naperville: INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE 101 - 05/17/08 03:36 PM
BUY LOW. SELL HIGH.
Why do we all do it backwards???
Believe me I know. After 15 years in the financial sales industry, I understand investors.
I understand people.
We all talk of buying low and selling high.
But for some reason, we do the opposite. We all do.
It was true … (6 comments)
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naperville: INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - 05/17/08 02:55 PM
Anyone looking for a great investment property??
With the real estate market down about 10% in the last two years, now is the time to be investing.
Not two years ago.
I know of a home in a wonderful neighborhood that will be coming on the market in the next month … (0 comments)
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naperville: IT'S QUIET - 05/16/08 09:38 AM
Almost too quiet.
"It feels like an October day," I told Nicole yesterday.
Yes it was cloudy and cool in Naperville Illinois.
But I wan't talking about the weather.
It's May 16th.
And it feels like the spring real estate rush has come and gone.
The dog days of summer will … (12 comments)
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naperville: Rental Market Booming - 05/16/08 12:06 AM
With the end of the school year fast approaching, the home rental market is hotter than ever in the Naperville area. There are students rushing to lock in housing for the upcoming school year.
Then too are the people that over leveraged and now find themselves out of their home. Thankfully, … (0 comments)
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naperville: HAND WRITTEN NOTES - 05/15/08 12:35 PM
Ouch. Writers cramp setting in. I sure glad I am not in school anymore...
21 NOTES.
That is where I am at.
In an effort to get back to basics I have begun writing 100 notes to past clients, friends, family members, etc..
I have written 21.
Notes are effective. People like … (18 comments)
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naperville: "IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE TOUGH" - 05/14/08 05:50 PM
"It's supposed to be tough," I told my friend today outside of the Naperville Starbucks.
He was feeling bad. Bad for me. He had been reading my blog.
"I just don't want to read any more about you that rips my heart out," he said.
Wow, I thought. It rips your heart … (15 comments)
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naperville: "HOW CAN I HELP YOU?" - 05/14/08 01:19 PM
I write that today not as a question.
It is my business philosophy.
My strategy.
My plan.
It's simple.
I am here to help. I am. I would do my job for free if I could because I love what I do.
I want to help you with your real estate needs.
I … (8 comments)
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naperville: WE HAVE TO TELL THEM THEY ARE OVERPRICED - 05/13/08 12:03 PM
We have to stop blaming the market. We have to stop blaming the media.
And we have to at least TELL THEM THEY ARE OVERPRICED.
They are.
If a clients home is on the market and not getting shown and/or getting no offers, they are overpriced.
I have had so many clients ask me, "Why do … (24 comments)
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naperville: IS YOUR HOME REALLY FOR SALE?? - 05/13/08 05:25 AM
Or is that FOR SALE sign in your yard just an ornament?
I drive a lot. Most of us do.
On many of the streets I drive down, I will pass the same FOR SALE signs month after month after month.
I think there should be a law against it. Any FOR SALE sign … (15 comments)
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naperville: THANKS KEVIN O'SHEA - 05/12/08 07:06 PM
I would like to thank Kevin O'Shea of White Plains New York. He had commented on one of my previous posts, I hate my job right now.
His comment was:
Hi Ken,
Take a day or a few hours and do something non-Real Estate.
Come back a little refreshed, send cards to … (13 comments)
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naperville: MY WIFE WANTS TO MOVE TO ANN ARBOR. - 05/12/08 03:38 PM
It's a race against time. My wife is scolding me as I type. She just told me we "Might potentially stay in Ann Arbor for ever."
FOREVER!!
I have never even been to Ann Arbor. Can I sell homes there?? I can sell homes anywhere.
I went to University of Illinois. … (11 comments)
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naperville: I HATE MY JOB RIGHT NOW - 05/12/08 02:53 PM
I HATE MY JOB RIGHT NOW!!! I am tired. Perhaps in a grumpy mood.
I just finished walking one of my farm areas, River Bend. This is a neighborhood I lived in for 5 years. Nice townhomes from the high 200Ks to the low 300Ks.
It was a beautiful day. I … (10 comments)
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naperville: 31 MONTHS. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED?? - 05/12/08 08:38 AM
October 12, 2005. A date that will live in infamy. At least for me.
That is the date that I began the madness. That is the date that I sat down in my local RE/MAX office, signed my first contract, and began my career of real estate sales.
That was two years and … (12 comments)
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naperville: SUBSCRIBERS - 05/10/08 10:18 PM
OK. Probably another cheesy post.
