I just finished reading Diary of a Real Estate Rookie: My Year of Flipping, Selling, and Rebuilding and What I Learned (The Hard Way)  by Alison Rogers 

Overall I enjoyed the book. I was looking for a book that was a diary of someone who was successful at flipping houses. Within those paramaters the book failed miserably.

If you are looking for some good information on how to become a realtor, flipper, or how to be a more successfull realtor I would choose a different book.

However, if you are looking for a touching, somewhat intimate look at someone's life who attempted to flip houses, and is now a Realtor it is very good.

Alison writes for Inman news and has a blog there. If you are looking for really helpful information you would be better served reading her blog.

My favorite quote "The four C's of Real Estate are:

• Cost
• Capacity
• Condition
• Convenience - Location"

I really enjoyed reading Million Dollar Habits: Proven Power Practices to Double and Triple Your Income by Brian Tracy. First of all, I would guess that most of you already know that you need to read everything you can by Brian Tracy. If you haven't heard of Brian tracy this is a great book to start on. There is something that will increase your success (if you seriously put it to use) in every chapter of this book. This is also a great book if you are just wanting a little "pick me up" to keep you going.

My favorite quote from this book is a quote that he got from Mary Kay Ashley the founder of Mary Kay cosmetics. "everyone wears a sign that says Make my feel Important!"

As a side note: Mary Kay is the #1 employer of women earning more than $50,000 a year, As a Realtor, or Mortgage broker your average product is 200,000 times more expensive than a Mary Kay agents. So, maybe you should talk to your local Mary Kay lady and find out what makes her so successful. A lot of books talk about your networking team. So one thing you could do to be more successful is to add your local Mary Kay lady to your networking team.

Start watching for the pink Cadilac's near you!

Drew

Realtors:

• How many more sales could you make if some of your clients converted their IRA's to self directed real estate IRA's?

Wouldn't it be great to turn some of your clients into real estate investors and help your investors increase their investments. With a little bit of research you could increase your income this year.

I welcome any questions or comments you might have.

Thanks

Drew

I have just recently realized the wealth of information that is available in an easy to go format. How many times have I been sitting in the car, waiting for a client, etc. and wishing I could do something to enhance my career. Well now I can have some podcasts loaded on my phone.

Some of my favorites are

• real estate investing 101
• the real estate guys radio
• Brian tracy
• Master Real Estate course by Bill Fitzpatrick
• Master Small Business course
• Real Wealth Show with Kathy Fettke

So, my question is what are your favorite or your most helpful podcasts?

I have some questions for the Real Estate community. Does having a security system in a house add value? How much value? Or, is it a factor at all? How much value does a gated community add? If you were to compare identical homes and one was in a gated community what would be the price difference?

We see so much on the news that is scary. Then I saw a news special about "lock bumping" or "Key bumping" and it really shocked me.

As a missionary I would get these emails all the time. Reverend Drew we have millions of dollars we want to give to your ministry just...

But, some of you may not have received this type of scam before so here's your warning. Below in Italics is a copy of the email I received through activerain. This doesn't mean Activerain is at fault or responsible it's just the way they sent me the message and may have tried to contact you also.

Don't be fooled by the news links. I could show you links to news stories about a house that was destroyed in Katrina and give you a sob story and ask for help building a new house. That doesn't mean I own that house or that I am truly who I say I am. No matter how true the news story is.

You've received a contact message from your Contact Form on the ActiveRain network.

Message details:
From: Muda
Email: muda112@myway.com
Subject: FUND FOR INVESTMENT

Hello,

I am contacting you via your email address to keep our discussions private and confidential. The purpose of my contacting you soliciting your assistance is because you live in a country with a stable economy where one can invest.

I am Muda from Brunei. My family have being the target of scathing criticism by conservatives in our country whom are opposed to my father opening up Brunei, one of the world's last remaining absolute monarchies to Western modernization and developments. In year 2000 a court ordered the seizure of my father's conglomerate (Amedeo Development Corporation) including all bank accounts and private properties belonging to us. In May 2006, my father lost an appeal to retain our properties, assets and bank accounts which the security operatives want forfeited to the government.

See websites below:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/670959.stm

http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/magazine/2000/0310/nat.brunei.jefri.html

http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/y2k/May2006/230506.htm

I want to transfer US$40 Million cash which you are going to receive for investment. The money was packaged in a Box which is sealed and locked before it was deposited in a private warehouse in Europe. Due to the events in my country, it has become absolutely necessary for the Box to be transfered into your custody so that you can investment the money US$40 Million into your country economy as the best way to safe guard the money.

Therefore, you would be required either to travel down to the warehouse in Europe to take delivery of the Box for onward transfer of contents into your private bank account or on the alternative we have made arrangements for the Box to be delivered to your contact/resident address. Whichever the option of your choice from above, to commence with the procedures for the release of the Box, i would need you to send me the followings:-muda114@myway.com
YOUR FULL NAMES

YOUR CONTACT/RESIDENT ADDRESS

YOUR DIRECT PHONE NUMBER



Upon receiving the above data from you, i will forward your data to the private warehouse in Europe for legal documentation prior to the release of the Box. If however, you are not disposed to assist, kindly introduce me to a reliable friend, relative or associate whom you deem fit and capable to assist me retrieve this funds.

I am counting on your absolute confidentiality and trust while I await your prompt reply.

Sincerely,

Muda.

Email sent from IP: 72.3.137.83

I have a borrower at the moment that has had to fire three real estate agents. They have specifically told them they could only afford $200k. (In our market that is difficult to find) The agents, knowing that they were pre-approved for $250k, were only showing them houses in the $225k-250k range. When they were confronted they said "well I'm sure you could find a couple extra hundred dollars if we find the right house for you."

