Josh Perrington's Blog

Attention Roanoke, VA

2008-07-14T09:31:46Z

Office Bryan Lawrence is a Roanoke City police officer who was assaulted on May 10 while trying to arrest a suspect. The attack left Lawrence paralyzed and he is struggling to recover.

Hello to all!

Chick-Fil-A Restaurants throughout the Valley will be hosting a benefit on Thursday, July 17, 2008 from 5pm to 9pm ("Spirit Night") to raise money for Officer Bryan Lawrence and his family to help them through this difficult time of rehabilitation. Chick-Fil-A will be donating 10% of all total sales during this time period to Officer Lawrence. They are requesting that this message gets out to the entire law enforcement community around the Valley. So whether you are working or off-duty and need a place to eat dinner, stop by any of the four locations to join them in supporting Officer Lawrence and his family.

Please spread the message around to fellow co-workers and neighboring agencies. Thanks!!!

Chick-Fil-A Locations are:

Valley View Mall (inside)

Valley View Mall (outside stand-alone restaurant) Tanglewood Mall (inside) Hunting Hills Location beside Home Depot

1515 Longview Rd - Roanoke, VA For Sale By Owner

2008-06-26T16:40:53Z

5 bdrms,5 bath, garage, fireplc,basemnt,

SW ROANOKE COUNTY - Strawberry Mountain Custom-built home of 5500 sq.ft. on cul-de-sac on 2+ acres. 5 BR, 5 BA, formal DR & LR, large EIK w/ corian countertops & custom cabinets. FR w/ vaulted ceilings, skylights, gas FP. Large rec room, media room w/ surround sound and gas FP. Guest room, office & storage. Central vac, intercom, dual zone HVAC. HW floors, ceramic tile and carpet. Huge MBA w/ vaulted ceiling, separate vanities & jacuzzis, paladium window. Alarm system. Hidden Valley schools. Spectacular view, private level back yard, expansive deck with hot tub.

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

Homes By Owner of Roanoke (Roanoke, VA's premier for sale by owner service)

See my for sale by owner property at homesbyowner.com/25694

One of our very own...

2008-06-26T15:41:19Z

...featured on BeneathTheCover.com - congrats Paula!!

Put Away the Doodads & Stick with the Basics

By BNI & Referral Institute - Jun 26 , 2008

by Paula Frazier

I must admit that I'm definitely not technologically savvy, even though I used to invest a pretty penny into making sure I had the latest and greatest toys and that I kinda-sorta knew how to use them. I ‘test drove' some gadgets before some folks even knew they existed.

For instance, I had a phone that gave me Internet access, sent/received emails, and beamed Excel/Word documents to others of its kind. It would even call people on its own, without me knowing. Apparently there was some kind of voice command that I was accidentally activating. I can only imagine the conversations some people must have heard! Sooo I gave it to my husband. Now it calls me without his knowledge. Very handy! Read More...

Roanoke StarCam has arrived!!

2008-06-12T10:41:01Z

For all you reality TV show fans... Welcome - Roanoke, VA's newest addition...the Roanoke StarCam!! By going to www.RoanokeVA.gov/starcam we can now see what's happening at the Star in real time! It's auto-refreshing every 15 seconds but if you're as impatient as I am...you can click the link to refresh faster...

Enjoy!

Josh Perrington - 1st Metropolitan Mortgage

Roanoke, VA | www.1st-Metropolitan.com

FHA Renovation - Roanoke, VA

2008-06-09T14:42:38Z

That's right! We're now offering FHA 203k renovation loans for both Purchases & Refinances. We've all been there... We fall in love with a house & everything's perfect - except it needs a new roof, windows, etc... and the Sellers aren't willing to repair b/c they've lost equity (profit) in their property. THAT'S JUST FINE - for the right borrowers, you can now include the costs of those repairs with your mortgage and close on time! So don't let the market scare you...there is repair money for you - you just have to find it and...I think you just did!

