Sales of Foreclosures

Here's a good article on foreclosures in Atlanta and the surrounding counties form the Atlanta Journal Constitution.   Sales of Foreclosures Will Help Home Values Recover:  http://www.ajc.com/news/sales-of-foreclosures-will-786539.html  It talks about how new buyers will stabilize the value of homes by buying the existing bank owned properties. 

Where have all the builders gone?

Did you ever wonder what happened to all the home builders in this current real estate market?   Renovations, new markets, skeleton crews, etc.  There's a great article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution titled  "Atlanta Builders Try to Shelter Through Economic Storm" outlining three builders re-inventing themselves.  http://www.ajc.com/business/atlanta-builders-try-to-761114.html

2010 WCR Member of the Year

On November 18th, Judy Harper, 2010 WCR President,   presented Pam Santoro with the 2010 Women’s Council of Realtors Member of the Year award.   It was such an honor.  To read more about the Women's Council of Realtors meeting at the Piedmont Club: 

http://hnresource.wordpress.com/2010/11/22/women%e2%80%99s-council-of-realtors-installs-2011-officer

Gail Dunn ABWA Guest Speaker

Sherrin Thomas introduced the November ABWA guest speaker:  Gail Dunn from Automotive Boot Camp for Women.   Gail went into detail about maintenance of our cars.   The most important item is the oil change.  Cars today run for around 200,000 miles.   The oil is the lubricant for the engine and all the working parts so make sure you check your oil and change it regularly.   If the oil light comes on, pull over immediately and turn the car off then call a tow truck.  If you run a car with the red oil light on, you will blow an engine.  If the temperature light goes on, it will cool down.    Turn engine on and turn the heater on to cool down the car.   If it over heats, heat it up.   You need to have a relationship with the person who fixes your car.  Independent shops are less expensive than dealers.  

Gail talked more about the dash lights.  When they come on, it means the computer found something it didn’t like.     Air Bag light not functioning is just an error message.   Sometimes you can disconnect the battery for 15 minutes.   When you connect the battery up and turn the car on, the error may go away.  If the error doesn’t go away take it to a repair shop.   Brake lights may mean low fluid.  Tires touch the ground so rotate your tires every oil change.  

If you are in an accident:

1.        Get an accident incident report no matter where.

2.       It’s your car so it’s your choice where it is repaired no matter what insurance company says (insurance company can’t steer you).

3.  Georgia Supreme Court says that if you are in an accident with less than 100,000 miles they owe you cash.   Remind them that Steve Dempsey said they owe you diminished value.

It was a great lecture!   Check out her website: 

 http://www.womensautomotiveconnection.com/

Obama Administration's Efforts to Stabilize the Housing Market

The Obama Administration's Efforts to Stabilize the Housing Market and Help American Homeowners October 2010 Scorecard gives us insight to the programs that worked, HAMP Home Affordable Modification Program) modifications, Home Buyer Tax Credit, historically low interest rates and foreclosures in the U.S.A.   Take a look at the scorecard published by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Developement & U. S. Department of the Treasury.   It's very interesting.

http://www.realestateindustrynews.com/October2010_Scorecard_1.4.pdf

Tom Glavine from the "Mound to Mic" 11/4/10

Joel Gray introduced Atlanta Braves… Tom Glavine, the guest speaker for the St. Brigid Business Connection on November 4^th.  Tom spoke about going from the “Mound to the Mic” taking your career to the next stage.   He reminisced about his small town roots growing up in a Catholic family.  His father always told him to practice because there is always someone better.   This is true in baseball along with any other career.   The trials and tribulations we have in life make us better and stronger.  

Everyone needs something to do:   a purpose in life.  Don’t surround yourself with people who always say yes to you.  People always gravitate toward people who think like they do, but we all need people around us who will give us constructive criticism so that we can become better.   This is the same in business as well as personally.   Tom’s priority now is being able to be at home with his family plus working.  While he was pitching for the Atlanta Braves, he was away a lot.   His new opportunity in broadcasting will give him family time again.  

We all have an opportunity to work with people and give people opportunities.   We never know where we can make a difference in someone’s life.  We have a great opportunity to get to know people so be mindful of that.   Be kind and pass kindness on.

Tom’s Bible quote that he uses to give him energy was James 1:2

Trials and Temptations

 ^2.) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ^3.) because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ^4.) Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Tom Glavine’s favorite quote from Jackie Robinson was “The true measure of a person’s life is the impact that we can have on others.” 

Following this great talk, Tom Kuipers read the mission statement:   The Business Connection ministry's mission is to: 
1.  Help business leaders in our parish community connect with fellow parishioners to grow their professional network.
2.  Help the unemployed and underemployed find new opportunities through contacts within the Saint Brigid family.
Tom Kuipers then thanked Tony Santoro for creating the first website the St. Brigid Business Connection.   He asked Nancy Ketchum to give an update on the next version of the website.   Nancy said the new site will be up on November 18^th. 

All in all it was a great meeting with a fantastic speaker plus lots of networking.

----Pam Santoro

Footnotes:

1. James 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family;

Get Motivated Atlanta 11/1/10

The Harry Norman Realtors® North Fulton office went to the Get Motivated Business Seminar on November 1, 2010 at the Georgia Dome.   Here are some of my notes on this great event:

Brian Tracy talked about taking a trip to the Someday Island where we’d all get to it someday.   Brian told us to vote ourselves off the island.  Set clear goals and then make a plan to achieve them.  

