Category: Random

Real Estate and the Web

Carl Setzer

Been spending a fair amount of time today looking at different website options for my company. At this point, I’m not terribly impressed with any of them. Makes me think I should go and build my own. 

My dream system has all the components of your standard transaction well integrated. CRM, transaction steps, offer tracking, listings, key dates…all that sort of thing, That and tightly integrating our blogs, YouTube channels, Twitter feed, etc. Want to maximize SEO for our work. 

Chatting with some colleagues, I have some other options to explore. The most interesting, to me at least, is the notion of building a whole site on my own via WordPress. Then I would add the functionality I want with plugins. Seems very doable, and would feed my inner (and outer) geek. 

Perfection’s Obsessive Pursuit Destroys Effectiveness

Carl Setzer

The obsessive pursuit of perfection can destroy effectiveness. How easy would it be, continuously review, rewrite, redo a project. Keep revolving within this loop until its perfect, or we die. I would expect that giving into this loop, perfection would only be achieved well after the project’s usefulness was long past. 


Now, we need to keep mind for quality. Try to make whatever we’re creating as effective as possible. Yet, something is better than nothing. 

Deliver the best you can. Fix, with diligence and haste any material mistakes, smile about the non-material. Be proud of your work, and the problems it solves. 

Fireworks and Living in the Neighborhood

Carl Setzer

Sitting up last night, appx 1:30 am, listening to the booms and watching the flashes of my neighbor’s festivities got me thinking. This area has several interesting conundrums regarding fireworks.

I live in unincorporated Snohomish County. Whatever ordinances might be in place are pathetically enforced. Lives would need to be at risk in order for the Sheriff to respond. (Not to disparage my local officers…community police work is pretty challenging as the Sheriff’s staff is run quite thin. One reason to vote for incorporation into Lynnwood…whenever that finally comes). Lynnwood isn’t much better. Technically, exploding and airborne fireworks are verbotten. However, I saw several exceptions to that which were purchased (apparently) at local stands. Anyway, locals know that little will be done to enforce those controls…at least on the Fourth.

Edmonds has had a ban for years. I loved the Fourth when I lived down there since it was quite calm. The war-zone ambiance was completely lacking (unlike my current neighborhood).

Marysville has the tough issue of immediate proximity to Boom City. Enforcement would be an exercise in futility, I’m sure.

Anyway, just some random thoughts. Don’t know if I’m fully for, or against, fireworks bans. I enjoy the things fine, but also like being able to sleep at night.

What do you think?

Local Fireworks Displays

Carl Setzer

If you’re not inclined to zip over to the local fireworks stand (or Boom City), or just like professional fireworks, I’ve zipped together a little list for you. Not meant to be all-encompassing, by any stretch. Nor, for that matter, worrying about Seattle. That’s all over the tv and such. So, here’s the quick & dirty:

I orbit Edmonds and enjoy all the Fourth Events pulled together by the local Chamber. Stuff from 10am until 10 pm (when the fireworks begin). Details here: http://www.edmondswa.com/events/fourth-of-july.html

Other local communities:

Mountlake Terrace (activities start at 8:00 pm)

Everett will have a host of events culminating with a evening fireworks show starting at 10:20 pm: http://www.ci.everett.wa.us/default.aspx?ID=1163

Plus, it looks like there will be Fireworks after the Aquasox game: http://myeverettnews.com/2013/04/12/everett-4th-of-july-fireworks-parade-and-freedom-festival-are-a-go-this-year/

Lovely Kenmore has a show starting at 10:00 pm: http://www.americantowns.com/wa/kenmore/events/fireworks-show-2013-07-04

And one of my favorite towns, Bellingham, hosts a really nice production: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/06/23/3061605/port-of-bellingham-to-open-g-p.html

 

So, there’s a quick snapshot of the local fireworks show scene. Let me know if I’ve missed anything critical in the comments.

 

Following Your Gut

Carl Setzer
I remember reading an article, years ago, about how one should never trust their gut. They cited the presence of serial killers like Ted Bundy and how smoothly they talked and acted. This made me laugh. Bundy, et al, had no logical reason not to trust them. Even if we had today’s tools, we wouldn’t find anything terribly remiss in their background. Those people who weren’t taken in were following their gut. 
Perhaps there’s some confusion about gut following. This isn’t just mindlessness; deliberately slowing down and thinking. It’s deeper, though, than simply analyzing facts. But it’s more than airy fairy mindless trust. 
Learning to listen to that inner guide takes time and deliberate training. Often, that voice gets drowned out by the din of modern life. Much to our detriment. 

Email Culls & Other Fun

Carl Setzer

I’ve been wading thru massive amounts of email for far too long. Time for action! Now, as a geek with several domains, it was easy to create a special email for all my news and newsletters. As I’m going through and porting them all over, I’m seeing how many of these aren’t relevant any more. I’m an information junkie. But is really time to draw back. I’m digging thru tons of news searching for stuff I need to attend to. Silly.

Real Estate Note Of The Day

Carl Setzer

There’s a misconception that’s bit one of my current transactions, and many others: “once I have an accepted offer, the house is mine”. In a real estate transaction, ownership changes when “numbers are recorded” at the county office. When the deed for the property is filed at the county office, that transaction is given a unique identification number. Only then is that property yours (if you’re the buyer. As a seller, it’s still your responsibility until that happens).

Not understanding this can cause headaches for both buyer and seller. Seen it first hand, and, after consulting with colleagues, heard many horror stories.

Your Thursday thought. Go and do great things.

Update on Zumiez

Carl Setzer

I wrote a brief post a couple of weeks ago looking at a local company, Zumiez, and some of their videos (you can read that here). The Everett Herald posted a story on Monday looking at one of the Co-Founders, Gary Haakenson.

My son is big fan of Zumiez fashion, so I’m closely attached to the brand. I’ve been quite impressed with my interactions with them, both in their stores and in the community. Their headquarters is just a few miles from my house, and I regularly drive past. All these bring about an attachment.

So, read up on one of my local brands and enjoy this snapshot into regional business culture. And into one of our areas entrepreneurs.