Karen Monsour @ www.KarenMonsour.comhttp://activerain.com/blogs/karenmonsour2008-07-05T23:24:59ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)How does your Real Estate career affect the future of your children?http://activerain.com/blogsview/580122/How-does-your-Real2008-07-05T23:24:59ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p>When I had my three children...I was in the process of coming up with an addition for our current home.</p>
<p>That being said, my ex-husband and I hired an architect and waited for his design...well...it didn't work for our needs.</p>
<p>So, with design and art training in my past...I decided that I would try and put our need's to paper.</p>
<p>Graph paper on the dining room table and the oldest two coloring with me...I set out to design what we thought we needed.</p>
<p>My son...loved to draw, my oldest daughter was all about the business (my future store)...they were very young...only 2 and 3...believe it or not.</p>
<p>I finally was satisfied with the design, we hired a contractor and off we went...we lived in two bedroom's a bath and half of a kitchen for 7 month's...at this time I was pregnant with the third...</p>
<p>Learned to golf...(had to get out of the house on occasion)...</p>
<p>All the previous being said without the horrid details...the house ended up exactly how we wanted it...</p>
<p><strong>Back to the title...</strong></p>
<p>My son, who started out majoring in Engineering...ended up, like me with an interest in Physic's. My oldest daughter ended up majoring in Business and Languages, my youngest is an Accountant...(must have been listening to the ex and I talking about finances. They've all graduated :-) and the youngest is in graduate school.</p>
<p>Both my ex and I worked in the medical field...The ex still does, I decided I loved Real Estate and have retired from my medical profession to passionately persue my love of Real Estate. The ex is still in medicine.</p>
<p>My son, sell's Real Estate and has a Development company, my oldest daughter is working for a company that sell's building supplies, and the youngest...yep, she's working on her MBA and CPA...</p>
<p><strong>Does what you spend you time doing, all the while including you children when you stay at home and involve them in every day issues influence them?</strong></p>
<p>I ask because, both of us had long term career's in the Medical field, however, while I stayed home and had a "Country Store", and did design, they were involved as well. How you say, they drew pictures, they watched me do balance sheets, they helped me in the store.</p>
<p><strong>Do you think that the career you are in influences the career's of your children? If so how and why, please share! Please share.</strong></p> How many Real Estate agent's does one customer need?http://activerain.com/blogsview/578080/How-many-Real-Estate2008-07-03T22:13:04ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>This totally baffles me. I have met on more than one occasion (investor's in particular) people who use more than one agent to try and find great deals.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Hello!!! If you are working with a licensed agent, who is active, and pay's for MLS....we can all see the same properties that fit your criteria!</strong></p>
<p><strong>What makes me more angry is when the customer says, "<em>I already saw that property with another agent."</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>So, just a thought here, Why do you think another agent is going to find you a different property with the criteria you give me...OK, now, on occasion, you might have given me more info than you gave them...because I ask ALOT of QUESTIONS! So, I can find you EXACTLY what you want.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Are these agent's inactive "friends" or active part-time "friends", are they borrowing someone else's MLS...hope not, it's costly...or what?</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Why do you need 3 agent's to find you what you want</span>...HOW ABOUT THIS...<span style="text-decoration: underline;">FIND ONE GREAT AGENT AND YOU WON'T NEED THE OTHER TWO!</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>That's all I'm saying...I do not like this...do you my peer's and the rest of you?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Karen</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="How many Real Estate agent's does one customer need?" target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194, cell</p> Do you get office referrals?http://activerain.com/blogsview/573435/Do-you-get-office2008-06-30T21:42:24ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>Just wondering how many of you get referral's from your brokerage.</strong></p>
<p><strong>This is just a question...not looking for criticism...or issues with your broker.</strong></p>
<p><strong>I'm just wondering if your office gives you referrals?</strong></p>
<p><strong>My broker does on occasion,,,give us lead's...and/or customer's...He want's us to succeed...His wife who is the office manager does this through a rotation system...where...everyone has a chance to answer their phone when they call...</strong></p>