Give Josh Perrington, our Roanoke Renovation Specialist, a call or email and he will be happy to answer your questions. Direct: 540.904.0842 or Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com | www.1st-Metropolitan.com

2174 Lake Retreat Huddleston, VA - For Sale By Owner

2008-06-09T10:12:34Z

4 bdrms,3 bath, garage, fireplc,basemnt,

Never lived in 4 br, 3 full baths, 2 car garage. New 2007. Live on the 8th fairway in beautiful Mariner's Landing at Smith Mountain Lake. Gorgeous views of the mountains, water and golf course. Almost 5400 Sq Ft under roof. That is just $90.17/sq ft. 3804 Sq Ft has been finished with you in mind. Hardie-plank siding and stone exterior, stainless steel top of the line GE appliances, Gas log fireplace, Hardwood flooring, granite counter tops, whirlpool tub and much more. It even has a built in desk between the spacious laundry room and the designer kitchen. Tons of room in the finished lower level for a bar/play room or make that media room you have always wanted. Pleanty of room in the unfinished portion of the lower level for all of your projects. All of the rooms in this beautiful home are oversized, allowing you and your family plenty of room to spread out. There is a community pool and tennis courts, fitness center, walking trails and an 18 hole championship golf course. Boat lifts are available for you as a member of the Mariner's community. Contact Bob Holden at 520-390-3159. Please notice the area code is 520 not 540. More pictures available on request.

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

See my for sale by owner home at homesbyowner.com/79984

429 Dexter Rd Roanoke, VA - For Sale By Owner

2008-06-09T10:09:10Z

4 bdrms,3 bath, garage, fireplc,basemnt,

***R E D U C E D F O R _QUICK_ S A L E*** UNIQUE CUSTOM BUILT HOME IN N. COUNTY NEARLY COMPLETE. PLEASE READ ALL THE FEATURES THIS HOME HAS TO OFFER! -BUYER AGENT REALTORS OK- 2700 SQ. FT., 4 BR, 3BATH HOME. SITTING ON A NICE 1/2 ACRE LOT WITH NO DEED RESTRICTIONS! EXTERIOR IS MAINT. FREE(INCLUDING COMPOSITE DECKING AND VINYL RAILINGS). *OVERSIZE 2 CAR GARAGE WITH 12FT CEILINGS AND PREMIUM 8FT TALL DOORS. HIGH EFFECIENCY WINDOWS AND DOORS. ALL OF THE MAIN FLOOR HAS HARDWOOD FLOORING AND CERAMIC TILE. 3 ZONE HIGH EFECIENCY HEATING AND AIR. NICE MAPLE CABINETRY WITH TRIM IN KITCHEN WITH LARGE ISLAND STYLE GRANITE TILED COUNTERTOP (MATCHING DESK AREA AS WELL) *UPGRADED STAINLESS STEEL DISHWASHER, REFRIG. DOUBLE OVEN. IN CABINET MICROWAVE, __TELESCOPIC DOWNDRAFT - 5 BURNER SMOOTH TOP SURFACE MOUNT STOVE* 2 LP GAS FIREPLACES. 2 PANEL ARCH TOP DOORS WITH LEVER STYLE BRUSHED NICKEL HANDLES AND HINGES THROUGHOUT HOME. MASTER BR ON 1ST AND 2ND FLOOR. 1ST MASTER BATH INCLUDES 72" JACUZZI TUB, A SURROUND TILED WALKIN SHOWER WITH DUAL SHOWER CONTROL TO INCLUDE A RAINFOREST HEAD, AND A NICE WALKIN CLOSET. 1ST AND LOWER FLOOR LAUNDRY CAPABLE. PLEANTY OF STORAGE SPACE THROUGHOUT. UPGRADED LIGHTING THROUGHT, INCLUDING FAN/LIGHT PREWIRED IN MANY ROOMS. AUDIO/VIDEO PRE-WIRED IN LIVING ROOM,(ALSO THIS IS A _DSL_ QUALIFIED LOCATION). LARGE DRIVEWAY EXTENDING TO BACK YARD. PERMANENT STORAGE BUILDING INCLUDED! *HANDICAP ACCESIBILITY CAN BE ACHEIVED WITH MINOR ACCESSORIES. DOORWAYS AND 1ST FLOOR ARE A MINIMUM 36" *THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE. FRIENDLY FAMILY ATMOSPHERE HERE AND IN SURROUNDING AREAS. SAFE, CONVENIENT, MORE AFFORDABLE YET MODERN. GREAT PLACE TO RETIRE, AND MY PLACES TO SHOP! PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY ?''''''''S! THANK YOU, MAY GOD BLESS YOUR HOME SEARCH !!!

