New Federal Golf Rules - 07/31/11 07:54 PM
Hear ye, hear ye  - all golfers in Palm Springs area -- Please note these new golf federal golf rules starting in September. This is the first I have heard of this and figured all you golfers out there needed a heads up as September will be here before you know it. Be sure to get a few more rounds before the new rules take effect.
Via Rich Sellers Realtor DRE#01148405 (Rich Sellers Lake Arrowhead, CA (Coldwell Banker)):
New Federal Golf Rules These new golf rules will be in effect beginning September of 2011. Please share with fellow golfers. President BHO has recently … (2 comments)

(Not So) Speechless Sunday in Bristol Tn Va On July 31, 2011.....Big Red! - 07/31/11 02:10 PM
I was used to barns like this Iowa, but we have very few barns here in California. how much is barn like this worth in today's market? Are they still in use in your area? Are they converting them to stores, restaurants, storage, homes? Just wondering after viewing this on the status of barns in America?
Via Rob Thomas Bristol Tn-Va Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Heritage Homes at Sixth Street,Inc CALL....423-341-6954):
(Not So) Speechless Sunday in Bristol Tn Va On July 31, 2011.....Big Red!

Every now and then I run across one of these images of time going by in the Tri-Cities … (1 comments)

6 Time Saving Strategies for Social Media Success - 07/31/11 02:03 PM
These are great tips for success with social media in your business and also time saving too. Consistency is the key. I keep remembering that every blog and post is there forever and will  build visibility and recognition for many years. It all increases success geometrically.
Via Rebekah Radice Colorado Springs FHA Loan 203k, VA Mortgage, Loan Pre-Approval (Benchmark Mortgage, Colorado Springs FHA, VA, Pre-Approval):
Without a doubt, marketing with social media is a must for your business. It has impacted every aspect of our lives, including the time we waste monitoring it. So how can we effectively build our online presence … (1 comments)

One of my pet peeves about realtors - 07/31/11 01:58 PM
Over the years, I have turned into a listing agent. I still like buyers but over half of my business is listings.
One of my pet peeves about realtors who send offers on my listings is that they do not call ahead to tell me the offer and coming and to discuss the offer and services. Out of the blue at least 3 times a week I get offers that are beyond ridiculous with no explanation. Then when I call them back, they do not answer the phone. I feel it makes all of us look like idiots when we get … (108 comments)

Nice surprise yesterday for me in La Quinta, Ca. - 07/31/11 01:31 PM
Yesterday I had a nice surprise. While I was out showing homes, I got an email that my other client had gotten a bank owned home we had put an offer about 2 weeks ago.
I had been calling and emailing the listing agent each few days with no response. Then out of the blue I get the bank addendum yesterday.
They clients are so happy and said they were ready to check in with me on that home right when I called them. They had kept looking for alternatives but really like this home.
I am so happy for them … (0 comments)

Keep your cool - 07/31/11 01:30 PM
I look at being calm and kind as a way to live life. I realize this does not work 100% of the time, but most of the time if we are calm and nice our life is better and those around us have better lives too. Drama causes pain and chaos.
Most of life works out the way it is supposed to work out. I have learned that when I get upset or angry to do nothing until I feel clamer and then options come to me to resolve the issues.
We all know real estate is drama. Part of our … (0 comments)

Leave it to a child to know. - 07/29/11 01:13 PM
Children understand way more than we think they doo. We have an old saying -' out of the mouths of babes." This is a very touching story. This is sad and also inspirational to realize and think about what so many families go through for our country and our freedom.
Via William Feela Realtor 651-674-5999 No. Branch,MN (WHISPERING PINES REALTY):
A young family man was being deployed oversees.  He was explaining to his young son that he would be away for a while.
Son, I am going to Iraq for 6 months. 
"But dad, replied the son.  Why, son't you know there … (2 comments)

