DETROIT. THE BEST REAL ESTATE MARKET AROUND. - 05/31/08 12:32 PM
I think real estate is the best investment. Period. I do.
There is only so much land. They can't make any more. The world is finite.
That being said, we look to buy low and sell high.
Therefore, buying real estate in 2008 is probably a great investment.
Will we be … (11 comments)
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OFF TO MICHIGAN - 05/29/08 11:47 AM
We are all packed up and ready to go. My wife is just making final arrangements now. And then...
We are off to Michigan.
It has been a busy morning.
I stopped by RE/MAX Action to pick up my license. Now I will have to find a place to hang it.
… (15 comments)
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I WAS JUST FIRED - 05/28/08 04:56 PM
That's right. I was just fired.
My boss was fairly cool about it. We just got off the phone.
I have been at one office my whole career. Started in October 2005. Now I need to find another office.
He has been unhappy with my production. Heck, I am unhappy with … (36 comments)
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WE WILL BE MOVING - 05/27/08 07:23 PM
We found out the news on Friday.
Our landlord will be selling our home. We need to be out around the middle of June.
Bummer.
We love this home.
It's in a perfect little spot, less than 2 miles from downtown Naperville. Big trees. Great neighbors. Perfect location.
Pleasantville.
We will … (18 comments)
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43 DOWN, 57 TO GO - 05/23/08 11:55 AM
I thought it time I give an update on my goal...
TO WRITE 100 NOTES.
Originally encouraged to write notes to past customers by Kevin O'Neil, I set my goal of writing 100 hand written notes to my "sphere of influence".
I have written 43. I have 57 to go.
It has … (12 comments)
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HOW IS THE MARKET? - 05/23/08 10:42 AM
If I had a nickel for every time I was asked this question, I would have a lot of nickels.
I am sure all real estate agents are asked it all the time.
"How is the market?"
My boss always answers, "Unbelievable!" He doesn't ever say good or bad.
The market is, … (18 comments)
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A GORGEOUS DAY DRIVING - 05/21/08 03:23 PM
I drove a lot today. Around Naperville. Lisle, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, and Villa Park too.
I enjoy driving the back roads when I can, as opposed to the big streets.
It allows me the opportunity to see more homes and more neighborhoods.
Always learning, I figure.
But it was a gorgeous day … (7 comments)
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GREAT TOWNHOME VALUES IN LISLE, NAPERVILLE, PLAINFIELD AND AURORA - 05/20/08 12:49 PM
Some of my favorite townhome subdivisions in the western suburbs of Chicago are starting to show very attractive buying opportunities.
The asking prices of these homes are currently 10% below the asking prices in 2006.
Yet inventory remains high. Contracts are scarce.
An ideal time to pick up the townhome of your … (5 comments)
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I WILL STAY IN NAPERVILLE...SOMEHOW? - 05/19/08 10:00 PM
I have no choice. I have done too much work over the last 3 years to walk away.
I have shaken too many hands, held too many open houses, passed out too many cards, met WAY too many people to fail now.
I HAVE BUILT A HUGE BUSINESS.
It just hasn't … (14 comments)
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GETTING BUSY - 05/19/08 04:06 PM
It's strange. I have had to catch myself. I knew something was different.
And then I realized I have been getting busy.
I was at two birthday parties on Saturday. I almost try to avoid talking work at parties, yet work always finds me. It became a popular conversation.
One gentleman at … (5 comments)
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FORECLOSED HOME - 05/18/08 07:51 PM
I always find it interesting showing foreclosed homes.
I showed one this morning. It was in a beautiful subdivision in Naperville called West Wind.
Originally priced at $451,900, the home has been on the market just over three months.
This home is now priced at $383,900. It is clear the bank wants it sold.
… (14 comments)
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INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE 101 - 05/17/08 03:36 PM
BUY LOW. SELL HIGH.
Why do we all do it backwards???
Believe me I know. After 15 years in the financial sales industry, I understand investors.
I understand people.
We all talk of buying low and selling high.
But for some reason, we do the opposite. We all do.
It was true … (9 comments)
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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - 05/17/08 02:55 PM
Anyone looking for a great investment property??
With the real estate market down about 10% in the last two years, now is the time to be investing.
Not two years ago.
