Some of you will read this and get it.... Others will read this and should get it... It's what will make the difference of either thriving and surviving, or drowning in this market. I have been coaching with Brian Buffini and Company for 4 months, and I believe that our clients want someone they can trust. Buying a home in this market is scarey. The fear of not having good credit, or not qualifying for a loan. Having to open up their financials to someone they may or may not know personally, and feeling very vulnerable. With the Brian Buffini training system, our job is to create, mold and build long term relationships with our clients. Our business should be relational, not transactional. We should give of ourselves, and make our clients feel comfortable and safe. We treat them like our close family, and by doing this, we gain trust, loyalty, friendship, and their referrals. We all refer business to our friends and family because we trust their product or service. It's the same in every aspect of life. I have a wonderful coach named CJ and she keeps me in line. I will be going to a business seminar On June 24-25 in San Diego, put on by Brian Buffini, and I'd love to take some of you with me. If any are interested, please feel free to email me for more information. Remember, By building our business by referral, we will survive and thrive in this market . It's a Good Life!!! Christine

(Can you hear me now?) It's been a heck of a week. I closed my first escrow on Friday, visited my client at his new home, who is my Friend's Brother on Sunday, and on the way home My husband hit a stroller that found it's way off the back of a truck under my car resting with a steel piece jammed into my gas tank!!!!Whew... we made it home 1 block away, as gas was pouring out of the Plastic tank that I rely on to get me from point A to point B. I guess my car heard me talking about a closed escrow and wanted to help me spend my compensation check. Being that I had no car, I resorted to using my husbands truck which by the way is about 50 feet long and 12 feet wide or that's what it feels like when you're a 5 ft 1 female who can barely see over the pizza sized steering wheel. I think I am more concerned that I will wreck his truck, and we will be without 2 cars. Ok, enough complaining. My point to this story is there all all kinds of things that can happen on a daily basis that if we take a step back and look at the big picture, we realize that things could have been so much worse. I believe that God doesn't put you through anything that you can not handle, maybe God see's more potential in us than we see in ourselves. That being said, I could have been in an accident where my family and I could've gotten hurt, that would have been worse, someone could have been smoking a cigarette and thrown it out the window which means that I probably wouldn't be bloggging. That would've been even worse. We made it home safely, because God was watching over the car that we were driving, and I tell you, not having my car for the past few days has given me the time I need to relax and slow down. I guess God saw that I was doing to much of nothing and not enough of the important things, like prioritizing my schedule, writing out a list of things that need to be done, spending time with him in prayer, spending quality time with my family, you know, the things we forget when we're busy. "Lord, I can hear you now, Loud and clear." So, I want to remind everyone in AR land that some times we need to listen a little bit harder. Be thankful everyday for what we have, and leave the rest up to him, after all, he, your higher power what ever that might be for you, has control of the steering wheel, and he will bring you hame safely!!!!!!!

     How many of you out there in AR cyber space have been so busy marketing all of your listings, doing Open Houses, trying to qualify buyers, feeding the kids, paying attention to your spouses, catching up with friends and family, finishing continuing Ed, or designation classes, getting 2nd jobs to make ends meet, following up with clients, ect... and forgot to pay your registration, or renew your drivers license?  Guess What?  The DMV just went high tech, and made it easier for us to do all of the necessary things that we crazy heads forget with the hustle and bustle of life.  I have been so busy doing all of the fore-mentioned things that I forgot to pay the registration on my husbands Classic car!  DUH!!!    He is going to freak!   well, lucky for him  (me really) that the DMV just added a feature on their website that we all can use to cut down on our running around for personal, family stuff.  I went to the office and in my mailbox I had a flyer that asked us for our assistance in promoting the DMV's new website, www.DMV.ca.gov to our clients.  The new website has many features including:

• Renewing Driver's licence
• Paying a vehicle registration (whew)
• Changing or updating the address of a vehicle, or boat registration
• Reviewing insurance requirements
• Make appointments online for any CA DMV field office, up to 30 days in advance
• Submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability Form after the sale of a car

This is great.  Not only will it save time, but it will relieve unwanted or needed Stress in our lives and the lives of our clients.  I was very excited, and I wanted to share this with everyone...24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Lets let the cat out of the bag, and help spread the news...     The DMV went high tech!!

