ken: DELIVERING THE WHEATLAND SOUTH VIEW - 10/13/08 01:12 PM
Month 3 into my 6 month business plan.
I was back at it this morning. I had 80 newsletters to deliver in the south Naperville subdivision of Wheatland South.
Nice fall morning. Overcast with comfortable temperatures. Mid 60's. The leaves are beautiful.
The subdivision was buzzing. Today is Columbus Day. The kids were off school, … (5 comments)
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ken: The Ken to her Barbie - 10/11/08 10:50 AM
WARNING: Contains small parts and extreme sarcasm. Not recommended for children under 18, or people who don't understand satire...
Divorce Barbie blog author Mirela Monte suggested, after numerous comment exchanges on her blog, that we collaborate on a "Barbie Blog" in honour of Barbies upcoming 50th birthday. My initial response: "there's just something a … (24 comments)
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ken: STOCK MARKET GOT YOU DOWN? FIVE BIG OPPORTUNITIES IN REAL ESTATE. - 10/09/08 09:56 PM
So the stock market has got you down? Here are five big opportunities in real estate.
1. Real estate investor?
Where have you gone, Mr. Investor? Lots of REOs (real estate owned) to choose from. Now is the time to invest. Not three years ago.
Contact a mortgage broker quickly. Financing is challenging, yet … (14 comments)
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ken: OCTOBER UGLY - 10/09/08 04:34 PM
I have written a couple of real estate blogs today. I have saved them as drafts. I thought the stock market was a bit more topical. Thanks for reading...Ken
Another ugly day in the stock market. The Dow was down almost 700 points.
The decline is gaining steam. It is getting ugly … (22 comments)
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ken: REAL ESTATE MYTH #3: "WITH SO MANY FORECLOSURES ON THE MARKET, MY HOME WILL NEVER SELL." - 10/08/08 07:23 PM
I know. Foresclosures and short sales are the rage. Recent numbers report 40% of the volume in some markets.
But if I wanted to sell a home, I wouldn't let foreclosures affect my plans...
You can still sell in this market.
I see many homes under foreclosure. Buyers are always interested in taking a look.
The average foreclosed home … (10 comments)
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ken: THE SUN RISES - 10/07/08 07:07 AM
The sun is rising again this morning.
A beautiful fall sunrise. The whole sky is a pinkish purple...
It is easy for those of us on the front lines of the economy to get caught up in world events.
As if life stops if a listing doesn't sell. If a buyer decides not to … (35 comments)
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ken: TOP 10 REASONS TO BUY A HOME - 10/06/08 10:02 AM
Hmm. Let me count the ways...
1. You have outgrown your current living situation.
2. Homes are much cheaper than two years ago.
3. Homes are a safer investment than the stock market. You live in your home. You can't live in 1000 shares of IBM.
4. Homes are great tax shelters. … (21 comments)
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ken: 8 MONTHS OF BLOGGING...THE WORLD HAS CHANGED...WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? - 10/03/08 09:31 AM
I have been blogging since February 15th of this year. I joined Active Rain in January of 2007, but like a lot of us, I was slow on the uptake. With this post, I will move into the top spot in my hometown of Naperville Illinois.
So here I sit, reflective after … (20 comments)
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ken: BARACK OBAMA - 10/02/08 06:19 PM
I have written about him before.
Barack Obama still inspires me.
John McCain just doesn't.
That's why I still plan on voting for Obama in November.
This has just been such a fascinating political season.
I am even excited about the Vice Presidential debates. Is that weird?
Either a black man … (53 comments)
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ken: "I'M IN THE PEOPLE BUSINESS." - 10/01/08 03:43 PM
About two weeks ago I joined the social networking site Facebook. I have enjoyed reconnecting with friends I haven't seen in many years. So far, I give it two thumbs up. Anyway...
Yesterday, I received an instant message on Facebook (it was my first!) from an old friend of mine I … (17 comments)
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ken: "HI KEN, I FOUND YOU ON THE INTERNET..." - 09/30/08 03:02 PM
It was music to my ears.
Probably the goal of anyone using blogging to enhance their online presence.
And I have heard it 3 times in the last week. Pretty incredible for me.
I have always had my website. Static. A necessity for a Realtor, for sure. But not interactive at … (69 comments)
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ken: ATTITUDES HAVE CHANGED...TOWARDS REALTORS - 09/29/08 08:23 AM
Can you feel it? I know I can.