I know of a home in a wonderful neighborhood that will be coming on the market in the next month … (0 comments)
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IT'S QUIET - 05/16/08 09:38 AM
Almost too quiet.
"It feels like an October day," I told Nicole yesterday.
Yes it was cloudy and cool in Naperville Illinois.
But I wan't talking about the weather.
It's May 16th.
And it feels like the spring real estate rush has come and gone.
The dog days of summer will … (12 comments)
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HAND WRITTEN NOTES - 05/15/08 12:35 PM
Ouch. Writers cramp setting in. I sure glad I am not in school anymore...
21 NOTES.
That is where I am at.
In an effort to get back to basics I have begun writing 100 notes to past clients, friends, family members, etc..
I have written 21.
Notes are effective. People like … (18 comments)
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"IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE TOUGH" - 05/14/08 05:50 PM
"It's supposed to be tough," I told my friend today outside of the Naperville Starbucks.
He was feeling bad. Bad for me. He had been reading my blog.
"I just don't want to read any more about you that rips my heart out," he said.
Wow, I thought. It rips your heart … (17 comments)
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"HOW CAN I HELP YOU?" - 05/14/08 01:19 PM
I write that today not as a question.
It is my business philosophy.
My strategy.
My plan.
It's simple.
I am here to help. I am. I would do my job for free if I could because I love what I do.
I want to help you with your real estate needs.
I … (8 comments)
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WE HAVE TO TELL THEM THEY ARE OVERPRICED - 05/13/08 12:03 PM
We have to stop blaming the market. We have to stop blaming the media.
And we have to at least TELL THEM THEY ARE OVERPRICED.
They are.
If a clients home is on the market and not getting shown and/or getting no offers, they are overpriced.
I have had so many clients ask me, "Why do … (24 comments)
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IS YOUR HOME REALLY FOR SALE?? - 05/13/08 05:25 AM
Or is that FOR SALE sign in your yard just an ornament?
I drive a lot. Most of us do.
On many of the streets I drive down, I will pass the same FOR SALE signs month after month after month.
I think there should be a law against it. Any FOR SALE sign … (15 comments)
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THANKS KEVIN O'SHEA - 05/12/08 07:06 PM
I would like to thank Kevin O'Shea of White Plains New York. He had commented on one of my previous posts, I hate my job right now.
His comment was:
Hi Ken,
Take a day or a few hours and do something non-Real Estate.
Come back a little refreshed, send cards to … (15 comments)
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MY WIFE WANTS TO MOVE TO ANN ARBOR. - 05/12/08 03:38 PM
It's a race against time. My wife is scolding me as I type. She just told me we "Might potentially stay in Ann Arbor for ever."
FOREVER!!
I have never even been to Ann Arbor. Can I sell homes there?? I can sell homes anywhere.
I went to University of Illinois. … (11 comments)
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I HATE MY JOB RIGHT NOW - 05/12/08 02:53 PM
I HATE MY JOB RIGHT NOW!!! I am tired. Perhaps in a grumpy mood.
I just finished walking one of my farm areas, River Bend. This is a neighborhood I lived in for 5 years. Nice townhomes from the high 200Ks to the low 300Ks.
It was a beautiful day. I … (10 comments)
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31 MONTHS. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED?? - 05/12/08 08:38 AM
October 12, 2005. A date that will live in infamy. At least for me.
That is the date that I began the madness. That is the date that I sat down in my local RE/MAX office, signed my first contract, and began my career of real estate sales.
That was two years and … (12 comments)
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SUBSCRIBERS - 05/10/08 10:18 PM
OK. Probably another cheesy post.
But I do love subscribers. They are better than points. They are better than featured posts.
They are the best.
I write this as I just hit my 50th subscriber today. I thought that was cool until I learned Jason Crouch had more than 550.
I … (15 comments)
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MY DAY - 05/10/08 09:26 PM
Hello. It's about 9:20. Nicole is putting Erin to bed. We were at a party in the neighborhood.
We had a real nice time.
Today was slow for me, real estate wise. Nobody wanted to buy or sell a house today with me. That's too bad.
So I met more people. … (2 comments)
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WHAT'S MY HOME WORTH? - 05/10/08 11:49 AM
Great question. I am glad you asked.
Your home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it when properly marketed.
That's it. Not one penny more.
I am sorry if this is bad news for you.
