Manalapan, NJ – A Superior Court judge in New Jersey quashed a bogus subpoena for the identity of an anonymous blogger Friday, protecting the free speech rights of a critic writing about a local government controversy.

The Terminator said, “I’ll be back”.  Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Hollywood Terminator character had his own set of ethics.  The Terminator was action oriented and had a different take on traditional ethics.  Terminator ethics are ok for Hollywood, but we must search for ways to be more realistic and ethical as we navigate life’s many challenges.  In short, we should aim for a better way to deal with people.

Some people have a hard time learning the meaning of ethics.  Unfortunately, a few people are like Missouri Mules.  If you have worked with a Missouri Mule, you know they can be quite stubborn, thus the saying, “Stubborn as a Missouri Mule”.  Well, the Missouri Mule has an uncanny way of dealing with what is right and wrong.  These mules can have thorny dispositions and they set their own rules of conduct most of the time.  Plus, they can remember who does them wrong.  If a Missouri Mule gets upset for any reason, The Missouri Mule can kick the heck out you.  To make matters worse, the mule can kick in any direction and at any time.  It is also possible for the mule to wait until your guard is down to strike back.  They can also bit with the force of an alligator.  Therefore, never cross a Missouri Mule.

Now that we have explored the actions of a Missouri Mule, lets us move to higher ground ethically.  We do not want to have the same ethics as a Missouri Mule, so we have to be understanding and look for ways to do the right thing, even if it is uncomfortable.  Yes, we must be ethical even in the face of extreme hardship. 

For most people, commonsense ethics is quite straightforward.  We grew up knowing the difference between right and wrong.  A reasonable approach to rock solid values is straightforward.  Respect, honesty, fairness, responsibility, and good manners are proverbial ethical values.  In addition, people with high ethical standards possess integrity that is beyond reproach. 

When a problem arises and creates a crisis in our decision making process, our ethics are tested.  The winds of life can blow strong against our sensibilities.  It can get rough.  From time to time, problems come upon us with the force of a Kansas tornado.  Then, we try to grapple with the adversity of the situation, while at the same time struggling with what is right and what is wrong.  .             

Even though most of us try to be a good person, we are faced with the realization that we all are flawed to some extent.  Regardless, we must strive daily to do the right thing.  Even though it may be easier to stray from doing right, we should always endeavor to be principled.  We should strive to be the best person we can be.  When we do the right thing, we are putting our ethics in action.  Simply put, actions speak louder than words. 

Did you ever meet someone in your organization that was unethical?  Was it obvious that they did not know the meaning of the word ethics?  Maybe this unethical person was fond of saying, “Do as I say, not as I do”? 

Unfortunately, we all encounter unethical people in our organizations from time to time.  Some are worse than others.  Regardless, we cannot let this drag us down to a lower level of ethical conduct.  When an unethical person is wallowing in a life of unethical behavior, they love to have company.  Simply put, misery loves company. 

Regardless of how others see the world, we must make every effort to demonstrate positive characteristics and stay focused on doing the right thing.  There are several fundamental concepts that help clarify the study of ethical behavior.  First, doing the right thing means one must adhere to a civil standard of conduct above the ordinary.  And, we must be professional in our actions and appearance at all times. 

Also, honorable and ethical people do not take unfair advantage of others.  This includes climbing the corporate ladder at all costs.  It may be tempting to degrade or impede the progress of another while seeking promotions, but it is highly unethical and dishonest.  

Second, in order for employees to demonstrate ethical conduct, an organization must remind, coach, and train employees properly.  When organizational leaders possess ethics that are beyond reproach, employees will follow suit.  Leading by example is the finest way to demonstrate ethical behavior.  Managers must emphasize the importance of demonstrating a high degree of professionalism.  More importantly, managers must adhere to a code of conduct themselves.  Good managers know the importance of leading by example.  Organizations must build a solid reputation and all management personnel have a distinct role to play in this endeavor. 

Third, ethics and values go hand in hand.  For the most part, organizational ethics are the same as organizational values.  You cannot have one without the other.  The ethics of an organizations should remain simple and to the point.  Since ethics and values are closely related, it is wise to minimize any confusion.  Keep it simple.  Employees will appreciate being able to quickly understand organizational ethics and values. 

Forth, some say talk is cheap.  This is especially true when it comes to ethics.  For example, Hyundai provides buyers with a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty on the purchase of a new car.  Hyundai is serious about making a good car.  They are so serious they give the best warranty in the automotive business.  They have put their ethics and values on the line.  Their actions speak louder than any advertisement, because they stand by their product.  If a firm wants to be viewed as ethical, the firm’s actions must be ethical.     

Dilbeck GMAC Real Estate is an exceedingly ethical full-service real estate brokerage in Southern California.  This real estate firm has been in business for about 50 years and has built a rock-solid reputation based on honest and straightforward business dealings.  Dilbeck has the following motto, “Generations of Trust for Generations to Come”.  This firm is committed to ethics now and in the future.  Their motto tells it all. 

Fifth, a code of ethics reinforces an action plan directed at providing good service, square dealing, and courteous treatment.  Regardless of the business, it is imperative that every employee realizes the importance of providing clients with a professional service or a product at a reasonable price, while at the same time being fair in all business transactions.      

Sixth, good and ethical employees can inadvertently make bad decisions sometimes.  This is the reality of human nature.  We are all flawed to some extent.  No matter how hard we try to do the right thing, we will make mistakes in judgment from time to time.  Even the great General Douglas MacArthur made mistakes.  During World War II, he miscalculated troop movements and became trapped at Bataan in The Philippines.  However, a decade later his strategy was brilliant with the Inchon Landing during the Korean War.  Even great leaders stumble now and then.

 Seventh, contemporary ideas about business ethics has expanded and enhanced the study of this vital topic.  Business ethics is a hot topic today in books and at business seminars.  However, the basic concepts within business ethics are not new.  Business ethics has deep roots.  Historically, being honest has always been essential in establishing an ethical framework for human interaction. 

In one form or another, business ethics was addressed in the ancient writings of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and the philosophies of Aristotle and Cicero.  The great Roman philosopher Cicero emphasizes the importance of honesty when he said, “It is a true saying that one falsehood leads easily to another”.

Eighth, being ethical is more than being lawful.  It may be a matter of ethics today, but it may be a matter of law tomorrow.  Unfortunately, some organizations are unethical.  In reality, dubious business practices should be questioned.  All organizations must demonstrate a high ethical regard. 

