Random Thoughts In My World

TOURISM GROWS IN NORTH CAROLINA!!

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:22:33 -0700

Tourism spending increased 7.4 percent statewide to $17.1 billion last year, according to Gov. Mike Easley's office.

International travelers accounted for $607 million in tourism spending last year, a 13.2 percent jump from the year before.

These statistics show that North Carolina is an awesome choice to bring your business to! It's also a great place to raise a family......We've got the mountains, world class golf courses and we've got the coast. We're also very patriotic and take great pride in our military installations!!

I'm especially partial to the Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg area so give me a call and find out what it's all about!

Linda Coen-Cushman

Keller Williams Realty

www.lindacushman.com

3 GREAT THINGS AND THE BIG IDEA!

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:02:41 -0700

Last night I watched something on TV that caught my attention. I don't get to see much TV anymore so if it gets my attention it must be worth while. I believe this person was on "The Big Idea With Donnie Deutsch". I try to catch the show every once in a while as he has some great ideas and it is on late when I am turning in.

The guest speaker said that each day you should concentrate on three great/good things that happen to you that day. It will change your day and ultimately change your life. Using common sense, it has to work. So, I urge you to try this with me. I think that by doing this I can become a more productive person from the positive energy.

Today:

1. I had an offer accepted on a listing!

2. My kids hugged and kissed me when I got home today and they weren't trying to hide anything!

3. It's Friday and I didn't even know it!!!!

I know this might sound corny but I think it works and it also gives you a minute out of your day to make you think of the good things happening in YOUR life that sometimes we're to busy to see..........

Carolina Trace: A Beautiful, Gated Place To Come Home To!

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:16:49 -0700

Looking for that next golf course to swing your club? How about getting that course along with a very reasonable priced home and club membership! It doesn't stop there, read on.......

Carolina Trace offers it all! 24 hour gated security, swimming, fishing, boating, tennis, walking trails and a new club house coming soon! The new club house will offer 22,000 sf of space plus an additional 3,000 sf building to members for non stop activities and full service, formal dining room. It will also feature an exercise room, locker rooms and golf pro shop of course!!

Trace features two Robert Trent Jones Sr. courses. We are located two hours from the mountains, two hours from the coast. Thirty minutes from Pinehurst should you ever wish to change up your swing although I can't imagine you would leave the gates of Trace. And for those military or contractors, Trace is about 25 minutes to Ft. Bragg and Pope AFB.

Substantially reduced rates are in effect until the completion of the new clubhouse (expect late 2009). Get in now before the rates go up. Contact me for the specifics of becoming a member of Carolina Trace and becoming a homeowner here. It is a beautiful place to call home year 'round or just for a vacation retreat. Quite the experience for a fixed income or someone that knows how to use their money to their advantage! You are not sacrificing anything for the low member rates. The club has so much to offer for every age level with something going on all the time. If you're bored it's because you don't leave your house. Let me show you the great investment opportunities in Trace!

Linda Coen-Cushman,Broker

Keller Williams Realty

God Bless The USA!

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:39:35 -0700

The 4th of July is here again. I will spend this evening at Ft. Bragg watching the fireworks with my family. Wynona Judd is going to be the main attraction for this years event. This is a free event and it is open to the general public although the general public must have their vehicles searched and show a form of identification to gain entry to Ft. Bragg. Small price to pay for what they will see tonight!!

I just read a blog by another Rainer here. He had imbeded a YouTube video of service members with Lee Greenwoods "God Bless The USA" playing in the background. That gets to me everytime. I had a unique opportunity to meet Lee Greenwood shortly after the war started.

In my spare time I run a home based business. I am an Independent Senior Home Consultant for The Longaberger Company after being a full time real estate broker with Keller Williams Realty. After the war started the company wanted to do something for the consultants with family members serving in the armed forces. Tami Longaberger invited us to The Homestead for a day and asked me to send a photo of my husband preferably in uniform. At the time my husband was in between deployments. He fought me kicking and screaming. You have to understand that most of these guys do not like attention.

We arrived at The Homestead to find a huge gathering of people. I mean thousands!! A small, private reception was held for the service members and families before being taken out to the mass of people. At that reception the small photos of our service members had been blown up into very large hard backed photos on easels. It was such a lovely tribute that I still have today!

As we went out to the day long event it ended with a concert by none other than Lee Greenwood! He talked about the troops serving and the ones that had attended that day. Of course he had to sing God Bless the USA while us wives stood there and cried our eyes out!! It was a hard day for us. While we had our husbands back from deployment at that time we all knew we still had many left to go.

