Up-Sizing Made Easy Thanks to a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase, Sassy senior citizen, Laury Laursen, is revved up and ready to party in her new home in Grants Pass. She is no stranger to town as she owns a home just around the corner from the home she just purchased. Though she liked the home and the neighborhood she was living in, she likes to shop and it just wasn’t big enough for all of her “crapola”. Up-sizing was the only solution so she turned to Nadine Petel of Security One Lending for help.   Who Qualifies for a HECM Purchase?   Laury, a retired Las Vegas showgirl, is loving life and sports cars, and will be able to enjoy her new home without having to make a monthly house payment or move out of her current neighborhood. Folks 62 or over can qualify for a HECM purchase loan if th... 03/09/2012

Streakin' Thru The Blogosphere.  When I was three years old, my inquisitive nature led me on a joy-ride through the streets of the San Fernando Valley on my red tricycle.  When the police found me, I was butt naked.  I've always wondered how they managed to find where I lived and return me home safely. In my later years, I quietly observed the world from the sidelines.  I had a curiosity for people, places and things.  I watched as others shook the apple tree, while I stood by and enjoyed the fallen fruit from my obscure corner of the world.  Life seemed easy, breezy, peasy when I put on my rose colored glasses.  As the years went by, my dreams of paradise faded into a cruel reality of daily drudge and dismal opportunity.  I wondered, is this all there is? Being a Spectator certainly ha... 03/08/2012

OMG... The Joke's on Me.  I had a little OMG moment last night when I received an anonymous not-so-nice email from a Realtor in my neck of the woods.  Currently, I'm the President of my local MLS Association, and we recently notified our members of an upcoming fee increase.  As a result, I've been receiving some unpleasant emails from Realtors who are understandably a little peeved.  Here's the latest: 'So you think you can get away with raising our dues, huh?  Who put you in charge anyway?  I'm pretty sure that most of you guys are all from California and think us real Oregonians can't figure out what is going on.  Your just like this government, just keep raising taxes to support all your little kingdoms.  I don't see why we need a board anyway.  Most of us can run our business with o... 03/03/2012

Slaying Dragons with a Smile!  Recently, a fellow cohort, Susan Tokarz-Krauss, asked the question... 'What have you been up to Mel?'  My reply... 'I've been guarding the drawbridge, declaring war, slaying dragons and giving notice to the next of kin while burying the dead.  Care to join me?' Melinda Peterson - President of GPMLS & Susan Tokarz-Krauss - President of GPAR It's not an easy task to manage a successful real estate brokerage while presiding as President of the Grants Pass Multiple Listing Service.  Add a serious health condition to that equation, along with a few wicked dragons, and you have a cocktail that potentially spells disaster.  But... not for this Chickypoo! Someone recently told me... 'You can't keep a good woman down!'  Isn't that the truth.  I've come to terms wit... 03/01/2012

Soakin' up Sunshine!  It's still winter in Southern Oregon, but there are signs of life budding all around.  Today, it's simply gorgeous!  The sky is blue with white puffy clouds, the air is crisp and clean and I can see the tips of daffodil buds in my front yard waking from a long winter's nap.  I'm feeling rays of sunshine stretching out their arms and wrapping me in their warmth.  My family, friends and colleagues make my world a brighter place... and for that I am grateful!  Here's a excerpt from a lovely hand-written note I received from a fellow colleague today: Melinda ~ Not that I'm any authority on this, but you're doing (have already done) a fabulous job in your position.  Owning an office keeps you busy enough, it would be easy to cruise in your GPMLS position.  But that's no... 02/19/2012

Good Things Happen in the Rain.  I've been on the receiving end of giving for many of my childhood years.  Having been raised by a disabled single mother with Multiple Sclerosis, it didn't leave us with many options, except that of welfare and church donations.  I'll never forget waiting in long lines for government hand-outs of cheese and butter.  It left a distinct impression in my mind, and one that I didn't like much. It wasn't easy being the welfare kid on the block.  I hated hand-outs and how they made me feel about myself.  Because of that, I was determined to work hard and make enough money so I would never have to rely on public assistance again.  Having been there and done that, I knew a little something about charity and how important it is to help those less fortunate.   I'v... 01/29/2012

