random thoughts: If it weren't for the Second Opinion, He Would Be Dead and Buried! - 11/14/10 06:43 PM
If it weren't for the Second Opinion, He Would Be Dead and Buried!The heater in our house broke down at the end of last winter. We called in a HVAC specialist and the prognosis was grim."The main board in your heating system is burned out and needs to be replaced. Anew board will cost $495 and then we will charge about $120 for labor." The repairman explained." I wouldn't recommend fixing it though." He continued. "This system is known to have this problem and an new board will only last about 2 years. I would recommend and new heater."Lucky for … (11 comments)
|
random thoughts: Sometimes Giving Means Taking Away. - 06/20/10 12:20 AM
Sometimes Giving Means Taking Away. One of the key factors to Janice and I joining our KW office in Vancouver Washington was the fact that they make a concerted effort to give back to the community. This past Friday was one of those time and 30 agents from our office got together to pick garbage up along the 205 freeway in Vancouver, Washington and haul it away. We sponsor a 2 mile stretch of freeway and we get together every month or so to keep it clean. It took 30 realtors about 2 hours to pick up all of … (8 comments)
|
random thoughts: The Secret Lives of Realtors and Mortgage Brokers! - 06/16/10 07:45 PM
So last night I am standing in line to get into the Korn concert at the Roseland in Portland. It was pouring rain and everyone was huddled against the wall of the building for protection. It was the usual line up of people for a metal band playing in Portland. The young kids anxiously waiting for the doors to open, the hardcore fans chatting about past concerts, the wanna-be's murmering about the latest internet rumors, the mortgage broke...?What the heck? My short haired clean cut mortgage buddy was walking to the end of the line. He was the only one … (1 comments)
|
random thoughts: Your Life Can Be Anything That You Can Dream. Dare To Dream Big! - 05/05/10 02:17 AM
Your Life Can Be Anything That You Can Dream. Dare To Dream Big!ActiveRain is an interesting cross section of the real estate industry. Realtors®, lenders, insurance agents, inspectors and the like, all gather to share ideas, tips, and tricks. The experience levels of the group range from people who measure their tenure in decades to those who measure it by the day. There is so much to learn here. There is so much to teach.In a previous life as a advertising and marketing director with a Fortune 500 company, I was working on an ad campaign to encourage people to take … (7 comments)
|
random thoughts: How Do You Like Your Cookies? Vancouver Washington Real Estate - 04/27/10 11:54 AM
Do You Like Chocolate Chip Cookies? Oatmeal?This morning, Janice and I wrote up a listing that we have been working on for several weeks. The reason it took so long is that the owners are very particular about how they want the home to look when it is shown. They have spent the past few weeks de-cluttering, staging, and gardening. The home looks gorgeous. Even as we had them sign the contracts today, they asked us to do a walk through and point out areas that might need improvement.As we were finally leaving the home to go back to get … (3 comments)
|
random thoughts: Is Technology Responsible For The Dumbing-Down Of America? The story of Tom - 04/07/10 10:38 PM
Is Technology Responsible For The Dumbing-Down Of America? The story of TomIt seems that everyday there is a new gadget that hits the market that promises to make our lives easier and more productive. PC's are replaced by laptops that are replaced by tablets which are soon to be replaced by iPads. Reports show that cell phone users aren't as concerned with calling ability as they are with ease of texting and surfing the net.This technology looks great on the surface, but what is the real cost? Our kids, who have grown up with 500 satellite channels, cell phones with video … (39 comments)
|
random thoughts: More Thoughts On Free Samples - John the sidewalk astronomer - 03/27/10 01:10 AM
More Thoughts On Free SamplesO.K. I admit it. I am obsessed with the idea of Free Samples! Although I never ever (EVER!) touch the free food samples at Costco or Fred Meyers, I am a strong believer in building my business through the strategic use of free samples. I have written other posts about free samples. (Building Your Real Estate Business With Free Samples! and Free Samples - Observations That Might Increase Your Business!) Here is my latest, and probably last, post regarding the subject of building your business with free samples.
Meet John Brown, sidewalk astronomer. I met him … (7 comments)
|
random thoughts: Remember The Real Estate Market In 2010? What a GREAT year! - 03/02/10 11:24 PM
Remember The Real Estate Market In 2010? What a GREAT year!As a boy growing up in Southern California, I remember my parents and their friends talking about major events in their lives. Many of them were baseball games that went into extra innings or big fish they caught. They also talked about business and investments.One thing that sticks out in my mind is the fact that most of my parents' wealthy friends made their money in real estate related endeavors."Remember the real estate market in 1959? I bought that apartment building. What a bargain! I have made a mint on … (8 comments)
|
random thoughts: Valentine's Day Tip - For Men ONLY! - 02/13/10 07:27 PM
Valentine's Day Tip - For Men ONLY!Us guys have to stick together. Right? Well, here is a tip for those of you who were too busy (or too lazy!) to go out and pick a nice card for your favorite woman. Last minute poorly thought out Valentine's Day surprises have a way of backfiring.(ie: trashy lingerie and whipped cream!)This is a tip from a blog that I posted on my anniversary last year.Tips for choosing a card:1. Avoid any Valentine's Day cards that contain jokes! No matter how funny you think they are you must resist the urge to give … (5 comments)
|
random thoughts: Blogging, Blondes, and BBQ - The Life Of A Realtor® - 02/08/10 10:51 PM
Blogging, Blondes, and BBQ - The Life Of A Realtor®So, here I am. An agent who is living the life. I got into the business because I love helping people, I love seeing cool houses, and I love getting in and negotiating killer deals. Imagine my surprise when I found out about the fringe benefits!Blogging, Blondes, and BBQBlogging - What more is there to say? I love it. I like to share my opinion and it is even better when people actually log on the read about it. Writing is a secret passion of mine and, since I am not … (5 comments)
|
random thoughts: I Just Found Out That I Only Have 46 Years Left To Live! - 01/18/10 10:41 PM
I Just Found Out That I Only Have 46 Years Left To Live!I have a friend and client named Matt. He is a mortgage broker for Met Life Home Loans. He is so ADHD that he can barely hold a conversation. (He knows it and readily admits it, so I am not talking behind his back here.) Actually, HE can hold it. I just can't even come close to keeping up! A few weeks back, we were talking about a sub-division project that he has listed with us when he started talking about the value of knowing exactly when you are … (5 comments)
|
random thoughts: I Was Promised a Jet Pack And I Already Feel Ripped Off! - 01/03/10 12:02 AM
Today is the 3rd day of the new decade and I already feel "Ripped Off!"
