Barry's Blog

Mobile Technology – Is it making your life easier? #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:44:07 -0500

Debbie asked me today: “What did we DO before computers?”

I started to answer: “A LOT less!”

and I had to think for a minute . . . logic would conclude that technology should make us MORE productive – We should be doing LESS stuff and getting more accomplished.

and if that were the case, surely we would be “leveraged” by the technology to the degree that the savvy Tech users would precipitously INCREASE income as they increase the gadgetry in their arsenals and hone their manual dexterity.

Somewhere along the line, logic succumbs to reality.

I realize that through the use of technology I correspond with WAY more people each day than I did in the slower, gentler days. I interact with folks simultaneously with the use of Cell Phone, Landline, text, Email, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Blogsite, Direct Message, Skype . . . AND Face-to-face to the extent that I know there are days when I “touch” 20+ people inside of a single day of work.

There’s a LOT of distracting NOISE in this Raplex (Rapidly Complex) world that IMHO counteracts many of the benefits of the enhanced technological connections.

Keeping up with new gadgets
Learning how to use the gadgets
finding the best apps for the gadgets
Learning how to use the best apps for the gadgets
reading Walls
Reading blog feeds
Passing on jokes and interesting pictures
Listening to youtube videos
etc etc etc

What do you do when the technology FAILS to work as it should?

Of course, that only happens when you are in a hurry.

So . . . I wonder . . . Does your mobile technology make life EASIER?

REALLY?

We’re going to explore some ideas around optimizing time, energy, work flow, productivity with appropriate use of mobile technology Wednesday Feb 15, 2012 @ 10 AM.

I invite you to bring ALL of your gadgets, and we’ll talk strategy about getting the most out of them.

Let’s hold these mobile technology solutions accountable for SIMPLIFYING our lives.

and when we’re done playing with our toys, Will Mclemore with Mclemore Auction Company is going to bring us lunch (FREE) and will tell us about his unique Auction concept. Will can/will auction just about anything from a house to collectibles – Check out his website His company is great way to help folks de-clutter or downsize . . . Just sell the STUFF! http://www.mclemoreauction.com/

Will your electronic calendar remind you to be there?

Hope so!

Best,

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Simply & BOLDLY Living the FourFold Way in Open Space!

Quintessentially connected to the real estate industry to offer the ultimate experience for Home Buyers and Sellers in Middle Tennessee . . . Inquire within!

Game Changer – ONE person with LASER FOCUS #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:41:29 -0500

Found on a post-it note (Mysteriously appearing in my pocket) this morning:

“How can life change from perfect to awkward in 3 seconds?”

I don’t know for sure, but I think the note was written by Perfect Daughter Jessica who had a “Perfect to Awkward” moment in last night’s basketball game.

Jessica single-handedly changed the game in a very significant way in the period of about 6 minutes without scoring ANY points.

Her coaches deserve some credit for the strategy, but it was Jessica’s PURE LASER FOCUS on doing what they directed her to do that made the impact.

In the first 1/4 of the game, the opposing team scored three 3 point goals . . . and 6 free throw shots . . . while our team (The good girls) exhibiting superior ball handling and passing skills and meticulously executing elaborate plays along with a distinct height advantage were just barely hanging on . . . The scoring was dead even . . . even though we (the good girls) were totally out-playing the other team.

At some point along the way in that quarter, the realization hit that almost ALL of the points scored by the other were team were scored by ONE girl. She was crafty as a fox . . . Brought the ball down court and passed it off to a team member upon crossing the center line . . . then she would disappear into the fray under the goal . . . and then sneak out to side without being noticed – Holler the word “BALL” . . . Her team-mates would lob her the ball, and she would swish 3 points.

This girl was a GREAT shot from anywhere on the court.

This is where Jessica and her coaches’ brilliance comes into play. They simply asked Jessica to stick to “3 point girl” like GLUE . . . to follow here everywhere she went on the court (even to the sidelines with her when the opposing coach called her over for sideline coaching).

Meanwhile, the remaining 4 girls on the team would continue to masterfully execute plays.

Jessica performed flawlessly and effectively created the scenario of completely slicing “3 point girl” out of the game throughout the 6 minute 2nd 1/4.

This killed the momentum of the other team and completely threw “3 point girl” off balance such that she scored VERY few goals for the remainder of the game . . . She was traumatized.

It also provided some great, humorous entertainment for the crowd.

Nothing that Jessica or coaches did was against the rules . . . but it sure defied conventional wisdom and “standard practices” . . .

THAT would be MY definition of “Game changer,” and all it required was recognition of a gap, a creative strategic solution, and ONE SINGLE PLAYER with LASER FOCUS.

What gaps do you face that could be filled with this level of game changing thinking?

hmmmm . . .

Just sayin’

Best,

PS: the good girls won the game

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

What if there’s not a Square Hole for the Square peg? #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:58:08 -0500

Conventional wisdom says: “You can’t fit a square peg in a round hole!”

The implication is that you’ve gotta find a square hole for your square peg, otherwise you’re wasting your time and energy.

Then, there are those gurus who suggest that before you start climbing the ladder to success, you should first check to be sure it’s leaning against the right wall.

My Father Harrison Owen says: “Nothing of real significance ever happened according to the plan!”

Yogi Berra said: ”You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you’re going, because you might not get there.”

and

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

I think they’re all brilliantly correct!

These days. the odds of anyone finding the perfect square hole for their square peg are minuscule.

We are not in a cookie cutter world, and heck . . . do ANY of the “rules” still apply when it comes to achieving success?

What are those insanely successful people doing that is so different?

They are not in a world of pegs and holes . . . They are in a world of gaps and relationships.

Instead of attaching to peg and seeking the perfect hole, they’re looking for (at) the gaps in what’s out there . . . Information, technology, Service, Pricing, Marketing . . . Where are the voids?

Once identified . . . These very smart people seek relationships to leverage themselves such that they can fill these gaps in whatever form the gap requires.

This is multi-dimensional thinking . . . sometimes known as “Creativity”

and it only works when the right PEOPLE who share passion for filling the gap come together and form aTEAM.

So . . . Wanna find success?

Quit looking for another “job” . . . Start identifying gaps . . . and spend 2/3 of every working day being present with PEOPLE.

Just sayin’

Best,

FILED UNDER: PARETO REALTY, REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS TAGGED WITH: GAPS, HARRISON OWEN,SUCCESS, YOGI BERRA

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Monday Morning Coffee – Invite! Ask WHY? Honor the end! #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:32:40 -0500

Good Monday Morning!

Beware!

I awakened this morning with an urge to wax philosophic here this morning . . .

Why?

ummm . . . Probably a dose of “Self-inflicted Therapy” as a reminder of the simplicity of life flow/RHYTHM when we sustain proper perspective.

As we all tumble through life and time, we initiate and respond to myriad INVITATIONS.

We invite other folks to join us as Friends, Work Associates, colleagues . . . “Partners in crime” . . . We know that much of our success and fulfillment comes through other people who show up and travel with us as we learn and shape our way.

Whoever comes is the right people . . .

We also know that creativity and Spirit manifest mysteriously. We cannot force them . . . They show up when the time is right. We are often SURPRISED and delighted by ”Sudden & unexplainable” flashes of brilliance.

Whenever it starts is the right time . . .

and we know that when we are open to new ideas and unattached to preconceived outcomes, magical happenings occur.

