I received a call last night from a gentleman just before I closed the office saying he wanted to stop by my office and visit with me about listing a home this morning. I set a time and left for the evening. For the strangest reason while driving home, I kept having this weird feeling that he wasn’t going to show. Well, after waiting for him for over an hour and calling his cell phone that tripped over to an answering machine, I decided it was one of those few times my prophesy was fulfilled.
It came as no surprise to me when reading about the damage last night’s storm did south of the City. Those wind gusts were exceptionally strong to where I was beginning to get a little freaked out. At least we didn’t have a tornado in the area. I’ll never forget how deadly Charles City’s tornado was in May of 1968. It nearly leveled their Downtown.
I received more calls on my listings today and was busy showing homes to a pre-approved buyer who’s ready to purchase. We’re starting to narrow down the possibilities. It looks like this is going to be another year where the asking prices are all over the map. We looked at a few comparable properties that have as much a 10 – 15K price difference. It makes me wonder who the ones were that chose the asking prices—the sellers or the Realtors. The buyer made me laugh when saying she’d buy a certain property if I’d help her remove the wallpaper. I smiled and said, “I don’t do paper.”
Someone asked me several days ago if Mason City’s neighborhoods have always looked as scruffy as they do, or if it’s become worse since she moved here. I sternly said, “It’s become far worse, and it’s not just the rentals because I see just as many or more owner-occupied homes looking like sleazy rentals.” I went on to say how people have no shame like they used to have regarding their homes. She also added, “You’re right, because I remember families that were living from paycheck to paycheck, yet were still able to keep the exteriors of their homes presentable.”
While visiting with a client today, I happened to bring up the growing number of people who consider themselves suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I had to laugh when he said, “It’s not just happening in Mason City, I’ve heard of it in other areas to where I’m thinking the 20 – 30ish age group must think it fashionable to regard themselves as such.
After reading an article today, I’ve found that Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is also growing in our ranks. The symptoms are: React to criticism with rage, shame, or humiliation. Take advantage of other people to achieve his or her own goals. Have excessive feelings of self-importance. Exaggerate achievements and talents. Be preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, beauty, intelligence or ideal love. Have unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment. Need constant attention and admiration. Disregard the feelings of others, and have little ability to feel empathy. Have obsessive self-interest. Pursue mainly selfish goals.
Now think about it. Are there people you know who are clearly suffering from OCD or NPD? I think you’ll all be coming up with some names.
