Deb's Lake Livingston Real Estate blog!

Wake Up On Lake Livingston...New Take On Localism Part II

2008-07-04T15:00:04Z

You pour your coffee, step out on the back deck and sit under the shade of your Oak tree. You begin thinking back to the first day you learned of the treasures of Lake Livingston, Texas. It really was like a treasure hunt without the hope of finding the treasure...but low and behold, here you are. "How did I get so lucky, you think to yourself?" Oh, sure. Just happenstance. "I remember now."

My honey and I were driving back home to Houston from our weekend trip. We had decided to take the back roads instead of I-45. We hoped the views would be much better. And, they certainly were! We passed the small town of Trinity Texas and were getting close to I-45 when we saw a billboard that really captured our attention.

There it was touting Lake Homes For Sale...hum, we thought.

Didn't we see them on Active Rain? We're ahead of schedule so why don't we call them??? "Okay", and a Realtor by the name of Debra Brooks answered the phone with such enthusiasm! She was really helpful.

She directed us to her office and offered to show us around the lake. Why not, we thought? We are only an hour and a half from our home in Houston! We've always wanted to have a weekend getaway but we just never dreamt it could happen.

So, we met Deb at her office. It was close to the lake and we hit it off right off the bat. We were afraid we might be underdressed but she met us in flip flops, jeans and a T-shirt.

How comfortable she made us feel! She visited with us for a bit while we filled her in on our dreams and financial status and the next thing we know she swooped us away to the lake. She was driving and it was a great break for us after driving for the day.

Nothing is scarier than wishing for something you just can't have. Deb just kept reassuring us that it was going to be fine and that we could make it work.

That it WAS possible.

After she showed us the third house in a beautiful part of the lake called Carolina Cove, we were in love.

This Carolina Cove is where we wanted to be! It felt like home....away from home. An hour and a half away from our house in Houston, it was far enough away to feel like we were "away from it all" yet close enough to be back quickly.

The cove is deep and blue and safe and beautiful. It leads right into Lake Livingston and in to the Trinity River for yet another water adventure.

Deb told us she felt that angels gathered there to refresh and reflect.

We looked at each other and we knew this was it. This is where we wanted to be! We had a gazillion questions and Deb answered them all!

Gosh, we wanted to know everything!

We sat down with Deb and this is what she told us...

To be continued...

Look for Brooks Prime Properties on LOCALISM.COM

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Thank you for viewing Deb's Lake Livingston Blog and Other Stuff. We are serving Walker County, Trinity County, Polk County and San Jacinto County. Please contact us for all your Lake Livingston Real Estate needs.

www.brooksprimeproperties.com

www.lakelivingstonprime.com

www.buywaterfronts.com

www.activerain/lakelivingston.com

www.livingstonlakehouse.com

Wear Flowers in your Hair!

2008-07-04T12:24:02Z

EVERYONE DESERVES TO GO! To Inman Connect in San Francisco!

The time is drawing near...our final announcement for the top 3 teams is on Monday July 7, 2008. We're biting our nails and twisting our hair and jumping up and down waiting for the final announcement. The Makeover2Takeover contest has been a real hoot! It has reminded me a bit of what a "virtual bootcamp" might be!

"Drop to the floor and give me 200 push-ups!" Thank goodness this is virtual.

We have learned that there is nothing we can't do when the desire is there to do so! Active Rain and all who are involved (?) have really given us the incentive to stretch and grow and improve our prospective businesses.

We have found each other to be friends...not competitors. We have found ourselves dreaming and hoping and supporting and wishing the best to our circle of friends within the contest. Of the six teams that remain, only three teams will be left standing on Monday afternoon.

Whether we must say goodbye or "YeeHaa, yea rah" this has been an honor for all of us! This must be an incredibly difficult chore for the decision makers.

Just remember...EVERYONE DESERVES TO GO! And, wear flowers in your hair!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR FELLOW BLOGGERS

GREAT SHOT OF JOHN LENNON IN THE VIDEO

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www.brooksprimeproperties.com

www.lakelivingstonprime.com

www.buywaterfronts.com

www.activerain/lakelivingston.com

www.livingstonlakehouse.com

LOCALISM FEATURED: Wake Up On Lake Livingston...New Take On Localism...Part I

2008-06-30T21:59:27Z

A glimpse of your day at Lake Livingston begins here.

You awake inside your gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront home and sit up in your bed and a beautiful dawn awaits you. You stretch and smile as the colors fill your room with energy and hope. You look at your partner sleeping soundly and decide to let them sleep and that to be alone is fine for now. You wipe the sleep from your eyes while watching the sun make its appearance with a wonderful yellow glow. You watch the blue waters lap upon your shore and you see the diamond sparkles dance on the peaks of the waves like a gem. You know you're home and where you want to be! Gray Herons walk the shore, feeding upon the abundance of small fish and bugs. Turtles are sunning on the old stump right off your boathouse and all is serene and lovely.

You smile with the realization that this is happening to you.

You are here. You own a piece of your own paradise. You captured a piece of your dream. Had you known it was going to be so easy you would have done this years before. You then hear the words of your parents..."plan ahead for your retirement dear...it's never too soon!"

