Great Leaders Are Made, Not Born... a great quote from Colin Powell... and I tend to agree.  The General said it best in an article that appeared first in Network World, December 21, 1998 and again in the The Journal of Accountancy June, 1999. "The Eight Universal Laws of Leadership" Maintain absolute integrity.  Leadership is a trust. If others don't trust you completely, they will not follow you in every instance.  Know your stuff.  If you're a leader, those that would follow you don't care two straws about whether you're good at office politics or not. They want you to be competent.  That's what counts for them. So, your office politicking may get you promoted, but it won't win the respect of those you want to follow you.  Only what you know and what you do will demonstrate that. Dec... 04/13/2011

Congressional Reform Act of 2011 - As It Should Be... Of the 27 Amendments to the Constitution, seven took 1 year or less to become the law of the land... all because of public pressure. The 26th Amendment (granting 18 year-olds the right to vote) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple... 'We The People' demanded it. That was 1971... before computers, before e-mail and before cell phones. Let's see what 'We The People' of The United States of America can do with this message...   Congressional Reform Act of 2011 - As It Should Be... 1.  Term Limits. Twelve years cumulative with one of the possible options below. A. Two Six-year Senate terms B. Six Two-year House terms C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms 2.  No Tenure / No Pension. Congress collect... 04/10/2011

What's Love Got To Do With It...  not a whole lot in my book, but you be the judge. Fortunately for me, my agents provide me with a lot of material to blog about.  One agent in particular is my best subject.  For the sake of protecting that Agent's identity, I shall refer to that agent as ET in the masculine.  ET is well aware that I'm writing about him, so no worries.  ET is a knowledgeable and likeable agent.  ET shows up to work early everyday and is the last one to leave.  ET always answers his cell phone and when unavailable, returns all calls promptly.  ET loves the business of selling real estate and can think of nothing else he would rather do. Nothing else... that's the problem.  ET rarely takes vacations, ET never takes days off, ET rarely goes out with friends to have a good ... 04/01/2011

This years 2011 Pear Blossom Festival theme is:  "Pear"ents, Kids, Family & Fun.  In 1954, representatives of several Medford groups (including the Fruit Growers' League, Chamber of Commerce, Merchants Association, American Legion and the school district) met to initiate an event during the spring blossom season.  They decided to have a childrens' parade.  A five-year-old, Miss Blossom, was chosen to reign over the 10 floats. There were 100 floats in the parade by 1956, and the fesitval included a 30-mile tour of the valley's blooming orchards.  Since 1957, children have been chosen festival King and Queen.  Motorized floats were allowed in the parade in 1964.  Pear Blossom Festival parade marshals have included Govenor Holmes (1957), John F. Kennedy (1960), and Frank Shorter (1977) wh... 03/31/2011

It was a tough year, but I made it!  But not everyone is as lucky as I am... - The economy is so bad that I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail. - I ordered a burger at McDonald's, and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?" - CEO's are now playing miniature golf.- When the bank returned my check marked "Insufficient Funds," I called them and asked if they meant them or me.- Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM. - McDonald's is selling the 1/4 'ouncer.' - Parents in Beverly Hills and Malibu are firing their nannies and learning their children's names. - A truckload of Americans were caught sneaking into Mexico. - Motel 6 won't leave the light on anymore. - BP Oil laid off 25 Congressmen. - Congress says they are looking into the Be... 03/27/2011

  What happens if I use all the funds in my reverse line of credit?  That’s a great question! Once you have used all the funds available in your line of credit on a HECM reverse mortgage you can no longer take advances.  However, as far as repayment or any additional obligations, there are none.   You continue to own your home, live in it, maintain it, and pay your taxes and insurance.  There are some major differences between a reverse mortgage line of credit  (or HECM LOC) and a traditional home equity line of credit (HELOC).  Both are offered as variable rate loans, which means the interest rate rises and falls monthly along with the “index” described in your loan agreement. Here are some of the major differences: In a traditional line of credit,  the bank may freeze or lower your cr... 03/20/2011