I was interviewed on KESQ.com - 07/29/11 12:40 PM
Please check out my interview on the www.kesq.com website. Our area of Riverside County was named the county in California with the most foreclosures so far for 2011. The TV station interviewed me for my take on it. I showed them that now is a great time to buy due to low interest rates and low prices too. You may be able to buy a $150-$200,000 home for under $1000 per month payment. You may be able to buy a home for less than rent. Also, we need rentals. Many investors have sold their homes and we have many former homeowners … (1 comments)

Some sayings that help me get through the day - 07/28/11 01:35 PM
I have a friend trying to hold onto her old job while beginning her new job. The new job is her dream job, but it is only half time.
Here are some sayings I have remembered and learned over the years that seem appropriate for her and all of us too.
Work like you don't need the money.
Do what you love and the money will come.
The harder I work, the luckier I get.
It all works out just the way it is supposed to work out.
In the scheme of life, a few months and a few thousand dollars … (6 comments)

One of the best real estate stories ever - 07/28/11 12:47 PM
I was getting calls yesterday on an $800,000 home. It was in a new home development and because I have new phone, I do not have all of my numbers and could not call lthe onsite sales manager. I figured I would get the number this morning. The guy ket calling. I told him to look in the windows and he said he already had and loved the home.
Last evening my husband and I went to dinner with a past client and right when we were seated, in walks the on site sales manager to have dinner too. I got … (5 comments)

Great idea to get more clients - 07/27/11 12:49 PM
Here is an idea we use with alot of success to get referral clients. When we sell a house, we hold a house warming party for the buyer. The buyer invites their friends and family. We bring the food, drinks, paper plates, cups, etc.
If it is a big party we even provide a bartender. This gives a chance to stay connected with the buyer and also meet their family and friends. I give all in attendance a mug with my contact info on it and filled with candies. They can put it in their cupboard and find me esaier than … (2 comments)

What time of the day are you most productive? - 07/26/11 03:46 PM
I have always been a morning person. I like to wake up early and after I have my first cup of coffee, I am set to go. By 5 PM, I am ready to wind down and relax. Once I have my dinner and lay down on the couch about 8PM, I am done with work and thoughts of work.
I feel in the morning I have more energy. I feel my mind is clearer. I feel I have had less come to me so I have a happier, cherrier attitude. I feel organized. I feel empowered.
I also get a lot … (2 comments)

Is it time for a vacation? - 07/26/11 12:24 PM
We all need some time off, especially as realtors. Here are some tell tale signs for me that it is time for time off and away -
1. I get crabby
2. I feel tired
3. I resist showing and previewing homes
4. I waste time searching the internet and emailing friends while at the office
5. I start looking at expedia and vacation sites
6. I start thinking of hiking, shopping, spa, etc.
7. I am dreaming of being in Hawaii on a beach
8. I start forgetting appointments, making errors on paperwork, and disengaing my laser focus
After a … (3 comments)

Handling Objections More Effectively - 07/26/11 12:07 PM
This is a great review on handling objections. I learned several years ago from Tom to role play objections. This is very helpful to build confidence and skills too. Handling objections is more important now than ever to close deals in real estate.
Via Tom Ferry (Tom Ferry-yourcoach):
Happy Monday! In today's real estate training video, I'd like to give you a few tips on the best ways to handle objections, which will make your dialogues even more powerful. Also, I have included a FREE download of the 38 most common objections below the video, be sure to download it today!  
And … (1 comments)

Active Rain Seems Way More Active - 07/25/11 04:49 PM
Active Rain seems way more active. It seems more people are blogging and  blogging more often. I really like the friends and comments from Active Rain.
I learn so much, have good laughs, and also feel like I can contribute. Active Rain is growing and developing as I feel my blogs are growing and developing.
Thanks to all of you who blog and comment daily. It is a big part of my real estate life and really helps me through each day.
 