But Ken, I paid X for my home three years ago. Isn't … (7 comments)
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REAL ESTATE NEWS - 05/10/08 09:59 AM
So I was sipping my coffee this morning. Dunkin Donuts. Hazelnut. With a little French Vanilla Coffee Mate. Full Fat.
Delicious.
Reading my paper (the Chicago Tribune) on a Saturday morning. I love reading the paper. Great way to start the day.
I start with the business section. Probably an old habit … (12 comments)
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WHAT I WOULD LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT - 05/09/08 06:03 PM
WHAT I WOULD LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT
1. A GOOD COMMUNICATOR. I want to be kept up to date with the sales process. I also want my phone calls and emails returned in a reasonable period of time.
2. LOW COMMISSION. I would. I am cheap. I have … (21 comments)
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HOW LONG SHOULD A LISTING AGREEMENT LAST? - 05/09/08 05:00 PM
Listing agreements. Probably the most important part of a Realtors job. Getting listings.
Listings are the name of the game. Listings attract buyers.
Without listings, a real estate agent is out of a job.
So how long should a listing agreement last?
If I were a client, I would not want to sign a listing agreement … (7 comments)
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FOR SALE BY OWNER - 05/09/08 03:33 PM
I think it's about time I touch on this subject.
If you are thinking of selling your home, you may have considered the option of FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO).
If you have, I don't begrudge you at all. Who wants to pay commission?
It's your home. You have every right … (6 comments)
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JUST THE FACTS FROM KEN - 05/09/08 12:55 PM
WARNING. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A POST WITH FLUFF, LOOK ELSEWHERE. IF YOU WANT STRAIGHT TALK, KEEP READING.
Good. Now that I have put my little disclaimer up, I am free to write away.
THE REAL ESTATE MARKET SUCKS.
That's right, it sucks.
If you bought your home between 2002 … (17 comments)
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"I THINK WE ARE GOING TO RENT OUT OUR HOME" - 05/09/08 11:21 AM
"I think we are going to rent our home for a year," said my prospect about 5 minutes ago.
"Really, why are you going to do that?" I asked.
"Because we won't be able to get full value with the market today," he responded.
Hmmm. Very interesting.
Full value?? I always thought … (8 comments)
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"THIS IS A NORMAL MARKET" - 05/08/08 11:57 AM
"This is a normal market," repeats my broker. Over and over and over again.
His idea of a normal market is if you price a home right, it will sell. Therefore this is a normal market.
I would bet most of the agents in my office get tired of hearing this.
But I agree. … (15 comments)
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JERRY MCGUIRE - 05/08/08 08:57 AM
Do you remember the movie Jerry Mcguire? It was a great movie starring Tom Cruise in the title role.
The movie begins with Jerry as a high powered sports agent. He has it all.
Beautiful fiance, tons of "friends", great job, lots of money, a big office.
He had it all. Or so he … (7 comments)
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THE POSITIVE CLUB - 05/07/08 04:05 PM
I am sure most of the realtors that are reading this have heard of Floyd Wickman. He is one of the Hall of Fame real estate coaches. Evidently very successful.
When I first began in real estate in the fall of 2005, I took a Floyd Wickman sales training course.
I thought … (14 comments)
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DID HE AT LEAST GIVE YOU THE LISTING? - 05/06/08 10:26 PM
A fair question. One I was asked this evening by a friend.
You see, my landlord wants to sell the home I live in. He has tried before. Twice.
But he wants to try again. He will be putting it on the market in June.
That will be weird...
We like this house.
We love … (8 comments)
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I JUST GOT A CALL FROM A FRIEND - 05/06/08 08:25 PM
One of my good friends in my neighborhood called me tonight.
Sadly, he will be moving in the next couple weeks. My wife, daughter and I have formed quite a friendship with his wife, daughter, and he.
They are good people.
"Ken, I'm thinking of starting a blog," he said. He wants some pointers … (2 comments)
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HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING OUT? - 05/06/08 02:37 PM
Yes I have. Thanks for asking.
I know many of you have been concerned about my fitness.
Well put your fears at rest. I have been working out. I just haven't had time to post about it.
So far this week...
Monday: At the YMCA, I climbed aboard my trusty treadmill located in the … (12 comments)
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FINDING FORRESTER - 05/06/08 02:11 PM
Did anyone else see Finding Forrester? I thought it was a good movie.
