Have you ever walked into your office and wished you hadn't gone through the door?  Do you find yourself avoiding agents who constantly complain and bring you down?  Me too!

 

Agents, it's time to look in the mirror and take some responsibility.  If you're not doing as well as you would like I have something to tell you.  It's NOT your broker's fault, your associates fault, your wife/husband, or the fact that it's a full moon!  You simply need to realize that this industry takes work.  Real work.  Not the kind you think is working from sitting at your desk or going to lunch (and if I don't miss my guess, probably doing some more complaining).

Let me take you back 28 years to when I first started in this business.  There were very few computers, and not the kind that you could create a data base or look up addresses, etc.  We still had fax machines where the paper had to be cut and the cell phone, for those that could afford them, were carried in a cumbersome mini suitcase.  We had no idea at the time what the future held as far as technology.  The present is something so far removed from what our reality was then that it could very well have been Star Wars.

 

Each evening after I put dinner on the table I would return to the office and open up a large cross reference directory.  I highlighted streets I liked (no science involved, just streets that I thought had pretty homes on them) and then I would start dialing.  I would not stop dialing until I reached 15 live people each evening.  For the first 2 years that was basically the way I earned my living.  And as a side note rates were running 16%-18% in those days!  Would I want to go back to those times?  NO. 

 

However, in a challenging market such as we're in now, effort is required.  And let's face it, we earn a handsome sum at the closing table so we SHOULD put forth effort!  This is not the kind of industry where one can rest on their laurels.  If we plan on supporting ourselves and our families we must be willing to look in the mirror and take responsibility for our successes and our failures.  Too often I hear agents say they can't afford to market themselves.  As a friend of mine says this is "crazy talk".  Everything doesn't cost money.  I doubt there are many of us who can't use a little exercise.  Print out some creative fliers, attach your business card to them and go door to door.  Heck, you might even find someone home and get to chat with them!  Do open houses that you actually lay the ground work ahead of time to insure you have neighbors stop in that you can meet.  If you attend church, stay afterward and talk with some parishioners.  Let them know that you're a Realtor and proud of it!  Remember, we can all find excuses not to work, but those that don't make excuses and forge ahead will always be at the head of the pack.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is stop all the whining and do something about it!  This industry unlike many, will treat you as well as you treat it.  There is no ceiling, no one telling you it can't be done.  Want a raise?  Go out and sell more homes.  Interested in having input on your town's decisions such as schools, future development, etc?  Go to their public meetings and let yourself be heard.  Let the people in your town know you care!

 

I truly believe we work in the greatest industry on the planet and it upsets me when I hear agents bringing everyone around them down.  Either be willing to put the work in necessary to be successful or for the sake of the rest of us, GET OUT OF THE WAY!

 

November 8 is almost here!  Do we all know what that means?  It means as Americans we have the right to vote!  The reason I’m writing this is many have said to me recently that they’re not going to the polls.  The majority who have mentioned this to me seem to think that their vote doesn’t matter.  That it’s always the same old, same old. 

Now it’s not that I don’t understand how they feel.  I do, I really do.  But if we stop voting and expressing our wants and needs, as well as our pleasure or dissatisfaction at decisions in government, then what have we, as Americans, left?  Our right to vote and be heard is what this great country was built on.  It’s what our ancestors fought for and died for.  If we are not heard, then who is to blame?  If we don’t let the government know what we like and don’t like, then what have we left? 

Whether we agree with what our government thinks should be and what shouldn’t be or not, we must let them know. 

I think we sometimes forget how blessed we are to live in the “land of the free”.  Can one even imagine what life would be like if we didn’t have the liberties that we as Americans have.  Sure, it’s not a perfect system, I know.  But one thing I know for sure is I’d rather live here than anywhere else on the planet.  I’d rather have the right to express my beliefs, to disagree or agree with our elected officials, than be restricted as to what I am able to do or say or in some places in the world, think!

This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!  Please, come November 8, be sure to vote.  It has never been more important than it is right now to let your voices be heard!  Take my word, our country is as good as it gets.  Love her, honor her, respect her! 

