Something to get used to. I'm trying out the free version first. Looks like a good way to disseminate your (and mine, of course) blogs. Give it a shot yourself. You might like it. It can get interesting as people find you easier. I tried making a TinyURL out of this BLOG URL, here. It didn't work. What it does if you try "Tiny," is attempt to keep it. When I tried the long tail URL, it kept reiterating the same tinyURL over and over, though I erased it and put in the long one 3 or 4 tries. Don't get why, but I'll be they fix that. I probably only need to be reset or something. Was advised to check: support@onlywire.com, which I did.
--Jim
What Does The $8,000 Dollar Tax Credit For First Time Homebuyers Mean To You?
This article is more or less an excerpt of additional information I am happy to send you if you are interested in more along these lines. You may also ask further questions here or at my personal e-mail: jimgive@gmail.com. I answer all, so don't be bashful. There's a small paragraph ad for a very cute little home in Beverly Hills, FL that I'm trying to sell, near the end, here.
A tax credit of up to $8,000 is now available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a primary residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the first tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid. One thing is for sure, the enhanced tax credit is providing an excellent opportunity for new home buyers. It’s no secret that we are in a struggling economy and the government has been taking steps to try and revive it, especially the housing market which many say is the heart of the problems.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (The official name of the tax credit) has a few key components that home buyers should be aware of. Most importantly … it’s for first time home buyers and the credit does not have to be paid back. The credit is equal to 10% of the homes purchase price or a maximum of $8,000.00, and is available for any home bought on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Single taxpayers with an annual income up to $75,000 and married couples with an income up to $150,000.00 can receive the tax break. There's a sliding scale downward in the award package for property sales over $150K.
So with all this talk about first time home buyers lets be sure that you understand exactly what the government defines as a first time home buyer. The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the past three-year period prior to the new home purchase. In addition for married couples, the law looks at both parties individually but it affects the couple as one. In other words, if you have not owned a property in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you or your spouse qualify for the tax credit.
However, the tax credit can work for unmarried joint purchases where one party can allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first time buyer. So a parent may jointly purchase a home with a son or daughter allowing the child to get the tax credit. In addition, ownership of vacation or rental properties that are not used as primary residence do still qualify as first time home buyers for the tax credit.
Now let’s take a closer look at the income limits and what all the small legal print exactly means. It’s funny as I sit here and type this, a phrase that a good friend says popped into my head. He would always say “Check the fine print, because what the good Lord giveth, the fine print taketh away”. What the income limits state specifically is that the tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) more than $75,000 for single buyers and $150,000 for married couples who file joint tax returns. If an individual makes greater than $95,000 or a couple makes greater than $170,000.00 then the tax credit is reduced to zero. For individuals and couples who’s MAGI falls in between these ranges the tax credit is reduced proportionally.
To find out what MAGI is in plain terms, what to do if you’ve already filed for the old 7500 dollar tax credit and more info, visit this Blog again soon to read the entire article. If you have additional questions feel free to call:
Jim McGivern
352-249-4484 (my www.BlackDiamondRanch.com home. Check it out--a fantastic place to live. Or, somply go to "home" at this BLOG).
415-271-6298 (my cellphone).
Here are some great reasons to buy right now:
Prices are at an all-time low for the last several years. They may not get much lower and many authoritative articles believe we have hit (or are very near to) the bottom. It's impossible to know for sure, but being in the right place at the right time right now, you are at a distinct advantage.
Interest rates are definitely at an all-time low right now.
Don't be one to have to say to yourself next year: "If only I had bought back in March or April, 2009." That's a classic line and millions will be saying it--don't let it be you.
A nice plus in this stimulus plan is that the law allows you to elect (choose) a qualified home purchase in 2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008. What does this mean for you? It means that the 2008 income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed. (Tax filling for 2008 returns instead of for your 2009 returns) This is a nice benefit to you the buyer, because you know your 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping you know how much the income limit will reduce your credit cost.
Taxpayers buying a home who do wish to claim it on their 2008 returns, but have already submitted their taxes to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit, but still qualify for this new tax credit can file an amendment to your 2008 tax returns (form 1040x) and then use the new tax credit that you will now immediately.
I can help you file your amended return and would do so for free if you contact me for any showing of the home I have for sale--a super winter home or full-time home in a great little community. I usually specialize in Black Diamond Ranch luxury homes, but this one is my "listing" that is up for sale nearby. It's only $42,500--completely furnished. It may need a roof in a year or so, but does not leak at the moment. You may wish to buy 1/2 of this house for only $23,000 with a lease-option (or rent-to-own) contract; I would be your partner. I will administer all payments and you can get into it for only a $500 deposit. You get one free month's rent, but must post last month's rent within the 30 days of moving in. Monthly payment is $650--$150 each month goes towards equity and down payment. You may buy this house and get an $8,000 tax credit also if you are a first-time owner or haven't owned a home within the last two years.
As always, if you're coming from out of town and wish to play the #1-rated golf course/community in Florida (I kid you not), my wife and I will host you for a day or so to look around--even pick you up at Orlando or Tampa. You can play at our guest rates (1/2 price)--maybe even score some meals at our wonderful club. Call me at the number(s) above.
Please remember Jim McGivern and Home Buyers Friend Realty are not tax authorities, and what we have just provided are examples of how the tax credits might be applied in different circumstances, you should always consult your tax advisor for information related specifically to you. Just had to get that disclaimer out of the way.
Stay Tuned for Part 2 coming 03/05/09. Meanwhile, please feel free to contact me, Jim, with any questions that you may have. Can I give you credit in my next Q&A blog? It get's you entered for a nice drawing to be announced soon.
Laney and I have just returned from the Womens U.S. Open in Edina, MN (near Minneapolis). Several of our members here at Black Diamond Ranch (snowbirds who spend their summers in Minnesota) hosted several "others of us" to marshal the 18th hole at Interlachen C.C. As you can imagine, a great time was had. If you are interested in seeing Annika's final eagle shot, check out my www.YouTube.com/jmcgiv site. There is more on our visit there, as well. Be certain to skip any of the songs my kids and relatives have asked me to put up. (It's strictly "amateur hour" there).
My axe to grind: Since United Airlines has seen fit to "halve" most retirees' pensions so they may ostensibly stay in business (they've said this off and on for a half century, though it's true that 9-11 and the fuel crunch has had their considerable effect), Laney and I have searched for "alternate income." Real estate, being what it's been for the last year or two means--we're still looking! A BLOG, such as this, may be one way to garner interest in our (and hopefully your) major and/or minor endeavors, such as REAL ESTATE, GOLF, AVIATION/airplanes/airlines, money-making OPPORTUNITIES, as well as a few other sundry, random items--about every few weeks. We promise to keep it to a minumum so as not to clutter your inbox, so give it a chance. But always feel free to "opt-out" with a quick reply to jimgive@gmail.com.
There will always be lots of free interesting stuff, but possibly an occasional "shameless ad." (None today).
