I'M CALLING MY OWN SHOTS! Plus a Few Others that the AR Gods Missed this Week

Well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggers as well as some newbie bloggers that I've recently come across.  First and foremost, I just want to give a shout out to my fellow rainers for their gold star features that I was happy to "call the shot" on them. 

I don't believe pre-approvals anymore, and it's partly my own fault by Alan May

It's Not You It's Me...Well Actually Maybe It Is YOU: How to Grow in "The Rain!" by Andi Grant

Working from Home is a CHALLENGE! by newbie blogger, Dawn Brenengen

These were excellent posts that had some really great comments, which is one of the best things I love about great posts.  With some posts, the comments can actually be better than the post.  Check them out.  Then there were some other equally great posts that I suggested but that the AR Gods must have missed this week when they were bestowing those little gold stars. 

First there was You Say You Really Love This House But Your Offer Says "But Not Enough to Want To Buy It" (at best) by Charita Cadenhead.  Like most of us, we hate to see our clients lose out on a home they really want, especially when it didn't have to happen.  Charita educates buyers about how their buyers agent works to serve their best interests during the offer negotiation process.  Charita outlines how our "experience" enables us to advise our clients on how to structure their offers.  Check it out.   

Then there was newbie blogger, Nona Swann, with her post, Where do you talk on your cellphone?  I liked this one simply because Nona brings up a huge pet peeve of mine - people talking about personal matters on their cellphones in public places.  SERIOUSLY!!!  I can't tell you how many times I have heard peoples personal info while in a public place and I assure you, I really wished I hadn't heard the conversation.  Anyway, check it out (especially you guys).

Next was Beware the Lying Lender by Jon "J.R." Finger.  Jon shares a scenario that is an all too familiar one for me.  Many listing agents like to tell prospective buyers that only their "preferred lender" can close a transaction and that no other lender in town is capable or qualified to close a transaction.  Furthermore, all pre-approval letters, except ones from their "preferred lender" are worthless.  SERIOUSLY???  This would be comical if it wasn't such a common practice.  Anyway, check out Jon's post and see what he's talking about.  

Then there was newbie blogger, Steve Matsumoto with his post, Dear Mr. Home Flipper -- Stop it With Your Preferred Lenders!.  Steve's post is similar to Jon's post except that Steve's post is written as an open letter to the seller and is quite a bit more detailed.  I actually loved Steve's letter and would love to use it (with just a little tweaking) and send it to every listing agent and their "preferred lender" who seem to think they're the only ones in the country who can close a loan. 

For the records folks:  being a direct lender doesn't make a lender any more qualified to close a loan than a mortgage banker or a mortgage broker.  That is simply a fallacy and myth that many listing agents and their preferred direct lenders like to tell prospective buyers.

Next was My First Active Rain Success Story by Ken Barker.  I love AR success stories but they're especially nice to hear when I was instrumental in helping it happen.  When another AR member contacted me asking for a referral for a good listing agent in my area, I was happy to refer Ken and I was even more happy to actually help him with marketing his listing too.  Anyway, stop by and congratulate Ken for his first AR success story.

Lastly, there was newbie blogger, Orlando Masis, with his post, Southern Signs: Your Morning Laugh.  I liked this post simply because it was hilarious.  You know, one of those post that just has you cracking up.  Check it out, you'll laugh.  While you're at it, check out some of Orlando's other posts too.  Orlando and his wife, Alison Shuman Masis, are phenomenal photographers and they take some of the most incredible and interesting pictures.

As always, I love "calling the shots".  I'm pretty picky and selective about whom I suggest.  I intentionally highlight my fave bloggers and then I look for new bloggers or bloggers that aren't on the feature board every other day.  Anyone can suggest all the popular bloggers but finding the hidden treasures and gems is so much better.  I hope you check them out and enjoy them as much as I did.