A Former Lakeland title agent is charged in theft and fraud case, according to an article in The Ledger, March 26, 2008. www.theledger.com/article/20080326/NEWS/803260463 Of course, I was not shocked by the news. I had heard of this company during a title closing at our office. People talked and I listened.
It is unfortunate, but some people in the industry do not have the morals or ethics necessary to handle large sums of money. They are tempted by the almighty dollar, even if it is not theirs.
The article I have linked to also mentions a local real estate attorney that was also charged, in a separate case. Therefore, as I stated in an earlier blog, the consumer doesn’t know which way to turn.
I remember listening to a real estate agent at one of our closings about how much money the closing agents at her title company were bringing home. I never said a word to the agent, just listened. After the closing, I tried to calculate how many average closings they would have to perform to afford a payroll of that amount. Not even considering the other overhead involved in running the company. Two and two were not adding up to four! A short time after learning the information, I heard that the underwriter for the title company had frozen the escrow account! I felt bad for the clients whose money had been frozen. Their closings would not happen in a timely manner. I had wished those clients had chosen another company, but how were they to know?
Around the same time, another title company in the area was also shut down. Not as much was publicized about that one. I cannot remember the name of it now. It was a difficult time having to listen to our industry get criticized. My company, which prided itself on treating the customers with honesty and integrity, suffered due to bad publicity. By then people had forgotten about the real estate attorney that was just as bad!
Unfortunately, I don’t have the magic answer on how to figure out who to trust! There are people still out there that have no business touching other people’s monies. I am not going to start listing names and get into any lawsuit over hearsay. I cannot prove who does what. I am not privy to their books and bank records. Believe me, some of these people look so innocent, you would never guess by appearances. Also, don’t let the number of years they have been doing closings cloud your judgement either!
Until I can figure out the magic answer, beware. Take the time to ask questions. Like I stated in earlier posts, most of the time the seller chooses the closing agent, so sellers do your homework!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Organizing my Storage Unit in Lakeland Florida
My storage unit at http://www.highlandsstorage.com/ is starting to get filled with items I need to sell! I have decided that I need to organize my unit as if it were a store; not really a store so to speak, more like a warehouse. Years ago I managed a national mail order company with a large warehouse. When items are organized it is easier to process the orders. Therefore, I believe I should organize the unit to be able to sell my items more efficiently.
I am going to purchase a number of shelving units to place in my storage unit. My items can then be sorted into certain categories for ease in finding. A work table can then be placed along one side with the boxes and paperwork I will need to ship the items. I will make my storage unit at http://www.highlandsstorage.com/ into a mini mail order warehouse! Wow, sometimes I even amaze myself. I know there are probably a million people out there who have already done this, but it’s a new idea for me.
This way all the items are out of my house! I can set up a spot on my work table to take the pictures I need, keep my packing supplies, and room to process the order. This way the only thing I need in my house for this business venture, is my computer! I am so excited about the possibilities.
I am going to purchase a number of shelving units to place in my storage unit. My items can then be sorted into certain categories for ease in finding. A work table can then be placed along one side with the boxes and paperwork I will need to ship the items. I will make my storage unit at http://www.highlandsstorage.com/ into a mini mail order warehouse! Wow, sometimes I even amaze myself. I know there are probably a million people out there who have already done this, but it’s a new idea for me.
This way all the items are out of my house! I can set up a spot on my work table to take the pictures I need, keep my packing supplies, and room to process the order. This way the only thing I need in my house for this business venture, is my computer! I am so excited about the possibilities.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Lakeland Florida
Deciding to sell or purchase a home is only the first major decision. Finding the best real estate agent to help with the process, is a very time consuming and frustrating adventure. Unless you know someone, how can you be sure they have your best interest at heart?
The first thing you should do is ask close friends and family if they have had any experience with a local real estate agent. If they recommend someone, you still need to do your homework. Find out as much information as possible about the transaction experience. A few questions to ask:
Were they buying or selling?
