Earl's Blog

The greatest part of our happiness depends on our dispositions, not our circumstances.
--  Martha Washington

Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.                                          George Woodbury

We become just by performing just actions, temperate by performing temperate actions, brave by performing brave actions.                                                                                                       Aristotle

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
--  Edmund Burke

Language has power. Based on the way you choose to name and describe people, you send different messages.
--  Leslie C. Aguilar

When it comes to bringing values to life -  to doing the good, right, and appropriate thing...we're always working at it, we're never totally there, and the challenge starts all over again with each new tomorrow.
--  Eric Harvey and Steve Ventura

It's not the way the wind blows, it's how you set your sails.
--  Unknown

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.             Norman Cousins

We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are always there for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you.
--  Jeff Warner

The most splendid achievement of all is the constant striving to surpass yourself and to be worthy of your own approval.                                                                                                                           Denis Waitley

We will forget and forgive any judgment error that you make, but integrity mistakes are forever.
--  David Cottrell

It's not about what happens. It's about perspective. I may not be able to change what takes place, but
I can always choose to change my thinking.
--  Michelle Sedas

I never failed once. It just happened to be a 2000-step process.                                                  Thomas Edison

It is a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.     William Somerset Maugham

Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting.

Edward de Bono

I just got this little movie.  It is very touching.  I hope you all take a couple of minutes to check it out.

Too many times we think we are wasting our life, when we are spending time around the house, or shopping with the kids, or reading to our child, or just sitting and talking to someone else.  We think we should have been busy with our job or career; that we should have gotten more done; that my grand daughter is going to understand why I can't go to her open house (even though it is true that we couldn't leave).  We think, "They know how I feel.  They know I love them, and am trying to make a living for them."  This may be true, but it doesn't require allot of time to show others that we love them, and value our time with them. 

Sometimes we need to sit back and look at our priorities, and make sure that the truly important things are getting done.  When our job is gone, and we are sitting there thinking about the past, what are our thoughts filled with? 

Where is our heart, in the office or in our home, with family and friends?  Just something to think about.  May you have a blessed day.  Enjoy the movie.

http://www.simpletruths.com/spp_TIMEpromo.html

Air-Powered Car Coming to U.S. in 2009 to 2010 at Sub-$18,000, Could Hit 1000-Mile Range

The CityCAT, already being developed in India (bottom left), will be available for U.S. production in three different four-door styles. But it's the radical dual-energy engine, with a possible 1000-mile range at 96 mph, that could move the Air Car beyond Auto X Prize dreams and into American garages.

These cars look so furturistic, but I love the idea.  Actually, I have been doing some reading.  The idea for the compressed air vechicles has been around since the late 1800's.  There were locomotives in the US that ran on air.  Also, in the 1920's there was a car that did.  Now, in India, they have these cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. 

I am so excited about the possibilities.  My wife and I want to move to Hawaii, in the future, and I think this would be a great addition. 

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/66/air-car-ready-for-mass-production.html

http://zeropollutionmotors.us/

http://freeenergynews.com/Directory/CompressedAir/index.html

There are several sites.  Check it out and let me know what you think.  As Realtors, we need to be on the cutting edge. 

Now is a perfect time to buy. 
Don't keep me as your best kept secret.  Share me with your friends and family.
Let Earl "The Pearl" Sorrells help you discover your jewel.
Coldwell Banker Hartwig
661-400-9485
efsorrells@aol.com www.activerain/efsorrells
MDA Lock Up Drive -check out my page and please support. Thank you.

Summer is almost here and many people are opening up or getting ready to open up their pools.  The following are some safety tips:

1)  Make sure that their is always an adult watching the kids.  NEVER take your eyes off of the kids when they are in or near the pool, not even for a split second.  Kids can drop something, have it go into the pool, and jump right in, not even thinking.  Just because the have been to swimming classes, doesn't mean they are "drown-proof."

2)  Toys and others play items should be stored away from pool.  They can be a strong temptation.

3)  Don't use the pool or spa while or after drinking alcohol. 

4)  Be careful when diving.  Know how deep the water is.  NEVER dive into an above ground pool.

5)  Make sure pool fencing meets codes.  They should be 5 ft tall, swing out from the pool area, and be self-closing and self-latching.  Also, you should have pool alarms on any doors and gates with access to the pool.

6)  Safety covers completely cover the pool.  Make sure that they can handle at least 350lbs.

7)  Main drains.  Make sure the cover is in place and that it is updated with an anti-vortex cover.

8)  Have a cordless phone by pool area, so that you can answer the pool with taking eyes off the kids or leaving them unattended.

9)  Have rescue equipment around the pool, and teach others how to use them.  Put a rope and float line across the pool, where the deepend starts, to alert the swimmers.

10)  Learn CPR.  Post CPR signs up and teach others to use it.

Have a great summer, and enjoy each other.

