palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Who's Minding The Store While You're At The Trade Show? - 12/29/07 06:22 PM
We all want to have the latest toys. New and improved? Yeah, we want it.
Will it get more traffic to my site? I'm in.
Will I get more leads? That's what I want!
OK, so if our goal is to get more traffic, which will hopefully get those interested in our … (35 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Joy To The World - 12/25/07 08:47 AM
The carefully wrapped presents are unwrapped now. Shreds of papers strewn about. Some glittery bows catch my eye. The kids are playing with some of their new gifts. A couple of people are back in bed sleeping since they got up so early.
We celebrated Noche Buena last night. This morning we … (28 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Holiday Memories - Cuban Style! - 12/18/07 04:26 AM
One of the childhood memories I have is of being 9 or so and being allowed to taste Crema de Vie. It's a traditional Cuban drink and it made it's appearance every Noche Buena in the hands of our ever-feisty and never-boring little-old-Cuban-neighbor Sofia.
Sofia always whipped up a batch and brought … (24 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Save The Net - 12/14/07 12:04 PM
I'm square. What can I say? Last night at the office's holiday celebration I stuck around, enjoyed myself, but called it a night early.
But just because I'm square doesn't mean I take whatever comes my way sitting down.
I just read some stuff that opened my eyes a bit.
There's some … (19 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: The Blogger's Song - 12/01/07 08:53 AM
With the holiday season upon us and all the holiday music surrounding us, I just couldn't help but turn to thinking about blogging. Is there anything else?
So here's my contribution to the repertoire. Sing slowly and soulfully to the tune of The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire). … (21 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Contemplations - 12/01/07 07:19 AM
This morning as I read a magazine article I thought of my Active Rain friends Ann Cummings and Jay & Monika McGillicuddy. The article referenced Yarmouth, ME. Ann is from Portsmouth, NH, maybe an hour away. Jay & Monika are also in New Hampshire, just a little further. Amazing what interacting … (8 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: If The Shoe Fits... - 11/26/07 09:27 AM
Another funny from Walt Handelsman. There is no embed code so you'll have to click on the graphic to visit the site and watch it over there. Sorry!
While I am technically a baby boomer, I never got high and the hippies were about 10 years before my time. Still, I … (15 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Success, But At What Cost? - 11/24/07 07:08 PM
I just read a post of John Novak's that got me thinking. Off I went to click on his links and read some more. His post is about the top selling agents in real estate. It's an eye-opener. Take a detour and check it out. I'll wait.
The post is eye-opening because … (113 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: The Rain Splashes Again - 11/20/07 05:17 AM
Have you noticed the latest improvement to the Rain?
When you click on "email me" on someone's profile, your "handle" fills in and so does your email address. In the past, we had to fill these in ourselves.
Way to go Active Rain! I love how you're forever tweaking things to make improvements.
Even … (33 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Above All - 11/04/07 06:03 AM
I've been a Christian pretty much my whole life. But having been born in Cuba, where people are not allowed to worship, I didn't attend church as a child. When we moved to the US it wasn't natural for me to go to church and I didn't.
It was only as I … (27 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: What Time Is It?? - 11/04/07 03:08 AM
Can anyone help me? I know this is the first year that DST clock-changing weekends were moved. It should have taken place a couple of hours ago, I guess (for me on the East Coast anyway).
I have no idea what time it is right now! My laptop says 4:03. My cellphone … (12 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Almost Ultimate Steal - Office Professional Plus 2007 $84.98 - 10/31/07 08:21 AM
In my last post I reported the Ultimate Steal. If your student doesn't qualify for that one, this one's the next best thing.
Microsoft has teamed up with schools throughout the country to offer students discounted full versions of Microsoft Office 2007.
If your child's school participates in the Microsoft Student Select … (17 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: The Ultimate Steal - Office Ultimate 2007 $59.95 - 10/31/07 06:59 AM
Yes, this is quite the bargain! What's the catch? I mean, MS Office 2007 Ultimate retails for $679! The catch is that you have to be a student. Office Ultimate 2007 is available to students of US schools at this incredible price.
Don't confuse MS Office 2007 Ultimate with MS Office 2007 … (16 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: 55,002 Active Rain Members and Growing! - 10/27/07 10:46 PM
Did anyone notice the number up there?
