Mother Lode Lake Tulloch Area Real Estate Blog

Real Estate Twelve Days of Christmas

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:01:13 -0600

(First release Christmas 2007) And so what if it was a real estate agent who wrote: "The Twelve Days of Christmas?" Might it have gone a little like this (don't forget the melody)...

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me:

Twelve escrows closing

Eleven lenders lending

Ten qualified buyers

Nine ripe referrals

Eight listing agreements

Seven sensible sellers

Six accepted offers

FIVE DAYS IN MAUI!

Four contracts signed

Three walkthroughs

Two no admin fees

And a new client with some money!

Have a Merry Christmas, everybody!

Mother Lode Real Estate "Must Reads" for December

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:53:28 -0600

This blog post is the next in a continuing monthly series where I'll pass on some information of interest that you may not get the opportunity to see otherwise. (There are links to the other thirteen posts in this series at the end of this one.) It won't take you long to check out the three articles and one video covering real estate, social media and more.

Real Estate Market Trends Don't Matter Anymore by Gary London (President of The London Group Realty Advisors). An interesting forecast for the future in the following areas: retail, office, industrial, hotel, apartments and housing. A definite must read for realtors in it for the long haul.

Is it too late to catch up? by Seth Godin. Let’s say you haven’t done a single thing with the web or social media, etc., for your business. As only he can do, Seth Godin offers you his top ten things to consider doing to get you back in the game. Worth it.

20+ more mind-blowing social media statistics by Jake Hird. Just some fun statistics regarding Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr & more. Millions are using social media. As a real estate professional, are they finding you there, too?

How to Shoot a Video from the National Association of Realtors website. Some good tips here on filming a listing/property video from REALTOR® TV.

More Mother Lode Real Estate "Must Reads":

(The author of the Sugar Pine Realty blog does not necessarily endorse or disapprove of the thoughts included via the above links.)

Lake Tulloch Area Residential Sales Stats

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:48:55 -0600

I've got the latest Lake Tulloch / Copperopolis area residential sales statistics for you to see in four clickable graphs. As usual, the first three graphs cover three years including 2007, 2008 and 2009. The first graph spells out the Residential Unit Sales. The second graph highlights Residential Sales Volume. And the third graph shows Residential Average Sales Price. And finally, the fourth graph focuses on the price range breakdown of Residential Units Sold through December 8, 2009. Before you click on the graphs, here are some of the numbers in simple black and white...

Total Residential Unit Sales: November 2009 = 80; November 2008 = 46; November 2007 = 54

Total Residential Sales Volume: November 2009 = $19,432,809; November 2008 = $12,819,750; November 2007 = $20,317,650

Total Residential Average Sales Price: November 2009 = $242,910; November 2008 = $278,690; November 2007 = $376,253

For more market information and help with buying or selling, contact your Sugar Pine Realty Lake Tulloch / Copperopolis real estate professional today. Call 209-785-5757. (The data used in this post comes from the Calaveras Multiple Listing Service and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.)

Total Residential Unit Sales:

Total Residential Volume Sales:

Total Residential Average Sale Price:

Residential Market Facts & Figures:

Icy in Sonora

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:47:11 -0600

Snow in Sonora

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:38:50 -0600

Test Your Knowledge of Christmas

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:51:30 -0600

(Re-blog) Sing with me: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you, “Be of good cheer,” It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” (Hey, you did that good!) And I just can’t help but sing. The Christmas spirit’s got a hold of me and won’t let go. How ‘bout you? And I couldn’t help but think what better way to spread some more "good Christmas cheer” like the song says than with a quiz? So how are you with the subject of Christmas – songs, traditions and other assorted facts? Find out with the following questions (answers below). And most of all, have a Merry Christmas, everybody.

1. Who wrote the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and in what year? (a) Eddie Pola, George Wyle in 1963; (b) James Lord Pierpont publ. 1857; (c) J. Fred Coots, Henry Gillespie in 1934; (d) Irving Berlin, 1942.

2. The names of the Magi/Wisemen/Astrologers in the Christmas story were: (a) Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego; (b) Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh; (c) Larry, Curly and Moe; (d) none of the above.

3. Robert L. May wrote the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Which of the following stories did he look to for inspiration? (a) The Ugly Duckling; (b) A Christmas Carol; (c) It's a Wonderful Life; (d) Charlie Brown Christmas.