  We finally made it to the Sunrise Café & Catering at 130 E. Main Street in Downtown Medford tonight, getting to this popular lunchtime destination – but for dinner. This family owned business run by brother and sister, Ed Chun and Carol Hendricks was worth the wait. Having experienced the delectable Kalbi Tri Tip Special and a sampler platter, with some of the most tender, flavorful meats we’ve tasted (pulled pork, teriyaki beef AND chicken - YUM!), we’ll be back to see the friendly, personable Ed and Carol again very soon. Dinner for two with drinks came to just over $25.00, which doesn’t put too big a dent in our wallet during these challenging economic times, and with leftovers from the sampler platter, one of us will get a lunch out of it, too (sweet dreams, sweetheart - MIDNIGHT ... 03/05/2011

Believe it or not, some of the greatest cheeses in the world come here from our own Rogue Valley.  Rogue Creamery has won numerous awards for their cheeses.   Have you ever wondered how cheeses are made and developed?  Well ask no more.   The Oregon State University Extension Program, here at the Southern Oregon campus, is offering an upcoming class for all you cheese lovers.   On Saturday, March 12, 2011 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm you can get answers to all those cheesy questions!  For a very nominal fee of $10.00 this three hour class and demonstration is sure to please!   For more information on registering go to: http://calendar.oregonstate.edu/event/48570/ 03/01/2011

    The Porters Train Station restaurant at Medford, Oregon boasts not just of good food.  While each meal is prepared by their chefs with high quality ingredients, the management makes sure you have the perfect ambience for a complete dining experience.  Porters offer a festive, romantic and smoke-free dining patios (and even warm blankets!).  It also has a cigar-friendly, bar patio with a beautiful gazebo and entertaining crew. Here's how to get to Porters Train Station restaurant. 02/28/2011

Dale Earnhardt Remembered It's hard to believe that America's Racing Hero has been gone this long!  It's been ten years this weekend! We bought my wife's Chevy Monte Carlo SS shortly after Dale Earnhardt had autographed the dash with a paint pen during a visit to the Northwest. At the time, it was a novelty, but now with almost 30,000 miles, the signature is perfectly preserved, and a daily reminder of the legend himself. Heroes live forever---- 02/18/2011

  Welcome to Heritage Place Subdivision, located in Medford Oregon.  Just off Ross Lane in Medford, Heritage Place Subdivision will provide QUALITY, well built, and affordable homes to Medford Oregon residents in an desirable area.  Prices will range based on upgrades and amenities the Buyer selects.   We have two model homes that are available for showing appointments at 641 Heber Lane, and 2353 Dahlia Way.  Many homes are under construction and are currently available for purchase. This is an opportunity to get into an affordable home in a desirable location, don't miss it! Built By High Caliber Home Builders, Inc.  CCB License Number 192397.     It is important to note that this location will qualify for 100% USDA financing, for VA, FHA, and Conventional Financing.  If you want to f... 02/18/2011

  Medford is famous in the US for its succulent pears. Bosc, Comice, d'Anjou, Bartlett, and Winter Nellis pears are all grown here. Its economy is centered around agriculture and timber products, and visitors will see miles and miles of fruit and timber trees in the area. It is a popular place to live in Southern Oregon.   Its proximity to Ashland and Jacksonville draws many tourists who wish to take advantage of Medford's lower room and restaurant rates while visiting those cities. Medford is also in a central location for visitors who wish to access recreational areas such as Oregon Caves National Monument, Crater Lake, and the Rogue River Valley.     Population: 77,240 (2009) - metro 207,010   Density:  2,910.5 / sq mi (1,124 / km²)   Restaurants   Kaleidoscope Pizza, Bistro 5, Morn... 01/31/2011

Closing Costs This is the last installment of the "Selling a House in Oregon" blog series. Hopefully we all learned something from this series. You may want to educated yourself about closing costs and not be surprised later in the future of some due payments. In Oregon, you can expect to pay for some or all of the following charges - called "closing costs"-at the time you sell your home: Broker's commission Survey Title insurance Recorded release of mortgage Transfer taxes Attorney's fee Home inspections Specific Performance In Oregon, a seller who agrees to sell a particular property must do so unless the buyer fails to meet all the terms of the purchase agreement. This is called " which is a legal action to compel performance of a contract. For this contract remedy, a court can orde... 01/28/2011

