Brooke's Thoughts!

Should you be your own negotiator on a Short Sale?

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:12:16 -0800

You know, the thought had crossed my mind to be a negotiator on one of my short sales. But my assistant strongly discouraged it and I listened. Thankful I did!

Recently I was the buyer's agent on a Short Sale. It was the most stressful deal I have ever had. The seller's agent decided to be their own negotiator and the deal almost fell through many times. We were sitting at the closing table on New Years Eve, we were suppose to close at 2pm. We are on the phone w/ the banks customer service department trying to get the "acceptance letter" that we should of had the day before. We finally closed at 5pm. If the lender on the buyer's side and I had not been in the room coaching them what to say, we would have never closed that day.

I feel there are a few factors that would have made this process go much smoother.

-Have experience in real estate before attempting to negotiate a Short Sale. Sellers agent should have had more experience in real estate before attempting a short sale on their own. Bless their heart, they didn't know that an appraisal and BPO were not the same thing.

-Know what documents are needed in the short sale process. They didn't have all the documents together for the package to the bank. The bank had to keep emailing them for more documents. Where if they would have had them all 'then' submitted they wouldn't of had to email them, it would have been approved quicker.

-Have a managing broker that knows what they are doing. The managing broker felt that you could close on a home w/out the acceptance letter. WHAT??? Atleast that is what they told me he said.

-Take classes on the short sale process. I really feel if you are going to being working on short sales, you better take the classes to get the knowledge of the process. I think everybody that is a realtor should get that education. We are all going to be dealing w/ short sales for the next 5 year atleast.

-Be a full time real estate agent. The realtor I was working had a full time job outside of real estate. They had limited email and phone access during the day. They worked 8-5, same hours of banks. So the banks could not get ahold of them and phone calls were missed.

-Bottom line, they should have used a negotiator. Negotiators have connections at banks, they know the process and how it is supppose to work. They know how to word their conversations to make things happen. It is worth every penny.

Please feel free to add your thoughts. Anymore thoughts on what to do and not to do with short sales.

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Festival of Lights Parade- Downtown Colorado Springs, CO

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:08:05 -0800

My family has gone to The Festival of Lights for years. Festival of Lights is a parade to celebrate the December holiday season. The parade is December 5, 2009 at 5:50pm in downtown Colorado Springs.

The Festival of Lights Parade has choosen the Empty Stocking Fund as its charity. You may help us Mission Statement: Festival of Lights, Inc. is a series of events to celebrate the December holiday season, highlighted by the Festival of Lights Parade. The events include cultural and artistic programs, performances and other festivities for the enjoyment and education of the general public.help them by clicking on this link and make your donation or bring a dollar to the parade and give it to the collection elves. Every dollar you give will be doubled. Start your holiday season and your holiday giving in the same nite. http://emptystocking.coloradosprings.com

To get more information go to: http://www.coloradospringsfestivaloflights.org/

I hope to see you there. Bring your coats, gloves and blankets. OH and don't forget your Starbucks!!

See you there!
Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Colorado - Chinese Drywall/Sheetrock Hazard

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:13:25 -0700

Apparently during the big home boom from 2001-2007 drywall manufactures imported drywall from China because there was such a high demand for it. Little did they know that the drywall was highly toxic.

If you have experienced numerous air condition coil failures, your copper electrical ground wire have turned black, and you are suffering from upper respiratory issues, nose bleeds, unexplained rashes, or severe allergy type symptoms, your house may contain toxic imported Chinese Drywall. This means if your house was built or remodeled during that time.

You can go to the links below to get more information.

http://chinesedrywallcomplaintcenter.com/index.html

http://www.injurylawcolorado.com/legal-news/general/toxic-chinese-drywall-possible-in-colorado-16.htm#comment-113

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Colorado Springs ranked #3 for housing recovery!!

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:12:23 -0700

How awesome is that! Forbes magazine wrote the article stating that Colorado Springs is ranked #3 for housing recovery!! Sales activity is up 14% in Colorado Springs. Now 20% of sales were foreclosures. But my thoughts are that atleast they are getting sold! It could be worse and not even those were selling. They do feel that even though sales are up, that doesn't mean pricing of homes is up. However if you look at the statistics, provided by PPMLS. You will see a drop of almost $20,000 from last year. However in March of 2009, the average sale price started to go back up, after plummeting from last year. So that is another good indication for Colorado Springs.

