Celebrating Rural Arizona

How important is choosing the Right Broker?

2008-01-15T13:48:43Z

While I would love to say this blog is all about answer that question, it is in fact my dilemma.

When I started Real Estate last January, I went about it all the wrong way. I teamed up with someone thinking that would help me ease in, from being a stay at home mom into the working world. Unfortunately, the broker I was with literally treated me as an assistant, with no training, and no support. When I left that group, I went to a new start up company with loads of potentinal: RealEstate.com, Realtors, a Service of Lending Tree. This company had it all! A wonderful sales manager, recruiter, training...the whole shebang! I was on a role! I still only worked as much as being a mom of four could let me, but the camradarie and support there was so unlike the other brokerages I had visited.

Then my husband and I ended up in New Mexico! I am excited to start my real estate career over here, yet I am in the same boat again. Who do you choose to work with? What type of agency do I want to work for? Realestate.com was doing a great job in Tucson, but there isn't a branch in New Mexico.

Do you choose a brokerage because of their size? Their training?

Here are a few of the choices I have looked at:

Centry21 - Will having an internationally known company bring me more business?

Prudential I am familar with the company, but haven't looked that much into it.

Re/Max- Another great national company

FavoriteAgent.com I only saw this driving down the road. Is it a brokerage? Who knows!

Everyones comments are very welcome to this discussion! Does doing well in Real Estate depend on the individual, or the brokerage, or both? Why? Will having my own strong web presence mean more for me than having a powerful broker? I"m sure I have many more questions, but these will do for now!

Lexa

Crazy Shot with the Kodak

2007-12-18T18:45:12Z

After reading everyone's reviews on the Kodak EasyShare V570, I purchased one for my birthday in August. I have been very happy with my choice, and have enjoyed the features. One that I enjoy is being able to stitch together your photos to make a panoramic shot. I was showing my brother my camera at Thanksgiving, and he was messing around with the features and such. He tried to take a panorama of everyone around the Table at Thanksgiving. This is the end result.

Pretty good...except the fact that we don't have any twins in our family! Somehow in the middle of the three shots, My sis-in-law passed their Cutest baby Temberlie over to my brother. The end result was each parent holding her! Just some fun I thought I would share!

Lexa

The Return, Farewell and Planned Return...

2007-11-13T09:18:25Z

Hello ActiveRain Members,

It has been a very long time since I came to visit my old friends. A lot of things have been happening and I wish it was because I was so busy with helping people buy and sell real estate.

It has been a rough year here in Tucson for Realtors, and Mortgage Lenders alike. I started my licensing courses this same time last year. Eager to save the first time home buyers from making huge mistakes in their home purchasing, I knew I wouldn't fail as a Real Estate Agent. I was friendly, likable, and I thought, pretty darn smart. I signed up as a team member to two very successful realtors who wanted to help me get my business started. Little did I see that one wanted to make me an assistant, one wanted to make me a partner. The conflict soon got the best of me, and I went out to venture on my own.

I was so scared and nervous, I wasn't supposed to be doing it solo yet. What, 90 hours and I am supposed to be a pro at this and have all the answers? I had a great brokerage who was handing me clients once a week. For some strange reason though, I couldn't convince them to buy what was available, or they were SO excited about the property we just saw, but couldn't find financing. I thought it was my closing skills, or my image, or (heaven forbid) my skill level.

So, I went to my broker, and wanted more training. I took class after class, took my first listing and realized how much EASIER at the time the listing was. That is....until it didn't sell.

I watched as my mentors started bailing out of Real Estate. These were very good agents who just hadn't seen the turn in the market that came so fast. Those who were wise and saved their money two years ago, found that this was their "rainy day". Those who were foolish, were kicking themselves for the situation. I supposed those who survive are the agents who understand that real estate always has ups and downs, just like any market or stock.

Buyer after buyer changed their minds or the home they needed to sell to move on just sat on the market, until the price was lower than what they owed. I have seen some subdivisions loose as much as 40,000 in price here in Tucson. I am sure that is nothing compared to other parts of the country, but we were supposed to be the "good" market. We didn't have many employers pulling out, our economy seemed to be doing fine.