Todays "quickie" includes a few URLs you may wish to peruse:
I got a kick out of a comment from the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml9WT7hLq0g video I put up. (Unfortunately, I was advised to add a "watermark" on it, as reason to be immune from any suit by putting up possible proprietary TV scenes, etc. (so forget that), but read the next paragraph first::
Doofus0123 has made a comment on Annika's Historic eagle approach at the U.S. Open. (I love the guy's e-mail name--"Doofus"). He says, "I'm not even a golf follower/fan and even I thought that was awesome!" (If the blue underlined phrase above doesn't "work," try the YouTube one--last paragraph above. (It's also imbedded in the URL in the very first paragraph, after a brief search. Read the "more" comments to the right of the videos).
With the market yoyo-ing the way it's been lately, check out this freebie. (Hopefully, we won't get a bunch of spam trying to sign us up, but I wouldn't bet on it. Opt-in at your own risk): http://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/11b52401ea80d542
That's it for today. The last was not a "shameless ad," as it's nothing I necessarily recommend or tout--just info only.
JimJetless
Only trivia here: http://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/11b55603531404e5
Written June 27, 2008
OK, so what the hell are the McGiverns doing at the moment? Believe it or not, some people really care—for sure our kids--so they say; a few pilot friends (active and retarded, I mean retired, like me), folks at Black Diamond Ranch. If you’d rather, simply click on this URL to see most of this whole thing as a video. It’s in three parts, though there are three things at the end, below, that are not on the videos: A trivia quiz and a couple of aircraft videos (and one of a lion, of all things). You may always copy and paste these URLs if the "Click here" doesn't work, as, I understand it depends on your ISP or is just another of those bothersome computer glitches we all get.
Part I: http://youtube.com/watch?v=zSMXIGMDx1w Click here first
Part II: http://youtube.com/watch?v=nRcDY1KzzhE Click here
Part II.5:
Part III: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ml9WT7hLq0g Click here
Part I (written out here. Skip it if you actually saw the video. If not, read it OR NOT)
:
Topics herein: Well, golf is a passion, as it is with many of you. So is aviation--in it’s many forms—sport aviation, great airplane pictures and situations, like funny aviation stories of which there are many and airline items (airlines have gotten a bad name lately for lots of reasons, originally, mostly due to 911; these days, huge fuel costs AND, of course, bad management decisions) .
I generally limit my video BLOGs to those two subjects; along with the occasional “what the hell are Jim and Laney up to at the moment.” I’ve been told that I should limit each subject to just one BLOG at a time, but, hey, this is the way it is for now, so if it really bothers you, “too bad—opt out.”
Part II (written out)…
Taking over from where I get hit by a dodge ball in Part I, while “taping” on our lanai and after “volunteering” to play dodge ball for 5 minutes, with screaming kids in the background. (Hey, priorities rule and they needed another player. Besides the camera battery went dead at that time). So now I’m back home, a couple of days later. Most of this was actually written in northern Iowa, at our time share.
Speaking of volunteering, how about all our Black Diamond members at the course—they get lots of credit for spending sometimes 6-8 hours and more/day at their duties here. How many of you know that Laney volunteers at several other things, as well—like rating golf courses in FL and at a therapeutic horse farm near Ocala, working with physical and learning disabled kids, who love riding horses, etc. (Beth Joens has been doing that for years, as well). I should be jealous that Laney gets to stay in Edina and play Minikahda, Hazeltine and Interlachen when this is all over next week. I get to go home and work on taxes, the car, the golf cart, the garage and the bills. (I guess it’s fair. Of course, I would’ve volunteered, but I wasn’t asked. A little sour grapes there, I guess).
At the time of the Part I video, in case you’re viewing this first, we’re attending the Women’s U.S. Open Championship at Edina, Minnesota, at the famous Interlachen Country Club.
I must apologize for this BLOG being a bit disjointed in present and past tenses and in being in Parts I, II and III, because, as mentioned, I wrote and recorded some at the Open site and some of this when I got back to Black Diamond.
Those who know the following folks I shall briefly mention--snowbirds, who live in Minnesota in the summer and BDR in the winter, call it, “God’s Country”, which it is, have hosted us at parties, with tournament tickets, food, beer and wine, accommodations—you name it. We were obviously having a great time at this venue and our sincere thanks to all of them for all they’ve done, especially the Ragatzes and the Johnsons. It rained a few times, but basically we were blessed with terrific weather.
You may only imagine how pretty Lake Okoboji and Spirit Lake, in northern Iowa, is (on the Minnesota southern border), unless you’ve been here yourself, where the Part I video quit outside on our lanai,. The lakes are unbelievably beautiful, as is Lake Minnetonka, northwest of Minneapolis, where the Ragatzes live.
(At this point, if you're not from Black Diamond, feel free to skip down to the asterixes-"*****").
In the video I show a couple of the great goodies the Black Diamond volunteers got, as well as super food of all kinds. (a promotional drink thermos and a “Mexican” shoulder carry pack, which works well when checking in at the airport, it turns out. The TSAs at the airport don’t even have to open it to see what’s inside. There was a lot of control at the golf course too--mostly to see that no one had cameras or cellphones. You actually get searched at the gate and have to check these items if you have them with you.
At Interlachen, Scott Johnson was in charge of the “hole volunteers” at the tournament and many of our “resident Minnesotan” Black Diamond members were in charge of marshaling specific holes, most notably the 18th—certainly the most popular hole; hence the whole reason for our BDR visiting members marshaling there. What a coup!
Laney and I actually opted to stay a week at a traded time share in Northern Iowa, (the backdrop on that lanai in Part I, is where we stayed near Spirit and Okoboji Lakes—about half way between the Joenses, in Sioux Falls, S.D. and the tournament in Edina—actually a few hours drive away from Edina and Minneapolis. Unfortunately, Bill and Beth missed the tournament and festivities because of a late health development—Beth had recent eye surgery and has had some fairly serious complications with it. She’s a bit better now, as a more effective medication has kicked in, but it was a shame that happened, as we all missed them.
Yesterday, at the time of the Part I video, my wife, Laney, (some of you know her as Elaine, of course), Jennifer P, Gretchen O and Lorraine C and I watched some great practice shots by the likes of Julie Inkster, Patty Shehan, Pat Hurst and a few other pro notables, as we all had a complimentary passes and those girls named--volunteer crowd control volunteers for the tourney--got their blue shirts, credentials and assignment times. Some of you may have seen them this week on TV. I know Laney’s mom and sister saw her on TV, walking with Annika off the 18th tee. These girls are all working on the 18th hole at different times), Jill Ragatz, I believe, is “hole captain” for each day of the event. Bill and Lee Reading, who are staying with the Laukas,’ are also on hole #18, by the way. Other BDR folks marshaling, scoring and performing other related duties were Jay H., Jan T., Katy Anderson and Barb Fordham. Hopefully, I remembered everyone.
Quickly (for those who don’t know these folks and, basically, just for the Black Diamond Ranch members getting this), the several members who belong here at at other area clubs (and forgive me if I miss any names here) are: the Ragatzes, Scott Johnsons, Laukas, Rempfers, Radabaughs, Richards. And the Tanners. I already mentioned the Joenses, who live a few hours away in eastern So. Dakota.
