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Random thoughts about anything Marquette
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Back to School
Top Ten Back to School Quotes
— Mohandas Gandhi
— Will Durant
— Albert Einstein
— Mark Twain
— Lao Tzu
— Malcolm Forbes
— W. Edwards Deming
— Elbert Hubbard
— Alvin Toffler
— Pete Seeger
Aww nothing quite compares with NMU students descending like locusts back to our fair city. The traffic, the poor… ok, unfamiliar drivers, the lines at Shopko, Target and the like, the beer sales, the students have come back for better or worse. I like to think of it as a kaleidoscope of fresh young faces. Ok I would like to think that but mostly I just grit my teeth as they pull out in front of me on Third Street! I know they are great for our economy…right?
But if the NMU students are back it must mean that it is the weekend for Marquette Rotary West Seafood Fest a classic end of summer tradition enjoyed by locals, students and their families. This year they will be having a car show all Saturday. Clam Chowder anyone?
NMU has a great program for kids 8th grade and below who like sports. I know I am signing Mitchell up for the NMU Young Wildcat Club. Membership is open to children of all ages. The cost to join is $10 per child and once you become a member you will receive:
- Official Young Wildcat Club T-shirt
- Official Young Wildcat Club membership card
- Free admission to the following NMU home, regular season events:
- Football
- Volleyball
- Women's Basketball
- Men's Basketball
- Select hockey games (schedule of free hockey games will be released soon)
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Track and Field
- Cross County Running
- Nordic Skiing
- Golf
- Monthly e-mail newsletters and updates
- Birthday card from Wildcat Willy
- Invitations to special events:
- Autograph sessions
- Meet the Team events
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Posted: 11:31 AM, Aug. 21, 2008 |
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Why I hate Febreze and Love the New York Times
Why I hate Febreze
And Love the New York Times
Ok I will start with the New York Times; on August 11th they profiled our little old Marquette County Fair in a recent article This Land - Where the Competition Is Stiff but Sweet - NYTimes.com. I will admit to not reading the New York Times but NMU’s awesome Alumni Association published this in their newsletter and now I am sharing it with you. It is such a treat to see your friend’s name (Andi Goriesky) in print in the New York Times!
I hate Febreze! I am sorry to pick on one product, but I must say it is completely overused in homes that are for sale. I understand the umm distinctive smells that some homes might have, but when a home owner thinks they are covering it up with Febreze, it seems to just make it worse. So my first piece of advice is to clean a home completely. You just don’t know what may have died under the couch. The second easy way out is to run a lemon or lime through the disposal. But my latest find is Fresh Wave a product that I saw on the Today Show July 2, 2008. I found it online but didn’t do anything until I saw it locally at the Touch of Finland. I bought both the Fresh Wave small spray and a 16 oz. gel pack. I have access to a vacant home that didn’t smell quite right, so I placed the gel pack in the home and the odor diminished. I do think for a whole home, I would get 2 packs. I used the spray in my own home with great results! What I like about the product is that you get a fresh smell, not a chemical or perfume smell, and it seems to remove odor not just cover it up.
If you try it let me know what you think.
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Posted: 10:56 AM, Aug. 14, 2008 |
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What a Weekend!!!!
That quote seems particularly apt in August when weekends are at a premium. This weekend in particular is jammed packed with interesting things to do and that isn’t even counting, weddings, family and personal commitments! I just want to share a few of the events that look interesting this weekend. 2008 Marquette County Fair started yesterday and if you only go for the Croatian Chicken it is worth the drive to the fairgrounds. Marquette Beautification & Restoration Committee, Inc. is holding the Garden Extravaganza Inaugural Garden Conference Saturday at NMU.
But the big weekend event is downtown in the Lower Harbor, Marquette’s first Pirate Festival. Tour the Tall Ship Madeline which arrives complete with attacking Pirates Friday evening around 6 pm. This is also a great opportunity to tour the Maritime Museum and the Lighthouse or see “Walk the Plank: A Pirate Inspired Art Exhibition” at Marquette Arts and Culture Center and Peter White Public Library. Check out the complete schedule of events online at Pirate Festival.
