These Empty Storefronts

We had yet another gusty day here in the 'Windy City of the North', and for sure it's becoming more than annoying. It definitely wasn't helping the rise of temperatures from our morning low of 22 degrees. On the bright side, I did happen to notice some happy looking tulips blooming on a very protected southerly-side of a home today which caused me to smile back at them. Now that we've officially entered the season of Spring, perhaps it will start warming up for good.

Before heading out to my morning appointment, I called my dear friend to see how she's been getting along after having caught a nasty flu bug, who did seem to be getting back to her old self, so hopefully she's well on the road to a complete recovery. The bulk of our conversation revolved around the looming credit card debt which is likely burdening a large percentage of our general population, and especially the younger generation. I'm sure when another financial crisis hits, it'll be even worse than what happened back in 2008.

My morning showing was another waste of time, and mostly because of how grossly overpriced the home was, and about all I could say to the buyer was to wait and see if there'd be drastic price reductions on it. Part of the blame I place on some of these bloated asking prices, is how much higher our City Assessor raised the values on a number of homes that should've never been increased. In my estimation, those 'windshield' valuations mean absolutely nothing. It's sort of like trying to judge what kind of soup is in a can that's had it's wrapper completely removed. Right?

On my way back to office, I received a call from one of my clients who's working on getting a home prepped for sale, and asking if I'd have time to stop by and give him some pointers on what improvements would be most attractive to potential buyers, and since I did have time, I turned and headed over in the direction of his home.

When I got there, he was busy getting it prepped for a deep cleaning before he started in with the updates. His big question was whether he should paint over the 1970's panelling, or strip it all off and go with the plaster walls. Thank goodness he went with my suggestion of getting it pulled off because no matter how good of a paint job you do with panelling, it's still painted panelling. I also reminded him that all the ceilings must be painted with a flat white ceiling paint. There's no question he'll do a very good job because I've sold other homes for him in the past and they all looked great.

My noon appointment was to show a property which is owned by one of my clients who's thinking about placing it on the market. My client called me last night to tell me he'd been contacted by today's interested party, so he gave me his name and number to call and set up a showing which I did upon arrival at office this morning.

I dare say the showing went quite well, and fortunately I was able to share my thoughts on what improvements I'd be making, and since I'm fully familiar with the property, those suggestions seemed to be well received. Before leaving, I made sure he call either myself or my client should he have any further questions. In spite of being in the company of that buyer for less than an hour, I could tell he's not the type who allows any grass to grow under his feet.

After chasing down a bill that was supposed to've been sent weeks ago, I finally had the company email it to me, just so I'd have it paid on time, and once I had it paid and delivered over to the Post Office, it was nearing the time I had to go out and show three homes to a couple I've been working with these past months.

Fortunately one of the three homes ended up being a possibility, but since I have a pretty good 'feel' for what they're looking for, I'm still not sure if that's the one. I dare say I've been batting nearly 1,000 with my showing homes that have either cats or dogs living inside, and for whatever reason, my allergies have been flaring up more than normal of late whenever I'm in a home that has them. Thank goodness I always make sure to have several tissues on my pocket, just in case.

While in conversation today with one of our downtown business owners, I could tell he's not the happiest over these bloated grants and tax credits our City and State have been giving to these people who're creating apartments above existing businesses, along with building apartment houses in our Central Business District. He emphatic when saying, “We need more thriving businesses in our Downtown instead of apartments, and only because if these empty storefronts aren't filled, then what would be the big draw to live down here?” In my mind, I dare say his words were 100% correct, because it's a perfect example of putting the cart before the horse. Right?

With about a half hour to kill before closing up shop for the day, I sat down at piano and started practicing the music I was given to play for First Congregational Church this coming Sunday, and since it's Palm Sunday, one of them was written just for that Sunday of our church year. Knowing I play over there only once per month, I do try to do my best for them. I sure wish I could be playing their beautiful pipe organ on a weekly basis, but unfortunately I have to keep with the commitments made to St. Paul Lutheran.

Tonight's One-liner is: Like what you do, and then you'll do your best.

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