The future is now but I want to know where the jet packs are!I am a child of the '60s. I grew up with the likes of Captain Kirk, Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon. I was 12 years old before Luke Skywalker hit the silver screen. I grew up reading and watching sci-fi. Star Trek was a family favorite and I was thrilled when the first flip phone was introduced to the real world. (The "communicator of the 1960's!) It was another step closer to … (12 comments)
|
random thoughts: The Trouble With Satellite TV! Vancouver Washington Real Estate - 12/30/09 12:10 AM
The Trouble With Satellite TV! Vancouver Washington Real Estate
O.K. everyone. This is all in fun but the boys at Direct TV really need to find some sort of solution.
Video credit - Mark Hall all rights reserved - When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with … (5 comments)
|
random thoughts: The Huge Social Experiment - Are We Just A Bunch Of Lab Rats? (Conspiracy Theory Within) - 12/03/09 07:34 PM
The Huge Social Experiment - Are We Just A Bunch Of Lab Rats?About a month ago, FaceBook.com made another round of format changes to their system. They claim that it was an attempt to make the site better and easier to use.A huge number of Facebook users immediately began to complain and protest. They started Facebook fan sites with names like "Bring Back The Old Facebook."A smaller number of Facebook users actually liked the changes and sat passively on the sidelines wondering what all the commotion was about.A much smaller group (probably just me) stumbled along trying to figure out … (8 comments)
|
random thoughts: AMAZING TURKEY RECIPE! (Not for Children!) - 11/25/09 10:06 PM
For all you chefs or wannabes out there, this is THE way to cook a turkey. Don't poopoo this recipe and delete, be sure to read to the very end.Happy Thanksgiving!HAPPY THANKSGIVING..........Here is a recipe I thought you would like for the holidaysIngredients:1 whole turkey1 large lemon, cut into halvessalt and pepper to tastebutter or olive oil, whichever you preferHeat oven to 350 degreesRub butter or oil over the skin of the turkey until it is completely coated.Sprinkle with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you prefer.Take a knife and gently separate the skin from the breast meat;Slide lemon halves … (9 comments)
|
random thoughts: Thanksgiving Humor - Surprise Your Guests! - 11/21/09 05:35 PM
Your dinner will be the talk of the TOWN!!You should try this!Sure to bring smiles from your guests!Here is a new way to prepare your Thanksgiving Turkey.1. Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully. (see attached picture for details)3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve.4. Watch your guests' faces...
May your stuffing be tastyMay your turkey plump,May your potatoes and gravyHave never a lump.May your yams be deliciousAnd your pies take the prize! ,And may your Thanksgiving dinnerStay off your thighs! Happy Thanksgiving!
Photo credits - … (11 comments)
|
random thoughts: The Crazy Lady Who Wouldn't Leave. Vancouver WA Real Estate - 11/19/09 05:58 PM
The Crazy Lady Who Wouldn't Leave. Vancouver WA Real Estate
At the doorstep I gave my customary door knock and courtesy ring. It is a habit that I picked up during my first weeks as a realtor®. I always knock and ring the doorbell before I unlock the door. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to use the key because the seller opened the door and invited us in!"Have you shown this house before?" she asked."Uh... No." I answered."Then you won't mind if I show you around." she said as she ushered us through the door and started her tour. … (63 comments)
|
random thoughts: The Value Of A Good Belt - 11/08/09 05:28 PM
The Value Of A Good BeltI have had this belt for almost 25 years. It wasn't expensive. As a matter of fact it was free. Well, not really free. You see, I found it.I was rock climbing in 1983 when I found this belt wrapped around a tree in Malibu Canyon. It looked as though someone had used it to secure a climbing rope and rappel down the face of a boulder. I have had it ever since.For the past 25+ years, this old belt has served me well. It has been with me in France, England, Germany, Switzerland, and … (26 comments)
|
random thoughts: 10 Things in My Life That I Have Learned The Hard Way! - 10/21/09 02:59 PM
10 Things in My Life That I Have Learned The Hard Way!1. Real estate markets go up and real estate markets go down. It seems like they go down much faster than they go up! This also holds true for the stock market. 2. Plans have a much better chance of succeeding if they are written down and revisited frequently.3. Just because you wrote the plan down on paper, doesn't mean that someone won't get hurt!4. Golf is just a game of luck. The more we practice, the luckier we get. Business is the same way. We really do make … (8 comments)
|
random thoughts: Real Estate Scam EXPOSED! Hilarious Video Exposes the Real Problem With Our Real Estate Market - 10/15/09 12:57 AM
Home Crisis Investigation!Have you been wondering what is really behind the current drop in the real estate market. This short video exposes the real truth. Who is the culprit? Who is the victim? Watch and find out!
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all … (7 comments)
|
;)
;)
;)