4. The big guy in the red suit and hat that says, "Ho, ho, ho," goes by many names including... (a) Tim Allen; (b) Saint Nick; (c) Father Christmas; (d) Kris Kringle.

5. The official determination on whether or not it's a "white Christmas" is: (a) snow flurries at noon on December 25th; (b) heavy snowfall for at least 10 minutes on Christmas day; (c) 1 inch of snow on the ground at 8 a.m. Christmas morning; (d) 1 inch of snowfall taking place any time between midnight and midnight.

6. The most famous Christmas Carol of all time is: (a) O Come, All Ye Faithful; (b) Away in a Manger; (c) Silent Night; (d) Joy to the World.

7. One of the most popular/infamous gifts at Christmas is - can you guess? - the fruitcake. (Have you ever received one?) Which of the following facts are true about the fruitcake: (a) 25 is the number of years that a fruitcake can age and still be enjoyed, as long as it has the right preservatives and is stored in a tightly closed tin; (b) 1 to 1 is the ratio of the density of the average fruitcake to the density of mahogany; (c) a little more than 1 in 10 people say they would make time to regift a fruitcake to give it to someone else; (d) all of the above.

Answers: 1. (a) – “b” wrote Jingle Bells; “c” wrote Santa Claus is Coming to Town; “d” wrote White Christmas 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b), (c) & (d) 5. (c) 6. (c) 7. (d)

(This test was developed and based on information from the following websites: Christmas Songs Lyrics, All Things Christmas, Counting on Christmas Statistics and Christmas Carols.)

Tuolumne County Real Estate Statistics

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:14:02 -0600

I've got the latest Mother Lode market numbers for you to look at today. To begin with, you'll notice the overall sales picture including all sales classes. CLICK HERE to view November 2009 compared to November 2008. CLICK HERE to view January-November 2009 compared to January-November 2008. You'll also want to notice the graphs including the Mother Lode Residential Unit Sales through November 2009 graph versus the previous five years (clickable picture 1 on the above left) along with the Mother Lode Residential Volume Sales graph versus the previous five years (clickable picture 2 on the right) and the Mother Lode Residential Average Sales Price graph versus the previous five years (clickable picture 3 on the left below), respectively. (The data used comes from the Tuolumne Multiple Listing Service and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.) As usual, I also have some of the numbers in black and white here:

UNIT SALES: Nov 09 = 50; Nov 08 = 38; +32%

VOL SALES: Nov 09 = $11,465,435; Nov 08 = $10,115,349; +13%

AVG SALES PRICE: Nov 09 = $229,308; Nov 08 = $266,193; -14%

Watch for Calaveras MLS stats to be posted soon.

How Not to Let the Grinch Steal Christmas

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:10:04 -0600

The Grinch. We all know the story. He basically wanted to ruin Christmas for everyone else. Of course, he changed his mind and there was a happy ending. (I just love stories of redemption.) The truth is there are many who don't much like the holiday season. (Do you know anyone like that?) For whatever reason, something in their life ~ an experience, a loss, a wrong done (a "Grinch"?) ~ has stolen their joy and cheer (and hope?). Notwithstanding there are things that can happen that are awfully and deeply painful, but stories of redemption take place in real life, too. (They really do.) Maybe this is your year for a change of heart when it comes to the holidays? I'm purposely writing this post at the beginning of the season to allow you plenty of time for this to come about. It's time to tell that Grinch in your life you're not going to let him steal Christmas this year. How 'bout it? May the following list be a help to you in that regards:

How Not to Let the Grinch Steal Christmas...

Prioritize people over presents.

Free yourself from having to attend every party.

Meet a simple need of someone less fortunate than you.

Drive around the neighborhood to view holiday decorations.

Warm up some hot chocolate and sit down to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart.

Make a phone call (or send a letter in the mail) to that person you hurt and say you're sorry.

Remind yourself of the Christmas story.

7 Things I'm Thankful For

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:16:57 -0600

So what are you thankful for? People oftentimes answer this question mentioning the typical things. They're thankful for their spouse (hopefully). They're thankful for their kids and grandkids (if they have any). They're thankful for their job (many are hurting in this area in our day). They're thankful for their health. And so on and so forth. Right? And these are all important things to be thankful for. Don't get me wrong. I would be the first to say it. But there are so many other things that we don't always highlight or think about when the bottom line is we really count on these things and owe a lot to certain other people we don't always take time to recognize. (Isn't it true?) The following list might not mean much to you, but it does to me. These are things that I really couldn't live without right now, quite frankly. Also included are people I owe a debt of gratitude to that I don't always take the time to let them know. So here are:

7 things I'm thankful for...

