BANK BAIL-OUTS.....NO ONE LIKES THEM.....NO ONE - 11/30/10 11:51 AM
I had to share this brief post....I am reading that they are bailing banks out in Europe because the-Euro is not performing, Real Estate is down and their economy is weak too
I had to laugh because the people over there...the common man and woman in the street doesn't like it and is not buying it either.
In America, we went first and the people are and were upset. The idea of feeding funds to well off institutions instead of the people they serve doesn't go well with anyone....
How come they are not lowering pay and incentives and cutting costs … (6 comments)

DYSFUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR.....you are being robbed - 11/30/10 10:02 AM
Abnormal or unhealthy personal or professional behavior....perhaps you have seen this before..? People who have had a rough start-up or abusive parents usually are the product of a dysfunctional environment which in turn creates and supports dysfunctional behavior....
IT'S WIDESPREAD and a COMMON MALADY OF MAN
It is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide if you have it....Oh, you will know if you have it especially if you are willing to look and observe yourself without laying blame on others...To listen and receive feedback and input. To be still..There will always be the nagging sense of something is wrong … (7 comments)

2011....we need to put the "CAN" back into...... Ameri-CAN - 11/29/10 04:06 PM
I plan to take the New Year and make it do something...well NEW. I thought that is how it works. Out with old, in with New. I am reading miscellaneous articles that are saying otherwise. That makes me reflect on our current leadership...and wonder
I read and heard that gains in unemployment will not take place. Some are predicting another 2 years. I don't know about that, I just know that it wont pick-up right away. Now that's a problem needs immediate attention
I read and heard that Real Estate is expecting any gains until 2012 or more. Until then, depreciating … (6 comments)

BANK PROPAGANDA TACTICS......and all that goes with it - 11/29/10 02:35 PM
We all know (courtesy of the latest downturn and recession) how inept, unprofessionalal and stubborn the banks are now a days. Their business model would have stayed a secret if it wasn't for the light that the economy shined on them. You not only see their dysfunction, but greed, and indifference
The arrogance of a bunch of bankers arriving in Washington all in private planes at the expense of millions of dollars to beg for BAIL-OUT money is too much to ask the public to put up with...Little did we know that they wielded the golden rule...HE WHO HAS THE GOLD … (8 comments)

THE PURPOSE OF RELIGION.........is simple really - 11/28/10 10:04 AM
There are many paths that you can take to get somewhere. Hikers, rock climbers, swimmers, joggers anyone that has traveled will share that there is no one way...but many ways to proceed with. That being said, how can anyone claim that their religion is the only way.....?
RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO ARGUE...ask questions instead
First of all, I don't know about the rest of you, but I noticed that everything was sort of here when I got here. I am just a visitor, an observer, a receiver, and a borrower of all things. With time, I hope to make a good … (8 comments)

AUTHOR Richie Alan Naggar.... "Pearls for the Soul".... book debuts - 11/26/10 06:08 PM
Richard Alan Naggar.... a local author and Real Estate Broker has just released his first book called "Pearls for the Soul" a selection of proverbs & insights. Currently, Richie is doing a book tour in the Inland Empire area promoting his works at borders and novelty stores....Here's a recent Interview
Q: What is Pearls for the Soul..?
A: It is a book of proverbs, insights, revelations, positive sayings, and uplifting phrases. It is something that causes us to reflect and receive good input and guidance from within ourselves and then to share with others.
Q: What prompted you to write your … (27 comments)

I READ THIS BOOK ABOUT the SAUDI'S & WALL STREET...when Clinton left office - 11/25/10 11:13 AM
When Clinton left office, the normal expose' books came out. One of them was a well documented history of the multi-trillionaire Saudi Arabians putting trillions into the American stock market over the years. Essentially, they kept the "blue" ........in the blue chip stock.
In return, we promised them protection from their enemies. They were warned not to do that again by Al Qaeda who threatened to start assassinating their families if they did. They stopped the infusion of funds and that left the U.S. government to..... cure or correct it's own market.
It is alleged Wall Street knew about this Saudi … (4 comments)

