Bob's Blog

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The bathroom light!

I love living in my little 55+ community of Sun City Center.  We have lots of fun here, and although most may think we've been put out to pasture, that is far from the truth.  We are very active, and more than anything else, we love life.  I get a lot of emails from my "friends" and "neighbors" here in town, and we love discussing senior living.  One of my buyers sent me this, and said it reminded her of her husband.  I refuse to call her and ask her what she meant.  Read on, and you will understand.  

An 80-year-old man went for a physical. All of  his tests come back with normal results.
The doctor said,  'George, everything looks great.
How are you doing mentally and  emotionally?
Are you at peace with God?'
George replied, 
'God and I are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight, so he's fixed it so when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, poof! The light goes on.
When I'm done, poof! The  light goes off.'
'Wow, that's incredible,' the doctor said.  
A little later in the day, the doctor called George's wife.
'Ethel,' he said, 'George is doing fine!
But I  had to call you because I'm in awe of his relationship with God . 
Is it true that when he gets up during the night to go to the bathroom that, poof! The light goes on in the bathroom, and when he's done, poof! The light goes off?'  

Oh, my Lord!' Ethel exclaimed!



'He's peeing in the refrigerator again!'

Her husband is a real funny guy, and maybe this made her laugh and that's why it made her think of him.  At least that's what I'm hoping.  Have a great day!
4 comments • Bob Cumiskey, US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor • October 28 2008 07:28PM

Your name is being sold!

Michelle Teeter

I received this email from a friendly Mortgage Broker in our area.  She sends me updates on the industry and keeps me informed of what's going on in the market, with weekly emails.  A couple I have thought I would pass on, but never did.  That old fear of plagarism.  Since she has put at the bottom that I should pass this information on, I almost feel that it gives me permission to post this.  I have a call in to her asking for her permission to do so.    Update - I received a call back giving me the okay to post the notice.

Alert! Your Name is Being Sold - Take Action Now!

Here’s breaking news you need to know … and you need to let all your family and friends know right away as well.

Your information … a hot commodity

Very few people realize that each time their credit is checked, the “inquiry data” that the credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Innovis or Experian) have on file have now become a commodity. This information is being sold by the credit bureaus to other lenders…and also to companies that sell and resell the same names and personal information.

That’s right – the credit bureaus have found a way to increase their revenues at your expense….and without your permission.

These “inquiry leads” include name, address, phone numbers (including unlisted), credit score, current debt and debt history, property information, age, gender and estimated income. They are marketing personal, confidential information to competing creditors…and making millions. Your privacy is being sold, not just once, but over and over again.

And lenders that purchase these leads at a premium will then do everything they can to recoup their investment and turn a hefty profit. Super sneaky bait and switch tactics are being used to lure clients away from their reputable lender. Clients have even been called by disreputable lenders and told that the lender they had been speaking to previously “passed on” the information to them, because they knew that they’d be able to offer much better interest rates and terms. Ouch!

Just Say “No”

The consumer credit reporting industry has provided a way to “opt out” and remove your name from these lists. You can contact them by phone at 1-888-567-8688 or online at www.optoutprescreen.com You must opt out at least 48 hours prior to having your credit checked to make sure it is processed in time. You can choose a five year or lifetime option, and the lifetime option does require a signed form. If a credit report needs to be run prior to the 48 hour waiting period – at least you are aware and informed, and can be on the lookout for suspicious phone calls or mailers from someone who has purchased your data.

The good news is by opting-out you can make it stop right away and protect yourself from “pre-approved credit offers” arriving via mail, which is one of the leading causes of identity theft in the US.

Take your privacy back. Take five minutes right now – opt out, and pass it on. Refuse to be a part of this system

Michelle Teeter, Licensed Mortgage Broker

Cell: 813.300.2522

Email: mteeter@ussa1.com

I'm not putting in a plug for Michelle, but since I used her words, I'm hoping including her information doesn't violate AR rules.

11 comments • Bob Cumiskey, US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor • October 26 2008 04:35PM

Another beautiful Florida Sunset

LIving in Florida, we get a lot of good sunsets.  You don't always have to be on the beach to capture a good shot.
Tonight I was sitting in my family room and I noticed that the sun was setting and there ware some interesting things happening as well.  I grabbed my camera and for the next half hour, I shot some really interesting colorful pictures.  I hope you all enjoy these.



In this first shot, I noticed what looks like rain falling just to the left of the sunset itself, just over the corner of the second house.



Looks to be a bit of misty colorful clouds here.



The sky became more red with the different angles I shot.



This final shot, I used a flash.  The colors shows pretty nice in the water.


34 comments • Bob Cumiskey, US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor • October 25 2008 08:50PM

A trip to the beach - Canary Island style

tenerife playa jardin While visiting Tenerife, Canary Islands, we had the opportunity to stop for a break and a quick snack.  We were very near the ocean, and I hopped over and grabbed a few photos.  The sand was black and the beach and water seemed very rocky.  I later found out that it was called Playa Jardin and was a favorite spot of the locals.