Now is a perfect time to buy. 
Don't keep me as your best kept secret.  Share me with your friends and family.
Let Earl "The Pearl" Sorrells help you discover your jewel.
Coldwell Banker Hartwig
661-400-9485
efsorrells@aol.com www.activerain/efsorrells
MDA Lock Up Drive -check out my page and please support. Thank you.

You can significantly influence the selling price of your property by preparing before putting it on the market. Here are some suggestions to improve a buyer's first impression of your home. Print this out and use it as a reference.

General

• Remove clutter
• Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
• Remove paint splash on floor and cabinets
• Clean and polish door hardware and handrails
• Clean wall switches and outlet covers
• Clean and tidy basement and attic storage
• Add plants and flowers throughout the house

House Exterior

• Sealed driveway
• Weed-free driveway and walkways
• Healthy, weed-free, and trimmed lawn
• Trees and shrubs trimmed
• Wash front steps and porch
• Check front doorbell and bell light
• Clean or replace welcome mat
• Repair and repaint fences and gates
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Clean or repaint siding
• Wash windows and screens
• Clean shutters

Living, Family, Dining Rooms

• Repaint or touch up walls, ceiling and trim
• Repair or replace damaged moulding
• Clean and wax hardwood and vinyl floors
• Shampoo carpet

Bedrooms

• Repaint or touch up walls, ceiling and trim
• Clean drapes and bedspread
• Shampoo carpet
• Clean out all closets
• Clear all bedroom furniture
• Put away all clothing

Bathrooms

• Paint or wallpaper using light colors
• Scrub tile, bleach, and repair grout
• Check to see that drawers/doors open easily
• Clean floor
• Clean out medicine cabinet
• Seal around tubs and showers
• Replace old toilet seats
• Replace shower window curtains
• Put out a set of color coordinated bath linens

Kitchen

• Paint or wallpaper walls and ceiling with light color
• Clean floor
• Clean cabinets and appliances
• Clean out refrigerator and wash interior
• Empty dishwasher and clean around controls
• Check operation of all appliances
• Arrange and clean food storage areas
• Clean out cabinets and drawers
• Neatly display dishes in cabinets
• Clear clutter from counter tops
• Check to see that drawers/doors open easily
• Wash or replace curtains

Laundry

• Check operation of appliances
• Clean all appliances
• Clean and organize laundry area
• Provide adequate light to area

Garage

• Check operation of wall sockets
• Remove oil and grease from floor
• Clean and organize storage
• Maintain noisy garage door opener

When you are buying a home, there is more than just picking a price.  Your offer needs to include all conditions and the terms that you want to have met.  Any counter offers need to include this information also.

In California, as in most states, the offer is usually filled out by your real estate agent.  Make sure that, before you sign the offer,  you read the offer and fully understand it.  This is the time to make sure that everything you want is put in writing.  Even your Realtor can forget something that you needed in there.  Also, just because the buyer told you something was included, make sure you have it in writing, because seller's can change their mind or forget what they said.  Too many buyers, and seller's, rely on their Realtor to make sure the offer reflects all you talked to them about.  Don't be in too much of a rush, that you make a mistake and lose out on something.

The offer will include any contingencies that you have, especially if their is a house to sell first, financing, inspections, etc..  These contingencies are items that need to be met for the purchase to close escrow.  Both the buyer and the seller need to make sure that they take care of all contingencies, inspections, financing, and everything else in the timeline that is stated, unless other arangements are made, otherwise deal can be cancelled and/or loss of deposit.

You will want to seriously think over any contingencies, as they can slow down the deal or cause the seller to turn down the offer.  Sometimes it may be good to forgo the contingencies in order to get a better price or overall deal.  Remember, seller's want to sell as much as you want to buy.

You also, need to include in the offer any deposit amounts, length of escrow, how many days after close that the seller's will turn over the property, what personal property you want them to leave- shades, furniture, fridge, washer and dryer, etc...  Be as specific as possible.  This is the time to make sure that both the seller and the buyer are on the same page, before the final contract is signed.  Thinking that you can overcome issues later can hurt everyone.  Having everything in writing protects all. 

Any questions, feel free to contact me. 

Now is a perfect time to buy. 
Don't keep me as your best kept secret.  Share me with your friends and family.
Let Earl "The Pearl" Sorrells help you discover your jewel.
Coldwell Banker Hartwig
661-400-9485
efsorrells@aol.com www.activerain/efsorrells
MDA Lock Up Drive -check out my page and please support. Thank you.  

My cousin just sent this to me.  I love this video.  What beautiful sceenery.  And who better to do the narrative than John Wayne.  What a fantastic country we live in.  We may have our issues and problems, but I will take them over what people in other countries have to go through and live with.  We are so spoiled here.  We need to slow down and take a moment to think about all the great things that this country has to offer us, and what those who have and are serving the country, has given up for our freedom.  I salute those who have and are protecting our shores and helping to bring freedom to others.  All in all, we live in the greatest country in all of the world. 

Enjoy the video.

http://sagebrushpatriot.com/america.htm