from a Sow's Ear. Evanston Real Estate

let's get this party started... boom, boom, boom!

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:07:14 -0600

Boom, boom, boom.

Last night we had our Holiday party, here in the office. In the past, we've often located the party at a local restaurant... but this year, we decided to have it here.

So we had to clean off our desks (this was the most difficult part), and make room for chairs and food.

Our loan officer Lambert Matthias had a serious stereo set-up, and crooned standards much of the evening. He was surprisingly good. (I think he even surprised himself).

There was plenty of food, ranging from appetizers, to main courses and wonderful desserts... all provided pot-luck, by staff and agents alike.

Beer & Wine were provided by Coldwell Banker and PHH Mortgage (no, I don't think that counts as a RESPA violation)... and a good time was had by all.

Now, the tough part is, there was plenty of leftover food and snacks, and they're all over the kitchen today. I'm going to try to stay away from them all, since I'm sure I already gained enough weight last night to hold me over 'till New Years!

ALAN MAY, Realtor®
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate
-------------------------------
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
847.425.3779 Cell: 847.924.3313 Email: Almay@aol.com

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

it's important to reward yourself now and then

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:40:00 -0600

When I was new in the business I decided that I would buy a computer to put on my desktop with the proceeds from my first transaction, and not until then. It was a great motivator.

After that, I felt that I should put the balance of money from transactions toward paying the bills, keeping my business afloat, and so to speak. But every now and then, when I had a really nice closing (read that as a really good sized check)... I would treat myself to something. My first treat was a MontBlanc Meisterstuck Pen. I justified it by thinking I would use it to write up contracts, and clients would be impressed.

But in reality, the only one impressed with the pen was ME... oh, and the person who stole it from my desk... they clearly liked it a lot too. In fairness it was sitting out in the open, in a cup on my desk, but still... I think I had good reason to believe that it would remain there.

I have since replaced that pen, with a Waterman (or several, as I tend to misplace them)... and a Parker (which rarely leaves my sight). There's something to be said for treating yourself to a nice pen... nothing writes as well as my Waterman... it's smooth, and feels good in the hand.

But you don't have to treat yourself to a pen. That may just be my own personal fetish... I know an agent who had a really nice multi-bazillion dollar closing...and he treated himself to an Audi A4 convertible.... now THAT's a CLOSING!

Maybe you've been eyeing that Hermes Scarf!? Or a pair of Jimmy Choo's. Could be that first edition down at the bookstore, or a new laptop... maybe a manicure and a pedicure... whatever floats your boat... consider using part of your next commission check to buy yourself a little treat. It's highly motivating, and feels so nice to treat yourself to something totally luxurious.

What's your guilty pleasure... ? What are you going to treat yourself to?

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

I would love to be a fly on the wall...

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:57:52 -0600

Having been in the business quite a while now... (longer than I care to admit) I know my listing presentation pretty well. I could practically recite in in my sleep (and there have been times, when I am certain that I have).

But, other than some training videos, I have never seen any other agent's listing presentation... and I would love to be a fly on the wall of some of the agents that I know.

I'm sure some come off as confident-out-the-wazoo.... some are assuredly laid back, others might be that "buddy/friend", taking you under their wing, and some would be a little paternal.

Occasionally, you'd see an agent that's high-tech, bringing along his/her laptop and skycard, showing computerized comps and presentation... but the point is... I'd love to see them.

I'd like to see how some handle pricing objections... especially when they know going into the listing that the seller's expectations are too high. I'd like to hear their spiel, and see how they talk about their marketing. I think that would be pure gold.

Do they "ask for the business" at the close, or do they sit back and wait for it to come to them.

I've always thought that this would be a great way for new agents to learn the ropes... shadow established, successful agents along on their listing presentations. It would give the mature agent an air of "expertise", that the sellers might pick up on ("I'm just 'training' this young'un... you don't mind, do ya"?)

And while giving insights to the new agents, you never know... the new agent might have some insights into how you're doing it, that might be helpful. Here, William Feela talks a little about his listing style.

Some of them, I'll admit, I want to tag along, 'cause I can't figure out how on earth they get ANY listings... just for amusement. They must be blackmailing the seller, or they're related.