Even though retirement is still a ways away you feel released from the stress and pressures of city living. When you "listen" you hear quiet. No traffic. Just the wake up call of exotic birds. You hear the rustle of the Oak Tree's mighty limbs and leaves that cast shade and shadows on your bit of heaven and you breathe a breath deeper and fuller and richer than you ever could in the city.

The rich smell of coffee fills the air with the aroma of your Lake Livingston morning.

And, you are happy.

You pour your coffee, step out on the back deck and sit under the shade of your Oak tree. You begin thinking back to the first day you learned of the treasures of Lake Livingston, Texas. It really was like a treasure hunt without the hope of finding the treasure...but low and behold, here you are. "How did I get so lucky, you think to yourself?" Oh, sure. Just happenstance. "I remember now."

Deb told us she felt that angels gathered there to refresh and reflect.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

www.brooksprimeproperties.com

www.lakelivingstonprime.com

www.buywaterfronts.com

www.activerain/lakelivingston.com

www.livingstonlakehouse.com

What Makes a Community?

2008-06-29T01:07:49Z

What Makes a Community?

PEOPLE

If you are active in the rain you understand what community means. It's not the binding of people that have known one another forever or the fact that you live next door, it is more the foundational building of a friendship, business partnership, meeting of personalities, minds and support. Within the Rain, many of us have built strong bonds of friendship and respect for our fellow bloggers and Real Estate Professionals.

Well, there you have it in a nutshell. Lake Livingston Texas. We are not a particular "township" or county. We are many towns, 4 counties and subdivision after subdivision of "Community Minded" people. Lake Livingston redefines the word "local". Even with miles and miles between us we are still a tight knit community.

Lake Livingston is a virtual "melting pot" of people from all walks of life, states and even countries. It is not unusual for us to schedule "tours" for people who fly in for the weekend. The clients are looking for a spot on the water with the possibility of retirement later. Our Lake area is not as "commercialized" as many others are so we still have acreage and numerous homesites available.

Our lake is 90,000 surface acres of water and 450 linear miles around! It is, at the widest point, 7 miles across. On occasion I have shown houses by boat! There is nothing like loading the cooler with lunch, grabbing the binoculars and boating from property to property to help find the perfect Lakehouse by the water! We are blessed to have Bluebird Sanctuaries, Protected Piney Woods Forests, specified land for hunting and fishing and water sports galore!

I thought I would bring my camera and assistant with me today to give you a quick view of our Trinity River, Lake Livingston and a few of our friends and neighbors! Please join me with some of our "Local" friends and neighbors and see why they love the lake.

Our small town vendors are lifesavers when it comes to needing a quick grocery trip! You just met Denise McNatt of Mac's Superstop. Mac's Superstop consists of a Conoco gas station, Bait and Tackle shop, mini grocery store and UHaul Dealership. I have watched them grow over the last 15 years and their business is booming.

You also just met John Tallent of Tallent's Grocery store. Tallents are famous for their meat processing. They have the best HOMEMADE SAUSAGE...you never sausage a deal! Tallents have the most beautiful meat counter anywhere! As weekenders drive past on their way to the lake they stop to grab a Ribeye or Ribs to throw on the grill. You can grab a brisquet BBQ sandwich or a chicken fried steak sandwich or of course, their famous sausage while they package your groceries! What a life!

Next please join me for a glimpse of the Trinity River Bridge and come with me to show a house. The house is in Trinity, Texas and in Trinity county. My average drive day is anywhere from 60 to 200 miles! Off we go.

You have just met Barbara and Bob from Alaska. They have now placed an offer on the house and are looking forward to fishing!

Living next to our waterways is sometimes a challenge. Lake Livingston is so deep and oceanic in places it is imperative to conserve the earth from erosion. We build what is called a bulkhead to preserve our shore. The fun part is building a boathouse to keep our toys. Please meet two of my clients and friends Gabrielle and Dave Thomson. They own Waterside Construction and will help guide you in the shore conservation process. Waterside Construction is in San Jacinto County.

The Mortgage Corner is owned and run by a licensed Mortgage Broker by the name of Susan Bryant! Susan is a seasoned professional in the mortgage business. Her company is located in Trinity, Texas and she handles all four counties. Susan is on top of her game and is one of the BEST!

Thank you for coming with me for the day! The water is fine and the friends are great! When you are ready for your tour of Lake Livingston Texas please call me and off we will go!

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

www.brooksprimeproperties.com

www.lakelivingstonprime.com

www.buywaterfronts.com

www.activerain/lakelivingston.com

www.livingstonlakehouse.com

cancelled, thank you.

2008-06-26T18:32:54Z

Please be on the watchout and if you have information contact amberalert.com.

If I Only Had A Brain

2008-06-25T22:20:28Z

A command. Just do it may work for a shoe company. But, it doesn't really mean anything without the why, how and the total psychology of the reason...with people, compassion, intuition, responsibility, truth, ethics and common sense.

Example: outline of buyers guide.

Show them properties.

Whatever? Tons of diverse phsycologies are involved in the showing of homes from the beginning "nice to meet you," to what's important to you? Location, price, amenities, schools, playgrounds shopping, work, family location, church, you don't just do it.

You must perceive. You must watch and be intuitive towards the unspoken word of expression and body language. You must listen to the inflection of the voice and the way it is delivered. You must watch for signs. You must follow the signs. You must listen with more than your ears.

You do it with care. With knowledge, understanding, patience and work.