The gentle slope of the land in the background and steep cliffs in the foreground show the contrasts in the landscape of the island.



The water looks so inviting.



A closer looks shows the land continues to rise higher and higher into the clouds.



It doesn't seem to be a very large beach, and I suspect it is man made.



Even though it is November, there are some diehard bathers here.



Hope you enjoyed the trip to the beach.
6 comments • Bob Cumiskey, US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor • October 25 2008 02:42PM

Not all seniors are senile

seniors aren't senile
A friend sent me this joke and I wondered if she wasn't trying to place me into the Senior Category.  Living in Sun City Center, a Senior Community, and just because I insist on getting the senior discount at the local restaurants whenever possible, doesn't mean I am a senior.  I balked at the audacity and planned on giving her a call. That is until I read the joke and reached the end.  Of course I had to add a few of my own little ditties to spice up the joke.  Hope you all enjoy it.


 All Seniors Aren't Senile



An older, white haired man walked into a jewelry store one Friday evening with a beautiful young gal at his side.
 
He told the jeweler he was looking for a special ring for his girlfriend. The jeweler looked through his stock and brought out a $5,000 ring.


The old man said, 'No, I'd like to see something more special.'

At that statement, the jeweler went to his special stock and brought another ring over. 'Here's a stunning ring at only $40,000,' the jeweler said.



The young lady's eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement. The old man seeing this said, 'We'll take it.'

The jeweler asked how payment would be made and the old man stated, 'by check. I know you need to make sure my check is good, so I'll write it now, and you can call the bank Monday to verify the funds and I'll pick the ring up Monday afternoon,' he said.

Monday morning, the jeweler phoned the old man.
 
'There's no money in that account.'

'I know,' said the old man, 'But let me tell you about my weekend!'


All Seniors Aren't Senile









 
18 comments • Bob Cumiskey, US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor • October 24 2008 08:29PM

Lake Las Vegas from the sky just for Robert Swetz

While leaving Las Vegas after a short layover from California, I managed to capture this shot of Lake Las Vegas.
I recalled a concert I saw (on DVD) with Andrea Bocelli ~ Under the Desert Sky.  It was taped at Lake Las Vegas.  They built a special stage out over the water.
The big finale had young men diving into the lake with torches in their hands.  It was really terrific from the video, I can only imagine how cool it was live.
If you look closely, you can see the bridge they dove from near the bottom portion of the lake.  






13 comments • Bob Cumiskey, US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor • October 23 2008 11:15AM

The clouds from above

Returning from my last trip out west, I took some pictures while flying.  I was fascinated with flying over what looked like the Grand Canyon, and the clouds above it and below us.  




Later as the sun got lower in the sky, the clouds started to take on a pinkish tone.




Somehow I managed to capture this plane passing us going in the opposite direction.  I've seen this on several occasions, but never seem to have my camera handy.



I hope you all enjoyed my clouds.

8 comments • Bob Cumiskey, US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor • October 23 2008 10:21AM

Despicable Act!

As I think about how to write this post, I'm also wondering just where I will post it.  Maybe I'll just vent.  Maybe I'll write about it but not post anything.  I can't tell you the jumble of noise that went on in my head after this, but I've calmed down and now I will rationalize.

Here's how it goes ~

Over the weekend, I got a call from my daughter.  

Seems my grandson was doing some research on the computer for a school project about bats, and came upon something that really disturbed him.  
He called her in and showed her a picture he came upon.  
She sent me the site this photo was found on, and I went there and found this.

My grandson is 10, very bright and very PRO USA.  This picture really upset him, and it just doesn't seem fair when you really come down to it.




 The caption under the picture said:

Moonbat shoes: with every step, he desecrates the flag.

This breaks my heart.

It is somewhat sad to think I spent years defending this man's right to free speech.  But, that is exactly what I did, and because of ALL of our fighting men and women, this man can continue to perform these acts.  

My grandson and I had a long talk afterwards, and he understands now why someone didn't hang this guy.  He really felt someone should have at least beat him up.  I know he doesn't agree 100% but he understands that living in a free society we have to learn to live with the downside of it as well.

I can't help but wonder if the man made it home safe though.  Not all Americans agree with me on this issue.  Some would prefer to "deal" with him.

I now plan to find something Patriotic to participate in and maybe get my grandson involved in his area also.  I want him to continue to love this country and fight for freedom and be proud of his Country.  

GOD BLESS AMERICA!


42 comments • Bob Cumiskey, US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor • October 20 2008 04:00PM

Building and Planning for Future Business

In this tough market, our reputations are at stake all the time.  It's important to understand that what we tell our clients will help them to make major decisions in their lives.  I recently had an encounter that made me realize how important it is to "help" people make a better choice rather than take an overpriced home.

