THE BROOKFIELD ZOO - 04/30/08 07:46 PM
We had a nice day. It was Erin's birthday. She is two.
What better way to spend a day than at the zoo.
We got on the road early for us, about 9:30 this morning.
First I had to take care of the coffee, the paper, and several real estate related/blogging type activities.
Traffic … (6 comments)
|
I'M CHEAP. I'M GOOD. MY HOMES SELL. USE ME. - 04/30/08 04:06 PM
That's right.
I'M CHEAP. I'M GOOD. MY HOMES SELL. USE ME.
I just wanted to get it out there one more time.
I specialize in Naperville and Lisle but have worked all over Chicagoland.
A quality product at a quality price.
I would love any referrals, happily pay out a 35% referral fee to agents, and … (7 comments)
|
SOUL SEARCHING - 04/30/08 08:07 AM
It's 7:30 AM. April 30. Erin's birthday (she's two today, and very cute).
Nicole and Erin are upstairs still sleeping. They both need it. We have had a whirlwind last few days.
I guess our lives are always a whirlwind.
We are going to the zoo for Erin's birthday. She should be getting old enough … (9 comments)
|
IS ANYONE ELSE EATING ICE CREAM?? - 04/28/08 09:43 PM
I came down to my computer to do some serious work. You know, searching the MLS, emailing clients, updating pictures. All of the mundane tasks we are required to do.
But instead, I chose to read about what others were up to...
But instead, I wondered, IS ANYONE ELSE EATING ICE CREAM?
I mean, … (29 comments)
|
IS IT OUR JOB TO MOTIVATE? - 04/28/08 07:50 PM
I think not. It does not matter buyer or seller.
I do not think it is our job to motivate.
I think if a person really wants to buy or sell a home, I should not have to be chasing them down. After all...
They need to show me they really want it. Because … (12 comments)
|
I NEED SELLERS! - 04/28/08 05:55 PM
My boss always likes to say the market is the market. There are no such things as good and bad markets. They are all just markets.
I understand what he means. He is saying that there is always a buyer for every home. The home just needs to be priced correctly. And that's one … (10 comments)
|
LEHIGH STATION. WHAT WENT WRONG? - 04/28/08 12:50 PM
My wife and I rented a home in a subdivision named Lehigh Station last year. Lehigh is in Aurora, right on the border with Naperville.
The subdivision was brand new, built behind a Meijer and near a shopping mall. It was probably only 50% built when I moved in.
Originally priced between … (2 comments)
|
HOME VALUES. SHOULD WE BE AT 2002 PRICES? - 04/27/08 08:52 PM
I was showing townhomes this morning. My old neighborhood. River Bend.
I met my clients at the usual spot. Starbucks.
I enjoy meeting clients at Starbucks. It seems to put them at ease. Happy. Who doesn't like a free cup of coffee?
I feel it is a good $5 investment.
I was showing a young … (14 comments)
|
DO REAL ESTATE AGENTS NEED SPECIFIC SCHEDULES? - 04/26/08 10:16 AM
Do real estate agents need specific schedules?
I mean the 9 to 7 Monday thru Thursday and all day Saturday type schedules. You know, schedules.
They have not worked for me.
Before I was a real estate agent, I worked at a Bank One in Lemont Illinois. That job almost killed me. … (22 comments)
|
HE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE MARKET AND... - 04/26/08 06:51 AM
Huh... Am I dreaming. No.
I am driving my limo. I am headed east on Interstate 90 headed towards downtown Chicago.
My passenger is a talkative lady. A tennis player. She has been chatting on her cell phone since I picked her up. Several different callers. All seem to want to hear about … (11 comments)
|
WHEN I GET OUT OF THE DARK PLACE, YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO STAND ME! - 04/25/08 11:34 AM
This is a warning to my readers. When I get out of my Dark Place, you will not be able to stand me.
Really, ask my friends. (yes, I actually have some)
I right this post, because Ron Tarvin recently encouraged me "to get out of the Dark Place".
I think Ron thinks I need … (10 comments)
|
THE PERFECT STORM - 04/25/08 09:45 AM
CNBC is on. I don't know why I watch it anymore. I guess it makes me laugh.
