I spoke to a friend of mine yesterday who is looking to consolidate her credit card debt.

During her entire life she`s paid her bills on time but, like most of us got caught up in a downward economy, forcing her to make tough decisions we all face when raising our families.

She was interviewing different debt counselor's. Their job is to give recommendations on how to save your credit and pay down debt.

Don`t get me wrong, the concept isn`t too far fetched, except when these so called "Experts" make outlandish and deceitful statements to gain your business.Often, their unable to do anything you couldn`t do if you made contact with these credit card companies yourself.



Bad Credit isn`t a good thing, but it`s not so bad either. Not everyone wants an American Express Platinum credit card. Having an 800 Fico score does have it`s privileges. But, what if you`re credit score is below 500? Does that mean it`s the end of the world?



We work with people from all walks of life. Many are professionals who unfortunately, got caught up in the euphoria spending these past 10 years.

In the "Good Old Days" we could apply for a credit card without any problems.All you had to do was make a few payments in a timely manner and the credit card company would automatically raise your credit limit. For some of us temptation to spend your credit limit steps in and the spending spree sometimes raises it`s ugly head.Within months, you`re caught in the maze of shifting your debt from one credit card company to the other seeking lower interest rates.In the end, you still have to face the music and pay your bills.





Many of us were caught off guard when the economy shifted. Although, you won`t be able to purchase a home or a car with bad credit there are alternatives. Contrary to what the experts tell you, you can rebuild your credit again.

It won`t occur overnight but eventually within 5 years your should see an increase in your scores.Providing you begin to live moderately again.

My friend makes fun of me because I don`t like to purchase "brand name" clothing like Tommy. In my opinion why should i pay 30-40% more for an item?!

Although, i`m not recommending you neglect your bills, i am recommending you give yourself some breathing room to live again.

The world isn`t about Beacon Scores. It`s all about adjusting to what needs to be done.

Yesterday, a client who`s home we listed contacted me to tell us she received a letter from B of A.

Apparently, they sent her a letter indicating they`re willingness to help her "restructure her loan". She asked me for my opinion.

In all sincerity, Banks aren`t buying into President Obamas stimulus program of helping those who are trapped!

It`s easier to blame the middle class for this debacle, rather than the entire "Lending Institutions". Suddenly words like "Loan Modification" and "Short Sales" have become a "Four Letter Word"... 

I asked the client to stop by my office and  make the call from there.

The Conversation is as follows:

Client: Hello, I`m calling in regards to the letter that was sent to me in regards to saving my home!

B of A: Our policy is we`re here to help our clients. Let me take a look at your account.

Client: I can really use the assistance with our mortgage. I`m a single Mother with two children trying to save my home.

B of A: At BofA we don`t want you to lose you`re home either. We`re helping thousands of people like yourself everyday.

Client: I`m truly grateful for anything you can do to help us!

B of A: Humm, after reviewing your account, it seems you`re two months late on your mortgage. That's not too good. Also, you have alot of credit card debt. That's not good at all...

Client: Yes, I know, I`ve been steadily employed for 20 years now. If I can get some assistance on lowering my mortgage temporarily, than I`ll be alright. I`m looking for a second job as we speak.

B of A: Have you thought about finding a roomate?

Client: Excuse me? A Roomate? I`m calling you to see if we can adjust my mortgage payments per the letter you sent me and now you`re giving me advice on how to live my life!!??

B of A: Well we like to offer our clients advice in order to assist them. It`s part of our service.

Client: Are you joking me? You`re now telling me how to run my life and how to act? What kind of stimulus package is B ofA doing? This isn`t why i called you.

BofA: Were looking for alternative ideas to assisting our clients. Is there anything else we can do for you today?

With that the conversation ends. It actually really never took place. BofA has plenty of solutions in assisting those who seek help. Giving out tips on "How to live life" seems to be their idea of aiding clients and helping with the Stimulus program.

It`s great to know that lenders are so eager to give out ideas about "Saving one`s home" rather than doing what was intended to happen when President Obama was elected.

Amazing, how BofA took the time to send these letters to millions of people. I guess "Insulting" them is a better solution!

So much for Obama`s Stimulus program...      

Using free weights for the purpose of mediation.

I started working out several months ago when it was apparent someone dear and near to me left me.

It hurt like hell! I didn`t know what to do or who to turn to for help.