But I do love subscribers. They are better than points. They are better than featured posts.
They are the best.
I write this as I just hit my 50th subscriber today. I thought that was cool until I learned Jason Crouch had more than 550.
I … (15 comments)
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naperville: Naperville, IL Currently Available Homes by Price and Time on Market for April, 2008 - 05/10/08 10:05 PM
The table below lists all of the single family detached and single family attached homes currently on the market in Naperville, IL. The data lists available homes by price range with average time on market in each range.
Should you have an interest in homes in a selected … (2 comments)
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naperville: MY DAY - 05/10/08 09:26 PM
Hello. It's about 9:20. Nicole is putting Erin to bed. We were at a party in the neighborhood.
We had a real nice time.
Today was slow for me, real estate wise. Nobody wanted to buy or sell a house today with me. That's too bad.
So I met more people. … (2 comments)
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naperville: WHAT'S MY HOME WORTH? - 05/10/08 11:49 AM
Great question. I am glad you asked.
Your home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it when properly marketed.
That's it. Not one penny more.
I am sorry if this is bad news for you.
But Ken, I paid X for my home three years ago. Isn't … (7 comments)
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naperville: REAL ESTATE NEWS - 05/10/08 09:59 AM
So I was sipping my coffee this morning. Dunkin Donuts. Hazelnut. With a little French Vanilla Coffee Mate. Full Fat.
Delicious.
Reading my paper (the Chicago Tribune) on a Saturday morning. I love reading the paper. Great way to start the day.
I start with the business section. Probably an old habit … (12 comments)
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naperville: WHAT I WOULD LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT - 05/09/08 06:03 PM
WHAT I WOULD LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT
1. A GOOD COMMUNICATOR. I want to be kept up to date with the sales process. I also want my phone calls and emails returned in a reasonable period of time.
2. LOW COMMISSION. I would. I am cheap. I have … (21 comments)
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naperville: HOW LONG SHOULD A LISTING AGREEMENT LAST? - 05/09/08 05:00 PM
Listing agreements. Probably the most important part of a Realtors job. Getting listings.
Listings are the name of the game. Listings attract buyers.
Without listings, a real estate agent is out of a job.
So how long should a listing agreement last?
If I were a client, I would not want to sign a listing agreement … (7 comments)
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naperville: FOR SALE BY OWNER - 05/09/08 03:33 PM
I think it's about time I touch on this subject.
If you are thinking of selling your home, you may have considered the option of FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO).
If you have, I don't begrudge you at all. Who wants to pay commission?
It's your home. You have every right … (6 comments)
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naperville: JUST THE FACTS FROM KEN - 05/09/08 12:55 PM
WARNING. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A POST WITH FLUFF, LOOK ELSEWHERE. IF YOU WANT STRAIGHT TALK, KEEP READING.
Good. Now that I have put my little disclaimer up, I am free to write away.
THE REAL ESTATE MARKET SUCKS.
That's right, it sucks.
If you bought your home between 2002 … (17 comments)
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naperville: "I THINK WE ARE GOING TO RENT OUT OUR HOME" - 05/09/08 11:21 AM
"I think we are going to rent our home for a year," said my prospect about 5 minutes ago.
"Really, why are you going to do that?" I asked.
"Because we won't be able to get full value with the market today," he responded.
Hmmm. Very interesting.
Full value?? I always thought … (8 comments)
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naperville: "THIS IS A NORMAL MARKET" - 05/08/08 11:57 AM
"This is a normal market," repeats my broker. Over and over and over again.
His idea of a normal market is if you price a home right, it will sell. Therefore this is a normal market.
I would bet most of the agents in my office get tired of hearing this.
But I agree. … (15 comments)
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naperville: JERRY MCGUIRE - 05/08/08 08:57 AM
Do you remember the movie Jerry Mcguire? It was a great movie starring Tom Cruise in the title role.
The movie begins with Jerry as a high powered sports agent. He has it all.
Beautiful fiance, tons of "friends", great job, lots of money, a big office.
He had it all. Or so he … (7 comments)
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naperville: THE POSITIVE CLUB - 05/07/08 04:05 PM
I am sure most of the realtors that are reading this have heard of Floyd Wickman. He is one of the Hall of Fame real estate coaches. Evidently very successful.
When I first began in real estate in the fall of 2005, I took a Floyd Wickman sales training course.
I thought … (14 comments)
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naperville: DID HE AT LEAST GIVE YOU THE LISTING? - 05/06/08 10:26 PM
A fair question. One I was asked this evening by a friend.
