Chillin in my Comfy, Cozy Office... Check it Out!  Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to chill in a comfy, cozy atmosphere.  And, where there's music, mochas and interesting conversation... I'm there.  Since I spend the majority of my day at the office, it's important to me that my surroundings are pleasing to the senses.  Here's the view inside my door... along with smooth jazz playing in the background and the fresh aroma of coffee brewing in our cafe... This is my home away from home and it sure feels good!    Even the Easter Bunny loves to chill at the Real Estate Cafe! 04/11/2011

I Specialize in Helping Distressed PEOPLE!  When the Certified Distressed Property Expert Designation came into being a few years ago for Realtors, I had some issues with it.  First... properties aren't typically distressed... people are.  Second, I never like to refer to myself as an 'Expert' on anything.  It's a pretty tall title and one that comes with great responsibility. I Specialize in Helping Distressed PEOPLE!  Most seller's, who are in financial trouble, didn't get there because their property became a problem.  Most seller's, who are in financial trouble, got there because of lost jobs, failed businesses, over-spending, and the like.  Existential circumstances were the cause, and 'distress' became the effect.  I Specialize in Helping Distressed PEOPLE!  So, how do we help dis... 04/08/2011

Adzookie.com Is Offering To Pay Your Mortgage!  Mobile advertising company, Adzookie.com, is offering to paint your home with some flashy colors in exchange for some greenbacks to pay your mortgage.  Sounds like a catchy 21st Century ad campaign...  Truth is, Adzookie.com is serious!  They'll splash some interesting colors on your home and will pay your mortgage payment for every month you allow the advertisement to remain.  According to the Wall Street Journal, many folks are jumping at the chance to participate.  The company had over 3000 applicants in one day! There are a few rules to qualify:  You must own the home, you must commit to a minimum 3 month contract and you can extend the contract up to one year.  The beauty is, if you change your mind, Adzookie.com will return your home... 04/07/2011

Are You Simply Irreplaceable?  It's a question that begs an answer in any profession today.  If you were to lose your job, there would more than likely be a ton of people standing in line around the block waiting to apply for your position... 13.5 million unemployed people to be exact.   Which is why you need to be simply irreplaceable.  Are you going above and beyond in serving your clients?  Are you taking initiative and being intuitive when it comes to providing solutions?  Are you willing to go the distance and work extra hours (sometimes for the same or less pay) in order to serve others?  You may not make a fortune, but the return on investment is high when it comes to serving people.  Who will be the first to remember your random acts of kindness?  Who will be the first to sing y... 04/05/2011

Oh My Aching... fill in the blank.  For me, it's my aching neck.  Yesterday was a lovely sunshine-filled day and I couldn't let it slip away without pulling some weeds in my yard.  It felt good to get a little exercise while taking in some rays under gorgeous blue skies.   Winter seems to be lingering in Southern Oregon, even though Spring officially claimed it's name on March 20.  The only true sign of Spring are the gorgeous daffodils that surround my real estate office.  The rest of the real estate market is still waking up from a long winter's nap.  For some folks, it's their pocket books that are aching.  Once again, another real estate franchise in Southern Oregon is experiencing some aching pains.  Perhaps they slept too long during the economy's downturn and unfortunately delaye... 04/04/2011

There's No Thrift Store For Content!  If you're a bargain hunter like me, read on.  I hate to shop at WalMart, I absolutely abhor it, but I love to sift through second-hand items at Thrift Stores.  Strange I know, but the thrill of finding a good deal at a great price is addicting.   Perhaps my 'thrifty' upbringing is to blame... growing up poor, I learned the value of the dollar at a young age.  I learned how to spread that dollar as far as it would go.  I never had an attitude of expectation and I was incredibly grateful for whatever came my way.  I still enjoy the thrill of finding a treasure for just pennies on the dollar.  I guess old habits die hard. There are a few things that I don't bargain shop... Food for one.  I like dining in restaurants that have atmosphere, great service ... 03/31/2011

A Resume of a Different Kind.  As far back as I can remember, I've always known I was a little different.  A bit of a rebel, I suppose.  My tenacious spirit came from watching my mother champion a debilitating disease, Multiple Sclerosis.  Perhaps growing up on the poor side of the tracks contributed a little too.  At the age of six, I started my first non-profit business... a Pet Cemetery.  I lived in rural San Fernando Valley, where land was plentiful (in those days) and the clientele was abundant.  Walking home from school provided a variety of roadkill (mostly possums) that I would drag home by their tail.  I happily dug shallow graves and gave these poor unfortunate souls a nice resting place to call their own.  Speaking of unfortunate... fast forward to age 11, my babysitting care... 03/25/2011

