BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 59 Giving

I'm pitching; hope you don't mind. I volunteer with a fantastic cancer support group, The Wellness Community, in Westlake Village. It provides a home-like environment where people with cancer, their families, and friends can come to gather information, support, and learn tools that may be helpful in fighting cancer; all free of charge. Super cool; includes yoga classes, meditation, group therapy, and kids' classes to name a few. We are having an incredible fundraiser Friday, May 6th, at the 4 Seasons; great food, live auction, fantastic entertainment and a good cause. Please join us; go to www.twcvv.org/ and click on the Celebration of Life 20th Anniversary Gala. It's so nice to give back :)

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 58 Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word

Why is it that this word makes most people uncomfortable? Elton sang about it. I think I know the answer and would love to hear about your theory. When we say the word, we are admitting to some type of transgression or mistake so that makes most people uncomfortable. No one likes to admit they're wrong. On the receiving end it might be that we are so used to hearing sorry that we are skeptical. Is the person delivering it truly sorry or just providing lip service? Is the word overused by some and rarely used by others? Of course it is! However, I believe that in saying it or receiving it, there is a certain sense of relief offered to both sides. Similar to how Aloe relieves a sunburn, the word sorry also soothes. One of the toughest things in this business is to say you're sorry, move on and attempt to do it better the next time. For a peaceful nights rest, here is my advice: Accept apologies with grace and deliver apologies with humility.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 57 New Team Photo

New Group, new dynamic, fantastic setting.....can't complain.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 56 My Girls

Time flies! It's already Spring, the rain has stopped, it'll be 85 this weekend and we're already in the second decade of the millennium! Hold on! Time goes by so fast and sometimes I have to sit down and notice the beauty and fun that I have in my life. This picture represents both; all my fun and such beauty. Hi girls, thanks for being in my life; nothing better. Ahhhh, this is why I work 7 days a week.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 55 Glee

This is the expression that The McLaughlin Group wants to see on all of our clients' faces the day we close escrow.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 54 Amateur vs. Pro

My sister Kelly comes running down the office hall and yells at me to come quick, there is a big Rattlesnake outside the office window. As I run out, I grab an open house flag so I would be able to corral the snake. It is a beauty, fat and nearly 4 feet and a dark greenish/brown color. I am outside the window where 10 or so agents (mostly ladies) are looking out in awe, as I attempt to lift the snake with the flag back up into the bushes. As I look up the hill I see this man bounding down the hill towards me and I immediately recognize him from watching Animal Planet with the kids. It is none other than South African Jules Sylvester, and as he approaches I can feel my insecurities rise. He calmly says "I'll take it from here" but what I heard was "Sonny boy, you are out of your league and would you get out of my way and let the pro handle this?" With one swift move Jules has the snake in his hand, liftes it up in front of the window and kisses the back of its head. Humiliated, I slither back to my office. I quickly soothe my ego and think to myself that I could probably throw a ball farther than Jules. Oh well, it really was fun watching the Pro.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 53 In Your Face Marketing

What a cool job I have. Part time work, awesome office with deck and views, desktop coffee machine, ample supply of Trader Joe's dark chocolate covered raisins and a sole objective to provide cutting edge, in your face marketing for The McLaughlin Group. In one year, Dave and his team of 6 have implemented a marketing plan that addresses today's market; the demand of the latest technology. Have you seen the funny looking codes for scanning that we have on all our signs and print ads? Scan them and go directly to the property website. How about our YouTube videos, Homes & Land ads, over sized mailers and social media efforts including this blog, facebook page and twitter page? Throw in the coupon offers on our blog with the hottest local restaurants and wineries and we have a perfect blend of innovation and exposure. I can't complain; it's fun, we're a success and I get my fill of caffeine and candy...yummy.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 52 Needs Vs. Wants

