Joel Lawson's (integrity2) Blog

Beautiful Skies in Snowflake, AZ

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:24:57 -0700

The monsoon rains in Snowflake have been plentiful and we are enjoying it as do our gardens. already at the 10th of August and it's been cool almost every day. The cuddling wheather at nights reminds me of why I moved here from Phoenix. The Sweet Corn Festival is coming soon. You like sweet corn this place has some of the best. Or check out our restored historic homes. I was looking for the RFD lifestyle and found Snowflake. Mild winters but only 16 miles to all the pinetrees you want to enjoy, Ski, Fish, Hunt and much more. Arizona is more then just cactus and rattle snakes check out the White Mountains of North East, AZ THE BEAUTIFUL SKIES ARE JUST ONE OF THE REASONS I LOVE THIS AREA SO MUCH. This photo taken from one of my newest listings. 39 acres septic installed power to the property line. Great Water Aquifer, see more at www.integrityrealty.net

Why Snowflake, Arizona

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:53:42 -0700

I've been thinking about why I live in Snowflake, Arizona and I'm reminded of the things that first brought me here. One day while living in Phoenix, AZ, where I had lived for 18 years. I was traveling home and ran into road construction. It was 115 degrees the air conditioning had broken and needed repair. Of course it was a timing thing. Have the car in the shop to get the air fixed or have the car to get to work. As I sat sweating profusely, tired and stressed I decided this would be the straw that broke the camels back. I went home and told the wife it was time to make a five year plan. A plan to get the hell out of dodge. We made it in three. I had decided that we were being manipulated by forces we could not control. As I explained to the wife it's a trap, they want us to be in debit and paying interest to bankers for everything we were in the process of owning. They (who ever they are) want us to have a mortgage, a couple of cars, credit cards, paying interest on all of them. I decided if we could get out of the rat race and get out of debit, every dime we saved on interest was equal to making that much money or at least not having to work for that money. I knew that my ability to earn a larger income in the city would be diminished by moving to a rural area. But after 50,60,70 hour weeks and tons of stress the peace of mind would be a fair trade off. Not to mention the other great things associated with rural life. This example is something most of you city dwellers will appreciate. I had been used to traveling to 51st Ave and Indian School to wait in line at the MVD, for several hours at which point I received a piece of paper work I could take with me to the freeway and if I remember right Bethany Home Rd., where I could get emmissions testing ( last time I was by this location it appeared to have evolved, into a porn shop). If I were lucky the car passed, and I could then return to 51st Ave & Indian School and get back in line for my tags (I should say this was 1986). When I moved to Snowflake, AZ in the Arizona White Mountains I walked into the county building and there were three women behind a very long counter, with no one waiting there but me. A nice young lady stood up and ask if she could help me. Short story short, I was done getting my new tags in less than 10 minutes. I knew right then I was going to love it here. I believed and soon confirmed that a little less income would be off set by a lower cost of living. My auto insurance was less because there are fewer nuts trying to kill you up here. Property taxes were lower a $60.00 power bill and there were entertainment options that did not cost money. The great outdoors the yearly parades and celebrations in both Snowflake & Taylor. Living in Phoenix for 18 years I knew my neighbors on either side and had a half dozen friends that really mattered. In Snowflake I found time to be a friend and enjoy friendships. At one time I could go into a restaurant shake hands and call by name everyone there. In Phoenix there are lots of entertainment options, but I had long since given up enjoying those types of thing, because between the stressful job, heat and the traffic it was just not worth the trouble. Now I travel to Phoenix and enjoy the things I did not have time to enjoy while I was living there. Then I return to the cool White Mountains and live the rest of the time in peace. Today I enjoy a modest home on a large parcel, with no one looking over my back fence or telling me when to bring in my garbage can, what color to paint my house etc. I can shot my guns in my own back yard or take the quad out of the driveway into the open range. In the spring I love to watch all the trees & fields turn green, and for several days now I have been loving the cool monsoon rains and taking the great grandson out to the garden every evening to see how much it is liking the rain. With a private well and a large water aquifer, I sure feel better about my ability to survive as those in the current administration try to ruin life as we have know it. I sometimes get busy with my Real Estate Company and forget how blessed I am to be living here, so I hope you enjoyed me reminding myself of the things I have to be thankful for! If you want to see what I'm talking about just go to my website www.integrityrealty.net and hit Tour of Snowflake on the left hand side. Joel Lawson Owner/Broker Integrity Realty & Assoc, L.L.C.

Realtors and GOLD MINERS?