55,002 members!
I don't recall exactly, everything was so new back then, but I think there were around 6,000 members when I joined in January.
Active Rain has revolutionized the way we do real estate. Blog on!
… (11 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Going The Extra Mile - 10/25/07 08:25 PM
Are you providing your customers with the bare minimum to comply or do you go above and beyond the call of duty?
Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Chester of Integra Computers. I was actually speaking to him because he's part of the tech team at Pat Zaby's Seminars … (15 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Asa Coon Rest In Peace - 10/13/07 07:24 AM
Asa Coon was an angry child even by his uncle's admission. Earlier this week he wounded 4 at his Cleveland high school before taking his own life. He was 14 years old.
Fourteen years old with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Fourteen years old and no recourse, in his … (20 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Akismet, Akasmet a Green & Yellow Basket - 10/09/07 03:08 PM
I just had another SPAM comment stopped dead in it's track on my outside blog. I didn't stop it. It was stopped by Akismet.
I have Akismet on my outside blog because Jim Cronin put it there. But at Akismet.com they state that you can get it too! They're so dead set … (10 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Getting What You Want - 09/26/07 04:10 AM
Here's someone who knows how to get what he wants. Beth, do we have any open positions?
This is not a trained bird folks! This is a seagull in Aberdeen, Scotland who has discovered he can just go into the convenience store when the shopkeeper's not looking and steal his daily bag … (40 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: ActiveRain...Helping Friends Stay In Touch - 09/23/07 08:00 PM
I received an email from a friend in Jersey the other day. She mentioned the picture on my website and I had to ask her:
"What picture?"
I don't have a picture on my website or my blogsite so she piqued my curiosity. She replied that she was keeping up to date on … (36 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Is There Life After Real Estate? - 09/22/07 05:17 AM
I know as Real Estate Professionals, we are expected to work odd hours. But I haven't had a life lately!
Don't get me wrong. I spend time with my loved ones. But when do I get to do stuff that's just for me?
Is this just because I am still paying my dues … (75 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Dancing On The Ceiling To Impress - 09/19/07 06:38 AM
I received a message from a friend. "Hey, sorry I missed your call. I was showing a property. Dazzling. Dancing on the ceiling like Fred Astaire. I don't know, you have to bend over backwards for buyers nowadays. Anyway, call me." He made me laugh. Charley always makes me laugh.
But I … (28 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: My Shiny Teeth And Me - 09/18/07 08:32 AM
This is a Just Because post. Just because I like it. This song always makes me smile. Catchy tune. Keeps me humming it all day. And on my honor, it has nothing to do with anyone who may think they're all that and a side of fries.
The inimitable Chip Skylark:
… (18 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Believing In Yourself - 09/17/07 10:02 PM
Yesterday as we left church my eldest asked if she could drive the car. She's not yet 16 and I'm just a little scared about her driving. Not because of her. She's a level headed kid. It's the other drivers in Miami I don't trust.
She has a restricted license. We call … (63 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Do You Want My Business Or Not? - 09/14/07 12:05 PM
I got a letter from one of those property investors. As real estate agents who probably own more than just your primary home, I would think most of you have received one at some point.
The letter reeks of direct mail "insider tricks." You know, the kind we all use:
Handwriting font on … (22 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: A Tribute To Kolja - 09/11/07 04:51 AM
Today we remember and we mourn. It's been 6 years. But you've been gone for ten. Ten years ago today I lost you unexpectedly.
We went to bed as usual. You kissed the girls goodnight. That was the last time Daddy kissed them. In the morning you were gone. … (57 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Vacant Home Drawbacks - 09/09/07 01:44 PM
I really enjoy selling real estate in the Redland and Homestead. Today I drove to my Open House in Homestead thinking it would be just like the other days. The house is vacant and I set things up each time I Open it:
Change the A/C from 80 degrees to something a … (33 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Making A Difference And Touching Others - 09/09/07 09:17 AM
I have been feeling very uninspired to blog about anything lately.
