karen monsour: How does your Real Estate career affect the future of your children? - 07/05/08 11:24 PM
When I had my three children...I was in the process of coming up with an addition for our current home.
That being said, my ex-husband and I hired an architect and waited for his design...well...it didn't work for our needs.
So, with design and art training in my past...I decided that … (8 comments)
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karen monsour: How many Real Estate agent's does one customer need? - 07/03/08 10:13 PM
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.
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 … (11 comments)
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karen monsour: Do you get office referrals? - 06/30/08 09:42 PM
Just wondering how many of you get referral's from your brokerage.
This is just a question...not looking for criticism...or issues with your broker.
I'm just wondering if your office gives you referrals?
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 … (10 comments)
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karen monsour: There is AR love...believe it or not...Rich, Bob, and Brad...are here for us! - 06/30/08 09:19 PM
I have to tell you all...Active Rain is a wonderful site for all of us!
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.
They are the heart and soul of this wonderful … (12 comments)
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karen monsour: How long are we going to tolerate, "Status quo?" - 06/27/08 10:57 PM
How long are we going to put up with this, as US citizens? How long are you going to wait for this market?
With mortgage rate's rumored to rise with the next rate change, how do you, the general public feel?
If you are being transferred to another location, are you … (13 comments)
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karen monsour: What is the Real Estate market coming to? Can we survive? - 06/27/08 10:10 PM
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.
HOW … (12 comments)
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karen monsour: On a lighter note tonight on AR...Friday, wear RED! Why? read on. - 06/26/08 10:06 PM
Friday is the day that we all should wear red! Why you ask?
It is the day of the week that we should all take the time to respect our troops serving our country.
It is respect to the family and friend's of those who have left their families to take … (16 comments)
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karen monsour: Friendly puppy....ya think!!! - 06/25/08 09:37 PM
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...
Well, I open the door...and...IT'S AN ATTACK DOG!!!
… (8 comments)
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karen monsour: My 400th post - Respecting the elderly, albeit a friend, parent, or customer. - 06/24/08 11:37 PM
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!
… (6 comments)
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karen monsour: Write it right or don't write it at all...contracts! I have lead's...want to work hard? Call me. - 06/23/08 08:02 PM
My broker offer's monthly courses in writing correct contract's.
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.
If you don't know how to write one correctly and you work in Fort Lauderdale...call me...we have monthly training … (6 comments)
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karen monsour: The Pompano Beach/Fort Lauderdale Ladies in the "Rain"... not a second of silence...LOL! - 06/23/08 07:45 PM
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...
Tiff, Gia, Midori, myself (Karen), and Vickie...met for lunch...
Imagine this...as I told my friend...Imagine … (8 comments)
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karen monsour: OK, let's think positive... - 06/22/08 09:59 PM
All of the blog's that I have read this evening are so depressing...I'm not even going into any of the subjects.
That being said..only the positive will survive...
The negative posting and the OMG's...the world is coming to an end...doesn't sit well with me.
These agent's who strive on loom and … (17 comments)
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karen monsour: Be honest, why not? Ask my children... - 06/20/08 10:24 PM
Honesty is described by Webster's dictionary as: 1 truthful: trustworthy 2)a sincere or fair (honest effort) b. gained by fair mean's 3 frank and open.
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 … (14 comments)
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karen monsour: Interview me, trust me, a professional... - 06/20/08 09:42 PM
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...
I rarely take a day off...when is there time?
I saved my passion for Real Estate until my children were grown...I love what I do...I understand … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: How many words will you read? - 06/18/08 11:31 PM
Are you more interest in succinct (short blogs) are you one that can read over 200 words?
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...
I to read a succinct … (43 comments)
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karen monsour: People..buyer's in the USA and elsewhere...seller's are negotiable...why NOT??? - 06/18/08 11:05 PM
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.
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.
Home sales, … (8 comments)
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karen monsour: Resales...customer's who changed their minds...after the recent purchase... - 06/18/08 10:37 PM
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.