Some will say that it is because of the all the military coming in and I say, "you betcha". They are helping give our economy a boost that we have needed! Another reason to be thankful and appreciative of our military! We can thank our military for not only defending our Country but also helping our economy here in Colorado Springs.

God Bless you men, woman and your families!!

Brooke Shepherd

RE/MAX Properties

Jeff Ryder Team

719-432-8485

brookeshepherd@msn.com

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Earnest Money Issue, After Closing....

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:43:40 -0700

Well I was working as a buyer's agent with a young sweet couple. We found them a townhome to buy in the first 5 homes we looked at. We put in an offer and did $1000 earnest money. Offer accepted. About a week after earnest money was turned in, the couple asked me if I knew if it had cleared yet. I told them it will the title company has it. Everything went smoothly thru closing. We went over the HUD the earnest money was credited back to the buyers, good to go.

So two days later I get a call from the selling agent. He calls me frantic because they took $1000 out of his commission. I had delivered the earnest money check to him, per his request. He then sent it to the the title company which was about 1 hour away from us, via mail. They were telling him they never recieved it and so they took it from him. He called me to see if my clients could see if it cleared. I called them and it hadn't. So they were concerned because they thought it was all said and done, hadn't paid attention if it had cleared. They were buying stuff for the house.

I called my managing broker and this is where it would have stood.

My clients signed a contract saying they were giving the $1000 earnest money. They delivered their part. Ethically speaking they should void the first check and give the seller's agent the 2nd one.

But, if they no longer have the money or feel that they closed, HUD reflected they paid it, then legally it isn't their responsibility. Then the title company and seller's agent have to figure it out.

However, a day later the title company ended up finding the check. We called my clients they said it was clear to be deposited and it was all taken care of.

It was a good experience and lessoned learned.

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Hope for Homeowners (HUD) - Really?

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:10:34 -0800

Ok,

My clients have their house on the market and have some friends that live in their neighborhood. Both the wives just got laid off from the same company about 3 months ago. My clients can still make their house payments and bills, but don't have as much fun money. This other couple can't really make it much longer.

This other couple went to a class a few weeks ago on mortgages for people who are struggling. At the end of the class they had a woman approach them and tell him that the guy that was running the class is running a scam and they should listen to what she has to say. So they are working with this lady that approached them. My clients have been getting told about this program from their friends and have been very curious. After getting all the facts over the last week, I realized they were approached to do the Hope for Homeowners. My client called me upset today because her friends/neighbors told them that the goal for them is to de-value the homes in their neighborhood so they can get approval for this program. So if they bought their house for $220,000, then took a 2nd out to make it $250,000. But can no longer afford that. Then this program finances up to 90% of the value. Which means the lender has to write-off the difference of what the loan is and what they feel it is now worth. Now the homeowners goal is to have it appraised for really low so that their mortgage value to what they could sell it for is good for them. I understand that some people have made good choices financially and they got laid off just need this program to help them. Where I am frustrated is that my clients have been very wise with their money. They have no debt besides their house and car payment. Now their house might get de-valued because of many other's poor choices.

On top of that it is another realtor who is suggesting this program to them. What good is it to devalue homes that you yourself is trying to sell? I just don't get it. If you are not following me. Go to this link and they can probably explain it a little more clearer.

http://www.hud.gov/fha/home080730.cfm

Then here is some of the flaws with it.

http://yourmortgageoryourlife.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/no-hope-for-homeowners-foreclosure-prevention-program-falters/

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

TOP 20 Acronym's for Texting - Watch out Parents!!

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 22:47:31 -0800

I know I am a mom that likes to be aware of what is being said w/ my kids and these text messages. So, I thought some of you might want to know too. Some of our kids are getting exposed to things now and it is always good to know what people are saying to them.

Yes, I do check my kids' text message! I pay the bills, they live in my house, they get their messages checked!

KPC - Keeping Parents Clueless

TD2M- Talk Dirty to Me

IWSN- I Want Sex Now

NIFOC- Nude in Front of Computer

GYPO-Get your pants off

ADR - Address

WYCM- Will You Call Me

KFU- Kisses For You

MOOS- Member of Opposite Sex

MOSS- Member of Same Sex

PIR-Parents in Room

NALOPKT - Not A lot of People Know This

P911- Parent Alert

PAW- Parents are Watching

LMIRL- Let's Meet in Real Life

PAL - Parents are Listening

ASL - Age Sex Location

MorF- Male or Female

SorG- Straight or Gay

POS- Parents Over Shoulder

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients Choice

www.brookeshepherd.com

719-432-8485

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

It's not what is "Taught" it is what is "Caught"!

