Kathy McGraw's Real Estate and Life Blog

Just saw this-so anyone in the surrounding Temecula area might want to check this out.  Dianne Hicks is a local REALTOR in Temecula, and knows about giving back to her community.  And what better way than to promote this Race For a Cure for Cancer during October, Breast Cancer Awareness month.

  I was making a Word Press Blog to practice some of the things I learned and found a great theme for Photos called Monotone.  Since the name of the Blog is called Sunset Art Works  of course I had to upload some Sunset Pictures.  This is one I got a real kick out of, and had fun with it on Twitter.  Hope you get a smile out of it.  Some things don't really need an explanation, and if you live in North County, San Diego you've probably seen it along Highway 101.

Address or House Numbers.....something most of us don't give much thought to, but they can be very important in an emergency. Older housing tracts don't always have sequential numbering....in fact the house next door to me is 1135 while I am at 1159 and across the Street is 1146.  Imagine if you were trying to locate a particular address by today's standard....all odd on one side, and all even on the other side in sequential order. That's easy, but older housing tracks, or rural areas often times are different. In an emergency it's important to have Clear Reflective House Numbers. 

Some places require the Address's House Number to be displayed on the Mailbox with Reflective Numbers.

By: Kathy McGraw-Real Estate Broker in So. California

A long time ago, in a far off place Real Estate used to sell.  Phones were ringing, computers were writing contracts instead of Tweeting, and ATM's cards were used to get money....that green stuff, out of the Bank.  Oh  and that's when the word Bank used to mean the place that we put our money in, now they just take what little we have, and give Real Estate Agents headaches.

Our Parents used to talk about walking 5 miles in the snow....using an old typewriter, and black and white TV.  They loved getting a gold watch and a pension after retiring from the same job.  And Real Estate Agents were mystical and magical in knowing where houses were for sale, and how much they were worth if you wanted to sell yours.....they called it a CMA.  Yep, those were the days, in a far off land.  The land of yesteryear.

Recently in a close by place, Real Estate sales have taken a beating. People bought a decent home but then lost their job, or the mortgage was one of those that greedy ogres pasted with honey to hide the stench of their deceptive practices.  And across the street people were planning what to do with all the money they were making.  Life was good....

In the past 3 years many Real Estate Agents, Lenders, Stagers, and others  have joined the other people  that have lost their savings, their homes, and many have been hanging on by a prayer.  This must be a special place because many of the Real Estate People have helped each other and I know that to be true.  I know how a helping hand, a hand up, or just someone listening can help these Real Estate people, actually all people.  This is a special place, a place of compassion.

Today these words are the Golden Watch..." You have completed your Re-payment Plan."  These words are the ones that anyone behind in their mortgage tries so hard to hear.  And it can be done....I just hung up the phone from my lender, and have effectively saved my house from Foreclosure.  How did I do it with no closed Real Estate transactions.....ahh that's the essence of this story.  I did it with a little help from my friends.  A kind word here, and a dollar there...but most of all it was accomplished with what John Wayne called "True Grit." 

Some people think others in the Real Estate Field shouldn't take a second job.....how can we service our clients if we are working a paying job.  But there are ways to earn a dollar and have flexible hours.  Thinking outside the proverbial box, fun jobs that are flexible and recession proof can get us through. After 3 years I finally took the plunge and had to get some of that green stuff they call money to save my house.  Depending on others to rescue me only goes so far.  Then the "but how am I going to pay them back, and what about tomorrow kicked in......

As has been stated by people I respect, including my own inner voice......There is no shame in an honest dollar whether we get it selling Real Estate or.......Becoming an Ice Cream Man :)

Hope and Optimism along with a Positive Attitude can go a long way. 

Knowing what questions to ask,

and a Helping Hand from others are what helps all of us survive in todays world. 

By: Kathy McGraw- Real Estate Broker with tenacity and a lot of determination, and some darn good friends :)  Thank you......and you know who you are :)

I am writing on a Real Estate Network because my profession is Real Estate. The Members of this network are involved in Real Estate in some form or another, and many times I've read about how passionate people are about Real Estate, but that's not my real passion, it's what I do, but not what I am most passionate about.

Right now the Lil Devil is fuming ....but it's not about Real Estate.  This is one of those times where the Lil Devil has completely silenced the Lil Angel.  In fact all parts of my personality are integrated when I think of the atrocities that some people do to each other, and especially to children. 

I just read that Human Trafficking has moved to the #2 spot for most profitable illegal trade.

Born to Fly International, Inc. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is one I found on Twitter.  As most of you know I have spent the majority of my life working with and for children, and when I read some of the things from this Organization, as well as others on Human Trafficking, my passion just boils over. 

You may see me Re-Tweet several of their messages, especially from an Organization that tracks prominent people that get arrested for Crimes against Children.  Anyway Diane Scimone of Born to Fly International stated they will be redoing this Video to show the change from #3 to #2.....in most profitable illegal trade.  Disgusting, just disgusting that they would even have to change this Video that is apparently only 6 months old, to reflect this change.