What is your favorite Summer Olympic Sport?
What ever your weekend entails please just make it safe!
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Posted: 9:37 AM, Aug. 7, 2008 |
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10 Tips to take the stress out of Real Estate
When I have the time I read as many blogs as I can. Switching up between Real Estate blogs and foodie blogs, I am in awe of the amazing writers on the web. Julie Woodward-Trenker is a Chicago REALTOR who posts a great Blog for the consumer and I am reprinting this post from her Blog with her permission. Thanks Julie!
Take the Stress Out of Home buying
Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.
1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.
2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.
3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the home.
4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.
5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.
6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.
7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.
8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.
9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.
10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.
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Posted: 6:51 AM, Jul. 31, 2008 |
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What is up with real estate and the weekend?
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“Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath.”
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Michael Caine
(Internationally successful British motion picture actor, b.1933)
Finally a day with sunshine! I love this quote because I think it fits well with our current real estate market. Calm to the outside but we are working hard behind the scenes to get homes sold. In the press we continually hear that real estate market is bad but I did a limited absorption rate study and was pleased with the results. According to Pat Zaby absorption rate measures the time it takes for a home to sell. “Competition in the market place affects the sales price of a home. If the demand is constant and the supply is low, the price can increase. On the other hand, if the demand is declining and the supply is constant or increasing, the price will go down.
Five to six months of market time is considered to support a healthy inventory of property. If the market time is less than that, the shortage of property can cause the price to go up. If it is more than that, the glut of properties can cause the price to go down.” According UPAR MLS statistics for the city of Marquette in the 100,000-300,000 price range we have a 7 month supply of listings. Just a little more than a balanced market.
On the local weekend watch we have one of Marquette’s busiest weekends coming up with the ever popular Art on the Rocks which is celebrating its 50th year, and The Outback Art Fair. Both fairs are easily accessible if you park at Lakeview Arena and walk over to Picnic Rocks or take the shuttle out to Presque Isle. To add to these Saturday and Sunday events don’t forget about Downtown Marquette’s Blueberry Festival Summer Youth Talent Show and Blueberry Dance Festival. Which takes place at the commons building.
All the downtown stores are ready for you, including the grand reopening of the beloved Donkers Candy Store and Soda Fountain. Tom Vear and company have been working in overdrive to be ready for you to check out the “return to the past” renovations. Let me know what you think of the project!
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Posted: 12:59 PM, Jul. 24, 2008 |
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Ethics in Real Estate
Today I am going to touch on a few of the articles that I think the consumer needs to know. First and foremost we are to protect and promote our clients’ interests while treating all parties honestly. We must make sure all agreements are put into writing and the parties understand all agreements. A client is someone with whom a REALTOR has a contract, Buyer, Seller, or any other service. A customer has no contract for services with a REALTOR. When a customer calls an office they often just want information but we are bound by our Code of Ethics to ask if they are working with another agent. It is unethical to intrude on another agent’s client.
When I was President of UPAR for 2 years I was amazed at how many people would rather complain, not bothering to file an ethics complaint. It is a relatively simple procedure and unethical agents do face penalties that may include fines or expulsion. The hearing process is private but I can report that hearings do happen.