  This is still part of the "Selling a House in Oregon" blog series. Before we go to the closing costs, let us first exam the title restrictions on your home.   When you're buying a home, you're buying more than bricks, mortar and wood. You're buying the legal title to the home and the land it sits on. A "title" gives you the right to hold, use and enjoy the property and the right to exclude others from holding, using and enjoying it. So, it's understandable for a buyer to think that he or she will be able to do anything he or she wants to do in and to the home, and whenever the mood strikes. However, you may be surprised to find out that you don't have such freedom and that there are title restrictions on your home and property that limit the use of the property and even how you want o... 01/27/2011

  Most likely, agents spend hours using Craigslist, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and countless other tools to get their listings out there, and the competition is tight. A wide distribution of listings across the web isn’t enough to grab the attention of potential customers. Let’s face it, most real estate classifieds listings look the same. Your reputation is what should make your listings pop on top. Faceified is a free service that enables real estate agents to build, manage, and showcase their reputations in all of their classifieds listings, helping them to stand out on Craigslist and giving them a leg up on the competition.   How it Works: 1. Request reviews from past customers Your past customers love you. Let them help jumpstart your reputation and be your biggest advocates on Fa... 01/26/2011

One of the biggest problems in the Short Sale market is buyer loyalty.  So many buyers write on a short sale but continue to look for homes.  Once they find something else...they terminate their purchase agreement on the short sale.  This creates huge problems for both the distressed home owner as well as the listing Realtor.   If your lender happens to be Bank Of America, a new buyer means you have to start the process all over.  Wells Fargo customers are under strict time frames for getting documents back and closing so if the buyer walks...and there isn't a back up offer to send the bank the file is kicked out of the system and must be restarted once a new buyer comes to the table.  This creates huge head aches for the seller and listing Realtor...not to mention extreme  risk to the... 01/25/2011

We're dining out again and buying airlines tickets. But is it a comeback? Consumers have been the engine driving growth in a country. Since the crisis started in 2007, consumers have witnessed as their most prized assets, investments and homes, decreased much of their value. They have felt less fortunate, so they've save more and spent less as they paid off debts from overspending. But things are starting to look up for the consumer, even if ever so slowly. Still wary, but improving retail sales in late November and December gave rise to the idea that expenditure will continue to pick up in the coming months. It's two steps forward, one step back. Dennis Jacobe, Gallup Poll Chief Economist, noted that daily consumer spending in retail shops, restaurants, gas statiions and online shoppin... 01/21/2011

  Portland, Oregon: Best City For Gen-Y Population: 551,302 Median monthly rent: $1,200   Average & Median = Area$435,400 & $385,000 = Lake Oswego, West Linn$410,200 & $340,000 = West Portland$364,300 & $336,700 = Northwest Washington County$304,400 & $275,000 = Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Wilsonville$283,500 & $247,000 = Northeast Portland$259,900 & $239,800 = Milwaukie, Clackamas, Happy Valley$252,900 & $229,000 = Oregon City, Canby$237,500 & $205,400 = Southeast Portland$235,600 & $214,200 = Beaverton, Aloha$230,300 & $224,900 = North Portland$226,200 & $208,000 = Hillsboro, Forest Grove$213,000 & $200,000 = Gresham, Troutdale Why here: It's green and it's gorgeous. Rents are a bit higher, but some big companies pay well, such as Intel, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Legacy Health Sy... 01/19/2011

  I will be on the radio show "The Real Estate Show" KMED 1440 on Saturday live 10:00 am talking about market updates & distressed properties, rebroadcast will be on Sunday at 4:00pm.     You can also listen to the live stream online. Just click on the radio below. 01/18/2011

      More and more of the people who follow you online have a short attention span. We are constantly being distracted by email, phone, Facebook, Twitter, text messages and more. How do you make people turn their heads and capture attention? Video! Video kindles emotion, it makes you stand out,it tells a story, and it gets your point across faster! Like most real estate agents, video is likely the last type of content that you are actively using online to promote your business.   I mean, it seems much harder to make one than it really is and most people get stuck with what to say. However, making a video and posting it online can be made easy. Just follow the steps below.     5 easy video rules: 1. Get an easy to upload camera. – This camera lets you automatically upload your videos to... 01/18/2011