****** Skip to here:
OK, back to video BLOGing and what it may be about here from now on. I mentioned aviation. Doug Sinclair had a great suggestion for me to simply add URL’s with a little explanation of each, so you wouldn’t have to wade through too much written dialog on line. So, herein are at least a few of such URLs for your perusal, if you wish. I’ll do more URLs and, hopefully, less writing in BLOGS to come, so my apologies to Doug for this one which is “still-too-long.” I’ll ramble less in the future and try to stay more “on point.” The YouTube videos were actually my idea. Let me know, by reply, if you like these ideas. (I am just looking at all this while editing, etc. and see Doug’s point. Next: less less boring dialog and more “substance.” Got it!).
Again, my BLOGs will mostly all be of aviation, some golf, golf travel and a few of just general interest. And, you’ll probably have to put up with my ramblings about the inequities of the spate of “so-called financially hurting corporations,” who manage to abrogate the legitimate pensions of their retirees. I put a letter to Obama at the end of this BLOG for information only. I doubt anything will come of it. (He's not necessarily my favorite candidate, but who is? Personally, I wish there were a few great Independents out there somewhere).
The YouTube sites you may go to include several videos--especially if you search for 'Black Diamond Ranch.' Some are fairly “camp,” such as a few uke and guitar songs that my family insist I send and some that I may possibly be practicing for Dick Hrebik’s production of the sequel to Black Diamond’s very popular “Nostalgia Night,” earlier last year. A new “nostalgia night” will happen early in “aught-9,” some time. Those YouTube skits (forward slash “jmcgiv”--okay, I'll write it out: www.youtube.com/jmcgiv ) have had, unbelievably, nearly 19,000 some “hits”—probably because the names, "Dean Martin/Jerry Lewis, Jimmy Durante and Laugh-in" were used as keywords.
A bit of aviation: I am reminded of the questions I always get, after having flown for a major airline for 34, plus, years and some 23,000 (yes, Virginia, proudly I add: accident and incident-free hours). Jennifer Polich asked one of the stock questions the other day at lunch, when I became “pre-retirement, job-identified:”
“Have you had any scary stories?,” she asked. I lead this one off with the standard pilot adage: “Hey, a good pilot has no scary stories.” (I once mentioned that little ditty to my brother, who, as it turns out, had a semi-scary airplane experience with me. His retort was, “Then I should imagine you have plenty of those, eh?” Hmmph, I will ignore that obvious sarcasm!).
Anyway, as it turns out—at lunch, I told of an Air Force incident, when I was a Second Lt. navigator for MATS. The acronym for Military Air Transport Service, or M-A-T-S, so called in those days, was often bastardized as, “Might Arrive Tomorrow Sometime.” A MATS breakfast was a (hope your not eating at the moment) a cigarette and a puke, as we often had 27-hour crew duty times, especially in the middle 60’s when we flew to Viet Nam a lot. We often wore our “dirties,” then our “dirty-dirties.” Suffice it to say, there was no laundry on our aircraft and our flight suits were pretty rank by the time we got home. We often came home with beards, as well. That was frowned upon a little by the “brass desk jockies,” but they generally ignored it when you’ve been shot at and mortared in Ton Son Nhut, Ben Hua or Danang. They gave us medals for that stuff later. We knew we would live forever, so we didn't care. Plus, I knew I wouldn't be making the Air Force a career anyway. (Wish I had done at least "twenty" in the guard or reserve. I could use the retirement pay now. That's for sure!).
I digress: The incident retold the other day, over lunch in Edina was of a particular Air Force flight crossing the English Channel, near the White Cliffs of Dover. We had been struck by lightning. I’ll have to tell you that story in a future BLOG at another time and, perhaps, yet another scary one, during my airline days, so hang in here with my BLOGS—video and written. (Sorry about that, if you really cared at this time).
Eventually, I will put up an “opt-in/opt-out” dialog, so meanwhile, if you are tired of this kind of thing or don't wish it in your e-mail, just leave me a reply, because you will get at least one or two without opting-in. Call, e-mail or holler at me if and when you see me. I promise I will not get my feelings hurt if you wish to opt-out. This is just a hobby for me and I don’t take it too seriously. In actual fact, not at all.
“Enough,” you might say AND (almost) enough for now, here anyway. More like all the above to come if you do hang in there but, again, PLEASE know that you may always opt out of all this kind of thing with that simple reply. Just say something like, “Enough. I can’t take it anymore” and you will be certain to jump right off my e-mail list immediately. Otherwise, stay tuned for more of the same—even hopefully better and more interesting. My problem is having the time to write it (and yours) is having the time to read or watch it all, eh?
At the bottom of all written BLOGs, you may find few great airplane URLs in case you may be into them as I am. And, I am going to give you a little trivia teaser or two, perhaps today only. The “teasers” are one “vegetable, one airline," as you may have gotten your fill of golf--not forgetting that most of my BLOGS will be golf, golf travel and/or aviation oriented, especially if you are not familiar with Black Diamond Ranch. Of course if you would like to become more familiar with the friendliest place on earth, just let me know. Most on my mail list are BDR folks—either members, members’ relatives or others who know about Black Diamond. But if your not one of those, let me sell you a house here (!). HBF (the URL above) gives great service—the best (OK, I’m biased. Sorry about the shameless ad, but real estate sales have been extremely slow, as you no doubt realize) . Reply me!
“TTFN”
The airplane pics I promised:
The DC-6B (about the 14th pic) brings back a flood of memories. I have 6 years and over 5,000 hours on that baby. I flew the military version (C-118, Air Force and R6D, Navy version). We had five ("five each," as they say in the military) squadrons of the two services at McGuire AFB throughout the 60’s. Our primary mission was to fly army guys from Ft. Dix (“next door” to McGuire) to Europe, but when Viet Nam broke out, we were nearly always in the Pacific. Then, in '65, I got out of the Air Force and flew the same machine for UAL (the DC-6B) for nearly two years as a Flight Engineer and co-pilot (mid ‘65-67). It was old home week! UAL instructors could not figure out how I knew more about that machine than they did. I had virtually “lived” on it for nearly five years before! American Airlines has a great 6B at the NASA Air and Space Museum in D.C. I once spent an hour in the cockpit with a pilot enthusiast—a stranger and visitor--showing him what “all them dials and switches” were for and how we used them. He sent me a nice letter of thanks afterwards, saying how much he enjoyed the explanations. An aside: We used to tease folks who came to our cockpit when they'd marvel at "all those dials and switches." I might say to my co-pilot, so they could hear, "Geez, Jack, y'know there was a time when I actually knew what they were all for!" Then we'd laugh like hell and check the faces of our visitors.
Oops, one more thing. I just got this video again that I’d seen about a year ago. It’s about Christian, the lion. If you’ve never seen it, it’s definitely worth the viewing—damn near brings tears of joy to the eyes, I swear:
http://videos.komando.com:80/2008/06/26/christian-the-lion/ Try clicking here
A VEGETABLE and FRUIT trivia quiz: (The video eliminates the following)
Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?
What fruit has its seeds on the outside?
In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?
Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.
Answers at the very end--below.
(One more question: Who was the comic who used to say, “Save it for da end” if anyone applauded before he was through with a bit?).
***
Answers to the vegetable trivia questions above:
You must simply wait for the answers to the airline trivia, but feel free to answer any (and reply for a prize (?)) if you think you know.
