Be The Best That You Can Be. Enjoy Life Just By Being Yourself. The Only Opinion That Matters Is your Own.

Unhappines or negativity is a disease on our planet. What pollution is on the outer level is negativity on the inner. It is everywhere, not just in places where people don't have enough, but even more so where they have more than enough. Is that surprising ? NO. The affluent world is even more deeply identified with form, more lost in content, more trapped in ego.

People believe themselves to be dependent on what happens for their happiness, that is to say,dependent on form. They don't realize that what happens is the most unstable thing in the universe. It changes constantly. They look upon the present moment as either marred by something that has happened and shouldn't have or as a deficient because of something that has not happened but should have. And so they miss the deeper perfection that is inherent in life itself, a perfection that is always already here, that lies beyond what is happening or not happening, beyond form. Accept the present moment and find the perfection that is deeper than any form untouched by time.

The joy of Being, which is the only true happiness, cannot come to you through any form, possession, achievement, person, or event ---through anything that happens. That joy cannot come to you --- ever. It emanates from the formless dimension within you, from consciousness itself and thus is one with who you are. 

Position is in the mind of the collective market. Reality bearly counts.

During the past 40 plus years while trying to improve myself, and learn everything about "doing business" brings me here today to write these following thoughts. My journey, like many of us, has had it's "ups and downs" over the years. Here, I want to share one of the items that has really stood out for me through my journey.

In my mind, a position statement is the description of how you want you, or your brand to be positioned in the mind of the consumer, client, or customer. There is a huge gap between your position statement and your actual position itself. Once you discover that you are too far from where you think you'd like to go, go somewhere else ! Be the very best in your definded marketplace, and strive for that target, and the target is likely to follow you, but actually helps you get there.

A position is always compared to or against others in the same market. Your mission statement may be as simlply as this: Hamptons Real Estate will become the number one term in this highly competitive market. It will be recognized as the name to contact, that "Go To" person in my market...Hamptons Real Estate. It may become highly regarded as the "guy with the great instincts" in the Hamptons.

Whatever you do, stand tall for the one thing and one thing only that will help me stand out in my market. I was always told to differentiate yourself from the competition, and you will be a success ! Focus. In this one instance it is best to focus and pinpoint my position. And always make certain the one thing that makes me stand out in the crowd, is also my competitive advantage.

The position statement describes the position that I want to own. Positioning describes the "Mental Real Estate" that I actually hold.

Advantage is always defined by the customer or the client.

There's hardly anything more important than your brand.

A tag line is your position statement brought to life.

Make l your l Hampton's l moment ***********************  This IS MY Brand In Hamptons Real Estate.

A great tag line mentions the unique selling proposition. In a few words, it lets the client/customer know precisely why this Is My Brand Of Choice.

Remember to think like a client/customer. The position statement tells what you want the market to think, but it's not necessarily a reflection of reality, the real position that you won. You can try to shape the market with your tag line, but why not let the market do the shaping, especially if it is already heading in your direction ?

First Get Good, Then Get Great, and Then and Only Then Will You SUCCEED.....

I read a poem when I was a very young child, some 50 years ago. The content of this poem are crystal clear to me after all these years. My recollection goes something like this:

The Man In The Glass.

When you get what you want with your struggles in life, and the world makes you feel like "King " for the day, just go to look in the mirror and look at yourself, and ask what You See. It is not your mother or father, or wife (in my case) Who's judgement you must pass: The persons verdict who counts most in this life is the one staring back from the glass. Some people may think of you as "a shoot from the hip" kind of guy, some may think you are a wonderful guy...But the man in the glass says to you: you're only a bum if you can't look him straight in the eye. That's the person to please, never mind all the rest, for he's with you clear to the end, and you have passed the most dangerous and difficult test: If The Man In The Glass Is Your Friend. You might fool the whole world throughout your life, possibly some pats on the back on your way through, your final reward will be Heartaches and Tears...If You Have Cheated The Man In The Glass. 

For all of you who may remember this poem, as I remember it, you will know exactly what this means. In my life, I know that I must do the next right thing, each and every moment and time. No matter what Life throws in your path: Stand Tall and Always Remember Who's The Only One Who Will Hold You Accountable For Your Life; The Man In The Glass"

I Wish You All...Happy Holidays !!!

Richard Rawdin  

And A Happy New Year !!!   Http://bit.ly/hh7fiy

The perfect Christmas presents for the person who has everything. 

Happy Holidays !!!

 2010 "The Clapper"

2:00 Tea Time...

I have no idea where to purchase any of these thoughtful gifts. Please use this for inspiration while choosing a gift for that special someone in your life.

