BAD MARKET?  Not mine!  Negative reports on the news... NOT LISTENING!

I got into this business exactly two years ago - not exactly the best timing, for the market, I admit.  But I have been full steam ahead, never looking back, since.  I get up every day, and I get dressed in my nice clothes, and I go to work, until my kids get off of the bus. 

I work from home, but still, i accomplish more in a day, when I am ready to go.  I don't miss any opportunities for showing houses, if someone calls and asks... can we go now?... Because I can. Because I am prepared.

Someone once said "Success is when Preparation Meets Opportunity"...  I live those words.  I also remind myself each morning that I am worthy of success.  Ask yourself that question... Do you feel like you are worthy of having everything you desire?

I have six pendings, 11 listings, and more buyers waiting to start looking in the next few months...  Nothing is going to slow me down.  Not even "this market"... 

Go to the people.  They are there.  Be the Expert.  Share the FACTS about the Tax Credit!  It is amazing!

I received a friendly call from the folks at Realtor.com this week... they say my membership is due to expire on the 3rd of December, and I need to decide whether to renew with them for another full year.  Would be fine, but I feel like they are penalizing me for growing my business this past year.

I had 14 new listings, and now they want to increase my monthly fee by almost $50.  In a booming market, no big deal, but right now?

Good idea, or Bad idea?  Will it make or break a sale?  Noone ever calls me and says "I saw your pictures on Realtor.com, and had to see this house"...

I've been bad!  Last blog entry was in July!  Now it is almost December!  I read my last entry and feel that now more than ever, we all need to get with the Dave Ramsey program, or something similar.

I've been lucky!  Lucky to be able to keep living off of one income, while I worked too -and pay off so much debt it is kinda rediculous.  Best decision my husband and I have ever made! 

I've been stupid! in the past.  Spending, w/ credit cards, and not thinking about the long term effects it will have on my family.  Not stupid any longer.  My gifts are now more meaningful, and much less expensive.. we eat in 6 nights a week, and life is good!

I'm not afraid to open my mail box!  My heart doesn't stop when I see a bill come in the mail.. because there is only one bill that comes, that isn't a utility, and I always know what is on it!  Amazing feeling!

Get with it kids - and like Dave says "Cash is king, and the paid off home mortgage has taken the place of the BMW as the status symbol of choice"! Listen to him on the am radio (yes, it still exists), or watch him on Fox Business Channel every weeknight.  His book The Total Money Makeover is awesome!

Any good stories that you have on how to save money?  Please share!

You answered my question, and then some!  Thank you to the bloggers of the AR community.  I had a gut feeling that this wasn't a good decision for me.  I don't have money to waste, as most of you don't either!

I will steer clear of the lead generating sites for now, and concentrate on my sphere of influence instead.  I am attending a "Supercharge your 2008" seminar today, and hope to gain new insight.

I need a business plan and don't know where to begin with that!  Any suggestions for websites, or books at the library?

Can anyone give me advice on whether I should join HouseValues.com?  It is a lot of money a month, for me, but does anyone think it is money well spent on your business?  What are the pros and cons?

Any insight would be awesome!

Thanks!  Vicki

I got my answer on the property that I think we put a decent bid on.  NO.  Just flat out rejected.

Why would anyone just say no, and not come back with what they want?

The broker for this company is the one that presented the offer to the buyers.  At this point, I am wondering if the broker is upset with my buyers, because they have put in two bids on two other properties that are listed w/ his office.  They were low offers.  I was even laughed at by one of the listing agents.

Could he just be rejecting the buyer, and not the offer?

  From what I understand, the broker was advising the seller on what he should and shouldn't accept.

Are you even allowed to do that?

I am dumbfounded.

LONGTIME BUYER:  What do you do when you have a buyer that just can't seem to get an accepted offer?  I submitted the 6th offer, on the fourth property they liked, and am anxiously awaiting word on whether it will be accepted or not.

I am feeling incredibly blessed to be as busy as I am, in the market we are in.  So, I don't mean to complain, but WOW.  I never knew this could take so long for one couple.

After submitting this offer, the listing agent told me she doesn't think the number will be strong enough, even though we came up by a large amount, and I wrote in the contract that I will give up .5% of my commission.  Great house, great location, and I just want to get to closing!  We have gone out 6 times since April to look at houses, and it is not very close to my house.

I am venting... I really do love my job, and these people are good people.  She has even given me two strong leads... one has already gotten an accepted offer with me. So, suck it up and be thankful.  Right?

MY FIRST DISASTER:  A homebuyer had carpet installed on Thursday for their new home.  Moving day is today.  They went to the house yesterday, and the basement, along with the brand new carpet, was totally flooded.

She cried, and I cried for her.  Got the Home Warranty, but that covers the sump only, not any damage it causes.  Her insurance deductible is $1000.  How awful.

Enough from me today.... 

Hello AR community,

As a follow up to what I blogged this morning, I am glad to report that all went well on my showing.  I met with this man that I didn't know, his two sons that are in college, and one of the sons girlfriends.  The showings went well, and we even went back to the first one, for a second look.

I will, from now on, make appts to meet at the office, and get a copy of their drivers license.  So happy that my gut feeling was incorrect this time.  Lesson learned.

Thank you again to the AR community for their sound advice and words of wisdom.  You lifted me up, and made my day go much better....

Vicki

I've got a gut feeling.  Ever get those?

Someone sent an email to my boss (I am a buyers agent) and asked to see one of her properties.  She forwarded the email to me.  I replied like I always do, and called him to see if there are any other properties he would like to see.  He said there were two others, and he named them right away.

I set up a time to show him three homes.  I later sent an email asking for more info on him, like "are you prequalified", "when are you moving?" and stuff like that.  He didn't reply.

I don't know if he has a wife, if he is coming alone, or with five kids....  I think I will call him this morning and talk to him more, to feel him out.  And I think I will try to take someone to be my "assistant."

What do you all think?

I said I would blog a recipe a week, and I am trying to keep that promise!

This one I learned as a Tupperware consultant.

3 lb. ground beef

1 package stuffing mix, any flavor, can be generic

2 eggs

katsup to taste (or BBQ sauce)

Mix all together, put in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for an hour, or until done.  Can be pre-mixed and placed in the frig til ready to use.

Perfect with baked potatoes and corn!

Your family will love it, and you will too!

Recipe CAN be halved, if you don't have many people to feed.  I recommend doing the whole 3 pounds, and then freezing half.  That way you can thaw the second one a week later, pop in the oven and it's done!