Episode 26 "Spider House"

Mark is a contractor that buys properties, renovates them, and sells them for a profit. He's a great contractor and knows what needs to be done to make buyers happy. I don't want to stereotype contractors. I know very feminine (and female) contractors. But my thoughts of a contractor is of a large, burly, strong, invincible man. I got a call one day from Mark asking to have an exterminator sent to the property. Apparently there are spiders in the property and Mark can't go back in until ALL the spiders are gone. There are SO MANY SPIDERS in the property that I don't notice them. I have to actively search for the spiders! We each have our "things" and Joan Lord with Horizon Realty will help you with yours!

Contact Joan Lord when you are ready to renovate and sell

Episode 25 - "Police Party"

Shalewa and I were happily looking at new homes. We were in a bank foreclosure discussing how most banks won't do anything to improve the house, and the buyer needs to buy the property as-is. Unfortunately this can eliminate most mortgages. Some banks realize this and are making sure the property is ready for an FHA, VA, or even a USDA mortgage.  But, I digress.......

As we were discussing this, the doorbell rang. She looked at me, and I told her it was probably another Realtor wanting to show the house. No, it was the POLICE! They wanted to know if I lived here, or if I was the agent for the listing. No, I'm just showing the house to a potential buyer. Several police officers came in (of course we invited them in), looked around, and told the one out back that the person they were looking for wasn't there. Turns out they had the dogs ready for a potential chase too. Don't know what the person did, but we were very happy the house was vacant!

You can always contact the police about an area to find out their opinion of ANY neighborhood.

Contact Joan Lord with Horizon Realty to have your own "Party" (non-police that is)

Episode 24 - "VA loans"

VA loans are a fantastic program! With a VA loan, there is 0, yes that's ZERO, down payment! If you are a veteran, you deserve this special privilege. I would like to think I would put my life on the line for someone else, but I'm not sure I would (I hope I never find out!). Veterans, Police Officers, Firefighters, and other first responders do this every day. I'm always amazed, impressed, and extremely grateful, for what they do.

When I earned my Real Estate license, VA loans were only available to veterans and spouses. Now veterans and a co-buyer can purchase together. This may increase the buying power because the income of the non-veteran is also considered. What veterans do you know? If they don't want to move, they might be able to refinance at a great rate too.

Contact Joan Lord with Horizon Realty to make sure you keep up with the rules, regulations, and laws!

Episode 23 "Associate Broker!!!"

In 2016 I earned my Associate Brokers License! It was long, tiring, and expensive, but definitely worth it. The good news is that all my experience made the tests very easy. I had real life experience to use for most of the questions (does that make my clients good "Test Subjects"?). The Broker's License Exam is designed so that only 37% of applicants pass the first time, I PASSED THE FIRST TIME!!!! What a happy dance day that was 😁 😁😁

I took the class at the beach (one week a month for three months), but didn't get to enjoy the beach 😢. In class all day, work at night, and class home work kept me too busy. I did get an ocean front hotel room 😊. One of the weeks was restaurant week. I was able to have dinner at special prices, and special menus too. Health issues have plagued my friends and family for the last couple of years too. There was a LOT going on in my little corner of the world. It's time to celebrate some good news! 

Check out my website too! www.JoanLord.com

Episode 22 "You want to WHAT on the deck?"

This post is not about any particular buyer, but most of my male buyers. I understand the need and want for privacy in your home. I don't understand why you describe it this way. Maybe because I lack the proper equipment? PLEASE! Will a man out there somewhere explain to me why it's desirable to pee off the back deck? Why do you think this is a good description of the home you are looking for? And why do I understand what you are looking for when you tell me this?

Contact Joan Lord with Horizon Realty to star in your "Episode."

Episode 21 "Should I see it?"

Barbara (not the same Barbara as the last post) was so excited to buy her first home. Barbara and her husband Albert really wanted some space for him to have a "Man Cave." This was before this description even existed. Barbara who is a much nicer wife than I would ever be (is this why I'm single?), NEVER looked at the basement! I kept trying to get her there. No, she didn't need to see it. We went through the home inspection, no, Albert likes it, that's all I need to know. She did finally acquiesce at the final walk through before settlement.

Barbara is very happy with her basement. Will you be happy with yours?

Contact Joan Lord with Horizon Realty to star in your "Episode."

Episode 20 "Lead the Way"

Barbara was so excited to finally see her dream home! It came on the market after we started looking at houses. Could it really be as wonderful as she imagined? This was looooong before (am I that old?) pictures were on the computer. When I first started selling homes, it felt uncomfortable to lead the way into the house. After all, isn't it polite to allow your client to enter first? "Friendly" dog Fester made an example of my rude behavior. I was never so happy to be wearing boots as I was the day Fester attacked my foot as I tried to enter the home. Little dogs sure can make a lot of noise and really scare the "stuff" out of you!

We never did see that home. But, Barbara and her family have been very happy in the home we found. 16 years later, they are still there.

Contact Joan Lord with Horizon Realty to star in your "Episode."