Rock, Paper, Scissors. Could Decision-Making Be That Simple? - 03/31/09 06:24 AM
Two great homes.  Buyers loved both!
Very similar features:  location, price, square footage - less than 1 mile apart from each other.
The wife liked one house just a little better than the other; the husband liked the other - just a little better too.
Now what?
Waiting while they debated, discussed, contemplated, placed furniture - they finally looked at me and asked,
"How do we decide?"
I jokingly said, "You could always just do the best of three at Rock, Paper, Scissors."
They laughed. Then they did it!  The winner - the wife. 
Although the comment was meant to break the tension, … (11 comments)

Spring In Tucson - Tucson's Must-Sees - 03/28/09 09:59 AM
Metro pleasures, easy-going lifestyle and spectacular scenery bring many visitors to Tucson.  If you are looking for sunshine, blue skies and good food - then put Tucson on your vacation list!
Temps right now average 70 degrees during the day and in the low 40s in the evening which makes it a great time to explore the Old Pueblo.  Tucson history dates back to 300 A.D. when Hohokam Indianssettled in the high desert valley.  Over the centuries, Tucson evolved from a frontier town to a modern metropolis revealed through colorful, multi-ethnic architecture and attractions.  Add to this a wide range of restaurants, … (3 comments)

Arizona AIMS Testing Is Coming Up! - 03/27/09 04:33 PM
The Arizona AIMS test for kids grades 3rd through high school starts next week across the state.  For children in grades 1st and 2nd - the Terra Nova tests will be administered.
It's important to take some time this coming weekend to help your children prepare for the tests - both mentally and physically.
The Arizona School Board of Education is a tremendous resource for practice tests that covers reading compression, writing and mathematics.  Just go to the website and click the age appropriate sample test, print and give your child an opportunity to become familiar with the exam.
Helping your … (5 comments)

Today's 24-Hour Tucson Arizona Real Estate Market - 03/27/09 02:24 PM
March 27, 2009 - In the last 24 hours this graph shows what has happened with Tucson home listings and sales!   Here is the summary:

New Listings - 106
Price Drops - 103
Back On Market - 11
Inactive/Seller Release - 32
Under Contract - 94
SOLD IN 24 HOURS - 71

Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind - 2009. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission rhindohana@msn.com. Buying or selling Tucson Arizona Real Estate? Click info@gabriellerhind.com and let me know how I can help you! Or visit www.BuyMyTucsonHome.com
… (3 comments)

Back Up Offers - The Silent Enemy. - 03/27/09 06:07 AM
Great offer!  Your Buyers think you are the "real deal agent" because it was accepted! 
Yay! 
Here comes the home inspection and the Buyers are ready for you to negoiate even more. 
They must think you walk on water!
But hold on a minute ... before biting the hand feeding the momentum - take another look at those comps.  Take a few more looks at how many days the home has been on the market.  What brought the Buyers to the home in the first place?  Was it the price, the location, the fact that it isn't bank-owned?
Look at the inspection report - again. 
What's the Buyers angle?  … (15 comments)

Remember When Cash Said Everything? - 03/26/09 06:50 AM
Cash Talks.  Doesn't It?
I have been hearing that from Buyers with cash making offers on homes. 
But over the past couple months, I've noticed - if CASH TALKS - it needs to speak up a little more. 
Wrote an offer last week - it was low, but reasonable.  Bottom line:  
 CASH. Quick Close.
We were a little surprised when not only did we get a counter - but ultimately the Seller accepted another offer.
Interesting to think about!  In the meantime, this presents more things to discuss when working with all cash buyers to help make their offer a longer stronger.  For instance:
1)  Some Sellers … (19 comments)

Having Fun With Little White Lies. - 03/25/09 08:08 AM
I'll go out on a limb and say most of us have probably told white lies at some time or another in our lives.  The argument in favor of stretching the truth is to spare someones feelings or to reduce the embarrassment on ourselves.  Here are some favorite lines I've heard and why I think people say them:
"Yes! That outfit looks great on you."   Because it's better than your friend being mad at you.
"No, Officer. I don't know how fast I was going."  Playing ignorant seems easier than admitting guilt.
 "Really?  I emailed you this morning. I'll send it again."  Because you simply forgot … (4 comments)