Social Lubrication... You've Either Got It or You Don't!  Have you ever had a conversation with someone and you thought they lacked a bit of social couth?  Perhaps it might even be you!  In this age of technology and communication, some of us have lost our social lubrication.  Huh, what's that? Your filter... the thing in your head that says "Better not say that" or "Don't go there."  Of course, we've all ignored the voice at times.  I recently called someone "carrot-top" without thinking how my words might affect that person.  At the very moment I blurted it, I totally regretted it! While there's something to be said for telling it like it is... even liberating perhaps, the consequences of our 'mis-chosen' words can be devastating, both personally and professionally.  Practicing respon... 03/14/2011

Speechless Sunday - Splinters in Her Pants!  A woman from Los Angeles, who was a tree hugger, a Democrat, and an anti-hunter, purchased a piece of timberland near Grants Pass, Oregon.  There was a large tree on one of the highest points on the property.  She wanted a good view of the natural splendor of her land so she started to climb the big tree.  As she neared the top she encountered a spotted owl that attacked her.  In her haste to escape, the woman slid down the tree to the ground and got many splinters in her privates.     In considerable pain, she hurried to Three Rivers Community Hospital ER to see a doctor.  She told him she was an environmentalist, a democrat, and an anti-hunter and how she came to get all the splinters.  The doctor listened to her story with great patience a... 03/13/2011

What Was the Founder of Facebook Doing in Grants Pass Oregon?  Mark Zuckerberg visited Grants Pass Oregon this past weekend, and he wasn't here to see our resident Caveman.  Mark visited our quaint little town of Grants Pass Oregon... to buy a puppy! A cute, adorable and cuddly Hungarian Sheepdog known as a Puli.  And what did Mark Zuckerberg name his furry new friend... BEAST!  Okay, no offense Mark, but I can think of a lot nicer names to match with that cute little face. In any case, I hope you enjoyed your visit and your new puppy.  What was the founder of Facebook doing in Grants Pass Oregon... giving me something to blog about of course!   03/08/2011

Did you know that the Grants Pass Recreation Department hosts hiking outings?   They've just released their Spring 2011 schedule. If you're interested in day hiking, staying in shape, searching for history, or enjoying Southern Oregon's magnificent landscapes, you should add these very appealing outings to your schedule.  The first expedition will be to the Stout Redwood Grove in the Redwood Forest and Whale Watching at Harris Beach State Park, just north of Brookings.   It will be taking place on Saturday, March 19, 2011. If you are interesting in participating, you need to register at the Grants Pass Recreation Office by March 14th.  They are located at the corner of 6th & "G" streets, or you can give them a call at 541 471-6435. You must provide your own transportation and lunch.  Th... 03/03/2011

The Laughing Clam on Historic "G" Street - Grants Pass, Oregon Enjoy some history and great food by visiting The Laughing Clam on Historic "G" Street. This old building has been here since the 1800's. It was originally a cigar factory. You can see the cigar molds hanging on the wall. Then, in the early 1900's it became a saloon. The custom back bar is still here, being brought around Cape Horn all the way to its' new home. What an undertaking that must have been. At one point the building was made into an ice cream parlor and then it became a bar again. In 1996, it became The Laughing Clam. The lady who named it, took the name from her favorite restaurant from her childhood on the Oregon coast. When it closed, she took the name so the fortune of good memories would transport to its' new... 03/01/2011

Regurgitated Rah Rah.  It's what I like to call... the same ole, same ole.  Just another marketing system/program repackaged with a different name and face.  You know who they are in our business... Brian Buffini's "It's a Good Life."  Tom Ferry's "Scripts."  Gary Keller's "Millionaire Agent."  They all have a rah rah pitch about something great, but are they really saying anything new? While dining with a Realtor/friend tonight in Grants Pass, I found myself chuckling at the state of our real estate business past and present.  Having been a Realtor for 11+ years, I've seen a lot of 'get-rich-quick' schemes come and go.  With the advent of the Internet, technology has certainly re-charted the course of our business.  But are the systems/programs being pushed today any different from the... 02/17/2011

