Posted on October 2, 2008 @ 11:28 am - Written by BawldGuy
In the many moons I’ve been handing out Bawldys, I’ve not yet highlighted one blog. Today though, out of gratitude for saving me so much time, I’m giving David Shafer a Bawldy for his four part series on risk. Most of what you’ll read in this series you’ve read here, or can. That said, different styles speak to different folks. Dave and I have totally different writing styles to say the least, but we’re on the same page when it comes to planning and investing for retirement.
Anywho, here are the posts on risk. They’re not long reads. They’re reads for which you should carve out time though. Again Dave — thanks for saving me so much time, and explaining risk so understandably. Stellar job.
You may wonder why, since I write, and have written extensively about the same topic, and often, would I send you to elsewhere to read the same thing? It’s simple. This is all about you. It’s never about me. It’s your retirement that’s most important to you.
That’s why.
“…and remember. The daily Bawldys have approximately 1/365th the value of our annual awards.”
Posted on September 9, 2008 @ 11:08 pm - Written by BawldGuy
Today we have thoughts on overcoming bad advice. Does that include using a reverse mortgage? We find out the difference a good loan officer can make. Last, if you always wanted to know how much your Social Security check was gonna be, here’s yer chance. I guess the more salient question would be: Is your SS check gonna help pay your bills, or be used as walkin’ around cash? Just askin’…
David Shafer gives sound advice and denounces reverse mortgages, which in my view are super slow motion muggings. Dave’s post is a must read. New Way to Tap into Home Equity Appears!
Posted on July 31, 2008 @ 11:45 pm - Written by BawldGuy
Between learning what’s new on the ‘ya can’t make this stuff up’ channel, and watchin’ a crazy Dutchman’s campaign video for the presidency of the National Association of Realtors, my picks today were relatively easy. Surprisingly, in my opinion, the best was saved for last. Ever wondered if clearing out your email inbox was possible without Divine intervention? I’m here to tell ya it’s not only possible, but thousands just like you and I are gettin’ it done. So enjoy yourself, and thanks to the winners. You’ve helped make Friday a little better for at least 8-10 people.
Doug Quance is a broker in Atlanta — a very good broker. He has a local blog there, and writes mostly about area stuff, but mixes in general real estate topics that are national in scope and timely. This one though, I dunno. It’s gotta be filed under, ‘ya just can’t make this stuff up’. I know, I know, we all say that about so much these days. This one sneaks up on you. I’m not even gonna give it away through the title. Just go there. There’s no way more than .0001% of the population had the faintest clue about this. I know I didn’t. Anyway, here it is for your ‘Are you kiddin’ me’ pleasure.
Kevin Boer is a Realtor in the famous Palo Alto area of NoCal. That’s where the median home can be bought by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates heirs. But I digress. He published a video post this week with tongue almost permanently wedged in cheek, detailing his campaign platform for his run for NAR President. (National Association of Realtors) What makes it funny, is how much truth he speaks. Anyone who’s ever bought or sold a home, or even knows someone who has, will laugh. Here it is.
Merlin Mann Is one of the most readable, wicked smart guys I have on my reader. His posts on twitter several times daily keep me chuckling as I slave away, chopping down my daily (and usually endless) to-do list. I’m bettin’ you’ll become a regular reader, but this post has universal appeal, as it give us all the final answer to the stoopidly overloaded email inboxes we all have. On Peanut Shells And Email Archiving is a Must Read.
“…and remember. The daily Bawldys have approximately 1/365th the value of our annual awards.”
Posted on July 25, 2008 @ 6:19 pm - Written by BawldGuy
Some diverse subjects for you today. A rookie makes his debut on a premier real estate blog site, and deftly shows us why even big dogs need leashes. Talk about a hard worker! A marketing champ gives us an excuse to laugh out loud while being reminded that many of the so called corporate marketing geniuses — aren’t. A real estate agent sets his priorities anew. We learn pessimism doesn’t equal reality. And finally, we revisit a first.
