Oct. 23, 2006 - A Day At the Airport as a Passenger

It has been a long time since I have flown.  Even though I work for the airline.  Between my growing Real Estate business and working the airline part time and taking care of my mom, I just do not have time to travel around.  In fact the only reason I am sitting in the McCarren Airport right now is I have to fly up to Salt Lake City and pick up my mom and drive her back to Las Vegas.  Since I fly stand by I came to the airport this morning for the first flight to Salt Lake.  I was here in plenty of time and thought I was making pretty good time as I walked toward security.

That is where the nightmares began.  The lines were unbelievably long.  I then got herded over to another line.  I found myself in a line with the machine that x-rays the whole body.  Well it broke down after I was in this narrow space, plastic walls all around, with people backed up before me and behind.  There was no where for me to go and I am very claustrophobic.  It was a very agonizing 45 minutes.  Then I got one the other side and they chose me to have my things rummaged through(the gentleman said just step over there you have been chosen as one of the special ones.) and certain things wiped down and analyzed.  (FOR BOMB STUFF???  GUN POWDER???)  so there I was standing there with no shoes on as they took my suitcase and computer bag apart.  Needless to say I missed that first flight and the second one was full soooo here I sit at the airport waiting for the next one and unless some airline cancels a flight and moves the people over to this one I should get on the airplane.  (YEA)

You might wonder where I am going with all this, well now that I have experienced this for myself, I just want you to get to the airport AT LEAST TWO HOURS prior to you flight. 

HAPPY JET STREAMS 

Oct. 2, 2006 - So You Decided to Sell Your Home

 Selling Your Home Part One

When you decide to sell your home, chances are you are caught up in a host of emotions.  You may be looking forward to moving up to a new dream home.  Or facing the uncertainty of a move across country.  You may be reluctant to leave your memories behind or eager to start new adventures.  Whatever turbulent emotions you may be feeling there are things that will need you attention.   Keep in mind the following considerations to help the whole process go more smoothly.

Over the next few days I will give several tips and ideas to make this move as painless as possible.  If you have a good strong agent that will be a plus.

• Check you Curb Appeal  

A home that is visually appealing and in good condition will attract potential buyers that are just driving down the street.  Use this checklist.  Drive up and down the steet looking  at your home through critical eyes of a stranger.  Stand across the street and evaluate every aspect of your yard.                                           

•   Are the lawns and shrubs well maintained?
•   Are there cracks in the foundation or walkways?
•   Does the driveway need resurfacing?
•   Are the gutters, chimney and walls in good condition?
•   Do the window casings, shutters, siding or doors need painting?
•   Are garbage and debris stored out of sight?
•   Are lawn movers and hoses properly stored?
•   Are all the toys, bikes and other items stored properly?
•   Is the garage door closed?

Strong curb appeal will lure potential buyers inside.  Stay tuned for Part Two            

Oct. 2, 2006 - Size doesn't matter anymore

The National Association of Home Builders, is a Washington based trade association.  They represents more than 222,000 members involved in residential and light commercial construction.  They have come up with some wants and needs of home buyers today.

Given the choice between more space or higher quality features, the latter was overwhelmingly opted for.  Given the choice between a larger home or more amenities 63% chose the amenities.  57% preferred them to be included in the base cost of the new home.  43% wanted them to be offered as extras for an additional  cost.

What do these home buyers want?

Kitchen with a walk in pantry 84%

Island work area 77%

Special-use storage 62%

Built in Microwave 62%

Kitchen open and visible to the family room 34%

Linen closets in bathroom 91%

Exhaust Fan 88%

Separate shower enclosure 78%

9 ft. ceilings are more popular than ft. makes the house feel more open, bigger and brighter.

Asked about more space in the master bedroom or more in the master bath, 69% wanted more room in the master bedroom.

Looking for trends in the next 5 years.  Predicted is low maintenance, energy efficiency, natural materials, synthetic stucco,and security on the outside of the house.

Another emerging item in higher end homes is a bonus room above the 3 car garage.  These rooms can be over a 1000 ft and include a full bath.  It is used as a guest room, office, or in law quarters.  

Oct. 2, 2006 - Andre after putting down the racket

Andre Agassi already has a new profession.  He has gotten into the Real Estate business!!!  Andre has partnershiped with Exclusive Resorts, to develop auxury resort communities worldwide that would feature Agassi-Graf Tennis and Fitness Centers.

Agassi will act as senior advisor to the company, having hands on input on the fitness and tennis,locations and design.  He will also write a newsletter for Exclusive Resorts members about enhancing tennis and fitness activities for their families.

Their first property will open next year in Costa Rica named Poro-Poro resort.  There will be a grand opening event which will benifit the Agassi foundation.  This foundationsupports childrens charities. www.exclusiveresorts.com

GOOD LUCK ANDRE