JIM O'DAY

WOW! Some good news today. Someone pinch me!

Major crime is down in our state. 9,000 low risk prisoners will no longer be monitored, as studies has shown that monitoring this low risk population makes little difference on recidivism.

All sex offenders will remain a top priority and will be closely monitored.

When I hear this news story today, it reminded me of our need to be safe real estate agents. For example:

• Do not meet clients at their home until you know them well
• Do not tour homes alone, without telling someone where you are going
• Always have your cell phone fully charged and on your person
• Have emergency supplies in your vehicle
• Be vigilant at your Open Houses-notice who is there
• If you can, team up with another agent to show a home
• Have clients meet you at your office first, before showing a home
• Make a copy of their ID and leave it at the office
• USE COMMON SENSE

I had my GPS stolen from my truck, outside of my RE office last year! NEVER leave valuables in your car in plain sight! I learned the hard way!

I recently spent a weekend with some clients who own a very reputable and ethical coin shop in Seattle. While I was there, many people were eager to sell what gold and silver coins, jewelry, and other items they had of value around the house.

It was sad to see that people were resorting to selling coins that had been in their family for generations. Some people even brought in teeth with gold fillings to sell! (Not still in their mouth, of course!). The combination of commercials on TV, the high price of gold, and our current rate of unemployment seems to have triggered a great sell off of grandma's gold!

I also read a story about the bigger name gold buying outifts- the one's that will remain nameless in this blog, but we have all seen the commercials! The report found that these big name companies, many of which have the seller mail gold to them in a "postage paid envelope", were paying about 1/3 of what a reputable coin dealer (such as the shop I visited) would pay!

After selling off the family gold and silver coin collection, what will these folks do next to pay the bills? In my unscietific study, I noticed that the average age of the seller was 60 years old.

It seems that the mail in your gold companies are getting richer, while the sellers are losing out. If you do need to sell your gold or silver, be sure to use a local, reputable dealer!

And of course, those of us incredibly successful real estate agents should be buying gold and silver from a reputable local dealer to diversify our portfolios! Wow did they have some beautiful coins......

I bought a metal detector this week! I am going to be outside a lot more often, using my "coin machine" to find rings, coins, and other cool stuff under the grass at my local parks and schools.

What a great way to get outside, get some exercise, get some fresh air. and have the possibility of finding some items of value.

I am going to be requesting to search yards of freinds and family. What a gerat way to connect and start talking to people, building a rapport! As we al know, when the subject of real estate comes up, everyone wants to talk about our "terrible" market.

I will be joining a club soon to further dive into this hobby. The club members will find out what I do (real estate) and will have questions. Talk about a great way to find prospects!

Everyone needs to get out every now and again and do something good for themselves! This business of real estate is hard work!

Take a break and get outside. Join a club or volunteer somewhere!!

E-mail me or post here if you would like more inforrmation on this great hobby!

Jim

Don't tell anyone I told you this, but there is a "secret" area bordered by Silvana, Arlington, and Stanwood. Locals call it 7 Lakes, others call it Lakewood, Wa...

This well kept secret contains many great suprises. Country Burger is a bit hit, and even famous folks such as Gene Hackman have been see there! (He has a summer home just down the road in Lakewood!)

Lake fishing here is fun for the whole family. The area is called 7 lakes for a reason, and bass and trout fishing keep the locals happy!

Pick a lake, grab your pole, and, in minutes, you are at a lake catcing the big one!

Lakewood schools have been rated as excellent! The High School. Middle and Elementary are close to each other, and centralized in the middle of "town". The "town" of Lakewood is nothing more than a post office, a lawn mower repair shop and a vacant former store! A little further into the 7 Lakes neighbrohood, and you have a little store, a campground, a new park, and a movie place! (Did I mention 7 Lakes Pizza?) YUM...

Here is another great part of Lakewood: It is close to the freeway, and you can buy a home with zero down and no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) using the USDA zero down program.

Call me today for your free list of The Top 20 Zero Down Homes in Lakewood!!

Jim O'Day 425-359-2708 jimoday@johnlscott.com

I live in Arlington, close to our sister city, Darrington! Darrington is a little further up the road, but is a great little town to live in or around. Darrington is a small community, and is truly the gateway to the Cascades.

The Suak-Suattle reservation is just around the corner, as are some of the very best Skagit County towns of Concrete, Rockport, and Marblemount! Darrington has a population of around 1500 folks. Everyone waves at each other, and almost everyone knows each other!

If you are into recreation, it is a mecca! be sure to stop by the Trading Post- you will not be dissapointed!

Also the Darrington Ranger Station is a great stop for all of your outdoor info! Hiking, biking, camping and more...

Home prices are reasonable, and one is able to buy a home in Darrington for no money down, and no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) using the USDA loan program!

Call me or e-mail me for a list of the Top Ten Zero Down buys in Darrington!!!!!

Jim O'Day 425-359-2708 jimoday@johnlscott.com