Mitchell Mote's Blog

New Beginnings

Mitchell Mote (Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:05:45 -0800

As 2010 President of the Benton, Bryant Realtors Association, I write an article entitled President's Message bi-monthly for the Daily Record newspaper. It goes out not only to our local board, but to different people and businesses, many of them having to do with real estate, around the state of Arkansas.

A friend suggested that I post them to my blog, so here goes.

New Beginnings

As the New Year begins, and we look forward, we often time look back and reflect on the previous year and our personal lives. How could things have been better? What could we have done differently? What can we do to make things better in the New Year ahead?

God blesses us with a chance to start over at the beginning of each New Year, underscored like some giant Techno-color sunrise which we normally take for granted each day. "Things will be better this year!" We say, as we make New Year's resolutions, desperately wanting to do things differently. Countless flock to join gyms to get fit. Most all of us in real estate set goals to make more sales in the next year. For some it's getting a new car, or to go on that dream vacation. Maybe it's a major change in your life, or a new home for yourself. Whatever the reason, we know that things could be done differently now that we have a chance at a new beginning.

I learned years ago that most New Year's resolutions, no matter how fervently desired, are seldom kept and quickly forgotten. Like the excitement felt after hearing a great motivational speaker, our fervor can smolder and then quickly fizzle out once we are inserted back into the real world, back into the daily grind of our mundane routines.

The old Chinese proverb of "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear" is simple, but true. And it pertains to making changes in our lives as well. We cannot make significant changes based upon the clock changing from 11:59 to 12 o'clock. Real change comes from within, when certain conditions within our lives are no longer acceptable to us. Then the change comes. Then the "teacher appears".

For me personally, simplicity is key to making a change. My New Year's resolution, if you can call it that, is simply this: To be grateful. And we do have much to be grateful for. We not only survived a year of the "great recession" as they're calling it, but thrived even as scores of Realtors in other parts of the country left the real estate profession due to terrible market conditions, many even losing their own homes. I am grateful to our immediate past president of the Benton Bryant Board of Realtors, for such hard work and a good example for me to follow. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for friends, customers and clients. I am grateful for God's blessings. And for new beginnings.

Enthusiasm - Gotta Have It! (Selling Central Arkansas Homes)

Mitchell Mote (Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:44:31 -0700

I, like most people, am not always the most enthusiastic person. Sometimes we feel tired, sometimes things don't go our way or we get drawn into the whole negative world that the news media perpetuates, etc... we can always change our level of enthusiasm.

Think of children who are always amazed at discovering new things. I personally like to draw inspiration from a couple of my TV heroes: The late Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter) and Bear Grylls (Man vs. Wild). Steve loved sharing his experiences with others and it showed. Bear has a overall zest for life and also enjoys sharing his experiences with other people.

In our business, it is a must to be enthusiastic. We are helping people enjoy the dream of home ownership - what a cool thing to be involved in! Plus our enthusiasm can bleed over and inspire others we come in contact with. Maybe one of our sellers is down and needs some positive re-assurance when all the feedback has been negative. Perhaps a buyer is discouraged, and needs us to let them know that their dream home might be the next home listed.

Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no matter how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles.
Og Mandino

Have a fantastic day, and make someone else's while you're at it!

Mitchell

Mitchell Scott Mote CRS
Executive Broker
Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties
Selling Central Arkansas Real Estate
mitchell@patmote.com
501-860-3547

Home Sales in Central Arkansas

Mitchell Mote (Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:57:42 -0700

Well Fall is in the air, and home sales are really picking up here in Central Arkansas. Many people are under the assumption that Spring is the best time to buy and sell homes. I don't know why, but my best time has always been the Fall.

Things have been looking up now for awhile and it's not a turn in the economy that's spurring on the sales - it's the fact that we never were grossly overpriced with our inventory in Central Arkansas Real Estate market like some areas of the country were. (before the economic downturn)

We are truly blessed to have the new construction inventory at a good balance as well. I've heard that some areas had a massive over abundance before the slide and have not fared so well - leading to problems like an entire new construction neighborhood falling prey to the dreaded "repo neighborhood status" label now required by certain guidelines within the appraisal industry. Or squatters coming in and taking up residence in vacant, repo homes. There was even a story on the news I saw (and subsequently felt physically sick) which filmed an entire neighborhood of new construction homes being demolished by the bank because they were too much of a liability sitting vacant for so long.

No, we don't have the problems that many areas of the country have experienced, although sellers with homes for sale in Central Arkansas have felt a pinch, especially if they bought their home from 2003 to 2005-6 range, and paid minimum down when the market was at it's peak. But overall we are faring rather well.

God bless you and yours this Fall season.

Mitchell Mote CRS

Executive Broker, Wiechert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties

www.mitchellmote.com
mitchell@patmote.com

This Puts things in Perspective at Christmastime

Mitchell Mote (Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:21:32 -0800

Christmastime is the best. As a kid, we got all tingly waiting for Santa and all those toys, intoxicated by the smell of fresh cut Christmas tree mingled with the warm smell of Mom's homemade cookies and cakes and ... I miss it just writing about it.

