So Who Owns This House Anyway????

I received a call from a gentleman in North Jersey. I seem to be doing a lot of business with North Jersey folks lately. Anyway, he was in the process of foreclosing on a small house in Salem City. He reported that he didn't have the papers back from the court just yet but should have them any day.

He asked me to head on over to the property and let him know what it is worth. That's a tricky question now-a-days. It's harder now than ever to estimate the value of properties. I mean, who REALLY knows what is happening in this Real Estate market?

Let me just say, "The house is a MESS!" Stuff all over.....all kinds of stuff. I dragged a dear friend with me that day and to tell you the truth I was a little bit embarrassed about 'my new listing'. Oh well, as one of my investors used to say, "There's a house for every butt and a butt for every house." (OK, he didn't quite say it like that. That is the 'G' version of his saying)

The client was extrememly anxious for me to complete my work and get the property on the active market. He was more anxious than most. By the end of the week, it was up and running.

Last week, a Realtor from Gloucestor County drove all the way down to Salem to show this poor, little house. Once he was there, he called me to obtain the lockbox combination. There's only one problem with that.....I never put a lockbox on this particular house.

Now, there's a mystery! Who is running around the city of Salem placing lockboxes on distressed houses? Not anyone that I know.

Banks will do this though. Banks actually do this quite often.

My client doesn't know who did it. His lawyer doesn't know who did it. They both want me to cut off the lock.

Me? I want to know who really owns the property. I'd like to see the papers from the court.

I'm not touching that lockbox.

Only 143.5 Hours To Go......

Today was the beginning of a beautiful thing. Today an intern, from Rowan University, reported to my office for 150 hours of learning and service to my company. When I met Kenan last week, I was a little bit worried about this arrangement.

"How in the world am I going to keep this young man interested and busy for 150 hours?"

After today, I realize there are nooooooo problems! I have a list of projects for him to help with that could potentially last for 300 hours! Pity he will only be with me until April 30th.

We began, ordinarily enough, with a tour of the office and a quick review of the websites that are most helpful to our Real Estate community, both agents and consumers. Kenan participated in an online class on the current governmental tax refunds for both first-time home buyers and move-up buyers. I thought this was a good topic for a finance major to understand.

Next it was time for lunch. Interns may tell you that they are not hungry and will eat when they go home, but don't believe it.....they like to eat!

The fun really began when it was time for Kenan to take an online personality assessment. If you're not familiar with the D - I - S- C assessment, you owe it to yourself to check it out. I use a company called TTI Success Insights. After a brief assessment, TTI generates a 23-page in-depth report on the individual that provides strengths, weaknesses, ideal work environments, natural style of interactions/adapted style of interactions, stressors, etc.

In other words, after an employee takes the assessment, I have a very good idea of how to manage that employee to their betterment. Conversely, they have a good idea of how I function as a manager after they read my assessment. In other words, I found out that Kenan likes an organized work space and he found out that my desk is often overflowing with PAPERS......uh oh.......

It's interesting, it's fun and it's oh-so-helpful!

We wrapped up the day by mapping out some important events for 2010. I now have an extra set of hands to help me with several meaningful projects.......and Kenan will, hopefully, get a taste of small business in Salem County, NJ and what it takes to be an entrepenuer in today's economic climate.

I'll keep you posted, Folks.

Now, if I could only talk him into allowing me to take his picture for you all to see.

Better To Stay Home & Make Snow Angels

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

*Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

*If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared and that you know how to handle road conditions.

*It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. (Fess up, how many of you used to do donuts in the high school parking lot on snow days?)

Driving safely on icy roads

*Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brakes.


Be safe out there, Folks.....but remember to have fun, too!

For more info, go to: http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html




Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services

I made myself a snowball...

I made myself a snowball
As perfect as can be
I thought I'd keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me

I made it some pajamas
And a pillow for its head
Then last night it ran away
But first it wet my bed
~Anonymous

Stay safe and warm out there, Folks!

I wonder how Phil feels about all of this?

Yesterday was 'Groundhog Day'. Apparently, we're going to get another 6 weeks of winter since Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Come to think of it, it seems that we always get another 6 weeks of winter 'cause Phil sees his shadow.

Here's some interesting info about Phil:

He's a resident of Punxsutawney, PA. He is celebrated each Feb. 2nd with festivities that include music & food. During the ceremony, which begins well before the winter sunrise, Phil emerges from his temporary home on Gobbler's Knob, located in a rural area about 2 miles east of town. During the rest of the year, Phil lives in the town library with his wife Phyllis. A small group, known at the Inner Circle, takes care of Phil year round and also plans the annual ceremony. Members of the Inner Circle are recognizable by their top hats and tuxedos.

Did you know?

Phil and the town of Punxsutawney were portrayed in the movie 'Groundhog Day', although the scenes were actually filmed in Woodstock, IL. Phil was also the main attraction on an episode of the MTV series Viva La Bam. In 2010, a new text service was started to announce Phil's predictions. Mobile phone users could text the word "Groundhog" to the number 247365.

And finally, out of the 114 predictions on record so far, Phil has predicted an early Spring 14 times (12%). Since 1887, Phil's predictions have been correct just 39% of the time.

Thanks, Phil! Have a good rest....until next year, that is!