tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67147607011732983152024-02-06T22:12:24.130-05:00Zach SchabotThis is my blog. I write from time to time but there's not much here...
you're better off Facebook stalking me. Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-20789344508353018062013-09-10T10:56:00.000-04:002013-09-10T10:56:36.895-04:00Why didn't I think of GoConnect?<span id="docs-internal-guid-627844f5-0854-d9c6-2a7c-b8e7f65c307b"></span><br />
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-627844f5-0854-d9c6-2a7c-b8e7f65c307b"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How often during the day to you say to yourself “...that is so simple! Why didn’t I think of that?!” Only to be left frustrated that someone else beat you to the punch. Me too. But, frankly, I got tired of it. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the last 5 months I have been working on a new project. I teamed up with Jim Garman again to create a </span><a href="http://www.goconnectapp.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">checklist app for real estate agents,</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It is called GoConnect. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GoConnect</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is an iPhone app designed to help real estate agents handle our transaction checklists. Schedule the inspector, call the lender, update our clients - there are dozens of tasks that have to get done for each client. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When working with multiple clients at a time, which is usually necessary, we begin to have those hair-on-fire-moments which</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> helps </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">no one! </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since <a href="http://www.goconnectapp.com/" target="_blank">GoConnect </a>allows me to have all my information on my phone it could save me so much heartache...and in turn make me even better equipped to take care of my clients while I run around finishing the app. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are releasing it to agents nationwide, but I am hoping to become my own best advocate!</span></span></div>
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Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-57398606139302840472013-02-05T22:37:00.004-05:002013-02-05T22:58:33.991-05:00Stingers, Bats, and go90x<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I know what you’re thinking. Trust me, it’s not what you think. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is a picture of my son Tyler experiencing his first “stinger.” A stinger is a very quick, very painful experience that happens when it’s cold outside and you hit a baseball off a certain part of the bat (usually the very end or the handle right above your hands). It sends a sharp pain directly to the palms of your hands and it stings. Bad. Hence... a stinger.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It is February, and spring training is upon us. Any baseball player outside of Florida and Arizona will be practicing in cold weather to get ready for the upcoming season. And stingers will be rampant. <i>(shout out to my friends up north who will be hitting soft baseballs inside a gym for two more months). </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Like any pre-season regiment, there comes a little pain with getting back in shape. At <a href="http://www.gorealty.biz/">Go Realty</a>, we just kicked off our own version of spring training- <b>go90x. </b> It is a series of intense activities to help us shake off the holidays and get ready for the upcoming spring market. To whip us into shape. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is my 3rd time doing go90x and it always starts out with a self evaluation. <i>Talk about a stinger?! </i> It is a great time to take an HONEST look at what you have been doing, and helps to pinpoint areas that need improvement. It is also one of the most well structured plans I have ever used. A wicked combination of low tech prospecting (aka phone calls) and progressive marketing (utilizing videos, texts, social media and blogging). </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Since 2010, I have doubled my business each year and I equate much of that success to utilizing this plan. It keeps me focused on my priorities which allows me to better serve my clients. Because in my mind, that is the true measure of success - hitting home runs for your clients. </span></div>
Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-28488314439702104772012-04-16T23:09:00.007-04:002012-04-16T23:43:36.876-04:00Held to a Higher Standard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHidOpFvMds6YBl9iqDn0cdaG4aRUAYehQxYHERcQymZlPw53ONE1inlMxhd4h1KYLOC5gzRwSBmahHNXg-1bMK_18S0nicrMLVkxmjdpuN4DdrKedGKELjMOkMqIKpTtavLZyRN2RYk/s1600/WRmudcats.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHidOpFvMds6YBl9iqDn0cdaG4aRUAYehQxYHERcQymZlPw53ONE1inlMxhd4h1KYLOC5gzRwSBmahHNXg-1bMK_18S0nicrMLVkxmjdpuN4DdrKedGKELjMOkMqIKpTtavLZyRN2RYk/s400/WRmudcats.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732201602271365074" /></a><div><br /></div><div>First things first. Let me set the stage for this diving catch. This is a picture of Asher "Stones" Lucas. He plays on my nephew's baseball team, the <a href="http://www.westraleighmudcats.blogspot.com/">West Raleigh Mudcats</a>. It is a "coach pitch" team comprised of six, seven and eight year olds. Yes, Asher is 7.