When organizations are extremely unethical, a public movement may gather steam to regulate the most mundane business transaction.  This is not intended to certify the vacillating nature of lawmaking.  But, this is the reality of our democratic process.  Realistically, commonsense would dictate that the slightest transgression upon another should not be regulated or become a matter of litigation.  Nonetheless, this does not relieve organizations of the burden to be ethical in all business dealings. 

Ninth, ethics in the workplace can be managed.  This is not easy.  However, progressive organizations manage ethics by establishing, publishing, and promoting sound values that will act as a moral compass when navigating ethical challenges.  When the dark storms of rapid change pound an organization’s normal way of doing business, a moral compass will help navigate through troubled waters.  This will keep an organization from drifting into an ethical quandary. 

Change can be treacherous and turbulent during difficult business transformations.  By identifying organizational values and then guiding individual and collective behaviors, an organization can promote positive ethics and conduct of an exceptional nature.

Managing ethics requires organizations to develop ethics programs.  When these programs are put into place, employee behavior will become aligned with the organization’s values.  Of course, this requires the organization’s leaders to mirror the ethical behavior the organization is promoting.  Ethics programs are not one-time shots.  They are ongoing and reinforce positive values.  Ongoing attention to ethics and values creates an organization where directness, integrity, and togetherness are promoted. 

When employees feel a strong alignment between their ethics and those of the organization and its leaders, they are motivated to be productive.  In addition, as employees become comfortable with the ethical consistency of the organization, they will try hard to maximize their individual and collective talents.

Tenth, being ethical is actually good for a person’s health.  Research suggests that emotionally healthy employees are also ethical.  This makes sense, because the calculating and Machiavellian nature of unethical behavior is highly stressful.  Based on this, one could live a longer and healthier life by being more ethical.

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Facts about ethics

1.  Ethical management is values in action.

2.  A code of ethics reinforces the need to be honest.

3. What is ethical today may become law tomorrow.

4. Organizational ethics and organizational values are nearly the same.

5.  Ethical people can make a bad decision, but they correct it and more on.

6. All employees need to be reminded that ethical conduct is essential. 

7.  Ethics in the workplace can be managed through effective programs.

8.  Business ethics is not a new fad.  It was addressed in ancient writings.

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In conclusion, a person of high ethical standards will stand up for what is right, even in the face of hardship and controversy.  The strain of life’s many challenges will test a person.  But, an ethical person will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate anyone who does.  Others will know who we really are by our actions.  Simply put, actions speak louder than words. 

For more information about ethics and the real estate market, contact Timothy L. Stanley at Dilbeck GMAC Real Estate 626-230-0741.  This article was published in the Rosemead Herald.  All rights reserved.  

Are you a good e-mailer?  Or, do you just pound out some words and launch your e-mail to a recipient like an athlete throwing a javelin at a track meet?  Unfortunately, e-mails are often propelled in a hurried fashion and it shows.  

Professionals must use good manners.  When e-mailers concentrate on writing better and adhering to acceptable etiquette, e-mails can be sent and responded to professionally.  It is possible to write high quality e-mails.  When you send e-mails properly, your e-mails will be welcomed.      

Do you ever get e-mails and wonder what in the world the person is trying to communicate?  Or worse, the message sent is misinterpreted with a negative outcome.  It is bewildering sometimes to read e-mails that are poorly written and lack the necessary information.    

Redundancy is a problem for most writers of e-mails.  From time to time, the redundancy plague infects even the best writers.  It seems that all of us want to make our point so badly that we repeat ourselves frequently.  Readers of e-mails have important things to do, so get to the point.

Remember, your e-mails are not expected to be the refined prose of your college English class.  Reading a long e-mail is more difficult than reading a long report in hard copy.  You want to reduce the reader’s eyestrain, so being concise is essential. 

E-mail is for important information.  Be quick about getting to the meat of the issue.  This is not to say that we need to de-emphasize our message.  However, our wordiness can detract from our message.  Be short and snappy.  The recipient will appreciate your concise e-mails.  

When addressing questions, answer them precisely.  If you are complete in your answers, there will not be a need for another e-mail to clarify the original message.  This will cut down on e-mail traffic and unclog your in-box.

Just imagine a customer wanting to know how much a product costs.  You respond.  Then, the customer asks about the type of credit cards you take.  You respond.  Then, the customer asks about the time it will take for the product to be delivered.  You respond.  This is just too much e-mail traffic.  It is best to address all the possible questions in your first e-mail.  

You should provide a link to your company web site when appropriate.  Also, make sure you do not put the customer into an automated answering machine loop.  This can really irritate a customer.  Being put through the ominous task of negotiating a complex answering machine configuration is frustrating and may even cause a customer to hang up and stop doing business with your company. 

If a customer sends you an e-mail asking specific questions and trying to facilitate the purchase and delivery of a product or service, the last thing you want to do is delay the customer.  If necessary, handle the customer request personally.  Since you have already established a working relationship with the customer, provide the product or service quickly.    

Be careful to spell correctly.  It is essential that you do not turn out e-mails with spelling errors.  This will surely detract from your professionalism.  A wise professional will always have a dictionary nearby.  In fact, it is best to put a dictionary in your desk.  In addition, you should carry one somewhere in your car or with your paper day planner or electronic day planner.  You may assume that your e-mail spell check will catch your errors.  You could be surprised when your spell checker lets you use the wrong word.  Therefore, be careful with your writing and don’t be ashamed to consult your dictionary. 

Always use the proper grammar.  Do not think that your grammar does not count when writing e-mails.  This being said, you should not let the mechanics of writing get in your way of writing.  Write and communicate fully, but make sure you go back and proof your writing.  You have a spell and grammar check built into your e-mail system, so use it every time you write e-mails.

Proper punctuation is essential.  Use your writing style, but adhere to standard punctuation.  Some people are fond of saying that rules are made to be broken.  Well, when it comes to writing, its best to use standard writing rules.  Use periods and commas correctly.  Your writing will define you.  If you show you can write well, you will gain tremendous respect from the recipients of your e-mails.  Even if you never meet the recipients, you will impress them with your writing.

Always respond to e-mails quickly.  You should reply to e-mails within 24 hours.  Senders want a quick reply.  If they wanted a slow reply, they would send a post office letter commonly known as “snail mail”.  The sender doesn’t want to send their message “snail mail”.  When people send e-mails, they are anticipating a rapid response.  So, don’t disappoint them.  Remember, if someone takes the time to send you a personal e-mail, they deserve your immediate attention.  

Traditional old-fashioned values of respect are vital in returning messages.  If you dilly-dally around and do not answer your e-mails in a timely manner, others will think that your work is of the same quality.  Good writers of e-mail do not delay when dealing with important e-mail correspondence.  Long-established notions about being prompt are still prized.  No one wants to deal with a procrastinator.  Time is of the essence in business, so be quick in responding to e-mails.  

