Suzanne McLaughlin

I really don't quite know how to say this...

Today was really rough. We had a closing on a bank-owned property that had a purchase agreement written on April 10...yes, 3 months ago. BANK-OWNED. Today, it closed, dry. But, it closed. Touch and go all the way down to the wire. The buyer and buyer's agent were among the best people I have ever had the privilege to work with. It has taken every nerve in my body, a couple of drinks and more fortitude than I ever want to muster again in the next few months to get this bloody deal to close. But, the poor buyer and buyer's agent had it much worse.

It was also my birthday. I have had so many nice people send me wishes on facebook and I need to thank them all...and then during closing I got the nicest video birthday greeting from Jeff Turner. How he finds the time to do that is beyond me. But, I have always been a big fan of his, although we haven't communicated much lately. What a guy! I also want to thank Deb Walsh, Ryan Hukill, Petra Norris, Charlie Harden and a bunch of other great friends. I needed this today.....

Want to make someone's day? Whether or not, it's their birthday, just reach out and say hi....sometimes that's all it takes, especially if you know they might be going through a rough spot. I love my friends. Love yours, too.

The banking industry as a whole asked for a bailout. They got it. Then, they didn't like the terms. Now, a number of them are paying back the TARP money because they don't like the intrusion and inspectiion of their business practices. Hmmm.....Now, they want to keep the bad debt rather than sell it off to the government, who is quite willing to take it on. What do you think they are working to keep quiet? Perhaps that life wasn't that bad in the first place? Or, as some of them are professing, they can sell it off at more profit than the government can.

Well, then, why didn't you do that before you cried "Wolf" in the first place? Just asking.

I have been busy with my buyers. I have been busy with my listings. I have been busy setting appointments for listings and buyer meetings. But, I haven't in a while taken other buyers' agents clients to show properties. It's been two years! I love that that is now the case. And, inventory is shrinking now! We have had multiple offers on our bank-owned properties. And, they are getting above list price!!!! How cool is that? I wished that we could recoup some of our losses for all of us dedicated agents. And, it seems to be coming true. Keep your fingers crossed. Everything could be coming back to life. Go.....Go....Go!

Spring is typically the time that I really come alive...and, believe me, being a redhead, at least by nature, I am always alive!

This weekend the man of the house was busy in his workshop making birdhouses which he puts on pitchforks. I know, it sounds weird but they are very popular for gardens. And, he sells them.

Okay, just picture it, a birdhouse on a pitchfork....I tried for half an hour to import the picture, but it doesn't work so we are moving on now.

At any rate, as I said, he sells them so they are new housing. Yesterday, as I was glancing out the deck door, I see a prospective buyer. No, not a human. A male wren. He was very excited, popping back and forth, peeking in the window. And chirping away...presumably to the wife who was likely nearby. I started to laugh, and he flew off. Then he brought her over to check it out just a short time later. There was no realtor bird nearby that I could see. But, I think they're buying. Unless he can move it quickly.

If the birds are buying, and my buyers are buying, why aren't you buying?

I ran across a website that absolutely amazed me. It's called Howcast, http://www.howcast.com/ This little number can give you video on how to throw knives, how to lucid dream, how to change a light switch, how to cut your kid's hair. While I wouldn't absolutely trust all the information completely, it is certainly useful and greatly entertaining. Really. I think I spent a half hour of very valuable down time there yesterday, and, provided I get myself motivated to get all my work done early today, I probably will spend the same amount of time today. It is fun and informative and worth a peek. You might even save a few dollars!