Whatever Happens is the only that could have. (Given the PEOPLE – HERE – NOW – ENGAGED without judgment)

Because “IT” happened HERE . . .

Wherever it happens is the right place.

The cycle of life applies – Birth, Maturity, Life, Death – and so often Everyone knows it’s over and continues to hold on (resisting change) . . . Even though we know that acknowledging (Honoring) the end will give rise to new and exciting beginnings.

When it’s over it’s Over . . .

Throughout this whole dance, the true energy and excitement comes from fresh Passion and folks’ willingness to take responsibility for this passion by exercising their individual God given right of CHOICE . . . Choice to invite others . . . Choice to be present and engage fully . . . Choice to move on when Passion wanes.

The Law of 2 Feet: If at any time you find yourself in a place where you are neither contributing nor receiving anything of value. it is YOUR responsibility (and privilege) to use your 2 feet to take yourself to a place where you CAN contribute or receive something of value.

The goal is to achieve the “Highest and BEST use of YOU” in your short stay here with us on this planet.

What’s the secret?

HOW can you do this?

Simple:

Be INTENTIONAL about all that you do
SHOW UP!
BE PRESENT!
INVITE others – constantly
Respond to others’ invitations
Honor your Passion – Follow your Heart
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY with appropriate ACTION
Tell the TRUTH to yourself and others . . . ALWAYS
Open your mind to new ideas and possibilities
When it’s time . . . LET IT GO!

Sadly . . . Coffee cup’s empty

My invitation today!

Let’s connect!

I and our “Vital Few” Real Estate Sales Professionals at Pareto Realty have a daily resolute commitment to get the highest and best use of US as we invite Home Buyers and Sellers to engage with us as they contemplate navigating the twists and turns associated with Buying and/or selling a house or investment property in Middle Tennessee.

We stand ready to serve your family (or anyone you know) with real estate consultation and service

Here’s hoping you have a magical (Intentional) week full of exciting SURPRISE and DELIGHT!

Best,

PS: The underlined 5 principles and Law are from Open Space Technology which is as much a way of life as it is a phenomenal Organizational Development (Transformation) meeting format for Organizations facing emergent complex issues with diversity of people, potential for conflict, and the need to find resolution quickly.http://openspaceworld.com

and some of the terminology comes from Angeles Arrien’s FourFold Way

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

IDX - Syndication - The Internet Lead Flow Squabble #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:19:33 -0500

How often do you get a call from a random out of area telephone number (or “Unknown Number”) and immediately get hit with the question:

“Are you accepting new clients?”

“Would you like 10 great leads every month?”

“Is your internet marketing bringing you all the leads you want?”

Followed by a very smooth and convincing pitch about how their company has very few opportunities available in your market to get PRIME leads . . . and LUCKY YOU . . . for a mere $300/mth, you can enjoy success beyond your wildest dreams.

If you currently have any listings, chances are decent that these folks are marketing YOUR listings, getting leads from them . . . and are now offering to sell them back to you.

Wait!

WHAT?

These practices have started an increasingly HOT National debate about the “Rules” and use of IDX and Syndication on the Internet.

Paul Gaddes has had his eye on this debate for a while and has been updating us the Facebook All things REALTOR – Central TN site . . . I’ve provided 3 links below which provide the meat and potatoes of the issue and won’t even attempt to write in my own words what these genius’s have already written, so I’m going to do what I do best . . .

YOU are invited:

to join us as we unpack issues and opportunities associated with this spontaneously combusting issue of IDX & Syndication Lead Generation practices

Thursday February 9, 2012
9:30 AM . . .
Followed by lunch @ 11 provided by Jason Grubbs with Strategic Insurance Group 615-472-1515 insurance@tnsig.com
Please RSVP by return email
Location TBD based on number of RSVPs (West Nashville or Brentwood)

Kris Berg wrote:

By syndicating my listings, I am giving permission to these sites to auction off my business. It is the virtual equivalent of allowing an agent to slap their name rider on my yard sign and then having the sign company charge me to remove it. No sane agent would allow that, yet we seem to have no problem allowing it to occur online.

————————————-

the Big Issue, the Big Question. It is the same one posed by Geoffrey Lewis lo these many years ago.

Is the purpose of listing data, of the MLS itself, to help participants serve existing clients… or to help participants attract new clients?

————————————

Enjoy reading:

In Which I Clarify My Worries Over Syndication and IDX, And Connect The Dots

Syndication to Real Estate Portals: Problems and Solutions

MLS Fights Back for its Brokers

2012 will be a pivotal year for many of us in many ways . . . For sure, Lead generation and our use of the internet is evolving a blinding rate, and keeping up with it all could be a full time job all by itself.

Will you join the conversation?

Best,

PS - If you're not in nashville and want to know all about this issie READ the material at the links above and start a great conversation in YOUR market

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Why Wait? #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:54:27 -0500

Why wait?

JANUARY 31, 2012 BY BARRY OWEN LEAVE A COMMENT (EDIT)

I wonder how many houses are “available” . . . but not on the market.

WHY would a house be “available” . . . but not on the market?

What’s the point?

Is it some kind of fancy-schmancie voodoo reverse psychological mystique?

Playing hard to get?

Is the Seller “Timing the market?”

“We’ll keep it off the market until EXACTLY the PERFECT time in the Earth’s continuum such that when our target listing date arrives, all of the planets will align in a universal conspiracy to conjure up a mysterious drop in Mortgage interest rates precipitating a spontaneous combustion of the economy resulting in a magical generation of the PERFECT Buyer who will swoop in and pay top dollar with optimal terms for the seller.”

I know this is very “tongue in cheek” . . . not likely many Sellers are thinking things through to this degree.

Here’s my point . . . in Middle Tennessee, we have pent up Buyer demand

Much of the inventory of available (seeable) homes are “stale” . . . they’ve been picked over.

New, fresh listings are getting LOTS of attention.

Not a day passes when I don’t hear a REALTOR asking other REALTORS if they know of any great listings coming up in myriad areas.

This became prevalent enough that one of our local social media gurus (and REALTOR extraordinaire) Brian Copeland launch a great community page on Facebook for REALTORS to “talk” about issues and opportunities we are all facing . . . “All things Real Estate in central TN”

That page jumped to over 600 members within a week . . . next thing we knew . . . “Buyer needs” started popping up in droves . . . drowning out the discussion.

This prompted Hagan Stone to birth the “Central Tennessee REALTOR® Buyer Need and Referral Forum” where REALTORS can peddle their “Pocket listings” and/or look for these needle-in-a-haystack “available but not seeable” listings.

I know of several “matches” happening as a result of this forum.

My question then is: “If these Sellers would just go ahead and list their properties NOW when the market is HUNGRY, I wonder if they might get better deals from the open market?”

Abandon the “Herd Mentality Thinking” that “Spring is the best time to list!”

Why would you want to list your house at the same time as everyone else and run your race with all of that other competition?

JUMP IN NOW!

The market WANTS your house to appear.

The market NEEDS your house to appear.

I probably have a BUYER for your house NOW (or I know another REALTOR who does).

Next step?

Call your REALTOR and DEMAND that y’all do whatever it takes to get it on the ACTIVE market before everyone else wakes up.