I was at a friend's party this weekend. It was his annual Oktoberfest party. Great food, great drink, great people, great time. Anyway...
Many of the attendees come year after year. With some, this is the only time that I see them every year.
When … (35 comments)
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ken: OVERPRICED HOMES DON'T SELL - 09/26/08 08:28 AM
A home I know quite well just came on the market in my farm area, River Bend. I met with the homeowners last spring.
At that time, the homeowners were interested in selling their townhome and buying a bigger home in nearby Naperville.
They asked me about pricing. I explained to them … (19 comments)
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ken: THE LAKEWOOD CROSSING VIEW, NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS - 09/24/08 07:56 PM
Divide and conquer.
After delivering 362 of my newsletters in one day last week, I thought it better to break up the work a little.
I decided to deliver 100 per day in my next subdivison, Lakewood Crossing here in Naperville Illinois. Tonight was the first night out.
I felt much better … (10 comments)
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ken: THE SPRINGHILL VIEW, NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS - 09/20/08 04:48 PM
I was back at it today. Delivering my Springhill View to 320 homes in the Springhill Subdivision, Naperville Illinois.
I must say, I hated it. It took about 3 1/2 hours. Was fairly hot. Lots of walking. Actually got some blisters.
But it was work. Hard work.
Better to work smart … (7 comments)
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ken: "SO, HOW DO YOU SHOW HOMES?" - 09/19/08 03:59 PM
I had a listing appointment yesterday afternoon. I met with a young family considering selling their home in Naperville and buying a larger home in another suburb.
Their two year old boy had just woken up from his nap, so I knew there would be a few distractions...I felt very relaxed just the same.
The lady of the house … (27 comments)
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ken: THERE IS FEAR IN THE MARKETPLACE. - 09/18/08 12:42 AM
There is fear in the marketplace.
People are scared. People are worried about their jobs. People are worried about their stock portfolios and their retirement accounts.
People are worried about the value of their homes.
Many Realtors are working more and getting less.
My goal is simple. Stay focused.
Follow the business plan. We can control our … (48 comments)
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ken: LOCAL NAPERVILLE BUSINESSMAN...JAD KATTAN...HAS COME FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD...TO SUCCEED IN THE BUSINESS OF BEAUTY - 09/09/08 07:20 PM
His name is Jad Kattan. My wife has been seeing him for some time. She says he is the best...
Beautician, that is.
She also raves about the manicurist, Jolanta. "She is the greatest," boasts Nickie.
I felt just a bit uncomfortable on this Saturday morning in south Naperville. I am not used … (13 comments)
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ken: REAL ESTATE MYTH #2: "WE NEED TO LEAVE ROOM TO NEGOTIATE" - 09/07/08 02:57 PM
"I was wondering if we should leave more room to negotiate," my client asked this morning.
I have heard this many times, and it is the biggest mistake sellers make.
They leave too much room to negotiate.
Even in today's market, multiple offers and bidding wars are not unheard of.
But only when the homes are … (37 comments)
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ken: CAN AGGRESSIVE MARKETING SELL A HOME IN TWO WEEKS? - 09/06/08 06:58 PM
I think it can...
I am meeting with a client tomorrow morning to put an offer on a home.
My buyers are hoping to make the offer contingent on the selling of their current home. We have talked about their expectations on price and they are very realistic.
My thought is this. I want to … (34 comments)
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ken: HAS ACTIVE RAIN JUMPED THE SHARK? - 09/02/08 07:09 AM
One month ago, Active Rain pulled off one of the greatest marketing tactics I have seen.
THE LOCALISM LAND RUSH.
Active Rain has always been fun. The point system allows for a little friendly competition between Realtors across the country. They publish member numbers in the top right corner (107,073 and counting). We who post are ranked in our … (32 comments)
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ken: LOCAL NAPERVILLE BUSINESSMAN...CHRIS GOGOLA...BEATS THE ODDS...AND TRAFFIC...TO SUCCEED IN THE LIMO BUSINESS - 08/30/08 08:23 PM
With all of the construction being done on the highways in Chicago, local Naperville businessman Chris Gogola has literally beaten the odds and traffic to succeed in the limousine business with his company, Action Limo.
