Do you give your very best at all times? The great American Olympic runner, Steve Prefontaine (1951-1975) said, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." Talent alone is not enough and it is a waste if you do not give your best all the time. Excuses and lack of accountability for actions has hurt many a talented professional in every field of endeavor. It is something to think about, are you one who is sacrificing the gift you have?

The statement, "talk is cheap" goes hand in hand with watching what a person does. Years ago, a person's word was their bond. If a deal was "struck" and people shook hands on the agreement it was as good as gold. No attorneys were required, no long documents; a man's word was binding. In "those days," a person's integrity meant something to them. Most would rather die than lose their good name. 

Unfortunately, a person's word does not mean what it did in the past. People will say anything to get what they want regardless of the truth of their statement or the intentions and motives they possess. In most cases, it is wise to watch what a person does before listening to what they say. It is disappointing that the virtues of honesty and integrity are taking such a beating.

"If your action inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" so said John Quincy Adams.

I sometimes wonder what actions real estate agents take to inspire others to dream. Are we part of the problem or the solution with our actions? It is worth thinking about.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) estimates 33% don't wash their hands after using the restroom. They also determined that 80% of infectious disease is transmitted by touch. Put these two together and you are at risk when using touch points throughout the day. Touch points such as common door handles, counter tops, light switches, hand railings elevator buttons, etc.

In the fight against viral and bacterial infections such as  H1N1 (Swine Flu), MRSA, and Influenza A, Varsity Contractors, a nationwide leader in janitorial cleaning services, is the preferred total facility company, to utilize BioShield 75. The JanOps® System delivers Varsity BioShield Services to protect building occupants and the public.

BioShield 75 creates an invisible coating killing microbes on contact and significantly reducing cross-contamination on facility touch-points. EPA-registered BioShield 75 is effective for 90 days on virtually every hard or soft surface application. BioShield 75 offers ongoing protection between regularly scheduled cleaning visits giving, you the peace of mind that your building's visitors, employees, and the public stay protected from surface contamination throughout the day.

Disinfectants only remain for a short period of time and DO NOT provide a barrier. So, if you are worried about your facility and want a "flu shot" for the your building for additional protection contact me. It is an inexpensive way to help prevent microbes lurking in your facilities.

I pulled up to the listed home with clients in tow and as approach the door I see cobwebs around the handle and the lockbox. Information listed on the MLS sheet indicated the home on the market for over 215 days, which isn't unusual in this market. However, a surprise was waiting for me as I unlocked the box.

NO KEY IN THE LOCKBOX!!!!

I return to my car and immediately call the listing agent to inform him of this unfortunate occurrence and guess what, he had no clue. Yes, the listing was still open and available and no one had let him know there was no key. He was clueless about this property.

Who is minding his listing? No wonder the listing isn't selling if agents can't get in to show the home. This home is a short sale and so the agent appeared not to care. Why take a listing if you aren't going to follow through in a professional manner?

Agents have a code of ethics and professionals will do their best and live up to the responsibility they have on ALL listings and for buyers. Short sales and bank owned property's are difficult at best, however, if an agent isn't going to live up to the commitment and ethics in place - DO NOT TAKE THE LISTING.

Sunday is a "different" day! Sunday feels different, Sunday smells different, Sunday is the most unique day of the week. Whether you are a religious person or not, their is something special about Sunday and that special feel, smell, or sight, is uniquely different to everyone. If you haven't stopped to listen and feel the difference try it next week. I know you will find something to make you smile and bring some pleasant memories to your mind.

Varsity Contractors, Inc. a premier total facility service provider has located to Peoria, Arizona. Varsity moved from Glendale into a spacious 8,500 square foot facility with 3,000 sq. ft. of office space and the remaining 5,500 to house equipment and chemicals to service over 550 accounts throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

For over fifty year's Varsity has been a leader in janitorial innovation and their state-of-the-art JanOps cleaning system is no exception. A system is something tangible and can be evaluated, unlike traditional cleaning methods that rely on a promise to do something. JanOps has specific output goals to get your facility in shape. S.H.A.P.E. is an acronym representing Varsity's unique approach to cleaning for Safety, Health, Asset Preservation, Performance, and the Environment. 

If your Real Estate office is not receiving the cleaning attention it deserves Varsity will provide janitorial, maintenance and/or landscape service to one office or 26-story high-rise building and provide exceptional value regardless of size. To see how much money we can save you contact us for a free, no cost evaluation of services at 623-937-0000 or email gthornton@varsitycontractors.com.

According to an article in the September 25th issue of the Phoenix Business Journal, home prices in the Phoenix area rose .08 percent from May to June. This is taken from the Arizona State University Repeat Sales Index.

This is the first month-to-month increase since 2007 and the median price of a home in the Phoenix area is $122,000 up from $119,000 in May.

According to the article these new numbers offer some evidence that "perhaps" the worst of the plunge in home prices may be over - at least for now.

Here is hoping that they are correct in there assessment!

Thinking of moving to Arizona? Email me for your free, no obligation Phoenix Relocation Guide. The Valley of the Sun is a wonderful place to live and this guide has information on Business & Economy, Education, Healthcare, Housing, Leisure, Active Adults, and Getting started.

For clear, concise and pertinent information for your move: gthornton3@cox.net or visit my website: www.sellingedge-azre.com

Professional agents return phone calls as soon as they can get the message. It is plain and simple and common sense to professional sales people who have sold in the real estate market and out of it for any length of time. With all the modern technology, cell phones, email, texting, what excuse is there for not returning calls to other agents? None!!!!! Why is this so hard to get across to agents in this industry?

I believe the problem stems from so many agents without any sales background or training. Just because you have a license DOES NOT MAKE YOU A SALES PROFESSIONAL. Seriously, if you think it does you are DEAD WRONG. You may be lucky and have sold a few homes or got a few listings but I am certain that once your family and friends run out you will be left without clients. Especially if you don't now sales techniques.

I wish I could say it is those NOT on Active Rain, but unfortunately it is some on here that are the worst offenders. It is a shame because there is a lot of good advice and information from professionals and it will help you increase sales if you follow it. For those of you who think you are professional, ready my ezine article and get some education. I guarantee it will help you!