One has decided to change their residence (back to Europe), one due to the fact that..."It just doesn't feel right!"
Well, my customer's have … (0 comments)
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karen monsour: Heck "NO", the customer say's...and I ask, "Why"... - 06/18/08 10:23 PM
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?"
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 … (8 comments)
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karen monsour: Father's Day is Sunday... - 06/13/08 10:53 PM
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.
We alway's take parent's for granted, at least while they are young. By young, I mean...you have teenagers....
Today, Tim Russert died...at 58, his son just graduated from college...
… (23 comments)
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karen monsour: Tim Russert, the King of "Meet the Press," dies at 58 at work. - 06/13/08 07:13 PM
We have watched Tim Russert since 1991 on "Meet the Press". He was a Sunday morning given for those who love the news.
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, … (6 comments)
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karen monsour: So are interest rate's going up, or what? - 06/12/08 10:46 PM
The local new's is saying that interest rates are about to rise.
I have also "heard" recently that the FHA program's are also changing. The old program's are gone...Is that GOOD OR BAD???
I have also heard that FHA is going to get more lenient with their lending policies.
Is anyone … (12 comments)
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karen monsour: Gorgeous property in Fort Lauderdale for the executive or a relo. - 06/12/08 12:20 AM
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. … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: No more tomatoes, no more salsa, no more ketchup...what to do??? - 06/10/08 08:12 PM
Apparently, something happened to tomatoes...somewhere. Where, I'm not sure. Why, not sure either.
How does salmonella get into tomatoes? How does that happen?
In Florida, we have not had any cases of that as of yet, however, the supermarket's here have removed them from the shelves.
Makes me wonder now...I just … (46 comments)
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karen monsour: Good news! - 06/10/08 06:33 PM
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 … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: Should OBAMA choose BILLARY??? - 06/07/08 10:22 PM
Just curious after watching her today on FOX news...twice..yes, I suffered through that twice.
She spoke 24 minutes about herself, about 6 minutes (through gritted, jaw lock - thinking...Obama should be making this speach, not me [JMO]) (not much smiling going on during the Obama remarks) regarding Obama...never mentioned McCain.
Amazing.
… (12 comments)
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karen monsour: As a seller, how low of an offer is acceptable? - 06/07/08 09:54 PM
As a seller in this market, how low of an offer is acceptable. Yes, I know every situation is different. I know there is some padding placed there by the listing agent for negotiating and I know there is the additional commission added to what you need to add in order … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: Geeze, gasoline is almost as much as minimum wage minus taxes...or it's the same... - 06/07/08 09:42 PM
That being said, even if a person takes the bus...it's atleast $2.00 or $3.00 for people to get the bus to work.
It's $6.01 here in Florida for a gallon of MacAuthor's milk. Some people have to work an hour to put milk on the table for their children.
Geeze, I … (2 comments)
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karen monsour: Political Question! - 06/05/08 10:27 PM
So can someone tell me why Barack Obama is considered a black man? After all his mother is a white woman, she raised him by herself...
Are look's everything? Because he is married to a black woman...does that matter?
I'm a Republican...and have never voted otherwise.
I'm just trying to figure … (11 comments)
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karen monsour: Where is the bottom of this market??? - 06/01/08 10:20 PM
Where is the bottom???
Some say it won't be until after the election, some say it's here and things are better (Yahoo recent article), some say it's in a few months.
So, how do you talk to your current buyer's who keep saying...I'm waiting a little longer...I'm still waiting...some have been … (8 comments)
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karen monsour: We have over 39,000 properties for sale in Broward County, interest rates are low...make an offer and get a deal! - 05/31/08 11:18 PM
I am still hearing people say, "Well, we think the prices are going to go even lower, so we'll look again in the next few months." UM, if you think the prices are going to go lower...they probably will, but if you really like the one you are looking at, why … (3 comments)
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karen monsour: Condo's from the early 70's...un-updated...Why not? more room less money...read on! - 05/31/08 11:04 PM
However they still want to ask for the same prices as the ones which are updated...
