Happy Earth Day!

“The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life…it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the Pale Blue Dot, the only home we’ve ever known.” ~Carl Sagan

Happy January 20th!

@BarackObama Congratulations President Obama; to you, your family, to us all. Happy Jan 20th. We did it and we'll work hard to do it again!

It’s 2009! I Believe I’ll Go Paperless This Year!

It was sometime during 2007 when I first "resolved" to run a paperless office. Now, this latest declaration for 2009 is not some renewed effort at a previously failed attempt! I've actually been generating less and less paper in my office since I set out on this mission. Just how paperless it could become, however, was up for debate. Nonetheless, I was convinced the potential was there thanks to my husband, the technology consultant, who is on a never-ending quest to keep me streamlined, fit, and efficient.

It all started when he noticed my printing habits - bad printing habits - like stuffing folders with printouts just because the screen told me to “print this for your records”. “Nandi, what are you doing?” he would groan. “Just convert it to a .pdf file and save it on the computer.” This inevitably lead to a crash course in how to save, file, and manage documents in a computer-based format wherever possible. “You should go paperless,” he declared. It was a damn good idea. And that is how this mission was born.

For Christmas that year, he got me a tablet notebook – a Fujitsu T2010 Lifebook. Wow!! I could now use an electronic pen to write directly onto my notebook screen. This gave me a way to eliminate the practice of printing out contracts, collecting signatures, and then scanning all of those pages back into the computer. Now, buyers could sign documents directly onto my notebook! It was a major step forward for me. But still, I continued to fight with my paper “problem”.

The problem I’ve struggled with the longest was my Buyer Showing Packet. I liked the idea of offering something concrete, in-hand, that my buyers could take away with them from a showing appointment. At its most cumbersome, my showing packet included a brochure, an informative article, property information sheets along with all of the accompanying photos, and my very own feedback/ranking form for every home. In Color. Whenever I would have a really full showing appointment, where as many as eight homes were toured, I would have to print out about 26 pages for my showing packet. Ouch! The poor trees!

My showing packet has taken many forms and I’ve managed to whittle it down tremendously over the years. But as you can see, I’ve struggled with balancing my paper output with the perceived need to provide my buyers with a showing packet because, let’s face it. Without it, I felt like an empty-handed party guest.

But, good news! My husband-slash-tech-consultant just introduced me to a really cool piece of software called Microsoft OneNote. This program is going to the umbrella application, the key component, the ultimate solution to my paper problems. I don’t believe there will be any more room for debate. I believe I’ll go paperless this year! And yesterday’s showing appointment was just the proof I needed.

Yesterday, I met with clients of mine to tour four homes. They just relocated here from another country. We’ve been collaborating online for several months and were very happy to see one another again and get our second showing appointment underway. I was using my new paperless “system” (i.e. my tablet notebook + Microsoft OneNote) in the field for the first time so I didn’t bring a showing packet with me. I was committed that, for this appointment, all of the property information we would need and any feedback we would generate will remain entirely computer-based. To do that, I imported all of the MLS property information to Microsoft OneNote, effectively creating my very first digital showing packet.

As we went through each house, I would make digital handwritten notes onto the the MLS property information screen on my tablet notebook. If I were using paper printouts, I would have had to thumb through, organize, and file the paperwork after the appointment. Not any more! This time, everything was automatically saved AND searchable within Microsoft OneNote. Are you kidding me!!! I LOVE this application! And I was not the only one who was impressed.

When I explained to my clients my goal for this year, they were very pleased with the idea. “Save a tree…or two!” they said. My clients were so tickled to see my paperless “system” at work (they, too, are in the market for a tablet notebook). I’ve earned a ton of extra cool-points with them. “I already thought highly of you but now…!” one told me. So, yes. I believe I am so over my need to provide a Buyer Showing Packet. Showing packet? What showing packet?!

I’m feeling very energized about the tech-savvy/eco-friendly upgrades I am embarking on this year. Only a few minor hurdles remain. Mostly, I need to get more familiar with Microsoft OneNote and get more accustomed to this new way of managing all of my data. I’ll certainly continue to share how things are progressing with my quest to achieve a truly paperless office. I’ll have more progress reports for you, so check in with me from time to time. Well…back to software training I go!

Happy New Year!

President-Elect Obama's Interview on 60 Minutes

President-Elect Obama sat down with Steve Kroft for his first interview since November 4th. The interview covered a wide range of topics - from politics to family, and of course the transition to life in the White House. Michelle Obama joined her husband for the latter part of the conversation and the playful banter between the two made for quite a charming interview.

When asked about where his focus rests as he prepares to take office, Obama raised the issue of the foreclosure crisis and how it was being managed. He stated that "if we don't have a clear focused program for homeowners by the time I take office, we will after I take office". While housing (and the economy) has always been at the top of his executive to-do list, I was reassured that this issue remains at the forefront.

The way I see it, addressing the foreclosure crisis in a prompt and meaningful way is necessary for both homeowners and homebuyer's alike. We must stabilize neighborhoods as quickly as possible. Homebuyers need to have confidence in knowledge that their investment will not be adversely affected by an over-abundance of foreclosure and for rent signs sprouting up on lawns across the neighborhood. In case you missed it, go to CBS News-60 Minutes to see video and transcripts from the interview.

We Believed!

America has undergone a remarkable sea change and will soon embark on a different journey, one that faces a brighter future, with President-elect Barack Obama at her helm.
Phenomenal! Phenomenal.

