BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 212 A Brother's Love

A message from Dillon Kramer to his brother Griffen Kramer posted on facebook:

rip gmoney...u will always be missed and i luv u..u were a great older bro and a mentor to me, u were my laughter, my happiness, my emotions..i luv u so much, u will always be in my mind and heart. i send my prayers.

From a brother's heart comes mighty love!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Kramer family.

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 211 30 Years

Tonight is my 30th high school reunion and just a funny set of coincidences. My oldest is the senior class president at Agoura, and the homecoming game was last night against Calabasas which happened to be the same opponent for our homecoming game in 1981. Now putting those things aside, where did the 30 years go? I will look forward to seeing how 30 years has worn on all the classmates. I have tried to review many on facebook and realize, I won't recognize quite a few.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 210 Hendricks Team

Here is a shout out to Chris Hendricks at OnQ Financial. I have worked with Chris for over 12 years and he and his team have successfully closed so many loans for us. Last month alone, I think he did 4 for us. He is also the expert when it comes to lending at Malibou Lake. Last night my group had the great privilege of joining Nicole, Lisa and Chris for a fun get together at Malibu Cafe. For anyone seeking a loan, I strongly recommend Chris, his team and the service and knowledge they provide. Here is a a snapshot of his team and link to their site. www.chloan.com

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 209 Finally

720 days on the market but only 60 days with my group before we sold it. But here is where the finally comes in. 3 appraisals and 2 reviews that took over 2 months. The range in appraisals was over $300,000. This house sold in multiple offers and the struggles with the appraisers has been astonishing. The lack of comparables coupled with appraisers that were out of area and had no clue, made this transaction arduous. Here is a tribute to the buyers and their agent who remained patient and calm and to the sellers who allowed for the necessary time, so that the process could be completed. Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end. Finally!

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 208 Wine Country

Who would have thought that the hills above Agoura would have become rich with wine growers. From Scrub Oak to Cabernet, the hills are flowing with great wines from local enthusiasts. Cielo, Rosenthal, Semler and so many more. Not only rich with wine but the locations to enjoy these fine wines and indulge in music and fun is extraordinary. The Sip on Kanan, the Cornell Winery on Mulholland, Malibu Family Wines on Mulholland Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch and the Old Place. So if you are driving about through the Santa Monica Mountains, make sure you plan some time to stop, relax, taste the wine and listen to the sounds of the Agoura/Malibu wine country.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 207 Modern Westlake Village History

Excerpts from Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce

In l963, the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company bought the 12,000 acre ranch for $32 million and, in partnership with Prudential Insurance Company, commissioned the preparation of a master plan for a “city in the country.” Prominent architects, engineers and land planners participated in designing a unique, integrated community that has become a nationally acclaimed model for the planned community concept. “The city in the country” was named Westlake Village and soon became recognized as one of America’s most successful suburbs and finest areas to live, work and raise a family.

Today, a population of 8,905 resides within this beautiful, natural environment of award-winning neighborhoods, thriving businesses and enviable lifestyles. The original master-planned community of Westlake Village is transected diagonally by the Los Angeles and Ventura County line. The Los Angeles County side, consisting of 3,456 acres, was incorporated as the City of Westlake Village in 1981 and became the 82nd municipality in Los Angeles County. The Ventura County side, comprised of the remaining 8,544 acres of the original Russell ranch, was annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks in two portions in 1968 and 1972. The wisdom of the master planners in preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the area is evident today in the consistent growth and vitality of Westlake Village.

We love working in this area!

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 206 Cancel or Extend

What do sellers do with buyers that want to extend their contingencies? I think it's simple. If there is no other buyer and there is a likely possibility that the current buyer will close, then a seller should stay the course. The waters are not rich with multiple buyers and I am strongly in the camp of allowing a buyer to take the time, even if extra is required, to finish the escrow process. Don't be a stubborn seller!

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 205 Odyssey Over

The odyssey ended today with my 3 brothers and 2 nephews. I can only say it was an incredible experience, one that I will not forget. Fishing, discussions, and storytelling that will certainly go unmatched for years. Last night, we ended our journey at the Shady Rest Restaurant on Qualcom Beach recapping the day's events and the issues and concerns consuming all of our lives that await our return. It was 3 days of unbridled fun that so reminded me of the times we had growing up at the lake. If money and time allow, this journey would occur on an annual basis. My fear is that the issues and concerns of our lives will prevent us from experiencing this on a regular basis. I guess only time will tell. Here is a shot of me and Dylan, with 4 of the fish that will travel home with us for one exceptional feast for family and friends. I only hope that while sharing with them, they will laugh at our stories, taste the waters of Vancouver Island and celebrate with us some time away from the normalcy of our routines.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, heading home!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 204 Where's Dave

Yes, Dave is gone for a couple more days, and yes, his team is covering for him. As of this morning, a small creature has taken over his chair. He doesn't make a sound, he keeps his eyes open and he is hungry!

