What a wonderful year! 2010 has restored my faith in many things and I just wanted to share a few of those events with the people that mean the most to me, my family, friends, and customers. My success is directly related to many of you who will read this and find yourself in at least one of the lines here.

I learned so much this year, as you often do in challenging times. One of the most valuable lessons learned early in the year was on transparency. I’ve always been an open book, but the lessons of transparency learned from a social media mentor opened my eyes even further. Truthfulness, clear motives, appropriate context and trust, those are the qualities of transparency I am talking about. With that said, and sitting in a few moments of quiet reflection, I thought I’d recap a few details about my year, about business and about relationships in 2010. (more…)

Have you served our country, the United States of America? Are you a veteran? You may be eligible for a guaranteed home loan. Tax credits have been extended for veterans serving while we are at war. This can mean a lot for a veteran when returning home and facing challenges of injuries, illness or simply relocation for their families.

I’m thinking of my family members who are serving, one of which has a child, and where he will be when his father returns. These are young men and women, of the age where their adult lives are just beginning, who will want to own homes when they return home. There are monies available for these men and women, and it’s our job as Realtors to help them find a way to reach that goal. Nothing says peace, than the comfort of a home, the shelter of a roof overhead, and the laughter and love within it’s walls.

Today, there are over 39,000 disabled veterans of the Iraq War living in the United States.

30 percent suffer from mental health disabilities and over 20% have brain and spinal cord injuries. I personally know several of these veterans. they are young, they were leaders of man and women, they gave what we can not imagine.

The VA Home Loan program began in 1944 as part of the Montgomery GI Bill, and it has guaranteed more than 19 million home loans – valued at more than $1 trillion – since its inception. During the past four years, the number of veterans helped by the VA has risen 63 percent.

There are ways we can help thank our injured or ill veteran family members and friends. “Specially Adapted Housing Grants“  or “SAH” grants are available to build houses, to retrofit housing and to pay down mortgages. veterans or service members who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the purpose of constructing an adapted home or modifying an existing home to meet their adaptive needs.

“The goal of the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program is to provide a barrier-free living environment that affords the veterans or service members a level of independent living he or she may not normally enjoy.

Grants provided under the SAH program may also be used outside the United States.  However, it must be reasonably practicable for VA to provide assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing for the designated country or political subdivision outside the United States.  For more information on use of such grants, please contact Brian N. Bixler, Chief, Specially Adapted Housing, on (571) 272-0091 or via Email at: brian.bixler@va.gov.

There are two types of grants administered by VA, which are available to assist severely disabled veterans or servicemembers in adapting housing to their special needs.” (http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/sah.asp)

If you know a veteran in need of help, who needs a home to be retro-fit for a disability, or a veteran who wants to purchase a home, but is not sue how to do this contact Debbie Kirkland for help in finding out where to begin getting veteran’s home loans and assistance monies. If you are a builder or tradesman wanting to volunteer your time in helping a veteran, let Debbie know and she will add you to a list of Tallahassee community support persons. Together we can give these heroes the Welcome Home they deserve.

Download Guide to VA Loans – Heroes Welcome Home Booklet

It’s been a whirlwind week, but on Sept. 8th, I celebrated another trip around the sun! A lot of friends made a big fuss over “the day,” and those were nice surprises. I was honored by the “touch” of social media and the dozens of well wishes on Facebook and Twitter, some from faces I’ve never seen and people I have yet to meet, others who have become best of friends although miles apart. There are certainly more added in the “Bucket List” to meet in the upcoming years. Each are growingly important to me and made me smile. The riches of all that is good in people surrounded me and caused me pause throughout the day.

This day also caused me to reflect and remember the special birthdays of years past. Growing up in Tallahassee, FL, was truly wonderful. A kid in the country, exploring, scampering through the woods, creating imaginary worlds, games, and recreating episodes of Bonanza and Gunsmoke on a bicycle, or the pony that we had were the best of times. Here are a few really special memories that deserve a mention in my mind anyway!

