The McLaughlin Group Team

The McLaughlin Group Team
www.TheMcLaughlinGroup.com

Thursday, June 30, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 125 Wise Sayings

Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped.

A winner listens, a loser just waits until it is their turn to talk.

The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.

If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.

Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.

One who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger.

Go as far as you can see, and when you get there you will see farther.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 124 View Anyone?


Does this photo need any explanation? 3 Beds/2 baths, 1920's lake classic with extraordinary views. www.themclaughlingroup.com will provide more photos and all the details.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keepng it real in real estate!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 123 Marlin or Bass

How ridiculous would it look if a large ocean fishing vessel launched on one of our local lakes and the fisherman got out their marlin poles and starting trolling for the big bill fish? Then along side the marlin boat there is a young kid in a canoe with all of his light fishing gear going after bass. Stacked up against the canoe, the marlin boat is far more impressive in appearance, size, & power and the lures with their large hooks and beautiful colors dazzle all the onlookers. Just one problem, the kid in the canoe with his fake worm is catching all the fish. Less impressive for sure but far more effective. If you are a seller in today's market and your fishing for buyers looking for that big whopper marlin, you may want to make sure your bait (price) is what the buyers are eating, otherwise you will see many canoe captains catching bass (buyers) while you watch, hope, wait and even pray for a bite that just will not come.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Monday, June 27, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 122 Comments From Kins

Hi my name is Kinsey and I am one of Dave's daughters. I am the one that consistently reads my dad's blogs and then usually comment to him about his daily scribbles. Kelsey, my older sister is starting to read them more often but it is still outside her daily routine because she is soooo busy. My dad used to use a photo with us but as we got older, Kelsey and I did not think it was cool anymore. We would be at the mall and there it was, right at the entrance near the theatres. We would slither by hoping no one would notice. I do think his job is pretty cool and alot of kids always comment on seeing his sign or his ads. Well, I am off to soccer practice now and have to stop typing. This is my first blog and I hope he will let me do it again soon.

This is Kinsey, daughter of Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real for my dad!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 121 Morning Glare

Off to the gym early this morning and turning into the sun, I was almost completely blinded by the combination of a dusty window and that morning sun. Almost impossible to see. You know how they say "look up to see where you are going," if I would have followed that advice, I am sure there would have been issues. I looked down and followed the yellow lines until the shade of a few towering Oaks allowed me to see clearly. Sometimes in our transactions, there are blind spots or surprises that make us question where we are going with this sale or how we are going to get to the close of escrow date. The key is not to close your eyes and hope the issues go away, on the contrary, open them wide, find the shade in that morning glare and move down that path to your desired destination.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN day-120 Riding the Coaster

The absolute and for sure toughest part of this job is handling and dealing with the non-stop wild ride of emotions. The most accurate visual picture would be to pick out the wildest ride at Magic Mountain, get on it and ride it for 13 or 14 hours in a row. Then do it again the next day. Ups, downs, twists and turns and everything in between. The challenge for us as Realtors is to not get on that ride but watch it from the control booth. So much easier said than done. After showing a house this morning, I felt so much pain for the family and the situation that it has knocked me out of the booth and onto the tracks. Writing this will help me get back into the booth as I sort through how I am feeling about their situation. It just happens, you get close to people and feel their ride, the turns of life's unexpected events and the sudden descents that cut to the core. I'm not complaining here, this is truly an amazing job with many many more happy rides than bad ones. I am going to climb back in the control booth, push the button, release the brake and let her go around again and hopefully see the smiles as they depart from their recent real estate ride. After all, who really wants to ride on a coaster that is slow straight and flat?

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Friday, June 24, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 119 Team Effort

Yesterday, I hung a photo on the wall in the office from my very old and not to impressive football days. It reminded me again about the many parallels between my favorite sport of football and the team that I am surrounded by in my office. This particular photo captures a touchdown run and my name flashes across the scoreboard as if I did everything. It does not mention the the 10 other guys on the field that were totally responsible for the success of that play. In our group, everyone plays a significant role in almost every transaction. We strategize about how to take listings, we problem solve, we are hurt when we lose and we celebrate our successes. Those old wise words about being part of a team and the awesome life lessons that are taught: hard work, disappointment, team work, struggle, glory, victory and defeat. Those lessons learned a long time ago still apply today. It is great to be a part of a team that works and plays hard together.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 118 Awesome Pool Home


If you know anyone that wants a super cool pool home in Agoura Hills with a great open floor plan & ideal for entertaining, this is it! 30039 Trail Creek Drive-Check out all the photos at www.themclaughlingroup.com Over 3100 Sq. Ft. 4 Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms. Open Saturday 1-4.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 117 Quick Stats

Just some stats to review from NAR (National Association of Realtors)
Home Buyer Statistics
Active home search (median):
• Number of weeks searched: 12
• Number of homes seen: 15
First-Time vs. Repeat Buyers:
• First-time buyers: 50%
• Repeat buyers: 50%
• Median age of first-time buyers: 30
• Median age of repeat buyers: 49
Actions taken as result of Internet home search:
• Walked through a home viewed online: 45%
• Found agent used to search/buy home: 29%
• Drove by/viewed a home: 21%

Buyers who definitely would use same agent again: 65%

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, (hoping our repeat numbers are 100% :)keeping it real in real estate!

