Random Thoughts from The Real Estate Mind...

Part I "Oh I Need an Agent" (The search for S.A.M.) Video Blog

2008-07-08T15:11:50Z

Okay, so life is busy. The market is hot, and I needed a life. 16 hours days, 6 days a week is no way to live. The following video is how we solved that problem...ina weird friendship based way. This video is crazy funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lICAp0WeB8g

Did you laugh? Take a look at our others http://www.youtube.com/user/FBREProductions

or at www.myspace.com/fbreproductions

The 4th of July...A Time To Honor Our Military Video Blog

2008-07-08T14:08:38Z

This is another interesting interview from someone at Riverfront Park we talked to while waiting for the fireworks to start. He had some great things to say and we thought he needed to be heard!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCWtjoW_h14

Interested? Check out our other videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/FBREProductions

, or at www.myspace.com/fbreproductions.

Please follow the link if not re-directed :)

Another version of the National Anthem...Video Blog

2008-07-08T13:44:01Z

Yes folks, these guys were at Riverfront Park and agreed to sing the National Anthem for us on the 4th orf July while waiting for the fireworks. They warned us they could not sing, but had a great time trying! Please follow the link if not re-directed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgbI2JIi00w

Funny? Check out our other videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/FBREProductions

or at www.myspace.com/fbreproducions

Random Interviews from the 4th of July...(Video Blog)

2008-07-08T00:15:27Z

This is another wonderful interview from our crew at Riverfront Park on the 4th of July! Click on this link to see Sarah interviewing Spokane about their thoughts on Independance Day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJQ6gd7Albc

Interesting? View our other videos on Youtube under FBREProductions, or at www.myspace.com/fbreproductions. Please follow the link if not re-directed :)

Part IV S.A.M. continues his mission...Video Blog

2008-07-08T00:05:33Z

After completing part of his mission, S.A.M. is so excited and happy to be able to help so many people!!! He takes a minute to bask in his accomplishments!! Okay, yah, we're strange...but we have fun and sell houses in Spokane! Check this out!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV_jiCLZVYw

Interested? View more videos on Youtube under FBREProductions, or at www.myspace.com/fbreproductions

What does the 4th of July mean to you? Video Blog

2008-07-07T23:54:28Z

This is another video clip recorded from the interviews we did at Riverfront Park on the 4th of July in Spokane, Washington. It was wonderful to talk to those waiting for the fireworks. We all had fun and laughed hard! We are a different sort of company. You'll see! Please follow the link if not re-directed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F893eV6ZrZs

Interested? We have more videos on Youtube under FBREProductions, or at www.myspace.com/fbreproductions.

Part III S.A.M. Starts His Mission to Sell Houses!!! Video Blog

2008-07-07T19:03:38Z

So S.A.M. starts out to complete his mission for Friendship Based Real Estate. He is very busy running around selling homes and helping the people of Spokane! Our mission is to "Save the World From Ordinary Service"! And, yes, we are good at selling houses too! (Please follow this link if you are not re-directed).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5KiKscV6pg

Did you laugh too? Check out our other videos on Youtube under FBRE productions, or at www.myspace.com/fbreproductions!

Part II S.A.M (Super Agent Man) is hired by Friendship Based Real Estate... Video Blog

2008-07-07T18:36:23Z

So, S.A.M.'s mission is this:

To Be Different

To Make Friends

To Sell Houses

To Eliminate the Enemy (now don't get cranky...not a person, a perception)

We love SAM! We love to take him out in public. The kids ask for his autograph and ask him if he's superman. His favorite pastime is playing with his kitty and gliding through Riverfront Park on his Heelies. Luckily, we are well liked by our Broker. Thank you Cathy for putting up with our creative bursts of energy. We promise to only film at the office before 6am.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJDkRhuXc4M

Please follow the link if not re-directed.

Funny? Watch our other videos on Youtube under FBREProductions, or at www.myspace.com/fbreproductions

Have you seen these "agents"??? Video Blog

2008-07-07T18:16:07Z

We have all met great and not so great real estate agents. Just like every other profession, there is a blend of cooperation and competition. We are not pointing out any particular agent, just the sterotypes. Please do not watch this if you have no sense of humor...I promise it will annoy you :) And yes, I do know how to count. Please follow this link if you are not re-directed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoAZ4Xf2nS8

Did you laugh? If so, we have more videos on Youtube under FBREProductions, or at www.myspace.com/fbreproductions.