Robotic actions don't get it. They don't reach into the human psyche and soul to find the answers...but a good sales/service person does.

A good sales person cares enough to do so. A good salesperson cares more for his client than himself. All of this will be returned tenfold. Give and ye shall receive. This is true in your real estate business too. As well as your relationships with family and friends. You reap what you sow.

Possibly the command "just do it" means to use each and every God given intuition, sensual perception, emotion, compassion and feeling and work those attributes into a power or strength to find happiness for your fellow human.

That's what I call Real Estate.

You don't just do it. Or, maybe you do.

Do you?

Real Estate Just Is.

2008-06-22T19:10:18Z

When you are considering throwing in the towel because you've had more bumps and bruises than you think you can take, I would like to ask you to think again. Please, think again.

We all go through hard times and times that make us wish we were somewhere else, doing something else either more fulfilling or simply something that pays more money. I am reminded of Vince Lombardi's famous speech that has lived in the hearts of many men and women.

Real Estate can't be directly compared to football but then what can be compared other than more football? I believe within this heartfelt speech is the true basis of "be true to one's self."

Yes, that's what a female gets out of this speech, men. You could and probably will disagree with me fervently but hey, that's what makes the world go around. Vince Lombardi's famous tagline was

"Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing" quote by Vince Lombardi. Read Vince's whole speech at

http://www.vincelombardi.com/index.php

To some degree, I can't disagree with that.

Wait, wait, wait.

Don't leave yet!

We win in so many different ways. If I were walking into the street and a bus was coming at me and my husband was standing next to me, I would push him out of the way. Even if I met with my demise I would consider myself the winner. Simply because he lived.

This may sound like a strange twist but it isn't. As long as you, yourself, are happy with yourself, then others around you cannot bring you down. Neither can a lack or inconsistency of business. If you believe your business will come then it will.

My goal here is to convince (con (with) Vince (Lombardi) how funny! My goal here is to convince you to hang in with Real Estate if you like it! Don't take a break now and then say you'll try it again later when the market turns! So will every other disgruntled agent in the US. You see? To stay ahead and be ahead when the market breaks...now is the time for your wins. Don't let down on your game now!

You can win by working twice as hard as the next person. You can win by placing your best foot forward, looking out after the other person (client or family or friend) before your own needs. You can win by making it through each battle with a good attitude. You can win by going to sleep at night knowing you have done the best for all who are around you, even if the consequences were not directly beneficial to you in the physical sense.

You can be a winner and you can be successful even when the purse strings are tight. When they do loosen up...and they will, it will come back to you tenfold.

So, do you like Real Estate? Get busy and hang in there. There is more than enough business to go around for us all.

Real Estate isn't going anywhere.

Real Estate Just Is.

Later in the rain~Deb

Children grow up to be Realtors. Realtors have children.

2008-06-22T15:52:51Z

Children grow up to be Realtors. Realtors have children.

I am a very very ,very, very young grandmother. (ha) I keep telling myself that. My g-kids go to school every day and see signs along the corridor that tell them NO FIREARMS ALLOWED. They sit and watch as schools are taken over by nut cases whether they be adults or children. My daughter will not let them out of her sight and if one goes to a restroom outside the home they are required to team it with an adult in sight. They are strongly taught to say NO.

I am an advocate of the AMBER ALERT and the ADAM ALERT. Our children are the promise of our future. The adults that abuse the innocence God so lovingly gave to our children are due their punishment. We should all be on the lookout for predators.

So, I was thinking..........

Why don't we TEAM IT FOR THE AMBER ALERT??

If I start an AMBER ALERT group would you join?

What we need are Active Rain Volunteers in all groups and in all states to join in.

I put out my own alerts when I see one come across my computer. But, I am only able to post these alerts to 5 groups.

We now have nearly 94,000 members and what an impact we could make for our children!

We have nearly 4,000 groups.

THERE ARE NO POST POINTS FOR AN AMBER ALERT. IT DOES NOT TAKE 50 WORDS TO POST. IT TAKES TWO MINUTES OF YOUR TIME TO HELP AND TO KNOW YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE. I WILL PROVIDE STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOU TO PARTICIPATE!

Review a few of these statistics.......

How many missing children are there?

The U.S. Department of Justice reports:

797,500 children (younger than 18) were reported missing in a one-year period of time studied resulting in an average of 2,185 children being reported missing each day.
203,900 children were the victims of family abductions.
58,200 children were the victims of non-family abductions.
115 children were the victims of "stereotypical" kidnapping. (These crimes involve someone the child does not know or someone of slight acquaintance, who holds the child overnight, transports the child 50 miles or more, kills the child, demands ransom, or intends to keep the child permanently.

•· FAQ: Missing Children

How many missing children are there?

How many missing children are found deceased?

What hours are most critical when trying to locate a missing child?

How can I prepare myself in case my child becomes missing?

What should I do if my child is missing?

Aren't most missing kids a result of a custodial disagreement?

How serious are family abductions?

What can I do to prevent family abduction?

What is NCMEC's position about domestic violence allegations in family abductions?

How can I help find missing children?

Do the posters I see and the cards I get in the mail really help recover missing children?

Do you put pictures of missing kids on milk cartons?

Whatta ya think? Should we go for it? Would there be interest in the support?

