Real Estate Bits

Groucho Marx once said, "I wouldn't join a club that would take me as a member". And what does that have to do with how your credit worthiness is rated? Absolutely nothing - which is precisely the point. Your credit worthiness is rated by a variety of factors which seem quite pointless as well.

Credit is rated on the Beacon Score - you know like a lighthouse. It is a national mystery who came up with the term "Beacon Score" - yet that is what it's called. The score runs from 300 at the lowest (you are probably dead) to 900 (only God has 900). The rest of us are somewhere in between. Generally 600 or higher is where you want to be. No one can have perfect credit. All loans are a risk. So no one scores 900.

1) You use credit (then you are not creditworthy) - don't even ask - the more you use the more you lose.

3) Someone files a claim against you - even if you are not at fault & don't owe any money - your Beacon Score takes a mega-hit.

The way they see it - if you need credit - you are unworthy. If you don't need credit - you are worthy. As we all know, the bank only wants to lend money if it thinks you don't need it. If you need it, they don't want to lend it. So maybe we're all just big kids - but dressed up in suits.

Speaking Of Credit: Identity Theft is now rampant. This means if unscrupulous people get a hold of your credit card information and S.I.N number (crooked employees have been charged with selling them to fraud artists) - these crooks apply for credit in your name - use a different address, run up the bills and then move on to greener pastures and default. Your credit takes the hit and good luck trying to sort it out. What can you do about it? Not much. Credit card companies write off losses and then justify their rates accordingly. Funny - only people with bad credit can't be fraud victims. They go after the ones with the unspoiled, good credit. So there is your cheerful story for the month - which leads me to mention the importance of protecting your financial information, credit cards and personal identification at all costs.

Next time I'll chat about ways to protect your credit. If you have any questions or comments don't hesitate to call me or send me an E-mail.

Legal Briefs...

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Harvey Hamburg for his valuable contributions to Legal Briefs over the last 18 months. His last column was in November's newsletter.

Okay, Oaky - Here's "The Joke"

Josh bought a new, red Mercedes Sports Car (a convertible, of course) and took it out onto the 401 for a nice relaxing evening drive. The top was down, the breeze was blowing though his hair and he decided to open the car up a bit see how it moved. As the speed jumped up to 140 he saw the dreaded flashing red light in his rear view mirror. Josh thought to himself, "There's no way this cop can catch me in my new Mercedes", so he opened the car up even more and the needle hit 160 and then 190. The police car stayed with him. Finally Josh thought to himeslf, "What on earth am I doing here?" and he pulled over to the side of the expressway. The cop came up to the side of the car and asked for licence and insurance. He examined the documents and looked at the sleek, red car. He said to Josh, "Look buddy, I've had a really tough shift and you are the last guy I'm going to pull over for the night. I don't even feel like doing the paperwork here, so if you can give me a really good excuse for driving the way you were and one I haven't heard before ... then you can go - no ticket". Josh hung his head and then looked up at the policeman and said seriously, "Officer, just last week my wife ran off with a cop and I was afraid you were gonna try and give her back to me". The cop smiled at Josh, tossed back his I.D. and said "You have a nice night".

Ask An Expert?...

As promised this space is reserved just for you. Please send any questions you have to my e-mail. You get to have a free telephone consultation with the "Expert" of your choice. If you subsequently choose to establish a business relationship with that person/company then you should define the specific details of any business contract with that person or company!

Guest Columnist..

Most if us have thought at one time or another about taking a self-defense class, perhaps even taking up a martial art. It may have been after seeing a movie where the hero defeats a biker gang single handedly. Perhaps a media report got your mind started. Or, sadly, it may have been after you or someone you know was involved in a violent confrontation. We've all felt threatened as some point. How we deal with this discomfort determines not only our likelihood of success in the event of an altercation, but also our quality of life, every hour of every day.

I recently attended a lecture given by the police for real estate agents. It was intended to give them some strategies to use to avoid being victimized while showing properties. The police officer did a great job, emphasizing the value of being vigilant, aware of options and avoiding risky situations. Avoidance, is of course, the best defense and awareness is the best way to keep trouble at a distance.

