dinners

Isn't it nice to have dinner with a good friend???

Tonight I was fortunate to have dinner with a great friend of mine and it was so real, so relaxing, so calming in a way....a perfect way to end my time outdoors before heading home. (had a bit of heartburn afterwards - too much salsa (?) probably why I'm still up, but hey, not complaining!)

As I arrived home, I realized how lucky I am to be alive, to experience life, how much of an interesting year it's been so far (and barely March!!)...also, I realize the next few months are going to be a great time....I'm sure I'll be hustling and bustling from here and fro. All to make a difference and a living...Thank You God!

Thanks for the fun (and dinner), Bakkosa!!

Tomorrow, have an inspection, lunch with Heidi and a meeting, then a showing and delivering more fliers to a listing of mine. It will most definitely be a day out again.

Good Night My Friend!!

Gary Watts Presentation: Real Estate Outlook for 2007

Today was another hustle and bustle day!! I guess that's why I can't sleep. Gotta get to bed soon, but wanted to put a few more pics of things that I did today on here...

Started out the day attending a presentation put on by American Home Mortgage....(see pic with Karen Vogel from AHM)....then headed to the Board of Realtors to stock up on some supplies and also was in Downtown Riverside (see church pic) and then finished off my Riverside County jaunt (sp?) in Norco Hills....showing this $900K property on over a 1/2 an acre with sweeping views behind....

SIMPLY AMAZING!!! Hope my clients go for it....This is a single story with a farmhouse style loft upstairs and bedroom and bath upstairs. The rest of the home is all single story....kitchen to die for, Great Room and so much more!

Here's a press release that I managed to put together today...not sure if it will make it in the paper, but at least you can find out some of the things that were presented in today's "Real Estate Outlook for 2007"....

"Real Estate Outlook for 2007"
Ontario, CA - Dozens of Realtors attended a presentation at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Wednesday, February 28th, 2007. Sponsored by American Home Mortgage, the presentation was for local real estate professionals. The headlined speaker was Real Estate Economist, Gary Watts of www.ImpactRE.com. He spoke about the real estate outlook for 2007.
Historical data from 2006 was preliminarily presented before forecasts for 2007 were given. Mr. Watts presented information such as in the second quarter of 2006, when the Federal Reserve raised the discount rate to 5.25%, causing mortgage rates to rise over 6.5%. At that point in 2006, he said, "It was clear that the buyers were pulling back as the sale volume in San Bernardino declined -13.7%, yet the sales in Riverside actually increased 9.0% - and that would be the last increase of the year."
Mr. Watts continued and also gave attendees further information about each quarter of 2006. In the fourth quarter, he said that the Federal Reserve was still on pause but the excess inventory of homes, unflattering media news, and the pull-back of the buyers began to take its toll. Sales rapidly declined to -24% from the previous year (San Bernardino County)while they declined 30% in Riverside (County). Appreciation rates although dropping, remained positive with San Bernardino at 5.5%: Riverside 5.0%. For the entire year, San Bernardino came in at 12.5% for homes, while condos posted 10.3% gains. In Riverside, homes came in at 8.5% while condos were at 4.0%.
January’s (2007) sales numbers were also presented: San Bernardino County was -28.5%, while Riverside was down -34.2% vs. 2006. Appreciation numbers were surprising to Realtor, Todd Picconi of Stapp Home Realty in Alta Loma. He said, "I was excited and surprised to see that San Bernardino County (per Mr. Watts) actually appreciated in January 4.2% and Riverside up 1.2%. So despite what you read, Buyers are still buying and Sellers are still selling."
Mr. Watts then went in to presenting supply of unsold homes numbers. He said that the average supply has historically been around 6 months and 3 to 4 months for Southern California. He also commented on how newspapers are losing subscribers and television is losing viewers. Mr. Watts hopes that the information will be presented accurately, without the bold headlines that can frighten the average consumer, such as: Killer Bees, West Nile Virus and the Mad Cow, Lack of Vaccines, and asked where did SARS and the Bird Flu fly to?
He also tackled the foreclosure question, stating that, "...the truth is 98.5% of all loans in the U.S. are not in foreclosure and the remaining 1.5% that were foreclosed upon had the following breakdown: 80% were classified by federal lenders as Professional Thieves and were turned over to the FBI. 20% were classified as lenders as Fraud for Property, that resulted in unethical lending practices." He also handed the audience of anxious real estate professsionals more date about California defaults: Historical 32,762, Low: 12,145 3Q’04 High: 59,987 1Q’96 and Current: 37.273.
For more information regarding the future of real estate in Southern California feel free to contact your local real estate professioal.
Picture Heading: Local American Home Mortgage Loan Consultant Karen Vogel with local Realtor, Todd Picconi of Stapp Home Realty. To contact Karen, call (909)466-1290 ext. 118 and to contact Todd, call (909)945-7376.

caravans

I now have two caravans to attend weekly and am very much looking forward to paying my dues to eventually sell these two listings....that I'm pitching.