Early in life, birthday presents mean a lot. Toys, gifts,.. that’s what seems important. Later in life,.. it’s the little things that mean the most. Like lunch with my girls, my mom and my sister, just an hour, just a few moments to look at the faces of those who influence my life.

One of my first memories was the birthday spent at my grandparents, and sitting in my grandfather’s lap while opening some gifts, later spending the night with he and my grandmother, sleeping right between them. hearing them laugh the next morning about what it is like sleeping with a little tornado. Having children later, I understand.

For those of you that didn’t notice, I am a bit of a country girl, and it runs deeper than my accent for sure. My birthday always fell right as school began and right around Labor Day. In Tallahassee, FL years ago, one of the things we looked forward to was the rodeo! It came to town near Labor Day at the Leon County Fairgrounds, and so for several years in a row, I took a “gaggle” of girls to the rodeo and then home for a slumber party. I can’t remember really the actual rodeo, but I do remember the girls, the laughter, my dad trying to make it a “serious” event and my neighbors, Mal and Dottie, coming with us. They participated in just about every major event in my life.. and lots in between. I remember the bull that hit the edge of the fence in a puddle of mud and that sent mud spattering Dottie’s white pantsuit and laughing so hard it hurt!

I remember my “Sweet 16” celebrated at another party at my house. a day of swimming and hamburgers with a dance set up outside and half the baseball and football team turning out followed by a sleepover with my girlfriends and playing twister and listening to my parents old LP’s and learning the “Twist” while listening to Chubby Checkers. To top it off, a few weeks earlier, there was the Lemon Yellow Toyota Corolla that my dad helped me pick out. A 4-speed that I had to learn to drive, with a radio and AC.. and not much else! It cost $4,500, and my payments were $91/month.

I remember my 24th, just a few weeks after my first child was born and how good it felt to float in the pool at my parents while everyone oohed and ahhed over the baby.

For my 35th, newly divorced and going through the find myself stage, (which I think I probably still in!), I celebrated with a friend by getting the tattoo I wanted while she got her 7th.

On my 40th, I had my first true surprise birthday given by someone I was dating.. surrounded by friends who organized everything. I was in shock that he actually pulled it off. Later I found out he was a master of secrets. Err.

For my 45th, I kicked up my heels at the Bradfordville Blues Club with 45 friends and family members. We danced to the tunes of “The Sauce Boss” Bill Wharton and three generations got to stir that pot of gumbo with Bill. For me, it was pure heaven, music, friends and beer.

There have been many a birthday in between, some memorable, some quiet and reflective, but each one a trip back in time to the best gifts in my life, family, friends, good food, music and the rodeo of life. Thanks for being a part of the sights I’ve seen along the way!

Dig Deep, Donate today. thank you.

Dedicated to David Waldman, my friend.

I received this information via Rep. Al Lawson via e-mail on Facebook. I hope it is helpful as we are all turning towards this tragedy with a desire to help.

Photos RedCross

It is horrible, and we must give, if only $5.00.  Here is how you can help:

————————————————————

Did you know that a Realtor is bound to continue their education according to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics?  Ethics training is paramount and after this comes all that goes into maintaining knowledge of every aspect of an industry that changes more than just about any other industry. Changes in market conditions, real estate law, financing and underwriting, zoning regulations and even building codes to name a few. Few customers realize the amount of education required of Realtors, not just for continuing education, but in achieving designations and certificates of study.

If that is not enough, learning how to effectively market properties, utilizing the latest technology and tools available keeps one not only ahead of competition, but enhances all listings by giving them greater visibility in todays marketplace.   We are moving toward technology in every aspect of our lives, who knew Realtors would need an understanding of technology to be effective marketers?  It is mind boggling considering most Realtors, when they began their careers had virtually no marketing experience. Many veteran agents have time under their belt, but do they use current marketing tools? It is a question customers must ask of their agents prior to listing with a Realtor.

Todays agents must be masters at listings, sales, and marketing.  All of these things are imperative to success. All of these change often, and all are changing with advent of social media avenues. Avenues for finding buyers and sellers and investors have changed.  Marketing methodology has morphed. A good Realtor will know what is working and what is time-worn and ineffective.

