The fire

Steve's family has still been kept from their homes in San Diego (Poway, CA) as well as his sister and her family in Pauma Valley. To all of our friends and family down South you are in our prayers and thoughts. We hope the fire is taken care of as quickly as possible. Our positive vibes are with you. We love you Ostroms and Friends.

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Garage Sale=Brush up on Negotiation Skills

So we decided to have a garage sale. We were lying a little heavy on kid's stuff so we thought it was time and perhaps a good way to meet some new neighbhors. What an interesting day. Met a lot of great folks and met some serious negotiators. Phewy!

Garage Sale again, hmmm not sure about that, but it was a fun day. I couldn't believe how MANY people there were at three solid points throughout the day. Unbelievable. Was it the signage or was it the Craigslist post? Not sure. But I do know this, Sunday was a worthless day to have a garage sale after Saturday. Not a smart idea"-er" during Football season. And the most interesting phenomena the last minute vulture that arrives during the last posted hour or soon thereafter ... they know you are ready to be D-O-N-E. Oh they know you are vulerable. SURE I will give away the rollerblades you seem super nice, sure you can have the aquarium for $3. It was fun and people were so happy to get unexpected free treasures. Good times, but then it came to a screeching halt. Curtains, brand new? Five dollars, firm.

Never had I thought negotiating over brand new curtains would be so much work. One lady had the "walk-away" down to an art. I wouldn't budge. For some reason I couldn't budge on my curtains. Was it because I sensed this lady was a pro, perhaps? At one point it all became principal based. No way lady, no way, I simply cannot give up that dollar (what?!?!). No way for four!

Lady: "Well what if you threw in the duvet I will give you five."
Me: No
Lady: Okay I don't want any of it.
Me: Have a great day.

Lady: "Okay how about all of these clothes with the curtains for four dollars."

(wow this lady is tough).
"Nope. I have a friend I can give them to if I get that much. Sorry."
Lady: "Alright here is your five dollars."


I waited till she was out of view and then I did my best MaryLou Retton double back twist to a stuck landing. Wow what a battle. This is a condensed version. This all was in between a lot of pacing and back-and-forths. She even had a cute dog to almost distract me and give in. She was a pro. Oh what a cute dog, GIMME YOUR CURTAINS!

I had NO tough cookies, except for her, so it was a relatively easy day. But I did give away most of the stuff, because I figured it was better in a home where an item was used than collecting dust.

But I enjoyed that dollar so much that I made off my curtains and I went a little wild and bought myself a soda at Sam's club with that divine crunchy ice. Ahhh ... the thrill of victory.

We got rid of so much nice baby items and it went to homes where they would be recycled and loved again.


Unfortunately it was not a perfect day as my Redskins lost to FavRrrrreeee and the Green Bay Packers. As SpongeBob cleanly says, "Tartersauce!"

www.National-Open-House.com

Is your house on the market? Come be a part of the National Open House November 4th! Anyone can participate.

Tired of the negativity on the news? Rarely have we been hearing or seeing positive real estate experiences, but they do exist. Why don't you be a part of a positive experience and join up for our NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE. People from all across the nation are joining up. Again ANYONE is welcome to participate. And it is free. It is out of the good will of a group of REALTORS® and assistants.

Visit the website, ask your REALTOR® to sign up, FSBOs (For Sale By Owners) sign up. This is a Nationwide event. Steve and I want to have our hand in orchestrating a positive real estate experience, why don't you join us? Sign up today.

More updates coming to the site soon:
www.National-Open-House.com