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:35:59 -0800

I think this is such an important quote. Can you think of how many times when you were a child and your parents told you one thing, but you caught them doing something else.

Maybe it was the way they told you to communicate with your siblings. They told you not to call names, use bad words, put them down or get physical with them. But then you caught your parents doing a few of those things when they would argue.

So, how does that work in real estate? Are you telling your clients a way to handle a situation and then when you are on the flip side you get upset when it happens to you? Maybe you kinda new about something wrong with the property, but you didn't look at the property disclosure to make sure that it was included in there. Then when you catch somebody else doing it you are upset.

If you think that other agents don't notice that about you, you are mistaken. You can get a reputation for how you SAY you would handle things and how you really handle it. I base my respect for other agents on things I see them do.

Brooke

www.brookeshepherd.com

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

What comes around goes around ... but not what you think....

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:51:35 -0800

So last week I had an interview. The interview went great and I felt pretty confident about it. It is at my kids school,(to us help survive until things turn around in real estate) Anyway, they told me they would probably start calling references on Monday or Tuesday, if they felt I would be a good fit.

SO, I get 2 calls from my references on Monday saying they had been called and it was going well. Then today I got a call, this one really really touched me. I have known his man for probably 5 years, he is close friends with my hubby. My friend was telling me how he had wanted to make the referral more about my business ethic then personality. You see, a few years ago he and his wife were putting their house on the market. They were struggling with what realtor to use. They had their realtor from a few years before that and me. They just weren't sure which direction to go because they were worried about our friendship, etc. So they chose the other realtor, no hard feelings. I respected their decision.

Well I knew they were in a certain price range and what they wanted. I found out that a builder in town was giving 10 of his homes for pretty much what they cost him because he needed them off his back. I called my friends and let them know, got them copies of all the homes, etc. They were able to get in on this very rare deal. I didn't represent them, I was just able to get them in on this deal. I didn't ask for a % of the commission or anything. I was just happy to help. Well, apparently this really touched them. (I didn't know that till today) They said even though they chose not to use me, they were so touched that I bent over backwards to get them in on this deal. AND that I expected nothing in return. So he told me that he told the people that were calling about the referral about that time. He talked about my integrity and heart, etc.

So did I get anything out of it at the time, no. But 2 years later I got an amazing referral for a job AND, I will probably get a referral from them in the future.

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Spacious Charmer, Totally Renovated - By UCCS

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:31:58 -0800

Livia Smith | Keller Williams Clients Choice | 719-229-9296

3908 Meadow Lane, Colorado Springs, CO

Spacious Charmer, Totally Renovated!!

5BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $269,000

Year Built	1955
Sq Footage	3,048
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	11,200 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Ready to move in! Close to UCCS. Totally renovated! Refinished hard wood floors on main level. Remodeled bathrooms with new tile, vanity/showers. Kitchen has hard wood floors, granite/tile countertops & all new appliances. All new carpet, paint, windows, light fixtures, front door, fencing and roof. Entertain on the back flagstone patio surrounded by fruit trees with Front Range views. Come take a look at this adorable house, you will feel at home. Lots of space! Won't Last!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Fireplace	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Granite countertop	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Livia Smith

Keller Williams Clients Choice

719-229-9296

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Dec 17, 2008, 9:14am PST

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Majestic trees, Views and Tranquility

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:30:07 -0800

Livia Smith | Keller Williams Clients Choice | liviasmith@kw.com | 229-9296

323 Woody Creek, Divide, CO

Majestic Trees, Views and Tranquility

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $260,000

Year Built	2008
Sq Footage	1,943
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	173,804 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Live among the tall peaceful pines and gorgeous views! This is your haven to get away from it all. Brand New Construction. Wall of windows in Huge Great Room with vaulted ceiling. Raised Rancher (IRC Modular) with walkout Basement and wraparound decking to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Backs up to Pike National Forest. Secluded, but still close to Schools, Fire Station, and Hospital . Minutes from Cripple Creek. Three Bedroom, 2 bath on main level. Over sized 2 car garage. Large laundry room. Two large walk-in closets. Come home to serenity.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Tile floor
Family room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Kitchen Island

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Livia Smith

Keller Williams Clients Choice

liviasmith@kw.com

229-9296

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 4, 2009, 10:03pm PST

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Do you agree with Maxine on how I feel about profile pics?