Over the past two years my marketing strategies have changed. I’m an avid reader and have been watching trends move from print advertising to the tools that today’s buyer and sellers use on a daily basis. I have attended seminars online and in person on marketing strategies, employed these in my new website, and expanded my visibility into social network environments by providing information about Tallahassee in hopes of attracting residents to our area and in obtaining buyers while establishing credibility with local sellers.

Learning about social media and marketing has helped grow my business, establish my brand, and has given me inspiration to help others learn what I have over the past few years. I have held technology seminars and continue on this path. tomorrow I will be hosting a Virtual REBarcamp webinar education seminar at my office where area agents will learn from some of the best in the business. Together we will learn, discuss and implement new marketing strategies for the upcoming year. The schedule below is what we will follow during this Virtual REBarCamp.

Keep in mind all that goes into your Realtors business and how they utilize the tools of technology along with their knowledge of all that is imperative to know in our industry. Give your Realtor a pat on the back for all that they put into your listings, your home search and your investment analysis!

Virtual REBarCamp Schedule for January 4, 2010.

Happy last day of 2009. For many, this is a year they’d like to forget… for others it’s a year to remember.  What ever your reflections of 2009 may be, I wish you health, happiness, and success in 2010! I decided to highlight a few things about real estate,. and a few things about my life in general this year. Good bad or ugly, these are the things that influenced my life this year.

Wishing you success in 2010

In the real estate industry there have been lots of changes, not all for the good, but these were HOT topics of discussion, success and challenges of 2009:

• Tax Credits: The most tweeted about, discussed and rediscussed issue of 2009 in real estate. It is what helped first time home-buyers acquire homes in 2008 and what sustained many down-turned market area, including mine!
• Tax Credit Extensions: maybe redundant.. but deserves two slots in the top 10. Again, this extension and the credit for current homeowners was pivotal in 2009 for many home-buyers and the trickle effect of sales and tax rebate money was felt in many areas including Realtor commissions, home repairs, supplies, furniture sales, etc. Give people money, they will spend it.
• Social Media Marketing Infusion into real estate marketing plans. Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn, Zillow, Trulia, blogging and sometimes public flogging..it certainly has emerged into a part of every forward thinking, insightful, and creative marketing professional. Here’s Mashables “10 of the Best Social Media Tools for Entrepreneurs”. Like it or not, technology is going to grow… and fast.
• Video: In my opinion video has opened the doors again for marketing, for communications, for sales and service. It’s a two way portal to the future and to every aspect of business and our lives. Look for more video Emails, Marketing, Postings, Documentation than ever before in 2010 as well!
• Foreclosures:  If you can see, hear and have picked up a paper or magazine,you know the dilemma our nation has faced with the number of home foreclosures on the books. What you may not know, is how it has affected our markets… If you really want to know, ask someone who has a home for sale right now. Homes sold below market value simply because of overstock supplies have devastated equity nest eggs of those who have attempted to sell their homes in less than 7 years.  Short term investments have lost money, just as the stock market and other investments.  I agree with this article that Foreclosures in 2009 will top 2008. We can only hope that  re-addressing ways to counsel those who have suffered losses and repair credit issues for those affected will be a focus of 2010 so that they can purchase again in good faith and with a renewed spirit and ability to own a home in the future. Seven years can seem like an eternity.
• Short Sales: There have been more short sales classes in my area and in my State than any other continuing education classes. As difficult as banks have been in handling these issues, some Realtors have been equally as difficult. Either they are uneducated.. or the rules keep changing. It’s really a little of both. However, you would think we have a duty as Realtors to “consult” with customers. Really? Who forgot that from real estate 101 anyway?  for most Realtors who are sticking by their industry and who have a sense of the core of their industry, this is not new,.. it is simply an adjustment to business as usual. Sometimes we work harder than others, it’s just that simple. I’m amazed at those who say, “I won’t work with short sales.” That’s a bit elitist if you ask me. Get out there and let’s deal with this so we can all move on.
• Politics and the real estate industry. How about politics and every facet of our lives. All I can say on this.. is GET INVOLVED.  If you want to say anything to me at all about politics, tell me first that you have told someone, preferably and elected or appointed official, about it first. Otherwise, you are part of the problem.