Also, working on another in Rancho Cucamonga (central) this time....that should be on the market by the middle of March.

This will be a pool home, approx. 1,200 s.f. and a 3 bedrooms, 2 bath single story....priced around $469K. Nice sized lot on this home....over 8,000+s.f.!!!

Ask for Courtney @ Saffron's!!

Courtney, at Saffron's did such a fabulous job serving us our lunch and occasionally chatting with us yesterday, that she gets her own entry!!

Courtney, if you're reading this....We loved your service, meeting you, your personality and also Thank You for the wine tip....You must try 7 Deadly Zins....available at your local Liquorama in Upland at San Antonio and Foothill. Under $20 a bottle and very delish!

Maria and I hope to see you again, Courtney!!

You really must try this 7 Deadly Zins....believe it or not, (I couldn't and didn't realize it before trying it) but it's a Red. Yummmy, I don't know how they make it or what is in it, but it's very tasty. It probably was partly just from the excitement of the moment yesterday also, but I imagine that it's very good, otherwise, Saffron's wouldn't have it.

Incidentally, if you're looking to go out wine tasting....Saffron's has a wine bar which is open Tuesday - Thursday from 530pm - 900pm. Also, if you bring more than 5 guests before 6pm, you can get any small plate of goodies for only $7!!

Guasti Villa is a historical villa located just north of Ontario Airport....their phone number for more information at Saffron's Cafe is 909.605.7677 ext. 108.

short hair in style?

Looks like shorter hair right now, Thanx to Britney and Jack, may be more in style....click below to read on...

http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/65362/shiny-heads-spur-searches

The March, 2007 issue of Broker Agent Magazine is out....and I've gotten a few phone calls (3rd one tonight - Thanks Mary!! Glad you're enjoying "The Secret" and can't wait until our lunch either) from people I know congratulating me for being the cover guy for this month. It's really, really exciting and I get so wound up sometimes that I can't even sleep!! Glad and luckily my days are pretty hectic and so thankfully I'm hoping that I'll be able to wind down quickly and easily enough.

Past few days haven't been able to relax at night...and get a good night's sleep. Especially Monday night when we had our rains.....

Had lunch with my friend, Maria yesterday....at Saffron's and we had a grand old time.....Thank You Maria for lunch and also the fun we were able to have. After that I was quickly back to work, delivering more fliers to Sunnybrook and following up with leads, etc.

This is going to be another great year and I'm sure there won't be alot of dull moments for Toddy.

Touche Ayyyy!!

Here are our pics....I hope this guy next to me is not going to be one of those irritating guys who has to call attention to himself constantly!! Ugh!! Oops, did I say that....ok, back to the pics....here is Maria, Joey and Courtney and also, the Guasti Mansion with a PERFECT SKY!!! Doesn't Joey have perfect hair!!?!!

ENJOY!!

you should do this!

REMINDER....12 days from today (Feb 28th),

all cell phone numbers are> being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls.

YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS >>

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:> 888-382-1222.

It is the NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY run by the Fed TradeCommission. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years.

You must call from the cell phone number you want to have> blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS. It take about 20 seconds. Or you can register at the below web

sitehttps://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx>>>>Thanks Elaina!!

Restaurant

If you're in the West Covina area and want to try a great "low key" restaurant, look no further!!

KOSTA'S FAMILY RESTAURANT

IS "THE BEST FOOD IN TOWN"

GREAT SIZED PORTIONS

GREAT DAILY SPECIALS

(I had the BBQ Beef Ribs)

their address:

510 S. Glendora Avenue

West Covina, CA 91790

their number:

626.337.1994

Did you enjoy the Oscars??

Happy Oscar Sunday Everybody!!

Here is an article that I found in the paper:

Valley economy to slow down

A Q U O T E ! !

IT IS often said that "the good is the enemy of the great," meaning that a merely competent work of art will be shown its place by a masterpiece.


**taken from the article on the preceding blog entry.

T H E N U M B E R 2 3

Interesting article...have you seen the movie yet? I want to see it....interesting concept at least...hope it's details are believeable enough to captivate it's audience....I will let you know...

I enjoyed the quote at the beginning of this article....interesting!!