You see, my landlord wants to sell the home I live in. He has tried before. Twice.
But he wants to try again. He will be putting it on the market in June.
That will be weird...
We like this house.
We love … (8 comments)
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naperville: HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING OUT? - 05/06/08 02:37 PM
Yes I have. Thanks for asking.
I know many of you have been concerned about my fitness.
Well put your fears at rest. I have been working out. I just haven't had time to post about it.
So far this week...
Monday: At the YMCA, I climbed aboard my trusty treadmill located in the … (12 comments)
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naperville: FINDING FORRESTER - 05/06/08 02:11 PM
Did anyone else see Finding Forrester? I thought it was a good movie.
Sean Connery is the star. His character, William Forrester, is a famous writer who has been in seclusion for a long, long time.
Forrester befriends a young inner city youth who has a gift for writing.
The scene that I always think … (3 comments)
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naperville: SUPER COOL OR SUPER FOOL? - 05/05/08 05:47 PM
I need to know. I need to know now.
It's Cinco de Mayo. We have a friend, his wife, and their son over for dinner and drinks.
Here is my dilemma. I am wearing nice shorts, a cool shirt, and Dansko Professionals. No socks.
They are a clog type shoe. Great shoe.
But with shorts?
I … (5 comments)
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naperville: CINCO DE MAYO - 05/05/08 04:26 PM
Felicitaciones. Hoy es Cinco de Mayo.
Una dia muy importante por muchos Mexicanos. Y para mi tambien.
Mi esposa y yo fueron en su primero cita en Cinco de Mayo. Muchos margaritas. Un restaurante se llama "Cesars" en Chicago.
Puedo hablar y escribir un poco. Pero tengo muchos amigos hispanoblantes en "real estate."
Si quieren ayudar … (4 comments)
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naperville: FOUR LAKES CONDOS: BEACH VOLLEYBALL AND SNOW SKIING IN THE WESTERN SUBURBS - 05/05/08 03:51 PM
Yes that's right. You can have beach volleyball and snow skiing in the western suburbs of Chicago.
All just a short drive from downtown Naperville.
Where is this paradise? What is it named?
Why its FOUR LAKES in Lisle, Illinois. Just 30 miles from Chicago.
Singles, Doubles, Triples and Quads. Come one come all.
Nice condos. … (0 comments)
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naperville: HOW DO YOU GET MORE HOME FOR THE MONEY? - 05/05/08 03:29 PM
I was walking back from a local store. I had walked through the neighborhoods on the way there, so on the way back I decided to walk down the main street here in Naperville, Washington Street.
It's fairly busy at this part of town, cars traveling 40 or so miles per hour.
There … (2 comments)
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naperville: THEY'RE HOME!! - 05/05/08 12:58 PM
My open house was just about to wrap up. I was ready for it to be over.
At 3:55 yesterday afternoon, I started packing up. Put my papers away, popped on my sunglasses (it was a beautiful day) and started going room to room shutting off the lights.
I heard a noise. What … (2 comments)
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naperville: DRIVING THE LIMO THIS MORNING - 05/05/08 12:18 PM
My day started early today. Alarm set for 5:30 AM. I hate alarms.
That might be the best part of real estate. No more alarms.
But I was driving the limo this morning. I had a 7:20 pickup. In Bolingbrook.
Had to leave Action Limo by 6:30 AM.
I picked up a nice young lady … (3 comments)
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naperville: HELLO - 05/04/08 08:24 PM
Hello. Tired. Comfortable. At peace.
For the time being.
It has been a great weekend. No contracts. Yet.
I don't think I can measure my productivity that way.
I am becoming a lead getting machine. And I am getting better. Every day.
It's ridiculous. And exciting. It's almost not fair.
I swear. I don't try at all.
Except … (6 comments)
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naperville: FOOD STAMPS - 05/04/08 09:30 AM
Sunday morning is probably my favorite time of the week.
The Chicago Tribune is huge, with lots of extra sections to read.
The coffee always seems to taste great on Sunday mornings too.
I have just finished off the paper. Nicole and Erin are on their way to church. Nicole is searching … (21 comments)
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naperville: WHY RE/MAX? - 05/03/08 11:24 PM
I was showing a home to a friend of mine the other day. His name is Jeff. We had met at Starbucks.
"Why RE/MAX?" Jeff asked over his hot cafe latte.
I paused. I thought of all the lines I have been told about RE/MAX. Nobody sells more homes! :)
But, I fumbled, just like I … (11 comments)
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naperville: AN EMOTIONAL FEW DAYS - 05/03/08 10:19 PM
Poverty. Stress. Anxiety. Despair. Panic. Fear.
