I was blessed with the lovely gift of Butterflies in my garden today. The sun came out and my yard became alive with butterflies in the very colors of our season! I just wanted to share these lovely creatures with you in the spirit of they were received. They brought me a great deal of joy and I hope they will for you too. Huntsville Texas has its charms and this is one of the best! Oh yes, and Happy Halloween!!!!!!

As I stumbled into my kitchen to turn on my coffee pot this morning I was having a difficult time shaking the spider webs from my mind.

My living room looked like a hay field shortly after harvest since my dog Dallas enjoys chewing the decorative balls on my coffee table. As I looked around at the mess and his smiling face all I could think of was Real Estate.

After the coffee was poured and I began to think a bit more clearly, the assessment of who I am as a Realtor and WHAT ALL REALTORS MUST BE, made me feel FULFILLED. Not prideful but full of hope and the feeling of success.

I am learning every day!

I took my cup of coffee, scooted some of the mess to one side, and headed straight to my computer.

Does anyone here need to guess what the first thing was that I pulled up?

If you said "Active Rain" then you get a gold star!

Any other answer and you will have to GO TO JAIL And DO NOT PASS GO!

Yes, I was playing Monopoly last night long after everyone reading this went to bed. I have discovered that within 20 minutes I can become a millionaire at the game and I'm still trying to apply this to my life.

 

My life.

 

Let's talk about that.

 

 

There are many changes going on in my life right now as with you too.

 

The economy, the Real Estate market's fluctuation, and simply the way I view myself and others around me.

Before I found and joined Active Rain I was driven to create my own little Brokerage for the sake of feeling free to do and be what I felt was right. I did not want to live under the guidelines of "Old Brokerages" that would be set in their ways and possibly not as "progressive" as I wanted to become. This statement sounds a bit "haughty" don't you agree?

I have always reached for the stars.........

And, I found them.

Right here on Active Rain.

People are the ingredients of the Active Rain Recipe.

Add lots of people and personalities, add "Old Brokerage" knowledge, add opinions and questions that are answered and a network of "FRIENDS" and you get Active Rain.

Yummy!  no wonder it goes so well with coffee.....

When I made my first few comments and received comments back I felt the greatest feeling in this world.

I felt "included." It doesn't get much better than this. I learned that all I have to do is to ask and I receive answers from educated, interesting, professional, personable, people.

Most importantly....FRIENDSHIPS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME are created on Active Rain. Genuine friends that I feel I could call and visit with as if they were my next door neighbors. Although, they may be halfway across the world I feel as though I can count on them.

Active Rain and its members offer a wealth of knowledge and ask for nothing in return. Through simple communication amongst us members and our regular visits and writing we are given the gift of Search Engine Placement and acknowledgment from our peers and the CLIENTS TO BOOT!!!

Now, back to the coffee.

And, my computer. Remember the saying, "I love my computer because all my friends live in there?"

Well, you do....live there that is!

It's my mantra.

Oh yeah the coffee...I drank...read a few posts...made a few comments...then finally went to work. I completed a Broker's Price Opinion on which I will receive a listing, loaded a new listing on to the MLS, added new photos to another listing, and realized that Sally's contest ended today.

Because I have been so totally transformed with confidence, appreciation, unlimited learning capabilities, Google Juice and all the friends a girl could possibly want...I write this post.

I'm very wordy for a person that couldn't think of anything to write!!

Get my point? Point? Points???? Do I get points for this????? Cool. I love Active Rain Points! Yea! Points and Google juice....the heart of success....he,he.

If you have not begun to participate in Active Rain you're just being a drip. lol.

Later in the rain~~~~~~oops, and I still have to vacuum!

One of my favorite things on Sunday is having the time to surf Active Rain and say hello to my friends. I love reading all the diverse topics and being able to view the world from others' perspectives! I learn, I laugh and I love getting to know so many different people and personalities. Just opening the dashboard is a wealth of information and so much better than the Houston Chronicle even though you don't give out coupons! Ha!