"I couldn't worry about the price of gas. I had a vision. And I chased it. I am still chasing … (6 comments)
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ken: 11.2 MONTH BACKLOG OF HOMES. DOES IT MATTER? - 08/30/08 03:26 PM
According to recent statistics provided by the National Association of Realtors, there is currently an 11.2 month backlog of homes on the market. This means that it would take 11.2 months for the current inventory of homes to be sold at todays sales rate.
I feel this is a misleading and basically … (7 comments)
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ken: AM I AN OLD FART?? - 08/29/08 11:20 AM
I was reading a post by Brian Block this morning titled "What's the Next Big Thing for Real Estate? Where's Real Estate 3.0?"
It was an interesting post questioning what direction real estate will go next. After blogging, social media, and video, that is.
So that begs me the question...
Am I … (29 comments)
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ken: ARE REALTORS REALLY THAT BUSY? - 08/28/08 01:11 PM
Just curious.
Are we all just "being positive"?
Or am I the only Realtor who is not ALWAYS AT A CLOSING?
-Ken's skeptical look
Look, I have already documented how I AM A HORRIBLE REALTOR, but I am still ridiculously slow for this time of the year.
Yet from what I read on … (32 comments)
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ken: "I'M NOT GOING TO LOSE MY SHIRT" - 08/26/08 05:58 PM
I was back at it today. I was delivering my newsletter.
Today it was the River Bender.
It was a gorgeous day in Lisle, Illinois. 75 degrees. No humidity. Not even a cloud in the sky.
Perfect.
I had a 140 newsletters to deliver. I hang them on door knobs. I … (12 comments)
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ken: THE CARROLWOOD VIEW, NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS - 08/25/08 03:50 PM
… (5 comments)
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ken: THE HIGH MEADOW TIMES, NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS - 08/22/08 09:20 AM
… (4 comments)
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ken: SO HOW IS THE REAL ESTATE MARKET? - 08/21/08 12:49 AM
I was sitting on the couch with my 9 year old niece this morning. I was drinking my coffee, reading the paper, and CNBC was on in the background.
"So how is the real estate market, Dylan," I asked.
It felt good to ask someone else this. As a Realtor, I … (35 comments)
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ken: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVE RAIN BLOGGER? - 08/20/08 08:42 PM
I have been looking for someone fresh to read. I am currently subscribed to 20 Active Rainers. I need a few more.
So I ask you, who is your favorite Active Rain Blogger??
My current subscription list (in no particular order):
Hal Place -Great guy. Supportive. Wise beyond his years.Barbara Carter -Great lady with a … (37 comments)
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ken: GIRL SCOUT TROOP 1275, NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS - 08/19/08 08:31 AM
-The girls of Troop 1275 helping out at the ADOPT Animal Shelter
A new school year brings with it a new year for the Girl Scouts! Troop 1275 from Peterson Elementary will be having their Junior Girl Scout Round-Up party this Friday.
In the past the troop has helped raise funds for … (0 comments)
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ken: PAPERBOY! - 08/18/08 08:29 PM
I was back at it today. I was delivering my latest newsletter, The Wheatland South'er.
It was going to be a hot day. 87 degrees. Wheatland South has big yards and long driveways. Lots of walking.
Would it be worthwhile?? Did I really want to walk a neighborhood on a hot day delivering … (11 comments)
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ken: THE WHEATLAND SOUTH'ER, NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS - 08/17/08 05:51 PM
… (4 comments)
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ken: OLYMPICS - 08/16/08 08:48 PM
I have been trying to watch the Olympics.
My buddy Kevin and I have been fighting over the remote control.
He wants to watch the Chicago Bears. It's preseason football.
I want to watch the end of the womens marathon.
Why am I so into the Olympics?
Is it because the they come only … (23 comments)
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ken: WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, MR. FSBO?? - 08/14/08 06:09 PM
I know many Realtors may be happy about this but...
Where have all the FSBOs (FOR SALE BY OWNERS) gone??
The FSBO has always been a valuable prospect for the real estate agent. Most FSBOs eventually hire a Realtor, so who better for an agent to talk to??
But the real estate market seems to … (21 comments)
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ken: MY EXPIRED OR CANCELED LISTING SCRIPT - 08/13/08 08:35 PM
"Hello, my name is Ken Tracy. I am a Realtor with Keller Williams here in Naperville. (pause) I live just down the street. I was wondering, do you still want to sell your house?" I asked the scruffy looking man that answered the door.
