Randy Realtor

reBlog from lodihomes.com: Lod's Best Real Estate Website for Information

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:36:00 +0000

I found this fascinating quote today:

Please look at and study these numbers carefully – November 9, 2009 – 779 homes in Lodi and Woodbridge in some stage of foreclosure, 223 Bank Owned houses with only 69 on the market which is\ 70% not on the market. Now study the numbers from June 25, 2009 – 689 homes in some stage of foreclosure, 223 Bank Owned houses with 114 on the market – 49% Shadow Inventory.lodihomes.com, Lodi’s Best Real Estate Website for Information, Nov 2009

You should read the whole article.

A Realtor's New Best Friend?

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:29:00 +0000

Personally, I love my iPhone 3G. It was a nice upgrade from my previous 2G model. I even made money when upgrading by selling my 2G on eBay for more than my new 3G cost me.

I'm excited for the new features of the 3G S, but are they worth having to go through the hassle of switching everything over to a new phone? Perhaps, but I am going to wait for a while since I just downloaded the new 3.0 software update.

I get most of the new features of the new 3G S on my current 3G model. Remember...the 3G S is a new iPhone alltogether, but the 3.0 is the newest version of just the software. Got it?

With the new 3.0 software I can now use the "cut, copy & paste" feature that I've wanted. What I'm really looking forward to is the addition of being able to send and receive not just standard text messages, but now MMS multi-media messages like photos, videos, etc. However, that feature won't be active until later this summer.

For a full rundown (yes, Jim...rundown) of the new iPhone 3G S, then CLICK HERE and you'll get a look at pretty much all the goods of this new amazing device.

Life is good!

Randy

Are Home Values Rising or Falling?

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:06:00 +0000

The Answer Depends On Who You Ask.

Posted by Jack Sternberg on Wednesday, April 1st 2009

A report published Tuesday showed that home values fell nearly 3 percent in January 2009 versus the month prior and by 19 percent from last year.

On the surface, data from the study looks like more bad news for housing. With deeper inspection, though, we uncover reasons to discount the report's finding.

For one, the report includes home price data from just 20 cities around the country — and they’re not the 20 most populated cities, either.

For example, data from #4-ranked Houston is not included and neither is #7 San Antonio nor #10 San Jose. #54 Tampa, however, is included.Published March 31, its data is only accurate as of January and a lot has happened in the last 2 months.

This includes a record-drop in interest rates and the introduction of an $8,000 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers. The stimulus has helped raise home sales volume on both new homes and previously-owned ones.

One more reason to question the relevance of the Case-Shiller report is that a government study on the same topic showed home values rising over the same period, not falling. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home values GREW 1.7 percent from December 2008 to January 2009.

In the end, home values are a local phenomenon that can’t be summarized as a national “summary”. National data can be helpful for watching longer-term trends, but it shouldn’t be used to make a “Buy or Not Buy” decision.

For that, talk with a real estate professional with access to local data instead.

Tips for Tenants - Know Your Rights

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:12:00 +0000

As the state of the economy and tighter lending rules make it hard for many prospective homebuyers to get into a home these days, renting has become an affordable option to many of these individuals. If you are in the market to rent a home instead of buying it, here are 10 things you should do to protect yourself and make sure the communication between you and your landlord is clear:

1. Bring your paperwork. The best way to win over a prospective landlord is to be prepared. Bringing the following information when you meet prospective landlords will give you a competitive edge over other applicants: a completed rental application; written references from landlords, employers, friends and colleagues; and a current copy of your credit report.

2. Review the lease. Carefully review all of the conditions of the tenancy before you sign on the dotted line. Your lease or rental agreement may contain a provision that you find unacceptable - for example, restrictions on guests, pets, design alterations, or running a home business.

3. Get everything in writing. To avoid disputes or misunderstandings with your landlord, get everything in writing. Keep copies of any correspondence and follow up an oral agreement with a letter, setting out your understandings. For example, if you ask your landlord to make repairs, put your request in writing and keep a copy for yourself. If the landlord agrees orally, send a letter confirming this.

4. Protect your privacy rights. Next to disputes over rent or security deposits, one of the most common and emotion-filled misunderstandings arises over the tension between a landlord’s right to enter a rental unit and a tenant’s right to be left alone. If you understand your privacy rights (for example, the amount of notice your landlord must provide before entering), it will be easier to protect them.

5. Demand repairs. Know your rights to live in a habitable rental unit - and don’t give them up. The vast majority of landlords are required to offer their tenants livable premises, including adequate weatherproofing; heat, water, and electricity; and clean, sanitary, and structurally safe premises. If your rental unit is not kept in good repair, you have a number of options, ranging from withholding a portion of the rent, to paying for repairs and deducting the cost from your rent, to calling the building inspector (who may order the landlord to make repairs), to moving out without liability for your future rent.