</div><div><br /></div><div>This play was actually caught on film by Erin Hautop, one of the team moms (and unofficial team photographer). </div><div><br /></div><div>Asher made a diving play on a pop foul, complete with a dirt-in-the-mouth face plant. Not only did he make the catch to record the out, but he popped up, ready to make a throw. This was clearly an amazing play for a player of any level. </div><div><br /></div><div>The West Raleigh Exchange Club sponsors one of the most competitive baseball leagues in the area. Hundreds of kids try out but not everyone makes a team. For those who do, here are some things they are taught (which I witnessed first hand while watching their last game).</div><div><br /></div><div>1. They hustle. The coach gathers the team in between innings outside the dugout. As the players leave the dugout, they are expected to run to their team huddle. If not, coach makes them go back to the dugout and run back out. They ALWAYS run to their respective positions in the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. They respect ALL players. They cheer on their own team and they cheer on players from opposing teams who make good plays.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. They learn the fundamentals. I am seriously impressed by their knowledge and comprehension of baseball situations. They back up throws, they field, throw and hit with superb technique. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Parents are held accountable too. If a parent is determined to be "unruly" from the stands, their child is asked to leave the game, not the parent. Talk about incentive for setting a good example?!</div><div><br /></div><div>But one of the coolest things I saw actually happened during an injury. <i>(that sounds bad, hear me out)</i> One of the players on the Mudcats hit a hard line drive that took a bad hop and hit an opposing player in the shoulder. When play stopped, a timeout was called. Every player in the field immediately took a knee. Every player in the dugout came out of the dugout, lined up in a single file line, took a knee, and waited patiently while the coaches attended to the injured player. I got chills. It was one of the most respectful displays of sportsmanship I have ever seen. The injured player got up, dusted himself off, and every player clapped.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some people have criticized this league for being "too competitive" or "too serious" for boys at such a young age. </div><div><br /></div><div>What I saw that day was something quite different. These boys are simply being held to a higher standard and they are having a ton of fun doing it! Frankly, if we are still looking for athletes to be role models, these boys have a serious head start. </div><div><br /></div>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-119686516192506622012-03-19T13:04:00.003-04:002012-03-19T13:45:28.300-04:00Handmade in Raleigh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9CDpsALL3YdTunsWUUTYiIiDIUljYfe5kJKnynHmi9bLnxZ4TDAnuad7511FciJAemhQnTaGSUu1srVeCI5WnAIvZrfRLdisaO5RN_1Bc0Q4fSVjCBotJDlAp3NEvWcbMnfQJKolsPA/s1600/guitar.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9CDpsALL3YdTunsWUUTYiIiDIUljYfe5kJKnynHmi9bLnxZ4TDAnuad7511FciJAemhQnTaGSUu1srVeCI5WnAIvZrfRLdisaO5RN_1Bc0Q4fSVjCBotJDlAp3NEvWcbMnfQJKolsPA/s400/guitar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721661482692926386" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>I have a new obsession - handmade guitars. Now, for those of you who know me, you know that my guitar playing ability is limited to the opening 3 notes of Typical Situation, the Unforgiven and Free Fallin'. Not exactly a killer set list if I can only fumble through 9 seconds of music on someone else's guitar. <div><br /></div><div>I have had the pleasure of working with Clay and Michelle Conner to find a home in Raleigh. Clay is the owner of <a href="http://www.clayconnerguitars.com/">Clay Conner Guitars </a>and handcrafts some of the most exquisite guitars I have ever seen. I am having a somewhat unhealthy obsession with it for a guy who can't play music (but may be motivated to learn).</div><div><br /></div><div>Even more than musical instruments, though, I have realized I am completely enamored with the amount of people in my generation who still place such a high value on handmade goods. Check out Victor and Sarah at <a href="http://www.raleighworkshop.com/">Raleigh Denim</a> where they make jeans on vintage sewing machines or <a href="http://evanlightner.com/artwork/1124522_chest_on_stand_orientalwood_black_walnut.html">Evan Lightner</a> who designs furniture that will someday be seen at MoMA. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina and I am surrounded by artists, craftsman, and -dare I say- innovators.</div><div><br /></div><div>What an interesting dynamic... people in older generations are overwhelmed by the amount of technological innovation we uncover everyday, while I consider innovators to be people my age and younger who still take the time to learn a trade or a skill and hone a craft. </div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://www.thehandmademarket.com/site/?page_id=23">Handmade Market</a> is coming up on May 12 in downtown Raleigh. Hope to see you there! </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be the guy who is admiring the guitar he can't play, the handbags he doesn't use and the jewelry he won't wear. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-75005250086065113082012-02-12T21:06:00.004-05:002012-02-13T09:15:24.614-05:00Reply All<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The reply all email can be quite handy...except when it is an accident. How about when it is a worldwide accident? (A friend) works for a local division of one of the largest ad agencies in the world. It operates 450 offices in 120 countries with approximately 18,000 employees. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px">I happened to be with (my friend) when a string of emails came through from around the world. 120 to be exact. All with the same subject line. <span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">(The sender) wrote a one line email asking a colleague for someone’s contact information. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">And accidentally copied the entire company. All. Over. The. World. </span> The first few responses came through as you’d think... </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>“Sorry, I don’t think I was supposed to be on this email”</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">But those people also hit reply all. They were in France. You get a few more emails from another country like this...</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>“</i><b><i>Please do not hit reply all.”</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Then you get the e-yellers...</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>“</i><b><i>DO NOT HIT REPLY ALL! YOU ARE CLOGGING MY INBOX”</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">(yes, they hit reply all as well)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Then you get the person who starts having fun...</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>“Headed for coffee, anyone want some?”</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Then you get the know-it-all, who literally takes the time to type step by step instructions on how to remove the shortcut email for the entire company list serve. Thanks for that productive move.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Now here is the moment of truth. This is an opportunity beyond belief - to build and strengthen a world wide culture. What would happen if this email just ran it's course? Imagine the CEO sends out a 30 second iPhone video in response to the email chain. Imagine the President of that particular office gives an award to the guy who made the mistake, and then every other division gives out that award to a person who makes an epic (non-damaging) mistake. Imagine this day becomes know as “reply all” day, or just think of how funny it will be in two weeks when someone opens the email and replies to everyone and restarts the fun.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">But instead? *sigh* The following email from the desk of the messaging manager:</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial; color:#232323;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:100%;"><i>Hi </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial; color:#232323;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:100%;"><i>First of all let me apologise for the full inboxes you've experienced this morning from a bulk internal email. It was sent as a simple human error to you all. We've put filters in place to stop the delivery of these messages so things should now have calmed down for you. </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0pxcolor:#232323;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial; color:#232323;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:100%;"><i>Could I insist that you all refrain from replying to all should anything like this happen in the future? Replying to everyone asking people not to reply-to-all is only exacerbating the problem and completely counter-intuitive. Doing so puts a huge strain on our email servers and delays important client communications. Continued abuse will result in you being locked from (our company's) mail system. </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0pxcolor:#232323;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial; color:#232323;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:100%;"><i>Please report any future incident to you local IT department and they will escalate to the relevant parties. </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0pxcolor:#232323;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial; color:#232323;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-size:100%;"><i>Many thanks. </i></span></p>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-73451594534838193622012-01-09T14:56:00.002-05:002012-01-09T15:14:28.878-05:00He said, she said: Rainy DaysWhenever I need inspiration or blog topics, I ask my friend Jenn Cole who blogs at <a href="http://www.noplacelikehere.biz">www.noplacelikehere.biz</a>. You should check her out. <div><br /></div><div>Today, we decided to pick a topic - <b>Rainy Days</b> - and both write about the topic. Hence, the title he said, she said. Here is what<a href="http://www.noplacelikehere.biz/2012/01/rainrain-go-away.html"> she said. </a></div><div><br /></div><div>Rainy Days confuse me.</div><div><br /></div><div>You know what I have never been able to figure out? Why do I feel most productive on days it rains? It doesn't make sense. And back when I worked on-site with <a href="http://www.beazerhomes.com">Beazer Homes</a>, the rainiest days were some of our busiest days. I don't get it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also confusing - that song by Bob Dylan <i>Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 .</i> What? What the hell kind of song title is that? He sings about people being stoned which probably says alot about the choice.</div><div><br /></div><div>You know what else confuses me about rainy days? Why do we keep telling brides that rain on your wedding day is good luck? Ha! Rain on your wedding day is miserable. Can't you just appreciate the fact you are getting married and enjoy it? Why perpetuate the lie? Do you need justification for being happy on your wedding day regardless of the weather? Good luck.