Neighbor Sam wants his fence repaired by the builder because there are some cracked slats, miss-cuts, and warped pieces/slats.

Fenceman/builder says, “Okay, we’ll come out and fix them.”

Sam complains that they missed a number of damaged slats.

Fenceman/builder says, “Oh no, we only repair the slats that front-face your property, not ones that back-face your property and front-face your neighbor’s.”

“What?”

Amazingly so, this was the logic explained to Sam. Because the fence is in effect two sided, with alternating sides facing Sam’s property — that is, the slats were alternately fronting his property. One eight foot section had the slats hammered to the supports with the fronts facing his property (no supports visible), while the next eight foot section front-faced the neighbor’s property, while they back-faced Sam’s property with the supports showing.  You get the picture (I hope)?

Sam was incredulous — he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but it was true. The fenceman/builder would only replace the slats front-facing his property, but damaged slats that back-faced his property were only replaced in the neigbor’s requested it?Â

But These Ladies Mean Business, and although we didn’t bother to fight the slat war, we won the support war, by demanding that all “front-facing” supports that were crooked or cracked or marred, be replaced as they were front-facing Sam’s property.

There’s more than one way to straighten a fence when These Ladies pick up a “hammer”…and use it!

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Here’s the corollary to the short sale, lady in the shower story. Let’s call this guy Brutus.

Brutus has a pretty nice house, a bit messy, and the yard is a disaster — this is all from the outside. The inside is a different story!

Strewn about the house are stacks of legal papers and assorted bed linens, and a fair amount of “whatever.”

We’ve been assigned this house as a bank-owned property (REO), and we’ve got to do a trash-out and documentation of contents, along with an assessment of damages and repair needs.

At this point we’re all business — bring in the “skip loader” — let’s get this place ready to list.

We do our duty, staying in contact with the bank and summarily get the house ready to list.

Ring, ring, ring. It’s the former occupant. He’s heard there’s been some activity in the house (you know, neighbors talk), and he wants to come in the house and pick up some of his belongings. Oops, there are none left, and pursuant to policy, we’ve had the house locks re-keyed and the house secured.

He is incredulous. “Why can’t I go into my house?”

“Ah, it’s not your house. The bank owns it. You hadn’t made a house payment for six months and they decided that was long enough.”

“I don’t think it’s fair,” he says.

“We’re just doing our job, and if you enter the house you’ll be charged with trespassing. It’s no longer your property and you have no right to enter it.”

Ouch — sometimes “Meaning business” is tough on these ladies, but it’s our job…and we do it well (and compassionately up to four months, but not six).

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So said this Italian political philosopher and somewhat controversial historical figure, yet this quote so mimics today’s Realtor’s dilemma. I (and many of us) read an inspiring post by George Tallabas about believing in ourselves and in a way repositioning our minds. After reflecting on his thoughts and then looking at many of my colleagues, I was struck with this Machiavelli quote that my husband often uses in his university teaching.

Our challenge today in the real estate market, whether you’re a realtor, buyer, or seller is multi-faceted: we have to think positively, act confidently, maintain our enthusiasm, be alert to even subtle market changes, stay well-positioned in the marketplace, AND BE WILLING TO TAKE ON THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW ORDER OF THINGS!

As I peer from my sometimes foggy glasses, I see a new order of things looming, replete with new challenges and new business models. I am willing and I am challenged to forge ahead to even more treacherous territory, AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SPEAK THE TRUTH TO SELLERS: lower your asking price NOW, and say YES to SOLID, though less than expected offers, because the offers made today are from buyers ready to buy at bargain prices!

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Q. - You’ve had a month or so to study the responses to your 12 characters, and what did you learn?

A. - The overwhelmingly positive response to those 12 characters I outlined was proof positive that Active Rain is truly an engaging and well-invested network of real estate professionals. 

Q. - I noticed there were a number of suggestions for new characters.  In fact, Karen Hurst wrote: “I think you could reasonably add another 12 characters!”

