Mary Bowen, The Woodlands Texas Real Estate & Relocation Specialist's Blog

The Woodlands. A Great Place to Live and Run

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:24:10 -0800

If you are a runner and moving to the Houston area, you should seriously consider living in The Woodlands. Home to the Texas Ironman, The Woodland's Marathon, Ten for Texas and numerous other athletic events, you will have plenty of opportunities to test your abilities. Training for these events is easier in the woods. We have numerous training opportunities, support groups and social activities for runners, not to mention our hike and bike trails of over 140 miles. Trust me come, summer you will appreciate all the tree lined trails!!

If your moving to The Woodlands, work with a Realtor who knows the paths and understands the needs of a runner. I can tell you about the lastest races, club events, the best places to run.

Its Not a Buyer's Market Now!!

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:31:30 -0800

As a certified Relocation Agent, I work with lots of people being transferred to The Woodlands from other areas of the country. The most common question I hear from these buyers is, "How low should I offer? After all its a buyers market." First of all, The Woodlands didn't have much of a dip in the market price. It had a slow down, but not a real dip in price. The homes most affected were the ones purchased during the high of 2007. Those homes are not selling for much more than they were purchased. But for the most part people are not losing money or they are breaking even.

But, now, we are dealing with a shortage of homes on the market. Now is the time to sell your home. Just in the last week I have seen two well maintained and updated homes have multiple offers within days of hitting the market. One of the houses has listed $8.00 above sales price. Will it appraise? I have no idea, but I'm betting someone will be willing to pay the cash difference. After all, there are 3 back up offers waiting to see if the first makes it to closing.

Great homes are flying off the market, which such speed that many agents including myself have taken to looking for homes for our buyers before the homes even hit the market.

If your thinking of selling your home there are several key items to keep in mind.

THE HOUSE MUST BE IN GREAT CONDITION!!

Freshly Painted in fashionable neutral colors
Clean or new carpet
Updated hardware and fixtures in the latest colors (gun metal sells best)
Updated kitchen. Granite sells in The Woodlands
Manicured and freshly mulched landscape
CLEAN, ORGANIZED, AND DE-CLUTTERED

Does that list make you feel overwhelmed? Start an experienced agent who can walk you through the steps, tell you what is most important for your home and get you the help you need to get the house ready. Be sure your agent will help stage your home, as well.

If you thinking of purchasing a house right now, its a great time. The mortgage rates are low and confidence is The Woodlands is high! There is still great value to be had in The Woodlands, especially if you are willing to put the updates into the house yourself. Those houses are not selling the competing offers, but with a little TLC they can be just a fabulous!

As a buyer, you need to be prepared. The first thing you need to do is get pre approved!! House hunting is a waste of time if you don't know what you can afford. Next, get yourself an experienced agent. Check their profile on HAR.com and see what their clients have to say. Many agents volunteer to take part of a client survey program which allows their client's to rate the agent. The highest score is a 5/5 rating. Once you pick your agent, tell them what you are looking for in the home, neighborhood and schools. Let them know what is important to you.

With the right agent and your pre approval in hand, you will be in the best position to purchase your dream home.

Adorable Updated Home in Panther Creek

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:11:30 -0700

24 White Willow

The Woodlands, Tx 77380

Offered at $126,500

Located in the heart of The Woodlands, this charming home has been completely updated with fresh paint from top to bottom, new carpet, remodeled master bath, granite on all counter tops, new appliances, fresh landscaping and much much more.

This home is has three bedrooms, two baths, and two car attached garage.

Granite Countertops and tile backsplash give this home a touch of luxury.

Three Cheers for Operation Pets Alive

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:12:36 -0800

So often reading or watching the new is just down right depressing. But, today I read an article in the local Villager that made me smile.

Operation Pets Alive, a nonprofit organization based in The Woodlands organized a "rescue flight" for 22 dogs from the Montgomery County Animal Shelter to New Hampshire to find new homes. According to the article, most of the dogs had been at the shelter since November and where unlikely to find homes anytime soon.

By making this trip the dogs will avoid being euthanized.