#1: My car. It's going on 150k miles. Has no heat. The clutch slips (especially going up the grade). But it gets me to where I need to go.

#2: This great country of ours. There's no better place on the planet to live. Many have given their lives for our freedom.

#3: My eyeglasses. I can hardly see with them on. Just think how I'd be without them.

#4: My deodorant. It's sweet pea and violet scent. (We receive goods from a local distribution center.)

#5: My shower door. It doesn't close completely, but just enough so I can get myself squeaky clean.

#6: My bosses at work. They (Emmett and Ann) have sacrificed much to keep the company afloat and provide for the families it represents. No amount of words can repay all that they've done.

#7: Forgiveness, love and hope.

13 Quirks Human Beings Have

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:15:45 -0600

Many of us will be meeting with family and friends in the coming days. The truth is there are some people we are looking forward to seeing while there are others we are not. It's likely that the latter group has certain "quirks" and that's why we dread them. (Is anyone coming to your mind?) Webster's defines a quirk as: "a peculiarity of action, behavior, or personality; mannerism." And there are just some mannerisms that bug us to the core. Right? And no matter how many times we say to ourselves, "I'm not gonna let so-and-so get the upper hand this time," they do~they will~and we go home frustrated. (Has that ever happened to you?) And we don't have any "quirks" ourselves so that others would dread seeing us? Hmm? And I guess the solution and the only real power we have over "quirks" is in our own life. And it's interesting how other people's quirks don't seem to irritate us quite as much as they did before when we're focusing on changing our own. That said, here are:

13 Quirks Human Beings Have... (What might you add to the list?)

Talk about themselves

Never shut up

Pick their nose

Pass gas

Don't use deodorant

Bad breath

Show up late

Leave early

Drink too much

Foul mouth

Gossip about others

Brag about their job/salary

Hit on your boyfriend/girlfriend (wife?)

Mother Lode Real Estate "Must Reads" for November

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:04:19 -0600

This blog post is the next in a continuing monthly series where I'll pass on some information of interest that you may not get the opportunity to see otherwise. (There are links to the other twelve posts in this series at the end of this one.) It won't take you long to check out the four articles covering real estate and social media use in business.

2010 sales to rise 15 percent from Real Trends. A pretty rosy view of the real estate market for next year is offered by Lawrence Yun, NAR's Chief Economist. Do you buy it? (No pun intended)

5 Reasons Why Sellers Should Work with You on Both Sides of the Deal from the Real Estate Marketing Blog. So why shouldn't you also be the real estate professional to help your sellers find their next home? Quick and worthwhile read addresses this issue.

7 Ways to Get More Out of LinkedIn by Sharlyn Lauby on mashable.com. The golden trio of social media are Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn (I heard somebody say recently). You're using the first two, but what about the third? This article offers insight on how to get going on LinkedIn and use it to benefit your career goals. Worth it.

42+ Social Media Marketing Tools by Joe Pulizzi of the Junta42 Blog. A veritable goldmine here for social media enthusiasts. A must for your bookmarks or favorites.

More Mother Lode Real Estate "Must Reads":

Selling Real Estate with the Swine Flu

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:26:31 -0600

I just got back from taking my wife, daughter and son to the doctor's only to find out they each have the swine flu. (I'm not making it up. Who would want to?) And what if you were working with a real estate agent who all of a sudden came down with the H1N1 bug as it's also known? I'd like to suggest that you might be happy. And before you think I've lost all my marbles (maybe you thought that already?), hear me out. (Btw, my family is supposed to be fine. Just need to gut it out for a few days.) Of course, I'm not suggesting that you hire a realtor® who has the swine flu "literally." Instead, it's that acronym thing I've done in the past. (See "A Successful Realtor® in One Word" for an example: HERE.) This time it's two words: (spell it) S-w-i-n-e F-l-u. I suggest you search for and find a real estate professional with the following characteristics~not coughing, fever and a headache, but...