If selling:
Did your real estate agent always call you back in a timely manner?
Did the agent advertise your home to your satisfaction?
Did the agent explain completely all offers received?
Did the agent recommend things to improve the appearance for a quicker and higher selling price?
If buying:
Did the real estate agent only show you his/her office listings at first, instead of all listings that you may have been interested in?
Did the agent really listen to what you were wanting in a home, or always tried to show you higher priced homes?
You may think this next question is a given, but I was in the industry for years, I know different.
Did the agent show up to the closing of your real estate transaction?
These questions will get you started. Now comes for the interview of the agents. Yes, meet them, tell them what you are planning and let them know upfront you are speaking to a number of agents. Believe me personalities play an important role; you are going to be spending a lot of time communicating with this individual.
Once you have gathered all the information possible and have made a decision. A seller’s agent is going to require a signed contract to list your home. Most want a six month contract; if I were you in this market, I would negotiate a shorter length of time. This way if you find you are not compatible, you’re not stuck in a long contract.
If you are looking to purchase a home, there should be no contract necessary. Therefore, if you realize it is not a good match, you are able to step away from the relationship and try another real estate agent.
Gather all the information you can about a number of agents in your area; take your time in making any decisions. Whether buying or selling this is a very important decision in your life. Don’t just look in the paper and start trying to work with any agent, take your time. You want this experience to be a pleasant memory.
The first thing you should do is ask close friends and family if they have had any experience with a local real estate agent. If they recommend someone, you still need to do your homework. Find out as much information as possible about the transaction experience. A few questions to ask:
Were they buying or selling?
If selling:
Did your real estate agent always call you back in a timely manner?
Did the agent advertise your home to your satisfaction?
Did the agent explain completely all offers received?
Did the agent recommend things to improve the appearance for a quicker and higher selling price?
If buying:
Did the real estate agent only show you his/her office listings at first, instead of all listings that you may have been interested in?
Did the agent really listen to what you were wanting in a home, or always tried to show you higher priced homes?
You may think this next question is a given, but I was in the industry for years, I know different.
Did the agent show up to the closing of your real estate transaction?
These questions will get you started. Now comes for the interview of the agents. Yes, meet them, tell them what you are planning and let them know upfront you are speaking to a number of agents. Believe me personalities play an important role; you are going to be spending a lot of time communicating with this individual.
Once you have gathered all the information possible and have made a decision. A seller’s agent is going to require a signed contract to list your home. Most want a six month contract; if I were you in this market, I would negotiate a shorter length of time. This way if you find you are not compatible, you’re not stuck in a long contract.
If you are looking to purchase a home, there should be no contract necessary. Therefore, if you realize it is not a good match, you are able to step away from the relationship and try another real estate agent.
Gather all the information you can about a number of agents in your area; take your time in making any decisions. Whether buying or selling this is a very important decision in your life. Don’t just look in the paper and start trying to work with any agent, take your time. You want this experience to be a pleasant memory.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Seller's Costs For Selling a Home in Lakeland, Florida
You’ve decided to sell your home in Lakeland, Florida. Well, it is really a bad time right now, but if you must then be prepared for the expenses related to the transaction. Many people are not aware of the actual costs that will be incurred when they sell. The majority of the costs are calculated on the sales price. So, to be able to even get an idea, you need to estimate what you think you might be able to get for your home.
Let’s say you estimate a sales price of $200.000.00
If there is a Realtor involved the commission is usually calculated on the sales price. With the market the way it is you may find a Realtor to accept the listing for 5% to 6%. A few months back, it was normally 7%.
Now, take the estimated 200,000.00 x .07 = $14,000.00 (Ouch!)
200,000.00 x .06 = $12,000.00 (Oh My)
200,000.00 x .05 = $10,000.00 (Oh)
You could always try to sell For Sale By Owner, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.
The Seller is normally responsible for the Title Insurance. This premium for the insurance is also calculated on the sales price.