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:13:07 -0700

The gold miners sometimes struck it rich. Most often they made many others rich. It is well known that in many cases the people who made the money, were not the miners but those who sold them stuff. Such as the Booze, Brothels, stores selling shovels and picks, Levis etc. From the start they paid someone for supplies and transportation to the gold fields. Once there, they paid for the above mentioned supplies and entertainment. In the end many paid most of what they were able to make to vendors, and left broke. How does that compare to being a Realtor? When we decide to go into Real Estate. We think we will sell Real Estate and get paid a commission. We soon discover that there are many cost involved before we can even begin. The List Below is just a short list of the ways we pay vendors a great deal of our income and who ends up with the money. Initial Education Costs- Real Estate Schools Real Estate Department Fees for our license and office- The General Fund Realtor Association Fees, National, State, Local MLS Fees- Local Board- MLS providers Lock Box Fees, yearly and monthly- Vendors Continuing Education- Real Estate Schools/Instructors (usually rehashed information you learned in initial classes). Designation's - NRA, Real Estate Instructors and schools Signs- Sign Shops Advertising to include, Web Site, Phone Books, Real Estate Magazines, Promotional Items, Computer Programs- Vendors Office Space Phones Utilities On top of this very short list of people making money from your efforts are the daily email advertisments, many being the flavor of the day "SHORT SALE TRAINING" which may or may not give good information. The last one I attended was an infomercial for what they really wanted to sell us, a $500.00 package for some more initials on our card. Or a Webinar promising to increase your production if you buy the product offered in the switch after you took the bait. No doubt there are offers out there having real value, but how many frogs do you kiss before you find one, and how much money will you waste. How about the vendors who offer this great product to your Board for free, but you soon find out you must pay for and upgrade to get the good stuff. Is that not the same things the internet marketers do that make us all cuss, when we are 7 pages deep only to discover once again free is always a lie. I would love to hear comments on the things the readers have paid for in the past, that in the end did not help their production. How about your "what a waste of time and money" comments. Love to hear about what you think was sold to you that ended up having no redeeming value to your business. Most people will tell you they really benefited from a short sale class or a certian designation, but who with a Realtors self confidence or should I say ego, is going to admit they have initials on their cards that are good for nothing and they paid good money for them? In 14 years I have never had someone come into my office and ask for an agent with a GRI or any other designation ( I actually did like many of the GRI classes). And yes I have one so I'm still waiting for that flood of people seeking the great GRI guy. I'm beginning to think Raising The Bar is code for somebody has something they want help selling. WE SHOULD KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON WHO"S HOLDING THE BAR, WHO GAVE IT TO THEM AND WHO REALLY BENIFITS YOUR CLIENTS OR THE VENDORS?

Great Solar Home In The Arizona White Mountains

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:06:22 -0700

I am passionate got so many subjects. Sometimes I forget I'm a real estate broker. So today at like to showcase a self-sufficient solar home. In this case, I get to have my cake and eat it too. Because I am also passionate about promoting solar and wind generated power. This 2006, 2240 ft.² three bedroom two bath with a bonus office sets on 43 fenced acres. The home is a triplewide Schultz manufactured home with a permanent foundation and stem wall. The private well is into the Coconino sandstone aquifer, the largest underground aquifer in Arizona. The home features laminate floors from wall-to-wall large bedrooms and a formal dining room.There is a covered front deck and open rear deck.With Both Solar and Wind Power plus back up generator. Best of all, although not currently run in to the home the grid power is approx 150' from the home. But why would you want a power bill?Wind GeneratorJuniper Forest and view of Black MesaThe property is 43 acres that is completely fenced. The property starts in a meadow travels across the large arroyo and then to the top the Hill where the home is located near the boundary of state land. There are rock features near the home. These large bolders have worn indentations that may have been used by the , Native Americans, grind corn. Pottery shards and arrowheads have been found on the property. Sunset in SnowflakeSee this listing and more at http://www.integrityrealty.net/Or call me at 866-844-7053 for more info on this home. Joel N. LawsonOwner/BrokerIntegrity Realty & Assoc, L.L.C.

