Debbie Irons, GRI, ABR, SFR

As I sit here on a steaming hot Sunday afternoon holding an open house on an actual traditional sale listing (WOO HOO!), I look over at my 8 year old quietly sitting reading in the chair next to me.

That's right. I brought one of my girls with me to the open house. It wasn't planned but as I left the house and she begged to spend time with me, I couldn't say no. I am a mother of 4 so time is scarce. As I drove over to the home, I was questioning my decision. So, I pose this question to YOU! As a buyer, as an owner, as a mom (working or stay at home), and as an agent:

DO YOU THINK IT IS UNPROFESSIONAL TO BRING YOUR CHILD TO AN OPEN HOUSE??

Here were some of my pros and cons:
PRO: She is very well behaved, personable and the owners will not be home (and they do not mind her being in the home). She can actually be helpful with setup.

PRO: It is a learning experience. Not only will she get to see what mommy does at work, she can learn what goes on in an open house, marketing techniques, and a professional way to work with customers.

PRO: I can spend time with my daughter as we all know there is down time during open houses these days.

CON: She can get bored and become a nuisance.

PRO or CON: Is a working mom looked down upon for bringing her child with her to work or is she admired for juggling both? Is the agent considered to be less professional, less knowledgeable and unogranized if the child is present?

PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS. Even I have mixed feelings if I were a buyer rather than a realtor.

CHIME IN!

If you haven't heard a homeowner or a Realtor complain about Bank of America (BofA) short sales, you must be out of the loop..or you were just smart enough to stay away from the nightmare. I have dealt with and closed several short sales with Bank of America prior to the Equator system and I currently have 3 Bank of America short sale listings under contract.

Is EVERYONE frustrated with the Equator system or is it just me? I attended a class yesterday at Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA) yesterday and what was supposed to be a 2 hour course, could have been a 24 hour frustration sesson. I was really hoping to learn more tips of the trade, dos and don'ts, rules and regs, and how tos. WIth a packed house of over 100 realtors, it was mostly background information on HAFA and question after question on specific agent transactions. I walked out feeling more confused than ever,..especially when I hear they will be soon revising the system. With the prevalence of short sales (which will continue for years to come), why are we not being given more concrete instruction. The communication between agents, homeowners and negotiators (which will soon not be called negotiators BTW according the the BofA rep) is RIDICULOUS. Do we remember being told months ago that we would be able to close short sales in 45 days? Was I the only one laughing in doubt?

The BofA rep was the first to admit the problems. That was one good thing. Another positive note was the guy gave out his email address and promised ACTION. I hate to be that guy's assistant today when the 500 emails come streaming in! He said the Equator system would soon get an overhaul to be more user friendly. OH BOY! Can we start with not requiring homeowners to upload documents to start the process? Aren't these people under enough stress, pressure, and fear as it is and now suddenly some have to learn to fax, scan, and upload at a moments notice. They hire us for a reason and although we can help through this process, it still seems to bring on panic to many owners. Don't even get me started on the REJECT button..can you say start over from scratch!

Now, I am sure there are realtors out there that have had positive experiences but I believe they are the few and far betwen. What are your thoughts/experiences/comments?