I am working on adding photos. I'm sorry I'm not that techie yet!! lol. I just wanted to share my story. We chose this life and we're very proud. The day was hard for my husband because that day so many people came up to him and thanked him for his service and he turned to me and said "I don't know what to say to these people.". I realized that we have always been around bases where everyone has the same life. We chose this lifestyle and it's our world. He didn't expect the thanks and didn't know what to do with it when he got it.

My biggest thanks goes out to The Longaberger Company and Lee Greenwood for making that day something that we will never forget. Our family life is based on quality and not quantity.......We have come to understand that and it has made a world of difference! Have a safe 4th!!

www.lindacushman.com

www.longaberger.com/lindacushman

Real American Stories

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:37:49 -0700

Check out this site started by Fox News. You can even upload your own "Real American Story"! This site gives you that great feeling inside. You know that feeling.......That American Pride......Great timing with the holiday but with all the crap you have to watch on the news right now it's a nice "pick me up" during your day.

Have a Safe and Happy 4th Of July!!!!

www.realamericanstories.com

CHECK IT OUT!!!

Skype Anyone??

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:23:22 -0700

I downloaded Skype this weekend so my kids could talk to their friends without using the phone lines. It's been great so far. They can connect with family back home via computer and talk just as they would on a regular landline. I can upgrade from free to a few dollars a month and get an actual phone number so they can receive and place calls just like on landlines.

This is a great feature if you have clients or family and friends overseas. Awesome for those deployed that have internet access! I am going to check it out for a while and see what happens. If nothing else I have freed up the phone line from the kids!! (And they think it's great!)

If you are using this or something similar I'd love to hear about it.........

www.skype.com

We're Not All Alike

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:21:11 -0700

Choosing your REALTOR is not something you just do. It's not like running down to the corner market to pick up a gallon of milk. In the Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg area we're a dime a dozen no doubt. But we're not all the same.

Take the time to talk to a REALTOR. If you don't get a sense that this is someone you can work with move on before you sign anything. Communication is the key to this relationship. It works both ways. The client and the agent need to be able to understand each other clearly.

When you find a REALTOR that you can call your own, be open and honest. If you look at a house and it isn't the one for you let your REALTOR know but let him/her know why. Knowing why it's not the right house will give your REALTOR more information to go on for the next search. You might have given him/her a list of wants and needs for the new home but when you walk through houses it's the little things that can help add new homes or eliminate homes from the list. Be upfront about your timeframe and budget. GET PREAPPROVED! This is for the both of us. It lets us both know what ball park we should be playing in. I don't care what league we're playing in, as long as we're playing the game.

When listing your home for sale, your REALTOR will tell you what your home should be listed for. Your REALTOR is educated in this area and the listing price has nothing to do with how much money you need to get out of your home unfortunately. Your REALTOR will also give you tips on what to do to make your home "show" better. People will be coming into your home and you only get one chance to make a good first impression! Don't take the tips personally. We do this to all our clients. It has nothing to do with cleanliness or living habits, usually. It just has to do with showing the house and how potential buyers view things. We both want your home to sell at the best price and fast so please respect your REALTORS advice. Be accomodating to showing times. If we can't show the home, we can't sell it.

Your REALTOR is your new friend. Don't worry about telling them embarassing life things. They do have other clients and they have heard it all. (And they will likely forget tomorrow what ever it is that sounds so embarassing to you today.)

A good REALTOR will keep in touch with you after the purchase of your new home. We want you to be happy. This is our job.

Make sure your real estate agent is a REALTOR. This person abides by a strict code of ethics and is a member of The National Association of REALTORS, their local and state board of REALTORS. We are professionals and we love what we do!!

Info For Your New Army Spouses

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:13:34 -0700

Purchasing that first new home is a big step! What if you are adding steps to that big step? Such as getting married to an Army soldier? That brings you into a whole world that is like no other........My life......the Army Wife! lol. Come on, laugh with me. This is a great life. But you have to laugh along the way because it's not going to be all fun and games unless you make it that way.

The purpose of this blog is to let you know about a website. I have many accumulated over time but today I want to throw one out to you. This one is great for the new spouse to start out with. The spouse can take the AFTB (Army Family Team Building) classes online to get them familiar with the Army terms and Army ways. It's not going to explain everything but for someone new to the system it might help.