I figure it's simple, to the point. Not promising … (17 comments)
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ken: Book Review - ABC’s of Real Estate Investing - Ken McElroy - 08/13/08 06:57 PM
if you search at Amazon -Real Estate Investing, you return 8,589
I have not read them all. though, I have read many.
One in particular book for Home buyers and/or sellers and real estate investors that I recommend is
#3 on the search results is a book from the Rich Dad … (0 comments)
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ken: SALES PICKING UP AT THE RIVER BEND TOWNHOMES, LISLE ILLINOIS - 08/12/08 06:54 PM
After what could be best described as a sluggish spring real estate market for one of my favorite little subdivisions, the River Bend Townhomes, the summer market is really starting to heat up.
After only 4 sales in the first half of the year, the townhomes, located in Lisle Illinois just off … (0 comments)
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ken: FEATURED MEMBER! - 08/12/08 04:14 PM
It happened. After about 6 months of active participation on Active Rain, I have clawed my way up to the Number 2 ranking in my city of Naperville.
Featured Member!
Sounds cool.
Think it leads to extra business??
Maybe, but...
I definitely enjoy seeing my mug on the top of the Naperville … (28 comments)
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ken: BACK AT STARBUCKS - 08/12/08 11:56 AM
Ahhhh. That first sip.
Ok. Not my first sip of coffee for the day. Are you kidding? It's 11:35 AM. I don't make it out of bed without my cup of coffee!:)
But my first sip sitting down at my local Starbucks.
For those long time readers, you may be aware … (14 comments)
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ken: TRYING TO BE THE BEST REALTOR I CAN BE - 08/11/08 09:28 PM
It has been a tough road. Much tougher than I expected.
Almost three years now. Oct. 12, 2005 was when I got started in this crazy business they call real estate.
My goal has always been simple.
I have always wanted to be the best Realtor I can be.
Hardworking. Smart. … (13 comments)
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ken: GENERATING LEADS - 08/08/08 06:52 PM
Real estate is a business.
If you can't generate leads, you are out of business.
It's not about winning every listing appointment. You don't want to win them all. Many will be pains in the butt.
Who wants a sore butt??
As long as one is able to generate new leads, … (16 comments)
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ken: WRITING NOTES ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON - 08/08/08 12:32 PM
What a beautiful day it is.
One thing that is AWESOME about being a Realtor is that work can be done anywhere anytime.
I know some agents swear by going into the office, but not me. Why punish myself?
I am on my back deck. A beautiful day here in Naperville. … (9 comments)
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ken: SO I SPONSORED A COMMUNITY - 08/05/08 02:47 PM
I am not sure exactly what it means, but I sponsored a community on Localism today.
I gobbled up one of my favorite towns, Lisle Illinois.
My first sponsorship!!!
Will a Little League Baseball team be next???
I hope so.
It cost $9 today plus $9 per month.
There were still plenty of cities available. … (22 comments)
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ken: 100 NOTES - 08/03/08 03:22 PM
If you have been reading my blog for a length of time, you may know that I was recently on a mission to right 100 hand written notes to my sphere of influence (SOI).
Anyway, that goal was slightly interrupted when I switched offices. I had sent out 45 notes with my … (23 comments)
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ken: MY GOLF SWING - 08/02/08 07:02 PM
I was chipping in the backyard this afternoon. I was having a small fire as well.
It was a nice afternoon.
Anyway, I think I learned something about my golfswing today.
While chipping with my lobwedge, I tried to take the club far to the outside.
To me, it felt very … (20 comments)
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ken: BUYERS AGENCY AGREEMENTS - 08/01/08 08:55 PM
Wouldn't sign one. Don't ask others to.
I know I am in the minority on this, but I don't make my clients sign buyers agency agreements.
My hope is that my clients are "commited" to me because they believe I am the best.
Who else would they use?
I let my clients out … (21 comments)
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ken: MY CLIENT CALLED BACK TODAY - 08/01/08 08:11 PM
Yesterday I wrote about my client who was going to see a home with another agent, a friend who had recently become a Realtor.
He left a phone message as well as an email telling me this. I think he probably felt bad about it.
Anyway, the response from Active Rain was … (17 comments)
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ken: IT'S 7:00 PM. DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CLIENTS ARE? - 07/31/08 06:28 PM
I do. At least one of them...
They are looking at a townhome in North Aurora. WITHOUT ME!!!
This is a client I met about a year back. I think I have been servicing the heck out of him.