Oh, there was a time when I watched it professionally. Back in my days as a stock broker and then as a stock trader. I used to do probably 10 trades a day. On average. … (6 comments)
|
REAL ESTATE NEWS FRIDAY APRIL 25TH - 04/25/08 08:34 AM
So I wrote a post yesterday, titled Housing Decline-What is really going on.
In it, I thought that we real estate agents are spending too much time blaming the media for their coverage of the housing market.
I thought our time would be better spent getting our homes priced right so they … (4 comments)
|
SPEEDBUMPS ON THE WAY TO PROSPERITIY - 04/24/08 04:29 PM
Every once and a while it happens.
On second thought, it happens all the time.
SPEEDBUMPS ON THE WAY TO PROSPERITY.
We hit a tiny one today. My wife had an appointment (Nutrition for your Kids) scheduled at 4:15. I was watching Erin.
My limo friend Chris called and had a ride for me at 5:00. … (7 comments)
|
MY THURSDAY WORKOUT - 04/24/08 02:46 PM
Well, not every day do we have to climb a mountain. Today was my day to hang out in the valley.
But I did make it to the YMCA just the same.
My wife usually gets tired of Erin and I around 10:00 AM. So we usually go to the gym as a … (5 comments)
|
I CAN SELL ANY HOME. I JUST HOPE IT DOESN'T SMELL. - 04/24/08 12:29 PM
That's right. You have a home? You need it sold? I will sell it for you.
Paint chipping? That's ok.
Small yard? Low maintenance.
Big yard? Nature lovers delight.
Dirty carpeting? Old appliances? Holes in wall? Drippy ceiling?
It's a fixer upper. Those sell the best.
But in my 2 and a 1/2 years of experience, THE HARDEST THING … (15 comments)
|
HOUSING DECLINE-WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON? - 04/24/08 11:42 AM
So I read in the Chicago Tribune that home sales in Illinois were down 29.5% in March 2008 as compared to March 2007.
As a real estate agent, I think that sucks.
That means there were 30% less PAY CHECKS handed out to realtors last month.
I am a realtor so I find this VERY OFFENSIVE.
Many agents blame … (12 comments)
|
GEORGE - 04/24/08 07:06 AM
It was a beautiful evening last night in Naperville.
The temperature was in the mid 60s. No wind. It was just after 7:00 PM.
My wife and daughter had gone for a short walk in the neighborhood. I was tired from MY WEDNESDAY WORKOUT.
So I sat on my driveway drinking a cold … (7 comments)
|
MY COFFEE CLUB - 04/24/08 06:32 AM
OK. It is not much of a coffee club. A club of one. Does anyone else want to join?
But I sit, sipping my first cup of coffee. Drinking out of my "Kenny" LEGO cup my wife bought me a few years ago. Very colorful.
It is just after 6:00 AM. I have … (9 comments)
|
MOWING THE LAWN - 04/23/08 03:31 PM
Mowing the lawn is my favorite job. I don't really even count it as a job. A simple pleasure. Almost a hobby.
A job well done. Complete. It feels good.
As you may know, sometimes I have difficulty, how should I put it, "keeping busy".
Some days just feel a heck of a lot more productive than others.
So … (18 comments)
|
MY WEDNESDAY WORKOUT - 04/23/08 11:45 AM
Ahhhh.
The best thing about running is being done running.
My little family went to the YMCA again this morning. My wife had "definition class" my daughter went to the daycare she loves ("boys, toys") and I went upstairs to the fitness deck.
My treadmill awaits!
I had lots of poisons last night. Heinekens, cookies, … (6 comments)
|
MY REALTOR SENDS ME A GIFT EVERY MONTH! - 04/23/08 08:28 AM
Huh...
The traffic on Interstate 294 was heavier than usual. I was driving my limo. I had a customer in back. He was talkative this morning.
"My realtor sends me a gift every month. She sent me a bottle of wine last month," he said.
The fuzz was still thick in my head. I had … (18 comments)
|
BLOG SUBSCRIBER 42 - 04/22/08 08:57 PM
It's been a full three weeks. Three great weeks.
I made my pitiful rallying cry for more subscribers. It was March 31. I had gotten a taste of being popular. My post, I AM A HORRIBLE REALTOR, had just made it big time.
FEATURED STATUS ON ACTIVE RAIN.
Thank you Active Rain. Anyway...
I was suddenly … (8 comments)
|
WHAT NIGHT IS IT???? - 04/22/08 08:16 PM
I have two jobs. One career. But two jobs.