I received a call on Saturday from a man asking me to come look at a home for a possible listing, and they needed someone to come by within the hour.  I don't normally jump that quickly for an appointment, but I wasn't doing anything anyway, and he sounded frustrated.  I did my usual 20 + questions with him on the phone, and made the appointment for an hour later.  Turns out it was his Mother's home, and she passed away back in January and he was finally getting around to "doing something"  with the house.

I found out later that he had talked to 5 other Realtors during the week.  Two said they were too busy, and the other three said they would get back with him.  One did get back to him with a price sheet and a form for him to sign.  He refused to sign the paper, and she walked off in a huff.  Here it was 2 days later and he still hadn't heard back from the other two, and he had to leave in the morning.  

I did a few really quick searches and put together a quickie presentation for him.  Since this particular house was in an area I'm very familiar with, I had a good idea what the floor plan was also.  So, with that knowledge and my MLS searches I had a pretty good idea what the house "should" be listed at.  I didn't do a full blown CMA since I prefer to do those after I have seen the house.  

Upon arrival, I checked out the house for it's curb appeal and made a couple notes.  Nothing major as it looked to be well maintained.  Upon entering the house I recognized the model right away and said "Oh this is a Nottingham".  He looked at me with raised eyebrows and said "Yes, but it's expanded".  Going through the home we discussed the differences in this model and the basic, with him pointing out all the nice updates he put in for his Mother.  Updated kitchen (8 yrs ago) with Formica counter tops, and vinyl flooring. Resurfaced cabinetry.  Newer appliances (also 8 yrs old).

Unfortunately, he expected to get top dollar.  The house was paid off, and he "didn't have to sell" ~ Oh, how we all hate to hear that.  

We discussed the current market and financial situation, and he mentioned that he did talk with two of the neighbors who had their homes "FSBO".  He knew what they were asking and they both had been on the market well over a year.  He told me what they were asking, and thought he should ask more since this house was much better.  I knew both homes were listed at 2006 peak prices, and the owners were stubborn and refused to budge on the price.  I couldn't help but wonder if he was hearing himself.  

I explained to him that he would be way out of the ball park, and there were dozens of homes just like this one for well under 25k less. I brought out my printouts, with a list of homes currently on the market, their prices, and how long they have been on the market.  I also had a printout of homes that sold in the area and what they went for.  Of the sold, I printed out 3 of the listing with pictures that included granite counters, and major renovations. These were all priced well below what the neighbors were asking.  It's so hard and frustrating to make them understand that 2005 and 2006 prices are not working anymore. Jan 2008 prices don't work these days.

I explained that the upgrades in this house did not justify price he expected.  Also, I explained that most buyers these days are well informed and know the market.  A home priced 25k higher than a similar home just will not get shown.  Lately, I get buyers who come in with shopping lists of homes they found on the internet, based on price.  He seemed really disappointed at this.  I went on to explain that in todays market price is now determined on what a buyer will pay for a house, not what you or your neighbor "hope" to get.

He seemed perplexed and kept looking around the house as he digested what I said.  I could feel he was just too emotionally attached to the house.  I mentioned this and he agreed.  

After a few moments of silence, I asked if he had considered hanging on to the house and maybe renting it out until he feels less attached or until the market turns around.  

It was like a light bulb went on in his head.  His eyes lit up and he said, "WOW!  I never even gave that a thought".   "Do they let you rent homes in this community?"  

"Of course!" I replied.

I explained that I could contact our Rental Agent and have her get back with him and they could work out the details.  He was so excited about this whole concept.  It made me feel good, because I think it solved a major emotional problem for him in that he wouldn't have to sell this house just yet.  He was obviously not ready and I think he figured by overpricing it, he could justify hanging on to it longer.

Upon leaving, he thanked me for not letting him make a mistake of overpricing the house and for suggesting the rental idea.  He also told me that when he does decide to sell, I will be the man he calls.

It may be a couple years, but that's what we do in this business.  We set ourselves up for the future as well as the present.  

Getting into my car though, I couldn't help but wonder if I wasn't my own worst enemy.  That quickly went away because I know I did the right thing by him.  
16 comments • Bob Cumiskey, US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor • October 20 2008 12:26PM

Political Humor ~ or my sick attempt at it.


I keep hearing the chant for change.

I keep hearing McCain is 4 more years of Bush.

I keep hearing about bubble headed Bush and his failed policies.

I once heard Bush was so dumb, he didn't know which end of the phone was up.

I'm ready for change.

How bout you?

 




 

Oh.  Um. Er.   (Embarrassed chuckle)

Maybe he meant spare change?  Pocket change?  

Well, I surely know I don't want that bumblehead McCain there.  

That man is too old and doesn't know anything about modern technology.  

He can't even do text msgs or use a computer.

 I can just imagine what he would do with a modern gadget like a telephone.






Never mind!
16 comments • Bob Cumiskey, US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor • October 19 2008 12:05PM