BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 291 Keeping it Together

What a phrase! I think most Realtors truly understand the meaning of this now. The spoiled days of yester year are far behind and now, keeping it together through these transactions, can be brutal. I think the most frustrating and difficult task is dealing with these appraisers. Where do they come from and how did they get here? I do feel like they are alien-like...no accountability, no reasons, no willingness to listen and if you get one that's nice, thank your lucky stars that you got E T on one transaction because on the next one, you may be facing Sigourney Weaver's nemesis. Oh well, keeping it together is where we earn our keep.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 290 Rubbing it in

While the rest of the McLaughlin Group is working away at opens and showings, one member slipped off for some fun in the sun. It is great when one gets to do that but most of us don't make the ones suffer who were left behind. Laurie has sent a couple photos of the island with a note expressing her incredible joy over the beach side pool service and drink selections. Rubbing it in on your own team...shame...shame...shame. On the flip side, the office has been a little more work focused and the chatter level is way down. Go figure? Truth be told, the office may have slid back a bit on the fun meter..Oh well, we are happy that she is having fun and when she gets back, the stack of paperwork I have left on her desk, will make her wonder if the fun in the sun was worth it.


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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 289 Lake Tour

If anyone is curious about some of the homes at the lake, Janet and Kelly will be at 2170 East Lakeshore. You can swing by Sunday 1-4 and from there see a number of lake houses. Here is a an inside shot of one of the homes.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 288 Another Peek

Here is another peek at the new one on Malibou Lake.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 287 Marvel on the Lake

Well, here it is the newest and coolest house on Malibou Lake. Completed last year this architectural gem needs to be marveled at. Open loft style interior coupled with a unreal location and spectacular views of the lake and mountains. We will release for showings on Thursday and anticipate a flood of activity.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 286 Teamwork

Win together, lose together, play together, stay together.


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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 285 President's Day

In honor of all our presidents.....

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 284 The Birth of a Neighborhood Part 2

Here is a blog about The Vintage community that I wrote about a few months ago. It is fitting to revisit because two days ago we released the final phase of the development...So here it is from day 21.. Attached is a one photo of one of the new homes. Check out the our website to view the 8 new homes.

Driving through the Vintage community the other day, I reflected back on my days of hiking and looking for snakes where this community now sits. I first need to commend the developer for maintaining the character and natural beauty of this place. Obviously, when you build, the land never looks the same, but Vintage did a magnificent job of keeping it special. What is really cool is to see the transformation from a raw piece of land into a neighborhood where families are loving living there. Kids playing on the quiet street, a mother deer and fawn on the side of a newly landscaped yard, foraging away. We talk about a house becoming a home, but this is a 10 plus year endeavor where families are enjoying the fruits of a developer's vision. From King Snakes to hand shakes, from childhood play to handing the keys over. I do not think I could ask for a better 40 years, I'm a lucky guy.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 283 Fabulous Single Story

Just listed this fabulous single story in Thousand Oaks..Here is the link to our online magazine so take a peek and let us know what you think. 4+3.5, over 3600 sq ft on over 1/2 acre.

http://www.themclaughlingroup.com/ibrochure-single/index.cfm?listingid=33158

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

BLINDSWIDEOPEN - day 282 Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day,

On this day, remember those who love you, so remember to love them.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 281 Orlando

Just under 10,000 wild agents whooping it up during the state of the company address. Truly impressive that in only 29 years KW has risen to the number 2 largest real estate company and is poised in 2012 to overtake the number one spot. Lots of new technologies and ideas from all the classes and break out sessions. Market dinner tonight with the 11 members of the WLV office that ventured South for some education and some fun.


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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 280 Just Another Day in Westlake Bay Paradise

Hi, I'm Laurie's mom. I was walking my tiny Maltese, Gundy, through my condominium complex this morning, reflecting how blessed I am to be living in such a lovely community. There must be 500 trees in my neighborhood, from plum to pine, to sycamore, and even the ones without leaves look beautiful.

I remember reading that Dave & his group sold 60 homes last year -- 60 homes, even with this slow economy. Then I realized one of the reasons why......who wouldn't want to live here? Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura, Oak Park -- the list goes on and on, and every area is as perfect as the last. Of course, I have to admit that Dave and his staff are pretty awesome, with a work ethic that's hard to beat. I may be biased, but having been a teacher for over 26 years, I definitely know an A+ when I see it!

This is Sandy,Laurie's mom,from The McLaughlin Group,keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 279 Winter Blues

Funny how so many people suffer from depression in the winter months from lack of sunlight, fresh air and warmth. We Southern Californians rarely have that excuse. What a fantastic day we have. It doesn't cost a thing....get out there, soak it up, breathe it in and hold that smile. Not many people in the United States have received this gift today. Enjoy!!

