Accessibility with The Power to Advise

The Circle of WildLife in Fairfield County Connecticut (Beware: Graphic Photographs)

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:42:54 -0500

Although it is best to keep your eyes on the road while driving down the winding roads, it is amazing that sometimes you can see some of the wild life that is usually hidden in the shadows of the thick trees.

At a quick glance I thought I spied small stray dog, and pulled my car off the road to get a better look. With windows rolled up, this was the scene that was camouflaged by the tall grass. Sad and unpleasant, it was still a fascinating see a fox. The small deer must have been a victim of being hit by a vehicle. It was a rare look at the circle of wildlife in Connecticut.

I grabbed my camera and snapped a few photographs.

My Selfish Frivolities - I Buy Myself Smiles

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:43:34 -0500

Some of you have read about my father-in-law, and that we are moving him out of his apartment of many years into a new house. (Not a home!) We are packing things up, and taking things off the wall. Well, in doing so, I found this ultra-fantastic super picture of him, and I had to do something with it.

Dad couldn't remember his 88th birthday in February because he was a little under-the-weather at the time. I believe all birthdays should be remembered (except mine-wink). I got an idea of what to do with that great picture, see below:

Dad was so thrilled with the cake that we didn't get to eat much of it. He guarded the cake with a butter knife.

A frivolity that was priceless moment and chocolate, too. :)

Susan Boyle - Not Just Another Pretty Voice - Recharge Your Life's Battery

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:31:56 -0500

April 15, 2009 - 77807

I admit inbetween the emails and the phone calling yesterday, I was hooked on playing the video of Susan Boyle, a contestant from Britains Got Talent. I felt like I was a kid again listening to her. It was fresh even though she was a young 47.

YouTube - Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009 (With ...

Even this morning, I planted myself in front the of the television to watch her interview on GMA.

Susan Boyle is real and unspoiled.

Why would I write this on a real estate blog?? I think EVERYONE can recharge their life's battery by listening to her sing. It is a positive experience!

What's In My Father-in-Law's Closet - Tales and Tails

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:17:22 -0500

I am having the wonderful privilege of getting to know my father-in-law better. We are taking care of my father-in-law because being in a nursing home was destroying his spirit. Even though his body was deteriorating, his mind is as sharp as a tack. He really would not have lasted long in that environment.

(I have to admit I am selfish, too. I get enjoyment and satisfaction helping him. I know, and many other people who care for their parents know it is work, but for me it is a labor of love.)

We are moving his things from his apartment which has been his long time home. There is quite an eclectic collection of items everywhere. I decided to tackle a walk-in-closet of long forgotten things. Mind you, as a child, the attic was my favorite place in the whole world, so digging around in the closet was like being a kid again.

As I plundered and packed, I would bring out items for Dad to look at. Stained shirts brought back memories of parties, shoes, red, white and blue shoes were part of his Fourth of July ensemble. I was tickled to have found the patriotic shirt, and matching socks. Dad told the story how my mom-inlaw threw away the matching pants. I guess he rescued them from the garbage, but has not seen them in years. Sadly, I didn't find the 1776 pants in my excavating of the closet. Note to self: go on eBay, and complete his outfit so he can wear it this July.

I found a couple of tuxedos. One with tails! I put on the tails, went into the living room and performed for my father-in-law Young Frankenstein's "Putting on the Ritz".

I feel like I just discovered something exciting when my father-in-law tells me stories about his life. I was amazed when I learned that he went to France and bought a ventriloquist puppet! I asked my husband if he knew that, he said no. See, I discovered something amazing!

There is more to pack-up, so I guess the show continues: "Bob Ruthman - This is Your Life", and it not over.

Is Increasing Commission a Subliminal Bail-out for Real Estate Companies to Retain Agents?

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:22:27 -0500

This is a very interesting article. It made me think and ask questions.

Commission rates up, but agents earn less

Study reveals reverse trend in seller's market

By Bernice Ross, Sunday, March 29, 2009

My comment was as follows:

Is this an advertisement for Keller Williams?

..."KW reported a 2 percent increase their per-agent productivity while the National Association of Realtors reported a 2.9 percent decrease.

What's fascinating about the KW numbers is that during the time that commission rates were falling, agents were actually making more in the average amount commission amount they were earning."

Is that a subliminal recruitment post for Keller Williams?

COACHING WITH COOL-AID*

What is the goal of this tactical maneuver of mentioning your book? Book sales or home sales?