Hope. Opportunity. Peace. Happiness. Glee. Fortune.
Why do I do this? To me? To my family?
Why couldn't I have been one of those behind the desk guys. 9 to 5. Paycheck every two weeks. A bonus at the end of the year. No.
I chose a path of … (20 comments)
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naperville: PRICING - 05/03/08 02:46 PM
PRICING IS THE NUMBER ONE FACTOR IN SELLING YOUR HOME.
What about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION? Well, unless we can move your house, its PRICING, PRICING, PRICING!
Is your home on the market? Has it been for a LONG LONG TIME?
Are you getting any showings?
If you are getting showings, but no offer, then your home … (17 comments)
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naperville: RIVER BEND LISLE: TOWNHOMES WITH STYLE - 05/03/08 01:24 PM
River Bend, a lovely subdivision of higher end townhomes in Lisle, Illinois, has seen plenty of real estate activity over the last few weeks.
These homes, typically priced from the high 200's to the mid 300's are located just an easy drive to downtown Naperville.
There are currently 9 homes for sale in … (0 comments)
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naperville: ANOTHER CUSTOMER SERVED - 05/03/08 12:55 PM
So I just got back from Evanston. I had my first long distance showing.
I recently wrote that I am easy, my statement that I was willing to show any home any time anywhere to almost any one.
I just tested that theory today.
I met a nice young couple, Ron and Rose, outside of … (7 comments)
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naperville: MY FIRST LONG DISTANCE SHOWING - 05/02/08 10:54 PM
So I wrote the other day how I was easy.
In it I wrote how I would show any home at any time to any one.
Maybe I am crazy.
We have our first test tomorrow.
I will be showing a home in Evanston, Illinois. Two homes actually.
We are meeting at 10 AM. What time … (14 comments)
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naperville: Ahhh. That's better. I lost a subscriber. - 05/02/08 01:16 PM
I feel my stress fade away. I just wrote a blog begging for support over advice.
I just lost a subscriber over it. I may lose more.
That's too bad. But I guess it's ok, too.
You see, I am hoping my little "blog world" will be a world of support. A world where … (10 comments)
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naperville: PLEASE NO MORE UNSOLICITED ADVICE. I AM BEGGING. - 05/02/08 12:20 PM
I write lots of posts. This is post 146. I have written as many as 5 in a day.
I don't know if the content is good. I hope it is.
Either way, I know I love writing. So I write on.
I write about lots of things.
Family, Real Estate, Yoga, Golf, Coffee, Fishing. … (23 comments)
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naperville: MY WIFE JUST KICKED ME DOWNSTAIRS - 05/01/08 08:44 PM
That's it. I was trying to be a good husband.
I was busy today. For some reason the real estate gods smiled on me. It was good.
So I thought I should spend time with my wife.
I was even being sweeter than that. I was putting away the dishes.
After about two minutes, she said "Ken, … (11 comments)
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naperville: "WELCOME TO THE PROSPECTING BUSINESS!" - 05/01/08 11:43 AM
Gary Jacklin is a good man. He is the broker owner at my office RE/MAX Action.
We have fought. Plenty of times. But he is still a good man.
I have threatened to quit. He has threatened to fire me.
When I first became a licensed real estate agent in October 2005, I interviewed at a local Coldwell … (6 comments)
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naperville: THE BROOKFIELD ZOO - 04/30/08 07:46 PM
We had a nice day. It was Erin's birthday. She is two.
What better way to spend a day than at the zoo.
We got on the road early for us, about 9:30 this morning.
First I had to take care of the coffee, the paper, and several real estate related/blogging type activities.
Traffic … (6 comments)
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naperville: Naperville, Illinois Area Photos - 04/30/08 04:46 PM
Here are some of the reasons why I love living in Naperville, Illinois
All photos are in and around the Naperville Area and Downtown Naperville. Our Downtown is our main attraction, gives visitors the feel of big city living but with a friendly … (22 comments)
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naperville: I'M CHEAP. I'M GOOD. MY HOMES SELL. USE ME. - 04/30/08 04:06 PM
That's right.
I'M CHEAP. I'M GOOD. MY HOMES SELL. USE ME.
I just wanted to get it out there one more time.
I specialize in Naperville and Lisle but have worked all over Chicagoland.
A quality product at a quality price.