Cash, Coffee & Chocolate... A Totally Cool Thing!  This morning I received a special delivery from one of our local Title Companies.  Each time we have a closing, the title company hand delivers our check along with one (and sometimes two) of our favorite chocolate candy bars.  It's a special touch that many agents in town look forward to. I was thinking about the 'extra mile' service they give and how special it makes us feel.  It starts from the moment we get into contract, the title company opens escrow and sends us a coupon for a free cup of coffee at one of our local coffee houses in Grants Pass called Dutch Bros.  Another special touch! It occurred to me that this type of service might be unique to our area and not typical in other areas throughout the country.  Perhaps it's becau... 01/27/2012

If The Shoe Fits... You Damn Better Put It On and Wear It!  Twelve years ago, I moved from Southern California to Oregon and tried my hand at a new career in real estate.  I didn't know a single soul in Grants Pass except the Realtor who helped me buy my home.  After getting my real estate license, I decided to go to work for her as a buyer's agent.  I had some doubts about our compatibility (she was an arm-twister and I'm a relationship builder), but I said yes anyway.  It took less than a week for me to regret my decision.  The next six months felt like Mr. Toad's Tumultuous Wild Ride. After coming to my senses and realizing that it was impossible to fit a square peg in a round hole, I resigned.  Unfortunately, I had signed a non-compete, which my Realtor boss (who was also a partner ... 01/25/2012

This Biz is For the Bears!  Sometimes, it becomes beary essential to take some time off and re-energize your mind, body and soul.  I did just that a week ago when I headed to SoCal to attend my grand-daughter's 3rd birthday party... and what a party it was! My daughter (Rachael)  is a very creative gal, who has a wonderful knack for planning social events.  Every year, she comes up with a theme for her daughter's birthday, and this year the theme was... 'Ellie Locks and The Three Bears.'  Just to give you an idea of the kind of party I'm talking about, take a look at the pics below (before the bears arrived).  Some of the backyard decorations included 3 beds (Mama, Papa & Baby Bear) made into tables with handsewn bed skirts.  This Biz is Definitely for the Bears!  All of the decorations... 01/22/2012

Yesterday, I had a listing appointment with a client I had worked with 6 years ago.  Apparently, I had showed them some homes in Grants Pass but they ended up buying a home directly from the listing agent.  When they called me last week to chat about selling their home, they said they enjoyed working with me in the past.  Sadly, I couldn't remember our previous encounter. When I arrived at their home, I thought for sure I would at least remember their faces, but no such luck.  I cringed when they asked if I remembered them.  For a quick second, I wondered how I should answer that question.  Here's what I said... 'Well you know, it's been 6 years, and frankly, I have a few less brain cells since then.'  They laughed, and my little diddy set the tone for a wonderful conversation. I've fou... 01/19/2012

Stirring the Provincial Pot.  I had to grin when I read Alan May's recent title to a post, That's me in the Corner... That's me in the Spotlight!  For a moment, the title sounded like an all too familiar story.  I live in a small community where everyone knows everyone's business.  My neighbors know my comings and goings better than I do (they even take out my garbage when I'm not around).  So it's pretty obvious when the poop hits the fan, inquiring minds want to know. Last month, three of my agents left my brokerage, which caused quite a stir in my little neck of the woods.  For the past several weeks, Real Estate Cafe has become a household name in Josephine County... right up there with Cheerios and Bounty.  At first, I cringed.  My initial reaction was Ugh, what are people going to... 01/17/2012

Beautiful Brains & Funky Finesse.  It's Friday and I'm stunned how quickly this week went by.  I'm sipping my cup of Joe, about ready to attend my last meeting of the week before I hop on a plane to LA for a big birthday bash.  My thoughts are bouncing around like TIGGER to several great conversations I've had with some brilliant colleagues these past few days.  I'm blessed to be surrounded by people who challenge me to be better. I've always loved the phrase, 'Iron sharpens Iron.'  It's what drives me to hang out with people who are smarter than me.  I'm easily reeled in by those who possess beautiful brains and funky finesse.  And when they're equipped with a sense of humor that can make me laugh so hard I want to pee my pants, all the better.  There's an ease and flow to relationship... 01/13/2012

What Would Jesus NOT Do?! When I was 13, I was mentored by a lady named Mrs. Jean Turkish.  She used to tell me that whenever I encounter a questionable circumstance in life, always ask yourself... What would Jesus do?  If only I had thought to publish that phrase back in 1974!  Her question always remained in the back of my mind and it kept me from making some huge mistakes in my younger years.  I'm forever grateful to Mrs. Turkish for her wise counsel and endless encouragement.  While the phrase is still popular today, the opposite phrase (listed above) offers some food for thought... What would Jesus NOT do?!  I smiled when I saw this cartoon depiction and I thought you might enjoy reading it on this Sunday afternoon.  I wonder if Jesus would be watching the big game today between th... 01/08/2012