I try to work the local toy drive where I live in Central Arkansas every year. I love it, but it's not always easy. For instance, yesterday, virtually no one else from my organization showed up to help unload two tractor trailer loads of toys. We were very blessed to receive so many toys, but needless to say, I will need help getting out of bed tomorrow morning.

But I kept thinking of the little kids. There will be toys under the tree for some of these kids, ONLY because someone cared enough to donate toys or money for the cause. (By the way, THANK YOU to all of you who donated! To any toy drive, food drive, etc. ANYWHERE - I know it's tough this year, so you are more appreciated than ever.)

It's tough I know for many of my fellow Realtors this year. I'm not exactly a high roller right now myself. But so many of the families that we see at the toy drive can't pay rent, or groceries or utilities. They are REALLY having tough times and many of them have to struggle day to day just to get by. I feel for them, and can't imagine the pain they must feel when they can't provide for their kids, especially at Christmastime. I need to think more of others every year at this time, because it's too easy to get wrapped up in our own family and gifting, etc. If you have a chance, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or at a relief agency. See first hand what your efforts can do to make someone else's Christmas better. It will not only help them, but it will really put things in perspective for you.

God bless, and Merry Christmas!

Mitchell Mote

What the Heck!? YES, They ARE Lending Money. Don't Listen to the Media!

Mitchell Mote (Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 13:58:35 -0800

This has probably been all over the blogs already, and I'm the last one to realize this. If so, forgive me for being a little slow to notice. I've been to0 busy selling houses.

By now, we all know that things are tough...and folks are losing jobs, and the forecast for the economy is rocky to say the least. And yes, we REALTORs all know that banks are still lending for mortgages - but wait! The public does not believe this as a whole. And yes, we all know that the national media has their agenda to push, whatever that flavor of the moment may be, and bad news sells.

The general public has been completely brainwashed by the national media! All that they are hearing is: "...another bank failing...", "...credit freeze...", "...economy faltering...", "...housing crisis...", etc. etc., The media has attempted to make the public curl up in the fetal position and suck their thumbs, glued to..."drum-roll please!"... the TELEVISION! (Why they would never do that now, would they.)

Has any of you heard ANYTHING by the national media like "prices more competitive", "rates nearing 40 year lows again", "great time to buy!"!??? Of course not. That might not sell ratings.

I've watched the national media run stocks up and down, ruin entire businesses and professions, lie, twist and manipulate facts to make stories "edgy", prematurely put on trial, people who are supposed to remain "innocent until proven quilty" so thoroughly that no jury, anywhere in the world would give them a fair trial. And a certain fellow who just won a little political race should really be thanking them for billions of dollars worth of free, biased fawning. (and no, I didn't like the other guy much either)

I know, I know. I'm "preaching to the choir" here. But what are we going to do about it?

CALL EVERYONE!!!

That's right, we need to call everyone we know and tell them that "the media is...well, the media, and that the RATES ARE FANTASTIC and the PRICES ARE DOWN!" If they are lucky like lots of folks, they still have a job, are hopeful for the future, and still have lots of living and breathing, & moving and shaking to do.

And tell them to tune out the media. They'll thank you for it.

Ghosts of Christmas Past...

Mitchell Mote (Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:19:52 -0800

Did you ever stop and wonder where all the thousands of faces that we have come into contact with throughout our lives are? What happened to all the people we've met over the years?

Hundreds of people we knew in school as kids, in college, when we were young and first starting out. Where are they now? We remain in contact with just a few...make friends with new people as the years come and go. And in real estate, we are truly blessed to meet scores of new people every year.

I wonder, are they happy? Did they get married and have 2.5 kids, get a dog and a little house with a white picket fence? Did they land the job of their dreams? Did they ever figure out what they wanted to do when they "grew up"? (I envy those people) Did they: join the Peace Corps? Rob a bank? Head up a rock band? Play pro football? Become a preacher? Cure a disease? Get married and divorced? Did they die? Did they struggle with some horrible illness?

I pray for those people that have had tragedy and heartache. I pray for those that had love and lost it. I pray for those who are sick and hurting right now. I pray they can all somehow have a warm holiday season, and a warm CHRISTmas time.

God bless all of them.

Changed a Flat and STILL Made the Next Appointment! (Central Arkansas Real Estate)

Mitchell Mote (Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:41:42 -0700

It was a first! In over 13 years as a Central Arkansas Realtor I have never had the misfortune of having a flat while showing homes. Nails in tires from showing new construction, yes, but not a blow out while in the process of showing.

After showing one home, I noticed the wheel tugging hard to the right. Great! I thought. A flat tire... My client offered to help and I was very appreciative - I didn't even know where the jack was in my new car yet. I said "Remember in the movie Christmas Story? ... Time me!" to which my client replied "Fuuuddggge!" Gotta love clients with a sense of humor.