A friend of mine suggested I commence going to the gym as a form of stress relief. I`ve been in and out of gyms since I was 18 years old. Truthfully, I went to a gym more as a choir than anything else. I thought toning your body was like a job,rather than a love of the sport.

Body Building is very hard work. It requires alot preparation each day.You have to sleep a minimum of 7-8 hours per day to recoup. You can`t drink, you have to watch your diet all the time! Your friends begin to think your crazy for not wanting to hang out with them and party! Forget going out on dates,who wants to be with someone who`s worried about their "food intake!?'..

My day starts at 5:00am. I have to begin to eat, take vitamins and by 6:30 head to the gym for two hours. Your mind has to be consumed with what you`re going to do, and what body parts you wish to sculpt.

I envision what I want to accomplish before I ever reach the gym!

For the next two hours we`re hitting the weights at a grueling pace.I`ve learned if you want to gain muscle mass you have to concentrate on one or two body parts the entire time you`re in the gym and forget how many sets you`re doing. It`s meaningless.

When I workout I do it for shear exhaustion. I want to leave the gym knowing I gave 100% of myself.

During these workout I`m actually meditateing.

I`m relaxed,focused and happy after I leave the gym. It carries over to my work enviroment! Working out has helped my blood pressure go back to normal without medication, my entire appearance has changed radically.

My oldest daughter and her friend gave me the ulitimate compliement yesterday. Her friend wanted to know "How old I was?"...I asked her to guess my age. Her response was  I looked like I was in my mid 30`s....She told me out of all of her friends Dad`s I was by far the "best looking Dad" she knew!

My daugther than chimed in and told her "Yeah, my Dad has gotten younger, you should have seen him 3 years ago when he was an old man!"..

I don`t really know if Body Building is akin to the search for "The Fountain of Youth", I do know it sure as heck makes me feel damn good!

Back to the lost love for a second. We had dinner on Sunday, I`m attempting to clear the air with her.... Although we`re a long way off, we`re actually talking to one another which trust me is something I never dreamed would ever happen again....

Two weeks ago we sent an offer for a home in Cooper City,Florida which was listed for $275,000. On the MLS remarks section it stated the home was "Bank Approved @ $275,000.

That's all well and good for the lenders,but what if your client thinks otherwise?

Surely, in this hectic market of uncertainty, wouldn`t a lender want to be presented all offers? 

There are many Realtors out there who have forgotten what our job as professionals are.

We "Present all offers' no matter what and allow our clients to make a decision.

It`s very simple.I called the other Realtor yesterday to find out whats happening with our offer. I was shocked to learn they had yet to present!

The Conversation is as follows:

Me: We`re confirming that our offer was sent to the lender for approval?

Realtor: OH! I haven`t presented it. I told you it`s not going to fly!

Me: Our offer is for $265,000 with 30% down. This is a no brainer!

Realtor: The lender won`t accept your offer!

Me: How do you know this? Did you actually present our offer?

Realtor: Why no! I`m waiting for an offer for $275,000 to come in!

Me: You`re waiting for an offer to arriv that's great! You have in your hands an offer which we can close in 30 days and you`ve wasted two weeks pretending to understand you`re making decisionsns for a bank! That's a fresh approach to complete disaster!Whats with you?!

Realtor: I thought that's what the lender wanted. The last offer we received 5 months ago, the bank countered at $275K. I figured they won`t take less!

Me: Would you do me and yourself a huge favor? Let the lender decide for themselves what they want to do!

With that, the light in the other agents head must have turned itself on! I think they finally realized they have nothing to lose by sending the offer in!

In our profession, no matter what we as Realtors believe we`re never in a position to make decisions for anyone! It`s not in our job description!

www.bankapprovedproperty.com

Yesterday, I had an enlightening experience. A client who`s daughter I helped with a job came into my office upset! I didn`t pay her  daughter what she deserved!

To be quite honest, I gave her a job as a favor to her parents because they`re in the midst of losing their home. The daugther came to my office with the intentions of IM`ing and texting her friends, she also decided that napping in our office was a good thing as well!

She worked a total of 6 hours for which I compensated her.

When I gave the young lady her paycheck, she was enraged claiming I cheated her!

She wanted to be compensated for 10 hours worth of work! I explained to her that Im`ing and texting her friends on my time didn`t equate to working. Upset, she told her Mother who in return was upset with me!

Looking back, I began to realize, so many people nowadays believe their "Entitled" to everything without earning it!