It's Almost Time

Before too long, voting lines will draw down and polling will come to a close. Soon, I will take my favorite spot on the sofa, turn on my television, and begin some serious deep breathing exercises.

What an incredible experience it has been to both witness and participate in this election season. It was historic on many fronts. One being the enormous role technology and, more specifically, the Internet played in it. YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and the blogosphere in general really made it possible for Barack to maximize the potential of his grassroots ideals. Who could forget Obama Girl or Will.i.am's tribute to those three famous words? The Internet gave his base a different kind of voice and a phenomenal way to move the campaign forward. It was one of his not-so-secret ingredients for success.

Speaking of technology, BarackObama.com has got to be the next great case-study in campaign-strategy innovation. From as early on in the campaign as I can remember, my husband signed us up to receive email updates on all the latest campaign happenings. From those updates and from checking into the website, we've enjoyed easy access to pertinent campaign information, attended rallies, volunteered our time, donated money, and even bought ourselves some Obama gear...I mean, really! Although I'm an active voter, I've never participated this much in one election campaign before! It was a great adventure and we met some really cool people along the way.

It was good that Barack understood the important issues and communicated his vision with eloquence and conviction. And it was great that he promoted a culture of teamwork among his base. But I believe his strongest asset and the key to his success was his ability to surround himself with really smart people. He had a winning combination of advisers, strategists, IT people, and staff. My favorite among them is Michelle. Barack's greatest ambassador and the brightest spot in his campaign. I have tremendous admiration for her. With this kind of support in his corner, I have no reservations about Barack's ability to fill the role of Commander-in-Chief.

My first introduction to Barack Obama was while watching the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He was described as the party's rising star and it was easy to see why. His keynote address opened my mind to new possibilities which, at the time, was a tremendous feat. Back in 2002, I was growing fearful of the post-9/11 feeding frenzy on civil liberties and the blood lust for anyone remotely resembling Osama bin Laden. I was very angry about the rush into Iraq and disturbed at the thought of what it would mean for us in the long run. When I learned of the timing of Sen. Obama's stand against the war in Iraq, wow, I just knew...I don't know, if you are a Matrix fan, perhaps you'd understand.


Barack Obama fought hard to transcend the divisive issues that continually holds this country back. He proved himself a man for all American people. He eloquently and passionately reminded us that we share a common dream for a more perfect union.


I truly hope that enough Americans choose to believe in Barack's message of change. He is not a messiah, he's not perfect, but he is the best man to lead us through the tough times times ahead. I hope to see him emerge as President-elect. This is what I want to see recorded in the pages of history. It's time.

Today is Election Day!

by Bruce Beattie via SLATE

Remembering Madelyn "Toot" Dunham

Just hours shy of the election season's biggest day, Barack Obama's grandmother lost her battle with cancer. She was 86 years old. Through his profound words and dignified character, Barack Obama has helped us become just a little better acquainted with who Madelyn Dunham was. We appreciate the invaluable role she has played in his life. Barack Obama is a great inspiration and source of hope to so many. At this time of great loss, our thoughts are with his family. Madelyn Dunham will not be forgotten.

A+ for Ron Clark Academy

Have you seen this video? If not, you must! These are the students of Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. Their teachers are obviously doing a fantastic job in nurturing a strong love of learning. Ron Clark's mission to prepare his students to hold the highest office in the land is sure to be realized one day. In the meantime, what a way to participate this historic election year. Wow!

Check out this amazing school on PBS and be sure to click on the "watch the video link" at the bottom of the profile. Guaranteed to bring an enormous smile to your face!

Today's Homebuyer

Yesterday afternoon, I headed out to the Board of Elections to cast my vote early. Considering the fact that we are in the midst of an historic election, I did not want to be faced with long lines and overworked computer systems on Election Day. I brought a magazine with me to keep my mind occupied and help me pass the time while waiting for my turn to vote.

As I found the back of the line, I took a moment to look around and take in my surroundings. The line wasn't too long - maybe a 1/2 hr wait. Voters were soothing their little ones, conducting business on cell phones, filling out change-of-address forms, reading through candidate literature shoved in their hands on the way in. All felt calm and as I opened up my magazine, I started to wonder about the personal stories of the people surrounding me. Was anyone drowning in medical bills? Losing sleep worrying about the well-being of an enlisted loved one? Wondering how they would be able to afford to send their kid to college or begin retirement on schedule? Struggling to make ends meet? Was anyone in fear of losing their home to foreclosure?

Like this election, this last real estate boom is one for the history books. The rise in home appreciation far surpassed all other booms thanks in part to low interest rates, high confidence in the market, and a host of creative financing terms. It didn't take long for greed, corruption, and irrational exuberance to find its way into the mix. Many buyers relied on the "advice" of questionable industry experts and now have found themselves in terrible circumstances. Interestingly enough, a few big-named players in the real estate industry have found themselves in terrible circumstances as well!

Approximately 40 mins after I first arrived at the Board of Elections office, I was finally standing in front of my ballot box reviewing the selections I had made. Finding no mistakes, I held my breath and pressed the green button. I smiled to myself as I wondered about where this country will be in two weeks...in two years. Will my candidate win? Will campaign promises be kept? Will we be better off then than we are today? Will the housing market and economy be in recovery? I believe today's homebuyer should be inspired, empowered, and knowledgeable regarding their homebuying experience, not overwhelmed, stressed or intimidated by it. This would go a long way to avoiding the kind of economic disaster we currently find ourselves in! As I made my way to the exit, I took one last look around at the others in line waiting for their turn to cast a vote in this historic election. And then, I smiled again.