Just sayin’

Best,

PS – Of course I and the Vital Few agents of Pareto Realty are poised and ready to serve any Sellers in Middle TN who don’t have an agent in mind

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

To Stage or not to Stage . . . #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:12:22 -0500

To Stage or not to Stage . . .

I think there are a lot of myths about Home Staging.

The most dangerous one (IMHO) is: “every REALTOR can stage a house” . . . If that were true, every listing out there would be perfectly staged.

Another myth might be: “It’s not worth the price!”

Another might be: “all a Seller’s gotta do is price the house to SELL and that staging won’t make a difference.”

I believe all of these to be untruths.

Most REALTORS are best at their primary function – Delivering a smooth process for a home buyer/Seller . . . and best serve their clients by leveraging themselves with trained professionals for different components of the process.

Most of the top REALTORS I know hire professional photographers for their House photos, professional maintenance folks for repairs . . . etc . . . and don’t even attempt to do these things themselves so they can stay focused on the intricacies of “quarterbacking” the marketing and the transaction.

I always know when I walk into a house that’s been staged by trained, professional Home Stager . . . and when I do, I know that it’ll be a house that sells sooner than the competition.

This Wednesday – Feb 1 – @ 10 AM, you’re invited to explore many ways to position a house quintessentially to outshine all other listings on the market.

@ 11 AM – We’ll have the good fortune of hearing from a trained Staging Professional (who will also be bringing in LUNCH) .

“Centered Staging was founded by Michelle Cox, certified Home Staging and Redesign Expert. With aneye for design, a degree in Psychology, and a passion for real estate, Michelle collaborates easily with homeowners and realtors to transform awkward spaces into beautiful ones.”

Hmmm . . . a Stager with a degree in Psychology . . . Sounds like a plan

Visit Centered Staging on the net . . .

Facebook: Business Page

Website: Centered Staging – Home Staging and Re-Design

or BETTER . . . Join us Feb 1 @ 10 AM

Just contact me to save your seat in the room (Seating is limited to 15)

Best,

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Monday Morning Coffee – Going Old School #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:15:07 -0500

Good Morning!

Everything is moving – Transforming – Morphing . . . ALWAYS.

Just about the time we think we’ve “GOT IT” and can relax . . .

The dust settles, and we “hit a stride” . . .

Find a great routine that brings nice results and fulfillment . . .

then . . . SOMETHING CHANGES and upsets our apple cart.

Seth Godin wrote When the World changes . . . ”It’s painful, expensive, time-consuming, stressful and ultimately pointless to work overtime to preserve your dying business model.”

AS technology (Internet) spooled up, “Old School” ways of doing business died by the bushel. It seemed that the marketers who mastered SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to get insane levels of traffic to their web sites were “getting all the leads” . . . They were preying on anyone and everyone who clicked their clever links.

This internet marketing strategy was the fundamental piece for growing HUGE business and led to great prosperity for many people. The pace continued to increase, and the organizations continued to grow into gargantuan machines that needed LOTS of paying customers to sustain the marketing efforts.

Then something changed . . . Some folks even have said: “the internet is FULL” . . . there’s so much noise out there that the leads ceased flowing as before and many of those marketing machines began to fail . . . Our economy went into decline.

I am not implying that the internet has passed its usefulness as an integral part of a thriving business . . . only that it’s the way we USE this technology to sustain a healthy life and business flow that has changed.

“Old School” is now COOL” . . . and those who get this understand that the internet and technology (smart phones) are marvelous tools for going old school.

Seth Godin (again) wrote: “The TED imperatives . . .”are valid guidelines for any time you choose to stop hiding and step out into the world.”

Be interested.
Be generous.
Be interesting.
Connect.

I’m observing with great interest while some organizations/people/marketers continue to throw money time and energy at complex internet marketing campaigns even as the results are degrading (This business model is dying) while others are shifting to a more old school way.

This is good stuff because I see more folks following the TED imperatives.

I see more people engaging on a personal level and using technology to leverage REAL relationships.

Being interested, generous, interesting, and connecting invites a level of personal ENGAGEMENT I think many people were missing during those technological times of prosperity.

In my business as a Real Estate Sales Professional and Founder of new “Old School” real estate firm Pareto Realty, I am fascinated as I witness other companies “getting” this and taking action . . . some are “Leaving the scene” of worldwide web proliferation of the home listings and marketing by turning off the IDX (Internet Data Exchange) for their house listings and focusing more on LOCAL marketing/networking.

For now, I’ll continue to leave that switch “ON” for Pareto Realty (more for the visibility than anything) . . . and take great pleasure in continuing to witness the Pareto Realty old school model gaining traction in the market.

I could continue to write, but . . . the coffee cup is empty . . . and Apollo’s ready to go walkin’

Hope you have a great week.

Just sayin’

Best,

PS – If you’re in the mood to move . . . or even thinking about it . . . We’re interested in helping you gain clarity on how (and when) to do so . . . Just contact me, and we’ll connect

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Working Expired and Withdrawn Listings Legally and Ethically #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:39:03 -0500

First . . . My disclaimer . . . I am a Real Estate Principal Broker of a firm I solely own (Pareto Realty). If you’re a REALTOR and you are not affiliated with Pareto Realty or Pareto Reserve, I am not YOUR Broker so if you want clarification on any of the below, be sure to consult with YOUR Principal Broker. While I’m at it . . . I’m not an attorney either . . . This post should not be considered to be “Legal Advice” – Contact an attorney with any tort related questions

Every so often, a listing agent will intentionally allow a listing to expire . . . or withdraw it for “Strategic Reasons” with full permission from the client (Owner of the property). Reasons might be to cease showings while repairs or staging happens so as to re-list later . . . or the Owner may have had a family event (Birth, Death, etc) that necessitates a Break from showings.

Just because the listing expires or is withdrawn from the Multiple Listing System does not necessarily in and of itself mean that there is no longer a contractual client and/or close personal relationship between the Seller and the Listing Agent.

Some Real Estate Professionals “work expired and withdrawn listings” which means that they pay attention to the housing inventory and contact the owners of houses which fall out of the MLS. If done legally and tactfully, this is not a bad way to find new business, .

After all – if the listing expires (and so does the listing agreement), the owner may very well be in the market for a new agent . . . there’s nothing wrong with standing up to be noticed.

My caveat is this: as agents go about this practice of contacting expired and withdrawn listings, some become a tad overzealous and risk stepping over legal and ethical boundaries . . .

As we ask Buyers at Open Houses or on sign calls “Are you current working with an agent, and have you signed a representation agreement?“, REALTORS in pursuit of Expired or Withdrawn Listings (Sellers) should verify that there is no existing Exclusive Right to Sell Listing agreement before they launch into any level of solicitation for the listing of the house.

Miss this step as you tackle Withdrawn/Expired listings, and you risk committing what is known in the legal world as Tortious Interference (See this defined below). Ignorance is not a good defense . . . All Real Estate Professionals should know to ask this question as required by law and the Code of Ethics.

Furthermore, some agents may slip into violation of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS (Click the link to view the entire code) by stepping out of bounds with off-hand, disparaging comments about the initial listing agent.

I did a little digging into our code . . . Specifically:

Article 15
REALTORS^® shall not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals, their businesses, or their business practices.
Article 16
REALTORS^® shall not engage in any practice or take any action inconsistent with exclusive representation or exclusive brokerage relationship agreements that other REALTORS^® have with clients.