Recipients may be reluctant to open a file attachment with your e-mail.  It is best to inquire in a previous e-mail if the recipient wants the file attachment.  Do this before you send it.  If recipients know the file attachment will be coming with an e-mail, they will be ready to open the file attachment.

There are two primary reasons for a reluctance to open attachments.  First, virus problems can be transmitted in file attachments.  Be careful about sending along an annoying virus in e-mail attachments.  The recipient will be upset and you may ruin a working relationship.  When you are trying to present yourself as a professional, transmitting a virus through your e-mail can detract from your presentation.  In addition, if you foul up a recipient’s computer system and cause it to crash, the recipient may want to send you a bill for fixing a system that has been infected with the virus you sent with your e-mail attachment. 

Second, jokes and pictures that may be unsuitable for a professional setting are occasionally sent in attachments.  Unfortunately, a recipient may not know what is contained in the attachment until the document is opened.  Therefore, most professionals are hesitant to open an unknown document that has the possibility of being improper. 

Do not write in all CAPS.  Writing in CAPS is like shouting.  You may not mean to shout, but someone may interpret your CAPS as shouting.  The entire meaning of your e-mail could be misconstrued.  Therefore, refrain from using capital letters, unless the capital letters are normally used as good grammar in the structure of your text. 

Large type can also be viewed as shouting.  For example, it is best to use a font with 10,11, or 12 point size.  When you go from a 10 point size to a 14 point size in the same e-mail, you may be giving the impression that you are shouting. 

Always proof your writing.  Don’t be in such a big hurry that you rush through your e-mails and make mistakes.  Even though the mistakes will be unintentional, they will be mistakes nonetheless.  This will reflect poorly upon you.  It is essential to be aware of mistakes that may creep into your correspondence.  There is nothing like a well-written e-mail.  Be an extraordinary writer of e-mails.  Do this and people will talk about your expertise in writing for a long time.  Make your e-mails your signature work. 

Do not forward chain letters.  They are just annoying and most people do not want to see them.  It is vital to keep all e-mail correspondence at a professional level.  The quality of your correspondence will define you and passing along chain letters will diminish your reputation.  Time is precious and opening chain letters is just a waste of time.  Therefore, do everyone a favor and just delete chain letters. 

Don’t discuss confidential matters on e-mails.  If you put confidential data out for everyone to see, your first-class status will be damaged.  Also, don’t spread bad news in your e-mails.  No one likes a gossip, even through e-mails.

            Avoid long sentences when writing your e-mail.  You never know how the recipient’s e-mail will format the incoming message.  Also, it is a good habit to keep your thoughts short and to the point.  A long complex sentence can be misunderstood sometimes.

You will encounter discourteous writers of e-mails from time to time.  For some reason, a few people feel it necessary to express their frustrations in e-mails.  It is tempting to respond to e-mailers the same way they communicate with you.  When getting into heated exchanges with other e-mailers, you may arouse an angry person to become a flamer, or even worse, a cyber-stalker.  When a person flames another, they are tossing insults.  Do not fall into this trap.  You do not want any part of this dreadful e-mail behavior. 

Be gracious.  Wise professionals will always maintain their cool and keep their writing courteous.  When you are polite in your writing, you will be viewed as an exceptional writer of e-mails and a person of distinction. 

Guide to writing a better e-mail

1. Avoid attachments.

2. Always be gracious.

3. Do not write in CAPS

4. Avoid long sentences.

5. Be concise and to the point.

6. Do not forward chain letters.

7. Answer e-mails in a timely manner.

8. Proof your e-mail before you send it.

9. Double-check your spelling and grammar.

10. Never discuss confidential information in e-mails.

11. Address all questions the first time.  This will avoid more e-mails.

E-mail etiquette is important.  Successful professionals write high-quality e-mails.  Therefore, when they send e-mails, their e-mails define them as being first-class.

For more information on e-mail processing and the real estate market, contact Timothy L. Stanley at Dilbeck GMAC Real Estate 626-230-0741.  This article was published in the Rosemead Herald.  All rights reserved.  

Since being a professional in any field requires good writing skills, professionals must be able to write.  Mr. Hamilton, my Pasadena City College English Professor, said many years ago, “If you want to write well, you must write.  There’s no other way”. 

If you want to write better, I suggest you get a blog.  You might ask, “What in the world is a blog”.  Well, the term blog is a short combination of web and log.  Blogs are websites that bloggers use to log their ideas, diaries, and news commentaries. 

Most blogs are text based.  However, new blogging developments have been introduced to allow bloggers to include art, photos, videos, music, and other forms of communications and entertainment.  In addition, blogs are used as social networking opportunities and allow immediate feedback from visitors. 

Even though there are many ways to enhance your writing skills, a blog is an excellent way to get motivated to write.  A blog will stimulate you to be a better writer.  You will interact with other like-minded people daily.  Before you know it, you will be a better writer.

A blog can create a neighborhood of blogging friends.  You would be surprised at the number of people using blogs today.  Amazingly, over 100 million blogs have been created.  

Professionals are using blogs to share experiences and create communities of bloggers with similar interests.  The Internet provides professionals an opportunity to share their profession and part of themselves in this new phenomenon. 

The place where bloggers blog is called the blogosphere.  When looking at the benefits of blogging, it is easy to see right away it can provide an excellent avenue to write more clearly.  When you enter the blogosphere, you have the opportunity to create a new and vibrant way of communicating your ideas and your profession to others.  Professionals from all occupations are writing blogs and sharing their experiences.  In essence, bloggers are changing the way we interact.

At first, writing your blog will be a challenge.  However, after awhile, you will see the benefits of writing daily.  Blogging is a good way to gathering your thoughts. 

Most importantly, writing a blog will get you in the habit of researching the Internet and finding out what is new in your profession.  In turn, you will gain valuable practice in researching, deciphering, and processing information. 

And then, you will start condensing the researched information into your own words.  In no time at all, you will be able to effectively wade through complex ideas.

Your thought process will become quicker and sharper.  This will cause an increase in your reasoning abilities and give you an edge in handling the enormous amount of information heaped upon you today.              

In the blogosphere, neighborhoods are being created all over the world.  Bloggers with varied interests and professions are sharing their stories.  Life unfolds on blogs every day.  A life of work and recreation can be written about and discussed with amazing speed. 

On the national scene, many blogs are being created to report and comment on the news.  Bloggers are writing and reporting on every conceivable topic.  Therefore, they are becoming journalist in many ways.  The New Citizen Journalist (NCJ) is changing the way people see and interact with the world.