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 278 The Blood of Life

So appreciative of our clients who showed up today to provide the blood of life to the kids served by LA Children's Hospital. I am always moved by those who take the time and offer their energy, blood, charity, and gifts to those who are in need. What a fantastic opportunity we had today to offer children more hope than they had when the day started. The impact of life giving blood to just one may change the world someday. Thank you again to all who gave.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 277 5 Years

Talk about time flying by. I blogged just 5 days ago about 18 years and Kelsey but today I blog about 5 years with Miley. Hard to believe I get another chance at raising another daughter. What a truly remarkable daughter this one is; sweet like the sweetest candy, beautiful, sensitive, caring and full of life. The bluest eyes one could ever imagine and 5 years ago today, she came out via c-section reaching for the stars. I took this shot right after delivery and since those initial screams she has been a dream child. The cycle of life for me began again; coaching soccer, trips to the zoo and all the things I did when Kels and Kins were that age. Miley has been a shot of adrenaline to me. She keeps me young, happy and energized. She looks up to her sisters and worships the ground they walk on. She is a sweet sweet blessing to her grandparents and a gift to her entire family. 5 Years ago today I had my 3peat, There is nothing better in this life than a little daughter who thinks you walk on water. Happy Birthday, Miley Rae, you are very very special!

This is Dave, proud dad of Miley, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 276 Eli vs. Tom

Those were two great QBs doing battle yesterday and I thought how for two weeks, they planned, schemed and prepared for the big game. I compare it to a listing appointment when I know I'm up against a really good agent. I know, it's not a football game but it is a competition with a winner and loser and I like to win. So, when we I have a listing appointment, it's game on. With a goal of 80 listings for the group, we can't afford to have a bad game. 10 AM Tuesday morning, the front doorbell will ring and the kick off is underway.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 275 Image at Lavaggio

Image for so many people is so important and it starts with pulling up in your automobile. This will be the 3rd blog in the series on Lavaggio. We are so pleased to be partnered up with them and highly recommend their services. If you are someone who uses your car as a mobile office, you will want to make sure that Lavaggio is a frequent stop for you. When you drop by please tell Lydia that The McLaughlin Group sent you their way.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 274 18 hours that led to 18 Years

I can't believe 18 years has gone by so fast. It was a windy night at Westlake Hospital when Kelsey popped out after an easy 18 hour labor. :) Easy for me that is. Today I reflect on what an amazing daughter I have. First memory was waking up at 2 in the morning on 1/17/94 thinking this is it and being a first time Dad, I did not think the earth would shake but it was shaking big time. Of course it turned out to be the Northridge quake but just a couple weeks later Kelsey shook our world with her appearance. I remember holding her and crying and was so taken with the little bundle. Kelsey has been a dream daughter. Smart, beautiful, athletic and kind and if you asked any of her friends or family, they would all echo the same thoughts. The Senior Class President at Agoura High, Co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and headed off to SMU in the fall. I am super proud of the young lady and my greatest honor in this life is to be called her dad. 18 hours that led to a truly amazing 18 years. Happy Birthday Kelsey, you are one very special young lady.

This is Dave, proud dad of Kelsey, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 273 Lavaggio Platinum Club Membership

Treat yourself to a 12 month Platinum Club Membership to Lavaggio. This is a $4,600+ value for only $1,975 plus an additional 20% off if you bring in this blog page! What do you get?
EVERY DAY - Full service signature wash
EVERY QUARTER - Ultimate detailing
WHEN YOU NEED IT - New vehicle protection
WHEN YOU NEED IT - Lease return detailing
PLUS - Complimentary dining from Bellini Bistro, access to meeting rooms, concierge services, special events, executive shuttle service, priority scheduling and preferred member pricing on additional services.

Can you get any better than that???

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 272 Car Detailing At A New Level

Hey there,

This is an introduction to our newest blog partner in our network of vendors that we highly recommend. I had the great pleasure of meeting Lydia Derian who is the manager and spokesperson for Lavaggio, a high end auto detailing shop on 30205 Canwood Sreet in Agoura Hills. This high end shop coupled with this high energy lady is sure to make all of our car lovers very very happy. I look forward to a long lasting relationship and please make sure to print out out first page of the blog and experience a car detailing experience like no other. For the next couple of days we will highlight what they do better than anyone else and we are so excited to promote this dynamic new business in Agoura Hills. Our blog offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

Lavaggio is an evolution of an idea that began with The Agoura Hills Car Wash. It was created to provide top-quality and customized detailing services for car owners of Southern California who demand excellence. The mission at Lavaggio is to improve the level of workmanship, provide unsurpassed client care with concierge and executive services, provide a lush but comfortable waiting environment for our clients – all at affordable prices! This place is unbelievable! Go to their website, www.lavaggio.net, and navigate through their service menu to see the many packages that are available to meet anyone’s needs. Lavaggio takes professionalism to new heights. This shines through from the moment you arrive at the state-of-the-art detailing facility until they deliver your vehicle to you. As a bonus, Lavaggio is offering 20% off any car service you desire. Simply print the first page of this blog and bring it in. This is a MUST DO!

