Holtz Realty

I wasn’t expecting to have rain today, but it certainly had to make an unwelcome appearance accompanied by strong gusts of wind which sent more branches and leaves to the ground.  I’m starting to wonder if we’re in store for a summer of winds.  If that’s going to be the case, then everyone had better get prepared to set aside funds for tree services because they’re not cheap.

Since I’d like to consider myself pretty much up to speed on the subject of trees,  I wish some of the powers that be in our City would ask my opinion of what trees to take down, which ones need trimming, and the ones in need of being planted.  Of course most people just go out, dig a hole, and plant a tree without considering its location and/or proximity to other trees which is also very important.   I don’t know how many times I’ve seen people planting trees where they shouldn’t, and especially the wrong type for what they’re expecting to have in the future.  A number of years ago, Mason City actually did have an arborist on its payroll, and I think he did a pretty good job at the time for what he had to work with.   The landscape of our City-owned property is very important when it comes to the impression first-time visitors have of our community.  As far as I’m concerned, we need to work all the harder at it.

My public open house at 422 S. Tennessee Place didn’t have the turnout I was expecting which was likely due to the wind/rain storm we had earlier.  There’s no question in my mind, it has been under the radar for many condo buyers, and I don’t understand why.  It’s in a great location, spotlessly maintained, and much larger than it appears from the street.  Without question, part of the reason it hasn’t sold, is that it’s an upstairs unit, but what better exercise can people freely get by stair-stepping?

Many doctors tell seniors that it’s the best exercise for them.  I tell many that our corporate world seems to want us convinced that we must prepare for old age far sooner than need be.  I may sound wicked by saying this, but there are dump truck loads of our citizenry who are noticeably overweight, and they don’t seem to care a hoot about doing anything about it.  Instead of “super-sizing” everything they eat, they should start “mini-sizing” when ordering or preparing for a meal.  There’s no question it’s difficult, but just think of the upsides of getting our weight problems under control.  If you do have a weight problem, then give yourself the 21 day challenge.  It really does work as long as you stay the course for good while being comfortable about it.

Without prior notice, one of my good friends called and said he was going to be in the City today.  Unfortunately, I’ll have to try and catch up with him tomorrow due today’s stacked appointments.  It’s been too long since we’ve had a good face-to-face chat.

Yesterday afternoon I listed a property which is in an estate and it needs to get sold more sooner than later.  I placed a number of phone calls to the tenant so I could get into the home and take photos and measurements.  Since he’s not yet returned one of my calls, I’ll be forced to list it online tomorrow morning without those measurements and interior photos.  I find it exceptionally annoying when tenants who live in homes that’s listed for sale and do everything they can to keep them from selling.  Resistive attitudes on their part normally never work in their favor.

The address of the home is 1104 – 16th St. NE here in Mason City.  It is situated on a double lot on a dead end street, and only about a block from Highland Golf Course.  It has no basement, but offers abundant square footage for a two bedroom. There’s an attached single garage with more than enough room to add another stall or two.

I listed it at $49,500 and hoping to have it sold more sooner than later.  If I were young and being a first time buyer, I’d jump at the chance to buy it.  I’d be building equity a whole lot faster than any of my peers who’d over-paid for “staged” and shoddily upgraded homes.  When you buy at a discount, you open the door for equity building instead of being chained to a real lemon that been lip-sticked.  The above photo is of its exterior.  One way or another, we’re going to make sure potential buyers will have the opportunity to inspect its interior.  When considering its location, I’d say it’s a blue diamond in the rough and certainly the best place to begin home ownership.

Tonight’s one-liner is:  Disturbing the universe always ends up being a fatal choice.