A week ago I said boring Localism posts were coming and then one did but I think the situation that spurred it just got under my skin and I haven't felt like writing at all. It's been more than a week since … (42 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Too Cute (And TOTALLY Pointless) - 09/03/07 11:23 AM
… (38 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: O Sole Me-Me-Ohhhh Round II - 08/01/07 04:37 PM
I was tagged a month ago by Carmen Rivero and although I played the game before I was honored that Carmen would tag me and promised her I'd play again. Sorry it took me so long Carmen! And I still have to make time for Carole Cohen's book meme. It's … (41 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Remembering Why I Do What I Do - 08/01/07 07:34 AM
As I prepared to close up the Open House on Sunday a few teenagers showed up. I welcomed them in and thought it was odd that they had no adults with them. An Open House isn't the usual teenage draw.
The property is a builder's model and I invited them to … (33 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: America...Whatta Country! - 07/04/07 07:30 AM
I love this country. It is not the place of my birth, but I love it just as much.
I was born in Cuba and left when I was just a child. I am very proud to be Cuban. But I am just as proud to be an American. The pride … (46 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: My De-Contribution to Localism Photos - 07/01/07 03:56 PM
I've had a really long week. So long that I haven't commented on any posts in the last 2 days, much less post something of my own.
I just checked Active Rain to see what I've been missing. Looks like a lot! I can always count on some good stuff going on … (43 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Tell Us Your Stories - We All Have Them - 06/17/07 11:23 PM
I have the distinct pleasure of knowing a master story-teller. Ruth Vander Zee believes that everyone has a story to tell. Ruth knows stories. She's an accomplished and distinguished author. Her books are poignant and have been critically acclaimed. In my eyes, what makes Ruth even more special is that she sees potential … (18 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: How Much Do You Make An Hour? - 06/04/07 06:48 PM
"Daddy, how much do you make an hour?" With a timid voice and idolizing eyes, the little boy greeted his father as he returned from work.
Greatly surprised, but giving his boy a glaring look, the father said, "Look, sonny, not even your mother knows that. Don't bother me now, I'm … (37 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Broadening Your Horizons Through Blogging - 06/02/07 11:13 AM
I'm super-excited to announce that I joined EWM Realtors yesterday.
EWM is a forward thinking real estate company and I liked what I discovered when I was given the "dog and pony" show, as Beth Butler refers to it. I met with Anita Cachaldora and Beth Butler so we could discuss how my … (22 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Remember - 05/26/07 09:38 PM
I read that Lizzie Palmer is only 15 years old.
We should all be so wise.
As of this posting, this video has been viewed over 8 million times.
Remember.
… (17 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Should Real Estate Agents Speak English?? - 05/21/07 09:59 AM
This post was inspired by a post of Maureen Staccato's.
No, I am not being facetious. I really want to know.
Why am I asking something that may seem obvious to most? Well, here in Florida you don't need to speak English to get your real estate license. You can take the … (74 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Meeting Our Beloved Pets Again - 05/19/07 07:55 PM
This post isn't about real estate. Not directly anyway. It's about a neat site one of my sellers told me about. I take time to make small talk with my customers. It's not small to me. I really do enjoy connecting with people this way. Sometimes this means it takes longer … (25 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Where have YOU been lately? - 05/14/07 05:44 AM
Google EarthTM has a nifty little gadget available that offers endless possibilities for it's use. It's called a Trackstick.
The Trackstick is a smidgen bigger than a jump drive and it tracks its own location at predetermined intervals. Not only does it track its location, it also tracks time, date, speed, heading … (24 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Tribute to all you Mamas - Boyz II Men - NO POINTS! - 05/13/07 08:02 PM
Been thinking of this all day. Worth the few minutes to listen. All you Mamas - enjoy!
Purposefully underworded. No points!
… (7 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Happy Mother's Day 2007 - 05/13/07 05:39 AM
This is a special day for all. Even if we are not mothers, we needed one to get here. Here's wishing everyone on the Rain, and not, a blessed Mother's Day. These quotes come from http://www.mothers.net/
If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters … (19 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: The Simple Things - 05/08/07 03:51 PM
I had an opportunity to have a leisurely chat with my kid today. She's 15 and we talk but it seems as if one of us is always on the run when we do. Although today was a school day I had to take her to a doctor's appointment and we … (32 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Making Waves in the Rain - 05/01/07 11:22 PM
I don't make waves. Usually. I dislike conflict. I've written about Localism pictures before. I thought I noticed my picture points decreasing. It turned out there probably had been a few deleted from the comment made on that post by Caleb (not to be confused with Flat Caleb who has … (45 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Remembering - 04/30/07 08:55 AM
I have chosen to stay quiet today in remembrance of the Virginia Tech victims. I respectfully request no comments. Thank you. Visit www.OneDayBlogSilence.com for more info.