I just read Michael Thornton's Feature "FIREPLACES-HIDDEN DANGER" and it now brings me to the topic of this post....

SQUIRRELS.

 

 

Yep, squirrels.

And chimneys.

Yep, chimneys.

 

 

Why, you ask....

Well, there really is a point here.

Once upon a time in a land far away called Deb's house there was a chimney without a chimney cover. (not a good idea by the way). Now in this said chimney it was not unusual to hear birdies, possibly Chimney Sweeps settling in for their spring nest. Deb always enjoyed listening to the chirping sounds of the babies and it became a strong sign of Spring.

One day, Deb began to hear odd noises coming from the chimney that didn't sound very familiar. It was more like a scratching and shuffling. Confused and bewildered Deb ASSUMED (you know what they say about that word) that it was no big deal.

Soon the noise ceased. And, the bewilderment was forgot!

A couple of days later Deb awakened to the birds singing and went in to pour her morning coffee.

OMG, SOMETHING DIED IN HERE was her reaction. YUK AND PEEEEEUUUUUU. Oddly enough the smell was coming from the chimney.

911....PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEPS PHONES WERE RINGING OFF THEIR WALLS TILL DEB SECURED ONE.

Sad but true a little squirrel had climbed down the chimney and couldn't get out. Huh. Deb always thought that if it got in it could get out. Go figure....

The chimney was cleaned with care and with Febreeze and candles the aroma wained. Deb got a brand new chimney cover and it has stayed critter free ever after.

WHAT THE CHIMNEY SWEEP TOLD ME. NOW THE POINT OF THE STORY.

If you ever get a squirrel down your chimney don't panic...and don't ignore it.

Simply drop a rope down the chimney and this will allow the squirrel to escape. See, it's not rocket science but no matter what it is I seem to have to learn it the hard way!

lol, Happy Sunday.

Deb

 

Do You Speak Real Estate "SIGN" Language? And, no I don't mean like this...

No, no.

I mean really...

Do you speak Real Estate sign language??

I find this to be one of my weaknesses in this busy crazy business we are in.

I was thinking about it today though and I am personally committing to better myself for my business and my client's sake.

The kind of sign language I'm talking about is of course our Real Estate signs.

I really believe that we can increase our business just by becoming more diligent with our signage. When you place your FOR SALE sign in a yard who are the first callers on the phone to you? Usually the neighbors and locals....right?

Neighbors tend to have big eyes and big ears. And, for us this is just awesome!

 

 

 

AWWWW.....

 

 

 

The neighbors eyes and ears bring us business! A lot of it through word of mouth. 

With normal progression of signage we are telling a story of our success. Keep your signage fresh and attractive.

Remember what they say about a persons home? If the yard is trashed it's probably the same inside.

Well, your sign speaks volumes of the way you conduct your overall business. Keep them fresh...

The perfect progression is of course...FOR SALE, OPTION PENDING, PENDING AND THEN SOLD.

Getting back out into the neighborhood once I have a house under contract is one of the things I am NOT DOING DILIGENTLY.

 I KNOW I SHOULD DO BETTER AT THIS!

When the neighbors watch a successful signage progression it is PERFECT ADVERTISING FOR YOU AS AN AGENT.

Yes, I'm talking to myself and reminding myself the sheer importance of this seemly minor point.

 

 I, Deb Brooks, promise to do better...

Later in the rain~Deb

Missy Caulk gave us a history lesson we all need to review.

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work, and give to those who would not.
Thomas Jefferson

Powerful huh? At what point do we begin to feel as if "Freedom" is in the past?

Thanks Missy. All should read this.

Deb

When assisting "potential clients" or "clients" do you qualify "CEILING PRICE"? If they tell you their top dollar is $400,000 Shouldn't you GO ONE STEP FURTHER FOR THE GOOD OF THE CLIENT?

What is that one step???

Think about it.

LIFE IS A NEGOTIATION ANY DIRECTION WE TURN.

Not just with our clients but in everyday structure.