… (4 comments)

Mondays are fun days in real estate - 07/25/11 01:05 PM
Mondays are fun days in real estate. We get to process all of our efforts of the weekend. It is fun to see how many sales, listings, leases we can get on the weekend.
Monday move fast. We have lots of calls, emails, faxes, and the energy brings new business too. It seems  more escrow, lenders, agents and clients too answer calls, texts, and emails on Mondays.
I used to not like Mondays. Now I learned to be grateful and zoom through the day with energy and enthusiasm for the business and action.
Mondays are fun days for me!
… (5 comments)

My best questions to ask new clients - 07/24/11 12:22 PM
I really like to interview new clients before taking them out to see homes and waste our time and my gas at $4 a gallon on showing them homes that may not be reality for them
1. Have you spoken with a lender and gotten approved for a loan? How much are you approved for?
2. have you seen any homes at open houses or online that look good to you?
3. What area do you like? Why do you like this area?
4. How many bedrooms and baths? How many garages? How big a yard? Pool? 1 or 2 story? … (3 comments)

Today I had to suit up and show up - 07/23/11 08:27 PM
Yesterday my husband and I went to the Beverly Hills to spend the night. We had a wonderful dinner and came back to La Quinta. I had an appointment to show houses  to a family member of a past client as soon as I arrived at home.
I got home as scheduled and walked in the door and immediately was hit by an upset stomach. I felt so stressed as well as not feeling well and the temperature here today was 108.
I got my stomach calmed down after 30 minutes and then could not find my list of homes to … (6 comments)

Do you have your work schedule set for the rest of 2011? - 07/22/11 10:38 AM
There are only 4 months left until Thanksgiving? Do you have your work schedule set for the rest of the year?
Have you taken your calendar and marked off the days you will work, the days you will take off, travel days, doctor appt. days, shopping days, entertaining days, hair and nail days?
How much time is left? How many homes will you sell during that time/
Mark off the time for prospecting, showing, and finalizing the transactions. Figure out how much you make per hour.
make the necessary adjustments to cover your personal and business life.
I started doing this … (3 comments)

How I keep drama lower in real estate - 07/22/11 10:27 AM
There are many ways to keep drama lower in real estate. Some are obvious and some are learned skills as we all know.
1. Don't make drama.
2. Don't buy into others drama. Stay Calm.
3. Realize and accept that a real estate career is not built on one deal.
4. Realize and accept that in most cases, real estate is not a life and death matter. Whatever happens, all parties will go on and live a good life and maybe even find a better house.
5. Stay detached. Work to resolve challenges, but as a professional on the sidelines.
6.It … (9 comments)

The ups and downs of real estate - 07/21/11 11:12 AM
I have completed lots of transactions - close to 2000 over 10 years of being a realtor/broker. Day to day I see lots of ups and downs and ins and outs or real estate. Now more than ever, it feels like a roller coaster. My goal is to make the coasting as long as possible and have a few downs as possible.
I sold a house on Saturday. We opened escrow on Monday morning and the buyer cancels on Monday afternoon.
I have been over 6 months on one short sale for approval. We get the approval on the 1st loan … (9 comments)

Why I Like Short Sale Listings - Lori Bowers - 07/20/11 11:28 AM
I have been a short sale listing agent for several years. There are several reasons why I like short sale listings. Most of the reasons are related to - NO RESISTANCE.
1. The sellers in most instances do not resist price reductions.
2. All parties are on board to help make the short sale happen.
3. Properties are sold 'as is' so there are no repairs to deal with.
4. I have a system for processing that works well and flows easily.
5. Short sale homes are usually in better condition and sell for more than foreclosure homes. I feel like … (1 comments)

Affirmations for 7-19-11 - 07/20/11 11:19 AM
1. I am manifesting lots of money flowing in from multiple sources on a continuous basis in increasing quantities.
2. I love  my life, I love my life, I love my life
3. I am alive excited and full of energy
4. I am a lean mean selling machine
Repeat three times and breath in and out heavily while repeating. Jump up and down 3 times, clap your hands 20 times and there you go!
You will be amazed at the change of attitude, energy, and tone of your life.
Go for it!
… (2 comments)

