Cathy Clark

Are You a Real Estate "Professional" According to the IRS?

2008-02-23T16:36:00Z

I thought this article in Realty Times was interesting:

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080221_targetagents.htm

Is the IRS in cohoots with the AG? Or am I just paranoid? A conspiracy theory is forming in my mind that my "Profession" is in the Federal Governments crosshairs.

Wonder if we have time duck......

Alert to P2 Techies!

2008-02-13T19:38:00Z

I'd post this on the message boards but I can't getn there. I can't log onto online office and no one can log onto my site. Other members seem to be having this problem, as well. I was able to get here by signing on to reliberation.com. Help?

Hellllooooooo!!! Anyone Home?

2008-01-28T02:00:00Z

I know we're not supposed to post here about system issues, but all we're getting on the message boards are pats on the back and "we''re addressing it", "thanks for your patience". No ULTRA STATS!!! Those of us who are paying for them and promising them to our clients are getting nothing. But P2 had no problem billing my business checking account for the monthly fee the other day.

Carey, where are you? What the heck is going on? I'm paying for this service and so, ultimately are my Clients.

I Have A Dream......

2008-01-21T22:24:00Z

I’ve been thinking more so this year than ever in the past, about the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I’ve always been inspired by his words and actions. Dr. King’s messages of non-violent protest, equality for all in education, politics, and day-to-day life have given so many opportunities to more people than I believe even he aspired to. But I don’t believe I’ve ever thought about it as extending beyond those of color.

I was very young in the 60’s, but became very aware of this struggle during the 70’s when “forced bussing” became a lightening rod in Boston. I still can never forget that picture of a “white guy” using the American Flag as a weapon in, of all places, my “hometown”! (I wonder where he is now.) After all, the “North” was supposed to be so much more “liberal” than the “South”, wasn’t it? Yet Boston was as divided by race and socio-economic status as the South. It was a real eye-opener to me.

My mother, having been raised as a typical Irish-Catholic in Boston, had a different view and was embarrassed by the actions of our neighbors. And she spoke with me at length about it. But more importantly, she didn’t just talk about it. She lived it and she set the example I still live by today, and that by which I teach my children.

Still, today though, there are many jokes and euphemisms, which are part of our everyday language. I’ve heard them from my own children’s mouths and I’m dismayed. Even in a supposedly “enlightened” society, there are still distinctions. There are still many people (parents) who make these comments, pass them onto their children, who in turn, infect others with the “disease”. My kid’s only saving grace is that they don’t actually understand them until I explain what they actually mean. As naïve as they are about inequality, it still concerns me that they could be influenced by their peers and the parents of those peers.

Yet, I’m glad they are naïve and I must explain these things to them. That tells me that we’re making progress and gradually but, ever so slowly, moving beyond these misconceptions about race.

But it’s not just about race. Or religion. Or socio-economic background. Or physical or mental capabilities. It’s about giving everyone a chance at becoming successful. Just like Mary’s earlier post: Reaching out to give them a “leg up”. Not as “charity” but as a human being helping another human being able to realize the American Dream.

I apologize for the length of this post, but I believe that Dr. King didn’t only affect people of his own race.

I believe that Dr. King gave many others the strength and fortitude to assert themselves and their rights to be equal. I believe that Women, the “Disabled”, the “Economically Depressed” and many others have benefitted and found inspiration in Dr. King’s words and actions.

Would we have two viable Presidential candidates, one of color and one a woman, without Dr. King? Would we have a Mormon winning primaries? Would we have a woman of color as our Secretary of State, if not for Colin Powell, who would never have been the first "of color"Sec'y of State ? Would we have benefitted from Thurgood Marshall? Gloria Steinham? And a host of others?

How wonderful that Dr. King's very simple message has translated into so much change in our society. Wow. Rather makes you think that even those most humble of "us" can and should make a difference. We don't need to lose our lives over it, as so many have. They made it much easier on us to make a differenct.

You never know where it will lead.

As a CSNY song touts: “Teach Your Children well” and, more often than not: “Teach Your Parents Well”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6pphVs8bF0

IMHO.