Later in the rain~Deb

Alert cancelled. Thank you.

2008-06-22T13:48:25Z

There is a new AMBER ALERT and I want everyone to read this and be on the look out.

If you have any information that could possibly help contact http://www.codeamber.org/alerts.php?ID=30

Who is Robert Arnold? Why do I want to know Robert Arnold? What is a Robert Arnold? Robert Arnold, Robert Arnold, Robert Arnold, NEWBIE

2008-06-21T16:35:36Z

It is my honor to introduce you to a friend and true NEWBIE.

Robert Arnold is a NEWBIE in Real Estate and with Active Rain! Robert is one of the nicest gentlemen you could, would and ever will meet from Texas. (or, anywhere else for that matter)

He is married to one of my bestest friends in this world named Sylvia and I sold the two of them their first Waterfront Area home as a getaway a couple of years ago.

They about wore me out looking for just the right house. We must have traveled over a thousand miles looking for the "right one" from here to "nowhere" and back. Whew. Finally they bought one just a few minutes from my house...go figure.

We are now lifelong friends and co-workers.

I want to invite you to visit Robert and give him a real ACTIVE RAIN WELCOME.

Later in the rain~Deb

I Lied and That's The Truth...Most Positive Experience.

2008-06-15T23:13:57Z

***With this submission I just hit 100,000 points! Wow. That is the truth.***

I lied Picture this: the year was (I'm not going to share this) and I was a child. I was a child raising children. My two children were very young. My husband had a well paying position but we still needed money. Who doesn't? I had a tich of sales experience and a tich of formal education. I combed the newspaper each week for a job and went through multiple interviews. I was either over qualified (for stocking shelves with Pepsi) or under qualified for everything else. I needed to make money.

One glorious day, I came across the perfect AD in the San Antonio Star. The AD read: Advertising Sales needed for summer position. Must have Advertising experience. $1,700.00 per month. Apply in person.

I knew it was for me! I just had to have that job! Something told me I could do this. They were paying a lot of money for this!

The very next morning I was heading out the door to interview for the job. I couldn't wait! I was so excited! I drove straight to the address specified and found the office. It looked so big and intimidating to me! There was so much glass and I could see the secretary through the windows answering the phones and it looked so professional. I took a deep breath and entered and walked straight to the secretary.

Hi, I'm here to apply for the sales job you have in the paper? She looked me over and said, "I will accept your resume and get it to Mr. Grisham."
My heart sank. "Resume? I'm sorry I don't have a resume. Is Mr. Grisham available?" Again, she looked at me. She replied sharply..."Mr. Grisham will evaluate your resume and will contact you for an interview. Do you have advertising experience, she asked?" "Well, uh, no not really but I would really like a chance to talk to Mr. Grisham about the job, please?" "Minimum requirement is two years in advertising and sales," she barked.

She reached into her desk and pulled out an application for employment and handed it to me. "You can fill this out and I will give it to him." I took the form and went over to the seat. I had absolutely nothing to put into those blanks. My experience was sales but nothing like what they were looking for. I wanted to cry. I walked past the desk and said, "thank you, I will fill this out at home." And, that was that.

I did not cry and I did not fill out the form. I sat in my car for almost an hour praying for inspiration. I remember this hour vividly.

Across the parking lot was a Denny's Restaurant (Lenny's) and miraculously my plan was formed! I made a visit to Denny's and bought a couple of slices of Banana Nut Bread. I went back to my car and ate one while I memorized my plan. It was getting closer to lunch time. I grabbed the box and an envelope out of my glove compartment and marched back in with a prayer on my breath. "Make the mean secretary go away, make the mean secretary go away." I carefully peeked through the glass and could see her desk. Thank you. Thank you. She was gone and there sat another lady. "whew"

I lifted my chin, corrected my posture and walked back in. With as much authority as I could muster I said to her, "I am with the San Antonio Star, and I have a check for Mr. Grisham." She reached out her hand and said she would deliver it. "NO, I said. I was told to deliver it to him personally." She said, "your name?" I think I made something up! She said, "have a seat."

My heart was pounding, my hands were shaking, my anti-perspirant quit all together. After a quick call she looked at me and said, "Mr. Grisham said to go on back." I walked the long hall. You know the hall in the horror movies that grows and grows and gets longer and further away? That hall. There it was. There he was. I walked in. Offered my hand and he shook it. I then began spewing like an auctioneer in a race.

"I'm so sorry Mr. Grisham I lied and that's the truth but I brought you this banana nut bread to say I'm sorry and the secretary wouldn't let me see you and I don't have a resume but I want the job you have in the paper and I don't have the experience but I promise I will do a great job for you and no one will work harder than me and I....

His disgruntled look turned to a big smile. "Sit down, he said!" He looked kind. He checked the banana nut bread. I calmed down and we talked. I gave it all I had. By the time he seemed to be done he looked at me and said, "Can you start ASAP?" I looked at him blankly nodding my head because it all seemed to be positive...till he said, "you don't know what that means do you?" My head was then shaking side to side.
"Can you start as soon as possible?" It still took a moment to sink in what he was saying but I stood, shook his hand and said, "I have the job?" "Yes." I could have leaped buildings in a single bound! I did everything but cartwheels on my way out!
I got the job.