Why do short sales fail? - 07/19/11 12:26 PM
Here is a good list of why short sale transactions can fail. Moany hsort sales do make it through the system with loyal buyers and persistance on the part of the agents. I am very successful atgetting short sales approved. My biggest issue is buyers that do not hang in there 1-3 months while waiting for the approval.
Via Pacita Dimacali - ePRO, SRES, CDPE, Alain Pinel in Northern California (Alain Pinel):
Last year, I showed a large house which was offered as a short sale at the time. This property was in contract at least twice, but just came back on the … (3 comments)

Buyers and Sellers are Still Greedy - Rant - 07/19/11 11:30 AM
I am seeing that buyers and sellers are still greeday. Buyers want a lowers price than ever. How does it work that in 2004 a home was listed at $500,000 and the buyer wanted to pay $400,000. Now the home is listed at $300,000 and the buyer wants to pay $200,000. I know everyone wants a good deal, but really. Believe it or not Mr. Buyer, realtors do not price homes at 30%+ over market value.
Ok, Mr. Seller, I know your home is extra special compared to all the other homes in your area that have sold in the past … (4 comments)

When the price is right in La Quinta, Ca. ------ IT SELLS! - 07/18/11 04:50 PM
When the price is right in La Quinta, California, the home sells. I had a listing just put on the mLS last Tuesday and we got an accepted offer at $5000 off asking price on Saturday.
How did this happen? What do I think really sold the house?
1. The seller listened to me on the real price to sell the home, not the price he wanted to get out of the home.
2. The home was in excellent condition and CLEAN.
3. There was not much 'stff' in the house.
4. The yard and pool were well-maintained and the garage … (2 comments)

Why sellers need to provide a home warranty - Lori Bowers - 07/18/11 11:37 AM
There are many reasons why I feel sellers need to provide a 1 year home warranty. I have many sellers who are resistant to buying a home warranty and I advise to please get one to protect themselves.
Even homes that have been properly maintained and seem to be in excellent condition, need to have a home warranty. You never know when a hot water heater, dishwasher, garage door opener, or air conditioner can have issues.
When the new owners can get the issue fixed for $55, they are happy. This saves alot of stress, time and money, after the closing … (1 comments)

It's Gonna be a Hot One.... - 07/17/11 12:54 PM
Here in La Quinta we are looking at close to 110 today. Using ceiling fans, hanging out by the pool, and even ice packs can lessen the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid heat illness and headaches. The sun and dry heat are wonderful - in doses you can handle.
Via Michael Caruso Real Estate Group:
This weekend around the states, weather forecasters say a dangerous heat wave will begin to build this weekend and linger around until at least Friday. High temperatures in some locations are expected to top 100 degrees Tuesday through Friday, while accompanying high … (2 comments)

Palm Springs #4 of the Top 10 Hottest Vacation Real Estate Markets - 07/17/11 12:46 PM
This is a vacation home hot spot in more ways than one. If you are looking for a great place to live part time and full time too, the Palm Springs area is the best! We have ex- presidents, movie stars, politicians, and corporate moguls who make the Palm Springs area home. The homes are a good value in a small town atmosphere. As you can tell this is a great time to get a great value on homes in the Palm Springs area.
Via BONNIE JEAN HART, Bonnie & Clyde Team (WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE):
Recently on MSN Real Estate - Palm Springs … (1 comments)

When was the best real estate market? NOW! - 07/17/11 12:42 PM
So many people and agents too talk about how bad the real estate market is and the good old days of real estate. When people ask me when the best real estate market is, I say NOW!
We have low interest rates, low prices, and good homes available. There are not too many realtors as only the strong survive. Good skills, persistance, and good old fashioned hard work combined with a good attitude make for success now more than ever.
The prices are lower so most incomes are lower, but for those of us with a passion for real estate, NOW … (8 comments)