I had an incident the other day in which I was working out in the gym, doing cable exercises. I go to the gym with one thing on my mind and that's to "workout" I don`t go to socialize, which a gym is really good for. This man wanders over to me and asks me if "He could jump in?"... I looked at him and told him "No", I would be done in 5 minutes. Visibly upset he mumbled something under his breath and walked away, clearly annoyed. When I was finished I signaled to him he could have the machine,but he was busy chatting with his friends.I guess he felt at that moment he was "Entitled" to "Jump In" because he wanted too! 

Last week, we`re dealing with a client who`s looking at homes for rent. The area they want to live in is in "high demand'. We locate a 3bedroom, 2bath,Home for $1800 a month. They want to offer $1500. I explain to them the mortgage payment on this home is $2000 per month as it is. The landlord can`t afford to take a $500 a month loss on their home. They insist I call the landlord again, and explain their "hardship". They just lost their home to foreclosure, and need someone who will give them a break!?! Total "Entitlement".

I contact the landlord in front of them on the telephone, he`ll go to $1700 with a security deposit,1st, and last months rent! The tenant gets upset at this ridiculous counter and bails! Turns out they don`t have enough money to rent a home, but feel someone needs to cater to them!

I don`t understand what`s happening in the world, but I`m seeing a pattern where people expect to be rewarded on the merit of who they are! It`s getting very weird out there!    

Are we as Realtors the blame for everything our clients have going wrong in their life?

Visit us @ www.browardbesthomes.com

I had a conversation yesterday with someone in regards to losing weight and staying fit. Lets face it as we get older it`s not easy to do and the temptation to splurge is always in the back of your mind!

Two years ago I was a waist size 40, weighted somewhere near 265 and felt like pure crap.

I was unmotivated,lacked stamina and overall didn`t care about my appearance.

One day I found a picture of my Father. He was a big hulking type of a guy who died unfortunately at the age of 49.

I remember he never bothered to worry about his health and that's when it hit me.

I had to make some changes in my dietary habits and force myself to get my "fat ass" into a gym.



At first I didn`t really enjoy forcing myself to work out and start watching what i ate. In fact the first 4 months I went at it all wrong, showed no results and pretty much was content to leave well enough alone.



Instead, I decided to push myself for two weeks and see if I could shed some weight.

I designed a weight training program for myself that mixed Cardio with pumping weights. I would move rapidly between free weights and machines with a 30 second rest in between. I also decided to exhaust myself silly rather than use what I call a "Time Clock" of doing sets.

I lost 5 pounds, felt better and began to realize this might work for me!

I started buying vitamins, drank Protein Shakes, watched everything I ate, stopped soda, and bread.

Ate less food, and increased my fruit intake as well. I eat pineapples and banana`s each day.The amount of vitamins in fruits is incredible.

I went from working out 3x`s a week to going to the gym 5-6 days a week.

I also increased my workout session from 45 minutes to 1.45.

Once you realize what you`re doing the rest is easy. The weight started to come off, my blood pressure and cholesterol level dropped, and my stamina increased. I look and feel much younger.



Today, I weigh 204 and i`m proud to say am a waist size 34.

I decided that if I want to watch my girls grow up it was time to invest in myself.

I`m glad I did.

In the world of REO properties the new buzz word is "Highest and best" offers. Suddenly, there`s a rash of multiple offers appearing on properties that have been on the market in some instances for 280 days or longer! 

Did the market suddenly change or are these Realtors representing the lenders by playing games? Some hold offers back presenting their own personal offers only. The lenders seem not to have a check and balance system in place.

Basically some Realtors are "NOT" doing their jobs, and are making decisions that can cost them their license.

It`s hard to imagine that a Realtor would risk losing their license,yet, many of you can relate to this topic.

We`re dealing with a Realtor who continues to astound us. He continues to act as if he`s doing his job properly. There seems to be no logic as to whats going on and it`s baffling!

Twice, he`s assured us he was in contact with the lenders only to be caught in a web of lies.

His refusal to present our offer and others is based on his belief that a better offer will arrive from one of his clients.

This isn`t how the lenders intended these sales to be conducted.

Worse, this particular Realtor has broken all rules of the "Code of Ethics".

If the lenders continue to not have a system of checks and balances towards the process of accepting offers, this type of irrational behavior will continue!In the end guess who pays? The taxpayers. Not good!