My position was selling advertising in a booklet to business owners of Restaurants, Hair Stylists, and so forth. After about 9 weeks of my 12 week position, Mr. Grisham called me to his office.
He said, "Deb, I've got good news and not so good news. We thought it would take the summer but you have sold out the advertising slots and the position is now complete."

They were very happy with my production but my job ended early and so did the paychecks. I was blessed with a great recommendation that helped kick start my careers in life. I learned that a person is capable of doing just about anything they put their minds to. The summer gave me confidence, sales and advertising experience and a great lease on life.

This is by far one of my most positive moments. And, it lasted a lifetime.
For all your Lake Livingston Real Estate Needs you may contact Debra at www.brooksprimeproperties.com
936-295-0005
If you are looking for Waterfront or Lake Area Property I am your Lake Livingston Real Estate Specialist.

Active Rain is just playing catch up!

2008-06-10T14:04:16Z

Active Rain is just playing catch up!

Don't worry! They'll be back stronger than ever! Newbies just hang in there and it will be worth it! From what I understand, Active Rain is upgrading servers. Now, that may not seem like such a big deal but with over 90,000 people and their data it takes a HUGE transference of data!

Let's give our Active Rain Leaders a break and say thank you for all they are doing for us! The method to their madness is that we will run faster and better!

You know how when you clean your desk it looks worse before it gets better? That's all it is.

Don't go away! You'll be missing the boat!

Please, let's all say thank you to them for what they are providing us!

Later in the rain~Deb

and Proud of it!

Do Properties Have Kharma or Dharma?

2008-06-09T23:15:56Z

Okay, I don't really know what these things are but I do have a slight understanding. I believe that Kharma is the bad stuff and Dharma is the good stuff. Stuff meaning luck or a power of attraction. So if you go putting out bad vibes to the world, the world sends you back bad stuff called Kharma. If you send out the good vibes then the world sends you Dharma.

(I'm not talking about Dharma and Greg although I just figured out why that was her name)

So, I have a property that has been on the market for nine months now. I couldn't give it away.

I showed it no less than an average of four times a week for the nine month period. It was a beauty but it had an unusual floor plan and it would take the right buyer. It looked over big beautiful Lake Livingston Texas and was in an elite neighborhood.

Nobody wanted it. The house had been listed with yet another agency before they listed with me so it had languished on the open market for well over a year.

I guess it was kharma. Someone made the quote that:" there is never an original idea on this earth, if you're thinking about it then someone else is too!"

Who said that? I don't know! Look it up! (I learned that one from Archie Bunker)

Day one. Monday. Just like any other day. But...

1. Out of the blue an offer came in on my Lakehouse! YEA! I was so excited I about jumped out of my skin! It was for "the" house. The offer came over the Internet which I found strange but just didn't care. I immediately put the paperwork together and sent it to the buyer to be signed. He would send it to me the next day so I could present to my Sellers.

Day two. Tuesday. A call comes in from a man that wants to see the house. "the" house.

2. He was from California and was a trucker and had to see it right away. Of course, I showed it.

He fell in love with it right away and told me he would like to make an offer! Wow, I'm thinking this is too good to be true! His wife was involved but agreed with him by phone to go ahead and place a bid. I told them I had another coming. They placed a strong bid.

Day three. Wednesday. I was waiting till I got all the paperwork for both offers together and signed before I alerted the Sellers. I just wanted everything in writing.

3. By the time I received both signed offers it was late in the day on Wednesday. I contacted the Sellers to schedule an appointment to go over the paperwork. They were so excited! We scheduled a "sit down" for the next morning at 10:00 am.

Day four. Thursday. It was one hour till my meeting time with my Sellers. Our Office Manager walked in and said, "there is a couple wanting to see you and they want to see "the" house.

"the" house? huh. okay. I had yet to present the other two offers...

4. I showed "the" house. They, as everyone else did that week, wanted "the" house. They knew there were two other offers on the table so...they gave me a full priced cash offer.

They won!

So, this has happened to me several times with several properties.

Nobody wants it then everybody wants it.

From Kharma to Dharma. I vote for Dharma.

Later in the rain~Deb

and Proud of it!

May I Ask You A Question?

2008-06-08T01:59:04Z

Yes, we are Professional Real Estate Agents.

We have good days and bad days.

#1. From a consumer's point of view...why would they want to work with you?

#2. When you advertise do you offer the consumer something they want?

Or, do you simply tell about "you?"

#3. When you answer the phone are you smiling and glad to hear from them? Or, do they hear aggravation in your voice...are you distracted? Or, do they get your attention?

#4. When they walk in to meet you do you make them feel welcome? Do you shake their hand with a smile and good eye contact? Or, do you make them wait while you finish a phone call?

#5. Do you ask the right questions? Do you know your market? Do you give them a thorough view of their options?

                                         #6. Do you present yourself and your market in a positive light?

Or, do you discourage your customer with the sad news of the tough market?

#7. Do you return calls or emails when you say you will?

Or, are you often forgetful?

#8. Have you taken the time to "learn and know" your market? If you don't know one of their questions will you find out for them?

#9. If a potential sale does not work out the way you hoped it would do you feel it wasn't worth it? Do you allow the customer to see that you are discouraged or do you shake it off and keep working?

#10. When you wake in the morning are you looking forward to working your Real Estate business?