On a much lighter note…Have you heard the new radio station in Marquette? It is 100.3 The Point and it plays classic rock for 52 minutes out of every hour. Now I tried to find information on the web but I could not find any contact information, so I do not know if this station will always have limited or no commercials but I love it! This is the music I listened to when I was growing up and I never stopped loving it! I am a lite classic rock junkie. If anyone knows more about this station let me know. |
Posted: 11:53 AM, Jul. 17, 2008 |
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What's to Love About Marquette
Why do you love Marquette? I was just enjoying WMQT-Q107 radio personality Jim Koski’s list of 107 Things to Love about Marquette County. This list really rocks! I must agree with them all but I must admit one of my favorite places is not on his list…CAMP. For me it is a small place on Lake Superior close to Marquette. But it seems that everyone either has a “camp” or has access to one. We are so lucky to have the ability to escape without having to drive for hours. Our amazing number of lakes makes this possible, for Jim Koski it is Big Shag Lake for others it is the Basin or Big Bay. According to Jeff at The DNR there are 170 or so publicly accessible lakes in Marquette County. He also gave me the MI HomeTownLocator website which says that we have 11 reservoirs and 319 lakes. Isn’t that amazing? This website has a Marquette, Michigan MI Community Profile that is a great source for information about Michigan Cities and Counties. I can think of many more reasons to Love Marquette, can you? If everyone sends me their reason for loving Marquette we can top Jims list of 107 reasons! Another aspect of Marquette that I love is a willingness to work together. Tonight River Valley Bank is hosting an Inced!ble Home Tour. Agents from all the Real Estate Companies are holding a grand total of 54 Open Houses tonight from 5:30 to 7:30. The Mining Journal has the complete list either click The Mining Journal link or see it in the paper. As a community we are working together to get the message out that it is a great time to buy a home. From 7:30-9:00 River Valley Bank (in front of Shopko) will be open for refreshments and pre-approvals. They are even offering a $300.00 coupon towards closing costs. Tonight’s tour is just one example of how well Marquette people work together to promote great things in our community! I sent out my latest Recipe which is a great Mexican Pulled Pork that you cook in the slow cooker. For those who did not receive it in the mail email me recipe@StephanieSells.com to be included in future mailings. I love this recipe because it is so easy and know people are making it because I got a call from a friend at Econo Foods who wasn’t sure what Chipotle Sauce to buy so here is the one I use Bufalo Chipotle Hot Sauce I promise it is not too hot! Please post your recipe reviews on the blog. |
Posted: 12:06 PM, Jul. 10, 2008 |
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It's 4th of July Time!
Happy 4Th of July
I truly am a Fourth of July geek. I love the parades, fireworks and running in to people you may only see once a year. As long as the weather is decent (and AccuWeather.com says it should be nice) and everyone is safe I think it can be the most fun holiday! The Exchange Clubs Annual Food Fest is always fun and the time for everything in Marquette can be found by clicking Marquette Michigan July 4th. Other Marquette County events are listed at Fourth of July.
This is also a time to say thanks and be grateful for what we have. I read a piece from Tim Connor today called It’s Time and I thought it would be a good time to share it with you.
It’s time,
-To let go of our differences and embrace our similarities.
-To stop judging others based on our unique values and beliefs.
-To accept that we are all in this together – we will survive or perish together.
-To love rather than hate.
-To accept others in spite of their color, race, gender, their beliefs or where they are from.
-To care more about our universal survival than our personal agendas.
-To share rather than hoard.
-To use the gifts we were given by God for others and not just ourselves.
-To build bridges rather than walls.
-To reach out rather than hold back.
-To let go of prejudices no matter how small and insignificant.
-To come together rather than continue our separateness.
-To let go of pettiness and look deep inside for compassion.
-To put aside our own needs at the expense of others.
-To erase greed and all its negative consequences.
-To take care of our home – Earth – rather than continue to abuse it.
-To see beyond our own personal struggles to see that others are worse off.
-To love our neighbors more than ourselves.
-To set aside our need for wealth, power and fame and realize that it is all worthless in a world dominated by pain, strife, fear, disease, hunger and misery.
-To release our selfishness and replace it with hope and faith.
It’s no longer just about you or me but US and US is - ALL -of US regardless of our race, nationality, gender, age or religion.
It’s time to do your part before it’s too late for all of US.