<p><strong>If you don't answer...your loss...if you do...could be lucrative...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Do you answer the phone when the office calls? If not, why, if you do...is it a good thing?</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="Do you get office referrals?" target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194 cell</p> There is AR love...believe it or not...Rich, Bob, and Brad...are here for us!http://activerain.com/blogsview/573407/There-is-AR-love2008-06-30T21:19:59ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>I have to tell you all...Active Rain is a wonderful site for all of us!</strong></p>
<p><strong>That simple statement being said...they are here for all of us 95,475 member's and will help you and are there for you, no matter what the issue.</strong></p>
<p><strong>They are the heart and soul of this wonderful Active Rain network....they want this to be the best place forever for real estate agent's, mortgage brokers, notaries, inspection people, appraisers, stagers, lawyers, title companies and the like.</strong></p>
<p><strong>These people are wonderful, highly educated individual's who will help you at any time...are willing to talk to you via phone...and I am so impressed with AR.</strong></p>
<p><strong>If you need juvenile help...I'm there...if it's over that...there are other's here who will help you...If you are a newbie...I will help you...if you're advanced...um...not there yet.</strong></p>
<p><strong>So, understand that this is a wonderful network, and a great group of people...a great family...read, listen, post, and learn... :-) </strong></p>
<p><strong>Why wouldn't you, why not?</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="There is AR love...believe it or not...John, Bob, and Brad...are here for us!" target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194 cell</p> How long are we going to tolerate, "Status quo?"http://activerain.com/blogsview/569781/How-long-are-we2008-06-27T22:57:10ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>How long are we going to put up with this, as US citizens? How long are you going to wait for this market?</strong></p>
<p><strong>With mortgage rate's rumored to rise with the next rate change, how do you, the general public feel?</strong></p>
<p><strong>If you are being transferred to another location, are you going to rent or buy? What are you going to do with the home you currently own?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Are you going to "hopefully" rent the home you currently own? Are you going to wait? Are you a procrastinator and just hope for the best...long term?</strong></p>
<p><strong>How do you feel my friends? What are your thought's on the trend's of the current market?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Please offer your thought's and opinions.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="How long are we going to tolerate, "Status quo?"" target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194, cell Your positive realtor in South Florida!</p> What is the Real Estate market coming to? Can we survive?http://activerain.com/blogsview/569716/What-is-the-Real2008-06-27T22:10:29ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>I was with a few Realtor friends tonight and we were discussing this current market....Are any of us full time agent's going to survive...Yes, we saved up for this market...then again...we're draining the saving's to hang in there to help the people who are still out there as our customers.</strong></p>
<p><strong>HOW LONG TO YOU TRY?</strong></p>
<p><strong>The interest rate remained steady...however...if anything...it will go up.</strong></p>
<p><strong>What do you tell your customer's...They want to understand this current market...they want to know why you cannot find someone to buy their property...Comment's like, "But, my home is for sale for what I paid for it...5 year's ago!"</strong></p>
<p><strong>What do you say to these people? How do you comfort them? What do you say?</strong></p>
<p><strong>I know, some people say, it has to get better...I hope so! But, how do you explain this?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Please do tell...</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="What is the Real Estate market coming to? Can we survive?" target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194</p> On a lighter note tonight on AR...Friday, wear RED! Why? read on.http://activerain.com/blogsview/568242/On-a-lighter-note2008-06-26T22:06:40ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>Friday is the day that we all should wear red! Why you ask?</strong></p>
<p><strong>It is the day of the week that we should all take the time to respect our troops serving our country.</strong></p>
<p><strong>It is respect to the family and friend's of those who have left their families to take care of the USA!</strong></p>
<p><strong>It's not that tough to do...however, the families of those serving our countries sure do appreciate our support.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Wear red every Friday...until all our loved one's, family, and friends...are once again here at home in the USA!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Thank you...</strong></p>
<p><strong>How do you feel about this?</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="On a lighter note tonight on AR...Friday, wear RED! Why? read on." target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194 cell</p>