Many NCJs are conducting exhaustive investigations.  Bloggers are redefining what it means to be a journalist.  Investigative research and probing of all sorts is being done by bloggers.  The quality of news reporting and commentary on some blogs is outstanding.  In addition, high profile news has been broken on several blogs.  Bloggers create an editorial response that makes the blogosphere come alive with ideas and opinions.  

The popularity of some blogs is amazing.  Matt Drudge at www.drudgereport.com has about 10 million Internet visitors a day.  And, many successful blogs create thousands of visitors a day.  Therefore, the potential to create a good blog is really a matter of determination, hard work, and good writing.  In addition, the marketing possibilities for a successful blog site are splendid.   

Bloggers call writing on a blog, posting.  Regardless, there are a few fundamentals to keep in mind when posting.  (A). Lead with a good opening.  Capture the reader’s interest.  For example, you can post, “The Army is asking a wounded soldier to give back his enlistment bonus.  This is outrageous”.  You have captured the reader now.  The reader will want to read more about this poor soldier.  Capture the reader with a good lead.

(B).  The body should be brief.  Do not belabor the point.  Or, don’t beat a dead horse.  Once you have told a brief story of about 5 sentences, get out.  Link your post.  This way if the reader is still interested, they can read the rest of the story at the source.  Then, move on quickly to the conclusion.

(C). Get to the conclusion and make it snappy.  Do not go over 3 short sentences.  Use a nifty adage and exit.  Make the reader want to come back the next day for more of your ideas, short news, or clever sayings.   

Bloggers are not going to wade through a lot of complex ideas and refined prose.  They are going to read quickly and move on.  Most serious bloggers will not spend much time at your blog.  If you are writing a mind-numbing article on any subject, you will not have many repeat visitors to your blog.   

When you are using someone’s writing or ideas on your blog, be sure to link back to their blog site.  When using a huge text from another source, use block quotes.  By using block quotes, you will impress serious bloggers.  Because, when block quotes are done nicely, you will be viewed in the blogosphere as a serious blogger.  Also, linking back to the source document is a fundamental courtesy within the blogosphere. 

When exploring the various blog providers, there are many providers and templates to pick from.  Vox.com, WordPress, and Blogger are just a few of the many providers of blogs.  Many others are also good at providing this service and are user friendly.  The good providers have outstanding word processing, linking, and photo posting capabilities.

Just remember, select a blog that fits you.  Use template colors that are pleasing.  Some bloggers like writing with white type and a dark background, while others like to write with dark type and a light background.

Formatting is significant.  Designs, color, and background are important to each blogger, so always feel free to change anything that is not you.  Being personal and yourself is essential.  Make your blog an extension of your profession and lifestyle.  Since you will be on it almost every day, you must feel comfortable with the entire blog experience.

Since linking is critical, select a blog that will allow you to link easily.  You want as many return visitors as possible, so link often with like-minded bloggers.  In most cases, they will return the favor and link you. 

Make it a point to post daily.  Your neighborhood of bloggers wants to know what is happening on your blog.  Since blogs are a dynamic process of continual dialogue, it is fundamental that you post regularly to make visitors want to return to your blog.  You must keep your blog humming along with new stuff all the time.

Make it a point to respond to all comments, positive and negative, immediately.  This is what a blogger visiting wants from you.  Those visiting want a response.  They want you to acknowledge their contribution to your blog and the entire blogosphere.  Even if the person commenting has something to write that you disagree with, do not argue.  You cannot win an argument with a person that already has their mind made up. 

You can explain your position and ideas in a rational manner.  After all, a good blog site will create discussions of all types.  In the end, visitors have a right to their own opinions.  Be kind, and thank all visitors for visiting your blog.  Who knows what the future will bring.  The person you disagree with may eventually be swayed to your way of thinking in time.  By being gracious, you will show others that you are first rate and run an outstanding blog.  

Things to remember when writing a blog

1. Post each day. 

2. Use pleasing template colors.

3. Select a blog design that fits you. 

4. Respond quickly to all comments.  

5. Post what is happening right now.

6. Keep each post short and to the point. 

7. Select a blog that is easy to link to others.

8. When quoting others, always link the source. 

9. Your blog should be able to handle photos easily.

10. Make it personal – it must be about you, your profession, and your ideas. 

Writing well is essential in all professions.  A true professional will always be looking for ways to improve.  Writing a blog can improve writing skills.  So, if you want to write well, get a blog.

Life without Google. Communication without text messaging. Real estate without virtual tours.

These things are hard to imagine for the millions of people who fall into Generation Y, a massive demographic comprised of people born between 1977 and the mid 1990s. As children of the baby boomers, this group is predicted to make up the bulk of U.S. population within 20 years.

That’s why it’s essential for real estate practitioners to understand what makes Gen Y tick. After all, it won’t be long before Gen Yers — also called “millennials” and “echo boomers” — are a dominant segment of home buyers.

For its sheer size alone, “discounting this group of people is dangerous,” says Saul Klein, president of San Diego-based InternetCrusade, a real estate technology firm that handles NAR’s e-PRO program.

“If you want to have a future in the real estate business, you must think about the customer of tomorrow,” Klein says. “It might seem like you don’t need to worry about these people because so many of them are young and can’t afford to buy a home yet, but every year more and more of them will be able to.”

To get a better feel for Gen Y, here are some quick facts:

• They’re big. Experts say Gen Y ranges in size from 72 million to 78 million people nationwide and 2 billion worldwide. Factor in the young immigrant population, and the group grows even larger.

• They’re diverse. According to a 2005 study by RMG Connect, an international specialist in relationship marketing, one in three echo boomers is non-Caucasian, one in four is from a single-parent home, and three in four have working mothers.

• The Web is their playground. They track down their friends on MySpace, they download their songs from iTunes, and they send e-mails from their phones while waiting in line at Starbucks. And you had better pay attention to their e-mails, because they expect a fast response.

• They buy young. On average, Gen Yers buy homes at age 26, three years earlier than most Generation Xers, according to a Century 21 Real Estate study in 2006. “Gen Y is not just some kid out of college,” says Adam Lee, 28, a salesperson for Abe Lee Realty LLC in Honolulu. “He’s a kid with parents who want to see him get off to the right start and is willing to put 10 percent down on a house and have the kid pay the mortgage every month.”

• They have hectic schedules. “Their lives are a lot busier than their parents were at their age,” says boomer Elaine VonCannon, ABR®, SRES, a RE/MAX real estate agent in Williamsburg, Va., who has been tracking and writing about Gen Y for the past decade. “They’re always moving. They need an all-inclusive agent. So if they’re going to invest, for example, they want someone who can help them manage the property after the sale.”