Tim Connor, CSP World renowned Speaker, Trainer and best selling author of 67 titles, Box 397, Davidson, N.C. 28036 USA, 704-895-1230 (voice) - 704-895-1231 (fax) - tim@timconnor.com (email) - www.timconnor.com (Website)
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Posted: 11:05 AM, Jul. 3, 2008 |
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Service Clubs
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Donald Rumsfeld -American Secretary of Defense
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Public Service…2 words that you either embrace or cause you to run. But I believe that community involvement is one of the cornerstones of a strong community. In Marquette there are many strong service organizations, but the membership numbers are small compared to the impact the various clubs have. Imagine the summer without the upcoming 4th of July Food Fest run by the Marquette County Exchange Club or the 25 years of Seafood Fest sponsored by Marquette West Rotary .
Service clubs have a tremendous impact upon our community and as I age out of Marquette Michigan Jaycees which donated over 25,000 back into the community through the Softball Tournament to benefit Special Olympics and the Celebrity Art Auction to benefit the UP Children’s Museum I am pleased to see that there are so many other groups I can join (after taking a year off). So regardless of your Club affiliation, The Rotary Club, MARQUETTE BREAKFAST ROTARY, the above Rotary West, Exchange Club or any of other local service clubs my message to anyone who is not involved is to pick a club, get involved and help make our community even stronger.
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Posted: 11:29 AM, Jun. 26, 2008 |
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Day of Lists
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“One of the secrets of getting more done is to make a TO DO List every day, keep it visible, and use it as a guide to action as you go through the day.”
Jean de La Fontaine French Poet 1621-1695
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I know this may make me a dork, but I do believe one of the secrets to success is making lists and crosing things off once they are done.I have great list notepads if you would like one just give me a call.228-2772
Six steps to maximize your energy dollars.
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Service Heat & Air Systems once a year. Now is a great time to have your heating system serviced even though some of us still have the furnace on.
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Change your air filters - forced air systems or bleed your radiators - hot water systems, once a month.
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Calibrate your thermostat for accuracy. Install a programmable thermostat if you do not already have one. I promise it is an easy do it yourself project, I even did it in my own home.
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Check doors and windows for drafts. As important when using AC as it is when heating.
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Shade windows from afternoon sun. I know we haven’t seen much sun but we will….I hope.
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Set water heater at 120 degrees.
Now in anticipation of warmer, sunnier weather I would like to share with you some of Marquette’s al fresco eating opportunities, and in the spirit of the day I will put them into a list...in alphabetical order!
Marquette’s Outdoor Dining
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Border Grill- both the Washington & McClellan locations
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Fat Boyz- Downtown Trowbridge (Ontario St.)
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L’Attitude- Waterfront with a sidewalk view of the Lower Harbor
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Portside Inn- Downtown Washington Street
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Tommy’s MQT Family Restaurant- on corner of US 41 & McClellan
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There are 13 places to enjoy dining al fresco and I am fairly certain we will have 13 nice days between now and Labor Day so take 1 restaurant a week and enjoy the great outdoors! |
Posted: 1:04 PM, Jun. 12, 2008 |
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Summer Season
Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella.
~Pepper Giardino
Being a child at home alone in the summer is a high-risk occupation. If you call your mother at work thirteen times an hour, she can hurt you.
~Erma Bombeck
So I could not decide on just one quote this week and since I was out of town at a funeral last week I decided to share 2! The first quote is instead of a long rant about our lousy weather. All I will say is that this is great weather for going to work! I think I am going to plan on playing hooky the first day that is sunny and 75…who will to join me? The second quote is in honor of the end of the school year and the start of the never ending cry of “entertain me”. There are many fun things for kids to do this summer. Summer Camp at the YMCA of Marquette County is fun for the younger set as are the various activities at UP Children's Museum. For older kids there are fewer options. HOTplate - Paint Your Own Pottery! is holding summer camps every Tuesday June 17th through August 12th. It is great way to stimulate their creative sides. Call HotPlate for more details. For the sporty kids Ringside Fitness has a 4 week All Sport Strength and Conditioning camp 3 days a week. If you have any other great ideas to keep kids busy this summer please post them on my Blog!
