The Woodlands, Texas & Beyond

Who Remembers YOU???

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:11:52 -0500

I was inspired by a documentary on TV last night that showcased the life of Harlan Ellison, the writer of the original Star Trek series. His openness is profound - expressed both in anger and wisdom - so I started a little research. I found this quote:

"Like the wind crying endlessly through the universe, Time carries away the names and the deeds of conquerors and commoners alike. And all that we are, all that remains, is in the memories of those who cared we came this way for a brief moment."

This provoking quote (on Memorial Day, no less) began an expanding thought process about memories and how we impact those around us.

As I continued to find more quotes about memories, I found a great deal of wisdom Here are some of the ones that I like:

Dr Suess: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Winnie the Pooh: "Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would I'd never leave."

I love finding quotes written in children's books. Some of the best lessons are taught in them. Unfortunately, we grow up and forget what someone once told us in an entertaining story. That is one great reason to be a parent or grandparent - it gives us a second chance to learn those lessons.

Eleanor Roosevelt: "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart"

William Shakespeare: "A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow."

My goal for today is to continue to recall those who have made an impact on my life and to hold them up in memory of the things we have shared. Some of those people are the real estate buyers and sellers in and around The Woodlands. Others are family and close personal friends. Still others are those who have crossed my path in the past and left particles of stardust in my heart...eventhough we are unlikely to be face-to-face again.

I hope that everyone that reads this post will take just a moment to remember those people that touched your life in some special way. If you get the chance, let them know. If they are an inactive client (aka: "past" buyer or seller of real estate), simply find the time to talk to them. After all, as Harlan Ellison reminds us, time will carry this day away like the wind...make it count.

Rejoice in the lessons of Memorial Day

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:49:08 -0500

When people are serving, life is no longer meaningless. John Gardner

Today, we honor those that gave the ultimate service to others. Not only do we take time to recognize their sacrifice and offer encouragement to those families that live on without those that we love...but we also can take what they have offered us and apply it to our every day approach to daily life.

Countless famous people have told us of the virtues of service. Albert Swchweitzer said, "I don't know what your destiny will be but one thing I do know, the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

We are in a profession that is often characterized by self-serving, greedy, pushy and inconsiderate people. But we know that the truth is something quite different. Although we can easily name those among us that fit the TV profile of selfishly rude, we can name a much larger number of real estate agents that work tirelessly for others...not only for the commission...but also to meet the needs of our clients...the real estate buyers and sellers.

An agent that used to work here in The Woodlands and she told me that often our work feels more like "mission work" because we often see people at their worst. Let's face it, making a move is often extremely stressful. If we can remain the "servant" to real estate sellers and buyers - while keeping our own boundaries and self-respect - our client lists will grow and multiply.

Thanks go to those that made the ultimate sacrifice. To their loved ones we offer our support and acknowledgement. And we thank you for your example that can be brought into our profession every single day.

Gardening promotes wisdom

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Sun, 24 May 2009 12:25:18 -0500

One of the habits that I inherited from my father is the wisdom of keeping a garden.

Although my garden is tiny compared to average and super-teeny-weeny compared to the one kept by my parents, it still provides something for me that is hard to describe.

Sure, it is wonderful to taste the "fruit of my labor" with fresh tomatoes, basil and other culinary delights. But there is more to the experience than can be tasted in the mouth when it is eaten. (BTW: The pic on the right is actually the first little grape tomatoes formed in my garden on 4/18/09) The weather around The Woodlands TX is warm really early in the year.

I actually can hear my father's voice when I am in the garden. I hear all the lessons he taught about responsibility and his favorite saying, "a job worth doing is worth doing right." I have taken some liberties in my life in defining what is "right" and it comes quite short of perfection. Rest assured, I am confident that he understands this new definition of right and delights in my decision to be less than perfect.

According to many people, my standards are waaaay too tough. But they did not know my father. Compared to him, I am very loose with my ability to accept things with their faults. My real estate clients know my commitment to doing things right. Sometimes they actually tell me to relax and do less - or to give myself a little grace to be good enough. Although they really want me to be available each time they need me, they always respect my commitment to self-renewal with days off and the time I take off simply to play.

Today, as I wait to hear the papers are drawn for my out-of-state buyers who are building a new home, I knew that I had time to spend in my garden. I did not go to church. Instead I had my own spiritual experience in my garden and feel greatly blessed by that time.

The Woodlands Wine & Food Week - May 26-31

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:18:49 -0500

5th Annual Wine and Food Week 2009
The Woodlands, Texas
Tuesday May 26th - Sunday, May 31st

With more than 40 events scheduled throughout the week, there is truly "something for everyone". This blog does not have enough space to cover all the events, so you are encouraged to visit www.WineandFoodWeek.com to learn more.

From seminars led by Wine Wizard, Lettie Teague to a Kidz R Cooking event in The Woodlands Mall on Saturday - you need to get your tickets ahead of time to assure the available of the particular fun event that is perfect for you and your friends/family.

The best place to learn about all that is happening is on the website. However, if you need to contact someone, the number is (713) 557-5732.

Learn from Other Agents to "Profit From Technology"

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:21:48 -0500

You can profit from this book. So don't waste any time! This is a LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!

(I'll tell you about the limited aspect of this offer later in this post.)

Really, I know that sounds like a "come on". You have been in this business. You've seen all the scams and schemes being used to sell something to real estate agents.

If I can convince you that this offer is legitimate, would you be willing to spend $19.95 to learn from nine of your fellow agents? These agents are sharing - no holds barred - what they have learned about technology and they want you to have the information.

What information you ask?

Reintroduce yourself to some of your Active Rain colleagues as I tell you what they have written for you.

I will briefly tell you about each expertly written chapter - just to give you a glimpse of how groundbreaking this book can be to you and your career.