Sean Connery is the star. His character, William Forrester, is a famous writer who has been in seclusion for a long, long time.
Forrester befriends a young inner city youth who has a gift for writing.
The scene that I always think … (3 comments)
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SUPER COOL OR SUPER FOOL? - 05/05/08 05:47 PM
I need to know. I need to know now.
It's Cinco de Mayo. We have a friend, his wife, and their son over for dinner and drinks.
Here is my dilemma. I am wearing nice shorts, a cool shirt, and Dansko Professionals. No socks.
They are a clog type shoe. Great shoe.
But with shorts?
I … (5 comments)
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CINCO DE MAYO - 05/05/08 04:26 PM
Felicitaciones. Hoy es Cinco de Mayo.
Una dia muy importante por muchos Mexicanos. Y para mi tambien.
Mi esposa y yo fueron en su primero cita en Cinco de Mayo. Muchos margaritas. Un restaurante se llama "Cesars" en Chicago.
Puedo hablar y escribir un poco. Pero tengo muchos amigos hispanoblantes en "real estate."
Si quieren ayudar … (4 comments)
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FOUR LAKES CONDOS: BEACH VOLLEYBALL AND SNOW SKIING IN THE WESTERN SUBURBS - 05/05/08 03:51 PM
Yes that's right. You can have beach volleyball and snow skiing in the western suburbs of Chicago.
All just a short drive from downtown Naperville.
Where is this paradise? What is it named?
Why its FOUR LAKES in Lisle, Illinois. Just 30 miles from Chicago.
Singles, Doubles, Triples and Quads. Come one come all.
Nice condos. … (0 comments)
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HOW DO YOU GET MORE HOME FOR THE MONEY? - 05/05/08 03:29 PM
I was walking back from a local store. I had walked through the neighborhoods on the way there, so on the way back I decided to walk down the main street here in Naperville, Washington Street.
It's fairly busy at this part of town, cars traveling 40 or so miles per hour.
There … (2 comments)
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THEY'RE HOME!! - 05/05/08 12:58 PM
My open house was just about to wrap up. I was ready for it to be over.
At 3:55 yesterday afternoon, I started packing up. Put my papers away, popped on my sunglasses (it was a beautiful day) and started going room to room shutting off the lights.
I heard a noise. What … (2 comments)
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DRIVING THE LIMO THIS MORNING - 05/05/08 12:18 PM
My day started early today. Alarm set for 5:30 AM. I hate alarms.
That might be the best part of real estate. No more alarms.
But I was driving the limo this morning. I had a 7:20 pickup. In Bolingbrook.
Had to leave Action Limo by 6:30 AM.
I picked up a nice young lady … (3 comments)
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HELLO - 05/04/08 08:24 PM
Hello. Tired. Comfortable. At peace.
For the time being.
It has been a great weekend. No contracts. Yet.
I don't think I can measure my productivity that way.
I am becoming a lead getting machine. And I am getting better. Every day.
It's ridiculous. And exciting. It's almost not fair.
I swear. I don't try at all.
Except … (6 comments)
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FOOD STAMPS - 05/04/08 09:30 AM
Sunday morning is probably my favorite time of the week.
The Chicago Tribune is huge, with lots of extra sections to read.
The coffee always seems to taste great on Sunday mornings too.
I have just finished off the paper. Nicole and Erin are on their way to church. Nicole is searching … (21 comments)
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WHY RE/MAX? - 05/03/08 11:24 PM
I was showing a home to a friend of mine the other day. His name is Jeff. We had met at Starbucks.
"Why RE/MAX?" Jeff asked over his hot cafe latte.
I paused. I thought of all the lines I have been told about RE/MAX. Nobody sells more homes! :)
But, I fumbled, just like I … (11 comments)
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AN EMOTIONAL FEW DAYS - 05/03/08 10:19 PM
Poverty. Stress. Anxiety. Despair. Panic. Fear.
Hope. Opportunity. Peace. Happiness. Glee. Fortune.
Why do I do this? To me? To my family?
Why couldn't I have been one of those behind the desk guys. 9 to 5. Paycheck every two weeks. A bonus at the end of the year. No.
I chose a path of … (20 comments)
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PRICING - 05/03/08 02:46 PM
PRICING IS THE NUMBER ONE FACTOR IN SELLING YOUR HOME.