Conspiracy against Solar, Wind, and Alternative Energy

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 06:18:05 -0800

Solar conspiracy is this the reason technology is slow to improve. Dec 2, 2007Years ago I would say approximately 1979 or maybe 1978. I was training for a new job. For this job. I was required to buy a new calculator. This was significant to me at the time because the cost was somewhere around $350. Today, a calculator that will carry out the same functions can be found at your local dollar store for as little as five dollars. Why, because of mass production, competition and innovation. So why has solar and wind energy evolved so slowly? I've pondered this for a number of years. For some reason thinking this was just some sort of oversight and a lack of interest from the consumer.However, I've come to the conclusion that there are far more complicated issues involved.Consider all of the conventional profit motives, that will be affected should affordable solar become prevalent and widely used. How many different ways are our fossil fuels taxed before they reach the consumer? How many of the old establishment profit engines will be affected by our using less oil? When you get your power bill are their taxes? When you buy oil are their taxes? When you don't buy oil or gasoline, who are the people affected? Could it be Exxon, Mobil, Shell, Citco and other large oil companies? Can you imagine these companies with a large oil refineries, looking forward to less oil use? If you follow this through to the government or should I say layers of government who each apply taxes, all through the process. It's not hard to see that the wealthy and powerful have no motivation to wean us from foreign oil. You might ask, what can be done about that. Well not much until we take the money out of the election process and elect people with a backbone, who will stand up to the pressure from big-money lobbyists. After that there are a number of things that can be done. Starting with government incentives for those who will produce and further innovation of alternative energies. Now, being a Republican, I think I can say without bias that you will hear the Republicans say taxpayers should not be charged for this innovation. And I'm not big on government involvement in anything. But Republicans seem to have no problems supporting government incentives, tax breaks etc. for big oil. Not to mention the fact that it was probably politicians in the back pocket of big oil and big money, who have deprived us of more efficient reasonably priced solar, wind and other alternative sources of energy. So why should they not be responsible for helping us make up time, in this area.Currently, the cost in my area of solar and wind generation capable of supporting the average home, is approximately 25 to $35,000. In most cases, these kinds of technologies are viewed as taking too long to recoup your original investment. This is not entirely true because although it might take our standard electric bill, considerable time to add up to this amount. I believe, especially in the near future, the added value to the home and property will cover a good deal if not all of this expense. Do you believe power bills will go down? How much more can you afford to pay in a house payment if there are no utility bills? Another way to wean ourselves on foreign oil is to reduce the longevity of patents on high-efficiency ways to use fossil fuels. This would prevent the oil companies from locking up these types of technologies. By purchasing the patents, and then preventing them from being brought to production. But I digress. Here just a few positive aspects of developing these alternative energies. Consider that a drastic move toward solar, wind and alternative energies will lower oil prices, almost immediately. How can that be, you ask? Just as soon as the Middle East countries realize that we are serious about moving in this direction. They will also realize that once we go far enough that direction. We will not have to return to being there captive, economic slaves. Therefore, they will begin to lower oil prices in an effort to distract us from developing these technologies. Another of the positive aspects of solar, wind, geothermal and the other alternative energies is the following. When we went into Iraq in the great shock and awe, what is the first thing we annihilated? Power plants! If every house in the United States had its own self sufficient alternative energies. That would render a strategy like this impotent. And for those who are worried about big brother who is becoming more apparent when you consider your now on camera as much as 200 times a day in a large city. How much harder, would it be to control a population by depriving them of power? So come on America must take this power away from our enemies and ensure our children are not at their mercy. If we can develop the technology to put a man on the moon in a very short period of time. We should be able to accelerate reduction in innovation of moderately priced alternative technologies, in just as short a period.See Solar homes here http://www.aeapower.com/solar/residential-gallery/

Living Green Snowflake, Arizona Wind and Solar Power

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 06:38:24 -0800

Why is Snowflake, Arizona a great place for self sufficient living. 11-23-07Snowflake Arizona sits at an altitude of between 5300 and 5800 feet above sea level. Snowflake sets over the Coconino sandstone aquifer. This aquifer is one of the largest in the Southwest, with most private Wells hitting water at approximately 400 feet. In the case of my home, we hit water at 395 feet, which then rose of a static level of 265 feet. When I last checked the cost of a well including equipment was between 12 and $15,000.Snowflake is a mild four season climate, so that you experience, the change of seasons without the drastic highs and lows.Snowflake is high desert and what I call the Juniper forest, but is also considered the White Mountain region of Arizona. We experience mild moderate amounts of snow fall, which generally melts off the following day. This makes for great solar and wind generation. This combination of more than adequate water supplies, and very favorable conditions for alternative power sources makes this a great place for self sufficient living. There are many people in the area, who already enjoy the freedom and self-sufficiency of solar and wind generation. If you couple this with the ability to purchase large tracts of property at very reasonable prices. You have found an ideal place for your self sufficient farm, ranch, or getaway.Another benefit to living in the area is the access to fishing lakes, Sunrise ski resort, National Forest, the Petrified National Forest, the Navajo and Apache reservations and much more.Last but not least this area is now a great investment for countries outside the United States because of the favorable exchange rates and already great values in this buyers market. Below I have included several links to interesting things about the area, including water resources. http://www.arizonaenergy.org/WaterEnergy/C-Aquifer.htmhttp://az.water.usgs.gov/pubs/02-4026intro.htm http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:6oM9espg5f8J:www.water.utah.gov/Planning/SWP/westcol/swp_wc19.pdf+Coconino+SandStone+Aquifer+Navajo+County+Acre+feet&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us Thanks for readingJoel Lawsonhttp://www.integrityrealty.net/joel@joellawson.com

Green Living, Solar wind and more.