Is the Lil Devil Angry....you bet he is!

By: Kathy McGraw- Veteran, Former Peace Corps Volunteer, Former Little League Manager, Pop Warner Commissioner, Rotary Member, Foster Mother, Mother, Grandmother, Artist, Writer, and Photographer.....in other words someone JUST LIKE YOU that sells Real Estate in Riverside County CA.

What happens when you ask a question, or make a comment, and the person that is supposed to know the business makes a statement that isn't what you want to hear?  Oh I think most of us, or our clients have dealt with this one. But what do you do really.....Do you accept  what the expert says....or do you investigate on your own to ascertain the validity of the statement?

I was talking to someone yesterday about my new venture, and while filling out the paperwork I mentioned how excited I was that my Grandkids and I would be doing this for the summer.  That's when the bomb dropped and the owner told me that kids aren't allowed in Ice Cream Trucks! What? That just ruined all our plans in less than 5 minutes!

Well, I listened, and thought there has to be a way, maybe she's wrong.  If she isn't then there has to be another way to accomplish the objective of spending the summer with my Grandkids selling ice cream. So, I came home and went online Googling " DMV rules for Ice Cream Trucks."  That gave me some info, but not what I was looking for.  I then went to "Are Kids allowed in ice cream trucks" and a host of other things.

Zilch.....couldn't find anything about kids in ice cream trucks.  I think I have read everything there is online by now, and still not getting an answer.....but I need one, so once again there has to be a way to get it. Then it hit me: Go to the source! 

And that's exactly what I did....I drove over to the local California Highway Patrol Office and asked them, "Are kids allowed to be in an ice cream truck?"

And the answer is:  "There is no law against kids being in an Ice Cream Truck!"  That answer just saved our summer plans.  It does pay to question and do our own research no matter who says what, and no matter what position they have. Sometimes it's OK not to take NO for an answer :)

Even the experts can be wrong, and if it's something we really want to do, or know, then it's worth the effort to verify for ourselves.

By: Kathy McGraw - Real Estate Agent who will be enjoying the summer with her Grandkids on their own Ice Cream Truck.  Look for us in the Cabazon, Whitewater, North Palm Springs, and Palm Desert areas this summer.

So often we see a listing for a home for sale, but have no idea what the neighborhood looks like. If you are looking for a home for sale in Serrano Del Vista, Banning Ca then this Virtual Tour will give you an idea of what the community has to offer. 

Click on the play now button, and also don't forget to click the details button to see more information.  Hope you enjoy this Video, and if you want more information please visit California Real Estate and Life under the Serrano Del Vista Category.

Want to find homes on the MLS in the Serrano Del Vista area that are either for sale, or have already been sold?  This information can be useful whether you are buying or selling a home by letting you see when prices change, and what homes in your neighborhood are selling for.  You can compare them yourself. 

By: Kathy McGraw- Veteran, Former Peace Corps Volunteer, Former Little League Manager, Pop Warner Commissioner, Rotary Member, Foster Mother, Mother, Grandmother, Artist, Writer, and Photographer.....in other words someone JUST LIKE YOU that sells Real Estate in Riverside County CA.

Apparently Wordless Wednesday is for something that tells it's own story, something that we can just look at and without anyone telling us anything get some sort of feeling.  Is this it?  I'm not sure since I never read the rules, but after just coming back from a trip to Oregon I had several Wordless moments.  There are places and times that just take our breath away with their beauty, mystic or sometimes something just feels right for that particular moment.  It can't be explained, and many times someone had to be there to truly grasp the experience.  There is so much natural beauty, and man made beauty in this world.........

By: Kathy McGraw- Veteran, Former Peace Corps Volunteer, Former Little League Manager, Pop Warner Commissioner, Rotary Member, Foster Mother, Mother, Grandmother, Artist, Writer, and Photographer.....in other words someone JUST LIKE YOU that sells Real Estate in Riverside County CA.

 "We change as we grow, and as we learn."   Oh but how do we change?  We like to think of everyone as equal, and that what one can do, so can another, but that's just not the case.  We aren't all equal!  Reading Blogs on Active Rain, plus so many different outside ones, it amazes me how many people know an awful lot about the technological parts of blogging, vlogging, and all the other 'ing things. But do we know how to do it. 

1) Learning to take Videos- First step is the camera: The Flip is one of the most poplular and is easy to use, and download onto the computer.

     Lil Devil-Yea sure it's easy.  I didn't even know where the batteries went in the camera,how to record or anything, let alone how long to make a Video.  After taking the Video I knew I could use the USB on the Flip to upload it, but after that I was lost.  Utterly and completely lost.  Thank Gawd I was following someone called Flip_Video_Tips on Twitter........

   Lil Angel- It's OK, not everyone knows how to do all the tech stuff. At least you know where to find the info you need, and if you can't figure it out you know who to ask.