Declaring War on Discounters sounds more Wall Street than Main Street. This is not a time for war. This is a time for entrepreneurs, independent thinkers, go-getters, and good old American gumption. Competition and capitalism are part of what made America great, healthy and thrive. Not greed.

How does paying a higher commission help the nation's housing market to recover and economy to mend. It doesn't. But it may save the any real estate companies that are financially wounded that could possibly end up casualties during this economic time.

*In case some don't know, "drinking the Cool-aid" is a catch phrase when someone (usually a corporation) can convince people to believe their way of thinking...like the Jim Jones followers. Jim Jones was able to convince his followers to drink poison cool-aid. It was a mass suicide. But they believed it was the right thing to do.

This is the way I perceive (not believe) what the article is not saying:

The big real estate companies need to convince the home buyers and home sellers to spend more money to sell their homes because the big real estate companies need that money for agent RETENTION.

How AIG!

Could it be a subliminal marketing bail-out plan for financially struggling real estate companies?

Convince home buyers and sellers to spend more. Brilliant, huh? Transparent, well, if you are really looking.

Real Estate Agents are the foundation of any real estate company. If a foundation is starting to crumble, cracks will appear then the above structure is knocked off balance, and without quick repair it is risking collapse.

More money from home sellers and buyers is the mortar to repair and restructure real estate companies, because the real estate companies have sucked their agents dry.

Real Estate Agents are the real VALUE to a real estate company. The agents are the money makers.

Traditionally, an agent gets a lead and closes, then splits the commission with the company, pays an additional marketing fee to the company, and pays for out of pocket expenses. In the end the only entity making money is the company.

Real Estate Riddle Me This:

If real estate agents are not making any money, then what is the real estate company's VALUE to the agent?

How can real estate companies satisfy the agents, and not become a casualty of these economic times?

How can real estate companies retain agents and still convince their agents not to become independent brokers, or go to another company?

Possible answer: convince the home buyers and sellers they need to spend more money.

If hurting real estate companies can convince the home sellers and buyers to pay more money for their services, the real estate agents could possibly walk away from the closing with a little more money , and the real estate company will still get their tidy sum, and get to stay in business.

The other side of the coin, is that a real estate company advertises they charge more because of value, and then negotiates. The home sellers and buyers think they are getting a better deal. You know, like the price sticker on the window of a new car.

Since 2005, what's the number of real estate agents that are officially in-active?

How many agents took part-time jobs to make ends meet?

What is the number of real estate professionals who are not renewing their licenses entirely?

How many agents are getting their broker's licenses?

How many independent brokerages are there now compared to 2005?

Bernice's closing paragraph:

"...Will commission rates go down when the market improves? Based upon past markets, the answer is probably "yes!" Will agents make more money per transaction when the market improves? If the past market trends predict the future, the answer to that question will be "yes!" as well."

Corporate cool-aid code:

The real estate company desperately needs to retain agents during this difficult market, and charge a higher commission.

With that said, if the market improves, and an agent's production goes up, the agent's commission split usually does, too.

The underground is grumbling with underpaid real estate agents. Obviously, real estate agents want their just share.

Continuing on with information regarding real estate commissions, services and value:

Consumer Reports August 2008:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cu-press-room/pressroom/archive/2008/09/0809-eng0809reb.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=1&searchTerm=consumer%20reports%20survey%20real%20estate

Quoted from Consumer Reports:

"...We found that paying an agent a lower commission rarely had any effect on the sales price. And readers who paid commissions of 3 percent or less were just as happy with their brokers' performance as those who paid 6 percent or more. People who paid extra, in fact, were more likely to say they had regrets about the selling process. The biggest regret? Nearly one-third said they should have been more assertive in negotiating their agent's fee."*

"... We asked survey respondents who had sold homes how much commission they paid, then compared that with what they said they received for their money. The results show that the higher commission didn't always translate into more service or better results."*

Oh here is something new and interesting for real estate agents thinking of leaving a large company and going with an Independent Brokers, becoming an Independent Broker..the consumer report states:

"All the major chains and independent brokers did very well in our survey."

Independent Brokers means a smaller real estate companies, or individuals. (Hey, like me!)

"... Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants."

I do have a question have one more question.

Could an article written by Consumer Reports be edited or altered because of pressure by real estate companies waging war on real estate discounters?

I hope not.

News That Moves???

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 07:16:38 -0500

There is no HOORAH for a change in housing. Just a steady hum of hope for better days.

I was reading the housing market headlines, and was trying to do the math. What is the public perception of the housing market based on these stories?

I see that home prices rose in January and home sales fell. Then I see home sales up, because prices are declining.

These headlines are not so motivational to either the buyers or the sellers.

US existing home sales fall 5.3% in Jan - Reuters

WASHINGTON - The pace of sales of existing home in the United States fell 5.3 per cent in January to a 4.49 million-unit annual rate, while home prices dropped to a six-year low and inventories shrank, the National Association of Realtors said

First-Time Buyers Lift Existing-Homes Sales 5.1% - Business Spectator

"The big complaint during the housing-market boom years was that middle-class home buyers were priced out," said Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors. "Now that prices are declining, it's giving them a chance to enter the market

Home prices rise for first time in a year - Newswatch

U.S. home prices rose 1.7% in January compared with December, the Federal Housing Finance Agency reported Tuesday. It was the first monthly increase in a year.

Home prices were down 6.3% for the past year and were down 9.6% from the peak in April 2006, the FHFA said. In December, the year-over-year decline was 8.8%.

Connecticut - Housing Predictor - Check out the information

Edited by Robert B. Ruthman

A Professional and Purposeful Life at 88 Years Old

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:42:52 -0500

If you have ever read any of my posts you know that I have grammatically faux pas'd here, and misspelled there. My mind is faster than my fingers. But good fortune has smiled upon me. I have my own professional editor. My father-in-law, Robert Baron Ruthman.

"Uncle Bob", as he is affectionately known, was a professional journalist, and television writer. He has interviewed John F. Kennedy, and the likes of others. Wrote a play with his friend, the late Kurt Vonnegut, and even did stand-up with Phyllis Diller.

So you can imagine how much courage it takes to present a paragraph or two to my father-in-law. I sit there eagerly waiting for some sort of praise, then notice his pen coming down upon the paper to strike through my words. I cringe. Then I notice a bit of excitement in the old wordsmith's eyes as he weilds the writing instrument. He is back in his element.

Life is good.

*Posts that have been edited by Robert B. Ruthman will be duly noted.

If You Never Saved Money, Are You Now Richer For the Experiences You Bought?

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:05:03 -0500

As I sit here philosophically pondering, I wonder:

Are the people who never saved money, and spent money on "experiences" richer now than the people who saved their money only to see it virtually disappear in this economy?

If your parents are "old school" (like mine), if you didn't have the money for "it", you didn't buy "it". And if credit was used, you paid "it" off, and worried until the debt was paid in full... celebrating with exuberant relief when the weight of that monetary burden was lifted.

Then there is the other side of the coin; the spendthrifts. Plastic People living life for the moment and usually well beyond their means. No doubt, these individuals are somewhat panicked by the economy, NOT because they are going to lose their own money, but because their parent's savings have dwindled. They will receive a lesser amount for their inheritance, which they'd always assumed would be their retirement fund.

I sympathize with the individuals who kept their nose to the grind stone, refusing to go on lavish vacations, or purchase expensive items. These hard-working Americans scrimped, and saved, of many Wall Street executives received raises and bonuses. For those who fleeced these good citizens, shame on you.

AIG Gives Connecticut's Blumenthal Data on Bonuses

Edited by Robert Baron Ruthman

Burning Bridges on Craigslist - Its Not Just AIG That is Ticking People Off - Joe Public is Speaking His Mind

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 09:47:51 -0500

Forget Joe the Plumber, Joe Public is wanting America's businesses to hear him, and he is doing it on Craigslist.

The ads on Craigslist may have caused a stir with their Meat Market media, but there is a new buzz. Employers thinking that there is a smoke screen of discretion when advertising on craigslist, is going to learn that the smoke is coming from previous or presently employees burning bridges.

Employers are advertising available positions for much lower pay. Emloyers seem to be hitting a proverbial bees nest when advertising lower pay, and it is obviously causing quite a sting in potential employees wallets. The buzz is sure to get louder as the unemployment rate rises.

Anonymous and angry "Joe Public" is advertising their disdain for these ad posting employers. I am guessing that entrepreneurs will rise from the ashes of burned bridges. With that said, there will be men and women "steel workers", to recontruct the bridges, and perhaps keep these companies going for less pay(?)

In just this one article I found on cragsist, (there are more), the venting even goes as far as to call someone out by their first name. I deleted the alleged perpetrator of pain's name who is called out, and cuss words have been edited, or crossed out. Any misspelled words are not mine, (this time).

