Southern Oregon Living: Oregon: Grants Pass

Good Things Happen in the Rain.  I've been on the receiving end of giving for many of my childhood years.  Having been raised by a disabled single mother with Multiple Sclerosis, it didn't leave us with many options, except that of welfare and church donations.  I'll never forget waiting in long lines for government hand-outs of cheese and butter.  It left a distinct impression in my mind, and one that I didn't like much.

It wasn't easy being the welfare kid on the block.  I hated hand-outs and how they made me feel about myself.  Because of that, I was determined to work hard and make enough money so I would never have to rely on public assistance again.  Having been there and done that, I knew a little something about charity and how important it is to help those less fortunate.  

I've had the wonderful experience in giving to many charitable causes throughout my adult life.  Since there are so many worthwhile organizations vying for donations, I established a personal criteria for which charities I would donate to.  Any organization that supplied basic human needs (i.e. food, water, clothing, shelter) had the highest priority in my mind.  Mostly because it was these items that supplied my greatest need as a child.  Once the basic human needs are met, then I look for other opportunities to support children and their emotional well being. 

I've always been a huge advocate of sending kids to camp, paying for sports teams equipment and uniforms and also donating funds for the advancement of music and art in schools.  I believe these programs are extremely helpful to the psychological development of a child.  I have a heart for children and especially those with less fortunate circumstances.  Which leads me to a follow-up to one of my previous posts... This Biz is for the Bears.

Two weeks ago, my grand-daughter turned 3 years old.  In lieu of birthday gifts, we asked each guest to consider donating to a charity for needy children called, My Stuff Bags.  Here's a pic of my sweet grand-daughter Ellie delivering bags full of blankets and stuffed animals collected from her birthday party.  While she may not fully understand the value of giving gifts to needy children, she will at least know that she participated in something good.  It was a rainy day in LA that day... but it provided a great photo op of my Ellie holding her little umbrella.  And it just goes to show ya... Good things happen in the rain!

Cash, Coffee & Chocolate... A Totally Cool Thing!  This morning I received a special delivery from one of our local Title Companies.  Each time we have a closing, the title company hand delivers our check along with one (and sometimes two) of our favorite chocolate candy bars.  It's a special touch that many agents in town look forward to.

I was thinking about the 'extra mile' service they give and how special it makes us feel.  It starts from the moment we get into contract, the title company opens escrow and sends us a coupon for a free cup of coffee at one of our local coffee houses in Grants Pass called Dutch Bros.  Another special touch!

It occurred to me that this type of service might be unique to our area and not typical in other areas throughout the country.  Perhaps it's because we live in a small town where people treasure people, and random acts of kindness are more of the norm and not so random.  This Chocolatier appreciates the cash, coffee & chocolate! 

Cash, Coffee & Chocolate... A totally cool thing!

If The Shoe Fits... You Damn Better Put It On and Wear It!  Twelve years ago, I moved from Southern California to Oregon and tried my hand at a new career in real estate.  I didn't know a single soul in Grants Pass except the Realtor who helped me buy my home.  After getting my real estate license, I decided to go to work for her as a buyer's agent.  I had some doubts about our compatibility (she was an arm-twister and I'm a relationship builder), but I said yes anyway.  It took less than a week for me to regret my decision.  The next six months felt like Mr. Toad's Tumultuous Wild Ride.

After coming to my senses and realizing that it was impossible to fit a square peg in a round hole, I resigned.  Unfortunately, I had signed a non-compete, which my Realtor boss (who was also a partner in the brokerage) fully intended on enforcing.  Honoring my word, I was forced to hang-up my license for a year while I burned the clock on the non-compete.  In the meantime, I was unemployed in a small town, where even the locals were lucky to land a minimum wage job. 

Fortunately for me, an opportunity presented itself when Gottschalks opened a store in Grants Pass, and I was offered a job as a Manager of the Shoe Department.  After accepting the position, my former Principal Broker made me an offer I couldn't refuse.  If I would agree to come back and work as an independent agent for the same brokerage, my former Realtor boss would tear up the non-compete.  I was delighted, as my passion had become real estate.  I gave notice to Gottschalks, but I agreed to work through the holidays so they wouldn't feel the burden of having to replace me during their busiest retail season.  What happened next proved to be one of the best blessings I received in my real estate career.