Have you ever seen another book where other agents took the time to share what they know so you can prosper?

You may already know you want the book. If so, go to the order page here. There is no reason to delay.

An uncommon treasure trove of information is what you will find here. It is like having some of your favorite people sitting beside you and helping you undersand what needs to be done to take your business up to the next level.

Let me begin introducing each individual author from the upper left side and circle round the perimeter of the group and end with a little about my chapter. (I'm in the center.) You will find more information about each chapter in the blog of the individual author.

Missy Caulk - If you have been attempting to sort out the advantages of different marketing approaches on your website...sit down with Missy as she downloads a wealth of experience into her chapter, "Time vs Money (Organic Searches vs Pay per Click)". This is not just a clever title or a quick teaser. You will find a complete analysis of the pros and cons of the two approaches to being found on the internet - instead of being buried like a "needle in a haystack" on the world wide web.

Colleen Fischesser - If you were thinking that this book may be "too elementary my dear" - I want to assure you that you will learn a thing or two from Colleen. This veteran agent and prolific blogger teaches you how to "Become the Master of Your Own Domain." She compares template websites to a fully customized site. She invites us to accompany her in her evolution in becoming a webmaster and gives us the truth about the challenges...even some of the mistakes she has made along the way. Don't miss her 5 Essential Steps in building your own website. Miss one step on this list and you will get more frustration than success.

Brian Block - He counts himself lucky to be the only man among eight brilliant women in this book. His chapter helps us move "Towards 100% Online Lead Generation." He explores specific strategies to move your business in the same direction as today's client - online! In a time where 87% of the potential buyers spend months on the internet before contacting an agent, he gives us great timely tips that will hep us to take control over lead generation. Learn exactly how to gain the trust of these "agent-phobic" clients...make more profit...and have fun doing it.

Carol Smith - If you feel like giving up saying that you are too far behind to even try, you need to read Carol's chapter, "Technology: Nemesis or Redeemer?". She gives you a gentle nudge to break down the barriers that are holding you back and "take the plunge" into the internet. With her advice, you will step with confidence into the world of our internet-enabled clients and truly profit from it.

Joeann Fossland - All these tech-tools can be wonderful! But they can actually be an impediment to creating profit in your business if you cannot control the time you spend on using those tools. Joeann, a renown and intuitive real estate coach, brings us face-to-face with the reality of time management. This chapter alone will be worth the price of the book. "How to Avoid Burn Out or Addiction" has 10 effective methods for lowering the risk of complete overload.

Sarah Reiter - You may understand the value of all these technological advances...but how do you get it all done??? The answer might be a REVA. Sarah's chapter, "Virtual Assistants - The Future of Real Estate Support" lists 7 primary areas where a REVA can assist in your marketing. She also gives us 6 reasons why a virtual assistant may be better than having an on-site assistant. Perhaps the most valuable part of her chapter is where she gives specific, step-by-step instruction about how to hire a REVA.

Natalie Langford - The old adage "List to Last" in real estate has a whole new meaning when you are expected to be everywhere and do everything for today's sellers. They know that the buyers are on the internet and they want to be assured that their listing has a prominent place on the web too. Her chapter, "Using Internet Tools to Serve the Seller" is a vital resource for you to use in meeting the expectations of sellers. Use her checklists for the 8 essential areas for superior online marketing presence. She offers one list of resources after another in this chapter to make it easy for you to see where you are and learn new ways to sell more homes with the internet.

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman - In an upbeat and positive way that can only be offered by this Active Rainer, Sally shares her personal journey into blogging. Her chapter helps us to see "Through the Eyes of a Real Estate Industry Social Media Blogger." Beginning in early 2007, she has been a consistent, reliable source of that "Aloha" spirit and has attracted hundreds of fans from around the world. She invites us to use her 9 bottom-line points of advice...calling it "It all boils down to this." You can't miss this charming, personal and interesting chapter.

Kathi Frank - That's me! I readily admit at the very beginning of this book, "I am, without a doubt, the most technologically inept person involved in this book." However, I am hyper-aware of the changing expectations of the internet-enabled client. In my chapter, I try to help you "Speak the Language of Today's Internet-Enabled Client". All the tools and techniques will fail you if you speak to the clients in the same way you have been taught in the past - with scripts and dialogues that sort and qualify prospects in a way that is aggessive and outdated.

Now - The LIMITED OFFER!!!

The first printing of the books have been ordered and will soon be available in print. You have the opportunity to get an advanced digital download of the entire 140 page book. Right NOW! AT NO COST TO YOU! This exclusive offer is only good until June 30, 2009.

After that date, you will pay $12.95 for the digital book PLUS $19.95 for the printed book.

You simply do not want to miss this amazing opportunity! Technology is literally changing the future of our business. Whether you are a novice, or a tech-expert in your own right, this book will help you take total control over your real estate business by exploring every facet of what needs to be done.

You know? 211 degrees is pretty darn hot! But at 212, it is boiling and making steam!!! Only one degree, but there is quite a difference. While hot water is nice for taking a shower, boiling water has more potential. You can use it to cook, or to run a steam engine.

I bet you are wondering why I am making this point. The point is - one degree makes a huge difference...just one. Take a look at your business right now. Are you getting all the profit you want out of your business? Do you have efficiencies in place that allow you to enjoy that profit?

No matter how good you are at technology - or how happy you are with your business - there is always room for that extra degree. That one degree that takes your business from hot to steaming!!

There is absolutely no doubt that you will get one great idea from this book that will make you $$THOUSANDS$$. You can get the book today in digital form. In about 4-6 weeks, you will get the printed book. All for the price of the printed book alone.

