just for fun: Cheers to 35 Years in Real Estate
- 12/29/23 04:29 PM
I realized last week that I was approaching the end of my 35th year in the real estate industry. I've seen a lot of change in the last 35 years. I got into real estate when buyer agency didn't exist! Everyone represented the seller whether they realized it or not. I was licensed in 1988 and buyer agency didn't become a thing until the early 1990s.
In those early years, I sold a lot of homes that required lead based paint letters. The government banned lead based paint in 1978 so anytime we sold a home built prior to that, we used … (29 comments)
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just for fun: Would You Sell Your Home on Your Birthday?
- 11/14/23 08:33 AM
My phone rang bright and early this morning. On the other end of the phone, a lady said "Do you want to sell my house?"
Well, certainly I do. (Let's find out more about the mystery caller).
Turns out, it was a nonagenarian (I'll wait while you look it up) calling to sell the home she had lived in for 31 years. When we met in person, I learned today is her birthday.
She woke up this morning and decided today was the day. Her "gift" to herself was to list her home with me, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist.
I am pleased Miss … (13 comments)
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just for fun: It's Time For Online Continuing Education
- 06/04/23 07:37 PM
Three months ago, I checked my renewal status as a licensed Real Estate Agent. I needed to take a couple of CE classes to complete my Continuing Education requirements for the next two years, so I hopped online and promptly ordered the required Agency and Law Classes. I had 90 days to complete the courses; plenty of time, right?
As usual, life and work (and procrastination) got in the way. June arrived and I was facing a deadline. In my mind, I had until June 15th to complete the courses. Not ideal, but eleven days was plenty of time to tackle the … (20 comments)
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just for fun: Take a Tour of My Mississippi Spring Garden
- 05/26/23 12:55 PM
My little plot of land in Brandon MS provides a very small space for a garden. In fact, when I moved here a few years ago, absolutely nothing was planted in the back yard. The front was filled with crepe myrtles, Indian Hawthorn, Lorapetalum, and a Japanese Maple; all of which I loved, but the back yard is where I spend my time.
So before I even moved in, I brought some potted daylilies from my previous home and built a new daylily bed. It gives me such pleasure in May and June. The blooms replenish themselves each year and though the … (30 comments)
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just for fun: Happy Cinco de Mayo To Me!
- 05/03/23 03:28 PM
Today was Realtor Open House Day in my neighborhood. Three homes were on preview, all priced between $399,000 - $420,000.
As I was leaving the first home on the tour, a car pulled up and rolled down the window. The driver asked if I was showing the home or if it was open to anyone, as the Realtor Open House signs were posted on the property. I explained it was for Realtors, but she appeared very interested, so I agreed to show her the home.
While we toured the home, the prospect told me more about what she was looking for, the number … (14 comments)
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just for fun: Adventures in Real Estate - Manic Sunday
- 05/22/22 04:49 PM
What a crazy Sunday it turned out to be.
The day was going to be lazy, catch up on rest and watch a little mindless TV. Everything changed around 2:00 pm when I received a text from a past client, cryptically saying "Call me please".
After the usual pleasantries, my client expressed interest in a home she found online. It was already in a multiple offer situation, and the deadline for "highest and best" was in 2 hours. I quickly called the agent and begged for an appointment so I could Face Time my client. Once I had permission, I raced drove across town … (10 comments)
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just for fun: Do You Send Birthday Cards to Your Sphere?
- 01/26/22 02:30 PM
This thought has been swirling around in my head for months, so today I took the first step toward accomplishing this goal. I bought a couple dozen birthday cards to send to friends, clients, and sphere.
I also popped by the Post Office to pick up a roll of stamps. Armed with my laptop, I signed into Facebook to check the birthday list. It's easy to find your friends birthdays, then all you have to do is add the address, which you probably already have in your database.
Have you taken time to personally mail cards to your friends and fans? My birthday … (11 comments)
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just for fun: November 15th is America Recycles Day
- 11/02/21 12:55 PM
I'm a big advocate of recycling. Unfortunately, the recycling industry is collapsing for two primary reasons; many of our recycling bins are contaminated with food waste and other non-cyclables, therefore rendering the contents unusable, and the markets for recyclables are shrinking. The bottom line is landfills are currently more profitable than recycling.