S-ervice-oriented

W-orker

I-mpressive

N-o nonsense

E-xpert

F-riendly

L-ocal

U-nderstanding of people

And maybe it's not such a bad thing to have the swine flu after all?! (If my wife reads this, she'll slap me. You can be sure of that. Or strangle me?)

Calaveras County Home Sales Stats

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:10:00 -0600

I've got the latest Lake Tulloch / Copperopolis area residential sales statistics for you to see in four clickable graphs. As usual, the first three graphs cover three years including 2007, 2008 and 2009. The first graph spells out the Residential Unit Sales. The second graph highlights Residential Sales Volume. And the third graph shows Residential Average Sales Price. And finally, the fourth graph focuses on the price range breakdown of Residential Units Sold through November 12, 2009. Before you click on the graphs, here are some of the numbers in simple black and white...

Total Residential Unit Sales: October 2009 = 95; October 2008 = 71; October 2007 = 66

Total Residential Sales Volume: October 2009 = $23,235,724; October 2008 = $21,648,277; October 2007 = $30,170,874

Total Residential Average Sales Price: October 2009 = $244,587; October 2008 = $304,905; October 2007 = $457,134

Total Residential Unit Sales:

Total Residential Volume Sales:

Total Residential Average Sale Price:

Residential Market Facts & Figures:

The Power of Appreciation (reprise)

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:21 -0600

My son, Michael, had a writing test a few years ago. My wife, Kim, and I were very anxious about how he would perform. Of course, Kim had invested much time and energy in teaching Michael the things he needed to know (as a home school mom). Then all we could do was pray. To make a long story short, Michael took the test and the woman facilitator said he did very well. We were so pleased! Later that evening I really wanted to make Michael feel good, so I played like I didn't see him on the other side of the room while I started up a conversation with Kim. I went on to talk about what a good job Michael had done and how happy we were that he'd done so well. You could just see him beaming as I knew he could hear every word. Then I said, "Where is Michael, anyway?" He replied, "Here I am, Dad." I said, "Wow, I didn't even know you were there." Expressing appreciation for a job well done. I wonder if we don't tend to point out and harp on the negatives we see in people to the exclusion of recognizing their positive contributions. And when was the last time you said to somebody, "Hey, I appreciate what you're doing and have done and for you being in my life. Thank you"? (I wrote The Power of Appreciation about six months ago, but I thought with Thanksgiving coming another reminder of it's importance couldn’t hurt. Agree?)

The "Is It Me?" Question

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:46:59 -0600

(As this post is being released the unemployment rate has surpassed 10% in this country.) Have you ever asked yourself the question, "Is it me?" It's an easy question to ask especially when you're going through a challenging time. Other translations of "Is it me?" ~ Am I the problem here? Am I my own worst enemy? ~ and that's the reason why I'm having such a hard time selling property? (if you happen to be in real estate) ~ and that's the reason why deals are falling through? No matter what your career field, difficulties have a way of causing you to second-guess yourself. Right? Your confidence wanes. You become hesitant/gun-shy. (You've been there. Could it be now?) And there are different ways to deal with the "Is it me?" question that I could talk about (of course). But I want to go another direction with it to finish this post. And just as way of a reminder: Life can be (and is) very complicated. (Tell me it ain't so.) At any given moment there are a number of factors contributing to each of our own personal situations, both in and outside our control. And could it be that it's not so much "you" but something else "beyond you" that's pressing in and making your situation that much tougher ~ and once you take this to heart you'll actually help to set yourself up for future success by removing the total burden from your shoulders? I feel better already.

Mother Lode Area Real Estate Numbers

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:51:01 -0600

I've got the latest Mother Lode market numbers for you to look at today. To begin with, you'll notice the overall sales picture including all sales classes. CLICK HERE to view October 2009 compared to October 2008. CLICK HERE to view January-October 2009 compared to January-October 2008. You'll also want to notice the graphs including the Mother Lode Residential Unit Sales through October 2009 graph versus the previous five years (clickable picture 1 on the above left) along with the Mother Lode Residential Volume Sales graph versus the previous five years (clickable picture 2 on the right) and the Mother Lode Residential Average Sales Price graph versus the previous five years (clickable picture 3 on the left below), respectively. (The data used comes from the Tuolumne Multiple Listing Service and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.) As usual, I also have some of the numbers in black and white here:

UNIT SALES: Oct 09 = 62; Oct 08 = 49; +27%

VOL SALES: Oct 09 = $26,671,484; Oct 08 = $13,997,800; +91%

AVG SALES PRICE: Oct 09 = $430,185; Oct 08 = $285,669; +51%

Watch for Calaveras MLS stats to be posted soon.