#11. Do you "feel" as if you are a good agent? Do you put your best foot forward?

#12. Have I given you a little bit to think about? Do you think your customer/client thinks about these things?

and Proud of it!

Establish a Niche Market...Stay on Top!

2008-06-03T10:02:47Z

A good definition of a Niche Market is a Market In Which You Specialize. So many agents seem to be available for anyone at about any time. After viewing the video snip from Brian Block (that is hillarious so click to view), I really began thinking about our diverse markets. Brian uses dialogue that is really too close to home for a few agents...Brian said, "I don't know much about your area or your floorplan and your house is a mess but I really want you to list with me.."

This may come across as funny but how many of you are doing this? When you head out for your listing appointment with your CMA, do you really know, understand and have a "feeling" of that particular neighborhood? Do you know the neighborhood and area intimately enough to understand what would make a person want to live there? Is this a home you really want in your inventory?

If you don't...how are you going to sell it?

In my opinion, there is one way of becoming a successful agent that won't let you down.

FOR THE CITY AND THE BIG GUYS-Create a niche market and become the "LOCAL SPECIALIST" of an area within the city.

FOR THE SMALL TOWNS-Create a nich market and become the "LOCAL SPECIALIST" of an area within the town.

YOU SAY THERE'S NO DIFFERENCE? YOU'RE RIGHT. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE.

It's better to know a lot about a little than a little about a lot! <--------->

Choose an area that feels good to you. There are many "niche" markets to choose from.

#1. FSBO,s....Usually after a few weeks of floundering, frustration and fruitless showings, they are ready to open up to the possibility of help. If you've been there gently all the way...who will they call? You, the Specialist. Neighbors talk. It will get to another FSBO and then another.

#2. LUXURY PROPERTIES...You may not sell as many but you won't have to. If your name comes up when they are "considering" selling...you will continue your process from there. This niche requires a great people skill within a targeted "income" class.

#3. FIRST TIME BUYERS...We will all want a home of our own at some point in our lives. This can become a very "SATISFYING" niche.

#4. WATERFRONT PROPERTIES...This one is here to stay. They just aren't making anymore waterfront property and this is my chosen niche.

#5. VACATION HOMES-This can also fall into the catagory of second homes. Or, investment homes. This is a huge market.

#6. COUNTRY CLUB/RETIREMENT-Do you like to golf? Do you like closing deals on the Golf Course? Does this niche fit your lifestyle?

There are many more niches that can be identified within your own communities. Identify your niche, learn everything you can, network within your niche, target your marketing towards your GOALS and close a couple of good sales. You will become "sought after" for your specialty, you create less competition, your Sphere of Influence will grow and your bank account will too!

You are on your way to becoming your own "LOCAL AREA SPECIALIST."

Debra A Brooks is a Texas Waterfront Specialist

for Lake Livingston, Texas and the surrounding areas. Contact her today for your personal viewings.

www.brooksprimeproperties.com

and Proud of it!

I personally specialize in Lake Livingston Real Estate.

AMBER ALERT-AMBER ALERT

2008-06-01T17:27:56Z

Please review and if you have not loaded the Amber Alert Ticker to your sideboard please take the time to do it now. We CAN help save our children. Click here.

Thank you and Later in the rain~Deb

Abadee...Abadee...Abadee...that's all folks!

2008-06-01T01:16:34Z

A couple of my fiendly friendly blogger friends forced me into tagged me for SUPER MEME which actually does keep our answers stifled in tow! Darn you Thank you dear Simon Conway and dear Chris Fisher for this embarrasing wonderful opportunity. I am one of my least favorite people to talk about really but I'm gonna give it a sh*t shot.

Question #1. Who is your favorite musical artist?

I had the opportunity to travel some with Garth Brooks band in the beginning of their careers. I don't just love country music but hearing Garth sing accapello while warming up on the bus was like listening to a finely tuned instrument. I love Rock and Roll...most all of it. I own several hundred CD's and I don't think I could pick one. I think Julie Andrew's voice was that of an angel till she lost it. I hope she will find it again in heaven.

Question #2. Who is your favorite artist?

Marti Garaughty! Okay, also there's The Painter of Light, Thomas Kinkade who fascinates me. I can stand and view his paintings for hours on end. One of my favorite places is the Houston Fine Arts Museum. Awesome.

Question #3: Who is my favorite blogger?

I love to read a diverse amount of information. Therefore I suppose I have my favorites in each catagory. I love Hard Core Lenn Harley all the way to reading Hugh Krone's biblical insight. Melissa Grant always makes me smile just feel better and Marchel Peterson always has great Localism posts. Jason Crouch inevitably makes me either laugh or cry. Simon Conway, I learn a lot from you about politics. Jennifer Kubaty writes with an open soul and Andrew J. Lenza is so good it scares me. Jesse Clifton blogs from the heart and Gary Woltal keeps me interested. Katarina and Nestor are so "together" I've learned a lot from them and Brad Andersohn is always entertaining. Paul Slaybaugh amazes me with his wit quite often and gee, I could keep this up till the cows come home...and truly I don't expect cows so you get my drift. There are just way too many people to mention.

I love so many more of you!

4. If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would it be and what is the most interesting thing about them?

I would love to meet Lucille Ball. What a lady. I would love to meet Marilyn Monroe, hug her, and tell her it's okay and I'm sorry her life was so difficult.

