Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE 's Blog

Those Pesky Sugar Ants!!!!!!!

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:23:22 -0700

The sugar ant brigade has hit my home......I know they are harmless, they don't bite and they will go away as soon as the weather warms......but they are pesky!

An advertisement on cable advertised a book to purchase with home remedies......such as.....spread bay leaves on your counters to make sugar ants go away....really????......well it's worth a try.....we had a partial jar in the spice cabinet....put a few on the counter....and the sugar ants have disappeared!!!!!!

We bought another jar and have upped the amount on every kitchen counter.....we just move them to the side during meal preparation and respread them after......

it works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's Get Real Sellers........

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:37:08 -0700

The last two home inspections were disastrous!!!!! Deferred maintenance on the seller's part has created issues......filthy furnaces, plumbing leaks, loose wiring, visible dry rot, carpenter ants.......really??????

If you plan to put your home on the market soon, let's take a moment and walk around the house....when did you change the furnace filter last??? last month?? last year??? never??? Check your furnace and locate or purchase a fresh filter....you'd be surprised how much better the furnace will work....

Look both outside and inside for bugs....typically this is the time of year when bugs begin to appear-small 'sugar' ants, carpenter ants, wood boring beetles just to mention a few.....if you see them around your foundation or in the house...on the counters, in the bathrooms, under the sinks...call a local 'bug' guy and get a spray...I've got a guy who includes a one year guarantee....if he does't get 'em all in the first spray, he'll be back to finish the job!

Look up....does the roof have missing shingles or moss??? If you have missing shingles, you may also have a roof leak...removal of roof moss is almost always called for in the sale of your property. Call a local roofer and ask him to replace missing shingles....and get a recommendation for a product to remove the moss...or ask him to remove it for you.

Have you opened your crawlspace lately and stuck your head down there???? Does it smell 'dry' or 'wet'...use a flashlight and see if you have a 'pond' down there....and while you're looking, is all of your crawlspace covered by black plastic??? It's required too......

Walk around the outside of your house.....is the dirt or bark dust up to the edge or inside of your crawlspace vents??? It needs to be below the opening....use a shovel to push back the excess dirt or bark dust away from the vent opening...

Is your firewood stacked near the house siding.....move it away from the siding and check to see if bugs have gathered....and see if there is bug damage....

Look under the sinks....do you see water leaks...call a plumber and get them fixed before they cause significant damage....

That's just a few hints......it's best to be prepared for putting your house on the market....than be surprised by a home inspection!!!!

This phenomenon called Daylight Savings Time.....

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:20:41 -0700

The clocks are changed....the work week is beginning ....and bedtime is upon me.....

I've experienced this phenomeon for many years and each time I know what to expect.....yet I am always surprised how changing the clocks just one hour can affect one's day......While it is great to have an extra hour each evening, it is no fun driving to work in the dark....I just rejoiced a few weeks ago about the fact that I was finally driving to work in the light...that the bird's were chirping as I awoke and that the days were not only growing longer, but warmer.....

So tonight I will got to sleep and not dawdle....I will arise ready for the day...with my Advil bottle in hand...I will consume a larger amount of caffeine this week and survive!!!!

Then it's just a hop and a jump to Summer!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!

Makes Valentine's Day special for someone........

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:51:33 -0800

As Valentine's Day approaches, I check to see how many of my client list are elderly and single.....

They probably won't get a Valentine card...or a call...or a hug......sooooooooo...I'm armed with lots of Valentine cards, my favorite pen and I have reserved some time to send them a greeting.

They may never give me a another referral nor may they be in charge of the sale of their property at a later date. But my life has been enriched by knowing them....their life stories are fascinating.....they always thanked me for the help I've provided.....they ask for so little.....

So, who do you know that may not receive a Valentine's Day card???? Would you send just one......it will make you feel soooooooo good....and they will appreciate it too!!!!!

Inauguration Day....plus one....

