#1 Movie Night on the Square – Without a doubt one of my all time favorite Flagstaff traditions. I love watching the families set up early to get good spots, while the older kids and other adults mill around the square seeing friends and catching up. The sense of community is awesome and oh yea, they play a movie too! Happening every Friday night in Heritage Square while summer lasts.

#2 Skyride - We all love our mountain and I feel spoiled most days with the views just as I drive on Cedar. It is easy to forget how majestic it can be to go on the sky ride in the summer. Even on a warm day be sure to bring a jacket – the climb in elevation will make it colder as you rise. While you are packing things, toss in a snack and a drink for yourself. Once at the top, the world pulls itself into perspective as you relax and take in the views.

#3 The Percival Lowell Summer Chamber Music Series – A great combination of 2 Flagstaff cultural institutions brings a fantastic line-up of musicians to the observatory this summer. Now in its 3rd year, this annual series runs through September 4th featuring classical, blue grass and jazz.

#4 Lake Mary Picnic - Its so close and yet tucked just out of sight, maybe that is why we don’t think of Lake Mary often enough. What could be more summery fun than a picnic by the lake? Its free fun for the whole family although the furry members seem to get the biggest kick out of the outing. We like to pack up a big picnic and graze for hours while the dogs and baby play… Sometimes its the simple pleasures that are the best.

#5 Take a Hike –  Let’s face it; we are surrounded and outnumbered… by the trees! Which was a big part of my initial attraction  and ongoing love affair with Flagstaff. From Fat Man’s Loop to the Pipeline by Elden, Flagstaff offers a ton of great trails to explore and the urban trail connects all of town. Its great exercise and being in nature is a natural mood lifter. Your dog will thank you and so will your heart.

You’ve got a few weeks of Summer ’11 left… Make them great!

Each month we highlight a different Flagstaff business who host us in their location and share their wares. This month, Flagstaff’s new restaurant, Pizza Furiosa welcomed the local tweeps with FREE samples of pizza, appetizers and salads. Why would they want to give us all of this DELICIOUS food for free?

Behold the power of social media. Before the August #FLGup (Flagstaff tweetup) even began, the Flagstaff twitter waves were over run with Pizza Furiosa mentions (tweets containing someone’s name). Pizza Furiosa benefited from FREE advertising for days and that is all BEFORE anyone even tried the #10 pizza (so good I am drooling now remembering it). Once the #tweetup began people started tweeting about all of the delicious food we were being served. The next day, people were STILL gushing about the food, the friendly hosts and the fun time they had.

Owner Richard and his staff were gracious hosts of  our group. He completely embodied the collaborative nature of twitter by inviting us to go next door to Wine Styles and enjoy their wine tasting before trying his pizzas. Owner Peggy welcomed us all into Wine Styles on a busy night and many of us participated in their fun wine tasting. Richard even sent plates of Salad #1 (hand pulled mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, basil) and meatballs just for our tweetup group (and much to the chagrin of the other patrons who were snickering about twitter). Managed to work in a little business when I ran into some non-twitter friends while visiting Wine Styles who would like me to list their house.

After about an hour, wine bottles in hand, our group moved back over to Pizza Furiosa. Family style we all got to sample: Salad #2 (Iceberg, Buttermilk dressing, blue cheese crumbles, smoked bacon, tomato, egg), a special 3 mushroom pizza, pizza #10, and pizza #9. We sat together at a long table, laughed as @HeatherAinardi ‘s baby knocked over the bowling pins, and enjoyed the warm hospitality of Furiosa.

Best part of it all? I got to catch up with an amazing eclectic group of people from our community that  included many local business owners and even the Mayor of Flagstaff, @SaraPresler. All of these people have become friends and amazing business allies. They can also make me laugh till my cheeks hurt. It was all so good and I for one left completely sated by incredible food, fun and witty friends and new connections.

There is a lot of information thrown at you when you are buying a home; everything from finance math on different loan terms to deciphering a termite report. It is difficult to wade through it all. Having a representative to guide you through the maze is a must.  Having an understanding of how representation/agency works in real estate is fundamental to having any real estate conversation. Is the REALTOR® you are speaking with going to repeat what you say? Will they share what they have heard from the seller? It all depends.. on agency.

The Arizona Association of REALTORs® created a form to explain agency to potential clients which reads:

“Before a Seller or Buyer enters into a discussion with a real estate broker…the Seller and the Buyer should understand what type of agency relationship or representation they will have with the broker in the transaction.”

BEFORE they start talking? Why is it so important?

Agency requires fiduciary duties which prompt certain actions from REALTORs®. Have you entered into agency with your REALTOR®? Do you know if your REALTOR® is representing you? the seller?? both you and seller??? Here are some explanations of the fiduciary duties required by Buyer Agency when a REALTOR® is only representing the Buyer.

Loyalty - This is a big one. It means our clients’ interests come first, over our own interests and those of other parties.

