day of her appointment is the $10.00 co-pay.  My wife was blown away.  She had recently chastised me for spending too much time on Facebook.  I replied "See, has my time been a total waste?" (Between you and me she was right) But don't tell her I said that!!  However I have taken measures to manage my time on line since this posting.

But the point is that Facebook, Twitter, etc... is just another way to connect with other people.  It does not replace meeting people and interacting physically with them.  Those that dismiss these vehicles have valid points however they miss the relationships that are created as a result.  Case in point my later meeting with Terry Bucknall while accompanying my wife at her appointment is a direct result of  Facebook and reaching out to others.  I wanted to meet in person and thank Terry and all those who contribute financially and with there time to this cause.  This small act of kindness has instilled in me a wanting to give back to this organization and overall cause.  With that said I am coordinating a fund-raising event with the www.thevipcard.com and once approved will launch in November of this year.  So stay tuned...  because breast cancer awareness is not only in October but year in and year out.   

Video of Terry Bucknall Feb 2008

The views, thoughts, and opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent.

All Rights Reserved     www.pablosantibanez.com    Copyright 2009 

Do you have a teen driver?  Many of us do, my oldest just turned sixteen and is in the process of getting her driver's license.  She also shared ironically how some of her friends had been drinking the night before and it was a wake up call for me to not only make this a teachable moment for her and I, but also with other parents like you.  Now I know your "precious" would never be involved in any of these activities however in the event they slip up here are some valuable resources and unfortunately lessons we all need to take a moment and reflect on.   I came a cross a few resources today and was reminded of some others in the past that I would like to share with you.

I attended the National Teen Driving Safety Fair being held here in Santa Clarita at Central Park today sponsored by the city of Santa Clarita, Safe rides for teens, The Auto Club, Fire, and Sheriff departments.

Safe rides for teens had a booth and I would recommend you have your teen put their number on their cell phone in the event they are ever faced with having to get home and their only option available is having to drive home with an intoxicated teen driver 661-259-6330  Their website is www.scvsaferides.com/

I saw this resourceful sign on a parents car.

On a more somber note there are the physical reminders of the decisions and outcomes of those decisions as well as the final outcomes.  Please take a few minutes to learn "Know more" about the Youth Grove in Central Park.

I love my kids and their friends and I am certain that you do too.  Take the time to go over these resources and share them with your teen and make the vow to "Know More". 

"Know More". 

"Our children are our most precious gifts.

They are sons and daughters, sisters, and brothers, loved ones and friends.

Vow today that...

No more will lose their lives because we drive too fast.

No more will die because we drive under the influence.

No more will perish because we lapse in attention for just one moment.

No more will be lost because reckless acts on the road.

Join us in a cry that NO MORE names will be added to this memorial.

No More."  - Author Unknown

Additional photos of the event can be found by clicking here

Do you have a family? Not one of the first thoughts that came to mind when I found myself stranded on the side of the 210 freeway the other day.  But I was asked that question point blank by a total stranger I just met on the side of the road.  So what led up to this chance encounter you might ask or wonder.  Well I was driving back from Chino Hills on my way back to Santa Clarita when I began to feel a mild vibration in the car.  I began to reason is the road bumpy or is my car out of alignment as the vibration began to get stronger and finally it became quite apparent when my front driver side tire violently disintegrated in a matter of seconds.  I was forced to quickly pull over to the side of the freeway to avoid getting into an accident or losing control, but my first thought was ironically not to damage the wheel once the tire went flat.

I now regretted not keeping up my triple A card membership how often do I use that I asked myself the last time it came up for renewal.  I rarely use this card (Bad mistake) Oh well, I know how to change a tire so here goes.  As I reached into the rear trunk of my car I kept imagining a semi coming up from behind and sandwiching me between the two of them and other similar tragic scenarios.  Serves me right for watching all those car chases and car crashing shows on television regularly.  So as I began to loosen the nuts on my tire, the cars and notably semi's would woosh by coming within inches of me as I worked away to get this tire off.  I would look up from time to time to gauge the drivers but if anyone of them veered off a tad I would be toast no matter what stunt I had envisioned doing over the hood to escape being hit.