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:59:38 -0800

Green living solar and wind trends are up-and-coming. 11-15-07. For the past 10 years, we at Integrity Realty have been selling homes, powered by solar and wind. Although we probably feature more of these type homes than most communities. The percentage of self sufficient homes, is not nearly as high as I would like to see. When I moved to Snowflake, Arizona from Phoenix in 1986. I was just within the range to hook up the grid power. Truthfully, I was 300 feet past the thousand foot cut off. Thankfully a very nice man at the power company offered to record the measurement at 1000 feet saying, the construction crew would never measure. I was able to receive a power hookup. Being a young man with a family trying desperately to find a way out of the rat race. This man did me a great service. You see, I had found the mother earth news magazine with an article headlined, two bedroom home for under $5,000. I was very intrigued by the design of this home. It was constructed of 2x4 lumber, much like a log cabin. I carried this magazine with me to three homes in two different states, for seven years. Always hoping that I could try this type of construction. The interior wood finish was very appealing to me. I was not the first to build with this type construction. Many of those who preceded me had used pieces, they had been able to salvage in one way or another. We were fortunate enough to purchase 1600 8 foot 2x4 studs. These became our walls up to 8 feet. So in the end we were able to construct a 24 x 32 modified aframe. This allowed two bedrooms, a 12 x 20 loft, and one very nice sized bathroom. We have added another 1200 sf thanks to Real Estate. Having purchased our first home in Phoenix at the age of 18, my wife and I had a little equity. My wife also worked for a company with profit-sharing where she had saved a little more. With the combination of the two we were able to move to Snowflake buy 11 acres of property, install a private well and septic system. Although I would very much have liked to install solar to complete a self-sufficient lifestyle finances were not available at that time. As I mentioned before, we were right on the edge of power and 6 miles from town proper. 10 years later, I got involved in selling real estate. I quickly found I preferred selling the rural properties and homes. This gave me instant and varied exposure to a number of self sufficient or nearly self-sufficient homes. Our town being surrounded by many 40 acre parcels, and most of those in 20 acre zoning made this area ripe for those wishing to escape constraints of typical city living. 10 years or more before my arrival, many of these people had already discovered this area. They as myself and my family were intrigued by a lifestyle with few neighbors little government regulation and the ability to build a life less dependent on government infrastructure. Being a younger man at the time and having more energy than money, this was quite the adventure. We had just enough money to drill a well which I hired out, and install a septic system which I did myself, along with purchasing the building materials. Needing all of our savings to accomplish the construction meant that I would live in a tent for six-weeks on what now is our front yard. Each day for six weeks, my wife and I worked on building our home, with occasional help from my parents. With the home dried in, we were able to move inside complete the home over a number of years. Over the past 10 years, the nature of this area has attracted many people, who also wanted to escape the rat race and enjoy the same kind of experience that we did. However, having the privacy of being out of town has taken them farther away from the grid power. So over time. I have listed and sold wind and solar powered homes. I've also known many people who have either purchased land from our company or from other sources, who have also built homes powered by solar and wind generation. These homes are usually complemented by a private well drilled into our very large Coconino sandstone aquifer, and of course and on the site wastewater treatment plant/septic system. Because of this over the years. I have become a bigger and bigger fan of these type homes and this lifestyle. One home that I currently have listed amuses me. It amuses me because this nice little site built home with solar power backup generator, private well and root cellar on 79 acres. Has one corner, which is crossed by the high tension high voltage power lines going to major power grids. All that power, and they don't need it or want it. Especially over the last few years. I have become more and more convinced that the best way to keep the prices of oil a little lower. It is to develop more solar, wind and other alternative sources of energy. The beauty of this is that once we have gone there. We don't have come back to oil. To me, that is kind of poetic justice. If you're interested in our area or some of the green living opportunities we have available, you can see the home I mentioned previously at www.integrityrealty.net the homes are listed by price. And this home is listed at $235,000. You should find several other solar properties as well. I believe the reason many with these interest located here, is the ability to still purchase, large tracts of property with elbow room at very reasonable prices. Not to mention our beautiful mild four season climate, with many sunny days and a very large supply of water. In the area where we are located wind complements the solar. Here when the sun is not shining, the wind is blowing. Along with attracting many people interested in wind and solar. We also seen recently have begun attracting alpaca ranching. Of course, we have always been popular with horse and cattlemen.

