In a world packed with emails. instant messages, and Facebook status updates, what’s been lost is the art of communicating through handwritten, personal notes.

When was the last time you received a personal note from someone acknowledging you?  In her book, I Love You, Ronnie, Nancy Reagan talks about receiving notes from her husband on a regular basis, and the hidden power and magic of a these special communications.

A Personal Acknowledgment Note (PAN) is a fantastic way to make a deposit into another person’s emotional bank account. A note that specifically acknowledges a person’s behavior and character only takes a few minutes to draft but creates a lasting impression in the mind and heart of the recipient. The magic in this type of communication comes from being sincere and specific; the more you can address a specific behavior or action, the more powerful your note will be. My personal request to you is that before you retire to bed this evening, find at least one person who you can PAN – and then write that note!

There is an age-old rule that governs success and people. This rule was created in 1895 by a man in Italy named Wilfred Pareto. He observed, at that time, that most people had little influence, power, or money in the marketplace. He called this group of people the “trivial many.”  He decided that these people made up about 80% of the population. He then theorized that the remaining 20%  had all of the influence, power, and capital of society. He called them the “vital few.” He created the 80/20 Rule that has governed success for more than 100 years. The 80/20 Rule applies to your prospects, as well.

80% of the prospects you work with will create 20% of your income. The amount of time, effort, and energy is disproportionately not in your favor. The odds of becoming a Champion Agent when working with this group are long indeed.

The devastating part of working with this group is that you spend 80% of your time, capital, effort, energy and emotion to create a 20% return on investment. The numbers are not in line with a successful business.

A Champion works with the elite 20% of the population that creates an 80% return on investment because they gain an added return or unequal return on their investment. This elite 20% doesn’t mean that you have to work only with those who would be defined as the upper crust of society. Although, working with high priced buyers and sellers certainly can have a positive effect on your income. In evaluating the quality of the prospect, we determine their level of motivation, financial capacity, ease to work with, realistic expectations of service, and what they can purchase. I have met high priced buyers and sellers who were also high maintenance; I fairly placed them in the 80% category. The question you must wrestle with quickly is does this prospect fit into the 80% or the 20%.

$240000 / 4br – Four Bedroom Spacious Dream Home

Four Bedroom Spacious Dream Home
Type: Single Family Home
Location: 2226 E. Wayland Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85040
Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 2 full, 0 half, 1 three-quarter bath
Price: $240,000
Description: This 4 bedroom 2 ¾ bath home was built in 2007 with over $20,000 in upgrades. The impeccably maintained two level home is clean, bright, colorful and full of great details and interest. This “SRP Powerwise Home” features Anderson Windows, multi-pane glass, and brushed nickel light fixtures, hardware and faucets. The living room has two stunning architectural niches and arcadia doors to the covered patio. The kitchen has black porcelain sink, stainless steel appliances and cherry cabinets. The kitchen opens to dining room and they share a walnut floor. One bedroom is downstairs, the master, two others and the loft are upstairs. The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet and a full bath with double sinks. Common area features include playground, basketball court, and community pool. Call our office at 602-252-4191 to arrange your personal showing. ……………………………………………………Directions: From 24th St. and Southern Ave go west to 22nd St. Go north to Wayland Dr. and eeast to the home at 2226 E. Wayland Dr. …………………………………………………….List of Features: 2007 Two Story ~~ 4 Bedrooms ~~ 2.75 Bath ~~ 1,932 Sq. Ft. ~~ Range/Oven ~~ Dishwasher ~~ Disposal ~~ Microwave ~~ Full Master Bath ~~ Double Sinks ~~ Master Bedroom Upstairs with Walk-In Closet ~~ Inside Laundry ~~ Formal Dining Area ~~ Loft ~~ Comp Shingle roof ~~ Block Fence ~~ Refrigeration ~~ Gas Heat ~~ Cable TV & High Speed Internet Available ~~ Multi-Pane Windows ~~ 2-Car Garage ~~ Electric Door Opener ~~ Desert Front ~~ Covered Patio ~~ Watering System Front & Back ~~ Children’s Play Area ~~ 9+ Flat Ceilings ~~ Carpet & Wood Flooring ~~ Complex: Biking/Walking Path, Children’s Play Area, Community Pool.

