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CO vs CO2

5 New Year’s Resolutions for the Real Estate Community

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Have you ever dropped the ball on one of your New Year’s goals? We’ve all been there. That’s why I want to suggest some goals that are actually highly attainable. Here are some suggestions for New Year’s resolutions for the real estate community. I see these things all the time, so I thought it would be worth mentioning. By the way, I’m a humble guy and this is coming from a good place. Let’s improve in big and small ways to find profound success this year.

  1. abbreviation for Carbon-Monoxide-Detector - by sacramento appraiser blogAbbreviate Carbon Monoxide Detector Correctly: If you didn’t know, carbon monoxide detector is shortened to CO – not CO2. If you want some clever ways to remember that, check out 5 Ways to Remember Carbon Monoxide is “CO” instead of “CO2″.
  2. Pronounce “REALTOR” Correctly: I am not a grammar snob by any stretch, but I wanted to point out a common error. REALTOR is often pronounced as “REAL-A-TOR” even though there is actually no extra “A” in there. It is correctly pronounced as “REAL-TOR”.
  3. share-posts-on-social-mediaMore Listening on Social Media: The online sins of the real estate community are overselling and self-promotion, so listening to conversations and a focus on building relationships on social platforms is definitely something relevant. Join the conversation by asking questions, being personable and sharing helpful information rather than overly promoting your products.
  4. Step off the Toxic Platform for Appraisers or Agents: There is often enmity between appraisers and real estate agents – as if they are mortal enemies. Part of this is understandable because both parties are doing different jobs for the same transaction, but it crosses the line when either party speaks from a platform of hostility toward the other group. I hear agents bash appraisers and talk about them like they are village idiots. Likewise, I hear appraisers talk about real estate agents like they are uneducated morons. This is not professional – especially in a public forum. We can do better. Yes, there are issues with low appraisals as well as subpar agents, which means there is a place to complain. However, when complaining becomes a shtick or lifestyle, that’s not a fun place to live. If you find yourself continually ranting about appraisers or agents, it may be worth finding ways to step off that toxic platform and avoid being a perpetual complainer. Besides, it’s good for life and business to be positive.
  5. Other: What resolution would you suggest for the real estate community? Comment below.

I hope this year is unfolding well for you so far. Happy New  Year!!

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5 Ways to Remember Carbon Monoxide is “CO” instead of “CO2”

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Do you ever get words confused? I’ll be honest to say I am really careful when using the words “prostrate” and “prostate”. Obviously I know the difference, but I definitely don’t want to confuse the two, especially when speaking in public. Maybe for you it’s “their” and “there” or “ascent” and “assent”. Whatever the case, it’s common to misspeak or misspell at times, and since this definitely shows up in the real estate community with the abbreviated version of “Carbon Monoxide detector”, I put together some memory aids to help us get it right.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Five Ways to Remember Carbon Monoxide is “CO” instead of “CO2”

  1. Lungs: CO2 is “carbon dioxide” and it’s what comes out of your mouth when you breathe.
  2. Soda: It would be a huge problem if carbonated drinks had “CO” (carbon monoxide) instead of “CO2” (carbon dioxide).
  3. Killer Beer: CO2 is “carbon dioxide” and it’s used in beer to make it fizzy. If “CO” (carbon monoxide) was used instead, it could literally be “killer” beer. It’s better to drink figuratively “killer” beer.
  4. Math: “O2” is pronounced “DIOXIDE” since there are “two” oxygen atoms. If there is only one “O” it’s called “MONOXIDE” since there is only one oxygen atom.
  5. Carbon Footprint: Scientists remind us the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) has risen dramatically over the past century. Remember, scientists and Al Gore are not talking about “CO” (carbon monoxide) emissions.

I hope you enjoyed the post. This isn’t about being anal, but helpful. On a serious note, check out a previous article I wrote to view examples on where to install carbon monoxide detectors. If you didn’t know, as of July 1, 2011, it became state law in California for carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in certain single family dwellings.

Question: Any other suggestions for how to remember CO vs CO2?

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