'The Number 23': You wanted Aronofsky, you'd settle for Fincher ...

we changed out the pic on page four...better, eh?

Thanx for your Support!!

I am overwhelmed and feel privileged about the support that I feel.

Thank You for making being in this business and life a blessing and my pleasure. It's great to know you. (well, not all of you.....JUST KIDDING!!)

Love,
Todd

alert....hot of the presses, Thanks Dick!!

U.S. Tests Confirm Salmonella in Peanut Butter
Number of sickened now 329 in 41 states, CDC says
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, Feb. 23 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. health officials have confirmed the presence of salmonella bacteria in peanut butter jars involved in a nationwide recall last week.
As the official count of those sickened rose to 329 in 41 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported late Thursday that "product testing has confirmed the presence of the outbreak strain of Salmonella Tennessee in opened jars of peanut butter, obtained from ill persons."
The CDC reported that 51 of the 249 patients for whom clinical information is available were hospitalized and that there are no deaths. However, news reports Friday said a Pennsylvania family had filed a wrongful-death lawsuit Wednesday claiming an elderly woman had died after eating tainted peanut butter.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to warn consumers not to eat any Peter Pan peanut butter purchased since May 2006 and not to eat Wal-Mart house brand Great Value peanut butter with a product code beginning with 2111 purchased since May 2006.
Both brands with that code were made in a Sylvester, Ga., plant run by ConAgra Inc. of Omaha, Neb.
And four jars of both, according to the CDC, tested positive for salmonella.
Opened jars from people who were sickened in New York, Oklahoma and Iowa tested positive for salmonella, Dave Daigle, a spokesman for the CDC told the Associated Press.
"Now the question becomes, how did the salmonella get in the jar," Daigle added.
A spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Health said the state had recovered seven peanut butter jars from 11 cases confirmed by the state, and had found salmonella in at least one, AP reported.
And in Iowa, a Department of Health spokesman said there was a positive match in one of the state's six confirmed cases.
Gary Rodkin, chief executive of ConAgra, issued a news release Thursday saying that the company will take "all reasonable steps to remedy the situation."
"We are truly sorry for any harm that our peanut butter products may have caused," Rodkin added.
Health officials suspect the contamination may have been caused by dirty jars or equipment because the peanuts are usually heated to high-enough temperatures during the manufacturing process to kill bacteria.
ConAgra announced that it has added extra capacity to its toll-free Consumer Affairs hotline (866-344-6970), which is set up to respond to consumer questions and concerns. Callers can also apply for refunds for products covered by the recall.
The other states that have reported cases are: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia .
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Salmonella can cause life-threatening infections in people in poor health or who have weakened immune systems.
This outbreak followed major food-borne illness scares in 2006 involving spinach, tomatoes and iceberg lettuce, and was followed last week by recalls of imported cantaloupe, organic baby food and ready-to-eat chicken breast.
According to the CDC, there are an estimated 76 million cases of food-borne illness each year in the United States, the vast majority of which are mild and cause symptoms that last a day or two. Some cases are more serious, leading to 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths annually. The most severe cases tend to occur in the very old, the very young, and those with weakened immune systems.
More information
For more information on salmonella, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SOURCES: Feb. 22, 2007, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, news release; Associated Press; ConAgra press release
Copyright © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.

My Overland Drive Flier...Pages 1 & 2 ~ Check it out!!

pages 3 & 4 of Overland Drive Flier

the flowers in the garden of life

This morning I had a revelation about that life is short.....and the value of life.

Working, working and working is so good for you. Afterall, somebody must have known what they were talking about when they invented the saying, "Idle hands are the devil's work."

Friendships in life are very important. So is your family. However tragic the situation has become, I still am very fond of my family and would do just about anything for them. I presume you're the same?

Why is it that we get distracted at times from the importance of our family, friends, even work associates and we just I suppose, get selfish? We only want to do what "we" want to do, or rather what "I" want to do.

Life is full of compromises.....to have gotten to where you are, and if you're reading this, I'm assuming you do have some type of success (at least I hope so, LOL ~ BEING FUNNY NOW), You have certainly compromised and had to make choices!!

I also have had to make choices along the way. I don't regret things the way I used to because the past 5 years or so, or around 2002, yah, I guess that it 5 years or so....I have tried to lead a more balanced life....a more productive life.....a more "centered" life.....a life that I'm happy with....despite the twists and turns at every corner that I experience.

My Grandmother used to tell me, "We're down here, Todd. We have to take what comes to us and don't really have a choice."