Of course the tire nuts were on so tight I was straining to remove them and taking my eyes off of the speeding cars when I look up to find a tow truck parking right behind me.  The driver is shaking his head back and forth (like a disappointed father) apparently not very impressed with my roadside tire changing abilities.  He motioned me to come to his passenger side door and as I approached and he rolled down his window and asked "Do you have a family?"  "Yes" I answered, he replied "want to see them again?"  "Of course" I replied, "then I suggest you let me tow you off the freeway somewhere safer to finish changing that tire?"  Of course I have to ask "how much is this going to cost"  aside from saving my life (he was probably thinking to himself)  Nothing, nada, zippo.  "Really" I replied "lets roll" 

So he in turn tows my car off the freeway and changes the tire for me.  While doing so he shared with me what he has seen along the highway and most of it was pretty sad as to how many lives are taken from just a simple act of changing a tire.  I have to thank the big guy upstairs for bringing one of his angels to save me from myself that day on the highway.  I know now that there is this roadside assistance here in Los Angeles County  that I remember reading about a while back, but now know and experienced first hand.  All I had to do that day was dial #399 it's a free service funded by the Metropolitan Transit Service.   So I guess if you have a family or other reason for living I suggest you give them a call and leave the risk taking to those who know what they are doing.   When you see these guys give them a BRAKE will you.

All Rights Reserved       www.pablosantibanez.com       Copyright 2009

I recently attended Craig Duswalt's 3 day bootcamp at the Renaissance Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.  What an incredible experience and event.  I learned decades worth of material and expertise during this event.  If you are a small or not so small business owner this is an event you do not want to miss so go to his website at www.craigduswalt.com to attend his next event.  Craig and his guest speakers Tom Antion, Mari Smith, James Malinchak, Mike Koenigs and covered all aspects of how to market yourself and a successful business.

Glenn Morshower reminded us to laugh and not take life so seriously and a few unorthodox ways on how to prepare for an interview (Hilarious) and to most importantly stop and listen for the "Whisper"  Mark Eddie what can I say, This guy is flat out funny!!!

For those of you who do not know Craig, He's a professional speaker and the creator and author of Craig Duswalt's RockStar System For Success - How to Achieve RockStar Status in Your Industry.

Craig used to tour with Guns N' Roses, as Axl Rose's personal manager, and Air Supply, as the band's personal assistant.  Craig uses his backgrounds in both music and marketing, and teaches numerous ways to save small businesses thousands on marketing and advertising; and how to become perceived as a celebrity and an expert in your business where potential clients will come to you instead of you having to go after them.

I learned how to utilize effectively on line social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook  and how to incorporate them into my marketing plan.  I also learned how to write a book in 30 days and all of the resources I would need to do so and why it is one of the best ways to differentiate yourself from your peers.  I also learned how to use technology to springboard my marketing campaigns with little effort utilizing the tools from his toolbox.  Vraif

Other credits Craig has accomplished include being an award-winning copywriter, has his own ad agency, Green Room Design & Advertising, which was named the 2002 Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. Craig and his wife, Natasha, co-own Peak Models & Talent, a modeling and talent agency based in Los Angeleswith more than 1,000 clients and representing more than 300 models and actors. Part of Peak Models & Talent's success I learned is directly attributed to using the techniques of Craig Duswalt's RockStar System For Success.

A Multi talented guy and all around down to earth good guy.  "Nice guys finish first" contrary to what the world will tell you.  Find out for yourself.

All comments and opinions are strictly my own and do not represent those of the entities I represent.

All Rights Reserved        www.pablosantibanez.com    Copyright 2009

All things are possible to one who believes - Mark 9.23

The recent journey Jun and I embarked on can be summed up in one word REMARKABLE!

Our journey began a few months ago back at our Saturday morning bible study I learned from Jun Subaniaro that he as was running regularly throughout Santa Clarita on the local trails. I wanted to take my recent weight loss of 45 pounds (Story in itself) to the next level and begin a disciplined training routine. I decided to join Jun and Rich Hall who were running regularly on their own during the week and meeting on Saturday mornings to run together. There were some early freezing mornings when I did not want to get up but I had made a commitment to be there every Saturday and I was going to stick to it as best as I could. During these runs we would share some of our challenges, the Word and how God was working in our lives. It was more than just running it was fellowship.

Jun had a vision, he wanted to share the Word and create a running ministry to represent Valencia Hills Church in Califonia. He stated one of the first events we should prepare for is the L.A. Marathon. Wow! I'm thinking isn't that 26 MILES!! The Lord spoke refer to Mark 9.23.