See actual angry ad below:

"We offer

No vacation time
No 401k
A chance to have your job thretanded every day
An operations manager who will lie to your face ( I mean get real (insert name here), we know how much everyone makes)
Best of all a chance to steal good paying union jobs, for 12 dollars an hour working with chemicals that could kill you.

A garunteed ass chewing everyday unless your a Golden boy who is more than willing to get on their knees, in that case you can spear totes cost the company 3 grand and be an overall idiot as long as you laugh at (insert name here) jokes.

The only lien program Seva and Omentive are running is that of good pay and benefits. The economy may be dismal right now, however with all of the welfare, because let's be honest that's what it is, that is being pumped into to the economy and public works projects, your petty 12 an hour will be a joke in comparision to the prevailing wage for let's say, bottom of the totem pole, a laborer. Omentive has no plans on staying in their current location. So to Seva, you can act like you will be here for a while, but you won't, plan on finding a new job in a couple of years. As far as getting over on the hard working men and women that actually get thier hands dirty,I say, F&* YOU, yup right up the line take your bullshit asscompany, all of the out of state workers from wisconsin,and virginia ect that you fly in, to employ and whom probally do not pay NYS taxes and go back to FLA and Texas you scumbags! "

Compensation: You'll owe us money at the end of the week

Telecommuting is ok.
This is a part-time job.
This is a contract job.

Here's another craigslist (town) cryer:

SLAVE SALARIES FOR LABOR (Upstate, NY)

New York Post Monroe Connectict Housing Market - Additional Information

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:42:37 -0500

New York Post Article:

Mon Amour!

MONROE, CONN. IS LIKE FAIRFIELD AT A DISCOUNT

Additional Monroe Connecticut Market Information provided by Ruthman Real Estate:

January 1, 2009 to March 18, 2009

as per and limited to the Greater Fairfield County MLS:

12 Homes - Single Residential Properties have SOLD .

Monroe, Connecticut Market Report - March 18, 2009

The average days on the market were 104.

The average price is approximately $458,375.

The median price is approximately $390,000.

Total Listings SOLD since 1/1/2009	Bedrooms	Sq. Ft.	Days on Market	Sale Price	Sold Price	Price Per SF
1	SOLD	3	1204	43	$199,900	$203,000	$168.60
2	SOLD	4	2118	177	$299,000	$240,000	$113.31
3	SOLD	3	1034	15	$256,900	$242,000	$234.04
4	SOLD	3	1302	88	$287,000	$278,000	$213.52
5	SOLD	3	1300	116	$319,900	$305,000	$234.62
6	SOLD	3	1596	166	$349,900	$330,000	$206.77
7	SOLD	3	2440	129	$524,850	$450,000	$184.43
8	SOLD	4	2638	15	$619,000	$590,000	$223.65
9	SOLD	4	3034	225	$659,900	$633,500	$208.80
10	SOLD	4	3400	42	$719,900	$709,000	$208.53
11	SOLD	5	4200	192	$749,900	$725,000	$172.62
12	SOLD	5	3930	36	$825,000	$795,000	$202.29
						Avg	Avg
12				103		116	$197

8 Homes - Single Residential Properties are PENDING.

The average days on the market, 116.

The average price is approximately $374,813.

The median price is approximately $352,450

SALE PENDING	Bedrooms	Square Feet	Days On Market	Sale Price	Price Per SF	Sold Price
1	3	1200	72	$265,000	$220.83	unknown
2	4	2188	141	$299,900	$137.07	unknown
3	4	1400	101	$299,900	$214.21	unknown
4	3	1784	174	$329,900	$184.92	unknown
5	3	1790	169	$375,000	$209.50	unknown
6	3	1640	57	$399,900	$243.84	unknown
7	4	2563	43	$429,000	$167.38	unknown
8	5	3577	174	$599,900	$167.71	unknown
			AVG	AVG	Avg	Avg
			116	$374,812	193	TBD

100 Homes - Single Residential Properties are ACTIVE. (For Sale)

The average days are on the market are 115.

The average price: $515,828

The media price: $484,900

Proposed "Bills" and "Bailouts" Should Be Posted Online for Public Review & Opinion Before Being Voted On

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:22:40 -0500

I am listening to all the too late talks about AIG's bailout. I hear government officials, Republican and Democrats blaming each other for not locating the gaping hole in the bill which allowed AIG to self-serve taxpayers money back to their own executives.

