Real Estate & General Blog

HIGLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEK IN REAL ESTATE

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:30:25 -0600

A couple of highlights from this week in real estate:

The appraisal institute just posted some newsworthy information. The federal government does not regulate appraisal management companies (AMC's). Only six states to date have enacted legislation on them. 16 states report they plan on legislation in 2010. Florida plans to have something in place by July 2010. The appraisal institute is actively seeking to encourage the regulation of AMC's. Well, by the time anything is accomplished in regards to this, the banks will have seen stabilization in the vast majority of markets.

By this point, they (the banks) will know what their toxic assets are worth (or not) and can then start selling them off. I liken the banks to the controllers of a damn. If they let all the assets they are holding go at the same time (not likely but if they did) the rules of supply and demand would swing the other way just when inventories were relatively low. Then the prices of REO's (bank-owned homes) would plummet even farther. This would potentially be a harmful thing to our market and one I agree with wholeheartedly.

A few days ago, President Obama announced his administration would start "shaming by naming" banks that need to loosen up guidelines to allow borrowers to modify their loans. This is an attempt to quell the continual rise in foreclosure filings.

Lastly, even though Fannie Mae (government sponsored enterprise) is a complete failure, and in light of their pending implosion as applications fell once again from last month by 14%, they are tightening up loan guidelines. Wow! This is something similar to any department store raising prices on the day of their largest sale of the year. It doesn't make any sense. Now it's going to be even tougher to get a loan through Fannie Mae. The best way to go it appears for now is through FHA. So see a recommended mortgage professional.

Hand in there! As always I welcome your comments. Have a great day.

Jon Tipton

WWW.TAMPABAYAPPRAISER.ORG

Good News in River Hills!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:37:21 -0600

RIVER HILLS MARKET UPDATE 11/11/2009

After review of the market area, it was evident over the last three months there was a slight rise in median sales values. Currently, the median value for River Hills is $285,000. This is up from the previous three months at $267,000. The average sales price was stable at $270,000. Prices have been stable over the last 12 months. Historically, this is one of the most stable communities in Hillsborough unaffected by large amounts of foreclosures and short sales. If you have any questions about your own or a client's market and would like to know where your market area stands give us a call.

www.tampabayappraiser.org

In your corner,

Jon Tipton

Distressed Sales Report Highlights for Greater Tampa Bay Area

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:01:02 -0500

Distressed Sales Report*

TAMPA BAY AGGREGATE

Type of Sale % of All Sales Avg List $/sqft Avg Sale $/sqft

CONVENTIONAL 57% $114 $106

BANK-OWNED 23% $59 $57

SHORT SALE 20% $94 $86

*Home Encounter August 2009

After reviewing the GTAR MLS Highlights here are some observations:

- For specific price points the number of sales had a dramatic increase. These price points are where people must feel they are getting a bargain deal. Here is the range on the year to date (YTD) $100-180k and $200-250k. Investors to the rescue!!!!

- These months, March (end Q1), June (end Q2), and September (end Q3)* showed the largest % Change Last Month. If this trend continues September will be full show the highest volume we've seen since before the market correction. I'll get this highlights out as soon as they become available.

- MLS reclassified sales type in September which has resulted in a clearer picture of the volume of distressed sale inventory. More details?! This is good for everyone since this is such an evolving market we are living in. *GTAR MLS Market Statistics August

In your corner,

Jon Tipton

www.tampabayappraiser.org

www.brandondwellings.com/

MEDIAN VALUES IN FISHHAWK RANCH STABILIZING!

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:33:35 -0500

MEDIAN VALUES IN FISHHAWK RANCH STABILIZING!

As of 9/24/2009:

After review of the Fishhawk Ranch area in Lithia, Florida it was evident over the last three months there was a STABILIZATION in median sales values. Here's some market highlights:

Absorption rate INCREASE (CLOSED SALES) 27/mo. to 37/mo.
Months Supply (Decreased) 3mos. to 2mos.
SHORTAGE of listings/sales (89 to 111 closed past 3 mos.)
List/Sale ratio (up from 96% to 97% of list price)
Median sales prices were Level for prior 3 month period ($263k to $262k)

Things have definitely improved which is primarily comprised of a STABILIZATION. If we look at the SUPPLY/DEMAND aspect of this market area we see things have dramatically improved since the beginning of summer. The ability of a market to have a low amount of inventory drove the stabilization.