<p> </p> Friendly puppy....ya think!!!http://activerain.com/blogsview/566656/Friendly-puppy-ya-think2008-06-25T21:37:12ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>I tried to show a property a few week's ago..In the Broker's comment's it say'es "Friendly little puppy." I'm thinking...OK...take a few treat's....so, I cut a few little pieces from the steak I had the night before up into little piece's and thought...OK...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Well, I open the door...and...IT'S AN ATTACK DOG!!!</strong></p>
<p><strong>I immediately closed the door, called the listing agent and said, "UM, dog won't let me in...customer is not here...what to do?"</strong></p>
<p><strong>Thank goodness, I thought to put my magnet's on my car...</strong></p>
<p><strong>One of the owner's children were being babysat by the neighbor and came over.</strong></p>
<p><strong>I said, "Do you live here?" He said, "Yes"...I said, "Can you handle the puppy?" He said, "Yes"....he was about 7 year's old..</strong></p>
<p><strong>Well, He did for a few minutes until the dog jumped out of his hands...and landed on my leg...I tried to feed him the steak...to no avail...</strong></p>
<p><strong>My customer ran outside....The child...at my command grabbed the dog...I went outside...cracked open the door...called the child outside and sent him back to the babysitter...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Come on now agents...give me a break...puppy, yes...friendly, NOT!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Protective of his family, yes...and in some instances, this is great!</strong></p>
<p><strong>For a showing, it's NOT!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Why do you say...."Friendly puppy?" If it's so friendly, perhap's the next time you would like to accompany???</strong></p>
<p><strong>How do you feel my friend's?</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="Friendly puppy....ya think!!!" target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954</strong>-464-4194 cell</p> My 400th post - Respecting the elderly, albeit a friend, parent, or customer.http://activerain.com/blogsview/565377/My-4-th-post2008-06-24T23:37:07ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p>It took me a while to decide what to write as my 400th post...WOW, I've been on AR only since 9/11/07...hard to believe I wrote that many posts...however, I love the responses and comment's of all the wonderful people that I have met and become close friend's with on Active Rain!</p>
<p>Respecting the elderly - be it a neighbor, a friend, a parent, or a customer is something very near and dear to my heart!</p>
<p><strong>It irritates me when people do not realize that ALL of us will be in this same situation...sometime.</strong></p>
<p>I like to think that we will all respect these people...that we will all treat these people the same as we would want to be treated as we age.</p>
<p>I would also like to know that if you have a parent, customer or friend in need, that you help them in the best way that you know how and in the most repectful way...</p>
<p><strong>If you are asked to sell their home, do it fairly.</strong></p>
<p><strong>If you are asked by a relative to help an elderly customer, who's children hire you from another state...do it fairly.</strong></p>
<p><strong>If you are</strong> <strong>asked (when you have a listing for an elderly person) by the children to check-in on their parent's once in a while...do it. </strong></p>
<p>Most of the Realtor's(R) that are still in the business after the current market change are certainly here because they like working and helping people, AND! If they are working in the current market...they are dedicated to the cause! They love their job's! They truely want to help people!</p>
<p><strong>Is it too much to ask? After all you are providing a service. These customer's, friends, children of customers are TRUSTING you to be a PROFESSIONAL...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Is it too much to ask? If YES, WHY? If NO, WHY NOT?</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="My 400th post - Respecting the elderly, albeit a friend, parent, or customer." target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194 cell</strong></p>
<p> </p> Property in South Florida...http://activerain.com/blogsview/563532/Property-in-South-Florida2008-06-23T20:55:41ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>I have it, or I can find what you want. It's very simple...What ever you are looking for here in South Florida...I can find it for you.</strong></p>
<p><strong>You keep looking on your own,...I know it's tough...but using an experienced Real Estate agent will help you... I'm a great negotiator...You will not spend more than the CMA or the market reflects...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ask my current customer's and my peer's...I might be considered "ruthless" however...you will not have to spend more with me as your agent than the property is worth in this market...Won't happen!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Give me a chance and you will be referring me to all your friends!</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="Property in South Florida..." target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194 cell - call anytime!</p>