I would love any referrals, happily pay out a 35% referral fee to agents, and … (7 comments)
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naperville: SOUL SEARCHING - 04/30/08 08:07 AM
It's 7:30 AM. April 30. Erin's birthday (she's two today, and very cute).
Nicole and Erin are upstairs still sleeping. They both need it. We have had a whirlwind last few days.
I guess our lives are always a whirlwind.
We are going to the zoo for Erin's birthday. She should be getting old enough … (9 comments)
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naperville: IS ANYONE ELSE EATING ICE CREAM?? - 04/28/08 09:43 PM
I came down to my computer to do some serious work. You know, searching the MLS, emailing clients, updating pictures. All of the mundane tasks we are required to do.
But instead, I chose to read about what others were up to...
But instead, I wondered, IS ANYONE ELSE EATING ICE CREAM?
I mean, … (29 comments)
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naperville: IS IT OUR JOB TO MOTIVATE? - 04/28/08 07:50 PM
I think not. It does not matter buyer or seller.
I do not think it is our job to motivate.
I think if a person really wants to buy or sell a home, I should not have to be chasing them down. After all...
They need to show me they really want it. Because … (12 comments)
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naperville: I NEED SELLERS! - 04/28/08 05:55 PM
My boss always likes to say the market is the market. There are no such things as good and bad markets. They are all just markets.
I understand what he means. He is saying that there is always a buyer for every home. The home just needs to be priced correctly. And that's one … (10 comments)
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naperville: LEHIGH STATION. WHAT WENT WRONG? - 04/28/08 12:50 PM
My wife and I rented a home in a subdivision named Lehigh Station last year. Lehigh is in Aurora, right on the border with Naperville.
The subdivision was brand new, built behind a Meijer and near a shopping mall. It was probably only 50% built when I moved in.
Originally priced between … (2 comments)
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naperville: HOME VALUES. SHOULD WE BE AT 2002 PRICES? - 04/27/08 08:52 PM
I was showing townhomes this morning. My old neighborhood. River Bend.
I met my clients at the usual spot. Starbucks.
I enjoy meeting clients at Starbucks. It seems to put them at ease. Happy. Who doesn't like a free cup of coffee?
I feel it is a good $5 investment.
I was showing a young … (14 comments)
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naperville: DO REAL ESTATE AGENTS NEED SPECIFIC SCHEDULES? - 04/26/08 10:16 AM
Do real estate agents need specific schedules?
I mean the 9 to 7 Monday thru Thursday and all day Saturday type schedules. You know, schedules.
They have not worked for me.
Before I was a real estate agent, I worked at a Bank One in Lemont Illinois. That job almost killed me. … (22 comments)
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naperville: WHEN I GET OUT OF THE DARK PLACE, YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO STAND ME! - 04/25/08 11:34 AM
This is a warning to my readers. When I get out of my Dark Place, you will not be able to stand me.
Really, ask my friends. (yes, I actually have some)
I right this post, because Ron Tarvin recently encouraged me "to get out of the Dark Place".
I think Ron thinks I need … (10 comments)
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naperville: THE PERFECT STORM - 04/25/08 09:45 AM
CNBC is on. I don't know why I watch it anymore. I guess it makes me laugh.
Oh, there was a time when I watched it professionally. Back in my days as a stock broker and then as a stock trader. I used to do probably 10 trades a day. On average. … (6 comments)
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naperville: REAL ESTATE NEWS FRIDAY APRIL 25TH - 04/25/08 08:34 AM
So I wrote a post yesterday, titled Housing Decline-What is really going on.
In it, I thought that we real estate agents are spending too much time blaming the media for their coverage of the housing market.
I thought our time would be better spent getting our homes priced right so they … (4 comments)
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naperville: I CAN SELL ANY HOME. I JUST HOPE IT DOESN'T SMELL. - 04/24/08 12:29 PM
That's right. You have a home? You need it sold? I will sell it for you.
Paint chipping? That's ok.
Small yard? Low maintenance.
Big yard? Nature lovers delight.
Dirty carpeting? Old appliances? Holes in wall? Drippy ceiling?
It's a fixer upper. Those sell the best.
But in my 2 and a 1/2 years of experience, THE HARDEST THING … (15 comments)
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naperville: HOUSING DECLINE-WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON? - 04/24/08 11:42 AM
So I read in the Chicago Tribune that home sales in Illinois were down 29.5% in March 2008 as compared to March 2007.
As a real estate agent, I think that sucks.
That means there were 30% less PAY CHECKS handed out to realtors last month.
I am a realtor so I find this VERY OFFENSIVE.