Homes to be built by American Properties Builders. These beautiful homes are part of the Village and Estates Collections in Heritage at Chesterfield. These homes feature 2 story entry foyers with hardwood flooring, gas fireplace in family room, 9 ft ceilings on main level, full basement, and gourmet kitchen with island and breakfast nook. Large master suite with walk in closets and luxury bathroom. The luxury master bathroom includes cultured marble vanity top, tile floor, tile wall in shower and around garden style soaking tub. Enjoy the award winning schools!  Heritage at Chesterfield is accessible to Routes 206, 295, 195, 528, 660, 545, and the NJ Turnpike. The Hamilton Train Station is also close for an easy commute.  Photos represent model home.   Priocing begins at $398,990.

In our business we meet all kinds of people.  Some are pro-active, others not so much.  But how about the whiners who want to blame everybody and their brother for their predicament in life??!!  I don't know about you, but I'm a firm believer we create our destiny.  I'll walk into a real estate office and hear agents complaining there's no business.  Well, create some business!  Don't have the money to advertise?  Walk door to door and meet people.  Do something, believe me, once you do, you'll feel better about yourself.  What about family members who look at those of us who have realized some success and say we got lucky!  We were in the right place at the right time and it's too late for them. 

There are many definitions of success.  It's not just about the almighty $$, it's about how we treat people and how they treat us.  It's about if we're happy to greet the day each morning.  It's about being surrounded by those we love. 

How sad that people can't take joy in their lives, as well as the lives of others.  If one digs deep they will find their passion, I just know it.  Success comes when you're doing what you love!  Whether it's work, family, friends, anything.  Find what you love to do and you will not be so quick to think "poor me".  You might even find yourself one day rising and happy to greet the day!

A friend of mine recently told me about an organization she is involved in called Mothers Fighting for Others.  This organization is unbelievable!  It cares for, clothes, feeds and educates young girls who otherwise would not have a future.  Just to give you an idea of what they do I've copied some info from their Facebook site.:

 

Mothers Fighting For Others provides orphaned girls with a loving and nurturing environment and a quality education, so they can learn, thrive and achieve their highest potential.Join the fight!

We have two projects underway: Inspire the Child is the future of Mothers Fighting For Others. We want to to continue to grow and continue down a path to help and educate orphans around the world, starting with Kenya. We have partnered with Sisters Arise Project and now help fund all costs for Saint Monica Children's Home. The Gift of Education is an ongoing project solely to help pay for school fees and school requirements to orphans who do not have this opportunity.

Mothers Fighting For Others is dedicated to providing orphans and vulnerable children with opportunities their parents would have provided, if they only could; a loving and nurturing environment and a quality education, so they can learn, thrive and achieve their highest potential.

On October 15 they will be holding their annual fundraiser.  This year it is in Virginia.  If you would like to know more about this amazing organization please visit their Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/mffo.org#!/mffo.org?sk=wall.  Remember, giving back is a great feeling and it doesn't take a lot.  As little as $1 will help these girls.  They're worth saving!  I hope you agree!

 

Below you'll find the latest (past 6 months) statistics for single family homes in Hamilton's 08690 zip code.  I think you'll agree that our area is doing much better than the statistics throughout the country.  Hamilton is a great place to live offering beautiful parks, great sports teams, cultural experiences, etc. 

Hamilton  is a close knit community where people want to live. 

Need additional information or would like a free home market anaylsis?  Call The Picardi Kenyon Team at (609) 587-9300 x473 (office) or (609) 915-1317 (cell).  The Picardi Kenyon Team is  an award winning Team in the RE/MAX Network.      Call us today, we look forward to exceeding your expectations! 

Active	98	$320,679	--	$304,994	$895,000	$139,900	208/256	16	$29,889,448
Active No Showings	1	$295,000	--	$235,000	$235,000	$235,000	453/453	0	$235,000
Pending	14	$279,515	--	$247,544	$449,900	$159,000	201/293	2	$3,465,616
Settled	68	$302,105	$289,366	$279,854	$496,781	$125,000	91/109	0	$19,030,069
Totals:	181	$310,375	$289,366	$290,719	$895,000	$125,000	165/205	18	$52,620,133

Average Settled Price to Original Price Ratio: 92.67%
Average Settled Price to Last List Price Ratio: 96.55%

Below you'll find the latest (past 6 months) statistics for single family homes in Robbinsville.  I think you'll agree that our area is doing much better than the statistics throughout the country.  Please realize that Robbinsville is a great place to live with award winning schools, beautiful parks, great sports teams, etc. 