Then I dug into Google for information on Tort law and found . . .

From Wiki:

“Tortious interference, also known as intentional interference with contractual relations, in the common law of tort, occurs when a person intentionally damages the plaintiff‘s contractual or other business relationships . . .

Tortious interference with contract rights can occur where the tortfeasor convinces a party to breach the contract against the plaintiff, or where the tortfeasor disrupts the ability of one party to perform his obligations under the contract, thereby preventing the plaintiff from receiving the performance promised. The classic example of this tort occurs when one party induces another party to breach a contract with a third party, in circumstances where the first party has no privilege to act as it does and acts with knowledge of the existence of the contract. Such conduct is termed tortious inducement of breach of contract.

So . . . By all means, work expired and withdrawn listings for new listings . . .

Just be sure:

that you can legally solicit the business
to take the high road with anything you say about the prior REALTOR

This is as much to protect reputation as it is to keep folks on the right side of legal and ethical boundaries . . . Breaking the rules and trash mouthing other real estate professionals actually damages the perpetrator’s reputation more than anyone else.

Just sayin’

Best,

FILED UNDER: PARETO REALTY, REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS TAGGED WITH: ARTICLE 15, ARTICLE 16, EXPIRED LISTING, REALTOR CODE OF ETHICS, TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE, WITHDRAWN LISTING

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

I entered the world of Droid #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:16:00 -0500

Does this mean I’m a “Droid-Head”?

I can’t get away with teasing all of the Smartphone users in the world any more.

I held out for as long as I could, but my trusty Motorola workhorse phone with slide out qwerty keyboard was starting to fail . . . getting clumsy with internet . . . battery life shortening more every day . . . and I found myself wanting MORE.

I fantasized about how liberating it would be to be able to instantly access the internet from anywhere with a few silent taps on a glassy screen . . .

I marveled at the notion of being able to acquire “apps” for that (Whatever “that” may be)

Last week, I bought the darned thing with resolute confidence and strolled out of the store with chest puffed out – chin up.

Got in my car, started the engine . . . and the thing began RINGING . . . Sadly, I didn’t know how to answer it, so I witnessed my first “missed call”.

Then panic set in . . . UH-OH . . . What about my CONTACTS?

WHERE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS?

I ravaged the box . . . no instructions whatsoever . . . There I was with a device I was convinced was smarter than I . . . and nobody had my back.

NOTE: I am writing this blog post on day 9 of my ownership of this technological gizmo – The prior 8 days have been filled with “AHA” discoveries.

It’s like a bottomless box of chocolates . . . I never know what I’m going to get . . . and each time I need this thing to do something, the answer shows up.

the good news was that the instant I logged onto Google, the darned thing automatically loaded all of my Gmail contacts and Calendar . . . I was INSTANTLY in business (Very happily).

This little gem has already made a HUGE difference in my productivity . . . It seems that all of the Google integration I’ve worked so hard to learn works seemlessly with this hand-held thing.

So . . . If you can’t beat them – JOIN them!

I stuck to my guns as the curmudgeon – “BAH-HUMBUG! I DON’T NEED A SILLY SMARTPHONE to be complete!”

Unlike QR Codes . . . these smartphones seem to have legs . . . They’re gonna getcha if they haven’t already.

I fell . . . or did I soar?

Just sayin’

Best,

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

“Pricing” Simplified! #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:22:16 -0500

We’re in a market in which pricing a house RIGHT can be very enigmatic.

NAILING a price happens by gut instinct more often than we care to admit.

The more anal retentive amongst us are hell bent on finding sufficient “Comparable Sales,” hyper analyzing current inventory and market conditions, and peering into crystal balls.

In many segments of the market there are NO comparable sales to consider . . . while in other segments, there might be TOO MANY with a wild array of values.

“For this house, I could justify a price of $200,000 and a price of $275,000 . . . and could reasonably assure the Seller that it will sell . . . The key variable being the time it will take to sell (But that doesn’t seem to be very predictable either.”

We’re REALTORS!

We are the PROFESSIONALS!

Shouldn’t WE know how to nail a price better than the average bear?

How often do we get it right the first time?

Tomorrow Wed 1/25, I’m leading a session (mastermind) about “Actually SELLING a house (instead of just “Listing a house for sale”), and I know that pricing is a critical component and is perhaps the most slippery in this “Now Economy” (Contact me if you’re interested in coming – only a few seats left – It’s FREE and includes FREE Lunch provided by Chris Bontrager with RiteRug)

Historical data isn’t always helpful . . . Prior sales are all over the board in price and condition and ownership (REO, Short Sale) . . . and what the current owner paid for it and when is completely irrelevant to EVERYONE (Including the prospective Buyer).

How do we simplify this conundrum?

Seth Godin offers some simple advice in his recent blog post:

The pricing formula (S&S)

Italic is quoted excerpts – to read the full post (Recommended), click the link:

. . . We had three prices in mind, and the five of us couldn’t agree. So we did the only scientific thing: we flipped a coin (two out of three, just to be sure).

Pricing your product is actually simple, as long as you consider it from the buyer’s point of view. How much it costs you to make something (or bought it for) is irrelevant. They don’t care . . .

The two keys to the analysis:

Substitutes: Every purchase is a choice, and that means the buyer can choose to do nothing or buy something else instead . . .

Story: The other half of the pricing formula is the story the price itself tells . . . You can tell a story of value/cheapness/affordability, or a story of luxury. If you price your product or service near the median, you’re telling no story at all with the price, giving you the chance to tell a story about some other element of what you sell . . .

So . . .

Work your magic out there and do your best when pricing . . .

Don’t over-complicate the process . . .

and if you represent a prospective buyer and think the listing price is WHACKED (way high or low) . . . don’t spend hours and days attempting to find out how the Seller or Listing agent came to that price because they might have just flipped a coin (2 out of 3).

MAKE A WRITTEN OFFER and convert that price into real market value by negotiating a price acceptable to both Buyer and seller.

The Listing price isn’t much more than a conversation starter

Just sayin’

Sell MORE houses in 2012!

Best,

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Monday Morning Coffee – “Blind Faith” #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:49:37 -0500

Good morning!

How’s your personal Faith in yourself?

. . . In other people around you?

. . . In leaders of your organization?

. . . In Leaders in your community, City, State, Nation?

Is there a difference in “Faith” and “Blind Faith?”

Faith:

allegiance to duty or a person, loyalty : fidelity to one’s promises, sincerity of intentions
belief and trust in and loyalty to God, belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion, firm belief in something for which there is no proof, complete trust
something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs

Blind faith is “Belief without true understanding, Perception, or Discrimination”

Any way you look at it, Faith doesn’t come without a measure of trepidation . . . FEAR of jumping into the unknown.

The reality; though, is that most forward motion happens because of a willingness to take a “Leap of Faith” . . . to dive in with reckless abandon . . . To harness pure passion and take responsibility for whatMATTERS even when the outcome is uncertain.

Seth Godin offers some perspective in a recent blog post: The Problem with reassurance

“The lizard brain seeks constant reassurance. It will wheedle and argue and debate with the rest of your head, pushing for one tiny bit of evidence, some sort of proof that everything will be okay.

Don’t do it.

When you indulge the lizard, it gains power. It doesn’t walk away ashamed, humiliated at its anxiety. Instead, it merely sidesteps and looks for the next thing to worry about, because, ready for this? It’s nice to be reassured.