If a buyer comes to me, applies for a loan, I can't legally deny them a loan that they qualify for, even if they have told me they can only afford to pay a certain amount per month, and this loan would be $200 more per month.

So Now, who is being predatory?

I often here this same scenario where the real estate agent is showing people homes $10k-50k over what they were told they could afford.

I realize that there are predatory lenders but this problem can't be solely placed at the feet of the lending industry.

Why do you agree or disagree?

*Update* This was originally written when it was still a sellers market and offers were above listed price not below.

If you're looking for a little bit of culture and block party this weekend come to NE Broadway.

AFRICAN ART SHOW Proceeds go to the NAPE Foundation for Women and Children in Africa

FREE Face Painting Bring the kids! Sun 11-4

SIDEWALK SALE July 20th • 21st • 22nd 20% - 70% OFF

Participating Merchants

• Airbornne Pure International Skin Care • Formulated in Switzerland. Made in the USA • 503-998-6157
• Art House • Your complete papercrafting source! • 2129 NE
• BroadwayBroadway Books • Great books, spectacular service • 1714 NE Broadway
• Broadway Floral • For your home and Garden • 1638 NE Broadway
• Footwise • Devoted to your well being • 1433 NE Broadway
• Furever Pets • Furever your neighborhood premium pet food and supply store! • 1902 NE Broadway
• Goodnight Room • Furniture & accessories for a child's home! • 1517 NE Broadway
• Great Wine Buys • Finding your great wine deals since 1985 • 1515 NE Broadway
• Hallmark Opticians • Quality and service since 1960. Locally owned! • 1911 NE Broadway
• Halo Shoes • Excellent Shoes • 1425 NE Broadway
• Here We Go Again • Coming Soon! • 1515 NE Broadway
• Kitchen Kaboodle • We make your house a home! • 1520 NE Broadway
• McMenamins On Broadway • Sponsor for the event! • 1504 NE Broadway
• Mimi & Lena • Women's and bridal • 1914 NE Broadway
• Mimi & Madre • Specialty and local jewelry, Pandora charms, handbags & gifts • 1512 NE Broadway
• Mountain Shop • Expert service since 1938 • 628 NE Broadway
• Oh Baby Lingerie • Passion accessorized! • 1320 NE Broadway
• Sofa Table Chair • Custom, affordable, beautiful furniture! • 1916 NE Broadway
• Soho Boutique • Hip women's boutique • 1605 NE Broadway
• Starbucks on Broadway • Sponsor for the event! • Wide range of gifts & products for your summer days • 1510 NE Broadway
• Timmco Insurance • Insurance for all your needs: business, home and auto • 1615 NE Broadway
• Trade Roots • Not your ordinary import store! • 1831 NE Broadway
• U-Store Self Storage • Sponsor for the event! • For all your storage needs! • 419 NE Broadway

Restaurants, Salons and Services Discount does not apply at all restaurants and services

• BJ's Restaurant & Brewery • Chicago style pizza grill & brewery • 825 NE Weilder
• Collosso • Spanish Tapas Bar with sheik stye and sublime drinks • 1932 NE Broadway
• Equity Builder Realty • The gold standard in real estate! • 1901 NE Broadway
• La Muse • Inspiring beauty! • 1320 NE Broadway
• Milo's City Cafe • Everybody loves Milo's! • 1325 NE Broadway
• Pastini Pastaria • Italian Bistro and Classic Pastas! • 1426 NE Broadway
• Thai Pod • When you just don't have time to go to Tailand! • 2015 NE Broadway

I have been working on empathizing with my clients. Making sure I at least know the common reasons why they are looking to refinance.

Then I started wondering. What are the most common frustrations for Realtors when working with a mortgage broker or loan officer? Since I am a rookie I have been asking every Realtor I meet for some advice. I usually ask "what are some bad habits I should avoid, and what are some good habits I should start?"

The 3 most common answers I have received are...

1. Answer the phone, and return your calls
2. Close the loan by the closing date.
3. No Surprises at closing.

My first thought on this is DUH! That should be the bare minimum. But I guess a lot of lenders skipped the chapter on "first things first" in 7 Habits of highly successful people. 

As a Realtor, what are your other most common frustrations with mortgage brokers or loan officers?

Are you ready to have fun Downtown.

Are you looking for a Free Concert?

Noon Tunes Presented by Volkswagen

The Noon Tunes Concert Series Presented by Volkswagen will have performances by some of the best local and regional talent. The Noon Tunes will be held every Tuesday & Thursday at noon.

• July 10th - The Vintage Mink
• July 12th - Jon Koonce and One More Mile
• July 17th - Black Tangerine
• July 19th - Sweet Lou
• July 24th - Free Will Band
• July 26th - The Jim Mesi Band
• July 31st - The Dimes
• August 2nd - Brett Dennen
• August 7th - Johnette Napolitano
• August 9th - Barbara Lusch
• August 14th - The Imprints
• August 16th - Patrick Lamb
• August 28th - Stephanie Schneiderman
• August 30th - Rye Hollow

How about a Free Movie? 

Flicks on the Bricks Presented By SmartPark

The series begins on July 20th at dusk and will continue every Friday until August 17th and includes:

• Batman - July 20th
• Grease - July 27th
• Mission Impossible - August 3rd
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - August 10th
• Stand By Me - August 17th

To find out about the fun happenings and festivals in the center of downtown Portland, Oregon check out their site.

Pioneer Courthouse Square

Have Fun!

NW Drew