Coffee, Tea & Me.  Many of you know of my love affair with coffee.  Our courtship began when I was very young.  After sneaking a little sip from my mother's coffee cup,  I immediately became infatuated with Joe.  In my early 20's, Joe was my pick-me-up friend.  Every morning, we enjoyed our time together with a little cream but no sugar.  Before I knew it, Joe and I were seriously dating.  Our conversations were very stimulating and our time together was warm and exciting.  Some labeled us as 'friends with benefits,' but I knew that something bigger was brewing between us.    My 30's flew by and I barely noticed that I'd become addicted to Joe.  My day began and ended, in a ritualistic fashion, holding on to  Joe and needing more.  Life got more complicated and I found myself wondering ... 01/07/2012

The Rootin' Tootin' Rollbacks of Real Estate.  I recently read an article on News Genius that said real estate values have rolled back to 2001 levels.  It made me think of the Walmart ads with the big yellow smiley face and their 'roll-back' signs.  Shouldn't today's real estate prices cause buyers to be smiling from ear to ear? There's always a price to pay when something gets 'rolled back.'  Think about all of those unsuspecting souls who paid a higher price for the same thing that's being sold today for less.  I feel their pain.  Too bad real estate doesn't offer a price guarantee like many retailers.  Wouldn't it be nice to ask lenders for a roll-back on interest rates?  Oh the thought!   Do roll-backs instill confidence or concern in the minds of consumers?  I continue to hear buye... 01/06/2012

Something Old, Something New.  I'm not exactly sure where this phrase originated, although I know it's become a tradition of sorts for new beginnings.  As we embark on adventurous plans for the new year, it's important to get naked about our personal shortcomings and professional failures of 2011.  Forging ahead in 2012 without properly purging ourselves of our past misgivings and/or misfortunes could be a recipe for future disappointment.  Here's to getting rid of something old! Something Old... I've spent the past month considering my personal and professional disappointments of 2011.  Some were easy to remedy while others were difficult to face.  Embracing them provides some valuable lessons for a brighter future. Many of my professional failures were a result of over-promising and u... 01/01/2012

The Music of the Night - Happy New Year!  Many of you will recognize this song from Phantom of the Opera.  There is something incredibly sweet and inspirational about the way these boys (Teatro) sing this song.  I thought it was a wonderful song to welcome in the New Year this evening.  I hope it brings a smile to your face as it did mine.  I'm including the lyrics, because they're just so meaningful... engage your senses and sing along :))) The Music of the Night - Happy New Year Everyone! Night-time sharpensheightens each sensation Darkness stirs and wakes imaginationSilently the senses abandon their defenses.Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendor Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender Turn your face awayfrom the garish light of dayturn your thoughts awayfrom cold unfeeling light... 12/31/2011

Happy Howlidays! May you be wrapped in the warmth and love of family and friends on this special day. May each moment be filled with joy and blessings. And may the light of the world shine brightly in your homes today and every day.      Merry Christmas and Happy Howlidays from The Naked Blogger! 12/25/2011

Dancing with the Stars of Active Rain!  Dancing is an activity that engages my senses on every level.  And music is the invitation to the soul that allows us to delight in harmonious melody on the dance floor.  Listen to this song and tell me it doesn't ignite your senses and move you.  The rhythm is exciting, enticing and engaging.  There's something quite passionate about Lawson Rollins music!   You don't have to be a dancing star to have rhythm in the Rain.  Many up and coming rainers have danced to the beat of a different drum here.  We've watched their moves and we've delighted in their grooves.  We've showered them with adulation by subscribing to their dance and featuring them on stage.  Here are a few of my favs that have engaged my senses this year... Mimi Foster waltzed into o... 12/16/2011

Dishing with Diplomacy... is really an art, perhaps a lost one.  It's easy to get a little torqued when someone pisses in your cheerios.  Who hasn't lost their cool about something at some time or another?  It's always challenging to carefully craft your responses to provocations in the heat of the moment.   I admit, I haven't always been successful in crafting my responses in pressure cooker situations, but I've always tried to be a diplomat.  When I choose the battles that are worth fighting, I'm always mindful of the potential outcome, good or bad.  It's the risk I take when I've made the decision to firmly plant my heels in the ground on an issue.  Fortunately for me, my battles are few.  Most of life's daily aggravations can be swept under the carpet for another time... or perhaps ... 12/13/2011