10 Things Employees Say When They Get Caught

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:18:31 -0600

Have you ever got caught? (If you answered "no", you've just been caught lying.) The fact is every human being on the face of the earth has blown it at one time or another, tried to hide it (especially when we were younger?) and then been found out. And it can (and does) happen in the work setting. (Can you think of a time in your own experience?) So what do people ~ and in particular, employees ~ say when the proverbial lid comes off? Some 'fess up while others dodge. Know what I'm talking about? Which got me to come up with a list. (If you've read this blog very long, you know about me and "lists.") And I'm sure there's much more to add to these, but here are...

10 things employees say when they get caught: (can you think of any more?)

I didn't think it was wrong.

My manager said it was okay.

I punched in on time. The clock must be broken.

It was so-and-so's fault.

That's how we used to do it at my other job.

I was gone before it happened.

I was sick that day.

It's because I haven't been sleeping well lately.

I was here, but in the bathroom.

It wasn't me.

5 Short Tips on Short Sales (video)

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:50:59 -0500

In the following video Vicki Cox Colder (2009 NAR President-Elect) offers the following five tips on short sales: (1) Reach out to homeowners and be their advocate; (2) Find a HUD-approved credit counseling agency; (3) Read the listing carefully; (4) Educate consumers on length of time required to approve a short sale; (5) Find out whether seller has recourse loan or non-recourse. Worth your while. (More videos from REALTOR® TV: HERE.)

Fall in the Mother Lode (in pictures)

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:46:22 -0500

I don't want to say too much being that this is supposed to be a picture post. These are just a few quick shots from around my neighborhood in Sonora (Mono Vista area near Soulsbyville). Fall is in the air and the trees are showing it. It truly is God's country up here. Enjoy! (Click on each picture to enlarge.)

5 Signs You Might Be Spending Too Much Time with Social Media

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:04:26 -0500

(Disclaimer: I have no understanding as regards the topic I'm writing about?) Oh sure, I'm in charge of a real estate blog, a couple of Twitter sites (@blogboy2 and @sugarpinerealty) and a Facebook page (HERE) (not counting my personal life). And, of course, I don't have to hardly do anything and readers, followers and friends just automatically appear like magic~thousands and thousands of them. Doesn't it work that way for you? All kidding aside, if you want to enjoy the many benefits of social media it necessarily requires a reasonable investment of time and energy, thought and engagement. Right? And like anything else, if you're not careful you can begin spending too much time and energy, thought and engagement with social media. (Naaawww?) It's our natural tendency as humans. And so where's the point that enough's enough and by passing it you're going overboard? How does a person determine that he/she maybe needs to take a break, step back and "smell the roses"? Well, to help you consider your own life and whether or not you're out of balance in this area, here are...

5 signs you might be spending too much time with social media: (what would you add?)

Sign #1: You're up at 3 a.m. pacific time usa for an early start on #followfriday and to see how many shout outs/mentions you're getting. (You really couldn't sleep. At least that's what you tell your wife.)

Sign #2: You're wondering if it was something you said and that's why people unfollowed/unfriended you. (Are "unfollow" and "unfriend" words?)

Sign #3: For some unknown reason you're twitter account got suspended and you feel like a close acquaintance or relative just died.

Sign #4: Reading timelines and/or tweeting have made you late for an appointment (dinner, work, doctor, etc.) more than once.

Sign #5: It's 3 a.m. again (well going on 4:00 now) and you're finishing a post on spending too much time with social media.

Homeowner Tip #15: Turn Clutter into Cash

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:23:04 -0500

"One man's junk is another man's treasure," the saying goes. And I guess it's the perfect way of summing up why garage sales are so popular. And it's important to remember when you're having a garage sale, it's the little things that can make a big difference. Consider the following simple tips which just might add a lot to your profits.

To get the best prices for your items, you need to display them in the best possible light. Launder linens, polish silver and make simple repairs. Investing a little elbow grease can pay big dividends.

Separate your goods into categories and lay them out so they are easy to see. Books and record albums should be positioned spine up so the titles are visible. All items should be assembled. Store items in clear plastic bags instead of cardboard boxes.