<p>Karen</p> Write it right or don't write it at all...contracts! I have lead's...want to work hard? Call me.http://activerain.com/blogsview/563443/Write-it-right-or2008-06-23T20:02:01ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p>My broker offer's monthly courses in writing correct contract's.</p>
<p>If you are a new agent...you still have to deal with seasoned agent's, who know how to write a good and legal contract.</p>
<p>If you don't know how to write one correctly and you work in Fort Lauderdale...call me...we have monthly training and I am looking for some agent's to assist me with my customers.</p>
<p>I'm looking for <strong>someone who passed their test the first time,</strong> who know's or is willing to learn how to write a correct contract the first time. I am looking for an assistant who want's to work hard...I have leads...you want to work...call me.</p>
<p><em>I don't want a slacker</em>...I work and expect the same of you..No BS, you want to make money, you want to work...call me.</p>
<p>Yes, in this market...the screening process will be tough..and...dress for success...no jean's, no shorts...professional's only...thank you.</p>
<p><strong>If you think you fit the bill...fax me your resume at 954-969-9974...don't waste my time...if you don't want to work...don't send me your resume.</strong></p>
<p><strong>I want good one's and people who are serious.</strong></p>
<p>Thank you very much...</p>
<p><strong>Karen (and my new RE agent Rick)....we are business oriented and no BS RE agents...so as above...you want to work and you want to make money...fax me your resume</strong>.</p>
<p> </p> The Pompano Beach/Fort Lauderdale Ladies in the "Rain"... not a second of silence...LOL!http://activerain.com/blogsview/563418/The-Pompano-Beach-Fort2008-06-23T19:45:30ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/6/0/1/2/ar121426743121063.jpg" height="375" alt="" width="500" style="vertical-align: top;" /></p>
<p><strong>Well, I'm sure Midori will post a much better blog than I am going to post...Cause...Midori is so special in her writing...However, it's been three day's since we've been together...and I cannot help writing this...</strong></p>
<p>Tiff, Gia, Midori, myself (Karen), and Vickie...met for lunch...</p>
<p>Imagine this...as I told my friend...Imagine us...in a room...multiple sales...Real Estate sales, no less agent's in a room...</p>
<p><strong>Well, WE ALL HAD A FABULOUS TIME!!! I think Gia won for the most conversation, I think I was possibly second...I have to say...Vickie, Tiff, and Midori are great listeners...I think Gia and I love to talk...don't think...know! LOL...</strong></p>
<p><strong>What a great lunch we had</strong>, <em>thank's to Vickie's planning</em>...great food...LOL...we<strong><em> all ordered the same lunch and didn't even realize it...</em></strong></p>
<p>We're planning a second lunch in a few week's...We invited more AR member's however, they were busy or had family situations...</p>
<p><strong>I have to tell you...The five of us...had a fantastic time...we all seemed to bond...and I will tell you...I would trust any one of us to help each other's customer...without issues...</strong></p>
<p>What a great lunch...<strong>3 hour's later</strong>...we couldn't believe how fast the time went! All of us had thing's to do...</p>
<p><strong>Great lunch, so glad we met</strong>...we're going to meet again when Midori come's back the middle of July...so much fun!</p>
<p>Thank you AR...meeting these ladies of the AR area in South Florida...Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale...was fantastic...professional women all in one place at one time, was SIMPLY FANTASTIC!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194</p>
<p>anyone local who want's to come to our next lunch...please email me...Karen</p> OK, let's think positive...http://activerain.com/blogsview/562104/OK-let-s-think2008-06-22T21:59:22ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>All of the blog's that I have read this evening are so depressing...I'm not even going into any of the subjects.</strong></p>
<p><strong>That being said..only the positive will survive...</strong></p>
<p><strong>The negative posting and the OMG's...the world is coming to an end...doesn't sit well with me.</strong></p>
<p><strong>These agent's who strive on loom and doom...are doomed...forget it...If you write depressing...you are depressed...and people RIGHT NOW...WANT THE POSITIVE PEOPLE LIKE ME TO HELP THEM...AND I WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></p>
<p><strong>The POSITIVE AGENT'S WILL SURVIVE...AND I WILL...OK, interest rates have gone up... 6.1 to 6.4...ok guy's the last time I checked...</strong></p>
<p><strong>I have people calling me, buyer's...why is everyone so depressed.</strong></p>
<p><strong>You can either make a deal in this market and thank me later that I helped you do it...or listen to the doom and gloom here.</strong></p>