No Matter How Bad The Story Is - Work For A Happy Ending. - 03/23/09 07:03 AM
What are your top transaction, work or client disasters?  And how did it end?
Thinking back on a few, I would have never guessed I could have mustered up the effort and energy to put a smile on my face when it was all over with.  But I found, digging deep at the end and working toward a happy ending is a good thing!
Just two days ago - I ended up at the closing table with a transaction that went on for months - with incredible difficult individuals on the "other" side!  You name it - and it surfaced all the … (10 comments)

What You Don't Know - Might Not Always Hurt You. - 03/21/09 06:51 AM
Many blogs have written about topics such as: Is it the right time to buy? Ways to get buyers to buy now. Interest rates are low - buy now!
These blogs are filled with great information to help Buyers. But, there are still lots of people simply doing nothing or waiting until they "hear" things have improved;  for a better interest rate before they make a purchase; or until everyone else is doing it. 
Yesterday came with a surprise: A new client - and a new thing: 
He doesn't know or care what the news or other people's opinions are about real estate. 
He just has an interest … (9 comments)

Today's 24-Hour Tucson Real Estate Market - 03/20/09 04:33 PM
March 20, 2009 - In the last 24 hours this graph shows what has happened with Tucson home listings and sales!   Here is the summary:


New Listings - 131
Price Drops - 154
Back On Market - 15
Inactive/Seller Release - 26
Under Contract - 109
SOLD IN 24 HOURS - 51

Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind - 2009. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission rhindohana@msn.com. Buying or selling Tucson Arizona Real Estate? Click info@gabriellerhind.com and let me know how I can help you! Or visit www.BuyMyTucsonHome.com
… (0 comments)

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Tucson Arizona - 03/17/09 09:29 AM
Tucson's Irish community puts together many "Be Irish" Day celebrations! Here are some places around Tucson to celebrate St Patricks Day on March 17th!
Boondocks Lounge. Midtown Tucson - 3306 N. First Ave. from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Nancy McCallion's Irish Trio is the main attraction at Boondock's today.  The restaurant will serve corned beef, cabbage and, of course, Guinness.
The Irish Pub. On Tucson's eastside,  9155 E. Tanque Verde Road, beginning at 11 a.m.  $1 domestic green beer mugs all day and live entertainment beginning at 8 p.m. Corned beef, cabbage and red potatoes will be served all day for $8.95.
Frog & Firkin.  … (3 comments)

No More Mr. Nice Guy - Or Ms. Nice Gal! - 03/17/09 08:57 AM
You've been over-accommodating.   You've negotiated and worked through all the details trying to make everyone happy.  You've extended contracts and been agreeable to all fair requests.  You've been nice and fair.  You've kept your clients best interests in mind with every request and been an excellent fiduciary.  And luckily, you have a flexible client.
So when do you put your foot down and say enough is enough -- with a demanding Realtor?
This question was asked by a Realtor friend of mine challenged for the past two months with a transaction currently in escrow.   When do you say to a fellow associate,
"How about you get your client under … (8 comments)

Selling? Have A Flat Screen TV Mounted To The Wall? - 03/16/09 10:17 AM
If you do - and are selling your home -
AND if you intend to take the TV with you -
make sure your Realtor clearly states your desires in the listing remarks as well as all other agreements with clear language such as: "Flat screen TV mounted to the wall in living room does not convey with the sale of the home".  In other words, get it in writing that the TV "goes with you" when you move! 
This advice applies to other items in your home that are "fixed" or "attached" that you do not intend to leave behind when you move!  In general, items that are fixed or permanently … (5 comments)

Helping Buyers Handle The Buyer's Market Trends - 03/16/09 07:17 AM
It's a Buyer's market - or is it? Some say Yes - some - Maybe. Prices are great. Seller's are more realistic and pricing homes to sell. And even some banks are moving through offers and heading to the closing table much quicker than before.
But this brings a set of challenges we need to prepare for to effectively help our clients handle things that could happen in this Buyer's market.
Trend #1:  Home goes under contract as soon as it goes on the market.  This is common in Tucson - especially for a well-priced home. And it is frustrating for Buyers. How can you help? First, encourage … (3 comments)