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I write this, I realize it is coming across a little angry. It is probably because Jenn just bought me coffee and I don't normally drink coffee in the afternoons. I feel a bit like Will Ferrell in Kicking and Screaming. </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay - it stopped raining. So I will stop writing... it is not going well.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-10293853985352301762012-01-04T13:46:00.003-05:002012-01-04T14:16:20.014-05:00My Columbian New YearLast week, we got to ring in the new year with some very special friends. We were visiting my hometown of Kingston, NY with 3 kids and 8 adults and stayed in a beautiful old farm house (part of the home was 200 years old). <div><br /></div><div>One of our friends, Andrés, is originally from Columbia, where they have some very symbolic New Years Eve traditions. This is the first year he has not been in Columbia for New Years Eve so we wanted to help him feel a little more at home. Here is my experience:</div><div><br /></div><div>Tradition 1. <i>Wear yellow underwear.</i> It is said to bring wealth and prosperity in the coming year. Well, I don't actually own any yellow underwear so I left it up to my friends to pick some up at the store while they were out shopping. Everyone had a good laugh when I opened the bag to find yellow Flash Gordon superhero briefs. Ha ha ha, joke's on me. The REAL funny part came when we all realized they bought the wrong size. I haven't fit in a 28 waste in two decades. But I tried...for the cause. And no, there are no pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tradition 2. <i>JUMP! </i> At the stroke of midnight, we were all standing on a chair (or couch) and we jumped down to the floor. This was to help us take on 2012 with momentum and energy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tradition 3. <i>The suitcase run.</i> After we jumped down and kissed our loved ones, we each grabbed a suitcase and ran around the outside of the house. This tradition ensures good travels in the coming year. Not sure if it meant anything significant but my wife and I held hands while we ran, hopefully that means we can go somewhere together. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately we could not find any grapes with seeds because there is one more tradition we tried to uphold. But since we couldn't pull that one off, we substituted with a few American traditions...we drank Champagne and watched Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nappy New Year!</div>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-47471419970033035512011-12-20T02:04:00.004-05:002011-12-20T02:19:46.301-05:00Big City vs Small townThe big city. The bright lights. The big buildings. The masses of people from all nations moving briskly along city streets. Horns honking. Street performers. Festivals. Shows. Culture. It can be exhilarating and overwhelming. In a city like New York or LA or Chicago (or Beijing or Tokyo or Mexico City) it is hard to keep up. Hard to make your mark as an individual. <div><br /></div><div>Many of my friends who live in big cities are always bragging about how much they love it. I heart NY. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet most people choose to operate within a couple blocks of where they live. They create their own small town within the big city. Because of the vast amount of choices, they self-limit their selections and revert to what is safe. What is close. What is convenient. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have a global society that is expanding faster than ever before, and it is shrinking just as fast.</div><div><br /></div>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-40760012130318718012011-12-20T01:18:00.002-05:002011-12-20T01:23:59.590-05:0012 Predictions for 2012<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>My 12 Predictions for 2012 (in no particular order of importance or relevance)</b></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">1. Apple begins development of the iCar. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">2. Facebook surpasses 1 billion users. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">3. I will buy a new watch.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">4. The US Mens basketball team will not win the gold medal at the Olympics.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">5. Colin Powell will announce he is running for US President.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">6. Someone from Kansas will win American Idol.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">7. Tiger Woods wins the Masters.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">8. Richard Branson will fly to the moon.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">9. LSU will win the national championship in football and baseball.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">10. HUGE breakthrough in contact lens technology. (think terminator movies)</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">11. US unemployment falls below 8%. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">12. The world will not end on December 21, 2012. (sure hope I’m right about this one)</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-90123972360550927152011-12-12T09:31:00.002-05:002011-12-12T10:03:16.717-05:00The Quiet Cube<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcFyzSgHuUBcLF2M_OuvE6BitcvFpF6lc98NoO7oInUk6pyg2hcpbO6ZDEVPgaROTQogCk3AX_orMg0gT5xZBdKHMZRl1kv9Ce0hwkh7G6dXu1uNEigfDnSC9lbexUFshdhdn7hDwX64/s1600/ncmuseum4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcFyzSgHuUBcLF2M_OuvE6BitcvFpF6lc98NoO7oInUk6pyg2hcpbO6ZDEVPgaROTQogCk3AX_orMg0gT5xZBdKHMZRl1kv9Ce0hwkh7G6dXu1uNEigfDnSC9lbexUFshdhdn7hDwX64/s400/ncmuseum4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685257264037131090" /></a><br />My 3 year old daughter Emma needed to start her day in the quiet cube. The quiet cube is 3 foot x 3 foot x 3 foot wooden box lined with pillows in her daycare classroom. It is, for lack of a better a term, a safe zone. It allows the children to take a few minutes for themselves, to just simply have some quiet time. It is not for sleeping, and it is only large enough for one child so there is no tomfoolery. Emma had a big weekend - soccer, two birthday parties and lots of Christmas festivities- she had a case of the Mondays. She needed a few minutes to herself before tackling the week.