Developing the reassurance habit is easy to do and hard to kick. The problem is this: there are some ventures where no reassurance is possible. There is important work for you to do where no proof is available.“

Faith is a VERY personal thing and is not something we can judge.

Faith strengthens as we learn the fine art of “Letting go”

Faith emerges when we notice that the right people are HERE NOW to accomplish the work that MATTERS.

Faith thrives when we understand that whatever happens is the only thing that could have . . . we loosen our attachment to outcome.

Faith endures and carries us forward when we acknowledge endings and Open Space for new beginnings.

Call it what you want . . . but I believe in Faith, and I acknowledge that our current social, political, economic, micro, macro environments invite Faith in every moment.

Will you accept the invitation?

Will your “Lizard Brain” freeze you into inaction?

I say there’s no time like the present to tune in to what MATTERS to you and PLAY HARD!

Just sayin’

Best,

PS . . . I decided 15 months ago to practice what I preach – That with commitment to faith, I can succeed in the creation of a remarkable residential real estate firm in Middle TN engineered to attract and develop a whole passel of high-minded, performance-oriented Real Estate Professionals with a strong commitment to quintessentially serve Home Buyers and Sellers

We’ve done it . . . Pareto Realty grows and mature every day . . . and our Faith continues to propel us FORWARD!

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Actually SELLING the house (instead of just “Listing it for sale”) #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:47:00 -0500

There’s a HUGE difference between “Listing a House” and “SELLING a House,” and clearly some REALTORS are better than most others on that “SELLING” part. The listing part is fun, but doesn’t do a lot of good for anyone involved if it doesn’t SELL . . . SO . . .

We’re having a session here in Nashville Wednesday 1/25/2012 @ 10AM and inviting local Real Estate Pros to explore some ways to increase the odds of being that REALTOR who SELLS listings.

Regardless of any REALTOR’s level of expertise, I believe we all have something significant to bring to this discussion . . . and we all probably have plenty to learn from it

We’ll explore Issues and Opportunities relating to:

creative marketing
pricing Strategies
staging the House
condition concerns
coaching the Owners
. . . and whatever other ideas anyone has to turn listings into SALES.

If you’re in the area, Will you join us?

If you’re not in the area, perhaps you can invite a gaggle of REALTORS in YOUR local area to do the same . . . at the same day and time (Wed 1/25 @ 10AM CST) . . . Maybe we’ll all create a universal disturbance of some sort that’ll magically heal the housing industry resulting in ALL Listings turning into SALES.

Our session comes with FREE lunch provided by Chris Bontrager with RiteRug (Chris has a company that can help you look like a STAR with your Sellers)

Please RSVP to save your seat in the room (and reserve your lunch)

Best,

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Home Mortgages, Banks, the Fed policy . . . How can we help? #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:41:42 -0500

Are you ready to be part of the SOLUTION?

There aren’t many folks out there would would disagree that getting the Real Estate markets MOVING is an instrumental piece of National Economic buoyancy as well being a HUGE fire starter of job growth . . . More employed people yields more overall prosperity.

All boats rise with the tide.

The US Senators “Get” this but are having difficulties wrangling with the Federal Government’s role in all of this.

Some think that MORE Government intervention is what is needed to keep things moving . . .

While others advocate policy that increases securitization that entices Private Sector Investors back into the game.

An intrepid group of REALTORS are going to gather this Wednesday to tackle these very issues. We’re going to look at some of the congressional proposals, seek to understand, and brainstorm our own notions with some old-fashioned Solution-oriented Masterminding.

You can reserve a seat at the table – Just contact me! 615.568.2123 or barry@paretorealtyllc.com

Seating is limited and we’ll enjoy a FREE LUNCH provided by Laurel McKenzie with Suntrust Bank.

Wednesday January 18

10 til Noon

Suntrust Building 401 Church – Downtown Nashville 1st Floor.

If we get some really good ideas, we can pass them along to our Senators

Looking forward to lively discussion on Wednesday!

Now . . . Sell a house between now and then

Best,

FILED UNDER: PARETO REALTY, REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS TAGGED WITH: FANNIE, FEDERAL REGULATION,FREDDIE MAC, HOUSING RECOVERY, JOB SECURITY, PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT, SECURITIZATION

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Monday Morning Coffee – Impulse #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:45:46 -0500

The Nashville Boat Show is always a great place to wander around and dream . . .

I’ve always wanted to own a boat and LOVE looking at them and imagining the possibilities.

We packed up the kids and headed there yesterday.

While there, we were tempted MANY times to ACT on our IMPULSIVE desires.

“An impulse is a wish or urge, particularly a sudden one.” (From Wiki)

Those shows are veritable smorgasbords for impulsive people.

The “Vendors” and organizers engineer everything about the show to create an over-stimulating environment that arouses Impulsive behavior and thoughts . . . and have myriad mechanisms in place to encourage folks to ACT on impulse by BUYING.

LOW Trade Show Only pricing
Past customers manning the booths to give testimonials
Entire financing operations on-site for FAST credit approval
Give-aways to lure people into thier booths
Pressure tactics: “Buy NOW, and you get all these extras FREE!”
A “Lottery” – Buy a boat today, and your name goes in a hat to win $3,000

Debbie and I found the PERFECT boat. She’s a REAL beauty, and the price was @ 25% off . . . and there was a great prior customer of the Dealer who RAVED about the service and care of the company. The OWNER of the company was there as icing on the cake.

We were SO tempted, but we had made a pact NOT to allow the marketing geniuses to use their clever guise to do something for which we would regret later.

There was this mantra humming in our heads to stay calm, cool, and collected even in the thick of the storm (and this was a PERFECT storm).

We walked away still high on the possibilities and over-stimulated.

The Boat guys didn’t get us . . . but the Hanging Lawn Chair Lady DID. She capitalized on our “weakness” having let our guard down after the Boat Dealer.

At the end of it all, i feel OK with it . . . I figure we “saved” @ $27,000

I’ve ALWAYS gotta tie in to real estate, and it is here that I think acting on impulse has REAL potential for draconian ramifications.

Impulse buying of a house can lead to real, significant “Buyer’s Remorse,” untold financial distress, and can stress relationships to the brink of collapse.

At Pareto Realty (as with most Real Estate Sales Professionals), we spend a lot of time and energy with each client to “unpack” their “Wants and NEEDS” associated with any contemplated move.

High pressure sales tactics are NOT a long term strategy for success.

We FIRST want to be VERY clear with each client what their “Ultimate Scenario” is . . . If they could have anything they want and need . . . wherever it is they want or need to be . . . at EXACTLY the right time, and money were no obstacle . . . What would that look like?

Once that destination is clear in our heads, we can help the client get “There” or as close to “There” as possible.

The value of a REALTOR is NOT Sales and marketing skills . . . It’s this ability to LISTEN to clients and think creatively enough to construct a smooth process to orchestrate a transition from here to “there.”

Impulsive tendencies will upset the apple cart faster than most anything.

So . . . We always emphasize that it’s NEVER “too early” to start the process of Buying a house.

If you’ve even got an inkling of an hankering to move, contact a REALTOR FIRST to explore your wants and needs and tame those tendencies to act on impulse.

If you’re in Middle TN, just pick up the phone and call Pareto Realty . . . We’re trained impulse control specialists

Happy Monday – Enjoy your MLK day off!