IS TAKING RISKS THE WAY TO BUILD A BUSINESS - EVEN CALCULATED RISKS?? - 07/16/11 06:09 PM
This is a good blog talking about the benefits of taking risks. I have always been a risk taker in business,  but over the years am learning to weigh the risks vs. the potential awards. Taking risks can have great benefits and also a huge downside. Taking calculated and planned out and thought out risks could lower the potential down side. Are you a risk taker?
Via Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate):
IS TAKING RISKS THE WAY TO BUILD A BUSINESS - EVEN CALCULATED RISKS??
Gary Woltal writes about taking … (2 comments)

Trilogy La Quinta Bus Tour July 21 - 07/16/11 05:56 PM
Trilogy La Quinta is offer in bus tour to Trilogy La Quinta residents on Thursday July 21, 2011 from 8:30 am- 12 pm. This tour is to view the celebrity homes in Palm Springs. The actual tour is 2.5 hours on a luxury coach with a tour guide giving information on the various celebrity homes. Call the Trilogy La Quinta desk in the Sant Rosa Club for reservations for this $35 tour.
… (0 comments)

You know, you're expensive! - 07/15/11 01:38 PM
This is a great role play on how to talk to clients to get their home in top shape to receive top dollar when they are selling their home. Is there a guarantee that these improvements will bring top dollar? No - but it you do not do these changes, there is a guarantee that you probably will not receive top dollar.
Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston, Illinois Realtor® (Chicago's Northern Suburbs):
"So," asked the owner of my upcoming new listing "is that really necessary?"
She was referring to my recommendations about her overgrown, undernourished, abused lawn.  The shrubbery was overgrown, the … (1 comments)

Trilogy La Quinta - Wine Club - 07/15/11 01:32 PM
The Trilogy La Quinta Wine Club is one of many clubs in the development. The Wine Club at Trilogy La Quinta has over 450 members and monthly wine tastings.
The Wine Club at Trilogy La Quinta is a great way to learn about wine, great wines for low prices, and also a good place to meet new friends and neighbors.
The Wine Club at Trilogy La Quinta is just one more reason the call Trilogy La Quinta your home - a fun, relaxing, and rewarding lifestyle at affordable prices.
To view homes or sell a home - please call me -
… (0 comments)

A Good Assistant is Key to Success in Real Estate - 07/15/11 01:19 PM
I have had an assistant for most of the 10 years I have been a realtor/broker. A good assistant is key to being successful and providing the best service to your clients and other agents too.
What does an assistant do? To me, my assistant is my right arm. She does my internet marketing, scanning, faxing, equator, customer calls, contacts with escrows, transaction coordination, bookeeping, and more.
I am very grateful to have an excellent assistant. This takes pressure off me and saves me alot of time with clerical duties so I can spend my time listing selling and marketing properties.
… (3 comments)

Trilogy La Quinta New Homes Available Now - 07/14/11 03:44 PM
There are still a few new homes available now in Trilogy La Quinta. Please call me to help you negotiate for a fabulous new home and great price too.
The floor plans available are Caspian, Monterrey, and Talea. The homes are from 1749 sq. ft. to 2300+ sq. ft. The prices are from the Low $300,000's to almost $500,000. These homes are ready to move in with great upgrades and lots of extras.
The floor plans are open floor plans. The homes are located in a quiet private area with nice mountain views. The homes are energy efficient and well constructed … (1 comments)

The Short Sale Home was Sold at Trustee Sale - Part 2 - 07/14/11 03:38 PM
I wrote a blog on this situation last week. This seller has been very diswrought that they sold his house while it was in short sale. The extension of sale date was not awarded. The seller has been calling me daily and the bank and talking to attorneys. He is adamant that I find out why his short sale was not extended.
I am listening and not saying much. I do hope he calms down and goes away. Here is a seller who did not make payments for nearly 2 years. he lists his house for a short sale within 30 … (2 comments)