I would love to see my parents again. I would tell them just how much they meant to me.

5. What did you want to be when you grew up?

Well, let's see, I wanted to be a vet, model, journalist, olympic swimmer.

6. What is the most interesting piece of trivia you know?

Remember my favorite artist Thomas Kinkade? It is not so well known but he includes the letter N in every one of his paintings for his wife Nancy and his children's names and faces can also be found. Kincade is currently being investigated by the FBI about potential painting fraud. Boy, would I be dissappointed.

7. If you could live in any point in history what would it be and why?

It would be the 50,s baby! I would want to be like Peggy Sue! Wear my hair in a pony tail with saddle oxford shoes, Poodle skirts, tight sweaters, and drive around in a convertible with John Travolta. Until, of course, we went to the dance where we would win the dance contest hands down! Yeah, I am too young to have been there!

8.What is the most interesting job you have ever held?
Real Estate is more fun but I was a Producer (Vice Pres) for a CREATIVE MARKETING SUPPORT GROUP. Basically that means we would go into high tech companies VAR'S (value added resellers) and help Market the client's product through different medias. I worked with everything from 3D Stereoscopic multi-imaging to being on a team of 5 designers that won top trade show booth for Ericcson Telecommunications in the nation. I helped produce video's, created and produced paper and electronic ads, assisted creative directors in storyboards and traveled to 40 cities in one summer (burned me out) for Texas Instruments with a live comedy production. I produced up to 9 shows per day with full set, grips, talent and give-aways.

Whew. No wonder I like Real Estate! It's much calmer.

So, I get to tag 8 people now!

Yea rah! Too bad, so sad, gotta do it! Keep smiling.

Melissa Grant

Robert Arnold

Dionne Morgan

Kathleen Elim

Ricki Eichler

Duane Marlink

Tom Plant

Yvette Smith

Liz Carter

and Proud of it!

Contingencies and the DominoTheory.

2008-05-27T21:35:35Z

Contingencies and the DominoTheory.

You probably get initially excited thinking, "oh, finally I've got this one sold," but then you wake up to the light of day. We have all gotten offers from a customer or client that makes you feel like you had a mountain to climb. A contingency is one of the mountains...with lots of foot hills.

It may not be that big a deal to your Sellers, like maybe they're moving slowly (literally) and have no problem with taking their time. Remember, that's only in the beginning. Slow may be acceptable in the very beginning.

But, as the motion of the move progresses...so does the liability.

And, let's examine the potential liabilities. A Buyer's Rep brings a buyer for one of your listings and they offer a strong price. The only difference is that they have to sell the house they're in before they can totally commit to the sale. At least for that moment they have a good intent.

What happens when the buyers of the house they plan to sell lose their financing or their job or they get a divorce or there is a death in the family or the children convince them they just don't want to move?

Your Sellers aren't in a huge hurry so they say sure...with financing approval. Well, we all know that's easy enough to get.

YOU ARE APPROVED with these stipulations...

1. You must forfeit your first born.

2. You must allow yourself to be cloned.

3. You must go on a 1200 calorie daily diet...okay that's it. We're out of here. We may have thought we wanted to buy the place but that was a long time ago. We've changed our minds now...or whatever your customer's reason may be...they just walk away.

Contingencies hurt. They hurt the Seller, the agents, the lenders involved, the appraisers, the inspectors, the surveyor's, the life plan of the living.

          Period.

My recommendation is to limit the amount of time you allow a contingency. Really limit it. Require check in points and a guarantee from a lender with verified funds. If you don't you are asking for trouble.

Continue to show and take back-up offers. Remember you can take another offer and require the original contingency buyer to put up or shut up. Do it. Do it for the benefit of your seller.

No one has all the time in the world. Guard these folks as you would yourself.

Later in the rain~Deb

and Proud of it!

Sorry, I don't type. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Yup.

2008-05-26T17:29:08Z

Sorry, I don't type. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I can remember being so humiliated in typing class as a Freshman in high school. My classmates didn't seem to be having the same trouble as me. I sat in front of that clunky looking apparatus and I thought it was ugly and distasteful. Why on earth would I ever want to learn to type? My nails were long and my fingers were longer than most. I would go to hit the key and my nail would break or my fingers would get tangled up between the keys and it hurt. Really, I just didn't get it.

Look at this thing...

Can you even imagine? My teacher was a wonderful person and she worked with me to finally take a C in the class. Luckily my grade point average was still very high or that C would have kept me out of cheer- leading. Cheer-leading at that time was the center of my life. My mouth was made for it!

Thank goodness I was born a salesperson. I was h-e*-* bent to never have to type.

I would preface each and every job interview with...Sorry, I don't type.

One company did hire me for the front desk even though I proclaimed my "Sorry, I don't type" by telling me there was only occasional light typing involved.

After the owner of the company submitted a couple of very short letters to be typed up and was still waiting for it three hours later. He came to me and said, "just give me what you have." I did. He looked at me, shook his head, and walked away. I know there must have been 5-10 blatant mistakes...we didn't even have white out yet.

Low and behold, he offered me a sales position with his company...no more typing. This has been how I have lived my life. Sorry, I don't type. I always had an assistant or department that would handle that for me. My assistant and favorite daughter announced to me yesterday that she took a free typing test on Google and was typing 73 words a minute with like no mistakes...wow.

