On this the eve of Thanksgiving 2009, I would like to extend warm wishes to each and everyone who gets the opportunity to read this post. Wherever you are, it is my hope that you have good health, a great meal, and family or friends around to celebrate with. After all, this is a time for thanksgiving...a time to reflect on times gone by, but most of all, a time to be thankful.
I am thankful first of all for being an American. I am thankful for the American fighting men, who currently serve at a distance to afford me the freedoms I enjoy today. I am also thankful for my family, especially mom, who will take care of my sons over their short break from school. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Today, I took some timeout to watch the local news at midday. Halfway into the program, I had to walk away. I walked away saddened, because it dawned on me that there are so many precious lives being wasted. Yes, wasted for short-term pleasure.
In the featured story, there was a young mother of 31 years old who was placed behind bars, with bail set at $200,000 cash, while her infant child was admitted to the University Hospital, suffering from injuries sustained in an auto accident. The accident occurred yesterday morning as they were returning home from a party where the mother had apparently been drinking. Sobriety tests confirmed that she had been drinking. She lost control of the vehicle, and ran into a pole. The child condition is currently listed a serious.
With all the initiatives by the State of New Mexico, Bernalillo County, the City of Albuquerque, Law Enforcement, and countless other local governments around the state, I just cannot fathom why this tragedy continues. When will it end? Are people so desensitized, that they cannot make better choices?
Luckily, the accident did not involve another vehicle. Lord knows Albuquerque has seen its share of alcohol related deaths. I have not had any alcohol related tragedies in my family; I hope never to have one. There are no good outcomes from these incidents. Usually, lives are lost, families are broken up and it seems to be a never ending problem. Frankly, drinking and driving is a tragedy.
As we approach the holiday season, it is my hope that residents will make better choices. Let's endeavor to make this a season to be truly joyful. No alcohol related accidents.
I had to go back to basics two months ago when my palm centro died on me. It was my ekey. Since I had no intention of continuing my service with SPRINT, I just contact the Board of Realtors and purchased a Display Key. I am very satisfied with it, and it's cheaper than the ekey.
So to date I have used the services of Verizon, Sprint and Cricket. My goal is not to pursuade anyone here about carriers. All I require is good phone service, and to get what I pay for. If I pay for 1000 minutes per month that's what I want. I don't want dropped calls, all I want is to be able to make and receive call without any problems. Is that too much to ask?
My two sons have done the research on this, and their recommendation is that I go with the IPhone. For those of you who have had experience with IPhones, can you share your experience with me? I can't wait to get mine.
Today I received an email from an individual who asked, ‘Why are you blogging about Albuquerque Academy (AA) on a real estate blog?’ I thought for a minute then I decided to make it the topic of my blog. First of all, let my preface my answer by giving you some background information. My affiliation with Albuquerque Academy (AA) started in 1999 when the older of my two sons was accepted there. Seven years later he graduated and went on to further his studies at MIT. In 2001 the younger of my two sons got into the Academy. During his tenure, he participated in Track & Field and Football. I was hooked on football. I consider myself a lifetime Albuquerque Academy (AA) Charger Fan.
I could answer the question in this way: the people that I deal with on a regular basis are into Albuquerque Academy Chargers' Football. There aren't too many bloggers out there paying attention to Albuquerque Academy, much less to blog about Chargers' Football.
Also, to the extent that real estate agents are getting involved in social networking to increase their business, writing about Albuquerque Academy Chargers Football on my real estate blog is one and the same in terms of logic.
Albuquerque Academy is the best that New Mexico has to offer. It has been ranked 6th in the nation for Independent Schools. On a yearly basis it has an average of 30 Merit Finalists; some of it graduates go on to the best institutions of higher learning across nation. It excels in both academics and extra-curricular activities. Real estate in close proximity of the Academy, usually hold their values very well. So for individual who are thinking about buying, they should consider this area. And for families with children they should definitely consider Albuquerque Academy
Last night in the cold and balmy chill of Bloomfield, NM the Albuquerque Academy Chargers whipped Bloomfield Bobcats 42-6 in the quarter finals of the NM Prep AAA Football Playoffs. It may have come as a surprise to the Bobcats and NM Prep Insiders that the Chargers were able to DOMINATE...the entire game, but not to the normally low-keyed CHARGER FANS, who seemed to have found their voice in their somewhat melodic chant..."We Believe! We believe! We believe! We Believe in the Chargers! Their cheers and chants resonated throughout the stadium; their small antics and constant encouragement to the team seemed to have quieted the hometown supporters. It was a joy to watch as the Chargers gave NOTHING...and took EVERYTHING from the Bobcats.