Best,

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Why bother with “Continuing Education?”

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:04:11 -0500

In most Professions that require any form of official licensure, there’s a mandate for a level of periodic “Continuing Education” in the form of “Approved Courses” often offered by Local Associations.

This is true for REALTORS, and I am a HUGE advocate of the requirement.

I wonder, sometimes, why the need for a REQUIREMENT?

Surly, anyone who calls herself a “Professional” would be learning-based enough to continually hone skills and knowledge and standards of practice in order to provide the BEST for customers and clients and to stay competitive in the market???

Sadly . . . not the case!

I am a frequent witness of professionals scrambling as the deadline approaches to fulfill the requirement for CE HOURS . . . Many do so with on-line courses in the darkness of night.

When a person approaches education in this way (a last minute cram to meet a requirement for licensure), I wonder: “Why Bother?”

Perhaps these folks aren’t in the right profession . . .

Why not pursue a career for which the passion is there to the degree that CE is something done to IMPROVE efficiency and effectiveness in the trade?

As I offer weekly opportunities for learning and Masterminding about issues of the day in the Local Real Estate Market, I am sometimes baffled by the question: “Will I get CE credit for attending?”

If that’s the ONLY reason you would come, I’d rather have your absence because I know that if you were to show up, you would not be present.

“Why Bother?”

Somethin’ to chew on . . .

Best,

afterthought – If I were a potential client interviewing a professional, one of my most important questions would be something to the effect of:

“What do you do keep yourself and your business up to speed with the changes and improvements in your industry?”

How would YOU answer that question – HONESTLY?

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

“SOMEONE” should . . . #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:01:07 -0500

“SOMEONE” should . . .

“SOMEONE” should call 911!

“SOMEONE” should pick up all of that trash!

“SOMEONE” should invent a gadget that Automatically solves this problem!

“SOMEONE” needs to get busy and FIX this economy!

“SOMEONE” should start a business that fills this gap in our community!

“SOMEONE” should come up with a class to teach me how to ________

“SOMEONE” should call me to Buy or Sell a house!

“SOMEONE” should . . .

How many times a day/week/month/year do you hear or say: “”SOMEONE” should . . . !”?

How would the world and your world be different if each time you thought, said, or heard that phrase, you saw it as an opportunity to take some level of responsibility by TAKING ACTION!

I’m not implying that you always tackle and DO every time . . . You’d never be able to do it ALL yourself.

This is more about staying tuned to the world around us and “Match-making” ideas with people who have the expertise, talent, and drive to do something about them.

So . . . What if . . . Instead of saying “SOMEONE should . . . !”, you change your words to “WHO could?”

That “WHO” could be YOU, or it could be SOMEONE you know who is quintessentially qualified and positioned to do something about it.

Either way . . . If it results in a score, you’ve made a difference . . . Much like in sports . . . Often points are scored because of the brilliance of the “assist” . . . Who was it on the team who spotted the opportunity to score and fed the ball to the player who could best make it happen?

Successful people score more success by recognizing the gaps . . . and doing something about filling those gaps.

Will you make a difference today?

Just sayin’

Best,

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

What Does the REALTOR Code of Ethics say about your use of the internet?

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:31:07 -0500

If you’re in Middle Tennessee, you’re hereby invited to a 2 hour “Reading of the REALTOR Code of Ethics” followed by a FREE LUNCH sponsored by Lakeside Title & Escrow.

FRIDAY January 13 – 9 til 11 (Lunch Following)

Pinnacle Bank Learning Center Green Hills

2307 Crestmoor

Please RSVP by return email if you’re coming.

Anyone who calls him/herself a REALTOR has agreed to a higher level of ethical conduct while practicing the real estate profession.

In Tennessee, we are required by law to disclose our agency status to all customers and clients in every transaction, and of course we have a form for that . . . “Working With a Real Estate Professional” which delineates legally required “duties to every buyer and seller, tenant and Landlord” and “duties to his/her Client if the Licensee has become an Agent or Designated Agent in a Transaction.”

The “Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS” (NAR) establishes very well defined ethical conduct standards in virtually ALL aspects of every REALTOR’s professional real estate practice.

NAR updates this code each year, so it stays current with the business environment including the advancement of TECHNOLOGY . . .

What does the code say about a REALTOR’s use of the internet?

The answer is: “LOTS!”

Article 12 has 13 Standards of Practice . . . most of which deal with internet and marketing practices.

Odds are good, most every REALTOR out there is using the internet in a variety of ways in the hopes that they can attract more visibility and LEADS to fuel their business.

Next question to REALTORS: “Do you KNOW your ethical obligations per your Code of ethics?”

Ignorance (not knowing) isn’t acceptable . . . The responsibility of Knowing the code comes with the territory of being a REALTOR.

If you’re a REALTOR and you’re not in Middle TN, I hope you’ll set aside a couple of hours each January to read and review the updates of the Code of Ethics.

Just keepin’ us Honest (and Ethical) . . .

Just sayin’

Best,

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Monday Morning Coffee – The Power of “Thank You!” #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:58:06 -0500

How many times do you hear “Thank You!” each day?

How many times do you SAY “Thank You!” each day?

When you hear “Thank You!” and/or say “Thank You!” how does it feel?

An unexpected, unconditional “Thank You!” goes a LONG way in today’s world.

My daughter Allison has perfected the “Thank you!” My estimation is that those 2 words “Thank You!” come out of her mouth at least 15 times a day. She is always genuinely appreciative of other people for who they are and what they do for her and others. The most often heard description of Allison is that she is a “Caretaker” . . . a person others like to be around.

Of course, Parents Debbie and I take ALL the credit for her graciousness

I remember as a child, my Mother would relentlessly demand that we write “Thank You!” notes for gifts given after Birthdays and Christmas within 2 weeks of the gifting. At the time, the sometimes threat would be that if we don’t send “Thank You!“s, we may not get any gifts at the next Birthday. We never tested that theory and always got it done.

No matter what has happened, there’s ALWAYS room for a couple of “thank You!“s.

Even when things haven’t gone so well and feedback or constructive criticism is in order, beginning with a taste of appreciation always seems to open the door for folks to “Seek to Understand” rather than defaulting to defensive postures.

Remember when your Mother told you: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”? . . .

What if – Instead of saying nothing, you simply say: “Thank you!”

Every experience we have in our life is a lesson in our personal “School of life”

Every person who crosses our paths is one of our teachers.

Appreciate when you learn and thank those folks who provide new outlooks and experiences.

So . . . Give more “Thank you!“,s every day, and you’ll become a “Smile Creator” . . . and Thank God! it’s contagious.

Thank you!

Best,

FILED UNDER: PARETO REALTY, REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS, UNCATEGORIZED TAGGED WITH:APPRECIATION, CARETAKER, SEEK TO UNDERSTAND, THANK YOU

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Confirming receipt #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:22:16 -0500

Call Office – Leave Message – No response!

Call Cell Phone – Leave Message – No response!

Send Text Message – No Response!

Send Email – No Response!

Congratulations!

You’ve found a “Communication Black Hole”

If there’s ONE thing that can single-handedly stifle achievement of success in business and relationships, it’s failure to communicate.

NOTHING is more offensive and/or irritating than apathetic non-response.