This was Operation Pets Alive their first trip. Travel cost is expense about $100 per animal. One very generous unnamed resident of Montgomery County provided the funds to make the trip possible. That person goes on my list of heroes.

To contact Operation Pets Alive, email Marcia Piotter. To send a donation to mail to Operation Pets Alive via The Woodlands Dog Park Club, PO Box 130175, The Woodlands, Tx 77393. Be sure to write OPA in the comment line.

Thank you to Matt Stephens for informing the local public about this important organization and their good work.

The Woodlands To Host Marathon in 2012

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:34:48 -0800

The Woodlands will once again be home to a Marathon race in 2012. The race is schedule for March 3, 2012, and I couldn't be happier. No longer will are fate to run depend on the new lottery system of the Houston Marathon. The Woodlands is the ideal place for a marathon. We already have numerous other races including the Ten For Texas, Muddy Trails, and Run thru the Woods. For more information and registration go to www.thewoodlandsmarathon.com

3011 Breckenridge Forest Ct.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:44:15 -0800

3011 Breckenridge Forest Ct

Spring, Tx

Offered at $185,000

Awesome 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with granite countertops, gas range, cast stone fireplace and tile in main living area. Game room and 3 secondary bedrooms upstairs. Balcony off of secondary bedroom. Located in cul-de-sac and within walking distance of neighborhood park and pool. Large backyard with room for pool.

1949 County Road 347, Gause, Tx

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:23:11 -0800

1949 County Road 347

Gause, Tx

Offered at $305,000

Approximately 21 acres with home, garage, barn, blind, feeders, pond, and seasonal creek located within 35 minutes of Texas A&M University.

For more information contact me at www.SoldOnMary.com and find out why my clients get Sold On Mary!!!

4622 Countrymeadows, Spring, Tx 77388

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:08:17 -0800

4622 Countrymeadows, Spring, Tx 77388

Offered at $279,500

Amazing 4 bedroom (up to six), 3 full baths, 1 half bath, 2 car garage home is being offered at the unbelieveable price of $279,500.

This stunning home located in Country Lakes Estates boast nearly 4,000 sq feet of living space, granite countertops, 42 inch cherry cabinets, gameroom/media with surround sound and wired for projection tv. Huge master bedroom measuring approx. 18x28 with two huge walk in closets and executive master bath with separate shower and whirlpool tub. Secondary bedroom has private bath. Dining room is 16' long providing ample room to fully extend the dining table during the holidays. Home lights are wire through the computer and can be turned on and off from any computer via internet. Security cameras help keep you safe and monitor your surroundings.

Zoned to highly acclaimed Klein school district.

How to Sell a Listing in 5 Days

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:18:08 -0800

4 Brentwood Oaks

The Woodlands, Tx 77381

Offered at $136,500

How do you list and sell a house in this economy in 5 days?

1. Price is right. Don't overprice for the market.

2. De-clutter EVERYWHERE.

3. Paint It! Paint is cheap and goes along way freshening up the home.

4. Freshen up the carpets or replace if needed.

5. Stag It. How you live in a house may not be the best presentation for selling the home.

6. Take care of deferred maintenance before going on the market.

7. Clean up the landscape for better curb appeal.

I can't guarantee your house will sell in 5 days, but taking care of the above items will insure your house selling faster and at a higher sales price.

For more information, contact me at www.SoldOnMary.com and find out why my clients Get Sold On Mary!!!

What To Look For When Choosing An Agent

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:06:53 -0800

Unless you have a Realtor who you personally know, finding an agent to work with can be a daunting experience.

In addition to finding a Realtor with Experience and Internet Savvy, here are some key items to look for when choosing an Realtor to help you buy or sell your home.

Look For a Realtor who will always:

Provide You Superior Service
Treat You with Honesty and Utmost Respect
Never Forget that They Work for You
Treat You the way They would want to be Treated
Update You with the Latest Information about Your Property
Treat You as if You are their Only Client
Strive to be the Best Realtor You Will Ever Call
Remember that You are the key to Their Business.

For More information go to www.SoldOnMary.com and find out why my clients Get Sold on Mary!!!

Referrals are the greatest compliment. I can refer anyone,anywhere in the world. If you know of someone who is making a move, please call me first for top notch quality service!