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:07:45 -0800

Yesterday was a glorious day in the United States....we celebrated with pomp and circumstance, favorite patriotic songs, with red, white and blue everywhere......

We heard the speech, watched the crowds......and now it's the day after.....

So where are our flags today??? Where is the red, whte and blue??? The Star Spangled Banner?? That feel good feeling.....

Perhaps we need to remember how nice it felt to be 'one nation', even if for one day.....maybe we should take seriously our responsibility to be part of continued recovery, be a positive role model for our children and advocate for what is best for our country.......

We can't wait another 4 years to celebrate!! It is up to us to find reasons to celebrate our freedoms and share the good in this country with everyone!!

A Day of Hope.......I hope.......

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 07:40:54 -0800

Today we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King and the second inauguration of President Obama........with both of these historic events, there is hope........

Hope that our Congress can begin to work together and come to compromise on many important subject......that the war in Afghanistan will come to a peaceful end........that our troops will arrive back in the states safe......

Hope that the subjects of immigration, guns and fiscal issues will be handled...not relegated to the next president........

Hope that our education system will be improved, giving our children a chance to be their best....our leaders of the future.....

Hope that we can live in a world of peace.......vacant of disease, war, and hatred.

Mr. President, it's up to you.....do your best......I for one am willing to do my part to make this a better place to live!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 11:00:51 -0800

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a joyous day!!!!!

May you enjoy those around you and rejoice in the blessings you have......

Two days to Christmas......

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 10:59:08 -0800

Just two days remain until Christmas Day.......and thankfully I am done.....

Now it's time to enjoy the season...the lights, the music.....the decorations....the favorite movies......

Sometimes we work so hard to make Christmas so special, that we do not take time to enjoy....

So I hope you are ready to take that moment....and enjoy.....this Christmas 2012 happens but once...

Less than a week until Christmas.....

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 08:08:35 -0800

I don't know about you, but it seems that this Christmas season came upon us more quickly than other years.....perhaps the fact that most of us are experiencing a very busy real estate market might very well be the reason we feel this way.....

The good news is that somehow all of the holiday chores will get done....and even better news is that if you are not real choosy, there are some incredible values!!!!!!

I'm almost done...need to find time for baking...and a little more wrapping.....

In the meantime, one transaction records today.....another just after Christmas....a favorable counter was sent to the bank on a short sale yesterday...and activity levels on showings remain good.

What more can a Realtor ask for....success in December...continued activity for the month of January.....and a great Christmas holiday to boot!!!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!

Return to the Mall after the Shooting.......

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 19:20:26 -0800

Less than a week after the shootigs at Clackamas Town Center, the mall reopened to a parking lot full of customers....

We decided to visit the Mall on Saturday...I wasn't sure that I could make that trip.....given the events of Tuesday....but it IS MY mall...and I owe it to all of those employees working in a difficult environment...making minimum wage.....

So off we went...the place was packed....wasn't sure we were going to get a parking place......they re-configured the food court, where two were gunned down and the mall had a visible presence of local police and security folks.

i actualy hit paydirt wth a few gifts I had not yet found...and on sale too!!!

All in all, I'm glad we went to the mall...I will probably not visit the food court, but will visit and spend, in order for all of us to heal.

Terror at Clackamas Town Mall.....'My' mall......

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 07:50:17 -0800

Yesterday I entered my car after a home preview and heard on the radio that there was a shooting at Clackamas Town Mall....I immediately called my daughter to make sure my grandson, reccently home for college, was accounted for...yes, he was home...than called my escrow officer to make sure her daughter, who loves the mall, was not there...she was home also...then a call to my REMAX office to make sure they had heard...and make sure no one goes near the mall.

Then I headed home and watched as this horrific story played out on the TV. 2 dead, 1 injured and the shooter dead...WOW..I heard myself say out loud "This just doesn't happen here"...but it just did.....

We had been at the mall Saturday...pausing to watch Santa with a crying baby, waving to kids riding the mall mini train and taking in the sights and sounds of the season.....NEVER...NEVER....would I ever think this would be the location for such a tragic event.