I was asked this week what the best month for real estate is, and my answer is always that we have a 12 month selling season. To back that up, I did a little digging and found the numbers for 2007. May, June and August were the highest months of closings which mean they probably went under contract 30 days earlier. June was the highest month for closings with only 7.4% of the year’s closings. When you take the year by quarters the UPAR MLS data shows that 16.8% of the closings happen in the first quarter; 32.2% in the second quarter; 28.2% in the third quarter and fourth quarter holiday season sees 22.6% of the years closings. So the best time to buy or sell a home is when you are ready!
I am getting ready to send out my next recipe card and am looking to you for my next recipe. I am looking for a healthy main dish for the summer. Anyone who has a great recipe for me to try can email it to blog@StephanieSells.com. If you do not already receive my recipe postcards just send your home address and I will add you to the mailing list.
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Posted: 1:28 PM, Jun. 5, 2008 |
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Ability-Motivation-Attitude
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
Raymond Chandler (1888-1959)
American novelist and screenwriter
Ability-Motivation-Attitude I think these 3 words sum up what a buyer or seller should look for when hiring a REALTOR. Although we all have access to the same listings and we all have the ability to put a sign in your yard, we do not bring the same skills to the table. Do you want an agent who is going to tell you what you want to hear or what you need to hear? Are you going to listen when you are told what you need to hear? Hopefully the agent’s attitude will make hearing the unwanted information easier. I think, except for pricing, one of the hardest conversations to have with potential sellers is home readiness to sell. Marie one of my more astute clients phrased it best by saying once the sign goes up it is no longer your home it is now a commodity. I just read an article that relates to this issue; Home Selling Advice - Smell to Sell. It contains many helpful and easy tips to ready your home for showings. The only tip I have to add is to stop using products like Febreeze. Any of the cover up sprays end up having a chemical smell which assaults the buyer at first whiff!
Northern Star Broadcasting’s WJPD is hosting various community members on the air on a regular basis. If anyone is interested I am on with Casey & Coffee Crew Tuesday mornings around 8:15. I had my first visit with Casey & Ryan this week and I think we had fun!
Tuesday was also Select Realty’s annual Awards Breakfast and I was surprised and pleased to receive both the Top Producer AND The Salesperson of the Year awards. The Top Producer award is for all the salespeople and is based and your production in 2007. The Salesperson of the Year award is decided upon by the 4 owners of Select Realty and Ability-Motivation-Attitude all figure in to the decision. I was honored to receive both awards.
Please remember to be safe this weekend. According to the Michigan State Police “Last year, 10 fatal traffic crashes resulted in 12 deaths over the Memorial Day weekend. Of those who died, six were not wearing safety belts, and alcohol was a factor in four of the crashes.”
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Posted: 1:24 PM, May. 22, 2008 |
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Going To The Dogs
“Don't cry because it's over.
Smile because it happened.”
Dr Suess
I must say that as it seems at this point in my life many things are changing. I guess you could say while some doors are closing others must be opening! One of the joys of selling real estate is meeting so many new people. One of the challenges is saying goodbye when they move on to other places. On the plus side I do have a great new listing on Kaye Street in Marquette. Just check out www.StephanieSells.com for info. So while I may be sad to see friends move away at least I got to meet them in the first place!
I also will admit to shedding a tear when the Select Realty Tisket-a-Tasket Bid on a Big Give Basket Auction was over. I am overwhelmed at the generosity and creativity of our community. We raised over 15,500 for the Women’s Center Capital Campaign. Over 150 people were able to join us and a good time was had by all. People are already asking to do baskets next year!
