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I Am Thankful. . .

By
Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

I Am Thankful

When Wise Decision-Making

is Present

Exploring Reality

AR November Challenge      



The subject of wise decision-making is open for discussion and debate. Definitions and interpretations can certainly extend any dialogue.  Or soliloquy.  Style-of-speech seems to matter for some. While any outcome may not be perfect it can be ideal in and for the moment.

 

 

 

 

I am not so naive to believe a meeting of the minds will result in moving forward. This seems to be in evidence when it comes to real estate true-to-life television shows, like HGTV's House Hunters.  Is it or any of its kind, slices of reality in the industry. Or a slap-in-the-face. Maybe, sarcasm of sorts, satire or something else.

 

 

 

What’s not to believe about buyers who have sometimes seen countless properties for sale before decisively making a choice from three competing homes. Some of their selections seems far from the reality of their home buying list requirements. I digress. . .

 

 

 

 

Unbelievable? Illegitimate? Something far more sinister? Many thoughts come forth as such things reside in an area that is incredible-adjacent. When House Hunters began airing in 1999, I had been active in the industry for a few years. Was such reality fakery or some sleight of hand editing from its beginning?  Of course, this is coming from a wise-a$$ sort of guy.

 

 

It may be difficult to think of realty reality television as something associated with gratitude. Tossing aside the implausibility of it all, escapist fare can lead to many sorts of pondering possibilities. I think well-prepared buyers can thankfully (and hopefully) see through the $+^f! portrayed on television as well as elsewhere in the reality of everyday life. I continue to observe. And such reality can prompt conversation. So that's a good thing, right?

 

Yes, it's simply complicated. As always, I remain grateful for satire of many sorts.

 

 

This is my submission for the November 2024 AR challenge. Thank you for reading.

 

 

 

 

 

Most images in this post are from can stockockphoto.com. The featured graphic is from this community's website.

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Michael- the line between reality and REALity often blurs. My agent/friend in South FL was the buyer agent on a reality show. He had an offer to present but had to wait maybe even a day or more so that the television crew could drive up from the Keys where they were filming. Imagine that happening in the market a few years ago. 

Nov 07, 2024 11:20 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Kathy Streib - blurriness and fuzziness are definitely a part of everyday life.  Some of stuff we see reinforces that on a regular basis.  

Nov 07, 2024 11:51 AM
Barbara Michaluk
Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD
Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Michael, This was a very interesting spin on ways to be grateful. You have a style of writing that is unique.

Nov 07, 2024 12:52 PM
Michael Jacobs

Barbara Michaluk - thank you for stopping by today.  

Nov 07, 2024 01:16 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks, Michael, for sharing some of your thoughts.

I hope all is going well for you this week.

Nov 07, 2024 01:07 PM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - all is copasetic in Southern California, hopefully the same is true in your Montgomery County Maryland neighborhood too.  Happy Thursday.  

Nov 07, 2024 01:18 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Michael Jacobs  As always you have inspired me. Now I know exactly what I will write for my next post .. That you I am Grateful 

Nov 07, 2024 03:35 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hannah Williams - I am happy to hear that my post gave you some inspiration for the challenge.  Looking forward to reading your entry.  

Nov 07, 2024 05:15 PM
Hannah Williams

Michael Jacobs I am under the weather right now so I will let you know which post it will be .. not sure if I am up for the one I want to write just yet.

Nov 09, 2024 09:44 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hannah Williams - I understand.  Hope you feel better soon.  

Nov 09, 2024 10:10 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hi Michael,

Despite its dramatization, reality television often casts a light on human resilience, ambition, and adaptability.

As consumers, navigating this blend of fiction and reality pushes us into discussions that transcend the screen. In those candid conversations, we often find a nuanced understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit, a poignant reminder of the constant interplay between dreams and reality.

Nov 07, 2024 04:51 PM
Michael Jacobs

Aura Alex - so true.  On its way to a conclusion, we experience many sorts of highs/lows plus combinations of emotions, fact-checking and due-diligence research.  And through it all, we can learn more about ourselves as well as the task at hand.  Talk about plenty of possibilities.   Oodles of opportunities too.  

Nov 07, 2024 05:21 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Ah, satire.  I often read satire in comments on Facebook and elsewhere.  And, it just as often creates controversy and argument from those who don't realize it's satire.

Nov 07, 2024 08:15 PM
Michael Jacobs

Myrl Jeffcoat - satire can be complicated - just like real estate and everyday life.  

Nov 08, 2024 04:24 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Michael, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Clubgroup!  

Nov 07, 2024 08:17 PM
Michael Jacobs

Myrl Jeffcoat - thank you for the OFC group feature.  I appreciate it.  And without a bit of satire, sarcasm or even snarkiness.  Happy Friday.  

Nov 08, 2024 04:26 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Michael Jacobs the HGTV House Hunter is a great show to watch, but sometimes was not clear. Great post!

Nov 07, 2024 09:09 PM
Michael Jacobs

John Pusa - House Hunters and other HGTV shows may be real estate guilty pleasures.  For participants and practitioners.  Happy Friday.  

Nov 08, 2024 04:28 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Micheal:

Thank you for the inspiration to ponder a bit about "reality" TV and what it really does mean in light of the real world of real estate.  Satire, indeed!

Jeff

Nov 08, 2024 07:11 PM
Michael Jacobs

Jeff Dowler, CRS - life can seem a bit saturated with satire at times, can't it?  ⏰🙃⌛

Nov 08, 2024 07:36 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Michael! I love your sense of humor and your ponderability - and the shares that come as a result! I have been a part of the TV shows on more than one occasion and after the second time, I declared never to do it again! The third one held up a Closing and I said, "NO MORE!" and I have not agreed to it again! 