Actually, it's their son's and daughter's...most of these places are being sold by their children.
FLOWER POWER OF THE 60'S AND 70'S, I know some of you know what I mean...the original flower power wall … (0 comments)
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karen monsour: You want to see properties??? Prepare for the tour. - 05/28/08 10:50 PM
Based on your information to me, I have ton's of properties to show you, however, since we have discussed your interests, I have selected 6 properties to show you tomorrow.
You don't want to have to repair, you don't want a knock down, you don't want the 1970's, you want to … (10 comments)
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karen monsour: Amenities...how important are they to your buyer? - 05/28/08 08:21 PM
Some of my current customer's only want a pool and a parking space, and a view of "something".
Other's want a view, a pool, 2 parking spaces, a place for their "future boat", room for their large families to have occasional parties, beach access, a larger "outside porch"...
Geeze, with inventory … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: The gift of life...would you consider giving your organs??? - 05/28/08 07:43 PM
As a survivor of cancer. I have many friends who need organs in order to live.
I have patients who need kidney transplants (there are over 50K people in need), and there are people who need partial liver transplants, partial lung transplants, heart transplant's ( from individual's who have been in … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: What do you do when there's a snake in the grass??? - 05/26/08 09:37 PM
Well, what do you do? I would typically scream...
Not in front of customer's though. I just had "eye's wide open" and stood very still...
Yes, there was a 4 foot long snake across the door to this property...Not trying to excite my customer's...I just stopped in front of the door. … (40 comments)
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karen monsour: Hurricane Season is just around the corner in Florida, are you ready? - 05/25/08 07:00 PM
We were lucky in last year, in that we didn't have a serious hurricane. Since Katrina and Wilma hit South Florida hard a few year's ago, we have be fortunate enough not to have had serious issues as they brought.
That being said, Now is the time to prepare.
In the … (6 comments)
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karen monsour: What is Active Rain and how does it help you? - 05/23/08 11:03 PM
Why should you use Active Rain (AR)? I know, it's a strange name for a Real Estate blog and site.
I would have never "googled" this as a Real Estate networking site.
If I hadn't learned about this through my current broker, I would have thought this site was for the … (8 comments)
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karen monsour: North vs South, ? - 05/22/08 08:34 PM
WOW,
I didn't realize that the Real Estate debacle was as bad as it is. The situation is indeed terrible in the north (PA) as bad as it is in the South (FL).
In Florida, this time of year, it should be sunny and warm, garden's should be beautiful and the … (8 comments)
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karen monsour: I used to buy gas.... - 05/16/08 11:31 PM
I had gas...
Oh my goodness, did I ever...
Back in the day. One day when I was 16, my Dad sent me to the gas station and told me to fill up the car as we were going on vacation the next day...
Now...I never bought gas for a … (7 comments)
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karen monsour: Who would be the perfect Vice-Presidential Candidate??? - 05/16/08 09:41 PM
Who would be the perfect Vice-Presidential Candidate for any of the people running to help us as Realtor's(R)? What type of back ground should this person have. What type of personality? Should this be a newer, younger person, or should this be an older seasoned senator/banker/lawyer/other?
Should this person be a … (29 comments)
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karen monsour: When is it time to hire an assistant? - 05/14/08 07:55 PM
I have just been wondering how many of you have hired personal assistant's to help you. I have had to to this in the last couple week's for a few reasons.
#1. I have lot's of listings.
#2. I have more customer's than I can show properties to in a weekend (not complaining … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: Geeze, what if that Earthquake was here in the US? - 05/13/08 08:40 PM
WOW, I am feeling so horrible for the mother's and father's the parents, the grandparent's and the people who are suffering through the recent Earthquake in China.
The town's were people who had enough money to maintain, to build homes to take care of their families, but not enough money to make … (18 comments)
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karen monsour: Localism, why aren't you buying...this is the time! - 05/13/08 08:16 PM
To all you perspective customers/buyers. Why are you afraid to buy? The market is low, the interest rates, are low, FHA programs are so good right now.
