Jalapeño peppers stuffed with little smokies - 05/31/11 11:07 AM
Great little snack
12 jalapeño peppers
12 slices of bacon
24 little smokies
1 package cream cheese softened
2 teaspoons paprika
¼ - 1 teaspoon cayenne (depending on how hot you like it)
Grated cheese
24 tooth picks
Slit peppers long ways and remove seeds and veins (unless you like it hot)
Cook little smokies according to package directions.
Mix seasonings with cream cheese.
Evenly smear cream cheese in the sliced peppers. 
Place little smokie on top.  Sprinkle some grated cheese.
Wrap in half a slice of bacon and secure with a tooth pick.  Be careful not to puncture pepper.
Place … (6 comments)

"Your Fired!" Can a seller do that? Yes you are a REALTOR®, not a postal worker. - 05/31/11 08:55 AM
I recently read a blog written by a real estate agent who told the story of a fellow agent friend that they had been advised by a seller that the seller was going to terminate their listing agreement.
The writer stated that the seller could not just terminate a listing.  And that the two of them discussed various ways to handle the situation with the seller.
For the purpose of this discussion I will talk about termination of a listing in Texas.  I do not know other states laws of agency.
A listing can be terminated for several reasons including:
The … (3 comments)

Up In Smoke Memorial day sale - 05/30/11 09:55 AM
Today is the last day to take advantage of the Up In Smoke Memorial Day Sale.
This sale is only good at the Mac Park, Uptown and Lincoln Park locations.
These three stores are overstocked so take advantage of a buy 3 get one of equal or lesser value free.
Contact these store for additional information:
Up In Smoke - Uptown Plaza
2222 McKinney Ave. #180
Dallas, Tx. 75201
(214)855-1234
  
Up In Smoke- MacArthur Park
7300 N. MacArthur Blvd. #100
Irving, Tx. 75063
(972)556-0115
  
Up In Smoke- Lincoln Park
7700 Northwest Hwy. #240
Dallas, Tx. 75225
(214)368-0433         
… (2 comments)

How can the world end today it is already tomorrow in Australia - 05/30/11 07:13 AM
There are a couple of things to keep in mind when getting ready for the future.
First don't dwell in the past.  I'm not sawing forget the past just don't build your life on what already took place.  Remember the best forget the rest.
Don't worry about the future.  Live one day at a time.
Don't miss today.  Live for the moment.  Take advantage of everything that can happen today.  As Charlie Brown once said "it's already tomorrow in Australia".
… (10 comments)

There were deer but no antelope playing - 05/29/11 04:42 PM
Near my sisters house.  A house on each side of this empty lot
… (12 comments)

What if you favorite group? - 05/29/11 07:16 AM
When I look for blogs to read I always start with groups.
Here is a list of my ten favorite groups to search:
10 Whacked
9 Real Estate Law
8 Ethics and the Realtor®
7 Dedicated bloggers
6 Diary of a Realtor®
5 Addicted to Active Rain
4 Bartender make it a double
3 Active Rain newbies
2 Almost anything goes
And number 1 All Things Texas
So what is your favorite group?
… (8 comments)

A drive to my nephews wedding - 05/28/11 04:27 PM
Drove to Huntsville Texas yesterday for my nephew Clay Barrilleaux wedding.
Huntsville is about 165 miles south of Dallas.  Perhaps it was because of the holiday weekend but towns like Palmer, Garrett, and Rice their police departments were writing speeding tickets along Interstate 45.
A radio station in some small town came in the clearest so was listing to it.  The local high school was holding its graduation this weekend.  They announced each of the 21 senior's names.  Following that announcement they announced all the people whose funeral was scheduled for this weekend.  Very entertaining radio.
 