Is there any other way through real estate besides the school of hard knocks? I did have one closing this year, a painful ordeal because the seller really couldn't part with the house, but was too cheap to just try and get out the contract. So he made our life miserable even until the day AFTER signing when he wouldn't hand over the keys and was threatening us. (Another Blog, perhaps)

So I have been a lost ship for the past few months, not wanted to keep pushing at something that wasn't working for me, yet not wanting to give up on my dream. I took a second full time job for 6 weeks, thinking the paychecks would make the difference. It didn't, I realized all I wanted to do was work real estate, while I sat there trying to help production levels for an ebay store. I hated every minute and the employer and I both agreed it wasn't for me and we parted ways. I left that day thinking that this was my second chance, my breath of fresh air, to jump back in the market in Tucson, no matter how stormy it was. That is, until my husband came home and said we were getting detailed to New Mexico for a year.

I am leaving the Tucson market, but as soon as I can get my New Mexico Associate Broker license I will be hitting the streets in Roswell, NM and the surrounding areas. I will be there a year, but it could be extended farther than that. The wonderful thing about being an agent, is that you can be an agent anywhere. I am back to Active Rain, blogging about my thoughts and experiences, but it will be new experiences and insights as I explore the areas of New Mexico.

Thank you EVERYONE to missed me while I have been gone. I appreciate especially Mike Jones in Tucson trying to spur me into writing another post. I know this blog doesn't have a lot of pictures and flashes, and too many words, but sometimes words are all you need.

Take care,

Lexa

The Perfect Storm

2007-09-19T21:10:49Z

Before the summer monsoons hit Tucson every year, Arizonans wait in anticipation. The humidity slightly rises, but so does the heat. It will usually it gets a little windy, and we get some scattered showers.

But we know that there are three things that must happen every year to officially welcome the Summer Monsoon Season. The humidity must rise, and be above 60% three days in a row. Temperatures must also rise as the heat drives in the clouds. And the winds from the south must bring up the clouds and storm. It's a beautiful science and it happens every year. Everything gears up, the conditions present themselves and we have ourselves "The Perfect Storm." Arizona gets tremendous amounts of rainfall that our desert so desperately needs, the frogs come croaking out of the ground, and the fresh smell of the desert is welcomed into our homes.

Just as we welcomed the summer monsoon season, we have just had that same scenario line up with the home buying experience here in Tucson, AZ.

The Federal Reserve cut interests rates one-half of a percent yesterday. While this helps cut the prime rate on credit cards and those loans tied to the prime, interest rates on home mortgages are still lower than average. Home prices are as much as 20% lower than a year ago and there's plenty of choice inventory to pick from. It is so very rare to have all three opportunities present themselves together, Tucson now has "The Perfect Storm" for home buyers. Along with these favorable reports, we also have local lenders offering tremendous deals and savings (that are legit!) that have been unheard of for years. If you would like to learn more about these programs, along with how you can find your perfect home, contact me, Lexa Montierth, at (520) 405-2857.

If you have been waiting for someone to say "This is the time to buy" here is your official notice. The best selection of inventory, along with the best interest rates and home prices. If you are wanting to buying a home in Tucson, the time has never been sweeter.

Curious about any of the information I posted here? I welcome your comments and questions, and would love to help you with your next real estate transaction. Feel free to visit my website at lexamontierth.com or call me at (520) 405-2857.

Rural Real Estate Agents: WE NEED YOU!

2007-09-19T15:02:37Z

There are opportunities every day for someone to relocate. Job transfers, family status, schooling. The list goes on and on. In my own life, my husband and I recently heard about a job transfer with my husbands work to rural Northeast Washington. So, I did what most people nowdays going through a life changing event does: Head to the internet.

Unfortunately, the area I was looking at does not have any Realtors listed on Active Rain. Actually, the whole quarter of the state does not have any Realtors listed on Active Rain. Localism had one post....another Realtor looking for someone who knows the area to refer business to.

It doesn't stop with Washington. I looked in Idaho, Montana, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin. Even here in Arizona there is no one representing my home town area. There are a few signed up for my husbands home town, but no one is providing information. Thank goodness there is at least a name you can contact. But oh yea, they don't respond.

I finally find someone through Google, and their personal websites in Washington. Beautiful layout, easy to find their listings and others. But no local content. I can't even find out if the town has a grocery store, but I know four homes are for sale.

So Real Estate Agents, put yourself on the other side of the coin. If you were looking for information about your town, what would you learn? What about neighboring towns and areas? Do you know of agents from these that can help add content to ActiveRain, Localism and even their own sites? Invite them and explain why we need their imput. There are people relocating relying on us!

What happened to searching blog comments?

2007-09-03T16:00:40Z

So I was sitting here, thinking...."What is someone responded to me on a comment I left?" I have left over 500 comments, it's hard to remember where I have left all of those little conversation starters.

