Suzanne McLaughlin

I remember in the way back days (anyone remember that phrase??) , I used to get ready for open houses by first placing an ad in the paper, putting together flyers, getting them out to the neighborhood, knocking on doors and preparing food to get buyers in the door, setting up signs either the night before or early in the day and hoping for good weather. That was just two short years ago. Now, I throw an ad on the MLS and 50-60 other websites with the click of a couple of computer keys, tell the sellers to tell the neighbors and if I throw food in the car, it's for ME! Opens are a thing of the past! I will hold one open if the seller is alive and kicking...kicking me in the butt to do one. But, only if it is in the first week it is listed. Life has changed. I miss the "open house" experience, but have come to learn that today's savvy buyer is not interested in them anymore. If, and when, they want to see a house, they will do it on their timetable, not yours. So, if you are still running your real estate business model based on two years ago, it's time to re-examine your business practices and get up to speed.

Whether you voted in the last election, whether you voted for Barack Obama or not, today is an historic day. Today will change the world. This is the day that America will not have a white man leading our country.

It appears from the news coverage that we are rediscovering Camelot. I remember the first Camelot. (Yes, Virginia, I am old. But, not yet dead!) I know that there were a number of good Americans who couldn't believe we had actually elected and Irish CATHOLIC. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

I certainly want to believe that this new administration can change our economic direction. We are losing families to poverty right and left. I met with a family just yesterday again who are losing their home to disease. It almost made me cry. I had hoped that one of our senators could help, but now that we are down to just one senator representing us, she is too busy with her "official" business of serving spam puffs and potato chips.

Let us hope that we really will see change we can believe in and not more rhetoric and business as usual.

Just read Lenn Harley's blog, and it really made me think. I have to thank her immensely for writing about how as agents need to practive our "craft". Do you think twice when you work on these contracts for clients be they a buyer or seller? Or are you unsure? These are legal contracts. We need to be sure how we are constructing them for our clients' benefit. Whether for a private party or a corporate entity (such as a bank) we want our client to be represented to the best of our ability. So practice does make perfect. If there is something you do not understand, before you draft it or, worse, sign it, clients, make sure you understand it!

Legal, enforceable contracts are serious business, and we want everyone to understand what is being agreed to. So, if your agent (or agents, if you don' understand it, get it explained to you) can't explain to your satisfaction, don't sign it.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Move or get out of the way.

How many of these truisms have you heard? Hardly as many as I have, I'm guessing. Life keeps going regardless of our circumstances. So, whether we like it or not, a great many changes are inevitable in the very near future. We can decide our own fate. Really, even if you don't believe you have any control, you do. At least to some extent...you can control your destiny. So, your attitude about your circumstances now and what you believe can be are really all that matters. So, take your future by the horns. Hold on or let go...which action feels better is only determined by your style and comfort level.

I'm a mover and changer. I only feel comfortable with many decisions to make, much to do and people to see. If you are not, I understand. But, you might feel more comfortable having someone who can take it all in stride assisting you with the details and explaining the decisions you need to make. When you need that someone, call me. You will not be disappointed, trust my friends and former clients!

As I was perusing the four or five industry-related blogs and websites I read each morning to get myself motivated and my clients informed, there was this bit of cheer....

78,179 homes were taken by lending institutions during the month of November, down 8% from October. In October - 84,868 homes gone. In all, a total of 1,014,618 homes have been affected by foreclosure since August 2007. Statistics are according to CNNMoney.com.

Now, why is this cheery? Because each time, the numbers drop, it gives us an opportunity to write to our Representatives to let them know that we need some legislation to help overcome the vacant and iced-up homes in our communities and to assist those who just lost a job to not lose the house, too. Now, I believe in personal responsibility all day long, but there are some individuals who just got blind-sided by the tough economy. They didn't burn up the plastic and there are no big toys in the garage.

I work in this business...foreclosures. It's not pretty, and it is hard, depressing work. (On the flip side, I'm acting president of the Elk River, Otsego, Zimmerman and Big Lake Habitat for Humanity, so I can give back, too.) I also see the devastation of those people who are in the short sale position. The banks make it so hard, if not impossible sometimes, to get out honorably. But, if it can be done, we can do it!

I would love to not have to do Broker Price Opinions for the banks for a month...in the last year, the only time I didn't have an order from a bank was Christmas week.

The flood isn't over yet, but with a little sanity in government, perhaps we can get some loan modification legislation passed that makes sense and helps to keep people in their homes.