• They do their research. Don’t try to pull one over on an echo boomer. “You’d better know what you’re talking about, because they will have done the research,” VonCannon says.

The Importance of Technology

Who better to offer tips on dealing with Gen Y clients than Gen Y real estate practitioners themselves?

Brooke Wolford, 27, says it may sound cliché, but it’s critical to embrace technology when working with young buyers. Wolford, a practitioner with Edina Realty in Hastings, Minn., bought her first home at 22. “I loved that my practitioner had GPS in his car and could quickly send me an e-mail,” she says.

Indeed, nine out of 10 Gen Yers have a home computer, according to the RMG Connect survey. Almost all — 97 percent — have a cell phone, and 68 percent send text messages from their phone. Fifty percent listed instant messaging as their preferred form of communication.

Meredith Tanguay, 27, CRS, ABR®, SRES®, is a sales practitioner and a partner with Keller Williams Realty in Topsfield, Mass. She agrees that technology is tops with Gen Yers. “Young buyers see slower response times and lack of comfort with technology as agents’ biggest weaknesses.”

To increase your response time, consider using a smart phone that allows you to easily send and receive e-mail from the field. “That doesn’t mean that if I’m with a client, I stop everything to answer the e-mail. But if I have to go to the office to do that I might lose the advantage of being the first to respond,” Klein explains.

Other ways to appeal to millenials? Have a great Web site, says Kelly Cote, 27, a marketing team coordinator with North American Title Co. in Pleasanton, Calif. It’s a given that young buyers will search for homes online, so make sure your site can be accessed through major search engines like Google and Yahoo!, Cote says. Also, include plentiful photos, virtual tours, and informational resources to help clients do their own research.

Cote says Generation Y also could be called the “instant gratification generation.”

“If we don’t get what we want right away from the person who promised it, it’s just a phone call, e-mail, or text message away to recruit another real estate person to do the work,” she adds.

Is Younger Better?

While Gen Yers want a practitioner who’s comfortable with technology, they also value the expertise of a veteran. “We felt safer dealing with someone around my parents’ age,” says Candace Handt, 28, who purchased a house in Simi Valley, Calif., with her husband in May.

“If you tout your experience and show that you’re tech savvy, that’s a nice combination for young buyers and sellers. Older agents have the advantage already, as long as they don’t get out-communicated by not having the right tools like a Blackberry, for instance,” Lee says.

But Cote warns that even the most experienced and tech-savvy practitioners will fail to win over Gen Yers if they don’t treat their clients like adults. When searching for her first home at 25, Cote says she felt like older agents didn’t taker her seriously. “The only exception was when I found an agent who was near my age,” Cote says.

Pros and Cons of Know-It-Alls

Gen Yers tend to do lots of home research online. They seek advice from their parents, and have a good feel for how much they can really afford. Is all of this information a good thing or a bad thing? It depends on whom you ask.

“In the past two years, I’ve had some transactions that were really easy because the client was already educated about most aspects of the transaction,” Lee says, “but they needed that extra expertise to negotiate.”

Maryna Bazhydai, a 25-year-old practitioner with Gove Group Real Estate LLC in Stratham, N.H., tells a similar story. She says Gen Y clients recently came to their first meeting with two pre-qualification letters from a bank and a local mortgage broker.

“They are smart and act smart,” Bazhydai says. “In my experience, they research the overall market situation and read the news. And they don’t panic as much as older generations do in tough circumstances. They communicate well, are open with you, and don’t hide facts.”

But Shelley Diamond, a Gen Xer sales professional with Coldwell Banker Bain in Seattle, says too much information can backfire.

“Generation Yers want to do things on their own and save as much money as they can in the process, even if it costs them in the end,” Diamond says. “They’re so Internet savvy that they think that they can get all their education from the Web and are wary of the agent’s information, even if it’s heavily researched and proven. This can be a challenge.”

Ideas for Reaching Out to Gen Y

With Gen Y becoming a more powerful segment of the real estate market, there’s huge potential in catering your business directly to this demographic, says Lee, who’s surprised there’s not more real estate marketing geared to Gen Y. To reach millennial buyers and sellers, here are some ideas:

• Take to the airwaves. “Team up with a local DJ and develop a good radio talk show to explain why younger people should buy a house early,” Lee says.

• Understand their culture. Check out some of the Web sites and TV shows that are popular with Gen Y, suggests Brian Copeland, CRS®, a salesperson with Nashville, Tenn.-based Village Real Estate Services. Copeland isn’t a member of Gen Y, but he makes a point of tuning into media that shapes the perceptions of his young clients: online social hubs like YouTube and MySpace, and real estate shows on cable. “They’re huge real estate reality TV show fans,” says Copeland, who was featured on The Learning Channel’s “Flip That House.” “Know the shows like, ‘Buy Me,’ ‘Designed to Sell,’ ‘Flip that House,’ and ‘House Hunters.’ They will talk about these shows.”

• Advertise listings on Craigslist. This online classifieds Web site is hugely popular with all buyers and sellers, but especially with the Web-savvy Gen Y set.

• Don’t try to upsell. Online marketing specialist Elizabeth Kirwin, of Asheville, N.C., says the most important factor in finding her first home in 2005 was locating an affordable property close to town. Now in her early 30s, Kirwin says she thinks it’s important for practitioners to be sincere with younger buyers. “Don’t promise something you can’t deliver. Do not try to up-sell … find the home they want within their price range. They will love you.”

• Know what they like. Younger buyers tend to want a home that’s close to work; near a park (to walk the dog); and within walking distance to shopping, the gym, and local bars and restaurants. Easy home maintenance is also high on their list. “So craft a sales approach that’s in sync with this,” Kirwin says.

This is a rational point. However, if we define myth as being fiction, I disagree with Neufeld.  If we define myth as nonfiction, as a story about the Christian experience that is truth revealed by God in his universal wonders, using myth is OK.

Regardless, the secular view in education worries me. I took a class titled Philosophy of Religion in public college. It was taught by an atheist. She did not believe in any faith experience and thought it was all just a fictional myth. Anyone who suggested that religion was anything but a myth was over ruled.

I had two psychology professors state boldly that religion has no place in the study of psychology or counseling clients.  In one human resource class, the professor lead a class attack on me, because I disagreed with their view about Christians. Their view was that a Fundamental Christian should not be allowed to teach or hold any government job.

