Brian's Blog

What a novel concept. On Sunday, I was chatting with one of my former wrestlers from the junior high where I used to teach and coach. It was his brother's graduation party and a perfect opportunity to connect with some of my former students and athletes. Now in the real estate business, I am find...

The time has come to cancel my listing. In a post back in May, I asked the Active Rain world whether to cancel or not. With a plethora of ideas at hand from the community, we embarked on a new venture. Now three weeks later, it has come time to call it quits. Despite pouring time and money into t...

We are five days into the running challenge with four committed individuals ready to make an effort at a healthy lifestyle. Anyone can join at anytime to our commitment of doing a 20 minute workout, 3 days a week. On Sunday, I loaded up the kids in the carriage that is attached to my mountain bik...

As the market continues to be flooded with foreclosures I have noticed an increase in requests for foreclosure lists. I've been working with a number of clients tracking the MLS for short sales and bank-owned properties, but I'm not sure of the best source of "foreclosure lists" to provide for in...

The day began with a drizzle and gray skies here in Puyallup, WA. A cold chill in air made it just right for the premier day of the Active Rain Running Challenge. Actually, I was exhausted and had no desire to run this morning, but knowing that I just started this group and already had a couple o...

How many times do you hear the horror stories of renters trashin' the place or not paying rent? Often, I know, and it scares so many people out of buying properties as rentals. Well, the fact is, bad news sells, so people talk about all the bad rental stories, so that's what people hear. I can te...

Last year I was a PE teacher, football coach, wrestling coach, and basketball coach at a junior high and working out every day with the kids, running, lifting weights, and playing games. In June '07, I left my teaching career of 13 years for a career in real estate. Now I notice a change in my .....

In two more weeks, our office will be participating in Relay for Life to raise money for the fight against cancer. Being this is my first relay for life, I'm not quite sure what to expect. What I do know is that I'm participating for a number of reasons, one of them being for my friend. My buddy ...

Your attitude either draws people in or repels them. This week has been a lesson in attitude for me. Early in the week, I was down about the market, down about my business, and just allowing circumstances to dictate my attitude. In that frame of mind, problems just kept coming my way one after an...

Active Rain bloggers provide so much support. In the past few weeks I have had questions and situations that needed expert advice. I am so grateful to have Active Rain to turn to for answers and ideas. From Open Houses to GPS systems; whether to cancel or hold out for a buyer; referrals, websites...