Anyway, about 6 months back, he casually mentioned to me, "I had … (27 comments)
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ken: THINK PROGRESS - 07/31/08 04:00 PM
Gary Keller writes in his book, "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent":
"The Millionaire Real Estate Agent does not see consequences in terms of positives or negatives. If something has an outcome, whether it has a positive or negative result, they call it progress. Because they Think Progress, they know that failures … (6 comments)
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ken: APPROACHING 40 - 07/30/08 04:09 PM
Some may know that I am approaching one of lifes big milestones in the next couple of weeks.
40. 40 years old. Sounds fairly mature. Very serious.
But I still feel like a kid.
Sure, a kid with lots of pressures. Lots of responsibilities. Lots of things to do.
But still … (16 comments)
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ken: MY PLANS WERE DERAILED...BY A LAWNMOWER??? - 07/30/08 03:28 PM
Yes that's right. A lawnmower. A faulty lawnmower, actually.
I had three family goals for the day.
1. Take care of my daughter, Erin.2. Go to YMCA with Erin to workout.3. Mow the lawn.
Nicole would be having a long day today. She had a client (Nutrition for your Kids) she … (19 comments)
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ken: WHILE OIL CONTINUES TO FALL, THE STOCK MARKET HAS GIVEN BACK MOST OF THE RALLY - 07/28/08 01:35 PM
Last week I wrote about the rally we have seen in the stock market. At the time, oil had dropped $18 to $129 per barrel, and the Dow 30 was up 600 points in just 4 days.
I felt at the time that the stock market was up in a relief … (9 comments)
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ken: STUNG BY A BEE! - 07/25/08 01:55 PM
Ouch.
When was the last time you were stung by a bee??
I took one about 45 minutes ago. On the inside of my right wrist.
I can't really blame the bee.
I am at Bear Lake, Michigan. Nickie and Erin are taking a nap.
I am having a campfire. One … (20 comments)
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ken: MY LITTLE FAMILY, 4TH OF JULY - 07/23/08 10:07 PM
Here is an overdue picture of Nicole, Erin (the short one) and myself enjoying the 4th of July. We were at Nicole's families vacation home on Bear Lake in Michigan (between Kalkaska and Grayling). Anyway, we had a great time.We will actually be going up there tomorrow for the weekend. Nicole's … (11 comments)
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ken: WHO WILL BE ABLE TO BUY A HOUSE? - 07/22/08 03:37 PM
What will the mortgage business be like in the future??
Who will be able to buy a house?
With many would be homebuyers falling behind on various payments, credit ratings across the country will be falling.
So who will be able to buy?
As the world digests the mortgage issues we are … (12 comments)
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ken: AS OIL CONTINUES TO FALL, THE DOW CONTINUES TO RISE - 07/22/08 03:15 PM
The market has continued to reverse a longer term trend of oil rising and stocks falling.
For whatever reason, oil prices took it on the chin again today, down more than $3.50/barrel. That makes a price drop of $18 or 14% in the last four days. Prices at the pump should … (4 comments)
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ken: "WE LOVE YOU KEN. WE WOULD NEVER USE ANOTHER REALTOR." - 07/21/08 03:10 PM
Funny story. True story.
It was last February. One of my listings in River Bend had just come under contract.
The next day, I hung my SOLD panel beneath my FOR SALE sign.
The only better advertisement for a Realtor than a FOR SALE sign is one with SOLD underneath it!
As … (7 comments)
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ken: TAKE PRIDE IN WHAT YOU DO. - 07/21/08 11:55 AM
Probably one of the keys to happiness. You need to take pride in what you do. Do it well.
I doesn't matter if you are an attorney, a doctor, a Realtor, a plumber or a garbage man. Take pride in what you do. Do it well.
It's funny. I used to … (4 comments)
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ken: MR. MOM - 07/21/08 10:47 AM
So it has begun. My second week as Mr. Mom!
Week one went well. It was exhausting.
Gentlemen, thank your ladies that stay at home with the kids. Try holding a conversation with a chatty two year old all day.
Nap time can't come soon enough. Anyway...
The week did go well.
… (9 comments)
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ken: BUTLER NATIONAL GOLF COURSE - 07/18/08 09:54 AM
The name of the course alone gives me chills.
I will be playing this course this afternoon with friends.
A private all mens club, Butler hosted the Western Open here in the western suburbs of Chicago for many years. Due to their less than politcally correct membership, the Western Open has … (9 comments)
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ken: I AM NO SALESMAN... - 07/17/08 08:22 PM
Ok. We all know it. I am not a salesman. But...
