Colleen's (and occasionally, Joe's) Blog

This Saturday, October 2, at the McNary National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center Eileen Klatt will be demonstrating her watercolor techniques and discussing her Litany of Salmon. So come on out and bring the whole family for this afternoon with Eileen Klatt and enjoy learning gyotaku and other nature crafts. If you are interested in attending then check out Eileen Klatt at McNary Wildlife Refuge page for more information.

For all of you out there who enjoy cooking but need some ideas for more inspirational cooking, the Kennewick School District is offering several food and nutrition classes. Chef Davis Harris will be teaching three of these classes which will include one on Italian chicken, hearty soups, and holiday appetizers. If you are interested in any or all of the classes being offered then check out our page on Classes taught by Chef David Harris.

As always, if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

The new season of Broadway and More is beginning in a few weeks with a performance of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma. The season includes performances of the Broadway classics Cats, Wizard of Oz and the Riverdance group’s Farewell Performance. All performances will take place here in our own Kennewick Washington's Toyota Center. Check out our Broadway and More page for more information on the season.

As always, if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344 We would certainly be appreciative! ;)

The Kennewick Parks and Recreation department has teamed with Kindermusik to provide musical classes for infant through preschool aged children. Starting the beginning of October classes will begin that will incorporate music and movement that both Mother and child can enjoy. One of the purposes of the classes is to offer parents nurturing one-on-one time with their child(ren) in class and at home. Check out our Kennewick Musical Programs for Preschoolers page to learn more!

As always, if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

Certainly a prerequisite for entry into heaven, the Called Shot Master be I!  Er, my husband and I.  A while ago we noticed in our profile a "1" next to Called Shots, then 2, 3, 4, then I started wondering how much we'll have to pay the staff to get this darn Called Shot Master star because it wasn't happening!  Apparently, the Star is "5" called shots (or, maybe the bribe I sent was sufficient enough)!  :)  Of course, a Called Shot is having a post you recommend become a featured post here on ActiveRain.  Recommending a post for featured status is done by clicking the Suggest icon in the upper right hand corner of an ActiveRain blog entry.

Funny thing is that by receiving the Called Shot Master we have learned a lot along the way.  By reading the posts and calling the shots, we have learned all sorts of great stuff.

I think our next profile thingy goal is that "A" for Attended Rain Camp.  We had enrolled in the one local to us but had to cancel due to a conflict.  Perhaps we should have canceled the 'conflict' and attended the "A," eh!

If you are looking for something to do with the family this weekend then check out the annual Heritage Days at Sacajawea State Park. Adults and children alike will have a good time as they meander through demonstrations, watch some performances, and experience living history like never before. There will be musical performances by local bands, tribal dances, Corps of Discovery portrayals and so much more you don’t want to miss this! Check out our Sacajawea Heritage Days page for more information about the event.

~ Click Image For Larger Map And Directions ~

As always, if needing Pasco WA homes, or a Pasco Wa Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

This is very important news for all to read.  We are already getting unwanted sales calls on our cell phones.  Can you imagine how that number will increase with our cell numbers now made public?

Kennewick Washington is going to feature its first ever Tattoo Convention this weekend at the Tri Cities Washington Three Rivers Convention Center. There will be seminars for tattoo artists, contests for different categories of tattoos, vendors, food, live tattooing, and more. Come check out all the convention has to offer at this two day event. If you are interested check out our Tattoo Convention page for more information!

As always, if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

Our 20-year-old daughter will graduate (yes, graduate at 20 years old) from Washington State University with a bachelors degree in education complete with her teaching credentials, but is unable to get a Washington state real estate license without a high school diploma! She is working on her real estate license while going through the college brouhaha. Apparently, education and common sense were left out when listing the prerequisites for a real estate license in the State of Washington!

Hmm, I guess a college graduate at 20 years of age can pass the G.E.D. right? Her parents who paid for the college education, plus the real estate license course are thinking so! :) We are thinking she can pass anything the Great State of Washington throws in her path actually, as we are incredible proud of Cassandra! :)

As always, if compassionate on the Realtors® financing their kid's education, and if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344 We would certainly be appreciative! ;)

The City of Richland will be holding their 10th City Fair this coming Saturday, September 25. The event will feature many displays and demonstrations by employees from the different city branches. Come bring your family and learn about different parts of the City of Richland and how things are run. Children will have the opportunity to practice making a 9-1-1 call and there will be a police car on display if you or your child are interested in checking out the interior. Visit our Richland Washington City Fair page for more information about this event!

As always, if needing Richland WA homes, or a Richland Wa Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

The Mid-Columbia Mastersingers will be performing selected pieces from Bach and Vivaldi next weekend, September 24, in Richland Washington. The group will perform Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto Number 2 in F major, his Cantata “Es ist nichts Gesundes an meinem Leibe” BWV 25, as well as Vivaldi’s Gloria in D major. If you are unable to attend on Friday, then take a short drive over to the city of Walla Walla to enjoy their performance there! Check out our Mid Columbia Mastersingers page for all the information!

As always, if needing Richland Wa homes, or a Richland Wa Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

Photo Credit: Vivaldi

The Three Rivers Road Runners Club is holding their annual Grape Crush Rush this Saturday in Historic Downtown Kennewick. The race includes a one mile fun run as well as a 5K run through downtown Kennewick. Both races will begin at 8:30am Saturday morning and cost $9. Check out our page on the Grape Crush Rush for more information about the race and where and when to register!

