Well, I didn't really think it would happen, you gussed it -- the famous Whitefly finally got my ficus. 

My ficus is 118 linear feet around the perimeter of my front yard and 5 feet high: I believe I started noticing the attack from the Whitefly about 2 weeks ago and it destroys very quickly. I am still able to save the ficus, but you have to act fast. Today, I had a company come out to spray. They sprayed the soil and the leaves. In addition, the spray the company used has a very strong fertilizer to give them a boast in growth. Cost: If you hire them to come out three times a year, it’s $1.50 a linear ft or for onetime treatment, $3.85 a linear ft. I decided for the first option. Total cost: $177.00. 

**The picture and more information about the Whitefly can be

found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitefly

This is part three of Going Green series that Real Living created for consumers and agents to become more eco-friendly. The below is focusing on simple lifestyle changes that we can all make. Remember, this just one of the many programs offered to all our franchisees in one integrated platform.

• Invest in a water filter. It’s a much greener (and cheaper!) choice than buying and discarding plastic water bottles. Just think about this next time you’re in the bottled water aisle: it takes approximately 1,000 years for water bottles to biodegrade.

• Bring your own bag to the store instead of using their provided plastic bags. If you must use a plastic bag, think of a way to reuse it as a trash bag for your bathroom waste can or for collecting pet droppings from the yard.
• Wash and reuse plastic plates and cups instead of buying and throwing away paper or Styrofoam every time you have a barbeque, picnic or party.
• Bring your own mug every time you go get coffee. Being green is even trendier than toting around that branded cardboard cup.
• Pay bills and bank online. Just think how much paper you’ll save, not to mention the money you’ll save on stamps.
• Start a compost pile in your backyard. Alternate layers of garden waste and food scraps with thin layers of soil and stir every one to three weeks. One the pile turns dark and crumbly, work into your garden or lawn as a conditioner.
• Carpool or use public transportation whether you’re traveling to work, school or shopping.
• Utilize the sun when you want to light your home during the day. Open blinds and let the sun shine in instead of flipping on the light switch in every room of the house..
• Get involved in a local club that promotes green awareness, sets up community recycling programs and interacts with government officials when it comes to environmental legislation. Not only will you do your part for the environment, but you’ll also meet new and interesting people! 

One of the great qualities about Real Living is HASSLE-FREE INNOVATION. We stay on top of constantly-changing technology trends so you don't have to. And, we syndicate your listings automatically only to companies we trust—getting maximum exposure for you and your listings.

Don’t forget, Real Living also builds, hosts and manages your company Web site, with full MLS integration and Google map search options. The site will also include all your agents Web sites, profiles, and enhanced listings features. An example of a franchisee Web site is RealLivingProperties.com; RealLivingInfinity.com; RealLivingRES.com

Don't hold yourself or your business back. Reinvigorate your business with training, marketing and technology worth hundreds of thousands in value so you can stay competitive, no matter what the market conditions may be.

We thought so! Real Living is still the only national real estate franchisor who has defined and created a specific target market -- a market that makes or influences 91% of all home buying decisions. Of course, we did not stop there, we also provide every agent our exclusive 360° marketing program -- an integrated mix of traditional, digital and mobile solutions to empower agents to meet their consumers where they roam and catch the consumer’s attention while you’re there.

Nearly 40% of Real Living agents had a better 2007 than 2006 -- even in a declining market.

Call me [945-734-0149] or e-mail me [Keith.Kumler@RealLiving.com] today to learn more about our target market and agent opportunities

Ready to grow? It’s got to be real.

Many consumers and communities still haven’t developed a strong “green” program, so, Real Living developed a program for our agents to promote to their clients called “Going Green.” Today’s topic is “Recycling Dos and Don’ts” to help with recycling efforts. As a Real Living franchise and/or agent, all the marketing material for this program and many other programs are provided for our agents through our integrated agent platform. If you’re ready to grow, it’s got to be Real!

  OK to recycle:

High-quality plastics labeled with number one and two recycling symbols.

Food and beverage containers, such as milk, soda, water, salad dressings, etc.

Jars and canisters, like peanut butter jars, soap, aspirin bottles, etc.

Cleaning products and detergents, including bleach, soap, shampoo, drain cleaners, etc.