The website has other helpful information but the AFTB online course is a great starting point. The class started as a traditional course. A lot of spouses did not take the course for many reasons such as one car families, schedule conflicts, etc. This is so convenient online!! You can print out your completion certificate at the end!!

If you are new to the Army check it out!

If you have Army clients that are new or newly married, consider giving this info to them! Help ease their transition!

www.myarmylifetoo.com

Show Your Support

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:07:33 -0700

As you start purchasing your fireworks to celebrate the 4th Of July take a moment if you will and remember the troops serving our country.

I'm not asking you to go out of your way but if you do have the extra time check out this site: www.americasupportsyou.mil Click on "homefront groups". It lists so many things you can do such as sending care packages or just sending cards to the troops. There are a lot of great organizations out there but they do need support. Support comes in different ways and can be small or large.

This campaign has gone on for sometime and the troops are doing great things! Being part of Americasupportsyou allows everyone to do something without having to start something themselves.

To participate in the adopt a soldier program at Ft. Bragg contact: Ms. Vicky Lee, Community Relations 910-396-5401 (vicky.lee@us.army.mil)

Have a safe and happy 4th Of July!!

What works In Advertising?

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:27:53 -0700

So what is working in the way of advertising?

The National Association of Realtors has a campaign going on with commercials on television and radio. I wonder what the results are? Remax commercials seem to pop up a lot lately. Is the money paying off?

As a consumer do you go with what you are familiar with due to the television? Or do you ask for advice from friends? How are you finding a Realtor?

For Realtors, what is working for you? Do you put more money into print advertising or add that money to the internet and keeping up with past clients instead?

I've seen the statistics but I can't help but think that people still want what they are familiar with. Print advertising is about the least successful now but yet if you're not in it, you're not "seen".

Your Own Fax Number

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:04:39 -0700

Take a minute and go to www.k7.net and sign up for your own fax number. This fax number will probably not be local for you. Today it doesn't really matter with all the free long distance programs available. This is a great service for just about everyone as the faxes will come into your email account. You can also go to the website and retrieve them. It's great not having to expect your office to get your faxes to you and being able to get them while traveling!!

Using Property Management Companies

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:52:27 -0700

As a Realtor I thought I could manage my personal property with ease. I am now leaning toward listing my property with a management company. I have spent a few days out of my time that could have been productive days for my business but ended up in court, etc. Thank goodness for the justice system and the tenants will be out in ten days due to illegal activities and a list of other things.

Background checks will not reveal the future. Compulsive liars/criminals are good at putting on the great tenants front.

I want to continue my investments. I also want to devote my time to my buyers and sellers! This is where a professional property management company comes in. We have one in our building that I have been consulting with since the illegal activity incident. I deal with clients, kids and deployments. I don't have time to spend in court! Who wants to be there anyway?

I hope to find a nice family for my home next month after I get finished with renovations from the last tenants. Wish me luck...... It's a great neighborhood and I'm sad for what I've done to the neighbors this time around. It makes you wonder about mankind.

So, invest, invest, invest! It's the best way to fund your retirement however, protect your investment! Please send me your comments on this one!

The Bucket List

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:40:22 -0700

I just finished watching The Bucket List on DVD. I did watch this movie with my kids. It is sad but a dose of reality.

It makes you wonder what you would want to do at the end of your life. How much joy have you given to others in your life? How much joy do you have in your life? Hopefully, you can answer the two questions easily. As for what I would want to do? I would ponder on that until the end probably, lol. I hope that at the end I would have accomplished what I had set out to do. But like they say, no one gets to the end and says "I spent to much time on my family and friends".

Some of you have probably heard of the Goddard List. It is named after John Goddard. A lot of real estate agents use their Goddard List as a motivational tool. As for me, well, I am still working on mine. Not checking off the things on my list however, starting the list!!! On my list of things for the week is to start my Goddard List. Maybe I will start a bucket list as we all have an expiration date!

Where am I going with this? We all get caught up in the hustle of life and forget about ourselves. If we would take a moment for ourself we would become a better person. Don't save it for the end of your life. (You might not know it's coming and have that chance.) Work on what you want to do now, be happy now and let it make you more productive now.

What is on your list?

Awesome Eco Friendly House

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:44:51 -0700

While flipping through the May-June issue of Veranda I fell in love a house featured in the magazine. Usually I look at the magazine for ideas on the latest trends but this house really did catch my eye.