Confidence – I ain’t sayin nuttin. If you tell me that you love the place and would pay $50,000 over asking price, I CANNOT reveal that to the seller unless you want me to do so. Working in your best interest I am bound to keep your confidence on any price or motivation issue. If we are not in an agency relationship, I do not have this prohibition and can sing like a canary.

BUYER BEWARE: When you go to new construction models without your REALTOR® and sign in their book, you just signed away your right to have your representative get compensated. The person in the model represents the seller and NOT you.

Disclosure – I’ll spill everything I know for you. Once agency has been established, anything pertinent about the property or the transaction that your REALTOR® knows, they are obligated to share with you.

BUYER BEWARE: When you walk into open houses and start speaking with the REALTOR® in the home, that person is representing the seller. In the working in the best interests of the seller, they are REQUIRED to repeat that you will pay $50,000 over asking price.

Obedience – Sit Ubu sit. Yea, not exactly but agency does require us to obey all lawful and ethical instructions.

Accounting – Not going to file your taxes for you but your REALTOR will give you copies and retain copies of any document that you sign with them. They will also stay in touch with you throughout process.  (NOTE – This does not include documents you sign with other parties like loan or escrow documents.

Lack of understanding of these basic real estate duties has lead many a buyer through a transaction that was not what they wanted.  Don’t make this mistake. Take the time to understand buyer agency and how good representation can make all the difference in your home buying experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and above all else, always make sure that you trust the party representing your interests.

BTW – All of these duties, with the exception of Accounting, go away when the REALTOR® or Broker is representing both the buyer and seller… Interesting huh? Where does the loyalty ultimately lie? Stay tuned, I think I smell a sequel…

YOU.

Fire is a real threat in northern Arizona and the bottom line is that it is up to each of us to do all we can. The Forest Service and firefighters do so much for us that sometimes we can become complacent and expect them to be able to do everything. That is unrealistic and dangerous thinking. So make Smokey proud and follow a few fire safety tips for the summer.

1. Know the rules. If you are camping in our beautiful Coconino National Forest know ahead of time if there are any current fire restrictions . Also, be aware of the restrictions around the Schultz Fire area . Finally, please be smart. If that is questionable for you, please eat a pre-packed sandwich instead of making fire.

2. Put it O-U-T! If you make any kind of fire – even if you are barbecuing with charcoal at home, drown the briquettes and ashes with lots of water, stir then rinse and repeat. Make sure the fire is completely out. Do this even for a little itty-bitty one you made for s’mores.

3. Clean up your yard. Bummer huh? Turns out something as mundane as clearing the area can increase your safety. Try thinking of all that tree debris as fuel and take a good look around. There are always lots of kids around in the summer who’d be happy to pick up your yard for a good price – Invest in our youth!

4. Stay connected. Flagstaff has no local news channel and its vitally important to stay informed as fires happen. The best way to do this today is through twitter. Follow @CoconinoNF  for up to date reports from the forest’s front lines as tweeted by Brienne Magee. While you are there follow me too and connect with other Flagstaff locals for all kinds of great tips.

I think we get so accustomed to being protected that we can forget that we need to take ownership. We assume it must be someone else’s responsibility. Not according to Smokey. This one is on you. So visit our wonderful town, camp, enjoy the breathtaking scenery and remember that…

#1 The Museum of Northern Arizona - Coming from a person who grew up going to the large museums in Philadelphia, New York and D.C., I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the museum and continue to enjoy it each time I go. With over 600,000 permanent artifacts, there is always something new to see. Every second Saturday from 2-4 the museum holds its Discovery 2nd Saturdays kids programs with hands on crafting.

#2 Riordan Mansion State Historic Park - An often overlooked little beauty right in the heart of Flagstaff and to the heart of Flagstaff. The graceful Arts and Crafts style home was built in 1904 to house two Riordan families. Take a step back in history and peek into the day to day lives of these Flagstaff founders. Tours are given daily and start at the top of the hour.

#3 Pioneer Museum - An absolute gem of a museum across from the Museum of Northern Arizona. Current exhibits include: Get Your Kicks on Route 66, The Bear at the Top of the Stairs, Arizona Rough Riders and Pioneer Kids. Cruise the gift shop for local hand made crafts and a variety of pioneer themed goods.

#4 Heritage Square – I know, its raining, but run through the raindrops and duck into Cuvee 928 right on the Square. Then you can sit back and watch the skies do their worst as you sip something warm or strong and maybe knosh on a little yum. As we say in Flagstaff, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes” After its over, you’ll be perfectly sated and positioned to explore our quaint downtown. Take in our old and new murals, walk in to the galleries and shops and breath in our sweet mountain life.

#5 The Grand Canyon - I mean really are you going to let a little rain (or hail) dissuade you from seeing one of the natural wonders of the world? NO!! Also, watching a storm cross the canyon is very dramatic and makes for excellent photo opportunities. There are many spots from which you can gaze at the awe inspiring beauty from under a roof.  The large drops of rain will grow smaller as your perspective acclimates to the grandeur before it. One of my favorite’s is the less visited Desert View Watchtower. A Mary Colter building perched at the edge of the canyon. Not only the edge of the south rim but also the canyon’s eastern edge. From here the Grand Canyon collapses into the vibrant hues of the painted desert… and you can get something to eat at the little cafe too.

