real estate: Be an Encourager
- 09/21/15 11:52 PM
Saturday was one of my “less than glorious days” on a bike. While riding out in Dayton on a county road, a pack of dogs came out of a yard after us. The lead dog jumped into my bike, causing me to flip end over end. My bike was totally mangled, and I sustained some pretty good cuts and bruises that will keep me out of training for a week or two. Nothing too serious, and hopefully not too much of a setback for my next Ironman race which is in November. Last night my 8-year old daughter Phoebe asked “daddy are … (17 comments)
I woke up this morning to the following articles in The Wall Street Journal: “Global Car Makers Reduce Output in China” – car sales are slowing and plants are operating below capacity, “Investors Brace for Further Tumult” – stock traders are still trying to get their heads wrapped around last week’s selloff and many are skeptical of its return, “It Isn’t Time to Dive Into Oil Yet” – even with oil dipping below $40, a 30% drop since June, investors still believe it could dip further.
Every … (8 comments)
real estate: Reflections of the Past
- 03/15/15 11:56 PM
Last week I had the opportunity to take a few days off of work and lead a group of youth on a church sponsored pioneer trek. In short, we divided about 100 teenagers between 8 couples and formed families. The families loaded all of their gear into handcarts and then pulled them through the mud and rain over several days, covering many miles. The couples served as “ma and pa” for their family. One of the purposes of the trek was to help these youth understand the sacrifices made by our pioneer ancestors, connect with them, feel gratitude, and gain … (0 comments)
real estate: Asking the Right Questions ... Max your title guy
- 06/23/14 12:15 AM
This morning my wife Cindy left town for a week, volunteering as a leader for a Christian youth girls camp in Dallas. My two teenage daughters leave tomorrow for the camp, leaving me with two boys and our youngest daughter Phoebe.
After sending Cindy off I had breakfast with Phoebe. She said, “Dad, we need to talk”. I couldn’t help but smile and then told her I was all ears. Here’s the conversation:
Phoebe: Dad, I want a white BMW Dad: You better start working right away Phoebe: Kellen got a car Dad: Kellen did not get a car. … (1 comments)
real estate: Never Give Up
- 05/20/14 12:18 AM
As some of you know I ran the Boston Marathon on April 21st, Patriots Day. Part of my preparation included reading 1776 by David McCullough. David McCullough details the events leading to the American Revolution, the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the leadership of so many including General George Washington.
In mid-1776 the “Americans” had a great victory in Boston which pushed the war to New York. From around August of 1776 til’ December 25th, the Americans experienced one humiliating defeat after another to the British. The American military was a poor site to behold. Most often half … (0 comments)
real estate: Real Estate_ A great service to others
- 07/15/13 12:33 AM
21 years ago, at the age of 19, I left the safety of my home in Kingwood TX to serve a two-year service mission in a very poor part of Mexico. It was the scariest thing I had ever done. I had never been away from home for more than a week, I did not speak Spanish, my self-confidence was low, and I really doubted if I had anything to offer this world and the people in it.
My first home in Mexico was a cardboard house that had been painted with oil to make it waterproof. The roof was … (0 comments)
real estate: Reflections of a Runner
- 11/26/12 10:55 PM
In final preparations for my Boston Marathon qualifier to be held on January 1 2013 I ran the San Antonio Rock-N-Roll Marathon two weeks ago. It was supposed to be a hard, but not leg-busting event that would prepare my mind for the pain I will certainly endure on January 1st. It was supposed to be a confidence building event.
A week after the event I found it difficult at best to maintain my normal workout pace. Doubt has started to set in about my ability to run a 7:15 average mile over 26.2 miles in order to qualify me … (2 comments)
real estate: Sharpen Your Vision
- 10/01/12 11:39 PM
I'm one of the few crazies who wake up at 5am to run the tree covered, dark morning trails of beautiful Kingwood TX. With a full work schedule and a family of 7 it's the only time I have if I want to run. My goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon this January. A few weeks ago I discovered a new 11 mile loop and was excited to show it to my wife on our regular Saturday morning run together. This particular loop includes several turns and if you're not careful, you can easily shorten or significantly lengthen the run. During our Saturday … (30 comments)
real estate: Mojo moment
- 09/09/12 11:34 PM
Mojo is the moment when we do something that's purposeful, powerful, and positive. It has the power to influence us to continue to move forward despite all the challenges we face. A couple of weeks while on my morning run I came across a little old lady who I have come to expect to see, each and every morning as she walks her yorkshire terrier on the greenbelts of Kingwood TX. This day was different however. She was standing off to the side with a leash in hand but no dog. I slowed, removed my head phones, and noticed she was crying. … (4 comments)
real estate: The brick walls that block our way are there for a reason
- 08/05/12 11:54 PM
Many years ago as a Police Officer I was chasing a young man who had committed a serious crime. He was tall and fast; it seems almost movie-like thinking back on the chase. I ran after him through an alley, over a dumpster, and through a convenience store. When he went over a 12' cinder block wall I felt I had no choice but to go over it myself. Just as I was clearing the wall he looked back and our eyes made contact. He stopped running, he laid down, threw his arms out in front of him and yelled, "I'm not running any more". Back at the station during the interview I … (84 comments)
real estate: Building Trust
- 05/11/12 12:05 AM
Last weekend while visiting with some friends, swimming in the pool, and having a little brisket I couldn’t help but notice my 16-year old son was having a great time with our friends 15-year old daughter. They were sitting together poolside and “texting” away on their phones with big smiles all the while. Frankly it scared the heck out of me. I couldn’t help but wonder if my son is unable to have a real person-to-person, face-to-face conversation. I took their phones away and was happy to see their conversation continued, only this time they were actually talking. Wow what a … (3 comments)
I know, most of you that have heard about my training courses are scratching your head right now. “I thought Max was the social media and technology guy!?” The fact is, I spend far more time helping my clients understand the importance of mastering real estate than I do discussing technology and social media.
