We are a lucky city.

My wife and I attended an Alaska Aces game last week and boy was it awesome! Not only did the Alaska Aces beat Stockton, but they did it in front of a crowd of 5800 people. 5800 folks who endured a full parking lot. Folks who had to park way too far away and walk in the frigid temperatures to get to the game. But that's what we do. Because nobody in their right (or not so right) mind misses a game. The Aces are a great organization. The players, owners, and staff are all community minded. They know how to play good hockey and give the fans what they want.

We invited some friends of ours who had never been to a hockey game, and they were thrilled with the experience. The Aces fans are the best and last night they showed their spirit. The announcer had the crowd going and everyone was doing exactly what you'd expect- having a great time! 

Summer time is no different either, with two minor league baseball teams, it's easy to get out for a night at the ballgame too. 

Recently, I was speaking with a client who is moving here from Texas, and I asked him what he likes to do. He rattled off a list of things and it was a short list, but his interests are pretty cool none-the less. I asked him if he likes hockey, and he said that he'd never really watched it, being from Texas and all. I mentioned The Aces to him, and he said he had heard about them from coworkers and had also read about them online. When I told him some hockey stories (like triple overtime!) He said he thinks he's gonna have to give hockey a try. I'm hoping when he gets here, I get to be the one who goes to a game with him, because I KNOW IT WILL BE FUN!

Sometimes it happens

So there we were, two days before closing and that call no one likes was made. The buyer can't close. The bank won't give them the loan.

 In today's marketplace, lending regulations are tighter than ever, so when a licensee is working with a buyer or seller, it's important to communicate. Talk about the loan program guidelines. Talk about the importance of contract dates. Talk about what happens if one side or the other doesn't perform. It's easy to discuss what the client wants. Or how the home will look with a fresh coat of paint. But what happens when the bank decides the buyer isn't going to live in the home enough days out of the year to satisfy the loan program guidelines? Huh? That's right! Because the buyer works in another town and will not be home 181 days out of the year, they are considered a non occupying owner (for this program). The buyer begged, she said she was told as long as her "stuff" is there, she lives there. But it doesn't work that way. It's a conversation the buyer should have had with the lender and the licensee before the offer was written. And because the lender is part of the buyer's home buying team, the buyer will lose a substantial amount of earnest money. Don't be afraid to ask. It's free.

But here’s the rub…the buyer can always ask for their money back. The buyer and seller usually try to negotiate how this all will work out, but if they don’t agree, the broker holding the earnest money can decide where the money is disbursed. It can all get real messy, just from not having a very basic conversation.