<p><strong>If you want a good buy, call me and tell you what you want to buy...I'll find it for you...No problem...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Let me and my assistant Rick (who is also a Realtor) help you get the home or condo that you want...<em>there is so much inventory in Florida, so many great deal's.</em></strong> <strong>No matter what the cost...We'll find it for you!</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="OK, let's think positive..." target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194 cell</p> Be honest, why not? Ask my children...http://activerain.com/blogsview/559811/Be-honest-why-not2008-06-20T22:24:11ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p>Honesty is described by Webster's dictionary as: 1 truthful: trustworthy 2)a sincere or fair (<em>honest effort</em>) b. gained by fair mean's 3 frank and open.</p>
<p>When my children were very young I made an agreement with them...If you do something wrong and you tell me you made a mistake, and you are honest about it, you will not get into trouble..honesty BREEDS TRUST!...If you do something wrong and you are not honest...your going to be grounded, etc.</p>
<p>My children challenged me on this...they made mistake's...the first situation was when my oldest daughter was in third grade and it was April Fool's day..Those kid's didn't know...they thought they were being funny...so, they hid in the theatre at the school...they were genuinely just having fun with their teacher....I think that those children thought that the teacher would know where they were all hiding and shout out together "April Fool's"...didn't happen...The whole class thought she would figure it out...apparently she in some way suggested this..then didn't realize..the ramification's of her suggestion.</p>
<p>After that, and several other tests...my children realized, that I meant what I said...They in turn told their friends...MY home,,,was full of their friend's all the time...WHY? My mother won't get mad at you...unless you lie to her...she'll talk to you about anything...but lie to her once and you are in deep poop...Tell her the truth...and you have a friend forever...</p>
<p>My son is also here on AR, I invited him, so, if this wasn't true, I wouldn't post it!</p>
<p>Honesty is ALWAY'S THE BEST POLICY!</p>
<p>Live, love and learn! Life is short...keep it simple! keep it honest! :-)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194</p> Interview me, trust me, a professional...http://activerain.com/blogsview/559771/Interview-me-trust-me2008-06-20T21:42:09ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>I am a passionate person...and I work so hard...I work from 10 am until I'm finished helping the customer's who call me during the day...</strong></p>
<p><strong>I rarely take a day off...when is there time?</strong></p>
<p><strong>I saved my passion for Real Estate until my children were grown...I love what I do...I understand the market...I understand your fright!</strong></p>
<p><strong>I also know that if you don't take the opportunity to buy right now...You are going to miss the opportunity!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Mortgage rates have moved up... in the last two week's by .4 point's...that's not that big of a deal if you are buying a $200K home...however...if you are buying over $700k...it's some dollars...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Be smart, don't listen to your friends...I mean,...how educated are they...what do they do for a living...do they work for you?????????????????????To all.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Realistically speaking, those of us who have hung in this market, are seasoned agent's. I hope. Me, myself, and I...promise not to give you bad advise.</strong></p>
<p><strong>My goal here is to help you in this market, to become your friend, and to get referral's from you...I cannot do this if I don't give you professional advise up front...talk to me, interview me, trust me...I know you will.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://ww.KarenMonsour.com" title="Interview me, trust me, a professional..." target="_self">http://ww.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194</p> How many words will you read?http://activerain.com/blogsview/556932/How-many-words-will2008-06-18T23:31:15ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p>Are you more interest in succinct (short blogs) are you one that can read over 200 words?</p>
<p>I am just curious. If I see a post that is over maybe 200 words...and I see a long post...I don't have the patience to read the whole thing...</p>
<p>I to read a succinct blog. I don't have the tolerace to read more than a few paragraph's...(sorry my friend's here on AR)...</p>
<p>I want to read quickly about what you are blogging about...and I want to answer...</p>
<p>THE REASON IS...THERE IS A LOT TO LEARN ON HERE AND I DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO READ A LONG BLOG...BECAUSE I WANT TO READ A LOT OF THEM...</p>
<p>WHY? TO LEARN.</p>
<p>Even though I have seen many blog's that I thought were interesting...they were too long...</p>
<p>With the amount of information that one can receive through AR...make it simple...make it succinct...make it easy to answer...</p>
<p>Picture's for me don't matter...it's what you write...it's content...</p>
<p>OK, maybe I have not alway's written what might be interesting to my fellow AR member's... it's a personal choice an an interest...If it's there, a customer, peer, or someone outside will think differently will think otherwise.</p>