Special Thanks to @visitFlagstaff for their input and continual love and support for all things Flagstaff!

Problem: Appalling Customer Service

Solution: One Tweet aka 140 Characters or less

Resolution: Full Refund of over $300

Here’s what happened: I was extremely displeased with the service I received from Realtor.com and had spent about 3 weeks calling through their labyrinth. It was so frustrating!! I don’t like giving a complaint once, let alone over and over again. I found solace by sharing my experience with a blog and one tiny little tweet.

Within 2 days of sending out that tweet I received an email from the head of Customer Service for Realtor.com. He had my tweet in the body of his email and wanted to know what he could do to help. Two days after that email I received another letting me know I would be given a full refund.

I almost didn’t tweet about it cause I just don’t like to share negative experiences with people. I am still kinda amazed that after weeks of talking to at least 6 different people and emailing another 5 before the phone calls started, that 140 characters was all I needed. One little tweet got the attention of someone who dedicates himself to customer service and wanted to ensure their company’s online reputation matched his goals for the company. Everyone makes errors but not everyone responds or even attempts resolution.

I just love happy endings…

“Most of my blogs are around 300 words”

Really?! Maybe I can do this…

Thanks for the blog talk Nick!!

So here’s been my biggest obstacle:        ME.

Ouch I know, tough to swallow but 100% true. My plan to conquer that imposing obstacle? Get over myself. I’m just gonna build a little bridge from worrying about it not being “good enough” straight on over to getting it done. Luckily I have a accountability partner who has taken on the same goal…. I am calling you out Sylvie Johnson!

I love Flagstaff and the life I get to enjoy being part of such a wonderful community. So that is what I will be posting about and of course Samantha Ann and real estate. Some blogs may be good, and let’s be honest, some may stink but Nick Bastian said I should blog so I am.

BTW – If you don’t know Nick, or want to see what a really great blog looks like, check out: http://raillife.com/ 

They ignored my emails completely and instead kept sending the same stock email back to me. I may or may not get my refund but I wanted to make sure that all of you are aware of the apalling Realtor.com policies as they do not explain them when you sign up with them and do not seem to follow basic customer service standards. For an organization that is supposed to be dedicated to us as professionals, their policy of publishing without approval is an affront.

I mean, lets get real – Who among you would agree to let someone post an ad of you without your prior approval? If anyone can help me, please get in touch. Thank you!

To get started just follow these 2 simple steps and you’ll be skinnier in no time:

Step One – Set up Twitter Account

Step Two – Use your account

That’s it! The rest will all be done for you.

Unlike other diets that concentrate on what you are “losing” the Twiet concentrates on what you are “winning”. The many carrots for a Twieter include: reading a great tweet, winning a new follower or friend, a RT, a reply or a DM. So much concentration on all of these carrots leaves a Twieter little time to think about other things like food and suddenly – Viola! You’ve lost weight without trying and without even going through the trouble of wanting to lose any weight. Notice it is all carrot and no stick – proof that positive reinforcement is effective.

As your addiction to Twitter grows and takes control it will over ride your body’s basic needs like nourishment. In no time at all you will be asking yourself – Did I eat today? Or maybe you will tweet it and ask cause your tweeps will know better than you. So with that in mind here are a few Twiet friendly meals that satisfy your need to not pass out while allowing you to keep an eye on the stream.

Smoothies – Who has time to chew? Blend up that meal and drink it down while you tweet.

Apples – Just one a day will keep the doctor away thus enabling more time to tweet. www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apples.html

Bananas – Admittedly it was an unfinished banana meal of mine that was the catalyst for creating the Twiet. But if you can remember to eat it all, its very good for you. http://thetaoofgoodhealth.com/6-awesome-health-benefits-of-bananas-9/

Hard Boiled Eggs – This does take some time to prepare but once ready you’ve got protein to go! http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcourt_60/66b_eating_well.html

Broccoli – Maybe its just me but steamed or raw I LOVE broccoli!! http://www.foodasfood.com/health-benefits-of-broccoli/

Nuts – Yum right? Just be sure to get unsalted cause otherwise… You’ll want to drink and then eventually – you are going to have to go potty… well I guess it Depends…

Anything on a Stick – An obvious one I know, but think out of the box. Ex. Key Lime Pie on a stick  http://www.keylimeshop.com/html/key_lime_pie.html

Shazamwiches – A sandwich is just a sandwich, a shazamwich is the JAM! (Note can be made with or with out actual jam) (Second Note – requires a Shazamwichmaker)

Happy Twieting!!

Please note that no Doctor or Smart Person (See Opening quote) would advise a Twiet! …But then again, they are just jealous that they didn’t think of it first