In conclusion, there are some good points to the arguments that Fundamentalists get tangled up in the debate about evolution.  Science should be taught as pure science.  However, Christians should be offered a Bible Class as an elective if they desire.  The Bible class could teach Intelligent Design.  I think this might work.  However, I have to give this some more thought.

I think the educational establishment is too hostile to Christianity in general. And, Fundamentalists really get worked over in college.  I am not a Fundamentalist. I came from a Fundamentalist background, but I have moved to a more understanding and tolerant United Church of Christ / Congregationalist faith journey. Regardless, our educational establishment needs to be more tolerant of Christian view points.

Since being a professional in any field requires good writing skills, professionals must be able to write. Mr. Hamilton, my Pasadena City College English Professor, said many years ago, “If you want to write well, you must write. There’s no other way”.

If you want to write better, I suggest you get a blog. You might ask, “What in the world is a blog”. Well, the term blog is a short combination of web and log. Blogs are websites that bloggers use to log their ideas, diaries, and news commentaries.

Most blogs are text based. However, new blogging developments have been introduced to allow bloggers to include art, photos, videos, music, and other forms of communications and entertainment. In addition, blogs are used as Internet social networking opportunities and allow immediate feedback from visitors.

Even though there are many ways to enhance your writing skills, a blog is an excellent way to get motivated to write. A blog will stimulate you to be a better writer. You will interact with other like-minded people daily. Before you know it, you will be a better writer.

A blogger can create a neighborhood of blogging friends. You would be surprised at the number of people using blogs today. Amazingly, over 100 million blogs have been created.

Professionals are using blogs to share experiences and create communities of bloggers with similar interests. The Internet provides professionals an opportunity to share their profession and part of themselves in this new phenomenon.

The place where bloggers blog is called the blogosphere. When looking at the benefits of blogging, it is easy to see right away it can provide an excellent avenue to write more clearly. When you enter the blogosphere, you have the opportunity to create a new and vibrant way of communicating your ideas and your profession to others. In essence, bloggers are changing the way we interact.

At first, writing your blog will be a challenge. However, after awhile, you will see the benefits of writing daily. Blogging is a good way to gathering your thoughts.

Most importantly, writing a blog will get you in the habit of researching the Internet and finding out what is new in your profession. In turn, you will gain valuable practice in researching, deciphering, and processing information.

And then, you will start condensing the researched information into your own words. In no time at all, you will be able to effectively wade through complex ideas.

Your thought process will become quicker and sharper. This will cause an increase in your reasoning abilities and give you an edge in handling the enormous amount of information heaped upon you today.

Bloggers call writing on a blog, posting. There are a few fundamentals to keep in mind when posting. (A). Lead with a good opening. Capture the reader’s interest. For example, you can post, “The Army is asking a wounded soldier to give back his enlistment bonus. This is outrageous”. You have captured the reader now. The reader will want to read more about this poor soldier. Capture the reader with a good lead.

(B). The body should be brief. Do not belabor the point. Or, don’t beat a dead horse. Once you have told a brief story of about 5 sentences, get out. Link your post. This way, if the reader is still interested, they can read the rest of the story at the source. Then, move on quickly to the conclusion.

(C). Get to the conclusion and make it snappy. Do not go over 3 short sentences. Be nifty and brief. Then, exit quickly and make the reader want to come back the next day for more of your ideas, short news, or clever sayings.

You want your writing to be sharp. Bloggers are not going to wade through a lot of complex ideas and refined prose. They are going to read quickly and move on. Most serious bloggers will not spend much time at your blog. If you are writing a mind-numbing article on any subject, you will not have many repeat visitors to your blog.

When you are using someone’s writing or ideas on your blog, be sure to link back to their blog site. When using a huge text from another source, use block quotes. By using block quotes, you will impress serious bloggers. Because, when block quotes are done nicely, you will be viewed in the blogosphere as a serious blogger. Also, linking back to the source document is a fundamental courtesy within the blogosphere.

Formatting is significant. Designs, color, and background are important to each blogger, so always feel free to change anything that is not you. Being personal and yourself is essential. Make your blog an extension of your profession and lifestyle. Since you will be on it almost every day, you must feel comfortable with the entire blog experience.

Make it a point to post daily. Since blogs are a dynamic process of continual dialogue, it is fundamental that you post regularly to make visitors want to return to your blog. Your neighborhood of bloggers wants to know what is happening on your blog. . You must keep your blog humming along with new stuff all the time.

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Things to remember when blogging

1. Post each day.

2. Use pleasing template colors.

3. Select a blog design that fits you.

4. Respond quickly to all comments.

5. Post what is happening right now.

6. Keep each post short and to the point.

7. Select a blog that is easy to link to others.

8. When quoting others, always link the source.

9. Your blog should be able to handle photos easily.

10. Make it personal – it must be about you, your profession, and your ideas.

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Writing well is essential in all professions. A true professional will always be looking for ways to improve. Writing a blog can improve your writing skills. So, if you want to write well, get a blog.

Call Timothy L. Stanley Realtor® at 626-230-0741 for help in setting up a professional blog and for information about real estate in your area. This article was published in the Rosemead Herald. All rights reserved.

By Timothy L. Stanley

The Terminator said, “I’ll be back”.  Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Hollywood Terminator character had his own set of ethics.  The Terminator was action oriented and had a different take on traditional ethics.  Terminator ethics are ok for Hollywood, but we must search for ways to be more realistic and ethical as we navigate life’s many challenges.  In short, we should aim for a very ethical approach at solving problems.

For most people, commonsense ethics is quite straightforward.  We grew up knowing the difference between right and wrong.  A reasonable approach to rock solid values is straightforward.  Respect, honesty, fairness, responsibility, and good manners are proverbial ethical values.  In addition, people with high ethical standards possess integrity that is beyond reproach. 

When a problem arises and creates a crisis in our decision making process, our ethics are tested.  The winds of life can blow strong against our sensibilities.  It can get rough.  From time to time, problems come upon us with the force of a Kansas tornado.  Then, we try to grapple with the adversity of the situation, while at the same time struggling with what is right and what is wrong.  .          

Even though most of us try to be a good person, we are faced with the realization that we all are flawed to some extent.  Regardless, we must strive daily to do the right thing.  Even though it may be easier to stray from doing right, we should always endeavor to be principled.  We should strive to be the best person we can be.  When we do the right thing, we are putting our ethics in action.  Simply put, actions speak louder than words. 

Did you ever meet someone in your organization that was unethical?  Was it obvious that they did not know the meaning of the word ethics?  Maybe this unethical person was fond of saying, “Do as I say, not as I do”? 