PERIOD. IT JUST IS.

In this day of the current economy...we MUST KNOW THERE IS ROOM FOR NEGOTIATION!!!

If they qualify for $400,000 then why not try $401,000 to $425,000?

One of our main purposes of being a Realtor is to handle the NEGOTIATIONS for a successful home sale.

A DILIGENT REALTOR WILL TRY FOR THAT EXTRA FEW DOLLARS FOR THE CLIENT'S SAKE AND FOR THE SELLER'S SAKE.

(and no, not for the Realtor's sake)

Sellers are convinced by their Realtors to begin their "ASKING PRICE" a bit higher than what they would truly be happy with. This is human nature and normal in the business. The SELLING AGENT always assumes that there will be a negotiation with the proposed sale. And of course, so does the Buyer's Agent.

So, if your client says, "my top dollar is $400,000, ( Your client's CEILING)," are you doing a good job by not showing them properties that are priced at $425,000?????

Possibly not.

We as professional Realtors and Negotiators should go for it for the sake of the client!!!

I have learned to go to my local MLS for the stats to help me with the future negotiations for a client. We can isolate neighborhoods and the recent sales with those neighborhoods to see what percentage off the asking price is the current average.

EXAMPLE: Your client tells you they are qualified for $400,000. and they do not want to go over this price.

******* You are aware that there is a property they would love that lists for $425,000.00.

******* After researching the area you find there is an 8% average between asking price and sales price.

******* In this case the 8% negotiated off the price brings the sales price back down to $393,000.00.

DA BING DA BANG.....YOU GOT THEM MORE HOUSE FOR THEIR CEILING PRICE!!!

Often times if you present the MLS Data along with your offer it will help the Selling Agent explain to their Sellers why they should consider taking the offer. Including back-up Data with your offers is actually "assisting" the selling agent with their presentation.

Of course warn your client that nothing is written in stone but for heaven's sake give it a try if this is the property they prefer!

Good luck to you!

Later in the rain~Deb

It's been a long and hot summer. I am pleased with the production and the happy homeowners I have placed and moved. Although, I do remember one day's showings in particular though and now have to "giggle" just a bit.

With a shrug and a sigh and an "oh, well...I'll try again" attitude.

Lake Livingston is a huge MARKET area.  My lake is 88.000 surface acres of water in 4 (four) counties. It's big. Like Texas....it's big. Huge that is. An average showing will log over 100 miles with no problem.

Even though I am a seasoned Realtor and have driven many a road here....I still get a bit lost at times. Maybe it's my lack of sense of direction or....the sheer magnitude of acreage I am traveling....hmmm..

I would like to think the latter.

PICTURE THIS...LOL.   103 DEGREE TEXAS DAY ON BLACK PAVEMENT

So, we're driving a back road to the lake and I missed the turn-off. My clients were following me with their children and we were on house number five already. So, to make it easier I did a u~ie in the middle of the deserted road. It looked easy enough but then..........

BAM

My little car dropped completely off the pavement into a ravine that I didn't see....

Client, "well, Deb, you seem to have chosen the one and only place on the road that had a drop-off."  We immediately began to work on getting my car unstuck (if there is a word like that) and we all failed miserably.

We tried adding weight to the front for traction...nope.

We tried placing rocks and sticks and debris under the tires for traction...nope.

We tried neutral with everyone pushing...nope.

We tried readjusting the tire direction to gain traction...nope.

I was then calling my roadside service. I said, "could you hurry?" and they said, ..."NOPE."

As it turned out, all of the local tow trucks were assisting an accident. The closest truck that could come was 85 miles away. That's the one they sent.

FINALLY...TWO HOURS LATER.

 

Unfortunately I was teetering on total destruction AND BLOCKING THE ROAD FOR NORMAL TRAFFIC (which wasn't too much thank heavens) but the disgusting shaking of heads that were looking at me will forever be in my memory bank. Ish.