Wordless Wednesday: " Not Many Things Get To Me..." - 07/13/11 12:21 PM
This is a very sad story. We too lost a white perisan cat of 6 years who was the daughter my husband never had a few months ago to a coyote killing. We recently got a wonderful loving new red point persian kitten Garfield. He brings us joy everyday, but the pain of losing Pasha is still there too. Pets are such an important part of our lives and family.
Via Peggy James-Erick and Company Woodbridge Virginia Real Estate Help (Exit 1st Choice Realty):
There are not many things that get to me, however today is a tough one. Many of my customers, friends … (1 comments)

Reality for short sale sellers - 07/13/11 12:15 PM
Sellers of short sales have many realities to face and confront. For many short sale sellers, it is not only about losing their home, it is about changing a lifestyle.
The key to a new less stressful more manageable life for most short sale sellers is to spend less money, not just on a home, not is all areas of their life.
As a broker, it is painful for me to see short sale sellers still spending alot of money on restaurants, clothes, travel, and other discretionary items.
So many people who are losing their homes are upset at the banks. … (3 comments)

What frustrates me most on short sales - 07/12/11 12:59 PM
Here are 10 things that frustrate me about short sales. I process many many short sales and the frustration does not lessen.
1. Time of processing
2. Short sales that extensions are not processed and the home is sold on the court house steps
3. Negotiators who do not communicate
4. Investors who take a long time to respond and then ask for exhorbitant seller contributions
5. HAFA calls
6. Clients who do not provide a full package or sign and return quickly what we need
7. Clients who do not pay HOA
8. Clients who are angry at 'the bank' and … (0 comments)

When do realtors retire? - 07/12/11 11:41 AM
I have wondered when realtors retire ever since I started as a realtor over 10 years ago. Over the past 10 years, I have met very few realtors who have retired. I love real estate. It is my passion. I am 58 years old and have been evaluating my life as to when or if I will retire. I figure being a realtor is one occupation I can do in some form far into my older age.  Here are some reasons I have had realtors give to as to when and why they retired.
1. They lost their license or did not … (11 comments)

Why have all that info on a short sale? - 07/11/11 11:15 AM
What good does it do for the  bank to accumulate 100-200 pages of information on a short sale? We have stacks and stacks of information on many files and still the bank asks for more. How silly!
At this point with the real estate market in ruins, what difference does it make on the financial status of the seller? Let's just get the homes sold and move on. It is hard enough to find buyers, muchless have both buyers and sellers jump through hundreds of hoops and wait 3-6 months to see if they get the home.
I have not seen … (3 comments)

Realities of Real Estate in July in La Quinta, Ca. - 07/10/11 11:40 AM
Once again we are in the heat of the summer in La Quinta, Ca. - 112 degrees yesterday to be exact.
The snowbirds and Canadians are pretty much gone for 3-4 more months.
The locals are freaked by the empty streets and restaurants and stores.
Bargain prices abound for shopping, groceries, and restaurants.
This is a great time to be in La Quinta for peace, quiet, calm.
As a real estate broker, it is a bit disconcerting. There are few buyers, sellers, investors. We kind of wonder when and if they will return. They do return each year, but this time … (5 comments)

Know Your Own Personality to Help You Negotiate with Others! - 07/09/11 04:19 PM
Kathy does a great job of presenting this information on personality types shared by Bob Lefever at our Intero Meeting. Which type are you? which type are your clients? This is helpful in life and business too.
Via Kathy Schowe ~e-pro~ La Quinta, California (Intero Desert Cities, La Quinta California):
Today in our monthly Intero Real Estate meeting we had an interesting speaker-- Bob LeFever, a former FBI hijack negotiator, who now is the VP of franchise services for Southern California.
Bob shared some hijacking stories--from back in the days before "airport security".  He also had us all take a D. I. S. … (3 comments)