Where the Hell is Snowflake Arizona

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:13:03 -0700

Where the hell is Snowflake, Arizona. 11/12/07 Thought I'd take a minute today to tell my readers a little about Snowflake, Arizona. Snowflake Arizona is a member of the White Mountain community. By this I mean, we have kind of a regional economic community. Within a few minutes drive from Snowflake are the towns of Lakeside, Pinetop, Concho, Heber, Overgaard, Springerville, St. John's, Eager, Show Low, and Holbrook. Snowflake is located on the high plateau, just north of the pine tree forest. I like to refer to it as the Juniper forest. We have a mild four season climate, which is quickly becoming the preferred area for developers of year around family housing. Snowflake also has an LDS or a Mormon Temple. Only one of two in Arizona. From Snowflake it is about 16 miles from Show Low and Lakeside/Pinetop, which have grown together and are almost one in the same. There can find pine trees many second homes, fishing lakes and amenities for the ski industry, which is at Sunrise on the White Mountain Apache reservation. There also a number of reservation fishing lakes, between Pinetop and sunrise ski resort. If you travel from Pinetop has sunrise become to Greer Arizona, which is another area of second homes fishing lakes and outdoor activities. The area between Pinetop and Greer is well known for the beautiful colors in the forest at change of season. I chose Snowflake because although we have snow, approximately 5 to 8 inches four or five times a year and on rare occasions more than that. We have access to all the things mentioned above, without the worries of forest fires, snow that sets for months and turns black, cleaning up after pine trees and much colder temperatures with Sun and views bocked by the beautiful pine trees. Not to mention the considerable difference in real estate prices. I love these areas mentioned above, but find it much easier to drive there in less than 30 minutes and enjoy them, than actually living there. To answer the question in the title of this blog "where the hell is Snowflake Arizona" we are in northeast Arizona and considered a part of the White Mountains although we are more of a high plateau or foothills to the White Mountains our elevation is between 5800 and 6200 feet. We are 3 hours from Phoenix and 1.75 hours from Flagstaff.Some of the great features of Snowflake include a fantastic aquifer with millions of acre feet to draw from. This is in contrast to many towns in Arizona, who have water problems that threaten to get worse. We also have a very wonderful small town atmosphere. One of our tourist attractions are the historic homes that have been refurbished for the enjoyment of local residents and visitors. Our Chamber of Commerce is located in the historic Freeman home, along with our Integrity Realty branch office. This home contains some of the most beautiful antiques I've ever seen. We also have a commercial building, which was one of the original stores and has been refurbished as an ice cream parlor antique store and meeting facility. I'm am honest, when I say that I believe our school system is a great place for children to learn. In contrast to big-city schools. There must be somewhere between six and eight ball fields in town. Another wonderful feature that I think I most enjoyed about Snowflake, are the beautiful green irrigated pastors were you may see the horses, cattle, or even sometimes buffalo grazing. Much of the property in Snowflake/Taylor proper is irrigated. This stems from the fact that White Mountain lakes just a few miles south of Snowflake there is a natural spring that seems to come shooting from the ground. Out of nowhere. I'm told, and I haven't verified this that 12 to 1600 gallons per minute and come from this spring. For as long as the old-timers here can remember. This feeds into White Mountain lake and is used for irrigation during the summer months. This area was home to many Indians and the ruins in the area will verify that. We have the White Mountain Apache reservation to the South and the Navajo reservation to the South. From the real estate perspective, we were only discovered a few years ago, and the prices are still considerably lower than other parts of the state but not for long. You can find 40 acre parcels from the worst at $30,000-$40,000 to the best from 80,000 to 150,000. We have new and resale homes from $175,000 to $450,00 and at the high end as much as $ 1.2 million. It is an exciting time for Snowflake, because developers have discovered the area and understand its potential. There are many subdivisions being plated as we speak in Snowflake, and the surrounding communities. There's an area between Taylor and White Mountain lakes on Highway 77 called Solomon lakes. This has been beautiful, irrigated pasture with several lakes, but has now been slated for 56 new-homes in the one million to 1.5 million range. It is also a subdivision near White Mountain lakes nearing completion with airport runway access from your home. If you'd like to know more about Snowflake, Arizona visit our website at www.integrityrealty.com go to tour of Snowflake for photos. On the other beautiful features are the antique streetlights whining Main St.. These have wrought iron rings with potted flowers in the summer and lighted snowflakes in the winter. You will to see those photos on the tour. Or call me at 928-243-0199 Last but not least, although we do get snow and interesting fact about Snowflake, Arizona is how it got its name. Snowflake was founded in by a group of Mormon settlers in two of the leaders of the founding party were named Mr. Snow and you guessed it. Mr. Flake Hope you found this interesting.