One day, an older couple stopped by the shoe department to buy some shoes for their honeymoon.  They explained that they were both widowers about to be married.  I let them know of some special deals the store was having on shoes and luggage and they were very grateful for the extra savings.  I helped them carry the luggage to their car, and on the way out, they told me that when they got back from their honeymoon they were going to buy a home.  They thanked me for my help and I smiled and wished them both well (I could hardly contain myself).

Later that evening, I went to Hallmark and bought a 'shoe' card (similar to the one in the pic above).  I wrote a nice note to the couple and here's what I said... 'Now that I have one foot in the door, I'd love to jump in with both feet and be your Realtor!'  Two weeks later, I got a call from Walt & Sue, saying... 'We want you to come over now and list our home.'  I was ecstatic!

When I arrived at their home, we filled out the paperwork and I thanked them for putting their trust in me.  They said... 'Don't mention it honey... now let's go over to our other home... we want you to list that one too!'  I couldn't believe it... another home?!  I felt like I had just hit the real estate jackpot.  I ended up selling both of their homes and I helped them buy another one together.  With three sales under my belt... from just one Hallmark card... my journey to independence continued.

Some might chalk this fortunate experience up to luck.  Perhaps.  But, I'd like to think that something special happened that day, allowing some very valuable life lessons to come into play.  Here are some lessons that I've learned along the way...     

Lessons Learned from The Naked Blogger

1.  Don't be afraid to be adventurous.  Take risks.

2.  Listen to your gut and never try to fit a square peg in a round hole.  It just doesn't fit.

3.  Be open to opportunities from the most unlikely places.  Seek and you will find.

4.  Be kind to strangers and everyone you meet.  Kindness pays.

5.  Follow-up is one of the keys to success.  People appreciate personal touches.

6.  If The Shoe Fits... You Damn Better Put It On and Wear It! 

This Biz is For the Bears!  Sometimes, it becomes beary essential to take some time off and re-energize your mind, body and soul.  I did just that a week ago when I headed to SoCal to attend my grand-daughter's 3rd birthday party... and what a party it was!

My daughter (Rachael)  is a very creative gal, who has a wonderful knack for planning social events.  Every year, she comes up with a theme for her daughter's birthday, and this year the theme was... 'Ellie Locks and The Three Bears.' 

Just to give you an idea of the kind of party I'm talking about, take a look at the pics below (before the bears arrived).  Some of the backyard decorations included 3 beds (Mama, Papa & Baby Bear) made into tables with handsewn bed skirts. 

This Biz is Definitely for the Bears!  All of the decorations and food were made from scratch for 100+ friends and family who joined the celebration (this little girl is beary loved)!  Every year my daughter asks each guest to donate to Ellie's charity in lieu of gifts for Ellie.  This year, we collected tons of bears and blankets for a special charity called My Stuffed Bags, for needy children. 

It takes a lot to plan these parties, but it's worth all the effort when you see the joy and excitement on little Ellie's face and her guests every year.  She's 3-yrs old now and way smarter than the average bear.  We're already planning next year's party and the theme is going to be... 'Ellie and Her 4-Legged Friends'!  

 My Ellie Bear's middle name is LOVE ;)

Yesterday, I had a listing appointment with a client I had worked with 6 years ago.  Apparently, I had showed them some homes in Grants Pass but they ended up buying a home directly from the listing agent.  When they called me last week to chat about selling their home, they said they enjoyed working with me in the past.  Sadly, I didn't remember any of our previous encounters. 

When I arrived at their home, I thought for sure I would at least remember their faces.  But once again, my memory was remiss.  Perhaps it was because 2006' was a very emotional and difficult year for me on a personal level.  I wanted to put much of it behind me and move on.  Apparently, I blocked out other things as well... making 2006' a total blur.  I cringed when they asked me if I remembered them.  For a quick second, I pondered how I might answer that question.  And here's what I said... 'Well you know, it's been 6 years, and frankly, I have a few less brain cells since then.'  They laughed, and my little diddy set the tone for a wonderful conversation. 