6. Talk to your landlord. Keep communication open with your landlord. If there’s a problem - for example, if the landlord is slow to make repairs - talk it over to see if the issue can be resolved short of a nasty legal battle.

7. Purchase renters’ insurance. Your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover your losses due to theft or damage. Renters’ insurance also covers you if you’re sued by someone who claims to have been injured in your rental due to your carelessness. Renters’ insurance typically costs $350 a year for a $50,000 policy that covers loss due to theft or damage caused by other people or natural disasters; if you don’t need that much coverage, there are cheaper policies.

8. Protect your security deposit. To protect yourself and avoid any misunderstandings, make sure your lease or rental agreement is clear on the use and refund of security deposits, including allowable deductions. When you move in, do a walk-through with the landlord to record existing damage to the premises on a move-in statement or checklist.

9. Protect your safety. Learn whether your building and neighborhood are safe, and what you can expect your landlord to do about it if they aren’t. Get copies of any state or local laws that require safety devices such as deadbolts and window locks, check out the property’s vulnerability to intrusion by a criminal, and learn whether criminal incidents have already occurred on the property or nearby. If a crime is highly likely, your landlord may be obligated to take some steps to protect you.

10. Deal with an eviction properly. Know when to fight an eviction notice - and when to move. If you feel the landlord is clearly in the wrong (for example, you haven’t received proper notice, the premises are uninhabitable), you may want to fight the eviction. But unless you have the law and provable facts on your side, fighting an eviction notice can be short-sighted. If you lose an eviction lawsuit, you may end up hundreds (even thousands) of dollars in debt, which will damage your credit rating and your ability to easily rent from future landlords.

For more information, visit findlaw.com.

Survey: Households Say Now Good Time to Buy

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:38:00 +0000

More than three-quarters (78 percent) of potential first-time home buyers say that now is a good time to buy a home, despite widespread concern about the economy.

Out of the 1,000 prospective U.S. first-time home buyers surveyed in early March for the CENTURY 21 First-Time Home Buyer Survey, 68 percent think now is a better time to buy than six months ago.

Prices are the driving motivation for potential first-time home buyers with more than eight of ten first-time home buyers (85 percent) saying they consider current home prices affordable and 73 percent citing that taking advantage of current prices is a major factor in their decision to buy.

Interestingly, potential first-time buyers are still split between “being willing to consider an offer now” (42 percent) and “waiting for prices to go down before they seriously consider making a purchase” (48 percent).

“Current pricing, rates and incentives, such as the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, provide tremendous opportunities for first-time home buyers to get into the market,” said Tom Kunz, Century 21 Real Estate president and CEO. “Our research shows that while consumers still have concerns about the future of the economy, many are actively considering their options as we move into the spring selling season.”

Among the survey’s other key findings:

Bargains in the marketplace are providing additional options for buyers to consider. 56 percent of potential first-time home buyers are considering purchasing a foreclosed or short sale home, and 63 percent are open to purchasing either a “fixer-upper” or “as-is” home.

When asked to rate the features that they look for when choosing a home, price is the primary consideration with 87 percent saying this feature is “very important,” followed closely by neighborhood safety (80 percent) and the condition of the home (71 percent).

Having enough money for a down payment is a top concern of potential first-time home buyers as nearly half (46 percent) said they are “very worried” about the issue.

Most respondents (86 percent) are in the market for single family homes.

Source: C21

Affordability Returns to Housing

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:31:00 +0000

Affordability returns to housing, and buyers have loads of negotiating power.
By MarketWatch

Many people are afraid to buy a home in times like these, with the economy tanking and home prices continuing to fall. But if you're brave enough to stray from the herd, you might be in for the home-buying opportunity of a lifetime.

Ask for price reductions, improvements, closing costs — whatever — and the seller, desperate to get a contract, is likely to work with you, said Jay Papasan, one of the authors of the book, "Your First Home." but when the market starts improving, your negotiating power will start to diminish, he added.

"People can get a lot of what they need and almost all of what they want today," Papasan said. "Once a few people get off the fence, there's safety in numbers and you lose your leverage."

If you're qualified to buy a home now, and the purchase makes sense for your situation, and you're prepared to live in that home for at least five years, you may be headed for a great deal.

NOW is a Great Time to Buy Real Estate

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:31:00 +0000

The time has arrived to get that home you've dreamed about for the last few years and even in the location of your choice. With the current condition of the real estate market, buyers can negotiate better prices and terms on homes that have been sitting on the market for an extended period of time due to a number of reasons, mostly due to the economy. Sellers need to sell their homes and liquidate in order to make ends meet, home prices are down, and interest rates are still low.