RETAILERS ARE CUTTING BACK.....I'll be trimming down too - 11/25/10 10:27 AM
Here we are approaching the years end (soon) of a questionable year with the chance to start anew. This is not another reason to celebrate and get drunk, but to reflect on some serious issues not just as a country, but in our personal lives too..I am sorry to have to report that I will be cutting back for this coming year.....
IT IS THE WAY OF REAL ESTATE...
Remember, I am in Real Estate. Feast or famine has become a reality for me and lately, with all the non-sense going on and being reported in my chosen industry...I see more … (13 comments)

FHA......VA......HUD......all worth looking into to start over with - 11/24/10 10:16 AM
The market for Real Estate is in a change of flux to put it mildly. I do know that millions of people will be foreclosed on and that the market is shifting. The good news is that these foreclosed upon individuals can now start on their road to recovery to be able to purchase another home in 2-3 years...
TIME REALLY DOES FLY
In Real Estate, 2-3 years goes rather quickly....By that time, FHA requirements will be met which consist of a minimum credit score and a small down payment and you are able to purchase once again. This should now … (6 comments)

8-23 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES...?.....SAY IT AIN'T SO - 11/24/10 09:29 AM
Corelogic....just released data compiled up to August of this year that confirms my fears and validates my own projections. They are taking the amount of homes listed for sale, then adding on the shadow inventory and coming up with a staggering 6.3 million homes........
Available for sale or a 23 month supply. Remember, these figures are live and it is not in a state of decline either. I am sure we all know what he impact of this is.....
Rushing out to buy anything is going to be slowed down unless you found the dream home or the location location location … (10 comments)

SHORT SALE HORROR STORY......AGENT COMMISSIONS CLOSE THE DEAL - 11/23/10 11:13 AM
I have been working on this particular Short Sale for almost 2 years.....it doesn't matter why it has been taking two years as we all know that the banks and their systems excel at prolonging this no matter what you hear. I was expecting some really good news any day
WELL, I GOT SOME NEWS ALRIGHT.....
After weeks and weeks of final wrangling and negotiating and entering the countdown mode, I get what I consider to be a devious, unprofessional response-tactic out of no-where....But, before I reveal it, I want to recap some of the events...as follows:
1. We had to … (13 comments)

ANTHROPOMORPHISM .......I didn't know what it was either...... - 11/23/10 10:26 AM
Simply putting it it is when you use animals, plants and insects behavior and combine or compare it to human behavior, you get these one-liners or traditional sayings........
I wanted to share some examples used in our everyday expressions. I am not sure how they came about, but these things are here to stay and have made the rounds. I wonder how people who translate this stuff for others make out...? Here goes.....
Lord love a duck..... I am a bear for punishment I'll be a monkeys uncle.... In a pigs eye... The cats pajama... See you later...alligator After a while...crocodile … (7 comments)

50 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE....... NO INSURANCE....? - 11/22/10 11:17 AM
Well it is not hard to take in.... in today's day and age. That's 1/6 of the United States population. People have paid into all the systems during their working lifetimes when things were going well enough. Now, with unemployment, insurance is needed more than ever to keep fit. What about when they get older...?
THE UN-INSURED PLAN FOR TREATMENT
If something goes terribly wrong, people are forced to go to an emergency room and get treated. That's the plan for many until they can become eligible for Medicare. I ask you, what type of plan is that to have...? Canada … (11 comments)

WILL THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE CYCLE....R.I.P. (rest in peace)...PLEASE - 11/22/10 09:54 AM
There have been 17 previous cycles in the Real Estate arena that all tell a story. They come and go and each tell a story. The economy expands and shrinks like a set of lungs at work. The exhale is necessary to clean out the current space and...... the inhale is for newness to enter.
WILD CARDS....
Things like 911 really throw a monkey wrench in analyzing Real Estate cycles....911 was a dynamic that is so diverse with the affects of it still lingering. Cycles that are manipulated for gains or losses don't do analysts justice either..
SOMETHING THAT WAS BURIED....SURFACED
… (5 comments)