Why are you all afraid? You can get some of the most wonderful deal's right now. There are so many out there.
Do you … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: Clinton, Obama, and McCain...who is going to fix the Real Estate debacle? - 05/13/08 07:18 PM
And it is a debacle. Do you have an opinion about who is going to help fix this depressed Real Estate market. Many of my customer's are inquiring about my opinion. I stay neutral...I really am not totally sure myself.
In this horrific time, when so many people are in foreclosure's...meaning … (43 comments)
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karen monsour: The severity of it all. Are you prepared for a medical situation? - 05/12/08 08:43 PM
I am so glad that I have a medical background and have my BCLS certification.
Today, I had a situation where a customer became ill during a showing.
I had no idea why. I only met this customer for the first time today. It's really hot here today (93 degree'as) the … (22 comments)
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karen monsour: The seller's referred me (buyer's agent) instead of their selling agent...to a new customer! - 05/12/08 08:19 PM
How strange is this? I brought a buyer to the table (the deal closed). The seller's actually referred their friends to me and not their agent.
While I appreciate what they did, I felt bad for the listing agent.
The listing agent was a nice person, perhaps not as aggressive as … (17 comments)
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karen monsour: Cats, rats, and sweet ants...the bank should care! - 05/11/08 08:19 PM
It's that time again, when the weather is getting quite warm here in South Florida, and the varmit's need a place for shade. That includes the above.
When people are evicted, sometimes they don't have time to take the food, etc. with them, most of the time they have no notice. … (6 comments)
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karen monsour: Geeze, everyone just want's to rent right now...but WHY? - 05/11/08 08:05 PM
I just don't understand, everyone seem's to just be interested in Rental's right now. There are some fabulous deal's out there, seller's are willing to negotiate to the bare minimum. Rate's are low. FHA has some great programs. What's UP WITH THIS?
Not that I am complaining. I did enough rental's … (10 comments)
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karen monsour: You want a condo on the beach and you have a 55 pound pit bull??? - 05/10/08 10:10 PM
Geeze Louise...you have got to be kidding me. Most of the condo's in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, don't allow pet's at all.
A few allow pet's under 25 pounds, some say you can have them in your unit, but the cannot walk in the common area's so pet owner's buy little carriages … (16 comments)
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karen monsour: YIKES! - 05/09/08 10:17 PM
OK, this is scary...open the fridge...more fruit flies than you can count. Open the garage and there are too many roaches. Palmetto bugs' or what ever they call them. Food on the counter...plates on the table...hello...they left in a hurry... MacDonald's on the table...french fries on the floor...a little furniture is … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: Wha da ya do here? - 05/07/08 08:54 PM
My very first customer called me to list his condo...When he tried to buy a home from me...he was all cash, no checking account...had his cash in the mattress...
I told him to get a checking account and get with the program, so to speak...get a credit history and so on, and … (12 comments)
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karen monsour: My renter referred me a customer and want's gifts.... - 05/07/08 08:38 PM
I just rented a place for my customer. She is so happy to be living on the beach with a beautiful view. She called me today and said her boss was looking to buy on the beach and he found a place for $350K...I asked...what beach in what state?
Not here in … (13 comments)
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karen monsour: Just when I thought I've seen and heard it all, this happened... - 05/07/08 08:18 PM
Just when I thought I had seen and heard most everything imaginable in Real Estate, I showed this home today. We walked into a property that is a short sale. These people are looking for investment properties to fix up and rent. They have cash, no issues, etc.
I had been to … (11 comments)
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karen monsour: Do you REALLY WANT TO SELL??? TURN THE PAGE!!! - 05/06/08 10:28 PM
Or are you just pretending?
Do you want to get out of debt? Are the bank's after you? Has it been three month's...are you about to be considered a short sale? When did you pay your mortgage payment last? How long ago? Are you paying your car payment so you can get … (2 comments)
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karen monsour: That wasn't that special... - 05/06/08 08:50 PM
I took a customer to lunch the other day. It was a restaurant that had a reputation for great food and a great atmosphere. It was a nice little place, family owned, familiar places...