This creates a perfect opportunity for you...the Buyer. Take your time and look for the home you truly want. With so many houses on the market right now and somewhat limited buyers in this down economy, you can have the pick of the litter. This is the perfect time to be in the market for buying a home.

Why This Autumn is a Great Time to Buy

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:01:00 +0000

This fall could be a particularly great time for first-time or buyers long out of the market to jump in, say a variety of real estate professionals.

Here are the reasons why:

Prices are probably as low as they are going to go as the market stabilizes, thanks to the government takeover of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

Interest rates are likely to decline as Freddie and Fannie get government help.

The Federal Housing Administration recently boosted its loan limits to $729,750 in expensive areas. It's going to take some of that back come Jan. 1, when the loan limit will shrink to $625,500.

The FHA allows down payments of as little as 3 percent, but that will rise to 3.5 percent as of Oct. 1. People scraping dollars together for a down payment should try to set their closing for the end of this month.

The tax credit will shave $7,500 off a first-time buyer’s federal tax bill due April 15. Buyers who don't owe tax, will get the money as a refund.

The government's definition of a first-time buyer is anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years.

Source: The Washington Post, Elizabeth Razzi

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Let me know if there is anything I can do to help with your real estate needs.

Randy

Acknowlege and Appreciate Yourself

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:31:00 +0000

Hello Everyone,

I came across this short article recently and I felt it was deserving of including it in my blog in its entirety. It's the second time recently that I either read or was instructed to start a "success journal", and I believe that it's a sign to really start one.

I think it would be a great idea for us all to produce this type of journal. It will help to get through those days when the feeling of being overwhelmed or not appreciated may come into play.

I hope you enjoy the article...

Acknowledge and Appreciate Yourself

by Jack Canfield

With the year coming to a close, it's time to acknowledge and appreciate yourself for everything you've accomplished today, throughout the year, and in life.

How many times have you succeeded in the past month? Are you able to recall your successes as well as your failures and missteps?

Many people under-appreciate the little things they accomplish every day. And yet they can recall in detail all the times they have failed or made mistakes. That's because the brain remembers events more easily when they're accompanied by strong emotions.

You might recall graduation, losing 10 pounds, winning an award, or landing a highly sought after position. But do you include in your successes how you had a really great talk with your spouse, how you spent quality time with your teen, how you got all your list of things done for the day, how you learned to change your own oil, or got your fussy child to take a nap?

If you don't acknowledge your successes the same way you acknowledge your mistakes, you're sure to have a memory full of blunders.

Acknowledge your own success. Toot your own horn and don't wait for anyone else to praise you!

If you only remember the mistakes and failures, you won't be as ready to take risks that will lead to your successes. Build your self-esteem by recalling ALL the ways you have succeeded and your brain will be filled with images of you making your achievements happen again and again.

Take time to write your achievements down. Start when you were very young and think of all your achievements since then. Don't just pick the big things, write down all the things you take for granted. You can also create a log of success everyday and review it when you are faced with a new challenge. By writing it all down everyday, you're securing it in your long-term memory and it will become a part of what makes you tick.

Surround yourself with reminders of your success.

Put up pictures, articles, trophies, awards and other pieces that ring your attention to your success. Make your environment speak to you about your achievements. Be proud of them!
People like to be around those who have a healthy self-esteem and who are achieving their Goals. Commit to acknowledging your achievements and your brain will begin to tell you the truth... that you can do ANYTHING!

©2007 Jack Canfield

Jack Canfield, America's Success Coach, is the founder and co-creator of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul and a leading authority on Peak Performance. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: http://www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com/
One of Jack Canfield's books is called Chicken Soup for the Healthy Soul, and is full of testimonials from people who have found Isagenix. Isagenix is the World Leader in Nutritional Cleansing.

To learn more about nutritional cleansing, and how this could benefit you, please visit... http://www.CleansingForHealth.com/

It could be the BEST decision you've made in a long time.
* * *

Say a Prayer for Kether

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 05:15:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

Although it's colder outside now than I really like it to be (I love tropical weather), and it IS the season that brings a lot of joy to all that welcome it, I was given sad news today that a dear friend of mine, Kether, was severly injured last night during a robbery in Costco's parking lot.

Kether was, for the lack of a better term considering the outcome, a brave enough person to go after the robbers after they drove up and saw her purse sitting in her shopping cart, and snatched it and started to drive off.

Kether ran after the thieves (female) and I've been told either jumped onto or in their white Ford Excursion SUV and tried to retrieve her purse. She was beaten and pushed off, or out of, the vehicle while it was traveling pretty quickly. She suffers mostly from head trauma due to the impact to the pavement.