Low and behold this house is eco friendly! Yes, solar panels and all! I have not taken any "Green" real estate classes but this is making me consider it. I have changed out the lightbulbs in my house and we do recycle, conserve energy by changing the temp on the thermostat, etc. I'm working on it....... If this is the future of going "green", sign me up!!

Check out the website for the house at: www.ecomanor.com

Let me know if you have any different suggestions or if you have taken any RE classes for going "green".

Attention: Active Duty Military Spouses

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:08:29 -0700

For a limited time only! The (DOL)Department of Labor and (DOD)Department of Defense have co-sponsored a program for active duty military spouses. This program, Career Advancement Account, is a time limited and military installation limited program designed to help military spouses gain training and education needed for careers that will be "portable" through multiple military relocations. This is a wonderful opportunity for active duty military spouses but don't wait because it has a very small window. Check out the website below to see if your installation is included in the program and if it is, look for the point of contact person. I am not affililated with the program I just think this is a great opportunity and want to get the word out.......

www.caa.milspouse.org

Children and Money

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:52:17 -0700

Start teaching your children as early as possible the value of money. Who knows what gas is going to cost when your baby begins driving. I know you don't want to go there but it's reality. Children of today are going to have to start saving a lot earlier for their retirement it seems so lets do them a favor and start teaching them earlier about money and the value of a dollar.

With my children I let them know while I am pumping the gas how much I am pumping in the tank today and how much I pumped in the tank just two days ago (how far I can get) and what else I can be buying with that money. I use tangible things that they can relate to. I get gasps and laughs because of their age but they get it. I let them know what prices jumped up each time I return to the grocery store. The big shockers while in the lesson are the mortgage payment and the utility bills. You don't have to use yours unless you want the neighborhood to know, lol.

I am not trying to add stress to my childrens life in an already stressful world however I want them to understand and learn where money comes from and where money goes. They need to know what it takes to live to get by and what it takes to live the lifestyle they desire.

Children are our future and education is the key to that future for them.

One site that has information on this is www.moneyinstructor.com/kids.asp . There are a lot of sites and even educational games out there to teach your kids money. I will update as I come across them.

Military and Mortgage Insurance

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:51:24 -0700

I am a REALTOR and not in the insurance business so talk to your insurance company about this but this is something you need to be aware of.

This has happened in my own home and I have been questioned by clients as well so I thought I would bring it to my blog.......

Military and civilian contractors deploying overseas are considered high risk. Therefore, mortgage insurance premiums are extremely high. I have opted to take out a higher life insurance policy to cover my families needs and the amount of my mortgage. The rates are suprisingly affordable. Most companies would not consider my husband at all for mortgage insurance due to his job and when I did find one that would "consider" he laughed and said "you don't want to know the rate". I gave up and called to see what the rate would be to raise our life insurance policy on both of us and went that route.

Protect yourself, protect your family in the event the unfortunate might arise. SGLI (Servicemembers Group Life Insurance) isn't enough to carry them through and if something should happen to the dependent spouse, FSGLI (Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance) sure isn't enough for the active duty member to carry on alone with children. (Car accidents, heart attacks, etc. do happen on the homefront while the spouse is deployed don't forget.)

I would recommend maxing out your SGLI, FSGLI and also checking into other military friendly companies that offer life insurance such as:

www.usaa.com

www.aafmaa.com

Take care of your family and your investments even after you're gone. I might sound like an insurance commercial but as a REALTOR I want to see people selling and buying in happy situations not because they're losing their homes and it could have been prevented.

Please feel free to comment on this!

Motivational or Educational CDs

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:23:01 -0700

David Knox is a guy that if you haven't checked out yet, I recommend you go to his site and check out as soon as you can! www.davidknox.com

He might seem a bit pricey but compared to others out there and what you receive in the form of knowledge it's worth it. He has a great personality so he is so easy to pay attention to even if you are in the car driving through traffic listening to the CD's. He is funny at that! I'm the person you are starring at while stopped at the traffic light because I'm singing to my music but while listening to David Knox I am laughing. He is a funny guy even while presenting RE education so you remember!

Sign up at his website for the FREE first Tuesdays of the month. You will receive a link the day before and on that Tuesday you will have the opportunity to view about a 10 minute segment of him. It's a great way to get a sampling of his stuff for free first.

I would let you borrow what I've got but it's already lent out.........

Let me know what's working for you so we're not wasting money!!! I love people with personality!!