Many agents blame … (12 comments)
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naperville: GEORGE - 04/24/08 07:06 AM
It was a beautiful evening last night in Naperville.
The temperature was in the mid 60s. No wind. It was just after 7:00 PM.
My wife and daughter had gone for a short walk in the neighborhood. I was tired from MY WEDNESDAY WORKOUT.
So I sat on my driveway drinking a cold … (7 comments)
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naperville: MY COFFEE CLUB - 04/24/08 06:32 AM
OK. It is not much of a coffee club. A club of one. Does anyone else want to join?
But I sit, sipping my first cup of coffee. Drinking out of my "Kenny" LEGO cup my wife bought me a few years ago. Very colorful.
It is just after 6:00 AM. I have … (9 comments)
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naperville: MOWING THE LAWN - 04/23/08 03:31 PM
Mowing the lawn is my favorite job. I don't really even count it as a job. A simple pleasure. Almost a hobby.
A job well done. Complete. It feels good.
As you may know, sometimes I have difficulty, how should I put it, "keeping busy".
Some days just feel a heck of a lot more productive than others.
So … (18 comments)
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naperville: MY WEDNESDAY WORKOUT - 04/23/08 11:45 AM
Ahhhh.
The best thing about running is being done running.
My little family went to the YMCA again this morning. My wife had "definition class" my daughter went to the daycare she loves ("boys, toys") and I went upstairs to the fitness deck.
My treadmill awaits!
I had lots of poisons last night. Heinekens, cookies, … (6 comments)
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naperville: BLOG SUBSCRIBER 42 - 04/22/08 08:57 PM
It's been a full three weeks. Three great weeks.
I made my pitiful rallying cry for more subscribers. It was March 31. I had gotten a taste of being popular. My post, I AM A HORRIBLE REALTOR, had just made it big time.
FEATURED STATUS ON ACTIVE RAIN.
Thank you Active Rain. Anyway...
I was suddenly … (8 comments)
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naperville: WHAT NIGHT IS IT???? - 04/22/08 08:16 PM
I have two jobs. One career. But two jobs.
One is a limo driver. I do it part time. Whenever my buddy Chris needs me, I drive for him. The money is pretty good. You can make between probably $10 and $50 per hour, depending on the job. It is a perfect … (6 comments)
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naperville: THE YOGA INSTRUCTOR - 04/22/08 04:22 PM
OK. She was just the substitute Yoga instructor.
But she is a young lady that seems to want to buy a house.
Bubbly and cute, this young lady has been looking for a first home for her and her daughter. She wants safe, close to work, second floor, nothing gross, nothing creepy, cheap, … (4 comments)
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naperville: HOW DO YOU MARKET YOURSELF? - 04/21/08 08:38 PM
The question was asked of me this morning as I sat in traffic. I was on Interstate 294 on the way to O'hare. It was about 7:30 AM. I was driving the limo.
"How do you market yourself?", my customer asked.
Hmmm. I paused before answering. I was working on only a few hours sleep for … (17 comments)
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naperville: COMMISSION - 04/21/08 06:41 PM
Hmmm...
Where to start...
Perhaps at the beginning...
When I was first studying for my real estate exam, I wanted to own my own office. Be the broker owner.
TRACY REAL ESTATE, I would call it.
I had no idea what being a broker owner even was.
I didn't even know what being a real estate agent … (12 comments)
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naperville: I LOVE OPEN HOUSES! - 04/19/08 09:52 PM
Let me tell you why:
1. If you are a seller, are you telling me you don't want your realtor having open houses? Of course you do. They bring exposure to your home. This is a good thing. Don't let anyone tell you it is not.
2. I put up as many personalized … (20 comments)
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naperville: I AM EASY!!! - 04/19/08 08:33 PM
And I am not talking in any sort of dirty or promiscuous way.
I am talking about SHOWINGS.
I AM EASY!!!!
I will show anyone, any home, any where, at almost any time.
I don't care about mortgage approval. I don't care if they meet me in the office. I don't even want to meet … (14 comments)
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naperville: The first sip of coffee - 04/17/08 07:00 AM
Ahhh. Delicious.
Dunkin Donuts. Hazelnut. Fully caffienated. With a little French Vanilla cream.
Yes, it's one of life's simple pleasures.
My wife and daughter are still sleeping. I have been up since about 5:15 this morning.
I have never been a great sleeper.
Sip. Ahh.
I am downstairs in our home office typing on the home computer. … (11 comments)
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naperville: Economic Stimulus Payments - Plainfield, Naperville IL. News - 04/16/08 09:00 PM
Basic Information on the Stimulus Payments
You've heard about it. Now find out how to get yours.
