Are You Wearing Your Good People Glasses? - 05/31/08 07:13 PM

While frolicking around my community swimming pool to escape the Texas heat I thought about the people I saw. I reflected on Real Estate and how it wasn't about houses but about helping people. I also discovered that a rule that I thought of before was not entirely correct. There is a thought that if you compare yourself to others you will be miserable. While in general this is true, leave it to my brain to find the exception. Community swimming pools I discovered like airports and shopping malls are another great people watching place. Mainly it is a place … (32 comments)

When Tunnel Vision Is A Good Thing For You - 05/31/08 02:22 PM
When driving buyers around looking for that perfect house it is a time of concentration. It has made me think of horse racing and particularly this time of year when the thoroughbred horse Big Brown has a shot at the Triple Crown.
It really is all about focus. Some horses run wide eyed and open on their head and appreciate seeing in their peripheral field, challenging horses coming alonside them. They kick it into another gear to go on to victory. Others need the blinders to keep their focus on the finish line ahead and not allow distractions to interfere with … (20 comments)

Why You Need To Belong To A Three Ring Circus - 05/30/08 08:21 PM
In the Real Estate profession as well as much of Corporate America there remain a handful of people, worker bees and leadership alike that just do not get it in life. They think life is all about work. That work is the be all and end all. How much production this week, this month, this year. In Realtors you know the type. Popcorn Realtors. The phone rings to show their listing across town and they drop everything no matter what else might be important and run over there and open the door.
Corporate types are no better with their 60 hour … (25 comments)

Out of the Box Moving - 05/30/08 09:48 AM
When it comes to moving day, moving out of a house OR moving into a house, one word comes to mind. STRESSFUL. It may seem fun or like a new adventure, but if it involves massively moving the contents of your life around and is change. I guarantee it will be stressful and at the end of that day you just may be exhausted. It is more than just about boxes. Here are some out of the box ideas to cope with this significant change a little better:
Don't just find a mover like you did your REALTOR or lender on … (18 comments)

To The Rescue On a Slow News Day - 05/29/08 06:53 PM
In the world of news often you run into what is called a SLOW NEWS DAY. This is when government activity is temporarily halted, holidays occur, and vacations happen. Or no terrorists got out of bed in the morning or typhoons decided not to swirl around in Indonesia. Thusly, even for all us regular real estate bloggers you've talked about one Open House not working too many. This calls for reaching into your bag of tricks and relying on the old standby, humor. Luckily for me it is not only standby, but stand up. Like in a part time job. How do you … (40 comments)

Lessons from Concentric Circles - 05/29/08 04:35 PM
Nature can always provide images that may be looked at as symbols in life. Take dropping a pebble in a pond. Outwardly flowing ripples occur. Concentric circles they call them. Many things start at some point and flow outward to another place.
In housing, you may buy an initial house and add on to it. An addition, a pool, repairs, new appliances, upgrades, paint, enhanced landscaping. When you sell it, it is not where you started.
Think of the boundaries of your mind. You only stay in the center, in your comfort zone, until you expand out to another place, or realize the … (11 comments)

Playing Crazy Eights - 05/28/08 07:18 PM
I open my email bright and early this morning and am greeted by two of the beautiful REALTOR women here on our real estate social network Active Rain.

 
Linda Scanlan of Burleson, Texas
 
   and
 
         Sally Cheeseman of Mililani, Hawaii
 
I thought well and good. Greetings from friends here at the ol' Rain. But, No..... these two wanted more. They wanted me to work. Seems I've been TAGGED with a new twist on the MeMe post. For the newcomers, that's where you talk a little bit about yourself instead of all those dry real estate … (56 comments)

Questions 101 - 05/27/08 06:18 PM
In driving around with buyers this time of year you hear about summer VACATION plans. Some may be scaled back this year with the exorbitant cost of gasoline. But the joke is always of yesteryear with the kids in the back seat pounding on Mom and Dad with that incessant chant of
           ARE WE THERE YET??
Why are kids just so darn impatient? I've also wondered why it seems like driving home goes faster than driving to Yellowstone. Oh well, another day to ponder that one.
Which brings me to today's topic.
                           QUESTIONS
Have you ever thought in life how … (16 comments)

The Charming Gardeners of Your Soul - 05/26/08 11:53 AM
I love my conversations about life while showing buyers houses. In between the "business" of finding a home you get to talk about how things are going. One of my favorite topics is encouragement and friends. How do you know if a man (or woman) needs encouragement? If they are breathing. I have found even within blogging my GREATEST inspiration comes from ALL the friends I have met along the way. Ones I agree with. Ones I disagree with. They all are important to me. They stoke the flames of encouragement in me and I in turn get to return the … (53 comments)

Excellence in Health, Heart, and Habit - 05/25/08 09:55 PM
Have you ever been tormented by your pet peeves? I don't have too many and am very tolerant of many even with my chosen pet peeves. I'm naturally one of those "get along" types. But looking at myself I figured out why I still have my pet peeves. It is not really about my opinions, but it is because I care so very much about the people in my life. They may disagree with my thoughts but I have my reasons. I see these often in family, those I consider close friends, and clients. I say why I think these areas are problems.
… (35 comments)

