Category Archives: Uncategorized

Shame on Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway and Iowa Realty.  Many of you probably don’t know that Berkshire Hathaway and therefore Warren Buffett own Home Services which is basically a holding company of a great many real estate companies throughout the USA.   No problem there, of course.  The problem comes in with his/their attempt to squeeze competition in Iowa.  And rumor has it that if successful they will continue to engage in these techniques in other markets.

Iowa Realty has quit paying commissions to Keller Williams Realty there in Iowa.  And other brokerages for that matter in the past.  I’m not going to bore you with a 30 paragraph rant.  If you are interested you can follow these links and do your own searches.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3342619/commission-squabbles-in-iowa

http://fiberopticconnector.blogspot.com/2013/03/keller-williams-official-will-visit.html

http://www.inman.com/news/2012/06/29/iowas-largest-brokerage-sued-over-commission-splits

But he next time Warren Buffett is opening his mouth about fair taxes for everyone why don’t we just ask him why he won’t pay agents with a different sign color the commissions they earned by selling a house his company listed?  After all, no income means no taxes, right?  And how is this in the best fiduciary duty to your client?  Oh, I could go on.

Here is hoping that the Anti-Trust lawsuit beginning in November crushes the bug.  Classic case of greed.  If you cannot compete in the market fairly do so unfairly.  If you are upset about Keller Williams’ recruiting efforts make your business model more attractive to your agents.  It is really not that complicated.

A guy can only take so many pictures and work with so many investment properties before he needs a few days to play.  And with Jake heading off to college in about a month, the fam decided now was the time for those few days.  Even though it’s going to be 100 degrees today and tomorrow and probably Sunday, you will find me outside having fun with the kids.

Here is a picture of the boat we’ve rented from Mike Fink’s Marina at the Lake of the Ozarks.   At to that a cabin for 6 and a day trip to the castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park and it’s gonna be fun.

No pun intended with it getting close to Easter and all…

Sorry I’ve been lax in posting.  Between sales and family and spring break and what not I’ve been very busy.  But I’m working on a post.

Stay tuned…

I feel a thaw.  No. You wouldn’t know it from the temperature outside and the breaking grass under my feet.  But I’ve made three offers in the last week.  (Although I am still waiting to get one together.)  And great news!  One of the bank foreclosures that has been frozen has rumblings of closing on or about December 15.

Now, I won’t believe it till I am there watching the buyers sign.  But it is movement, never-the-less.

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Just a note about this real estate market.  Everyone has it rough.  I feel fortunate.  While my income from real estate sales and investments has dropped about 20% from 3 years ago I have made up that income with another business my wife and I own.  Portraits Today Studios in Olathe, Kansas had a record month in November and is on pace for our best December, as well.

But I look around and I’m a little saddened.  It’s renewal time for real estate agents across the country.   I’m expecting a blood bath.  $450 to $550 for dues and fees in December is pretty tough on a lot of under-performing agents.  Yes, it’s a purge that needed to take place.  But it doesn’t make it any easier when you look across the landscape and see how hard it’s hit people you know and have built relationships with.

So I get these emails all week every week.  If you are going to send me this crap can you please spell everything correctly, including my name, and not use “$” signs as a “s” please.  🙂

Hi Cris Im a nebbie wholesale Investor I work with a Team of Investors Nationwide that looking to pay me, a fee, Locating Properties, below value market. My investors pay Ca$h and Close Quick costing your Company not 1 cent. My goal is to find deals, make an offer, If offer gets accepted, put it under contract, along with estimate money desposit of $100*$100.00 using my Team of Investors Assigning my contract over to my Investor Buyer I have my Estabished Title Company who will do all the closing title seaches,check for liens etc who legally cuts me a check Putting your company in a Win Win situation. That would truly skyrocket your commision and give me the opportunity to build a realationship with you and your company. I look forward to meeting you in person. If you dont mind. I need to see a few homes on expired listing that did not sell that you desperately needs to sell. Please call me so I can see how I may help you sell your Properties Fast for Ca$h and Close Quick I can be reached at <phone number removed>.

I’ve been busy and under the weather…pardon me while I cough again.  See you next week.  🙂