For the first time in my life, I joined a Golf Club/Country Club in the Hampton's, NY. My idea was that when I belong to a Golf Club, I can invite business associates to my club to play golf, have lunch or dinner with them and maybe even extend and invite to his or her spouse. Looks great on paper, and it worked out just fine. What I did find out was that the Golf Club that I joined was not on the "A" list of Golf in the Hampton's. Each and every time I extended an invitation to an associate, the comments were always the same. 1. What Golf Club do you belong to ? 2. Where is the club located ? 3. I never heard of that club, is it located on the North Fork ? Well, the facts are the facts, when it's not an "A" list club,not centrally located, and they never heard of the club.....The response was always the same, let's play at my club instead. OK was my answer, keeping this in mind, I always played at the best of the best Hampton's Golf Courses.

So I deceided to make a list of "How to Enjoy Playing Golf" Hampton's Style.

Ways To Enjoy Golf...Hampton's Style

1. Always arrive early.This will make you feel relaxed.

2. Turn Off Your Cell Phone.

3. Play Like it is your First Time.

4. Play Like it is your Last Time.

5. Hit your favorite club off the first Tee.

6. Make a decision to let Nothing bother you.

7. Smile, better yet, laugh out loud.

8. Play with people who will not Stress you out.

9. Become your playing partner's biggest fan.

10. Always compliment a good golf shot.

11. Repair someone else's ball mark on every green.

12. Give advice only when asked.

13. Play every ball as it lies. No Judge Smails !

14. Really see and appreciate your surroundings.

15. Quit taking your game, and yourself so seriously.

16. Play more often.

17. Celebrate the balance between doing well and just being ---in Golf and Life.

18. Be respectful of other Golfers.

19. Remember that in Golf ---As in Life ---You Get What You Focus On. Focus On The Best Parts.

20. Aspire to be the Best version of You on the course.

21. Thank God that this Wonderful game exists, and that you have the ability and privilege to play it !

 To all you golfers out there, remember to hit em' straight !

Happy Holidays......To All....

Rich Rawdin

www.HamptonsHomes4Sale.com

Rich@HamptonsHomes4Sale.com

Direct: (631) 204-2731

Cell: (631) 680-7205

Fax: (631) 28704618

Playing golf in the Hampton's is always an experience, you never know who you will meet, or what will happen during your round. I remember the first time I played golf. My twosome was paired up with another twosome,two complete strangers. After my tee shot on the first hole went off the first fairway,I have no idea...landing somewhere in the trees on between Hole 1 and Hole 2, one of the other golfers asked me if I had a handicap. At this point I thought that he was joking, well he was not. The rest of the round went fairly well,shooting a 105 the first time I ever played golf. It was at this moment I questioned the player who asked me if I had a handicap, well my only handicap was that this was my first round of golf, playing aside a wise-guy.

Learning the rules, the lingo, and the language of golf is crucial at best. This obviously separates the beginner from someone just experiencing a bad day on the links. Since my first experience playing this game of golf, I learned a few things that I want to share with you. Remember that this is all taking place on a nice golf course in the Hamptons. NY. where everyone is an expert....Ha,Ha,Ha !

When the golf pro tells you to address the ball, do not take out your sharpie and write "To The Hole" on the ball. This will be a big mistake for the rest of your lesson. I have found that most golf pros, or club pros do not have the best mind set for the beginner.

Here are some key points that I learned very quickly when I started playing on a regular basis: 1.Do not walk through the parking lot with your golf shoes on when the temperature is above 85 degrees. 2. Never insist that your spouse should play golf with you. 3. This will lead to a couple of scenarios: A. When he or she plays really poorly, complains for 4 hours and ruins your whole day. B. He or she plays really well, and offers you advice on how to play better golf, and this certainly will ruin your day. This next one I read in a book: A double bogey is not a strong drink from the movie Casablanca. It means two over par. And not a bad score at all for the beginner. If there is a name for it it's a good score. There is no name for a 15.

Some terms and experiences learned early on playing golf. A divot is a lump of grass that flies up from where the golf ball used to be. A damn-it is a lump of grass that flies up in your face as you hit two feet behind the ball. A slice is a ball that curve to the right. A bad slice is a ball that lands behind you. A chip is not something left behind by a foraging cow. That's a flap. A chip is a carefully choreographed half-swing that often goes further than your first drive. Heavy rough is the area along the edge of the fairway just before your ball is legally out of bounds. A good rule to remember...If the guy beside you is barbecuing, you're probably out of bounds. A tough lie has double meanings. It's when you have to come up with an excuse...for the tenth time...as to why it took six hours to play nine holes and why your breath smells like chips and beer. It also refers to a difficult spot to have to hit your ball from. For instance, the base of a tree, or the upper branches from the same tree your ball is laying at the base of. And finally, Club Rules imply that you are not penalized by foreign objects on the fairway. Therefore, if you knock out a tourist with your drive, you are allowed to move your ball one club's length form the body.