<div><br /></div><div>What I realized earlier this year is I needed a quiet cube too. Actually, I have two. We have one of the coolest offices in the Triangle at<a href="http://www.gorealty.biz/"> Go Realty </a>but even that isn't enough to keep me energized some days. My first cube is a place called <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cafehelios">Cafe Helios</a>. It is a local coffee shop in Downtown Raleigh that serves some of the best brew in town. This is where I go when I need people around but also need to be productive. </div><div><br /></div><div>My second cube is the <a href="http://ncartmuseum.org/">NC Museum of Art</a>. This is when I need total quiet. It is one of the most serene settings in the area- think of a huge outdoor spa without the robes. It is close enough to stop for 15-20 minutes and just decompress. The phone stays in the car, computer stays closed and eyes remain open. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't put up with a case of the Mondays. Or Wednesday afternoons. Get a quiet cube. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-744834739689247612011-12-09T11:39:00.002-05:002011-12-09T11:52:55.269-05:00When we need it...Last night, I dropped my Macbook charger on my big toe. And it hurt. Alot. It still hurts. So I got to thinking..."With all this fancy technology, why don't we have a more advanced way to charge our devices? Why am I still carrying around this clunky charger?" <div><br /></div><div>I asked this question to <a href="http://www.garmanhomes.biz">Jim Garman</a>, and his answer was amazing. He said, "When we need it, Apple will give it to us." </div><div><br /></div><div>Silence. </div><div><br /></div><div>What a reputation to have! <a href="http://www.appleforrealestate.com">Apple</a> has become known as the company delivering simple, beautiful, intuitive technology we didn't even know we needed, and now can't live without. I wonder what else I don't know I need? </div>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-79532311193617824812011-06-08T23:33:00.003-04:002011-12-06T00:02:06.622-05:00NostalgiaThere is a new community being built in Raleigh called <a href="http://insidewade.com/">Inside Wade.</a> The advertising campaign is very compelling, it plays on a nostalgic theme- "Remember the way things used to be..." kind of deal. <div><br /></div><div>In case you don't know me, I am a very nostalgic person. I love looking through old photos and home videos, I have trouble throwing things away and I absolutely cherish my family.<div><br /></div><div>Nostalgia is a funny thing, though. We are drawn to things that remind us of the good times in our past. But can we actually recreate them? Are we constantly searching for an unattainable feeling? We travel around the world and marvel at the old buildings and we say "they just don't make em like they used to..." </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Why are we so ashamed of the present? And afraid of the future? Instead of recreating the past, why aren't we trying to build great things now so the next generations can say the same thing about our era? Why are we scared to step outside our comfort zone and build things like the<a href="http://www.newhouseinterior.com/nautilus-home-in-mexico-city/"> Nautilus House</a>? Maybe a little extreme but since when did "creativity" become the number of pieces of crown molding you can tack on a formal dining room?</div><div><br /></div><div>Dear world, please send us an imaginative builder for the uninspired middle class.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-86596499767614403782010-02-15T11:23:00.002-05:002010-02-15T11:27:59.824-05:00"I have a new home," said the blog.I will be transitioning this blog to my new website which can be found at <a href="http://www.zachschabot.com">www.zachschabot.com</a>. Hope you will visit after it moves!Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-37548149823524525472010-02-08T12:22:00.002-05:002010-02-08T12:25:27.997-05:00Market UpdateHere is a quick market update provided by Brad Arendt with PrimeLending- More good news! Are you going to wish you had, or be glad you did? <br /><br /><br />******************************<br />INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE The Pending Home Sales Index recovered from its November slump, increasing 1.0% in December, putting it 10.9% over its level of a year ago. National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun sees "...a broad improvement over year-ago levels. <span style="font-weight:bold;">December activity was the fifth-highest monthly tally in two years.