Then the trauma...the food was supposed to be hot, it was cold, the ice tea was sour, the … (7 comments)
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karen monsour: Rentals... - 05/04/08 10:19 PM
The general consensus just a week ago among many Realtor(R) friends of mine is that many people are resorting to rental's instead of purchasing residences in this market. They are all getting the same messages from their customer's that they feel the market will continue to decline well into the fall … (18 comments)
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karen monsour: And I thought RE sales were bad in Florida... - 05/04/08 09:17 PM
Well,
I've been in PA for just over 5 day's now and I cannot believe how may homes are for sale in my parent's township. My parent's built there home before I was born and have lived there since. They have continuously remodeled and updated the home and it's lovely and I … (7 comments)
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karen monsour: Strange call from another agent... - 05/03/08 05:00 PM
I had a strange call from another Real Estate agent the other day. He said, "I see you have such and such address listed as PS (pending sale)". I said, "Yes, You are correct, I do." He said, "Did you steal my customer, you know there is so much of that … (24 comments)
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karen monsour: Are you a gambler? - 05/03/08 04:45 PM
Are you a gambler?
Gambling, n. the practice of wagering or playing for stakes.
What does that really mean? Does it always mean you are betting in the hopes that you will win more than your wager? Does it mean you may lose money? Does it relate to Real Estate?
I write this … (10 comments)
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karen monsour: What are your customers/clients doing in the current market? Renting or buying? - 04/27/08 09:45 PM
An interesting conversation happened to me yesterday. I had to accompany an agent who I worked a deal with before, a really nice guy. He said, "How are thing's going for you?" I said, "Well, I did three rental's this week, people seem to prefer renting right now instead of buying." … (16 comments)
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karen monsour: Want a great deal, call me. - 04/26/08 09:32 PM
If you want to work a great deal on a home or condo, call me now!
I will work with the seller or you as the buyer to facilitate a great deal in this ever changing market.
If you are uncertain and have questions as to how this works, call me.
I'm honest, have … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: Life is good, life is fine, even if we're having a hard time. - 04/26/08 09:24 PM
As we are all feeling the pain of the current RE market, it will get better. If you keep a positive attitude you will reap those benefits. Fortunately I get call's daily about my listings. Many of those are renter's right now, and a few are buyers.
Work is work, no matter … (2 comments)
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karen monsour: Thank you AR, my 300th post... - 04/21/08 09:30 PM
AS I write my 300th post, I have to say that AR is a fabulous place. I have met some absolutely wonderful people who I now consider friends. Even though I have never met these people face-to-face they are encouraging, helpful, give you a call and walk you through things you … (25 comments)
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karen monsour: CPR are you certified and should you be as a Realtor(R)? - 04/20/08 10:20 PM
My personal opinion on this is yes! Should we as RE agents have the knowledge to do CPR? YES!
I for one, think we should. We are not medical provider's, however, CPR save's lives. You don't need to be a BCLS provider, but, should you have CPR certification?
IMHO, I think … (10 comments)
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karen monsour: Two all beef patties.... - 04/20/08 09:34 PM
special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun...That's right! Remember?
That being said.
This is about your schedule as a Realtor.
Or maybe...
I mean, I remember when you got change for a dollar when you ordered a special burger at Mickie D's!
Now, you don't get change for a $5.00 bill...
How many … (19 comments)
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karen monsour: Are your WORDS to big? - 04/20/08 07:41 PM
I'm amazed at how many times I see a complaint posted on AR where the "poster" complains that the author of a particular blog uses words that they consider to be "big".
Big, I suspect what they mean by that is that they are words used which they do not understand.
Now, that … (16 comments)
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karen monsour: Open Houses....do they work? - 04/19/08 07:25 PM
I for one probably need to hire an assistant now. I am very busy (not complaining) but on the weekends, most of my active buyer's want me showing them properties so they don't have to take off work during the week.