Why buy a home in Trilogy La Quinta? - 07/09/11 04:07 PM
Trilogy La Quinta is a great place to live. Here are some good reasons to buy a home in Trilogy La Quinta:
1. The homes in Trilogy La Quinta are well-built and a good value too.
2. For a 55+ community, the people are young and active.
3. Trilogy La Quinta is a quiet well maintained area
4. The HOA Dues in Trilogy La Quinta are low
5. The facilities and amenities in Trilogy La Quinta are like new and well kept.
6. The homes in Trilogy La Quinta have kept their value well
7. The golf course in Trilogy La … (0 comments)

Tips to sell your home in La Quinta, Ca. - 07/09/11 03:58 PM
Here are some helpful tips to get your home sold in La Quinta,Ca.
1.Have your home spic and span clean. This includes the yard, pool, windows and closets.
2. Curb appeal counts so have flowers with pink, yellow and read visible from the street.
3. Declutter - nothing on the counters and closets need to be at least 50% empty. Be sure there is nothing sitting on the floor like vases, statues, plants etc.
4. Price the home at the lowest price you will accept.
5. Allow the home to be shown at all times. Exposure counts.
6. Have a flyer … (0 comments)

Which personality type are you? - 07/08/11 04:11 PM
We had a great meeting today at Intero with Bob Lefever going over the personality types. Bob is a former terrorist negotiator for the FBI and has been in real estate for several years.
Which personality type are you?
D - Driver
I - Intuitive or expressive
S - Steady, slow
C - Calculating, exact
It seems these types are genetic to most of us. Most realtors are D or I. Most engineers are C.
It is helpful to know andidentify the types to have successful relationships in life and with clients too.
… (2 comments)

They auctioned the house - Short Sale Story - 07/07/11 03:05 PM
Bank of America let this client livein the house and not make payments for almost 2 years. They rejected a loan modification and told the client to do a short sale. I got an offer higher than any home has sold there for many years. The short sale has been in process for about a month and an extension to delay the sale was in process. I get a call from an investor who is on the court house steps waiting to bid on the home. He was nice enough to call me back and let me know it was sold to a … (5 comments)

Am I the broker for you? - 07/07/11 11:34 AM
A few days ago I had a call to list a home near me. The client wanted to list his home for $695,000. There have been no comps over $600,000. I told him he could call 100 realtors and 95 would probably list his home at what he wanted to sell it for. I did not want tpo waste my time and his too at a listing that was so high that even if by some miracle I did get it sold, it would not appraise. Well - yesterday he called back and said he and his wife liked my honesty … (6 comments)

Trilogy La Quinta - Great value! - 07/06/11 02:40 PM
Trilogy La Quinta is a great value for people 55+ years old who want to live in La Quinta, California in a golf course gated community with lots of amenities and a good value too.
The homes are priced from the low $200,000's. There is a fabulous clubhouse with nice indoor air conditioned walking and running track, fitness center, cafe, mail station, 2 outdoor pools, and onsite spa.
There are activities throughout the year like happy hour on wednesdays, BBQ's, wine club, photo club, exercise classes, and more.
Give me a call today to view Tirlogy La Quinta. As a Trilogy … (0 comments)

Short Sale Tuesday in La Quinta, Ca. - 07/06/11 02:30 PM
I use Tuesdays to work on short sales. I find the banks are usually swamped on Mondays. Tuesdays I call and verify that all the tasks are complete and what we are seeing on the online update is correct.
I know many agents use totally online for short sales. I do not want any approvals to fall through the cracks by not knowing they are approved.
I also try to get the email for the negotiators to connect with them directly whenever possible.
I feel it is a constant and consistent approach to get short sales approved.
Today while I was … (0 comments)