Two Plus One Equals a Pack! We recently added a third miniature Schnauzer, so we have another hiking companion to explore what we feel is the most beautiful part of Oregon; The wild and historic Southwestern corner. What we did not realize is that going from two Schnauzers to three, is not like adding one additional dog.  It is, as my wife describes it, like a "Richter scale" for canines.  It seems like we've increased the pack by six! We can't wait 'til the first major hike! 02/11/2011

Facebook and Some Stunning Revelations!  I recently had the arduous task of interviewing several applicants for a personal assistant position.  After one week of advertising on CraigsList, I received approximately 100 responses to the ad. I was pretty surprised at the magnitude of over-qualified individuals applying for an entry level position and willing to drive 30-40 miles to work each day.  Some had Masters Degrees and BA Degrees, while others were looking for something better than McDonalds.  But the biggest surprise came from the interviews and what happened after that. After sifting through some heavy gum chewers, nervous laughs and one person who said they hated anyone who hated dogs... (I'm not a dog hater... just saying), I finally found a candidate I thought would be a good f... 02/10/2011

There Are Some REAL Quacks in Oregon!  Oregon Duck Fans, that is!  If you don't know what's happening tomorrow night (January 10, 2011), it's a tell-tale sign you are not from Oregon.  The biggest game of the year, perhaps the century, is about to unfold between the Oregon Ducks and the Auburn Tigers, for the BCS national title.  It's a chance of a lifetime for Oregon University, who has never won a national title.  The University has always been best known as a track school, where the late runner Steve Prefontaine (1970s) remains the top sports figure.  But not anymore.  Football is front and center and much of the school's notoriety hinges on the outcome of tomorrow's game.  And... Duck fans will be there to cheer them on. Whether the Oregon Ducks win or lose, Duck fans remain a loyal... 01/09/2011

2011 - Tooting Your Own Horn - Is That What Consumers Really Want?  The real estate industry seems to be inundated with real estate agents and brokerages tooting their own horn.  Who's the biggest, who's number one, who's honest, who's reputable... yada yada yada.  Is that what consumers really want to know?  Do we have anything more to offer them than our own accolades? I've been practicing real estate for 12 years, and a lot of things have changed in that short amount of time.  I moved to a new town, in a different state, and started a brand new career, not knowing a single soul except my Realtor who sold us our home.  When I started, very few agents had cell phones, websites, or even email for that matter.  When my broker asked me how I was going to find new clients, I said I was goi... 01/07/2011

The State of Jefferson - America's LOST 49th State A little remembered patriotic secession movement in 1941 would have created America's 49th state! The area composed of Southern Oregon and Northern California patriotically rebelled against their respective states and petitioned the U.S. congress to allow their secession and formation of a new state. The secession was fueled by the people (over 45,000 at that time) feeling they had been ignored by the capitals in Salem, Oregon and Sacramento, California. No improvements; such as roads and railways were being made, while the other areas in both states were prospering. The official flag for the State of Jefferson was a yellow gold pan on a green field with two XX's in the center of the pan to signify that they had been "double crossed." T... 12/08/2010

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Congratulations Grants Pass High School Marching Band Happy Thanksgiving and congratulations to the Grants Pass High School Marching Band for a fine performance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Matt Lauer at NBC reported that the Grants Pass High School Marching Band was the first representation from the state of Oregon in decades. People maybe don't realize how expensive it is for these outstanding students and their teachers to attend this event.  The Grants Pass High School Marching Band, their teachers and the community worked tirelessly to raise the small fortune necessary to give our fine representatives a "once in a lifetime" experience.  Their patriotic performance was timely, flawless and impressive! The Grants Pass High School Marching Ba... 11/25/2010

Veterans Day - November 11th, 2010 This year, I'd like to look back in history to pay tribute to a man seldom mentioned in the formation of our great country, but whose name we see all the time! He was known as "Fat" Henry Knox! Picture a poorly fed and poorly clothed Continental Army.  George Washington's ragtag army occupied the hills overlooking Boston Harbor, and the British held the city. A clumsy, 300 pound, pale young man who ran a book store came to General Washington with sketches of how the rebel breastworks could be improved.  Washington was so impressed that he immediately put the changes into effect!  Now having the general's ear, the young man went on to warn General Washington that the redcoats could still overrun the rebel's positions, as the Continental's had no artille... 11/11/2010