So, take the estimated 200,000.00 and calculate it the following way:
The first 100,000.00 is calculated at 5.75 cost per $1000.00.
So take $100,000.00 x .00575 = $575.00
The amount over the first $100,000 is calculated at 5.00 cost per $1000.00
So take the second $100,000.00 x .005 = $500.00
Now add the two figures together and you have the cost of the Owner’s Title Policy.
On the sales contract of $200,000.00 the most you will pay is $1,075.00.
The reason for most is that if you purchased your home less than 3 years ago, and you sell your home before that time frame, you will receive what is known as re-issue credit. It is always best to calculate your costs on the total, just to be on the safe side.
You will also be responsible for the document stamps on the deed that must be recorded in the public records. The government has to get their share! This is calculated on the sales price, also.
Calculate as follows: $200,000.00 x .007 = $1400.00
Yes, it is very expensive to sell a home. We haven’t even finished with all the charges yet.
You have to record the deed in the public records, that is $10.00 for the first page. Which a normal deed is only one page.
So far, all of the expenses I have mentioned are set by a division of the state or the county. The only figure that might be lower is if the re-issue rate applies. Meaning you sell before your 3 years is up, and that you received a title policy with that closing. You must have the prior title policy to receive the credit. It is cost effective to search for that policy or contact the closing agent and request a copy.
The title company performing the closing, must charge a closing fee, search fee, and exam fee. Now, the amount they charge you is up to them. So here is where you really need your quotes before you choose a title company. The cost should not be the only information used to evaluate which company to use though! Some will quote you low just to get you in the door! Be careful.
So to guesstimate the industry I would say to consider those three fees combined to run you about, $400 - $500.
You should request a list of all fees each title company charges on their normal closings. They all have different names for them, so ask them for ALL fees. Most will have a courier or postage fee to the seller for overnighting any mortgage payoffs for the property. Many started adding warehousing fees, to store your file for years. I even saw some that started a data storage fee to put all your documents on a disk. If you choose to have your payoff wired to your mortgage company, that is another fee. If more documents have to be recorded to correct the title, those are more fees. (They can’t quote on recording because they will not know if corrections need to be made until after they search the property.)
So do you still want or need to sell your home?
There are some other costs that you may not have thought of right away, that will be deducted from your bottom line, before you receive your profits. If you have a homeowner’s association and there is an amount due, or almost due, that is going to be deducted. Also, any property taxes that are due will be deducted. If the taxes or association dues are not yet due, you will only be responsible for the percentage of the time you owned the property.
Here is where you stand with a $200,000.00 sales contract.
$200,000.00 contract price
$ 14,000.00 sales commission
$ 1,075.00 owner’s policy
$ 1,400.00 document stamps
$ 10.00 recording fee
$ 500.00 closing fees
$ 200.00 misc fees
So, before you even consider the taxes and home owners association fees you have already deducted: $ 17,185.00
Don’t forget to deduct the payoff for your mortgage too! The figure on your monthly statement does not usually include all the fees associated with your payoff, so call the mortgage company and request the payoff amount.
Well, now you have enough information to get an idea of what the costs involved with selling your home will be. The market is really tough right now, so I wish you the best of luck on the sale of your property. Remember to call around and get quotes and ask people you trust for recommendations. See my earlier blog for more information on the industry.
Let’s say you estimate a sales price of $200.000.00
If there is a Realtor involved the commission is usually calculated on the sales price. With the market the way it is you may find a Realtor to accept the listing for 5% to 6%. A few months back, it was normally 7%.
Now, take the estimated 200,000.00 x .07 = $14,000.00 (Ouch!)
200,000.00 x .06 = $12,000.00 (Oh My)
200,000.00 x .05 = $10,000.00 (Oh)
You could always try to sell For Sale By Owner, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.
The Seller is normally responsible for the Title Insurance. This premium for the insurance is also calculated on the sales price.
So, take the estimated 200,000.00 and calculate it the following way:
The first 100,000.00 is calculated at 5.75 cost per $1000.00.