<p><strong>Make it short, make it an easy read!</strong></p>
<p><strong>What do you all think?</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="How many words will you read?" target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194</p> People..buyer's in the USA and elsewhere...seller's are negotiable...why NOT???http://activerain.com/blogsview/556908/People-buyer-s-in2008-06-18T23:05:57ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p>Please tell me...why NOT BUY NOW? You can offer atleast 20% below the offering price and you can negotiate a great deal right now. Seller's are very negotiable.</p>
<p><strong>Think about this...interest rates are rising...home sales are low, and the seller's are willing to negotiate really good deal's right now.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Home sales, fabulous home sales are out there..BUY NOW...GET a GREAT INTEREST RATE...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Don't listen to your friend's...be smart. Get the home you want, negotiate the price for the home you want...if you need help anywhere in Florida, call me...954-464-4194.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Realize, the tax break's that you receive when you buy a home, versus renting a property are significant!</strong></p>
<p><strong>You can get great deal's right now! Negotiate with the seller...(I'll help you)...live there for a few year's then...move on...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Why not take advantage of this time?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Don't listen to your friends...they listen to the TV,..these people are NOT, I REPEAT, NOT, REALTOR'S(R)...</strong></p>
<p><strong>IF YOU WANT MORE INFO...VISIT MY WEBSITE AND/OR CALL ME FOR MORE INFO...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Having a little, cash on hand doesn't hurt either...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Realtor's(r), how do the rest of you feel?</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="People..buyer's in the USA and elsewhere...seller's are negotiable...why NOT???" target="_self"><strong>http://www.KarenMonsour.com</strong></a><strong>, 954-464-4194 cell</strong></p>
<p> </p> Resales...customer's who changed their minds...after the recent purchase...http://activerain.com/blogsview/556877/Resales-customer-s-who2008-06-18T22:37:39ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p>I have two customer's, possibly three, who have recently bought properties....then changed their minds...None of them are short sale situation's, they changed their minds due to a change in lifestyle.</p>
<p>One has decided to change their residence (back to Europe), one due to the fact that..."It just doesn't feel right!"</p>
<p><strong>Well, my customer's have changed their mind's within 9 month's of purchasing a property from me, WOW! but they called me back to help them again! Wonderful!</strong></p>
<p><strong>I'M TOTALLY HAPPY THAT THEY LOVED ME ENOUGH TO CALL ME TO RESELL...</strong></p>
<p>Being a great agent is important. You can never tell whether the customer you sell a home to, will love it once they move in.</p>
<p>That being said, <strong>It's especially special to have them call you and ask you to sell the home you sold them...it's a total comfort zone for them</strong>...and I'm happy that they have been comfortable enough with me to realize...they made the decision to buy, I didn't force this purchase on them...and that they realize it. It just didn't work...for whatever reason.</p>
<p>What make's me so happy is that they know that! <strong>That they called me again to help them re-sell...and to also help them find another home.</strong></p>
<p><strong>What a better compliment than that???</strong></p>
<p><strong>It's all good! I become friend's with my customer's...but I don't make their choices...</strong></p>
<p><strong>How do you feel about a situation like this?</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="Resales...customer's who changed their minds...after the recent purchase..." target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>. 954-464-4194 cell</strong></p> Heck "NO", the customer say's...and I ask, "Why"...http://activerain.com/blogsview/556863/Heck-NO-the-customer2008-06-18T22:23:19ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>It's a perfect home, just the thing's that you want. The perfect home and school district as per your specifications...SO, "WHY NOT?"</strong></p>
<p><strong>Well, "With all due respect, you are right, that's what I requested 4 month's ago, I know I am being very specific, however, with the price of gasoline,,,you have to find me something no futher than 5 miles from my job."</strong></p>
<p><strong>OH....Okay...thing's have changed...People are worried about the price of gasoline...so am I.</strong></p>
<p><strong>I am being much more carefull. I work from home now and spend less time going to the office...</strong></p>
<p><strong>I guess the public is feeling the same way.</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>ARE YOUR CUSTOMER'S REQUESTING THE SAME?</em></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="Heck "NO", the customer say's...and I ask, "Why"..." target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194 cell</p> Father's Day is Sunday...http://activerain.com/blogsview/550197/Father-s-Day-is2008-06-13T22:53:50ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p>Father's day is Sunday. The younger people on here don't quite understand the meaning of this day...Well, at least I don't think.</p>