Blinds Wide Open -day 116 Lake Lodge


Check out our new 1940's lodge on the lake. Awesome outdoor living coupled with a cozy bungalow vibe. View all photos at www.themclaughlingroup.com

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Blinds Wide Open -day 115 Max and the Widow

Across the lake Saturday night you could see him coming in the old metal canoe. The canoe glided smoothly along and you could tell the paddler was at ease on the water. Max was in from Texas; we grew up together and he was heading over to join in on a little McLaughlin Group party we were having on the dock. Immediately upon arrival he was offered a very stiff martini which he gladly partook of. As we joked and caught up someone noticed a massive black spider in the hull. Shouts of "smash it", "step on it" and "kill it" echoed over the the warm waters. My sister and I were the only ones privy to who Max is, the others were unaware of his comfort with all things creepy, crawly and venomous. As the night wore on, Max became a little more unsteady and his balance appeared off. NO! it was not poison from the widow, but fluids provided by the aka "assassin." Max then took the not so unusual move for him, and proceeded to corral the venomous widow in a small cup. Once captured it was passed around for all to stare at. Late into the evening and I am sure well into his 4th or 5th stiff one, it was time for Max to return. The widow in the small plastic cup was placed in his pocket as he kneeled down into the canoe and made his way for home. Needless to say, the return path of the canoe was far different then the straight cut across the water we all saw earlier in the evening. He eventually did make it to the other side and now I'm quite sure has made the long drive home to Texas where he resides not only with his wife and one son but also with 100 plus reptiles, some venomous and some not, and one very big and very black, Malibou Lake widow.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 114 Father's Day

There is a stubborn old man who lives at the lake and here is a tale for you,
One of eight, a baby boy, and now sadly, left with two.
A family business, the factory of glass, all the brothers worked their ass.
Brothers off to war, the baby, too young for that door,
a Merchant Marine to see the world, back and married in 54'.
Hard work his whole life and never a break, complaint or whine,
he sacrificed and sacrificed and volunteered time after time.
The School Board, the Charger Club, Malibou Lake and more,
not rich by any standard but we were blessed with much much more.
A dad who cared and gave us his all, from tying knots
to throwing the ball.
3 jobs at times and never a rest, not missing a game, a function, he still gives us his best.
4 kids, 7 grand kids and 2 great grand kids, this man still stands, a bit more shaky, but oh so grand.
No better dad to shepard a flock, Robert Daniel McLaughlin will always be our ROCK.

Happy Father's Day!

This is Dave, from the McLaughlin Flock, keeping it real in real estate!

Friday, June 17, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 113 This One's A Beauty



This one is fantastic! A charming 4/3 Malibou Lakeside home on Crags Drive. We now have a digital brochure where you can see all our current listings. It's super cool, just click on the link below.

http://www.themclaughlingroup.com/ibrochure/

This is Dave, with The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 112 New Listings


6 new listings coming on. You have seen Deerweed Trail, here is Marks Road, and to follow Crags Drive, Darlington, Trail Creek and East Lakeshore. Marks is an awesome unobstructed view property, with end of the cul-de-sac location, and boasts over 4100square feet of light, open, living area. For more info check out the website at www.themclaughlingroup.com

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 111 Deposits

Always make sure in your friendships and relationships that you are making more deposits than withdrawals. Being in the black is way better than being in the red.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 110 Peaceful Living



Don't you just want to sit back and relax? Check out this new listing on our website, www.TheMcLaughlinGroup.com. This tropical oasis on a premier end of cul-de-sac lot with largest 4/3 model is available for only $699,000!