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

Hey! I can see the surface is a wood-grain! Who knew?!

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:15:20 -0600

I'm a "pile-maker". I wouldn't call myself messy (although I'm sure my wife would), but I create piles. Stacks and stacks of paper, and my desk is no exception. In fact, my desk is probably the shrine to "piles". And yet, I know where everything is within those piles. If you ask me for a specific document, I can reach directly into pile #4, and just like the Amazing Kreskin, can pull that rabbit out of that hat.

So, here it is, it's year-end... (Can you believe it... 2009 is basically over!) time to try to tame those piles, box up some files, and take them offsite (that really means take them home, into my basement, but don't tell my wife).

And, surprise of all surprises, as I clear away junk, and paperwork from my desk... I come upon a woodgrained pattern, that appears to be my desk! Lo and behold, my desk is made of wood. Who knew?

This is a good time of year, btw... to gather up this year's HUD-1's, and mail them off to your clients who had a transaction this year. Send them off after the first of the year...they're going to need them for their taxes, and they often don't have a clue where they've put them.... and it's another chance to reach out and touch them.

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

Alan and the Soofganiyot of Doom

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:00:13 -0600

We are deep into the heart of Channukah (the Jewish holiday of lights), which began Friday night and lasts 8 days. As one of our offices resident Jews, I am often approached by gentiles in our office, as to what the proper etiquette is regarding all-things-Jewish.

Recently, a number of people have approached me, as they were invited, over the weekend, to attend Channukah parties... and they wondered "should I bring something"... and if I should bring something... was there a traditional food that they could bring.

Well, the truth of the matter is, there really isn't a truly traditional "Channukah Food" to bring... but there are a couple of items that come mighty close.

A quick explanation of Channukah

Channukah is a minor holiday, commemorating the reclaiming of the Temple in Jerusalem from the Romans. When the temple was regained, they went into the sanctuary and found they only had enough oil to light the "eternal light" (one of the holiest of holy things in the temple) and it likely wasn't enough for even one night.

They sent runners off into the countryside to try to get pure oil (not just any oil would do) to keep the flame going. It took 8 nights for the runners to return with the proper oil... and miracle of miracles... the eternal light burned all 8 of those nights... on only a dropful of oil. A miracle, right?

explanation over... you can wake up now.

So... you can see that the holiday of Channukah rotates around "oil" as it's central thought... so we look for foods cooked in oil.

Two foods that have become associated with Channukah are "Latkes" (LOT- kuhs)... potato pancakes, fried with oil... very popular and often served with applesauce and/or sour cream. And a more modern, more Israeli Channukah food, is Soofganiyot. (okay, we'll say it slowly... say it with me... SOOF-GAN-EEE-OT!)....

Soofganiot is a Hebrew word for "doughnuts"... and Soofganiot are made of a yeast bread, fried in oil, (and typically filled with fruit filling).

Now... if invited to a Channukah celebration... if you bring either of these items... you'll be considered a Channukah Maven (expert), and a welcome guest. Please note, if the hosts "keep kosher" (Jewish dietary laws), make sure that any Soofganiyot that you might buy are marked KOSHER, not Kosher-style.

Oh... and what's up with the "Soofganiyot of Doom", from the headline??? These things are loaded with fat and cholesterol!!! OY VAY, I'm DOOMED!

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

I have a love/hate realtionship with online Q&A.

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:09:04 -0600

Okay, I admit. It's as addictive as heroin. I just can't stay away.

I go on, just to peruse the questions and answers. I'm not gonna comment... no, I'm not gonna comment.

Oh, lookit what that person said... I can't believe it... no, no... hold back... there's someone defending that position... good.... good.

Oh, wait... this guy is taking on the world. And the answers he's getting are wrong, wrong, wrong...? What am I gonna do??? What am I gonna do!?!? I said I'd stay out of it... my wife made me promise I'd stop. Oh, crap, where's a phone booth when you need one!?

I change into my "OBVIOUS-MAN" costume... and hit the keyboard... ooopps.... I'm sitting on my cape.

"dear Mr. Trulia Commenter... (taking the high road)... maybe you didn't quite understand what was being asked, as your answer is illegal, here in Illinois and 17 other states as well"... (250 characters later... phew... there, that should explain it pretty well!).