Pay Pal Scam Alert

2007-12-16T17:57:00Z

Pay Pal Scam Alert!!!

Many of us, especially this time year, use PayPal to make online purchases. This morning I received an email indicating that there was a potential security breach to my account from a foreign IP address and, unless I confirmed my information, my account would be suspended.

So, being the fool that I am, I clicked on the link to see what was going on. Mind you, I haven’t used PayPal in quite some time but have in the past.

I reached a screen that “appeared” very official. It asked for a log-in and password. . However, it was asking me to give my name (don’t they already have that?) credit card number AND Social Security number. I get the heck out of there fast and open a new window and go to PayPal’s official site. I notice that their address is PayPayl.com. The return address on my email is PayPal.us. Search “scam” on their site and while this one is not specifically mentioned, there’s a similar one documented on their site.

I now have to go through and change all my passwords just to be safe. I have a feeling that this other “site” would have accepted any log-in name and password and I was foolish enough to use a real one.

Beware!!!!!

Nehemiah Program

2007-12-05T19:14:00Z

I've been researching this program and find it very interesting but haven't been able to find anyone with any personal experience.

Has anyone here gone through the process? Good and not-so-good experiences would be appreciated.

Many Thanks!

Those Who Can Teach, DO. Those Who Can’t, DON’T

2007-11-28T21:57:00Z

Recently on another forum, someone used a phrase that has always raises the hackles on the back of my neck. This will be the only time I repeat it:

“Those Who Can, DO. Those Who Can’t, TEACH”. Arrrggghhhh!

Now, I have never been a teacher but I know some truly amazing ones. Some were my own teachers, others my children’s. As a parent, I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering in my children’s schools. And it never ceases to amaze me why, on Earth, would anyone want to do that job?!?!? Very little respect from many, disinterested students and parents, and a pay scale that is so far below what many college graduates expect. Add onto that, behavioral and discipline issues, long hours, some very demanding parents and students, and in some cases, violence. And, no, most teachers don’t take the summer off. Most either further their education or work to supplement their meager income. There are some who may make enough money from teaching to support a family, but that’s only after 30 some-odd years. I employed Claims Examiners for a health insurance company who made more than most Teachers.

I long ago figured out that I was not cut out to be a teacher. I just don’t have what it takes. I’ve watched them in action and I know I could never manage a classroom of 25-30 4^th graders, never mind a class of pre-teens and teenagers overdosing on hormones! Two teens is plenty for me, thank you very much.

So when this phrase was most recently used, I did my usual “calling to the carpet” but began thinking about it even more. What makes a Teacher want to be a Teacher? And why don’t we, as a society, give them the respect they deserve? I almost liken it to being President of the U.S. What makes a person even think they can do that job? Many say that anyone who wants to be President must have a huge ego, to think he (or she) can handle being the most powerful leader in the World. That may be true. I wouldn’t know.

But to be a Teacher. Now that’s power and influence. But to do it and do it well, must take an absolute absence of ego. To take a 5 year old mind, educate and guide it to the cusp of adulthood. To give that child the broad knowledge needed for a lifetime in just 13 short years. To teach that child the basics. Plus reasoning, problem-solving, character, social skills, compassion, etc. What a responsibility. I agree that parents are responsible for those things, as well, but lets face it, once in school our Teachers spend more time with our children than we do. Yet, they, and the impact they have, generally get no respect and go unnoticed!

You’ve got to have a special “calling” to be a teacher. The desire for public service, a lack of “what’s in it for me” (unlike the aspiring politician) and the inner knowledge that, despite the many challenges, you may just inspire many children to accomplish great things. At the very least, you will have contributed to your community and the future. Every “child”, no matter how old, remembers at least one Teacher. Mine were Miss Hannaford, who taught in a “mobile classroom” (translate: trailer) and never spared the hugs in 1^st grade, Mr. Keefe, 8^th grade English who forced me to love reading, Mrs. Zeoli 7^th grade Algebra (that poor thing. She tried and I love her for it.), Mr. Almquist, Sophomore, World History, a passion I still carry to this day. Mr. Sullivan, Mythology and Religion. There are many others whose faces I can still “see” in my mind, but can’t recall their names. Their impact on me lasts to this day. And I know that my children will remember many of their teachers for the rest of their lives. I know I’ll remember them. They have given my children such a wealth of knowledge. They have been more than willing to respond to (and grateful for) my emails, phone calls, etc. They’re always available to me and my children.