On a lighter note, there were a few really funny things that made me smile, and laugh, a lot in 2009!

• Sometimes you just have to take a break.. and YouTube certainly provides a few laughs. Several funny videos came to mind,.. or my mind at least, as you may not see the humor. Nothing cures a bad day like humor, and in most cases you have to laugh to keep from crying.. but these were particularly inspiring…. JK Wedding Entrance Dance, Bacon Is Good For Me!, and Susan Boyle’s success story.  Lessons:  Dance like there is no tomorrow, have your bags packed just in case things don’t work out,.. and never judge a book by it’s cover.
• Then there are the moments that inspire.. funny, most seem to come from children. The latest.. I have worked with customers for 7 years.. before this young man who is now 5 was born. So, when we finally see each other and begin our home search a priceless moment arrives. I hug mom first at our greeting, .. then little man,.. and he looks at me and says,..”What about him?”, pointing to dad…of course.. a hug for dad too!
• Of course, there are the moments that you have to laugh at yourself. I could probably write a book on dumb Realtor mishaps, but nothing takes the cake this year like the day I was previewing, alone, a house for a customer. Rule #1 always check locks before you let a door slam behind you. As I entered a second story porch, with no exit, the door slams behind me only to lock me out of the house. Oh, I am smart, I have a key, but the key doesn’t work for that lock. Thank God I have my phone,.. and I can call another Realtor who can come to my rescue!  There are others I am ashamed to put to print, at least until I retire and need money for a comedy film or book.

A few really great things that happened, of course, center around the people I have met throughout the year. Not all are in person yet, but all have made a difference in my career and in my personal life.

• The “Twitterqueens” Twitter of all things opened the door that was partially cracked open for me early in 2009. In my quest for like-minded professionals I stumbled upon @HeyAmaretto and @LesleyLambert early in the year, and the adventures unfolded from there. We spoke many times on a personal basis, and many more times on twitter. I have learned from them, we have walked through some storms together, and we keep the lines of communication open for ourselves and others that are truly growing their businesses and social networks. My days and evenings usually involve a few shout outs to the ladies and gents of the Twitterqueens and often a few toasts for things unspoken.
• REBarCamps: I attended my first this year in Miami in September 2009. After following many of the speakers and social media presenters for months, I was able to make it to Miami for a day of networking and learning that brought all that I had been trying to accomplish together for me.  My connections to these folks have gotten deeper, and my understanding broadened as a result.
• Ultimately,  My website re-design and re-focus of my business and the scope of community that I was trying to accomplish all rolled together after this meeting and is on it’s way to being a great resource and a lot of fun for those looking not only for real estate in Tallahassee, but who want to know more about our community. It’s a work in progress, but it is my life. If you want to know about the Tallahassee, FL and surrounding area, give me a shout.
• And lastly..Cancer.  Just the word makes me shake. This year, in May I celebrated my 7th year remission from breast cancer with people from my Board of Realtors at the Tallahassee Relay for Life.  I walked beside survivors and I walked hand in had with my dear friend David,  facing a struggle which took his life in September. By far, the most honorable, yet hardest task of my life to date, was speaking at his service. My father fought liver cancer this year and won his battle.. my Board President fought lymphoma and is winning his battle thusfar, and yet many more are still suffering. This is the one constant in life that we just can’t seem to shake.. the loss of those we love.. the battle with cancer. All we can do is fight, give..continue to research and come up with treatment that prolongs our time with those we love. If you gave towards this cause, I thank you,.. if you continue to give, I thank you.. and if you promise to give in 2010, you will receive thanks tenfold.  If you remember nothing else about my ramblings today, remember this.. life is precious, it is to be sucked up, invested in our bodies, minds and spirits and those gifts are meant to be shared with others. Let none of us forget what we owe each other, what we owe this thing called life.

Happy 2010 Everyone!

From Debbie Kirkland… @FloridaSunSales

It’s a tradition in our family to take a night and make the Tallahassee Christmas Light tour. With the economy in shambles, I think most families look for events just like this to bring the joy of the holidays back. We are spending more time with family and friends.. a blessing in disguise  really!

