My nickname at home is the "recycling Queen". I am constantly nagging everyone to use the recycling containers. I have been know to get a bit short with someone when they throw things in the garbage that are easily recycled.
This was one more thing that when I saw it I thought, "Why didn't I think of this?" So simple and easy and when you think of the amount of cardboard that makes it way into landfills and the cost of moving materials, what a great idea.
This company is local to the Wisconsin area but I am sure there will be more opening up in different areas. You can reach their website here www.madisongreenbox.com
Not only do they deliver the boxes, they also pick them up when you are finished. No more breaking down cardboard boxes!
I know I will be using these on my next move.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Cashing in on rental property
This is an interesting article from CNN Money. Sad but true that so many homeowners have had to resort to renting due to foreclosures.
I have always worked in real estate in the Midwest and when I started over 20 years ago this area had one of the lowest foreclosure rates in the nation. It was rare to see someone lose their home. Now it is all to common. I am starting to see a positive trend once again but it has been slow to happen. Maybe with investors purchasing these homes and getting them rented it will help push that trend.
The empty homes have had an impact on home values in so many areas. Having the homes rented and maintained would be a boost to those neighborhoods.
Read the article here:
Cashing in on rental property
I have always worked in real estate in the Midwest and when I started over 20 years ago this area had one of the lowest foreclosure rates in the nation. It was rare to see someone lose their home. Now it is all to common. I am starting to see a positive trend once again but it has been slow to happen. Maybe with investors purchasing these homes and getting them rented it will help push that trend.
The empty homes have had an impact on home values in so many areas. Having the homes rented and maintained would be a boost to those neighborhoods.
Read the article here:
Cashing in on rental property
Monday, September 19, 2011
Relocating Buyers
It always amazes me when I encounter buyers, moving here from out of state, who have dealt with previous real estate agents that did not take time to introduce them to the local market and/or have some patience with them as they explore their options.
I know personally that with each of my moves I have ended up buying something completely opposite of what I started out looking for. Call me fickle but each move gave me an opportunity to explore other options. Each city I have lived in has varied in size, public transportation options, school systems, public parks and libraries.
I grew up in Minneapolis, MN which has a great library with many satellite facilities , convenient public transportation and lots of neighborhood parks. It set the standard for us when my husband and I started buying our homes.
Our very first agent, our move to Denver, CO was impatient and not very helpful. We purchased a home but after the fact learned that there were several other neighborhoods which would have been a better choice for us. We were young and dumb.
Our second agent, our move to Rochester, MN was the complete opposite of the first. She sat us down and asked lots of questions. Schools were a priority since our son was starting Kindergarten. She provided us with excellent information. Parks were another priority since said son was extremely high energy and was used to walking to the park every day with us. She focused on our wants and found us the perfect neighborhood that gave us access to several great parks plus a good school for our son within walking distance.
Because of her I became interested in a career in real estate and became a Realtor®. Fortunately the company I started with provided mentors for the first 90 days. I was assigned to a very experienced agent who dealt with relocating buyers on a regular basis. From her I had the opportunity to develop my skills. So for those two ladies, thank you. You taught me that this career not only can provide me with an income but I can do so providing a service that buyers appreciate.
To all those other agents out there, continue being rude and impatient and you will lose your buyers to an agent who will take the time to calm fears, provide information and be willing to change gears quickly when the buyers decide that now they want to look at acreages after telling you that they only want to look at homes in town. Change gears and do so with a smile on your face!
I know personally that with each of my moves I have ended up buying something completely opposite of what I started out looking for. Call me fickle but each move gave me an opportunity to explore other options. Each city I have lived in has varied in size, public transportation options, school systems, public parks and libraries.
I grew up in Minneapolis, MN which has a great library with many satellite facilities , convenient public transportation and lots of neighborhood parks. It set the standard for us when my husband and I started buying our homes.