THE VALUE OF THE ELDERLY....they traveled before we did - 11/21/10 09:59 AM
When I used to work at Disneyland years ago, I noticed that they had ticket takers that ranged in age from 25-75 years old. Everyone is kind, courteous, and helpful when admitting you into the Park...I couldn't help seeing the the elderly got more of a joy out of it especially with the young kids coming in...
THE AWE OF IT ALL
They knew how special it would be for a young kid to come into Disneyland and they lend that knowledge to make it extra special. It is a deep and genuine greeting and they contribute to the experience and … (14 comments)

ONE WAY TO CURE THE ECONOMY.....TAKE THE LOSS AND MOVE ON.... - 11/20/10 09:22 AM
People who have lost something suffer for the experience. Have you ever had a car stolen, a home burglarized....your purse or wallet taken? How about people who gamble. They play and lose and hide that failing with a vow to WIN IT ALL BACK...when in reality they may need to just stop gambling
It is not a good feeling to lose anything, at anytime for any reason.....but it does happen.....
HOMEOWNERS:
I feel your pain deeply. You bought a home and had every reason to believe that it would go well. You borrowed against it and bought things thinking that you … (106 comments)

ASSEMBLING LAND PARCELS....I RAN INTO PEOPLE....and their stories - 11/18/10 10:15 AM
When I am buying up land or assembling parcels for new subdivisions, I come into contact with a lot of different people from all walks of life. I have to take the time to get to know them because I have business to conduct. But as a bonus, there is also an interest there too...a human interest.....
YOU THINK YOU GOT IT HARD....?
I met a older strong woman who was in German concentration camp and then a Russian one once she was liberated. She told of a hard life of survival in the German camps with barely being given enough … (4 comments)

READY... WILLING... and ABLE......the foundation of every "Real Estate" deal - 11/18/10 09:30 AM
What we are saying when you use the Title of my post is that we are fully prepared to act...to contract if you will. It's a legal phrase that we have adapted to our industry because it has come up tens of thousands of times in litigation and plays a significant part of the outcome of a lawsuit...
THIS IS ONE POWERFUL APPLICATION
It really  is saying quite a bit in just three short words.....it is the user of it and in our case...the buyer and the seller that give it life....We are the maestros of it....the stewards pushing it forward … (5 comments)

JUST SINGING IN THE RAIN....DA DA DA..DA DA DA DA...... - 11/17/10 10:00 AM
I actually tune in to ActiveRain at least a few times a day...OK maybe more....What professional in their line of work doesn't want to be kept abreast of the latest going ons in the business they are in....? As an added bonus, it is done in pleasurable way so that the giver and receiver both prosper....
The simplicity of it all is what makes it work. User friendly applications only invite users to use...Furthermore, you find out that there are tools to enhance and advance...should you wish too...Points for those that need additional motivation and distraction....OH... those points...
I CAN'T WAIT … (9 comments)

PEOPLE: SMELL ANYTHING FUNNY? GOVERNMENT: WE DONT SMELL ANYTHING.. - 11/17/10 09:24 AM
I am reading former President Bushes book "Decision Points. The chapter on 9-11 is an engaging story on the events from the Presidents view point. Of course it is missing quite a lot of data because of National Security, but reads well enough...The President comments on the foreclosure debacle and the financial meltdown
THE MOST POWERFUL MAN ON THE PLANET EXPLAINS HE WAS POWERLESS
He blames what happened mostly on Wall Street and the lack of governmental supervision by the financial regulators. I mean there is a pattern forming here with LACK of government responsibilities..
JUST WHAT DO ALL THESE AGENCIES … (13 comments)

MAKING GOOD IMPRESSIONS and..... MAKING THEM LAST - 11/16/10 12:11 PM
Here we are in the business of interacting with people...lots of people. The stakes are not just merely social, but financial and high stakes they are. We are taking the most expensive purchase of a persons life time and moving it from one person to another......
WRAPPED UP GIFTS & PRESENTS
You never know what is inside a person until that person makes it known. Real Estate tends to bring a lot out of people. Of course, anytime you are dealing with the public, you get exposed to the public mentality and navigating through it requires some disciplines....even tools...
WHAT WE … (12 comments)