I think if a buyer gets spooked easily, they shouldn't be buying.
I just read a post of Valerie Osterhoudt. She was concerned that a home inspector was spooking her would be buyers.
My comment was:
Hi Valerie. I think if a … (9 comments)
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ken: SO HOW DO I LIKE KELLER WILLIAMS SO FAR?? - 07/17/08 04:32 PM
I am asked this question all the time. It is good people care.
My answer is usually this:
I like it a lot. The different systems are challenging. I am learning lots of new software. That usually takes time for me.
But I have liked it a lot.
I am … (15 comments)
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ken: WHAT'S MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT NAPERVILLE? - 07/15/08 01:04 PM
This was a question asked of my by one of my readers this morning?
My city of Naperville (sounds a little possessive, doesn't it) has just been Rated the Number 3 City to live in by Money magazine. This ranking is nothing new for Naperville. It has become commonplace the last … (8 comments)
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ken: NAPERVILLE NO. 3 ON "BEST PLACES TO LIVE" LIST - 07/15/08 09:41 AM
For the fifth time in six years, Money magazine ranked west suburban Naperville as one of the best places in the country to live.
From the August issue of the magazine, Money credited Naperville's popular downtown, fantastic public schools and proximity to Chicago when it ranked the suburb third out of 100 American cities.
… (3 comments)
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ken: "DON'T EVEN BOTHER" - 07/13/08 01:24 PM
People are funny. They are all different.
There are happy people and sad people.
Cheerful people and grumpy people.
I noticed this as I was hanging my newsletter this morning in one of my farm areas, Carrolwood in Naperville Illinois.
It was a beautiful day. Sunday morning. People walking their dogs … (17 comments)
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ken: A BEAUTIFUL MORNING FOR FARMING - 07/13/08 01:02 PM
It was gorgeous out this morning. A little breezy for my tastes, but no humidity and temperatures in the upper 70's here in Naperville, Illinois.
It was a beautiful morning for more farming.
We were back at it again this morning. Nickie and I pulled into Carrolwood subdivision just after 10:30 … (7 comments)
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ken: KEN'S CARROLWOOD NEWSLETTER, NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS - 07/13/08 12:30 PM
… (2 comments)
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ken: COFFEE BREAK - 07/10/08 07:00 AM
It's 6:51 AM. Why is the coffee taking so long??
Today should be a good day. A new day.
My wife is going in to her new job today. She will be taking over the position as pediatric dietitcian at Central DuPage Hospital.
It's a great job. Good pay. Great benefits.
… (15 comments)
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ken: WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE MEAN? - 07/09/08 07:21 PM
Just curious. Was it nature or nurture?
I wrote a post today about a letter written by an apparently disturbed reader titled, My boss received an anonymous letter. The letter had no return address. I am fairly confident I know who wrote the letter. It is someone I have never spoken with and … (13 comments)
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ken: MY BOSS RECEIVED AN ANONYMOUS LETTER TODAY!!! - 07/09/08 03:44 PM
The letter was written by a "fan" here on Active Rain. Someone that apparently gets very upset at my blog. Someone at least slightly disturbed.
She may have worked for my old company, but certainly not my old office. She has never met me, I am sure of that.
Since the author obviously put … (29 comments)
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ken: IT TAKES AWHILE TO CHANGE - 07/08/08 04:40 PM
At least for me it does.
I mean change offices. Real estate offices.
I was an agent at one office for almost three years. It was where I got started. It was a large part of my real estate identity.
Probably too much.
So it was time for a change.
But … (13 comments)
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ken: ARE YOU MAKING CHANGES BECAUSE OF GAS PRICES? - 07/01/08 05:04 PM
I paid $4.25 for a gallon of gas today. That is a new record for me. Just the cheap stuff, too. So I was wondering,...
Are you making any changes because of the high gas prices?
I know I am.
Specifically, we will be driving my sister-in-law's Honda Accord to vacation … (18 comments)
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ken: MORNING CUP OF COFFEE - 07/01/08 07:28 AM
Ahhh. Just starting my second cup of coffee.
My original plan was to start blogging on my first cup. I was sidetracked.
Moving is no fun. Whether you are moving homes or places of employment. There are lots of headaches involved.
And I have moved homes and employment.