</span>" The slump was attributed to the rush before November to grab the tax credit set to expire at the end of that month. <br /><br />We now know the tax credit was extended to buyers who can sign a contract by April 30 and close on the home by June 30. It's also been expanded, adding a $6500 credit for repeat buyers to the $8,000 credit for first timers. The NAR's Yun estimates 2.4 million households should take advantage of the credit this year. <br /><br />The NAR also released their adjusted overall outlook for this year and next. They estimate <span style="font-weight:bold;">existing home sales will grow</span> from 5.19 million in 2009 to 5.66 million in 2010 and 5.7 million in 2011. They see <span style="font-weight:bold;">new home sales growing </span>from 375,000 in 2009 to 446,000 in 2010 and 637,000 in 2011. <span style="font-weight:bold;">They believe prices have bottomed</span>, projecting a 3.4% hike in the median price for existing homes to $179,800 this year and then a 4.3% rise to $187,500 in 2011. New homes should go up 3.7% this year to a $221,300 median price and then 4.7% in 2011 to $231,700.Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-50515926736617892812010-02-08T10:29:00.003-05:002010-02-08T10:34:12.002-05:00Tryon Road Realignment PetitionVisit this link to sign a petition in regards to the realignment of Tryon Road. The road is in desperate need of repair and improvement. It will be a huge benefit to those traveling between Raleigh, Cary and Garner. Click below to learn more. <br /><br />http://www.renparkonline.com/tryonroad/Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-1289056526054894042010-02-04T11:34:00.001-05:002010-02-04T11:36:05.966-05:00Baseball SeasonI drove by Shaw University yesterday in downtown Raleigh. Had my windows cracked and heard the musical PING from the batting cage. I got chills. I can't wait for baseball season. Hockey is fine, College Basketball is fun too. NBA Basketball...some days. But baseball season- its my favorite. Hope to see you at some games this year...Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-54306405741926740632010-02-02T19:17:00.003-05:002010-02-03T09:04:40.982-05:00The Future of Housing Demand: 4 Key Demographic TrendsGreat article on the future of housing from US News and World Report<br /><br />*********************************<br /><br />The age of the suburb is over, and America’s great reurbanization lies ahead, expert says<br />By LUKE MULLINS<br />Posted: February 1, 2010<br /><br />Demographic shifts and changing values will increase demand for pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use communities in both urban and suburban settings, according to John McIlwain of the Urban Land Institute. "The age of suburbanization and growing homeownership is over," McIlwain said in a recent report, "Housing in America: The Next Decade." "The coming decades will be the time of the great reurbanization as 24/7 central cities grow and suburbs around the country are redeveloped with new or revived walkable suburban town centers." This transition will be fueled by the growth of two-person households, an end to baby boomers' suburban infatuation, and public policies designed to stimulate compact development. In his report, McIlwain points to four key demographic trends to watch going forward:<br /><br />1. Older baby boomers (ages 55 to 64): McIlwain divides the traditional baby boom generation into two subgroups, with the older group comprising roughly 26 million Americans. Today, many older baby boomers are stuck in their suburban properties because of the real estate bust, which has put them underwater—owing more on their mortgage than the property is worth. But McIlwain says that older baby boomers who can sell their homes aren't necessarily following the road maps of previous generations. "Those that can move are no longer flocking to the Sun Belt, choosing instead to move closer to their children and, more importantly, their grandchildren," McIlwain says.<br /><br />Noting that they are healthier than their parents' generation, McIlwain predicts that older baby boomers will likely defer transitioning into retirement communities for at least a decade, thereby limiting demand for such facilities. They will instead prefer to purchase condominiums in the "mixed-age and mixed-use communities" of more urbanized settings. "Walkable, urbanized suburban town centers will see an influx of aging boomers," McIlwain says. He points to town centers in Bethesda, Md., and Reston, Va., as examples. "Once the boomers can sell their homes and buy condos, these centers will thrive during the decade ahead."<br /><br />2. Younger baby boomers (ages 46 to 54): There are roughly 52 million Americans in what McIlwain considers the younger baby boom generation. Although they are now entering their peak earning years, younger baby boomers have significant housing market headaches in front of them. On top of the phenomenon of negative equity, many will have a tough time locating buyers for their suburban homes. "The older boomers sold their suburban homes to the larger population of younger boomers looking to move up," McIlwain says. "The younger boomers now have the much smaller generation X, now in their late thirties to mid-forties, to sell to." This development will work to restrict demand for many suburban houses going forward.<br /><br />Meanwhile, although younger baby boomers are at the perfect stage in their lives to buy second homes, the housing bust and economic recession have undercut their ability to do so. "Most younger boomers will be unable to afford a second home because of diminished earnings, tight credit, and the lack of equity in their first home on which to draw for a down payment on their second," McIlwain says. "Only those second home markets that appeal to the wealthiest will remain strong, though there may be opportunities for lower-cost but well-designed, smaller second homes."