BANK OF AMERICA MORTGAGE STORY....MY CLIENT GONE...BUT NOT FORGOTTEN..... - 11/16/10 10:48 AM
I had a chance to revisit with a past client that is OK right now. The issue came up as to whether he should sue his mortgage company (BofA) for bad faith, fraud, and ......? My client shared his story and I will share it with you. About 2 years ago, months before my client was to be laid off, he tried to renegotiate lower payments.......
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED...
This man and his family had excellent credit, always paid their bills and being pro-active realized that rough times were coming. what does an honest man do...? He contacts his bank and … (19 comments)

AGENTS: REAL ESTATE AGENT HAS A BAD NEIGHBOR......what to do...? - 11/15/10 09:48 AM
I was hobnobbing with my fellow agents the other day when one shared that they were having a really bad time with their next door neighbor. We don't really appreciate having a good neighbor until you get a really bad one. This neighbor is an alcoholic, intimidating, large in size, unreasonable, and doesn't like anyone. In addition, he likes to pay people back
YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE....COMING YOUR WAY
He tried to set up my agent friend by alleging to anyone who would pay attention that the agent molested his 3 year old daughter. Well, that did it for the agent and … (14 comments)

TWO FLYS...... FLYING AND FIGHTING........reminded me of....... - 11/15/10 09:04 AM
I saw something the other day that I had never seen before. Two small flys, were fighting with each other. I am no expert here, but I will comment best I can....They did their battle in a circular fighting format. Round and round in complete tight circles spinning in mid-air....then they stop. Then, suspended in mid-air...they either went up or down, left or right and then started the circular chase and attack on each other again.
WHAT IT APPEARED LIKE....
It was like watching two F-15 fighters that have the ability to to also hover and change course in an instance … (7 comments)

RELIGIONS.....THEIR PURPOSES and.....WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO FIND..... - 11/14/10 09:06 AM
I grew up in a Jewish/Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn New York. I would attend worship services Friday night and they were something to behold. I was never one for religion, but this ceremony moved me and still does....
JEWISH PROCEDURES
Well, you have to wear a yarmulke which is a beanie type hat. Then, you put on a religious shawl, add one prayer book and you are set to participate. The cantor starts out by singing his readings to the congregation. People follow along and respond accordingly with Amens. People are bowing as they read and some read and agree with … (6 comments)

Purchased a HUD property....Everything went well.... - 11/13/10 09:47 AM
My clients called me and said, they wanted a certain property that was abandoned and sitting. Who am I to argue...? I visited the property, saw that it was abandoned, vacant and in need of much repair....typical HUD property (I later find out)....
Since I don't have a special number which allows you to purchase and bid in the HUD system, I solicited a registered HUD agent for the area and we began the purchase procedures....They are not complex, but there is a lot of paperwork to perform. Everything can be done online which is a plus.....
When you are finished … (4 comments)

Hor d' oevres and then.....The Main Meal....AHHH...... fresh Real Estate - 11/11/10 09:28 AM
I like selling Real Estate....I like the people, the day to day events and the phone calls....I have helped buyers make decent deals, but my preference is to list and sell...hands on all the way until close of escrow day. I am always learning and meeting people. There are some really exceptional agents out there too....
Hor d' oevres
When I meet with a prospective client, it is usually a referral now a days. They heard I helped so and so and wondered if I am available...? I make an appointment, visit the property, the discussion of it, expectations by all … (9 comments)

MY GUN, MY PONY, and..... me - 11/10/10 09:50 AM
The nation of which we are all so proud was built on this very title...this sentiment. It is a strong one. First off, during our formative years, a gun was mandatory for your survival both as protection and as a way to forage for food. Guns were part of the family and treated accordingly...
MY HORSE IS A GOOD LISTENER AND PULLS HIS WEIGHT and mine..
As far as horses go, there is nothing to compare with in regards to you and your horse traversing over hill and dale in every weather known. Both of you share hunger, cold, and pain … (9 comments)

THE VALUE OF BIRD DROPPINGS........drop by anytime..... - 11/10/10 09:08 AM
Okay....if this happens to your car, it is not good. In fact, you better remove bird dropping right away as it stains and eats through paint. Also, I once pulled in a fast food place to order and walked from my car to the building. half way through, a flock of birds flew over and bombed me in their droppings. I was drenched in them....
HERE IS THE POINT OF THE POST
It is the good droppings, the ones that birds go about dropping at random that benefit us in ways that we take for granted. I have trees, bushes and … (7 comments)