Michael Stelzner is, at least in my mind, THE white paper guy. He’s also been blessed with the marketing gene. Heck, I think it’s embedded in his DNA. Anyhoo, the video he published on the rethinking of stop signs is spot on, and shows the so called marketing geniuses for what most of them are. But I’ll let you decide what that might be. Go see Project Nightmare: Super Funny Video! I’ve experienced my own version of that video. It’s much funnier when happening to others.
Rocky VanBrimmer is one smart dude. Agent Genius only recruits contributors matching that description. They’re on my reader and are read daily, period. They bring game to the table. Back to Rocky. His virgin post was about his insane work hours. His wife decided, wisely, that he should, uh, modify his work schedule — or else. OK For A Monday shows one man establishing priorities. As I commented — absolutely incredible.
David Shafer is a kindred spirit. We think alike, he’s written as a guest in this space, so it’s no surprise I’m a fan. Pessimism And You says what many of us have been thinkin’ and sayin’ for quite awhile. Ask yourself if you agree with Dave. It’s so often, at least in my experience, those espousing pessimism as the daily meal, have a hidden agenda. Again, IMHO.
And on a personal note, today this blog turns two years old. Every day I remind myself it’s you the reader acting as the engine driving what I do here. We do this together every day. Now how cool is that? I thought it’d be a kick to link to my first ever post. It was titled Old School Real Estate Investing. I read it again today and can remember the first time I hit the ‘publish’ button. Scary for a rookie, but I did it, and have been doin’ it daily ever since.
Thanks to all of you for the experience. I hope the last couple years here have been helpful to you.
“…and remember. The daily Bawldys have approximately 1/365th the value of our annual awards.”
Posted on April 1, 2008 @ 10:44 am - Written by BawldGuy
Geno Petro is a fellow contributor at BloodhoundBlog, added in the last few months. He’s proven to be an incredible writer, as this effort, Geno’s Wrong (bang a gong) will easily prove. How many of us can relate to his experiences? I know I can, and do. Don’t miss this story — you might see yourself or your parents. This is a Must Read.
Mariana Wagner is a Colorado Springs Realtor. She has a local blog, Colorado Springs Real Estate. She’s also a contributor over at Agent Genius, where she recently wrote, It IS All About Me. Deal With It. in which she discusses the evolution she’s experienced as it relates to customer service. I’ve had the car lot experience myself. Her central point is one for which my learning curve took quite awhile — really listening. I’d been in the business for several years before I really figured out what a valuable skill listening could be. Mariana says very well.
Maureen Francis like most of us, doesn’t like being lost, especially while working. To that end she wrote a very helpful post, I’ll Never Be Lost Again which shows how those driving without having joined Planet GPS can do so without paying an arm and a leg. My apologies to those who’ve already acquired this technology at a price requiring a comma. I travel so much I’d be perpetually lost with out this help.
Tony Gallegos over at The Mortgage Cicerone, wrote a post today that caused me to do something I’ve never done with The Bawldy’s — Add a post after I’ve already published. However, his effort today, though short and to the point, is powerful. I know for a fact Warren Buffet has for years had great confidence in real estate. He bought Prudential California for Heaven’s sake, truly the 900 pound gorilla in one of the biggest markets in America. Go read, Would Warren Buffet Buy A Home Now? It is simple, but unfettered truth.
“…and remember. The daily Bawldys have approximately 1/365th the value of our annual awards.”
Posted on March 4, 2008 @ 6:19 pm - Written by BawldGuy
So many real estate investors who’ve decided to list their properties for sale/exchange, don’t give any real thought to the nuts and bolts of their agent’s marketing program — or marketing knowhow for that matter. One huge part of marketing real estate is visual. The quality of your photos are crucial.
If yer like me, title companies are almost akin to white noise. That’s not a value judgment, just reality. Not being a land guy, title insurance hasn’t been a front burner issue. Lately, as in the last five years or so, it’s a bigger deal ‘cuz we’re not in San Diego, but all over the map. Finding a title firm who can handle everything we do — while offering as a bonus one of the best dirt lawyers around? Here’s yer cake — and here’s yer fork.