Only two vegetables that can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons: Asparagus and rhubarb.
The fruit with its seeds on the outside: Strawberry.
How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle?
It grew inside the bottle. (The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems.)
The only vegetable or fruit never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form but fresh: Lettuce.
By the way, Dom Deluise was the comic who often exclaimed, “Save it for da end,” (when he'd get “inter-bit” applause).
FYI: Helpful information if you're planning to travel.
updated 18-Jun-2008
I was checking into selling and renting real estate on eBay--actually, not only real estate, as I have successfully sold many personal (and some commercial) items and products there. EBay is the best forum for selling anything on the web. Tens of millions of people, from all over the world, look at eBay, even "HOURLY!"
Here's a great way to get someone to buy real estate or any item that will make you commission. (That's at least what I do for a living--actually to supplement my "halved" retirement. Many know of the bankruptcy shenanigans of current airline executives, but that's another story that I pursue in my BLOGS for those who are smart enough to realize it can happen to them or their friends or loved ones).
This commission thing works really well if you know someone is looking to buy or lease something--anything really (like property or any item you can easily find for them on eBay--perhaps try selling the hundreds of timeshares on eBay). If that person buys the "coded" eBay URL that you send them, you get a nice percentage of that eBay commission. It takes 1/2 hour to learn about it, 1/2 hour to set it up and five minutes from then on to put any sale on autopilot. You'll get the commission by check, automatically when the prospect buys. Here's an example:
I had a client who showed interest in buying a certain property in Key West, FL. I negotiated to buy one in Costa Rica from the same company, myself. (Ask me about this opportunity to buy Florida Keys or Costa Rican property with a partner's downpayment and have all (and I DO mean ALL) monthly expenses paid for, plus $800-1K positive cash flow, guaranteed. You get a guaranteed check for nearly 10K/month to cover PITI, HOA, wind damage insurance and utilities and still clear that $800-1K). The Keys enjoy nearly 100% occupancy throughout the year and the seller does all the leasing for you. If you like the Keys or Costa Rican deal and want to use your commission to cover the down and have a partner, like I do, it's a great deal. Virtually nothing (or very little) out of your pocket at closing and possible cash flow too! Sell the place within two years and make another $100-200K. Use it or rent it for an additional extra income for up to 21 days/year. If you wish to stay more, it simply comes off your 10K/month guaranteed check. The Keys are the hottest market in the south, bar none! There is a moratorium on building and there are very limited properties for sale. They are somewhat expensive for those reasons, but they continue to appreciate--even in these days. Another bonus--easy financing, title closing and seller covers most closing fees.
OK, so say your client likes this concept (or your personal promotion, product or listing) and wishes to check it out (call me for how to get all expenses paid--limo to the keys from Miami, two nights free, "comped" dinner at a great restaurant, etc.). Perhaps he or she and his or her significant other would like an extra week--over and above the freebie. Basically, you send the coded eBay URL (linked to your site or e-mail) and you get nearly half of the commission that eBay charges--an easy $150 or more, depending on how long he stays. You get the check directly into your bank account FROM eBay. You are joint-venturing with them and eBay encourages you to use this method. If they buy the townhouse, you make 50K commission. If they only stay the week, you make $150--automatically. Call me, Jim, at 352-249-4484.
There is actually another little offshoot detail of this "business" that works well. You look at the wanted section for your area (or any other area in the country, really) on Craigslist.org. People are always looking for other items, besides real estate and you can easily shoot them your coded (five-minute) URL to an item YOU easily found by searching eBay first. If they buy ANY ITEM on eBay after using your URL, you get a percentage of the commission. Better yet, if they are not eBay members yet, you get an automatic $25 to $50 bucks, depending on the promotion at the time when they sign up.
It's true that you will not get rich with this, unless you put out 100 such URLs/day and make a 2-hour/day business out of it, but it can easily be worth an extra $5-700/week in commissions--super part time. I basically do it to help folks. Hopefully, they'll want to see my other promotions. If you are advertising real estate at the same time, it's a no brainer to ask folks what else they might be interested in buying, i.e. furniture, appliances, rentals. An e-mail answer to that is a no-brainer--you make money at a highly-accelerated probability and you stay in touch with a happy client. Your prospects double and triple in no time, especially if you have a newsletter already or are planning one.
Send me a reply if you are interested in any of this and I'll turn you on to the full program--it's less than 10 bucks to get the full instructions on how to do it and I was able to get about six ads out to people wanting something from Craigslist in less than one hour from opening the instructions. You can pay for it with a check or PayPal too (another source of income if your clients sign up for that too, as first-time users). You even get full rights to sell the system yourself, if you wish.
As you can tell, I wrote this BLOG on my real estate website, so come back often or simply write to say you'd like to be alerted to any new BLOG. I will write more about my passions; golf, airplanes and airlines (I'm a retired UAL captain), real estate, of course and all manner of other interesting stuff. Always feel free to "opt-out." I hate spam, myself and hope you'd never consider this as such.
Call me for more details of the eBay / Craigslist deal--only $9.95 or call for any other reason whatsoever. Do it now. See ya.
Jim (352-249-4484 or 415-271-6298, a cellphone) or e-mail me at: jimgives@gmail.com.
The food, service, amenities and, best of all (by Laney's and my recconning), was the "JK Trio." They were three truly amazing musicians. I have no doubts that we'll be seeing them again at Black Diamond Ranch's clubhouse. (If you are not a club member, leave me a message and we'll get you an invite, but do not miss them the next time you see them billed anywhere). We'll mention it here when we know where and when they play again. I understand they can be seen and heard at Wine and Cheese on the 1st and 3rd Fridays in Crystal River. We stayed for the last song as Vic Nery and one or two others did but, as usual, we were home by 9:45 (hey, some of us older types need our beauty sleep). They played danceable tunes from the 50's to the present time with extraordinary talent--singing, rhythm, lead guitar and drums--all terrific.
Back by popular demand is the "URL" of three Black Diamond "Night of Nostalgia" spoof-skits that you may not have already viewed or were lucky enough to attend and see in person. Don't miss clicking on this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xabyhriMs30 or simply search www.YouTube.com/jmcgiv for "Black Diamond Ranch, Dean Martin or Jerry Lewis." There are two additional skits on YouTube--making five total--if you search that way. I'm not telling you who your silly neighbors are who performed. You'll just have to check it out for yourself, but I guarantee a "hoot." Feel free to leave comments here. We enjoy the many we've gotten already.
If you're new to this BLOG, you may wish to (or NOT) check out previous BLOGS (below this one) or at the blue links atop the Home Buyer's Friend URL:http://www.homebuyersfriend.net/blogs/jim_mcgivern/default.aspx. There is some good info about listings, area information and lots more in those links at www.homebuyersfriend.net. Past and future BLOGs here will have info pertinent to property values, etc.
Last night at dinner, I was asked about a fairly amazing cross-country horse-trailer saga full of boxes ("lucky there were no horses," said Ed Rogers). The two road trips that Laney and I both made is explained in the BLOG following this one, if you're up to it. There's an incredible occurrance and coincidental turn of events therein.
