TN's Tri-Cities--A Part of the Mountain South!

My Way or Your Way? Which-a-way??

Marilyn Robertson (Lifestyle Properties) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:05:26 -0700

I've just finished reading two articles. The writer of one article suggested that today's clients are not like those of previous generations and do not want our advice. The article ended with the writer saying that our approach to clients should be "It's your house. It's your money. What do you want to do?"

The second writer wondered if today's agents are trying too hard to make their clients like them. He stated that what's important is that the client feels that the agent likes the client!

Hmmm. What are these writers suggesting? Aren't we supposed to follow all lawful instructions that our clients give us? Of course we are. Doesn't everyone want to be liked? Certainly! How much weight does "being liked" carry? And just where does that "working in the best interest of the client" play in all this?

I think that we are back, again, to open communciation between the agent and the client. When open dialog has existed during the entire process; when the agent has respected the intelligence and experience of some clients and the lack of experience of others; when there is understanding among everyone that buying and selling property is not a lark but a business experience loaded with emotional overtones which can be easier if neither the client nor the agent is functioning in a selfish, "I want to be liked," or "I don't need help," manner--then, guess what!

The agent has met the needs of the client and has shared enough expertise that both are comfortable with "What do YOU want to do?" And, no one is worried about who likes whom! Respect is present. Trust is present. Out of this will likely emerge a lasting relationship, maybe even a friend!

It as Easy as 1, 2, 3!!!!!

Marilyn Robertson (Lifestyle Properties) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 01:03:27 -0700

I recently remembered that I had learned years ago that the number 3 was especially significant. I learned this long before "Google it" was the buzz phrase for almost everyone, but "Google it" I did! I found a 28 page article on "The Symbolism and Spiritual Significance of the Number Three!"

After plowing through 15 pages of spiritual references to the number 3, I finally reached the section called "Physical World." Here I was reminded of the atomic number three, three primary colors, the surface of the earth is one third land, two thirds water and three stages of a rocket are necessary to best achieve orbit for heavy loads.

Feeling myself quite scholarly, I decided that there had to be a way that this important number could be applied to the process of buying and selling properties. So, here goes:

We'll look at three people--the REALTOR, the buyer, and the seller

The threes for the REALTOR--1. Be knowledgeable and prepared. 2. Be professional. 3. Be truly interested in meeting the wants and needs of the client/customer.

The threes for the BUYER--1. Be realistic about what you can purchase. Discuss this with a lender before you start looking. 2. Communicate clearly and openly with your agent and expect the agent to do the same with you. 3. Be patient! Even in a buyer's market the process of buying a home takes time!

The threes for the SELLER--1. Contact a REALTOR when you first consider selling. Ask for a Competitive Market Analysis. Ask for suggestions for staging the property. 2. Price your house based on the information in the CMA. Prepare the house for selling based on the suggestions for staging. 3. Be patient and positive! If you've followed #1 and #2, you'll be moving soon!

Three people working together to achieve a common goal really can make it look as easy as 1,2,3 if each remembers his/her threes!!!!!!!!

Sometimes Good Comes in Threes!

Marilyn Robertson (Lifestyle Properties) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:18:58 -0700

Remember the adages--"Third time is charm," and "Bad luck always comes in threes?" There's something about "three" that makes it different from other digits. When I Googled "The Symbolism and Spiritual Significance of the Number Three," the article that I chose to read had 29 pages!!!!!!!

Perhaps then, there is significance to where I live and work being the Tri-Cities! Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol are located in the extreme northeast corner of Tennessee. Johnson City is only a few miles from North Carolina. Sullivan County, where Kingsport is located shares a border with Virginia, and the state line of VA and TN is in the middle of State Street in Bristol. Stand on one side in TN and on the other side of the street in VA!

Each city has a unique identity. Johnson City is home to East Tennessee State University with its School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy. Graduate studies and a large undergraduate component make ETSU an outstanding part of Johnson City. The contributions of ETSU, economically, financially, and educationally, to Johnson City's personality are the reasons that when one thinks Johnson City, ETSU and its Buccaneers come to mind!

Missing the Eastman Chemical plant when driving into Kingsport is hard to do! Estimating the contribution of this industry to the Tri-Cities area is equally as difficult! Its large and varied work force providing income for people from the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas, its many philantrophic contributions in the area, and its contacts with other industries in the US and other countries are most valuable to the area.

Bristol TN/VA is the smallest of the Tri-Cities. Bristol's industries are smaller, and its college, King College, is smaller than ETSU. Bristol's State Street has offerings that are not found in the other Tri-Cities. Notably, the restored theatre on State Street is the center for artistic productions including serious music, dance, drama, and music associated with the heritage of the area. Bristol's claim to fame is being the birthplace of country music!

The writer E.W. Bullinger stated:"Three, therefore, stands for that which is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire." The Tri-Cities area of northeast Tennessee is certainly solid, real, and substantial! It will probably never be complete and entire, because new people will discover this area!

I'll be sharing with you in this blog some of the reasons that I feel that the Tri-Cities area is solid and real and offers a substantial quality to the life of those who live here. If you have thoughts on these ideas, please share them!

It's a Long Row to Hoe!

Marilyn Robertson (Lifestyle Properties) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:47:09 -0800

Yes, when I was a child, farm folks really sharpened their hoes and walked down long rows of cotton or corn, removing the weeds and thinning the plants. At the end of the growing season, those who had properly maintained the young plants realized a better harvest than those who had "laid by" their fields too soon. Not that I was involved in this activity, but each of my grandfathers farmed, so when I visited I picked up on these discussions. I remember that once Papa let me go to the corn field with the "hands." I soon was sent back to the house since I couldn't tell the difference in good plant material and bad! I also remember hearing my parents discuss that one of my grandfathers got in a hurry and often "laid by" his crops too soon. His crops were not as productive as those of the other grandfather who stuck to the task as long as was needed, even in years when growing a good crop was harder.