Freedom of Speech...More Interviews! Video Blog!

2008-07-07T17:46:54Z

This was a very touching interview. He made an impact on me and I am grateful we talked. He's right, we DO need to appreciate and enjoy this wonderful country we live in! Interested...check out our other videos on Youtube (FBRE Productions), and www.myspace.com/fbreproductions! I've been to third world countries, and there is no place like home! We love this amazing and beautiful USA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_kBmfAw3Fk

Please follow the link if you are not re-directed. Also, if you enjoyed this we have more videos on Youtube under FBREProductions, and at www.myspace.com/fbreproductions

Interested? View our other videos on Youtube under FBREProductions, or at www.myspace.com/fbre.com

We have nice people in Spokane! Video Blog

2008-07-07T17:28:52Z

We went to Northtown on the 4th and asked people what the 4th of July ment to them...I completely agree with these guys that Spokane is a wonderful place to live and is full of nice people. We care here! Spokane is an amazing place to live and these interviews proved it! Please follow the link if you are not re-directed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viYd_5EAsEg&feature=related

Like this? We have more videos on Youtube under FBREProductions, or at www.myspace.com/fbreproductions.

Okay, so now the serious stuff...still funny! Video Blog!

2008-07-07T17:17:11Z

I got all kinds of positive feedback from our 4th of July Interviews. A few people have no sense of humor, but the rest of us understand that you can respect, appreciate and care about something while laughing. For example, I tease my husband about snoring, but I still adore him! We asked random strangers what the 4th of July ment to them. We had a wonderful time talking and interviewing people at Riverfront park waiting for the fireworks to start...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLTbO70gZY0&feature=related

I will post the videos here and on Utube and My Space. Interested? Check out FBRE productions on Youtube, and www.myspace.com/fbreproductions.

Another Funny Real Estate Video by The Funnest Real Estate Agents in Spokane!!!! Video Blog

2008-07-07T17:04:45Z

We are funny, zany, and oh so strange!!! This video is for all those people who live in Spokane and have loved and laughed at the Bloomsday Runners in Riverfront Park. And, yes, I know some of you out there have envisioned this very video...Interested? Check out our others at FBRE productions (Youtube), and www.myspace.com/fbreproductions.

Friendship Based Real Estate...Saving the world from ordinary service!!!

Watch this...VERY, VERY funny!!! Video Blog

2008-07-07T16:55:00Z

Ok, so you all know I'm weird, but this was really crazy. BTW: These girls were not making fun of our Country, they just could not sing. We had a great conversation that we did not record. They love living here and the freedoms we enjoy! Interesting??? Check out our other videos on Youtube (FBRE Productions) and www.myspace.com/fbreproductions. Who said real agents have to be normal and cranky :) Please copy and paste this link if you are not re-directed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV56EG649K8

Did you laugh? Well we have other videos on Youtube under FBREProductions, or on www.myspace.com/fbreprductions

Eminent Domain

2008-06-17T18:35:58Z

I believe that private property is one of the cornerstones of our free society and that the use and protection of private property advances the well being of our state. Private property is one of the foundations upon which our country was built.

Here are my three thoughts for the day on eminent domain. Private property advances economic opportunity. The use and protection of private property allows individuals and businesses to grow and accumulate wealth and security. Excessive government regulations are a threat to private property rights. Over-burdensome environmental regulations, growth controls, and forced annexation pose serious threats to the rights and interests of property owners. Eminent Domain should be used as a last resort. Governments should not use Eminent Domain for private use and economic development purposes.

Want to know more about eminent domain? Call me!

Saving the World from Ordinary Service! TM

Update on eminent domain for economic development

2008-06-17T18:20:20Z

Has anyone out there seen the CSI miami where the real estate developer is scooping up land through eminent domain???? Alarmed by the prospect of local governments seizing homes and turning the property over to developers, lawmakers in at least half the states, including Illinois, are rushing to blunt the U.S. Supreme Court ruling expanding the power of eminent domain.

Almost all the states now have restricted this potentially scary act. The Constitution says governments cannot take private property for public use without ''just compensation.'' Governments have traditionally used their eminent domain authority to build roads, reservoirs and other public projects. But for decades, the court has been expanding the definition of public use, allowing cities to employ eminent domain to eliminate blight.