The Charger team, 22 players strong demonstrated the slogan "Show me heart...and I'll show you success." They might be small in stature, but we must admit, they have big hearts.
Bloomfield will be moving up to AAAA next year, so it's unlikely that we will meet them in another playoff. We wish them all the best. In the meantime, the Chargers now move to the semi-finals. Good Luck Chargers!
There is something to be said about a mother who commits herself towards a cause that's bigger than herself. Take a moment to visit Lise Howe's s Blog and give her a few words of encouragement. Living in the richest country on earth, we often times get caught up in our lives and forget the plight of the poor and the needy.
I just came back this evening from a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis. My daughter has cystic fibrosis, and I have tried to raise money for research to find a cure for this deadly genetic disease because of its impact on my family. However, until tonight, it really was a "condition" that "affected" my daughter, but didn't really "touch" my family because she is still very healthy. We are truly blessed in her good health.
However, tonight at the fundraiser I met two mothers with children with CF - one mother has a son who is 25 and very frequently seriously ill as a result, and the other, a young mother in a panic because her two children both have CF. Then, I met a mother whose 15 year old daughter died two years ago from CF. This mother spoke eloquently and painfully of never having the chance to teach her daughter to drive, never having the time to buy her a prom dress, never having the chance to see her dance at her wedding, and never having another chance to hold her and love her and kiss her goodnight. I have a 15 year old who is learning to drive. I have a 15 year old who wants to go shopping. I love my 15 year old and I love to kiss her goodnight.
There are thousands of worthy causes in the world. There are causes to save children, to rescue whales, to foster lost Shar-peis and bring rabbits or bee hives to farmers in Sri-Lanka. There are people working for world peace, to bring education to young girls in Afghanistan, and to slow global warming. EACH cause is valid. EACH cause needs your help. BUT.... You can only save one piece of the world. Pick that one piece that you care about and try to save it. Lend your voice to that one cause and make a difference.
Each of those causes, children in need, homeless puppies, AIDS patients, polar bears on a melting ice floe, and tsunami victims, needs your help. You can't save them all, but you can save one. What are you going to work for? Who are you going to try to save? You are so blessed living in this country, enjoying the freedoms that we do, and having the career that we all love. Pick something and give back.
ACTIVE RAIN HAS SO MANY VOICES AND SO MANY PEOPLE. CAN"T WE PUT OUR VOICES TOGETHER AND CREATE A CHORUS? A RAINBOW OF GOOD WILL AND HOPE? We don't have to agree on the cause - just go out individually and make the effort for something that matters to you. No approval needed - no commitment - no promises. Just the effort and the change.
Today, November 16, 2009, Golden Corral hosted Military Appreciation Dinner. It opened its doors to all who have served in the military. As a military retiree myself, I took the opportunity to visit the Golden Corral Buffet and Grill on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, NM. And what a surprise they had in store for us. First of all, we were greeted by volunteers from local ROTC. Each veteran was given a tag displaying a Gold Star on top of a silver banner stating "I Served" and surrounding it was a navy blue background with simple message from Golden Corral, "We thank the men & women of the U.S. Military."
As I stood in line, I observed hundreds of veterans and their families walking in to dine. There were some in uniform, others like me, who looked like ordinary americans, then there were the disabled, who were bussed in. Everyone was welcomed with opened arms.
As we approached the dining area, we were greeted by a cashier then we were seated. The aroma was magnificient! I knew then, that I had to have a steak. Golden Corral grills some of the best steaks in Albuquerque. I was impressed. It was grilled to taste. For me, there are few cuisines that can top a well done steak with baked sweet potatoes. I was satisfied! Thanks to Golden Corral, it was their way of saying thank you.
As I made my way around the restaurant, I chatted with quite a few of the patrons. There was Michael from the National Guard, Eva and her family, Navy veteran, John, an Active Duty Air Force Staff Sergeant, they all had the same thing to say, Golden Corral made them feel special today.
Today, Golden Corral gets an A+ for a genuine display of gratitude. There were no half measures. They went all out. On behalf of all who have served. Thank you to Golden Corral
If untouched, capital gains rates will automatically revert to 20% on December 31, 2010. Currently the rate stands at 15% and if the Obama Administration makes good on earlier indications, the rate could be raised even higher to 28%.