Monday, June 13, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 109 Looking Back Over a Few Blogs

The owls have left the attic, her leg was fractured, the website has been enhanced, it was a very good Monday, Avice will be playing more cards, The Shoemakers are at Malibu Family Wines on Friday night, all is well with Ollie Mac, Mrs. Carlson has settled into her new place, we are still seeking perks, 7 homes will change hands via our group in June and that's phat, and friends are still irreplaceable.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 108 Malibu Family Wines

Fine wine, mouth watering treats, atmosphere, energy & ambiance coupled with good friends made for a super enjoyable evening last night at the recently renovated Malibu Golf Club. The new wine tasting area is superbly done, the grounds are impeccable and rare for wineries in our hills, parking is plentiful. One other item of appreciation is the level of excellent service provided by the staff and it is apparent that they appreciate their clientele. My hunch is that our group might be called "regulars" before too long.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 107 The Firemen

Today I was showing one of our properties and as we were about to leave, the seller fell. It was a hard fall, hitting her face and it appeared as if she dislocated her knee. She was in a tremendous amount of pain and my thoughts went back to my mom when she fell and dislocated her hip. There was a helpless feeling sitting with her unable to provide any real comfort and then the fire guys showed up. I am sure she felt relief because I know I did. I was so impressed with how efficient, kind and concerned they were for her well being. It is easy to say they get paid for what they do but they brought compassion and concern and they brought hope and relief to her. They had a calming influence on her, her husband and the grand kids and they did it with warmth. It was another reminder to me about how each of us can choose the attitude we go about our jobs and our daily activities with. They had her comfortable and in the ambulance in just a short time...All in a days work..How rewarding for those guys and how lucky all of us are to have them just a phone call away.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Friday, June 10, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 106 Retirement

This is a shout out of congratulation and praise to my mother-in-law who celebrates her retirement tonight after dedicating 35 years to the noblest of professions. Avice Osmundson has been a teacher in Orange County and ends it all this year after devoting many years to inspiring our treasured youth. A lifetime of service and I am sure richly rewarded by all the lives she has touched. Congratulations and see you at the party.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 105 Website

Starting this week, you will see a new and improved layout for our Website, www.TheMcLaughlinGroup.com. Would love to get some feedback on it so log on and let us know what you think. Map features, full screen expanded photos and much more, designed to maximize the exposure of our homes.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 104 Ollie Mac

After the current release of his newest album Tim and Shanoah Curran have released their newest creation: Oliver Mac Curran born June 8, 2011 weighing in at over 6 lbs. A great healthy addition to our family and a happy happy day for all the Currans and McLaughlins.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 103 The Carlsons and Forty One Years

Today we closed on South Lakeshore and this one is a little bittersweet. The Carlsons set up shop in this house in 1970 with 4 kids. Many stories of snake hunting, fishing, night time pranks and so many positive memories with the Carlson kids. Bittersweet today because Nan & Elmer were fixtures at the lake in that big brown house and every time I drive down that street, I think of more stories that I could share with my kids. Time truly does fly by and the selling of their house today, serves only as another reminder of that cold life fact. The neat thing is another young family moves in with kids and the circle of life, neighborhoods and memories begins anew. I hope for the new family, Malibou Lake turns out to be as it was for the Carlsons, a very special place to call home. Forty one years of memories and forty one years of friendship, the lake and the McLaughlins will miss the family we grew up with in the big brown house.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Monday, June 6, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 102 Attack Monday

We have just called our Mondays here in the office, Attack Monday. When you pile into the office with 4 people who have enjoyed their weekend, stuff us all together, the smack starts to fly. From family issues to contingency removals to open houses and the weekend recap of all things good and not so good, it gets quite loud and obnoxious in this office. We attack each other, attack the new business that has come our way, attack any new ideas and as you can see, attack is not necessarily a negative word.
I am confident in your place of business, Attack Monday is a good day.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 101 Friends

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” by Maya Angelou

"Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.” Unknown

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my friend." by Albert Camus

May all of us be lucky enough to have friends that make us feel good, friends that want to tear our walls down and friends that will walk beside us. If you have that, than you must be a great friend.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Blinds Wide Open -day 100 Surprising Readership

This blog thing has now reached 100 days and what started out as a fun idea has turned out to be something pretty cool. Challenging to blog on a daily basis, therapy for me for sure, fun for the group to come up with ideas and hopefully fun for all of you on face book and the blog to get a daily dose. This is what really surprised me about the blog, the chart of where our readership has come from.

United States 4,093
Iran 145
Malaysia 35
Canada 34
Hungary 28
Germany 23
Russia 18
India 12
Greece 8
Ukraine 8

If we are to expand The McLaughlin Group, I may need to know if you have any friends in any of these countries or at least friends with vacation homes.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, connecting the world and Keeping it real in real estate! :)

Thursday, June 2, 2011

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 99 Timmy Curran Release



Yesterday Tim Curran released his new album. I said we would put him on our blog today for a little PR. A bit comical that this very accomplished surfer and now very accomplished musician asks his uncle-in-law for a little publicity. He actually did not ask and he is Dylan's client, so when something exciting is happening to someone who is special to the family and the group, we want to talk about it. Tim is a great athlete(I have learned to put surfers in that category now), fantastic musician, a super husband, father and a good friend and I hope you will enjoy Tim's new album "Options". Just click on the video and listen.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!