<br /><br />3. Generation Y (late teens to early 30s): The real estate bust has had a significant impact on how generation Y's 83 million Americans view homeownership. As they watch millions of Americans lose their homes to foreclosure, the allure of buying real estate has become less powerful, McIlwain said. "They will be renters by necessity and by choice rather than homeowners for years ahead," he says. "They have lost the confidence of prior generations that homeownership is a way to develop wealth." At the same time, many members of generation Y prefer urban settings to the suburbs they were raised in. "They want to be close to each other, to services, to places to meet and to work, and they would rather walk than drive," McIlwain says. "They say they are willing to live in a smaller space in order to be able to afford this lifestyle."<br /><br />4. Immigrants: There are roughly 40 million foreign-born people living legally or illegally in the United States today, and this demographic is expected to grow swiftly in the coming years. McIlwain notes that immigrant populations tend to cluster together. "These clusters have moved from the central cities where they tended to gather in the past to the inner suburbs over the last two decades," he says. Housing demand from immigrants may one day flow to the larger suburban homes that are expected to face downward pricing pressure in the coming years. "The reduced prices of these homes and their larger size … make them an attractive option for larger immigrant families, though prices will have to drop considerably for this to happen," McIlwain says.Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-24565709390279093272010-01-13T22:24:00.002-05:002010-01-13T22:38:05.590-05:00Busy Bee Workie WorkieI just realized that I have not written on this blog in quite sometime. We have officially launched <a href="http://www.gorealty.biz/">Go Realty</a> and things are moving FAST! Don't let anyone tell you the Triangle market is down. I have seen more activity in the past few weeks than in the past few months! Here is a quick update:<br /><br />I have a couple new listings (be sure to check out the links on the right, there are more coming soon). These are all great houses!! I am lucky to be working with such wonderful people.<br /><br />Our "month o' fun" is going so well. A month of grand opening parties for <a href="http://www.facebook.com/gorealty">Go Realty</a> is exhausting and magical all at the same time. I am blown away by the support and I am amazed at the power of collective belief.<br /><br />On top of all that, I am headed to the <a href="http://www.buildersshow.com/Home/Page.aspx?pageID=1">International Builder Show</a> next week in Las Vegas. I will be around some of the greatest minds in the housing industry for 5 days. Its a great way to hone my skills and learn whats REALLY happening out there.<br /><br />Stay tuned, big things to come in 2010!!!!Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-8419779379255410662009-12-08T14:06:00.002-05:002009-12-08T14:09:32.559-05:00Can you guess what home buyers want now?<span style="font-weight:bold;">The top 5 design trends for 2010 reflect desire for value and quality, not lavish amenities and conspicuous consumption</span><br /><br />By Marcia Layton Turner, Cyberhomes Contributor<br />Published: December 8, 2009<br /><br /><a href=http://www.cyberhomes.com/content/news/09-12-08/home-design-trends.aspx>Can you guess what home buyers want now?</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-12349680796151114952009-11-24T10:17:00.003-05:002009-11-24T10:24:56.297-05:00This just in...<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e4ysWlUyNn0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e4ysWlUyNn0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <br />One of my "extra curricular" activities is with the <a href="http://www.trianglesmc.com/">Triangle Sales and Marketing Council</a>. We filmed this video as our entry for a <a href="http://www.thenationals.com">National Award</a>. Hope we can bring home the gold! This video was just a snap shot of the amazing things we accomplished this year. We have a dynamite organization with the best professionals around! Special thanks to Allison Moriarty of <a href="http://www.gorealty.biz">Go Realty</a>. Linda Dickert, Jenny Martin, and Allison Chetwood of the <a href="http://thestoneagency.com/">Stone Agency</a>. Jean Paul Dame of <a href="http://firehorsefilms.com/">Firehorse Films</a> and Andy Ladner of the <a href="http://www.hbawake.com/">HBA of Raleigh Wake</a>.Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-17684921297563341312009-11-09T14:53:00.003-05:002009-11-09T23:28:49.703-05:00US Veteran Rita Bonville<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSNDmbPOsN8nrKdmmJdS4wupMhaxBsaQMnTHcp04xAYdZfvKKG3mYat0l4eyw41b_skmo3LNrW1WBwe9iLUV9kJSBPNU2iEZAjwDM9LbOGlP-mWZu35X4XmukDfOR_EN_gudrb8i05Wk/s1600-h/Nan+in+parade+close+up.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSNDmbPOsN8nrKdmmJdS4wupMhaxBsaQMnTHcp04xAYdZfvKKG3mYat0l4eyw41b_skmo3LNrW1WBwe9iLUV9kJSBPNU2iEZAjwDM9LbOGlP-mWZu35X4XmukDfOR_EN_gudrb8i05Wk/s400/Nan+in+parade+close+up.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402327101940874018" /></a><br />On Saturday, I attended the Veterans Day Parade in downtown Raleigh. We had so much fun seeing the bands, the military vehicles and all of the soldiers- past, present and future. But there was one Veteran in the parade who was extra special, my grandmother Rita Bonville. She will be 95 years old in January and was a nurse during WW2. She got to ride in an antique Model A! When her car came down the street my kids were yelling and waving at their great grandmother and it put a big smile on everyone's face. Way to go Nanny B, we're proud of you!!Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-58021061849660658712009-11-08T22:10:00.001-05:002009-11-08T22:18:39.096-05:00New, existing home buyers get new tax credit :: WRAL.comCheck it out, I was recently quoted on WRAL. They were doing a story about the new tax credit extension. <script src="http://www.wral.com/business/video/6366584/?version=embedded" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript"> width=330; height=280; wral_insert_video_player_6366584(width,height); </script>Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-19054946322776668252009-11-05T15:16:00.002-05:002009-11-05T15:21:51.511-05:00FAQ about tax credit extensionStay tuned for official word but the UI bill including the homebuyer tax credit extension and expansion has passed the House by a vote of 403-12 after passing the Senate last night 98-0. <br /><br />The new provisions take effect as soon as President Obama signs the bill, which we expect will be before the weekend. I'm including below a couple questions I've received in the last couple days about the new credit: <br /><br /><br />1. Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house? <br /><br />A. No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit. <br /><br />2. I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit? <br /><br />A. Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement. <br /><br />3. I am a first-time homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit? <br /><br />A. Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phase-out range). <br /><br />4. I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a non-negotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit? <br /><br />A. No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling. <br /><br />5. I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests? <br /><br />A. Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight, what he did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility. <br /><br />6. I am an eligible first-time homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me? <br /><br />A. You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit. <br /><br />(thanks to Chris Gosselin at NAR for information)Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-51967070634627954302009-11-01T18:15:00.004-05:002009-11-01T18:26:50.423-05:00Partnership with US Veterans Corps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcgNkFROB1GnCl6yceuT47GE71SzzUGrkVx-aTqZLosj367SeyGbglcARpb5tEjR57qzMD7UdkCYsBGujYeC3YyImnMvBNipeFeIEcIzTSbIq7Ihjk7p3Q5eZ6TfIkn4RXgjKMqT6VhI/s1600-h/Logo+from+web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 111px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcgNkFROB1GnCl6yceuT47GE71SzzUGrkVx-aTqZLosj367SeyGbglcARpb5tEjR57qzMD7UdkCYsBGujYeC3YyImnMvBNipeFeIEcIzTSbIq7Ihjk7p3Q5eZ6TfIkn4RXgjKMqT6VhI/s400/Logo+from+web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399280585624026562" /></a><br />Thanks to my friend Andy Ladner, I have recently been given the opportunity to partner with the <a href="http://www.theusvc.com">United States Vetrans Corps </a>and I am proud to be involved with such a special group. But let me be upfront. I have never served in the military. Never shot a real gun. Never had to be away from my family for more than a few days. I do not claim to "understand" what a veteran has experienced. It is simply impossible.<br /> <br />BUT I do believe we have something in common- that is the willingness to serve others for the greater good. I went to Catholic school for 9 years, but I don't mean this as a religious statement. I just genuinely enjoy helping other people. I love volunteering. I love connecting people who will do better collectively than as individuals.<br /> <br />We have two underlying philosophies in our company. The first is simple. Treat people like rockstars. Veterans have earned the right to be treated just a little better than everyone else...like rockstars are. Second- 'give it back' - With every transaction I donate $50 to the <a href="http://www.bbbs.org/triangle">Big Brothers Big Sisters</a> program and my company matches my donation. I have been involved with them for a number of years and they do great work. Now I hope to help members of another oganization who do great work. Interested? For information about our program and other USVC membership benefits, contact Andy Ladner at aladner@theusvc.com <br /> <br />By working together we will build stronger communities with service at the core of what we do.Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714760701173298315.post-77789408408864975562009-10-08T11:01:00.003-04:002009-10-08T11:17:42.880-04:00Big Brother Big Sister Fundraiser<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgALK4bD3oQQvoPNBhr3TvD9mUahqa7RaRLVqp-dn0JF-bfuTVfHskTWDsk27H_yCdKT8hqwGsL0HHLIVhOoY4RlrZGI9U4wiftc1f0Qs7JoP8yp73cvnHIx1PdPzBdn22ARaJ40W7OJY/s1600-h/Me+and+Ron+Francis"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgALK4bD3oQQvoPNBhr3TvD9mUahqa7RaRLVqp-dn0JF-bfuTVfHskTWDsk27H_yCdKT8hqwGsL0HHLIVhOoY4RlrZGI9U4wiftc1f0Qs7JoP8yp73cvnHIx1PdPzBdn22ARaJ40W7OJY/s400/Me+and+Ron+Francis" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390244795337279186" /></a><br />I recently had the pleasure of meeting <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Francis">Ron Francis </a>of the Carolina Hurricanes (oh- and the Hockey hall of fame) at a fundraiser for the <a href="http://www.bbbs.org/triangle">Triangle Big Brothers Big Sisters</a>. What a great event! There are hundreds of kids on the waiting list for mentors in the Triangle. That is part of the reason why I am donating $50 of every transaction to BBBS and my company, <a href="http://www.garmanrealty.biz">Garman Realty </a>will match it! That is $100 going to a wonderful cause and it will help people right here in the Triangle. Do you know someone who needs help buying or selling a home? Have them call me today so we can continue to help create "Big Magic!"Zach Schabot 919.796.5891 zachschabot@gorealty.bizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12828712141100950577noreply@blogger.com