I the only one that grits my teeth  when I hear  R E reports on the news.

It sends me into a fury that I scream into the TV.....".Thanks for tying our hands behind our backs & adding to the chaos "

Realtors know  where the market is in our part of the country. This generic reporting adds to consumer

uncertainty & confusion.

I held my breath as I watched  a  home tour on the Today show where the " Real Estate Expert "  kills the tour by remarks like

                                         need to get rid of those curtains ,

                                         carpeting is out,  hardwood is in                                                              

                                         throw out the tablecloth"

                                         need to get rid of all that stuff

                                         terrible paint color

She continued her critique on every room and every house featured, adding her expert opinion on the declining market .

If I wanted a home decorating show I would watch the HG TV channel.

Can you imagine showing your clients  home and  pointing out to the buyers  negative aspects of the home? ( Better not be doing that )

Wonder if the seller would agree to have the photo  of their home on

National .....TV....if they knew it was going to be critiqued...

Will the viewing audience see beyond these remarks for improvements?. ....Maybe....maybe not...Is it a classy Professional

critique?..that is up for discussion.........

This critique  might make for a informative teaching class for Real Estate Agents as to how to advice their sellers on " How to

ready your home to get it sold" or  " Dressing your home for sucess "

but.......national TV........viewers view this as what is happening in their neighborhood......but as once said...you just can't

judge everything out there  by your own back yard.  Positive leaves the public feeling confident. Negative & speculative

reporting on the market adds to the uncertainty..We as Realtors are the ones that need to get the word out that houses are

being sold..everyday, every  home and every  market is different ...Please Media.......let us handle it....

A  friend posted a  commented on the media  coverage of Osama bin Laden's death.  He said  " my concern is the world seeing the rejoicing and jubilation  in the streets over the American Victory of Osama bin Laden's death."

I agree  with my friend. The media.... aren't they   the eyes of how people perceive what we do, how the people  feel & how we respond to situations? .. Is that really how it is?  Can we put a group of over excited, jubilant people in a box & say we are in that box too?

I agree with many that  fill uncomfortable with celebration...why be uncomfortable over the death of murderer?...

• You mourn A LIFE that could have made the world a better place .

• Your mourn A FATHER... who was the cause of a son's death by his teaching, guidance & direction {certainly not the bullets of the brave men who  risk their lives to perform their Military duty) ..

• You mourn the disastrous results of 911  and impact of evil & hate, that has changed the course of history and touch every human life on earth

                                           will this impact our lives to make the world a better place?  Has this.....will this...make us stronger....a better human being? We will see..

Osama bin Laden's death will not bring back the 3000 deaths nor restore the heartache of the American people.

The sad truth is ....

• The evil of 911 didn't have to happen, 
  

•  There will always be some hot shot terrorist ready to step into his shoes of their murderous leader..

.that my friends.....  is un-nerving and unchanging.

Hate is an Evil that destroys itself...but not without the sacrifice of the innocent....

A heart of gratitude to our Brave Military and their families for sacrificing that we may rejoice in our American freedoms

We as Americans can  cautiously rejoice that an Evil has been destroyed but always be aware .....

This amazing man has said it all.

""I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate

for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only

light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." --Martin Luther King, Jr.

http://youtu.be/cTyoBBGubuQ

Ever  miss doing something you love to do?

Face Book and it's instant gratification has slowly led me astray.  I have a love for blogging and active rain...but..life's quirks has interupted want to dos and put me on a path of have to get this done first.

The result...I turn to FB just for a quick " in touch". 

Blogging ( for me ) could never be replaced with this " quick in touch "..not much debth in face booking, although FB does have it's merit.

Face book is like a "new age" quick phone call just to say hi. 

Blogging....well...it is like sitting across a table with a friend sharing moments of life, building bonds of friendship.

Such is life..but it is so true about the friends you make on Active Rain....you can be gone for a while...but never out of mind of a blogging friend.

I wanted to take a few minutes to write a few words of appreciation to my many friends on Active Rain........those I have met and those I hope to know better through your blogging. 

I wish for you all a BLESSED, JOYOUS MERRY CHRISTMAS ...MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL WITH HIS CHOICEST BLESSINGS.

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas and Remember the reason for the Season

 We  leisurely walked along a 3 mile trail along the banks of Spring Creek called " Fisherman's Paradise "  in Centre County,  State College, Pa.   What a delightful find on a glorious fall day. Only the ripple sounds of the creek break the silence of the oldest and famous fly fishing catch and release hot spot for all trout enthusiaste. If your a fly fisherman... " Fisherman's paradise " is no secret.  but for all first time visitors and paradise lovers ...well...it becomes delightful time to surround yourself  with all the beauty and peace that nauture can give..and on a glorious fall day...does it get any better?