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 203 The Old Man and The River

I felt Hemingway's pain today! Yes it might have been more moderate than 2 days on the ocean fighting a Marlin but over a half hour of landing this Chinook caused a few aches and pains to surface. Simultaneously we have two offers going on two properties back in California. It is great to have a team that is able to help while I'm out having a great time. Total tally at the cannery so far, meaning what we will be able to ship home: 3 Coho Salmon and 2 Steelhead. One more day on the river, it goes by so fast!

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 202 Kingfisher

Day 2 of the Vancouver Island odyssey with my brothers and nephews. Fishing begins in earnest in the morning but on the way home from the Little Qualcom River, here is the little guy we found on the side of the road. A Belted Kingfisher who we have affectionately called Lawrence. He is in by the fireplace with us this evening as he recuperates from a brush with a car. After fishing in the morning we will take him to a wildlife rehab facility. If I were at home, he would be rehabbed in the kitchen or if I were staying for a month, he would be back diving on the trout in a week or two.. The challenge is that the Kingfisher eats fish and not fish prepared at Wood Ranch. The island is spectacular, full of monumental scenery and a plethora of wild things. I look forward to the Stamp River and Steelhead in the morning and I am confident my team will hold the fort down while I am away.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 201 California Dreaming

Can you believe this shot.. Sitting at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Factory on the pier in Santa Monica, we watched as the sun slipped back into the ocean. It was awesome! From our vantage point on the pier you really saw the best of everything CA has to offer. From there it was off to the Foo Fighters for a pretty amazing show at the Forum.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 200 Not Always Wide Open

200 days of this! The thing about a daily blog is not the effort required or the time, it's the content that is so challenging. If I could blog all the behind the scenes stuff that really goes on it would be way easier. There is a dark side of emotions behind the scenes, yet most of the time my focus is on happy new beginnings. I think most people would be blown away by the the heartache that accompanies this business. Not heartache as it pertains to our group, but the anguish that hits families behind the scenes. Unless you have been at the table and seen the tears, felt the pain, most would be oblivious to how emotional this business can be.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 199 Follow up from Yesterday

One more picture from Via El Cerro. Very easy to picture a relaxed evening sipping your favorite Cabernet. Take a look at the famous local mountain with the last rays of sunlight saying goodbye to another day.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 198 Unleash Your Fantasies

Coming Soon!!! Imagine living in the beautiful region of Tuscany, marveling at ancient architecture, drinking fine wines and exploring pedestrian paths through rolling hills, taking time to appreciate the big sky views, majestic mountains and powerful sunsets. Why not own this lifestyle on 5175 Via El Cerro? Tucked in the exclusive La Serena Estates of Dos Vientos, with a feeling of privacy as part of its charm, lies a spectacular Tuscan villa with a dazzlingly marriage between the historic and the high-tech, preserving its enormous charisma while adding all the features of a contemporary home. Check out the tour on our website, www.TheMcLaughlinGroup.com.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 197 Thoreau Circle

Here is our newest one, cul-de-sac location, 5 beds, 2 baths, nicely upgraded on a superb lot.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 196 The Challenge

26 days away from Halloween and just wanted to issue this challenge. I carved this one up a couple years ago and as I recall it took me about 25 minutes. So as you start to carve them up, send us a picture and we will post them for all to see. okay, now the truth...it took me about 90 minutes.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 195 Threepeat

No it's not the Lakers or the Yanks, this is the threepeat that keeps me going and going and going. Did I say and going? These three are stunning, happy, smart, athletic, beautiful and if I'm ever going to brag, it will be about these three.

This is Dave, dad of the Mclaughlin Girls, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 194 Self Talk

So the company offered a brief seminar on positive thinking. Under this broad subject was a dialogue on "How is your self talk?" The question: Is your brain getting in your way? Change what you say to yourself
From "I'm feeling... - To "I'm feeling...
Angry - Disenchanted
So instead of I'm feeling Angry it would be I'm feeling disenchanted
Fear - Wonderment
Hurt - Dinged
Jealous - Overloving
Frustrated - Fascinated
Lazy - Storing Energy
Overwhelmed - In Demand
Embarrassed - Aware
AND FINALLY
Pissed off - Tinkled

I will use a few of these new words in a sentence now to see if I feel more positive and to see if this "self talk" stuff really works.

I was in demand (overwhelmed) today with the 6 appointments and 2 soccer games and 4 counters but was storing energy (lazy) getting a late start watching TV. I was aware (embarrassed) that my zipper was down and fascinated (frustrated) by the lack of team effort on the soccer field. After getting home, I was so disenchanted (angry) by the Nordstrom's bill and then to top it off, the lady was tinkled (pissed off) because I forgot to scoop the litter box.

I'm telling you all, this self talk stuff is GREAT!

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