One is a limo driver. I do it part time. Whenever my buddy Chris needs me, I drive for him. The money is pretty good. You can make between probably $10 and $50 per hour, depending on the job. It is a perfect … (6 comments)
|
THE YOGA INSTRUCTOR - 04/22/08 04:22 PM
OK. She was just the substitute Yoga instructor.
But she is a young lady that seems to want to buy a house.
Bubbly and cute, this young lady has been looking for a first home for her and her daughter. She wants safe, close to work, second floor, nothing gross, nothing creepy, cheap, … (4 comments)
|
HOW DO YOU MARKET YOURSELF? - 04/21/08 08:38 PM
The question was asked of me this morning as I sat in traffic. I was on Interstate 294 on the way to O'hare. It was about 7:30 AM. I was driving the limo.
"How do you market yourself?", my customer asked.
Hmmm. I paused before answering. I was working on only a few hours sleep for … (17 comments)
|
COMMISSION - 04/21/08 06:41 PM
Hmmm...
Where to start...
Perhaps at the beginning...
When I was first studying for my real estate exam, I wanted to own my own office. Be the broker owner.
TRACY REAL ESTATE, I would call it.
I had no idea what being a broker owner even was.
I didn't even know what being a real estate agent … (12 comments)
|
I LOVE OPEN HOUSES! - 04/19/08 09:52 PM
Let me tell you why:
1. If you are a seller, are you telling me you don't want your realtor having open houses? Of course you do. They bring exposure to your home. This is a good thing. Don't let anyone tell you it is not.
2. I put up as many personalized … (20 comments)
|
I AM EASY!!! - 04/19/08 08:33 PM
And I am not talking in any sort of dirty or promiscuous way.
I am talking about SHOWINGS.
I AM EASY!!!!
I will show anyone, any home, any where, at almost any time.
I don't care about mortgage approval. I don't care if they meet me in the office. I don't even want to meet … (14 comments)
|
MY WIFE WANTS ME TO GET A JOB - 04/18/08 08:12 AM
I feel the unending support of my wife is ending.
Nicole has been a stay at home mom since we had our little girl, Erin, almost two years ago.
We have had to make lots of sacrifices in the last two years. We are not living paycheck to paycheck, but dollar to dollar.
Things are … (48 comments)
|
THE FIRST SIP OF COFFEE - 04/18/08 06:21 AM
Ahhh...
OK. I have actually had about 4 sips. But they are all DELICIOUS!
Is anyone else out there?
It's just after 6:00 AM, Naperville time. My juices are flowing.
Why? Well there's lots to do, of course.
I have felt low the at times over the last week or so. But I am coming back.
The … (10 comments)
|
POSITIVE vs. NEGATIVE - 04/17/08 08:21 PM
Hmmm.
I just read a post complaining about complainers. He even said it was killing him.
Very interesting indeed.
This makes me think. Do we have to be positive? What do we mean when we say people are "negative"?
The way I look at it, there are two types of people. Energy suckers and Energy … (8 comments)
|
2008: THE YEAR WITHOUT REAL ESTATE - 04/17/08 06:53 PM
OK. I expect some heat for my negativity. But I am not really negative. I do have a sunshiney disposition. I think I do at least.
I am blogging again. Drinking a cold Sam Adams. I forgot how much I enjoy that beer. Delicious...
If you are a consumer (I mean a non-realtor/possible customer), it … (5 comments)
|
MY NAP - 04/17/08 03:23 PM
This morning, I wrote a blog of one of the simple pleasures in life, a cup of coffee.
Well, I just experienced another of those pleasures. A GOOD NAP.
Oh I know, I should have been out "working". But I was on the computer at 5:00 AM sending out emails and following up in … (5 comments)
|
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT? - 04/17/08 09:32 AM
Hmmmm.
Are we looking for someone to get "IT" done?
Are we looking for someone we can trust?
Do smarts help?
How about business savvy?
Years of experience?
A nice website?
Lots of communication?
A nice smile?
A company we know?
Someone we know?
Someone we don't know?
Should they be referred to us?
Does it help if they drive a nice car?
Do … (9 comments)
|
FATHERHOOD - 04/17/08 07:28 AM
I write this post, sipping on my second cup of coffee this morning.