Over the course of a few months as the marathon neared, a series of events began to challenge this group of 3 and seriously threaten our goal of just getting to the marathon let alone doing it. . Rick began having some physical challenges that limited his ability to run and then the final blow Jun seriously sprained his ankle and had informed me it was likely he would not participate as well. Jun said "It looks like your going to represent us brother" wait a minute you are the guy that's been running for years I was supposed to be supporting you in your dream not the other way around! I had my doubts especially when the furthest I had ever run was 19 miles and I struggled to accomplish that!  a marathon is 26 miles. But Jun encouraged me and said "if you could run 19 miles than 26 miles is a piece of cake". In fact I am going to go with you, I will ride my bike alongside of you supporting you all the way (Unbeknowst to both of us they would not allow that) That's when I read this scripture 2 Timothy 1.7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline" In the meantime Jun made up some shirts for us to wear to run in with the following scripture John 14.6 "I am the` way, and the truth, and the life" Team Jesus

As race day was fast approaching I had slipped up on my training I had thought that maybe we would focus more on the upcoming Santa Clarita Marathon in November but Jun would ask "Are you ready, are you still wanting to do this?, You don't, if you don't want to?" But I said "Yes, but my goal will be simply to finish whether it takes me all day and into the night I will finish this race!

A couple of days before race day, and Jun called me and said "I'm going to run with you bro my wife is not happy w/me but I feel I can do this. I prayed about it and asked God to heal my ankle so that I can participate". Praise God, next thing I know his ankle was fine, no pain, no swelling, and Jun and I began to fulfill his dream.

It's race day and Jun and I are amongst just under 15 thousand participants the adrenaline is pumping thru are veins and the excitement is incredible the news media is everywhere helicopters covering the event and thousands watching locally and millions watching worldwide. What do you think the odds are of running into a fellow brother in this huge crowd? Good we ran into Russ from our church who is a regular participant to these events. We encouraged each other and prepared for the start of the race. The announcement was made and we were off but why are we walking well with all of the people ahead of us it took us about two or three blocks to get to the starting line but our times are not recorded until we pass the starting mark. We have a microchip attached to our shoes to register the time we begin and throughout the course to the finish (pretty cool!)

As we crossed Jun was like a Wild Mustang who was kept in a corral for a day or two "whoa brother at this pace I won't make it past the 1st mile mark let alone 25 more!!"  We kept a steady pace and shared our excitement of the event (our first marathon) and all that we were experiencing we were in the event we had talked so much about it was no longer a far fetched dream but a reality. Several bystanders would encourage us throughout our run during every stretch of the course.

Along the route we came across a group who had a "pace leader" they were about 15 people following her, with all of the excitement we had not strategized how we were going to pace ourselves so I asked the leader at their current pace when they anticipated they would cross the finish line. She said " 5.30 I joked 5:30 P.M. no she said 5 hours and 30 minutes' I asked Jun lets run alongside of them this way we only have to focus on getting there, they can do all the time management for us. As we got to the halfway point (16 miles) one of the groups runners tripped and toppled to the pavement and a couple of the team stopped to help " She yelled back "let her go she will be fine get back in formation" Jun slowed to help but some spectators were helping her so we pressed on. Jun said to me "wow she sure has a lot of compassion"

As we passed the 13 mile mark (halfway point) Jun said "we are doing great brother at this pace we will get there no doubt within 6 hours. I was encouraged but I was uncertain if I could keep the current pace. I told Jun that my thighs and calves were beginning to burn and were starting to stiffin up. We continued running and we approached the 18 mile marker I began to run out of gas at the same time we were slipping behind our pace team and as I watch them slowly fade from view I started to get a little discouraged but kept it to myself. I had said nothing to this point but I was about to ask Jun to continue on and that I was going to walk from this point on. I reasoned the furthest I had gone was 19 miles before this race and I was reaching that point. This middle age gal putting along had a shirt with an image of Jesus on her back no matter where we were,  we would come across her throughout the course. Was God reminding me to focus on him? I'm serious she kept popping out of nowhere and Jun saw her too so it was not my imagination.