"Oh Really?!" responds "Anti-Realtor#27" with no contact information "all you Realtors stick together".

(deep breaths, deep breaths)... I know... I'll be very professional... here are a couple of links to the Department of Justice, the National Association of Realtors, and the North Shore Board of Realtors who explain this situation very clearly... I'm sure he'll respond well to that...

"Is that all you've got, Mr. REEELLAAATOR?!?!"... "propaganda from NAR, the propaganda arm of Reelators worldwide?? Great time to buy, Good time to buy!! Got to buy!!"

er... that's not what I said... here, let me link you to a couple of other things.. I'm sure you've misunderstood... linky, linky, linky.... there that should do it...

"youse realtors is all alike... "

Why you smarmy little twit... if you have half a brain, you'd know that.... oh, wait... I can't do that.... high road, remember??? Lots of people reading.... comes off bad.... delete, delete, delete...

I think I'll just turn the computer off, and take my keyboard and go home, and live to fight another day.

- heavy sigh -

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

Sometimes, when something's not working, you just have to stick it full of needles.

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:01:49 -0600

My mother has a plethora of health issues. Some of them real and some of the imagined.

She's taken all sorts of medications for her myriad of ailments. Some of them make her a bit loopy, some make her a bit forgetful (that really bothers her), and others have all sorts of weird side-effects. Lyrica, for example, gave her skin rashes each in the shape of a different state of the union... the ones in the shape of the state of Massachusetts were the most interesting, and if you used a magnifying glass, you could actually see Boston Commons... and several of the minutemen.

So, in an attempt to effect some non-drugged-pain-management, my mother is now going with my sister for some communal (a room full of porcupines) acupuncture, for a little alternative medicine.

Lani (my sister) is being stuck with pins in an effort to help with weight-management, and a couple of other very personal issues (just the thing to do in a large communal room of people imitating porcupines and hedgehogs)... and Mom is tagging along.

I'm not quite sure I'm ready for acupuncture yet... or... I don't know... will accupuncture improve the real estate market... maybe I should consider it?

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

the 80/20 Individual - what are you going to change for 2010?

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:33:51 -0600

our PHH loan officer, Greg Schneider, who has his office, within our offices, recently had a workshop, built around a book by Richard Koch entitled "The 80/20 Individual".

I have not read the book, but Greg had... and he said part of the thrust of this book (and it's ony a part)... is that just like the old saw that we know (20% of the agents do 80% of the work) that also applies to what we do daily... for example 20% of the things we do (marketing, farming, letter-writing, one-on-one face-to-face, phone calling... etc..) produce 80% of the results.

So our goal, for this particular workshop was to attempt to identify what the 20% portion of what we are doing is... so that we can focus on that... and start to allow the 80% that we're doing that's producing low results to fall away. So in effect they're asking... what's working for you... and how are you going to further focus in on that.. and what's NOT working for you, and how are you going to change your plan for next year to accommodate that?

As an example... everyone agreed that those skeezy, sleezy, expensive little refrigerator magnets that we mail out to our clientele are virtually useless... how many times have you walked through Agent A's listing, and seen Agent B's calendar on the fridge? (Why agent A didn't remove it, is beyond me, but that's a different story).

So, what things are you doing now, that constitute your 80%... that is only producing a 20% result, and what are you going to change about your plan for 2010??

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

a little mutual respect will go a long way...

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:45:04 -0600

In a recent post on a different network than active rain, Realtors and laypeople were going back and forth... sniping at one another... and a few personal attacks as well.

This was an old posting, resurrected from almost two years ago... the subject matter is almost beside the point, but the buyer was asking how to go about buying a house, without using the services of a Realtor. Of course, many of the Realtors got their hackles raised immediately, and responded with the typical... You-need-a-Realtor, you-want-a-Realtor, and by-Jove-you're-going-to-get-a-Realtor diatribe.

Then there was the other school of Realtors who indicated that since buyer's agents don't really cost you any out of pocket money, why wouldn't you take advantage of the expertise?