 

I wanted to say a few words about "the grocery Game."  Today July 13, 2007 is my 20 year anniversary of being a cashier in the grocery business.  WOW  20 years!!!  I am having some issues tht I wanted to address, and I thought that many of you on AR could relate.  I am 37 years old, and I am about to make a career change. Scary stuff... Now I must first say Thank You to the Grocery industry for all of the things that it has allowed me to attain in my 20 years. I have had medical coverage at a minimul price, great vacation pay, I have always worked nights so I can raise my 3 children by doing the parent swap, I have learned a lot about people and customer service, and I love people.  I love my customers!!!!  When the industry went on strike 3 1/2 years ago, I realized that I am replacable whether I like it or not.  The grocery industry use to be a career job.  Most people who have been doing it as long as I have, did so with the assurance of having a great retirement and good benefits.  This is not the case anymore.  I now realize that the company could care less about me, but cares deeply about their bottom line...(Profit)  I work for Ralphs, and I was locked out during the last strike.  For all of you who don't know what locked out means, it means that though the union struck Vons,  Ralphs and Albertsons basically said that I could not work because my union struck one of the three companies.  Ididn't really have a choice.. either I picket, or I find another job for the duration of the strike.  I was the picket captain, and I was in charge of making sure that there were no incidents on the line, there was adequate coverage and that all was peaceful.  Most of the time this was true, but you can't control the actions of others.  this strike lasted for 20 weeks!!! I lost a lot of monetary things during that time, but I gained a lot of knowledge.  When we went back to work, customers were pleased to see most of us, management was too for the most part...But what I learned, is that you are the only one that you can depend on for your future.  I got my real estste license in October, and I love this business.  I am doing both jobs for now until the market picks up.  The problem I am having is that I am so done with "the grocery game" that It is hard to make myself get up and go to work!  I feel like a robot!  I am learning a lot about Real Estste, but in this market, it is difficult to get started.  I have some leads, and I am doing the Brian Buffini program  which is awesome, but I am so ready to retire from Ralphs that it is distracting my Real Estate thinking and doing....I keep telling myself that the time will come soon that I can leave the grocery game, but there is a side of me that is scared to death.  scared of succeeding or not, scared to  leave a weekly paycheck, scared to not have medical at an affordable price, fear fear fear.... It is paralyzing...  So I need some feedback,  I know the Real Estate industry will pick up, eventually, but for now, do I stay at Ralphs and play the strike game again... Or do I take a leap of faith, and pour myself into real Estate?  Thanks for reading, sorry it's so long, but I have sooooo much on my mind... Have a great week...

Christine Richter  Realtor   "One goal, One passion"

A Dear friend of mine and of many in the community of Castaic, was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer.  He is the Business owner of T & M Enterprizes, Tracy Jara. 

This man whom I met at his place of business has helped so many people in our community.  It is apparent when you walk into his store, and see all of the thank You cards from so many of the organizations that he has donated to.  ex AYSO, Live Oak Elementary, CMS, Castaic Elementary, "The Love Ride" girl scouts and boy scouts of America, the miss Castaic pageant, there are so many to name...  Tracy served as the Castaic Chamber of Commerce President, he was voted "Man of the Year" 2 years and business of the year a couple tims, He is truely a pillar in our community. 

We held a fund-raiser  for he and his family on Saturday June 2, 2007 at the Paseo Club.  We had so many people come forward and ask to volunteer, to donate supplies, food, drinks, baskets for the silent auction, and for the raffle... It was amazing to be a part of this special Fund-raiser for one of our own.  We raised over 10,000 for the family to help with Chemo costs.  Thank you on behalf of everyone who helped put this event together. 