… (0 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Listing Presentation, Shmisting Presentation...who needs it? - 04/28/07 05:54 AM
I missed a call on my desk phone while speaking to a REALTOR on my cell. I called the front office and inquired as to who was looking for me. "Oh, it was a man who said he wants you to list his house. He said he'll call your cell," came the nonchalant … (54 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: The girl who cried wolf...this time I'm not kidding. I reached 50,000! - 04/14/07 06:42 AM
OK, a few days ago I was joking around about reaching 100,000. Today I tell the truth when I say I've reached 50,000 Active Rain points. This post oughtta do it. What a great journey it's been. I don't have a catchy post to mark this milestone for me. It's just … (76 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: The Blog That Doesn't End - 04/12/07 05:25 PM
I just read a post written by Michelle DeRepentingy that made me stop and think how our blogs are, and will continue to be, a work in progress. And even if you've yet to post your actual first AR post, this applies to you also. At some point the blogbug will … (28 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Nothing lasts forever....or does it? - 04/11/07 09:37 AM
Have you heard all the hullabaloo about the new Forever Stamp the U.S. Postal Service is introducing? You will be able to use it in the future for First Class mailings in spite of any rate increases which may occur.
This is a novel marketing idea on the USPS part. Who doesn't … (11 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: I did it!! I reached 100,000!! - 04/10/07 09:10 PM
Well folks, after much effort on my part, I finally did it. I reached 100,000! Miles on my car, that is. ::big fat grin:: I know some of you thought it was 100,000 points on Active Rain. Naaaaahhh. Got a long way to go to reach that still. Still others of you … (25 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Marketing Yourself at Every Possible Opportunity - 04/03/07 07:53 PM
I walked into B.J.'s to buy a couple of things today.
As I walked in I was approached by an employee who asked me how I was doing.
Instead of thinking "oh no! What's he gonna try and sell me?" I thought, "hmmm, I wonder what's new at B.J.'s?"
I smiled, much like you … (45 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Google does it again!! - 04/01/07 07:28 AM
I am simply stunned at the news.
Google has introduced free TiSP (beta).
It's a whole new way to access your internet. Via the toilet! TiSP stands for Toilet Internet Service Provider. If you have municipal sewer, they have isp for you!
Read all about it here. I had to stifle a … (16 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: A Funny for the Golfers - 03/30/07 07:37 PM
A man and a friend are playing golf one day at their local golf course.
One of the guys is about to chip onto the green when he sees a long funeral procession on the road next to the course.
He stops in mid-swing, takes off his golf cap, closes his … (16 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: America - Home of the Free Because of the Brave! - 03/29/07 09:23 PM
I've read several very touching posts in the last few days which were patriotic in nature. I had received this email years ago and still remembered it so I thought I'd dig it up again:
:::To nobody's surprise there were protestors today in DC, they attempted to disrupt the metro system and … (8 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Lessons from a Burning Bus - 03/26/07 03:53 PM
This post is not real estate related. I still feel compelled to write it. And you don't have to be compelled to read it. Exit without any further obligation on your part. No hard feelings. Really.
Have you ever thought that learning opportunities are everywhere? I think that about life in general. … (10 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Cigars for the Judge - 03/21/07 08:21 PM
A defendant in a lawsuit involving large sums of money was talking to his lawyer.
"If I lose this case, I'll be ruined."
"It's in the judge's hands now," said the lawyer.
"Would it help if I sent the judge a box of cigars?"
"Oh no! This judge is a stickler … (30 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: O sole MEME oooh! - 03/20/07 09:19 PM
I'd heard of the Meme's before. Carole Cohen told me about them when I wondered what they were. But I was having too much fun in the Rain and no more Memes seemed to be taking place. Well, this morning, my AR pal Sarah Cooper posted her Meme as she'd been tagged. … (28 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Active Rain Week in Review - , March 12 to March 18, 2007 - 03/20/07 08:04 PM
UPDATED - Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, hot off the presses and delivered right to your screen, the latest Active Rain Week in Review.