Where the Hell is Snowflake Arizona

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:09:05 -0700

Where the hell is Snowflake, Arizona

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 08:11:47 -0700

Is it your home and do you want to live forever?

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 04:29:22 -0700

Is it your home 10/11/07.Well I am back on my soapbox. This morning in my morning ritual of watching Fox news. While, I have my coffee and contemplate the day. Another story from California, the land of many rules. This story pertains to smoking, and I know many people believe that no one should smoke. In fact, I wish I didn't, but I do. I have recently changed from cigarettes to a pipe, which I hope is a little better for me. After seeing a program on the history Channel, where they actually had a still where they cooked up tobacco juice and different chemicals. I felt like a pipe might at least have natural tobacco without all the additives.Anyway, this story on Fox news was about a smaller town in California, where they had just outlawed smoking in your own home. Now being a property rights advocate. I have long railed against a number of things that I find offensive. There are property taxes, which in my opinion are the most egregious type of tax, because if you somehow in this world, you managed to pay your home off. You should not have to worry about having it sold for taxes, if you're not fortunate enough to have the money necessary to pay these taxes in your old age. Of course, as you probably have seen in my previous blogs with people being commonly forced into subdivisions with an H. O. A., you would probably have the same problem, even without property taxes. But now these busy bodies are to determine what you can do in your own home to your own body. Wouldn't their efforts be much better spent finding alternative energy? Breathing the smog in California is probably the equivalent of a three pack a day habit.When I see these kinds of things I am always reminded of what my father used to say to me. He would tell me in this life, there are sheep and shepherds, which do you want to be? What makes me think of this is the fact that we seem to have so many sheep that are so easily herded. When it comes to California, I always marvel at the fact that those in charge of government today. Most probably are the Berkeley hippies or a least from that generation. It's funny, those who railed against the man, have become the man, and even worse. Are these people not from the generation of LSD, free love, live and let live?I have heard for years that to quit smoking will add 10 years to your life. My question is are these the 10 years that your in a nursing home with bedsores and lousy care, while spending your children's inheritance for the privilege of ten more years living a very poor quality of life?Our society puts so much stock in keeping people alive longer. I'm never quite understood what the purpose of those acclimating us to this mindset really is. A couple years ago, my aunt was in the hospital in Phoenix. My brother and I traveled there to see her. While there we were surprised to have my aunt tell us that my 93-year-old uncle was in the same hospital. Of course, we ask why? She said he was being circumcised! Which was even more surprising, considering he was 93 years old. Two years later, he passed away. He and his wife had been married 74 years. Obviously from a generation were marrying earlier was not uncommon. The point being, the doctors made money the hospitals made money and my poor 93-year-old uncle got circumcised. Now this poor man had suffered from debilitating headaches for 40 years and had not been unable to see for five years. And we were doing him a great favor by keeping him alive. My aunt survived him and is still alive.Back to the question of why we want to extend someone's life, to 100 years or more. I have not figured that out yet. Number one, can we not encounter enough struggle in eighty years? Number two brings me back to the reason for my story in the previous paragraph. My cousin and his wife are now in their mid-70s. He has had his own medical problems losing part of his intestine, making it very difficult to get far from a home. Yet they have just spent several years, taking care of my uncle who died at 95 and are now visiting my aunt on a daily basis in an assisted care facility. I would say, at 75. This is a little more difficult then it would've been at 55 or 60. At 75 I will probably be lucky to have the energy to live independently. How very difficult it must be for my cousins to care for their elderly parents at their advanced age. Now you consider that you worked and saved so that your children would not have to bear the expense of supporting you in your later years. But now, you must work and save to have enough money to support yourself in later years and probably your parents who have outlived their retirement income.So those of you in the land of many rules there is still hope. You can leave California, and all the rules behind and if you don't live more than 20 years, they may not catch up to you. Unfortunately, many of the egregious rules, regulations and poor court decisions start in California, and soon spread like a cancer to the rest of the country.So don't waste your life depriving yourself of the things you enjoy, so that you can find yourself at 103. Never having enjoyed life, but having outlived your retirement income, while being sad, lonely and poorly cared for in those extra 20 years, you wanted so badly.

Drivers License or tracking device!