That being said, I have posted on our office blog … (28 comments)
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karen monsour: The US is correcting...I hope. - 04/18/08 07:34 PM
Financing if you don't have cash is gone. That in itself is pushing prices down. Credit scores matter!...Do you even know your credit score? In an article that I recently read, they suggest that prices will fall below 2001 prices...some regions 25 - 35%...Woow! Lord have mercy...What to do???
The situation is … (13 comments)
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karen monsour: Are you stressed? - 04/17/08 07:36 PM
Are you stressed?
Is your customer/client stressed?
Is stress affecting you as an agent?
Is your customer/client stressing you?
So you go work out everyday to reduce stress?
Are you a bar fly?
How many hour's a day are you working for your customers?
How many hour's a day are you spending marketing?
What type of marketing are you … (29 comments)
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karen monsour: Condo in the beautiful Carambola in Coconut Creek, FL - 04/17/08 07:19 PM
Beautiful, oversized condo in a wonderful neighborhood. Requires 10% down per association. Second floor unit in a wonderful area. The door to the right of the second and third pictures go out to a glass enclosed porch with washer and dryer. This safe and secure unit is move in ready. This … (0 comments)
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karen monsour: Questions for you, my peers....Need advice! - 04/17/08 06:59 PM
I was just sitting here contemplating a current deal when I felt like I would like some AR opinions of my situation.
How many of you are comfortable with contracter issues? With construction issues? With pest control issues? Pool over flow problems when they occur? With hurricane window issues? With flood area … (8 comments)
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karen monsour: My house, is a very, very nice house, with 2 cat's in the yard... - 04/12/08 10:18 PM
What used to be normal for people has become a night mare. What they worked and saved for is now a lost dream. They got sucked into the 2005 morgages where they ballooned to rediculous levels and now have nothing. Actually, they are going to loose everything. Who should be accountable? … (9 comments)
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karen monsour: Squatters.... - 04/12/08 09:12 PM
I have a few customer's who have held properties for quite some time who now have "squatter's"
They have been there forever and they cannot get them out. My customer's bought this property actually land for investment purposes many year's ago and are having difficulty getting these people to leave---without being nasty.
Do … (17 comments)
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karen monsour: Who's your choice to run America? - 04/12/08 08:09 PM
With the Real Estate situation the way it is...sad, very sad...Who do you thing will be able to help Real Estate agent's and home owner's the most?
John McCain is the warrior, he protests, he's not very well rounded on Economics...however of the three choices, I have to say...If we're at war … (23 comments)
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karen monsour: Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief, Real Estate agent...who are you? - 04/12/08 07:44 PM
I'm just wondering...what is your background?
Are you a college graduate? What did you major in? Why did you choose to sell Real Estate?
Doctor's have 8-10 years post college education.
Lawyer's have 6-10 post college education.
Indian Chiefs...have their own.
What make's Real Estate agent's think they can command the same $$$ as people that … (14 comments)
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karen monsour: Commission, do want to survive? - 04/11/08 09:25 PM
Commission, it's what we full time agent's exist on.
Question to the full timer's....Do you adjust your commission in this market to make a deal work? Or do you walk away from the deal? My RE attorney and advisor, the owner of the title company that I love to work with say's … (39 comments)
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karen monsour: 2/2 CO-OP on the beautiful Intracoastal in Pompano Beach - 04/06/08 06:46 PM
2/2 condo in need of some upgrading in a small CO-OP (10 units) on wonderful Riverside Drive. The CO-OP own's the land there are no leases on this property. The view is fabulous and during the Holiday's the famous boat parade goes right by your front door! The roof is new … (4 comments)
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karen monsour: Fabulous home for entertaining in Coral Springs, Florida reduced $150K. - 04/06/08 05:33 PM
UNBELIEVABLE HOME, with more amenities than can be described here. Tastefully remodeled to please the most astute customer. Tile throughout, Custom kitchen, gorgeous amenities! Alarm system with camera's everywhere that you can monitor from 3 locations. Outside gas custom grill with summer kitchen to allow entertaining for all. Custom waterfall, with … (3 comments)
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karen monsour: What's your style? Better yet how do your customer's want you to appear? - 04/05/08 12:32 AM
What's your style? How do you dress when you first meet/greet you customers/clients?