A. – I actually found 11 +1 more characters from among the comments by your colleagues.

Q. 11 +1 what’s that?  Let’s see the latest, and please credit the people who suggested the characters. 

A. - Yes, Sweetheart, and by article’s end you’ll see the meaning of the +1.  I’ll follow the same “brief description” format as the original list of the 12 different “personalities” or characters playing in the “Rain Forest” night after night.

Go ahead; I’m sure you’ll touch a few hearts!

A. You’re giving me the go ahead…so here I go.13. The Know-it-All Character (Chuck Christensen) and his/her cousin the Know-it-All who knows all the characters in the Rain Forest (Lizette Fitzpatrick) - This character really does know a lot (honestly), but he or she takes the proverbial snapshot and in it sees the universe.  This character equates knowing something with knowing something about everything!  And the Know-it-All’s cousin is fooling him or herself if he or she believes anyone could actually know all the characters in the Rain Forest.  Can’t be done - even these descriptions are all speculation fueled only by the validation offered by the “Rain Gang” who’ve responded to blog posts.

14. The Blogging Cop (Bob Mitchell) - This character is clearly the Supreme Court Jester of the Rain Forest because this character will observe all the debate and discussion, weighing in only sparingly, and provide a show-stopping knock-out blow to the proud pronouncements of any Provost Characters trying to “steal the show” (cops don’t like thieves).

15. Hang Gliders and Parachutists (Brian Schulman) - These characters are very much like Socialites, but they happen upon blogs accidentally, often crash landing on a post or blog site, embarrassingly offering ”excuse me” comments that make little sense to anyone reading the blog post.

16. A Character - in general (Neal Bloom) - This was a curious one as it may apply to only Neal (The Real Deal) himself, definitely a Weston Florida character with his own unique and candid style and affability. 

17. Avid Student - learning from all the tidbits of wisdom (Sharon Leigh) - You’re on, Sharon, the perfect contrast to the Student Character previously discussed who is constantly looking for help and comfort after a rotten day or experience.  The Avid Student Character is a genuine reader and student of the Rain Rag (i.e., news posts)!

18. The Chameleon - multiple personalities (Donna Harris and Michele Connors) - Now we’re onto something really fun: Let’s talk multiple personality disorder; no, let’s talk bipolar; no let’s talk schizophrenic - no, let’s not spoil the fun of getting wet in the Rain.  This character won’t accept a diagnosis, because he or she is focused on simply blending in with the crowd - ANY CROWD - and just think how valuable this is in the Rain Forest!

19. True Skimmer - watch out for the Lady in Red (Teri Ellis) - You get a character, Teri, because yes, there are a lot of skimmers out in the wetlands.  It’s good to know my Terry hooked you while you were swimming by the post.  

20. Compassionate (Diane Velikis) - This Character epitomizes true love and understanding for the matters, hearts, souls, and lives at hand.  This Compassionate Character is found often on AR’s Christianity in Real Estate and Selling Soulfully, and you can identify the Character’s presence in any AR community by his or her sincerity - IT SHOWS IN THE DEPTH OF THEIR COMMENTS! (And by the way, Diane expresses depth in her comments!)

21. Building My Web Presence (Laura Warden) -  I believe this Character really exists, but as a morphing of the Socialite and the Joiner, with a touch of the It’s Me Character.  This character’s distinguishing trait is his or her point totals for comments made on others’ blogs.  Clue: if your comments on others’ blog posts exceed the points you earn writing your own blog posts…then maybe this Character fits (even if some slight alterations are needed)!

22. Point Seekers (Jay Emerson) - Ever had a dog named Pointer?  This is a fond name for retrievers who are bred to point.  I think Jay’s on to something mighty important…to odds makers.  In the Rain Game, your points tell an interesting story about you.  Do you comment more on other’s posts than they do on yours?  Do you write more posts than you read, or read more posts than you write?  Do you hook-up with a lot of Associates.  All of these are point seeking behaviors, but the critical distinguishing factor in the Point Seeker Character is motive: why the post, why the comment?  If you’re attempting to fertilize the Rain’s Terra Firma with edifying comments and posts this title does not apply.  If you’re simply a Socialite gathering points, then wear this distinction with pride - it’s what point-seeking Socialites do!