Imagine what it will be like to have the book on your computer as a resource when you have a question. With the click of your mouse, you can bring up the chapter that covers your question in an instant...NOW! Then, soon you will be able to carry the book around with you - making notes in the margins and highlighting the passages that you plan to implement into your business.

Show your appreciation to your favorite blogger by ordering the book from their sales page below:

Profit from Technology: By Real Estate Agents, For Real Estate Agents -- Buy this Collaborative Book! Brian Block
Do YOU want to PROFIT FROM TECHNOLOGY????? Have we got a deal for you!!!! Joeann Fossland
9 Active Rainers Co-Author a book! Profit from Technology - A Guide for TODAY's RE Agent Natalie Langford
PROFIT FROM TECHNOLOGY - A Book By ActiveRain Members Sally Cheeseman
Learn from Other Agents to "Profit From Technology" Kathi Frank
Profit From Technology with A Little Help from YOUR Friends Missy Caulk

Why are you still reading this blog post???

Haven't you placed your order yet?

Right now - you can get both the digital download of the book - instantly!

And the printed book in about 4-6 weeks at the low price of $19.95.

Get busy!

Sellers should demand - "Show me that you can write"

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Sat, 16 May 2009 13:21:42 -0500

If you spend any time looking at the MLS, you know that many agents can't spell - much less craft a complete sentence or an accurate description of property they have listed.

Sellers have every right to demand that a prospective agent submit writing samples. After all, the listing agent is applying for the position of "Marketing Manager" for the seller. Any marketing manager understands the importance of writing clear descriptions that call potential buyers to sit up and notice.

Since 87% of today's real estate buyers cruise the internet prior to contacting an agent (according to NAR's statistics), we can assume that the words we use have the power to attract those buyers to purchase. The Mulitiple Listing Service is no longer a place for agents to describe their listings to their colleagues. It is a much more powerful force in the dynamics of selling real estate.

In fact, as I think of the future buyers of property around The Woodlands area and the Greater Houston area - I visualize the pleasure they are getting while looking at property descriptions and actually creating a fantasy about how it would be to live in those homes they are viewing.

Since NAR also says that today's buyer looks on the net for 6 months before they are ready to purchase, I would suspect that they have been living in a fantasy written by creative writers for most of that time. If your description of a sellers listing is "ho-hum", these "would-be buyers" are not spending any time looking at your listing. By the time they are ready to call an agent, they have trained their eyes to only consider houses that are accurately and colorfully described.

It takes some pretty good description to entice today's buyer. If sellers really want to maximize their equity, they will demand writing samples from any agent they consider to represent them.

Mom's Legacy - God Grant Us Peace

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Sun, 10 May 2009 18:57:33 -0500

When I read Joe Pryor's tribute to his Mom, I was struck by the similarities of our experience. Just before his Mother's passing, he came to Houston to see his Mom in the hosptal. I live near The Woodlands, just north of Houston, and was in Oklahoma City at the time he visited here.

You see, my Mom passed on December 24, 2008 and her funeral was on the 27th - the day that Joe lost his Mom. The serendipity was so remarkable, it prompted me to share something with my Active Rain family that is deeply personal and is a tribute to my own Mother.

God Grant Us Peace

The time for transition is near.

Soon, Mom will pass through the veil to join Dad and so many other loved ones.

Her time of peace will be welcomed. She will finally relax, let go and enjoy her spirit.

What are we to do to honor her life when she is no longer among us?

What would she want for us? What will be her legacy in our lives?

Her legacy can be summed up in one four-letter word - LOVE!

From the time she was a young child, she slipped easily into the role of service.

She cared for her little sisters. She cooked, cleaned and cared for all those around her.

She was cherished by her three older brothers. She was admired by her wise father and mother.

As the oldest daughter, she was willing to take on responsibility early in her childhood.

With six children, the farm and the depression, her contribution was vital to the family survival.

She continued to express love through service for the rest of her life.

God blessed three children with her mother love.

Through many childhood illnesses, chronic health challenges and other struggles,

Her unwavering faith in God provided the strength to get through each day.

At no time did she stop loving with her whole heart.

She was a human-doing.

Doing everything she could to make the lives of others better.

She sewed wedding dresses, decorated cakes for anniversaries, organized Sunday School classes.

She provided food for funerals, covered dish suppers, family events, children and grandchildren.

Each activity was an active expression of her total love.

In her final months, she has slipped into inactivity.

As her body is starved for oxygen, she is unable to perform even the simplest activities.

Yet still, her love is active and touching the lives of those that surround her.

Her physical decline has provided opportunity to collect more people who benefit from her love.

The caregivers are blessed by her spirit, just like those who have known her for years.

So how do we honor the passing of a woman like this?

How can we live our lives in a way that honors the lessons she taught by example?

Actually, the question seems a little silly, because the answer is so obvious.

She would only want us to follow her lead by expressing love every day of our lives.

She wants us to know the joy she experienced in collecting loving relationships.

Each time we do something for someone else we will honor her contribution.

When we prepare a dish to share with others, we can remember her love of feeding others.

When we volunteer to be a greeter at church, work in a food bank, or visit a sick friend,

Her life and love will be like a pebble dropped into the water.

Let us find peace in our role of continuing the ‘ripples' of her love until eternity.

God grant us peace!

How does an economist become an expert???

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:25:28 -0500

I just have a few minutes before I leave for an appointment, but I was reading a backlog of email when I came across this post in the Houston Business Journal: Economist: ‘Free-fall is over' Since I always love good news and share it with my client base, I hopped over to the website to see what the article used to support the claim of economic recovery. Both real estate buyers and sellers around The Woodlands love to hear some good news.