If you have any questions please give us a call. We're here to help!!!

Jon Tipton

Preferred Professionals, Inc.

www.tampabayappraiser.org

Twitter Quality, Focus and Filter

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:08:20 -0500

I'm not here to tell you SHOULD Twitter. I'm here to share one thing. Twitter is nothing more than a microcosm for life. It's more about a way to live rather than to approach social networking. Twitter in some form will persevere whether it's gone in five years or less. Through focus and filtering it will evolve as we will.

It's true. People aren't in their right minds when they tweet. But when they add value or educate I believe Twitter will continue to evolve and enlighten. Of course there are people out there who use it for ego-boosting when they have over 1 million followers. But some of these individuals aren't as identified as others with their minds. They use focus and filtering BEFORE they update their status. I dream about the day when those on Facebook will realize this.

Twitter is about "concensus building." You get to create your own reality and find like minded people. It's detractors say it's become the "dumb-ification of America." This is only true if you aren't following quality people. It may only seem as if it's "The Apocalypse" if you follow people who update you on what kind of omelet they had for breakfast i.e Shaquille O'neal.

Through the linkages of URL's to other websites and articles is where the real value lies. Twitter in the hands of ego-centered people will of course bring detracting statements against it. Your job is to determine who the quality people are and "surround yourself" with them. It's really important and I can't stress this enough- life is all about the people you surround yourself with. Through focus and filtering we begin to see the true potential in our lives. Just remember, it's not what Twitter is doing to us but rather what we are doing to Twitter.

www.tampabayappraiser.org

Abolish Property Taxes Now!!!! the signs read.

Tue, 19 May 2009 08:12:33 -0500

ABOLISH ALL PROPERTY TAXES NOW!!!! the signs read in Tampa's Westshore area. After googling the phrase the central theme of this argument was to make it more affordable for people to buy. Polls have shown property taxes are the top concern for people considering a home purchase in Florida and a drag on the economy.

Solution: First, no different sales tax rates for different items. A 2 1/2% sales tax would work. Tourists and renters would share the burden of the taxes (not just homeowners). Second, the measure should prevent wording such as, "The legislature may provide for any form of taxation other than ad valorem taxation to replace revenues foregone by the prohibition against levying ad valorem taxes upon real estate or tangible personal property." We have to use specific verbiage stating where the revenues for the state are derived.

This last part of the ballot measure will prevent against a "back door" personal income tax amendment. A 2 1/2% sales tax increase is a good starting point to cover the source of revenue to fund the government. Besides, Florida is the biggest destination for tourists in the nation.

This is a way to bring fairness and equity to the property tax system. Property taxes are fundamentally unfair. They are calculated on the assumption that the mass appraisal system is accurate. There have been studies showing large percentage differences (31% in one) between the appraised price and actual selling price for homes which sold within a month of the assessed value.

The abolition of property taxes would turn Florida into a worldwide Mecca for homeowners, retirees, snowbirds and industries sensitive to the cost of home ownership. No state income tax. No property tax.

www.tampabayappraiser.org

MEDIAN VALUES IN FISHHAWK RANCH ON THE RISE

Fri, 15 May 2009 10:39:47 -0500

After review of the Fishhawk Ranch area in Lithia, Florida it was evident over the last three months there was a rise in median sales values. Here's why some market highlights:

Absorption rate (+1%) 14/mo. to 15.6/mo.
Months Supply (UP 11.79mos. to 13mos.)
Oversupply of listings/sales (204 to 47 closed past 3 mos.)
List/Sale ratio (Level at 96%)
Approximately 18% RISE in median sales values from prior 3 month period

HERE'S WHERE IT GETS INTERESTING......and the differences are.

Prior 3 months, % of Short Sales was 12 of 42 (29% of total)
Current 3 months, % of Short Sales was 12 of 47 (26% of total, DOWN 3%!!!!)
Prior 3 months, % of Bank-owned sales was 17 of 42 (40% of total)
Most current 3 months, % of Bank-owned sales was 6 of 47 (13%, DOWN 27%)

The bank-owned sales move way faster. We already knew that. But the KEY here is to see Short sales as a percentage dropping 3% and Bank-owned sales are down 27% of the total sales. Translation- distressed homes are being absorbed faster than before which makes way for non-distressed home values to do their thing without being pulled down further. It's definitely an apples and oranges scenario but is one where we should look at the whole market versus the specific comparables for a single property. We definitely have a ways to go, but there ARE positive signs out there in the market of a slowing down for declining values overall.