So I decided to do what I have done in the past: Search the Blog Comments for my name (Lexa....I think I'm the only one on here) and see if someone addressed something back to me.

And guess what? IT'S GONE. You can no longer search by blog comments. I know we have all this other nifty stuff, but I really liked that search feature. *Sniff*

Is it going to come back? Was it just an oversite? Please let me know!

Lexa

I broke the 30,000 mark just by commenting :)

2007-09-01T12:13:53Z

Ok so I do blog a little :) My blogs have been way down, thanks to some craziness in my life, but I decided yesterday that I was at least going to make my 10 comments again. I have been on here reading but haven't been leaving comments.

So I logged in just to make my 10 comments, and then noticed I broke the 30,000 mark today. This last 10,000 has been harder to reach than the 10-20 mark. So Here's to Comments, and for more blogs that help our fellow rainers and our clients!

YEA!

ActiveRain Comments Challenge

2007-08-31T17:32:26Z

So I have been out of it lately. I had a lot of stress, and life changing events lately. But I know I have come to ActiveRain and cruised around anyhow. So why didn't I make comments?

I noticed that before today, the last time I made a comment was Aug. 20th. You can see your comments on the far left hand side of your home page, down at the bottom under My Comments. Now part of the fact may be that I have been using Safari, and when I'm not paying attention it doesn't recognize that I put any text in the box. But I honestly think I have just been getting lazy at commenting and acknowledging the many articles and posts I do read.

I subscribe to the "If you can't say sumthin' nice, don't say nuthin' at all" way of life, but why can't we say something nice? Everyone loves to know their voice is being heard, and that they are not wasting their time working out a great post just to find no one cares. So as long as your comment is genuine, I say GO for it!

So here's the challenge. 10 comments a day for the month of September. You in Arizona can ignore this challenge, I need to keep gaining points wise (JUST KIDDING!) You're readership of your own blog will grow, comments on your own blog will grow, friendships will grow, and your points will grow! And just watch it when you use Safari as your webbrowers :) (I think if I say that enough times someone will fix it.)

Buyers or Sellers?

2007-08-31T16:27:46Z

I was just reading through a "prominent real estate agent magazine" (I'll leave their name out) and a writer there states something of the following (I'm going to paraphrase).

As a new agent, you will be working with a lot of buyers, because you will be out talking to people, shaking hands, holding open houses and trying to get floor time. As you progress forward, and you get more referrals, you will be getting more sellers. Your ultimate goal is to work with 80% of sellers and 20% of buyers, so the quicker you can get to this ratio, the better off your business will be.

Hmmmm... I know traditional trains of thoughts were "She (or he) who has the most listings wins" but isn't that old school thinking? I am working with a lot of buyers, perhaps it is because I'm new to the business. But every Realtor out there (especially those in 10-20 years) is asking me how I get so many buyers. Their listings are sitting there, their sellers are anxious and getting upset, and they can't figure out where to find a buyer.

My own humble opinion here:

Buyers are more leg work, but less cost upfront. I help my buyers with lunch and drinks, but that is small verses the costs of magazine, newspaper, and other advertising that doesn't always work, but sellers expect to see.
With a buyer, you have options. With a buyer, if the house doesn't work out, you go to the next. With a listing, if the buyer doesn't work out, there is not always a "next".
I still get referrals of buyers to other buyers. So why would I be waiting for a referral of a listing, and pass up on a buyer?

I guess I'm a "Wild Card" throwing tradition into the wind, but I haven't had a selling agent yet that was upset when I brought them a buyer's offer.

GrandCentral...I like it already....

2007-08-31T12:23:31Z

I received an invitation this morning that they are opening up more spots for the beta version of GrandCentral...recently acquired by Google. The features on this really are nice...even nicer because it's free ;)

If any of you use RealPing, or even visual voicemail on your iPhone, these same features are seen on GrandCentral. While receiving a call, I can pick it up and accept the call, send it to voicemail, or "ListenIn™" as the message is being left. This is what I miss about old answering machines, figuring out who it really is and how important it is before I decide if I want to listen.

GrandCentral lets you pick out an available number in your area code, so for me I actually have to let people know about a new number that isn't as easy to remember sometimes. Thankfully, I searched the state and found one that my friends and family can remember :) The last four is HUNY :)

Other features that I love so far (in the 2 hours since I started it), You can block calls, set it up as SPAM voicemail for those annoying telemarketers that seem to call a million times no matter how much you tell them that you need to be taken off their list. You can even have it set to give a "disconnected" message, so the computers take them out of their system.