This is MY mall....my Norstroms, my Macys......I never think twice about running by to make a purchase.....my mall will never be the same....the media reports have made it perfectly clear where the dead were found.....it will be hard to walk by those spots and not think of what they went through and what their last minutes were like...

Why???? Is there someone watching the coverage and thinking it would be cool to have that kind of attention??? Are there others planning such tragic events???

All I really know for sure is that I will keep all who were at the Mall, as well as the families of those who lost their lives and were injured in my prayers for a long time to come. Will I go back to the mall?? Yes...but it will not be the same....I probably will not dawdle....I'll go and get my shopping done and be on my way...

I guess in some ways, the shooter won...he has terrorized many.....some for the rest of their lives....

100,000 points.....

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:55:36 -0800

Wow!!! 100,000 points!!! It sure seemded a long ways away when I first joined Activerain...now it is my habit to log on first thing each day and see what is going on...

I appreciate the many comments on my blogs....I also enjoy sending my two cents worth to those blogging...

The real estate community is better because of Activerain....a place to share, obtain assistance, vent and share.

Two Weeks 'til Christmas and the Real Estate Market is still strong!!!

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 15:17:03 -0800

Wow....usually I'm able to get my Christmas cards and calendars out and do a little shopping....but this year the market is really busy....!!!

Homes in our area are pending at a record pace....our home inventory is way down and buyers are anxious to purchase. Because of the low inventory, we are actually finishing the year with a slight appreciation!!!

I know that sellers will be deciding to market their homes after the new year brgins...they do not want to be bothered with folks tromping through their homes during the holiday seson....but there are offers wanting to be written....and not enough homes to go around.....

2013 looks rosy for our market...barring bad weather in January, it should be a record month....and for many of us working hard in December, we will finish out 2012 in record shape!!!!Yeah!!!!

An American Hero.....

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:54:17 -0800

As I write this, I am visiting Fort Bragg North Carolina...my son Michael is retiring this week after nearly 21 years of service in the US Army. Michael has served in Korea, Irag, Afghanistan and several bases in the US. He and his fellow soldiers have served here and overseas in order to protect our country and the rights we so enjoy.

Passing American flags flying, soldiers dressed in uniforms, tanks, helicopters and soldiers marching, are just small reminders of how many it takes to keep us safe.

i couldn't be prouder of Michael.....now he begins a new chapter in his life....a new career, time to enjoy his new family and love life. I wish that all of our soldiers return to our soil and have the opportunity to live life to it's fullest!

Thanksgiving Wishes to All.......

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 07:21:33 -0800

Best Wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving.....for most we get to enjoy the day with our family...eating a wonderful meal..let us remember those who serve in the Armed Forces, to protect our right to selebratw Thanksgiving!!! May they stay safe and have a moment of celebration this day also!!

Gratitude...Not Just for Thanksgiving........

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:54:31 -0800

As we wish one another good wishes and say how grateful we are for blessings in our life....especially around Thanksgiving....think of what life would be like if we were grateful every day.

A few years ago I attended a seminar that stressed the importance of gratitude....to begin my day....during my work day and at the very end of every day...I realized that gratitude was lacking in my daily life and decided to make an effort to add it.

As I lay down each night I offer 25 thank you's for that day. Some days it is hard to come up with 25 reasons to be thankful and other days I can think of more than 25 reasons really quick.....the more grateful I am, the more I am rewarded with positive events in my life....

I find myself beginnng to do my thank you's as soon as I turn off the light each night....like brushing my teeth....a good habit repeated every day.

So when you tell your family how grateful you are tomorrow, Thanksgiving...think about trying to be thankful on Friday, Saturday, Sunday,.........every day.

Watching the Election Results......

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 19:56:28 -0800

This is the 41st year that I have voted....it is always exciting....reading the Voter's Pamphlet, making my decisions, getting my ballot mailed and now, watching the results.......