Lessons in Customer Service Taught by a Mouse

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:13:18 -0800

Everything you need to know about how to treat your clients can be learned via Mickey Mouse.

Anyone who has ever been to any Disney resort or made reservations on the phone or via Internet knows what I'm talking about. No matter what you ask of the Mouse the answer is always positive and upbeat, even if the answer is no.

And, speaking of the word "No" you'll never hear it. They will tell you in the most positive manner that what you want can't happen, but they never say no. It became comical last May when I was making my family's reservations and I was trying to find out if something was possible. Well it became obvious that it wasn't possible, but the reservation taker wasn't going to say no......I honestly don't think that they are allowed to use the word. Instead I was given all kinds of options that were possible.

So, now I use the same technique on my clients. If they want to see a house at the exact same time as I already have an appointment I don't say no, instead I say, "Of course we can see that house, I can show it to you at this time or that time."

It a funny thing following the rules of the Mouse. You become a more positive person because you don't allow yourself to be negative. When you are positive person, people react to you positive in a positive manner. When everyone is positive more transactions happen. When more transactions happen you make more money. When you make more money you have a more positive attitude.

Give it a try. What do you have to lose, but a negative attitude.

PS. Try it on your family, too.

For more information go to www.SoldOnMary.com

Referrals are the greatest compliment. I can refer anyone anywhere in the world. If you know someone who is making a move, please call me firest for top notch quality service.

How to Choose a Listing Agent

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:27:42 -0800

You've decided to list you home.

That was the easy part. Now you must decided which Realtor to hire to list your home and help you sell your house.

One option is to go with the agent who advertises the most. While that agent's name might be most familiar it is not always the best option.

If you don't already know an agent that you are comfortable working with, then you should pick several through recommendations from friends or even the agents own marketing and set appointments to interview. You don't have to interview all of the Realtors face to face. I have been interviewed and hired via email and phone conversations. I have several out of town clients that I would not recognize if they past me on the street, but they thoroughly interviewed me before hiring me to market their real estate.

What Should You Look For In An Agent?

Experience, Knowledge, and a Can Do Attitude!

Can the Realtor provide client referrals?

Is the Realtor capable of providing staging assistance?

Does the Realtor submit to an online Client Experience Ratings?

Is the Realtor willing to hold Open Houses?

Which websites will advertise your home?

Does the agent follow up on showings?

Will the agent keep your best interest in mind, fiercely negotiating the best possible contract?

Does the Realtor send you weekly reports on the marketing of your home?

Will the Realtor meet with you on a regular basis via phone or in person to discuss status and strategy?

What Should You Not Be Concerned About?

The Broker's Commission

While everyone wants a deal, a discounted commission is often no deal. Usually full service agents are just that....full service. Find yourself the most qualified agent and you won't go wrong. If they offer a discount great, if they don't, the service and negotiation abilities of an experience, quality agent will often net you more money than the discounted agent. If it is not your policy to hire discount doctors and lawyers, you shouldn't hire your Realtor based commission, but instead experience and knowledge and Can Do Attitude.

For more information you can contact me at www.SoldOnMary.com

First Time Buyer's Guide to the Purchasing Process

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:15:43 -0800

In the world of Real Estate, 2009 will probably go down in history as the year of The First Time Buyer. Never in all of my previous years have I worked with more first time buyers. Thanks to the generous $8000.00 federal tax credit, many qualified buyers who had been quietly content with renting decided they wanted a piece of the American Dream and the $8,000.

As a Realtor, this has been a huge opportunity to hone my skills in helping first time buyers through the process purchasing a home. I think first time buyers really benefit from working with an agent who thinks like a teacher. Novice buyers need someone who take the time to walk them through the steps of negotiations, inspections, the mortgage process, and the closing prior to viewing homes.

Once the buyer is approved for the mortgage it is time to start looking for homes in the price range that buyer can afford and is comfortable spending. It is important for buyers to understand the difference between what they can afford according to the mortgage company and what they are comfortable spending.