I’ve seen non-response cause a home Buyer to “move on” from LOVING a house and willingness to pay whatever it takes to buy it . . . to a steel resolve “NOT to buy that house even if it were the last house on the market, and they’re not making any more!” . . . simply because of lack of communication.

Our teenagers do it to us. We ask them a question, and it seems to flow in one ear and out the other without having any visible impact on them . . . and we wonder sometimes if they are still breathing and/or if they’ve had some kind of hemorrhage and are brain dead.

We can give these teenagers the benefit of the doubt because they’ve got a lot going on in their bodies and minds as they process all that comes at them during their maturity process.

What about adults?

Is there an unwritten obligation to at least “Confirm Receipt?”

Has social etiquette somehow morphed away from direct, feedback oriented dialogue towards a nonchalant non-communicative way?

How do people who fail to communicate/respond build relationships and do real business?

My rant this morning comes on the heels of several recent “one way conversations” each of which could have easily been more pleasant. Non-response leads to agitation and exasperation . . . and for many folks, births a mental cycle of “Conspiracy Theory Thinking” as folks wonder why the non-response.

Does this person not like me?

Is this person arrogant?

Is this person playing a game?

Are there other offers on the table?

Is this person a candidate for “Village Idiot?”

Is there trauma/drama in this person’s life that’s distracting from the matter at hand?

The solution is not complicated . . . simple responses are OK because they confirm some sign of life.

“K”

“thank you!”

“Got it”

“will get back to you later”

“working on it”

“thinking”

A little more of this and a little less non-response would create a kinder, gentler dialog and might actually be the key to world peace.

Just sayin’

Best,

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Re-entry – Managing the BURN! #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:34:36 -0500

It’s January 4, 2012.

January 1 was a Sunday – New Years Day – For most people, it was a day of doing NOTHING after a night of revelry ringing in the new year . . . and RECOVERY from the (probable) month-long antics that go with “The Holiday Season” (Parties, Shopping, Travelling, Family, etc)

During all of that time, the “Normal Flow” of life was likely non-existent . . . Somewhat like an uncontrolled tumble . . . from one thing to the next to the next to the next without much rhyme or reason . . . Chaotic by Nature and definitely not conducive to routine and anything resembling a work flow.

January 2 was a Monday and was declared the “National Holiday” for New Years Day . . . Most folks seemed to use that day as an extension of what happened on January 1 . . . but this time with a swelling lump of dread in the throat . . . OMG! The Party’s coming to an END, and I’m going to have to start acting like a responsible ADULT again.

For some, January 3 was the day for re-entry . . . except for many here in Middle TN who have children who do not start back to school until today.

Whether on the 3rd or 4th, re-entry is not always a smooth and pleasant experience for all people.

I drew an analogy that I think might help navigate folks back to “feet on the ground normalcy.”

This is worth paying attention to because there’s definitely the possibility of BURN-OUT if you dive in too quickly without being appropriately equipped/shielded.

Imagine that you’re a space ship and when the holiday season started (Thanksgiving time), you left the “Normal atmosphere” and entered space where all of the rules change . . . Less gravity and friction . . . less order . . . less ability to control/maneuver . . . and moving at an incredibly FAST rate of speed.

It’s time to re-enter . . . I found this wonderfully simple explanation of what you’re facing from the howstuffworks.com website: How Do Spacecraft Re-Enter the earth’s Atmosphere (Excerpts Quoted below)

“Spacecraft re-entry is tricky business for several reasons. When an object enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it experiences a few forces, including gravity and drag. Gravity will naturally pull an object back to earth. But gravity alone would cause the object to fall dangerously fast. Luckily, the Earth’s atmosphere contains particles of air. As the object falls, it hits and rubs against these particles, creating friction. This friction causes the object to experience drag, or air resistance, which slows the object down to a safer entry speed.

Space Shuttle Image Gallery

Pete Turner/Stone Collection/Getty Images
Objects that enter the Earth’s atmosphere face a rough trip.

This friction is a mixed blessing, however. Although it causes drag, it also causes intense heat. Specifically, shuttles face intense temperatures of about 3000 degrees Fahrenheit (about 1649 degrees Celsius) [source:Hammond]. Blunt-body design helps alleviate the heat problem. When an object — with blunt-shaped surface facing down — comes back to Earth, the blunt shape creates a shock wave in front of the vehicle. That shock wave keeps the heat at a distance from the object. At the same time, the blunt shape also slows the object’s fall [source:NASA]. The Apollo program, which moved several manned ships back and forth from space during the 1960s and 1970s, coated the command module with special ablative material that burned up upon re-entry, absorbing heat.

Unlike the Apollo vehicles, which were built for one-time use, space shuttles are reusable launch vehicles (RLVs). So instead of merely using ablative material, they must incorporate durable insulation.

Remember . . . You’re the Spaceship!

Your Re-entry is into the atmosphere from the “Outer Space” of the Holidays.

How will you prepare yourself to deal with:

Gravity
Drag
Friction
Air Resistance
Intense Heat
Blunt Body design
Shock Wave
Ablative Material
Durable Insulation

????

Might make sense to prepare yourself for all of this before throwing yourself into this free-fall back to Earth.

Enjoy the ride, and get yourself scorched . . .

Just sayin’

Best,

FILED UNDER: PARETO REALTY, REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS TAGGED WITH: FRICTION, GETTING BACK TO WORK, GRAVITY, NORMALCY, RE-ENTRY, WORK FLOW

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

From Resolution to Reality #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:47:43 -0500

Seth Godin wrote a thought provoking post this morning (Imagine that).

My observation throughout my life is that “Pain avoidance” tends to squelch forward motion.

I’m not talking about the kind of pain you feel when you’re ill . . . That’s pain that might be best addressed with a doctor.

Seth’s notion is one in which he suggests that most folks trade in their pain for something LESS than their goal.

Trading in your pain

“This notion creates a cycle of dissatisfaction, an unwillingness to stick it out. There’s always a pain-free gig right around the corner, so screw this, let’s go try that.

The truth is that pain is everywhere, in every project and in every relationship and in every job. Wandering from one to another merely wastes your energy.”

Failing to deal with the pain and moving forward is akin to selling yourself (your goals) short.

Throwing the baby out with the bathroom.

Pain is weakness leaving the body.

No Pain – No gain!

This shows up all around us, and I often quip; “You cannot run from yourself, so quitting and looking for a pain free solution will not likely get you “there.”

I believe that most relationships end (divorce) too early because of “unwillingness to stick it out”

Jobs and careers end due to dislike of the pain of pushing through to the other side.

Real estate deals sometimes end prematurely in the interest of avoiding the pain of working through the issues.

As a young Engineer Officer in the Army, my Captain’s most often heard quote was: “I Hate QUITTERS and WIMPS!” . . . those who ran from pain and looked for the easy way out.

80% (the trivial many) are Pain avoiders

20% (The vital Few) stick with it and push through the dip with steel resolve to accomplish the mission.

Those 20% folks:

SHOW UP and are PRESENT always
Follow their Hearts – Take ACTION (Responsibility) for their passion
Always Tell the truth to themselves and others (even when it hurts)
Let it go . . . Know when it’s over

These are from Angeles Arrien’s FourFold Way

If you’ve committed yourself to goals and aspirations for 2012 (resolutions) and/or painted a Vision for yourself in the future, are you willing to do whatever it takes to get there regardless of the pain along the way?