9-1-1, What is your Emergency? ~ Don't Fight The Obvious - 05/25/08 01:41 PM
To a 9-1-1 operator answering your phone call, the first thing they ask you is "what is your emergency?" In today's real estate market many owners wait too long to call for a qualified professional like a REALTOR to assist with the sale of their home. We know this is true due to a lack of time to get many properties ready for sale and just the normal sales cycle it takes to find a qualified and interested buyer that matches up with your home. The result? Disaster. Homes going back to the banks, foreclosures etc.
But this post is really … (25 comments)

The Secret of Finding A Real Estate Agent For YOU - 05/25/08 08:43 AM
What is the secret to finding the real estate agent that is best for you? OK, I'll admit there really is no secret or even one answer. But here are some clues to follow that will not lead you astray. Find a friend. No, not a friend that is in the real estate business. An agent that has the friend qualities that you want to represent you in a business transaction. Think of a long time friend or even a friend you have met for a fairly short period of time. How do they treat you? You know they care about … (19 comments)

When Being A Chatty Cathy Is A Good Thing - 05/24/08 07:08 PM
In the 1960's Mattel Toys came out with a doll that you pulled a string on the back and it would say all sorts of cutesy phrases like, "Please brush my hair." It was the rage of little girls all around. How high tech for its era!! It was called a
                        Chatty Cathy.
Chatty Cathy became a euphemism for someone many years later who would never cease to stop talking to you, with you, at you, just droning on and on and on, till you reached an overwhelmingly bored state.
In real estate blogging, excessively long blogs can lose their … (34 comments)

Words To Live By - 05/24/08 10:40 AM
Sometimes in writing a post I feel it is time for a section similar to the Reader's Digest where you have a Laughter is the Best Medicine chapter. Today is that day compliments of a client of mine. Like attracts like so my naturally humorous self brings the other funny people out of the woodwork.
1. If you're choking on an ice cube simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself.  2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold while you chop.  3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the … (38 comments)

Five Easy Steps To Feeling Good About Yourself - 05/23/08 08:36 PM
A real estate client pointed out that she knew many people in pain despite holiday weekends supposed to be festive and joyful. Here are five easy steps to feel good about yourself again:
Connect with your emotional side - listen to or play inspirational music as long as it takes to uplift you.
Connect with your physical side - do vigorous exercise which will raise your endorphin (good feeling) hormone levels.
Connect with your spiritual side - pray, meditate, take a walk or experience the peace of nature, go to church, read the Bible.
Connect with your social side - develop … (18 comments)

Put Your Problems In A Coffee Mug - 05/23/08 10:37 AM
In working through negotiations with buyers and sellers in Real Estate, it is amazing sometimes how people can't see the forest for the trees. They get mired in the details and forget about the big picture. Details are important and will come back to bite you if you don't pay attention to them. But hello? Don't we want to buy this house here? Sometimes I think not. I am great at the big picture and try to keep things on track with reminders of the ultimate goal.
      Put Your Problems In A Coffee Mug.
Inside that mug, they have been … (15 comments)

A Time For Patience - 05/22/08 07:25 PM
In Real Estate there are many who care even at a higher level specializing with designations for Seniors or the aged. As we all get older we learn to be more patient with each other and communicate in different ways.
This is beautiful. If you have elderly parents, or are on your way to being one,
or just need to be reminded how important it is to be kind, that everyone has deep feelings.
This will hit home to many of us.    
                             A Parent's Wish

 
 
… (24 comments)

When Someone Better Than You Is A Good Thing - 05/21/08 10:35 PM
Real Estate is a tough business. How many jobs do you know that you can go for days, weeks, perhaps months on end and work and not get paid? It all happens eventually at the closing table when buyers and sellers and all the associated representatives exchange funds to buy and sell real property.
But since it is competitive in nature between agents, should we never listen to those we deem better than us? If those folks in our eyes are superior, what about listening to those who we deem less than us by whatever standard we have in our mind?
… (34 comments)

Lumpy Love and Planting Seeds - 05/21/08 10:07 AM
A real estate client pointed out to me in a conversation recently about the world. She said, "Gary, you know there really are a lot of people out there in pain. And if you are one of those with a light to help them out, you need to not hide it under the proverbial bushel basket, but share it with them." It so reminded me of the Christmas time movie, It's a Wonderful Life. I see the world quite opposite from the way others see it often which makes me feel a little strange inside but that's who I am.
First … (24 comments)

Are You Really Making A Difference? - 05/20/08 06:27 PM
I am my harshest critic in Real Estate and how I serve other people. What could I have done better? How can I improve with that next time? I am big into studying human nature and want to be known as a
  DIFFERENCE MAKER.
I collect a lot of quotes, and one along this line goes like this:
"They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
I think my discovery by what that quote said is you have to get an emotional connection with a person to make a difference to them. … (38 comments)