As I was in our kitchen, preparing my delicious hot Dunkin Donuts coffee (mmm good), I saw a picture of my little girl Erin.
I smiled.
She is upstairs sleeping now. The house is quiet.
Soon, she will wake, and our little … (9 comments)
|
The first sip of coffee - 04/17/08 07:00 AM
Ahhh. Delicious.
Dunkin Donuts. Hazelnut. Fully caffienated. With a little French Vanilla cream.
Yes, it's one of life's simple pleasures.
My wife and daughter are still sleeping. I have been up since about 5:15 this morning.
I have never been a great sleeper.
Sip. Ahh.
I am downstairs in our home office typing on the home computer. … (11 comments)
|
MY FIRST FISH of 2008 - 04/16/08 02:10 PM
So I snuck out shortly after lunch today for my favorite passtime, fishing.
I know what you are thinking. How did your clients live without you?:)
Well, I figured I am special and I deserve it. So I went.
I decided to go to the West Branch of the DuPage River, just across the … (8 comments)
|
My Wednesday Workout - 04/16/08 11:29 AM
I felt real good today. After being in a bit of a funk the last two days, I went to the YMCA and had a great workout.
4 miles on the treadmill. 30:23. I never race, but I do push the pace from time to time. My first mile is usually about … (7 comments)
|
THE BEST ADVICE - 04/16/08 08:42 AM
Sometimes it's what you don't say.
I have written several posts about the challenges I am facing as a real estate agent. My struggles are not unique, but apparently many find them interesting.
I hope so and I try to make my writing entertaining for the reader and therapeutic for me.
I enjoy writing.
Anyway, I … (12 comments)
|
Tuesday Evening - 04/15/08 09:36 PM
9;22. My wife is putting Erin to bed. We had a nice time tonight.
We went to Chris's house. He is an old friend that owns a limo company in our town. I hadn't seen him in awhile. He kicked me out of his house last time I saw him. For another post...
Anyway, … (4 comments)
|
Why would I prepare for an objection? - 04/15/08 04:32 PM
Seems like a silly question. But really, why would I face an objection, and if I did, would I want to overcome it??
The reason I ask: In my last post, Do you need Scripts?, I received a comment from a very nice realtor, Debbie Summers. She commented, "Having scripts means that … (5 comments)
|
ARE SCRIPTS A MUST? - 04/15/08 11:40 AM
I am doing some soul searching. I have just finished writing a post Rethinking My Strategy. In it, I question everything I do...
Which brings me to this. Are Scripts a must??
You know the ones...
"I don't know, I haven't seen your house yet."
"I would"
"Before we begin, let me tell you how I work."
Oh, … (13 comments)
|
RETHINKING MY STRATEGY - 04/15/08 10:54 AM
For too long, I have worked my "STRATEGY". It has been based on helping my clients find the perfect home. No pressure. Low cost. Very helpful.
Great product at a great price.
It hasn't worked.
Despite having about the lowest commission rates in the business and trying my best, I have NO business.
My … (14 comments)
|
TUESDAY MORNING - 04/15/08 08:17 AM
So much to do. It's 8:10 AM.
We have a 9:00 Yoga class. My favorite of the week. My usual instructor was looking for a subsitute.
I hope she finds one. I need to get this body/mind ready for another fun week ahead.
I am feeling better today. It was nice to get a … (2 comments)
|
TWO DAYS OF POISONS - 04/14/08 07:38 PM
If you have read my posts much, you know I write about my own personal battle of good and evil.
The battle of the bulge, if you will.
Well I lost that battle this weekend. I had my weight down to a recent memory low of 200.2 pounds on Thursday. This weekend was … (10 comments)
|
THE MASTERS PARTY! - 04/14/08 11:22 AM
It was truly a grand day. The golf. The crowds. The food. The drinks.
THE ORANGE JACKET!
All were fitting for our 7th annual MASTERS PARTY!
Lets start with the golf:
On a morning where the thermometer struggled to break 40 degrees, the competitors were clad in layers and stocking hats as we huddled at … (5 comments)
|
Is it rude to have your website link on your comments? - 04/12/08 11:21 AM
I have recently written a post titled PRICED RIGHT=SOLD!. On it, I received a couple comments that I found strange and since have deleted. Perhaps I am feeling sensitive, but...
Is it rude to have your website link on your comments??