The decisions made tonight will definitely impact my last 4-8 years of my real estate career.....and how I'm able to retire....or not.....

I have a gay son, so it is important that his rights are protected..I have two grand-daughters.....their right to make deisions for their health is also very important to me....

I want an opportunity to pay less for my health insurance....I'd like to see the real estate tax deduction preserved, as well as a cap on estate taxes....

it will all be over soon....maybe not tonight....but soon.....then I will have to live with the results.....but for now, I'm going to sit on the loveseat, eyes pressed on the TV and root for my candidates and my issues....Yeah!

Have You Voted???

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 10:24:20 -0800

Have you voted yet?? Will you vote?? If not, why??

We live in a country where our vote is both a privilege and a duty......not only are we electing a new prisident, but we are also deciding lots of local and state issues......in Oregon alone we are deciding whether we legalize marijuana, change our state constitution to prohibit any real estate transfer taxes, decide if a casino will be built off of an Indian reservation, and decide whether sports fishermen have the same rights as our native fishermen.

What has surprised me is that our state legislators and state judges have run ads on TV and radio...that has never happened in our state before....

I look forward to Tuesday evening, when I can switch from station to station to see what the latest results are....planning to stay up as long as I can....this only happens once every four years!!!! The impact is huge!! The differences between the presidential candidates are so great!! The future will be so different depending on the results!!

VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!!

The Value of 10 Minutes........

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:24:48 -0700

Last week I had detached retina eye surgery.....my surgeon told me to lie flat on my side for 50 minutes of every hour....for nine days......

When you have ten minutes to do as much as possible, you begin to understand the value of time....in fact, the last twenty minutes of my fifty minutes down, I'm planning what I will accomplish in those precious ten minutes....

I have others helping my with my day to day real estate tasks, but I use a few of those ten minutes to make contact, by email, text and phone, with clients who need to hear from me.

My eye has improved..I can see out of it again....and hopefuly tomorrow my surgeon will release me to be 'up'.

The value of those 'ten minutes' will remain one of my life lessons....and I'll be thankful for the time I'm given.

Portland's Real Estate Roller Coaster is an Easier Ride.....

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 08:28:44 -0700

Portland Oregon has been an area where the grips of recession have hit the real estate market hard in the last 5 years....however, we are slowly moving away from the steep lows of those years to better, more attractive time....

The recent market is experiencing less foreclosed properties, less short sales and an increase in 'equity' listings...those listed by a seller with equity. Buyers are realizing that the inventory has dropped considerably and if they want to purchase they must be vigilant to see the next new listing as soon as it hit's the market or lose out!

Multiple offers have begun to force prices up a little. Sellers have good offers, many times cash, to choose from....and back up offers just to be safe!

With interest rates at 3 1/2%, thirty year fixed, I see no better time for Sellers and Buyers to enter the market. Finally a win-win!!!!!!

<a href="http://www.realestate.com/advice/real-estate-recovery-roller-coaster" title="real estate recovery"><img src="http://www.realestate.com/advice/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Realestate-Infographic-v5.jpg" title="real estate recovery" alt="real estate recovery" width="480" height="2871"/></a><br />
Riding the Trillion-Dollar <a href="http://www.realestate.com/advice/real-estate-recovery-roller-coaster" target="_blank">Real Estate Recovery</a> Roller Coaster.

My Big Adventure in Paris...Coming to an end....

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 08:08:24 -0700

Time really does fly when you are having the time of your life!! That has been true for my nine days in Paris!! Never did I ever believe that this trip was going to be a apart of my life experiences, but when the opportunity arose, it just had to happen!

Last spring a friend mentioned her upcoming trip to France....I was so excited for her...then she asked me to come visit her in Paris for ten days!!! Was I dreaming??.....not when the ticket was purchased and not when the thirty pounds were lost!! Then the departure date approached.....then I flew to Paris from Seattle Washington directly and oh my God, I was in Paris!!

