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.
The Internet is not your agent, I am .... by Janet English
Should foreclosures and short sales be used in appraisals? (or CMAs?) by Bryan Robertson
Should we include blog instructions in our wills? by Patricia Kennedy
When The "Golden Buyer" Requests His Third Contract Extension by Doug Rogers
Is ActiveRain on its way out? by Paul Henderson
Zillow, Inquiries, & InterNuts by Tni LeBlanc
If You Don't Benefit From AR, What Makes You Think WordPress Is The Answer? by Greg Nino
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 FICO FIBS by newbie blogger, Celia Butler. Celia outlines one of the biggest shams by the Fair Isaac Corporation - selling consumers their credit scores. While we all know that it’s highly advised that we pull our own reports to make sure they are accurate, Celia perfectly outlines all the reasons how FICO exhorts money from consumers for something that is completely worthless.
When working with prospective borrowers who have pulled their own reports, so often, I have to explain to them why the scores on the the report I pulled is so different than the one they bought from FICO. Furthermore, I have to explain why their scores are crap incorrect and have no advantage to getting a loan.
It’s because of this problem that I will often advise my borrowers not to buy their scores (a total waste of money) and just get their report to review for accuracy. Check out Celia’s post to educate yourselves on the process so that you too can advise your own buyers.
Then there was Jane Peters and her post, Friends of L.A. Animal Shelter and L.A. Love & Leashes Comes to Westside Pavilion. I liked this one so much I reblogged it in an effort to pass along the very important message of helping abandoned and abused animals.
For anyone who knows me knows that I like to do whatever I can to help to rescue these precious fur babies. There is now a new pet store in Los Angeles dedicated solely to rescuing animals. Check it out and please feel free to donate to the cause!
Next was Has Homeownership and "The American Dream" become an oxymoron? by newbie blogger, Rick Reed. Rick asks an interesting question and one that can go either way depending on who you ask.
I have been guilty of using that same expression “The American Dream” when referring to the purchase of a home. These days, I try and refrain from using that term with many of my borrowers. I’ve come to realize that it really makes no sense to so many people, mostly my young, first timers.
While some of my more mature borrowers (30-somethings and older) who have families may long to own their own home and a place to raise their children, my younger (20-something) borrowers dreams are on a completely different page. They don't necessarily see “The American Dream” as their dream but rather the dream of older generations.
When it comes to buying real estate, they just want a halfway decent place they can afford and that is close to work, which is why the whole “rent vs. buying” discussion can work well with this group. My advice when working with this group – stay away from “The American Dream” discussion. JMHO
Then there was newbie blogger, Steve Peters with his post, Growing up without a cell phone.... This post was absolutely hilarious and another reason why I shouldn’t drink coffee and read AR posts – snorting coffee out of my nose and all over my screen is never a good thing.
As a child of the 70’s, I could so relate to Steve’s post about life before a cell phone or all the other tech gadgets that we simply can’t live without. It’s amazing how so different life used to be. Anyway, check out Steve’s post for a great laugh. :)
Lastly, there was So....I Send You a Referral and You Thank Me by Dissing My Company?? by Peggy Wester. This post just irked the #%!! out of me and is just a classic example of how truly unprofessional (and ungrateful) some Realtors can be.
It’s because of scenarios like this that it becomes absolutely vital that we really vet out the people that we send referrals too. Professionally, I try not to refer out anyone to someone I personally don’t know or haven’t actually worked with.
Unfortunately, that doesn't always work and I have had to occasionally refer to someone I haven’t worked with before (especially here on AR), I do make a point of calling them first and really talking to them about my referral. So far, so good.
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.
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