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 09:53:34 -0700

Do you think much about your drivers license. 10 -- 3 -- 07.Recently, my wife and I took a trip to Phoenix. Although I have had real concerns about the way drivers license privileges are being suspended for an increasing multitude of reasons,I have recently been reminded of why I have these concerns.My original concern stemmed from the people around me, extended family members acquaintances etc. having their drivers license suspended for one infraction or another. Many months ago I began to research drivers licenses. While interviewing a candidate for governor in our state. I mentioned to him that it appeared to me that this was becoming a problem. His statement to me was, driving is a privilege not a right can't they take a cab. This elitist attitude was silly and missed the point. When the courts or other government bureaucracies suspended someones license, they aren't really harming that person as much as the people around them, who have to then provide for them, because they were unable to travel and handle their own business.I know that at first thought drunken-driving comes to mind. However, after doing some research on the Internet I found that there is something like 109 reasons you can lose your drivers license in Oregon, including allowing your tree branches to hang into the neighbor's yard, after being warned to trim them. I do however agree if a person can't not drink and drive drunk, they should not be driving. California or Oregon now everywhere else later that's how it works!Being without a driver's license seems like something that can easily be remedied by taking the bus to work mass transit or a cab. And this is mostly true. If you live in the city and work during periods that public transportation is scheduled to run. However, if you live in a rural area where travel is necessary for work groceries and other services this is not a solution. Having your drivers license suspended or revoked, is the equivalent of being neutered or spayed, at least in the realm of self-sufficiency. When you also consider that DUI laws, (which by the way I've never had a problem with personally) have become more and more restrictive. In Arizona, I believe the original level of criminal intoxication was a reading of .12 and over the years, it has been reduced to .08. At present, the law has now been changed to require that on a first offense of driving while under the influence. You are required to install a Breathalyzer in your car, which will not allow the car to start until you have blown into it. Did I forget, you also have your license suspended, car towed away etc.Ask yourself this, what kind of unreasonable, unfair and silly regulations would I comply with. If I were told that was the only way I could have a drivers license and the right to travel?Even though you don't drink and drive and you cut your trees back, so they're not hanging in the neighbors yard, and you may not do any of the other, up to 109 different things that would cause you to lose your license. If you're brother, son, wife or close friend does have their license suspended, it may be more your problem then you think. You didn't do anything wrong, but you may have to add time to your schedule to drive them here and there, or you could find yourself supporting them because they can't support themselves without the right to travel.In my research. There was a state where they had a statement from the director of the motor vehicle department, which said; all of our state agencies have a big problem with bad checks "insufficient funds". We don't have that problem, because we will take your license, your registration, and even your car. Also in my research, as I had already assumed the original intent was to prove you could drive a car with a reasonable amount of proficiency. However, it has evolved to a required form of ID, and many other things that are undesirable in my opinion.Recently, my wife and I both received letters from the Department of Motor Vehicle. One was to me, because I have held a commercial driver's license for many years just in case I might need it some day. Although it was kind of silly to keep it all these years without actually being in the profession. I always thought it was good to have if I ever needed it. My letter stated that Homeland security required me to update certain things in order to continue holding a commercial driver's office. Having not used it in well over 10 years, I decided to just revert to a regular drivers license, saving me a physical examination every two years for my medical card, which I was also required to maintain. This of course caused me to relinquish my old license and be issued a new license. Of course, this new license carries a magnetic strip, with much of my personal information. I will explain later how this magnetic strip is used. My wife's letter informed her that she must go in for new drivers license photo. Her license did not expire for a number of years. This of course caused her to be reissued a license with the magnetic strip.I have a tendency to digress. So I will try to get back on course. On a trip to Phoenix with my wife a few days ago. I stopped to buy a cigar at a convenience store. Now I am 49 years old, and like to think I look pretty good for my age, but know I look over 18. Which explains my surprise when they asked me for identification to purchase tobacco. I told the convenience store clerk that she must be kidding. She said no. We are required to card everyone now. So I handed her my new drivers license and was very surprised to see her reach over and swipe it through a credit card type device. I ask, couldn't you just look at the date? She gave me an answer that I found quite prophetic for a convenience store clerk. She said, I don't think it's alcohol tobacco and firearms anymore, I think Homeland security requires this now.Now I know some of you are yelling right now, " if you're not doing anything wrong, why do you care". Trust me when I say, those are words that will come back to haunt us all. I care, because I was raised to believe that American citizens have a right to privacy. By swiping my card with all of my information. I have now informed, any government agency who may ask where I was at what time and on what day. That doesn't matter now because I was just taking my wife to a doctors appointment. But it will matter if the government decides to outlaw being a Christian, and I'm on my way to a revival. Or, one political party gains enough power to persecute those who have other political beliefs, and I'm on my way to a political gathering. Ask yourself this, if the British had that much knowledge of where people were during the time of our independence, would we be free people today.Last but not least is this a grand experiment, learning how to track and control people? Do the people of Russia believe today that they would want their leader (Mr. I used to be head of the KGB) to have this kind of information about them. Are we guaranteed that our government will never be that bad?HANG ON TIGHT TO YOUR RIGHTS