Well the wedding was … (2 comments)

Jimmy's Food Store wine tasting on May 31st - 05/27/11 07:27 AM
Jimmy's Food Store next wine tasting will be on Tuesday May 31st.  A special guest form Montalcino will be  visiting.  Lorenzo Sassetti, son of Livio Sassetti, who manages the winery is coming for a tasting.
The family winery has been held by the Sassetti family for more than a century.  In 1999 the family purchased a property in the Maremma within the DOC Montecucco, where they are producing Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo of great quality.
Here are the great wines that will be featured:
 
Sangiovese Montecucco - $18.99
Istriciaia - $19.99
Rosso di Montalcino - $31.99
Fili di Seta - $34.99
… (0 comments)

A La Gloria Cubana event at Up In Smoke - 05/26/11 12:50 PM
Up In Smoke will be presenting a  La Gloria Cubana Serie N  Cigar Event, at the Uptown and Vista Ridge locations.
 There will be some great in store pricing throughout the event on these great cigars.
The UpTown event will be on June 9th from 4 - 8 pm, and the Vista Ridge event will be on the 10th from 4 - 8.
The Up Town locagtion is at  2222 McKinney Ave. #180, Dallas, Tx. 75201
Up In Smoke- Vista Ridge is at 2403 S. Stemmons Frwy. #110, Lewisville, Tx. 75067
… (0 comments)

Champions School Of Real Estate will host a Career Fair on June 10th - 05/25/11 09:17 AM
On Friday, June 10th Champions School Of Real Estate will be hosting a Career Fair from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. 
If you are looking for a career in real estate, mortgage lending, inspection or appraisal this is an event you must attend. 
Real Estate Companies from all over Dallas will be there for you to meet and discuss what their companies have to offer.  Also Career counselors will be there to answer any question you might have regarding getting your real estate license. 
The campus is located at 3721 Mapleshade Lane, Plano TX.
… (1 comments)

What is going on in Dallas - 05/24/11 08:44 AM
Things are pretty good in Dallas today.
Active Rain Rain Camp going on.  Wish I could be there; however my schedule will not permit.
The Mavericks win a big playoff game in overtime.  Was it an Oklahoma City melt down or an outstanding performance by Dirk and the rest of the team.  I'm thinking both.
How do they teach math in Oklahoma?  In OT I saw on the scoreboard they were in the 5th quarter. 
Troy Aikman's house recently went on the market.  Listed at $24 million it is the second highest single family residence in our MLS.
… (11 comments)

Will no pro football cause a rise in crime? - 05/23/11 01:00 PM
Just read a report that NFL wacko, crazy Ray Lewis is predicting if there is no football season crime will increase as people will be so flustered without football they will resort to crime. 
I guess Mr. Lewis studies quite a bit of psychology in college to be able to make such a prediction. 
I am betting attorneys are now busy preparing the life without football defense.
… (3 comments)

Jimmy's Food Store Wine Tasting on May 25th - 05/22/11 12:14 PM
Jimmy's Food Store next wine tasting will be on Wednesday, May 25th. 
Features guest will be Paolo Cantele, owner of Cantele Wines from Puglia. 
There will be some great tastings from some Southern Italian wineries. 
Wines to be featured include Chardonnay, Negromaro Rose, Primitivo, Salice Salentino, and Fiano. 
And of course there will be a great antipasti to go with the wines.
Admission is $13 per person.  Check in starts at 6:15 and tasting begins at 6:30.
Please email paul@jimmysfoodstore.com for reservations.
… (1 comments)

Taco Salad - 05/21/11 08:16 AM
Great taco salads
Ingredients
8 flour tortillas (6 inch)
1/2 cup  sour cream
4 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups  shredded chicken
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
1/2 cup  drained canned corn
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup salsa
Prepare
Heat tortillas in microwave
Spread sour cream on tortillas
TOP with all remaining ingredients except salsa; fold in half.
SERVE with1 salsa.
… (8 comments)

Random thoughts - 05/20/11 10:23 AM
So what ever happened to Jessica Hahn, Donna Rice, Paula Jones, Anita Hill and Fawn Hill?  Guess they had their 15 minutes. 
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an idiot. 
Maria Shriver use to be hot, back in the day.  Now not so much.  She is too thin and has that Kennedy women teeth thing going on. 
Had the opportunity to attend a political watch / victory party last weekend.  Held at lovely private residence on Swiss Avenue.  Homes built on Swiss are almost 100 years old. They have so much character.  At one time it was where Dallas wealthy lived.  Now the mega … (3 comments)