So take $100,000.00 x .00575 = $575.00
The amount over the first $100,000 is calculated at 5.00 cost per $1000.00
So take the second $100,000.00 x .005 = $500.00
Now add the two figures together and you have the cost of the Owner’s Title Policy.
On the sales contract of $200,000.00 the most you will pay is $1,075.00.
The reason for most is that if you purchased your home less than 3 years ago, and you sell your home before that time frame, you will receive what is known as re-issue credit. It is always best to calculate your costs on the total, just to be on the safe side.
You will also be responsible for the document stamps on the deed that must be recorded in the public records. The government has to get their share! This is calculated on the sales price, also.
Calculate as follows: $200,000.00 x .007 = $1400.00
Yes, it is very expensive to sell a home. We haven’t even finished with all the charges yet.
You have to record the deed in the public records, that is $10.00 for the first page. Which a normal deed is only one page.
So far, all of the expenses I have mentioned are set by a division of the state or the county. The only figure that might be lower is if the re-issue rate applies. Meaning you sell before your 3 years is up, and that you received a title policy with that closing. You must have the prior title policy to receive the credit. It is cost effective to search for that policy or contact the closing agent and request a copy.
The title company performing the closing, must charge a closing fee, search fee, and exam fee. Now, the amount they charge you is up to them. So here is where you really need your quotes before you choose a title company. The cost should not be the only information used to evaluate which company to use though! Some will quote you low just to get you in the door! Be careful.
So to guesstimate the industry I would say to consider those three fees combined to run you about, $400 - $500.
You should request a list of all fees each title company charges on their normal closings. They all have different names for them, so ask them for ALL fees. Most will have a courier or postage fee to the seller for overnighting any mortgage payoffs for the property. Many started adding warehousing fees, to store your file for years. I even saw some that started a data storage fee to put all your documents on a disk. If you choose to have your payoff wired to your mortgage company, that is another fee. If more documents have to be recorded to correct the title, those are more fees. (They can’t quote on recording because they will not know if corrections need to be made until after they search the property.)
So do you still want or need to sell your home?
There are some other costs that you may not have thought of right away, that will be deducted from your bottom line, before you receive your profits. If you have a homeowner’s association and there is an amount due, or almost due, that is going to be deducted. Also, any property taxes that are due will be deducted. If the taxes or association dues are not yet due, you will only be responsible for the percentage of the time you owned the property.
Here is where you stand with a $200,000.00 sales contract.
$200,000.00 contract price
$ 14,000.00 sales commission
$ 1,075.00 owner’s policy
$ 1,400.00 document stamps
$ 10.00 recording fee
$ 500.00 closing fees
$ 200.00 misc fees
So, before you even consider the taxes and home owners association fees you have already deducted: $ 17,185.00
Don’t forget to deduct the payoff for your mortgage too! The figure on your monthly statement does not usually include all the fees associated with your payoff, so call the mortgage company and request the payoff amount.
Well, now you have enough information to get an idea of what the costs involved with selling your home will be. The market is really tough right now, so I wish you the best of luck on the sale of your property. Remember to call around and get quotes and ask people you trust for recommendations. See my earlier blog for more information on the industry.
Spring Cleaning in Lakeland Florida
I started my spring cleaning in February! Well, since I live in sunny Lakeland, Florida, why not? The only problem is it is now March and I am still trying to clear my house of unwanted or unnecessary items, along with trying to deep clean. Guess I am not as motivated as I should be.
I decided to move all the items that we have not used recently or have outgrown, into my garage! Now I can’t fit the cars in there. I need to decide which items in the garage, I need to keep and which to try and sell. Unfortunately, I am afraid to walk into my garage for fear of getting lost or hurt.
I think I have a solution to my problem. I am going to go out my front door and walk around to my garage, it’s safer that way, trust me. I will take the first item that I can safely reach that needs to be sold, and place it in the trunk of my car. I live in a subdivision that does not allow garage sales, so that makes selling the items more difficult. Then, I am going to place as many items in my trunk that I want to sell and head to Highlands Storage. I am going to rent a storage unit for the items, until I can place the items on one of those auction sites or classified ad sites online.