I was told that Kether was on life support throughout the evening and most of today, but has since been taken off the support. She has been moved from critcal to stable condition, but is not out of the woods yet. The next few days will determine how well her recovery will be.

Please say a prayer for her, or at least keep her in your thoughts. I know most of you don't know her, but I feel that a lot more people wishing her well, and praying for her can only be a good thing. And while you're at it, keep her husband Kenny and their two small children, Kenna and Kyle, in your thoughts and prayers as well.

The month of December has always been a special time for me. I love the Christmas season for many reasons. This year, December has shown me that we all need to be careful out there, and to never take anyone or thing for granted. Live your life to its fullest, and live by the Golden Rule.

Thank you all for your time and your kind thoughts and prayers.

Get well soon Kether! We all love you and look forward to seeing you return home.

Randy

Can You Smell It?

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 06:49:00 +0000

It's in the air. The rain is here...Summer is definitely over! :-(

Not only has the season changed; so has the real estate market. It is plainly a "buyer's market" out there. That creates an amazing amount of opportunities for those of you that have been wondering when would be the right time to buy a home.

Well, I can tell you exactly when...NOW! Especially if you've been thinking of buying real estate as an investment.

If you bought your current home 5 years ago, or more, and haven't re-financed it since you moved in, then it's a big possibility that you would have enough equity that you could pull some out and use that to purchase some really great deals that are available right now.

REO's (Bank Owned) properties are popping up everywhere these days. If you can find a nice home in a nice neighborhood that only needs some light cosmetic work to make it look "fresh", then you're on your way to being an investor that could make a good profit when the real estate market turns around. A great deal on a home today could mean a great deal of money in your pocket in the years to come.

I can help you with finding these great deals. I am constantly looking for those "diamonds in the rough" for my current and future clients. Just ask and I'll find one, or more, for YOU too.

If you're interested in learning how you could profit from the current real estate market, then join me as my guest at the next Lodi Real Estate Investors Club meeting. That will be this coming Thursday, October 18th at 7pm. You will meet both longtime investors as well as some new beginning real estate investors. What a GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

Call or email me for more details.

Make it a great day!

Randy

P.S. You can even start your initial search on your own by visiting my website at: http://www.lodiareahomes.com/

Trouble Selling Your Home?

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:06:00 +0000

Trouble selling your home? Try sweetening the deal.

A soft real estate market is a lot like the breakfast cereal aisle at the supermarket. Suppose you have two virtually identical boxes of corn flakes. They both offer the same nutritional value, similar taste and can be had for the same price, but, if you had to choose, chances are your hand would gravitate towards the box that that has the Secret Decoder Ring inside.

Crafty home sellers know incentives are the prize at the bottom of the box. By offering buyers something a little different, they can improve their chances of selling their homes quickly and for the price they want.

Here are just a few of the ways home sellers can sweeten the deal with extras.

Cover the buyer’s closing costs
Many buyers, preoccupied with saving enough cash for their down payment, overlook their closing costs which, at between 3 and 6 percent of the sale price, can amount to several thousand dollars extra. Offering to pay them on behalf of potential buyers may be just the push they need to close the deal.

Help the buyer get a better mortgage rate
Another potential deal sweetener is to offer to purchase discount points on the seller’s mortgage. Discount points are purchased up front in order to secure a lower interest rate on a mortgage -- the more that are purchased, the lower the rate. In most cases, one point is equivalent to one percent of the loan amount and will reduce the interest rate by .25 percent.

Discount points may make your home more attractive to buyers in that their monthly payments over the life of the mortgage will be lower. Plus, it enables you to advertise your home with the offer of “below market financing,” which may draw in more potential buyers.

Throw in some freebies
If you’re planning to purchase new furniture, appliances, curtains or light fixtures for your new place and the ones at your current home are in good condition, try including them as value-adds in your purchase agreement. This works particularly well with first-time homebuyers who may not have much furniture of their own. Plus, leaving some things behind may even reduce the overall cost of your move.

If you don’t want to part with any of your possessions or fixtures, another low-cost incentive is to include a home warranty. Offered through insurance companies for around $400 (depending on the extent of coverage), home warranties are contracts that cover the cost of replacing or repairing major appliances that break during the first year after the sale of the home. Plumbing, electrical and heating systems may also be included under the home warranty.

Other attractive incentives that may lure buyers in are gift certificates, golf club memberships, airline tickets and even cars. These types of incentives do cost money, but they can go a long way in helping to get your home listing noticed. You may also consider offering them to your real estate agent as an added incentive to finding a buyer.

Overcome objections or problems
A less glamorous but often equally effective tactic to help close a sale is to offer to rectify any concerns a potential buyer may have with your property. Something as simple as offering to repaint the front steps, re-sod the lawn or adjust the move-in date might push a potential buyer off the fence. You can either offer to make the improvements yourself or to include a renovation allowance in your purchase agreement.