AIG's spin about bonuses for retention makes me nauseous. It has been noted that 11 of the AIG bonus recipients are not even with AIG anymore. In this economy, what American company is going to hire an executive who was instrumental in running AIG into the ground. Let alone pay them bonuses. Are these AIG executives thinking of going to an over seas company---I say, let 'em go! If the government owns 80% of AIG, can we as Americans demand their immediate resignation?

Let's face it, the proposed government bailout bills (or any other bill) is not typed on a type-writer! The pages are on a computer, and can uploaded for public review. Americans should also have the ability to make their point known on-line, or in a private letter to their government official about what they think, or make suggestions. I am sure that the millions of interested Americans have either the common sense, or the advanced education to find these"screw" holes that (for one) AIG decided to take advantage of. What is happening now could have been avoided. And if AIG didn't want to comply... well, no bailout, just bye-bye AIG.

If there is an online website to read proposed bills, I haven't found it. In which case, it is obviously, not user friendly. America should get interested in finding out more about what our government is doing. I know some of these bills are hundreds and hundreds of pages long, but I think if you really care about your country, then it is required reading.

As Americans we need to be vigilant as the day we became an independent nation.

Home Buyer Survey: What Would It Take For You To Buy A Home In Today's Housing Market?

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:33:07 -0600

You must have seen the television commercials out there: homebuyers are sitting on the fence waiting to buy a house, or kicking themselves in the butt because they missed an opportunity to purchase a home....but what is important to you.

What is important to you? What would get you to move in today's housing market? Take the survey .

Big Real Estate Company Exposure Using A Small Company - Value Marketing

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:44:10 -0600

It has been said a million times, print advertising does not sell homes.

Say it with me again, print advertising does not sell homes.

That's right! Print advertising does not sell homes.

Home Buyers Are Online. (Print advertising is usually marketed online, as well).

Big Real Estate Company versus Small Real Estate Company

Sellers will not necessarily net more in this market if Seller pays more, and Sellers do not necessarily need a bigger company to sell in this market.

Consumers should know the power of the Internet Data Exchange. IDX. The sharing of Multiple Listing Service that allows all brokers to share the same properties on their iindividual company websites.

Frustrated sellers have a need for marketing exposure, and at the same time feel that the real estate company they use is giving them maximum marketing, and value.

So consumers should know that it is not the size of a company that will sell your house. Every single real estate company(big and small), and every single agent of all those companies can sell your property to their customers .

When a seller signs a real estate listing contract, whether with a discount company, MLS Flat Fee company or Traditional higher priced commission company, the property is marketed not only on the MLS, it is autoplated to Realtor.com and on other high traffic real estate websites.

The top ten real estate websites are here:

http://www.marketingcharts.com/interactive/top-10-real-estate-websites-august-2008-5966/

If any MLS IDX participating real estate company "excludes" properties from appearing on their website, then that is in violation of the anti-trust act. (Not smart, not good).

In other words, a traditional real estate company can not exclude the listings of a discount broker.

Here is an example of a property for sale:

10 Brae Loch, Shelton, CT using smaller real estate company paying less commission, but getting the same internet exposure as the Known-name companies, and high traffic websites.


Here are examples of where you can find your home for sale on big company websites:

Raveis:

http://www.raveis.com/propdetail.asp?STATE=CT&PG=1&LASTPG=5&TOTAL=21&FROM=propfind&KEY=2625118&FSTKEY=2625118&LASTKEY=2625118&sortdir=ASC

Coldwell Banker:

http://coldwellbankerresidentialbrokerage.96001401.900602.idx.coldwellbanker.com/propertysearch/propertydetail.aspx?LID=10964642

Zip Realty:

http://www.ziprealty.com/buy_a_home/logged_in/search/home_detail.jsp?property_type=SFR&source=CTF_HF&cKey=6x2flwrq&page=1&listing_num=98404976&mls=mls_hartford

Remax:

http://cedarland.connecticut.remax.com/listings/listingdetail_r4.aspx?LID=65177972

Print ads are not the way.  realestatebook.com web hits doesn't even compare to craigslist.org for hits. Marketing on craigslist is free.

Bottom line:

Seller's homes are marketed by all those "big companies" even if the Seller uses a discount broker, or a MLS Flat Fee Company.

Sellers should never count out the the smaller company for quality service and value. A boutique (small) company can "sell" your property just as efficiently and effectively because of Internet data exchange marketing.

Plastic Film on Windows - Is That A No-No When Selling

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 10:12:22 -0600

Recently while looking for properties for a first time homebuyer,

I came across a photograph of a lovely older home. As I added the charming home to my list for showing, a certain thing caught my eye: "Plastic film on the windows".