With capital gains rates set to increase, it only makes sense that more people will want to defer their impending tax burdens by transferring their wealth through 1031 exchanges. Furthermore, it could be possible that the Net Lease market segment will benefit greatly from this.
Net Lease Investments, which are characterized by their long term stability and hands off managerial approach (functioning like a bond), could afford people an opportunity to avoid their large capital gains hit while retaining a revenue producing asset which requires no personal management.
Instead of selling ones $1 million asset and bearing a $200,000 to $280,000 loss through capital gains taxes, you could exchange that asset for a net lease building, defer taxes, and get a monthly income stream.
It is the envy of New Mexico; the pride of Albuquerque; an institution where many families have had to relocate, in order to allow their children to attend.Albuquerque Academy is a private independent school, with an endowment matched only by some of the top institutions of higher learning across this country.
It has a very rigorous academic program, unmatched in the state of New Mexico.It is the most competitive of all schools in the state, not only in academics, but also in sports and extra-curricular activities.It has received national recognition in many areas.
For all families relocating to New Mexico, I would definitely urge them to take a look at Albuquerque Academy, if they have school-age children.Besides the aforementioned, they have the most generous financial aid program.For more information, visit www.aa.edu
Gary Woltal has highlighted a very pervasive problem in the Real Estate industry.
1. Agents are not available during their Hours Of Operation
2. Some Agents Never Check their Voicemail
3. Some Agents are labeling themselves as 24/7 Realtors
Why is this such a big problem?
Many prospective clients are not available to do business during morning hours. Why? They are at work. In response to this, agents try to tailor their schedules to match that of the consumers. (This would not apply to consumers who are relocating).
The inherent problem though, is that the brokerages are advertising their hours of operation as 9:00 am to 5:30 pm for example, which conflict with the agents' desired time to work.
Consider this: What if brokerages were opening from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm., would this alleviate some problems? Yes it would. Part of the reason I decided to leave my first brokerage, was because of a disagreement I had with my broker on this very subject matter.
I have heard it said that if you are not working 9:00 to 5:00, then you are not a full-time Realtor. Some REALTORS try to differentiate themselves as full-time Realtors apart from other Part-time Realtors. Some have gone to the extent of trying to differentiate themselves as 24/7 Realtors.
Mr. Woltel has addressed the problem with the 24/7 Realtor already. It's not about quantity, stupid! It should be about quality service provided; and it starts with answering your phone, checking and returning all voicemails.
I know this position might be in conflict with the opinion of some Realtors in our industry, but it does provide the solution to many problems that we currently face.
I've noticed with some Realtors it is really hard to pin them down exactly when do they call it a day for work, or when do they start, or do they take off one day on the weekend or such. It must really be hard on their clients or new consumers trying to reach them. With today's voice mail, email, and texting one would think this shouldn't be a problem at all with clear communication. So,
Just What's Up With Agent's Hours Of Operation?
It seems if you take a Wednesday off completely or don't work Sundays or stop listening to your cell phone messages past 7 p.m. or whatever an agent's rules for themselves are, they could clearly communicate that to those who contact them, at least after their first inward contact. If you call Saturday at 6 p.m. agent to agent, or consumer to agent, you probably don't expect to have to wait till Monday to get a response (unless they know that is standard for you). We are not mind readers here people.
A tip agent to agent or also from the consumer side is to leave a voice mail AND an email together with the same message. Oftentimes with the Smartphones nowadays you may get a faster reply with the email (or text).
Then the dirty little secret. Some agents NEVER check their voice mails. Gag. And people say they are making a living from this profession.
And then of course you can set yourself apart and say you don't have to worry about any of this "responsiveness" talk cause you label yourself as a 24/7 Realtor.
Good luck with that with your business AND YOUR LIFE!!!
Overwork has this strange tendency to cause burnout, confusion, and above all
MISTAKES!!!
A refreshed person, is an optimally performing person. Bottom line, effectively communicate to all your "hours of operation"
Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, New Mexico are among the most stable real estate markets in the United States. This has caught the attention of the national media. As such, it is incumbent on local Realtors to provide information about our cities for those interested in investing, relocating, or visiting. My goal with this blog is to highlight issues or topics in real estate, and where appropriate apply them to the local markets.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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