Educational Choices And Home Values

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:36:45 -0700

The Fayetteville, North Carolina real estate market is geared around educational choices. You do have a percentage of people that don't care and just want a home that makes them happy because they are retired, they don't have kids, or some other reason.

We have the "school of choice" system where you may apply to put your child(ren) in another school and provide their transportation. This sometimes comes in conflict as if you really like the school, there's probably a lot of other parents that do for the same reasons. In this case you might end up with a lottery system.

Another awesome advantage to living in North Carolina is being able to homeschool. Most states provide this opportunity to parents but in North Carolina a lot of parents take advantage of it. I know some of you have the thought of screaming kids at your kitchen table from 730am to 4pm but that's not how it works. There are a lot of homeschool resources and local groups to check out.

As for your local schools, get involved! A few of the schools are in dire straits here because the parents have given up on their kids and the system. You don't feel like volunteering with your childs teacher? Not all grades are as fun as preschool no doubt. Coach a sports team or join the PTA. If you get invited to something at school, go! Go to lunch with your child (check out the menu first and pick the day wisely). Meet the schools resource officer if there is one. These steps will also prevent your childs close friends from getting into trouble because you are a presence there.

The most simple measures can help our kids and by doing so help the schools which help raise property values in those areas!!

Is Variety Really The Spice Of Life?

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:07:13 -0700

I like to show my clients three or four houses in a day. If they are in a new community and plan to build they can usually handle going in a few more to get ideas on their likes and dislikes but that's about all they will get out of the day. We jot down notes as we go. I give them time to look at the house and then go through and talk about the features unless they point something out along the way. It's obvious to them where the kitchen and bedrooms are, etc. (I did have one wife ask me what the kitchen was for. Needless to say I didn't proceed with the couple) If I overload them with houses they will have no idea what kitchen went with what house at the end of the day.

You might think this is common sense......

I'm blogging about this because this weekend I watched another agent show houses to my clients (you have to know the subdivision). It was so different to be on the other side watching. Especially when that person does it so different. The other agent did not show my clients the listings we made appointments to see. She felt she had better ones. Funny since I know my clients and my clients even stated this to her verbally. She took us through house after house and talked the whole way through it seemed. I was also standing guard for what questions she was asking my clients and preventing information being passed. I do this for a living and I was so confused and overwhelmed by the end of the day. The whole experience turned my buyers off so we are now in another subdivision.

I would love to hear any comments on how you show homes to your clients....existing or those getting into new construction. Have you had this happen to you?

PCS To Ft. Bragg And Golf!!

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:10:53 -0700

What a treat! You've just received orders to Ft. Bragg! One of the great benefits of Bragg is having plenty of golf courses around! Where will you find the time? Here's a SAMPLE of what we have to offer in the local area without venturing into Pinehurst.

Anderson Creek Golf Club www.andersoncreekgolf.com

Bayonet at Puppy Creek www.BayonetGolf.com

Baywood Golf Club www.DSGolfCenters.com

Carolina Lakes Golf Club www.Carolina-Lakes.com

Cypress Lakes Golf Club www.CypressLakesNC.com

King's Grant Golf Club www.kingsgrantlife.com

Carolina Trace www.carolinatracecc.com

Great homes in the neighborhoods as well! If you would like more information on the area such as attractions, etc. Please let me know......

Ft. Bragg also has two courses and Pope AFB has one.

Today In Army History....

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:53:54 -0700

Today, June 14, is the 233rd birthday of the United States Army. Take a moment today and reflect on what the Army means to you. If it means nothing to you, where would you be today without having had the Army for the past 233 years of history? You might need to refresh your knowledge of history to do so.

I am proud to be a REALTOR in Fayetteville, North Carolina. This is the location of the U.S. Armys Ft. Bragg for those of you that have not had the pleasure of visiting. I am an Army spouse so this day means a lot to me although it might be just another day to most of you. Today represents great pride to me. Pride in the Army, Pride in the Soldiers and Officers who put their lives on the line every day for us, and Pride (for lack of greater words) for the Army families who are able to go on after making the ultimate sacrificies for the United States.

There are other branches of service that make this country great as well but today is the birthday of the United States Army. Happy Birthday and we salute you!!

What GPS Are You Using????

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:38:49 -0700

I recently purchased a Garmin 200W GPS unit.