Buyers need to have a realistic idea of what they can expect to purchase for the amount of money they are willing to spend. While it is reasonable to expect to find a cute home for $150,000, buyers need to realize that they are not going to find a 3000 sq foot home with 5 bedrooms/3.2 baths/3 car garage with pool on a cul de sac lot in the areas most desirable neighborhood. Giving buyers a realistic idea of what they can expect to see during the home shopping process will go a long ways towards preventing heartache and frustration.

After the buyer finds the house the house he/she wants to make an offer on, the Realtor should provide the buyer with a CMA (comparative market analysis). This will let the buyer know what similar homes in the area sold for in recent months. With this information the buyer is ready to make an education decision as to the initial offer. Once the initial offer is decided, the Realtor writes up the offer for the buyer to review and approve. After the buyer signs off on the offer it is submitted to the seller's agent and negotiations begin.

Since buying a home can be an emotional process, it is always important to decide upfront the most you are willing to pay for a home. This is especially important if you find yourself pitted against another buyer.

There are generally two parts to the negotiations process. The first is agreeing to the terms of the contract such as price and closing date, and who pays for what closing cost. The second part involves the repairs that are needed based on the inspection.

It is advised that buyers pay for an option period. Generally, the option period is ten days for $100. This means that the buyer can opt out of the contract for any reason during the first ten calendar days of the contract. During this time the buyer has all of the desired inspections performed and negotiates with the buyer repairs to be completed prior to the sale. Sometimes the inspection reports are so bad that the buyer decides to "opt out" of the contract and not purchase the home.

Once all negotiations are finalized and complete, the contract continues to move forward towards the closing date. It is important not to get complacent. There are many things to be done...getting all of the required documents to the lender, making sure insurance is in place, the appraisal, title commitment, and the survey. It's very important to stay on top of all of these items, delaying any of these items can delay the closing which can cost money or even your interest rate lock. So while it is tempting to focus on paint colors and fabric swatches, save that till after the closing. It is also important not to make any major purchases before the closing. A large purchase could affect your ability to qualify for the loan. Most mortgage companies will pull your credit within 24 hours of the scheduled closing to confirm your credit worthiness has not changed.

No Thanks, My Realtor's Got My Back!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:32:05 -0800

Today one of my listing clients gave me the best compliment! A friend of her's had suggested to my client that she contact her Realtor friend about buying her new house. My client's reply, "No thanks, My Realtor has got my back! I wouldn't even consider working with another Realtor." Music to my ears and heart!

It's nice to know that dedication does pay off, that people today still recognize and appreciate hard work and reward you for going above and beyond the call of duty.

So often we deal with people who find us disposable. Client's who do not hesitate to drop you as their Realtor because you have a prior obligation the at the very time they want to see a house and no other time can possible work.

I feel so lucky and grateful to have clients like mine. They make it easy for me to work harder and provide more service than expected!

4622 Country Meadows, Spring Tx 77388

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:35:59 -0800

4622 Countrymeadows, Spring, Tx 77388

Offered at $285,000

Amazing 4 bedroom (up to six), 3 full baths, 1 half bath, 2 car garage home is being offered at the unbelieveable price of $285,000.

Zoned to highly acclaimed Klein school district.

For more information contact Mary Bowen at Mary@SoldOnMary.com or www.SoldOnMary.com

GEARING UP FOR STORY BOOK PARADES

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:34:18 -0700

At many of The Woodland's elementary schools, it is a tradition to hold a Story Book Parade the week of Halloween.

The students get to dress up as their favorite story book character and parade around the school showing off their costumes for all the parents and family who attend.

SOME CHOOSE TO GO AS ANIMALS...SUCH AS THIS ADORABLE CHEETAH!

HEROINES ARE ALWAYS FAVORITES!

A MAGICAL PRINCESS IS ALWAYS A HIT!

SOME BIG KIDS JOIN IN THE PARADE, TOO. THIS PIRATE DRESSED AS SPONGE BOB!!

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU ARE GOING TO MEET AT THE PARADE!

EVEN CURIOUS GEORGE DROPPED BY FOR A BANANA!

Looking for a home for your favorite characters, contact me, Mary Bowen, I can give you all the lastest information about The Woodlands. I don't just work in The Woodlands ...I live here, too.