My lovely clients hung with me till the end. We saw one more house. I managed to get them to leave earnest money and an option check for this house before we parted ways and agreed to wrap it all up by fax.....................

KICKER...

I never heard from them again.

Nope.  Not ever. I still have the checks to remind me How "NOT" to sell Real Estate~

It was still a good year! lol.

Later in the rain~Deb

Gary, You say it's your Birthday? You have spent countless hours making us smile, cry, giggle, and reflect. All of us at Diary of a Realtor and ACTIVE RAIN INCLUSIVE want you to know how much you mean to us. So, come on baby, Let's Boogie down!!!!!!!!!!!



WE LOVE YOU GARY!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for being YOU. ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST FANS, Deb

Corporate housing in foreclosure is a sign of our times! Corporations that were flourishing once found it to be the standard to own a home within the targeted area of their relocation needs. These CORPORATE OWNED HOMES would be utilized for the incoming new hires. Executives that are transferred would have a home to reside in without "stress" as they learn the area and acclimate into their own homes.

Or, possibly it would be for a shorter term stint with the company. The Corporate owned home is usually very large with several bedrooms and is located within an "Elite" community with a golf course. The home could be used for weekend getaways for the higher Executives allowing them a "Business Trip" with bennies. So, for Corporations this expenditure made sense for them as a tax write off! 

While searching my local MLS in one of my favorite neighborhoods the statistics showed me that 30%........yes, 30% of all FORECLOSURES ON THE MARKET WERE CORPORATE OWNED.

Wow. This is a sign of the times!

When Corporations can't hold on to their investments it's really getting scary. On the upside though, you can find the deals of the Century!!! I found 4000 square foot "new builds" for as little as $73.00 a square foot. We are talking TOP OF THE LINE materials such as granite counter tops, Italian tiles and marble.

When searching for the best deals for your clients don't forget to search the CORPORATE OWNED real estate catagories in your local Multiple Listing Service. You may be amazed.

NOW IF WE COULD JUST FIND SOMEONE THAT STILL HAS A JOB TO QUALIFY!!!!!!! HA!

Check them out in your own area. Later in the rain~Deb

 

Well my friends,

This has been a week of challenges. On top of everything life throws at us I showed you a clip of "Dallas" my newly acquired family member. We are getting along famously. Including Jill although she still gets a little perturbed that her quiet world of "Old dog rest" is being disrupted.

Dallas came home with me on Tuesday afternoon after a semi-traumatic neuter session and was still groggy from his anesthesia. He recognized "home" after having to stay at the animal shelter for three days while all was being prepared at home....or so I thought.

I am trying to be a good master and make the right decisions and to acclimate him properly.

To Date the expenses have been occurring quite rapidly and my head is spinning!!!

ACTUAL ADOPTION: no biggie....$85.00

New chain link dog run with product and labor..............$950.00

Target/Walmart, toys, food, bed, collar, leash, bowls, brush, etc....$103.00

Wellness appointment with Vet....yet to be determined

FINDING MY DOG......PRICELESS!

Thursday after the completion of the fence I finally was able to let him in the yard and go do some necessary shopping without worrying whether or not my sofa would become a chew toy. So, in he goes in to his very own brand new dog run and off I go shopping.

Home from shopping three hours later I went to let him out of the dog run.

NO MORE DALLAS

Dog gone.

Panic, shock, disbelief, mourning, fear and dread were just the beginning of what I was feeling. After throwing the goods into the fridge I ran out to start driving to look for him.

Around the corner came a very smiley Dallas with the look on his face like "where have you been?

Smart dog came home. He had simply dug two feet under the fence and let himself out.

So, Monday there is more work to be done on the fence and I'm quite sure there are more challenges to come but we are going to be a happy family soon enough!

 

 

NOW, BACK TO REAL ESTATE. WHEW.

 

 

FOR YOUR OWN ADOPTION IN WALKER COUNTY (and you don't have to spend what I have)

GO TO

http://www.RITABHUFFANIMALSHELTER.ORG

Later in the rain~Deb