Local Goverment and Housing cost

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 07:22:52 -0700

Housing cost 9/30/07 No growth factions through hidden means have through referendum required every county in our state to produce a land-use plan. However, these plans should really be called" how to stop people from using the land plan". There are often just a way to open the process so that more regulation generally costly regulation can be imposed on private property. Being involved in politics and land-use planning in our area. It has become clear to me that the forces driving these plans are not the local citizens. At least not in my rural area. I am in the process of observing a neighboring county attempt to place subdivision like deed restrictions on an entire county. It's also interesting to note that this effort was not generally advertised for the people of the community to be aware of until it was discovered by a few outspoken citizens. It has been my experience, in my county, and this neighboring county. That the forces driving these land-use plans are not the citizens of these communities. In fact, I have seen one county, rely heavily on a consultant provided by a wealthy developer, with the outcome being a plan that stripped many rights from longtime residents and other smaller property owners and granted almost unlimited rights to those with the considerable resources necessary to develop master plan communities or subdivisions. It has also been my experience that these land use plans have become an opening for no growth, Sierra Club types to interject new restraints and regulations on private property owners. These are not necessarily done for the protection of anyone or the environment. As these things are simply scare tactics used to achieve their goals. Which are to make development, so costly for the average individual that only developers with access to large amounts of up front money can develop property. Conversely, this drives the cost of developing continuously upward, causing the cost of housing to soar. Another phenomenon that I often see is the use of land-use plans by the, I want to close the gate behind me crowd. By this I mean, people want to move in and develope a place that is utopia for them. And then slam the gate closed so that they cannot be imposed upon as they opposed upon those who were there before them. These are often times the same people who move in and begin using utilities and services provided by those who proceeded them, while insisting that they should not have to pay for utilities and services for anyone who comes after them. So in closing every time a local government allows new restrictions and regulations to be added. The gap between those who can afford a home and those he can't becomes wider. When and if local governments began to resist these added regulations the cost of housing can stabilize.

Home pricing

Joel N. Lawson Jr., Relationships still matter. (Adventure Realty) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:11:39 -0700

Pricing your home how and why. 9-27-07 I am sure other Real Estate professionals will relate to at least some of this. As you talk to potential clients about listing their home you seem to see reoccurring themes, at least I do. Have you ever gone to a listing appointment and heard any of the following: 1. The neighbors or the people down the block have theirs listed for $ xxx,000.00 My response: Is it still listed and if so how does that relate to anything. Appraisers base their market values on what has sold in the area that is comparable to your home, and has SOLD. Usually in large markets within the last six months. In rural areas they will stretch out to what has sold in the last year. Because your neighbor has priced his or her home above market value causing it to still be on the market, does that mean you want to do the same. As my father used to say; "if they jump off a cliff will you jump too". 2. I don't need to sell Look if you are considering listing your home for sale. You either need to sell or want to sell in either case pricing the home properly is the first step. 3. My house is worth more then my neighbors because I have a pool. My response: Only if they want a pool, want to clean a pool and don't have small children they are afraid will be drowned in that pool. Much the same concept applies to a horse setup, a tennis court, sunroom, bar, etc. 4. The one I love the most, is when I explain that the rooms are small (or something else is inferior) compared to the properties they want to compare their home to, in order to establish price. The man of the house says I know but I have been sitting in my lounge chair for the last five years thinking about how I could just knock out that wall and expand that bedroom. Come look see there is room here beside the house all they would have to do is ------------. My response: So think you should be able to get the same price for what you thought about doing, as you would if you had actually done it? Here are a few things to think about when you are considering pricing your home to high. What is the cost to you if you wait six or eight months and eventually have to drop the price anyway. Have you been paying HOA fees for an extra 8 months? How many mortgage payments will you pay while waiting and how much of that was pure interest. What do you pay in taxes each month? Are the prices increasing on the home you will buy when you move. How long did you have to live with prospective buyers coming into your home? How long did you have to keep your home looking like no one really lives there (keep it spotless)? Did you miss the home you really wanted to buy next because it sold while you were waiting? The best part about this (for the Realtor) is you will probably fire the Realtor who advised you from the beginning you were pricing your home to high. because after all he or she just didn't work hard enough or didn't spend (throw away) enough money advertising your over priced home. Then most people hire a new Realtor take the advise of their first Realtor and drop the price anyway. Why because they can never admit it was not their Realtors fault but their own. The last statement is good example to use when trying to train new Realtors not to take overpriced listings. I heard someone say once "it's always better to be the second wife and the second Realtor.