Time Management - 07/05/11 12:48 PM
Time management counts now more than ever. No plan is a plan to fail.
I have studied and parcticed time management since the 1970's. Here are som ideas and tips I have learned that have helped me over the years.
1. I make a list each day.
2. I have a routine of when I do certain business and personal chores each week and by the day.
3. I make sure I complete one task before moving onto another.
4. I clean excess paper each week and through away what I can.
5. I try to touch each piece of paper … (0 comments)

Create a Successful Blog - 07/05/11 12:34 PM
Understand what a blog can do you -your blog will showcase your real estate know-how and differentiate you from other realtors.
Determine the purpose of your blog and focus on that purpose
Select blog software
Address the needs of your target audience
Update your blog regularly
Encourage audience participation
Jazz it up- videos, photos, links
Uss RSS feeds - syndication
Arrange postings by category
Promote your blog through your email, your website, business cards
… (0 comments)

Happy July 4th! What does it mean to you? - 07/04/11 06:27 PM
Holidays have changed meaning to many people over the years. What does July 4th mean to you?
A day off
Fireworks
Our independence from Great Britan
BBQ
Rest and relaxation
Time with the kids and family
A day at the beach
Catch up around the house
A day off from showing homes
 Time in the pool
Time to catch up on the computer
Time to golf
Remembering our armed forces
Remembering our flag and what it means
All this and much more - July 4th
… (2 comments)

Trilogy La Quinta - Be a member for FREE! - 07/03/11 11:50 AM
Trilogy La Quinta has quite a good way of life. When you buy a home in Trilogy La Quinta - a 55+ lifestyle community -
The club has many clubs, a cafe, lap pool, regular pool, spa, fitness center, pool tables, exercise classes, regular events, and more. There is afee for golf and some of the exercise classes.
This is a top notch facility with nice staff and friendly members. In a time when people like social activities and physical activities too, how nice to have such a beautiful place to live and play with the membership included in the low … (0 comments)

A key to success in real estate - 07/03/11 11:37 AM
Here we are on July 4th weekend. There is no one in my office. They have all checked out for th weekend - the 6 day weekend. They started on Thurs. PM and may be back by Wed. PM. We live in a resort area. When do you think the buyers are here - hello - the holidays!!!!
Now I understand many people do not need or want to earn alot of money for various reasons. I also understand everyone needs some time off for themselves and for family and friends. To me working in real estate is not only about … (6 comments)

Law of the Garbage Truck... Words to Live By. - 07/02/11 11:25 AM
This story has been around for a long time and it is really true. We can be pretty much as happy we want to be and also make life better for others too. Let's make today a great day for us and others we come into contact with too.
Via Peg Barcelo-Jackson the Flufftastic Stager from Edmonton, AB (Fluff My House! Home Staging Inc. 780.710.6369):


Hope you're having a good day!
Peg Barcelo-Jackson

Call me for all of your Creative Staging needs in the Edmonton area!
780.710.6369
Fluff My House!
Home Staging Inc.
Edmonton, AB

 



… (2 comments)

How to Get Short Sales Approved - 07/02/11 11:22 AM
Most agents and brokers are now working to get short sales approved. Nothing is black and white or 100% but there are many ideas and ways to up your percentage of getting your short sale approved. I have been doing short sales since 2007 and complete over 90% of the ones I process. Here are some ideas I have found to be helpful.
1. Make sure you have a complete file when submitted.
2. Include comps and a written explanation of wht you feel the value is justified.
3. Include a property history to show this is the highest value this … (2 comments)

A Few Reasons Why I Like Active Rain - 07/02/11 11:08 AM
I like the consistency of Active Rain. 24 hours a day 7 days a week there is information, support, humor, sharing, and friendship plus lots more.
I like the idea that I can learn what I want to know and not sit a seminar for 8+ hours to pick up one or 2 good ideas.
The information on Active Rain is up to the minute current.
I like Active Rain as I can get lots of points of view and ideas. It helps me to build skills, think outside the box, and share and comment to help others too.
Active Rain … (4 comments)