When I got to the last paragraph of the article where it predicted the price of oil (an important factor in Houston economics)...this is what it said: "Like the rest of the economy's prospects when the slow recovery begins in 2010, Gault doesn not expect energy prices to spike quickly as some recent reports have suggested. Oil prices will average $46 a barrel this year, he suggests, rising only to an average of $54 in 2010 and would not move past $75 until 2012."

Recalling a news report on NPR, I googled today's price of oil only to find that the price of oil climbed TODAY to $58 per barrel. With this level of accuracy, can I apply for the job of "noted economist"???

Social Media Seminar - Reporting what I learned

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:04:28 -0500

ll see how they respond. Keep the feedback coming. If there is something in particular that interests you, let me know and I will either find an answer in my notes or see if I can get you an answer from all the wonderful techno-experts in my office here in The Woodlands.

So much to learn about social media

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:41:27 -0500

Today - I am off to a seminar to learn more about social media from "expert" Chris Brogan. I will drive a little over an hour to reach the hotel where he will be speaking.

It seems that so-called EXPERTS are showing up everywhere these days. I'm not yet convinced of his expertise, but I will come back to this blog to share with you what I have learned.

So - off I go to a paid seminar...hoping to learn something that will help me to connect to the buyers and sellers of real estate in The Woodlands and surrounding areas. Each little morsel of information is valuable - to me and my clients.

Social Media is the new way to communicate with each other. It is our newest opportunity to make connections that are meaningful and useful to our clients.

Personally, I am thrilled that this new media has given an avenue to speak directly to the people who hire us to do an important job for them. By revealing ourselves in this way, we can no longer hide behind the latest script taught by the "old school" trainers.

The pushy, manipulating salesperson no longer has a place in the world of social media. If your interest is only a commission check, you won't last long in a place that is all about being yourself and socializing with others.

Is Social Media the new Gold Rush???

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:22:02 -0500

Social Media Skills

Back in the day when hoards of people rushed to California to "Find Gold" many starved because they did not first learn the skills for panning the nuggets. Have you learned how to sift out all the time-wasting "worthless rocks" of chatter in social media to find the glittering sources of wealth?

A lot of people are promising to share their wisdom about how to make $$money$$ using social media. Some of them are repeating what they saw in another person's blog...but a few people have actually discovered some really useful information and they are willing to share with the rest of us.

Can you increase your connection with real estate buyers and sellers? Get your pan ready and find out how to bring home the gold.

On the local radio show, www.TheWoodlandsTalk.com, local expert Colin Mason will teach us a little about what he knows.

Join us on your computer, or by phone ((646) 929-0726, at noon this Thursday, April 23rd. You can get in the chat room with comments, opinions or suggestions. Or you can participate live through your telephone connection.

To learn more about social media, get a copy of this new, ground-breaking book!

The first printing of the books have been ordered and will soon be available in print.

You have the opportunity to get an advanced digital download of the entire 140 page book. Right NOW! AT NO COST TO YOU!

This exclusive offer is only good until June 30, 2009.

After that date, you will pay $12.95 for the digital book PLUS $19.95 for the printed book.

The Woodlands Earth Day Celebration Tomorrow

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:19:43 -0500

The Woodlands is Celebrating EARTH DAY

Rain or Shine!

Saturday, April 18th - 10am to 3pm

The Woodlands High School, 6101 Research Forest Drive

learn more at:

www.TheWoodlandsGREEN.org

On Thursday, I interviewed Lynne Aldrich, manager of The Woodlands Environmental Services Department on my radio show. She shared information about the hundreds of booths and activities that will take place at this event. Last year, somewhere between 6-7,000 people attened. I hope that the forecast of rain does not keep people away from the event this year. She assured me that "Rain is nature, and the Earth Day Celebration was all about nature". Come join us and enjoy a little more nature than you experience in your daily life.

You can listen to the Radio Show from your computer or download it to your iPod. Find the show at: http://www.TheWoodlandsTalk.com.

Winter is over and Spring brings hope of a better market!

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:16:15 -0500

Texas knows that Spring has arrived when our roadsides are carpeted in Blue (bonnets)

If you have never been to Texas in the Springtime, you are missing something magical and enchanting. For centuries, no one planted these beautiful flowers...but they still existed in legendary fashion. My Mother and Father spent their childhood south of Dallas before moving to my childhood home in Oklahoma. Each year, they would visit parents and would "wax nostalgic" at the site of hills and roadsides covered with these fabulous Bluebonnets. This photo was taken on Hwy 105 between Montgomery and Lake Conroe.

Then Lady Bird Johnson declared that our roads should be beautified. Very quickly communities began harvesting seeds and distributing them around the country. Then other seeds were gathered. I think the orange flowers in the lower left are what my father called Indian Paintbrushes. As the years have gone by, the state highway department and 100's of local communities have taken on the challenge to beautify our roadsides with these wildflowers.

The Woodlands has a Festival each year to pass out seeds. In the Spring, the medians are not mowed until the wildflowers have gone to seed. You will see red poppies, buttercup, bluebonnets, and dozens of other varieties in every nook and crannie where someone scattered seeds intentionally - or a natural breeze transported them to more remote locations.

With the coming of the Bluebonnets, the market in Greater Houston area is showing a significant improvement. The $8,000 tax credit seems to be spurring a lot of 1st-time homebuyers to abandon the world of renting and take advantage of these incredible interest rates.

Let's claim the "Winter of the recession" is finished...Spring has arrived...soon we will be working in the hot Summer of a new market in real estate.

Mindset Of Fear

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:44:53 -0600

This is a fantastic post...and so very true. Thanks for sharing it Suzanne.

It is a good life!