I did my homework before departing and knew what I wanted to see.....and so we did....and what I wanted to take back with me to remember this adventure and I bought it....and the photos I took...oh the photos....I can't wait to upload them and share my experiences with family and friends!

I have learned that I can do things I never imagined...like walk up 400 steps of the Eiffel Tower, when I am terrified of heights! Or go shopping alone in a foreign country, communicating with limited french and make my purchases...or give directions as to where the Fromage(cheese) is at the grocery store, to someone who does not speak english or french.....

I still have about 22 hours of travel tomorrow, to return to Gresham Oregon.....but that will be a simple conclusion to my big adventure.....Au Revoire!

Day 6 of My Big Adventure in Paris........

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:05:52 -0700

Originally we planned to visit Versailles today...however it was closed, as are many sights on Monday...so that didn't halt our day...we went shopping....just missed Michael Kors at his shop by ten minutes......darn......

So a little about the Metro, their underground subway system...it is VERY efficient, very clean and very fast....you need to watch for your destination or you'll miss it.... .

It's really easy to make eye contact with those working in shops, as it is their job to make sure we are made welcome and spend money in their shop.....but the Metro is much different.....it is virtually impossible to make eye contact and get someone to smile back...it is as if they purposely ignore those around them.....

We have traveled twice during their rush hour......once in the morning and late this afternoon.....it is amazing how many people can squeeze into a very small area and stand still, very quiet and wait for their stop...then they go into action working their way to the door and out before the subway starts up again.......

Now granted, I am from the suburbs of Portland Oregon, so I have few opportunities to experience a subway...which makes me thankful that I can get in my car, drive for ten minutes to my REMAX office and begin my day!

So, tomorrow is really Versailles....really looking forward to the trip!

Day 5 of My Big Adventure......

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 23:59:19 -0700

Sunday' is an interesting time in Paris...most of the stores, including grocery stores are closed.....it is a continuation of Saturdays holiday feel...the Cafes are packed with natives, enjoying the day.

We went to the Louvre...yes, I saw the Mona Lisa...and the Venus de MiLo, huge paintings by da Vinci, huge sculptures from the Roman era and the museum itself, with beautiful painted ceilings and marble floors.

Today is Versailles....really looking forward to the trip, as well as Marie Antoinette's home.

All in all, Paris has been a one in a lifetime experience!

Day 4 of My Big Adventure Paris.........

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 10:24:11 -0700

And the excitement continues.....saw Monet, Renoir, Degas and Cesanne today....WOW!!! So beautiful. Tomorrow is the Louvre...and the Mona Lisa.

Grocery shopping is very interesting......I tried to locate paper towels...could not find someone who understood the words, so settled for napkins...they will do.

Saturdays are like a holiday here....everyone sits at sidewalk cafes, shops everywhere and you can feel that the atmosphere is more relaxed. More smiles, less rushing, folks enjoying their day......made it easy for us to get around.

I am so enjoying the opportunity to experience another culture.....and appreciate the people, their patience with visitors and their willingness to help.

Hope your weekend is going as well as mine!

My Big Adventure continues.........

Shar Giard, CRS, GRI, CDPE (REMAX Equity Group ) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 07:53:32 -0700

Today I climbed the Eiffel Tower.....and I'm terrified of heights, so it was a huge triumph for me! The 400 steps were also a work out! And the views were well,worth the work!

Also visited the Bon Marche, Paris' nicest and most expensive stores.....WOW!! What a lovely store.....even found something to purchase....

But the most fun was riding the Metro, Paris underground subway this morning during rush hour.....we were sandwiched together with hundreds of folks on their way to work....what a mass of humanity...all different sizes and nationalities......I live where I drive everywhere...and I now have a much higher appreciation for my choices of travel.....

The French sure know how to make chocolate......candy, cookies, brownies, croissants....my oh my....a little chocolate every day...

What a day... Tomorrow, one of the museums....and more shopping!