Then out of the blue Jun began to ask me questions to refocus on my strength (The Word) What's your favorite verse bro" I struggled to put a thought together (long pause) as I gathered a thought, I rambled a couple of verses so he knew I knew some and I paraphrased 2 Timothy 1.7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love , and of self discipline" everything I was experiencing at the moment. But I misquoted the book and mentioned 1 Corinthians (Forgive me Lord) We had been sharing our lives and fellowshipping along the way, but I had shut down for sometime to focus solely on running thanks to Jun for refocusing my thoughts. He could see I was struggling at this juncture I told him "go ahead I'll catch up with you later" he said "no way Bro we are in this together." He would not leave my side a sharp contrast to the gal and her team earlier my well being was more important to Jun than the "prize"

We had to stop to stretch and we continued on. We began to make small goals along the way let's run to that light signal and walk a short distance than pick up after that light" We were now entering uncharted territory both Jun and I had not run into the 20 mile and beyond realm before. How's are time Jun? "We can still make it Bro let's press on", We stopped for a brief moment to get sprayed with this solution that kills the pain in your legs (it worked) and we pressed on, we could now see the downtown skyline it looked so far away. I thought to myself we have to run all they way there, no way!! As we ran most of the participants in the twenty mile zone and beyond were now walking as we ran in between them. We saw several people along the way limping and sitting along the route in pain and unable to continue. I no longer felt pain but a renewed determination to reach that finish line under the 6 hour mark. After the 6 hour mark your times are not recorded.

We pressed on passed the 23 mile mark and I thought to myself we are actually going to make it and right at that moment Jun uttered "Bro I am cramping up im going to have to stop" In a brief instance I thought it was over!, well so much for that goal of finishing under 6 hours.  The new goal is back to what we had originally planned and that was to just finish. Would I need to help Jun walk from this point? We were so close, so be it, whatever the outcome I am not crossing that finish line without my brother. So Jun began to stretch and massage his calves.for a minute or two and he said "I'm feeling better "Lets go" I said "Are you sure, how's the ankle? good bro let's go" I asked him "how's our time" he said "if we continue at our current pace we'll make it". I proposed let's run the final two miles all the way no stops" Jun said o.k bro, let's do it!

Those last two miles were the toughest two miles I had ever run I kept reasoning two miles that is nothing! yet those last two miles felt like 26 we were now entering the downtown area finally in the home stretch where is the finish line banner? It finally came to view it looked like it was 10 miles away, now we were amongst the crowd cheering us on "you can do it, keep going" I was sooo tempted to stop and walk a short distance but how could you do that in the final stretch suck it up, press on. In the last 20 yards before the finish I yelled to Jun "finish strong" brother "Finish strong"and we sprinted the last stretch full throttle to the finish line. An incredible rush of excitement, accomplishment filled me with emotion Thank you Lord. We did it, we made it to the finish line!!! We congratulated each other in amazement how God brought us to this point and that we had made it under 6 hours 5.49 to be exact. No blisters, no ankle pain, no chaffing, etc... Praise God we give all the glory to God without him there is no glory.

Thank you Jun for your vision, your fellowship, your determination, your encouragement, your love, your friendship and your leadership brother. Without you I would not have had this experience or these memories. It was an honor running with you Bro.

When you join a bible study or get plugged in with other brothers in Christ you never know what journey you and your brothers may embark in for the Lord's glory The Lord had a mission for Jun and I and that was to be visible Ambassadors for Christ, did you learn anything from this experience? if you did, Mission Accomplished.

I believe "All things are possible to one who believes" - Mark 9.23

All Rights Reserved     Pablo Santibanez     www.maxhealth-energy.com    Copyright 2009

Current statistics for the California real estate market are as follows: 

The number of sales for March throughout the state for both condos and homes totaled 36,216 up 23.9 percent from the same period last year.  That's the good news, however of those sales 57% were foreclosed properties compared to 35% the year before.  The good news  is this inventory is being absorbed. The bad news is it is artificially dropping prices of homes.  The good news is that this increases home affordability thus more people qualify to buy a home.  The bad news is if your a homeseller trying to sell your home competing with real estate owned (REO) or foreclosed homes which in many cases are lower in price compared to the typical arms length transaction. 

Some additional local stats

Los Angeles county for the month of March sold 5,793 properties in March at a year to year average price difference of -35%

Santa Clarita dropped -24%

Stevenson Ranch -47%

So the bottom line is the news can be good or bad depending on where your at in the real estate equation.  If I were thinking of buying I would stop thinking and start acting, this is the time to sieze a good bargain when people are more apt to negotiate and work with you.  As the market begins to shore up you will lose the psychological advantage of gloom and doom in the market so buy now when the bargains prevail.