Nonna, you are right. I'm thankful for having a strong woman who raised me. Another one who left me at an early age. I'm thankful for my family and friends and I try to be good to all of you! I'm thankful for every day that I get to learn something....or get a special insight. I'm thankful for you. (N) I'm thankful for whatever success I've experienced. More importantly, for the chance to make a difference in someone else's life and ultimately mine. These are the situations that I will never regret. These are the opportunities or "the flowers in the garden of life".

I imagine that I'll being going through another year with alot of growth and realizations and hope that you enjoy when I share them with you. Thanks for listening. Think, remember, and acknowledge people. In the end, the people in your life are the one's who are really important. Not what you have, etc. Those are just things that don't give you anything. I'm not saying they are not important. I'm simply saying that they won't bring you the real happiness that you really seek. Well, at least, they never have for me.

Hope you have a bright and successful day.

Todd

Pic: This is a pic of Nonna, my Grandmother, placing her hand on the tile that is hanging in the Paul A. Biane Library in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

HOUSING STARTS DROP 38 PERCENT NATIONWIDE

The seasonally adjusted annual rate for privately owned housing starts declined for the 10th consecutive month in January, falling to a rate of 1.4 million units, according to figures recently released from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

Last month's construction pace was down 14.3 percent from December and down 37.8 percent from a year ago. Single-family starts decreased 38.9 percent from January 2006, to a rate of 1.1 million units, while starts for multifamily structures declined 34.9 percent to a rate of 276,000 units.

Builders are working to reduce their inventory levels before starting new single-family homes, according to a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) report. "Home sales apparently stabilized late last year, but the overhang of unsold housing inventory still is quite heavy," said NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders.

"Builders have been cutting back on starts of new units to bring supply and demand back into balance."

The construction pace for single-family housing units declined across the nation in December, falling 47.8 percent in the West, 45.5 percent in the Midwest, 35.1 percent in the South, and 25.7 percent in the Northeast.

**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated February 21st, 2007.

BUILDER CONFIDENCE HITS EIGHT-MONTH HIGH

The confidence level of the nation's home builders continued to improve this month, reaching its highest level since June 2006, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

The increase reflects the continued stabilization of buyer demand, driven in part by lower energy prices, favorable mortgage rates, and employment growth. The seasonally adjusted HMI stands at 40 this month, up five points from 35 in January but down 16 points from a year ago.

An HMI below 50 indicates more builders view sales conditions as poor versus good.According to the report, builder confidence improved across the country in February, with builders in the Northeast demonstrating the largest jump in confidence.

"Builders are becoming increasingly convinced that the abrupt downslide in home sales is in their rear view mirrors and they see better times as they look at the road ahead," said NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders.Each of the HMI's three components increased this month, including a seven-point gain to 55 in the sales expectations index.

The component measuring current sales improved six points to 42, while the confidence gauge for buyer traffic increased five points to 31.

**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated February 21st, 2007.

Fast Facts


Calif. median home price
December 06: $567,690
(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. highest median home price
by C.A.R. region
December 06:
Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,250,000
(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price
by C.A.R. region
December 06:
High Desert $324,560
(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index
Third Quarter 06:
24 percent
(Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 2/15:
30-yr. fixed: 6.30%; Fees/points: 0.4%
15-yr. fixed: 6.03%; Fees/points: 0.4%
1-yr. adjustable: 5.52%; Fees/points: 0.6%
(Source: Freddie Mac)

**Taken from the California Association of Realtors (CAR) Bulletin, dated February 21st, 2007.

Cities Can Make You Skinny article

Morning!!

Hope that you have a safe day out there in this wet weather!

Here's an article I found:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20070220/sc_livescience/citiescanmakeyouskinny

good night

Hello!

Had a busy and productive day...just finishing up a few minor details that I didn't get a chance to do today...like emailing properties to a few VIP clients...etc.

here's my 11pm + pic.....

hehe

all work and no play makes who a what?

been drastically working away at many details with my listings and also organizing more details like photos/fliers/calls/research and so much more!!

having a pretty productive day so far...

planning on making dinner for a client of mine soon...just have to set it up and do the necessary preparations....beforehand.

what are you up to today?

pic: me this morning at my printer's office desk, working on the flier before they printed it.....it's done, YEAH!!

the value of the two words, "Thank You"

hmmm, was just thinking and wondering what we would do without a way to quickly and easily (with most people) tell somebody, "Thank You"?

I have been working on the value of this for about 8 years now (but really my entire life, when I think about it) and also making sure that it doesn't always or even have to be about me being acknowledged, but rather an opportunity for someone to be thankful, and show their gratitude.