I think for any family or person the discussion of needs vs. wants always occurs. I think these discussions happen a lot between husbands and wives: "Honey, I need that new Range Rover." "Yes dear, and I need that golf membership." I bet many of you have had those exchanges and if you are by yourself, that mirror has a funny way of reasoning with you. "Mirror mirror on the wall, I need that new outfit." and the reasoning conscious says back, "No, you want it but you don't need it, better take a look to see what the Rack has on sale." So how are decisions reached when buying a house if there are most definitely needs but there are always lots of wants? I think the best advise is to try to get a little of both. If you can get most of your needs and some of your wants, then why extend too far? I always say, "If you get everything that is needed for $800,000 why spend a million and possibly stress yourself out down the road?" And by the way, I didn't get the golf membership and she got a Chevy.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 51 The Office

Where is our office? Many of you think my office is at the Old Place and I say that as well, and deep down sort of think that way, because 2 or 3 nights a week I stroll to my spot at the corner seat and meet and greet. You could not ask for a better location to meet new people. But I am also at Sip some evenings or The Landing during lunch. Another fine location that serves as my office is the car. In fact, more calls, issues and deals are made in that mobile office than in any other location. We have a really nice office with views and a deck, but in this business, the office is where we physically are at that current moment. You know how they say, "You can't take your work with you?"...Wrong, it travels right in the hip pocket wherever we go.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 50 Through the Eyes

One of the funniest cartoon sketches out there is the one that show a depiction of a home through the eyes of a number of different people:
Through the eyes of the seller, one sees a massive castle.
Through the eyes of the buyer, one sees a reasonable home.
Through the eyes of the bank/appraiser, one sees a dog house.
And that folks, pretty much sums up the market today.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 49 Form SPQ

This blog will be of a more technical nature because sometimes we have to talk serious Turkey if this is going to be a real estate blog. SPQ: Seller Property Questionnaire. This is a critical document for a seller who is serious about disclosing and heading off any potential issues after the close of escrow. It consists of 4 pages and asks the seller very detailed questions about past or present defects, repairs, water intrusion, alterations and a host of other pertinent information. Disclosures are meant to uncover material facts that may impact a buyer's decision to purchase a potential property. Please, if you are selling a home, take this form seriously and answer all questions to the best of your ability. Very rarely will a buyer cancel an escrow over disclosures but if they close escrow and information is withheld, seller beware.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 48 2nd String

For any competitor, there is nothing worse than being 2nd string or a non-starter. Even though you are on the team, it feels like you're on the outside looking in. You sit on the side and watch as the game unfolds, helpless to impact it in any way. How about this scenario; 3 minutes left in the game and you're sent in to fall on the ball and run the clock out, humiliating. There is the occasion when the starter does not perform and the coach sends you in. Sometimes buyers must feel this pain as their dream home slips away into the arms of some other buyer. Yet, an escrow can cancel and the buyer gets a second chance. Life is filled with these scenarios; Employee A gets the job over Employee B, a listing goes to a different agent in your company,.. Bottom line..feel good about getting in the game and when it's your turn, take your bat and swing for the fence.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 47 April Fools

I am so glad that day is over. It started with Miley (the 4 yr old) running in and saying the cat did something naughty on my bed. Now who would think that at 4, a child is already capable of duping her dad. And, she hit a perfect target with the cat scare. The day ended with my group moving my car down 2 parking lots below with me not even considering it a possible April fools joke, but a stolen car. Can you imagine as a realtor, the possible material to use on that day? How about these fine examples: Hey your appraisal did not come in, or, your dog bit the little girl at the showing, or, the buyers changed their mind and don't want your house anymore..What holds us back from doing it is the sheer magnitude of the news that we hold in our hands on a daily basis and the untold calamity of emotions that would follow. So beware if you are buying next April, we'll get you!

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 46 - Multiple Choice

OK, multiple choice exam on the picture, what is it?