Do you wear a business suit on the first meeting? or not?
I was taught in RE school to meet and greet in a nice business suit, and to dress down slowly...with each meeting. I am not a jean's person … (24 comments)
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karen monsour: How's your credit score? Know it, fix it, it will affect mortgage rate! read on! - 04/04/08 11:10 PM
Do you even know what it is? Is it good enough? What is good enough? Do you care? Should you? Should your customer/client?
SURE! We should all care. I recently checked mine on www.freecreditreport.com. I was shocked at what it said...it was 10 year's old in my work experience...actually 15 years. There … (16 comments)
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karen monsour: What are the pro's and con's of the Do not call list? - 04/03/08 07:11 PM
According to the most recent AARP Bulletin (April 2008) [choke], yes I do get that now...LOL, if you have placed your phone numbers on the "Do No Call List" they stay there unless you personally call and have them delete it from the list.
In the beginning when this list … (13 comments)
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karen monsour: February stat's for Greater Fort Lauderdale...how's your area? - 03/30/08 08:17 PM
According to the recent Realtor Edge issue, which is the official publication for the Realtor(R)'s of Greater Fort Lauderdale. (www.R-world.com), the situation is as follows:
1. Sincle family homes were up in February by 15%, condos/townhomes were also up by 15% and of all property types they were up a total … (6 comments)
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karen monsour: Point2Agent...and 23 way's to list your properties and to get leads! - 03/30/08 07:49 PM
Well, well. I found Point2Agent...well I was trained on it months ago, and I forgot about it b/c our office manager John Milakovic's wife (Marianne) is nice enough to put our listings out on Point2Agent. This place allow's you to do so many fabulous things...like email back to the lead's you … (10 comments)
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karen monsour: I'm worth my commission, are you? - 03/29/08 11:20 PM
I work for my customers. I show them my value. I do what I tell them I'm going to do. I post their listings to all the websites that I promise.
My MLS sheet has everything that I can possibly know about their home/condo/townhome.
I work very hard to sell my … (13 comments)
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karen monsour: Welcome to Mitchell Bobrow and Flagstar Bank to AR! - 03/29/08 06:10 PM
Today I had the pleasure of meeting Mitch Bobrow. He is the Branch Manager of Flagstar Bank in Boca Raton, Florida.
While talking about how great AR is as a networking tool, I was able to peak his interest enough that he asked me how to join. I sent him the … (2 comments)
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karen monsour: Here's where I advertise my listings, where do you advertise yours? Please share. UPDATED! - 03/27/08 08:17 PM
I have been reading various blogs looking for places to advertise you listings.
There are quite a few that work for me. I'm not close to being the fabulous "already seasoned" agents on here, however I would like to share a few with those of you who may not know about … (27 comments)
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karen monsour: Only 3 more week's until April 15th...yikes! - 03/24/08 08:51 PM
Only 3 week's to go until Uncle Sam want's you!!! Well rather your money!
I have a pile of paperwork on my table to go through and I haven't even started. I don't usually procrastinate, but this year, I can hardly bring myself to sit down and do my taxes.
I wonder … (30 comments)
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karen monsour: Love me, like me or leave me... - 03/24/08 01:18 AM
What do you want me to do? I'm working my butt off trying to sell your home in a market that I haven't experienced for years.
I'm sorry if your condo is beautiful inside and not in the best neighborhood (sorry by law, I cannot say a word). I know you … (7 comments)
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karen monsour: What do you do if you have chest pain while alone? - 03/24/08 12:20 AM
This came to me as an email from a friend and I have permission from him to post this important information to all of you my friends...