Luckily, Highlands Storage is only a couple minutes from my house. Once I move all the items I am going to sell, I will be able to go thru the other items and see what to donate, keep in the attic (if heat won’t damage them), or rent another air conditioned unit at Highlands Storage for items I want to keep, but don’t actually have to be at my house. Like the holiday decorations that we use once a year. I can access my storage unit 24/7, so if I really need something, it’s a couple minutes away.
Wish me luck, after I post this I am planning on walking out my front door.
I decided to move all the items that we have not used recently or have outgrown, into my garage! Now I can’t fit the cars in there. I need to decide which items in the garage, I need to keep and which to try and sell. Unfortunately, I am afraid to walk into my garage for fear of getting lost or hurt.
I think I have a solution to my problem. I am going to go out my front door and walk around to my garage, it’s safer that way, trust me. I will take the first item that I can safely reach that needs to be sold, and place it in the trunk of my car. I live in a subdivision that does not allow garage sales, so that makes selling the items more difficult. Then, I am going to place as many items in my trunk that I want to sell and head to Highlands Storage. I am going to rent a storage unit for the items, until I can place the items on one of those auction sites or classified ad sites online.
Luckily, Highlands Storage is only a couple minutes from my house. Once I move all the items I am going to sell, I will be able to go thru the other items and see what to donate, keep in the attic (if heat won’t damage them), or rent another air conditioned unit at Highlands Storage for items I want to keep, but don’t actually have to be at my house. Like the holiday decorations that we use once a year. I can access my storage unit 24/7, so if I really need something, it’s a couple minutes away.
Wish me luck, after I post this I am planning on walking out my front door.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Real Estate Closings in Lakeland Florida
Since the housing market is a hot topic these days in Lakeland - I guess I’ll add my two cents into that arena. If you are considering buying or selling a home in the Lakeland area - guess what you DON’T need a real estate attorney! Gosh I cannot stand those commercials that say you need an attorney to handle a closing! OMG I can feel I am gonna start getting a ton of calls from those attorneys in town! Sorry but honesty is the best policy and I always try to be up-front with people. You may not agree with me - that is your choice - but I speak from years of experience.
Don’t take me wrong, there are a few good real estate attorneys in Lakeland, but there are also a number of them who will overcharge and under perform! The basic residential real estate closing does not require or need the services of an attorney. Now, there are some instances, in which I would recommend a good attorney. You did see the word GOOD. Just making sure. Now if you find yourself in a bind and do need the name of a real estate attorney, just comment me and I will be happy to give you the name of the person I would use. He has no idea that I have sent him many clients over the years both personally and professionally. I do not personally know him but his work speaks for itself, and that is the way it should be!
During my years managing a local title company, I have encountered numerous errors that had to be fixed, and the majority of errors were made by an attorney! Yes, you paid more money for your closing and did not get the service you thought you were. It’s a real joke in the Lakeland area about how often a title company has to fix an error from a previous closing at some lawyers office! I hope that a number of my clients went back to their real estate attorney and complained, but probably not. Everyone gets busy trying to deal with moving, they let things like that go. Too bad maybe a few complaints would make them improve.
When a mistake is made in the recorded paperwork involved with a prior closing, the fees to re-record go to the seller. You may not have chosen where your original purchase took place, because most real estate contracts state that the seller chooses the closing agent. Therefore, you are the one having to pay again for documents that you assumed were correct, because an attorney prepared them. The person that chose the attorney has long since moved, so there is no way to get them to pay. These errors have to be recorded in a timely fashion to insure that your closing happens on time, so you are stuck with the fees.