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

More about my for sale by owner property: homesbyowner.com/20272

FHA 203k

2008-06-09T10:06:52Z

Many may have heard about the 203k FHA Renovation Loan, but few have actually decided to dive in with both feet. NOW is the time to start implementing the 203k into our properties... Here's a scenario:

Realtors: Here's the problem... Have a listing that needs improvements AND the Sellers can't afford to invest in making those improvements? This causes the listing to sit for possibly months & may even be the cause for the property not showing as well. Most Buyers aren't willing (or are unable) to invest money from their savings to improve the property after closing.

BEFORE AFTER

Solution: With a 203k loan, the Buyers can now roll the costs of those improvements into their offer & have them financed...requiring ONLY the 3% minimum FHA down-payment!! IT GETS BETTER! Have a Buyer who doesn't have the 3% down-payment? IT CAN BE GIFTED...essentially allowing the Buyer to enter & close without investment on their part!! Now...here's an even better point...the loan closes (and you get PAID!) PRIOR to the improvements being complete! Would you agree that this opens a world of possibilities for your Buyers & Listing now?

There's never been a better time to prove our value and market awareness to clients. If you need help understanding the process, I will be posting a much lengthier explanation and "tutorial" soon or - feel free to email or call & I'll walk you through.

Don't let it be intimidating - spend a few hours in research & development & your clients will forever thank you!

Josh Perrington

1st Metropolitan Mortgage | FHA 203k Renovation Consultant

2762 Electric Rd, Suite E | Roanoke, VA 24018

Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com | www.1st-Metropolitan.com | 540.904.0842

65 Bear Run Trail Roanoke, VA - For Sale By Owner

2008-06-09T10:01:26Z

3 bdrms,3.5 bath, garage, fireplc,basemnt,

Searching for REAL value in today's real estate market? Look no further! Live in wooded, private splendor only seven miles from Roanoke, VA. Over five wooded acres in lovely, exclusive subdivision. Completely turn-key home with top-of-line GE stainless steel appliances, Viking gas cook top with down draft venting on kitchen island, beautiful wood cabinets, deep sink, and appliance bar with second sink. Three full and one half modern, tiled baths - one bath with soaking tub and one with a jetted tub. Two walk-in closets in master bathroom. Second and third bedrooms are large, one with a walk-in closet. Large closets throughout home. Fully finished and tiled lower level with wet bar and pass-through gas fireplace. Second stacked- rock gas fireplace on main level. Both fireplaces thermostatically controlled with remotes. Lower level can be in-law quarters, office, and/or recreation space with room for a pool table. Hickory hardwood floors and tile throughout lower and main levels, carpet on upper level. Huge finished garage (three bays but two garage doors). Gorgeous professional landscaping surrounding home, with lights on a timer. Brand new (07-08): - top-of-line Lenox heat pumps (2) - germicidal air purifier system and whole house humidifier, and complete vent cleaning - Hunter-Douglas double-cell shades on every window in home, to include garage - 50-year roof with architectural shingles - insulated garage doors with windows