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 01:26:24 -0800

So, I was surfing AR today looking at blogs and getting some great laughs and some great information.

However, I came across one blog and really enjoyed it. But what caught my eye the most was the profile picture. You could tell this person had pretty eyes, but it was just from their eyes on up. You couldn't see their inviting smile or anything. I read some of their posts and they were great, showed great personality, but that did not come across at all in the picture.

It is something to think about because people surfing the internet might come across your blog. They may be looking for somebody that looks professional but is also smiling and they feel they can just go up and talk to them. I would encourage everybody to put a picture up that is welcoming and brings a smile to anybody's face.

Now, you may just feel how Maxine feels about my opinion and I am ok with that! Just thought I would throw it out there!

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Interactive School Map - online

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:21:24 -0800

I came across this great map for people that are wanting to know the ratings of schools in Colorado Springs, CO.

http://schoolperformancemaps.com/co/#38.879274%2C-104.734726%2C11%2C1%2C2%2C3

It can be so frustrating at times as a realtor to not be able to tell people what the academic reputation of a school is. But you just can't. Here you can send them to a great tool so they decide for themselves. I was so excited to come across this! Genius!!

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Festival of Lights (Parade of Lights) Downtown Colorado Springs

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:58:48 -0800

What a beautiful sight to see! Every year we make it a tradition to go see the Festival of Lights, a parade down Tejon Street. The kids have a blast while freezing. I think this probably the night that Starbucks makes the most money. We will probably bring our own coffee.

Here is the information:

The Festival of Lights Parade , December 6, 2008. Will start at 5:50 p.m., in downtown Colorado Springs, at the corner of Tejon and St Vrain Street and will go south on Tejon to Vermijo Avenue, turn west to Cascade Avenue and go north to Kiowa Street.

http://www.coloradospringsfestivaloflights.org/

It is a great time for family!

Hope to see you there!

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Manitou Springs near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:39:15 -0700

As a Colorado Springs native I have often wondered about the history of Manitou Springs, Colorado. So I did some digging and this is what I found. I also add at the bottom some great information on what the statistics are now.

General William Jackson Palmer is the founder of Colorado Springs. He and the English physician, Dr. William Bell, first visited the springs of Manitou in 1868. Both fell in love with this beautiful valley, and pictured the area as a health spa. That was the vision when Manitou Springs was in its initial development. Then that vision started to fade and Manitou Springs becamse one of the original tourist destination in Colorado. Manitou Springs sits at the base of amazing mountain, Pikes Peak. It has a small town feel and flourishes with arts and great restaurants. You will enjoy shopping, playing at the penny arcade and the access it provides to the Pikes Peak cograil. You will also find many victorian style homes with a few newer development. It is a great place to visit and live, especially those into the art community.

Statistical Information:

Area - around 4 sq miles

Government - Mahor, City Council

Housing Median - $260,000

Income: $46,000

Economic Base: Colorado Springs bedroom community with heavy retail and tourist activity.

Website: www.mantiousprings.org

Local Newspaper: Pikes Peak Bulletin and Gazette Tellegraph

Location: Four milies west of Colorado Springs

Hospitals: Memorial and Penrose St. Francis

Parks and Recreation: Hiking trails, aquatic city pool, nature center, Waldo Canyon, parks, mineral springs and arts commission.

Population: 5,500+

Schools: Manitou Springs District 14

Tax Rate: 3.9% City, 1.0% RTA, 2.9% County, 1.0% State, Total 8.8%

Transportation: Mountain Metro Transit, 385-7433 www. springsgov.com

Utilities: Colorado Springs Utilities (gas, electric sewer, water), Qwest - phone

City of Manitou Springs: 606 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs 80829. 685-5481 www.manitousprings.org

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

It's ok to fall...

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:16:47 -0700

Just make sure you get back up! A succesful person is not somebody that stands on their feet all the time. It is somebody who falls and gets back up many times!

My husband and I use to teach karate many years ago. Every single instructor had to work himself/herself all the way up to black belt and even beyond that. They just didn't get the black belt handed to them. There were many times that they fell and fell hard. But they got back up and kept trying, which is what made them a better a stronger martial artists in the long run. They had to learn different ways to handle certain situations and figure out what worked and what didn't work. Same thing will real estate you have to work your way up. You are not going to just get your license and be succesful. You have to work hard. Somedays or months it will come easy to you. Then other months things are harder and you have to get creative w/ your advertising and find another way to get to the next level or the next closing.