My wife Cindy has authorized me to share the following:
Cindy recently started a side business as our 5th and final child is getting ready to start kindergarten next year. As you might imagine she anticipated that … (1 comments)
real estate: The Right Prescription ... It's In the Asking
- 04/16/12 11:14 PM
I went to our new family doctor a few weeks ago with little doubt of getting proper care. Having had some “less than spectacular” experiences with doctors, I assumed the doctor would make a few guesses, prescribe some meds, and send me out the door with some hope that I was properly diagnosed. Upon arrival at my new doctor’s office I was asked for my insurance card and some identification. Nothing more, no ridiculous forms where they ask you the same questions that can be answered on the cards I already gave them. Within a few minutes I was called … (1 comments)
real estate: First Things First
- 04/02/12 12:58 AM
Ever since I received my New iPad a few weeks ago I've been as efficient as ever; new Apps, new strategies, new organizational tools, etc. It's been great to say the least. This weekend however I had a bit of an epiphany. While going through my "checklist" of things to do I saw two of my younger children through our front windows. They were kicking the soccer ball and having a great time... without me! I was so absorbed in my "To Do" lists that I had lost sight for a moment of the things that matter most; namely my family. The whole purpose behind … (2 comments)
real estate: Success is in the DETAILS
- 01/23/12 02:08 AM
Many years ago while working undercover as a narcotics Police Officer I was given the opportunity for a promotion that would have provided me with the additional income my young family needed so badly. My Lieutenant asked me to provide him some information on a particular neighborhood that I had worked for many years. I knew all the important facts about the neighborhood, or at least I thought I did. I quickly went to work and the next day I provided him the report. One week later it was announced that another officer would be given the position that I so … (4 comments)
real estate: It's a New Year, "Do or Don't Do"
- 01/03/12 02:14 AM
When I was a kid I could never get enough Star Wars into my system. I think I've watched the original trilogy hundreds of times. I dreamed of one day becoming a Jedi and of wielding a light saber just as Luke Skywalker did. And then I grew up.. at least a little. Betweeen High School, girls, College, girls, Marriage and kids, life happened. This past week I had the opportunity to watch one of the old Star Wars classics with my kids. All along doodling with some notes and plans I was making for the New Year. What are my new goals, … (3 comments)
real estate: The "Not-So" Spirit of Giving ...
- 12/13/11 02:12 AM
Two years ago for Christmas we thought it would be a great lesson to our children if rather then indulge ourselves in Christmas gifts that we "adopt" a family and give our entire Christmas to a less fortunate family. Knowing that giving up Christmas gifts would be a challenge for everyone (especially me) we sat the kids down and taught them a biblical lesson on love, charity, and of taking care of the poor and needy. We thought we had struck a grand-slam when one of the older kids who could perceive where this lesson was going said, "We could give up our … (3 comments)
real estate: Wow.. time flies when you're having fun
- 11/03/11 03:23 AM
Two months ago I realized (or maybe it was my gut in the mirror) that I was getting out of shape. Was it the new job, being back in Texas and living on BBQ, or simply the fact that I've become lazy about exercise? Probably a combination of everything. I decided it was time to start running and so I put forth a plan; I would run every day in the evening, and rest on Wednesday and Sunday. On my 2nd run my 10-yr old daughter (Payton)asked if she could follow me along on her bike. Spending valuable time with five kids can … (5 comments)
real estate: It's football season and time to get back to the basics
- 10/25/11 09:11 AM
As many of you know, my oldest son plays football at Kingwood High School. He's a sophomore and loving every moment of it. Yesterday he walked over to our office after football practice around 4:30pm stinking like only a 15-year old can. It was so bad I had to tell him to go outside. He said, "Well dad I can't expect to win if I don't work hard". There's a lot of truth in those simple words. Though Kellen's football team has struggled at times this year, he absolutely believes that if he continues to work hard and stay focused on the fundamental that his … (0 comments)
Saturday was one of my “less than glorious days” on a bike. While riding out in Dayton on a county road, a pack of dogs came out of a yard after us. The lead dog jumped into my bike, causing me to flip end over end. My bike was totally mangled, and I sustained some pretty good cuts and bruises that will keep me out of training for a week or two. Nothing too serious, and hopefully not too much of a setback for my next Ironman race which is in November.
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