Some random thoughts about living in Dallas - 05/19/11 08:42 AM
When there is an accident on a Dallas freeway why do we need four police vehicles at the scene and no one is doing anything, everyone just standing around talking.
As of May 1st the city of Dallas has restrictions as to when we can water, yet when there are broken water mains it takes hours to repair the problem.
There are many restaurants in Dallas; however they come and go. The good ones last forever.
… (8 comments)

Steve Shatsky will be hosting the next East Dallas MLS breakfast - 05/18/11 11:38 AM
I learned today that the next East Dallas MLS meeting which will be on June1st is going to be hosted by Active Rain's own Steve (Bacon) Shatsky. 
I know if Steve is involved bacon is going to be served and we will have a great presentation. 
The meeting will be held at Luby's located at 6221 E Mockingbird Lane.  Breakfast service begins at 8:00 and the meeting will begin around 8:30. 
If you are in the Dallas area come have a great breakfast and meet a great guy, Steve Shatsky.
… (9 comments)

When you go the extra mile why not try to enjoy it? - 05/17/11 10:40 AM
If you want to be a better person and live a happier life try these five steps.  I will not call them easy, and many times I have trouble following them. 
Listen more and talk less 
Be caring not critical 
Use us and we instead of I
Love unconditional 
When you go the extra mile, enjoy it
… (14 comments)

I will be teaching a prep class on May 24th and May 25th - 05/16/11 10:44 AM
On Tuesday May 24th and Wednesday May 25th I will be teaching the salesman and broker prep courses at Champions School of Real Estate in Plano.
The class goes from 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., and on Wednesday you will have the opportunity to take a mock test. Your results are a good indication if you are ready to take the real state test. 
This is an excellent course to prepare you for the state test. For more information call Champions at 972-867-4100.
… (4 comments)

Keeping the deal on track - 05/15/11 08:03 AM
So you are now under contract.  Here are some ways to keep the transaction on track.
Assume no one is going to do their job except you.  Take ownership of the transaction.  It will make for a smoother closing. 
Keep your emotions out of the transaction.  The buyer, seller, and most times the other agent have enough emotions going on. 
Make sure the contract is completed, signed and dated. 
Know how to read a title commitment.  If you don't get with your favorite title company and learn how.
Know all the critical dates called for in the contract. 
Make sure there … (61 comments)

Heart Attack Grill opens Dallas location - 05/14/11 09:52 AM
With not as much fan fare as the new In N Out Burger that opened in Frisco earlier this week.  Yesterday the Heart Attack Grill opened in Dallas.  Located at 1718 N Market Street in the West end.  Turned out the opening was a soft opening of sorts as people in line were told the burger joint would not allow any more customers enter. 
The burger joint promotes obesity for "fun's sake" according to owner John Basso.  People who weigh 350 pounds or more eat free. 
The menu offering includes Single, Double, Triple and Quadruple bypass burgers.  Butterfat shakes, Flatliner Fries.  … (12 comments)

Champions School of Real Estate is now an approved VA training program - 05/13/11 09:10 AM
I just learned that the real estate school I am proud to be an instructor for Champions School of Real Estate in now an approved Real Estate Training Program for VA eligible persons and dependents seeking GI Bill Benefits. 
What a great way get your career in real started and take advantage of the benefits that you as a veteran have earned. 
If you need additional information call the Plano campus at 971-867-4100.
… (1 comments)

Would you stand in line 14 hours for a hamburger - 05/12/11 11:50 AM
I just read a story in the Dallas Morning News that people waited in line 14 hours at the new In N Out Burger in Frisco Texas.    
Do they know what they could do with that time spent standing in line?  
For one thing they could drive to Dallas and eat at The Angry Dog.  No better hamburger in the world.    
If you are ever in Dallas check them out.  http://www.angrydog.com/
… (9 comments)