Point is, don't get discouraged and give up. Figure out how to reach that goal. Then once you reach that goal, make another goal. There are gonna be set backs. But you gotta keep moving forward.

Just get back up!!!

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Colorado Springs Harvest Festival

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:20:47 -0700

October 4th, 2008

Looking for something fun to do with your family this weekend? Something that is free admission?

Rock Ledge Ranch is holding a harvest festival that will have:

-Horse Wagon Ride

-Pony Rides

-Pumpkin Patch (pick a pumpkin)

-Old-tyme music

-Tour the restored 1880's Rock Ledge House

-Tour the 1907 Estate House

-Bid for fine handcrafted folk art at the silent auction.

-Food vendors will be on site

(fees will apply to most activities.

If you need more info go to www.rockledgeranch.com

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Why, Why, Why?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:31:45 -0700

Why, Why, Why

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are going dead?

   Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?

   Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

   Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?

   Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

   Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

   Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

   Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

   Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word 'lisp'?

   If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

   Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

   Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

   Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

   Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner , then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

   Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

   How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

   When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, 'It's all right?' Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, 'That hurt, are you stupid ?'

   Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

   In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

   How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

   And
  The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

Laurie Logan Added....

And how can I be out of money, when I still have checks?

And.. why can't I pay my Visa bill with my Mastercard?

Carol Added....

And why does the mother who fed me plain corn flakes with skim milk lavish her granddaughter with Sugar Frosted Flakes, Lucky Charms, and Cap't Crunch

Tammy Added

Why do bad things come in threes?

and

Why do we park on driveways and drive on parkways?

(she really wanted this one answered)

Alan Added

and why does the atm at the drive up window have braille on the buttons?

BROOKE

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Trust me I can handle this!!

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:59:25 -0700

So, I was at my son's basketball game today. He made this team, which is an honor because they are considered one of the best. He just made the team 4 weeks ago and the night he made the team he broke his hand and was put in a cast. He has not missed a practice and practiced as much as he could with his left hand, he is right handed. So he had 2 games today. In the first game I think he played like 8 minutes outa 40 and the 2nd game he played 7 minutes in 40. My hubby and I understand he needs to earn his position and playing time. But boy is it hard to watch, when we know how good he is. If they would just allow him to get more comfortable w/ this team (that has been playing together for years). He needs the playing time, he can't prove to them his ability if he doesnt' get game time. But I do have respect for the coaches and are trusting in them.

Well, I can relate to him totally. I know I am a good realtor. I went to school and studied hard. Passed the test on my first try, which is not easy in Colorado. But alot of people are concerned about my years (almost 3 years) in the business and the amount of closing (8) I have had. I understand that, but I wish they would just try me and give me a chance. I have done a great job w/ all the deals I have worked and have gotten excellent feedback and no complaints.

Has anybody else ever felt this way? How do I help people feel comfortable that I can handle their transactions?

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Hillary replacing Biden around October 5th???

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:52:52 -0700

So, I have been told by some close friends of mine that Democratic nominee Biden will step down from the running around October 5th and Hilary Clinton will step in.

I was shocked that he didn't pick Hilary from the get go and even more shocked that he is "possibly" going to make such a big campaign move so close to elections.

So, I am curious what everybody thinks about this! This has been one of those political years that will be remembered for a long time. I don't remember (in my life time) anything more exciting in the elections than this year. Of course aside from the recount in Florida, but you know what I mean.

Brooke

Side note..... what about all those stickers and signs? What about the supporters that paid money for those stickers and signs and will now have to buy them again. I wonder if this will hurt him or help him. I also wonder if it is really going to happen.

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

YUMMY High Altitude Chocolate Chip Cookies

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:11:38 -0700

3 cups Flour 2/3 cup sugar 2 cups chocolate chip cookies

1tsp baking soda 2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1tsp salt 1tsp vanilla extract

1 cup margarine 2 eggs

3 tsp water

In large mixer bowl combine; softened margarine, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla.

After that is all mixed together add eggs, beating well.

In small bowl.... Combine flour, baking soda and salt.

Gradually and the small bowl ingredients to the mixer bowl. Then add the water. Then the chocolate chips.

Preheat oven to 375 and cook 9 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

ENJOY with a glass of milk!