In the other corner seemed to be a couple of varied schools of lay-thought... ie: All Realtors suck!... Why are you buying now?... you should never trust a Realtor!... and then a couple of reasonable, views stating that yes, it can be done without a Realtor!... I have done it, you can do it!... and please don't tell us that using a Realtor is the only way to do it!

They were, of course, assailed with 2 more years worth of reasons why they shouldn't attempt to do it themselves, and all of the horrible, horrible things that they might get wrong.

Now, I fall into that second category of Realtor who said "since we don't really cost you any out-of-pocket...", and I stated (all the way back in December of 2007) that:

There are many people out there, who are savvy enough to buy a property without the help of a buyer's agent. They may have bought or sold property before, or they could have some connection with the industry (paralegal, closing agent for a title company, escrow agent).
But, the fact that you're asking the question, tells me that you're not savvy enough to attempt it. Buying a home may not be "rocket science" but there are plenty of problems along the way, and the best way to avoid those problems is to have a guide who's been there before you. Someone who knows the ins and outs of the process and what the pitfalls are and how to avoid them. I've just described a buyer's agent.
And since a buyer's agent is a professional negotiator and will likely save you money on the purchase price, and since the buyer's agent is paid from the proceeds of the seller at closing, I have to ask "why wouldn't you use one?"

It seems to me, that what's missing from many of these discussions on the public websites... where consumers come to get answers from Real Estate Professionals, is RESPECT. Consumers today, are smarter and more informed about real estate than ever before. They arrive at the transaction knowledgeable, informed, and closer to their purchase than they used to in our parents generation.

When we treat the public with respect... answer their questions ethically, honestly and professionally, we are doing so much more to further the image and public respect of the Realtor in today's society. Treat them like they have a brain in their heads.... because they do! There will always be those who strain your patience on those sites... and those are the ones who cannot be reasoned with, so don't try.... I believe the phrase is "Don't feed the trolls"... but for those who are reasonable, and raise valid points... try not to tar them with the same brush.

For those of you who believe that we shouldn't be "giving away" our knowledge for free... Feel free to ignore the question, and don't post an answer.

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

Congratulations to the Northwestern Wildcats

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:02:20 -0600

Okay... so I'm not a big sports fan, and have no idea what the true impact of this means... but I do know it's a big deal... and I do know it's been a long time since N.U. was in a bowl game.

So now, the Northwestern University Wildcats have earned a seat at the 2010 Outback Bowl (also being called the Bloomin' Onion Bowl).

Northwestern, for those of you who don't know, is located right here in Evanston... and Evanston and her residents are mighty proud of our Wildcats (yeah, yeah, I know... they're always OURS when they do something good... and they're SOMEONE ELSE'S when they're sucking wind... but that's just the way it goes).

Congratulations to the Northwestern Wildcats, and here's to success in the Outback Bowl!!

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

Happy Birthday Dad

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:39:36 -0600

Today is Pearl Harbor Day, but it also happens to be my late father's birthday.

Dad's birthday was always easy to remember. (Dad's the one on the far left, Stanley, Maurice, and David). And while both Maurce and David served in the military, Dad never did, due to a set of incredibly flat feet that he was ind enough to pass along to me.

December 7th, may be a date that will live in infamy, but it's also the day that my father was born... and he was born first, in 1926.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

Farmville - I don't get it.

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:53:28 -0600

Farmville - it's one of those insidious games that have proliferated on Facebook.

You get to set up your own farm... choose your crops... chose your building, and sometimes your neighboring farms and farmers. You can exchange gifts back and forth, visit your neighbors farms...

and then... (here comes the exciting part)

plant your crops and watch them grow.... (zzzzzzzz)... I think I'd almost rather watch paint dry.

And yet, I was watching a YouTube video of this very cute actress who'd landed this role on Law and Order as a Cadaver. She was giving us a video tour of her day on set... and in the middle of her very exciting day on set, she had to find a laptop, so that she could tend to her farm, harvest her crops and make sure that her planted crops didn't die.

Really! Really!?!?! I just don't get it. Boring!

Now, Fishville (where you get to populate a fish tank)... now there's some excitement!! (just kidding folks... a little sarcasm there).

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

ahh, the sounds of the season

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:40:40 -0600

It's about 25 degrees, here in the Windy City, and we've been hearing the sounds of the season for a while now.