Some highlights of the Police Presentation, included becoming more aware of:

Environment: What are your escape options? Where can you go to get away? Where might you get boxed in?

Clothing: Is your movement restricted? Dress as you like, but be aware that some garments (like high heels and tight skirts) can limit speed and mobility. Are you wearing flashy jewelry or attracting unwanted attention?

Movement: Are your hands full or could you use them in a hurry? Are you walking with confidence or like a victim?

Belongings: Do you carry anything with you that you would risk your personal safety for, and if so, consider your alternatives and priorities.

Company: Families can plan escape routes and safe havens. Offices should have an emergency plan. Make it a game, perhaps involving your friends.

Police: If you see a serious problem or have been victimized yourself - Call The Police - you may have a piece of valuable information that will help them solve a crime puzzle and put away a bad person!

There are books filled with this information as well (or you can check out www.sasdt.com/safetytips.html) for more specific suggestions. The key is "Prevention". Make yourself a "difficult target". For example, if a criminal wants your wallet, it may be safest to throw it in one direction and prepare to run the opposite way. In the case of a sexual assault the assailant will want the incident to go quickly and quietly - therefore if you choose to resist - make lots of noise, slow him down, fight to win and try to get a description if possible.

A criminal can form intent on his own, perhaps even choose you as his/her intended target, but if you've taken reasonable precautions you can reduce or eliminate the opportunity for the criminal to carry out the crime. And without all three components - intent, victim and opportunity - there is no crime. If you're too much trouble for the criminal to deal with then he will move on to another target. (Hopefully to someone who is even more prepared than you!)

If you've taken these precautions and would still like to be more prepared for a violent altercation you have several options. Some choose to take up a martial art program. While it is true that the strikes, throws and holds of these systems can be useful in a physical confrontation, they are more commonly practiced as sports. Martial Arts can be a great undertaking with many mental and physical benefits, especially with a great teacher. Just be aware that if you want to use it for the street - you must train with the street in mind.

Another option is to take a self-defense program. In a condensed program you can learn about the legal and psychological aspects and also learn a set of potentially life-saving techniques. Of course no one can become a master in a few hours. But to have myths shattered, to know when and how the law will help you (and when it can be against you) you have to have a set of effective techniques to use against an attacker's most vulnerable targets. That's the kind of knowledge that can bring increased calm, peace and confidence to anyone.

What about gadgets, tools and weapons? Well, there are a few considerations - not the least of which is legality. It's not too much good to win the fight if you lose the court battle because you used excessive force or a restricted weapon. (Pepper spray is a popular choice - but it is neither legal nor completely effective). There is also the possibility that the attacker may take the weapon away from you and then he's "armed and dangerous". Too little training or experience can be a like a "little knowledge" - dangerous!

We teach our students that if they want to carry a weapon of any kind, that they should learn about any possible legal issues, that they should practice using the weapon and have it ready when it's appropriate. There are no guarantees in a violent confrontation - there are only odds. Thank you for taking a few minutes to improve your odds of success against criminals. For more information and resources please check our web-site at www.sasdt.com and when you're ready for some realistic training in self-defense, please give us a call at (416) 892-3007.

Regards,

Willard.

The above article(s) provide information that is of a general nature only and is never intended to be a substitute for advice specific to your particular concern. No one should act upon such information without appropriate advice and/or consultation.

Client & Networking referrals are the foundation of a successful real estate agent’s career. Over many years in this industry I have enjoyed the confidence & repeat business of my clients. I appreciate your on-going support and want you to know that I will always look after friends & colleagues you refer to me with professionalism, care and respect.

Rosemary Wright and Sutton Group Bayview-Realty Inc. cannot be held liable for information herein contained. The comments made by the parties to "Real Estate Bits -2" are for general educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, personal or business advice - nor is it do-it-yourself advice. We encourage you to always contact the appropriate professionals or specialists to address your individual needs.

"Real Estate Bits - 2"

January 2003

Money Matters...

Legal Briefs...

Okay, Oaky - Here's "The Joke"

Ask An Expert?...

Guest Columnist..