One item that can be sticky when you are trying to sell your home is the whole issue of pets. As a dog owner myself (Piper a Chow-Collie all princess mix) I know that not all people love pets as much as we do. At times there are allergy issues to deal with, for potential buyers and some people are just sensitive to animals. I read a great article by Elizabeth Weintraub at About.com If you are interested please check it out here Selling a House With Pets at Home. For local dog lovers there is a group that is starting to form with the intentions of creating a Dog Park. My Piper spent her formative years hanging out at “Wiggly Field” in Chicago so she knows the value of a good dog park. While MQT does have the Tourist Park to use as a dog park in the winter, we do not have a non-snow option. There is a group forming with the support of Hugh Leslie at MQT Parks & Rec. Dept, for further information please contact Debbie Munson Badini at her email Debbie.munson.badini@gmail.com. |
Posted: 1:08 PM, May. 15, 2008 |
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Just A Quick Blog
Just a quick blog today to remind one and all about tonight’s fundraiser event that Select Realty is hosting at the Golf Course. I just got into the office after setting up and I can not imagine it being anything other than a great event! I must say Joe Burdick from Matthews Floor Fashions was one of many who went above and beyond the call. He donated a whole bedroom flooring makeover and more. Truly must be seen to be believed. Joe from Joes Cake’s has even made a basket cake. Our community is so amazingly creative. I wish I could list every awesome basket but since I can’t please just come tonight! Click Here for a complete list of Big Give events that are being held this month to benefit the Women’s Center Capital Campaign.
Another thank you I would like to give is to our local media outlets for being so supportive. Multiple radio stations, TV6 and The Mining Journal have all been a great help in promoting both our Basket Auction and whole The Big Give event. I must say I have been very impressed with all the media sources, but the Mining Journal in particular for having accurate quotes.
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Posted: 11:38 AM, May. 8, 2008 |
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Contest Winner
CONTEST WINNER
I just held the contest drawing in my new office by an impartial Cindy Johnson my office manager and the winner is DAVE DAUSEY!
I want to thank all the readers who entered. Be on the lookout for the next contest sometime this summer. Below is Dave's Favorite Friday Night. I hope he enjoys adding a dinner at The Landmark Inn's Capers Dining Room to his weekend plans!
My favorite Friday Night usually begins when I leave work at 5 ( or a bit before) and go home for a time. I sit down to relax, read the Mining Journal and watch the TV6 news and inevitably end up taking a short power nap in my Lazy Boy. This is good however, as it provides me the energy to be out a bit later that evening. Around 7 p.m. I head to the Shaft for a cocktail or two. About 8, I head to Lagniappe for a wonderful dinner and another drink, and then after dinner I either walk up 17 flights of stairs to the Skyboxx or walk around the block to the Upfront, totally depending on what band is where. Don't spend a lot of money or waste a lot of gas, just a good time in Marquette.
Dave Dausey |
Posted: 1:24 PM, May. 1, 2008 |
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What is Quality?
“Quality is not an act. It is a habit.”
Aristotle (384bc-322bc)
Greek philosopher, physician & scientist
What does quality mean you to you? To me it means providing a consistent & dependable level service to my clients, hopefully surprising them with extra touches. I have clients for whom I recently sold their home and they surprised me with a sign in their yard that said “Stephanie Really Does Sell”. I think it is much easier to provide quality service when you have the quality clients that I do. When choosing your REALTOR remember you are hiring them to do a job for you. Do not be afraid to interview several as you must choose one who is right for you. Likewise I will not take a client on if I do not feel they are being realistic in their expectaions.
DRAWING DAY!!!!!
Enter NOW! Remember this is a drawing;
And it will be done at 4pm today!
What is your favorite Friday night activity in Marquette? The contest drawing will be held in my office the afternoon of May 1st and the winner will receive a gift certificate for a dinner for 2 at The Landmark Inn’s Capers restaurant (value $ 70.00). For your chance to win, email blog@StephanieSells.com with your answer to the question, What is your favorite Friday night in Marquette?
In looking over the many contest entries I have received I am finding that family and friends are figuring into most responses. Whether it is hitting various downtown hotspots or just grilling at home people equate Friday night with friends and family. Although there was not 1 single restaurant that was the overall pick of contest entries, Marquette’s downtown was cited as the place to go for dinner by nearly every entry!