Target, Kohls, Macy's, Bloomingdales' (among others) have been bombarding us with television and radio ads... along with Best Buy, Radio Shack, and each and every cell service provider talking about their "map coverage".

I hate watching live t.v. anymore. Since we got a Digital Video Recorder, that allows us to quickly and easily fast-forward through commercials... we've taken to waiting 10-15 minutes into the show before watching... so that we can pause, if necessary... or fast-forward out the ads.

Target has a couple of cute "rap-style" commercials running, that we'll actually allow to run.. 'cause they're cute and clever. One with beautiful adults, and the other with charming, adorable little girls... ("How cute are these boots? How cute are these boots!?").

It's made me think about the advertising industry and how it's changed over the years. Advertisers, now with the advent of DVR, have to make their commercials so "funny, eye-catching, fantabulous", that you'll be willing to stop and watch them. Commercials that tickle your funny bone, or tug firmly on the old heart-strings.

How are they doing?

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

No, I am not a salesman! Oh, wait... maybe I am.

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:43:03 -0600

I don't try to "sell" any of my buyers on a given property. I don't suggest that they "need" any particular feature found only in this home. I don't suggest that they really, really, want to be in this-particular school district, nor do I stress, just how desirable this particular street is.

Most of my buyers come to me, telling me that they want to buy. I help them view the inventory on the market at the time. I let them experience the houses and condos. I let them come to the decision that they want to buy the property. And then, that's when I kick into gear.

That's when I help them figure out what it will take to buy that property. I view my role here more as a consultant. You want to buy a property, here is my opinion on how to do it, and what it may cost. And I then offer some advice as to how they might try to improve on that... maybe we can get it for a little less than the "average list price" because of certain variables, such as recent sales (or lack thereof), long market times, vacant properties (that might mean the seller may have already purchased something else, making them a little more anxious).

So, no... I'm not a salesman.

But... oh, right... sometimes I represent the seller. And when I do, well, yeah... I turn into a salesman. I create online advertisements. I create printed flyers and print ads. I put full-color brochures at the fingertips of buyers and buyer's agents, showing the property to it's best advantages, and talk about the many features of the home, including it's fabulous location, wonderful condition, and great floorplan.

I can even do that patented "Vanna White" walk-through the house "This is the Kitchen"... and "this is the dining room", as though they couldn't tell. And I do smoke the occassional cigar.

I'm really a Jeckyl and Hyde... Sometimes salesman, and sometimes laid back consultant.

So I guess, yes... I am a salesman. Just not the average every day used-car variety.

dang. I'm so confused.

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

I wouldn't pay a dime over $850,000 for this house!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:25:57 -0600

"I wouldn't pay a dime over $850,000 for this house!"

This was the statement made by the agent who was sitting the Sunday Open House, yesterday. It was not the listing agent, and the house is listed for just under a million dollars. Conveniently, the "sitting" agent made this statement, to a potential buyer... while others were in the house, and overheard it.

One of those who overheard the remark, was the brother of the seller. The brother of the seller, of course, immediately told the seller of this statement, which in the opinion of the seller, goes directly against the "marketing agreement" that the seller and our agency signed.

The "sitting agent" claims he has done nothing wrong. In his opinion, he is an independent agent, with no loyalty due to the lister.... he's sitting the open house for one reason, and one reason only... "to pick up new clients".

The "listing agent" feels betrayed, by a member of his own office, and is at risk of losing the listing... his clients are furious, because as they and the listing agent believe: "the sitting agent should at all times, represent the property to it's best".

I'll open this one up to the Active Rain brain trust.... thoughts? Whaddya think?... who's right here? Should the person sitting the open house be representing the house... or should they be representing themselves and fishing for clients. Or is there a mix of both?

(I do already have my own strong opinion, but don't want to taint the pool by stating it yet.)

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

You gotta love pie!

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:32:37 -0600

For the last several years, our PHH Mortgage representative has offered our office, free Thanksgiving pies. Not as a thank you for any real or perceived business.... (no RESPA violation there), simply as a kind Holiday Gesture.

He provides pies for our office, and the Glenview CB office, which represents almost 200 agents. Of course not every agent signs up for a pie... but hey! That's still a lotta, lotta pie-age!