I hope you've found this information valuable. Believe me, in this market it really pays to be creative.

Please call or email me if you have any questions, or are ready to see what deals are out there waiting for you. It's a great time to buy investment properties.

Visit my website at: www.LodiAreaHomes.com to see what's currently on the market these days.

Make it a great day,

Randy

How to Buy Your First Home....the Easy Way!

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 03:55:00 +0000

Avoid the 10 Most Common, Painful, Frustrating Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make

Buying a residence can be a hair raising experience. You will experience a roller coaster of emotions while finding the right place, securing the loan and finally moving in. For most of us, the first time home purchase is the largest investment we ve ever considered. The emotions of purchasing something so expensive and personal can often cloud our business judgment.

Most home purchasers do little or no research before they invest their nest egg. Doesn t it make sense to become as completely informed as possible before you buy your first home? This special report is designed to help you avoid 10 common and crucial mistakes. The right real estate professional can help you make good sound business decisions based on your personal situation.

1. Inspect, Inspect and Inspect - Go over the inspection report with a fine tooth comb. Make sure the report was done by a professional organization. For condo purchases go over the CC&R s, By-Laws, and Association Fees. Don t take anything for granted... inspect everything!

2. Imagine the Property Vacant - Your furnishings and decorations will be the ones filling this new residence. Don't be swayed by beautiful furniture; it leaves with the owner.

3. Income + Lifestyle = Mortgage Payment - Sit down with your professional real estate agent and honestly discuss your income level and living expenses. Take into account future considerations, children, add-ons, amenities, and fix-ups. Your dream home is certainly worth a sacrifice but don t mortgage your entire future.

4. View Several Homes - See at least 7-10 properties. Don t move too slow but don t move on the first property you see. With your agent s help you should be able to view enough properties to get a good overall perspective of the home market. When you find the right property all the leg work will be worth it.

5. Utilize Your Team - By aligning yourself with the right real estate professional you will have an entire team at your disposal. Utilize your lender, title rep and agent. Each of them should work hand in hand for your benefit. Explore all the options before you sign.

6. Be Columbo - Check out all costs and expenses before you sign. Utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance and home owner dues if applicable. Make sure all utilities (gas, electricity, and water) are on during tyour walk-throughso you can inspect everything in working order. Ask lots of questions and be very detail conscious.

7. Do a Final Walk-Through - Visit the property after all furnishings have been moved out to be sure there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive the property was left exactly as you had agreed upon in the contract. Things that could have been spotted in a final walk-through are often unintentionally overlooked.

8. Plan For Flexibility - Closing dates are not written in stone. Allow for contingencies and have a back-up plan. If you or the sellers need a little more time to conclude the final arrangements, don t let these delays upset or frustrate you. These types of circumstances are not uncommon in a real estate transaction.

9. If It's Not In Writing, It Doesn t Exist - All promises and discussions should be in writing. Don t make any assumptions or believe any assurances. Even the best intentions can be misinterpreted. Have your professional keep an ongoing log in writing of all discussions and get the seller s written approval on all agreements.

10. Loyalty Breeds Loyalty - Be open, honest and up front with your team. Hard feelings and disloyalty will cause head aches, delays or may even keep you from getting into the home you worked so hard to locate. Take the time to select the right team in the beginning and your first home purchase will be a pleasing and memorable experience.

I hope you find this information helpful. If you know of anyone who might need assistance in buying their first home, please don't hesitate to pass on their name and phone number to me, and I promise to take great care of them.

Make it a great day!

Randy

Fast Real Estate Facts

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:13:00 +0000

Hello,

Just thought I'd share some quick #'s with you regarding some California real estate facts...

Calif. median home price - June 07: $594,260(Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region June 07: Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,375,000 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region June 07: High Desert $306,310 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - First Quarter 07: 25 percent (Source: C.A.R.)
Mortgage rates - week ending 8/9: 30-yr. fixed: 6.59%; Fees/points: 0.4% 15-yr. fixed: 6.25%; Fees/points: 0.4% 1-yr. adjustable: 5.65%; Fees/points: 0.5% (Source: Freddie Mac)

I wonder how long it will take before our Central Valley median home prices match the ones in Santa Barbara?

If you know of anyone looking to buy or sell their home, or even just wants to know the current market value of their home, please don't hesitate to pass on their name and number, and I'll be sure to take great care of them.

Have a great day!

Randy

Leave Your Troubles at the Door

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 21:32:00 +0000

I came across this short story recently and thought I'd share it with my family and friends. I know I've benefited from reading it many times. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did...

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A young and ambitious man named John hired a carpenter to restore an old house. The carpenter had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup refused to start.