As previously explained, you may have to put up with a quick ad at every BLOG. Read about our (www.HomeBuyersFriend.net) shameless, but money-savings way to handle any new Black Diamond Ranch or Florida real estate listing. They're called, "PLS" listings (for Pocket Listing Service). If you consider the ads truly shameless, feel free to "opt out" by sending a quick "no thanks" reply and I'll take you off this mailing list with no problem or hurt feelings. (Sorry if you've read this far before you knew how to do that).
Otherwise, you may wish me to post YOUR sale items here too. It's been suggested that Black Diamond and Citrus County area folks really should have a venue to advertise a "bulletin board" with used items, gifts you might hate that you'd like to sell, cars, golf carts or clubs, furniture or anything you can live without that you'd like to sell. Sale items will usually be at the bottom of the BLOG, so feel free to scroll down imediately.
Reply here with your item(s) and/or call us at 352-249-4484. You may stay anonymous and if you wish to donate proceeds to the Black Diamond Foundation, we'll see that you get a receipt for IRS purposes after any sale.
For sale or "lease" this go-around is:
1. SOLD, but read on if you need a car for a short Tampa Airport trip. One (other, now) terrific "airport car." A Mazda Tribute (an SUV) is actually available to you, to drive one way to and/or from the airport to BDR (if you happen to be out of town at the moment) to BDR--even for free! (Well, truly just free if you promise to refer sales or listings to me--yours, friends or relatives that might want to live in the area. Oh oh, another shameless ad). Otherwise, you just fill the 10-gallon tank at 491 and 486 on the way up--perhaps a seven or eight gallons add at most). Simply call Jim and I'll fix you up. That machine is $45 one way; $75 round trip (or free forever with a real estate sale or listing. See?--I'm always thinking). It's cheap at half the price--especially with the round trip and no tip, as other "rides" require.
Laney and I still have three cars at BDR (!), since we sold our San Mateo, CA home a couple of months ago. We drove two cars out here from Northern CA. The airport thingy is simply a favor we do for any of our BDR neighbors. You pay the tolls on the parkway; we pay for the parking, full insurance and some of the gas. The parking lot is on the north side of the airport with free bus service, so you save 10-15 minutes getting to the terminal over any other type of ride--you save 25 or more minutes and lots of parking fees if you park and leave your own car. Just call and we'll get you to TIA, or back, one way or the other. We may consider your driving either car to Orlando, as well, but there is no free parking there. Just ask.
2. Also for sale: A functioning desk-top computer, monitor and printer. Has XP installed. All three for $69. Includes a wireless adapter.
3. Several brand new (never used) air filtration units. They are fairly large--about 2-ft. high by 1-ft wide and deep and have a quiet multi-speed motor. These units have filters that take out 99% of pollen, smoke, dust--you name it. I can give you the exact specs, if interested, but one of these units will keep you from sneezing for months without a filter change--for real!. These items were over $500 new and we're letting them go for $85 each, plus shipping (they're in CA at the moment). We're doing this for a family member. He once sold a bunch of these, is now into something else and needs the space. They're in the original unopened boxes.
As mentioned, reply (I'll write or call you back ) or call me at 352-249-4484 if you wish to list anything. This is a free service. Write your own ad or I'll help.
4. A great vacation ownership/time share for sale (not ours--a BDR member's). Two weeks in Kissimmee, called, "Westgate Lake Resort": http://www.westgatereservations.com/flash.cfm?newwindow=lrs&mrksrc=0510038 (They sell for about $12K each. You get both for $6600, no tax or closing costs. Call for details, week numbers, etc. Leave a message anytime and I'll get back to you. It's great for you, visiting relatives or friends wishing to visit the Orlando attractions. It's sometimes best to e-mail me at jamesmcgivern@gmail as I always have my laptop with me when we are travelling, which is fairly often--especially in the summer. We might simply buy them ourselves and rent them out. We have five other time shares: Marbeilla, Spain, the Canary Islands, Lake Tahoe, Cancun and San Francisco. Ask if interested in renting those too--very reasonably priced.
That's it for this 10 days to two weeks, or so. (Always feel free to opt out if you consider this spam).
Jim
OK all you “next-newsletter” junkies (of which there may actually be one or two). Here’s another newsletter of the continuing McGivern/Black Diamond Ranch odyssey:
Always feel free to skip the whimsical crap and go immediately lower to view the Black Diamond, Citrus County area property listings and articles for sale (homes, golf clubs, bikes, trips--deals you can’t live without or things you’d like to sell yourself (if you leave me your free ads). The top few paragraphs are occasionally boring, chick stuff, human interest items—occasionally much too long for you to spend your precious time with, so… skip away down at will.
At the risk of your opting out of here right now, you might enjoy such drivel as the following (once)very real-time occurance. Many of our Black Diamond neighbors have had the chance to opt-out already and haven’t so far. God bless you):
Laney McGivern, at the time this was written (4 p.m. EDT–only 2 p.m. for her, Tues., March 20th), was in West Texas at the scene of an accident! But before you get upset, the accident was mine. I wrote about it in an earlier BLOG (below), but you may not have gotten it if you’re new here.
Basically, a big gust of wind knocked me sideways on I-10 east of El Paso. I was delivering no less than 40 boxes, in the two-horse trailer that we bought in northern CA, cross-country to Florida. We had sold our 16 yr. old town-home in San Mateo and, except for what personal items and furnishings we sold, what we left in storage and our 50’ boat, I was simply moving what remained to BDR.
As bad luck would have it, the gust upset the trailer over on its side. I somehow managed to disconnect from it when it was obviously out of control. I also luckily managed the SUV just fine, but the trailer lost it's top and was dented up some—OK, a lot. Still, with a little help from some (new) friends in West Texas, we righted her with a winch with all but about three boxes on top. Those three boxes contained lots of Laney’s memorabilia, as well as another two thousand worth of emerald earrings, gold coins, hoops, bracelets and virtually every piece of jewelry that she could afford to keep out of sight. (The really good stuff was well in-sight already--hand-carried to BDR, of course). She lost the contents of several jewelry boxes as they tumbled about 50 ft. down the median of the highway and I was able to salvage a lot of it in high grass, but always knew I’d never get it all as I had to follow the wrecker to a locked storage yard, nearly 30 miles down the road to Ozona, TX. In Ozona I fitted the trailer top with a heavy tarp and duct-taped the hell out of it. It towed fine and made it straight as a string another 1400 miles to BDR—no chassis damage.
That saga continued on, but I’ll get back to Laney and hers (in the real-time this was written):
She is, as I said—at this very moment—picking up jewelry off the median. She claims she’s “shopping” with her good friend and driving companion, Sonia, for as many of her jewelry items that I never had the time to find before I left West Texas myself, nearly one month ago. She is finding all kinds of items as we speak (or rather, writing this). You BDR folks should ask her what she found when you see her. Some pretty amazing stuff—gold chains, rings, coins and the match to the one earring I found earlier.