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 271 A Buyer's Eyes

Showing a lot of property lately to buyers and this is the predatory look I see in most buyer's eyes. You can see they are hungry, sharp and very focused on getting the best possible buy!Nothing wrong with that. If you are a buyer there is nothing wrong with sitting in the tree, waiting for the right meal (deal) to rush out of the brush and strike. The bird is an Eagle Owl that a local falconer brought by for a peek...Awesome Creature

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 270 Sunny Smiles

Unbelievable morning! If you did not wake up with a smile on your face after looking outside, crawl back in bed, pull the covers over and pause for 5 minutes. Start over and repeat the process 3 times and if you are still not smiling, seek medical attention immediately, for I fear you are not well. For the rest of us, we will race towards sunset with much to accomplish, enjoy and appreciate and we will do it with sunny smiles on our faces.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 269 Sunset over Sugarloaf

Driving home last night, I had to stop and take this shot of this majestic Oak and Sugarloaf Mountain. The photo made me a bit melancholy as I pondered the sunset and the symbolic picture of what the sky had painted in front of me. The sunset is so different from the sunrise, both strikingly beautiful, but, they are as far as the East is from the West. Sunset: The end of life or a relationship. Sunrise: life springs forth and hope lives in the new day. Sunset: The flowers of the fields fade into darkness. Sunrise: The flowers unfold and their colors reflect the piercing morning light. Sunset: The predators rise up in Africa and death rules the darkness. Sunrise: The prey bounds for joy as they have lived to see another day. And my favorite of all, Sunset: My cellphone stops ringing. Sunrise: Ring Ring Ring...Hello this is Dave.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 268 Hot New Property

This First Neighborhood home in Westlake Village is going on the market later today. This premium cul-de-sac lot with pool and spa will go fast! Copy and paste the link below to see the digital magazine.

http://www.themclaughlingroup.com/ibrochure-single/index.cfm?listingid=32970

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 267 The Scare

While showing property today at the Vintage Community, I received a disturbing phone call about the website. The site was directing people to a different location other than our site. Thankfully our web operators in Minnesota answered the call and had the domain up and running again. A most horrifying thought considering all the money we spend on the sites and losing www.themclaughlingroup.com would be unimaginable. The stomach and nerves were churning but they resolved it at 6pm so I was able to eat after all.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 266 Here Comes the Rain

I don't know folks, I thought it was supposed to be here sometime today. Really glad that it did not come. We snuck in a photo shoot and have a late afternoon showing and the bigger bonus is, I won't have to sit in the rain tonight for the girls soccer game. We do need a little spray to freshen up the hills but I hope it comes while we sleep away and dream of sunny days.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 265 Annual Shout Out

Every year I try to shout out to all my friends and family asking for referrals. If any of you know of someone who is interested in buying or selling, please pass them along to our group and we will do our best to give them the professional service that they deserve. I hope 2012 is great for all of us!


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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 264 Our Resolutions

These New Year's resolutions are popular year after year.

1. Drink Less Alcohol
2. Eat Healthy Food
3. Get a Better Education
4. Get a Better Job
5. Get Fit
6. Lose Weight
7. Manage Debt
8. Manage Stress
9. Quit Smoking
10.Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
11.Save Money
12.Take a Trip
13.Volunteer to Help Others

Come on. Are you kidding me? My resolution was to call my mom more often. Dave's was to let his hair grow out a little longer. Kelly's was to go blond like the rest of the group. Dylan's was to be more like Dave. Janet's was to win the lottery. Shawn's was to learn to dance, SHIZAM!

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 263 Condo in Calabasas

Looking for a great starter or nice investment? Stop looking because you have found it. 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms, private patio, lower end unit, gated community with pool and gym..Superb location.

Below is the link to the our online magazine.

http://www.themclaughlingroup.com/ibrochure-single/index.cfm?listingid=32198

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 262 The Hounds

Okay, do you think someone got carried away with the past glories? I can say for certain I had nothing to do with these photos. However, it is a good shot of the hounds in the Orange of Oregon State and the Green of Tulane.

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