While John drove him home, the carpenter sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited John in to meet his family. As they walked toward the front door, the carpenter paused briefly at a small tree, touching tips of the branches with both hands.

When opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss. Afterward he walked John to the car. They passed the tree and curiosity got the better of John. He asked him about what he'd seen him do earlier.

"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick 'em up, and there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

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I think "John" has a great way of keeping his daily stress from interferring with the quality time with his family.

Make it a great day!

Randy

Oh, by the way...Be sure and visit my website at www.LodiAreaHomes.com to check out the many "featured" listings that are available right now.

Dare to Dream!

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 08:01:00 +0000

How many times have you been discouraged because someone else didn’t see the brilliance of what you created, thought of, or wanted to do? How many times have you walked away from something because you decided it wasn’t a good idea, too?

Consider these…

* The movie Star Wars was rejected by every movie studio in Hollywood before 20th Century Fox finally produced it. It went on to be one of the largest-grossing movies in film history.

* As a child, Sylvester Stallone was frequently beaten by his father and told he had no brains. He grew up an unhappy loner. He floated in and out of schools. An advisor at Drexel University told him that based on his aptitude tests he should pursue a career as an elevator repair person. It’s not a bad profession but it’s certainly not where “Rocky” ended up!

* Einstein was criticized for not wearing socks or cutting his hair. He didn’t speak until he was four, and didn’t read until he was seven. One observer noted, “He could be mentally retarded.”

* An expert said of Vince Lombardi: “He possesses minimal football knowledge. Lacks motivation

* Beethoven handled the violin awkwardly and preferred playing his own compositions instead of improving his technique. His teacher proclaimed him hopeless as a composer.

* Walt Disney was fired from his job as a newspaper editor for lack of ideas. He also went bankrupt several times before he created Disneyland.

* Henry Ford failed and went broke 5 times before he finally succeeded.

* Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women, was encouraged to find work as a servant or seamstress. She would certainly never be a writer.

* In 1944, the director of the Blue Book Modeling Agency, told modeling hopeful Norma Jean Baker (Marilyn Monroe), “You’d better learn secretarial work, or else get married.

So… what are your ideas? Your thoughts? Your dreams? Who cares if anyone supports what you want to do?

The important thing is for YOU to believe. For YOU to ignore the people who say you can’t do it – and DO IT ANYWAY! It takes courage. It takes persistence. It takes believing in the “voice inside” when no one else does.

Ideas, dreams and visions are planted within you because you have the ability to make them happen. You’ll learn, grow, scramble, fail, and get back up again! The important thing is to simply never give up. The people I told you about never did – and they made great things happen!

Here’s to your dreams!

Killer Pancakes?!

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 21:50:00 +0000

Hello,

I received this story by way of an email, and as I usually do, I researched it on one of my favorite websites to verify its validity. Much to my surprise it appears to be truthful.

Here it goes...

Dear Abby: I recently made a batch of pancakes for my healthy 14-year-old son, using a mix that was in our pantry. He said that they tasted "funny," but ate them anyway. About 10 minutes later, he began having difficulty breathing and his lips began turning purple. I gave him his allergy pill, had him sit on the sofa and told him to relax. He was wheezing while inhaling and exhaling.

My husband, a volunteer Firefighter and EMT, heated up some water, and we had my son lean over the water so the steam could clear his chest and sinuses. Soon, his breathing became more regular and his lips returned to a more normal color.

We checked the date on the box of pancake mix and, to my dismay, found it was very outdated. As a reference librarian at an academic institution, I have the ability to search through many research databases. I did just that, and found an article the next day that mentioned a 19-year-old male DYING after eating pancakes made with outdated mix. Apparently, the mold that forms in old pancake mix can be toxic!

When we told our friends about my son's close call, we were surprised at the number of people who mentioned that they should check their own pancake mix since they don't use it often, or they had purchased it some time ago. With so many people shopping at warehouse-type stores and buying large sizes of pancake mix, I hope your readers will take the time to check the expiration date on their boxes. - Sue, in Wyantskill, N.Y.

You may read more details here...

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/pancake.asp

***********************************************************

Well, who knew that pancakes could kill?! I sure didn't. I'll definitely be checking MY pantry now for any and all pancake, cake, brownie mixes, etc. just to be on the safe side.

Since we have a million kids living in our home now, not much of anything stays too long in OUR pantry. :-)

I hope you all are having a great week. The weather has been warm and wonderful.

Starting tomorrow we'll be able to enjoy the nice weather a little better. We just got concrete poured today for our backyard! What a joyous event! We have a patio!

It looks to have turned out BEAUTIFULLY! So, if any of you need some concrete work done, let me know. I have an awesome guy to refer you to.