What is it? It's an economic stimulus payment that more than 130 million households will receive starting in May. It's not taxable, and it won't reduce your 2007 or 2008 refund or increase the amount you … (0 comments)
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naperville: MY FIRST FISH of 2008 - 04/16/08 02:10 PM
So I snuck out shortly after lunch today for my favorite passtime, fishing.
I know what you are thinking. How did your clients live without you?:)
Well, I figured I am special and I deserve it. So I went.
I decided to go to the West Branch of the DuPage River, just across the … (8 comments)
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naperville: My Wednesday Workout - 04/16/08 11:29 AM
I felt real good today. After being in a bit of a funk the last two days, I went to the YMCA and had a great workout.
4 miles on the treadmill. 30:23. I never race, but I do push the pace from time to time. My first mile is usually about … (7 comments)
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naperville: THE BEST ADVICE - 04/16/08 08:42 AM
Sometimes it's what you don't say.
I have written several posts about the challenges I am facing as a real estate agent. My struggles are not unique, but apparently many find them interesting.
I hope so and I try to make my writing entertaining for the reader and therapeutic for me.
I enjoy writing.
Anyway, I … (13 comments)
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naperville: Tuesday Evening - 04/15/08 09:36 PM
9;22. My wife is putting Erin to bed. We had a nice time tonight.
We went to Chris's house. He is an old friend that owns a limo company in our town. I hadn't seen him in awhile. He kicked me out of his house last time I saw him. For another post...
Anyway, … (4 comments)
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naperville: Plainfield, Naperville IL. Real Estate - 99.8% of U.S. Households NOT in Forclosure - Amazing but True! - 04/15/08 07:40 PM
Just a note on perspective for some of the foreclosure news you are seeing.
Is it rough out there? Well consider this, in a news article today, there are apparently frightening numbers on forclosure rates - " U.S. Foreclosures Jump 57%" . Awful state of affairs - right? How about … (0 comments)
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naperville: ARE SCRIPTS A MUST? - 04/15/08 11:40 AM
I am doing some soul searching. I have just finished writing a post Rethinking My Strategy. In it, I question everything I do...
Which brings me to this. Are Scripts a must??
You know the ones...
"I don't know, I haven't seen your house yet."
"I would"
"Before we begin, let me tell you how I work."
Oh, … (13 comments)
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naperville: RETHINKING MY STRATEGY - 04/15/08 10:54 AM
For too long, I have worked my "STRATEGY". It has been based on helping my clients find the perfect home. No pressure. Low cost. Very helpful.
Great product at a great price.
It hasn't worked.
Despite having about the lowest commission rates in the business and trying my best, I have NO business.
My … (10 comments)
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naperville: TUESDAY MORNING - 04/15/08 08:17 AM
So much to do. It's 8:10 AM.
We have a 9:00 Yoga class. My favorite of the week. My usual instructor was looking for a subsitute.
I hope she finds one. I need to get this body/mind ready for another fun week ahead.
I am feeling better today. It was nice to get a … (2 comments)
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naperville: TWO DAYS OF POISONS - 04/14/08 07:38 PM
If you have read my posts much, you know I write about my own personal battle of good and evil.
The battle of the bulge, if you will.
Well I lost that battle this weekend. I had my weight down to a recent memory low of 200.2 pounds on Thursday. This weekend was … (10 comments)
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naperville: THE MASTERS PARTY! - 04/14/08 11:22 AM
It was truly a grand day. The golf. The crowds. The food. The drinks.
THE ORANGE JACKET!
All were fitting for our 7th annual MASTERS PARTY!
Lets start with the golf:
On a morning where the thermometer struggled to break 40 degrees, the competitors were clad in layers and stocking hats as we huddled at … (5 comments)
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naperville: I NEED YOUR HELP ACTIVE RAIN. WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS? - 04/12/08 07:04 AM
It's 6:36 AM. Saturday. Naperville. Illinois. It's raining and very raw outside.
I have been up for a little over an hour. I am having my first sips of coffee between key strokes.
And I have some questions.
As I type, I am currently 7 days late on our rent for our home. I have … (18 comments)
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naperville: HOT BATHS - 04/11/08 07:17 PM
Do you need an escape from the stressful world of real estate??
Then I write this post for you.
I want to speak out for the wonderful experience that is the HOT BATH.
Much maligned, especially amongst the macho guy set (Do real men eat quiche?).