I hope so because YOU are WORTH it!

Just sayin’

Best,

PS – There’s a solid reason “The Vital Few” follows the Pareto Realty logo . . . Our firm was founded during tough times, and our resolve is to push through whatever pain we face for ourselves and for our clients . . . There is no turning back or selling out . . . We KNOW where we are going

FILED UNDER: PARETO REALTY, REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS TAGGED WITH: ANGELES ARRIEN, FOLLOWING HEART, GOAL ACHIEVEMENT, LET IT GO, PAIN, PASSION, SETH GODIN, TAKE ACTION, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY,TELLING THE TRUTH, THE FOURFOLD WAY

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

We are ALL “Writers” #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:55:26 -0500

I met Charlie for the first time 5 weeks ago and sat with him and his wife, and we 3 explored possibilities for them as they considered buying their next house.

Charlie was a strong man with a keen wit, and I remember him describing the house of his dreams (with a wink) knowing that it was not practical. His health was failing, and he knew that they would need to buy a zero maintenance house . . . not the house in the country on a lake that he wanted.

A week after our meeting, Charlie learned that he was in advanced stages of cancer . . . 3 days after Christmas, Charlie died peacefully . . . Today was the Celebration of his life which included lots of music and interesting stories about Charlie.

The Pastor had an analogy which I feel compelled to share because it rings true for all of us and offers a perspective that affirms our individual purpose here on Earth.

We are ALL “Writers”

Each moment we write our own lives, and those folks who are part of our story are those who we invite . . . and they are the right people.

Each day is a page – Each week is a segment – Each Month a Paragraph – Each Year a chapter.

We are composers – WRITERS – of the story of our lives.

and when we die, we will have written the final chapter.

As Charlie so poignantly demonstrated . . . None of us knows when that final chapter is to be written.

So . . . It’s best to write the best story we can muster each and every moment . . . to LIVE!

Keep on writing . . . We’re all reading

Thank you Charlie – Welcome to the River & RIP!

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Monday Morning Coffee – Finding FLOW after the Holidays #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:36:04 -0500

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope you’ve had a fabulous celebration and have 2011 out of your current reality and are bursting into 2012 with enthusiasm and gusto.

Today, many people are still on Holiday, although my suspicion is that most folks are ready to find some “normalcy” and routine after a month of revelry and debauchery.

As we ring in a new year, we often speak in terms of “New Year Resolutions” . . . What will we do differently in this 2012 year to make it Oh-so-much-better than 2011?

New Diets . . .

New/More Exercise routines . . .

Commitment to a PLAN . . .

Fresh performance GOALS . . .

More time with family and friends . . .

More “OFF” time for vacations . . .

The gyms will be FULL of New Year Resolution fulfillers . . . for a few weeks . . . and then attendance will wane.

We seek the ever elusive ”Life Balance” which turns out to be an illusion because of “Outside spanners.”

There’s always some external force pulling or pushing us out of balance . . . Holidays, Job cycles, Illness, Birth, Death, Divorce, Birthdays, Economic and political uncertainty, moving to a new house . . . It’s always there in the background threatening our Balance.

Let yourself off the hook and cease your quest for “Balance” by accepting the simple notion that (most of time) you’ll be a tad (or a LOT) off balance . . . and that the best you can do is to maintain a personal FLOW that is taking you towards your vision of where you want to be.

So . . .

LIVE to your fullest capacity in every moment!

WORK your art and be the force of change you are in this world during your short time here.

PLAY your way along.

Let 2012 be the year you practice this dance of Live, Work, and Play to the extent that you are effortlessly your FULL self in every moment.

the rest is just icing on the cake.

Just sayin’

Best,

PS: Often finding your life FLOW leads to adjusting where you live . . . Moving to a larger or smaller house, relocating to a different area . . . If that’s even a remote possibility in your future, NOW is a wonderful time to start the process, and I and the associates of Pareto Realty stand poised and ready to help you with a smooth transition to new digs

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/

Lord Love a Duck #in

Barry Owen (Pareto Realty) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:10:16 -0500

What it means:

“An exclamation uttered when nothing else will fit… often used when stunned or dismayed.” from the Urban Dictionary

As I was growing up, I heard “Lord of a Duck!” often from my Mother and sometimes my Grandfather.

I always knew that it indicated some sort of stress/distress and usually was followed by some form of consequence.

30 years later (Yesterday), “Lord Love a Duck!” rolled off my tongue as I tripped over a bicycle INSIDE the house as I was heading for the garage. Uttering the phrase first brought a whole basket full of memories . . . and then I wondered what it REALLY means?

What’s the derivation of this phrase?

I did the usual – GOOGLED it . . . and come up empty handed in all of the usual places.

REALLY!

The internet doesn’t know the derivation of “Lord Love a Duck!”?

We can all now breathe a collective sigh of relief in the comfort of now knowing that the internet is NOT FULL and COMPLETE . . . There’s still some work to do.

The best I could come up with was the above definition which really indicates that it’s something to say instead of cursing.

I’ll likely say it more now that it’s surfaced in my mind. My reticular activator will perhaps filter out some of my more guttural expletives and replace them with “Lord Love a Duck!”

Now that that’s out of the way . . .

Lord love a DUCK!

Don’t “THEY” realize the value a REALTOR provides for a home Buyer and/or Seller throughout the process of a real estate Transaction?

I cannot think of another profession in which some customers/clients feel so comfortable questioning the fees for service and asking for discounts for their own convenience (in order to net more money from the transaction).

This doesn’t fly with Doctors, Attorneys . . . and I really don’t think it would go over very well with a salaried or hourly paid employee while checking out at the cash register.

Perhaps this is the REALTOR’s fault for doing so much her work “Ninja Style”

The BEST REALTORS are the ones who insulate their clients from the intricacies of the deal so as to protect them from unnecessary anxiety. After all, buying and/or selling a house bears plenty of stress, and if the REALTOR can handle some of the hiccups during the deal without alarming the client it’ll result in a smoother experience.

Most all GREAT REALTORS do this . . . EVERY day . . . and never brag . . . because it’s in alignment with their own, personal, unspoken “Hippocratic Oath” . . . It’s just the right thing to do – In service to others.

Most REALTORS very intentionally hone their skills of negotiating, Presentation, Psychological understanding, listening so they can consistently deliver calm and unruffled experiences for their clients.

This can be exhausting work . . . and more often than most non-REALTORS know ends up in disappointment when deals come unglued and fail to close or clients make commission reduction demands.

Lord Love a Duck!

I guess the Real Estate Professionals could abandon this “Hippocratic Oath” way of thinking and “Churn and Burn” their clients through the transaction . . . but then where’s the fulfillment and satisfaction in this “Art” of dancing through the process?

In my book . . . the more effortless the transaction feels to the home buyer or seller, the more valuable the Real Estate Professional.

More “Ninja” . . . Less “Churn and burn” = More value to the client.

Just sayin’

Best,

Barry Owen
Real Estate Broker
Professional Coach
Pareto Realty
Nashville, TN

615.502.2080
www.paretorealty.co
Call me: 615-568-2123
email me: barryo@comcast.net
Visit The Owen Group http://www.theowengroup.net

Barry Owen's Internet Portal to all blogsites, websites, and social networks
http://tnrealestatetribalhub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/barry-owens-web-portal/