May is Marquette County’s Big Give Month to benefit the Women’s Center Capital Campaign. Please see below for the complete list of activities. A dozen businesses are holding events. From Select Realty’s Basket Auction May 8th, to Border Grill being open the last Sunday and so much more.
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Posted: 8:19 AM, May. 1, 2008 |
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Trying new things.
“You may be disappointed if you fail,
but you are doomed if you don't try."
Beverly Sills (1929-2007)
American opera singer
Ask yourself this question, “What one thing?” Joann Fossland a Master Certified Coach asks her clients to answer this question. “What one thing, in your personal or professional life, if you did it consistently this year, would make the most difference?” I have been working on these questions this year and am finding the process very interesting. So I will throw it out to my online friends, what one thing would make the most difference for you? One of the answers to that question for me is consistent exercise. To that end who will be joining me this Saturday for the YMCA 8th annual Run/Walk?
My company Select Realty is also going to try something new. We are going to be a part of the May Big Give Month to benefit the Women's Center's capital campaign. So please join me on May 8th at the Marquette Golf Club for our first ever Tisket-A-Tasket Bid On A Basket. We have an extraordinary variety of baskets lined up for both a live auction and bucket drawings.
I am seeing new buyers who are afraid to enter the market for a number of reasons. The media I think have fueled some of these fears, “are prices going to go lower, what are interest rates going to do, what if something better comes on the market later?” While these are all valid thoughts, they can lead to a paralysis in decision making capacity. Although I may sometimes ride a bloom (LOL) I do not have a crystal ball with which to read the future. The right time to buy is when you find a home that fits your needs and makes you smile. An interesting posting on EzineArticle.com on this subject, Eliminating First Time Home Buyer Fear was a very good read.
CONTEST INFO!
Also just 7 days left to get your entry in for the contest, do you have your name in? Enter today! Remember this is a drawing, submissions are not judged!
What is your favorite Friday night activity in Marquette? The contest drawing will be held in my office the afternoon of May 1st and the winner will receive a gift certificate for a dinner for 2 at The Landmark Inn’s Capers restaurant (value $ 70.00). For your chance to win, email blog@StephanieSells.com with your answer to the question, What is your favorite Friday night |
Posted: 11:42 AM, Apr. 24, 2008 |
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Change
The Adventure of Life is to Learn
The Nature of Life is to Change
The Beauty of Life is to Give
The Goal of Life is to Grow
The Essence of Life is to Care
The Joy of Life is to Love.......
My friend Jen sent me this and I thought it was worth sharing. Especially because things have been changing this week! I have moved into my new office at Select Realty. Windows, walls and a door, it is quite a step up from my previous cubby space. Please stop in and say hello when you are out by my office.
I think buyers and sellers are both catching spring fever this week. I can’t say it enough this is a really good time to buy. In fact we have a couple of homes on Front Street hitting the market this week and I do not expect them to last long.
I want to mention a fundraiser coming up Sat.April 26th 12-2 @ the Marquette Golf Club. It is the “It’s in the Bag’ auction of Purses& Accessories. New, vintage and unique itemsare bing auctioned off as a fundraiser for the annual operating budget of the Marquette County History Museum last years event was quite fun. $15.00 per person includes hors d’oeuvres & mimosas. I have a few tickets but they will also be available at the door. Hope to see a great turn out!
CONTEST INFO!
Also just 13 days left to get your entry in for the contest, do you have your name in? Enter today! Remember this is a drawing, submissions are not judged!
What is your favorite Friday night activity in Marquette? The contest drawing will be held in my office the afternoon of May 1st and the winner will receive a gift certificate for a dinner for 2 at The Landmark Inn’s Capers restaurant (value $ 70.00). For your chance to win, email blog@StephanieSells.com with your answer to the question, What is your favorite Friday night |
Posted: 11:45 AM, Apr. 17, 2008 |
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Signs of Spring in Marquette
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Robin Williams
Open houses are one of the surest signs of spring! So despite predictions of snow tonight there are 34 open houses in Marquette and Harvey. For a complete list, check out tonight’s Mining Journal. I believe the majority of homes will be open between 5-7pm. I will be at 316 E. Prospect so stop by and say hello!