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

See my for sale by owner home at homesbyowner.com/11289

538 Mountain Ave SW Roanoke, VA - For Sale By Owner

2008-06-09T10:00:13Z

3 bdrms,1.5 bath, garage, fireplc,

Beautifully restored & updated 1892 Queen Anne Victorian home in a quiet section of Roanoke's Old Southwest Historic District, one block from Highland Park and top-rated Highland School. Landscaped & terraced back yard with trees & walkways, raised deck, large covered back porch, privacy fence with 2 gates. Extra-wide 1-car detached garage with work bench. Wrap-around front porch with Victorian scroll-art; landscaped front yard with dogwood and 3 colors of rhododendrons. Remodeled & updated kitchen with tiled counters, stainless steel bar & dishwasher, disposal, range with exhaust hood, and side-by-side refrigerator. Remodeled baths, laundry, and office area (has built-ins). Features a skylight, 10-foot ceilings, and an original gas fireplace in large living room. Gorgeous original yellow pine floors; awesome dining room with chandelier and large Persian rug; stunning staircase; large walk-up attic with roomy out-of-season clothes closet. One mile to I-581, great shopping, natural foods co-op, and downtown market/cultural center. Owner will consider holding a small 2nd mortgage for those who are close to obtaining financing. Also will sell as a rent-to-own for those working on qualifying for a loan. [Terms: $5K down, $980/month, with sizeable rent credit available.] Will consider 2 years for the right tenant-buyer. HOME BACKED-UP BY A SELLER-PAID HOME WARRANTY! [Prospective Buyers should inform Seller up-front if they are using the services of a real estate agent.]

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

See my for sale by owner property at homesbyowner.com/23994

6663 Cotton Hill Road Roanoke, VA - FSBO

2008-06-09T09:57:42Z

4 bdrms,3 bath, garage, fireplc,basemnt,

You'll feel apart from the world on this beautifully landscaped lot cradled on a wooded site with wonderful mountain views. Airy accents blend with this spacious sun-splashed contemporary ranch home to create a one of a kind environment. It features designer Italian tile in kitchen and family room, large comfortable great room with a floor to ceiling fireplace, split bedroom design (4 bedrooms), spacious closets, and three full baths. Lots of storage and room for expansion. A must see! Check out more pictures at www.picasaweb.com\cottonhillroad

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

My FSBO home is listed at homesbyowner.com/23245

2002 Thomason Ln

2008-06-03T23:12:25Z

3 bdrms,2.5 bath, garage, fireplc,

$475000 Smith Mountain Lake FIRST OFFERING: FOR SALE BY OWNER $475,000 OBO Custom Built 3 Bdrm, 2 ½ Bath home on 1.68 acres located on Smith Mountain Lake. Deck and 16 X16 dock on water. Beautiful flat front yard. Located on state maintained road in established neighborhood on dead end road. Great Room/Den with fireplace (Buck stove). Formal Dining Room, Country kitchen with bay window nook. Custom built cabinets in kitchen and all bathrooms. Double jacuzzi in master bdrm bath. Huge master Bdrm and closets. Nice deck off of Master Bdrm. 42 ft County front porch and huge 42 X20 deck on back. Big double car garage on house (26 X 26) and also has detached double garage (32 X 26) with workshop. Garage/Workshop has phone, cable TV, refigerator and Buck stove. (4 garages in all) Selling due to relocating. $475,000 OBO

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

Homes By Owner of Roanoke (Roanoke, VA's premier for sale by owner service)

More about my for sale by owner property: homesbyowner.com/57862

1515 LONGVIEW RD

2008-06-03T23:08:19Z

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

Homes By Owner of Roanoke (Roanoke, VA's premier for sale by owner service)

See my for sale by owner property at homesbyowner.com/25694

65 Bear Run Trail

2008-06-03T11:26:20Z

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

See my for sale by owner home at homesbyowner.com/11289

Welcome Paula Frazier - Referral Institute!!!