He gets his pies (Apple, or Pumpkin) from our local Costco, and they're very large, and very good. And I know that he's not the only business in the area that buys their pies from Costco, and there are plenty of individuals too.

So, I wondered... just how many pies does this one local Costco produce for the holiday season. Well, they have a commercial grade oven with 3 racks (doesn't sound so big, does it?).... each rack holds 60 pies.... (oh!)... and they bake for approximately 70 minutes.

Costco works their bakery 24 hours a day... and they peak around the holidays for that entire week... which represents a total of 25,920 pies for that week.

Hey! It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it.... (pass the whipped cream, willya?)

Thanks Greg, Linda & Lambert... the pie was great!

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

I may be in a tryptophan coma.

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:06:45 -0600

After having Thanksgiving at my married daughter's home (and my son-in laws!), I have found myself wanting to do nothing other than sit in my chair, in front of the t.v.

Now, my wife will tell you, this is nothing new. But usually, I spend a great part of my day at the office, or doing real estate related things.

My daughter's first thanksgiving was a raving success. A beautiful 22lb brined-turkey... cooked to that Norman Rockwell perfection... tasty and moist... two kinds of deletables, that Sarah made herself... Candy coated almonds, and spicy coated cashews. Biscuits, cookies, cranberry upside down heaven, pumpkin pie (okay, I brought that), the main course of Turkey, creamed spinach, stuffing, mashed potatoes, wine, beer ... ohmigod I'm going into another food coma just writing it out.

Thankfully, I have yet another day of doing nothing (Sunday) before I have to get back into gear for work. This has amounted to 4 days in a row, of doing not much besides eating.

I call that a successful weekend.

(by the way... I guarantee that this entire post... except for the subscription paid-for photograph, is "original content")

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

Happy thanksgiving!

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:57:58 -0600

To all of my friends and family

Happy Thanksgiving

2009

May you

have a wonderful

and fruitful

holiday season

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

what you've said on the internet about Commission is there forever, forever, forever

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:13:17 -0600

Many time, over the last few years, in my experiences on Trulia and Zillow, someone will ask the question of we Realtors "What's the standard commission in your area?"

Most of the time, good agents jump in and state: "There is no 'standard', real estate commissions are negotiable"... and go on to expound on the value of finding a good Realtor, and not allowing the commission to be your largest criteria in selecting a Realtor. We can go into more of that, but that's a different post than this one.

Almost without fail, at some point or another on that thread, some idiot Realtor will say... "standard commissions in our area are 6%, but I'll do it for 5%, call me!!" or "everyone in our area charges 5%". A few of us will try to explain to them that even the discussion of commission amounts, in public (and social media IS public) is a violation of Sherman anti-trust laws, and we inevitably get into a heated discussion over whether indeed that's true or not. In some of those conversations, I've been told by Realtors who've been in the business for a long time (so, what I'm saying there is ... not some "newbie")... that I don't know what I'm talking about... that we're just talkin' in generalities... and there's nothing wrong with that.

One agent went so far as to tell me that he'd been playing in the Sherman Anti-trust sandbox for 32 years, and he knew it better than I did...so basically shut-yer-pie-hole.

Well, in a fairly recent "thread that wouldn't die", we had that same hackneyed conversation (deja vu, deja vu, deja vu vu). But this time, one of the Trulia regulars (a non-Realtor) decided that he would find out the truth, and sent a copy of the conversation off to a Washington advocacy group. They, in turn, turned it over to the Department of Justice, who contacted him by phone, confirmed that it was an illegal discussion, and asked a lot of pointed questions... (including the url for the conversation) and are now monitoring.

I imagine there will be handful of interesting phone calls to managing brokers. What you say on a social media website, especially as a professional Realtor, is there forever (and ever and ever)... make sure that what you say is correct, and legal.

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

the latest entertainment during "our system is down" maintenance.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:49:06 -0600

I went to visit a website today, and they were down for maintenance. But they were thoughtful, and instead of having us look for our keys, or view a fail whale, they provided the following video on their site, to keep me entertained.

It was much appreciated, so I'm passing it along to you, 'cause I think you'll find it enjoyable (if not truly silly) as well. C'mon, join in!