23. Cartoonish Characters (Bill Burress) - TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR - let me explain.  Bill’s comments inspired us to look into what these Characters might look like in the flesh of a cartoonist’s hand.  Don’t be expecting a comic book, but as a blanket challenge TO ALL YOU CHARACTERS RIGHT NOW, imagine what these DIFFERENT Characters might look like by reading the descriptions that fit you, AS YOU STARE AT YOUR AR PROFILE PHOTO or in the mirror.   Please, no hate mail…I get enough.

23 +1.  Carnac “Under the Umbrella” (Chris Tesch) - Johnny Carson fans will remember Carnac the Magnificent.  Chris hinted that I might be a Carnac in the making (how flattering - ego now burp), but there’s no psychic gag writers here.  I think of my role as more of Carnac Under the Umbrella - a loving husband, a lover of the Lord, and a licensed professional who loves to play in the Rain and not get too wet.

Hope you enjoy the shower!

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This is a tough business at times, increasingly so when foreclosure enters a person’s life and not much else seems to be working.

“Mom,” Sarah (my daughter and real estate business partner) says pointing to the floor, “Those are the coroner’s gloves!”

I look across the room at the fluid- and blood-stained carpet and catch a glance of the scene that had played out a couple of days earlier.

The occupant of the house had lost his home to the bank, and had been moving out for several days. Most of the large items were removed, but strewn about the house were books, clothing, shoes, personal items, memorabilia, and assorted clutter. Ironically, the books were largely Christian, with a broad range of themes, but something awful had set upon the house.

Charles (a fictitious name) had days earlier decided to take his life, and following the coroner’s office, we were the first to enter the home. Charles had no one else in his life. He had hung on as long as he could to his home, but a lost job and other hardships had intervened, and he was losing everything.

My Dr. John felt Charles’ suicide was the last thing he could do that he felt he had control over. Charles it seems had indeed lost every worldly thing of value to him, and a violent suicide seemed the most expedient way to end the tragedy of his life.

Of course, I don’t know if he would have faired any better had he not lost his house to foreclosure; no one can know for sure, but his death was a stark reminder of just how emotionally vulnerable our clients can be when life closes in on them and they lose their stability.

As Realtors, Sarah and I left the scene, not in shock, but in sorrow over what had happened because it seemed so senseless, and we also left the scene wondering about our industry.

Are real estate deals and sales and purchases gone bad our fault as Realtors? No, I don’t think they are, but do we listen when we hear the cries of our clients when they are approaching dangerous territory? And, should we, or must we listen?

These are perplexing questions, even when we know the outcomes many of our clients face have nothing to do with us. Still, the outcomes can leave us with indelible memories whether we’re a part of the cause or not.

So what’s the message from These Ladies Who Mean Business? I guess it’s a pretty simple message: where there’s smoke there’s fire. When your former client reaches out to you for advice on the market, asks if it’s a good time to sell, is struggling with a divorce or family tragedy, is having obvious financial problems, and seeks your ideas…LISTEN. We all get busy…very busy, but I believe we need to listen to both the tears and words of desperation, and to that still so quiet voice within us.

We, as Realtors, are not every client’s safety net, but we are in a keen situation to often see the smoke before the flames! We may not be able to stop our clients from self-destructive behaviors, but we ought to consider the possibility that we might be able to alter the ultimate outcome. Given our specialized real estate and lending knowledge and training, maybe we can recognize the need to alert others that we suspect intervention is needed — beyond what we can do. Maybe?

Think about this….

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The problem was THAT ALTHOUGH ALL OF THE CHECKS WERE WRITTEN FROM “CAPITAL CITY INVESTMENTS” (our real estate company), THE COMPANY — nor anyone here — HADN’T WRITTEN ANY OF THEM!!!!!

We had been ripped off by a contemporary band of cyberspace thieves!

Actually, WE STILL DON’T KNOW HOW THEY DID IT, but there as bold as day on the computer screen were a series of printed checks from Capital City Investments made out to assorted individuals that had been cashed by grocery stores and other retail establishments in Las Vegas.Â

The fraud team from the bank is still investigating the nearly identical checks that contained every detail about the account printed on them (except for an unnamed minor, tiny AND SO VERY IMPORTANT DETAIL that helped in the investigation).