$155000 / 3br – Custom Ranch In N. Encanto Historic Dist

Custom Ranch In N. Encanto Historic Dist
Type: Single Family Home
Location: 3332 N. 17th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85015
Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 1 full, 0 half, 1 three-quarter bath
Price: $155,000
Description: This ‘50s ranch home is in the North Encanto Historic District of Phoenix. This home is full of color, from the festive walls, to the original bathroom and kitchen tiles, to the linoleum floors found throughout the house. Both the living room and dining room are brightened by two large windows. The kitchen offers a 1930s Wedgewood stove, a breakfast nook, large walk-in pantry, plenty of oak cabinets and a corner window over the corner sink. Features of the three bedrooms include large windows, ceiling fans, original closet doors and colorful walls and linoleum found throughout the house. The main bath features original black and white tile, and the ¾ bath has its original green tile. The front yard is shaded by mature trees. You’ll find plenty of storage in the carport. The shade in the back is provided by a large covered patio. The backyard is framed by a fence and oleanders. This Central Phoenix home is convenient to shopping, entertainment, arts, museums, restaurants, transportation, schools and sports venues. Call our office at 602-252-4191 to arrange your personal showing. …………………………………………………….Directions: Go west on Osborn Rd. to 17th Ave. Make a left and go south to the property at 3332 N. 17th Ave. ……………………………………………………List Of Features: 1950 Block Custom Ranch ~~ 3 Bedrooms ~~ 1.75 Bath ~~ 1,417 Sq. Ft. ~~ Refrigerator ~~ Pantry ~~ Disposal ~~ ¾ Master Bath ~~ Washer/Dryer Included ~~ Formal Dining Area ~~ Eat-In Kitchen ~~ Comp Shingle Roof ~~ Chain Link Fence ~~ Refrigeration ~~ Gas Heat ~~ Cable TV and High Speed Internet Available ~~ Ceiling Fans ~~ 1-Car Carport ~~ Separate Storage Area ~~ Historic District ~~ Covered Patio ~~ Watering System Front & Back ~~ Linoleum Flooring

$400,000 / 3br – Craftsman Bungalow In Roosevelt HD

Craftsman Bungalow In Roosevelt HD
Type: Single Family Home
Location: 339 W. Lynwood St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 1 full, 0 half, 1 three-quarter bath
Price: $400,000
Description: This Craftsman Bungalow is located on one of the most beautiful streets in the heart of the historic districts of Phoenix. It has great curb appeal with its magnificent wrap around porch, impressive welcoming door, mature trees and sculpted shrubs. This home has numerous architectural details. You’ll find beautiful built-ins in the living room, dining room, hall and bedrooms. There are hardwood floors beneath the carpeting. The bright kitchen offers a breakfast bar, pantry, tile floor, and numerous cabinets, counter space and windows. The master bedroom has a three quarter bath, sitting room and four deep closets. The home also has a basement and an upstairs guest quarters with bath. This lovely home is near downtown, museums, theatres, library, restaurants, light rail, freeway access and schools. Call our office at 602-252-4191 to arrange your personal showing. …………………………………………………….Directions: Go west on McDowell to 5th Ave. Make a left and go south to Lynwood. Make a left and go east to the property at 339 W. Lynwood St. …………………………………………………….List Of Features: 1910 Craftsman Bungalow ~~ 3 Bedrooms ~~ 1.75 Bath ~~ 1,822 Sq. Ft. ~~ Range/Oven ~~ Dishwasher ~~ Refrigerator ~~ Pantry ~~ ¾ Master Bath ~~ Master Bedroom Walk-In Closet and Sitting Room ~~ Laundry in Garage ~~ Formal Dining Room ~~ Breakfast Bar ~~ Basement ~~ Guest Quarters With Separate Entrance ~~ Separate Workshop ~~ Brick Construction ~~ Block Fence ~~ Refrigeration ~~ Gas Heat ~~ Ceiling Fans ~~ 1-Car Garage ~~ Historic District ~~ Covered Patio ~~ Carpet & Wood Flooring

$250000 Great Find! Golf/Rec Adult Community

Great Find! Golf/Rec Adult Community
Type: Single Family Home
Location: 6771 S. Granite Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249
Bedrooms: 2, Bathrooms: 1 full, 0 half, 1 three-quarter bath
Price: $250,000
Description: This Tuscan style 2 bedroom home is located within an adult gated and guarded golf community. The great room design offers a built-in entertainment center in the living room. Arcadia doors can be found in the dining room. The spacious kitchen features stainless dishwasher, stove and microwave, a large kitchen island, breakfast bar and a corner breakfast area. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet, expanded bay area, and a bright ¾ bath with double sinks and upgraded fixtures. You’ll find ceiling fan/lights and wood blinds in the guest room, the office and throughout much of this home. The bedrooms are carpeted and the remainder of the rooms feature 13 inch diagonal floor tile. Outside you’ll find a two vehicle extended garage, granite landscaping, a covered flagstone patio with 2 ceiling fans, a built-in BBQ and views of the golf course from the front of the home. The community has a recreation center, gym, large pool, shuffleboard and tennis courts. ……………………………………………………Directions: Go east on Riggs Rd past Gilbert to the Solera Community entrance on the north side of the road. Turn right and continue past the guard gate into the community. …………………………………………………….List Of Features: 2005 Pulte Home In Solera ~~ Santa Barbara/Tuscan ~~ 2 Bedrooms ~` 1.75 Bath ~~ 1,789 Sq. Ft. ~~ Range/Oven ~~ Dishwasher ~~ Disposal ~~ Microwave ~~ Pantry ~~ Kitchen Island ~~ ¾ Master Bath ~~ Double Sinks ~~ Walk-In Closet ~~ Washer/Dryer Hook-up ~~ Inside Laundry ~~ Eat-In Kitchen ~~ Breakfast Bar ~~ Dining in Living/Great Room ~~ Breakfast Room ~~ Den/Office ~~ 9+ Flat Ceilings ~~ Soft Water Loop ~~ 2-Car Extended Garage ~~ Electric Door Opener ~~ Covered Patio ~~ Yard Watering System Front & Back ~~ Built-In BBQ ~~ All-Tile Roof ~~ Block Fencing ~~ Refrigeration ~~ Gas Heat ~~ Cable TV and High Speed Internet Available ~~ Ceiling Fans ~~ Multi-pane Windows ~~ Desert Front & Back ~~ Community Features: Gated Community, Guarded Entry, Golf Course Subdivision, Biking Walking Bath ~~ Clubhouse/Rec Room ~~ Community Heated Pool & Spa ~~ Tennis Courts