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

Please join me in remembering an icon.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:40:36 -0600

Please me join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community.

The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 51.

Dough boy was buried in a lightly greased coffin.

Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch.

The grave site was piled high with flour.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Dough boy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded.

Dough boy rose quickly and evenly through show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half- baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Dough boy is survived by his wife Play Dough, three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.

The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

Chicago-area home sales soar in October.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:25:22 -0600

Nov. 23, 2009

(Crain's) — Chicago-area home sales jumped by a third in October compared to a year ago, according to the Illinois Assn. of Realtors, with the group citing lower home prices, low mortgage rates and the federal tax credit for first-time buyers as reasons for the spike.

CHICAGO-AREA SALES

Below is a monthly year-over-year comparison of home sales (single-family and condo) in the nine-county Chicago area.

Last month’s surge compared to October 2008 was the fourth straight monthly year-over-year improvement for the metro area and by far the biggest.

Sales in the city of Chicago also rose 28.5% last month, the second straight year-over-year rise, the association said in a release Monday.

Sales rose 24.2% statewide compared with October 2008.

“October's extraordinary sales totals reflect home purchases by many buyers who were sitting on the sidelines of the housing market waiting out the economic downturn as well as more home sellers coming to terms with accurate pricing given the market conditions,” Mike Onorato, president of the association, said in the release.

In the nine-county Chicago region, 7,286 single-family homes and condominiums were sold October, up 33.3% from 5,467 sales in October 2008, the Realtors group said. The monthly year-over-year percentage gain was much bigger than the previous three straight increases of 0.3% in July, 1.3% in August and 5.9% in September.

In the city, sales rose 28.5%, with 2,012 in October, up from 1,566 in October 2008. That easily topped last month’s 5.8% year-over-year monthly increase, which was the first since May 2006.

Median prices fell again year-over-year in the Chicago area and the city, as sales of distressed property pushed down the figure. The region’s median price — where half the homes sold for more and half sold for less — was $190,000 in October, down 15.6% from October 2008, the Realtors association said.

In the city, the median price was $215,000 in October, down 18% from last year.

"The first-time homebuyer tax credit has created a great incentive for buyers on the fence who are ready to invest in real estate,” Genie Birch, president of the Chicago Assn. of Realtors, said in the release.

But the Chicago association used the release to complain about tight residential lending policies, which need to be changed to help “creditworthy homebuyers.”

Good-credit buyers are finding it “very difficult” to get financing, and Chicago Realtors would welcome banks showing more willingness to lend to good prospects, says a spokeswoman for the Chicago association. Also, various guidelines make it harder to get loans for condos in the city than for unattached single-family homes, according to the spokeswoman.

President Obama signed a bill this month extending the tax credit for first-time homebuyers and expanding it to include a smaller credit for some buyers who already own their homes. Currently, first-time buyers whose incomes qualify now can receive a credit of up to $8,000 on home purchases that close by June 30.

Last month, the average interest rate was 5.0% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, according to the release.

The Illinois Assn. of Realtors' sales figures include new and existing homes. The nine-county Chicago Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

this article was written by Staff at Crain's Chicago Business, and appeared in today's issue. (Nov. 23, 2009)

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

the Realtor Two-Step.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:43:38 -0600

I was over on Trulia for a spell yesterday, defending the integrity of my chosen career, and a regular commenter, who agrees with me, about as much as he disagrees with me, but whose opinions are often well-founded and I respect, made a statement. He said:

I believe there are excellent people/Agents/ other Pros in the Industry
it's just some Agents work so hard to prove me wrong. LOL

Now, it was said kinda tongue-in-cheek, but the sentiment was true, and I believe far more widespread than just his own opinion. I rarely see any disrespect for the Realtor crowd out on the street, and haven't run into it in real life, but you see it in spades on sites like Zillow, Trulia and others, as well as finding it rearing it's ugly head here on AR, every now and then.

We're rated somewhere slightly below used-car-salesmen, and slightly above whale excrement (you know, the stuff that floats to the bottom of the ocean!?). Most people, like my friend on Trulia, want to believe that Realtors and Agents are professional, ethical, honest and hard-working, they really do ... but then along comes that doofus of a Realtor who'll make some ridiculous statement like:

"Of course I look at the co-op commission first. I have a right to make a living don't I? So sure, I won't show FSBO's, and I won't show any property that co-ops less than 3%... 'cause I'm worth it", and with that statement, down plummets our reputation again.