....remember, what we focus on grows, so if you're focusing on what you have, it will grow (hopefully for the better)....saying, "Thank You" is a way to do this.

But seriously, how hard is it to say, "Thank You"....???

I remain bewildered, amuzed (deliberately misspelled to compel you to believe me!) and sometimes irritated (yes, I do also get irritated just like other people) at how people can not even find it inside of themselves (everyone has a stressful, busy life, by the way, so not buying this anymore!!), to quickly say "Thank You" in person, on the telephone, text message or email....

What I would like to leave you with is that life is a full circle.....

so remember, the next time someone makes you feel like they may be taking advantage of you, or being ungrateful for something you took time out of your busy life to do for them or give them, just remember that you may be (getting your payback) receiving your ungratefulness back in return. (when you forgot to "Thank" someone)

It's never too late for a "Thank You"....

Oh, and one more thing: Just don't overdo, probably not a good idea .....then, nobody, not even me, will take you seriously.

there's more!!

"For residents looking for fulfillment in their search for high-end retailers, the holy grail these days can be found on Interstate 10 in Rancho Cucamonga, 50 miles east of L.A.

Once a punch line for comedian Jack Benny, Rancho Cucamonga now bills itself as the "Inland Empire's premier city," in part because of its success wooing high-end retailers.

Rancho Cucamonga officials tirelessly sold the city at trade shows and in industry publications. Its standing among the nation's fastest-growing cities helped appeal to chains, such as Banana Republic and California Pizza Kitchen.

Officials attended trade shows, such as the International Council of Shopping Centers, to romance retailers and developers. In advertisements and at booths, the city repeated its claim that the Inland Empire was no longer just cow pastures and dairy farms.It was at one show a few years ago that the city made its pitch to mega-developer Forest City Enterprises Inc. of Cleveland, which two years ago opened the 1.3-million-square-foot Victoria Gardens "lifestyle center."

It was considered a retailing watershed for the Inland Empire. Victoria Gardens boasted the region's first Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma, and the apparel and home decor retailer Anthropologie opened in 2005."

**this was taken from the "Far-Flung Suburbs" shopping article in the La Times today....check out the previous entry for the link and more goody info.

shopping in the burbs?

Hi !!

Here's an article that was in La Times about shopping out here....aren't we lucky we are to have Victoria Gardens?....!!

Happy Day!!

Here's the link:..

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-upscale20feb20,0,7787258.story?coll=la-home-headlines


Thanks Richard!!

Inland Empire Real Estate Doing Great!! (despite slowdown)

County real estate dips again

Monday PM

Just got in from a great week and weekend....it's been go, go, go!!

Did you enjoy the raindrops last night/this am?

Here are a few pics that I took a few days ago of my grandmother and my sister's new miniature horses, Mic and Kobe.

I was happy to have the time with my grandmother and my sister and her new children.

Hope you have a great night!!

Working on loading some new pics I took of Presidio Circle over the weekend in Corona....see them on my website, through the my listings tab slide show.

Night Everyone!!

Madonna listening to Moby Trax?

Madonna listening to Moby's demos?
Madonna has been spotted leaving her gym in London on February 16th holding a CD-R labelled "Moby Trax".
It's very luckely that Madonna is listening to a few demos by Moby.
Let's wait and see if this will bring to a collaboration with Moby for her new album...

just finished the Presidio Flier...Check it out!!

scurrying to get things done tonight

Hi There!

How are you doing?

Spent the majority of the day today on the road, traveling "to" and "fro"....

Got pics taken of Presidio, my new listing in Corona....lookin' good!!

Then spent a few minutes at Victoria Gardens, visited with a client there and took off for home to get more work done.

Doin' laundry tonight, lots of it, while working on my new flier for Presidio....tomorrow taking pics of my new listing on Overland Drive in Fontana....a 1/2 acre horse property, west side of Southridge, so convenient location and GREAT HOME!!

Well, check in with you later.....Hope you're having an excellent night!!

Todd

the big city!

Hello and Happy Valentine's Day to You One and All!!

In the big city today and enjoying every second of it....saw "Factory Girl" ~ interesting going back into a pop culture vacuum!! Although the movie was a bit depressing of the drug era, it was very well put together and informative to watch....I enjoyed it....just left a bit sad.

Here's an article that I managed to find today and get in here for you....some pretty good news:

January home sales weak, but prices go up

got this from my dad today.....see below.

Happy Day everyone.....

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.

You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time.

You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend.

You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is
passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love.

So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin. (if we could all be this wise!)