Fun features are things such as custom ring calls, so instead of the regular Dial tone people listen to while they call you, it's music or voice over or chimes.

I hope you all get a chance to check it out, and possibly receive an invite...as I already used up my 10 invitations!

Oh, if you try and call me, it will call your phone number first, and then call me. Don't freak out when you have some strange guy calling you saying, Ring Ring !

The Corner Market

2007-08-19T19:16:47Z

One of the great things about small towns and suburbs is the corner market. This is usually a Mom-and-Pop Shop that has everything you need so you don't have to drive 25 miles for a gallon of milk.

Over the years Circle K's and 7-11's have replaced these unique shops into 24-hour marts. They have been lost to the cities for years, yet they still survive in areas that are still in dire need of them.

Just look at any small town across America, you will find them. Usually the clerk behind the counter knows the names and pedigrees of every person who walks through their doors. Sure, Milk is 4 dollars a gallon, but with gas near 3.00 a gallon it makes more sense than driving a hour for it!

These little stores are hodge-podges of everything. On one shelf alone you will find cat food, ranch dressing, diapers, Pork n Beans, and fishing bait. Most of them I have seen also have a Deli, or Meat Counter, or just a place where they can make a great tasting lunch for the locals. There are no McDonalds or Taco Bells anywhere close by.

Thankfully most have changed with the ways of the times and installed debit and credit card machines. But even two years ago many did not. Cash or Check ONLY. And a check only if you were "local" or at least related to someone local. Yes, that's from my own experience.

So here is to the hard working Mom's and Pop's keeping the Country Stores and Corner Markets alive for those of us who decide to live outside the city limits. I will be highlighting my favorites in Localism in the future. I want to take pictures of each and every one of them and celebrate them for their hard work.

Summertime in Tucson, Arizona.... Can you still get a Cold?

2007-08-19T17:24:26Z

The answer is YES! Like no one knew that answer, right? This is a blog simply because I'm sick and I don't want to be. I want to whine (insert everyones favorite picture of a crying baby here). I haven't been sick in a LONG time. I want to blame that it's the kids going back to school again, and bringing it all home AGAIN. It seems to never fail, the kids aren't sick, but Mom is.

So I'm venting...Can't a girl do that? i suppose not. I'm supposed to be writing well thought out and SEO grabbing articles all about Tucson Real Estate and how now is the right time to buy a home. But I can't even think about contracts, all I want to do is crawl up in the bed with some Ny-Quil and sleep this sucker off. Of course, you know, four kids under 8 watching after themselves sound like something Hallmark Movie Channel or the nightly news is going to want to know about. Especially when the house burns down around my head or some other tragedy.

So here's your chance to whine.... Place your vent, the hardest thing that happened this past week to you. I have been wallowing in self-pity all week and need to hear that someone else is having a worse time than I am. Maybe it will snap me out of this mood.

Take care,

Lexa Montierth

Sisters....

2007-08-18T19:12:57Z

I am told there is a bond held by sisters that is unbreakable. An undying strength that carries women through the darkest of times. Sisters may fight like alley cats through their teenage years, but they always seems to help each other through the worst of it. I have two daughters, shown here at 2.5 and 0.5 They are complete opposites in every way. One likes crunchy peanut butter, the other smooth. One has to have two blankets at night, the other kicks them all off. I watch them with envy though, because they do share something I lacked growing up.

See, I was the only girl with 4 brothers. Of course, two older brother and two little brothers so I got the "best" of both worlds. My afternoons involved fighting and wrestling, climbing trees, and did I mention fighting?

Other women tell me their stories about playing ponies or Barbie with their sisters. Sharing a room with their sisters was like having a slumber party every night. They would share their dreams and goals, stories about their dates and first kisses, braid each other's hair and share each other's outfits. Sure, they fought a lot (and emphasize a LOT) but when they needed advice, their sisters were there to call on and help them through it.

When their was a family feud, a sister was there to mend the pieces and smooth things over. Caring and nurturing come into play and hard feelings leave quickly.

When a baby is born, sisters are there to help anyway they can. "Aunties" always bring the best gifts, no matter how much or how little it cost. It was always just what you needed.

When you are in a pinch, you know your sister (even though she has troubles of her own) is there to watch the kids, or babysit, or loan you a twenty until you're back on your feet.

I just wanted to dedicate this to all the sisters out there. Even though I may not have grown up with a sister, I now share the title with 7 women, 3 are the wives of my brothers, and 4 of my husband's sisters. He grew up with four sisters, no brothers, so I guess we are even.