Kathi Frank (936) 441-1314

www.TheWoodlandsTalk.com

Via Suzanne Gallegos~Realtor -Salt Lake City, Utah Homes (Keller Williams Utah Realtors):

There seems to be this "mindset of fear" running rampant. We the public, and all throughout the housing industry, seem to be listening to the media. We hear about all the foreclosures, about the economic problems and we worry. We're just flat afraid and it seems that we don't know if we should take the next step or not.

I'd like to share some facts that were shared with me by a favorite loan officer. Hopefully this will put a few things into perspective for you.

· FACT: Interest rates are where they were back in the 1960's, back when gas was just .35 cents a gallon and postage was only .08 cents.

· FACT: Today home prices are at record lows in most markets, back to where they were in 2003.

· FACT: There are tons of great loan programs out there: FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

· FACT: You don't need 20% down. There is still a no money down program, 3½% down programs, and even special programs like the new "HomePath" program that requires as little as 3% down and even funding for investment properties with as little as 10% down.

· FACT: If you have a job, have a paycheck stub, and have decent credit, you CAN get a home!

· FACT: When interest rates go up, they skyrocket! You could wake up tomorrow morning and lose a half a point or more. Take advantage of what's available NOW! Don't try to outsmart the market, go with what you know... today.

· FACT: First Time Home Buyers, or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years, may qualify for the new $8,000.00 stimulus tax credit. (And this one DOES NOT need to be repaid!)

· FACT: The Money is there! Unfortunately the media has made it look like there's no money at all, and that's just not fair!

Your job is to get yourself educated, get the facts, learn about the new technologies available to you through your Real Estate Agent, learn and get comfortable with the process. Don't let the great opportunities of today pass you by! Consult a professional today! You may be surprised at what is available for you and your family in this market. Do It Now! Don't Wait!

Here's another bit of information that may surprise you:

February 2009 - Metrocities / Prospect Mortgage (the company my friend works with) funded over $899,000,000.00 in mortgage loans - That's almost a billion dollars!

If there truly was no money out there, how could this have been possible?

Suzanne Gallegos-Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

Service First - Just ask me to prove it!

The World is Rapidly Changing

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:35:27 -0600

It's official - We are now in a tough market in the Houston area.

We have been able to say that the downturn in the market did not affect our area for most of the year. Foreclosures were almost exclusively in small pockets of our marketplace. Homes that were priced well and staged well were selling in less than two weeks in the desireable communities.

Then IKE hit us! You wouldn't think that a hurricane could adversely affect the market. After all, we heard stories of housing shortages in New Orleans after Katrina. The prices in nearby towns shot up quickly and demand was fierce. Good, knowledgeable and prepared agents could not find enough houses to sell because the buyers were abundant.

As we took the trees off of our houses and endured days (if not weeks) without electricity, we held out on the assurance that our suspension of income was short-term. We knew that when people started getting insurance settlements we would follow the lead of New Orleans. Little did we know that while we were without electricity, the rest of the nation was hearing more about the downfall of our economic reality and really did not have time to feel sorry for our plight.

As the weeks have passed since our disaster, I have written several contracts for buyers. One client, weekend before this last one, had me write an offer for $625,000 for a house he wanted to purchase. Of course, he also wanted a listing agreement to sell his current home at $365,000. He invited me to his house for dinner on the deck overlooking Lake Conroe and there was an element of celebration. Monday morning he called to call it all off.

If this were an isolated incident, I would not be shocked. But it is a repeated performance of what is happening in our area. First, it was people who would tell you that they were perfectly confident of their own personal financial status...they were only worried about others. Now, whether it is real or imagined, it seems that people are actually concerned about their own financial well being.

It is time to dig our trenches and begin a battle strategy...and remember the words of Richard Bach:

"There's no disaster that can't become a blessing, and no blessing that can't become a disaster."

Finally, a book on how to Twitter well

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:15:07 -0600

Although it is really not complicated or hard to learn Twitter, it is a constant stream of discovery. Like ActiveRain, I set up a profile more than a month before I actually did anything with it. Then four days ago I started actually "Tweeting".

BEWARE: It can really become addictive very quickly. I have exercised constraint but still have spent more time than I planned...but I have almost 100 followers in less than 4 days. I'm impressed.

Today, I discovered a wonderful resource for Basic Twitter 101. In this blog post Michael Hyatt gives very detailed instruction about how to use this exciting and informative social media. If you have been putting off learning about Twitter because you did not want to tackle the "learning curve" of yet one more technology - use this guide and it will be quite easy.

Tweet away!!! You will profit from technology with this one.

Let There Be Peace in The Woodlands

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:08:55 -0600

Faiths Together celebrated a wonderful 10th anniversary last night!

I was so honored to be a part of the event - in the choir comprised of a people from diverse cultures and faiths.

It was awesome!!!

This event is yet one more example of why The Woodlands is such a wonderful place to live...an enriching experience for children and adults alike. From the prelude song "We Gather Together" and the sounding of the Shofar to the concluding song of "Let There Be Peace On Earth", this community set an example for the world.

In its 10th year, part of the celebration including looking back on the years past. Each person reflected on one of the amazing events of years past. They included Christian - Lutheran, Presbyterian, Catholic, Episcopal, Morman, Jewish, Aslamic, Unitarian, Bahai, Humanist, Hindu, Unity and all sorts of faith communities. The theme was "Our Common Humanity and Community; Our Different Faith Traditions; Our Unity and Diversity."

Imagine how the world would be different if we could live in this kind of loving mindset every day? I am so proud to be selling real estate in such a lovely community as The Woodlands.

Your words are like feathers!

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:40:15 -0600

Be careful where your WORDS are scattered!

I read a fable a few days ago and it reminded me of many conversations here on Active Rain. See if you can see the "moral of the story."

A peasant had a troubled conscience and sought the help of the village sage. He was concerned about some gossip that he had spread about a friend. Not only did he regret that he would be a party to such slander, but he also found that the gossip was untrue. He asked that the sage give him some way to make amends.