As always, if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

Ok, guilty of non-productive YouTube surfing, I'm sure! But, but, but I was looking for relevant real estate videos! Yup, really, honest! :) You need to watch this cute video because you need some time off and a break, right? :)

As always, if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

In 2008, Lindsay Buziak, a Victoria Realtor® was murdered while showing a lavish home in British Columbia. Sadly, this murder could have been prevented simply by screening the people she was meeting with. Lindsay had never met the couple before.

Here is Lindsay's story...

Related: Case Timeline | Reporting Tips To The Saanich Police Department

If you are looking for something to do on October 2nd then take a few friends, or the whole family, out to Dayton Washington for the day. The city of Dayton is holding a Historic Homes tour where six of the city’s structures will be open for you to tour. There will also be an art walk followed by an artist’s reception, and a Kite contest and many more exciting things to do and enjoy! If you are interested in making the scenic hour drive over to Dayton from the Tri Cities then check out our Historic Dayton Washington Tour page for more information!

As always, if needing Dayton Washington homes, or a Dayton Wa Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

If you are looking for something to do next weekend, September 24-26, take a short drive over to Prosser for the annual Prosser Balloon Rally. This is a fun weekend beginning with balloon launches at sunrise and balloon illuminations at sunset. During the day in Prosser take a stroll through downtown and watch some of the region’s artists paint the pavement! Check out our Prosser Balloon Rally page for all the details!

As always, if needing Prosser homes, or a Prosser Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

I have two time management principles I live by. Employing both of them leads to very productive days for me.

1. Just Get Started! Simple enough, right? 90% of the battle to managing time and being more productive is simply starting the task. I cannot tell you how many times I procrastinated a dreaded task, only to find that once started, the task went smoothly and efficiently. I was reminded of this in a recent blog entry I read. See the subtitle, "Just Get Started" in ViperChill's Living Self-Employed Online: The Manual They Forgot To Give You.

2. Once started, the task does not have to be perfect to be complete. For instance, if you set out to walk/run/bike a certain distance, 80% is still ok. If you are 80% finished with that article, publish anyway and finish later if time permits. Often times, the 80% was good enough to leave as is anyway. Plus, scores of 80% completed tasks are better than a mere pittance of 100% tasks.

As always, if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

The Kennewick Parks and Recreation department has teamed with Kindermusik to provide musical classes for infant through preschool aged children. Starting the beginning of October classes will begin that will incorporate music and movement that both Mother and child can enjoy. One of the purposes of the classes is to offer parents nurturing one-on-one time with their child(ren) in class and at home. Check out our Kennewick Musical Programs for Preschoolers page to learn more!

As always, if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

Are you a fire put-er out-er, or a fire eliminator? Colleen and I team up very well in regards to fire prevention, er, I mean damage control. We have been self-employed for all of our 25 years of marriage and we have learned to recognize a fire before it starts, as well as extinguish them while just a small flame.

Eliminating The Problem BEFORE It's A Problem
The best approach to eliminating a potential problem is recognizing the possibility of a conflict. Some tips on eliminating the fire before it starts...

1. Often times, recognizing the problem is simply a matter of time management. By allocating enough time for your client will in of itself expose the potential for recognizing a problem.
2. Partner with other professionals. Walking side-by-side and/or teaming up with a mentor, another real estate agent, sub-contractor, etc., the 'team' will flush out potential problems for you.
3. Discuss business with your significant other. For Colleen and I, on many occasions one of us recognized the potential conflict before the other did resulting in eliminating the fire before it stated.
4. Be patient! Time in the saddle will develop a keen sense for recognizing potential fires before they break.

Putting Out The Fire BEFORE It Burns The House Down
We all get into problem solving and conflict resolution many times during the course of our business life. Some tips on putting out the fire...

1. For starters, some fires are not preventable. Understand this as an opportunity to grow your business, your reputation, and strengthen your character. In moments like these, reputations are borne.
2. Do not play the blame game. In other words, do not blame anyone, nor use language that evokes defensive behavior. Avoid, "YOU, did this..." type of communication.
3. Be very judicious in the parties you involve in the crisis management. For instance, when replying to an email to put out the fire, consider carefully who you will include in the sending of the email.
4. Stay on top of the fire and do not let the fire get out of control. At all cost, keep everyone on your side. When someone or something creates a distance, then the person or thing will start opposing you!

Last but not least, care about your client and the business at hand. The simple act of changing your character from one that strives to close the deal, to one that desires the best and finest representation for your client will lead to solving problems before problems become just that, a problem. The act of caring for you client may very well be a maturity thing. Personally, I remember 20 years ago when my focus was one of earning money to support the family. Not bad, but nowadays, I strive to serve. My character is much stronger, and my children's strong characters are largely a result of me (and Colleen) being other-focused.

Think about putting fires our before they begin, eh! :)

Related Articles For Further Reading:

• Stop Just Putting Out Fires, Start Really Working
• How To Go From Putting Out Fires To Solving Interesting Problems
• CNN: Putting Out Fires At Work
• Putting Out Fires

As always, if needing Kennewick homes, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344

1st Photo Credit: Flickr
2nd Photo Credit: Flickr
3rd Photo Credit: Flickr

The Wall Street Journal posts reasons to buy a home today, largely in response to Time's piece on why not to buy a home today. In the WSJ article, Brett Arends cites 10 reasons to buy a home today. The usual home ownership reasons are cited, but low interest rates (understatement!) and available deals in most parts of the country are the biggest factors, in my opinion. The Wall Street Journal video...

However, if you consider Kennewick homes, some of these reasons might not apply, as we are a destination location and our home values are not only maintaining, but increasing in value. As always, if needing real estate help, or a Kennewick Realtor®, please contact us or phone us any time: 509.438.9344