<p>We alway's take parent's for granted, at least while they are young. By young, I mean...you have teenagers....</p>
<p>Today, Tim Russert died...at 58, his son just graduated from college...</p>
<p>That is not the point here though...even though this makes me so sad...,</p>
<p>Like Tim say's...."It takes as much time to be a jerk to someone as it takes the time to be nice to someone." </p>
<p>That is so true...think about it...</p>
<p>I am so in Love with my father...he has been the best husband ever to my Mother...they have been married at this time for 58 years this May...</p>
<p>I started to do detail's, deleted that.</p>
<p>Love your family, do what is nice for DAD on Sunday...Appreciate what you have...Life is short...take the time to enjoy it...</p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="Father's Day is Sunday..." target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>. 954-464-4194 cell</p>
<p> </p> Tim Russert, the King of "Meet the Press," dies at 58 at work.http://activerain.com/blogsview/549968/Tim-Russert-the-King2008-06-13T19:13:00ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>We have watched Tim Russert since 1991 on "Meet the Press". He was a Sunday morning given for those who love the news. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Tim was very direct, fair, and you never knew what question he was going to fire at you next. This knowledgable reporter, legendary to say the least, will be sorely missed.</strong></p>
<p><strong>He is survived by, "Big Russ" his father, his wife, and his son who just graduated from college.</strong></p>
<p><strong>A class act, Tim has been involved in the Political reporting arena since I can remember.</strong></p>
<p><strong>This is earily as horrific as when David Bloom passed away reporting from the war, b/c his passion of reporting the hard fact's rode in a tank with our troop's only to succumb to a Pulmonary Embolism.</strong></p>
<p><strong>As Tom Brokaw reported this sad occurance today...a somber aura was everywhere. How can this be so? Did anyone attempt CPR...was it too late to soon, yes! </strong></p>
<p><strong>For one of the best Washington reporters, it's to soon...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Makes one think...take the time to take care of yourself. Don't work so much that you don't have the time to spend with family...makes me think Andrew Lenza figured out that family is so important and choose to leave to spend the time with his.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Makes me think, I need to make more time to spend with mine.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sad, so sad, he will be sorely missed, by all.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="Tim Russert, the King of Meet the Press, dies at 58 at work." target="_self"><strong>http://www.KarenMonsour.com</strong></a><strong>, 954-464-4194 cell</strong></p> So are interest rate's going up, or what?http://activerain.com/blogsview/548673/So-are-interest-rate2008-06-12T22:46:02ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p>The <strong>local new's</strong> is saying that interest rates are <strong>about to rise</strong>. </p>
<p>I have also "heard" recently that the <strong>FHA program's are also changing</strong>. The <strong>old program's are gone...Is that GOOD OR BAD???</strong></p>
<p>I have also heard that <strong>FHA is going to get more lenient with their lending policies</strong>.</p>
<p>Is anyone doing conventional loan's or are most people taking advantage of the FHA programs.</p>
<p>I am also interested in knowing if anyone can tell me <strong>what is happening to the JUMBO loans</strong>. I think, I repeat think, I read somewhere where the FHA's have increased or almost doubled what they are going to lend in an FHA program.</p>
<p><strong>Anyone out there in AR land have any pertinent info on this?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Please let me know. I have customer's inquiring and I need you mortgage broker's to set me straight on this...</strong></p>
<p><em><strong>Thank you in advance.</strong></em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="So are interest rate's going up, or what?" target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194 cell</p> Gorgeous property in Fort Lauderdale for the executive or a relo.http://activerain.com/blogsview/547173/Gorgeous-property-in-Fort2008-06-12T00:20:02ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><img title="Gorgeous property in Fort Lauderdale for the executive or a relo." src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/5/2/2/6/ar121324553662253.jpg" height="222" alt="" width="270" /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/2/3/0/3/ar121324572930325.jpg" height="222" alt="" width="265" /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/3/1/0/ar121324600001336.jpg" height="208" alt="" width="281" /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/1/3/2/1/ar121324622812316.jpg" height="208" alt="" width="255" /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/9/3/4/ar121324650843947.jpg" height="210" alt="" width="280" /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/9/1/8/ar121324672181959.jpg" height="210" alt="" width="270" /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/6/7/0/ar121324692707633.jpg" height="400" alt="" width="300" /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/5/2/4/3/ar121324707534251.jpg" height="385" alt="" width="292" /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/1/1/6/ar121324725961185.jpg" height="225" alt="" width="294" />Fantastic home in Jacob's Landing (River Oak's), just adjacent to La Preserve, this one story 4/2/1 has new Pergo Brazilian cherry floor's, and new paint...6 month's new. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this magnificency manicured oversided lot is wonderful for a family. The lanai overlook's the pool in a serene setting. City sewer system. Excellent location for anyone working in the Marine Industry as it is minutes to the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. It is also minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale airport. It is also within close proximity to Broward General Hospital and the Broward County Court House. Perfect home for the Executive, a corporate relo. Give me a call and I can give you all the details!</p>
<p>Relax and enjoy this private secluded atmosphere... Priced $100K below comp's. Owner is relocating back to Europe, job transfer. Fantastic property, fantastic neighbor's...give me a call...info below.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="Gorgeous property in Fort Lauderdale for the executive or a relo." target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194 cell</p> No more tomatoes, no more salsa, no more ketchup...what to do???http://activerain.com/blogsview/545216/No-more-tomatoes-no2008-06-10T20:12:41ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p><strong>Apparently, something happened to tomatoes...somewhere. Where, I'm not sure. Why, not sure either.</strong></p>
<p><strong>How does salmonella get into tomatoes? How does that happen?</strong></p>
<p><strong>In Florida, we have not had any cases of that as of yet, however, the supermarket's here have removed them from the shelves.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Makes me wonder now...I just bought a few last week...should I eat them or throw them away?</strong></p>
<p><strong>I love tomatoes...they are part of my daily diet. My friend and I went to a very nice restaurant last Saturday here in South Florida...I had a tomato salad...nothing happened to me so far.</strong></p>
<p><strong>So, are we over-reacting? Is this going to be another thing to ruin more business owner's...to have more people trying to earn a living into bankruptcy???</strong></p>
<p><strong>What is this world we live in coming to???</strong></p>
<p><strong>Can't they trace this back to a specific location...Really, they have to be able to find out where these 23 sick individual's bought their tomatoes and directly find out where the store bought them from...</strong></p>
<p><strong>Everything alway's is a debacle. Unbelievable...How many businesses and major companies are going to lose more and more money due to this mess?</strong></p>
<p><strong>What do you think?</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="No more tomatoes, no more salsa, no more ketchup...what to do???" target="_self"><strong>http://www.KarenMonsour.com</strong></a><strong>, 954-464-4194 cell...</strong></p>
<p><strong>My favorite AR cookbook group...how do you feel? And of course the rest of the general public!</strong></p>
<p> </p> Good news!http://activerain.com/blogsview/545078/Good-news2008-06-10T18:33:04ZKaren Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)
<p>According to the RAGFL (Realtor Association of greater Fort Lauderdale) sales were up in April. There was a very slight increase in the homes that were listed for sale. AND, there was a 26% increase in closed sales for Single Family Homes! Great news! The average sale price was $437,740 a 3% increase over last month (March). The median sale price remains at $300,000.00.</p>
<p>Condo closed sales were also up by 15%. The average sale price was $219,047, which reflects a 12% increase over March. The median price for closed sales were $140,000 which is a 1% increase over March.</p>
<p>The available inventory is about the same at Single Family Homes at 12,524, about 4% less than last month. The condo inventory is at 16,104 which is 1% less than last month as well.</p>
<p>The month's of available inventory is down from 29 to 23...This is good news!!!</p>
<p>With today's new's that the interest rates may be going up and the approximately $60.00 drop in the price of gold today...NOW IS ABSOLUTELY THE TIME TO BUY!</p>
<p>TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MARKET NOW...before you know it rates will be back up, your payment's will be higher, and that property you wanted will cost you more money to purchase and more money for your mortgage payment.</p>
<p>Don't miss out! Be smart! Give me a call for more information!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.KarenMonsour.com" title="Good news!" target="_self">http://www.KarenMonsour.com</a>, 954-464-4194</p>