Before making the purchase I read several and I mean several customer reviews on the various GPS units on the market. My husband suggested Magellan. Of course the guy at the store told me what I had to have. And he has owned every one. They must pay more in the retail industry since I worked there. I wanted to spend in the $200. range as I know my way around the general area but need the most convenient route (gas consumption!) and I am not familiar with the outlying areas.

I am finding that the properties I have been trying to add the last few days are not being located. (due to newer construction?) One property is around two years old so I did expect it to be located. Is this normal? Am I getting what I paid for?

I thought I would put this out there to the people using it for the same purpose as that I am. I like the Garmin because you can take it with you while hiking (although I don't have a lot of time or energy left over for) and bicycling. Surely it will come in handy when traveling distance but I need it for the job at hand.

Get Ready For May 15th!

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:23:11 -0700

May 15th is National Peace Officer Memorial Day.

I am letting you know now so you have time to think of something to do for your local law enforcement agency that has ever lost an officer in the line of duty. I am going to spend the next few days thinking of what I am going to do. I'm disappointed in myself that I waited this long. It's always something. Kids, work, etc. My excuses aren't good enough for me and here is why.....

January 27, 1994 my brother, Deputy Ronald Coen, was killed enroute to a hit skip call to back up a fellow deputy. Ron was a deputy with the Franklin County Ohio Sheriffs Office.

I don't want this blog post to make you sad. That's not what this is intended for. He did more in 25 years then I will do in my lifetime! He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He had been a corrections officer for Franklin County before becoming a Deputy. I miss him and time does not help but I am strong in my beliefs and I know where he is now. I can still laugh at the stupid things and I can still remember his face. Odd sounding but if you've been in my shoes some days you forget. I am older than my older brother by a lot now. That is probably what is bothering me the most! lol!!!

Some people will take the time to pay their respects on May 15th if they know. A card to the family of the fallen officers(get a Hallmark and just sign it), a wreath at your local departments memorial wall or attending the departments memorial service. Call and ask when their memorial service will be held. Unfortunately Cumberland County did not hold one last year and probably will not again this year. Some have theirs early as the National Service will be on May 15th and is usually broadcast on CNN. If the local department has lost an officer the past year they may change the date as that officer(s) will be honored at the National Service and the family and escorting officers will most likely be in attendance (therefore missing the memorial at the local level).

I could go on and on obviously. You get the point, take a moment and pay a little respect as these people weren't highly paid for what they sacrificed. Yes, they chose the job and the job chose them. They wouldn't have been happy doing anything else and that is who you want on the street protecting your family.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. If you are in DC check out this memorial. www.nleomf.com

C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) is a non-profit organization comprised of surviving family members and coworkers. I am a past president of the North Carolina Chapter. You can check them out at www.nationalcops.org

Serving Those Who Serve Us!

Linda Coen-Cushman (Coen-Cushman Real Estate, LLC.) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:17:34 -0700

Getting the privilege of being someones REALTOR is a great feeling. In the Fayetteville area our clientele have MANY companies and loads of REALTORS to choose from. I remind myself of this each time I get the opportunity to work with a new customer.

Buying a new home can be a stressful time and anyone who has done so knows this. So many decisions! Imagine being deployed to a war zone! That might be stressful! So now lets imagine deploying to a war zone, signing a power of attorney and purchasing that new home at the same time. What fun! Yeah, I said fun! (Well, maybe not the actual war zone part.)

I am a military spouse. I have had my share of deployments but I have been on the home-front. I am the one holding the power of attorney in my house buying the houses, cars, etc. I can't imagine what the soldiers are going through in this predicament. I will tell you what I am doing and have done to make it fun or less stressful. Please comment and let me know what you are doing or would do in this situation.

After figuring out the lot, floor plan, etc. I videoed the lot and an existing structure of the same floor plan the client is going to build. This gives them something to view and get ideas and promotes excitement. I am planning to send brochures this week from the cabinet company and painting vendor to give something to get excited about picking out. I will send photos along the building process via email weekly so the client knows exactly what is going on no matter if the weather is bad and nothing is going on. I will keep photos in an album to give at closing that tells "the story" of the house as the house will be finished about the same time as the deployment.

My last deployed client purchased an existing new construction with a power of attorney. It takes communication to a different level as you are getting through to the client however and whenever you can plus you are in constant contact with the power of attorney. (You don't want the power of attorney just to show up for closing and sign for something they have no clue about. Keep them informed. At least for your peace of mind.)

Go that extra step for your clients that can't be here. They sure don't need the added stress right now.

(I'm always open for constructive criticism!)