Now don’t get me wrong there are a few title companies in Lakeland; I wouldn’t use either. I just got on a role with the attorneys. So now your saying, what in the heck am I supposed to do if I need a real estate closing? Pray would be my suggestion! No, but seriously it is a major concern and expense; you need to do some research before making a decision. First, do not just accept your Realtors advise to close with the closing company they suggest. That company may be associated with the real estate firm!! You got it kickbacks. They may not be concerned with the service you get. They are concerned about the almighty dollar going in their pocket! The questions you should ask a Realtor that suggests a title company are:
Are you or your real estate firm in anyway connected to that title company?
Does any person or the company receive any monetary gains by referring clients to that title company?
Research the real estate firm and the title company and see if you can find any connection. You would be surprised how many of the major real estate companies in the Lakeland area also have some connection to a title company. They are not usually located in the same building or area, because that would be a sure sign of a connection! So beware!
If you find yourself starting to have a panic attack, just comment me. I have one company in Lakeland that I would recommend. Yes one! This is not saying they are the only good one left in town, but I can only refer by experience. She seems to be on the same track as I was; the buyers and sellers are the people to be concerned about, not the realtor or the mortgage institutions!
I have personally used this office for my closings since I left the industry and have referred a number of previous clients and friends. Not one complaint yet!! That is what I go by.
Well, now I have gotten half or all of the Lakeland housing industry mad at me! Oh well, I kept my mouth shut for years, now I’m gonna let people know what really happens out there! If you feel, you would like to leave me a comment - good or bad - go right ahead, I can’t wait. Honesty is the best policy and people need to be informed.
Don’t take me wrong, there are a few good real estate attorneys in Lakeland, but there are also a number of them who will overcharge and under perform! The basic residential real estate closing does not require or need the services of an attorney. Now, there are some instances, in which I would recommend a good attorney. You did see the word GOOD. Just making sure. Now if you find yourself in a bind and do need the name of a real estate attorney, just comment me and I will be happy to give you the name of the person I would use. He has no idea that I have sent him many clients over the years both personally and professionally. I do not personally know him but his work speaks for itself, and that is the way it should be!
During my years managing a local title company, I have encountered numerous errors that had to be fixed, and the majority of errors were made by an attorney! Yes, you paid more money for your closing and did not get the service you thought you were. It’s a real joke in the Lakeland area about how often a title company has to fix an error from a previous closing at some lawyers office! I hope that a number of my clients went back to their real estate attorney and complained, but probably not. Everyone gets busy trying to deal with moving, they let things like that go. Too bad maybe a few complaints would make them improve.
When a mistake is made in the recorded paperwork involved with a prior closing, the fees to re-record go to the seller. You may not have chosen where your original purchase took place, because most real estate contracts state that the seller chooses the closing agent. Therefore, you are the one having to pay again for documents that you assumed were correct, because an attorney prepared them. The person that chose the attorney has long since moved, so there is no way to get them to pay. These errors have to be recorded in a timely fashion to insure that your closing happens on time, so you are stuck with the fees.
Now don’t get me wrong there are a few title companies in Lakeland; I wouldn’t use either. I just got on a role with the attorneys. So now your saying, what in the heck am I supposed to do if I need a real estate closing? Pray would be my suggestion! No, but seriously it is a major concern and expense; you need to do some research before making a decision. First, do not just accept your Realtors advise to close with the closing company they suggest. That company may be associated with the real estate firm!! You got it kickbacks. They may not be concerned with the service you get. They are concerned about the almighty dollar going in their pocket! The questions you should ask a Realtor that suggests a title company are:
Are you or your real estate firm in anyway connected to that title company?
Does any person or the company receive any monetary gains by referring clients to that title company?
Research the real estate firm and the title company and see if you can find any connection. You would be surprised how many of the major real estate companies in the Lakeland area also have some connection to a title company. They are not usually located in the same building or area, because that would be a sure sign of a connection! So beware!
If you find yourself starting to have a panic attack, just comment me. I have one company in Lakeland that I would recommend. Yes one! This is not saying they are the only good one left in town, but I can only refer by experience. She seems to be on the same track as I was; the buyers and sellers are the people to be concerned about, not the realtor or the mortgage institutions!