First of all, I apologize for not having the pretty template. Mark Flanders was generous enough to send it to me and offer his help, but, as … (105 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Rice Bags and Real Estate - 03/17/07 06:11 PM
I'm tired today. This career I've chosen has got me beat. Maybe not so much beat, just plum tuckered out. I love what I do and do it with passion, but sometimes it seems as if everyone's out to get us.
I scheduled 2 Open Houses for this weekend: one today and another … (10 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Customer service in Miami...and everywhere - 03/09/07 06:13 AM
This is a short little post. I had two experiences yesterday which made me think about customer service. I got what I needed during both, but they came in different packages.
I started out my day at the Sprint store in Kendall. My Treo was beyond repair and I needed a new … (14 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: If I blogged and no one commented, would it still be blogging? - 02/25/07 06:36 PM
I'm serious! Kind of like...if a tree falls in a forest....blah blah blah
I've read a few blogs this week about commenting on blogs. I think everyone enjoys having their blogs visited and commented on but does it have to be the be all and end all? I'm pretty new in Active … (53 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Leroy's Bike - 02/20/07 04:49 PM
This is sooo cute I had to share it....
Little Leroy came into the kitchen where his mother was making dinner. His birthday was coming up and he thought this was a good time to tell his mother what he wanted. "Mom, I want a bike for my birthday." … (10 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Does this mean ActiveRain has finally arrived? - 02/20/07 08:24 AM
I love to hear of people getting contacted by consumers finding them on ActiveRain or Localism. I even wrote about my first such contact last week. I've received 2 more contacts but am not jumping for joy. These don't seem to be genuine. Maybe I've gotten too cynical? Here's how one reads:
"am … (6 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Splashing in the Rain to the tune of 20K........points that is! - 02/18/07 09:33 AM
I've seen other folks post about reaching 20K points and thought I'd never get here. But yet, here I am! It wasn't all that hard either. It happened as a byproduct of everything else going on. I read. I comment. I blog. I sometimes upload pictures to Localism. I've invited lots … (31 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Guess What? ActiveRain/Localism Works!! - 02/16/07 01:32 PM
Of course you already knew it. I was just trying to grab your attention.
I am thrilled to report that I have joined the ranks of folks who actively participate on ActiveRain and have leads/increased business to show for it! Look at my points. I don't have that many. I think I'm … (35 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Tempus Fugit - 02/12/07 08:03 AM
This year's Daylight Saving Time change could confuse the daylights out of your computer and you too if you're not prepared. This year, for the first time, Daylight Saving Time begins three weeks earlier than usual. The change will occur on March 11th this year. The change in dates was mandated by … (0 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: I Left Corporate America for THIS?? - 02/06/07 10:45 AM
I have been licensed as a Real Estate Salesperson for exactly 597 days. Boy, figuring that out was reminiscent of the closing prorations I prepared for the state exam. Granted, 597 days is not that long a real estate history. I look forward to being able to say "I've been selling real … (55 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: You Did WHAT in My House?? - 02/04/07 04:57 AM
I've only been licensed as a real estate agent 1 1/2 years. I invested and followed the local market prior to that, but didn't "hang out" with the real estate crowd. It became obvious to me that with the vacant listings there was opportunity for some "funny business" to go on … (7 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Adding "Breaking and Entering" to Your Resume - 02/02/07 09:41 PM
Last week I went to one of my listings to meet the appraiser so she could do her thing. The seller had left his eldest daughter at home to let us in. The house had been put under contract quickly and I had not gotten a key to the property yet.
When the appraiser … (38 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Common courtesy is not so common............ - 01/13/07 07:02 AM
I'm going to ask at the beginning for your forgiveness. You see, I'm just venting here. What is so difficult about picking up the phone and calling someone if you're going to be late? or changed your mind and don't really want to see that listing? You know, the one … (6 comments)
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palmetto bay redland real estate agents musings: Rabbits lead to Bears (or in my case, Doggies lead to Listings) - 01/11/07 05:50 AM
I had never heard it. Laurie Moore-Moore, of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing http://www.clhms.org/, said it during one of her workshops. "Rabbits lead to bears," she said. She was referring to the phenomenon that occurs when one thing leads to another which leads to another, which leads to yet another. … (5 comments)
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