As a previous medical provider...for over 25 years, I have to tell you...a hard cough during a bout of chest pain and as aspirin may just help you … (6 comments)
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karen monsour: Happy Easter! - 03/21/08 11:21 PM
Happy Easter to all my friends on AR who celebrate this Holiday! May you enjoy your family and friends. May you have a safe visit with your family and friends.
Have fun, enjoy your visits, enjoy the food.
Hopefully your chickie won't get eaten by this dog! AND!!! You don't over … (17 comments)
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karen monsour: Ignorance is bliss...well sometimes. - 03/20/08 09:17 PM
OK, this is for information. I need help (yeah, I know, you all know that, LOL)...
I would like someone to explain to me how to see how you are ranked on google. I would like to know how you get ranked by google. I would like to know how to use … (14 comments)
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karen monsour: Do you Purell? - 03/19/08 11:52 PM
I have to say that when I go out to show properties, I often wonder who was there before me. I wonder if they had the flu, if they have (well you know anything THAT I DON'T WANT TO HAVE!)
Every time I leave a property with a customer, I offer them … (27 comments)
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karen monsour: What is the true definition of a "deal"? - 03/16/08 09:13 PM
According to Websters Dictionary a deal(1) is:
1. to portion out or distribute.
2. to give; administer ( a blow, etc.)
3. (Slang) to sell (illegal drugs) [yikes]
4. to do business; trade (with or in)-n. 1. the distributing of playing cards 2. a business transaction 3. a bargain or agreement, esp. when secret. … (15 comments)
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karen monsour: I'm short, and I'm for sale...Oh, yes I am... - 03/14/08 10:59 PM
Woo hoo!
I'm a home, with an owner...I used to be a wonderful place for my owners...when they first bought me, they painted my walls, they washed the floor's in the bathroom's...occassionally they actually had time to clean the lavatory.
They cooked on my stove, I mean, they made some fabulous stuff...filet … (3 comments)
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karen monsour: I WILL be successful...no matter what! - 03/14/08 10:12 PM
I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL! No one has control of my life but me!
I will not succumb to negativity....I will not listen to it, I do not have time in my life for it!
I have survived cancer, I have survived many sad situations, but here I am...alive and well on this planet … (30 comments)
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karen monsour: My time...when is that? - 03/14/08 09:02 PM
When is it time for me?
I raised my children, they are successful and out of college. I am bored now b/c they no longer come over for dinner. They no longer come over to eat after soccer practice, baseball practice...I no longer see my friend's children...they've graduated from college...It was so much … (14 comments)
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karen monsour: Am I rich or am I poor? - 03/11/08 11:53 PM
Hmmm...was I rich or am I poor???
Customer's in this market are so confused...they thought they had their finances in order, until the debacle or 2005.
They had money in the bank...until they were mesmorized by the booming market and the sub prime lender's who...(well you know).
The "Get rich quick" didn't work...the get … (6 comments)
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karen monsour: The good, the bad, and the ugly... - 03/09/08 11:12 PM
Yes! I said it...
There are some great buy's right now for those people fortunate to have some cash in the bank, then again, they are the one's who know how to handle money, that is why they have cash in hand.
Then there are the bad...they want something for free, without cash … (14 comments)
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karen monsour: I need to move...is this the time? Why not? - 03/09/08 09:19 PM
I had a customer ask me today, "Should I move or continue to commute?"
WOW! I'm thinking with gas prices as they are, and the traffic in South Florida, it would probably behoove him to move. I mean, waiting in traffic for hour's on end, it cannot make your employer happy … (9 comments)
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karen monsour: Who is controlling this rediculous market...I say lender's (banks), what say you. - 03/03/08 08:23 PM
It IS REDICULOUS, the amount of SHORT SALES, the amount of FORECLOSURES which resulted in foreclosure only DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE OWNER COULDN'T GET A RESPONSE FROM THEIR LENDER!
This is so rediculous. I mean, we as REALTORS(R) are shoving money at bank's trying (with the approval of the owner's) … (8 comments)
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