Unfortunately, we have all encountered unethical people in our organizations.  Some were worse than others.  Regardless, we cannot let this drag us down to a lower level of ethical conduct.  When an unethical person is wallowing in a life of unethical behavior, they love to have company.  Simply put, misery loves company. 

Regardless of how others see the world, we must make every effort to demonstrate positive characteristics and stay focused on doing the right thing.  There are several fundamental concepts that help clarify the study of ethical behavior.  First, doing the right thing means one must adhere to a civil standard of conduct above the ordinary.  And, we must be professional in our actions and appearance at all times. 

Also, honorable and ethical people do not take unfair advantage of others.  This includes climbing the corporate ladder at all costs.  It may be tempting to degrade or impede the progress of another while seeking promotions, but it is highly unethical and dishonest.  

Second, in order for employees to demonstrate ethical conduct, an organization must remind, coach, and train employees properly.  When organizational leaders possess ethics that are beyond reproach, employees will follow suit.  Leading by example is the finest way to demonstrate ethical behavior.  Managers must emphasize the importance of demonstrating a high degree of professionalism.  More importantly, managers must adhere to a code of conduct themselves.  Good managers know the importance of leading by example.  Organizations must build a solid reputation and all management personnel have a distinct role to play in this endeavor. 

Third, ethics and values go hand in hand.  For the most part, organizational ethics are the same as organizational values.  You cannot have one without the other.  The ethics of an organizations should remain simple and to the point.  Since ethics and values are closely related, it is wise to minimize any confusion.  Keep it simple.  Employees will appreciate being able to quickly understand organizational ethics and values. 

Forth, some say talk is cheap.  This is especially true when it comes to ethics.  For example, Hyundai provides buyers with a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty on the purchase of a new car.  Hyundai is serious about making a good car.  They are so serious they give the best warranty in the automotive business.  They have put their ethics and values on the line.  Their actions speak louder than any advertisement, because they stand by their product.  If a firm wants to be viewed as ethical, the firm’s actions must be ethical.     

Dilbeck GMAC Real Estate is an exceedingly ethical full-service real estate brokerage in Southern California.  This real estate firm has been in business for about 50 years and has built a rock-solid reputation based on honest and straightforward business dealings.  Dilbeck has the following motto, “Generations of Trust for Generations to Come”.  This firm is committed to ethics now and in the future.  Their motto tells it all. 

Fifth, a code of ethics reinforces an action plan directed at providing good service, square dealing, and courteous treatment.  Regardless of the business, it is imperative that every employee realizes the importance of providing clients with a professional service or a product at a reasonable price, while at the same time being fair in all business transactions.      

Sixth, good and ethical employees can inadvertently make bad decisions sometimes.  This is the reality of human nature.  We are all flawed to some extent.  No matter how hard we try to do the right thing, we will make mistakes in judgment from time to time.  Even the great General Douglas Macarthur made mistakes.  During World War II, he miscalculated troop movements and became trapped at Bataan in The Philippines.  However, a decade later his strategy was brilliant with the Inchon Landing during the Korean War.  Even great leaders stumble now and then.

 Seventh, contemporary ideas about business ethics has expanded and enhanced the study of this vital topic.  Business ethics is a hot topic today in books and at business seminars.  However, the basic concepts within business ethics are not new.  Business ethics has deep historical roots.  Historically, being honest has always been essential in establishing an ethical framework for human interaction. 

In one form or another, business ethics was addressed in the ancient writings of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and the philosophies of Aristotle and Cicero.  The great Roman philosopher Cicero emphasizes the importance of honesty when he said, “It is a true saying that one falsehood leads easily to another”.

Eighth, being ethical is more than being lawful.  It may be a matter of ethics today, but it may be a matter of law tomorrow.  Unfortunately, some organizations are unethical.  In reality, questionable business practices should be questioned.  All organizations must demonstrate a high ethical regard. 

When organizations are extremely unethical, a public movement may gather steam to regulate the most mundane business transaction.  This is not intended to certify the vacillating nature of lawmaking.  But, this is the reality of our democratic process.  Realistically, commonsense would dictate that the slightest transgression upon another should not be regulated or become a matter of litigation.  Nonetheless, this does not relieve organizations of the burden to be ethical in all business dealings. 

Ninth, ethics in the workplace can be managed.  This is not easy.  However, progressive organizations manage ethics by establishing, publishing, and promoting sound values that will act as a moral compass when navigating ethical challenges.  When the dark storms of rapid change pound an organization’s normal way of doing business, a moral compass will help navigate through troubled waters.  This will keep an organization from drifting into an ethical dilemma. 

Change can be treacherous and turbulent during difficult business transformations.  By identifying organizational values and then guiding individual and collective behaviors, an organization can promote positive ethics and conduct of an exceptional nature.

Managing ethics requires organizations to develop ethics programs.  When these programs are put into place, employee behavior will become aligned with the organization’s values.  Of course, this requires the organization’s leaders to mirror the ethical behavior the organization is promoting.  Ethics programs are not one-time shots.  They are ongoing and reinforce positive values.  Ongoing attention to ethics and values creates an organization where directness, integrity, and togetherness are promoted. 

When employees feel a strong alignment between their ethics and those of the organization and its leaders, they are motivated to be productive.  In addition, as employees become comfortable with the ethical consistency of the organization, they will try hard to maximize their individual and collective talents.

Tenth, being ethical is actually good for a person’s health.  Research suggests that emotionally healthy employees are also ethical.  This makes sense, because the calculating and Machiavellian nature of unethical behavior is highly stressful.  Based on this, one could live a longer and healthier life by being more ethical.

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Facts about ethics

1.  Ethical management is values in action.

2.  A code of ethics reinforces the need to be honest.

3. What is ethical today may become law tomorrow.

4. Organizational ethics and organizational values are nearly the same.

5.  Ethical people can make a bad decision, but they correct it and more on.

6. All employees need to be reminded that ethical conduct is essential. 

7.  Ethics in the workplace can be managed through effective programs.

8.  Business ethics is not a new fad.  It was addressed in ancient writings.

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In conclusion, a person of high ethical standards will stand up for what is right, even in the face of hardship and controversy.  The strain of life’s many challenges will test a person, but an ethical person will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate anyone who does.  Others will know who we really are by our actions.  Simply put, actions speak louder than words. 

References

Cicero Quote from Quotation Page.  Internet Source.

http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/28729.html

By Timothy L Stanley

A good strategy for organizing in the food service industry must encompass several areas of concentration.  Print media, Internet advertising, blog site advocacy, and one on one contact with the employees to be organized is vital. 