The first comment was a blatant add for some crap he was … (85 comments)
|
I NEED YOUR HELP ACTIVE RAIN. WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS? - 04/12/08 07:04 AM
It's 6:36 AM. Saturday. Naperville. Illinois. It's raining and very raw outside.
I have been up for a little over an hour. I am having my first sips of coffee between key strokes.
And I have some questions.
As I type, I am currently 7 days late on our rent for our home. I have … (18 comments)
|
HOT BATHS - 04/11/08 07:17 PM
Do you need an escape from the stressful world of real estate??
Then I write this post for you.
I want to speak out for the wonderful experience that is the HOT BATH.
Much maligned, especially amongst the macho guy set (Do real men eat quiche?).
But the healing benefit to the body and mind is … (13 comments)
|
PATRICK SWAYZE - 04/11/08 04:43 PM
So I was flipping the channels the other evening. I am a good flipper.
As I was flipping, I came across Bill O'Reilly's "The O"Reilly Factor." I paused and watched for a few minutes...
He was going into commercial, and flashed a picture of a slightly gaunt looking Patrick Swayze, smoking a cigarette.
"Why … (11 comments)
|
MY FRIEND CARL - 04/10/08 11:22 PM
I would like you to meet my friend Carl.
He is one of the most passionate, interesting, caring, opinionated, lovable, single, hardworking, dorky, best cook, athletic, and just good guys that I know.
He is new to Active Rain. He has posted some incredible recipes, as well as commentary on girls softball and insurance. I think he … (14 comments)
|
PRICED RIGHT=SOLD!! - 04/10/08 09:42 PM
I wrote on Monday Night how I spent the evening with neighborhood friends who were putting their home on the market the following day. They were listing with a sister, a successful real estate agent working for another company.
Although they were listing with another agent, they were excited and wanted to talk real estate. I … (20 comments)
|
BACK AT STARBUCKS II - 04/10/08 01:24 PM
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but at Starbucks, it's quite delightful.
Here I am again. My favorite seat at my favorite Starbucks. I have my earl grey tea. I have a great spot for people watching. Four male customers (plus me) are currently here. There is a gentlemen to my left … (8 comments)
|
TRACY REAL ESTATE? DOES IT HAVE A RING TO IT? - 04/10/08 08:42 AM
First of all, I would like to say that I love RE/MAX. It is the only place that I have worked in my 2 and 1/2 years in the business, I like my broker, I like my office, and I like many agents I work with. That being said...
Would Tracy Real … (13 comments)
|
THERAPY BLOGGING - 04/09/08 07:50 PM
OK. As always, I am never sure where this will end up but...
I wrote a post earlier today. It was titled Despair. As I wrote it, I was thinking I would be deluged with comments telling me "That I need to stay Positive." Fortunately, that didn't happen. I received many supportive … (4 comments)
|
DESPAIR - 04/09/08 03:17 PM
Panic. Despair. Helplessness. Self doubt. Bills to pay!
These are just a few of the emotions facing me as a real estate agent. Could I be the only one feeling this way?
It is April 9th and I have had one closing this year. I have several "buyers", but they seem to be … (17 comments)
|
THE MASTERS PARTY! A TRADITION UNLIKE ANY OTHER. - 04/08/08 11:32 AM
This Sunday, we will be having our 7th annual MASTERS PARTY.
What am I talking about? The Masters Party of course.
Sure, most of us probably have heard of the Masters, the first of four golf "majors". It is held every year in early spring down in Augusta, Georgia. Great history. Great golf … (5 comments)
|
YOGA - 04/08/08 10:43 AM
Ahh. Tuesday morning a the Y. My one class I do is the 9:00 Tuesday yoga class.
It is a great balance with the typical cardio/weight training type exercises I am used to.
Am I getting old? Mid-life crisis, perhaps. Something about focused stretching. You can't do it by yourself. Someone makes you … (9 comments)
|
MONDAY NIGHT - 04/07/08 11:23 PM
So I am sitting here. Watching the wrap up of the NCAA championship game. Looks like it was a good game.
I saw about 15 seconds of it.
I was at a neighbors. He had a little fire in the back yard. He and his wife and I had a few beers … (4 comments)
|
BACK AT STARBUCKS - 04/07/08 03:08 PM
I'm in my lucky seat. At my lucky Starbucks. 42 Jefferson, Naperville, Illinois. Right downtown.