2008-06-03T11:16:08Z

Welcome Paula!! It's honestly hard to put words to what Paula has been able to contribute to my business & referral partners. In the midst of a "down" market...she's been the driving force in our successes!!! Please welcome her warmly... -Josh

Paula Frazier - 2008 Bio

Paula Frazier began her referral marketing education with BNI (the world's leading business networking organization) in February of 2001 as a member. She worked her way up serving as an Assistant Director, Area Director and then proudly became an Executive Director. Since then she has been recognized within BNI's international community for building a "Top Producing Revenue Region" and realizing "Market Penetration Success". Paula has served BNI's Founder, Dr. Ivan Misner, as a part of his Founder's Circle and gives back to the organization that has given so much to her by participating on their Strategic Alliance Board and the BNI-Misner Children's Charitable Foundation.

Paula is also committed to her role as Franchise Owner and Master Trainer for Referral Institute, the world's leading referral training organization. As an active part of this organization from the beginning, Paula helps teach franchise owners how to market their new business by referral...from the ground up. Paula has been awarded for her contributions to Referral Institute's program development and operates one of the companies' most successful franchises in the world.

In the last year, Paula's business networking articles have been featured nationally in BeneathTheCover.com and MondayMorningMotivators. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion - Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33...Delusion with a TWIST!

Paula considers her family to be one of her greatest successes. She's been happily married to her husband, Neal, for over 17 years. They have four incredible children.

Her day EVERYDAY is dedicated to helping people create referrals for life.

6663 Cotton Hill Road Roanoke, VA

2008-06-03T02:56:50Z

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

My FSBO home is listed at homesbyowner.com/23245

4598 Trevino Circle, NE Roanoke, VA

2008-06-03T02:55:37Z

4 bdrms,3 bath, basemnt,

MUCH LARGER THAN IT LOOKS!! Beautiful 2500 sq ft ranch home with 4+ (possibly SIX) bedrooms, 3 FULL baths and extensive landscaping including 50 rose bushes! Architectural roof Nov. 2005. Amazing master suite addition with Brazilian cherry hardwoods, TWO walk-in closets, ceiling fan, master bath with ceramic tile floor, jacuzzi tub, double sink vanity, large shower with ceramic tile walls and linen closet, plus lighted storage area under addition. Upstairs hall bath has ceramic tile floor and skylight. Three additional bedrooms upstairs, one with double closets and ceiling fan. Kitchen has tile backsplash, pass-through window to dining room, garbage disposal, range, dishwasher and refridgerator. Laminate flooring in dining room. Finished basement has HUGE family room, full bath, office with large storage closet (could be used as play room, exercise room or additional bedroom), bonus room with large storage closet (currently used as 5th bedroom), large laundry/utility room with tile floor, washtub sink and storage shelves. Downstairs living areas just painted. Electric upgraded to 200 amp service Nov. 2005. 12ft x12ft work shop with attached storage shed, additional storage building, patio, deck and 12ft wide x 36in deep above ground pool already set up for the season. Fenced backyard, garden spot already planted with green beans, tomatoes, squash and green peppers! Maintenance free vinyl and rock exterior. Lots of exterior lighting. Central AC and gas forced electric heat. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac.

Financing Offered by: Bobby Moses 1st Metropolitan Mortgage 540.904.0842 Bobby@1st-Metropolitan.com

More about my for sale by owner property: homesbyowner.com/43067

538 Mountain Ave SW Roanoke, VA

2008-06-03T02:32:07Z

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage Roanoke, VA 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

See my for sale by owner property at homesbyowner.com/23994

Building Equity Faster...

2008-06-03T01:55:44Z

As the real estate industry contracts, to survive you need to add more value to your client relationships than the next agent. To do that, you need to deeply understand the challenges your clients face, and be the first agent to present new ideas to your clients that may offer them real value.

One area that clients struggle with is building equity.

They want to extract equity to make further investments, but struggle to find extra cash monthly for extra principal payments. Or, they want to get their primary home paid off in time to retire free-and-clear. (Baby Boomers, in particular, are starting to wake up to the fact that they have to have a better strategy for taking control of their home financing to pay it off on their retirement schedule, not the lender's.) Either way, they need help achieving their goals. So, add value to your relationships by introducing clients to new financing tools that help build equity more aggressively, without straining their personal finances.