One of my long-time friends who is about 12 years older than I and who has children 12 and 10 years older than my son was raised in the country and knew that I had an association with country living. When my son was born she said to me, "Marilyn, it's a long row to hoe and you've just started down that row." When I mentioned to her something that related to child rearing she always retorted: "Marilyn, it's a long row and you are not finished with it yet." Even when my son went to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where my friend lived, she reminded me that I was not totally finished hoeing my row! Now that my son is a father himself, I wonder if my friend thinks that I've earned the right to hang up my hoe!

Perhaps in this case, I have earned that right. But, because my friend, Lou, taught me such a valuable lesson, I'll keep the hoe sharpened.

Realizing that I have begun to hoe a "long row" has served me, not only in raising a son, but in business, as well. During the times when few "weeds" hampered my progress, I've moved down the "rows" of real estate much more quickly and easily. Then the rows didn't seem so long. But this year, remembering that though the "rows" seems long I'll achieve my goal if I keep on hoeing, has been helpful to me. No, I haven't finished as many "rows" as a couple of years ago, but I felt good about those that I finished.

Keeping the hoe sharpened and the mind fixed on hoeing a clean row all the way to the end is important and rewarding!

Got Music in Your Bones?

Marilyn Robertson (Lifestyle Properties) — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:20:57 -0700

Do you tap your toes without even realizing it? Do you wish that you were still playing that clarinet or trumpet that has been idle for years? Do you sing in the church choir, but wish for a little more time with like-minded souls? Does either playing or listening to symphonic music "turn you on?" Then the northeast corner of Tennessee is the place you need to be!

From a unique bluegrass program, including a major, at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City to the many venues where this native to the area music is performed, bluegrass is very alive! With Bristol's being the REAL birthplace of country music one can experience history and the stirring of the soul!

Once every week a group composed of students, community leaders, retirees and others who played in high school or college bands rehearse as the Johnson City Civic Band. These civic minded musicians provide concerts and once again realize the joy of making music. At one time, my husband, my son and I were the percussion section of this group. Playing again those Sousa marches and other familiar compositions was invigorating and most enjoyable!

Singers have a similar opportunity in the Civic Chorale. This auditioned group performs mainly from a traditional choral repertoire and is an outstanding group.

The Johnson City Symphony Orchestra is composed of both professional musicians and non-professionals who, by audition, earn a position with this outstanding performing body. The season includes an informal, outdoor concert in September followed by five subscription concerts and one pops type concert. During the Christmas season a concert is provided for local students in addition to the December subscription concert.

Make a point of hearing one or more of these groups. You'll be glad you did!

A Stranger Touched my Sensitivity

Marilyn Robertson (Lifestyle Properties) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:29:41 -0700

Today has been a blustery, winter-like April day in east Tennessee. Last week had breezy, spring-like days.

As I drove along a curvy, two lane asphalt road one of those spring days, I met a car that stopped just as I approached. I slowed, wondering what was wrong. The driver of the other car, a man who appeared to be 40ish, got out and walked around in front of his car.

I looked to see if he was investigating something on, or beside, the road. Indeed, he was! Beside his front wheel was a big clump of blooming jonquils. The man bent over, smelled them, and got back in his car!

The saying, "Take time to smell the roses," came to life in front of me. And, frankly, this experience made a more lasting impression on me than the sermon that I heard the Sunday before. That man will never know the benefits to me caused by his simple actions. Value for each of us!

Marilyn Robertson

Are We Improving our Image?

Marilyn Robertson (Lifestyle Properties) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 09:55:26 -0800

For years, our association of approximately 800 members, recognized top producing members by designating them as members of the "Million Dollar Club." Finally the leadership realized that we were sending the wrong message when we congratulated these agents with big spreads in the local press. A statement made to my husband by one of his students summed it up: "Dr. Robertson, you don't act like a millionaire." "I have no reason to act like a millionaire." "But, I saw your wife's picture in the paper. Doesn't she share with you?" So, the Board of Directors voted to change the name of the recognition to "Sales Achievement Award." Still, at the Awards Breakfast, each agent was recognized. Doing this took so much time that, at the end, most attendees had left and the top producers were congratulating each other! This year those recognized at the Awards Breakfast will be outstanding rookies, and those who have given to the community. In my opinion, receiving the Humanitarian Award says much more about who someone really is than being recognized for production. Are we headed in the right direction?

It's Called "Staying in Touch"

Marilyn Robertson (Lifestyle Properties) — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:54:49 -0800

Last summer I showed a young couple a condo. They didn't buy that one, but did purchase another one. She called a few weeks ago asking if I knew anyone who might keep their soon-to-be-born baby while she worked part-time. Though I didn't have anyone to recommend to her, I was pleased to hear that the little girl was on her way and asked that I be contacted when she arrived.

Imagine my surprise when, last night I opened an email whose subject was "Just Hanging out in the Hospital." Because we had snow forecast and labor was to be induced today, the obstetrician has strongly suggested that the couple spend the night at the hospital. Attached to the message was a picture of daddy-to-be stretched out in the recliner and mommy-to-be sitting up in bed with her laptop just a few inches away!

Today's email contained pictures of a beautiful baby girl! I was very pleased that technology made it possible for me to be included in this happy event in the life of the young couple who just happened to want to see a condo on a rainy Saturday morning!