This is the BLOG written three weeks ago (feel free to skip down lower):
I will refer new Texas-bound residents to the Ozona area forever as a great place to live; they are the nicest folks in the country! Listen to my story:
Last week, I was driving many of my worldly possessions in a horse trailer along I-10 (eastbound), when I was coming over the "cut-out hill" about 27 miles west of Ozona and caught a gust of wind that fishtailed my trailer off the hitch and slid it on its side into the guard rail (just short of a posted green "weather sign" that gives the radio frequency and warning of, among other items, wind gusts--a bit late in my case!). The "crash" peeled the top off my trailer and spilled my (and my wife's) belongings along 500 feet of highway, median and shoulder. I spent 15 minutes trying desparately to find all of the coins, jewelry, photos and papers that were strewn about, but missed a lot, apparently, as my wife is missing several memorabilia items worth her crying over--understandably. Among the most-missed items are some small green-stone earrings that were her mother's. They would definitely be in the median, where I found several items, but certainly not all.
Do you know "Surveyor Larry," who owns a great little 4-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle he keeps on a trailer? He and his buddy, "Little Man Lee," were a lot of help when they stopped to see if I were hurt or needed aid. I did need aid, obviously and they were able to get a hold of Gene Cooper of Ozona, who came out with a wrecker and helped right and tow my trailer to an Ozona yard, where we eventually tarped and duct-taped a make-shift top on the trailer. I was able to get back on the road in about 3 hours after the accident, thanks to those great folks. Ozona folks rule, and I will thank them all forever. Mike, the Trooper, was helpful too. If you know any of those guys, they can pinpoint the area--at about the 266 mile marker (plus or minus)--a bit east of the Pecos River, I believe. Once again, about 27 miles west of town. You'd definitely see the green weather sign along the guard rail at the bottom of the hill if you were eastbound. Pull off across the road if westbound.
So, if you had the time and inclination to comb the median back there and find some of our items, there would be a reward--depending on what you found--especially the earrings. They'd be in that median grass--hopefully found before the next mowing, though they'd be deeper in the grass, near the soil, I'd imagine. Perhaps a flashlight or some kind of high intensity lamp would spot things much better. You'll probably find lots of papers still around, though many were blown eastword, as the wind was "up," to say the least. I was a 35-year airline pilot and many papers had to do with old checkrides and evaluations by the FAA, etc. There were old deeds and car registrations that I'll probably never see again; lots of old notes and files, but who knows where they are now? Specifically, I would imagine you will see the tire skid marks where I veered the SUV off the highway and into the grass ahead of the guard rail toward the very bottom of the hill. Most of the jewelry and coins that I found were just short of that area where the trailer "unhitched," but most items were found in the median grass, where the trailer was first upset and started skidding. I was busy directing traffic into the only lane I could clear at first and simply didn't have the time to find everything. If you find any items that I probably can't live without, there's that reward I'm offering as well as paying for the gas you used to get there when and if anything is returned. Thanks for even considering the help. Scavenger hunts can be fun. Take a lunch and help a "foreigner." My wife and I will give undying thanks and hopefully make it worth your while.
Jim McGivern
I can be notified at 415-271-6298 (a cellphone) or at home: 352-249-4484.
OK, so, for you, not so interesting stuff, eh? I am not surprised or the least bit miffed that you may have found it that way. Hey, let me know and I’ll “opt you out.” But, you do so at risk of missing some really good stuff: These newsletters will be getting better with the likes of the latest property listings, by owner, pocket listings (P.L.s that I specialize in) or MLS listings. You’ll always have a pretty good idea of how much your home is worth at the moment, assuming you want to know.
We will also take your items for sale (always at the bottom), so feel free to send what you have for sale and we’ll post it here. Obviously, you’ll want to see what’s for sale yourself too—wouldn’t want to miss any really good bargains. Stay tuned.
I hope you find that at least an interesting-enough intro to my real estate ramblings (always at the end, which you may, at any time, disregard or opt out of). I, of course, with apologies to Ron Ritter, who has a real estate check waiting to give me, could not make it to the office today. I generally have a ton of excuses for not doing that. Golf, golf, fixing a website, writing to you, etc.) and golf. But today, of course, it was legitimate—Laney is shopping for her “lost items” and that requires a real-time connection by cell-phone. (She says, “hi” to you all).
Oh, why yes, I did sell something, which I have to believe needed every once of my 20-some licensed years of experience to help negotiate the sale, have a week or more of “estate sale” and generally get the job of buying a trailer and moving done. (I have $1200 in it, insured) and U-haul wanted $1300, plus to do a one-way trailer rental that was much smaller. I packed ours to the gills). How nice we know this will be--to have one less house. Anyone want a home in Three Rivers, CA on three acres, or a great building lot in North Lake Tahoe on a $150K—initiation-only, “planned golf community?” But, here I hesitate and wonder where I ever heard of that concept before (he said, facetiously).
That was just the intro to the ramblings. Here are more (they get more and more boring):
I, personally, now have three or more “pocket listings” of several BDR residents thinking about selling or moving. More than one will not actually move. They just like moving and building.
What’s a pocket listing, you ask? Simply put, it’s a very loose sort of agency listing, kept in office (no MLS yet, though that is possible at a higher commission at a later time, if necessary)—meaning you may sell your own property all you wish and never have to pay a penny of commission whatsoever. It means that we have five or six, experienced agents and two or more websites with your property’s own URL and info, advertised nationally! It means no 6 or 7% commissions and then only three percent paid, only if we sell your home ourselves with our easy-to-understand listing agreement. I accept “hand-shake” agreements as well, but you might only get my personal sale working for you, instead of the concerted efforts of our 5 or 6 agents in the office: www.homebuyersfriend.net.
Three of the four pocket listings:
Heidi and Ed’s (NE corner of Pine Valley Loop and B.D. Circle at: 3544 N. Pine Valley Loop). What a beautiful place, inside and out. Heidi and Ed’s home is very tasteful, unique and well-done with “personality pieces” throughout). OK, it’s her house. (Sorry Ed, I didn’t mean it. I’ve seen you working hard around there too). It has some unique attributes besides landscaping and great design. Taxes are low for an interesting reason. (ask me why), 3150-plus, square feet. Great open feeling and fantastic back porch/lanai, screened patio area). Under roof is so much great design that you’ll just have to visit and experience it for yourself. I, Heidi or Ed or anyone in our office would be more than happy to show you around. We’d just like to know you saw this info here, if you wouldn’t mind replying with a few words so we can coordinate a viewing with Heidi and/or Ed or myself. We can look at any property for you or your friends or relatives and even if you are only curious). Don’t be shy. I’m always at one of these numbers: 352-249-4484, cell: 415-271-6298 or office (someone else who you should explain to that you may only be curious, that is): 746-7601. Talk to Mary, Ron, me, Chuck or leave a message at any of those numbers, anytime).
Did I tell you that you may get a free sample copy of my daughter’s performance of Maria in Sound of Music from last year. Just ask and it’s yours. The first song on the sample is The Hills are Alive—the same song Shirley Ellis sang so beautifully at the Night of Nostalgia. Molly regularly performs at the Aloha Repertory Theater near Kona and will soon be a regular at the new 760-plus seat theater in Waikiki, opening this October (originally July, now experiencing a few month set-back getting it constructed near the Royal Hawaiian plaza). Molly has a bachelor’s in psychology at McGill University in Montreal, (Dave Flam is an alumnus); practiced psychology for the State of Hawaii, traveled and played several stage roles prolifically in the last few years—she’s 25 years old, my youngest. I like to talk about Molly, but you may end up hearing about all my other boys—I have a bunch of them. They’re all self-sufficient, a couple are pretty good golfers, they’re all musicians, some sing, one owns and operates a music studio in CA; some (three others beside Molly) play guitar and write music (all have other jobs, of course).