The sage told him to go and gather a bag of feathers and distribute one of those feathers at the doorstep of each home in the community. So, because it was important to the peasant to repair the damage he had done to his friend by spreading bad rumors, he did exactly as he was told. He returned to the sage and asked, "Is that all I have to do?"

"No, that is not all," answered the sage. "There is one more thing. Take your bag and gather up every feather." The peasant left and after searching the entire community returned to the sage to report that he could not find all of the feathers because the wind had blown them away.

The sage responded, "So it is with gossip. Unkind words are easily dropped, but are difficult to take back again."

So - this is one way in which we must be careful about what we say on line and with our clients and fellow agents. In my other blog that I write about the language of today's internet-enabled clients, I referred to an article in an online newsletter Early to Rise. In it, Robert Ringer tells how he was reminded that "The writer is always at fault" when miscommunication happens.

Today, as never before, it is critical to be careful with the words we use. Our clients are moving away from telephone conversations - just as they have moved away from conducting all their business in face-to-face interaction. We have a huge responsibility to make sure that our communication is clear, concise and easy to comprehend.

(Now, you can tell me if I missed the boat by miscommunicating in this post.)

IKE Lessons - People will come if you provide value!

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:38:22 -0500

Well - my friends - I am going to end this series of posts with this lesson I learned from IKE.

All we need ever do to get people to wait in line for our services is to provide exceptional value.

(This photo was taken on 9/15, 2 full days after the storm had passed. This line was at least an hour before they would reach the pumps at Sam's and to the right of the cars in the foreground. The bad news is the line started in front of Ryans, in front of Wal-Mart, behind the Sam's store and this pic shows the far corner of the parking lot and the line headed to the pumps.)

When almost the entire Houston metroplex, covering more than 5 counties in the area, including Montgomery County which is more than one hour's drive from the coast, were without power - there was enormous value in having gasoline and a way to pump it out of the ground.

On Tuesday, September 16, more than 3 days after the storm had passed, this is how a large portion of the population spent the day. If I did not have so many things I needed to do to care for my personal home, I would have walked the long lines and collected stories.

Rest assured, virtually each car would have told stories of hardship and gratitude...you see, most of the people in line had a generator. Those that did not have a generator probably sat at home in the heat and humidity - or waiting in a different (but just as long) line to get food rations, ice and water.

I did ask people in both lines I photographed how long they had been waiting. The answers ranged from 3 1/2 to 4 hours and my pics were taken at least an hour away from getting the fuel. All in all, each of these weary people felt proud to be able to keep their family cool with at least fans and maybe a refrigerator. I heard few complaints.

(This photo shows a hand written sign attached to a shopping cart to indicate the traffic control needed to get people in and out of the grocery store running on generator without becoming mixed with the traffic attempting to get gas.)

I'll share one story about a family (I spoke to the brother-in-law) that was scheduled for induced labor on Thursday before the storm. The appointment was cancelled because of the impending disaster. Still, labor began on Sunday after the wind subsided. Of course, the entire family wanted to be in the waiting room. But because the hospital was on generator, they would not allow the family to stay and made the comment "This is not a shelter. You cannot take advantage of our air conditioning." Needless to say, this family was not happy about being booted out of the waiting room. The baby was born healthy and they were able to see her briefly.

(Where people were entering the parking lot for gasoline, two police cruisers monitored the operation. After 5 hours of waiting, I'm sure that some people may not have been in their best behavior...but because of the police presence, I heard of no incidences of anger.)

As I conclude this series of stories about the storms, know that I learned many, many more things during this episode of my life than I can ever share with you. One of my single mother friends said that it was a bigger blessing than she could have imagined because of the relationship she developed with her neighbors.

These things I know. I know that there is nothing in this world more important than the relationships we develop with others. I know that it is my responsibilty to provide value to my clients and if I do, I will never be without a source of income. I know that this area of the country has some of the most entreprenueristic, hard working, creative and enthusiastic people I have ever met. I am grateful for having the knowledge I have gained from this storm.

Ike Lessons - Suffering is relative

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:03:30 -0500

Uncle Ike - I am suffering - Yeah right!

(This was written on September 15th, a few days after the storm on an old notebook computer powered by a noisy generator.)

Ordinarily, I would be suffering right now. I have no internet access...in fact, I do not have electricity other than what is provided by the generator loaned by my brother who drove it down for me from Ft Worth on Sunday afternoon.

(This is my neighborhood in central Conroe to the right. I looks pretty awful to see 100 year old trees waiting in pieces to be picked up as trash.)

My day - right now - is filled with energy management. I am trying to keep my cell phone charged...my refrigerator running...the freezer running for now eventhough it is beginning to be too much...my semi-retired notebook computer available for writing these posts...and looking for more useful things to do with my time.

My daughter works at Kroger. She and her colleagues are providing basic necessities to the public with a generator that only provides enough energy to provide a little light and cash registers. No fresh food is available in the store. Ice and water are sold immediately by sending someone out to the road with a hand made sign announcing the availability. These remarkable people, most making less than $8 per hour are working in the heat, with the generators keeping a few lights and cash registers running...but no refrigeration. Most have not had any hot food for days. Some lost their entire home in the flooding.

When my daughter told me about the situation, I went to my pantry and freezer to figure out what I could do. With 5 pounds of dry beans, 2 ham slices and 3 pounds of rice - I will be able to give these people something decent for lunch.

There are stories everywhere. Some of them I will share on this blog. 2 of the employees in this one grocery store have lost their homes...but they are working. Now, above all other times, they need the money to survive.

(The photo to the left was taken in Timberidge, just outside of The Woodlands. We lost trees. They lost all their furniture and personal belongings. Most of these people are renters...many without insurance to cover their losses.)