Buyers have concerns about fuel costs, and homes being efficient. The plastic film may save (somewhat) on fuel costs, but detracts from its attractiveness for a better sale price for the seller.

To me, it states: need to replace windows.

What do you think???

The Voter Next to Me

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:55:38 -0600

Like many good Americans, I voted today.

I stood in line for only a few minutes, and was quite pleased when I was finally handed my red folder with a single piece of paper inside.

A gentleman pointed me in the direction of a free privacy cubicle. I walked over to it, and just as I was opening the red folder I was handed, a woman in the cubicle next to me, "pssst'ed me".

I was a little shocked. I felt like I wasn't supposed to be talking to anyone.

The woman, who was about my age, (ok...maybe a little younger), was staring at the interior of her cubicle. She said, "I don't know what to do".

For a split second, I thought she was trying to bait me into telling her who to vote for!

Not knowing all the rules of voting protocol, I was afraid someone might perceive this as "cheating", and then they would rip up my paper ballot and throw me out the door!

She continued, "how do you turn this computer on?"

Wondering what she meant, I glanced down at the empty privacy desk, "was I missing something??"

I looked over at her again, hoping I was not going to get kicked out, and admitted to her, "I am not quite sure what you mean".

I opened the folder, and without reading the black and white instructions, quickly comprehended that voters just filled in the ovals of the person they were voting for. So, nicely I said, "just fill in the ovals with the pen."

The lady still confused continued, "But how does this computer read my ballot? Do I have to place it face down after I fill it out?"

Again, a quick glance at my little privacy desk. (What the hell is she talking about??)

My eyes made a quick sweep of the room. I surveyed what the next step was. "You take it over to those machines (and I pointed across the room), and insert your ballot."

She looked across the gym floor at the fastfood garbage can-sized machine that voters were feeding.

She was absolutely delighted, and a little embarassed.

I am not sure if she thanked me, I was too busy trying to keep my head down just in case we got caught talking!

House on the Side of the Road

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:15:13 -0500

Before I go to sleep in a bed that is well-over 150 years old, and quite opulent with a deeply carved headboard reaching over 8 feet tall. I walk past a fireplace, and glance at a small silhouette wall-hanging. It is not in pristine condition, but I love (and live by) the sentiment on the glass which covers the print of rose-covered cottage:

House by the Side of the Road

Samual Walter Foss
public domain 1899

THERE are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content;
There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze the paths
Where highways never ran-
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

Let me live in a house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by-
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner's seat
Nor hurl the cynic's ban-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

I see from my house by the side of the road
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife,
But I turn not away from their smiles and tears,
Both parts of an infinite plan-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,
And mountains of wearisome height;
That the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night.
And still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice
And weep with the strangers that moan,
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.

Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by-
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish - so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

Redding Connecticut Route 53 - Saugatuck Reservoir - Photos by Ruthman Real Estate

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:51:04 -0500

Click on the Logo for Connecticut's Best Real Estate Rebates

Check out this great hiking site Berkshire Hiking for more information on the area trails.

Berkshirehiking.com

The Redding area is so alive with colors that driving from property to property is a wonder to behold!

The blue of the water reflected brilliantly.

A crooked picture taken while driving on the crooked road that bends around the reservoir.

An Ethical Question Regarding Customer Thank You Testimonials

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:47:13 -0500

Last night I received a wonderful email thanking me for the good job we have done on following up on a transaction. In this, "makes me feel good - that's why I am in real estate" kind of email, the customer mentions the name of the company that they were working with previously.

So, here is my question:

Can I post the actual email verbatim?

Should I post it verbatim?

Private and Confidential Post - Many Thanks To Robert A. Swetz

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:31:51 -0500

Home : Nevada : Clark County : Las Vegas : ROBERT A.SWETZ

Name:	ROBERT A.SWETZ (73 Associations)
Company:	777S INC. Consulting Firm

Email:	Contact ROBERT A.SWETZ
Website URL:	http://www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com

Cell Phone:	(702) 443-7156
Alt. Phone:	(800) 770-9980
Address:	PO BOX 26443 , LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, 89126
Description:	I specialize in Commercial Sales in Las Vegas, and all of Nevada. Vacant land, Commercial Buildings, Custom Homes and High Rise Luxury Condos. Please feel free to contact me any time Thank you

88936 Points

Dear Robert,

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration for the "creature" feature! A Small Creature In My Garden

Looking through my PC windows at the Activerain community, I have noticed you are an exceptional person.