On a less exciting note, Claus Janssen of Closser Associates reports that “Regarding the latest supply / demand situation for residences / condos in the city of Marquette and surrounding townships.
* At the beginning of April 2007 we had 157 listings. Now we have 249 listings, a significant supply increase.
*During the first quarter sales decreased by 24% compared to the first quarter last year.”
Although this is less than exciting news for sellers it does look to be good news for buyers who are thinking about entering the market. Higher supply and decent interest rates are definitely bringing buyers into the market. As I have said before, listing your home at the right price is the best key to getting it sold!
Spring is also the time when people start shedding layers and realizing that they need to get back into shape. As many people know, becoming a healthy person has been my focus the last 20 months. I could not have done it with out 2 places; the YMCA and Ringside Fitness. Both places are having events that I would like to share. The 8th Annual YMCA Run/Walk will be Sat. April 26th. I walked it last year with a time of 46 minutes. This year my goal is to be under that time, who wants to join me? Please check out the YMCA website to registration details.
Ringside Fitness is the new home to Al Mitchell and Marquette Boxing Academy. I have never had such a complete work out in 90 minutes or so. One of the fun ways to try a boxing work out is to get a group of friends, family or coworkers together for a private boxing session. We had a group from Select Realty and it was more fun than a Tupperware party! Nancy Bailey (906-250-7478) at Ringside is the go to person to set up your private party!
CONTEST ALERT
Entries are starting to come in for this months contest have you emailed your entry? Enter today!
What is your favorite Friday night activity in Marquette? The contest drawing will be held in my office the afternoon of May 1st and the winner will receive a gift certificate for a dinner for 2 at The Landmark Inn’s Capers restaurant (value $ 70.00). For your chance to win, email blog@StephanieSells.com with your answer to the question, What is your favorite Friday night activity in Marquette? Please include your Name, address and a phone number. Any submissions may be used in a future Blog.
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Posted: 8:11 AM, Apr. 10, 2008 |
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Contest Alert!
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore Dream Discover." Mark Twain
So these words are ringing in my head as I prepare to take a vacation! My son will experience his first plane ride this weekend as he, my dad and I travel to Phoenix to see relatives and explore. I have booked a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon and we have Phoenix Suns tickets, all that and some warm weather and we should be able to relax.
I use this as a lead in to something new in my Marquette Minute Blog….a contest! In conjunction with the Landmark Inn I am holding a write in contest open to all. What is your favorite Friday night activity in Marquette? The contest drawing will be held in my office the afternoon of May 1st and the winner will receive a gift certificate for a dinner for 2 at The Landmark Inn’s Capers restaurant (value $ 70.00). For your chance to win, email blog@StephanieSells.com with your answer to the question, What is your favorite Friday night activity in Marquette? Please include your Name, address and a phone number. Any submissions may be used in a future Blog.
For the Landmark Inn the first Friday of every month is …FASHION FRIDAY! Meet your friends and enjoy piano music, wine and a fashion show. Diane Tonella is reintroducing this monthly fashion show favorite, featuring the new boutique fashions of “Mary’s Closet.” The fashion show is casual in the round style, with an opportunity to touch fabrics and ask about pricing.
Don’t miss the next FASHION FRIDAY, April 4, 5 – 7 p.m. in the Landmark Inn Lobby.
With April fast approaching I am anticipating some decent first quarter statistics to report next month. I personally am significantly ahead of last years first quarter. Today’s interest rates are 6.125% for a 30 year fixed rate loan according to Julie Hartung from U.P. Mortgage Specialists.
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Posted: 8:49 AM, Mar. 27, 2008 |
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