www.tampabayappraiser.org

Market Conditions for Riverhills Country Club, Valrico, FL

Wed, 13 May 2009 08:40:07 -0500

Here is a market summary of the Riverhills Country Club single family homes in Valrico:

In the last 12 months there have been 23 sold listings. Of those sold three were "distressed sales" or bank-owned foreclosures. In other words 13% of all sales were "distressed." It's my opinion that's pretty low and sellers are staying put on their list prices by not putting large discounts on them. The median sales prices for this area were declining with approximately a 15% decline. The absorption rate was declining with 2.33 sales per month down from 3.83 12 months ago. The median sales Days on Market (DOM) was high with 216 days. There were no indications list prices were declining due to an increase in the List/Sale ratios at 97% of list price, up from 94% 12 months ago. There was an oversupply of listings (51) to comparable sales (23) in the last 12 months. This translates to more declines in median prices until the excess inventory is absorbed or taken off the market. Here's a graph to show my findings:

1004MC Data	Prior 7-12 Months	Prior 4-6 Months	Current - 3 Month
Total Comparable Sales	23	8	7
Absorption Rate/Month	3.83	2.67	2.33
Total Comparable Listings	49	39	51
Months of Housing Supply	12.79	14.61	21.89
Median Sales Price	$275,000	$251,500	$234,000
Median Sales DOM	116	82	216
Median Comp List Price	$299,000	$265,000	$299,500
Median Listing DOM	147	186	143
Median Sale % of List Price	94.3%	95.7%	97.9%

Any questions I'm here to help!!!!

www.tampabayappraiser.org

UNDERVALUED STOCKS REBOUND FOR HOMEBUILDERS

Mon, 11 May 2009 09:53:02 -0500

The biggest story for homebuilders can be seen at the top. Three of the largest homebuilders: D.R. Horton, Toll Brothers, and Meritage showed gains on stocks over the last year. These three giants bounced back strong after multi-year lows. This is welcome news in a sea of negativity and inventories which were too high.

D.R. Horton (DHI), America's biggest homebuilder specializes in starter homes for first time homebuyers. What is attractive to these buyers is they do not have to sell existing homes. Most often they come directly from rentals into new homes. They have seen a 100% increase in their stocks.

Toll Brothers (TOL), masters of mass-produced luxury homes, have seen a 50% increase in their stock. This company should not rebound as quickly as Horton, but should be in a great position when credit markets loosen up as these buyers move up to more expensive homes.

By mid-2008, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reckoned that the U.S. suffered from an oversupply of 1.7 million units, dwarfing all previous records. Fortunately, the market is working with a vengeance to shrink the oversupply. In the second half of 2008, housing starts fell to an average annual rate of 770,000 units; so far this year, the figure is around 500,000.

All these factors point to a recovery in late 2009 or early 2010 for housing markets. For an industry which has cut costs and inventory dramatically in most areas, the basic math of the real estate market is slowly moving towards a recovery that's now dawning. These are all guesses at timing but let's admit resurgence in home sales is happening as we speak. I can definitely say there is a "New Affordability" in the air.

www.tampabayappraiser.org

Market Value vs Rising Replacement Costs

Thu, 07 May 2009 14:36:09 -0500

This is a valuable piece for all current homeowners out there. What you paid may actually be less than the home originally cost to build. Checking with your insurance company is a great idea because costs for materials have increased dramatically in the last five years. Look at these examples:

FRAMING/TRUSSES (+19%) ROOF SHINGLES (+ 44%)

INSULATION (+ 31%) WINDOWS (+ 21%)

DRYWALL (+ 28%) ELECTRICAL WIRING (+ 40%)

TILES/CARPETS (+ 41%) CABINETS/COUNTERTOPS (+ 47%)

FOUNDATION (+31%) EXTERIOR DOOR (+45%)

SIDING (+48%) PLUMBING (+30%)

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST* (+31%)

*excluding labor and demolition

Some companies are offering 125 percent of the home's insured value. Please consult your home insurance company for more details. Average construction costs for 2008 will be available summer 2009.

Here to help!!!!

www.tampabayappraiser.org

Rolling the Dice With Short Sales

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:46:34 -0600

Have no illusions. A short sale is rolling the dice. Here's why.

The potential for banks not accepting short sales or deeds in lieu of foreclosure may have everything to do with the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (PSA) in which that particular loan is associated with.