Is any one in the neighborhood? Meet me for coffee or tea.:)
What makes this seat lucky? It's a small table by the front door. Great for people watching.
There are two gentlemen on the soft cushy chairs right … (13 comments)
|
MY MONDAY MORNING WORKOUT - 04/07/08 10:30 AM
Bad way to start the week. I got on the scale at the YMCA and weighed 205. Three pounds heavier than Friday. Not to worry....
After a weekend of "poisons": beer, cupcakes, junk food, etc., it is not unusual for me to gain a couple pounds. I gained three. My weight will … (4 comments)
|
Good Night - 04/06/08 09:00 PM
Just rapping up what seemed like a long and enjoyable weekend.
We were very active socially, getting together with couples both Friday and Saturday. It was nice. Today was a good day to catch up.
I don't think I am caught up.
I believed I had a good weekend for business as well. … (8 comments)
|
SUNDAY AFTERNOON - 04/06/08 02:36 PM
It's a little quiet. Yes, I had showings earlier in the day. But it still is a little quiet.
Kids are out playing. People seem happy. Many walking the neighborhood.
But it seems a little quiet, this afternoon, real estate wise. Not too much Internet activity, and my phone is eerily quiet.
My wife … (6 comments)
|
A lovely morning! - 04/06/08 11:36 AM
My wife, daughter and I just got back from a beautiful walk around the neighborhood. Spring is such a nice time. After feeling cooped up for the last several months, it feels wonderful having the windows open.
My little girl is playing with a ball on our front stoop. She couldn't walk … (9 comments)
|
THE POOPY - 04/06/08 09:36 AM
Good morning. It's Sunday morning. The weather is beautiful oustside. Just a beautiful spring day in Naperville Illinois.
I will be taking a couple out to look at homes this afternoon. It will be the first time out with this couple. They will be getting married later in the year and are … (10 comments)
|
I MISSED YOU! - 04/05/08 09:59 PM
It's official. I was lonely without my Active Rain today...
OK. Lonely is over stating it.
I actuallly had a wonderful day. The weather was beautiful in Naperville. People want to BUY homes.
I can feel the excitement.
My wife, my daughter and I had dinner with a very nice couple on the other … (2 comments)
|
METAMUCIL! - 04/05/08 11:13 AM
Yes that's right. Metamucil.
My family calls it a fiber cocktail. It's benefits were first told me by a good friend, Rick Bone, about 15 years ago.
Those of you that have read my posts know I write about many things. Things I am passionate about. I have lots of passions.:)
I have … (7 comments)
|
PEOPLE AND THEIR STORIES GIVE LIFE "FLAVOR" - 04/05/08 08:50 AM
Well I just got back from the grocery store. I had to get juice (my daughter need orange) and coffee mate for me and chocolate milk for my wife Nicole. Anyway...
The woman at the checkout line was particularly friendly and outgoing. I am moving a little bit slower. I was up … (12 comments)
|
THE KEY TO POINTS ON ACTIVE RAIN - 04/05/08 12:49 AM
More rambling? Perhaps.
But I think the key to gathering points on Active Rain is to STOP DOING IT FOR THE POINTS!
The way I see it:
You can only get points for comments 10 x day=250 points per day.
You can only get points for posts 10 x week=2000 points per week.
So my suggestion is...
Make … (19 comments)
|
ACTIVE RAIN VALUABLE TOOL FOR CONSUMERS - 04/05/08 12:21 AM
Are you looking for a realtor? Well, then look no further than Active Rain.
Get to know the person who will sell your home. Get the inside "story" of the real estate world.
Looking for a realtor? Well then check out Active Rain. Da Da Da Dahhhhhh.
Just a question? Couldn't this … (6 comments)
|
HOW HONEST SHOULD I BE? - 04/04/08 11:06 PM
Just a question? I am a straightforward guy. Most like me. Some really don't.
I guess you can't please everybody. But if you are trying your best to be nice and please others, it is disappointing when people don't "get you". Lots of pressure.
So here I am. It's 11:01. PM. Letterman's … (6 comments)
|
STARBUCKS! - 04/04/08 02:01 PM
Ahh. I sit. Computer on. Earl grey tea. What a great afternoon drink. Caffeine, but somehow healthier than coffee, don't you think?