I also discuss here, unfortunately in detail, several other things, like how I see the airline industry; how I saw it in the old days, as a 35-yr. veteran or bygone airline times and even of Viet Nam. What else? Oh yeah: great golf outings that we take our friends to—where, when, how, etc. Sinclairs, Laney and I did a Hawaii golf week, coupled with seeing Molly perform recently. Paul and Ellie were with us in New Mexico, where we played a few great American Indian-style golf courses along with the Dalys and the Hinsenkamps--whew, what a time. We will be visiting Marbeila, Spain with the Readings (possibly the Vlckos, whom we are also doing an Alabama Trail with soon. We play a lot with Laney’s cousin(s), Barb—including the in-law, Murray, who can be an outlaw too. If you’ve met them, you likely won’t forget them. We play with Laney’s sister and in-law, June and Jim Randall, who you may have met and Jim Clark, who now owns our first home that we bought here in ’92, in Bermuda Dunes. He’ll be playing with me in the member/guest--a week from now. Many of you may recall meetingr Jim Clark, as well. (He may be selling his home at 3000 Bermuda Dunes Drive, a lot with a practice green and bunker in the back yard.
Heidi and Ed’s is a “pocket listing,” where we can often get your home sold or buy one at far less than the normal commission and at the best possible price, like I just got on our CA home? www.HomeBuyersFriend.net knows the secrets to getting homes sold around here. We’ve garnered several listings and sold two homes in the last month—a supposed slow time for Real Estate. It’s mostly hard work and that’s what we do. Costs nothing to try. (I can’t believe I’m going to say this): everything to gain and nothing to lose to try a pocket listing with us that way. You can always go MLS with us or anyone you choose at any time. We just ask the “shot” for a while, while you try selling yourself at no cost. More than BDR resident has sold his or her house “on the golf course.” I’ll even show you how to make your own website, like P.L.#2: the completely remodeled, for sale home of Chuck and and wife, Plumery--now in super shape with an expensive new roof. Ask me about it. We’ll show it to you. Or look at it at homebuyersfriend.net—home-page, right side. Ask for their “URL” or the pictures I took of their super house for sale.
P.L.#3 is the Plumery’s own home in the “better-school” part of Pine Ridge, very near Beverly Hills. A super, not-so-little charmer. Very reasonable—under $300K. I’ll send you some great shots of it and a full set of comparables. Ask for that URL, as well.
Two buyers that work with me want:
1. A golf-course view of less than 1 mil., and
2. An upgraded home, over 3200 sq. ft. that is under $700K. Wanna trade down to one or get a great deal on a village house of around 2700 sq. ft.? We can do either or both of those in a hurry, if you wish. Let me know what you want and you can be 3 or 4—just what you always wanted.
There’s a great new price-lowering for a MLS-listed house in Pine Lake, across from Readings—Fishers’ old home, completely remodeled with quality stuff and a brand new roof. If you know no other way to get in, call me and I’ll get it open for you. I have to double-check the price myself—I think $325K. I can always send pictures of this and others. What’s your e-mail address or that of a friend or relative? I’ll send pics or listings in cyberspace to you or whomever you may wish or could possibly be interested. I’ll show your member/guest partner a couple of places after golf next week.
I have been known to rent my (or YOURS or a client’s) home with an option to purchase down the road—say six months to a year? We get guaranteed payments that cover your expenses, plus the people take very good care of your house, because they expect to buy out the option or possibly renew it for another period, when the monthly rental may increase for the next option period. It works best when the lessee gets a chunk of their rental payments going toward the down payment or purchase price. I’ve negotiated several of these in my day and they have almost always been win-win for the buyers and sellers. I’m “doing” (not in escrow yet) one at the moment in Spring Hill. We are servicing Citrus, Hernando and Marion Counties, but do best in the immediate area of Beverly Hills, Lecanto, Inverness, Crystal River and Homosassa. You’ve seen our office opposite the entrance to Pine Ridge, north of town. We put sandwich-boards out daily along 491 at Murray Street. Stop by for coffee or free maps.
Watch here for future deals; GPS sales (golf GPSes at $95 to $125. General position and mapping GPSes only $85; guitar lessons; sales of any and everything imaginable—ads here for you and for me—all free. What do you have for sale that has worth and you believe someone checking in here might want? I’ll list it for you for free. Who knows, maybe I’ll buy it outright myself.
Watch for these “newsletters” every month, or so. After you’ve seen 4 or 5, you may think. “I could’ve been in or out of a property by now (or something I wanted to sell or buy) if I’d done something after reading here. Call today with any questions. Thanks for getting this far today. Below my name are many of the listed properties for sale in our area. And, other items, as well.
Jim McGivern
jimgive@gmail.com
352-249-4484
415-271-6298 (cellphone)
Recently, in early March, one of our esteemed members "produced" a "Night of Nostalgia." Black Diamond has hosted several "Follies" and "Christmas Chorales" in the past, lots of dances, a karaoke night once in a while, etc., but we've never experienced a night quite like "nostalgia night." There will be another coming up in early "ought-nine." Leave me a message if you'd like to be a guest: jimgive@gmail.com.
Most of our past performances were comedy "skits": we had Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis (yours truly and wife, Laney, pulled that one off to the tune, "That's Amore"), We parodied Jimmy Durante, Laugh-In skits, Lucy and the Chocolate Factory, The Honeymooners and several others. Laugh? Thought we'd all died and gone to heaven! Cheeks were hurting, there was so much smiling and laughing.
Of course, this all goes to show what a friendly place we have. I have personally lived in over 10 cities and towns in this country, including Hawaii (temporarily) and I can honestly say there is no friendlier place on earth for my money. Folks who come to our "member/guest" two and three-day tournaments (complete with heavy, heavy hors d'oeurvres, open bar, breakfasts, lunch and dinners, including a final dinner dance, have "never seen the likes" of the hospitality and amenities that befall them. They always, without exception, leave with nothing but the most complimentary comments--and it's usually about how nice everyone truly is. They simply can't get over the comradery and pleasantness of our memeber. Often, there will be comments about past clubs (even their present ones) and how snobbish, stuffy and affected their members are. You never hear that about Black Diamond Ranch. The reason has to be that everyone here loves it so much, that they've already gone to heaven. This place is definitely golf-heaven and you don't even have to be a golfer. Many spouses are not and they love it the same, it seems. The thing we hear the most from guests who have bought in Florida elsewhere is: "I sure wish I'd known about this place before we settled. We're thinking about selling and moving here!" (Of course, I can arrange both. Call me, Jim, at 352-249-4484). E-mail: jimgive@gmail.com.
The nature coast is a great place to live. There are so many things going for it. Click on the area blue links above most pages and you may be pleasantly surprised at the places to go and people to meet.