Jimmy's Food Store next wine tasting will be on May 16th - 05/12/11 08:04 AM
Jimmy's Food Store next tasting will be with one of their favorite TuscanWine Owner/Winemakers, Lionello Marchesi.  His three properties, Castello di Monastero, Coldisole, and Poggio Alle Sughere.
There will be a free in store small tasting from 5:30pm to 6:30 pm, with Sangiovese and Chianti Classico wines.  Mr Marchesi will be present and will be signing bottles.
Starting at 6:30 there will be a wine tasting and seated dinner with assorted salami, baked lasagna, sausages and assorted cheeses to go with the wines.
Cost for the seated dinner is $32 per person.
You can email paul@jimmysfoodstore.com for reservations.
… (0 comments)

Random thought on a Wednesday - 05/11/11 06:11 PM
What's with all the hip pocket email I'm now receiving?  Agents please just put them in MLS no pre announcement necessary.
 
Buyers who do not get pre qualified and refuse to sign a buyer's representation are wasting your time.
 
I really hate working with big banks.
 
Thunder storms and heavy rain in Dallas.  Took me an hour to go 20 miles.
… (4 comments)

Broccoli soup served either hot or chilled - 05/11/11 09:00 AM
This soup is great in the summer because it works either hot or chilled.
2 pounds broccoli2 medium onions finely diced3 tablespoons butter¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 14 ounce cans strength chicken salt and pepper to taste
Trim tough stem from broccoli. Steam the broccoli until tender.  When cool rough chop the broccoli.
In soup pot, melt butter over medium heat, add onion and cook until cooked. Add broth, seasonings and broccoli. Cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until broccoli is tender. Place small amounts in a blender and mix until smooth.
You can serve this soup either hot … (7 comments)

Next week I will be teaching a contracts class - 05/10/11 07:31 AM
On Monday, May 16th - Thursday May 19th, I will be teaching a contracts class this week at Champions School of Real Estate in Plano. 
This is one of the four required courses and a great place to jump in and get started.
 The information we will cover consist of: Introduction to contracts, Negotiating successful Transactions, Title and closing, Finance, detailed review of the contgract, and additional forms.
The class goes from 6:00 am - 9:45 p.m., MonsY - Thursday. Well why not get started with this class.
For more information call Champions at 972-867-4100.
… (2 comments)

I will be teaching contracts this week - 05/09/11 06:34 PM
I will be teaching a contracts class this week at Champions School of Real Estate in Coppell.
This is one of the four required courses and a great place to jump in and get started. The information we will cover consist of: Introduction to contracts, Negotiating successful Transactions, Title and closing, Finance, detailed review of the contgract, and additional forms.
The class goes from 6:00 am - 9:45 p.m., MonsY - Thursday. Well why not get started with this class.
For more information call Champions at 972-867-4100.
 
… (0 comments)

Real estate exam practice question 46 - 05/09/11 08:24 AM
Broker Bob has negotiated 6.33% commission.  He has agreed to pay a cooperative broker 3% commission.  The property list for $379,000.  Ann is the listing agent and she receives 60% of the commission her broker receives.  If the property sells for 97% of the list price.  What commission will be paid to the listing agent? 
a. $6617
b. $7279
c. $7504
d. none of the above
… (4 comments)

Why would a large bank think I would send them a referal? - 05/08/11 03:16 PM
Lately I have noticed many of the larger banks really making a push to get REALTORS® to recommend buyer ‘s use their services.
I really want to ask them are you nuts?  Why would I wish to subject my buyers to use your services.  Dealing with you company on a foreclosure is such a pain and leaves such a bad taste in my mouth.  Being forced to work with you if one thing; however suggesting one of my buyer clients use your services is a joke.
You want referals you need to earn them.
… (4 comments)

Some Sunday thoughts - 05/08/11 06:41 AM
It is no longer necessary to watch the news. The news finds me. Twitter, Facebook and Active Rain. Who cares if Katie Couric is leaving CBS.
Political correctness is becoming one of the biggest problems in this country.
The death of one person is not the end of the war on terrorist.
Happy Mothers day to all the mothers out there.
… (2 comments)

Jimmy's Food Store wine tasting on May 10th - 05/07/11 08:53 AM
Jimmy's Food Store next tasting will be something new.  An EXPRESS tasting with the wines from Il Borro, which is owned by the Ferragamo Family.  Franco Russo, who is the international envoy for the family will be at Jimmy
to discuss the wines, the estate and how to live a beautiful life under the Tuscan sun. 
Here are the 4 great wines that will be featured, and prices as well:
 