Most loans are sold on the secondary market or "pooled" together and sold to be held in trust as collateral for mortgage-backed securities. The most famous Government Sponsored Enterprisesare Fannie, Freddie, and Ginnie. Once the loans are considered "non-performing" they, the GSE's can pull money from a multi-million dollar escrow fund to cover their lawyer's fees. These pools of mortgages are bound to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (PSA). At the point where the loan is described as non-performing the servicer is entitled to get double the servicing fees.

Perhaps a more common reason for banks not accepting short sales is because of something called a Tranche. This is described as different terms for different beneficial interests. An example would be risky loans with high returns or less risky loans with marginal returns. A Tranche is defined as "a special type of bond class in a sequential pay collateralized mortgage obligation. This class of bond does not receive any interest or principal payments until all other Tranches have been completely paid off" according to Investopedia.

Many of the "higher-up" beneficial interests, or Tranches, could have insurance on the mortgages to fall back on in the event a borrower defaults. So, what point is there to work out a deal when insurance can balance them out? Conversely, the lesser beneficial interests might not have mortgage insurance and would rather see if any funds from the sale could be attained.

This is the issue for most short-sales with lenders. Do they try to arrive at a deal they can live with or do they simply have no intention of selling and foreclose. Personally, if I were in this situation I would like to know where I stood. Wouldn't it be great to have more transparency between lenders to know where borrowers in default stood? Just a dream....

Jon Tipton

Your Preferred Professionals

Networking and Golf

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:26:51 -0600

Love to play? Hate to pay? Join us on this site: http://thefrugalgolfer.ning.com/

This site is a portal for meeting, playing, and networking in the sun. Join us..... play with us! I met Bob Schecter on LinkedIn. He's one of very people I know who have the talent to be a "Super-connector." His idea was to do what he loves and that's to play golf. And since we're all spending a great deal of energy networking why not do so on the course. Brilliant!

The benefits of such a group are that we have the possibility to receive discounts to clubs on fees, equipment, etc. assuming we have sufficient numbers. Therefore, I requested Bob start two groups in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties to get the ball rolling. Please sign up on the website and invite everyone who loves to play golf and networks for their business.

"If you reach out to everyone, you're sure to touch someone" - The Networking Fool

http://thefrugalgolfer.ning.com/

www.tampabayappraiser.org

Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) St. Petersburg, Pinellas

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:35:37 -0600

Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) St. Petersburg, Pinellas

Casa is a Collections Thrift Store and welcomes used furniture, clothing, and household items.

For those who join CASA, they will receive gift certificates for the store where they can obtain the items they choose. All donations and financial proceeds benefit CASA programs and services. This place is really a true community program because not only do participants enjoy the benefits but people just like you and I can shop there as well, which puts the money received right back into CASA.

There are great deals to be had such as: 25% to 75% daily, and Seniors save 25% each Wednesday.

Please stop by and make a donation to this great program which does not receive it's fair share of attention. They are located in downtown St. Petersburg at 1011 1^st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. For pickup info (South Pinellas County) furniture pick up or for general information, call Sal Tramontano, Store Manager, at 727 828-1233.

Among the items they encourage donations for are: "gently used" furniture, clothing, and household items:

Clothing- men's, women's and children's clothing, shoes, accessories
Household items- small appliances, decorating items, lamps, dishes, flatware
Furniture- sofas, dining sets, beds and dressers, office furniture, children's furniture
Cell phones- used cell phones are given to CASA participants so they can dial 911 in case of emergency.

Please donate today. In addition, they do accept financial gifts as tax write-offs. It takes a whole community to stop domestic violence. Every little bit helps make a difference to someone. "If you reach out to everyone, you're sure to touch someone" - The Networking Fool.

www.casa-stpete.org/thriftstore.htm

www.tampabayappraiser.org

"Automated Appraisals (AVM's) Don't Tell All"

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:00:55 -0600

Homeowners using Automated Valuation Models (AVM's) or "free online home values" to determine the value of a property need to know what those results aren't telling them.