Automotive and yard care products, but make sure the containers are empty for those like antifreeze, oil, plant food and herbicide containers.

Junk or direct mail, including brochures, fliers, white/light envelopes, etc.

Aluminum, tin and steel cans, such as soda, beer, tuna, vegetable, etc.

Printed paper like newspaper, magazines, phone books, legal pads, etc.

NOT OK to Recycle:

Plastic bags

Newspaper delivery bags

Styrofoam

Lids from glass containers

Pizza boxes

Phone books

Mirrors

Aerosol cans

Paint cans

Wax paper

Food-soiled paper

Window glass

Ceramics

Light bulbs

Microwaveable food trays

Other types of plastic not labeled as CA Redemption Value or CA Cash Refund,
including, household cleaners, cough syrup, shampoo bottles, condiment bottles,
cosmetic containers, ketchup bottles, yogurt cups, deli product containers, egg cartons, disposable cups, ready-made lunch containers, etc.

Normally I write about Real Living and something regarding our offering, however, today I had to write about my experience last evening. Bon appétit!

Last evening, for the second time I dined at a little French restaurant called Rendez vous (two words) in Oakland Park, FL (Ft. Lauderdale area). It was extremely authentic and the staff was absolutely amazing. Even if you’re not a fan of French food, their menu can satisfy any taste bud. The best part is the prices were very reasonable, the average dish costing around $12.00 - $14.00, with a large amount of food. To top off dinner, they have a huge selection of delicious desserts.

Again, I would highly recommend this restaurant for good food and something new

Rendez Vous Bakery Address: 1576 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park - (954) 563-2228

One of the core values at Real Living is being “agent-centric with a consumer focus." About six months ago (give or take), we rolled out a program called Going Green. The program was designed to assist sellers, buyers and agents to review their carbon footprint and give them tips on being a little more eco-friendly. This is one of the other great benefits of being a Real Living Franchisee or joining one of our local offices as an agent.

This week, I wanted to add our helpful trips for the office.

Organize electronically. Stop printing out e-mails, and try to save documents on CDs or flash drives to cut down on printing and paper.

Use recycled or chlorine-free paper in printers and fax machines. Also, program these machines to print on both sides of paper when using.

Use soy-based ink in printers, instead of petroleum-based, whenever practical.

Update mailing lists often to eliminate incorrect addresses and wasted paper.

Keep a recycling bin in every office or at every workstation.

Choose vendors who use renewable energy, or urge your current vendors to do so.

Don’t use screensavers on your computer monitor. These actually use more energy than setting your computer to “sleep” after a few minutes without use.

Perform an audit of your company’s environmental practices. You can use an outside company or a university professor of environmental studies, either will offer you suggestions on how to operate more greenly.

Recycle your cans, plastic and glass.

If you have any questions about Real Living and/or our franchise/agent offering. Please feel free to contact me directly at 954-734-0149 or Keith.Kumler@RealLiving.com

Michael Nickas who has 21 years of experience in commercial real estate investment has recently joined Real Living’s franchise office; Real Living Infinity International in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Nickas’s has spent most of his real estate career focusing on commercial real estate sales as well as commercial property management. Since joining Real Living Infinity International, Nickas is expanding his expertise to include mastering the complicated short sale transaction with his affiliation with CleanSlate Home Foreclosure Solutions. Prior to joining Real Living, Nickas worked for Ocean View International Realty.

One my favorite events in my position is when I get the opportunity to take a franchise prospect to Columbus, Ohio [our corporate offices] for a “Real Deal” presentation. The meeting starts out with a tour of our offices and introductions to key players that will assist our broker/owners in growing their Real Living franchise. It also gives the prospect an opportunity to see, feel and experience our innovative work environment. From there, each director from our key departments (i.e. finance, marketing, training, IT and etc) meet with the prospect to present and “prove” the “real” touch and services we provide for our franchisees. It also gives the prospect an opportunity to ask any questions on their mind about our offering. Then day wraps up and the final contract negations will end within 30 – 60 days.

So, I am happy to say on Wednesday, August 27^th, I was able to host a franchise prospect from the Marco Island area and it went extremely well. If you interested in learning more about franchise or agent opportunities, please contact me at 954-734-0149 or email me at Keith.Kumler@RealLiving.com