So I have … (11 comments)
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ken: Buying a Phoenix Home?? Read - ABC's of Real Estate Investing - Ken McElroy - 06/30/08 09:52 AM
if you search at Amazon -Real Estate Investing, you return 8,589
I have not read them all. though, I have read many.
One in particular book for Home buyers and/or sellers and real estate investors that I recommend is
#3 on the search results is a book from the Rich Dad … (4 comments)
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ken: KELLER WILLIAMS - 06/25/08 01:58 PM
In the end, it was probably time for a change.
I had a good two and a half years at my last company. I learned tons about real estate. I learned tons about myself. I learned I had tons more to learn.
But, it was time to change. And I have.
… (29 comments)
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ken: KEY LIME PIE - 06/24/08 09:26 PM
Mmmmm good.
I am having my third piece. Not real big pieces. But tasty.
Not too sweet. A bit tart. Just right.
When you start with a crumbling grahm cracker crust, how can you go wrong??
I did my yoga this morning. And ran three times last week. I have been … (14 comments)
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ken: A KELLER WILLIAMS BOOK, A RE/MAX HAT - 06/24/08 07:51 PM
I was just relaxing on my in-laws back deck.
It is a beautiful evening in Naperville. Perfect early summer. Not too warm. The sun is just starting to set.
I was reading a book. A book written by Gary Keller. Founder of Keller Williams Realty. Big time Realtor. Good book.
Yet … (17 comments)
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ken: WHY BE OFFENDED BY FEE/MAX?? - 06/21/08 01:11 PM
I wrote a post yesterday titled "WHY IT IS A GREAT TIME TO GET "IN" TO REAL ESTATE". I thought it was a fairly positive post about the market and our profession. In it I not so subtly referred to RE/MAX as FEE/MAX.
The "FEE/MAX" reference offended a local RE/MAX agent. Most … (19 comments)
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ken: THE PERFECT TIME TO GET "IN" TO REAL ESTATE - 06/20/08 02:58 PM
I write a lot about my life. I have struggles. Financial struggles. But, I want to make it clear that this is...
THE PERFECT TIME TO GET "IN" TO REAL ESTATE
It is.
I don't care if you live in Las Vegas, Chicago, Miami, New York, Austin, Atlanta, or my little … (18 comments)
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ken: RE/MAX vs. KELLER WILLIAMS - 06/20/08 11:16 AM
So it looks like this is my decision.
RE/MAX vs. KELLER WILLIAMS
After a somewhat in debth search for my next office, these are the two the seem to match my needs the most.
They are very similar from a business standpoint.
Both give the agents lots of independence. Both have a very high payout schedule … (24 comments)
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ken: MY DECISION? - 06/19/08 08:14 PM
Keller Williams? RE/MAX? Baird&Warner? Ryan Hill? Coldwell Banker? Tracy Real Estate?
I think I know. I will decide by Monday. I am itching to be a Realtor again.
There are homes that need sold.
Ken
… (10 comments)
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ken: THE INTERVIEW PROCESS - 06/18/08 10:26 PM
Choosing a brokerage firm to hang my license has been more challenging than I thought.
You may know I parted ways with my old office, a RE/MAX office, about 3 weeks ago. Since then, I have done a slow search for a new place to build my business.
These have been stressful times. … (12 comments)
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ken: STREAMLINING OPERATIONS - 06/17/08 10:33 AM
Sometimes one needs to take a look at their lives and figure out where they can streamline operations.
That's what we have done. We have cut expenses, looked for other forms of income, and are excited about the next phase of our lives/business development.
It is apparent I bit off more than I … (10 comments)
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ken: GOOD NEWS ON HOME SALES - 06/11/08 05:30 AM
According to the Associated Press:
Pending home sales unexpectedly rose in April to the highest reading since October. The National Association of Realtors' seasonally adjusted index of pending sales for existing homes rose to 88.2 from a March reading of 83.0 (the lowest level since the index started in 2001).
Pending … (10 comments)
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ken: WE ARE RUDE - 06/10/08 12:27 PM
We are rude. We are. We are rude and unprofessional.
I write this post from an unusual perspective.
I am a renter and a Realtor in the lovely city of Naperville. My landlord wants to sell our home. We cannot afford to buy it.
So we don't want the home to sell. Anyway...
The … (19 comments)
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ken: "JUST A GREAT PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY" - 06/10/08 06:27 AM
Good morning. It's just after 6:00 AM. Feeling better.