A. A still shot from a plasma TV.

B. A lovely lake painting.

C. A view from the living room of our new listing :)

Answer:
Unbelievable view from 29170 S. Lakeshore Drive, Agoura, Malibou Lake. Check it out on our website, www.TheMcLaughlinGroup.com.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 45 Ludicrous

Here is a whopper of what's wrong with the way we go about things! All cash buyer with monthly dues of about $500 per month in a particular park. Park association has denied based on the lack of income but yet the buyer shows assets, liquid and property, that would allow this buyer to pay dues until the ripe age of 212 years old. So imagine, moderate retirement income yet super large bank account. This is probably is the most qualified buyer this residential community has ever seen and yet they want to see income of 3 times the dues...LUDICROUS! Having rules is important but when common sense is removed from the equation, you have to scratch your head in disbelief. I am sure we will work this out but PLEASEEEEE.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 44 Another New Listing

We love this property! The mountain, ocean and city light views are fantastic.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 43 New Listing

Check out this new listing we have in Moorpark in the gated community of Trieste Belfiori. We don't see very many properties come up in this neighborhood, so it's a great opportunity for only $724,000.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 42 The Best of You

Have you ever wondered if someone is getting the best of you?. In real estate, agents often worry if another agent is getting the best of them or in the midst of a transaction a seller worries that a buyer may be taking advantage of them. The Foo Fighters sing a cool song about someone getting the best of you. What if in each transaction, relationship, or circumstance in life we focused on "getting the best from you" instead of "getting the best of you." Bring it home and ask yourself are our clients, associates, kids getting the best from us. Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best from us. That is our groups goal.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 41 Contingencies

Does it make sense that contingencies remain in effect until a buyer removes them or a seller issues a notice to perform? Even if the seller issues the notice to perform and the buyer refuses to remove them, the seller may then cancel the agreement but what seller right now, really wants to do that? They would only do that if they had someone else lined up to pay more and multiple offers in this market are very rare. The buyers deposit is not subject to a seller laying claim to it unless the buyers breach the contract, that is they remove all their contingencies and then do not perform. This is it in a nutshell, but always consult with legal counsel for advice on the implications of these various contractual matters.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 40 Change

Anxious, unsettled, comfortable but wanting more, I decided to leave my former office and join the team at Keller Williams. Nothing to complain about and never mistreated, just looking to get out of my comfort zone. I had almost made the switch 4 years earlier but this time it was clear, and I was ready. I attended a conference in Austin and that sealed it. I knew where I wanted the team to go and I could see the mountain, so comfort was no longer an option. Change is littered with self doubt but also mixed with excitement and fear and the combination of those two emotions are powerful tools of motivation. I can say that The McLaughlin Group is now out of our comfort zone and would not dare say cruising along smoothly in the jet stream. What should be said is that we are striving to cruise but don't mind a little turbulence.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 39 A Tough Week

New office and the move, 6 closings this week, and lots of fires to put out right before all of these close. Flat on my back in the sunshine of the new office, relaxed that this week is over. This was a wild roller coaster ride and many of the issues will stay behind the scenes. What do I need? Our own Doctor of Chiropractor, Craig Sanchez, husband of The McLaughlin Group team member Shawn, who operates his practice out of Simi Valley. So here is Craig's number, and we will see you at the Doctor's office - 818-917-9406.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 38 Homes and Land

Hey, check out our cover on Homes and Land. They informed us that this cover is up for consideration for the National Homes and Land Cover of the Year. This is the property at 3737 Medea Creek and it is a beautiful home which is currently in escrow. We use many avenues at The McLaughlin Group to showcase all of our sellers' properties. I will ask them if we can have a pool party this weekend :)

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 37 New Team Member

What a great day! Janet Morton has decided to be a part of The McLaughlin Group. A non-family member but the relationship goes way back. We have had the privilege of selling two homes for her family. She has lived in the community for 24 years and is in a unique position to understand how our group functions. We look forward to her enabling us to be better at what we do. We are super excited about what she brings to the group and are eager for all of you to have a chance to get to meet her.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 36 Tortoise Heat