IKE Lessons - Thank You God!

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:35:29 -0500

David knocked on my door about 10 minutes ago (This was Tuesday, September 16th) and asked if he could work cleaning all the small bits and pieces of tree scattered throughout my yard. It is certainly going to be a minimum of 3 hours of hard, hot work. He said he would do it for $22.50 - the balance of money needed to get back to his home about 2 hours northeast of here.

(The photo below shos some of the yard debris. Little peices of tree were scattered throughout the yard and needed to be raked and piled near the street for pick up by the city.)

He says that he will give me his phone number and address in Crockett with a hand-written receipt for his work. That way the insurance company will probably reimburse this small fee for the work.

You see, he was working in The Woodlands area and staying with friends when the storm hit. He has not been paid, but he is ready to leave here and go home to Crockett, a wonderful quaint town deep in the piney-woods of east Texas.

I woke up this morning with genuine gratitude. In spite of the difficulties of living without the internet, or any other source of power other than the generator.

It was a cool morning. And I knew that I would do something useful today by preparing a meal for my daughter's co-workers at Kroger. It seems that more and more services are being provided each day with gas, ice and water being stocked in various places. (Kroger got a shipment of gasoline, but not a generator for pumping the gas out of the ground.)

After all, what is more important than being useful to others in a time like this.

Thank you God!

Ike Lessons - The Morning After

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 08:53:15 -0500

The Morning After

This copy was written on Tuesday 9/16, when I was too physically tired to continue the cleanup. It is the first of a series of "IKE Lessons."

We all know that within every tragic experience we can find lessons that can literally change the course of our lives. I'm not sure that Hurricane Ike is that tragic for me. And, correspondingly, I'm not sure that the lessons I am learning are profound enough to make a huge difference in my life experience. One thing I do know is that each day, as I go through the motions of restoring my life to some state of "normalcy", a voice in my head creates a modern story line of lessons I need to remember when I get back to such things as electricity and the internet. For now, I am taking time to record some of those lessons.

First, I will give you a brief timeline of what life has been like since it became clear that Hurricane Ike was headed our way. By Thursday, it was clear that there was no longer a question about whether this wind storm was going to impact our area. The only question that remained was how much it would affect us. So, it was time for preparation.

We called all our sellers and told them to take the signs inside. As someone in our company joked, "We don't want any RE/MAX missiles out there." Once we took care of that bit of business and wished all our clients to "BE SAFE", it was time to tend to our own needs.

I ran into one of my inactive, referral clients in Home Depot and we discussed how hard it was to think about what we would need in the event of no electricity for days or even weeks. Being the brilliant visionary that I am, I spent the day on Friday carefully planning what I would do if we had to do without power.

On Friday night we watched the news without ceasing...praying that the storm would not have a direct hit on Galveston...for many reasons. First, the island is heavily populated with BOIs. Those "born on the island" do not feel that any hurricane can hurt them. Thousands stayed despite repeated mandatory evacuation orders. Secondly, if it hits Galveston, it hits Houston as well. As the fourth largest city in our nation with huge towering glass structures and complicated bayous winding throughout the communities in an effort to prevent residential flooding, this area is particularly vulnerable to a direct hit.

Third, my home is an hour and half drive from Galveston. Yet this storm was headed up Interstate 45 and its trip was going to take close to 24 hours. We finally (my 25 year old daughter and I) collapsed into sleep somewhere around midnight. Between the tides, the wave action and the path of the storm, it was already clear that the island was heavily damaged. The fires had begun. The emergency personnel were getting desperate calls from residents that could not be helped. And it was clear that we needed to get some rest.

The power went out at 4am Saturday morning. The wind and rain roared hour after hour...the only break being the sound of trees crashing and transformers blowing out. It was dark and the hours seemed endless. As the storm died down to tropical force, I had to go onto my back porch where there was enough light to read. My daughter stayed inside listening to the endless bad news coming from the battery operated radio.

Suddenly, I loud crash that I thought was nearby thunder! My daughter screams "MOM, come here." I casually enter the house expecting yet another overreaction to the circumstances to find water pouring from the ceiling of my living room. A look outside revealed that a large portion of the tree (at least 50 years old) in my front yard was now on top of my house.

I could describe the rest of the tree crash ordeal, but it would be too long. Just know that it punctured the roof in 3 places, each hole about a one foot diameter. On Sunday, I was able to get a roof company to patch the holes and dry in the home. The remediation company promises to call about drying out the moisture and I now have a claim number for my insurance company. All is well.

Help for Houston area agents

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:51:41 -0500

As the Greater Houston area begins our journey to recovery from Hurricane Ike, things are happening to speed that healing.

I know that Active Rain is more than 100,000 concerned real estate professionals. And eventhough I was ready to close my computer for the night, I thought I would share this resource link for the "rainers". Still, one week after the storm made its way onto the Gulf Coast, more than half of our population does not have power. I was lucky to have mine restored at 4:30 this morning.

The Houston Association of Realtors recognizes that many of our fellow agents are in need right now. Some have lost homes and others have suffered other devastating effects of Ike. In response to that need, HAR has set up a resource page for the members: www.har.com/emergency

If any real estate professionals in Active Rain are seeking a way to help others, I encourage you to share what you can with the members in HAR who are suffering right now.

Lessons from IKE!

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:11:06 -0500

When a change as drastic as the last week happens - it shifts our thinking! It helps us to become aware of what is important and how many lessons slip by us every day.

Earlier this week, when I was thinking more clearly, I wrote some blog posts on my semi-retired laptop computer. I did not have internet access...power was provided by an extremely noisy generator that had to be fed gasoline a couple of times per day...and I did more lifting, stooping, reaching and dragging of things in the past week than I can ever remember.