So if 90% of what we try to recycle ends up in a landfill because of contamination and being unable to find a market for recyclables, what are we to do?
REDUCE and REUSE.
Refrain from buying single use items. Many items that can be washed and reused. Personally, I don't buy … (10 comments)
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just for fun: Going the Extra Mile to Sell Your Listings
- 10/26/21 01:32 PM
Do you go the extra mile to get your listings sold? I'm sure most of us do.
Recently a slow moving property needed an extra push to find the right buyer. The seller took much of my advice to heart; we cleaned, decluttered, put things in storage and made pre-listing repairs to the home. We had professional photos, a social media campaign, and a fair amount of interest during the first two weeks of showings. Then interest fizzled. We attributed the lack of showings to Labor Day, the back-to-school rush, etc.
Meanwhile, the sellers packed up and moved out of state. They left several … (19 comments)
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just for fun: Discover Ridgeland's Repeat Street - Consignment Shop
- 09/20/21 12:03 PM
If you live in metro Jackson and have never heard of Repeat Street, you owe it to yourself to spend an afternoon browsing the merchandise.
I found myself Saturday afternoon with a little free time on my hands. The closer my car got to the destination, the more excited I became. My adrenaline was working overtime.
Repeat Street is one of the largest consignment shops in the area, and they have virtually anything you can think of. Quirky, fun, retro, collectibles, furniture, clothing; you name it, they probably have it.
My house is full so I have to be VERY SELECTIVE about what items … (10 comments)
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just for fun: Ode to Billy Joe - Mississippi Memories
- 08/15/21 04:27 PM
It's been my earworm all weekend. I. CANNOT. GET. IT. OUT. OF. MY. HEAD
Let's start at the beginning. This catchy little ditty was popular a LONG time ago. Written in 1967 by singer/songwriter Bobbie Gentry, the song was wildly popular. It told the story about a young man, Billie Joe McAllister, who jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge. The singer/songwriter was born in Mississippi and her ballad told of places in the Mississippi Delta. As a pre-teen, I memorized every word and recall it to this day.
Fast forward to present day, and I'm showing homes in Bradshaw Ridge., a neighborhood in Madison … (15 comments)
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just for fun: A Typical Saturday in the Life of A Realtor - Madison MS
- 07/18/21 02:23 PM
The day began as a typical Saturday. Out of town buyers were here with the sole purpose of finding a home. It rained on us the preceding day, so I put my boots in the back of the truck, knowing we would be in "new construction" territory and the boots could come in handy.
Just as we arrived in the neighborhood, the heavens opened and the largest rain drops ever seen pelted down on us.
Driveways hadn't been poured, so accessing the house was an uphill climb. We attempted our ascent through muddy terrain by traversing rocks, scrap lumber, and sparse grassy areas, … (17 comments)
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just for fun: Ways to Dye or Decorate Easter Eggs
- 04/20/19 09:02 PM
It all started with my Easter graphic.
The crisp colors of rainbow dyed eggs in this Easter greeting reminded me of Easters past, dying eggs with McCormick food and Easter Egg dye along with a spoonful of vinegar and having an old fashioned egg hunt in the backyard.
The girls have all but outgrown the tradition of finding Easter Eggs, but I wanted ONE more memory with the youngest granddaughter.
I got on Pinterest looking for creative ways to dye eggs. There was a shaving cream approach, a baking soda method, glitter eggs, decoupage eggs, silk tie dyed eggs, washi tape eggs, etc. There were many varieties, and … (15 comments)
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just for fun: 2019 Taste of Flowood A Success
- 04/12/19 04:49 PM
Vendors, volunteers and tasters had a wonderful afternoon at the 2019 Taste of Flowood. The event was held at Mirror Lake Plaza on Lakeland Drive. Food tents were set up outside while restaurant owners served samples of their signature dishes to the delight of ticket holders.
The weather could not have been more perfect. The food was scrumptious, and a local band entertained participants throughout the evening.