Understanding Capital Gains In Real Estate - 03/15/09 11:19 AM
When you sell a stock, you owe taxes on your gain - the difference between what you paid for the stock and what you sold it for. The same holds true when selling a home (or a second home), but there are some special considerations.How to Calculate GainIn real estate, capital gains are based not on what you paid for the home, but on its adjusted cost basis. To calculate, follow these steps:1. Purchase price: _______________________The purchase price of the home is the sale price, not the amount of money you actually contributed at closing.2. Total adjustments: _______________________To calculate this, add … (1 comments)

Today's 24-Hour Tucson Real Estate Market - 03/13/09 10:35 AM
March 13, 2009 - In the last 24 hours this graph shows what has happened with Tucson home listings and sales!   Here is the summary:

New Listings - 135
Price Drops - 165
Back On Market - 21
Inactive/Seller Release - 27
Under Contract - 94
SOLD IN 24 HOURS - 42

Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind - 2009. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission rhindohana@msn.com. Buying or selling Tucson Arizona Real Estate? Click info@gabriellerhind.com and let me know how I can help you! Or visit www.BuyMyTucsonHome.com
… (4 comments)

Friday Funny: Any Help For The Dyslexic Early Morning Blogger? - 03/13/09 06:31 AM
Goofy humor for the morning! Being dyslexic and up early to get a jump on blogging and commenting, it takes me a little longer to get things good enough! So I finish editing my "masterpiece of a post" - and here comes the problem:

The graphics says to me - how many times can I get it wrong before Active Rain boots me off!? 
More coffee and shorter phrases anyone?!

Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind - 2009. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission rhindohana@msn.com. Buying or selling Tucson Arizona Real Estate? Click info@gabriellerhind.com and let me know … (11 comments)

Are You Easy To Work With? - 03/12/09 11:36 AM
Are you sure you are easy to work or get-along with? 
If you aren't - consider this - being easy - especially in difficult situations is part of being successful.
Here are some things you can do to be an EASY person to work with:
Be available and easy to reach. Leave detailed voice messages if you are out of town, in an all day class or out with clients. 
Call people back. And take an extra step - be ready to stay on the phone and take the time needed to "finish it".
Don't make excuses.  Own up to your errors, over-sights or simply if … (7 comments)

Couldn't We Just Get the Keys Now - We Won't Tell Anyone? - 03/10/09 05:50 AM
We've all heard it haven't we? The anxious Buyers - they've signed, the Sellers signed - the house is totally empty and vacant. 
And you know this because the Buyer's call to tell you they just happened to drive by the home and, "Gabrielle, no one is there .. it's empty .. please can we have the key now?"
I'm sorry "Oh so appreciated Buyers!" - but I can't and here are some reasons why:
1)  I know you gave Title all your down payment money, but you don't own the home yet. The Seller's still own the home. They will own it … (14 comments)

Pô`akahi (Monday) Morning Motivator! - 03/09/09 08:46 AM
This week, there is a lot of Hawaii and Aloha in Arizona!  It's a chance for me to bring out my "local-side"! So here is a Hawaiian-Kine Monday morning motivator:
He Poho Na Ka Poho O Ke Akamai No Ke Hana A Nui
"Problems Happen.  Use wisdom and skill to deal with them."  
You cannot control events but you can control your responses to them.  Do your best with the knowledge you have at the time.

Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind - 2009. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission rhindohana@msn.com. Buying or selling Tucson Arizona Real Estate? … (6 comments)

Arizona Aloha Festival - March 14th and 15th, 2009 - 03/09/09 08:30 AM
There is a little Hawaii in Arizona this week.  Today's post will cover the upcoming Arizona Aloha Festival and later this week, I'll showcase a local Hawaiian Restaurant and point out some other local favorites, including University of Arizona football players and local hula halau's right here in Tucson, Arizona!
The Arizona Aloha Festival is held annual in Phoenix/Tempe, Arizona. Thousands of people arrive from all over to enjoy Hawaiian food, traditions, and culture.  My nieces, will be part of the hula dance competitions for the 4th year in a row and I am surely proud!
What to expect at the Arizona Aloha Festival
… (0 comments)

Today's 24-Hour Tucson Real Estate Market - 03/06/09 01:36 PM
March 6, 2009 - In the last 24 hours this graph shows what has happened with Tucson home listings and sales!   Here is the summary:

