Debbie Irons

WWYD (what would you do?) I am very interested to find out what you would do in this situation. I decided to pre-view some foreclosure property in Orlando for a young client of mine that is very anxious to purchase her first home but can only get into town on the weekend. As you all know, low priced foreclosure property is becoming very popular and the offers are coming in like RAIN. I sent her a few new listings that came available early in the week and I told her I would take a look to find out if they were worthy of her time and attention. I know the area pretty well however with these types of properties, you can never be sure of the status of the neighborhood in the changing economy and of course, I would never want to be accused of steering! I pulled up to the listing and knew right away this was a high-crime and unpredictable area. I wanted to take a few pictures of the exterior of the property (because I knew darn well I was not going to go into a vacant home on my own) and the neighboring homes and drive away. As soon as I opened the door, the neighbors began to call to me and ask the price of the home. One middle-aged man rode up on his bicycle and inquired about the home. He asked for my card, then the neighbors shouted from their homes that they wanted my card too. Now, the Realtor in me kicks in and I started discussing the details of the property and handing out my card..with my car door wide open (probably stupid), no cell phone, no one knowing my location at the office, and no training in self defense. I guess I have always been more trusting and I give everyone the benefit of the doubt..maybe too nice. I am a 6 foot, blond female in high heels and a dress..I guess I am not going to go unnoticed in many of these situations.

As i drove away, I felt two things..first, I felt completely DUMB for not taking any pre-cautions when it came to my safety. I have mace in my car but I did not even consider it. The man could have so easily pulled me into the car, taken my car, or mugged me. Second, I felt good that i had put any fear aside and was professional to these neighbors, just as if they were any other client in any other social status.

Now, my husband says I was WRONG. I should have put my safety first. He said I should take taken someone with me (which wouldn't happen for a $50K house..all agents are too busy with their own families or work). I am struggling with what I SHOULD have done to protect myself, provide service to all people, and provide the service to my customer that requested I take a look at the property. When I spoke to her, I let her know that I did not feel safe in the area and I decided it was not in my best interest to go inside. She understood and as a young female college student, she realized the property was not for her.

SO, bottom line, what is the appropriate action in the this instance?? What if these neighbors call me from my card to take a look at the home?? I would love your opinion for future reference.

Who doesn't want their kid to be healthy? Here is a chance to include some fit, family fun over the weekend at the Lake Nona YMCA, 9055 Northlake Parkway, Orlando, Saturday, April 18th, 2009. This event is an untimed "race" and is centered around famly and having FUN! You can run, walk, hop, skip, bike, scooter or rollerblade in this race. A portion of the race proceeds will benefit the Central Florida Children's Home (www.cfch.net) and the Lake Nona YMCA's Scholarhip Fund. Reginer online through Thursday April 16th www.bodiesbybadger.com and get the details! This is one of many incredible events held in the Lake Nona area.

Here are some easy tips to make good health become a family habit.

1. Food for Thought

If you want your family to eat healthier meals, start by eating together. Even if it's just once or twice a week, make it a habit, then build on it."

2. Let Your Kids Take Charge! Involve your children and they will love it. For starters, ask them to help prepare a grocery list-and even find new recipes. Let them pick out their own fruits and vegetables, and if you pack lunches, let them help.

3. Time for the kitchen

Involve the kids in the kitchen. While it might be a bit "messier" and take a bit more time, you'll find that you have made one of your mundane daily chores a fun "family" experience.

4. Fitness is really fun

Family exercise goes hand in hand with family mealtime. Take time to enjoy walks, ride bikes and kick a soccer ball around in the backyard. If your child participates in a sport you don't play, ask him or her to teach you. Remember, you are your child's role model!

For a private consultation on nutrition and how to eat to healthier, call Florida Hospital at 407-303-1700 or visit www.supersizedkids.com to learn more about how you can rescue your child from the threat of obesity. This 8-week program will change your family's life by incorporating easy nutrition and lifestyle changes. The Amazon.com best seller, SuperSized Kids book can be purchased on-line or at your local bookstore. Don't wait. Your kids' future health depends on it.

Through the rain and wind today, it was very exciting to watch the letters go up on the the much anticipated building of the new Lake Nona High School. Parking lots CHECK, basketball courts CHECK, beige and green exterior paint CHECK!. No way around it, high schools zoned for the East Orlando/Lake Nona area have certainly had their share of problems...including low grades, long travel distance and overpopulation. I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked by buyers relocating to the Central Florida area where to buy for the best high schools. We send buyers to the www.greatschools.net website all day long and the information does not paint a pretty picture. It is disappointing to say the least. Here is to high hopes for a new shining light among the public school higher education in Orlando for August 2009! Find out more about the Lake Nona High School at the Orange County School District website. Want to search for properties near the new Lake Nona High School and Medical City Lake Nona? Click HERE

According to a new report put out by the Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association (HCEA), Orlando was the #1 city for medical/healthcare meetings, conventions and tradeshows running for the past 12 years. The study reported that every 5 days, there was a new meeting/tradeshow being held in Orlando. Other top cities included Chicago, San Diego and Washington DC. With the beautiful weather, theme parks, and accomodations, no wonder Orlando is the place to go. With the upcoming Medical City located in Lake Nona, Orlando Florida, including Nemours, the VA Hospital, UCF Medical School, Burmham Institute and more, imagine the influx of new residents and opportunities coming to our area. Find the entire report at http://www.orlandoedc.com/edcPublic/communique/2009/images/HCEA.pdf.

A friend just sent this to me via email. Not sure if it has been posted yet but it sure made me smile after a long day at the office!