Archive for June, 2008
The American Dream
June 30th, 2008 categories: Around Town
This isn’t directly related to real estate, but I don’t care. It’s my blog and I can write what I want.
I heard on the radio today that only 40% of the U.S. population still believes in the American Dream. Think about that! Sixty percent of the population no longer believes you can get ahead by hard work and make a better life for you and your family. I find that alarming. And it is also absolute nonsense! You can still be anything you want to be in this country if you are willing to work for it. You are blessed to live in the greatest country this world has EVER seen.
As I thought about the sixty percent I figured I shouldn’t be too surprised. The government and socialists in this country have spent the past 50+ years telling people that they can’t get ahead on their own. They kept telling everyone you can only get ahead with the help of government. That is a tragedy. I would say to that 60%, ignore the people who tell you you can’t do something. There are always those who will tell you to give up, it’s too hard, it’s not your fault. Ignore them! Take responsibility for your life and your actions.
To the government I would say get back to doing what the Constitution tells you to do and stay out of our way. To the socialists I would say shut up. You have preached failure and defeat long enough. You are free to dwell in your shrinking piece of your pie, but don’t drag me down with you. To me the future is without limits. And, for now, there is still a 40% chunk of Americans who agree with me.
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Why No Newspaper Advertising?
June 24th, 2008 categories: Home Buying Advice, Home Selling Advice, Real Estate News
I don’t advertise my listings in newspapers or magazines anymore. I did early on in my real estate career because that was what everyone else did. And, frankly, the sellers demanded it. They wanted to see their house in the paper! I followed everyone else for several years and never got a single lead on a listing off of ANY ad. Even the larger companies will sometimes admit that newspaper or magazine ads don’t sell a particular house. What they do is drive possible buyers to that company. Which is wonderful for that company, but a waste in advertising a single house, and it really doesn’t help the seller.
Think about when you look at the house ads. Kind of makes your eyes blur with all that clutter, doesn’t it? The VAST majority of buyers go to the internet to find a home. THAT is where your house needs to be.
So, when I went off on my own I decided to stop doing stuff that doesn’t help my buyer or seller. Now I do only internet and targeted direct mailings. This is not necessarily cheaper for me, but it works. Newspaper ads are “old news”. On-line is the place to be.
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Trees - Should A Buyer Care?
June 5th, 2008 categories: Around Town, Home Buying Advice
With the temperature well over 90 degrees, I am realizing how much I love our trees in our yard. Our prior house had almost no tree coverage. When the sun was out, the house would sit there and bake. Our A/C units would run like mad to try and keep up. The bill the next month would be a disaster! Great choice, sweat in our house or sweat at bill-time.
Our current house is surrounded by huge maples and oaks. When the sun is out out our wonderful trees provide shade coverage for almost the whole day. Our A/C easily maintains our house at a very comfortable temperature. And the bill the next month puts a smile on our faces.
Plus, we can now actually use our back deck! The oaks make it a great place to sit and read a book, as well as watch our three dogs play in the back yard without fear of heatstroke.
So, when you are looking at what house to buy do not neglect the landscaping. It can come back to bite you or put that smile on your face!
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