You’ve got to really want it to make the sacrifices our Teachers do. But, oh, the Rewards. I hope more qualified college graduates will choose this profession. I hope our society begins to recognize what our Teachers do for our children. I believe the former depends on the latter.

Our future depends on it. What a noble profession.

What does this have to do with real estate? Not much, really. Just my rant for the day. But I know a few retired Teachers who are doing quite well in real estate. I believe their experiences have helped them in their current, chosen profession.

Many tips o’ the hat for our Teachers. Thank you.

The Winner Within -The Thrill of Victory

2007-11-12T19:29:00Z

As many of you know, I'm a little "nuts" about my kids. Some of you have been especially patient with me about my "passions", more commonly known as "The Golden Child" (Audrey, second to the right, jumping into a teammate's arms) and "My Son, My Sun" (Ben).

Tom, (of Tom & Darcy) drew an analogy recently about the Red Sox (another one of my passions) and the Rockies. I want to draw another, here.

Our Bourne High School volleyball team was given an ice chip's chance in Hades of even having a winning record this year. They lost all of their "superstars" to graduation and college. A very young and rather inexperienced team showed up on the court at the beginning of the season. They struggled at the beginning of the season. Yet.....

They have a wonderful coach, who made them believe that they had the most potential of any team he had ever coached. True or not, he made them believe they had it in them to win it all.

He demanded that they all go buy a book, The Winner Within by Pat Riley. Now, I'm not a big Laker's fan(HellOOOO....Celtics!) but I always loved Pat Riley. One of the best coaches, in any sport...ever.

Anyway, our "goils" read The Winner Within. Their coach gave them homework on the book and what it meant to them, chapter by chapter. In individual interviews with the local press, they have all given credit to their coaches and this book, which based on these excerpts of Audrey's essay, may be required reading for us all, as Agents:

"(We) might be the underdogs, the team that nobody thought would amount to anything, but (we) sure as hell amount to something. And there's nobody who can tell us differently. We are not only a team of talented athletes, but also a team of amazing people. We have our differences, but will never let those get in the way of the goal it is our mission to accomplish. We have the strength, both physically and mentally, and the burning desire to reach for things that others may think are impossible. But 'impossible' means nothing.....we find it in our undeniable will for success and achievement. No regrets, no doubts and no lack of confidence."

This group of "ladies" (who didn't have a prayer) swept the quarter-finals, took the semi's to five games, and won. Took the finals to five games, against their nemesis (undefeated) , and won.

They now advance to the next level....tomorrow night...

I asked Audrey to dig out that book by Pat Riley....I think I have to read it. Maybe we should all read it.

Redirecting Resources-IDX Searches

2007-11-03T15:55:00Z

Back in April, Russel Volk posted a blog about IDXPro and other potential vendors. Being relatively new to P2 at the time, I decided to hold back on jumping in to the IDX search fray. I had too much to learn at the time about my own site, never mind others. Larry Bertok also posted, asking if there were any vendors better than IDXPro. Becky indicated that she was getting many leads even though she was requiring registration. Jay commented that, in his opinion, every website must have an IDX search. Not really knowing that Jay is the guru, I just decided to sit back and wait. Duh!

Well, now, during this stormy Cape Cod day, I'm looking at where I'm spending my money in anticipation of all those Buyers who are saying they're going to wait until Spring. I'm getting a lot of traffic and some valid leads but probably not as many as I could. I think that now is the time to gear up for next year's market surge. And, yes, I do believe there will be a surge!

So my questions are:

Russell, now that your seven months into it, have you seen an increase in your leads? Are they valid Buyers/Sellers?