General Colin Powell reminded us that life is and up to down process of changing that begins at home with you.   “It isn’t where you start out in life that’s important.  It’s where you end up.”  

Lou Holtz told us that we should all have something to do, someone to love, something to hope for, and something to believe in.   He reminded us of the winning attitude or WIN “What’s Important Now?” mindset.

Bob Kittel stated “You become what you think about most of the time!”   He challenged us to learn something new and do something new.  “What solutions might be better than what I’m thinking now?”

General Stanley McChrystal talked about the maturity of wisdom to learn from our failures.  Also, we should be building teams that trust each other.   Trusting teamwork requires people. 

Bob Harrison talked about “how to change your outer world by changing your inner world” and spiritualism.   To change your belief system:   you need to reaffirm the good tools and rearrange the priorities and to have faith. 

Rick Belluzzo stated “Be hard headed and soft hearted.”    We should strive to make a difference, be willing to take on tough assignments, be self-aware and open to feedback, perseverance can pay off, always maintain integrity.  

Zig Ziglar told us “Marriage is the most important decision you’ll ever make.   Court each other until God calls you home.”  Zig reminded us to “Prime the pump.   Encouragement is a major word missing from other people’s lives.  Remember to encourage people.”

James Smith remarked “Being strange is a little good.  You can get to places others won’t.” 

Rudy Giuliani felt we should all:  1. Read books;  2. Practice a skill or job (You can do amazing things if you practice it.);  3. Write things down (like your goals); and  4. Take time to reflect daily. 

Goldie Hawn talked about our happiness set point.  Goldie told us to “Change your circumstances, activities and brain by your intentions. “  “Gain a new purpose.  What’s the next thing?  Reach a goal and get a new one.”

Stephen Pierce said “Biggest threat to your future is the past you won’t let go of.”

Bill Cosby shouted “Get Up!”   “If you lay around, people will pass you by.”   He reminded us to get rid of apathy.  “Love yourself.  Follow your dream no matter what age you are.”

For more info:  http://getmotivated.com/

-----Pam Santoro

Montaluce Winery & Estates

Montaluce Winery, Restaurant & Estates is a touch of Tuscany in North Georgia.  Tony and I enjoyed the gorgeous view of the mountains and vineyards over a glass of wine, gourmet salad, and flat bread pizza made in a brick oven.   We toured beautiful estates and the winery for an enjoyable day.   The community is a perfect retreat from the bustle of city life with a flair of Italy and Napa Valley in the mix.  To learn more about the winery or estates, just click on the following link:  http://www.montaluce.com/

The New Ten Best Places to Retire

Looking for a great place to retire, check out The Ten Best Places to Retire listed in SmartMoney.com.  Want a beautiful mountain setting?   Check out Asheville, North Carolina or Boulder, Colorado.  Want outstanding beauty from red rock cliffs to canyon rivers?  Try Prescott, Arizona.   Ready to move to a great golf community?  Auburn, Alabama is perfect for you. For more info:   http://www.smartmoney.com/Personal-Finance/Retirement/the-new-best-places-to-retire/

WCR Guest Speaker Brandon L. Beach

 Brandon Beach spoke today at the Women's council of Realtors meeting on our economy and W. E. T. or Water, Education, ad Transportation in Georgia.  Our President of the WCR - Atlanta Chapter, Judy Harper, introduced Brandon Beach, CEO and President of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, who gave an economic forecast for our area and state.   Did you know water could be stored under ground in limestone rock?   It was really an informative meeting.

Here are some pictures from the WCR luncheon at the City Club of Buckhead: 

Harry Norman, Realtors 80th Birthday Party

Dan Palmer, CEO of Harry Norman, Realtors, talked about Miss Emmie's vision and welcomed everyone  including special guest speaker, Senator Johnny Isakson to the Atlanta History Center to celebrate Harry Norman, Realtors 80th birthday.  Senator Isakson spoke about his father and Harry Norman.  Everyone had a wonderful time including me (Pam Santoro).

Mortgage Mess for Homeowners

Lots of homeowners are getting a reprieve on their foreclosures if even for a short period.  Bank of Ameria and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. are halting foreclosures while they investigate the processes leading to homeowner foreclosures.   For more info, read the Wall Street Journal article entitled:   Homeowners in Limbo:   http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303892704575557081956987498.html?mod=ITP_moneyandinvesting_0

National Flood Insurance Program Extended

Great news for everyone!   Congress unanimously approved a one year extension for the National Flood Insurance Program through September 30, 2011.   For more NFIP info:   http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/flood_update

GNFCC Golf Classic October 4th

Pam Santoro took candid photographs at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic presented by Northside Hospital  on Monday, October 4^th at the Alpharetta Athletic Club.   It was a beautiful day for golf with  blue skies, lots of sunshine, golfers, volunteers and corporate sponsors.   There was even a knight from Medieval Times.   Debbie Ryals from the GNFCC office organized a great event with Business After Hours at the end of the tournament.   Here are some of the volunteers, sponsors and golfers: