Yesterday, Memorial Day, I got meme’d, against my wishes. Got one of those Internet chain letter types of things called a MEME where I am supposed to yap about me and share stuff I wouldn’t ordinarily. Since I was busy with business I didn’t get this done until today. Sorry, Irina.

Mary McKnight initiated this Memorial Day Super 8 MEME, based on the number 8, you know like 8-ball, figure 8? Her rationale? It’s her favorite number, the 8 is the infinity symbol if you turn it on its side, and it’s 2008. Whatever. Anyhow, she meme’d Laurie Manny, who meme’d Irinia Netchaev, who decided I ought to be part of the 8 bloggers she needed to meme. Lucky me.  Since I tend to be a law abiding citizen, and meme law according to Mary McKnight requires that I answer these questions AND find 8 other lucky bloggers to do the same, I cooperated. Sort of a twist on “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Here’s Mary’s MEME

Here’s Laurie’s MEME

Here’s Irina’s MEME

Anyhow, here are the 8 questions (do you see the trend?).

1. Who is your favorite musical artist (post a YouTube Video)

This is impossible. I don’t have a real favorite. There are many artists that I really liked, or have liked over the years, and picking one out of all these doesn’t seem right. I enjoy classic rock and roll – The Rolling Stones are high up there, for example. Can’t leave out the Beatles. Pink Floyd and The Moody Blues were favorites of mine at some point. Love Annie Lennox from the old Eurythmics (my kids when they were young called them The Arithmetics). Oh, and Fleetwood Mac too. I’m a big jazz lover and the list of artists is endless. Chris Botti is a fave, as is (was) Chet Baker. And blues is right up there – Etta James may top that list. Since I have to pick one for a video, here’s Sweet Dreams sung by Annie Lennox.

2. Who is your favorite artist? (Post a Flickr photo)

I have been interested in art for many years, and credit my wife, Kay, with cultivating that love and appreciation. I love visiting galleries and museums (The Uffizi in Florence,  Italy was certainly a highlight, but then there was the Tate in London, and the  Getty in LA, and…). My wife and I also collect art, and had an art gallery in Cambridge MA for 3 years before heading to California. Not sure I would pick a favorite artist since there are so many good ones, especially contemporary which tends to be a love of mine. So here’s one from my own collection (and I don’t have to worry about who owns the Flickr photo, right?). “Martinis” by Rob Brooks.

3. Who is your favorite blogger?

Nope you won’t trap me there. Don’t have one – there are so many great bloggers I enjoy reading.

4. If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and what is the most interesting thing about them?

Again, this is a tough one…how does one choose? I guess the one person that immediately comes to mind is Mother Theresa. This short video of her message says it all.

5. What did you want to be when you grew up? 

Hmmm, I don’t think I wanted to grow up. That’s sounds Peter Panish I suppose. I know at one point being a vet intrigued me. And as a teen I got interested in real estate (my Mom was with RE/MAX) but then pursued my love for psychology in undergrad and grad school. Did that for a bit and found it was not for me, at least not working in a medical environment.

6. What is the most interesting piece of trivia you know? 

I can’t ever remember any of that stuff, and I am miserable at Trivial Pursuit. But I found a fun tidbit in honor of Irina since she writes about Pasadena:

“ In Pasadena, it is illegal for a secretary to be alone in a room with her boss”

7. If you could live in any point of history, what would it be and why?

I’m not a history buff, and I think I have lived in the times I liked best – grew up in the 60s, lived through the disco age, worked for a DotCom company and went through that meltdown, and have seen tremendous advancements in technology in the 1990s into the 21^st century. What could be better?

8. What is the most interesting job you have ever held?

Hmmm, well there have been some that are not so much fun. And I suppose I would be wimping out on this question if I said my current career in real estate, which I enjoy the most because of the diversity of stuff I get to do and the people I meet. But thinking back, I would otherwise say my last Human Resource position at HookMedia as VP was the most interesting. I was the 6^th employee and got to help grow the company to 103 folks in 3 cities, build the culture, design all the programs, etc. I had the most fun of any corporate job I have had and it was a great place to end my corporate life.

Soooo, NOW I get to pick 8 lucky bloggers as part of this MEME. Yes, it is no longer Memorial Day, so maybe that makes a difference. I don’t know but I don’t want anyone saying I didn’t do my part. Maybe one of them will respond. Remember the meme law?

Sally Cheeseman – Aloha! Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog

Neal Bloom - Weston Florida Real Estate Blog

Linda Scanlan – Fort Worth Real Estate

Maureen Henry – Home Staging Rockland County NY

Jeff Belonger – Mortgage Knowledge at Its BEST

Sharon Simms – Real Estate Musings from St. Pete, Florida

Lenn Harley – Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com in Maryland and Virginia

Kelly Sibilsky – Lake Zurich Illinois Real Estate

I am veering off my usual path of writing articles on real estate to share some information about myself (if you only want to read about REAL ESTATE or a CARLSBAD RELOCATION you can stop here).

Not because I necessarily want to, nor because you need to know this stuff. And normally I write for real estate consumers, not about myself. But I was tagged by my friend Lola Audu in Grand Rapids, Michigan as part of her meme, which she describes as a game of virtual tag. She was tagged by Linda Scanlan (another friend and fellow REALTOR in Fort Worth, TX) who had been tagged by Ginger Wilcox on ActiveRain where lots of us agents hang out in the blogosphere.

Since Linda also memed me in her post I owe this to her as well. Thanks…I think I’m honored for the meme but do I really have to do this? (Plus I still I owe Diane Aurit in Lake Norman, North Carolina, a meme on books from weeks ago. Still working on that, Diane).

Soooo…the requirement is to share 7 interesting things about myself and to Tag 7 other people who have blogs outside of ActiveRain (I assume they should be equally interesting…perhaps more so. That’ll be easy). Not sure I can count that high on the interesting scale. Maybe I can make something up.

• When I was 12 I was in an opera – “Aida” in fact (by Guiseppe Verdi). At the Philadelphia Lyric Opera. I got to lead a horse onstage with leading tenor Enrico Caruso as part of the Triumphal March (listen to it) on Opening Night. Caruso had a bit of a tough time getting off, as reported by the Philadelphia paper. It was NOT graceful as I recall. I did NOT get my feet stepped on. Whew.

I rode my bike between Boston and NYC twice. Not just for fun (well, it WAS fun) but for the AIDS Ride benefit. About 325 miles the first time (Boston to NYC over 3 days, the first day in pouring rain), the second time was 350 miles over 4 days from NYC to Boston. I raised several thousand dollars each time in order to ride. Very cool.  A life changing experience. Man, was I sore. That's me on Day 2 (NYC to Boston) along the Long Island Sound in Connecticut.

• My wife and I are avid art collectors (no, not the million dollar stuff, silly). We have probably 150 pieces (mostly original) on our walls and stashed in 3 closets since there is not enough room. We keep buying. We also owned a successful art gallery in Cambridge, MA near Boston for 3 years before moving to Carlsbad, California. (see some snippets of our collection below).
  

• I climbed over the top of a railroad bridge over the Muskingum River in Marietta, Ohio while in college…several times. Why? It was there. Who cares?!  It seemed like a fun thing to do at the time. I was probably skipping class at the time.

I have driven across the country from Massachusetts to California 3 times in the last 10 years. I’d rather fly. Quickest trip was about 3 days (3400 miles). Saw some things I will never forget (Grand Canyon, for example) – others, I have no desire to ever see again. I’m staying mum on that so as to not offend anyone. Don’t ask.

• Lastly, I have moved around a bit. Certainly not as much as some folks but enough. Having had 4 major relocations – to Boston from Detroit, to Minneapolis, back to Boston and to California (our Carlsbad home is our 9^th, not counting a few rentals and temporary housing along the way, plus 2 vacation homes at the beach) - is part of my interest in this blog on relocation and helping others navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of a move.

There you have it. Nothing very exciting on the interest scale, but, hey, it’s me and what I feel like sharing.

Now for the hard part. Who to tag? People I know? Those I don’t?  There are so many to choose from. But like Maureen I think I will think local and stick to Cali (and of course those who also have other blog sites). If you have been memed before, sorry. But I have too, so you don’t get much sympathy from me. 

• Brad Andersohn The Tech Exec
• Mary Pope-Handy Live in Los Gatos
• Lynda Eisenmann Living in So Cal
• Sandi Bauman Chico Home Search
• Morgan Brown Blown Mortgage
• Gena Reide Sacramento Real Estate Voice
• Sheron Cardin Home Staging News

I, and others, look forward to hearing from you.

If I can provide more information about the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

As everyone knows around the country, and most importantly here in Southern California, the fires that are raging are top of mind for everyone. I'm sorry about not writing more but obviously there are more serious things to worry about.

Things continue to change hour by hour, with some improvements in some area and others where conditions are worsening rapidly.

Wherever you are, please be safe and alert.

Jeff

Lots of people use text messaging these days, many of them for personal reasons, to connect with friends and family members. You can text message pretty much anywhere in the world, and with anyone, provided you can both get phone service (this is great when Internet access and a computer are not available).

I have been texting more on a personal basis but now and using it more and more with clients and prospects for quick questions and answers when email is not as feasible or the recipient may not be able to check email. I always check to make sure that texting is OK.

The same works for me. If you prefer to text me with questions or to simply get in touch, rather than sending me an email or calling, please go ahead. Technology allows us to be more efficient, save time, and connect 24/7. So go ahead - I welcome your messages.

Text me at (760) 840-1360

Recently I have had a number of people ask me more about my background, in real estate as well as otherwise. I think most prospects, and clients, have some interest in knowing more about who they might work with (or are working with).  [photo is of me, of course, at the Westin Mission Hills Resort in Rancho Mirage last week in the 100 degree heat - it was 20 degrees warmed than at my home in Carlsbad]

Perhaps you are wondering about these things as well. If so, you might want to check out my profile by clicking on the MEET ME link on the left side of the page.

You might also be wondering about my personal relocation experience (4 major moves) and now that ties in with the information I am sharing throughout this blog. If so, take a look at one of my first posts to learn more about some of my own relocation experiences. I've had both good and bad, and am happy to share more if that is useful.

Thanks for reading.

Jeff

This has nothing to do with relocation or real estate, but I felt compelled to comment...I'm sure you understand.

First let me say that I hope none of you reading this knows anyone who was involved in this horrible event in Minneapolis. But if you do my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.

Having lived in Minneapolis and crossing that bridge many times, this really hit me. I found out about it late last night after leading in Orange County airport from my 1 day trip to San Francisco for a conference on blogging - more on that later. My wife is in Michigan and left me a message, wanting me to know. We have friends there (thankfully they are fine) and the company she works for is there as well (everyone there is OK too).

These sorts of tragedies always remind us of how precious life, friends, and family are,and that our lives can be changed in an instant, and without warning. Always remember this - they cannot be replaced.

Jeff

I am off to the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles tomorrow for the Playboy Jazz Festival - just hanging out on Saturday, then home again on Sunday. More on that when I return. Good thing is it is only about 2 hours from San Diego so it's an easy and fun trip on the weekend.

Have a terrific weekend!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all you fathers!

I wanted to let you know I may not be writing again until Monday or Tuesday of next week. I am off to Monterey today, then to San Francisco for a couple of days, then passing through Paso Robles on the way home.

I am due back home on Monday June 4. I may do some writing enroute...but maybe not!

Have a great weekend!

I recently did a listing presentation for a couple who had been trying to sell their home on their own for almost a year, then decided to bring in an agent. They live out of the area and trying to handle the sale on their own was a hassle, even though they have been successful with other homes in the past. And in this market the limited advertising they did was not doing the trick. AND the house was really over-priced.

I dogged these people for 6 months, sending them market data and updates, suggestions for marketing the home, and more. So I was very pleased to be asked to come in to talk with them (as one of 3 agents they were interviewing, for 30 minutes each).

The presentation, though brief, went well and we had a good conversation. They had some great questions, too. The house has its challenges, as it needs some updating, but the bones are good and the floor plan offers a number of possibilities.

A few days later Mrs. Seller called me, as I requested, to let me know that they had decided on another agent (as it turns out, someone they have known for a number of years) but they had really liked me and my approach and style. There was no negative feedback - they only chose this person because of the relationship. They will keep me in mind if things do not work out.

I told them I really hoped the house sold for them, even though that would mean I would not be their listing agent.

Sure, I would have liked to have had the listing, but I was pleased to be part of the process, and the feedback I got was very positive. So I feel that I still won, in the end. I wish them luck!

I wrote a post the other day for ActiveRain (a real estate network I blog on regularly) that really meant alot to me. And it touched a lot of people, too.

It was directed to some first time buyers I am working with, and all that I have learned from them during the process. We haven't reached our goal yet, but the journey has been a terrific learning experience, with some hurdles to overcome and others we could not get beyond. But that's part of the journey we all go through when buying and selling.

So I wrote this to thank them. Here it is.

I was thinking about our first relocation the other morning while I was at the gym - doing ab crunches, which I hate. Guess I needed something to get my mind off of what I was doing.

But what I was thinking about was much harder than a hundred ab crunches.

Our first relo was from Detroit, MI to Boston, MA. We had two children (3 and 2), I was in graduate school and working, and my wife was working for General Motors (at that time everyone in MI either worked for one of the big automakers or a related industry. We were interested in going to Boston and she had an opportunity for a new job there. So the decision was made.

Because of grad school, and her job, my wife went off to Boston to start work and lived in a hotel for 3 months. I stayed in Dearborn Height with the kids, and continued grad school and working. We got to visit a couple of times during this period, meeting midway in New York. This was one of the hardest things I have ever done - and it was especially hard for the girls not having their mother around.  And I know it was so hard for my wife to not be home with her girls. Talking on the phone daily helped, but it's just not the same. I was also starting my job hunt in Boston since I was at a point with grad school when I could live elsewhere and finish my research. Fortunately some of my wife's family a couple of hours away so periodic visits helped.

My wife started house hunting and plans were made to put our first house in MI on the market. Busy times, for sure. Our house didn't sell right away but off to Boston I went with the kids. We moved into a rental apartment for a couple of months while we waited for the Michigan house to sell (tough market back then) and to close on our new home in Boston. Because of the rental most of our furniture and personal stuff remained in storage.

This was a really tough emotional, and physically draining, experience for everyone, but it all worked out...finally (took about 5 months). We moved into our new home outside Boston, I started a new job and continued to work on finishing my degree (which meant a monthly trip from Boston to Detroit...by car [15 hours each way] since money was not abundant in those days), the kids started pre-school down the street, my wife settled more into her job and life moved on.

Going through relocation yourself? I know what it's like. Guess those ab crunches weren't so bad after all.

There are some days when I wish I was a cat. Little to do all day except sleep (most of the time), eat (whenever possible), keep oneself clean (well, that's not much fun but it has to be done, I guess) and just enjoy relaxing, with a little playtime here and there.

Perhaps in my next life!

These are photos of our 18 month old cat, Berkeley. He can be a holy terror at times, and loves to treat our other cat as a playtoy, but he sure can get comfortable.

He seems to particularly enjoy the "relax the back" chair.

I realize many of you reading this blog may be planning to relocate, but to other areas of the country besides Southern California. Or you may know someone else who is moving.

Chances are you, or they, might want to have a referral to an agent who can assist you - either with your current home that you need to sell and/or with locating a new home. I can help you with that. How, you might wonder?

Well, a large part of my business is referrals from people I know and other agents. But I do a great deal of referring out as well (family, friends, past clients, and people I know in other areas who are buying and selling). I know many well-qualified agents in other parts of the country, plus I have some great contacts through the professional organizations I belong to (RE/MAX, CRS, REBAC) and the networking I do (ActiveRain - a real estate on-line network).  So, chances are  I know someone in the area where you live or are moving to that I can refer you to for assistance in buying and selling.

I am pretty particular about who I work with, and very cautious about who I refer people to. If I don't feel an agent will assist my referral in the same manner that I would, then I will not refer to them.

If I don't know the referral personally, I will take time on the phone to get them know them and their needs first, so that I can do my research and find the best referral for them. Then I will make sure that the agent is agreeable to the referral and has the experience, knowledge and abiltiy to help my referral in that location. If there are doubts, I keep researching.

So, if I can help you in other ways besides providing helpful information through this blog, either with your move here or elsewhere, please don't hesitate to ask.

I actively participate in a real estate blogging network site called ActiveRain, which has been great for learning more about blogging, sharing and acquiring real estate knowledge, and getting to know agents from around the country.

Recently there was a meme contest, and everyone who participated was asked to "meme" 3 other people and to share 5 things about themselves that no one on the network know. Here were mine:

1. I have been married for 27 years and have 2 daughters - one 26 (in LA) the other is 25 and living in the Boston area. Our first daughter was born on our 10-month anniversary - yes, people were counting

2. My wife and I are avid art collectors and had an art gallery for 3 years in Boston; currently we have well over 100 pieces (and not enough room)

3. I have ridden my bike on 2 AIDS benefits rides between Boston and New York ('bout 350 miles)   [BTW the organization that used to sponsor them had some financial difficulties and ultimately dropped out as sponsor/organizer.]

4. I have lived in 9 homes (in 5 states - Ohio, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, California) and 3 rentals since I got married.

5. I was in the opera "Aida" in Philadelphia when I was 12 years old (and no, it was not singing).

Oh, BTW - that pic up top was the one of myself that I doctored for the Christmas holiday and used on my ActiveRain profile. Cool, huh?!