Lots of us go through our daily lives without so much as a pat on the back, so I want to tell you I appreciate the considerate invitations to your groups.

Respectfully and sincerely,

Ruthman Real Estate

...AND For those of you reading this personal thank you note, here are some great groups where you can find Robert Swetz:

Groups
-
-
-
-
- Anything Notary
- Anything Reverse Mortgages
- Blogs Happen...
- Century 21 South Carolina Referral Connection
- CLOUDS AT ACTIVE RAIN (clouds attached)
- Club Chaos
- Commercial Real Estate
- DAVID BOWIE
- Dedicated Bloggers
- Diary of a Realtor
- DREAMS AT ACTIVE RAIN
- eNotary
- Everything California
- EXPRESS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AT ACTIVE RAIN
- EXPRESS WITH WORDS AT ACTIVE RAIN
- HAPPY AT ACTIVE RAIN
- Investors
- "Jason Crouch" In Post Titles
- Las Vegas Condos
- LAS VEGAS - NEVADA
- Las Vegas, NV Area Real Estate Professionals
- LATE NIGHT - EARLY MORNING AT ACTIVE RAIN
- LOVE AT ACTIVE RAIN
- Myrtle Beach Foreclosure and REO Guru
- MY VACATIONS AT ACTIVE RAIN
- NATIONWIDE INVESTORS NETWORK
- NIGHT OWLS AT ACTIVE RAIN
- PARANORMAL STORIES & EXPERIENCES
- Photography
- PROPERTY LISTINGS ONLY-ACTIVE RAIN
- Realtors®
- ROBERT SWETZ (photos attached)
- SAD AT ACTIVE RAIN
- SELF HELP ADVICE AT ACTIVE RAIN
- SUCCESS AT ACTIVE RAIN
- The Beatles
- The Lounge at Active Rain
- Toot Your Horn on Active RainActive Rain Addicts ACTIVE RAIN GOSSIP Addicted to Active Rain ANGRY AT ACTIVE RAIN

HENRY PAULSON SIGNIFICANT PLAYER IN ISSUING MORTGAGE BONDS IN 2005

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:18:07 -0500

Create Condition

Create Chaos

Create Confusion

Create A Cure

Create Control!!

ACT NOW ACT NOW ACT NOW ACT NOW ACT NOW ACT NOW ACT NOW ACT NOW ACT NOW ACT NOW

I smell a rat. Is it just me, or does this all smack of "Wall Street Mole". Paulson's roots are Wall Street (Not Main Street); and he is in reach of government money (our money). $700,000,000,000

From Wikipedia:

Henry Paulson previously served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs.

http://www2.goldmansachs.com/our-firm/press/press-releases/current/bank-holding-co.html

GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC.

is a primary dealer in the U.S. Treasury securities market.

Goldman Sachs cashed in under Paulson, with earnings in 2005 of $5.6 billion; Paulson made more than $38 million that year. A 2005 annual report shows that "Goldman was still a significant player" in issuing mortgage bonds. The conflict of interest is increasingly clear today, as Bloomberg reports that "Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley may be among the biggest beneficiaries" of Paulson's bailout plan:

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley may be among the biggest beneficiaries of the $700 billion U.S. plan to buy assets from financial companies while many banks see limited aid, according to Bank of America Corp.

"Its benefits, in its current form, will be largely limited to investment banks and other banks that have aggressively written down the value of their holdings and have already recognized the attendant capital impairment," Jeffrey Rosenberg, Bank of America's head of credit strategy research, wrote in a report today, without identifying particular investment banks."

Most Americans did not want to "buy" in to the Bush Administration's Social Security Stock Market Plan.

DOES SOCIAL SECURITY FACE A CRISIS IN 2018?
by Jason Furman Revised January 11, 2004:

A recently leaked White House memo indicates that the first phase of the Administration's strategy to sell individual accounts will be to convince Americans that the Social Security system is "heading for an iceberg

Paulson: Social Security fix needed:

By Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writer Last Updated: March 25, 2008: 5:43 PM EDT

Treasury Secretary says program is 'financially unsustainable.' Trustee report says government will have to pay back what it owes starting in 2017.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, saying that Social Security is "financially unsustainable," called Tuesday for quick action to keep the system strong and released a report detailing the program's funding shortfalls.

The federal government will have to start paying back what it owes the Social Security trust fund in 2017 so the program can continue paying 100% of benefits. By 2041, if the system is left unchanged, Social Security will only be able to pay out 78% of benefits promised to future retirees."