EXPLORE, CONVERSE, AND DIALOG......mine for the inner treaures - 11/09/10 09:59 AM
I went panning for gold in Oregon. You find a stream, get your pan and get to work. You will turn up little gold flakes and if you keep at it, at the end of a months time, you can find what you are looking for ($50-$100) from doing this. So it is with people and the treasures locked up inside of them...
IT'S IN THERE...DON'T WORRY ABOUT THAT...
Below the surface are things buried inside of you. Treasures that are stored and protected by you. Some you know about, some you don't. One of the ways to get to it … (2 comments)

INVESTORS, DEVELOPERS AND OTHERS.....making REAL ESTATE moves - 11/09/10 09:37 AM
Behind the scenes and with steady movement, investors, developers and major corporations in business are navigating deliberately, silently to structure and set themselves up for the upswing coming as the current Real Estate cycle dies out. Large expensive properties are changing hands and being taking over from the banks. Hotels, subdivisions, city blocks and retail store chains are being bought and sold
HOW DO PEOPLE MAKE MONEY...?
This is the time that everyone talks about every so many years...things get so low and bottom out and then the people who saved for this moment, or the ones that put together syndication … (3 comments)

People who Lie, Cheat, or Steal....serve a purpose - 11/08/10 10:07 AM
All of us come into the world unspoiled, innocent and full of wonder and awe.....then along the way, something happens. We start to learn the ways of others and the world and we develop a system or a series of beliefs to live by. Some of us stray to the left or right and don't come back thus becoming casualties of temptations....
The Devil and Daniel Webster....proves that....
Lying, cheating and stealing works.....Think about this. It works because people wouldn't keep doing it if it didn't. But what you don't find out until after you use these systems is that you … (10 comments)

QUESTIONABLE BANKING TACTICS........ - 11/08/10 09:28 AM

I have a client who is in the middle of a short sale. All ducks are lined up and the bank is cooperating. It can close in 2 weeks time. I get a settlement letter from Chase with the following clause in it. This is the first time I have come across this....
"The amount paid to Chase is for the release of Chase's security interest only and the borrower is still responsible for all deficiency balances remaining on the loan per the terms of the original loan documents..."
MY CLIENT IS ANGRY
My client is incensed and not going … (12 comments)

KING SAUL or KING DAVID.........which one will you choose....? - 11/07/10 09:01 AM
Who hasn't read some the wonderful stories in the Bible. Fascinating to say the least. It is very hard to have favorites plus there is so much written between the lines....that you should just jump in and have the experience. One of my favorites is King Saul and King David which I have narrowed to make my point
KING SAUL:
The people wanted a King that they could see and touch and not the invisible God. Reluctantly, God agrees and sets up King Saul to take the "go-between" position. 
Now, one day, he is instructed by God to go and kill … (4 comments)

HOSPITALS, JAILS, and HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY....the value of visiting them.... - 11/06/10 09:29 AM
We all know helping some one who is in need is rewarding for all concerned. But if you want a quick uplift, a reality check, a reason to count your blessings....perhaps you should consider visiting others that are less fortunate as you. There is an abundance of people around to practice this on. So getting started is not a problem....
BEING HUMAN IS A FULL TIME JOB.......
Human nature is a fascinating subject to explore. There is so much going on inside a person and no two people journey the same way or even have the same moment. This is a … (15 comments)

REAL ESTATE DOCUMENTS & FORMS.....do you know them...? - 11/04/10 09:57 AM
When I first got into this business, I was overwhelmed as there was so much to learn. Working and talking with others helped bring clarity to an array of situations that came up in this business. However, when it comes to knowing about the documents that you are having to get signed......
I noticed that quite a few agents (my self included) did not know what they meant or said. Take for instance the listing agreement. There are the fill in the blanks and we all know to choose one thing or another. But do you know what the fine print … (11 comments)