Now that you understand some of the basics,you should be able to better appreciate the game. And, you can focus on some of the more intriguing idiosyncrasies of golf, like if it's completely made out of metal,why do they call it a three wood ?

Thank God that this wonderful game exists, and that you have the ability to play it !

Special Thanks to: Ernie Whitman

This is such a beautiful time of the year to be in the Hamptons. Christmas decorations are everywhere, lot's of people out and about. Shopping frenzy wherever you go....."Ya Gotta Love The Hampton's". So many Christmas parties to attend, already attended too many, and many more to go. It seems like the mood in town is a bit on the upbeat side of the happiness scale. Working with two buyers this coming weekend, which I am hoping is not to busy on the roads.So, with all this said...Things are pretty great in the Hamptons. My wife and I are here for 16 yeqrs now,and every year we love it more and more. I want to wish the entire Activerain Community Happy Holidays and a great 2011 New Year. May we all enjoy health prosperity.

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I compiled a list of maintenance items that need to be addressed: Annually, Quarterly, Spring and Fall.

Spring and Fall Checklist :

Check your roof and chimney for leaks around flashing, skylights or damaged shingles.

Check gutters and downspouts (leaders) for leaks and clear all debris.

Check vents, louvers and chimneys for insects and bird nests.

Check for cracks or deterioration in driveways, patios, walkways, and the foundation of your house.

Check caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows.

Remove debris from around heating/cooling units at the base/foundation.

Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries every six months.

Check insulation and proper ventilation, replace or add insulation as necessary.

Clean refrigerator coils under and at rear of the unit.

Quarterly Checklist :

Check siding for damage, warping or rot.

Trim shrubs close to your house.

Check window and door screens. Replace or repair as necessary.

Replace all filters in furnace and air conditioning for more efficient operation to reduce electric bills.

Check all interior and exterior faucets for leaks.

Check attic for leaks, signs of birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc.

Check basement for dampness, moisture odor and leakage after heavy rains, or snow melting.

Check for leaks around toilets, sinks, dishwasher, clothes washer,and refrigerator.

Check all wiring and plugs for wear and damage. Replace as necessary.

Annual Checklist :

Maintain grading slope away from foundation walls.

Service heating, air conditioning and hot water heater.

Check hot water heater for leaks. Drain and flush-out to remove sediment from bottom of unit.

By following these easy to do tasks and reminders as a homeowner, you will find that owning and maintaining a home becomes second nature, and reducing costly repairs. By following these solutions you are sure to keep your  "Home Sweet Home".

Is everyone going crazy at the same time? I think so,buyers and sellers alike. They buyers believe 30%-40% off asking prices are  good offers. The sellers think that it is still pre-stimulus and bank bailouts. Trying to make a deal with this type of thinking is Crazy.

I have recently presented an offer to purchase a home that has been on the market for 3 years, and I am being told that the offer is to low to make a counter offer. Are you kidding me ? Three years of the seller paying the motgage, one would think they would crunch the numbers a bit better. At least come back with a reasonable counter-offer to the buyer.

It seem that deals in Hamptons Real Estate are happening with much more back and forth between buyers and sellers before someone comes to there senses. Then, there are the banks moving at a snails pace. If anyone reading this has some consrtuctive advice, I really want to hear from you.

This what I am talking about.....Summer fun in The Hamptons........

Termites cause an estimated $5 Billion Dollars in property damage every year in our homes across the United States. This horrible little insect causes more damage to wood framed homes than fires, floods, hurricanes, or tornado's. This being said, the average homeowner does not even have a clue that these little buggers are chewing away your wood, and you have no idea the danger they pose to your property.

You really don't know a thing until the damage they caused is so severe that it's time to call in a professional to assess the damage. Termites can be feasting on your 2 x 4's for years until the damage finally is so apparent, it's too late. Termites are subterranean, living in colonies feasting on your wood. These little "silent destroyers" enter your home through your foundation, windows, vents, and roof joints are also popular entry points.

So, here are some ways to keep the creatures from entering your home.

* Keep moisture out of your home, especially your basement.

*Store your firewood, mulch, and wood chips away from your house.

*Make certain that your landscaping,ie: shrubs, bushes, vines, and other plants are not planted too close to your home, and they are not covering the vents.

*Remove old tree stumps and roots near your home.

*Ventilate crawl spaces and basements to reduce humidity.

*Fill in and eliminate gaps and cracks in the these areas of your home: vents, windows, joints, roof eaves.

The best defense to termite control is yearly inspections. This will catch any activity before there is a really big problem. They will check outside for visible mud tunnels in and around the foundation. Next they will inspect the rest of the house starting in your basement. Remember that when you try to sell your home, the buyer wants a certified termite home inspection completed before the closing.