Well, it’s been a few days since the last post, thus sort of negating the daily part of the Real Daily, but life is busy and (insert amazing excuse here).

I found these articles and consider them to have some sound advice on spending/saving:

• Tweaks that may fatten your wallet
• Managing your money to keep the debt monkey off your back

Cool (Web) Gizmo: HouseFront’s home value estimator that can be accessed from your cell phone.

Why It’s Cool: Being that we are becoming more and more of a get it now, get it quick culture, why wouldn’t we want a home’s value and spec’s ASAP?  Whether your out of the office driving by a listing or sitting with a potential client at lunch, if a home’s value is in question, HouseFront can supply the answer… or at least a very rough estimate.  Just like any non-human estimate, certain factors prohibit the automated technology from providing 100% accurate information.  But, it is enough to at give our go-go-go attitude something to chew on.

And yes, I already have HouseFront in my cell’s address book…

Concert: Arcade Fire at the Greek Theatre (May 29, 2007)

A good concert can be a truly energizing event. It’s impossible for me to hold back the sincerest of smiles when I’m amidst a concert atmosphere where energy and musicianship are flawlessly woven together like a princess braid; where it seems each attendee is hopelessly at the mercy of the band’s direction; where, for a couple hours, all that matters is what’s being done on stage. Being that I attempted to make it for almost 10 years in a band, I often wonder if during these aforementioned moments I am so honored to be a fan or so envious of the performers. Either way, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s almost, if I dare say… spiritual.

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I remember when buying my first home I would actually shop for and walk through homes I found on the MLS that didn’t have a picture. I was insane I guess, but a sort of buying insanity was contagious in the exceptionally insane real estate market of three or four years ago. These days homes must actually be sold, not just listed. If your listing isn’t sporting an inviting picture you might as well fill the home with locusts because there aren’t going to be any potential buyers coming inside any time soon.

Being involved in real estate marketing for agents and marketing development for real estate teams, I am always being asked for marketing ideas. My first response is ALWAYS, “Are you utilizing the Internet?” Because…

With an estimated 80% of home buyers starting their search on the Internet, photos are to home sales today what curb appeal used to be: the place where first impressions are made.

According to a National Assn. of Realtors survey of the Web features that buyers found “very useful,” 83% mentioned photos, 81% liked detailed property information and 60% named virtual tours.

- Ann Brenoff, Times Staff Writer, www.latimes.com, Link

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Go Halos!!

K-Rod Puts Finishing Touch On Angels’ Sweep Of Yankees

I am a fan of the show, Ultimate Fighter, which has a typical reality show premise: “Win on the show, win a (contract / wife / record deal / makeover / etc).” These guys live in a house together (surprise), train with teammates, and pound it out hoping to earn a UFC contract. Dana White, the president of the UFC, has always been very involved in the growth, development, and success of the UFC. Naturally, he is the host of the show. Last night, however, he was “disgusted.” Two fighters, while drinking at the house, ended up in a good old fashion brawl, complete with blood, bruises, and vulgarities. While the battle of drunks ensued, everyone else on the show cheered them on, occasionally moving obstacles out of the way so the two could punch it out without tripping over chairs and tables (quite thoughtful of them I thought). Now, granted the entertainment value was through the roof, Dana White addressed the fighters the next day, berating them for their “high school” mentality and their glorification of the fighter stereotype. Mr. White’s disgust was rooted in the fact the these fighters are often viewed by the general public as “goons”, all muscled up with tattoos looking to ground ‘n pound with anyone who gives them a questionable glance. His vision has been to refute that stereotype through the UFC, an arena for MMA fighters to make a name for themselves as professional athletes. Nevertheless, the two goons got kicked off the show last night. This got me thinking, this is like my industry… mortgages.

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Our blog, The REAL Daily, is officially kicking off today. We’re excited.

I recently shut down my previous blog so I am eager to get back into it.

There should be a variety of topics here, with an emphasis on Real Estate and loans obviously, so we look forward to some interesting discussions and blog chatter.