As we finished up, he commented on how calm and cool I was. He recalled a time when he helped someone change a tire who was cursing, yelling and stressing out. I told him that it could have been much worse. We could have had bad weather, been on the interstate, not had air in the spare, etc. I glanced at my watch - Hey look, we just have time to make it to the next house for our appointment!

On the way to the next home, I really was calm. Wow. This would not have been the case a short time ago. A much needed shift in my way of thinking had finally started to take hold - not simply a "positive thinking", pie in the sky kind of thing, but a deep, true sense of being thankful for everything, and I mean EVERYTHING that God gives us. I'm blessed to even have the chance to have a flat. The majority of people in the world can't even afford a car at all.

I may not be ready for the NASCAR racing pit, and could probably NEVER change a flat that fast again, but I'm thankful for the experience. Afterwards my wife reminded me that we have roadside assistance, to which I replied "Yes, but would they have gotten there fast enough to make the next appointment?!"

Take care and God bless,

Your Central Arkansas Real Estate Guy,

Mitchell Mote

Mitchell Scott Mote CRS,GRLA

Executive Broker, Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties

www.mitchellmote.com

www.myspace.com/bentonbryantrealtor

Central Arkansas Real Estate

Mitchell Mote (Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:51:44 -0700

Well, it's my second blog, and I really appreciate all the encouragement everyone gave me in their comments. Thanks so much, I needed that. Sounds like you guys are a great bunch of agents that utililize Active Rain.

One comment in particular gave a good tip: "Don't necessarily just blog about real estate, but more about you personally..." That got me to thinking. I spend so much time in real estate, I don't have much to tell about myself anymore. Sure, I have hopes and dreams, pursue certain hobbies for that mythical "one of these days" extra time that I don't have yet...

I suppose I'll list things about me that I wish I had time for. Let's see, travel for sure. I love to travel and since my wife is a flight attendant, we certainly like to see the world (in that time I don't have again)

I love the ocean and love reef diving and spear fishing, beach bumming and rum drinks. Diving and free diving. I love the Caribbean and have a list of all the other places I'd like to travel as well- everywhere from the Seychelles to the ... oh yeah, that takes time too.

I love history and antiquity. As a little kid I couldn't decide if I wanted to be a paleontologist or an archaeologist. I would love to go back to school and learn more history, and volunteer on digs - everywhere from the fossil digs in the Dakota badlands to the history rich Middle East. Heck, I could combine the two and go into marine archeology, uncovering amphora and treasures in the Mediterranean... oh yeah. If I had time.

Mission work. I'd love to give back to those that are less fortunate, and there are many in this world who are WAY less fortunate than we are here in America. I'd love to help bring clean water to remote villages by having wells drilled. My wife and I want to either join groups doing this, or create our own foundation to share the love of Christ with those who are in need. I could accomplish this by selling more homes and acquiring more rental properties so that I could afford the time...to...

Okay, I'm not really this cynical. We all have very little time, at least those of us who are involved in real estate as well as our local communities, churches, etc. I love it and would not change careers for anything. When you work so much that all you can talk about is work though, I guess "Jack" has become a "dull boy".

Maybe I do need to start scheduling a day off every now and then... ;)

Your Central Arkansas Real Estate guy,

Mitchell Mote

Mitchell Mote CRS,GRLA

Executive Broker, Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties

17724, I-30 Suite A-4

Benton, Arkansas 72019

check me out at either: www.mitchellmote.com

or: www.myspace.com/bentonbryantrealtor

Central Arkansas Real Estate

Mitchell Mote (Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:56:23 -0700

First blog for me. I know, I know - should have done it long ago. Just recently understood the reasoning for it.

I've been selling Central Arkansas Real Estate since 1995. Of course I was lucky enough to have ridden the wave of good times. It's hard for us gen-Xrs to really understand when more seasoned agents tell us about the "good ole days" when the rates were 17-18, up to 20 plus percent. Most of us were still in High School then, but I remember mom and dad trying to decide on the home they wanted and being very disappointed in the payments even though they paid 3 discount points, the rate was still sky high.

Arkansas Real Estate is not immune to the problems of this economy. Although sometimes it's nice not to be in the volatile coastal areas or the bigger markets. Our home values in Central Arkansas have held their own, even though we have slipped some. I fell blessed to be a real estate professional that is still able to make a living.

I know this sounds callous, but most agents that have been in this business over ten years would agree with me when I say that there is a silver lining to these clouds. Reform in quasi govt. behemoths, Freddie and Fannie, exposure to bad lending practices, and culling of the folks that were never going to be solid, service oriented real estate agents and mortgage brokers in the first place who just wanted to make an easy buck. It's not so easy now, so maybe we can have a return to things like service, and true fiduciary representation of our clients, thorough product knowledge and keeping the customers needs at the forefront of our professions.

Okay. I'm off my soap box, and I know I'm "preaching to the choir", but it does feel good to have a forum to release your inner feelings. Who knows? On my second blog, I just might jump into religion and politics! ;)

Take care and God bless,

The Central Arkansas Real Estate Guy

Mitchell Mote CRS, Executive Broker

Weichert Realtors, Pat Mote Properties