La Melle Chardonnay - $24.99
Pian di Nova (Super Tuscan) - $24.99
Ill Borro (Super Tuscan) - $42.99
Castiglione de Bosco Brunello - $42.99
 
The event will be on … (2 comments)

Up In Smote to host a Brick House cigar event - 05/06/11 06:46 AM
On Saturday May 7th, Up In Smoke will present a Brick House cigar event.
The guys at the Highland Village location invite everyone to join in on some great cigars and fantastic in store specials on the Brick House product line.
Don’s Famous Barbecue will also be there and you do not want to miss out on that.
The event goes from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
For additional information call them at 972 318 1600.
… (0 comments)

Beef Chalupas - 05/05/11 11:35 AM
Beef Chalupas
I like chalupas with just beans and cheese; however when you doctor them up a bit it just gets better.
½ cup oil
8 corn tortillas
4 cups shredded lettuce
1 ½ cups shredded cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 tomato diced
2 avocados, pitted, and diced
1 can refried beans, warmed
Sliced black olives Picadillo meat.
Picadillo meat
1 pound hamburger meat
1 small onion finally diced
1 large tomato finely diced
2 cloves of garlic diced
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook hamburger meat, onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain off all grease. … (2 comments)

I will be teaching a Prep class on May 7th and 8th - 05/05/11 08:03 AM
On Saturday May 7th and Sunday May 8th I will be teaching the salesman and broker prep courses at Champions School of Real Estate in Plano.
The class goes from 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., and on Sunday you will have the opportunity to take a mock test. Your results are a good indication if you are ready to take the real state test. 
This is an excellent course to prepare you for the state test. For more information call Champions at 972-867-4100.
… (0 comments)

Just some random thoughts. - 05/04/11 06:14 AM
Just some random thoughts.
Saw a skinny guy in a scoter at the grocery store. Usually see large people in those little scoters.
Writing an offer on a foreclosure. Why does the lender have so many requirements?
Yesterday was a beautiful day in Dallas, Monday was cold and rainy.
Started the blog per day for May contest. Might be harder then I thought.
My youngest nephew is getting married on May 27th. It will be great to see many of my relatives.
Why do I still have a home phone? Only get telemarketing calls and I am on the do not … (6 comments)

Champions School of Real Estate will be hosting a free 2 hour seminar on Title Topics. - 05/03/11 06:48 AM
Champions School of Real Estate will be hosting a free 2 hour seminar on Title Topics. 
The seminar will be help on May 20th from 9a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 
Topics to be discussed include:  what is title insurance, What is a title commitment, What do I do at a closing, How much does it cost, and How to read the Closing statement. 
To reserve a seat call Champions at 972 878 4100 or email Kim@ChampionsSchool.com
… (0 comments)

On May 3rd from 5:30 - 7:00 pm Jimmy's will be hosting a free Haus Aplenz Aperitif Tasting. - 05/02/11 09:59 AM
An apéritif is typically served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, and usually served with something small to eat.
Eric Seed, president of Hasus Alpenz will be on hand to offer some great aperitifs and answer questions about the amazing drinks.
Tastings will include Zucca, Cardamaro, and Cocchi.  These are wine based spirits which are low in alcohol and are really great when served with a splash of soda.
More and more restaurants are now offering aperitif's to their customers.
This event is on May 3rd from 5:30 - 7:00 pm and is a free event.
… (0 comments)

I will be teaching an Agency class this week - 05/01/11 06:31 AM
I will be teaching an agency class on Monday May 2nd - Thursday May 5th at Champions School of Real Estate in Plano.
This is one of the four required courses and a great place to jump in and get started. The information we will cover consist of: Introduction to Agency, Senate Bill 489 and Intermediary, Principal - Agent relationships, Agency agreements, Employment Law, and The Texas deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The class goes from 6:00 pm  - 9:45 p.m., each day. Thinking of getting you real estate license? Well why not get started with this class.
For more information call Champions at … (1 comments)

 

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