I've found that honesty has always been the best policy.  You don't have to be incredibly blunt or brutally honest in order to win friends and influence people.  Truth combined with humor can go a long way.  It let's down defenses and it breaks barriers.  It allows you to face your fears and defy them with laughter... and who doesn't want to laugh about things?!  Okay, maybe there are a few stick-in-the-mud folks who won't break a smile.  Fortunately, I tend to attract the fun, exciting and interesting peeps as clients, which makes me very happy!

Yesterday's client fit that category perfectly.  Our conversation was captivating and jovial to say the least, and I barely noticed when two hours had passed.  If it weren't for my growling stomach and an impending dinner date, I would have stayed for a glass of wine and exchanged a few more laughs.  As I got up to leave, I went to shake their hands and instead, I received a hug.  Anyone who knows me well... knows that I love hugs!  What a cool way to end a listing appointment (I barely remembered that it was a listing appointment), it felt more like a gathering of friends ;)))

Stirring the Provincial Pot.  I had to grin when I read Alan May's recent title to a post, That's me in the Corner... That's me in the Spotlight!  For a moment, the title sounded like an all too familiar story.  I live in a small community where everyone knows everyone's business.  My neighbors know my comings and goings better than I do (they even take out my garbage when I'm not around).  So it's pretty obvious when the poop hits the fan, inquiring minds want to know.

Last month, three of my agents left my brokerage, which caused quite a stir in my little neck of the woods.  For the past several weeks, Real Estate Cafe has become a household name in Josephine County... right up there with Cheerios and Bounty.  At first, I cringed.  My initial reaction was Ugh, what are people going to think.  It's not uncommon for agents to jump ship... but three in one month (from the same brokerage) is pretty big news here.  I admit, I'm a curious George too.  So, it's only natural to wonder 'what and who' stirred the provincial pot.

Well, here it is plain and simple... One agent left because she partnered with a friend who happens to work at another office.  One agent left because she works part-time for another agent who feeds her.  The 3rd agent left because she didn't want to adhere to some newly implemented office policies.  That's it... no big news.  Although from the sound of things, Ma Bell is getting her money's worth from all the local chatter ;)

I'm amused by this stuff... one, because it's about big fish in small ponds (and I love small ponds :)  Two, because I live a relatively quiet life and I don't aspire the limelight.  I'm a simple gal, who loves good coffee, good people and good conversation.  The things that annoy me the most are egotistical peeps, drama queens and kings, Prima Donnas, backstabbers, manipulators and liars.  That pretty much covers it.  I don't start fights, but I'm certainly capable of defending myself when it becomes necessary... which is right about now.       

So here's the latest news flash... I'm not dead, I'm not closing my doors and I'm not leaving town on the next bus.  Any ridiculous half truths being used by my competitors to recruit my remaining agents is simply lame.  I will have more respect for you if you compete on your laurels and not on what some perceive as my misfortune.  Any self-serving exploitation of the truth will only expose you for 'what and who' you really are... a weak competitor.  Here's some naked advice.... Take the high road and walk the path of respect.  Then, and only then... will we dance ;)

Beautiful Brains & Funky Finesse.  It's Friday and I'm stunned how quickly this week went by.  I'm sipping my cup of Joe, about ready to attend my last meeting of the week before I hop on a plane to LA for a big birthday bash.  My thoughts are bouncing around like TIGGER to several great conversations I've had with some brilliant colleagues these past few days.  I'm blessed to be surrounded by people who challenge me to be better.

I've always loved the phrase, 'Iron sharpens Iron.'  It's what drives me to hang out with people who are smarter than me.  I'm easily reeled in by those who possess beautiful brains and funky finesse.  And when they're equipped with a sense of humor that can make me laugh so hard I want to pee my pants, all the better. 

There's an ease and flow to relationships like that, where wonderful thoughts are exchanged and creative ideas rise from collective minds like a sweet smelling loaf of bread.  I have several people in my life that do that for me, most of whom I've met in the last couple of years.   