I am at Starbucks. Why? If you know me...
Starbucks is my home away from home. It's my office away from home. It's my office away from my office. It's a great … (12 comments)
|
MY WORKOUT - 04/04/08 11:20 AM
Well, I post about almost everything else, so why stop now.
I ran 4.5 miles this morning on the treadmill. I ran it in 33:05. Felt pretty good.
Followed by some sort of ab workout on the machine.
I am starting to get in pretty good shape. I weighed 202 this morning. That … (18 comments)
|
FRIDAY MORNING - 04/04/08 09:24 AM
Good morning. 9:15 AM. Paper read. Coffee drank. Life good.
Erin, Nicole and I are getting ready to go to the YMCA for my nearly daily abuse that I put myself through.
It's been a busy last 24 hours.
I had a listing appointment last night. I will be putting a nice condo/townhome … (5 comments)
|
CHILLING OUT BEFORE A LISTING APPOINTMENT - 04/03/08 05:52 PM
O.K. It's 5:50 PM. I have to be a few miles from here by 7:00. I still haven't showered.
Night time listing appointments are kind of tough. I feel just a bit anxious.
Strange, I know it will go fine. I like meeting new people. They seem to like me already.
But I … (12 comments)
|
WHO DO YOU WANT TO WORK WITH? - 04/03/08 12:21 PM
I just read a great post, written by Bob Cumiskey.
In it he was asking advice about how to handle FSBO's(for sale by owners). I thought he did a great job of describing the emotions we go through when we face rejection. Way to go Bob.
Sure, you can have the attitude of … (28 comments)
|
ON MY WAY TO #5 - 04/03/08 10:52 AM
I have been an active writer on this forum since February 15th. I have written 60 posts. I have made 361 comments on other posts, and received over 400 comments on mine.
Do I really have that much to say?
With 23 subscribers and growing, I hope I don't let you down...
I am … (15 comments)
|
WAS I DREAMING??? - 04/03/08 09:57 AM
This morning, as I lay in bed listening to my little radio trying to drift off back to sleep, I heard that there is a proposal to give a tax credit of $7000 for those purchasing a foreclosed home and or new construction.
Was I dreaming? I hope so.
Are we trying … (4 comments)
|
Any Idol fans? - 04/02/08 07:50 PM
I sit in my chair. Very tired. Hold on. That's better. I had to move to the couch.
Feet up. Sitting in front of my 57" HD TV. Hold on again. I had to say good night to Erin. Feet up again.
18 minutes until American Idol. Are there any fans out … (6 comments)
|
BLITZ!!! - 04/02/08 03:34 PM
What a beautiful day. This was a day to be outside. So, since I had no clients to be outside with...
I did our MAPLEBROOK MARKET BLITZ!
What the heck is that? Well, I walked my neighborhood hanging Market Updates (neighborhood stats, my FACE) on the doors. There is probably another 100-150 more homes that … (3 comments)
|
"THE NICKIE INDICATOR" - 04/02/08 12:04 PM
I think it happened today. There are subtle clues. You really have to be watching close to even notice. But it happened today...
The real estate season for the Chicago area began today!
Sure, the economists and "experts" will tell you that the real estate market kicks off after the Superbowl, but...
Does a hangover … (2 comments)
|
I AM NOT AS YOUNG AS I USED TO BE!!! - 04/02/08 10:42 AM
Ughh. How did we do it in college? Sure the University of Illinois is an institution of higher learning, but night after night we sure killed a lot of brain cells...
For those that read my post from yesteday, "The Skinny Fat Man", you know that I have been trying to work … (8 comments)
|
Late Night Blogging - 04/02/08 12:29 AM
I went to the Bull's game tonight. They lost. To the Boston Celtics. We had a nice time.
My wife came, after much prodding by me. She is always a little bit nervous leaving our daughter Erin anywhere but at home. She is a great mom.
My good friend Dave has season tickets. Nice … (3 comments)
|
THE SKINNY FAT MAN! - 04/01/08 03:01 PM
OK. Most of you that have read my posts before know I write a lot of random thoughts, some with real estate subjects and some without.
One of my passions outside of my family (my wife, Nicole, and my daughter Erin) and real estate has been exercising.
A little background. I used to … (16 comments)
|
;)
Links;)
Archives