Saving the World from Ordinary Service! TM

Pets

2008-06-06T18:53:30Z

Selling your house? What do you do with your pets while people are looking? Many homeowners consider their pets to be more than just animals - they are beloved members of the family. When it comes to renting or selling a house, however, homeowners often don't realize their furry, feathered or scaly friends may leave some potential buyers feeling they're barking up the wrong tree.

"People don't want to hear that their pet isn't an attribute - it's almost like insulting their mother," says John de Reeder, an associate broker with Prudential Douglas Elliman in Mattituck. "Especially in today's changing real estate marketplace, presentation is everything. Homeowners need to distinguish themselves from their competition in a good way and minimize any of the distractions - and pets are a distraction, no matter how cute they are."

As a local real estate agent, I have more than a few funny animal stories. (One has to do with a snake and a German Shepard). Animals are wonderful, but not everyone appreciates your animals as much as you do. Maximize your home's appeal by keeping your pet outside, or in a specific room. Most importantly....Make SURE you can't smell them :)

Saving the World from Ordinary Service! TM

Yuck...I have mold!!! Part III The Solution :)

2008-06-06T18:44:14Z

It is not necessary to identify a mold in order to know how to treat it. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) all mold and moisture problems should be treated with the same care and urgency. Check for signs of mold and trace the moisture back to the source. If you have a high relative humidity in a room of 55% or higher, then consider a dehumidifier. If you have a water leak have it fixed and dry the area thoroughly. Do not leave wet towels or other items near walls or laying on floors. Remember it only takes 24-48 hours for toxic mold to germinate and grow.

Sick House Syndrome describes a house with a serious indoor air quality problem which causes people to develop symptoms such as headaches, nausea, watery eyes, skin irritation and fatigue when they spend time there. Possible causes can be air pollutants from building materials, mold, household products, formaldehyde and other breathable particles and allergens.

When mold spores get into the air conditioning system they can be a perfect home for mold and bacteria. Alternating high and low humidity conditions can grow, spread, and distribute the spores through the house. Mold contamination in air conditioning ducts poses a serious problem.

To keep the ducts free of mold keep filters clean and use a filtration system to keep out dirt and spores.
Have your unit inspected often and have any leaks in ducts repaired so they can't introduce dirt and moisture.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. The EPA discourages duct cleaning because it can't effectively get the mold and other contaminants out of the air conditioner. Also loosening mold in the ductwork can spread it throughout the house effectively contaminating the entire house. If you have mold in your ductwork it is likely that it came from somewhere else in your house and the problem will reoccur if not properly corrected. Also there is no evidence that contaminants increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after cleaning. Actually almost all of the dirt that accumulates inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not enter the living space. Dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles and activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to health.

When fiberglass ducts are used in high humidity environments they trap organic dust which can result in mold and bacteria growth when humidity levels are too high. The use of agents designed to kill molds and bacteria is not recommended in ductwork because of the danger to the building occupants. The only proper solution is to replace the contaminated area.

When mold grows within wall cavities drywall is usually infected also. If toxic mold grows in drywall, it should be replaced. The space between the wall and the baseboards is also a growing place for mold. The basement or crawl space of your house is another problem area since it has a greater chance of fostering mold growth than any other place in the home. Check wooden building materials, like the frame of a house since this is the most common path for mold to take to other parts of the home. Remember to look for evidence of dampness. Any area where flooding, leaks, or water damage has occurred are prime candidates.

Before you begin cleaning and removing mold, make sure you take measures to prevent them from spreading to other areas. Contain each area being cleaned by sealing it off from other rooms using plastic sheeting and duct tape to cover vents, doorways, and other openings. If possible place a fan next to an open window or outside door to force mold spores outside. Always turn off the HVAC system before you begin.

Clean mold only on slightly damp surfaces. If the mold is dry lightly spray them with water before to keep them from becoming becoming airborne. Clean the affected area with soap to remove as much of the mold as you can and then apply a disinfectant to kill remaining mold spores. Once the surface has been cleaned and disinfected it should be completely dried. Carefully remove mold and mold contaminated materials and place them in heavy plastic bags and take them directly outside. Put the bags outside through a window or door which leads directly outside if possible.

Exposure to molds during cleanup can be minimized by wearing a dust mask or respirator, wearing protective clothing having people who are not helping leave the area, only working for short periods of time.

Some signs of toxic poisoning are irritated mucous membranes, headaches, decreased attention span, difficulty in concentration, and dizziness.

