Thursday, October 14, 2010

These two video's are so funny. If you need a stress release or just need to laugh it off, do NOT pass these up. However, these are not video's for everyone.











I just wish they were written for all audiences. Anyway, have great weekend!

History of Robert Jarvis

If you think long and hard enough, there’s always a history or reason for anything that is substantial in your life.

Recently, a friend of mine stated that “branding my websites and letterheads and emails with my signature was really cool”.

I hadn’t put much thought into it after all these years, until just this week. I can remember the exact year and situation it all started.

Back in the 1980’s, I hadn’t had a ton of friends, although the friends I did have were great friends. We were all learning and discovering ourselves and becoming the admiral people we are today.

During those adolescent years, I wasn’t the model teenager either.

I didn’t study much. I didn’t lead the pack and I didn’t always follow the rules.

I was usually was looking for excuses to get out Mrs. Zappula’s homeroom, Mrs. Millette’s literature class, Mr. Dynes history class, or Mr. Szpilla’s math class. (My earliest of friends might remember the Jeep and how we DID get out of these classes)

I put a lot of effort one day into mastering both of my parents’ signatures. That year back in the 1980’s, I could put my mothers or fathers signature on anything that was school related – including report cards and dismissal notes. (This of course ended up in another story which could NOT be called “The history of Robert Jarvis”)

I also discovered that part of growing up, was becoming who we are today and what we wanted to become. For me, I identified with my fathers signature.

His signature was unique and legible. To me, it also looked powerful and confident. It was easily recognized and it was something for me to aspire to be. When I looked that signature, I knew the man behind it was honest, hard-working, open to listening to others and he made friends with anyone who came his way.

Almost overnight, I started signing everything from Birthday Cards and Christmas Cards to school papers exactly like my dad. It stuck. It was part of me forever. It is who I am today.

So, what’s behind my signature? It’s someone who meant (and still means) a whole lot and tons to me. It’s a remembrance of how I looked up to my Dad at a very impressionable young age.

Over my more recent years, when I would sign on a training document, or a lease/contract, or contingency release, I still think of my signature as one of the many things that my Dad has given me. Even though I don't think of "why" very often, I have NEVER forgotten "where" or "who" that signature came from.

It’s a signature that I am proud of and I stand behind my signature as if it were my fathers. I am Robert T. Jarvis Jr.

Robert Jarvis






robertjarvis@anopenhome.com
773-572-2362
http://www.anopenhome.com/

Saturday, October 9, 2010

President Obama refuses to sign foreclosure bill that could shield mortgage processors from liability

President Obama refuses to sign foreclosure bill that could shield mortgage processors from liability

Botched paper work and loose notarization is one thing - but the freeze on foreclosures does shed some light on part of the problem. It's like a monkey wrench thrown in...

This may provide a little more time for homeowners to recover or find a buyer to help get out of a bad situation... Or will the reverse happen? Will more upside down homeowners think this is right time to stop paying without looking for the proper help?

All to often, it appears easier on the cover to run from the stigma of short sale but I hope home owners will take this time to save their credit (err... stop a foreclosure from appearing on their credit) and reach out for help and consider a short sale.

Robert Jarvis
Keller Williams Realty
773-572-2362
RobertJarvis@AnOpenHome.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

This month in real estate - October 2010

This month in Real Estate about undervalued markets. Its a time for buyers. Recovery is underway, but you don't want to miss the opportunity to buy now or upgrade!

Robert Jarvis
773-572-2362
www.AnOpenHome.com
RobertJarvis@AnOpenHome.com

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

I hit the streets this weekend and had a BLAST doing it!

This weekend, I took to the streets to meet people and I met some really cool people. Some kids were willing to play and take a survey from me, and some just didn’t care.

At first I was asking if they would participate in survey, and about 15-20 rejections later, I asked “Why” and the responses were mostly, I’m not interested in politics. I changed my strategy and started introducing myself as a real estate agent and I have couple questions about the real estate market… and quickly I got through 49 participants.

Here were my questions and responses….

What neighborhood do you live in?

Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Rogers Park, South Suburbs, Beverly, Berwyn, Bridgeport, South Loop, West Loop, Gold Coast, Near North.
* I was surprised at the vast area's being represented while I was walking through Lakeview! Very diverse!




Are you a renter or owner?


I wasn't too surprised to see 3 times as many renters.











When I am showing properties in YOUR neighborhood, what are some of the highlights I should make sure I point out? (In other words, what is it about your neighborhood that you love?)




I wasn't surprised that while in Lakeview the top response was "Parks and Recreation" followed by transportation, food, shops and amenities...

Great schools was a surprise, and very happy to hear diversity and culture!



Who do you know that is planning on buying in todays market?




I wasn't surprised here either, but pretty dissapointed. Most people didn't know anyone. I sort of get it, but I still think this is the best opportunity to buy... if you can...






If you could move anywhere right now, where would you go?




No one choose a location with more snow or wind... Good news is that most people were either happy in their location or would stay but upgrade to larger places! And NAR says the population want to downsize!




What resources are you using to stay knowledgeable on the real estate market?




1. I can't stand what the media says. and 2. Why would you use local listing services when 80% of the listings wont/cant sell?

and 3. Ignoring the proplem doesn't make it go away...





Well, thats my survey, I found it interesting, fun, and found 2 future buyers! Thank you to EVERYONE who played this weekend! I had a blast chatting with you and look forward to seeing you at the closing table one day!

Robert Jarvis
www.AnOpenHome.com
773-572-2362
RobertJarvis@AnOpenHome.com