Save Money While Taking Care of Fluffy and Fido

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:57:08 -0700

For many of you I have become the "money saving tips" agent. I have posted blogs on promo code websites, contactdirect.com, and godaddy.com. All of these post have been directed to saving money on the web.

After all, its not how much you make, but rather how much you keep!

Now I have another great promo. This time its for 1800petmeds.com. If you purchase heartworms meds or other routine Rx prescriptions for you pets from 1800petmeds, you need to keep this promo. I have used it twice and it has saved me $20 each time.

The code is 420rx. Use that code in the promo box and save $20.00 off the order. I used it to by generic heart worm meds for a dog I'm fostering. I bought a year's supply of heart worm pills for $32.99 minus the $20.00 coupon. It cost me $12.99 for a years supply of heartworm pills for this little dog I'm fostering.

Here a picture of "POOKIE" It took six shots to actually get her in the frame long enough to get this picture.

Mutt Strut & Dog Day Afternoon 2008

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:09:50 -0700

The Humane Society of Montgomery County

will be hosting it's annual

MUTT STRUTT AND DOG DAY AFTERNOON

SATURDAY OCTOBER 25th, 2008

The Woodlands Town Green Park

MUTT STRUTT Walk

9 am

Registration starts at 7:30 am

Registration Fee $35.00

DOG DAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

(free to the public)

Best Dressed Dog

Ugliest Dog

Best Stupid Dog Trick

Doggie Demonstrations

Raffles

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT WWW.HSMC-TX.ORG

JAKE NEVER MISSES IT!!!

Contact Wears Take Note

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:45:28 -0700

Last week, I posted about savings on GoDaddy.com and this week I saved $130.00 off of a year's supply of Focus Night and Day contacts for my son. The site I used is www.contactsdirect.com. The optometrist wanted $297.00, but I paid only $169.00 before the $20.00 rebate. If you go to the site, use the promo code WINK10 and save 10%.

Share your cool savings ideas!

Important After Ike Information!!!

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:10:48 -0700

I just wanted to share with everyone who has closing in the Ike affected areas that you need to warn your clients of possible problems with getting utilities turned on at closing. The utility companies are telling people that they are not turning on or transferring utilities until at least October 6th.

The utility companies have pulled their employees from that area of business to the task of restoring electricity. My buying clients have made arrangements with the sellers to pay the sellers to maintain the utilities.

If you have come across any issues, please share in the comments section.

Can You Name that Bank?

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:56:11 -0700

Here we go again! Maybe we should make light of the situation and start a TV game show called, Name that Bank.

Back in the eighties, most all of the banks changed names at least three times before they settled into one that would stay afloat. I saw on the front page of the Houston Chronicle that Washington Mutual (WaMu) was seized last night and most of its assets were purchased by JPMorganChase.

Washington Mutual is my bank. So, I can make light of the situation. The reason for the title? Well' back in 1985, when I was eighteen, I opened a checking account at San Jacinto Savings and Loan. I have never moved that bank account, but in the ten years that followed the bank name on my checks changed 5 times. Washington Mutual was by far the longest lasting name.

Well, apparently for the moment I'm a JPMorganChase account holder. I wonder what the next bank name will be?

Four Legged Victims of Ike Need Your Help!!

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:11:32 -0700

PLEASE READ THIS URGENT POST IF YOU ARE IN OR AROUND THE HOUSTON METRO AREA.

HUNDREDS OF ANIMALS ARE SLATED TO BE PUT DOWN DUE TO LACK OF SPACE AT THE AREA SHELTERS.

IF YOU ARE AT ALL ABLE TO HELP PLEASE CONSIDER ADOPTING, FOSTERING OR MAKING A DONATION TO HELP THESE ANIMALS.

I'M NOT ASKING YOU TO DO ANYTHING I HAVEN'T ALREADY DONE.

I'M AM CURRENTLY FOSTERING POOKIE

AND SHE WILL NOT BE GOING BACK TO THE SHELTER!!