While  many attended the " Penn State Homecoming " football game against University of Illinois, we opted to take the side of no traffic, no cheering, no tail gating  ......just us ...nature and a few fisherman..relaxing within the beauty of nature

There is a profound secret in the depth of nature..whispering '" Wait for His answers Relax in His presence"

More details on the popular hot spot check out this link

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/fishing/news/story?page=f_map_05_PA_Spring_Creek

It is a tough time for sellers.  Their homes seem to sit on the market forever.  The market value has fallen across the country and if there is a buyer for their home often they  can't qualify for a loan.

We  as Realtors feel their pain...well most do.

Please agents.. to those who don't........I am begging you ..show a little thoughtfulness

  I had a call a few minutes ago from a seller who was just livid  She was excited to have a 1:00 appointment today.  She spruced up her home.  It is immaculate but never enough for her ...so all morning everything was polished to a T......

".The agent came knocked on the door & said " Oh sorry the buyers wanted a two car garage not one."

The buyers never stepped into the house.

Am I the only one that knows that all the information is on the MLS sheet when it is printed out.

When you do a specific search aren't the specific requirements entered into the search?

Hey....maybe there is another way .....but that's what I have been doing when I work with a buyer.

Why aggravate and waste the seller's time?  Why get them on an emotional roller coaster.  This seller was almost in tears.

Me I was a little annoyed.  Can agents be a little sensitive to what these sellers are going through?  We get buyers pre-qualified before we take them on showing; I would think we would know ahead of scheduling appointments what their requirements are.

This is not an isolated incident...the other day an appointment was made to see a doublewide.  When I called the agent for the feedback my answer was " Oh they would never buy a doublewide because of the re-sale value"

What?    am I nuts or what?  It is crazy out there.....there has to be something in the air......and it isn't thoughtfulness.........

I have worked with buyers that I have pulled up to the house and they decide they would not rather go into the home.

My response to them  " We made the appointment on good faith, they prepared the home for us to see & even made arrangements to leave their home, that you may have private time to view their home...so we need to view this...and you may just like it."

I know all about agency and fiduciary duty ...but...common courtesy prevails.  We as agents who abide by the courtesy rule should not have to beg other agents to do the same..

We have heard it..".like fingers scratching on a black board  "..that annoying little thing that pops up and you cringe ....or at least want to shout.......Who cares?

There are times when my fellow friends and friends of friends,  on  (our ever so present ) Facebook News feed comment ....like so...

Listed 2 houses today..or showed 4 houses today...or had 3 listing 6 closes.........again...... who cares?

hey....I am all for listings on FB..yes.... let me see what's happening in your world of RE but could there be something there that might interest the reader?

Really unless you want to extend  your thoughts in the comment or blog about an experience that might be of interest in dealing with those closings or showings ......why do it? ....... It is FB not twitter?

Maybe it is just a black board morning.  or a scratch your head  " What " morning. Maybe I should turn it into a morning laugh morning.I scanned my news feed...for post submitted ..this mornings top 4 different gems ( four different friends )

• headache                                                                                             

• tired

• busy day

• good morning

OK OK OK...I want to say what else?

Now that I have vented...let me tell you how I love inter-acting with my friends who have taken time to post interesting, fun, personal stories, links, photos, shares,.videos .....all the good stuff. but unless you tell me what caused your headache, why you are tired, & what's happening this morning or what dramatic happened at the showings of your house tour...why do it?  Face Book can be a powerful tool...why waste it?

Isn't it  like calling a friend saying " headache" then hanging up?  Where is the rest of the conversation?  I know I have missed the whole point....Face book is a guessing game  and the  game plan is to come up with 52 clever comments to squeeze out of you what was meant by your one word-er........well think I'll switch back to FB ....to get just a little more irritated....I'll be back AR...it is always nice to come home where we can call it as we see  it....get the whole message out ..take the time to blog about it............and as Paul Harvey would say...For the rest of the story.......for those of you who wonder ...who is that Paul Harvey...well...he is the wonder that ownes the phrase..

.For the rest of the Story...and he never left it open-ended..............................

Just posted a blog about foreclosures and animal pets left behind in a vacant home.

It isn't something we tolerate...the abuse or misfortune of a family pet. ...

How the children must feel to leave part of the family, their pet, alone in a vacant house that no longer is the the family home.

It is tough to think and accept the fact that devastation.... be it foreclosures, floods, fire, earthquakes or any other catastrophic event cause pain of the severest kind..abandonment. and separation....

It happens and the more we are aware of the problem the more likely something can be done about it.

We as agents hear these horrific stories often.

This past winter,( one of the coldest we have know ) I received a call from a client who just bought a house. It was a very cold but sunny day. The snow was beginning to slowly melt. He was out walking his dog when he heard a very faint meow. A an abandoned cat has been lodged half way under the house and half way exposed to the elements. The body of the cat that was exposed was covered with snow and frozen. What a horrific scene to have witnessed. There are hundreds stories like this.