~anonymous~

from Cheri....

got this from one of my favorite service providers:

Todd~
I love working with you. That is a gift in itself!
Cheri

Thank You Janina!!

received this note from a longtime client and friend:


Just in case you didn’t know it – you are awesome and truly loved. We are very fortunate to have you in our lives. Thanks again! -Janina

PIC: Janina and her precious daughter, Viviana

thank you notes

Thank You notes are such a great gesture, aren't they?

I wish I were better at them! Just doing one right now and of course, once you start, you remember that someone else needs one, and the list goes on.

I suppose it would be best to just do "my best"...that's what I'll do.

Glad I had you to help me through this.

Peace!!

LOL

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=44f12d8003af75b91f8307401532c238.1828014&cache=1

Quakers 100% Natural Granola ~ Oats & Honey...

Morning Everyone!!

I'm in heaven right now!! Eatin my breakfast a bit late and it's some cold cereal, Quakers 100% Natural Granola Oats and Honey....and it's Honey all right.

Gotta run, have a happy Tuesday!!

where are my blue skies?

Well, not sure if I'll be able to shoot photos of Presidio Circle (Corona) today...since the skies are still lookin' gray.

Hope your day is going well, well, well!!

travel deal to hi

just found this deal....if you're planning a trip??

The Travelzoo Newsdesk has found this outstanding offer from CruiseDeals.com:

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA/LAS VEGAS--FEBRUARY 12, 2007-- CruiseDeals.com just slashed prices by as much as $600 on Hawaii cruises with roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, SanDiego and Las Vegas.

You must book by Feb. 19.For $899 per person, you will get:- Roundtrip air to Honolulu from Los Angeles (add $30 from San Diego and Las Vegas)- Choice of 8 departures dates between 4/8-5/13 & 8/26-9/2 (June through August also available for slightly more)- 7 nights on NCL America's Pride of Aloha- Stops in Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kauai- Roundtrip transfers in Hawaii- Shipboard credit of $25 (per cabin)- Onboard NCL coupon book worth up to $175

The Pride of Aloha includes a full-service spa, fitness center, and NCL's signature "Freestyle Cruising" concept.For full details on this sale and to book online throughCruiseDeals.com, click the link below.

Or, call them at1-800-668-6414.

http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.asp?283192

prices expected to decline this year article....Good Morning Everybody!!

Expect real estate prices to decline in the coming year


Hi There!!

Working on getting moving this morning and haven't even made it to get my morning coffee or piece of toast yet!! (was a bad midnight snacker and had cereal around 1am)

How are you today? Looks like the sun may even make it's appearance (like it's supposed to) today....in the next few hours. I'm trying to time things right so I can be there (in Corona) when it does, and take a smashing front picture of my new listing in Corona....hope I get that today! Then zoom back and finish the flier for this lovely home.

Did you see any movies over the weekend? "Catch and Release" wasn't that great! Although I was happy to get out and see it....wouldn't necessarily expect much out of it....if you are going to see it in the future.

Had some time at Victoria Gardens last eve and that was VERY NICE. Love that place!

Well, my mug of coffee is calling and gotta put some laundry away....hope you have an awesome morning!!

Ciao Ciao!!

Oh, I'm supposed to get my new business cards today....Yeah!!!!

free wifi spots in ca

http://www.wififreespot.com/ca.html

Plummeting Commissions....Pricing to decline this year...Bubble articles

Plummeting commissions thin real estate's ranks


Expect real estate prices to decline in the coming year


Housing Bubble and Real Estate Market Tracker

Kitchen Solvers hits the Inland Empire...and....MY NEW CAR!! WOOHOO ;)

Check out this article about Kitchen Solvers hitting the Inland Empire:

The Local Scene: Feb. 8

Home, finally after a very, very long day!!

Got my teeth checked this afternoon....and it was a bit stressful. I have a loose crown in my mouth and it's a bit of a problem (in my head at least)....I need to neutralize "that energy" and I'm working on it as we speak and I get ready for bed.

This afternoon got picked up from my home and was driven (how nice, eh?) and shown the red carpet treatment at Metro Acura in Montclair, CA.

My Rep was amazing and really did a great deal for me!!

I got my new car and it's an Acura TL. YEAH!!!

Can't believe it, just in time for a few listings that I'm taking this weekend (one in Corona and one in Fontana).....I look forward to getting them SOLD and having a chance to work with these clients to possibly assist them in finding their "new home".

Also, going for a "go see" on a listing in Rancho Cucamonga ~ central RC. Hope to secure that listing as well and to have it listed by the end of this month.

What are you doing for Valentine's??

I'm planning to do something, not sure when or how or where, but hope to enjoy a special time.