Thank You Cyndi Lesinski, for thinking the whole thing up and seeing it through to fruition.  You are amazing.  Thanks to all of the people who took out time in their busy lives to come and honor Tracy and his family and to help ease the financial burden.  The people of the SCV and Castaic, are such a wonderful bunch of home owners business owners family and friends. thanks to the Paseo Club, all of the sponsors, and anyone and everyone that donated for this cause.  You are all very much appreciated.  Doesn't it feel great to help out?

Life is short. Take the time to do things today, do not put them off.  Tell your Family and friends you love them often.  Next time you are in the store or the gas station, or target, or wherever you are, make it a point to be kind to one another.  The person behind the counter may be in a bad way, they may have  a family member who is sick, or lost a job, or are not feeling good about themselves... Be patient with them and remember, life is too short to battle the small stuff, take care of your "Golf Balls" (story you have to read)  they are the most important part of life.  the rest is just filling in the gaps.  Thanks for reading my blog, I Thank God everyday for dying on the cross for me... Have a beautiful week to everyone in the AR community...  Thanks,

Christine Richter

I have to share something with the AR community that I am very excited about.  I have a twin sister and an older sister both of whom I am very close to. Throughout our lives we have seen many tough times together, and have always pulled through. What I want to do in this blog is share their information and a little bit about them because they have helped me through so much, and like the title on my profile page says, I want to Pay it Forward. 

First off, my twin sister Danielle Neal (who is 27 minutes older than me) has been married for almost 20 years to my brother in law Philip Neal. Philip is an amazing artist and web designer.  He received Awards for his creativity and he was a featured artist in     Illustrator CS Killer Tips by Dave Cross, Illustrator CS 2 Killer Tips by Dave Cross, and Matt Klosowski, and How to Wow with Flash by Colin Smith.  The crazy thing is  that Philip doesn't realize how talented an artist he is.  He has had some great accomplishments and I just want to send out a Kudos to him for his love and support of my career and for all of the things he has helped me with. 

 My other sister has joined AR, and owns CMK Construction LLC.  She at one time was going to get her RE license, but our father passed away and she decided to persue investing and business ownership instead.  I think it is amazing that all of us have ended up in the Real Estate Industry, and now it is time for us to Kudo Eachother's accomplishments.  I Love my sisters so much and I am so Proud to Be a Burkholder Girl. 

Thank You for reading, and remember Your family is the begining of your Sphere of Influence, let Them know How much you love them everyday, and If they have helped you in any way, Pay It Forward!!!!!

I hope that I can change this statement someday.  It seems that a lot of people truly believe that the Real Estate market is still in a bubble, that is just bound to burst!  I hear it almost everyday.  Things like " I am so glad that you are pursuing a new career, but why Real Estate?  It's such a bad market," or I may here "Don't leave your day job to do real estate, its a shaky market right now..."; "Property values have plummeted, and are only going to get worse." 

 My response... " Well, I believe that this is the BEST market to learn in! I have nothing to lose and everything to gain, by positioning myself to soar in the future. The people that are training me have been through the tough market, and are not about to quit now.  I Love my customers at the grocery store, but I physically and mentally can not do it.   I believe that the Real Estate professionals who can withstand this market, are the same people that I want to learn from." 

I have found that when somebody is negative, it is usually from the fear, of the unknown.  Maybe they are in a position that they need to sell, or refinance, because of a job loss, transfer, layoff, or something has changed in their future, and that makes them nervous. In the eyes of the media, (the negative culprit) all they hear is how bad everything is and how much worse it is going to get.

That being said, I think that as Professionals, we all have to reassure the public through our Blog's, websites, and every other resource available, that the Real Estate Market is Strong, and that We are here to help them in any and every way we can to get them the best deal that is out there.  Real Estate is still by far the Very best investment that a person can have.   Lets all make it a point to educate the public about the market correction, so they don't panic.....  Thanks for reading...  Have a Possitive Day!  