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

"Mom, you can't really blame me for being up so late!!"

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:35:39 -0700

So, it is 10:30pm on a Monday night. My son is sitting on the floor by me creating a map. He is trying to do a project that was given to him 2 weeks ago. So far tonight he has created a clay fish and painted it. Wrote a 2 minute speech on this fish. Now is working on the map. I keep telling him to stay on task, because he keeps goofing off.

So he looks at me and says, "Mom... You can't really blame me for being up so late, I am trying to cram 2 weeks of homework into 1 night!!". I busted out laughing!

The joys of being a parent to a 12 year old!

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Reverse 911 Emergency for your neighborhood...

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:44:22 -0700

Wish we would have had this service on our cell phones this week. A man kidnapped a woman in New Mexico and made her drive him to Denver, they ran out of gas about 1/2 mile away from our house (in Colorado Springs). She ended up getting away and he ended up breaking into a house about 3/4 of a mile away from our house, hurting that person. Schools were on lock down and everybody was pretty worried. Many of our friends got a call in the middle of the night letting them know there was an armed man on the lose. I didn't know about this until after my son was off to school in the same area that everything was going down.

They got a call from the Reverse 911 Emergency program. I sure wish we would have had this on our phones. I am not sure why we didn't get the call, but I went ahead and signed up for them to call our cell phones if something happens again. Below is where you can sign up for it. It is free. They will call and confirm your cell phone number and that you signed up for this.

http://www.elpasoteller911.org/pages/early_warning.html

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Volleyball in Colorado Springs

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:36:35 -0700

Many people are not sure of all their your options for volleyball in Colorado Springs. Whether you are moving here from outa state or just trying to figure where to get you or your child connected. Below is all the information we have found so far. Please feel free to add to this.

Volleyball in Colorado Springs, Co.

Stellar -

      (719)550-3390
      2405 N. Chestnut St
      Colorado Springs, CO   80907
      c lubstellar@mac.com
        http://www.stellarsportscamps.com/StellarVolleyballClub.html

Colorado Juniors -

Kevin Marquis - 719-466-7494 - New full-time coaches

Matt Bledig - 563-663-0871 - available for lessons

16815 Mitchell Ave

Monument, Co

http://www.coloradojuniors.com/

Colorado Springs Altitude-

(719) 648-3755

PO Box 75325
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80970

club@csavbc.com

http://www.csavbc.com/

Colorado Classix-

(719) 648-3755

Gianna Nelson

12240 Jones Park Crt.

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

coloradoclassix@yahoo.com

Pikes Peak Volleyball

Jeff Gonyea

jeffgonyea@gmail.com

CHILL -

            719-201-7323 or 719-201-5315
            PO BOX 17234
            COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80935
            cochill2@aol.com

http://www.cochill.com/page1.html

Pikes Peak YMCA

http://www.ppymca.org/

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com

Taking golf instruction from my husband... Not so easy...

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:55:13 -0700

So, I don't know what it is with me. But I do not handle instruction from my hubby when it comes to golf or anything else athletic. The man is extremely athletic and can master any sport he puts his mind to. I should be a sponge wanting to learn from him...

However, years ago (17 years ago) he was teaching me karate and I just had the hardest time doing what he said. Literally we almost ended our relationship because he felt I was being disrespectful to him. He tried teaching me golf 15 years ago and I didn't receive it will then either. You would think after all these years, I would have gotten past it. NOPE!!

So, we went to go golf (actually I wasn't going to golf, just drive the cart) this weekend w/ some friends. However I decided to give it a try. So, I jumped out on the course and tried it. My girlfriend was instructing and that was going great. But my hubby couldn't resist, he had to try to coach me and the hair on the back of my neck just stood straight up! He is the most amazing guy and is good at golf, so why wouldn't I want instruction from him. I have no idea.

We talked about it and maybe it is because he is a perfectionist when it comes to sports. He is determined to be the best or pretty darn close. Where I do sports more for fun. I enjoy them but I don't have to be the best at them. So I guess I feel he is trying to get me to perfect the sport, but he really isn't.

So, I am going to put myself in a woman's golf league next spring and see if I can get the hang of this sport. Then hopefully my hubby and I can start golfing together. He did tell me he promised not to give me instruction unless I asked. We will see...

Brooke

Brooke Shepherd

Keller Williams Clients' Choice

Smith & Shepherd Team

brookeshepherd@msn.com

www.brookeshepherd.com