The most interesting product to date that helps accelerate equity build-up is the Home Ownership Accelerator^®, a loan that combines a fully-functional checking account with a first-position line-of-credit. This innovative combination allows the client to flow all of their monthly cash flow against their own loan balance instead of lending it to the bank. Doing this saves interest charges, which become extra principal reduction. Compound these savings each month, and the client can significantly accelerate their loan pay-off, often by as much as twenty years!

A recent article in The New York Times noted the arrival of loans like the Home Ownership Accelerator as a viable financing alternative.

"For borrowers who cannot face the prospect of paying more interest than principal over the course of a loan, mortgage lenders have begun to offer alternatives more aggressively. (Lenders) have unveiled mortgage products in the past year that allow borrowers with good credit and above-average incomes to accelerate their payoff schedule and reduce their overall interest liability, all without increasing their monthly mortgage payment.

''These aren't for everyone,'' said Tom LaMalfa, founding partner of Wholesale Access Research and Consulting, a financial industry consulting firm based in Columbia, Md. ''But for those who are reasonably affluent and good savers, it makes a good deal of sense and reduces the overall loan cost.''

Doing the right thing by your clients will pay off for you, too. A paid-down loan means more available equity for new real estate purchases. A paid-off loan creates a happy client willing to send more referrals. Keep your clients on the cutting edge of home financing. Introduce them to products like the Home Ownership Accelerator.

Please feel free to call/email & let's set up a conference call to talk about other options now available. Specializing in Virginia, Tennessee, California, Florida, & North Carolina...

Josh Perrington - 1^st Metropolitan Mortgage | Roanoke, VA

Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com | www.1st-Metropolitan.com | Direct: 540.904.0842

"The Home Ownership Accelerator"

2008-06-03T01:30:21Z

What about this new Revolutionary Loan sweeping through America?

What makes this loan pay off sooner?

Directly deposit of your income into this mortgage. It has an immediate and dramatic impact on your principle balance. With this loan, interest is based on your daily balance, so when your paycheck hits, you start saving interest compared to a traditional loan.

What if I have an emergency and need money?

Because this new loan comes with a built-in equity line you can actually pay your bills automatically through bill pay, write a check and even use a debit/credit card. Access to your money has never been easier.

This loan is based on the LIBOR index and interest rates are going up, what will happen to my loan?

Borrowing is no longer just about the rate! It's about how many dollars of interest you pay on the outstanding balance. And because with this loan your principle balance is continually forced down by your direct deposits, this in effect off-sets any rate increases. Because interest is computed on a daily balance you can sweep business deposits, rental income, commissions and bonuses into your account and watch your loan slowly disappear and interest expense dwindle by thousands of dollars!

Who is the ideal customer for this loan?

The Home Ownership Accelerator is ideally suited for people who want to pay off their mortgage for retirement, make investments, and have positive cash flows. These people understand that parking their reserve cash in low interest bearing accounts against their mortgage balance can earn them a much higher return.

What would happen if I got into the loan and didn't like it?

CMG at no cost to you would change to another loan of your choice at prevailing market rates. This loan comes with a 6-12 month unconditional guarantee, unheard of in the mortgage industry.

What if I lose my job and can't pay the interest expense?

The payment is added to your account automatically and as long as there is equity remaining, your payments are made. No thirty day lates and no ruined credit!

I have evaluated and studied this loan for the last year, and after 10 years in the finance industry I can truthfully say I have never seen anything that can compare to it. I strongly urge anyone reading this article to visit our website at www.homeownershipaccelerator.net and watch a 5 minute video and test drive our simulator to see if this loans works for you. All the benefits of this loan cannot possibly be covered in this one article; however I did try to cover the major questions asked at our workshops. Call me for an appointment and let's see if this loan can change your life.

Josh Perrington

1^st Metropolitan Mortgage - Branch Manager

Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com | www.1st-Metropolitan.com

Direct: 540.904.0842

Slip n Slide...