PLEASE PREVIEW THE PICTURES OF THE DOGS WHOSE DAYS ARE NUMBERED AND SEE IF YOU CAN FIND SOMEONE TO HELP! THESE DOGS MUST BE ADOPTED/FOSTERED BY BY FRIDAY, SEPT. 26, 2008 THESE DOGS ARE LOCATED AT THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER ON HWY 242. BUT ALL OF THE SHELTERS ARE FEELING THE STRAIN AND AN ADOPTION OR FOSTERING FOR ANY OF THE LOCAL SHELTERS WOULD BE A HUGE HELP.

IT IS THE EASIEST WAY TO FIND A NEW BEST FRIEND. YOUR KIDS WILL THINK YOU ARE AWESOME!!

BE A SUPER HERO!!

PS. Please consider forwarding this to everyone on your contact list. We can make a difference even if we save just one animal that is one life saved.

Double Up Your Volunteerism!!

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:19:31 -0700

Have You Ever Tried to Multi-task Your Volunteerism?

Recently, I wrote a post called How do you Decide Where to Volunteer? There are so many worthy causes and I was overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of you who wrote lengthy comments to share your volunteerism. It made me proud to be associated to you by profession and ActiveRain.

As we all know, volunteering has its cost. We only have 24 hours in a day. Those hours must be carefully divided between family, business, sleep, and everything else. So we learn to multi-task.

I multi-task as much as possible to get everything done.

- - network while socializing
  - clean while cooking
  - walk the dog while exercising
  - do laundry while posting

So why not multi-task Volunteerism? Right?

So, Here is the Plan

I've arranged for my daughter's Girl Scout troop to tour the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.

The girls will learn about over population and prevention of animal cruelty and the shelter will receive much needed supplies and funds that the girls will collect prior to the shelter tour.

Its a Win-Win Situation!

So be creative, think about ways you can combine your favorite charities for a win-win situation. After all the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Life and Posting Lessons From ActiveRain

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:31:36 -0700

Last week was quite the experience!

I learned more about posting than I have learned all of last year. I don't mean the technical stuff. I'm the human stuff. Sometimes we think that when we post that no one is paying attention to us because we are small fish in this huge pond called ActiveRain. Points are king and if we only have a few points who is going to read what we have to say?

BUT, WE TRY

We try being brilliant...no good....on 3 comments.

We try being funny....5 comments. Better, but no cigar.

We have a bad day and rant....well that got us attention, but not the kind we wanted! Oops!

Then, we look deep into our souls and we break all the walls that we have carefully built to protect ourselves from being emotionally injured........................and BOOM.............a real person is behind that post and that gets the attention we all seek!

Even in this modern high tech world that we live in

people need to connect with real people.

Bad Members or Just Bad Posts?

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:51:33 -0700

Recently, the posts have been flying back and forth about "Bad Eggs," "Razor Tongues," "Negative People," etc

spurring a Singing of the Choir about " bad members of ActiveRain."

DO WE REALLY HAVE BAD MEMBERS OR JUST BAD POSTS?

I see posts and comments that I find offensive, distasteful, or just not the persons best judgment. When I see those post I have 3 choices.

Publicly take the person to task.
Email the person privately, so as to not embarrass them or start a lynching
Ignore the post and assume the person was having a bad day and needed to vent.

Choice number one I would never do. I don't treat people that way because they made a mistake. I'm human and I have made my mistakes. I even recently wrote a post that was well received by many, but I also received a few harsh comments as well. It wasn't my intentions to offend anyone, but I had had a bad week and raw emotion poured out of my fingers and onto my post.

What happened the days prior to THAT post?

The eye of Hurricane Ike went over my house.
My son knee cap was knocked out of socket
My 10 year daughter's five year old pet frog died, and we had days and days of tears.
I had no electricity for 4 days because of Ike.
A tree was blown through my garage during the storm.
And here the best... while we had no electricity and we had to sleep with the windows open my neighbor's dog got out and scared a skunk under our bedroom windows.

Lessons learned

Don't post when emotions are running high!
Don't judge others by one post. Give people a break, they are only human.

So please don't condemn us mere mortals.

Email us privately and tells us your concerns. You might even find the writer could use someone to listen. Some of us even will even send private apologizes to the offended.