5/7/2010

By: Jennifer Thompson

Several weeks ago, I sat down with the President of the Suburban Land Reserve (SLR), Mr. Scott Dean. As a reminder, SLR is the owner of International Corporate Park as well as the company building and paying for the Road E extension to the 528/Beachline from Alafaya Trail just outside the main entrance to Avalon Park. They will also help build and pay for a separate upcoming project linking the Alafaya Trail road extension with a new, full interchange at the 528, pending county approval. Yesterday, Mr. Dean and Mr. Adam McKinnon of SLR joined me at my weekly small business networking group, Coffee Club, to share with over 100 local business owners an update on the progress of the road, the proposed interchange and the vote regarding their properties, both IWE (Innovation Way East) and ICP, coming up before the Board of County Commissioners this coming Tuesday at 2:30pm. I have had literally hundreds of conversations over the past few months standing on doorsteps with Orange County residents about how as County Commissioner I am going to positively impact our economic future, diversify our economy and ultimately provide jobs. Most of the conversations are not taking place in East Orlando or Lake Nona but throughout District 4. People all over Central Florida are tired of rhetoric and ready for action. With proper leadership, Innovation Way has the potential to change our economic future. Click here to hear the presentation by Mr. Adam McKinnon of SLR to Coffee Club. Click here to hear the question and answer session between over 100 small business owners and Mr. Dean and McKinnon. Click here for my interview with General Baptiste from the National Center for Simulation about the possible economic future for a new industry in Medical Modeling and Simulation in ICP. Click here for details on the Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting for the Alafaya Trail Extension on Monday, May 10th. Click here for details on attending or having your voice heard at the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 11th. Without approval on Tuesday by the Board of County Commissioners, SLR will not move forward on the proposed Interchange; the Central Florida Research Park will not be positioned to move forward with its phase two operations; and a new industry in Medical Modeling & Simulation will not be located in ICP. The Time to Act is Now This Saturday, May 8, my team of volunteers will spend the day talking to South Alafaya Trail area residents about my efforts to become our next Orange County Commissioner. If you believe in my ability to help lead our community towards a better future then I encourage you to join us at 9:45am at the Panera Bread at Waterford Lakes Town Center. On August 24, I hope to become our next Orange County Commissioner for District 4. One of my first priorities is to immediately begin working to diversify our local economy while making Orange County a better place for future generations. If you believe in me and my vision, I ask that you please make a financial contribution to my campaign today. Simply click here to donate now. For details regarding my campaign, my issues and my viewpoints, please visit my website or call me directly. Thank you! Jennifer Thompson Candidate for Orange County Commissioner, District 4 321-228-9686 Follow the Thompson Campaign on Twitter Join the Thompson Campaign on Facebook www.JenniferThompson.net Paid Political Advertisement. Paid for and Approved by Jennifer Thompson for Orange County Commissioner, District 4.

Just Sold by Orlando Classic Homes, Lake Butler Chain Waterfront Estate

Debbie Irons of Orlando Classic Homes just sold this amazing 1 acre, Butler Chain Of Lakes Waterfront Property in Windermere.

Looking for " a deal" on the Butler Chain of lakes? Here it is! One of the lowest priced homes on the chain, found in exclusive Marina Bay...This is the one you will be kicking yourself over if you miss this one...Big manicured, 1 acre lot with lush landscaping, New private dock on fabulous lake Down, and unparalleled sunrise views from your own back yard. The roof and AC is new, add to that a great block structure, new custom travertine master bath and oversized master bedroom stepping out onto a large paver lanai, and you have found the house of your dreams. Authentic terracotta floors accent the large windows overlooking sparkling lake Down, a boaters paradise. All you need to do is bring your imagination and further customize this very rare flexible single story floor plan. The lot is an absolute paradise and almost resort like, with it's sheer size and unbelievable location. Just minutes from world class shopping and dining in the heart of Downtown Windermere, with all the town amenities, including tennis courts, walking trails and so much more, this is Florida living at it's finest! Listing Agent Judy Black, Main Street Realtor, Selling Agent, Debbie Irons, Orlando Classic Homes.

Property sold for $1,000,000. Congrats to Mr RH for his beautiful new home. If you or anyone you know is looking to buy waterfront property, Contace Debbie Irons today.

JUST SOLD in East Park Neighborhood, $250,000

Congrats to MHC for purchasing this amazing home!

GORGEOUS LAKE NONA AREA GEM ON 1/5 ACRE CONSERVATION LOT! This charming home w/office is LOADED w/upgrades! Come home to a brick paved driveway & front porch! Walk-in to Brazilian cherry hardwood floor & 18" diagonal slate tile throughout! The HUGE centrally located kitchen is highlighted w/42" cherry maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, 12" ceilings, island with breakfast bar. Your spacious owner's retreat features diagonal tile, sitting room, California closets, dual separated cultural marble sinks & garden tub. Enjoy tranquil outdoor Florida leaving in your screened enclosed lanai or entertain in your beautiful courtyard off the kitchen! French doors, touches of chocolate walls, recess lighting decorative ceiling fans and light features provide the touches of elegance! This community is loaded w/amenities: playground, scenic parks, lake access, sand volleyball, basketball, and pinic areas! Have a peace of mind knowing this community is located near the Lake Nona Medical City and zoned for excellent schools & the NEW Lake Nona Middle & High School!

SOLD BY Debbie Irons, Orlando Classic Homes (407) 908-2890 (407) 908-2890, www.NONALIVING.com, Debbie@NonaLiving.com