2008-06-03T00:19:27Z

A few days ago I posted an entry in which I stated I was going to start initiating more family time & less "I'm here...but really not here" time... I'm finally practicing what I preach & man...does it feel good! My wife found a Slip-n-Slide recently and this past weekend was perfect for letting the girls break it in.

Enjoy the time you have right now with your family & friends... Remember, it truly is all about how we spend the "Dash" that matters... If you don't know what the "Dash" is, ask me & I'll explain.

Carpe Diem!!!

2174 Lake Retreat Huddleston, VA

2008-06-02T11:25:43Z

Financing Offered by: Josh Perrington 1st Metropolitan Mortgage 540.904.0842 Josh@1st-Metropolitan.com

See my for sale by owner home at homesbyowner.com/79984

5 Magic Words...

2008-06-02T11:02:57Z

From a good friend & Mentor...Paula Frazier...

We've been wired for convenience in our society - fast track, fast food, instant everything! We attempt to have scheduled and impromptu conversations everyday but they're more like shallow chit chats. People get so intent on sending their own message when they interact with others that they end up having face to face monologues. There's no real exchange of ideas or communication.

How many times a day do you have one of these predictable, superficial discussions?

How are you? Fine.

What's new? Nothing much.

(Insert a little catch up chit chat here or some sort of business exchange)

You know where to find me if you need anything! (They just offered to help you!!!)

Thanks. You too. (You just offered to help them!!!)

Take care. Bye.

At some point in nearly every conversation people offer to help each other! Most of us aren't prepared to accept help in the moment because we haven't given enough thought to the kind of help we need AND because we're truly not listening. Next time, be prepared - "Thanks for offering. It would be great if you would..."

display my literature and products
endorse my products and services
nominate me for (specific) award
provide me with referrals
identify prospects that need my products/services
introduce me to prospects
arrange a meeting on my behalf (including other referral sources)
follow up on the referrals you've given to me
publish information for me
serve as a sponsor

The key is to pick one that best suits the person that's offering to help you. You can pick more that one. Just be sure you don't over ask or overwhelm! They've got their own business to run.

You and your referral partners can help each other accomplish some pretty amazing results when you honor each and every conversation. If you want to increase the chances of someone offering assistance to you, sincerely say these 5 magic words to them, "How can I help YOU?"

Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula's business networking articles have been published nationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion - Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist!

Engaged!

2008-05-29T00:37:18Z

And no, I'm speaking of a marital engagement... If you're anything like I am, you probably have at least 1,000 things happening at any point through your day and find it hard to fully engage in the things that honestly matter most...your family, friends, etc...

I've written about my family before, but I've finally come to grips this week with something I believe few of us actually end up mastering...being fully present while the other 1,000 things still hover in our thoughts! I'm taking a stand...a stand for my daughters...and a stand for my wife. I'm absolutely guilty of allowing the days activities to intrude on MY time with MY family & it's time I start being a little selfish with them!

Would love to hear your thoughts, tips, & tricks for balancing our lives...

Here's my action plan, so far:

Incorporate a "Family Fun" day into our monthly calendar, where the cell phones are OFF and NO emails are answers for an entire family packed day...arghhhh, that's a hard one...
Turning the cell off for at least the 1^st hour of being home each night and recapping the day with them.
Coming home at least 1 day/wk early to meet my daughters from school
Scheduling at least 1 pool day/wk to hang out with them in the afternoons

Sound like a plan?

Talk about time flying by!

2008-05-28T23:55:46Z

I'm finally realizing how fast my girls are growing!! There used to be a time when Sydney, now 8 yrs old, would cling to me saying "Daddy, I'm scared and don't want to (fill in with rollercoaster, deep-end at the pool, etc...) without you". It seems it's only been a blink of an eye & now this?!?!? Just yesterday she took her 1^st ride in a "Para-ski Parachute"...WITHOUT ME!!!

As hard as is it to let go...I'm proud of her. My little girl's growing up...

I couldn't leave Erica, now 6, out. Amidst the begging & pleeding, I couldn't bring myself to let her go up too! There's only so much a Dad can take! :)