Christine

Who ever heard of Money School?  Well, I have.  I attended a night class put on by Arif Halaby who is the President of Total Financial Solutions Inc., called Money School.  This class was so informative, and it taught me some things that I didn't Know about Credit, Property management, Loans, etc..  The class had a few different speakers, One by the name of Martin Rodriguez, whom I had the pleasure of having lunch with today.  He is an amazing gentleman, and he has a way with explaining technology to people who are not so Tech Savvy.  At the class He talked about credit scores and how to help "yours," and about the loan process, He was amazing.  Then there was some talk about first time buyers, and property management, and a Realtor form the SCV who talked about the market here where we live.  I learned so much. 

The key to all of this learning, is ACTION!  Don't just learn, DO! 

Money school has a course that they offer for parents and their kids, which I highly recommend, because we all know that school does not really teach our kids to be Money smart.  They teach them to be employee's; to work for someone else.  Most of us here in this forum know that you have to take your Life and your knowledge and your abilities, and put them to use to create your own financial stability.  Nobody can do it for you.  It requires dicipline, Hard work, persistence, and a PMA (Possitive Mental Attitude).  Anyone can do it. 

So, everyone out there in AR land take responsibility for your actions, or in-actions.  If you mess up, As my Mom told me once, " Pick yourself up by the boot straps, and Try again!"   Remember, " The glass is always half full!"

 

I am Blessed with the number of people in our business whom I have met that are ready and willing to help me grow my business in 2007!  First and foremost I must Thank My Heavenly Father for revealing to me some of the gifts he has given me.  The One I enjoy the most is " the gift of Gab!"  I have been in the grocery business for almost 20 years, and the main reason I chose the career is because I can do what I do best all day long while meeting new people, and get paid to do it.  My sisters called me "Motor Mouth" growing up, because I never went anywhere quietly.  I always had to say "hi" to everyone.  My Wonderful parents were a bit concerned, because, as most of you with children know, you try to teach them to not speak to strangers!  Well, I am so full of life, that I never really thought about it as a bad thing, as long as I was in a secure environment.  Ok, I got off on a tangent, sorry.  I want to thank Cyndi Lesinski, for being the best Mentor a newbie could have.  She is great to be around, always positive, and she is always willing to push me to the next level, even if I am scared.  I appreciate her so much, and I wanted to give her a big Thank You!!    

I know from experience that this is a small world, because I have met a couple of people in the past couple of weeks, that I have seen a number of times in the checkout line, or around town.   All of a sudden when I decided to follow the path God has planned for me, He puts me in front of someone that I know from the grocery industry, or that I have a mutual friend with.  It's like I'll be talking about something and then I say one word and the person I am talking to says something like, "Oh my gosh, I know him/her,I grew up with them, or Wow, I remember that incident... It is so amazing to me that people are born, go to school, grow up and become adults (or not) and all the while walking among people that can help them in some way, or that you can help in some way!  It is fascinating!!  This is just the tip of the iceberg in my life right now, and believe me, I go out every morning and wonder "who is God going to put in my path today?   

The moral of this Blog is "Be kind to everyone no matter what, because I believe with my whole heart that there is a specific reason that you have come in contact with them." 

Make it a great Day!

Christine Richter

I just wanted to say that everyone out there in Realtor land should look at this year as the Breakout year, the year of attaining ALL of your Goals, and Dreams.  We are in the Greatest business in the world.  The power to help others to realize their dreams of homeownership is so awesome, I thank God for opening this door to me.  lets keep a positive attitude, positive self talk and the power of networking... this is so important for our business.  Create relationships this year, and help others to meet their goals, and remember the saying,  "what goes around comes around."   Pay it forward..  God Bless our Troops, God Bless the USA, and God Bless YOU!