A trip to local garage sales or a second-hand store can help determine appropriate asking prices for products in your area. Additionally, make sure every item is priced. Customers will often pass over unmarked products instead of asking their cost. Be prepared to haggle.

Clean the garage, doing your best to remove unsightly stains and odors. Install the brightest light bulbs allowed.

Have mirrors and a dressing area available for customers to try on clothes. Position appliances near an electrical outlet so they can be tested.

Provide coffee and other beverages. Set up some lawn chairs to give weary customers a place to sit. A brief rest or a cold drink can refresh shoppers and make them more likely to buy.

Most importantly, be friendly. The more helpful you are, the more you'll sell.

For more tips on holding a garage sale, call Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC at 209-533-4242.

Facebook in 5 Minutes (by Mari Smith)

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:20:16 -0500

You've got a Facebook page (or maybe you're thinking about getting one). The bottom line is Mari Smith knows it all. No wonder she's dubbed the "Pied Piper of the Online World." All you need to know about how Mari runs her Facebook page in the following video. Worth it! (Follow Mari on twitter here: @marismith.)

16 Things That Are Said When You Get Fired

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:58:39 -0500

Have you ever lost your job? I'm not talking about that you quit. I'm not talking about that you were laid off (as so many are suffering today and we all hurt with you over it that are). What I am talking about is that you were (spell it) ~ f-i-r-e-d ~ fired. (In the interest of full disclosure: As a 17-year-old I got fired from McDonald's for punching a fellow hamburger flipping expert in the nose. You wouldn't want to run into me in a dark alley?) So how was it that you were let go? Was it nicely done or not so nicely? And what was some of the language used? Do you remember? Might it have included some of the following? (and what would you add to the list?)...

16 Things That Are Said When You Get Fired:

We need to talk.

Maybe you're just not cut out for this.

I need to show you the door.

It's been really slow. We just didn't need you this schedule.

You're getting canned.

You're getting the axe.

You're being 86ed.

We'll see ya.

Factory work doesn't suit you very well.

Don't let the door hit you as you leave.

We're going to have to let you go.

Don't call us, we'll call you.

It's been nice knowing you.

I really did enjoy working with you.

You're history.

Good luck.

(Donald Trump picture permission from wikipedia.org: HERE)

Mother Lode Real Estate "Must Reads" for October

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:16:50 -0500

This blog post is the next in a continuing monthly series where I'll pass on some information of interest that you may not get the opportunity to see otherwise. (There are links to the other eleven posts in this series at the end of this one.) It won't take you long to check out the three articles plus one video covering real estate and technology use in business.

How to Become Highly Prosperous in a Shaky Market from the Real Estate Marketing Blog. If real estate professionals are going make it through this difficult time they're going to need to do things differently. Challenging the status quo is what this post is all about. A quick read with questions to get you thinking proactively about change. Worth it.

Some Interesting Real Estate Employment Statistics by the Real Estate Bloggers. This is an especially interesting post (I think) offering real numbers on declining income and employment among real estate professionals. What we're feeling in the real world is backed by the stats.

How I Use Creative Marketing and Technology to Change How We Do Things - EzCode by Roch St-Georges, Exit Realty Matrix. If you read anything, you need to read this. It's the perfect example of using the latest technology to promote and sell real estate. A must see!

Try looking in 1998 (video) by Kris Berg, Broker/Owner San Diego Castles Realty. What a creative video depicting the challenges faced in a market where REO's, short sales and banks are involved. It would be funny, if it wasn't so true. Worthwhile for all.

More Mother Lode Real Estate "Must Reads":

Bloodsuckers

Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:04:07 -0500

Did the title catch your attention? I thought it might. And it's not so much a Halloween or vampire theme I'm wanting to write about as it is a certain personality bent (or maybe it is a Halloween/vampire theme?). And isn't it true? There are people out there that we come across in the day-to-day and, quite frankly, they can literally suck the very life out of you. Do you know anybody like that? I'm talking about the kind that they've got this constant weight on their shoulders, pet peeve (whatever it might be) ~ and it's heavy, and it's large, and it's all consuming, etc. ~ and they're gonna dump it on you and/or "dump" on you/make sure you get a nice size piece of it. And you see these people coming (don't you?) and you run the other way or look for a desk to hide under. Hmm? And I guess the moral of the story is: Make sure you're not one of these type of personalities. Make sure you're not one of the "bloodsuckers."