Over 35 vendors served food and liquid refreshment to the sold out crowd. There was a vast array of tasty treats, from BBQ to grilled oysters, shrimp, chicken salad, steak, prime rib, sub sandwiches, homemade mac and … (10 comments)
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just for fun: Please Remove Your Shoes Before Showing
- 04/02/19 09:59 AM
My phone rang this morning, and to my delight it was a prospective buyer who had asked for Realtor suggestions and was given my name.
As we chatted, I learned what her needs were. I prepared an MLS search to see what was available. Homes are selling quickly in the Brandon MS market, especially in the callers price range, so we need to act accordingly.
While reviewing the MLS listings, a particular property caught my eye. The comment section read, "Please remove your shoes as the seller does the same".
When I was a Baby Real Estate Agent, I might have been offended by this remark. Even … (24 comments)
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just for fun: Almost Wordless Wednesday ~ Yard Art and Signs of Spring
- 02/19/19 09:49 PM
While showing homes in Belhaven, I noticed the Japanese Magnolias in full bloom. I've always heard them referred to as "tulip trees". Their beautiful pink blossoms indicate Spring will arrive soon. (It won't be soon enough!)
The same day, I was greeted by a funky musician propped beside the mailbox. Since Belhaven is known for its historic neighborhoods, art and cultural opportunities, this guy was right at home.
It's fun to capture interesting photos while touring neighborhoods and showing homes to clients. I hope you enjoy.
Learn more about Belhaven by visiting Greater Belhaven.
Search homes for sale in Central Mississippi
… (16 comments)
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just for fun: #TBT - Happy Thanksgiving!
- 11/19/18 06:58 AM
This photo was taken in Gulfport, MS circa 1996 as I prepared the holiday meal for family and friends.
Wherever you spend the holiday, I hope you are surrounded by loved ones and make great memories.
Also, I encourage you to reach out to anyone who may be lonely this season and brighten their day.
“To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world.” Dr. Seuss
Happy Thanksgiving!
… (18 comments)
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just for fun: MS Realtor Discovers Rare Grace Kelly Postcard
- 11/09/18 01:07 PM
Every day brings new experiences, and in real estate, you never know what will unfold.
I was helping clean out a house that I recently sold. The out of state seller had held an estate sale, followed by a garage sale, and anything left over was to be either donated or thrown away. Closing was scheduled for the next day, and the listing agent and I had been sweeping, sorting, and tossing unwanted items for hours when she came across an old postcard.
She casually showed me the postcard and I exclaimed "It's Princess Grace!". The listing agent looked at me as if to say, "Okay, who's … (24 comments)
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just for fun: Observe These 10 Tips While Trick or Treating
- 10/23/18 07:06 PM
Halloween is approaching and is a childs' third favorite holiday behind Christmas and Thanksgiving. While older teens and adults may enjoy costume parties, kids can't resist Trick or Treating. Follow these 10 tips to ensure a safe and fun-filled Halloween:
Know when Halloween will be observed in your area. Strange as it may sound, many communities designate alternate nights for Trick or Treating if the 31st falls on Sunday. Check your neighborhood Facebook page or the city's website to be sure.
Teach your children to look all ways when crossing the street. Look left, right, then left again when crossing and continue to look while … (23 comments)
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just for fun: She Did It Again! Sunday Chat With Margaret Rome
- 09/17/18 09:58 AM
Yesterday afternoon while splashing around in the Rain, I received a delightful phone call from our very own Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland . You never know what will prompt a call from Margaret, but in this case I had mentioned her in a comment to member Andrea Bedard.
Margaret is so kind to make these calls. Many of our ActiveRain members feel like family. We follow each others blog and share ideas about our business, we talk about our children and grandchildren, and learn from each other. Margaret takes it a step further and reaches out in person.
The AR community feels like family to those of us who have been … (32 comments)
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I realized last week that I was approaching the end of my 35th year in the real estate industry. I've seen a lot of change in the last 35 years. I got into real estate when buyer agency didn't exist! Everyone represented the seller whether they realized it or not. I was licensed in 1988 and buyer agency didn't become a thing until the early 1990s.
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