January is undoubtedly a noted time for renewals. So why am I writing this in February? That's because I got to take a step back and look at the past month: my accomplishments and failures, and the works in progress.

I'd heard from the radio on January 3rd that 23% of Americans had already broken their New Year's resolutions. I wasn't surprised, but I vowed that wouldn't be me. I've stumbled, but not fallen. I refuse defeat.

This goes for all aspects of my life, most definitely real estate. Looking back now, instead of 2009, will give the chance to tweak and make changes to what's not working. Let's embrace the opportunities given, and not wait until the scheduled time, before proclaiming them again.

It's simple, and may seem odd, but the act of strangers asking, "How are you?" is quite irritating to me. That's because the words, as reflective of our society, are no longer genuine.

Most people feel they need quick words to fill the moment, and want a snappy answer as well. For example, many would relay sympathy if I said my knee was giving me trouble. The real feeling behind their words wouldn't be there. I absoutely hate that. Where has the true meaning gone??

I avoid this situation as much as possible. I reply with "fine," when asked and I don't do the expected follow up question...Instead, I remark about something more personal that will actually mean something, like a design of someone's coat. I've had many more interesting conversations this way than using the common method, and am glad I stand out in this regard.

This is especially important in our line of work. We must meet with strangers often, and put them at ease. This is supposed to be the reasoning of the standard question. However, we can rise above and do so much more.

 

Being a control freak isn't easy, as some of you may know. I've relaxed many of my ways, but one thing that can still get the better of me is time--or lack thereof.

I've found a way "around" it, though. I'd normally chocked my day full of things to do, without accounting for that something may run slow, be it through my fault or just an outside situation. I've changed my manner of dealing with it.

Now, not only do I schedule less things for myself, I plan for things to go more slowly. For example, I was kept waiting for over an hour at the doctor's office. I'd figured something like that would happen, and didn't make any other appointments within three hours of my scheduled doctor's appointment. I also brought a book with me that I'd been meaning to get to, but hadn't had a chance to before. Given the slowed schedule, I had the time and then some to spare.

I suggest re-evaluating your schedules, especially on this Monday morning. It could alleviate much stress late in the week.

'Tis (almost) the season, so I wanted to post this early. For years I've participated in Operation Christmas Child, which sends shoeboxes of presents to needy children overseas. Here is some information from the pamphlet:

The project is headed by Dr. and Mrs. Billy Graham, and I've been proud to be a continual part of it. You can be too. All you need to do is a few simple things: fill a standard shoebox with kid-friendly items, such as toys, coloring books, games. You can choose either a boy or girl from three age groups ranging from 2 to 14. Include a $7 check for shipping. Then put a rubberband around the box and its cover, and drop off at one of the designated spots.

The drop off week is in November, and I've included the organization's info so you can find the drop places closest to you. This is the season for giving, but you'll receive a great sense of fulfillment as well.

 

Samaratan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child

801 Bamboo Rd.

POB 3000

Boone, NC 28607

 

1-800-353-5949

www.samaratanspurse.org/occ

 

I've never believed in waste. Couple that with being a packrat, and you can imagine how much I've accumulated over the years. I have found a better use for the extra dish rack, my childhood toys, etc., making sure they go where they are truly needed.

A friend's church is very involved in the community, and the organization specifically targets the poor. By giving them in this way, I'm breathing new life into my old treasures, and allowing them to be treasures for someone else. 

I ask you to consider a similar route before simply tossing what is still functional but you can personally no longer use. It may make a big difference to another person, and the earth as well.

A person's brain never stops growing; it only seems so if it's no longer challenged. That's one reason why continuing one's education is a good idea. I am really glad that it's a requirement of being a realtor. I decided to apply the principle to other areas of my life, to improve my overall knowledge as much as possible.

One thing I do daily is look up a new country on the map. I search out its flag, the surrounding countries and bodies of water, and related statistics.

I also keep my mind open to other cultures, and take special time to talk to foreigners and immigrants. Having their perspective on our country is interesting, and most helpful.

How do you enrich yourself on a daily basis?

There is no doubt that we're in business, therefore there will be competition. That's the way it should work. However, the way some people run things needs desperate improvement.

It's one thing to try to build yourself up, work hard long hours to bring yourself to the next level. That's the "American dream" many of us were raised on. It's quite another issue to look for fault in others simply to speed your scurry to the top. This is not only bad business, but shows horrible personality to do be so underhanded. It also shows lack of creativity to be dealing in this way.

These types of negative folks should be concentrating on elevating themselves and their fellow man, instead of simply the former. Continually acting in the negative way is not only unappreciated, but also self-depreciating as well.

It all comes back to you in the end, if not sooner.

I enjoy supporting the local community; I take advantage of farmer's markets and the like. For the past few years I have also picked my own fruit. I wanted to extend the same opportunity to you, especially since it is now peach season. One farm I like is Prospect Hill Orchards. They are located in Milton, NY, in Ulster County. You are welcome to check them out at http://www.prospecthillorchards.com/, and in person. Happy picking, and I may see you there!

As a real estate agent, I realize part of my job is to keep abreast with what is going on in this day and age. As such, I make it a practice to watch the news at least daily. I have been consistently viewing a few different channels' versions, but the general result is the same. Besides the sometimes comical stories, what really gives me a chuckle is the way real estate is presented on some of the shows. Many times the anchors advise the public of an aspect of real estate; a common one being the current status of the market. Usually this person gives a generalized tidbit, but fails to give the reasons behind why the claimed status is so. The report is usually kept brief, so other issues can have their important spots in the limelight.  

Viewers feel understandably empowered after gleaning the real estate tidbit from the broadcast.They feel they can then go out into the world ready to use this information, imparting it when deemed necessary. This would be all well and good, except their sources were not always accurate, or fair, to say the least. The three minute segment they have seen really did nothing to cover the subject. The people engaged in the broadcast were usually not experts. They were merely recycling someone else's words. Sometimes an agent may have been featured within the spot, only to have been coerced by the interviewer. This technique serves the station's purpose, but makes our job that much harder. We as realtors have to not only combat the faulty or wrong information, but then also have to re-educate the public.  

It is up to us to ensure the prospects and clients we are in contact with are as properly informed as possible. This will not only make our jobs easier, as agents, but helps the public to develop a better understanding regarding real estate transactions.