My husband and I lost a sister this week to breast cancer. She had just turned 50. She was a second mother to my husband, and the older sister I always wished I had. She always so thoughtful, considerate and sweet. Always willing to help, no matter what her circumstances were, always giving of herself, her time and her money. Rest in Peace, Terry Lynn, The world will surely miss you.

Oh the pains and joys of Safari....

2007-08-18T18:46:24Z

Safari, the Apple web browser that is. I just found out that for three days my comments haven't been posting. I went back to see what someone said and noticed they weren't there. I started to panic.....I just knew I must of done something wrong and experienced a block on my account. I could see and read everything, but couldn't comment!

Then I noticed after a comment it said "You must enter a comment to comment" It wasn't recognizing that I had wrote anything into the box! So I'm back over on FireFox now, to enjoy my non-blocked ActiveRain :) Oh yea, it does the same thing when you're posting, it says it uploads the pictures, but they never get there!

Take care and have a great day everyone!

The Power of Positive Thinking in Real Estate

2007-08-09T17:39:18Z

Positive things happen to positive people.
Sarah Beeny

I went down and visited a fellow Realtor and Mentor today. The positive vibes were FLOWING! But let me go back...

I have worked for the past while (seems like forever!) on a couple of real estate deals that have been heading south. I am not one to give up, I try a solution for any problem from any angle. But sometimes, deals fall through anyway. Sometimes, it just isn't your fault. I have had to come and accept that. SOMETIMES, it is your fault, and you have to scramble and make things right. I have come to accept that too.

But day after day, I have sat at my desk in my home office, plugging away at these deals. I haven't been able to get past them. Call it my "hyper-focused" self, or my analyst side. I called my pal Melanie up and started talking to her about marketing in the internet, and how much fun ActiveRain is. How I can come in here and bemyself. She then wanted me to come down and visit and go over the "whole internet marketing thing".

So I put my kids on the bus for the first day back to school (Hallelujah!) and headed down to meet her. It's been a few months since I have seen her, and I forgot what an energy and positive force she was! After weeks of trying to struggle for blog posts, and answers and ways to "get back in the game" she has me ready to take on the world again!

A few weeks ago our Sales Manager stated that he always believed in being optimistic. If you truly believe something is going to happen, it will happen. It is cliché to say this now days, but it is still very much true: "The Power of Positive Thinking". So today, I am picking up my beaten and battered self, and heading back out there, into the world of Real Estate. They might have gotten in a few good punches, but I don't go down that easily.

What about you? Count your blessings, surround yourself with positive people, and look up. I don't know if the market could get much worse :)

Country Home for Sale in Tucson, Arizona

2007-08-06T23:10:06Z

Delightful Country Home Convenient to Everything!

Location: Tucson, AZ

This 4.2 Acre Property offers peace and tranquility, yet only minutes to shopping and work. Wonderful views of the Santa Rita and Catalina Mountains, this property is located near all the new subdivisions, but with space to BREATH! 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, upgraded flooring, RV Parking and some hookups. All this one needs is your offer, and your suitcase!

Information

Contact Information

Lexa Montierth

520.405.2857

lexa.montierth@realestate...

Contact Reply Form

Forward to a Friend

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Pricing

Asking Price: $265,000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Additional Pricing Information: Bring all offers! This one is ready for its new owners!

Property Location

1733 W. Hillock St.
Tucson, AZ 85641
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: Space

Year Built: 1999

Lot Size: 4.2 Acres

School District: Vail

Square Footage: 1613

Broker: RealEstate.com

MLS #: 20728121

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Interior Amenities

Hardwood Floors

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Photo Gallery

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Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 1210507

Benson Burnt Adobe Beauty in Highly Desireable Neighborhood for Sale

2007-08-06T21:57:06Z

Burnt Adobe Beauty for Sale in Benson, AZ!

Location: Benson, AZ

This well built home is constructed of Burnt Adobe bricks, which provide built-in energy efficiency. Private cul-de-sac at end of very secluded drive with astounding views! Vibrant colors with open floor plan that doesn't separate you from the rest of the household! Covered Front and Back Porches, a play fort, ramada, swimming pool, and access to the desert trails all from this property! Perfect for entertaining, yet secluded setting. Bring your offers, and start packing!

Information

Contact Information

Lexa Montierth

520-405-2857

Contact Reply Form

Forward to a Friend

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Pricing

Asking Price: $212,000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Additional Pricing Information: All Offers Considered!