Life is good,

Randy

Your Opinion Matters To Me

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 02:34:00 +0000

My company and I strive to provide the best service possible. But, as they say, "there's always room for improvement". So, if you have any specific comments -about the service we've provided so far, either negative or positive, I'd really appreciate hearing from you.

Feel free to call anytime, to jot me a note, or to click me a few lines, right here. Your opinion matters to me. Your input will make a difference. I guarantee it!

Thanks for taking time to help me improve.

Regards,

Randy

Seek Wise Counsel

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 04:32:00 +0000

If you've ever had to make a big decision such as to whom you will bequeath your wealth in a will, whether to have a surgical procedure, or whether to sell your home and uproot your family, then you know the value of those who provide wise counsel. In my business I strive to discover what it is that the customer or client wants most, and what they want to avoid, at all costs. Then I develop a marketing or service plan to help them get what they want. I pledge the best service, without pressure.

You'll always have all the time you need to make a quality decision. So, if you'd like an advisor when it comes time to buy or sell real estate, just give me a call.

Randy

Is There a Doctor in the House?

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 04:40:00 +0000

I think if Tristen could have one super power it would to be industructible. In the last 10 days he's had to go for x-rays on his arm after falling off a slide at the park, and just a couple days ago he fell off his bike and introduced his chin to the pavement. OUCH! A trip to the Urgent Care clinic, and 6 stitches later, he's almost as good as new.

We took him to the Ham Ln. Urgent Care in Lodi, and they took great care of him. They were very friendly and professional and help make a very nerve-wrenching situation go very smoothly. Kudos to the whole staff at Ham Ln. Urgent Care!

I told Tristen since he was wearing his helmet he should've turned his head to side and let the helmet take the fall. He looked puzzled at me, like maybe he was thinking "why do that, it might scratch the helmet?"

If that's not enough...Justin fell off his bike a few days ago as well, while at his grandma's house and broke his clavical (collarbone) on his right side! So, now he's in an upperbody sling to help keep his shoulder in good placement. The doctors aren't sure yet if they want to operate, or let it heal together its own way. He'll have a check-up every few days to see the progress of the healing.

I'm thinking the we should have the kids wear football uniforms at all times. At least when they're riding their bikes. :-)

I've started working with a new client the last couple days. They are wanting to buy a specific home in North Stockton to be near their parents. To do this, we'll need to sell their home in Lodi at the same time. Their current home is very nice. It's a 3bd/2ba, 2-story home with several decorator features and nice landscaping. Be looking to see this cute home on a future blog as well as my real estate website at: www.LodiAreaHomes.com very soon. It'll be the one on Starling Way. So if you, or anyone you know of will be looking for a really cute home in the mid $300's in Lodi, let me know and I'll be happy to show it.

I hope you are all enjoying the wonderful weather we are having. It feels great outside.

Life is good,

Randy

Remembering Those Who Have Fallen

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Mon, 28 May 2007 20:41:00 +0000

Today, on Memorial Day, I thought I'd share something of interest to myself, which involves a photo of an historic event that is of interest to us all.

This photograph (one of the most famous photos of all time) of Marines raising the American flag at the summit of Mt. Suribachi during the battle for Iwo Jima has become an enduring image of bravery and heroism.

My mother once told me when I was younger that my Uncle Orville, yes, I said Orville, was on the hill that day when this took place. He supposedly died on that hill with many other soldiers. He was my father's brother.

I never knew this uncle of mine because he died before I was even born. But I do think of him everytime I see this photograph, and I feel somewhat proud that I had a relative who may have stood side-by-side with these famous soldiers.

Regardless of what your personal or political views are surrounding the current or past wars that United States has been a part of, it is our responsibility to honor the men and women who have given their lives in the pursuit of defending our freedom, our honor, and our great country.

Randy

Closing Out the Week With an Open House

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Sun, 27 May 2007 06:39:00 +0000

Hello to all, and thank you to everyone who attended my Open House today at 10316 Boulder Ridge Ct.

What a week it was! We all know the saying..."Thank God it's Friday!", but for me it's..."Thank God we survived!"

Ciara decided to chase after her brother Tristen with a sharp object, suggesting she was going to hurt him I assume. To turn the tides, Tristen decided to grab his bicycle helmut and crack Ciara in the nose with it to slow her down. It not only slowed her down, it stopped her in her tracks. Kids will be kids, but CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!? :-)

I went to dinner this evening with my good friend Greg, and his brother Jeff, and his son. We went to Wing Stop off Eight Mile Rd in Stockton. If you haven't eaten there, and you like chicken wings, then this is the place to go. Several flavors to entertain your taste buds. We opted for the Spicy, Mild, and the Honey BBQ. Good friends and wings...Life is Good!