Larry, did you find a better vendor or did you stick with IDXPro?

Becky, are you still finding that IDXPro is working for you?

Does requiring registration for the search results really work or do you find that it drives people away?

Any other comments/suggestions are greatly appreciated!

This may help us out......

2007-10-26T16:39:00Z

Found this on Bloomberg:

http://tinyurl.com/29bfwc

Go On Vacation........

2007-10-21T15:41:00Z

.........sell some Real Estate.

That's become a mantra in our area. Almost a wive's tale. And it seems to be true. Mind you, I have no statistics to back this up, but we always look forward to vacations because we just know we'll sell something!

Here in New England, we are steeped in wive's tales, superstitions, good/bad omens, etc. We look to the squirrels to forecast our winter weather. If they're stockpiling acorns like nobody's business? Rough winter ahead. Dry summer? Pastel shades of foliage. Buyer/Seller says "I''ll never work with anyone else"? They're shopping around for a better deal. I'll be their second Agent!

Right now, we're looking at omens in terms of baseball.......Last night after the Red Sox game I knew I could take today off. Hoping to take tomorrow off, too!

Go Sox!!!!!!!

Not Real Estate Related....Again

2007-09-29T17:04:00Z

As many of you may have heard, the little girl I posted about yesterday has been found, safely at home with her parents. She was three years old at the time the video was recorded....now seven. Her parents had no idea what had happened to her. Scary stuff. They quoted on the news that the attacker was a friend of a friend of a friend. The parents knew him but never suspected. Here's the link to the most recent news report I have:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3668191

She was only three years old at the time........If you've seen this guy call your local police dept.

Not Real Estate Related

2007-09-27T21:40:00Z

We all get those prank emails about missing children. I have yet to receive one that is valid. This is a different story.

I just saw this on ABC News and am including the link here: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3658627

If the authorities are releasing pictures of a minor you KNOW this is serious. I'm sending this to everyone I know, posting it on my own blog and anywhere else I can. I hope you'll do the same.

Beating That Poor Dead Horse....Once Again....

2007-09-22T20:37:00Z

The poor horse. I feel so bad. Beaten and bloody, by now.

But I also know that there are many of you out there who are "newer" to P2, or are just a tad gun-shy of calling people, and may be reluctant to do this......But in our current market, I feel the need to remind you that you cannot miss an opportunity! Yes, you may get shot down on more than one occasion, but there's always that one......

Case in point: A woman from Georgia with two young children is getting divorced. Her house is on the market and she a has a few offers she mulling over this evening. Her parents and siblings live on the Southcoast of MA. Somehow or another, she found a listing on my website and emailed it to her Dad. My web address was on it. He signed on at 2:00 today, my time, and left a phone number. I called him an hour and half ago. They're looking for a potential in-law sitch in my area and this seems to fit their needs. Daughter is to arrive Friday for a week to search. I have a few others that may fit, as well, less money.

"Point" is, he's been on several websites, has provided his phone number.....And I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO'S CALLED!!!! The fact that it was a late Saturday afternoon just boosted my credibility! HELLO!!!! That was easy! He was so grateful to finally speak with someone. Gave me the lowdown on the daughter's divorce, his emotions, wanting her back here, schools for his grandchildren. The man was damn near crying and just grateful that someone was listening and going to help solve his problem.

I asked him to take down my cell # and he said: "I already have it" and recited it back to me. (I was calling from my home phone because my cell had run out of charge). He just wanted to see if anyone would call him. The fact that I called him from my home phone...well.....

We've made a "date" for Saturday.

As I always say...."Great service ain't rocket science. And the competition ain't all that stiff".

And as my friend, Candice, says: "We help people solve problems."

These are the things I do....provide exceptional and timely service and help people solve their problems. It's all really quite simple.

Greenspan-Sunday

2007-09-17T13:49:00Z

Being that I'm from New England, I missed this interview. Although it was on our favorite program and he was interviewed by our favorite "journalist" I still wish I had invested in that Tivo! Here's a vignette from the interview:

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/60minutes/main3415.shtml

Interesting. Thoughts?