Property Location

287 W. La Cuesta Dr.
Benson, AZ 85602
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2 (1010)

Parking: Space

Year Built: 1978

Subdivision: Benson Heights

Lot Size: .25 Acres

School District: Benson

Square Footage: 1650

Agent Name: Lexa Montierth

Broker: RealEstate.com

MLS #: 20732044

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Satellite

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Fenced Yard

Swimming Pool

Grass Lawn

Basketball Net

Secluded setting

Tool Shed

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (7 Photos)

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 1076557

Active Rain Virus Warning, BEWARE!

2007-07-30T01:03:10Z

Warning: There is a virus going around Active Rain, just like a pack of matches, everyone is going up in flames. It is only a matter of time until you are next.

From my observations, I can’t pinpoint where it started, but the latest victim (before me) was TLW. It has hit me, most likely because I read those blogs that talked about it. It is a virus causing an infection known as Blogger’s Block. I have injected this particular blog with the antidote for Blogger’s Block, so don’t worry about reading this. But it is too late for me. It is not too late to save yourselves

Where you can go for help: *For more information on how to cure Blogger’s Block, don’t contact me. I can’t think of a darn thing either. The best thing to do is find someone who never seems to run out of witty things to say, or unfathomable amounts of knowledge in any subject.

Another option would be visiting the outdoors and stepping away from ActiveRain. I know your points are at stake, but going without a decent blog for almost two weeks hurts worse. It’s frustrating watching peers pass you up the list for the number 1 spot. Survivors have said that the effects are slow to go away, but leave virtually no side effects.

Wish me well, I'm on the road to recovery.

Referrals....I like it, I love it, I want some more of it

2007-07-25T19:39:09Z

You may think I am talking about getting referrals, but I am actually referring to the the new "Referrals" section of Active Rain. Being able to help people? A wonderful feeling. But being able to help people by finding them someone else that can help them more? A very, very good feeling!

I have tried to join referral groups on MySpace, ActiveRain, and other hundreds of "networking" sites, but to be able to find them in a neat concise manner for myself is wonderful. Being able to post them for others to see in a neat conscise manner is even better. I know I am not sending my plea for help into cyberspace on some blog post that most people on here or other sites might not even see.

I love to work real estate, but commercial is not my niche. Nor, do I want it to be! So for me to find a commercial real estate agent, or even lender for that matter, in a matter of hours is a really good feeling.

I say "HURRAH!" to the Referral System in place. The one tweak I would add? Make a referral page to find lenders or other help, and a referral page for agents. I posted a need for a commercial property, that I don't know if I personally want to be the agent on it. I had three lenders willing to help though, which I also needed.

Thank you Active Rain!

IDX on your Website

2007-07-25T00:44:50Z

Hi everyone! From what I have heard, custom IDX solutions can be costly, and I don't know if I have the money for that yet. But I am looking to see if perhaps there is a good alternative until I do have the money.

Which company do you use for MLS/IDX home search on your website, what features make it great, and how much does it cost you? Are there features such as customer sign ups to save their searches, or ways to make the site look like your own?

If anyone knows of a good custom that they still feel is reasonable, post that here too!

Thanks!

Lexa

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? Who Meme? Not Meme!

2007-07-24T23:58:13Z

Thanks to Harold Watts, I have been officially Meme'd. Whatever that means, I thought. I figured it out, and I have been trying to follow the meme's for a few weeks now and was quite surprised by all the wild and fascinating lives others live out there. I mean, we have a Real Estate agent who backpacked across the nation on a greyhound bus, an agent who travels the world, and one who rides elephants. I, unfortunately, can not compare. There isn't much about me that I haven't already said on my blogs, and nothing that would surprise anyone. But, I shall do my best.

The only time I have ever been east of the Mississippi (or Texas even) was a week long visit to Washington DC for Citizenship Washington Focus with 4-H when I was a Junior in High School. I participated in 4-H from the time I was 9 until I was 19, winning best demonstration day as a Junior (9 years old) and Senior (14 years old), and various other competitions (including the Washington Trip) and was part of a youth council for JOLT, a Summer Youth Camp for Arizona 4-H Teens. "I pledge my head to clearer thinking...."

I was part of the winning team for Arizona's 1995 Parliamentary Procedures for Future Business Leaders of America. I also placed in other various business skills from communication skills, and typing, transcription to Business Interview. I guess I was born for business :)

In 5th Grade, when everyone chose their instruments the first day of Band, I chose the Oboe. The other kids said it sounded like a dying goose (especially playing on plastic reeds until you play well enough for wood reeds). I kept playing the Oboe until college, where I did play a solo for Spring Concert and Tour. It did not sound like a dying goose. I also played the tenor sax and percussion for marching band and jazz band, and the violin through private lessons and group orchestras. My best instrument was my voice though. I sang Soprano and wanted to go on to be an Opera Singer. Marriage and kids didn't fit the touring Europe lifestyle so I gave that up.

