Veterans Day...formerly known as Armistice Day ....is a day set aside to commemorate the ending of the "Great War" (World War I). Fighting ceased when an armistice / cessation of hostilities when into effect on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918. 

I have several family members and friends who are in the military today. Please take a minute to thank the men and women in the armed services who serve our country.

“Unless it is scientifically impossible, it must be possible!” Hildy Gottlieb

This quote struck me on a business level as well as in my volunteer work with a non-profit organization. With a negative perception of the housing market in many areas and the concerns about the economy, it becomes easy to get hung up in the media hype and lose focus. Yes times are tough; but there are still people out there buying and selling homes..........we just have to find them.

I don’t believe that success in these times is scientifically impossible!

LET’S STAY FOCUSED!

I attended a workshop designed for helping Non-Profit Board Members / Executive Directors govern and be more effective with carrying out their mission in the community. It was facilitated by the president of Community – Driven Institute. www.CommunityDriven.org; Hildy Gottlieb. If you are working with a non-profit organization take a look at their website, it is a great resource.

In these past few weeks the focus of the press on the real estate and mortgage markets have been dismal. I listen to stay up to date with what's going on but they focus on growing my business.

With the high number of foreclosures on the market, I have been busy with first time home buyers who are looking to get a good deal. With a bit of education from me, they understand that buying a foreclosure may take a bit longer and that there is a possibility of getting a good deal but they should expect to "steal a house". 

Prepared and realistic sellers and buyers are still in a great position. I was able to help a couple find a new house and sell their condo in about 2 months.

The market in our area is slow but not stopped. Buying your own home is still a great thing to do (if you can afford it)!

The market in my area is still slow and sluggish. It is starting to pick up but there isn’t a buying frenzy yet. I am very careful to spend my time and advertising dollars where I believe it to be most effective.

I have a condominium listing in a complex where there are 8 others on the market. Trying to differentiate my listing from others that are very similar is not easy. Half the battle is getting people to see the inside so they can see the differences themselves. Rather than divide and conquer......combine and cooperate.

The Agent who has the listing next to mine, called all the other Agents and coordinated a group open house (thanks Farrol!). I know it is not a new idea, but it is a good one. Five of us participated which minimized the expenses and encouraged people to come see several condos at the same time. More exposure is good.

I believe that when we cooperate as a group of people from different offices, it raises our level of professionalism in the public’s eye. They can see that we are working toward the common goal of doing the best we can for our clients.

Contemporary 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch style home. Updated kitchen, marble fireplace, finished walk out lower level. Beach rights and your own dock on Candlewood Lake. Subject to 3rd party approval. Don’t miss this opportunity for a home on the lake!