It's funny how life circumstances can bring people together, who otherwise may never have known each other.  I've met some of the brightest and most beautiful minds this past year, who have become kindred spirits indeed.  And many of them I feel a bond with that is closer than some friends that I've known my entire life.  It's amazing!  I love the way the Universe allows us to collide with those people who inspire us, cheer us, encourage us and challenge us to continually dip our toes in the water and be alive.  A special thank you to those of you who do that for me... you know who you are!

Happy Friday Everyone!

What Would Jesus NOT Do?!

When I was 13, I was mentored by a lady named Mrs. Jean Turkish.  She used to tell me that whenever I encounter a questionable circumstance in life, always ask yourself... What would Jesus do?  If only I had thought to publish that phrase back in 1974!  Her question always remained in the back of my mind and it kept me from making some huge mistakes in my younger years.  I'm forever grateful to Mrs. Turkish for her wise counsel and endless encouragement. 

While the phrase is still popular today, the opposite phrase (listed above) offers some food for thought... What would Jesus NOT do?!  I smiled when I saw this cartoon depiction and I thought you might enjoy reading it on this Sunday afternoon.  I wonder if Jesus would be watching the big game today between the Denver Broncos and the Pittsburg Steelers?  I'm certain he'd be hanging out with some questionable folks, but not necessarily partaking in their folly.  I think Jesus has a sense of humor, don't you?!  

 What Would Jesus NOT Do?!

Coffee, Tea & Me.  Many of you know of my love affair with coffee.  Our courtship started when I was very young, after sneaking a little sip from my mother's coffee cup.  I was immediately infatuated with Joe. 

In my early 20's, coffee became my pick-me-up friend.  Every morning, we enjoyed our time together with a little cream and no sugar.  Before I knew it, Joe and I were seriously dating.  Our conversations were very stimulating and our time together was warm and exciting.  Some labeled us as 'friends with benefits,' but I knew we had something more than that.  We experienced some brief break-ups during my pregnancies, but we managed to find common ground and get back together.  

My 30's flew by and I barely noticed that I'd become addicted to Joe.  My day began and ended, in a ritualistic fashion, holding on to Joe and needing more.  I wanted things to be the way they were when we first met.  Life became complicated and I found myself wondering if we were really meant for each other. 

Along came my 40's and the daily grind was beginning to takes its toll.  As with any relationship, things can be bitter after awhile.  I had been seeing Joe for over 20 years and I felt the perk in our relationship was starting to fizzle.  That's when I met Tea.  I felt a little guilty about two-timing Joe, but Tea was pretty wonderful and had so much to offer, I just couldn't resist. 

It didn't take long for Joe to discover that I was sipping Tea.  Surprisingly though, the two became friends and over time, they agreed it was more beneficial for their cups to be half full rather than half empty.  I was delighted, as I couldn't bring myself to end it with Joe or Tea.  Now, I start my day with Joe and I end it with Tea.  It's the best of both worlds and we're one big happy family!

 Coffee, Tea & Me

The Rootin' Tootin' Rollbacks of Real Estate.  I recently read an article on News Genius that said real estate values have rolled back to 2001 levels.  It made me think of the Walmart ads with the big yellow smiley face and their 'roll-back' signs.  Shouldn't today's real estate prices cause buyers to be smiling from ear to ear?

There's always a price to pay when something gets 'rolled back.'  Think about all of those unsuspecting souls who paid a higher price for the same thing that's being sold today for less.  I feel their pain.  Too bad real estate doesn't offer a price guarantee like many retailers.  Wouldn't it be nice to ask lenders for a roll-back on interest rates?  Oh the thought!  

Do roll-backs instill confidence or concern in the minds of consumers?  I continue to hear buyers say they're waiting to buy until the market bottoms out.  I get that.  Why should anyone BUY NOW when they can wait for more roll-backs?  Perhaps it's time we start rootin' and tootin' some justifiable reasons for buying now (i.e. cost analysis of buying versus renting).  Isn't it incumbent upon us as Realtors to demonstrate value to our clients, not only in the services we provide, but also in the product we sell?  Real estate is, after all, a product.  

What's Your Value Proposition?