But the healing benefit to the body and mind is … (13 comments)
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naperville: Relationships... - 04/11/08 07:14 PM
Draft
It's all about our
Relationships...
I had a business (brainstorming)
meeting this morning (it was great as always) as
I left I thought to myself, this business is truly about
relationships (not that I didn't know that already, but this morning
just reaffirmed it). I thought … (20 comments)
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naperville: BACK AT STARBUCKS II - 04/10/08 01:24 PM
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but at Starbucks, it's quite delightful.
Here I am again. My favorite seat at my favorite Starbucks. I have my earl grey tea. I have a great spot for people watching. Four male customers (plus me) are currently here. There is a gentlemen to my left … (8 comments)
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naperville: YOGA - 04/08/08 10:43 AM
Ahh. Tuesday morning a the Y. My one class I do is the 9:00 Tuesday yoga class.
It is a great balance with the typical cardio/weight training type exercises I am used to.
Am I getting old? Mid-life crisis, perhaps. Something about focused stretching. You can't do it by yourself. Someone makes you … (9 comments)
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naperville: MONDAY NIGHT - 04/07/08 11:23 PM
So I am sitting here. Watching the wrap up of the NCAA championship game. Looks like it was a good game.
I saw about 15 seconds of it.
I was at a neighbors. He had a little fire in the back yard. He and his wife and I had a few beers … (4 comments)
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naperville: BACK AT STARBUCKS - 04/07/08 03:08 PM
I'm in my lucky seat. At my lucky Starbucks. 42 Jefferson, Naperville, Illinois. Right downtown.
Is any one in the neighborhood? Meet me for coffee or tea.:)
What makes this seat lucky? It's a small table by the front door. Great for people watching.
There are two gentlemen on the soft cushy chairs right … (13 comments)
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naperville: MY MONDAY MORNING WORKOUT - 04/07/08 10:30 AM
Bad way to start the week. I got on the scale at the YMCA and weighed 205. Three pounds heavier than Friday. Not to worry....
After a weekend of "poisons": beer, cupcakes, junk food, etc., it is not unusual for me to gain a couple pounds. I gained three. My weight will … (4 comments)
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naperville: SUNDAY AFTERNOON - 04/06/08 02:36 PM
It's a little quiet. Yes, I had showings earlier in the day. But it still is a little quiet.
Kids are out playing. People seem happy. Many walking the neighborhood.
But it seems a little quiet, this afternoon, real estate wise. Not too much Internet activity, and my phone is eerily quiet.
My wife … (6 comments)
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naperville: A lovely morning! - 04/06/08 11:36 AM
My wife, daughter and I just got back from a beautiful walk around the neighborhood. Spring is such a nice time. After feeling cooped up for the last several months, it feels wonderful having the windows open.
My little girl is playing with a ball on our front stoop. She couldn't walk … (9 comments)
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naperville: HOW HONEST SHOULD I BE? - 04/04/08 11:06 PM
Just a question? I am a straightforward guy. Most like me. Some really don't.
I guess you can't please everybody. But if you are trying your best to be nice and please others, it is disappointing when people don't "get you". Lots of pressure.
So here I am. It's 11:01. PM. Letterman's … (6 comments)
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naperville: ON MY WAY TO #5 - 04/03/08 10:52 AM
I have been an active writer on this forum since February 15th. I have written 60 posts. I have made 361 comments on other posts, and received over 400 comments on mine.
Do I really have that much to say?
With 23 subscribers and growing, I hope I don't let you down...
I am … (15 comments)
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naperville: WAS I DREAMING??? - 04/03/08 09:57 AM
This morning, as I lay in bed listening to my little radio trying to drift off back to sleep, I heard that there is a proposal to give a tax credit of $7000 for those purchasing a foreclosed home and or new construction.
Was I dreaming? I hope so.
Are we trying … (4 comments)
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naperville: BLITZ!!! - 04/02/08 03:34 PM
What a beautiful day. This was a day to be outside. So, since I had no clients to be outside with...
I did our MAPLEBROOK MARKET BLITZ!
What the heck is that? Well, I walked my neighborhood hanging Market Updates (neighborhood stats, my FACE) on the doors. There is probably another 100-150 more homes that … (3 comments)
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naperville: "THE NICKIE INDICATOR" - 04/02/08 12:04 PM
I think it happened today. There are subtle clues. You really have to be watching close to even notice. But it happened today...
The real estate season for the Chicago area began today!
Sure, the economists and "experts" will tell you that the real estate market kicks off after the Superbowl, but...
Does a hangover … (2 comments)
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