I have personally used this office for my closings since I left the industry and have referred a number of previous clients and friends. Not one complaint yet!! That is what I go by.
Well, now I have gotten half or all of the Lakeland housing industry mad at me! Oh well, I kept my mouth shut for years, now I’m gonna let people know what really happens out there! If you feel, you would like to leave me a comment - good or bad - go right ahead, I can’t wait. Honesty is the best policy and people need to be informed.
Lakeland and Me
I was gonna start by saying how long I have lived in Lakeland, but upon calculating that figure, it made me feel too old. So, let’s just say I’ve been here long enough. I moved here after graduating from high school and now I have a daughter that will be graduating this year, so like I said Long Enough!
I have seen Lakeland grow in leaps and bounds since I was a teenager. Some growth good - too much growth - makes it a pain in the butt to get around. I hate traffic and it seems that no matter what time of day it is- there’s traffic. I generally stay on the South side of town, no reason to wander up to the North when I can get whatever I need down here. Maybe once a year I’ll visit the Lakeland Square mall - guess I’m just not a shopaholic. The new Lakeside mall has provided everything I need, lately.
Boy the housing industry here has really hit a bump in the road. It is amazing how it has bottomed out. I am not a realtor, thank goodness. I feel for all those people who jumped on the band wagon when things were hot and now they are searching again. Well, I was in an industry that related to the housing market. I managed a Title company that performed real estate closings. Not doing that anymore! Kinda glad I got out of that - I stayed in it longer than I really wanted, mainly because I felt people needed a Title company that really cared about the buyers and sellers. Unfortunately, in that industry most of the buyers and sellers listen to their Realtors about where to close. Not a wise decision, but the general public is unaware of how things really should work.
I also have years of management experience, prior to the title company I ran a national mail-order company. I enjoyed that position for many years. The people that I worked with were like family. O well some of them actually were family, but there were many others that joined our family. I enjoyed the people, responsibility, and the ability to use my brain on a daily basis. I tried to make work there a pleasure for the employees. When your employees are happy and respected then they give their all to the company.
The reason for this blog is I enjoy writing and since I live in this area, why not put a little information out there about our town. Not the who’s who of Lakeland, but on a more personal and down to earth level. Not sure what will be included, you’ll have to stop by and see what’s up.
I have seen Lakeland grow in leaps and bounds since I was a teenager. Some growth good - too much growth - makes it a pain in the butt to get around. I hate traffic and it seems that no matter what time of day it is- there’s traffic. I generally stay on the South side of town, no reason to wander up to the North when I can get whatever I need down here. Maybe once a year I’ll visit the Lakeland Square mall - guess I’m just not a shopaholic. The new Lakeside mall has provided everything I need, lately.
Boy the housing industry here has really hit a bump in the road. It is amazing how it has bottomed out. I am not a realtor, thank goodness. I feel for all those people who jumped on the band wagon when things were hot and now they are searching again. Well, I was in an industry that related to the housing market. I managed a Title company that performed real estate closings. Not doing that anymore! Kinda glad I got out of that - I stayed in it longer than I really wanted, mainly because I felt people needed a Title company that really cared about the buyers and sellers. Unfortunately, in that industry most of the buyers and sellers listen to their Realtors about where to close. Not a wise decision, but the general public is unaware of how things really should work.
I also have years of management experience, prior to the title company I ran a national mail-order company. I enjoyed that position for many years. The people that I worked with were like family. O well some of them actually were family, but there were many others that joined our family. I enjoyed the people, responsibility, and the ability to use my brain on a daily basis. I tried to make work there a pleasure for the employees. When your employees are happy and respected then they give their all to the company.
The reason for this blog is I enjoy writing and since I live in this area, why not put a little information out there about our town. Not the who’s who of Lakeland, but on a more personal and down to earth level. Not sure what will be included, you’ll have to stop by and see what’s up.
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