Whether unique features of a property might add to or detract from market value. So a computer returns an estimated value of $150,000. Did it account for the sewage treatment station next door? The railroad tracks nearby with trains that blow their whistles every night? The school district? The desirability of its tree-lined street versus the next street over?
How long ago the property was assessed. Many AVMs and free online services rely on public assessment records. In many states, for example, assessments may only be required every three years - the value may be nearly three years old in that case. Some states mandate that an assessed value not increase beyond a certain percentage, even if sales activity indicates the property has appreciated far more. When you use an AVM or free online service, you risk a lower or higher value than reality.
What makes the comparables comparable? A computer might compare your subject property to another property with similar square footage sold three months ago a quarter of a mile away. Even if that "comparable" property is in a different, less desirable school district, fronts a four-lane, 55 M.P.H. street, and is flood-prone. Or even if the property was sold under duress, such as in a divorce situation, or not at arm's length, such as to a family member. A computer simply does not know all the adjustments that might need to be made to a "comparable" property's sales price.
Whether a market is declining. Automated valuations use data from recent, nearby sales. If those sales were completed at the peak of a local housing market, the computer will think the trend is going up. Even if a local professional knows that the overall neighborhood is beginning to experience a downturn. As a lender, don't get stuck with a property that's been overvalued by a computer.
Whether there is a conflict of interest. Free online home values are often farmed out to real estate agents in your area, who use the service to get your listing when you decide to sell. The best way to do that is to impress you with their confidence that they can get a higher price for your property. If they tell you your property is "worth" the high end of what they believe they can sell it for, the theory goes, you're more likely to sign a listing agreement. With most things, it's best to "under promise and over deliver" - but the opposite is true when you use a free online home value service.
What qualifications, designations, experience and education the preparer of the value has. When you work with an appraiser or a Real Estate Broker, you can be confident we're qualified, ethical and prepared to complete your assignment professionally and with good judgment. Most of the time, you don't know the qualifications of whoever is behind those free online values, and they couldn't compare to a trained professional if you did. And if you're relying on an automated valuation, you're cheating yourself out of a real estate professionals education, experience and expertise.

www.tampabayappraiser.org

"Homes for the Holidays with Warrick Dunn"

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:58:43 -0600

Warrick Dunn is tough to bring down. He has had to absorb some tough shots throughout his life. His mantra in life seems to have been, "Get up and keep going." I think he knows how to fall and not get hurt. More importantly his purpose has included his large family, whom he had to take care of while in high school after his mother was gunned down in the line of duty as a police officer. Keeping the family together, which was torn at the seams during high school, forced him to grow up extremely early. I'd say he learned what his strengths were at an early age. Well, he's Dunn it again.

Over the last 10 years, through Warrick, his mother's memory has been honored by giving her dream of owning her own home to others. His not-for-profit foundation has helped over 80 families including 200 children and dependents. He is an inspiration to us all and has set the benchmark as high as one can in professional football. He truly uses his high profile to provide a positive influence on the lives of many.

Since his high school career was marred by the tragic death of his mother, killed in the line of duty as a police officer in Baton Rouge, Dunn has done everything he could to keep not only his family together but to raise awareness and make dreams come true for families who are hard-working and independent. These families have demonstrated they will contribute as good citizens, work hard and have to qualify to become eligible. He has also partnered with Habitat for Humanity.

Let's face it. Many of us donate at the holidays. But the WDF has done it over 80 times throughout the last ten years. This is something more of us should learn from as we see donations only spike during the holidays only to drop steeply again. He is proof good things happen to good people and his ability to keep his feet on the ground is a class act. Cheers Warrick!!! I'm looking forward to reading his book titled, "Running for my Life."

www.warrickdunnfoundation.org

www.tampabayappraiser.org

"Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself"

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:54:55 -0600

Let's look at this from a business standpoint. This year has been one of many changes. Have you found yourself or more specifically, your mind, running out of control? I know I have my moments of un-checked incessant internal chatter. This is from the anxiety we may feel due to where we are. Much of this is due to focus on future outcomes. We aren't "in the moment". Let's face it; we all lose consciousness from time to time. But what I'm talking about is not worrying about what we can't control. Focus on what we can.

For many of us, our jobs are a means to an end. We all want to attain work harder, find prosperity, and the freedom associated with it. Then for others the opposite is true. They feel "connected" or "committed" to their careers and don't feel [as much] stress because they are totally consumed with what they are doing. What they feel is intensity. This is very different from stress or could be called "good stress".