Greed changes people! After 3 years of dealing with Foreclosures, REO`s and Short Sales the lenders should have some sort of stream line system installed.

Many of these lenders should post a "Net Sheet" offer the Real Estate community the opportunity to see these sheets and allow the Realtors to go from there properly informing their clients the right way.

The system as it stands right now is so antiquated that it makes little or no sense. Yet, the lenders swear up and down to the media they`re doing everything in their power to change the way these properties are sold.

I`m positive each and everyone of you will agree, that isn`t the case any longer.  

For two weeks I`ve been doing shoulder exercises for growth.I do 4 sets of 8-12 reps depending on how I feel. Normally, I can`t get past using 40 pound weights in my routine. No matter how hard I try, i hit that resistance point. Something goes off in my mind preventing me from going any further.

Yesterday, i decided to try a different approach. On my way home from work I went back to the gym and grabbed a 50 pound weight and just decided I was going to complete my exercises. I had been thinking about doing this in my mind for almost 1 hour. When I got into the gym, it was as if I was re-enacting the enter exercise in my mind! To some extent I was.

Without any hesitation I was able to lift the weight with the proper form.

The mind controls everything in your body. It`s what can prevent you from being sick or feeling depressed. It takes over the passion inside you for that special person. If used incorrectly the mind can simply shut off.



I like to keep myself as active as possible thereby keeping my mind busy with different tasks.It rewards me with a very keen memory and helps me accomplish road blocks in my daily life.
How do you keep your mind active?

 I`ve been working out at the gym for the past 120 days. I go each day without missing a beat! My average workout is 1:45. I combine cardio and free weights in my routine.

I`ve given up eating tons of carbs,cut out sugar and watch every food label for caloric intake.

I went from a size 38 to a size 32waist. Better yet I`ve added muscle mass in all the right places and feel fantastic.

My blood pressure is normal,my stamina and physical appearance has taken on a whole new direction. 

I fee like Dennis Hopper in the TV commercial where he claims that "50 is the new 40", actually I feel more like 30!

Ten years ago I began toying around with "body building" at first I never gave it much thought! I went through the motions at the gym.

The more I played around with the idea of sculpting my physique the more I realized this is like running marathon.It takes years of dedication and rather than continue I stopped.

In my mind i felt i could never accomplish what I wanted.I simply gave up and discontinued my gym membership.

That changed.Two years ago I began to feel sluggish. I had arthritis in my aching fingers and went to both a chiropractor  and acupuncturist to stop the swelling.

My entire body was off kilt! Approaching the age of 50, i decided I needed to slow down the aging process.

I began to consult a nutritionist, joined a gym and took up free weights.

I started buying magazines like "Muscles and Fitness and Flex" to fully understand what type of a workout regime I needed to be on.

I toyed around with pushing heavy weights because I believed I needed to see "fast results",I miscalculated and hurt my shoulder from the heavy lifting.

Defeated again, I was determined to get this right!

I have a Realtor in my office who is a personal trainer, he`s in fantastic physical shape! Rather than continue hurting myself I asked him for some advice.

He took me under his wing and i`m finally seeing the results of my hard labor. I`m doing things i would never do beatingike eatting "Protein Shakes, eggs,fruits,vegetables and a having a good night sleep each night",combined these changes have helped me tremendously.

I take a slew of different vitamins, have seen  muscle growth and my abs are starting to show once again. 

It`s never to late to admit to yourself ,it`s time for a change!

Take command of your health!

Turn off the TV, stop listening to the media in regards to the Lenders attempting  to quell the housing market fiasco!

It`s not true. The Lenders are still in denial and no matter what the media or Washington proclaims it`s alot of BS!

We just closed a $55,000 condo in Hollywood.The seller had to evict a tenant prior to closing, the buyer was playing games, which is typical and the Lender placed a GUN to our heads in regards to a $500 water bill.

No matter what was done the lender decided they wouldn`t pay the water bill. We couldn`t close until this matter was resolved. You would figure with all the money being handed to the lenders they would cooperate?! Heck no! They flat out refused to deal with us and expected the Realtors to ante up!

It`s a matter of principal, but we refused.

Up until  the 12th hour nobody blinked, it looked grim.

Finally, the attorney`s asked everyone to split the difference of $80 per person. Talk about disgusting. The lenders are clueless to what`s going on in the world as long as they have their way it`s business as usual!

It`s not good!