MULTI-BILLIONS CHANGED HANDS WITHOUT THE ORIGNAL NOTE.....? WHAT...? - 11/04/10 09:20 AM
I do not know who is more stupid, the one who bought the bundle of notes secured by Real Estate without having the proper paperwork in their favor or the one selling the note without having the proper paperwork in their favor. I mean do people get dumber as they get richer..? We don't know. We do know that they get sloppier
THE CULPRIT(s) HAVE BEEN SIGHTED.....it's not the taxpayer
The tax payer should not have to ante up for this major blunder. No more bail-outs.....let the banks write off their losses yearly for the next 30 years. Let Title insurance … (3 comments)

TRUE REAL ESTATE STORIES...ONE TOOK THE MONEY...and ONE DID NOT - 11/03/10 10:21 AM
In 2003-2005, Real Estate was booming. I was busy working for a developer who would buy land, get it entitled for multiple units, and then....... flip the product to the larger builders.....$$$
I would often go into a neighborhood, and solicit people to sell their properties. If you can assemble enough parcels that are all contiguous to each other, then you can apply to build a large subdivision in place of just a few existing homes.
TIME IS MONEY
The process can take 2- 5 years depending on where you are and what rules and regulations you come against. Sometimes getting … (12 comments)

HE WHO HAS THE LAST LAUGH......LAUGHS BEST....what if it is not funny..? - 11/03/10 09:47 AM
I often have come across people who are inconsiderate and have no charity for their fellow man. They have lost their way and have substituted other ways for their true destiny. If someone offends them, they pride themselves on getting even. This conducts only feeds and reproduces the original negative conduct...
It appears to be satisfying in the moment, but it is an illusion. I take no comfort in seeing any man, woman or child get mistreated. There are some that you would love to see get their comeuppance...but not punished to the point where their spirit is crushed or injured. … (8 comments)

WIN SOME...LOSE SOME and the frequent ...BREAK EVEN - 11/02/10 10:32 AM
I have come to notice how some people prosper and some don't....the reasons for the disparity are numerous and personal. My observations center on how we all get a chance to "HAVE" whenever it comes. I remember getting good fortune and prospering (still do) and then losing many opportunities that are now just great stories....
I LOVE TO WIN...WHO DOESN'T..?
When I was prospering, its a good feeling and it promotes more good feelings. When I miss an opportunity, I now become aware of it and realize that it may be someone elses turn to prosper. I then become happy for … (9 comments)

U.S.D.A. $680 million dollar mistake.......was anybody fired....? - 11/02/10 09:50 AM
I read a short snippet weeks ago in the Wall Street Journal. Title of the the article: American Indian Farmer's Are Offered $680 million. This is because the United Department of Agriculture bureaucrats denied them low-interest rate loans that were given to white farmers between 1981 and 2007
Now, you can submit proof that this discrimination cost you a loss of income and receive $250,000 or you can opt for a quick $50,000 no hassle settlement. This is a class action suit. Does this blow your mind...?
Many things came up for me:
I now know where the trillions that are … (10 comments)

TESTED SELLING TO VA LOAN QUALIFIED....ALL WENT VERY WELL.. - 11/01/10 10:53 AM
My associate Gene Mundt a very qualified loan officer here on ActiveRain (one of many) asked me to let him know how it went in doing business with getting a VA approval for a sale of a home. I have shied away from them in the past because all cash or conventional loans went smoother and quicker
Well I am pleased to announce that the whole process went very well. The agency acted in a timely manner and appropriately, a VA appraiser contacted me. He asked me many questions and was very much wanting to know what I knew. I do … (6 comments)

FOREIGNORS & INVESTORS ARE BUYING REAL ESTATE.........so should you - 11/01/10 10:23 AM
You cannot keep people away from good value. Real Estate is getting -multi-billions of dollars worth of free publicity and I use it for the good......there is an upside to all this negativity and you do not have to tell that to foreign buyers or investors either.
They see that now is the time to buy in America and are doing so without prompting. I strongly suggest Americans join them and get their piece of "home" right now. You see, this is what everyone talks about all the time....
BUY LOW...SELL HIGH
We have reached the bottom of a Real Estate … (2 comments)