Archives

February 2006

Bouncing Back In A Most Positive Way

Posted at 12:52 PM, Feb. 22, 2006

The following e-mail from Dean Graham reminds me of so many who have forged ahead and are stronger for what they have been through and will never forget those who cared.....

Hello Ms. Hopkins, my name is Dean Graham and I have recently evacuated to Tampa from Gulfport Ms. I have been working in the mortgage business for 5 years and have been given the opportunity to go to work for a great company in Tampa. Although everything was lost, I have been touched by so many people it has changed my life forever.

An experience I know I will look back on as a positive – not a negative. A fantastic lady from New Jersey (Lois DeCaro – Real Estate Broker) allowed me to stay in her beach condo for two months rent free…….she is a true angel. …..I could not have made it without her. She even provided me with my first refinance which we will close on Friday.

As you know, referrals are the lifeline in this business and it has been very difficult getting started. If you can think of any opportunity to get in touch with realtors in the Greater Tampa Bay area it would be a tremendous help. I assure my commitment to service excellence is 2nd to none.

Thank you for everything that your group is doing to help the people from my community restore their lives.

Dean R. Graham,

Account Manager

Office - 813-470-4714

Fax - 813-315-6698

Cell - 813-846-5008

www.americandreamcorp.com <http://www.americandreamcorp.com/>

"It is kinda scary"

Posted at 7:11 AM, Feb. 16, 2006

2/10/06 This Insurance Journal coverage of Max Mayfield, Director of the National Hurricane Centers recent address to insurance adjustors was not a source of comfort! 

From a preparadness standpoint, Mayfields observation regarding minor repairs deserves attention, "Homeowners in areas where previous hurricanes have damaged their property need to complete minor repairs before the next hurricane season," Mayfield explained. "What seem like small items, a loose shingle for instance, will be weaknesses if another hurricane comes through, and could result in major damage if not repaired now."

Mayfield stated that due to the La Nina effect, there could be more hurricanes in 2006 than there were in 2005!

01/21/06 Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal Article "We think we are 10 years into a 20- to 30-year cycle,'' MSU hurricane expert and author Patrick J. Fitzpatrick told the Tupelo Rotary Club on Monday. "It is kinda scary.''

REALTOR Disaster Mobilization Workgroup Holds Meeting

Posted at 9:33 AM, Feb. 12, 2006

Kudos to the leadership of Louisiana REALTORS! 

On Wed, Feb. 8th, the state association hosted a meeting and conference call of the DISASTER MOBILIZATION WORKGROUP.  The agenda was well planned and capitalized on the experiences of those who dealt with and continue to deal with the difficulties caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Many in the workgroup are still in "recovery" mode, but still took the time to contribute.

The major focus was to discuss the development of a crisis/communication plan for real estate firms, state and local associations, and the development of a criteria and direction for a web-based communcations resource.

While it was the dual storms that brought us together at the Baton Rouge meeting, hurricanes were not the only source of concern. Candid conversation regarding terrorism, other natural disasters such as fire or tornados give cause to prepare as well as the next hurricane season.....less than 5 months away. 

A crisis plan that includes advance preparations, creation of a checklist of essential items and backup issues as well as short and long term needs were discussed as well as the need for a "command center." 

The need to better prepare to offer and receive help from other sources was also a topic of interest.

As we work to repair our homes, businesses, and cities, lets all take time to think through our personal preparadness plan. And, stay tuned to the progress of the Disaster Mobilization Workgroup!

Feel free to submit ideas regarding this topic here under post a comment. Ideas generated now may save time and turmoil later!