Here is a wild instruction from a seller to my sister Kelly on an open house day. On this particular day, it was over 85 degrees and Kelly had dressed very professionally (skirt & high heels). Here are the instructions: "Kelly, there is a female tortoise down the street who is in heat and our tortoise, Moses, has been attempting to break through the fence to reach his love." By the way, Moses is not a California Desert Tortoise but a 75 pound African Tortoise. Sure enough, Moses breaks through the fence answering the Call of the Wild and beelines for the young female. As people are coming through the open house, Kelly is down the dirt trail attempting to fight against mother nature and turn Moses around. Kelly described him as a 250 pound fullback going for the end zone. All ended well except for Moses, who was prevented from spreading the love! Moses is moving soon and hopes to find a new love in his new neighborhood.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 35 The Captain

Who is in charge of the real estate transaction? The obvious answer is the client and that is the correct one as well. However, so much goes on during a transaction that the average client does not pay attention to the details and therefore, by default, the realtor captains the transaction. Growing up on Malibou Lake, there were really no rules about boating, so I was so surprised while dining with friends at The Landing Sushi & Grill in Westlake, when the owner of a boat said "No more than 10 people on my watercraft." At first I thought he was joking, but his face, and his returning to his plate without missing a beat (bite), clearly showed that he was the captain and his rules were to be followed. In our business, the client is the captain and the captain is the boss. In our group, we recognize that fact and recognize who is the boss. We just want to be our client's first mate and help get the boat ashore safely.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 34 The Finish

Incredible experience watching so many people come across the line in such horrible weather. 26 miles in a pounding wind driven rain, unthinkable. Not knowing any of the other stories but not needing to because the reach for the summit, is a story big and grand enough. The lines at the start were long but at the finish, much longer. The ones who care for those who endured, arrived to offer support, warmth and congratulations. Some tears of joy, grimaces of pain, shivers from the cold, but mostly, small celebrations including our own, at the finish, in a small corner bar at the Shangri La.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 33 The Summit

On the eve of the LA Marathon, I write the blog thinking about the Dodger Stadium drop off and then the Lobster Shack at the Santa Monica Pier finish line. I will be nursing my martini and waiting for the wife to come across the line, and pondering what possesses the thousands of people to endure this painful objective. I get it if you are a world class runner but what about the common folk. You have to admire a flame deep within that sparks someone to attempt something that pushes the human body beyond it's normal capacity. So tonight, as she brushes her teeth, I will put my hand across her forehead to see if she has some type of exotic fever, and realizing she does not, will congratulate her, for taking a shot at her mountaintop. My glass is always raised to those who push fear and doubt aside and go for the summit.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 32 Moving Day

Well, we are moving our office upstairs to a suite with a balcony and the group is pumped up. I thought increasing the business was super exciting to them, but in reality it's the view from the new office. I just hope when I get to the office, all of them are not out in the hammocks sipping Mai Tais. This move upstairs reminds me of what so many of you go through, but on a much smaller scale. The thrill of a new home and a new place, but what a pain moving is. Stressful for sure but in the end, the new place is all worth it. So here is a toast to New Places!

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - Day 31 Coupons

Hey everyone. Please remember to click on the blog, print up page 1 and take advantage of the great wineries and restaurants that are offering super discounts. We have a number of great places and every week or so we will be switching it up. You will love the experience that these unique spots have to offer.

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

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 30 Blogging

Day 30 has come to our blog. I was very concerned that we would not have a lot to say but that has not been the case. Plenty of stories, surprises and moments still to come. This has been a fantastic way to take 5-10 minutes a day, unwind, stretch out, share and refocus for the 2nd half of each day. I have always said the toughest part of this job is not the market conditions, way tougher, are the emotions involved in residential real estate. Managing our own is a battle in itself but throw in the other agents, the sellers, and buyers and this business can be a flaming cocktail ready to burn without warning. But those same emotions are also the best part of this job because you get to observe people across the spectrum of sentiments. It's a rainbow of personalities, that more often than not, come together for a harmonious ending. And that is music to the soul.

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