All Forum Posts by: Sherrill Skanes

Many thanks to all of you. Despite its flippancy, Tim's first line makes sense to me. (I had expected replies with defensive tones because I was not able to communicate the proper diplomacy.) And Dick's "fishing" theory is also very plausible. Someone also shared with me in private that "copy and paste" is much more time efficient, but could be overused in some cases.

For Tom's benefit, I will tell you who cares. A woman with my physical appearance who has been judged all of her life because of it. I do not hide my ability to communicate in a professional manner. My skills have to stand out against all other possible assumptions in a business arena in order to counter the effect of a face to face meeting. When the written word is possibly the first contact, it is imperative that I employ the skills necessary for a positive impression. Beyond that, probably only Mensa members and people with OCD would give it a second thought. (You can laugh now!)

Oh yes, one more thing, Tom...how do you know I wasn't out on MY deck--eating a steak and slamming down a few Buds--when I typed that? A MacBook with wireless is a beautiful thing. Truth be told, I was sitting in the garden sipping iced tea....but you knew that already, right?

Thanks again to all of you. Each one contributed something for me to think about and learn from. Sincerely. I know it wasn't the most friendly post, and I appreciate your generosity in taking the time to reply.

Please don't take this the wrong way, because I am really very interested in the answer. Though it may appear condescending, I am sincerely attempting to understand. I just can' think of a way to word it that doesn't sound impolite.

Why do people in real estate capitalize words that are not proper nouns? I see listing after listing where each and every word describing a property "Begins With A Capital Letter," and it is so very annoying, not to mention the fact that it gives the appearance of illiteracy.

I worked for years in advertising art, so if someone says it reads better, I can assure you that old wives tale died in the 70's. It does not. I taught high school for 12 years as well, so my judgmental response to that kind of typing is that I wouldn't want someone who doesn't know how to structure a simple sentence to be entrusted with my funds and crafting binding contracts for me--it also makes my hand fairly twitch for that red pen...heh.

I have not been able to comprehend why someone would want to purposefully put forth the perception of ignorance. And yet I see it is a very common practice, so I assume there must be a logical or historied reason for such radical over-emphasis. Could someone please explain?

Again, I am sorry for the tone. There just isn't a delicate way to be honest about this.

Thank you both for the info. Both of you have great ideas, and Mike, you really have my situation pegged. As to the SSA question, you can own a mansion, as long as you live in it. However, you are not allowed to have rental properties and still collect SS. My medical condition prevents me from working a conventional job with conventional hours. There may be days when I could sit in front of the computer for endless hours, or have an excursion of some sort, but then the next day I can't get out of bed. SSA allows me to earn up to $600 additional per month, and anything beyond that is deducted from my benefits...and while some might consider holding on to that limitation not the best solution, it *is* necessary because jobs and finances can come and go, but my illness isn't going away, and will only be antagonized by the stress of worrying about being homeless. It can take up to two years to get re-instated....involving lawyers and drama I just can't take. My other option is HUD and welfare, which has already approved me. I just don't think I want to have my rent paid by taxpayers while I still have a mind that works great and should be able contribute to society in some way. In the five years I have lived with this problem, I have not taken that option. It has been a real struggle, but I know I am doing the "right" thing.

In June my son turns 18 and is scheduled to join the military. Once he leaves my benefits will be reduced accordingly, and I will not be able to keep the house I currently rent...which is fine, because I want to move back to Orange County anyway. I would like to be able to purchase a small one bedroom condo in the Seabridge community of Huntington Beach. They are a property that has a history of selling well, and would be a good investment for anyone.

I have a "nose" for distressed properties...however, I don't want to live in one. LOL. I have been living in a hundred year old house for ten years, and it is just too much work. (Although I dare say it is the only one around with an Italian marble mosaic bathroom floor that I did myself at a cost of $22--did you know that some companies that tile mansions in Malibu throw their "scraps" out and will flat out give it to you if you haul it?) I also have worked as a graphic designer, and my artistic eye sees the possibilities. I would like to be able to find someone who is an owner/agent and needs some leg work done--finding the property prospects, assessing/designing/supervising the cosmetic aspects for the flip, hostessing and promoting the open houses (I make a killer brochure). But rather than getting paid in money, I'd like to find someone willing to work something out with one of those little ground level Seabridge condos.

I am an educated (Pepperdine University), 46 year old woman who wants to live a quiet life in an area where her neighbors are at her peer level. Unfortunately, my health has made that goal unrealistic....well, for anyone but me, maybe. Heh. And that, my new friends, is why I am here.

Noobie here...currently in Ventura, but hoping to relocate (ok, well move BACK to) Huntington Beach next spring.

Hello....I'm another noobie. Trying to figure out if my goals and ideas will fit in here. Everything in my life has changed over the last five years due to the diagnosis and treatment of a chronic illness. I have worked all my life towards eventually owning my own home, but now that I am not allowed to work, that dream will never come to fruition unless I get creative. So here I am. Looking for someone to partner with, since SSA forbids me to own a home I don't live in. I have a great deal to offer, with an extensive background in informational research, grant writing, and education. I am hoping to find someone who can help me get what I want, while I help them fill their pockets. I hope that doesn't sound too crazy??!!