James Hsu a fellow contributor to BloodhoundBlog wrote Pictures are Worth a Thousand Words, but what are your pictures actually saying? It’s been shown by another friend of mine, Athol Kay, that professionally done photos will literally and significantly shorten the market time of a property for sale. Read the post and become a believer. This is why Brown and Brown hires a local photographer who is nationally known for his work.
David Stejkowski writes Introducing…River West National Title & Escrow LLC which is the unveiling of a new title and escrow company. Big deal you say? So What? 99 times out of 100 I’d be right with you. But Dave is an exceptionally experienced and talented real estate attorney, and his partner in the new firm is a man with 35 years of experience in the title business — in the trenches. The plan is to be able to insure title country wide. I’ve known about this coming announcement for a little while now. I’m excited, ‘cuz their new operation offers a welcoming cocoon for my clients — and a sense of familiarity. Nothing like 35 years of experience backed up by your own dirt lawyer. Happy days. Title is incredibly important — for our operation, this is huge.
About once a week or so, whether here or in random posts, you’ll find a different rendition of the national anthem. I’ll start with my personal favorite which was performed in a very recent Super Bowl. This one’s for you Uncle Dick.
“…and remember. The daily Bawldys have approximately 1/365th the value of our annual awards.”
Posted on February 25, 2008 @ 7:16 pm - Written by BawldGuy
Ever wondered what really determines mortgage rates. The common misconception is the 10 year treasury note. Actually, they’re good for mortgage rate trends. Anyway, it’s a good read and packed with rich detail with which you’ll be able to impress your friends.
Baseball is back!! Take a look at the Arizona game schedules. You can thank me later.
Betcha you don’t know nearly everything about your own neighborhood. Now you can find out about that little cafe you keep passing by on the way to work. Or if that vacant lot down the street has a building permit attached to it yet. Most of these so called neighborhood info sites are lame, but this one seems different.
Brian Brady explains in (post title goes here, but it’s longer than this parenthesis) about what really determines mortgage rates. Don’t just read the post. Wander down to the comments, as some real heavyweight guys show up. It’ll be well worth your effort.
Jay Thompson does all thinking folks with taste an incredible favor this week. He’s known as The Phoenix Real Estate Guy and wrote Spring Training Is Here!… which links to every team training for the upcoming season in Arizona. A full schedule for all the teams and at the end of a simple mouse click.
I sense a road business trip to Arizona in my future.
Joe Ferrara over at Sellsius wrote Learn What’s Going on in Your Neighborhood: Everyblock He talks about a new site which aggregates with incredible detail info on your particular neighborhood. I’m guessing most folks will spend far more time finding cool stuff about their neighborhood than they intended.
“…and remember. The daily Bawldys have approximately 1/365th the value of our annual awards.”
Posted on February 8, 2008 @ 11:05 pm - Written by BawldGuy
San Diego home buyers will be elated to learn the ceiling is apparently about to be lifted on maximum ‘conforming’ loan amounts. What does this mean? Those buying homes between the old and new limits will be saving a boatload of interest/monthly payments.
Also, one of the truly brilliant people in the mortgage biz shares his ideas about subprime, and our economy. Though he and I rarely disagree, we do on some of his thinking here. He does disclose some of his thoughts are more or less gut instincts.
Kevin Boer owner/author at 3 Oceans Real Estate writes about the newest legislation dealing with all the fallout of subprime lending. What’s That Funny Smell? Hint: It’s An Election Year offers good news for many here in San Diego. If yer currently or thinking about buying a home here, this post will be right up your alley.
Brian Brady wrote a piece titled A Nation Of Subprime Borrowers? in which he says, among other things, we’re already in a recession. He and I disagree on this point. A recession is official when there are two consecutive down trending quarters — of which we haven’t had one in a row yet.
“…and remember. The daily Bawldys have approximately 1/365th the value of our annual awards.”