2) Ok now you took the Video, and learned to upload to You Tube all on your own-but did you edit it?

     Lil Devil-  I can't believe after all this time that I still didn't know how to edit a Video!  He** I didn't even know what program to use, let alone how to do it!

     Lil Angel- Oh I am so glad that I have some good friends that I can ask. We all learn at a different pace. And you did learn how to post to You Tube, so that's something.  One thing at a time :)

Imagine this first Video with an extra 3 minutes of shots of the ceiling and audio of a phone conversation.  After asking online how to edit, several people told me they used Windows Movie Maker.  To show you how all of us are not equal, I couldn't even find the program because I was looking under programs for Movie Maker (starting with an M).  It wasn't until I told them I didn't have the program that I realized it was listed under the W's.....Windows Movie Maker.  Yea we aren't all equal when it comes to understanding technology.

This Video is only 1 min and 17 seconds after editing-and I have learned that People that watch Videos's want them short.  The average Video is about 3 1/2 minutes long, so I'm good with this considering the subject material.

This next Video is one where I learned that you shouldn't drive and shoot at the same time-it can be hazardous to your health :)   

     Lil Devil- Yea but I can still see parts of your car, and why did you move the camera to take a picture of the birds?

    Lil Angel- One thing that is very important is to be yourself.  If you are excellent with technology so be it, but don't make a Video that oversells the neighborhood, or whatever you are shooting.  People want to see what's "real".  So, don't worry about perfection!   

I made this Video specifically for people looking for  Foreclosures in Serrano Del Vista.  This Video is a little over 4 minutes long, a little longer than the average, but if someone really wants to know about the neighborhood they'll watch it. I also learned to add those cool frames with words that I put Kathy McGraw CELLing Realty on. There's one at the beginning, and a different one at the end.  I wanted to make sure that anyone looking for a home in this community would know how to contact me.  Anyway, bottom line is although there are a few issues with this, it serves it's purpose. I was able to do it in Windows Movie Maker, then upload to You Tube.  For now I'm pleased with my 2nd editing as each one is a little better than the other one....and that's what learning is all about.  Improving each time.

So, although we aren't all created equal either Windows Movie Maker

 or Photoshop Elements (the newest one) can help us edit the Videos we make. 

By: Kathy McGraw- Veteran, Former Peace Corps Volunteer, Former Little League Manager, Pop Warner Commissioner, Rotary Member, Foster Mother, Mother, Grandmother, Artist, Writer, and Photographer.....in other words someone JUST LIKE YOU  that sells Real Estate in Riverside County CA. 

There are several facilities in So California for Veterans. Southern California and Southern Nevada Veterans are served by the VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network which serves approximately 1.4 million Veterans.  There are 5 Hospitals and 29 clinics in the Desert Pacific Healthcare Network.

 VA Hospitals are located in:

          Los Angeles

          Long Beach

          San Diego

          Loma Linda

          Las Vegas

About a month ago I was in a focus Group of Women Veterans at Loma Linda to discuss issues related to Women Veterans and the care they received.  Loma Linda will be moving the Women's Unit to the old Kaiser Building and offer all women Veterans one stop Health Services.  This will be in the near future.

Another tidbit of information is the Suicide Hotline.  Veterans have unique problems and sometimes they feel overwhelmed and suicidal thoughts and ideas overcome them.  The Vet Centers and VA Medical Centers are offering help with the Suicide Hotline for Veterans.  When you call just tell the person that you are a Veteran and they will connect you to the VA Suicide Prevention Program. 

***The Suicide Hotline for Veterans Number is 1-800-273-8255***

Special Offer for Veterans:

Many people are stressed right now, and it is a proven fact that exercise helps with stress.  The Desert Pacific Healthcare Network has contracted with the 24 Hour Fitness Clubs to provide Veterans a corporate discount for Membership.  The discounted rate is currently $19.99 for a 1 Club (check with the club you are interested in by clicking the link above).  You must use this code 100825. 

Note: I called one of the clubs and it is very important to check because right now, today, the special they are running for their all clubs (can go to any one of their over 400 facilities) is cheaper than the Veterans Special.  So always check! 

Here's what else I found out:

1. The 19.99 is for 1 Club Membership only
2. You will need to pay the current month + last month in advance
3. Monthly Deductions from your Credit Card

Not all clubs have a pool or Jacuzzi...if it says the club is "ACTIVE" that probably means they don't have one.  Call the club near you to ask about what you want.

Newly Discharged Veterans are encouraged to check with the VA to see about eligibility for programs and health care.  The current Government is making an effort to meet the needs of all those that have served our Country so make sure you know what benefits you are qualified for.

**If you need anyone to help you with your Real Estate needs, I am also a Licensed Real Estate Agent working in Riverside County.  You can contact me by email (see sidebar for email link) or phone.  I can also hook you up with a VA Lender.

By: Kathy McGraw-Honerably Discharged Veteran - Womens Army Corps  and California National Guard