Yet, every morning my first thought was one of intense and sincere gratitude. Three holes in my roof, yes. But I have a roof over my head. Noisy generator (plus dehumidifiers and air handlers), yes. But I have insurance to cover the bulk of the cost to repair my home. Tiresome clean up tasks, yes. But I delegated some of the work to a man who totaled his car and had no cash to get home.

I am grateful...Really appreciative of my blessings.

During the coming days, I will share photos from Montgomery County-The Woodlands and musings of the lessons I learned from Ike. I hope that something I say will be useful to others. But tonight I will get a good nights sleep because the power came on at 4:30 this morning. Hip-Hip- Hoo-Ray!

Joe Vitale is asking for our help!

The Woodlands TX Kathi Frank (Prudential Gary Green Realtors) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:01:01 -0500

We have the power to influence the power of Ike! For those of you that are familiar with the Houston-Galveston area, you know that the storm threat is an ominous occurence. It would be easy for us to all sink into fear as we watch the highways fill with evacuees and hear the timeline of what we can expect from this storm. Eventhough The Woodlands is an hour drive from Galveston, we must prepare for a full 24 hours of hurricane force winds.

You can help! Please read the email from Vitale which I have copied and pasted in its entirety. Hold the energy of positive outcome for my little corner of the world and be a force of energy that can dissipate the potential of disaster.

-----Original Message-----

From: aoakua@aweber.com [mailto:aoakua@aweber.com] On Behalf Of Joe Vitale

Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 12:50 PM

To: Kathi Frank

Subject: Help Me Stop Ike

On September 22, 2005 I sent out the below email to help stop hurricane Rita. It worked.

That hurricane dropped in level, switched direction, and didn't do the damage all feared.

Today I'm resending it to help stop hurricane Ike.

Please read this, do this, and forward to others.

Together we *can* make a difference.

Thank you,

joe

Help Me Stop Rita (Ike)

by Dr. Joe Vitale

As I type these words, people in Houston are scrambling to leave the city.

The Mayor has urged many to evacuate.

The next hurricane, Rita (Ike), is bigger and badder than Katrina, and it's headed this way.

Yes, our area is in the path of the hurricane, too.

With luck, by the time it hits mainland Texas, it will have dropped from a category 5 to a category 1 hurricane. We're stocking up on supplies, like everyone else.

While the world is still reeling from the effects of Katrina, we're now bracing for something that could be just as bad, or worse.

As I listen to the news, and watch people, the key word that everyone says or seems to breathe is "victim."

We're victims of storms.

We're victims of chance.

We're victims of a poorly run government.

We're victims of gas prices, gas shortages, inflation, recession, taxes, wars, and now -- the worst of all -- Mother Nature.

I'm going to say something unusual. It may upset some people. I'm hoping it will inspire you. Here goes:

You have more power than you think.

While you may not want to stand in the path of Rita, you don't have to cower under the bed.

As odd as it may sound, I believe that if enough of us think positive, we can create a counter storm of sorts. We can protect ourselves and our loved ones with our thoughts.

I've described and proved this with the research in the back of my book, "The Attractor Factor."

Nineteen studies *proved* that when a large group of people hold positive intentions, those intentions radiate out and become reality.

No, I'm not saying ignore the storm warnings. I'm saying don't get caught up in the fear that the warnings often trigger.

Look. If you think the storm will get you, then it's already gotten you. You're living in fear.

Your life is dark, gloomy and in a cage. The media is flawless at whipping us into fear.

So I suggest ignoring the media. It's not information, it's propaganda. It gets large groups of people to think negative, which of course then becomes reality.

Why can't we do the opposite?

Why can't we get large groups of people

to think positive?

At this very moment, as I type this and you read this, all is well.

Isn't it?

Aren't you ok?

Aren't you feeling fine right now?

Yes, be sure to have batteries and water and supplies.

But also check the storehouse in your mind.

Are you living in fear, or living in trust?

Are you focused on the negative, or are

you doing something to create a positive?

We are all, always, at choice.

My plea is that the readers of my ezine -- you -- will stop, breathe, and focus; pray, or in some positive way send out an energy that will help dissolve the fear in and around us.

I'm asking you to do this on Saturday, the day Rita is scheduled to visit Texas.

As I was finishing this article, UPS delivered two books to me. Both are timely and worth mentioning.

"Unconditional Bliss" says you can find

happiness in the face of hardship.

I think this is relevant. While the media is making us shake in our boots, we can choose to take care of ourselves and others *while* remaining happy.

Happiness is a choice.

The other book looks just as fascinating.

It's "Megatrends 2010" by Pat Aburdene.

To my surpirse (and delight), the book

declares that the future will be more

focused on spirit.

Well, let's create the future right now.

Let's focus on spirit.

What I'm asking you to do is be happy,

right now. Smile. Send that loving energy out, in the direction of Texas. Intend for all to be well, for, in reality, all is well.

In fact, pretend you are the eye of the

hurricane. That's the center where all

is at peace. *Be* that peace and send

that peace from the eye to the hurricane itself, imagining it dropping in intensity.

We can make a difference.

It begins with you.

What will you choose to think?

Love,

Joe

*************************************************

Dr. Joe Vitale

"Aude aliquid dignum" *

Author of way too many books to mention, including the bestsellers "The Attractor Factor,"

"Life's Missing Instruction Manual" and ooohhh so many more, including the head spinner, "Zero Limits" and the mega-hit, "The Key."

Star of the movies The Secret, The Compass, and Try It On Everything

Released tomorrow - The Awakening Course http://www.theawakeningcourse.com

See it all at http://www.JoeVitale.com

Member BBB 2003 - 2008

* 16th century Latin: "Dare something worthy"