Now you ask, "how can a blogger not type?" Well, thanks to the desire to be a part of this community we call Active Rain...I took the typing test!

Now, don't you tell anybody...but, I CAN TYPE! I went to the free typing test I found on Google and I'm not soooo bad! Check this out! I have Active Rain to thank for this! Thank you Active Rain!

Check this out!!!    You can take your own FREE TYPING TEST by clicking on the link.

Active Rain, did you ever dream you could have such a diverse positive reaction in this world???

You do. "I can type Later in the rain~Deb" in just over a second with only two mistakes.

and Proud of it!

SMILE...You're on Makeover2Takeover! Happy Memorial Day!

2008-05-25T20:54:14Z

Debra A Brooks, Mentor

Mellisa Grant, Apprentice

Happy Memorial Day to all my Active Rain friends and family. Melissa and I have laughed so hard together this last week we simply want to share with you a few of our funnies. We were bantering around together for the theme of our MakeOver2TakeOver competition and we couldn't help but have fun with it.

It was just fun...Girls just wanna have fun! (and create a database to kick bootie)

So, please welcome the "THEMES THAT JUST DIDN'T MAKE IT".

1.                                "CRASH TEST" DUMMIES...

2.       THE UNTOUCHABLES (Deb and Melissa in drag)

3.       DANGEROUS DIVAS (we may look sweet but watch out)

4.       NACHO MAMAS'

5.       THE WRECKING CREW...leave it to your imaginaton.

6.       Blinging in the Rain...

7.     VIRTUAL VIXENS

OKAY, THERE WERE MANY MORE...BUT....I NEED TO SAVE FACE SO I'LL STOP NOW.

and Proud of it!

AMBER ALERT - man and child found..

2008-05-21T23:18:08Z

Child has been found. Authorities still have not arrested Olteanu. Full story here: Olteanu and son

This Amber Alert just came in on my sidebar. Everyone needs to view this. For more information you

may go to codeamber.org. Or you may click on my Amber Alert ticker in my sidebar. Please email this to

everyone in your address book. These children have less and less of a chance of survival the longer they

have been missing. Please consider loading the "free" ticker on your sidebar also. This alert should be

circulated immediately and what better way than by Active Rain Members. Thank you for your help.

Later in the rain~Deb

You Will Vote For Us!! READ THIS NEWBIES! The DreamWeavers...

2008-05-20T19:31:31Z

Really, you will...

Debra A Brooks, Mentor

Melissa Grant, Apprentice

I want every one reading this to relax. Are you relaxing? Uncross your legs. Breathe deep, deeper, with

shoulders back. Breathe, close your eyes with your head back and repeat after me...........

Now, open your eyes..."I said OPEN!...he,he, (sorry) and thank you very much."

One more time...

Now, scroll down and let your eyes settle on the middle of the lovely picture. While you are enjoying the

picture you may repeat your new mantra.....

Now relax and repeat...dream it, weave it, believe it. Very, very good. You are soooo with us!

and Proud of it!

Meet the DreamWeavers!!

2008-05-20T16:33:34Z

Debra A Brooks, Mentor

Melissa Grant, Apprentice

My favorite Apprentice in the world, Melissa Grant and I want to welcome each and every one of you to our knock your socks off, rock your boats, toe tappin', mud slingin', sayin' our prayers, competition.

WE NEED YOU AND YOUR SUPPORT. WE NEED YOUR ADVICE, COMMENTS AND KUDOS! WE NEED YOU TO WELCOME EACH AND EVERY ONE OF OUR TEAMS IN THE MAKEOVER2TAKEOVER CONTEST.

THE ACTIVE RAIN gODS HAVE ANNOUNCED THEIR COMMANDMENTS AND WE ARE OFF AND RUNNING. GEE, IF WE JUST HAD A BOOK FOR THIS.

Melissa and Deb would like to give a special song to all of our competitors. We send this with our best

wishes and kudos.........

and proud of it!

You Gotta Know When To Fold Um...

2008-05-18T23:23:44Z

You Gotta Know When To Fold Um...cuz you may have to hold um.

Investors can find every one of their anticipated dimes eaten up in holding costs in today's market.

The investment of Real Estate is still today one of the safest and strongest investments one can make. But, the overall "Buy it", "fix it", "flip it" strategy is changing quickly. Not only are the lenders requiring more money down but they are shying away from the interest only loans.

Old strategy would be to purchase the property on an interest only loan with the anticipation of flipping that very property before the loan matured.

Many investors were sucessful doing this. The amount of profit in return was expected to be exceptional. Sometimes as high as 40%. If the property was purchased correctly and the "fix up" was basic, this profit was not that difficult to attain.

Not anymore.

In todays market, the strategy is more of "quantity" not "quality".

Where flippers were realizing larger profits on less properties, today they are realizing less profit per flip. Therefore, if you want to stay in the business...you must resell low. You need to leave some money on the table for the next guy. You need to build a win-win deal or your property could sit there till the cows come home.

Where properties are remaining on the market for an average of 300 days, the profit would be eaten up by holding costs. What's the point? Some investors are finding themselves upside down!

Flippers use to be able to buy low and sell HIGH.

Today's strategy is to buy low and sell FAST.

and Proud of it!