There are few frustrating things in life than having a shot and no camera. I shot professionally before real estate and I remember the shots I missed, the proverbial "one that got away", more than the shots I got. Now that I am in real estate I look for different shots.
As I travel throughout my beautiful Valley I look for things to put on my website to show people the natural beauty of our environs. That means sunsets, sunrises, wildlife, landscapes, etc. How frustrating it is when I don't have a camera! I've cured that frustration with a "boot" camera. Just as a policeman may have a boot gun backup, I have a "boot" camera - one in my business pack and another in my truck. Little digital cameras that I keep charged. Whatever happens, I can stop and record it.
It's hard to find the time to go our and shoot when the light is good, be in the right place at the right time, or to backtrack to a scene to get a picture. Have the camera with you and be ready as you cruise through your daily routine. You'll pick up wonderful pictures throughout the months and years that will serve you well. It also keeps your eye keen at looking at your surroundings and appreciating them everyday.
Here are some on the fly shots. 
It's really heart breaking to speak with some of the homeowners that are facing a foreclosure or ... at best ... a "Short Sale". We recently received a call from a young engaged couple, actually from the future husband ... the fiancé was too upset to talk! They had just been to see a lender to see about refinancing their existing mortgage to save her home. The stumbling block? Their home is worth about 60% of what she owes on it!
The future Mrs. is just crushed, embarrassed, sad at losing her home, and an emotional bowl of noodles! Future Mr. called us at the suggestion of the lender they visited to ask about the option of selling their home on a Short Sale. What do you say to these young adults who bought their part of the American Dream at the wrong time?
It is important to understand ... they did nothing wrong! They are upstanding credit worthy citizens! They
saved their money, built their credit, and bought a home. How were they to know their value was going to drop by 40%... nobody else did! Agents work to let people in their situation know that this will be an uncomfortable and confusing time in their life as a homeowner and ... they can get through it! It is important that they understand that the avalanche of emotion involved in making these choices can be overwhelming.
Professional agents will stay the course just as a doctor would when working with a terminally ill patient. Keeping the hope, understanding the situation from a larger perspective, appreciating the seller's perspective, being compassionate, showing empathy for Sellers' wants and needs ... all the while remaining the calm professional navigator through the process.
If you've recently lost your job, had your loan interest rate reset, had a medical setback, or any other unexpected negative impact on your income don't despair. Your situation is not unusual these days, in fact it is becoming quite common. You have decisions to make: a. Feed the Family, b. Keep the utilities on in your household, c. Keep the car payment up so you aren't walking, etc. Though your home might be your biggest investment, when there is no cash flow it is one of the first places to look to mitigate your situation.
Our Advice: If you're having difficulty making your payment, or are even behind a payment or three, its time to take action. Explore the option of a Short Sale or Loan Modification with your agent right away.
It's an emotional rollercoaster for sure, but worth the ride. Don't play ostrich until you lose it to foreclosure, call a real estate agent skilled in distressed properties to assist you. When you get to foreclosure its "ride over" and your emotion doesn't get the pick up at the end as it will with the other two options. It's in your best interest to act ... do it now!
It's not a personal reflection on these homeowners. This is not a problem they created or that they are responsible for. This situation is the result of a National Economic Tragedy and they are victims. These homeowners need a shining light at the end of the tunnel - not a train! When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com
Once in awhile you'll encounter an agent that is controlling or controlled by the customer. This typically occurs when the agent doesn't know the answers to the customer's unreasonable demands, or is enamored with the outcome of the transaction ... they are attached to the outcome and have lost their objectivity. Both situations will cause stress in a transaction because the normal flow, interaction, candor, and effort to mitigate the differences to a common goal - a successful close of escrow on terms and conditions acceptable to both parties - are lost. Trust evaporates and all parties are left with an unsettled feeling about things.
Agents shouldn't get in the way of their customer's desired outcome. We are there to assist our customers in achieving their goals and objectives. If you encounter an agent causing difficulties, stay the course if you want to complete the transaction, but remember not to capitulate from your minimum standards and don't let their efforts to manipulate or dominate you ruin your spirits or your customers' appreciation of the property or sale.
An agent should be firm in their resolve and focused on the customer and his interests. The right thing occurs when you have a good team, agents & client, and everybody knows the "Game Plan".
Community involvement is essential. As Realtors we are advocates of our respective communities and it is essential that we help keep them vibrant, whole and wholesome. If not, what are we selling ... or living in? However you get involved... get involved.
We immerse ourselves in Pop Warner football and cheerleading. We know that we are definitely changing lives while we preserve the future of our community by developing the character of the youth. You 
are as well when you are involved with your Chamber of Commerce, Church, Senior Care Group, Cancer or other Awareness Group, Youth Sports, School Groups and Activities, etc. Your community is a reflection of and on you ... how does yours look?
It may result in increased business, but we suggest that you do it from a pure heart and trust the process. Do it for the recipients that will benefit from it. Do it for your community. Don't do it for you ... put it all on your community and you will eventually benefit. You will undoubtedly benefit financially, but your greater return is immeasurable.
Give and enjoy.
Q. Why did the elephant wear red tennis shoes?
A. To hide in the cherry tree.
Q. Why did the elephant wear yellow tennis shoes?
A. To hide in the lemon tree.
Q. Why did the elephant wear green tennis shoes?
A. To hide in the lime tree.
Q. Why did the elephant wear orange tennis shoes?
A. To hide in the orange tree.
Q. Have you ever seen an elephant in an orange tree?
(they will say no)
Hides pretty well doesn't he!?
Have fun - they'll get creative with the colors and the trees once they catch on. They may get bored - keep on ... they'll giggle at the end and so will you!
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