I was laying in bed this morning listening to my favorite talk radio program when a commercial interrupted my peace.
It was a womans voice on the commercial. It was a familiar voice.
IT WAS A NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS COMMERCIAL!!
Most of the commercial was … (8 comments)
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ken: IT'S UP TO NICKIE - 06/09/08 02:18 PM
My wife Nicole is interviewing for a job. She is at Central DuPage Hospital right now. She is interviewing for the pediatric dietician position that just became available.
She has interviewed for the same position at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor last week. I believe she has that job … (7 comments)
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ken: HOW I MADE $2,000,000 AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT - 06/07/08 07:25 PM
This story has a happy ending.
About 2 and a half years ago, I began writing. I was a brand new agent and was excited.
I was so excited that I titled my unwritten book How I Made $2,000,000 as a Real Estate Agent.
Admittedly, an ambitious title for a guy … (7 comments)
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ken: STARTING FRESH - 06/05/08 08:40 PM
I expect to have a new office tomorrow.
I am excited.
In the last week, I have lost my email as well as my MLS connection. I am feeling out of contact.
Somewhat lost and aimless.
I miss trying to sell homes.
I have been busy the last week. So much … (13 comments)
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ken: I WANT THIS OFFICE TO BE RIGHT FOR ME! - 06/05/08 11:23 AM
I am at a key moment in my career. Perhaps I am making too big of a deal of the decision but...
I am seriously considering joining a small real estate company in downtown Naperville named Ryan Hill.
I want to get started. The sooner I hang my license, the sooner I … (10 comments)
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ken: OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS! - 06/04/08 04:34 PM
In case anyone has been reading and cares, good news maybe.
Nickie (my wife) has an interview in her field (pediatric nutrition) on Monday at Central DuPage Hospital. This would be close to Naperville.
I also met a nice lady, Teresa Ryan. She is broker owner at a cool real estate office downtown Naperville.
… (13 comments)
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ken: TERESA RYAN - 06/04/08 01:35 PM
I met an interesting lady this morning. Her name was Teresa Ryan.
She is broker/owner of a small real estate company in downtown Naperville called Ryan Hill Realty.
The office is cool. Probably 35 agents. Right on the main street through town, Jefferson Avenue.
Incredible location. Bars, restaurants, retail.
They have a … (5 comments)
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ken: TRACY REAL ESTATE ???? - 06/03/08 05:31 PM
?
… (10 comments)
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ken: ALWAYS TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES - 06/03/08 12:27 PM
That was the message an agent friend of mine named Carole Baloun shared at an office meeting.
"Always take off your shoes. It shows respect," Carole would say.
She was right.
Last night I was at a friends house having a beer on his back deck. I needed to go inside, paused at the screen … (13 comments)
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ken: TOUCH OF IRONY - 06/02/08 11:42 AM
So I stopped by my old office yesterday to clean out my mailbox. If you are one of my usual readers, then you know that I was just fired. Anyway...
In my mailbox there was a large white envelope. I opened it up and found a nice trophy along with a congratulatory … (21 comments)
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ken: INTERESTING STATS FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS - 06/01/08 05:53 PM
Some interesting stats from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
The median income for a Realtor in 2007 was $42,000. That was down about 11% from 2006.
The median income for a Realtor with:
Two or less years of experience: $10,500.Three to six years of experience: $34,600.Six to 15 years experience: … (17 comments)
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ken: DETROIT. THE BEST REAL ESTATE MARKET AROUND. - 05/31/08 12:32 PM
I think real estate is the best investment. Period. I do.
There is only so much land. They can't make any more. The world is finite.
That being said, we look to buy low and sell high.
Therefore, buying real estate in 2008 is probably a great investment.
Will we be … (11 comments)
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ken: I WAS JUST FIRED - 05/28/08 04:56 PM
That's right. I was just fired.
My boss was fairly cool about it. We just got off the phone.
I have been at one office my whole career. Started in October 2005. Now I need to find another office.
He has been unhappy with my production. Heck, I am unhappy with … (38 comments)
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ken: WE WILL BE MOVING - 05/27/08 07:23 PM
We found out the news on Friday.
Our landlord will be selling our home. We need to be out around the middle of June.
Bummer.
We love this home.
It's in a perfect little spot, less than 2 miles from downtown Naperville. Big trees. Great neighbors. Perfect location.
Pleasantville.
We will … (18 comments)
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