May 22, 2012

Understanding Country Development and Growth

This is a very interesting video form “TED India” in 2009.  Discussion on income and health of people related to their country.

Ted Mackel Speaks Out on Real Estate in a Mobile Techonolgy World

California Association of Realtors EXPO 2010 San Jose California  Ted Mackel(October 2009 – San Jose, CA)  Last fall is chosen to sit on the main panel with Executive Vice President Joel Singer and talk about how the Internet and technology is impacting the real estate industry.    The discussion covered twitter, Facebook, websites, Internet property searches, online habits of home buyers and importance of the real estate industry to keep up with the changing needs of home buyers and home sellers in a  mobile Internet age. Again this fall (2010) in Anaheim I will be presenting in one of the breakout sessions on similar topics. If your organization or association of Realtors would like me to present, please check out my Speaking & Training section my blog for more information.

Technorati Verification

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New Site Design!!!

Hey everyone,  I just uploaded this new design for the site.  It will  take me a few nights to iron out the wrinkles, but in the end it will make the site easier to navigate and use.  Some of the improvements you will see include a Active homes for sale search tool.  Thanks again for your support!

Buying up Bad Mortgages is one Solution

Buying up Bad Mortgages is one Solution

Here is a nice video short form CBS News on how some investors are out looking for ways to capitalize on the folly created by our government and banking system.


Watch CBS Videos Online

(Simi Valley) Tax Payer Bailout Prize Patrol – Video Blog

(Simi Valley) Tax Payer Bailout Prize Patrol – Video Blog

This is a very funny youtube Video on the Bailout money.  Sit back and enjoy!


Happy Groundhog Day!

Actually it’s a Happy Birthday to my brother Pete!  Having three brothers and no sisters was tough enough on my mother, but even better was having a brother born on Groundhog Day.  As a kid that was cool and exciting and you can imagine the mockery a bunch of brothers could create with a Groundhog Birthday.

My children now refer to Pete as “Uncle Groundhog” and call him on his birthday every year to see if he has seen his shadow.

12 million people have tuned into view the dramatic Groundhog on youtube. They mislabel it a Chipmunk.

California High Speed Rail

California High Speed Rail

It will probably cost a fortune and everyone will complain, but like most public works projects, when completed it will be appreciated many years after it is built and operational.

If you want to take train from Simi Valley to San Francisco. First you have to go downtown to Union station and then take a bus to Bakersfield to catch the train. It takes all day. I say bring on the bullet train!

For more information and the map, SEE:  www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov

5 things you need to know before moving to Simi Valley

5 things you need to know before moving to Simi Valley

  1. It gets windy here! Tradition has it that “Simi” is the Chumash Indian word for wind.  Some areas of Simi Valley can be like a wind tunnel during the fall and winter.  I know, I live in one of those tracts. The positive side of our winds is that during the hotter months of the summer it is more a breeze and night time cools off with the breeze.
  2. Simi Valley is not a destination.  Simi Valley has never been a destination and this will always affect what kinds of businesses and services locate in Simi Valley, which will ultimately limit those services and business.  The positive side is that since we are not along the traveling route to destination places, we get overlooked and are not in the “bulls-eye”.  This is a big part of why Simi Valley continually is rated one of the safer cities to live.
  3. Simi Valley and Ventura County have controlled growth. Our city and county will keep urban sprawl well checked.  The hill sides are protected from willy nilly development.  The negative impact from controlled growth is that the lower population numbers will contribute to the limited types of businesses and services that can survive in highly regulated cities.  It is very difficult to have our cake and eat it too.  Fortunately Simi Valley is located close enough to attractions in Los Angeles county and north west in Ventura County, so Simi Valley can maintain that small city feel so desired by it’s residents.
  4. Simi Valley is home to the Ronald Reagan Library. This is a terrific attraction for the area and definitely a plus for Simi Valley.  The negative is if you are not a Ronald Regaan supporter, then you will have to drive the Ronald Reagan Freeway regularly.
  5. Simi Valley is a family town and real bedroom community. If you are an urban dweller, this town shuts down about the same time Walmart and Target close…10pm.  Night life here is limited. However our family town environment is full of very active people who like the outdoors and a very active lifestyle as evidenced by Simi Valley neighborhoods dotted with RVs, boats, jet skis, ATV’s etc.

If you know of other things that people relocating to Simi Valley should know, then please post the good, the bad and the ugly. Show us your love for Simi Valley!

Nick Vujicic – Inspiration with no comparison

Nick Vujicic – Inspiration with no comparison

The first thing that came to mind when I learned of this young man was the famous Cat Steven’s song “Moon Shadow”.  Please take the time to not only watch this video, but pass the link to your friends and family as this is truly inspirational.