What about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION? Well, unless we can move your house, its PRICING, PRICING, PRICING!
Is your home on the market? Has it been for a LONG LONG TIME?
Are you getting any showings?
If you are getting showings, but no offer, then your home … (17 comments)
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RIVER BEND LISLE: TOWNHOMES WITH STYLE - 05/03/08 01:24 PM
River Bend, a lovely subdivision of higher end townhomes in Lisle, Illinois, has seen plenty of real estate activity over the last few weeks.
These homes, typically priced from the high 200's to the mid 300's are located just an easy drive to downtown Naperville.
There are currently 9 homes for sale in … (0 comments)
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ANOTHER CUSTOMER SERVED - 05/03/08 12:55 PM
So I just got back from Evanston. I had my first long distance showing.
I recently wrote that I am easy, my statement that I was willing to show any home any time anywhere to almost any one.
I just tested that theory today.
I met a nice young couple, Ron and Rose, outside of … (7 comments)
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MY FIRST LONG DISTANCE SHOWING - 05/02/08 10:54 PM
So I wrote the other day how I was easy.
In it I wrote how I would show any home at any time to any one.
Maybe I am crazy.
We have our first test tomorrow.
I will be showing a home in Evanston, Illinois. Two homes actually.
We are meeting at 10 AM. What time … (14 comments)
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MGD LIGHT - 05/02/08 08:03 PM
Ok. I know I shouldn't have Erin fetching me beer.
However, I was just delivered a cold can of MGD Light by the most beautiful waitress in the world.
My daughter Erin is two and one day. She is cute.
Anyway, she and I are playing in our basement. I was thirsty and thought … (6 comments)
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LEHIGH STATION AURORA: THE MARKET IS WHITE HOT - 05/02/08 07:37 PM
Ok. Maybe not white hot.
But certainly better then it was just four days ago when I wrote the post Lehigh Station. What went wrong?.
In that post I describe the troubles facing this new construction project on the border of Naperville in Aurora. Fairly nice townhomes priced in the mid 200k to mid 300k … (0 comments)
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Ahhh. That's better. I lost a subscriber. - 05/02/08 01:16 PM
I feel my stress fade away. I just wrote a blog begging for support over advice.
I just lost a subscriber over it. I may lose more.
That's too bad. But I guess it's ok, too.
You see, I am hoping my little "blog world" will be a world of support. A world where … (13 comments)
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PLEASE NO MORE UNSOLICITED ADVICE. I AM BEGGING. - 05/02/08 12:20 PM
I write lots of posts. This is post 146. I have written as many as 5 in a day.
I don't know if the content is good. I hope it is.
Either way, I know I love writing. So I write on.
I write about lots of things.
Family, Real Estate, Yoga, Golf, Coffee, Fishing. … (23 comments)
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MY WIFE JUST KICKED ME DOWNSTAIRS - 05/01/08 08:44 PM
That's it. I was trying to be a good husband.
I was busy today. For some reason the real estate gods smiled on me. It was good.
So I thought I should spend time with my wife.
I was even being sweeter than that. I was putting away the dishes.
After about two minutes, she said "Ken, … (11 comments)
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I "LOST" A LISTING TODAY - 05/01/08 07:00 PM
I write that with a smile. I didn't really lose the listing. I just didn't get the listing. She never asked me.
That's right. Asked me. I think people should.
She was a nice lady in my old neighborhood, River Bend. She knows me. She knows I am a realtor. She knows nobody sells more homes … (27 comments)
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LEHIGH STATION AURORA: Townhomes Looking Up? - 05/01/08 03:38 PM
The other day I wrote a post titled Lehigh Station. What went wrong?
This subdivision in Aurora had 16 homes for sale at a discount to new construction pricing. None were under contract.
Well I am happy to report that 4154 Milford Lane just went under contract. This was an end unit listed … (3 comments)
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"WELCOME TO THE PROSPECTING BUSINESS!" - 05/01/08 11:43 AM
Gary Jacklin is a good man. He is the broker owner at my office RE/MAX Action.
We have fought. Plenty of times. But he is still a good man.
I have threatened to quit. He has threatened to fire me.
When I first became a licensed real estate agent in October 2005, I interviewed at a local Coldwell … (6 comments)
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