Mold tests that take samples from the air and can be combined with other evaluation methods to determine the extent of the problem. It is usually best to find the source of excessive moisture and to try fixing it before using a mold test.

I know of several professionals in Spokane who specialize in mold removal. Give me a call! I'd be happy to help you get the information you need on this very important topic!

Saving the World from Ordinary Service! TM

Yuck...I have mold!!! Part II

2008-06-06T18:31:17Z

Saving the World from Ordinary Service! TM

Who should do the cleanup?

If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you can probably handle the job yourself. However:

If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.

If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, or the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, consult the EPA's Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout your home.

If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.

If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

Give me a call and I would be happy to provide you with copies of some of the reports I've mentioned. I am a local real estate agent and I care about you!

Yuck...I have Mold!!!! Part I

2008-06-06T18:25:20Z

EWWWW...Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances.

Allergic reactions to mold are common and include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.

Saving the World from Ordinary Service! TM

What should I do if I find asbestos in my home?

2008-06-06T18:17:33Z

If you think asbestos may be in your home, don't panic! Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone, since material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. There is no danger unless fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs.

If asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed.

Asbestos professionals are trained in handling asbestos material. The type of professional will depend on the type of product and what needs to be done to correct the problem. You may hire a general asbestos contractor or, in some cases, a professional trained to handle specific products containing asbestos.

The federal government has training courses for asbestos professionals around the country. Some state and local governments also have or require training or certification courses. Ask asbestos professionals to document their completion of federal or state-approved training. Spokane County has several places you can get help and information. Each person performing work in your home should provide proof of training and licensing in asbestos work, such as completion of EPA-approved training. State and local health departments or EPA regional offices may have listings of licensed professionals in your area.

Saving the World from Ordinary Service! TM

What is asbestos?

2008-06-06T18:13:00Z

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.

How can asbestos affect my health?

From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer.

Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing the risk of disease.

Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard.

I would be happy to send you some information on asbestos and how it can effect the sale of your home. Give me a call and I'll get a packet out to you right away! I wish you a wonderful day!

Saving the World from Ordinary Service! TM

Why get a home inspection?

2008-06-06T18:01:45Z

Have you considered all the things that could go wrong with a house? Since so many problems are not obvious, it can be scary - especially when you plan to invest so much money. At Property Facts Home Inspections we provide you with answers to some very important questions.

Why should I have a home inspection?

Identify problems that could cost you money later
Learn valuable maintenance tips
Protect your investment and money
Become familiar with a home or property before you purchase or sell

Some of the typical problems that home inspectors uncover:

Roof shingle damage
Leaking basement
Improper drainage around home due to improper grading
Poor attic or crawlspace ventilation
Missing or inadequate downspouts and gutters
Faulty wiring
Amateur workmanship
Improperly installed building materials

Saving the World from Ordinary Service! TM

Give me a call today to find out more information about home inspections! I'm here to help :)

Buyers...something to consider with buying a FSBO :)

2008-06-06T17:54:57Z

As a buyer, do you think that for sale by owner real estate is worth it? In other words, would you purchase a home that is for sale by owner? In most cases, this will not affect you too much if you have an agent working on your side. But if it is a transaction between just you and the seller, you should be ready for a long process. When there is no professional involved things can get quite dicey to say the least. Sellers may put out a lot of time with for sale by owner real estate, but they will save money. On the other hand, buyers will not save money, but they may like the home so much that they do not care who is selling it.

SAVING THE WORLD FROM ORDINARY SERVICE TM

Some questions for sellers...

2008-06-06T17:46:21Z

Do you really save money with for sale by owner real estate? This is a question that both buyers and sellers want to know the answer to. As you can imagine, the answer is not the same for both parties. Before you get involved with for sale by owner real estate you will want to know how and if you are going to be able to save money. From there, you should then make a decision on how you are going to move forward.

As a seller, there is no denying the fact that you can save a lot of money when you sell on your own. The reason for this is that you will not have to share any of your profits with a real estate agent. But of course, you will be responsible for other costs throughout the process. In most cases, these miscellaneous costs do not add up to more than the commission of hiring an agent. For this reason, you can almost be rest assured that selling on your own is going to save you money.

Sellers should also keep in mind that while they will save money this way, they will not save time. You need to be willing to put in a lot of time if you are going to sell your home by owner. Not only will you have to take the time to speak with interested parties online and via email, but you will also have to schedule open houses and much more. Is money worth more than time to you?

Saving the World from Ordinary Service! TM