$260000 Wonderful Home With Pool In Gilbert

Wonderful Home With Pool In Gilbert
Type: Single Family Home
Location: 113 W. Ivanhoe St., Gilbert, AZ 85233
Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2 full, 0 half, 0 three-quarter bath
Price: $260,000
Description: Both the living room and family room have lovely wood floors and vaulted ceilings. The family room has arcadia doors leading to the pool. The kitchen offers a tile floor, numerous oak cabinets, breakfast bar, vaulted ceiling, and includes a dishwasher, range, disposal and microwave. The adjacent dining area has two large windows with a view of the pool. The master bedroom has a large picture window, walk-in closet, separate dressing area, vaulted ceiling and a full bath with separate tub and shower, double sink vanity and a large window with a view of the backyard. The backyard has been beautifully landscaped with 2 large trees and 8 palm trees around a sparkling pool all framed by a high block wall. There is a covered patio with ceiling fan and a raised patio near the end of the pool. Call our office at 602-252-4191 to arrange your personal showing. ……………………………………………………Directions: From Gilbert and Ray Rd go south on Gilbert Rd. to Ivanhoe. West on Ivanhoe to the home at 113 W. Ivanhoe St. …………………………………………………….List Of Features: 1995 Tuscan ~~ 3 Bedrooms ~~ 2 Baths ~~ 1,702 Sq. Ft. ~~ Pool ~~ Range/Oven ~~ Dishwasher ~~ Disposal ~~ Microwave ~~ Full Master Bath with Separate Shower and Tub ~~ Double Sinks ~~ Master Bedroom Walk-In Closet and Sitting Room ~~ Washer/Dryer Hookup with Inside Laundry ~~ Breakfast Bar ~~ Family Room ~~ 2-Car Garage ~~ Electric Door Opener ~~ Desert Front ~~ Covered Patio ~~ Yard Watering System Front & Back ~~ Vaulted Ceilings ~~ Biking/Walking Bath ~~ Children’s Playground ~~ Carpet, Tile and Wood Flooring ~~ All Tile Roof ~~ Block Fencing ~~ Refrigeration ~~ Gas Heat ~~ Sunscreens ~~ Ceiling Fans.

$125000 Four Bedroom At A Low Low Price (Tolleson)

Four Bedroom At A Low Low Price
Type: Single Family Home
Location: 8314 W. Superior Ave, Tolleson, AZ 85353
Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 2 full, 0 half, 0 three-quarter bath
Price: $125,000
Description: This spacious 4 bedroom Santa Barbara style home is located in the Volterra subdivision in Tolleson. Entertainers will love the large living room, family room and formal dining room. Dine also at the kitchen table or kitchen breakfast bar. The kitchen features numerous cabinets, pantry, range, dishwasher and disposal. The master bedroom and one other bedroom have walk-in closets. The master also has a vaulted ceiling and a full bath with separate tub and shower. Much of the house has impressive tile floors. The four bedrooms are all carpeted. There is a two-vehicle garage, energy saving multi-pane windows, front desert landscape with automatic sprinklers, rear covered patio, rear granite landscape, block fence and a north/south exposure. Call our office at 602-252-4191 to arrange your personal showing. Call our office at 602-252-4191 to arrange your personal showing. ……………………………………………………Directions: Go south on 83rd Ave pat Lower Buckeye Rd. to Elwood. West on Elwood to 83rd Ln, north on 83rd Ln to Forest Grove, east to 83rd Drive to Superior Ave and west to the home at 8314 W. Superior Ave. ……………………………………………………List Of Features: 2005 Santa Barbara/Tuscan Home ~~ 4 Bedrooms ~~ 2 Baths ~~ 2,290 Sq. Ft. ~~ Range/Oven ~~ Dishwasher ~~ Disposal ~~ Pantry ~~ Kitchen Island ~~ Separate Shower/Tub ~~ Master Bedroom and Other Bedroom Walk-In Closets ~~ Inside Laundry ~~ Formal Dining Area ~~ Eat-In Kitchen ~~ Breakfast Bar ~~ Family Room ~~ Great Room ~~ All Tile Roofing ~~ Block Fencing ~~ Refrigeration ~~ Electric Heat ~~ Multi-Pane Windows ~ 2-Car Garage ~~ Covered Patio ~~ Front Yard Watering System