I am wishing you the best tonight and always!!

Working on finalizing an advertisement that I have weekly in the local paper. I realized today that being in the Broker Agent Magazine has been SUCH the opportunity....SPECIAL THANX TO ALBERT AND CHRISTA AND TO GOD for helping me along the way.

Special Thanks also to those of you who have been supportive in my WEREP group....West End Real Estate professionals....always working to be better versions of ourselves.

ANNA NICOLE SMITH DIES @ 39

OMG IT'S TRUE!!

SAD, VERY SAD.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070208/ap_en_ce/anna_nicole_smith

Anna Nicole Smith is Dead? IT'S A GRIND IS IT'S A MUST!!!

Just heard from my sister and I can't believe it? (ANNA NICOLE IS DEAD?)

I was just going to write how important it is not to take anything for granted....interesting.

Can we just be positive?

Is it hard to stay positive in the face of negative stuff that could be going on around us (or negative people, OR things that we feel are "happening to us")??

I had a conversation recently and it was funny that almost everything that I talked about, the other person had to give me a full commentary about it, and ask more questions (which isn't always bad). After finishing our conversation, I felt what really does this person contribute to my life? Do they make me have more joy, more happiness, do I feel alive? Or am I dying slowly or wilting when around them.

I'll leave you with that....have an appointment to run to.

THANK YOU for your support....You know who you are! Also, Thank You for being a positive influence in my life....there are more than one of you and I'm VERY, VERY, EXTREMELY GRATEFUL!!

Even love some of you!

PIC: This is one of my dear friends, Rhonda, (WITH HER TWO THUMBS UP, WAYYYYY UP!!!) who was on "The Price is Right" today....well today her episode aired. What a beautiful person she is and much loved!!

Rhonda will be opening a "It's a Grind" coffee house soon...it will be off Milliken and Foothill....BE SURE TO SUPPORT HER AND HER COFFEE HOUSE....Have you tried their unleaded and leaded brands??? Fabulous!! Absolutely delish!

Love You Rhonda!! (and Thank You for the invite today!)

DEAL OR NO DEAL.....LUNCH....COFFEE...."BECAUSE I SAID SO"

Today had a very enjoyable and non predictably fun day!!

I'm in the process of watching "Deal or No Deal" on Channel 4 right now and I just received a call from my sister, Yvette and she called to tell me that the episode that they were at is on...so never seen it, and at the same time I'm watching it and very excited for them being on....wish Papa would have been a contestant!! He loves this show!

Had lunch with my friend/client, Delores today and got to escape to the movies with her to see the Diane Keaton movie, "Because I Said So".....what a great movie....and funnier than I would have thought....the skirts that she wore were quite funny and the pumps, although I don't know if they were supposed to be.....I love Diane Keaton!! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY LALA!! We've been friends for 20+ years and good luck with the possible job interview and offer.

Also, was fortunate to coffee with my friend, David this week.....here's a pic of him...and it was so nice to see him...OMG, I see Yvette in the audience.....her cheek bones are shining!! She's so gorgeous. David, I'm so glad we had time to see and visit with each other this week!! Congratulations on your exciting furniture purchases.....David is one of these magnificent always pleasant people and to boot, he knows how and when to buy great bargains!! Quality stuff and it's always at an AMAZINGLY LOW PRICE!! Wish I was in tow with him...he's very fortunate!! I'm very fortunate to have a friend like David.

Well, waiting to hear on some new advertising stuff that I'm getting ready to roll out. Also, went car shopping today and looked at the Acura. It's quite a great buy and I'm thinking that I may get one....we shall see. Trying to do it before Mercury goes retrograde on the 13th....not a real great time to enter into contracts or things like that. Also, it's not a great time for communications in general.....GREAT TIME TO REDO, REVISE, REDECORATE, RE~EVERYTHING!!

Well, kinda winding down now, so I'll leave you with Good Night!!

WEREP Guest Speaker Schedule

PIC: Glenn Miller ~ Director of Marketing for Victoria Gardens....who spoke to our group in January, 2007.


Here are the upcoming speakers I've scheduled for future WEREP meetings.





If you'd like to attend a meeting, let me know....I'd love to introduce you to our over 100+ group of professionals that meet every week.





February 16th
Flavio Nunez/Rancho Cucamonga Redevelopment Department
"City Overview ~ Rancho Cucamonga at a Glance"

March 2nd
Sue Oxarart/Director of Marketing Ontario Mills (she may also bring Gen'l Manager-Don Bentz)
"What's New @ The Mills? (10 years already!!)"