We aren't as busy as we were a year ago [most of us] and are finding ourselves in daily "head-check's" where one could have a minor anxiety attack or as I like to say "pity-party." These are okay to have. I had one yesterday when I didn't receive some work and found myself scrambling to justify my actions. But it's okay to let go of the story and not make those feelings into who we are. Once we identify ourselves or make the problem into the same thing as us then we have a problem. Remember, our problems do not define us [nor do our successes]. It's our character and how we react [or not] to certain situations.

We need to check ourselves before we wreck ourselves. Examining our thoughts is not easy at first. But once we can understand why we think what we think, then we can move forward in a positive and productive manner. This could be seen in the example of a person who recently made one million dollars. Success? Not if this person spread negative energy to everyone they met for ten years to get to that point. The point is to focus on doing the smallest things with the highest quality. If we can shift our focus from work as a means to an end over to a calling of doing things in an awakened or conscious way then wreckage in the mind can be avoided. Let's try focusing on how we add value to others. Then I think the real feeling of being rich will be felt.

www.tampabayappraiser.org

"A Couple of Major Issues With The Proposed HVCC"

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:35:57 -0600

Changes to the HVCC (Home Valuations Code of Conduct) set to arrive January 1, 2009 will hopefully be made to include all types of home valuations. This includes BPO's and AVM's. The current draft, if not changed will be the death of independent appraisers. Maybe that's a good thing. You know. Weed out some of the competition. Then I won't mind taking a 40%+ pay cut per appraisal. If you believe that I'll tell you another one.

That's what will happen if the HVCC does not institute some major changes to its proposal from March 2008. Let's hope the IVPI (Independent Valuation Protection Institute) lives up to their name. Oh the irony for it to pass in its current state! But all we have so far is lender and Appraisal Management Company (AMC) influence as to it's final version. Well, that's at least how it appears. Fannie and Freddie are funding the IVPI. Who here is totally comfortable with THAT idea not to mention its utter lack of transparency? We don't even know who drafted the HVCC.

As an independent appraiser I want to see language which encompasses all "collateral appraisals". These are your BPO's, AVM's, AND appraisals. Many of you know already lenders can control up to 20% of these companies which is a complete conflict of interest. This is because they can get as many as 6-10 BPO's for the same price as one appraisal. The BPO companies can pick and choose which ones they want to get their borrowers into a higher loan for example which they may not be qualified for. One potentially huge problem is we could be asking for over-inflation of market values once again.

Another huge issue lies with the AMC's and the up to 40%+ cut they take from appraisers simply for giving them business. This is going to squeeze out many and eventually all "independent appraisers" into retirement or other industries. The majority of talk I'm hearing among the prognosticators is what incentive would appraisers have to do quality work for less money. Maybe if I stick around long enough I'll have more business to make up for it. But that's just more work for the same pay. I just want what many of us want- to be paid the highest wage for quality work and to feel as if I was contributing to something greater than myself.

www.tampabayappraiser.org

I know WHO I am, but now what??? Find your strengths.

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:13:21 -0600

When it comes to life the best way to learn is to fail. I've failed more than I'll ever succeed. But in a society obsessed with knowing everything about everyone else most of us don't ever REALLY get to know ourselves. We all want to be happy and have peace in our lives. Learning about ourselves is nice but you want to put it into action and actually strive toward these ideals. Overall, knowing and not implementing is the greatest failure.

The premise of this blog is to draw attention to how we should stop working on fixing our shortcomings. We should be focusing on developing our strengths. Sounds more like common sense than anything, but I constantly see scores of people who seem to be addicted to negativity and general unhappiness. They might say "if I only could get this" or "get that job." It always seems to be focused on some future event doesn't it?

A good friend said why don't you Google finding your strengths as well as personality tests. I discovered something she already knew: personality tests are nice but we ALREADY know who we are for the most part. What you're looking for is a set of TANGIBLE ideas we can implement into actions. Now we're getting somewhere!!!!

The light-bulb went off because I really understood and knew it to be true. This is what happens anytime something makes sense to us. This is the great "AH-HA" moment. Just to share, some things I personally learned were:

1) Don't be Jim Carey's character in the movie YESMAN. Learn to say NO when confronted with new opportunities. THIS IS A BIG ONE!!!!

2) Celebrate my success before I move on to the next challenge. Since some of us thrive seeing everything checked off our list, slow down and give yourself a minute to bask in the moment.

These were just a couple of key things I should remind myself about. Remember, it's not WHO you are, but what you DO and HOW to put yourself in a position to thrive. We ALL need to know how to find and/or develop our strengths, not just try and fix our weaknesses.