$150000 Amazing Townhome With Great Landscaping (map)

Amazing Townhome With Great Landscaping
Type: Townhouse
Location: 5358 N. 3rd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013
Bedrooms: 2, Bathrooms: 1 full, 0 half, 0 three-quarter bath
Price: $150,000
Description: A lush grassy lawn, palms, shade trees and a charming courtyard lead to the front door of this amazing townhome. This quiet end unit offers two bedrooms, double carport and private patio framed by a block wall. The carpeted living room features a gas fireplace, ceiling fan and corner windows. The eat-in kitchen includes a range, refrigerator, dishwasher and disposal, in addition to numerous warm cabinets and pantry, ceiling fan and exit to patio. The laundry is located in the storage shed off the patio, and includes washer and dryer. The beautifully landscaped common areas feature a fenced sparkling pool and adjacent BBQ and communal patio. This complex is located in a desirable North-Central Phoenix neighborhood with easy access to restaurants, entertainment, sports venues, arts, and transportation. Call our office at 602-252-4191 to arrange your personal showing. ……………………………………………………Directions: From 3rd Ave and Missouri go south to the home at 5258 N. 3rd Ave. …………………………………………………….List Of Features: 1972 Brick Townhome ~~ 2 Bedrooms ~~1 Bath ~~972 Sq. Ft. ~~ Range/Oven ~~ Dishwasher ~~ Disposal ~~ Refrigerator ~~ Pantry ~~ Full Master Bath ~~ Separate Bedroom Exit ~~ Washer/Dryer Included ~~ Eat-In Kitchen ~~ Block Fencing ~~ Gas Fireplace In Living Room ~~ Patio ~~ Storage Shed ~~ Private Courtyard ~~ Carpet/Tile Flooring ~~ Community Pool ~~ Biking/Walking Pool ~~ Refrigeration ~~ Electric Heat ~~ Gas Heat ~~ Cable TV Available ~~ High Speed Internet Avail ~~ Ceiling Fans ~~ Comp Shingle Roof / Partial Tile ~~ 2-3-4 Plex String ~~ All On One Level ~~ 2-Car Carport

Glendale Sends Landlords Ex-Tenants Utility Bills

Owners of Glendale rental properties are getting hit with the utility bills of delinquent renters. The city is stepping up enforcement of a previously little-used rule holding property owners responsible for payment if their tenants don’t pay. Unpaid fees for water, sewer and trash have spiked in recent months, causing the city to look at ways to recoup costs. Enforcement began Jan. 1.

“That’s rediculous,” said Rhonda Urtuzuasegui, a broker for Arizona Property Management and Investments in Glendale. “The conflict is between the utility and the tenant. Why should the owner be responsible?”

Overdue bills have shot up by almost 60 percent in the past year, Glendale officials said, from $217,000 in 2007 to $344,000 in 2008. About half of the accounts sent to collection are from renters.

“The city has to eat that debt,” utilities director Roger S. Bailey said. “It’s a big amount. And when we don’t collect, we have to pass it on to the rest of the residents.”

Rental-property owners should consider requiring tenants to pay a utilities deposit, officals say, or put utility accounts in the owners’ names. Landlords also now can find out the balance of their renters’ accounts to make sure payments are current by calling the city Utilities Department. However, Urtuzuastegui said the new enforcement could be bad for her business and pose problems for the city. “Glendale is going to be in a world of hurt,” she said. Rental owners may have to raise rents or ask for larger security or utility deposits, Urtuzuastegui said. But that could drive away tenants in a tough economy. Investors, too, might think twice about becoming landlords in Glendale, she said. “It’s hard enough to collect rent, let alone utilities,” said Urtuzuastegui, whose company oversees about 25 Glendale properties. She wonders why the city doesn’t follow landlords approach – taking delinquent tenants before a judge.

“Court processes are expensive,” Glendale finance director Ray Shuey said. “And the landlord chooses who to rent to, so they’re an important partner. “We all have the same goal here: to ensure water that’s used is paid for.”

The amount recovered from the January enforcement efforts is not available yet, Shuey said.