New Listings - 114
Price Drops - 163
Back On Market - 22
Inactive/Seller Release - 31
Under Contract - 73
SOLD IN 24 HOURS - 36

Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind - 2009. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission rhindohana@msn.com. Buying or selling Tucson Arizona Real Estate? Click info@gabriellerhind.com and let me know how I can help you! Or visit www.BuyMyTucsonHome.com
… (4 comments)

Friday Funnies! - 03/06/09 06:53 AM
Browsing through listings this morning - I came across some "agent-only remarks/instructions" that made think, "Hmmmmm...":
 
 "Front door is only way in - swells up and sticks. Push hard."
"Call owner to show. He doesn't return calls or answer his phone."
"Day sleeper. If you see pants hanging on door - don't go in."
"Sellers pet snake loose. Might be hiding. Be careful."
"Can only go in backyard if serious. Call LA for details and lock code."
"Utilities shut off. Owner has generator running to operate fridge. Don't unplug."

Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind - 2009. If you want to reprint parts of this - … (12 comments)

I Went Through A Lot Of Frogs And Finally Found An REO Prince! - 03/05/09 07:20 AM
Many of my experiences with REO agents did not have fairytale outcomes!  Until last week.
Monday, I show REO property.  Buyer wants it!  And the REO process starts. 
Calling the listing agent, I prepare to leave a message.       Then I hear, "Hello ... "! 
He answered! And HE actually kept talking and discussed the property! As I looked at the listing to make sure this was really an REO, he went on to explain in detail, several other things that would help me and asked if I had questions. 
"Ditched and ignored by other REO agents" Realtor says, "Excuse me, WHAT??!"
Later, I log on to the Tucson MLS to … (8 comments)

Does Your Blog Have A Set Of "Six Pack Abs"? - 03/04/09 07:10 AM
Do you look much better online than in person?  I HOPE MY PICTURES DO because most of the time I look like this:
Eating: not a day goes by without chocolate ...

Or this: 
Can I get a shower before you take my picturrrr ...?
But, despite good intentions, I end up with my "it just wasn't happening today" look (unless I have somewhere to be) - hat goes on, no make-up and a smile.
Joking aside - what is your blogging personality? How do you sound online?  Do you exaggerate or make yourself sound different in your blog than who you will be when someone meets or talks with you?
… (9 comments)

Got Your Arizona County Property Valuation Statement? - 03/03/09 03:05 PM
Many peope here in Pima County and up on Mt. Lemmon have already received their property tax valuation statements - and I have received many requests to answer this question:
How can I appeal my property taxes?
First of all, take a deep breathe.
Second, prepare to do some research and access documents needed to support your decision for the appeal.
Third - if you think your home is not fairly assessed - start by reading information on the State Board of Equalization.  This will give you a detailed timeline as well as links to local county offices throughout Arizona to help you.
If … (2 comments)

Today is National Anthem Day! - 03/03/09 05:49 AM
This is OUR SONG - let's all take a few minutes and sing or hum it!
The Star Spangled Banner LyricsBy Francis Scott Key 1814Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early lightWhat so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?On the shore, dimly seen … (6 comments)

Monday Morning Motivator - 03/02/09 06:48 AM
It's a new day, and here is the Monday morning motivator:
"I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.  I have lost  almost 300 games.  On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the games winning shot... and missed.  And I have failed over and over and over again in my life.  And that is why... I succeed."
                                                Michael Jordon
A successful Monday for us all!

… (13 comments)

Remembering The Rolodex Days. - 03/02/09 06:32 AM
I love technology and gadgets - it's amazing how easy we have it today- email, Google, smartphones, bluetooth, etc,. - how did we ever live without all this stuff?!!  Recently, I took a walk down memory lane of my Rolodex years - and I quickly remembered HOW!!
Here is the story: GREAT Buyers - lovely couple in their late 70s.  Moving to Tucson to be near their grandchildren - fall in love with a home -- gotta buy it! 
 
Stopped in the middle of easy-street:
Buyers want to sell their home first. It's back east - not listed yet -- they are thinking … (4 comments)

 
20130205_083835 Rainmaker_large

Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind, Broker/Owner

Tucson, AZ

More about me…

KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate

Address: PO Box 18621, Tucson, AZ, 85731

Office Phone: (520) 245-0242

Cell Phone: (520) 245-0242

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