In today’s cyberspace world there doesn’t appear to be a safe haven against these thieves. The bank’s idea was to close the account and begin again (another nightmare for businesses with assorted automatic withdrawals). This was almost an episode for “These Ladies Mean Business,” but there’s nothing amusing about it.

HAS THIS HAPPENED TO YOU?

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO PREVENT IT…OR FIGHT IT?

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This is my second interview with my hubby, Dr. John Yacenda (a psychologist who also has a Nevada real estate license). 

Q. — So tell me, doctor, what do you really think about Active Rain?

A. — Well, it’s really an interesting network of real estate professionals.  Basically, I think it’s terrific, and you seem to really enjoy it and get a lot out of it.  However (I know you were waiting for this), there are a lot of different “characters” that frequent Active Rain blogs.

Q. — Okay, so do you want to talk about these so called characters (lol)?

A. — I thought you’d never ask.  I’d begin by saying I see at least 12 different “personalities” or characters playing in the “rain” night after night, either as authors of articles or as commentors on others’ articles.  Let me break these out with a brief description:

1.  The One-Up-Manship Character — Say what you want in your article, but this character is sure he or she has got something to add to it that will make it better (or show you he or she knows more than you).

2.  The Ego Burper Character — He or she just has to tell you about something cool that happened (and in the right context these “ego burps” can be very healthy psychologically and professionally — you just need to recognize the oral flatulence for what it is…).

3.  The Socialite Character — This person hops around from article to article to say “Hi” with a “rah rah” good post comment. He or she doesn’t offer much content, but he or she doesn’t want to miss a good party.

4.  The Passionate Character — This character is consistently passionate (or pleasantly amusing) in his or her comments, and is always encouraging!

5.  The Professor Character — You can see the professor everywhere in the Rain, spilling out the perfect and correct way to do things, and correcting those who don’t seem to get it “right.”  This character is habitual in this even though he or she means no harm.  (Yes, Dr. John, you are a real life professor and you have a way about encouraging your students getting it right!)

6.  The Provost Character — This one has the last say on all debates and discussions like there’s nothing left to talk about once he or she has spoken/written — and of course, there’s always more to say — just ask the Socialite.

7.  The Joiner Character — This character has to be a part of the action on popular blogs where lots of folks are commenting.  Sometimes he or she sees a key point that appears to be missing and wants to weigh in on the debate, and sometimes this character just wants to add his or her two cents (a penny at a time).

8.  The It’s Me Character — This is the true butterfly of the “Rain forest” showing up here and there on people’s blogs, dropping a bit of dew, collecting some nectar, and flying off to visit another blog.  This character is nice to have around, but it’d be even nicer to get some content in the dew.  

9.  The Boaster and Roaster Character — This character has always got a great story to tell, and if you’ll listen you’ll get to hear all of it. The cool thing about it is that this character may have something instructive to say.  If, however, this character turns Roaster, he or she may rub you the wrong way (time to take away his or her umbrella).

10. The Hungry Hunter Character — This character is on the prowl, looking for a good contact and potential business opportunity — not a bad thing at all as long as he or she is up front about it.

11. The Student Character — This character has had a bad day, bad experience, or rotten week and desperately (and genuinely) seeks help and comfort from someone out there in the rain; not a shoulder to cry on as much as some alternative solutions.

12. The Ranter Character — This character, unlike the Student, had a REALLY BAD DAY OR EXPERIENCE and he or she is hot, angry, disgruntled, and downright ticked off.  The Ranter is not looking for counsel, but for a soft form of revenge (i.e., a verbal rant).

Once again, thank you, Dr. John, and I can only wonder now: Do any of you in the Rain see yourself in here (or have you been visited by any of these characters?)

It’s for certain — we have an interesting community, even when we’re all wet!

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It was 12:15 last evening (this morning!) when the phone rang. It was the dispatcher from another county’s Sheriff. A complaint had been registered with the Sheriff’s Office that one of my listings (a vacant REO property) was full of action!