Our very first agent, our move to Denver, CO was impatient and not very helpful. We purchased a home but after the fact learned that there were several other neighborhoods which would have been a better choice for us. We were young and dumb.
Our second agent, our move to Rochester, MN was the complete opposite of the first. She sat us down and asked lots of questions. Schools were a priority since our son was starting Kindergarten. She provided us with excellent information. Parks were another priority since said son was extremely high energy and was used to walking to the park every day with us. She focused on our wants and found us the perfect neighborhood that gave us access to several great parks plus a good school for our son within walking distance.
Because of her I became interested in a career in real estate and became a Realtor®. Fortunately the company I started with provided mentors for the first 90 days. I was assigned to a very experienced agent who dealt with relocating buyers on a regular basis. From her I had the opportunity to develop my skills. So for those two ladies, thank you. You taught me that this career not only can provide me with an income but I can do so providing a service that buyers appreciate.
To all those other agents out there, continue being rude and impatient and you will lose your buyers to an agent who will take the time to calm fears, provide information and be willing to change gears quickly when the buyers decide that now they want to look at acreages after telling you that they only want to look at homes in town. Change gears and do so with a smile on your face!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Kindness of others
Today I went out to a rural property to start the process of listing it for sale. The elderly owner is in ill health and has no immediate family to care for him. A delightful gentleman with a sense of humor despite his health problems.
He is surrounded by friends who come out and care for him and his home. What a delight it is to see the unselfish acts of these people. All work full time, have families and homes of their own yet they have come together to be there for their friend.
When I see so many selfish and self centered acts on a daily basis this was inspiring. When we look beyond ourselves and see the needs of others and reach out to them we can only become better human beings.
For the friends of this man it is not a burden but a joy. A testament to what friendship is all about. Loving and caring for one another through good times and bad.
Another reason I love being involved in real estate, meeting wonderful people!
He is surrounded by friends who come out and care for him and his home. What a delight it is to see the unselfish acts of these people. All work full time, have families and homes of their own yet they have come together to be there for their friend.
When I see so many selfish and self centered acts on a daily basis this was inspiring. When we look beyond ourselves and see the needs of others and reach out to them we can only become better human beings.
For the friends of this man it is not a burden but a joy. A testament to what friendship is all about. Loving and caring for one another through good times and bad.
Another reason I love being involved in real estate, meeting wonderful people!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11 Tribute
Budweiser 9/11 Tribute Click on this link. A beautiful video.
"
It has been difficult watching all the coverage of 9/11. Makes it seem as if it just occurred. I can only imagine what it is like for the families of those lost. Every year the replay of this event in so much detail must bring back the emotion and horror of that day.
When we lose someone to old age, an accident or illness it is just as hard but we don't have to live through a yearly reminder. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who lost someone they loved.
"
It has been difficult watching all the coverage of 9/11. Makes it seem as if it just occurred. I can only imagine what it is like for the families of those lost. Every year the replay of this event in so much detail must bring back the emotion and horror of that day.
When we lose someone to old age, an accident or illness it is just as hard but we don't have to live through a yearly reminder. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who lost someone they loved.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
First Post
I have read all the real estate articles saying I should be out there blogging. My friends have blogs and are entertaining me with their thoughts, pictures and description of their travels while I have had this blog page set up for about two years and have never posted once.
This is also true of facebook. I check it a couple of times a day, just to see what everyone is up to. I marvel at the funny, sad, interesting posts by everyone but I cannot come up with anything that seems remotely interesting.
Even though I really don't have much to say and worry needlessly about being dull, I will forge on. If you are reading this and you become bored, you do have the option to just quit reading. You only have yourself to blame.
This is also true of facebook. I check it a couple of times a day, just to see what everyone is up to. I marvel at the funny, sad, interesting posts by everyone but I cannot come up with anything that seems remotely interesting.
Even though I really don't have much to say and worry needlessly about being dull, I will forge on. If you are reading this and you become bored, you do have the option to just quit reading. You only have yourself to blame.
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