Check out the URL below to see our skit on the Night of Nostalgia and listen for the laughter of the crowd. It would be impossible to say that they're not enjoying themselves.
Let my wife, Laney and me take you to our club for lunch or dinner and have you see for yourself about what I say being so true. It may well be a night you will not forget soon, as well. Read the blue link, "about me" and see if you think we're compatible for a day or so. If you're thinking about the best golf community for all the right reasons, think Black Diamond Ranch. Give me a call now and we'll find a common time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xabyhriMs30
Jim McGivern, 352-249-4484; cell: 415-271-6298
I will refer new Texas-bound residents to the Ozona area forever as a great place to live; they are the nicest folks in the country! Listen to my story:
Last week, I was driving many of my worldly possessions in a horse trailer along I-10 (eastbound), when I was coming over the "cut-out hill" about 27 miles west of Ozona and caught a gust of wind that fishtailed my trailer off the hitch and slid it on its side into the guard rail (just short of a posted green "weather sign" that gives the radio frequency and warning of, among other items, wind gusts--a bit late in my case!). The "crash" peeled the top off my trailer and spilled my (and my wife's) belongings along 500 feet of highway, median and shoulder. I spent 15 minutes trying desparately to find all of the coins, jewelry, photos and papers that were strewn about, but missed a lot, apparently, as my wife is missing several memorabilia items worth her crying over--understandably. Among the most-missed items are some small green-stone earrings that were her mother's. They would definitely be in the median, where I found several items, but certainly not all.
Do you know "Surveyor Larry," who owns a great little 4-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle he keeps on a trailer? He and his buddy, "Little Man Lee," were a lot of help when they stopped to see if I were hurt or needed aid. I did need aid, obviously and they were able to get a hold of Gene Cooper of Ozona, who came out with a wrecker and helped right and tow my trailer to an Ozona yard, where we eventually tarped and duct-taped a make-shift top on the trailer. I was able to get back on the road in about 3 hours after the accident, thanks to those great folks. Ozona folks rule, and I will thank them all forever. Mike, the Trooper, was helpful too. If you know any of those guys, they can pinpoint the area--at about the 266 mile marker (plus or minus)--a bit east of the Pecos River, I believe. Once again, about 27 miles west of town. You'd definitely see the green weather sign along the guard rail at the bottom of the hill if you were eastbound. Pull off across the road if westbound.
So, if you had the time and inclination to comb the median back there and find some of our items, there would be a reward--depending on what you found--especially the earrings. They'd be in that median grass--hopefully found before the next mowing, though they'd be deeper in the grass, near the soil, I'd imagine. Perhaps a flashlight or some kind of high intensity lamp would spot things much better. You'll probably find lots of papers still around, though many were blown eastword, as the wind was "up," to say the least. I was a 35-year airline pilot and many papers had to do with old checkrides and evaluations by the FAA, etc. There were old deeds and car registrations that I'll probably never see again; lots of old notes and files, but who knows where they are now? Specifically, I would imagine you will see the tire skid marks where I veered the SUV off the highway and into the grass ahead of the guard rail toward the very bottom of the hill. Most of the jewelry and coins that I found were just short of that area where the trailer "unhitched," but most items were found in the median grass, where the trailer was first upset and started skidding. I was busy directing traffic into the only lane I could clear at first and simply didn't have the time to find everything. If you find any items that I probably can't live without, there's that reward I'm offering as well as paying for the gas you used to get there when and if anything is returned. Thanks for even considering the help. Scavenger hunts can be fun. Take a lunch and help a "foreigner." My wife and I will give undying thanks and hopefully make it worth your while.
Jim McGivern
I can be notified at 415-271-6298 (a cellphone) or at home: 352-249-4484.
• Just short of 3,000 sq. ft.--a great 3 bath, 3 bdrm- $689,000 - absolutely beautiful Southwest decor. Like to cook?--check out the $8,000 Viking stove. Great fairway and green view. On a secluded cul-de-sac.
Black Diamond, Citrus County
Property information:
3533 N Spyglass Village Path has an extraordinarily unique inside. Designed and decorated as "Southwest Decor," this home features a large master suite with sitting area and view, large bath with jacuzzi tub, walk-in closets, double sink and shower facilities, door to patio and custom double doors. Also featured uniquely is a wonderful designer lav. sink by Kohler for easy wash-up in a hallway near the formal dining room. The large "media room" includes stereo cabinet and bar/sink cabinets on both sides of the TV center area. An oversized kitchen boasts lots of stainless steel and center table with spice and storage space below. Large garage with separate remote door for your golf cart houses the central vacuum system, furnace and hot water heater. Here are some pics.: (Use your back arrow above to return).
Come and see us, Jim and Laney McGivern. We'll take you to lunch at our club--the best "restaurant" in the County and show you some other great properties here too. You will be amazed at the friendliness of this place. (Everyone says that).
Yep, it's for sale--the whole community! There are several offers at this time--all are being evaluated at Florida's #1 golf community--BlackDiamondRanch.com. Look at that site and tell me if you think there's a better golf course community in this state--most who have visited doubt it.
I have lived here for nearly sixteen years and I (and/or my wife, who is a "rater"--more on that later) have played most of the best. We have played the game with hundreds of Florida golfers and hundreds from other states. The concensus is that my statement stands. Everyone loves "BDR!" The courses themselves are fantastic--all five nines are rated in the top 50 in Florida; the famous Quarry course--top 100 in the world! I am making the distinction here between courses, per se and golf communities, where ours have estate homes in the $500K to 3 million price range and "village homes" from $250K. But what really makes this place are the people. Folks are so happy to be here, they make everyone who visits and joins happy people too.
I am a retired airline pilot (UAL for 35 years; USAF--Viet Nam before that, in the '60's) and, as you can imagine, I have lived and been "based" in many cities (from Newark and Detroit to San Francisco and Honolulu). I've played a lot of golf in my day (55 years worth) and (oh yeah, I'm biased, but...) there is no place like my home "spread." There is every kind of golf and activity you could ever want here. We have hosted "The Follies, The Christmas Chorale, TV's The Dodge Shootout, Tiger, Jack, Arnie--you name the pro and they'll all tell you the BDR courses are among the finest courses in the world. Designed by Tom Fazio, one of the eminents of the eminent; it's been heard it's even his favorite. He boasts that the last four holes of our "Ranch" course are some of the toughest in golf. I'd say that's true, but probably only from the back (black) tees. Otherwise, all of the courses are "managable" and fun.
So, at the moment, I (we agents here) have about 15-20 homes for resale and you can always buy a great lot and build yourself. But if you can handle buying and managing the whole complex, that's possible, as well. It's for sale by our owner. Want to hear more? Would you like to have lunch on me and visit--maybe even play? Say the word. I'm available at 352-249-4484 or 415-271-6298 (cell). Write me at jimgive@gmail.com
More to come. C'mon back! (This BLOG was re-written late Aug, 2008. more during the last quarter of "ought eight." Remember the title? "Wanna buy the course?" I can help you buy the whole darned place! Call me.
(You may wish to read more about the kind of place we have here, as well as a few interesting items: www.homebuyersfriend.net/blogs
Jim McGivern