Oh yes, a neighbor reported to the Sheriff that there were people in the house breaking glass, throwing things around, and being generally destructive.

The Sheriff’s dispatcher called me to get my permission for the Sheriff to break into the house to apprehend the trespassers. They needed my okay to essentially, break down the door if they felt it was necessary to apprehend the offenders.

What would you say to the Sheriff? Of course, go get the rascals and stop the damage! Mind you, it’s 15 minutes past midnight on a Thursday night/Friday morning, and I have an appointment at 8:30 a.m., and the property was 60 minutes away!

As it turns out, the Sheriff broke into the house and found NOTHING WAS OUT OF ORDER!

WHO PAYS? For starters, I would front the repair money and then make a request to my asset management company for reimbursement. No, the neighbor who mistakenly made the call would not be liable — after all, he could be an ally were this to actually happen in the future. I wouldn’t want to alienate his willingness to help out.

As it turned out, break-in damage was minimized and we Ladies Who Mean Business went out to the property and secured it.

The neighbor, you ask: was he drinking, or dreaming, or looking for a little action on a record breaking hot night?

Only God knows for sure, and He’s very good with confidentiality!

I sure hope the purchase offer expected this weekend on this property is not affected by the fact that four patrol cars answered the dispatch call — was a slow night in the city!

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How about this. It was about 9:15 p.m. when Terry received a phone call from the Sheriff’s Department:Â

“Ms. Rasner?” the caller asked.

“Yes, this is Terry Rasner.”Â

“This is the County Sheriff’s Department. Do you have a vacant house for sale at XXXXXX?”

“Ahhh, yes.”

“Well, maam, a neighbor has driven her vehicle through the garage door of your property, and the vehicle is stuck in the garage with the engine running, trapped by the broken garage door that’s fallen on it.”

“WHAT?????!!!!”

“Yes, maam, this is an emergency and you need to get over to the property immediately and secure it. We’ll secure the area and wait for you to arrive.”

That call was received two evenings ago. A quick jump into the phone booth and it was time for these ladies to mean business!

We scrambled together a team of two and armed with power tools and assorted other tools and scrap lumber we headed over to meet the Sherrif. The property was 30 minutes away and by now it was 9:45 p.m. We arrived to find the vehicle sitting in the driveway, having been extricated from the garage. The garage door was destroyed and haning there limp. A refrigerator in the garage was destroyed, it’s insulation and guts strewn about a corner of the garage.

Actually this was a good thing, as the refrigerator slowed the vehicle enough to stop it from parking in one of the bedrooms. Instead, the vehicle only smashed into a bearing wall and poked its nose through the wall and into the bedroom. Nice scene, huh????

So, here we were: the next door neighbor girl (17) came over crying to aplogize for her mishap, and thoughtfully brought her vehicle insurance information. Soon after the parents followed. An assessment of their mood and demeanor revealed a spirit of cooperation and an acceptance of fault.  We briefly counseled the girl that repairs could be made, but that the best part of the accident was that she was unhurt, albeit shaken-up emotionally.

Next it was to the business of securing the house. A thorough inspection revelaed the damage was limited to the garage door, refirgerator, a bearing wall, paneling on the inside of the bedroom, and potentially some electrical wiring and conduit (but no live wires were exposed). Fortunately the house was in a culdesac, and was not furnished. In fact, it is one of our many bank-owned properties, and per protocols, we needed an approval from the asset management company to move forward with repairs and some security actions. Unfortunately at accident’s time, the time in the land of the asset management company was 12:45 a.m.

For safety and security reasons, our locksmith was called and the one door in question was re-keyed and secured first thing the next morning. What will now follow are the oft-tedious tasks of repairs and getting it back into shape for the market. And, this is a great little property!

Is it disconcerting and annoying to have this happen?  You bet!

Is this routine? No, but it can happen at any time, and as a responsible realtor, any time means be ready for the unexpected and unanticipated. As a responsible consumer, point out these occurences to local authorities, and if you must, don’t hesitate to phone the realtor. As much as we can get caught off guard by these calls, it’s still good we have the eyes and ears of the community helping us.Â

To be sure: These Ladies Mean Business!    Â

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