These helpless pets are the most loyal of friends and they deserve our loyalty and our care...if you can't adopt a pet please consider a donation to your local animal shelter.

Even after a hot hot summer, Labor Day always brings a bag of mixed emotions......sad that the beautiful days of summer has ended but excited about the pending colorful days of Autumn and the joy of the holidays.

Thought I would share two of my favorite photos of summer, both  taken at Spring Creek Park in State College Pennsylvania.

It brings to mind my family there and the enjoyable times we have spent among natures best......enjoy and have an amazing Labor Day......I hope for you all that...it is the best Labor Day ever.....................

After seventeen years in Real Estate, I am never surprised at the conditions of the offers that come in on a listing for sale. Here is a little story...

..but...first keep in mind....the market in my area is down...houses have lost value.  I considered this in my CMA. The list price was on spot. This house solid beautiful brick 3 bedroom 3 bath ranch on 1 acre ..new roof, furnace/air windows, painted,  hardwood floors & new carpeting..updated fin basement. moderate priced home.

An offer came in$20,000 below list price with a $ 5000 assist , asked for a $500 home warranty and a contingency on the sale of their house in an area where there are 29 houses for sale within $ 10,000 of the list price of their  $ 59,000 home.  The home is also in the city a less than asked for location.  The hand money was $ 500.At the end of the 90 day contingency  (Nov 30) they wanted to withdraw their offer with the return of their their $500 hand money. ....

so lets see...lets think about this from the sellers point of view.

The seller  takes their house of the market for $20.000 below appraised value, minus $ 5000  sellers assist and Oh yes another $500 for a home warranty  ( hemmmmm thought the buyer also had the option to pay for that too ) and yes they would just love to take my house off the market with" no right to show addendum" attached to this very interesting offer for 3 months leading right into the holiday market time.....Seems like a winner..........Maybe they should  let the buyers carry move the house to another spot on the 1 acre.....and pay for the move too.......... Sarcasm...yes I guess........

I asked the agent  WHY? She said she was worried  that in the future the market may even be worse and the buyer's re-sale value may not be there.( IN THE FUTURE )

The real issue here is that some buyers look beyond what the are pre-approved in hopes a finding the bargain of a life time.

Some sellers give in to this giveaway ( I bet the neighborhood loves how this giveaway has affected the assessed value of their house when this comp is used to measure their assessed value.

The sellers did counter but the buyers withdrew their offer. 

  Buyers take a big risk for disappointment when they make an offer on a home they really can't afford. 

It will be interesting to see how much the buyers are willing to concede on the sale of their home...if it indeed sells...as for the sellers..our original thought was almost $ 30,000 above what the final list price for their home ( that is a $ 50,000 loss on a very moderate priced home . The sellers adjusted the price to sell their home for a quick sell

I said sell for a quick sale fast.......but not a giveaway

Foreclosures....what an impact they have had on us as Realtors. I had a  disturbing conversation with a fellow Realtor the other day addressing this virus that has infected our economy and our business.  Professional agents have  embraced the fact that working these foreclosures will add undue stress, frustration,  endless paper work and countless hours of unproductive financial gain.

• Do we have a choice? 
  
• Is it a matter of survival? 
  
• Can we turn our backs away from this source of business? 
• Is the commission worth the time spent?
• Can we feel good about what we do as Realtors....be part of something that has caused devastation and financial ruin to the victims of foreclosures?

......Our conversation offered his answers to these controversial questions

• Of course life is full of choices..a person can...refuse to work foreclosures 
  
• Yes ...or see your business spiral downward
• My friend said " No I can't.. a little money is better than none and the few bucks add up"
• " I  use my time to do what ever it takes to survive ..I don't consider the time it takes "
• " Well June.....that's the million dollar question...are they victims or the cause of their own misfortune?"

This young agent continued his thoughts.............

He sometimes helps a friend who has a trash out business.  The banks call on him to clean out ( trash out ) foreclosed homes, so that they can be placed on the market as a foreclosed sale.

He and his friend just finished a job where the owners of the house ..moved out left 2 dogs and 3 cats ALONE, in a locked house.

They also left a 25 pound bags of dog & cat food......need I say more?  There was a stench and unimaginable mess to clean up . The floors had to be scraped with a scraper..the rugs removed and gallons and gallons of vinegar used to destroy the sickening smell. The house was left in deplorable condition.

I would say these are either some angry home owners or just plain vindictive mortgage holders.......Are they victims? Have they been pushed into a state of irresponsibility?  You just don't know.....these family pets...were they not able to afford to have the animal shelter take them?  So many questions go unanswered.  ..the only answer we can find is that foreclosed homes have touched all......even in this situation 5 family pets.  Are there victims....yes.......... foreclosures seems to have caused many