Randy

The Party's Over

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Thu, 24 May 2007 08:00:00 +0000

Well, it's been a few days now and I think I'm still deaf in one ear.

Ciara, one of our new kids, turned 8 years old on Tuesday. One of her wishes was to have a slumber party. Who would've thought that 5 little girls could make SO MUCH NOISE!? :-)

Around 9:30pm Friday evening we had a surprise "who can scream the loudest" contest. I still hear a buzzing in my left ear. I think Ciara's friend Carsen was the clear winner. I didn't announce that to any of them because I didn't think our windows, or neighbors, could handle a rematch.

It was a fun evening though. The girls got to play Bingo, have a hoola-hoop contest, limbo to Jamaican music, make beaded necklaces and bracelets, eat pizza, and of course the Tinker Bell cake and Neopolitan ice cream was a big hit.

The next morning all the guests were up at 7:30am! They went downstairs to find something to eat. Barb woke up and offered to make pancakes for them, but they gracefully declined in favor of the multitude of cold cereals on display in the pantry. Ciara, being the nightowl that she is, like us, was off in lala land still for quite sometime.

When she finally awoke, Barb then proceeded to make the promised pancakes for all. With full bellies for all, it was the end of an era. The Twilight Zone era of five 7 & 8 year old girls in one house and having a great birthday sleepover. Fun times for all!

Ciara had a wonderful time, and Barb and I appreciate the parents who allowed their girls to come into our home for a fun celebration. Thank you!

Happy Birthday Ciara! I'm glad you're in my life and have made it possible for me to understand the true meaning of "a girl's night out". :-)

Randy

Windy Days and Mondays

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Tue, 22 May 2007 08:06:00 +0000

Wow, what a windy day it was today. I guess that would be yesterday since it's passed midnight now. I blame my late night hours on Barb because she's always up late getting anything and everything done that she can before getting ready for bed. She says that I've always been a night person too, but then I reply with "yes, but not an ALL night person!" :-) You'd think I was part BAT or something. Oooh, dare I say it? (Inside joke for those of you that know me)

Monday was a good day. I know that most people seem to dread it because it starts the work week. Fortunately for me I love what I do. I really enjoy helping people with their real estate needs. It's exciting to be on the "hunt" for just the right home to match with a person or family. It's personal for me. I like to get to know my clients. What they like and dislike. They're wants vs. their needs, and then scour the MLS to uncover the perfect home for them. I know this'll sound weird, but when that happens, the hairs on my left arm stand on end. It's been accurate probably at least 80% of the time.

I also really enjoy helping someone sell their home. I love helping a seller "design to sell" their home. Their's a difference between decorating and designing, or better known as "staging" a home. When you decorate you're usually doing so to suit your own needs and personal taste. But when staging, you are making the home look pretty much impersonal so that you appeal to the taste of the masses. One of the hardest parts of helping a seller prepare their home to put on the market is getting them to understand that we're not selling THEM the house. Let myself and Barb, who helps me a lot in this area, do what we do best, and that's dress up their home as best as possible to accentuate it's positives.

Barb and I have a service called Stage Rite Designs. We mostly will use our combined talents and love of decorating to help real estate clients prepare to sell, but we have on occassion also helped people decorate and design their interiors to give them a sense of moving into a new home without having to pack. Here's an example of Before and After photos of a home I currently have listed for sale on Boulder Ridge Ct.

Before:

After:

Wow! What a difference! This home seller was very trusting to take our advice and change the carpet to a more neutral color, rearrange the furniture, get a custom mantel installed, different pictures, etc, and Voila! You see a home that is beautiful and ready for new owners.

Now, if you, or someone you know is looking to move, or even buy a great investment property, then please forward their name and number to me and I'll take great care of them.

I'm never too busy for any of YOUR referrals!

Thanks for stopping by,

Randy

Let Me Try This Again!

homes@RandyRealtor.net (Randy Realtor) — Mon, 21 May 2007 04:55:00 +0000

Hello everyone!

I had every good intention of starting a consistant "blog", but unfortuantely I let myself get too busy with everything else going on in my life, that I initiated the blog with a "Grand Opening", but never let it get fully underway.

Well, I'm back to get this going in full swing, in hopes of staying more in constant contact with all of my friends, family, and clients. And of course, anyone else who would like to join in.

By all means, feel free to pass along my blogsite to anyone you'd like. The more the merrier.

I plan to keep you informed of many things...The local real estate market, which of course is what my main function is, along with local and even national news of interest.

I might even throw in a joke or two. For those of you that know me, that'll be business as usual. ha!

I hope this blog becomes a place for everyone to check in on from time to time to see what's going on in my life, as much as I hope to see what's going on in yours.

See you next time,

Randy