Re-Invent the Wheel - Especially If It Has Not Been A Goodyear.

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:24:12 -0500

Well, it hasn't been a Goodyear (pun intended) for the housing market. Which reminds me of a manager I once knew who said, "Why Re-invent the Wheel"? This was his way of a mind-obstacle; discouraging agents from leaving the company path.

For me, being a co-dependent independent contractor was not the road I wanted to stay on. I felt too much like a passenger in my own career. Riding shot-gun was not for me. I wanted to take the wheel, especially during this slippery slope housing market.

My point being, have you ever looked at the different"wheels" for different terrains:

I visualize these "wheels" as real estate professionals, unique and independently designed for their road to success. Each of these designed to drive-through certain elements, or over obstacles. (Performance may vary)

The moral of the post:

...Dare to be inventive. Have a Goodyear, and perhaps even GoodRich

Unnatural Nature - Venti Puff Balls

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:07:37 -0500

Our weather in Fairfield County Connecticut has been a little damp latey, and strange things are appearing. As I drove down my driveway, I saw three balls nestled near the drain. I thought perhaps the neighbor kids up the street lost their soccer balls. On closer examination, and the lack of black, I got out of my car to find that these three objects were "Fungi". They were quite enormous, but I didn't want to go all the back up the driveway for a ruler, so I used the next best thing to show how big they were...A Starbucks Venti* Coffee.

That evening, I went to visit a friend. In his yard, there was another soccer ball(?) My friend has no children, so I figured, "OK, another one of those huge pod people mushrooms". I was still parked in my car, and took a picture of it.

But, it was not a Puff Ball...well, maybe kind of a puff ball. It was a cat.

*7:41pm Update: I was sitting down to dinner just now, and for some reason I questioned what I typed for coffee-size.... Good grief! I was right, I typed in the wrong word for large.

Don't Let 'Em Guess About Your Intent

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:32:47 -0500

Inspired by: Bad Members or Just Bad Posts?

Mary Bowen, The Woodlands Texas Real Estate & Relocation Specialist
The Woodlands, TX

Thank you, Mary

I agree whole-heartedly with Mary's post. I also respect the fact that she wrote such a great post with some not so great things going on in her life. Now that's a lady that can keep it together!

I think the "emotion"or the spirit in which some thing is posted can be lost in the translation. A person may harmlessly tease someone, and the other person could misunderstand. I would never attack an individual, but I may disagree with an idea. As long as it is all done with respect, that can't be a bad thing.

The other day I responded to an email regarding a transaction. I just answered it. The agent thought that I was upset with her. I felt terrible. Of course, I was not upset, and apologized that she misunderstood "the tone" of my email. I promised her from now on I will use "smiley faces".

Now don't misunderstand the smiley face, I just hate using "generic".

Lehman Brothers "Memoriabilia" on eBay

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:16:06 -0500

643 results found for "Lehman Brothers" on eBAY. I suppose that is one way to make a buck after you cleaned out your desk.

Lehman Brothers 2008 Global Conf. Binder & Materials

Note Ironic Title on cover "...Road to U.S. Recession?"

Item number: 160285013061

I found the Global Conference Binder and Materials is probably an interesting read, and probably the best value: FREE Shipping.

Lehman Brothers Global Conference Binder is up for bids by ebays: thankfulhearts4

BIGGEST NEWSPAPER ADVERTISERS - DO THEY GET VIP TREATMENT IN NEWSPAPER ARTICLES?

Ruthman Real Estate (Accessibility & The Power to Advise) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:15:30 -0500

What is the real FREEDOM OF THE PRESS? Well, we know that print adveritising is definitely not FREE.

My question is:

Do newspapers charge "advertisers" to be included in news articles?

I know newspapers sell bulk advertising, and will even negotiate those prices. But, does how much a real estate company pays in advertising on a certain newspaper allow them to be important enough to be interviewed for real estate news articles.

Have you noticed that the real estate company named in many newspaper articles are the newspapers biggest advertisers?

This past summer I kept an eye on a certain (local paper) independent journalist who habitually interviewed the same company in his real estate based articles.

Is this another form of marketing competition? Aren't the consumers controlled by restrictive content of the articles that do not include other real estate company's points of view, or information?

In my opinion, if newspapers want more readership, they should report real estate news from different angles. If not, then the newspaper is just a PAID ADVERTISEMENT, disguised as a news.