Random Thoughts

South Florida Real Estate Agent Eaten By Python*

February 6th, 2008 Categories: Random Thoughts

*No, it’s not true. But yesterday I felt like it could have been.

I have done BPO’s in the past for lenders. A BPO is a Broker’s Price Opinion and while it is not an appraisal, it is an opinion of the market value on a given property. Lenders will usually ask for these when a homeowner falls behind on their payments or after they’ve been contacted by the homeowner to negotiate a short sale. And even after they’ve foreclosed on a property and gotten an actual appraisal on the property.

I haven’t done a BPO in months. I’ve been busy with my sellers and buyers and really have not had time to do one. Yesterday morning I was called by a BPO provider asking if I would be willing to do a BPO for a home in the Redland. I know the Redland very well and agreed, even though I had to reschedule a few appointments in order to get the report done in time for the 6PM deadline.

I did some of the preliminary work and looked up the property stats. I looked up comparable listings and sales and was ready to drive out to the property to take pictures. The Lender wanted an interior BPO so I would have to go inside the huge 6 bedroom home and the two other structures on the property and take pictures of all of it.

I am not afraid of vacant homes. I had no problem doing that. Until I arrived at the house, that is. This particular property is so far west that there are no other homes further west than it. The everglades start right there. This, in and of itself, is not a problem either. The problem was that the property was so overgrown that I was afraid of getting out of my car. Heck, I was afraid of my car itself being swallowed up by it.

The overgrowth was about 9 feet in places. Can you say monster python boys and girls? The property was bordered on 3 sides fully by more overgrown land…15 feet high overgrowth! As much as I would have enjoyed $90 to fill up my car for 3 days, I know my limits. I called the BPO providers and bowed out.

My friends and colleagues are always reminding me that I live “in the boonies,” as they fondly like to refer to the Redland. I beg to differ. I live 4 miles east of the boonies (and I still live west of Krome!). I was there yesterday.

Crocodile Magee debuts?

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Balmy New Year

January 1st, 2008 Categories: Random Thoughts

Here’s wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2008.

If there was something you wanted to accomplish in 2007 but didn’t, you have a fresh start, so to speak. I know you can claim a fresh start any day of the year, or week for that matter, but why buckle tradition? Set your sights on what you want and go for it.

My best to you and yours.

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Holiday Thoughts For A Smaller World

December 20th, 2007 Categories: Random Thoughts

I have a Google Alert set up for the word “Redland.” It lets me know when something about “Redland” hits the web.

This morning it alerted me to this story. It’s a tragic story about a 13 year old boy who lost his 5 year old brother, mother and grandma to a house fire in Maryland. (Redland Middle School was mentioned in the story…that set of my Google alert)

As a blogger, I stay in touch with bloggers throughout the country. Upon reading the story, I emailed my buddy Bob Carney to ask if this was anywhere near him. It turns out the tragic incident happened only miles from him.

Our world is getting smaller because of technology. I hear about things happening here and there and I immediately think of blogging friends I have in those places.

As my heart broke for this boy I thought I’d pass the story along. Maybe just one person will read it because of me and decide to donate to his cause. Details on how to donate are the bottom of the link to the story above. Here it is again anyway.

I have a 13 year old nephew. I have a 13 year old daughter. I know the insecurities that plague the passing of childhood and the transition to adulthood. Add to that this horrific incident and I cannot imagine what this poor boy is going through!

As you plan your holidays and get caught up in the hustle and bustle of them, won’t you stop to think about the LOVE that is behind it all? It is my sincere wish that you will show some of that love to this child this Christmas.

Don’t underestimate the power of a single good deed.

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Punchy Friday’s Back!

November 24th, 2007 Categories: Random Thoughts

Due to the holiday I almost forgot my entry. Here’s my latest Punchy Friday submission a day late. I post this with a little trepidation, lest I be perceived as one who can afford to buy such toys with her commission check. Just for the record, I can’t. I saw this beauty on the Florida Turnpike and snapped a picture. And the fact that I was on the Turnpike should dispel any rumors that I never leave the Redland. I do. =)

Spoken by Chris Hotz | Discussion: 3 Comments »

Happy Thanksgiving

November 22nd, 2007 Categories: Random Thoughts

Happy Thanksgiving from The Blog That Ate Miami.

I have much to be thankful for and pray that it is the same for you.

Warm regards,

Maggie Dokic

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You’ve GOT To Be Kidding Me!

June 8th, 2007 Categories: Random Thoughts

T.G.I.F. (Thank Goodness It’s Friday– yeah it’s a little different than the original version)

This is my very first Punchy Friday post so it may not be quite what I intend for a Punchy Friday post. I guess with practice it may evolve and offer it’s own personality.

Anyway, here’s my post, short as it is:

‘You’ve Got To Be Kidding Me!’

I overheard some agents talking in the office this week. Apparently someone had been speaking with a seller at a listing appointment and the seller told the agent the property had a guesthouse.

The agent looked surprised. She had pulled the county records and there was no indication of a second structure. When they went outside she discovered the ‘Guest House’ was actually a Teds Sheds shed that had been put up on concrete blocks. Ahhhhhh, all the comforts of home. And we’re supposed to keep a straight face as we take buyers through the property and point out the guest house?

Spoken by Chris Hotz | Discussion: 3 Comments »

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