Wow- being on Facebook this evening has been a trip down memory lane. From a post of my 1993 Pope High School Bands of America Winning Marching Video to a good friend in grade school who suddenly passed yesterday whom I hadn't seen since I was in fifth grade. Jerry was a kind friend, the kind that not many of us had. As one who got picked on and was not popular, I didn't have many true friends. Jerry was one. We hung out and did all the things elementary school kids do. I had lost touch with him since we went to different middle and high schools. It turns out that our paths were very similar with us both becoming musicians. Musicians have a bond with one another even before God has revealed our talent. My sympathy goes out to his family who was always very gracious in having me over. Please watch this short clip of this amazing talent.

Gwinnett County has convened an exploratory committee to explore the possibility of expanding Ronald Reagan Parkway so it connects with 85.  $2 million has been put on the table to explore and plan.  A community meeting was held a few nights ago. Notes from that meeting will be included in a future post.

Ronald Reagan Parkway is one of the nicest roads in Gwinnett. Although less than 10 miles long, it feels like you are driving through the mountains.  The trees that were planted and left up are magnificant this time of year.  Look for a future post on the beauty of the parkway.

Just when you thought it was gone, one of our local banks is now offering 100% financing on some of its foreclosed or short-saled communities.  This is a great opportunity for those who are paying high rent but don't have tons of cash to take advantage of getting into a home with equity and a lower payment then their rent was.

There are also many different programs available for 1st time buyers that give them their down payment or match their downpayment.

We are living in unprecedented times in regards to incentives to purchase a home. Combine these incentives with low interest rates and their has never been a better time to buy or sell.

The tax credit has been extended until 4/30/2010. This means you have until that day to be under contract. You must close by 6/30/2010 to be eligible for the tax credit. For first time buyers, it is $8000 and for existing homeowners who have been in their residences for 5 of the last 8 years and are purchasing a primary residence, the credit is $6500. As always, check with your tax advisor to make sure you are eligible for a credit. 

This credit will help well established communities such as the community around Brookwood High School with move up buyers. With new homes being available from the $190's to $900K, The Brookwood area is sure to see some movement with this new incentive. If you are thinking of moving or upsizing, now is the perfect time.

Seeking a family friendly place to have a relaxing lunch, I decided to go to downtown Lawrenceville. Even though I live just a few short miles from this wonderful area, I seldom take advantage of all of the fantastic dining, shopping, and atmosphere of this great downtown area.

There is a myriad of restauraunts in the "square".  We parked and on one side of the square, we had four choices. One of which I had eaten in before and the others were mysteries. As we walked, there was a nice sign outside of the Corner Stop Cafe letting us know the days specials. When I saw mac and cheese, I knew this was the place for us.

Located in one of the historic buildings in Lawrenceville, the place is just brimming with history. Classic hardwoods adorn the floors. Country style tables and chairs perhaps bring memories of having a great meal with with family in the comfort of your home. On the wall is a banner that lets everyone know they were selected as one of the best places in Lawrenceville to eat lunch.

I got the pot roast and my spouse ordered the country fried steak. Portions were generous. You get your choice of biscuits or corn bread which make for great starters as they come in a basket. You can choose from 2 sides as well. We selected the fried okra and mashed potatoes. My daughter had the "kids' portion of mac and cheese. The size was more adult like than "kid". The portions were huge on all of our meals. We came in very hungry and left full and very satisfied.

For 3 adults and a child, lunch rang in at about $30. This included drinks as well. All in all, I give it a 5 star rating.

Brookwood graduate Amy Robach, now one of the Today Show hosts, returned to Brookwood high school to do a segment on the school. One of her classmates is now one of the teachers and her family still runs the drama department. It was great to see the contrast of how things have changed since she graduated in 1991 versus today and how things have also stayed the same. Click here for the link.

Congratulations to Brookwood High School Teacher of the Year: Joe Cox who has also been named one of the 6 finalists for Gwinnett County's Teacher of the Year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to my world. I have a 14 month old and an almost 3.5 year old. Life is busy.  Life as an agent is also very busy. How do you find that proper balance of time between family and the demands of your clients, who typically need you right when you are trying to put one of your kiddos to sleep?

I have read and heard various commentaries on this very topic of family versus business. We were encouraged in our pre-license class to leave a message on our phone saying that calls left after a certain time may not be returned until the following business day. To me, if I were the consumer, that would say that when I need you the most, namely after I get off of work, you will not be there since your work day ends at 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.   While there are certain limits, offering your clients some other way to communicate with you in their time of need helps quite a bit.

This brings us to our main topic: should you or can you bring your kids to show homes with you? From a strictly logical perspective, most of us would say NO WAY! I have a hard enough getting my kiddo to behave at my home, let alone someone elses. What if your other half has a commitment they told you about 2 weeks ago, but you have a client who is looking in a lucrative price point for you wants to go out? What do you do?

Where am I going with this- all this relates back to customer service. Most clients, in my experience, will appreciate that you are willing to go all out for them, even if it means bringing your kids with you. In the course of conversation, I am sure that you have let them know that you have kids. Most clients you will be working with also have kids and are totally empathetic. In fact, bringing the kids can add an extra level of service you didn't even think about: relatability. You are showing your most valuable thing in life to them. Most, especially at the age my kids are, go nuts over how cute they are, especially over the 14 month old.

This is not to say I do this all the time, but there are times where it is necessary.  Our kids are our most precious gifts. They can give to our business in ways that may not always seem apparent. Making yourself relatable to your clients will greatly help your business to improve in ways that you can't even imagine.

 

I have  a brand new website that is dedicated to serving Snellville, Lawrenceville, Grayson and the Lilburn areas of Gwinnett County.  Search for foreclosures or any other type of home. Get useful information on buying and selling.  Check it out:

www.liveinsnellville.com

More You Tube Footage:

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Click here for You Tube Footage of the flooding.