"Yer dang right I don't want an inspector to find any problems with the house.... just gloss over 'em... it'll be okay, and I need the paycheck... after all, how bad can it be... there's someone living in it now!", and down we go again.

Two steps forward, Three steps back.

Some agents are working soooooo dang hard to prove him wrong. I wish they'd take some time off.

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

are you a part of a national conspiracy?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:26:13 -0600

In a recent thread found on Trulia, a local inspector responded to my assertion, that if you're looking for an inspector, your Realtor can be a good resource for finding good inspectors. He replied with:

"Asking your Realtor is NOT a great way to find an inspector. Your Realtor gets paid only if the home sale goes through. Many good inspectors are called, 'Deal Killers' by R.E. agents and will not appear on a list of inspectors that are referred to home buying clients."

I suggested that most Realtors are highly ethical and interested in the best interests of their clients, and he suggests that there's too much of a conflict-of-interest in the Realtor / Inspector relationship, and we're only interested in the quick commission check.

I contend that I want any of the inspectors who are found on my recommended list to seek out and find any of the problems that exist in the property we're looking at. I want any deficiencies found, as I may be called upon to represent that property in it's next resale, and I want as clean a property to resell as possible.

Now, I do want an inspector who finds the problems, but isn't someone who "panics" the client, rather explains carefully what the problem is and it's potential solution. Is this a $50 problem, a $500 problem, $5,000 problem, or is this so severe that it compromises the structural integrity of the building.

Not to mention that I really am trying to look out for the best interests of my client. I take a perverse pride in walking my clients carefully through the minefield that is a real estate transaction.

He then quotes, nationally syndicated columnist and inspector, Barry Stone who writes:

"The trunk of the problem is this: Agents do not get paid until the sale is completed, and defect disclosure can make buyers change their minds about the sale. Since the best home inspectors disclose more defects, a large number of real estate agents regard the best home inspectors as “deal killers” — not because those inspectors actually kill deals, but because their thoroughness engenders the fear that they might kill a deal. As a result, some agents do not refer the best inspectors to their clients. Meanwhile, unwary clients assume that they are getting top-notch home inspection referrals from their agents.
On the other hand, there are many excellent agents who truly represent the interests of their clients; who recognize the value of total and unabridged disclosure. Those agents are the shining stars of the profession, the ones who recommend only the most thorough and qualified home inspectors to clients. Realtors of this caliber deserve praise and recognition for the exemplary work that they do.
What we have are two dissimilar groups of agents — the compromised and the committed — separated by an ethical divide that tarnishes the public image of the real estate industry, while jeopardizing the financial interests of trusting homebuyers. "

I like to think that the majority of agents (Realtors included) are looking out for their clients best interests. I also think that the majority of certified inspectors are doing the same, independently of any visible or invisible pressure from the agent to give the property a clean bill of health.

Clearly he's presuming the opposite, that the majority of agents are in collusion with the majority of inspectors, who give the property a quick once over, and any inspectors who do otherwise are quickly ostracized and blackballed from doing further business with those agents.

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers

a pumpkin in the sun

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:26:13 -0600

I was scheduled to take a buyer out condo-hunting today, but they've changed their minds, and decided to put-off their house hunting for a year or so, to allow them to save up some money toward a better down payment.

I've been out showing property a lot lately, and find that I'm not so disappointed. Today is a beautiful day, here in the Chicago area. Crisp and cool, blue skies... I'm gonna grab a cigar, take my dog gus-gus, and go plant myself on the hammock in my back yard. Maybe I'll take a book with me. I rarely find myself with battery-recharging time like this.

I don't anticipate a lot of business this coming week, as we approach Thanksgiving. So we should have some lovely restorative days up ahead. I'll check in with y'all later.

Ahhhh.... where are those matches?

Evanston Real Estate, Evanston Realtor, Evanston Buyers, Evanston Sellers
North Shore Real Estate, North Shore Realtor, North Shore Buyers, North Shore Sellers