The following are also essential.  First, food service workers are under paid.  The hospitality industry is rolling in the dough.  They are making huge profits and expanding all over the world.  Therefore, they can afford to pay a living wage.  This means more than minimum wage.  How can a hard working employee live on minimum wage anyway?  My goodness, even at 7 dollars an hour, this is still poverty level wages.  Present the fact that a Las Vegas food service worker makes a decent wage, and a union contract can bring this about at their current job.      

Second, health care for employees is essential, so every member of the family can enjoy a quality of life that most Americans enjoy.  Gosh, hospitality executives have good health care.  Why can’t hospitality employees have the same benefits?  In reality, hospitality employees do all the hard work handling stuff other people do not want to handle.  Thus, it is essential that employees who are at the greatest health risk on the job receive good health care.  Present health care to employees as a duty that the employer owes to employees, because of the health risks involved in all types of hospitality vocations.        

Third, hospitality workers are fed up with being abused by management staff.  This includes yelling at employees and ridiculing them in front of customers and staff.  Just because a hospitality worker is at the bottom of the corporate ladder, management staff still needs to give all employees respect.  Union organizing should emphasize that harassment will not be tolerated under a union contract.

Forth, employees want to be treated fairly concerning disciplinary action.  Being unfairly singled out for suspension or termination is an injustice that employees should not have to endure.  All union organizing efforts should emphasize the importance of due process and a union’s support for fair consideration at all disciplinary action hearings or meetings.  

When meeting with hospitality management, it is vital to stress the importance of providing employees with living wages and fair benefits in order to reduce employee turnover.  High turnover means increased training costs and quality control issues.  In addition, there is a labor shortage in the hospitality industry.  Continual recruitment and training costs alone are a major expense for management.  

It is always in the best interest to be positive and point to employee stability and the enormous profits realized by the unionized Las Vegas hospitality industry.  A unionized workforce is actually good for management and may even reduce work place litigation, because employee grievances can be processed through grievance procedures established by contract.  Labor contracts provide management a structured avenue for avoiding costly legal entanglements and court expenses.  Litigation and associated expenses plague non-unionized workplaces.  So, management can reduce legal costs by collaborating with unions to design a workable contract.    

Hospitality management and unions can work together to bring about a better work environment for everyone.  Employees that are satisfied with their jobs are more productive.  When employees feel good about their jobs, the quality of their work will reflect this positive reality.  A union contract can mean a more satisfied employee, a more happy hospitality customer, and a more profitable company.  This is a great deal for everyone. 

This article was published in the Rosemead Herald and California Reporter.  All Rights Reserved.  

By Timothy L. Stanley

You may be able to pick up a real bargain, if you want to buy foreclosed property. However, before you start looking for foreclosed property, the wise buyer will investigate the foreclosure market. The foreclosure market is somewhat complex. Therefore, a buyer considering a purchase in the foreclosure market should retain the services of a good Realtor®.

Property in foreclosure is in the process of being taken back by the lender. There are several issues involved in this process. When a lender has taken the property back, and has been unable to sell the property, it becomes a Real Estate Owned (REO). The previous owner is no longer involved in an REO. The lender has complete control over the REO property and is able to facilitate a sale, as the lender deems appropriate.

Lenders are not in the real estate buying and selling business. They are not equipped to be property managers or Realtors®. Lending money and servicing loans is their business. When they take property back on a foreclosure, they want to sell the property quickly. A high inventory of REO property is extremely troubling to a lender. Therefore, they usually arrange with a Realtor® to sell the property in an expeditious manner.

The listing Realtor® and the lender agree to a selling price for the REO. The REO must be sold quickly, so the listing price will reflect this priority. However, it must be noted that lenders want to minimize the losses and other expenses associated with the REO. Therefore, the selling price will typically be near market value. The REO is usually listed within the multiple listings (MLS) by the listing Realtor®. Once the REO is listed on the MLS, it is then marketed in a relatively standard way.

Buyers are at a distinct advantage today. It is a buyer’s market. The realities of the real estate market are everywhere. And, the lenders selling REOs are aware of this reality. The volume of REOs is growing. Lenders lose money on most REOs. Therefore, they want to sell the REO promptly.

In some cases, the lender is willing to sell the REO at a considerable lose just to relieve their inventory of REO homes. The longer a lender keeps an REO, the more anxious the lender is to move the REO home and reduce their inventory. When lenders are motivated my market forces, they may even be willing to sell REOs for around 80% of the market value. This is good news for buyers.

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Advantages of buying a Real Estate Owned (REO) Property

1. REOs will often come with appliances.

2. Hefty price reductions may be possible for REO property.

3. The REO can generally be inspected before purchase contract.

4. Licensed Realtors® will usually be representing the property.

5. As a rule, all taxes and liens against property have been removed.

6. The lender may discount in-house title company and escrow company fees.

7. REOs are numerous and will be on the MLS and accessible to your Realtor®.

8. REOs will usually be in good condition, because the listing Realtor® wants to sell the property quickly.

9. If the REO is in need of repair, the lender will usually make allowances for them in the purchase agreement.

10. Financing terms through the lending institution owning the REO property may be more favorable than traditional mortgage terms.

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Things to look for when buying a REO

1. Has the lender repaired pest damage? This could be a major expense.

2. Your Realtor® needs to make sure the lender has agreed to do needed repairs.

3. Have your Realtor® arrange for you to see the REO once in the daytime and once at night. Why at night. Nighttime noise pollution could be a major issue.

4. The location of REO may be one of the reasons the house was not sold at auction. Watch out for undesirable neighborhoods. A good deal on paper may not be a good deal.

5. Retain the services of a good Realtor®. It is essential to conduct a thorough analysis of comparable properties in the area. Do not let a good deal on paper detour you from using good judgment. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is needed to make sure that you do not pay too much for the property.

6. What type of repairs needs to be done? Hire a professional to determine the extent of damage if the house needs fixing. What may seem minor may turn out to be major. If the lender is not willing to do the necessary repairs, reconsider the purchase. Because, you should always aim for having the lender repair the property to a reasonably good condition. If they do not want to do the repairs, but are willing to give you a repair allowance, make sure the repair allowance will cover the repair costs. Do not skimp on repairs and under estimate these costs, because you will have to live with the outcome. If it appears that major repairs will be needed, you should retain the services of a professional to determine the extent of repairs.

In conclusion, this is a buyer’s market. A wise buyer may be able to parley a great deal with a lender on a REO property. Contact your Realtor® today and evaluate the current real estate opportunities.

Call Timothy L. Stanley Realtor® at 626-230-0741 for more information regarding REO property. This article was published in the Rosemead Herald. All rights reserved.