Robbinsville is a place where people want to live. 

Need additional information or would like a free home market anaylsis?  Call The Picardi Kenyon Team at (609) 587-9300 x473 (office) or (609) 915-1317 (cell).  The Picardi Kenyon Team is  an award winning Team in the RE/MAX Network.      Call us today, we look forward to exceeding your expectations! 

 

 

Active	80	$547,167	--	$526,802	$1,075,000	$249,000	166/233	14	$42,144,195
Active No Showings	2	$457,400	--	$434,900	$579,900	$289,900	233/286	0	$869,800
Pending	12	$496,838	--	$453,181	$589,900	$279,900	118/158	1	$5,438,167
Settled	44	$482,148	$463,953	$444,543	$720,000	$68,000	100/146	0	$19,559,900
Totals:	138	$520,759	$463,953	$492,841	$1,075,000	$68,000	142/199	15	$68,012,062

Average Settled Price to Original Price Ratio: 91.89%
Average Settled Price to Last List Price Ratio: 95.62%
 

In my humble opinion we have lost a great man.  Steve Jobs had a mind that most people can't even dream about.  He came from meager beginnings.  He created an environment for himself that allowed his mind to think big.  This man was let down by his best friend and partner.  He was let down by the Board that he created.  Mr. Jobs revolutionized our industry.  When I got into this business in 1983 the fax was new to the world.  We still had to cut the paper with scissors as it came out of the fax.  For years after that we would walk around the office saying "remember how life was before the fax"!  Then a couple years after the fax I remember having a cell phone company come to my then office and install a phone in my car.  It was a big, clunky thing and could not be carried outside of the car.  Then came Steve Jobs who changed everything!  Mr. Jobs was instrumental in every aspect of the computer age.  We have Mr. Jobs to thank for our ability to utilize graphics, make the "language" of the computer understandable and let us not forget the world wide web!

To you, Mr. Jobs, I say THANK YOU!  You're going to be a very hard act to follow!

It's so easy when one is successful to run with it. Often you forget that you didn't get here alone. Whether you believe in a higher power, karma, etc., it doesn't really matter. But for sure you didn't do it alone. Usually agents who reach a certain level have some sort of team in place at home and in the office. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the busy part of our lives that we don't remember to say "thank you". I'm not just talking about the words, I'm talking about the actions. There are so many people in our own back yards that need our help. Whether it be a hug, a donation, an offer of friendship, it really doesn't matter. What matters is that we do SOMETHING! We have to remember to make time for those who aren't as fortunate. In my case I spend a portion of my year fundraising for Children's Miracle Network. I see the children in this organization who are ill and their parents who are worried and tired. Sometimes financially drained. I can't begin to tell you the feeling of joy I have when I know I've helped a family to forge ahead. When I first started in this business 29 years ago I'm sorry to say I often thought "if I do that, what's the end result for me". I'm proud to say my mindset changed many years ago. In fact, I remember the day...my office was invited to CHOP to visit with the sick children and from that day on it didn't matter what the end result for ME was, it just mattered that I had a small part in helping bring some type of joy into their lives. I started with collecting gifts at Christmas and then it progressed into full blown fundraising. Last year we raised $41,000 in one fundraiser for these children. Just knowing that I was able to help in some small way was enough of an end result for me. So the purpose to this post today is to encourage you, whether in a small way or a large way, to pay it forward. Drop a cake off to a neighbor, give an elderly person an offer of a ride to the grocery store, volunteer at school. Do something, anything, but do it from your heart. Find something you're passionate about and run with it! Not only will the recipient be richer for it, but certainly your life will be richer for it! It's a Good Life!

Yesterday, 9/11/11, was remembered in Robbinsville Township by a ceremony wherein a piece of steel from Ground Zero was unveiled.  The Robbinsville Professional Firefighters and many township residents were on hand to witness the dedication.

Pamela Gaff, a resident lost to the events of 9/11/01, was also remembered during the ceremony.