March 16th
Joseph Lang/Pillar to Post & Neil Mattson
"Importance of a Home Inspection"

March 30th
Garrett Madsen/Credit Profilers
"Important Aspects of a Credit Report"

April 6th (good Friday ~ if not dark??)
JJ/Pacific Auction Exchange Powerhouse
"How Auction Can Work for You"

A;pril 20th
Shawn Judson/Superintendent of Etiwanda School District
topic to be announced





**headed out to drop off a client birthday present now and head to dinner with another client/friend.





Night!!

ok, was hoping that I'd have something for you today :0

Inland sellers feel vacancies pressure

My new business card is at the printers!

Morning!!

My new business card is now ready and at the printers...can't wait to get that back and be able to start using them.

I am working on a few other advertising "tweaks" right now....

It's another beautiful day in Sunny Southern California!

Hope that you enjoy today to it's fullest....I see, it may rain in the next 48 hours.....

No interesting articles from yesterday or this morning (yet) to report....

Cya Later,

Todd

Views from Griffith Observatory....

Sooo...did you enjoy the game yesterday?

I was SHOCKED @ the fast start!

Here's an article that I found that's a forecast......

Pic: Recent trip to Griffith Observatory....oh, the views! (you can even see Downtown)

Happy Day!

http://www.ocmetro.com/NEW_SITE/metro120706/neighborhoods_homebuilder.php

it's the mini cooper!

Hi There!





Hope you're having a great start to Superbowl weekend!





I was able to do lunch with my friend, Rhonda today. We went to Z Pizza....have you heard of it? We shared a Pear/Gorgonzola Salad and then each had a calzone...it was yummy! More importantly it was fun talking (with a bit of gossip) and hearing about what she's been up to, etc.





Rhonda is a very personable woman and is the type of person that is doing her best all the time...I like that in a person.





After lunch, showed my listing on Sunnybrook and I think I may have found a buyer, but I could be wrong...I should know in the next two weeks....it was the first home she's seen and I know that people don't usually think they should purchase the first home that they see...





After that, I was able to clear out my bmw and bring it down to sell it to a local car dealer....I was happy to unload it and now my garage looks a bit empty. But you know, I still have my mini-cooper and that will get me by for a while.....until I find another car....no rush! We'll see how it goes.





Tomorrow I will be in the OC and get to spend some time w/my sister and a few other family members....I'm going to my cousin's wedding....





Tonight, I received some bad news, I think.....and I'm really fine with it, it's just that I can't believe it in a way.





It's interesting in life, how we can have a feeling about something and then (without believing or wanting to believe that it's true), it somehow becomes reality. Can you relate? I hope you can on some level.





I had a very productive day with my Caravan meeting this morning ....we were fortunate to have a motivational speaker (which can't ever be bad!) and she was a little dynamo! I will have to put her pic on here soon...I'm planning to do a press release and hopefully include our pic in it....she must be about 5' tall....and I never realized (I've seen her speak before, about a year ago) that she was only 5' tall.....can you relate?





I suppose, and I talked with Rhonda about this at lunch, (Rhonda is 5'2", but I'd say, if you'd asked me, that she's about 5'5" or 5'6")....that you can have a bigger personality than you are, and so to the outside world you may appear to be taller than you really are.





Showed homes after my meeting this morning and before lunchee....and that went well....there were two possibilities and who knows where the chips will fall....although I was happy to have the opportunity to be "out there" and working for a buyer who will buy.





Also, had an interesting visit and time with a recent new client and it was really nice to be talking like human beings, not like Realtor/Client.....this client is a wonderful person and ultimately gave me more insight into life in general, which I always appreciate.





I feel like I may be babbling....





The highlight of my night, was after I sold my car, I was able to have one of "The Best" conversations with my Dad.....it was REALLY OUTTA SIGHT! He was telling me about things....and also, acknowledged to me that sometimes I'm the Dad of the family, which was a huge acknowledgement to me......and I really enjoyed having a glass of wine with my "Papa"....bless his heart. He's the kind of guy who would do almost anything for anyone...you know, the kinda guy, who you wonder JUST WHERE he came from?





I could tell that it was a great time for him in our "goodbye" and that was really a gift for me....and one of the highlights of my day. I will never forget today!





Well, I'd best be getting along...I'm going to close with "Good Night" & hope that this weekend is "Extra Special" for anyone reading this......in surprising kind of ways!





Todd

P.S. I enjoyed a few telephone conversations...tonight too...one with a longtime client and friend and the other with a longtime buddy of mine.....Thank You T & S!!

Pic: me on my mediterranean cruise in October, 2006...short hair!! LOL