I started chatting on IRC (Internet Relay Chat) in 1995 under the nick "Huny", and had quite the amount of IRC friends from all over the world. I actually attended a few IRC Undernet parties (punch and cookie parties, tame for what I consider parties now days :P) and was actually engaged to a guy I met (and met in real life) over the internet. I was 17, give me a break :) Let's just say that people are a lot more honest about who they are now days then before digital pictures, and webcams! Before IRC, I was an avid PenPal to friends in China, Austria, and all over the U.S. I don't think there has ever been a person I couldn't carry a conversation with.

My picture on my real estate website doesn't look like a home, it looks like a quail. That's because it IS a quail! When I was born my mother used to put "dippity doo" in my hair and make one giant curl on top. My grandfather starting calling me "quail top" because of it, and it stuck. So the quail is my little "symbol" for life.

P.S. Somehow I erased my website last night after I wrote this, but I'm working on getting it back up! Sorry!

So there you have it! Not earth shattering, but I suppose interesting none the less.

And so I hereby declare the Next Three Meme's (I am just trying to find those who haven't been Meme'd)

Pat Emmett from Sarasota Florida!

John Walters from Slidell, Louisiana

Poppy Dinsey from Anaheim, CA

Apple Farm Bakery and Restaurant opens in Benson, Arizona

2007-07-22T18:39:49Z

Benson welcomes a new restaurant this month! The Apple Farm Bakery and Restaurant opened its doors at the beginning of July, and they haven't seen a stop to the line of customers yet!

My family and I wanted a sit-down dinner (Not another Happy Meal, PLEASE!) and saw that the Apple Farm Restaurant had opened their doors. We had ate at a restaurant of the same name in Tucson, and enjoyed it, and hoped that this meal would be just as good. To my surprise, the owner was actually the same owner of the restaurant we had visited in Tucson. Business had slowed, and rent had increased, so she moved it to Benson!

The restaurant features Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner specials, which can be ordered any time of the day. Dinner is 5-Course with soup, salad, entree, bread and dessert. My husband enjoyed Chicken Fried Steak, while I had the "Aspen" sandwich with Sour Apple Cole Slaw. Our four children had their usual: Chicken Strips and Cheese Sandwiches. Overall, it was a pleasant dinner, with fantastic service and food. 95% of what you are served is made fresh that day, including their salads and slaw, corn muffins, apple pies, bread pudding, and chocolate cake.

If you are looking for a refreshing meal in Benson, Arizona, I would have to say check out Apple Farm Bakery and Restaurant. It is located on Ocotillo Rd. just south of I-10.

Rose-Colored Glasses

2007-07-21T22:47:16Z

I decided it was time for some sunglasses this week. Living in Arizona, I should of ALWAYS worn a pair, but it was just one of those things I hadn't thought about. That is, until I started noticing those little crow's feet around my eyes! I am SO particular when it comes to glasses, I want them to be "just so". I know what I want, the shape, style, and so on. So though I have shopped for sunglasses off and on for years, I have never found a pair I have been happy with. But as luck would have it, while I was at the local mart for gas, the gentleman who worked there was placing new pairs of glasses on the stand. I saw THE pair I have been looking for. I tried them on, and they were exactly how I wanted them to look. Only one decision left. Brown or Rose lenses? I asked the girl behind the counter. "Pink!" A one word answer, but her enthusiasm gave that one word all the emphasis it needed to lean me into choosing the Rose-Colored Glasses :)

I placed the glasses on that day, and noticed an immediate improvement in my attitude. I was a woman on a mission, with a positive outlook. I started singing what I could remember of the old country song as I cruised down the road back home. People have complimented me all week on them, saying I look "Stylin'" or "So Chic" It's like a new hair cut, or outfit, that gives you that confidence boost. Maybe I should of got a pair of sunglasses long ago.

The glasses shown here are only a representation of glasses purchased. No glasses were harmed in the making of this blog. Subject to final approval. :P

A loss for words...perhaps better?

2007-07-21T22:15:21Z

Hello everyone! I have not been able to write so many posts this week, but it will most likely turn out for the best. I have three deals in escrow. Each of them have gone through the wringer this week, going to close, then falling through, then NOT falling through. Back and forth, I have been on my toes all week. But let me expand that thought a bit.