At first, it didn't stray too far from the 'norm' but, after that one, it was a reflection of "This-is-just-for-TV" and now I watch these shows with incredible skepticism, 

Thanks for putting such a great spin on this month's challenge. I love clicking on your entry and not knowing what I will discover in your posts!! You're truly one of a remarkable kind, my friend! 

Nov 08, 2024 09:16 PM
Michael Jacobs

Debe Maxwell, CRS - thank you for hosting the November challenge. For me each month offers an opportunity to explore the intent and see how I can put forth my perspective.  Sometimes it "works" for me, other occasions not so much but the effort continues to be a learning experience.  

Nov 09, 2024 08:02 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Sunday morning, Michael.

I hope you are enjoying this holiday weekend.

Nov 10, 2024 07:32 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - it's a pleasant day in So Cal.  I hope you're enjoying this Sunday.  May the coming week be a good one for you.  

Nov 10, 2024 07:59 AM
Roy Kelley

We have a cloudy morning in Maryland and might have some rain today. Dolores and I will be staying at home. I have two medical appointments on Monday morning....those offices are not closed for the holiday.

Nov 10, 2024 08:11 AM
Janice Zaltman
United Realty Group - Boca Raton, FL
Energy Efficient And Eco-Friendly Homes in Florida

HI Michael Jacobs  Guess reality means different things to different people. Have not met a buyer yet who was realistic about what they wanted vs. what they ended up buying.  Now it appears that everyone wants a "great deal." Which  is subject to interpretation also. Satire is a beautiful thing. 

Nov 10, 2024 10:15 AM
Michael Jacobs

Janice Zaltman - real estate is definitely interesting in countless ways. Examples of behavior and thought processes can be quite entertaining.  And informative.  I agree with you on satire as well as on interpretation. 

Nov 12, 2024 04:19 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

I agree Michael wise decision making is certainly the best. It is amazing to me however how many people cannot make a decision for themselves. So for them ANY decision (even if not wise) will be accepted gladly especially if the person that is making the decision is deemed as informed or a self proclaimed expert.

Nov 11, 2024 03:49 PM
Michael Jacobs

Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI - decision-making is complicated.  Stepping back from a situation can help at times but it's also true that it can further confuse.  It's quite the conundrum.   Happy Tuesday.  

Nov 12, 2024 04:22 AM
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in N Houston & Corpus Christi

Good morning Michael Jacobs .  I for one enjoy your attire.  I loved reading through all the comments as well.  I was approached by some of the shows, but didn't want to put myself out there.  I had heard stories about how the show works.  The best thing they are for is highlighting an area that maybe no one has heard of to get them to thinking of moving there.  Anyway, we still watch them - even though I tell my husband, I don't care which home they choose - let's get to bed!  My older age must be setting in.  It is interesting though, I do have to tell some people this isn't how it works in real life.  Have a great rest of your week!

Nov 13, 2024 02:31 AM
Michael Jacobs

Brenda Mayette - your comment is dressed for appreciation.  Thank you.  

Nov 13, 2024 06:43 AM
Brenda Mayette

oops.. Wrong brenda Michael Jacobs .   

 

Great perspective Brenda J. Andrew :)

Nov 14, 2024 04:49 AM
Michael Jacobs

Brenda Mayette - you're right, sorry about that.  For some reason your name showed up before Brenda J. Andrew even though alphabetically that doesn't make "sense".  

Nov 14, 2024 05:47 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Wednesday morning, Michael.

I hope all is going well for you this week.

It is now feeling like fall in Maryland. We had the coldest morning of the season with the first frost warning in our area.

Nov 13, 2024 09:41 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - no frost or warnings of such things in my Southern California location, I hope you are staying comfortable in Maryland.  Happy Thursday.  

Nov 13, 2024 01:18 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Michael, it is very unrealistic to think a buyer can make decisions after viewing three homes.   I heard early on, the buyers had already BOUGHT the home they decided on.   Pure fluff!

Nov 13, 2024 10:40 AM
Michael Jacobs

Joan Cox - I do remember a client buying the first home he saw on a home search.  However, his homebuying journey totaled much more than three homes and thirty minutes.  It wasn't an active market either.  Reality can be interesting and so can interpretation of it.  

Nov 13, 2024 01:21 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I'm not much of a fan for reality real estate shows.

Surprising, I know, considering my love of home staging transformations.

However, I have loved Survivor and Big Brother since they first aired...don't believe I've ever missed a season of either. LOL

Nov 14, 2024 08:58 AM
Michael Jacobs

Sharon Tara - we seem to create our sense of reality.  

Nov 14, 2024 09:03 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

I enjoy House Hunters, House Hunters International, Hawaii Life, and a couple more. Of course, I know they do not reflect reality but they are good when I am killing time in the evening.

Nov 17, 2024 01:46 PM
Michael Jacobs

John Juarez - I can understand that.  ⏰

Nov 17, 2024 05:22 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

Yes, the REALity shows of HGTV, where a property can be chosen, closed and recorded in an hour's time for the enjoyment of the new, happy homeowners!

I might have detected a little bit of sarcasm to go with the satire in your post, Michael, or am I myth-taken? 😀

Nov 18, 2024 06:12 PM
Michael Jacobs

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! - you didn't myth anything in the post.  Thank you for the comment.  Happy Tuesday.

Nov 19, 2024 04:20 AM