This year we set out and I captured a few of my favorite shots and spots along the tour and around town.

I’d also be remiss if i did not point out some of the Christmas miracles that took place around Tallahassee as well.

Yes, Virginia, there are Christmas miracles as well, even here in Tallahassee, FL. On Christmas eve, a local family received a NEW Roof. This may not seem like a miracle to you.. but when battling cancer..a roof is the last thing on your mind, and finances are scarce.  Thank you Rowe Roofing! Hungry residents also received a blessing of a traditional Christmas dinner thanks to the Hope House dinner and Project Annie Christmas dinner. Christmas Connection, Salvation Army, all the small individual gifts to those in need. That is what makes Tallahassee a wonderful community. The best thing about Christmas by far is the spirit of giving that constantly brings this community together whenever there is a need.

Tallahassee is a beautiful place to live.. and to visit! Hope you all had a beautiful holiday and were able to get out to see some of the sights!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas everyone.

Dorothy B. Oven Park, Tallahassee, FL

Killearn Musical House

Huntington Woods Plantation home

Dorothy B Oven Park

Is your Lender a Grinch?

I was in the office late yesterday talking with a fellow Realtor who was waiting for the hopeful call of the title company that would bring news of a closing, two days before Christmas. The family is in the car.. their belongings are in the truck, and their lender went on holiday.  Wow.. really?  60 days of emails, phone calls, promises of a closing that was to take place on November 30th… and here they are a month later.. and the lender took a holiday and can’t be reached! Another family will spend a long weekend in a hotel,.. a Christmas with their family in a hotel. They probably would have spent it in the car had their Realtor not chipped in for a hotel…. a completely, non-reimbursable and amazing gift.  Many a time, I have had customers stay in my home until we could get their closings settled.

Talk about disasters! These stories are increasing as the large corporate banks who are already on foreclosure and short sale overload, such as Bank of America, Chase and the unknowns.. operating from what seems like suitcases as they shift you from city to city, office to office at times as they attempt to serve, or shuffle their customers. Out of the 18 failed closings in my little circle of Realtor friends alone, 12 were Bank of America, and the others the “Internet” lenders who offer the sun, the moon and the stars,..except on holidays, third Tuesdays, Days of the week beginning with “M, or F!” It doesn’t matter anymore how prepared and savvy a Realtor you get,.. if you are dealing with the voices in cyberspace, prepare for the delays, the mis-communication, the constant need for more documentation and the very good possibility that your well organized financial statement just looks “funny” so  you may not close at all because your credit score is one point short of a new requirement! the NEW RESPA guidelines are in effect January 1, 2010… want to know what THAT means? Whew.. it just got a little tougher!

As silly as this sounds..it is just this bad in the lending world. I offer you buyers ONE piece of advice.. and if you never listen to another Realtor… this you must  hear,.. “Listen to your Realtor.” If your Realtor gives you the names of three lenders that he or she works with on a regular basis… it is because they CLOSE their transactions on time,… it is NOT because they get money or any other benefit from these lenders. They are “preferred” because they are reputable, reliable and responsible.  it is because they are most likely workaholics like your Realtor, and because they are successful and forthright… no suprise kind of folks!  The likelihood of you knowing whether you can close a transaction should take no longer than two weeks if your documents are in order and you are not hiding anything from your lender.  If it takes longer than this, you will know it, you will have a suggested remedy and a timeline for any delay in your closing so that you can negotiate this with the seller immediately.  Don’t fool around folks. Listen to  a Realtor, cooperate with a lender that you can see, touch and speak with in person. There are enough local lenders that will give you better service, more competitive rates and  who charge less fees than 9 out of 10 internet and corporate moguls.

Again.. don’t spend a holiday in a hotel.. don’t pay for five days or a month of storage for your belongings.. and for goodness sake, don’t get to closing only to hear,.. “sorry.. we need more money or we won’t be able to close Mr. and Mrs. buyer!”  If you are shopping for a home.. consult a Realtor and acquire a reputable local lender.