When the first transaction went haywire, I wanted to come in here, and blog about it. I sat down to write, and nothing came. BLANK! When the second one went the same direction, I cried. I cried my eyes out like a baby. I wanted to come here and moan and groan. I wanted to tell you all about what a horrible day I was having. Only I was out of town, without a computer. So when number three joined the rest of the deals, I knew that I was going to quit real estate. I have worked 7 months in the business working REALLY hard at this career, to have three deals fall through! I was finally going to receive compensation for my hard work, and it was going out the window? I didn't know what to do. I wanted to cry. But I was past that point; I was numb. Too past the unbelief to even write about it. I came to the computer, just to make a few comments, and then walk away. I couldn't do it, write about my failures? It just hurt too much.

But then I came to a realization before the end of the week. Notice how many times the word "I" was in that paragraph? Those deals were falling through, and it was all about "ME" What about my clients? What were they going to do, if I gave up and died? Not only that, what would I be doing instead of Real Estate? Even with the heartache, there has never been a job that I have done that I felt so satisfied when something went right. So, I picked my self up, dusted myself off, and decided that I would work every angle. But if the answer would still be NO, I would let it go. I would let it go, and be at peace.

I don't know if everything will go through with these deals, I won't for a few more weeks. Until the papers are signed, nothing is for sure. But at least now I can walk away knowing that I did all that I could do, and I didn't sit back, and do nothing. I didn't feel sorry for myself. I worked and I tried, and I can be proud of my accomplishment in that, even if that is the only compensation I receive.

The House Remodel

2007-07-16T22:20:40Z

I want to share a major accomplishment today. The washer and dryer are moved UPSTAIRS. Yes today after 18 months, the laundry room we started is working and functioning. But I'm jumping ahead of myself let me go back.

In late 2004, home prices were jumping up and we didn't know when they would stop. Our home appreciated 20,000 in three months and we were worried we wouldn't be able to afford a larger home if we didn't buy one RIGHT then. After searching on the internet for months, I found this modified A-frame. The entire description,"40+ Pecan Trees, and lots of room to roam."

You guessed it, the 40+ pecan trees sucked me in. The home was 2500 square feet, needed a "little work" but LOOK at the orchard! On two acres for the same price as our cookie-cutter home we were going to sell (before inflation). We couldn't believe our luck.

So we drug our Realtor to the suburbs and checked it out. Again, needs work, but nothing we can't handle right? So, we put our home on the market, sold our home in ONE day, before it was on the MLS. Started the process of buying this property. Problems left and right, perhaps it was a sign for what was to come. Home inspection showed a few problems, but nothing we couldn't handle. We were going to be rural warriors! Chickens, Pecans, and plenty of room for the kids! (I was expecting number four, I think the hormones got in the way of reality.)

So fast forward 6 months, the house is just NOT big enough. Even though it stated 2500 sq ft, it actually reappraises at 2100. And the halls and walls make maneuvering a pain. It was living smaller than our 1600 sq ft home did. 5 bedrooms, with 4 of them measuring 8x8 or less, two without windows. We're getting a little bit of buyer's remorse, but we just need to do some work. So, with a 6 month old baby we are off to conquer the world of remodeling. A small 700 sq ft addition, formal living and an addition to the two small bedrooms without windows to make a new Master Bedroom.

You see the picture above? Looks a little bigger than 700 sq. ft, I bet you're saying. Yes, the "Monster House" had snags left and right that made us come out and above the new addition. On an A-frame, that meant coming out an additional 12 feet on the Master Bedroom. It is huge, but not done. We didn't budget enough to build 1300 sq ft.

We started calling it the "Extreme Fake-Over" because we had to show progress where the bank loaned us money. So even though we weren't through taping and texturing, we had to show Carpet installed. Shower pans had to be installed before plumbing and electricity was done. We had pushed the deadline off as far as possible, and the loan had to be rolled to permanent.

We made it to our goal, of being 95% done to bank standards. There is still a long way to go, but the pace is slower now. Living in a remodel has been a total nightmare. But the experiences I have had make me a better real estate agent. I know how much work and money it REALLY takes to remodel. We were under the impression that we could fix this house for a couple of grand. Running new electrical and plumbing costs a bit more than that.

So today's accomplishment was HUGE for me. The one thing I wanted most of all was to move a laundry room upstairs. If we are all bathing, and sleeping up there, why drag the laundry up and down? I must say, it is working beautifully, and it is a beautiful thing. :)