If you would like to know what is going on in your specific neighborhood in terms of statistics and real estate related activity contact our office at 661.713.1749 or e-mail me at pablo@fastappraisals4u.com

FastAppraisals4u.com is a local Real Estate Appraisal firm working throughout the Los Angeles County area. We specialize in the Appraisal of single family homes and can be found on the web at www.fastappraisals4u.com

Source: Dataquick

Copyright 2009  Pablo Santibanez   All Rights Reserved

Traveling with Mr Johnson  Our first adventure Pisgah Crater California

Well for those of you who were not aware of my first post I wrote about how I regretted not taking advantage of the opportunities throughout the year to travel with Mr Johnson with my oldest daughter.   I won't bore you with all the gory details, but  if you want to know what it's like to be a parent and not go on these adventures read the following Traveling with Mr Johnson

For those of you who plan to travel with Mr Johnson take a lesson from me.

One of my personal goals this year was to spend more time with my family.  Now I talk a good talk about what I should be doing , but am I walking the walk?.  I knew exactly what I needed to do this year and that was to make better choices with how I spend my time, especially when it comes to my daughters. 

Well that opportunity came up this year as my middle daughter came up to me and mentioned she had Mr Johnson as her history teacher! And that he was planning a trip to the local lava tubes.  Lava Tubes?  Thank God for second chances there is no way I am missing out on this trip.  What day is it?  Let me check my calendar,   That date falls on the third day of a three day How to achieve rock star status in your business seminar I am attending

I had a decision to make do I attend the last day of the seminar or spend the day with my daughter and Mr Johnson.  Well as you will soon learn I made the right decision this time around.  I understand from those I later spoke with in attendance at the seminar that the last day was great but not as great as spending time with my daughter!

Our first adventure this year took us to Pisgah Crater just past Barstow off of Interstate 40.  I often thought that this stretch was always going through some sort of burned brush clearing but a closer look exposes that this area is covered with black lava.  Unfortunately the original crater is being mined and is losing it's original form for various related products such as the lava rocks  you use in your barbeques, and other similar uses.

Just a rock throw below from the crater lies the lava tubes, these are crawl spaces and underground caves created from the lava that once poured from this crater some estimated 2000  years ago a milisecond in this arena.  It's pretty cool to be crawling through these tunnels and rock formations created out of lava thousands of years ago.  If you haven't been to this location I recommend it.  Just make sure you wear a miners type headpiece or bikers light some old clothes gloves and a bikers helmet and your good to go. I was amazed at the number of participants that joined us on this trip literally a hundred or more parents and there kids combined. 

I have to admit I was not dissapointed this being my maiden trip and a great start for the year!.  Looking forward to the next adventure with my daughter, her classmates, and of course Mr Johnston

Excerpts from "When I look back at my child's first year at Rancho Pico Jr High, My biggest regret was not traveling w/ mr Johnson.

"Sure I attended all of the open houses and other similar activities, but I missed out on all of those after school adventures "traveling with Mr Johnson" which I could have attended had I planned things better.  These are missed opportunities to spend "Quality" time with my child doing something I absolutely love.  That is exploring, and in addition to that, exploring with a teacher who shares the love of the outdoors and it's history.  Something I have all but abandoned in my  "Pursuit of happiness"  

We live in a valley full of it's own rich history (Santa Clarita Historical Society), we need to dig deeper to appreciate what is right here in our own backyard here in Santa Clarita, California.  Make it a point to visit Mr Johnson's personal website http://www.mrjohnson.org/ whether you have a student or not.  It is a wealth of local historical information and activities.  If you do have a student that is enrolling in 7^th grade this coming year be sure to get involved and take advantage of "traveling with Mr Johnson".  Plan and make the time to share these learning experiences with your child and learn more about the person who is helping shape your children's views of history.  Don't make the same mistake I did.

Note to Mr Johnson, You have rekindle the adventurer I once was as a child and young adult, and I hope to pass this on to my children.  Thank you, for reminding me of this, may you continue to be an adventurer and never lose sight of that voyage....

Copyright © 2009 Pablo Santibanez International All Rights Reserved  

I was reading the "The Signal" our local community newspaper this last Friday Nov 28, 2008 and came across an article entitled "Giving, and giving thanks"

The article was about a local business owner (Roger Hasper) and his wife (Shannon) and how they transformed the back parking lot of there bicycle shop into a Thanksgiving feast for hundreds (Approximately 300).

Here is a local business man called to give back to his community. Why? he's asked, because "Matthew 25:35 tells you what to do" Here is an example of Faith in action, qouting scripture, an extraordinary act of kindness one man's way of giving back to his community.

I don't know about you but next time I think of buying a bike or biking accessory I won't be thinking of some large national chain. I'll be visiting our local heroes Roger and Shannon at their bicycle shop here in Newhall. God Bless you guys!!!

May the source be with you.

All Rights Reserved Pablo Santibanez Copyright 2008