Take No Breath For Granted - 05/19/08 08:25 PM
It was with great sadness our North Texas Realtor community learned of the death over this past weekend of Branch Manager and Escrow Officer Kevin Cochran at our local Freedom Title office in Hickory Creek, TX. Kevin was only 38 yr. old, had a history of high blood pressure and the autopsy said this caused the heart to enlarge and burst. Kevin leaves behind three little boys and a wife Shannon who is expecting another child in four months. Kevin was loved by many and known for one liners to keep people laughing.
Kevin's sudden passing reminds us to let all … (33 comments)

Closing Day and the Shower Curtain's Missing - 05/19/08 01:36 PM
Realtors I will tell you have the best stories. Ask any of them. They have choice ones.
A recent discussion between Realtors had to do with the little things that had a closing hung up or delayed for days on end. The story went that the woman buyer really wanted the shower curtain that was in one of the bathrooms because it was so colorful and regal looking. Turns out the inspector photographed everything and this particular curtain was in none of the bathrooms.
The Realtor looked through some digital photos of "other" houses and the curtain she was talking about … (24 comments)

Car Washes and Tornadoes - 05/18/08 12:40 PM
It never ceases to amaze me how life is actually very neutral to all of us. You can have a bad day or a good day. It can be a bad day in the early portion of the day and a wonderful day toward sunset.
I also observe how life can be fair and you feel blessed at times, and at other times the black cloud lingers over your head and you feel snake bit or cursed.
A recent trip as a Realtor to the local run down self serve spray Car Wash showed sometimes how life is unfair. It was the … (26 comments)

Heard Any Good Four Letter Words Lately? - 05/17/08 10:25 PM
Spinning that dial on one of those older combo locks on a house I was showing recently made me think of the old game of Scrabble where you had to make words from a handful of letters.
I immediately thought of four letter words. First, the expletive deleted words used by so many in frustrating situations, having a subprime loan reset to a higher interest rate, losing a sale, a Stager who doesn't get the deal, the last minute shot to win the game in basketball "doesn't" go in, missing the putt on the green, or hitting your thumb with the … (32 comments)

You've Got All The Time In The World - 05/17/08 10:02 AM
Many you will find that are indeed hard working individuals in the real estate community will either complain about long hours, or working weekends, or that they can't find time to do all the other things they need to do in life. It's interesting though, the longer veterans of 20 years or so seem to have thottled back on the accelerator a bit with systems, and established teams and do seem to have found time again. I think this is what is really true in real estate or in other careers with the work / life balance:
             YOU'VE GOT ALL … (27 comments)

You Never Know Where You'll Find A Friend - 05/16/08 11:57 PM
I am amazed when people in all walks of life come up to me in my real estate world and say that sometimes a "perfect stranger" said the nicest thing to them or made their day. I say maybe that was why they were perfect for you. Maybe it is more than just coincidence. Maybe it was fate.
Why do friends have to be someone you've known for ten years? Think about it. A stranger is only a stranger until that first conversation.

 

A friend does not have to be complicated to make. They are just another person that has … (27 comments)

Release the Deathgrip of Perfection - 05/16/08 10:55 PM
We can learn a lot from young children and the elderly a few breaths away from the end of life. I talk with each ALL the time. If there were ever gurus on top of mountaintops these two sets of people have the answers.
Too many hard working full time and part time Realtors and career-minded professionals I think have a deathgrip on perfection. Why do they have to lather themself up so much in getting everything down so perfect? Work 14 hour days. Ignore family. Work harder and harder to be
            PERFECT !!!
Stop it. You don't see … (17 comments)

Snap Crackle Pop Your Way Along With a Professional - 05/16/08 11:44 AM
Breakfast has always been my favorite meal. I know that doesn't relate to many of you whose breakfast consists of a cup of coffee as you run out the door. But growing up I used to love those variety pack breakfast cereals where you could pick and choose from all those "flavors of the day." What a little joy that was for me.
With For Sale By Owners, and others who try to sell their house on their own with a limited service, I think they miss the fact that REALTORS come packaged as their own little variety packs.
What I mean … (18 comments)

Who is your Wing Man? - 05/15/08 10:36 PM
It amazes me in real estate how much we are "counted" on for the other things to make things happen. As a client and professional team up in a trusting relationship, clients want to know about other services like cleaning people, pool service, inspectors, Home Warranty, etc.
You have in essence become their
                                    WING MAN.
In Air Force or Navy flying terms those are the ones that cover you, that have your back when flying in a tight formation. This is a very comforting feeling, that we are in this together, and is the essence of team. When you find … (63 comments)

Watch Out For Boulder Brains - 05/15/08 06:37 PM
There is an ancient story in Greek mythology  about a king called Sisyphus who was punished. He was to push a boulder up a hill only to have it roll back on him when it neared the top and this happened over and over for eternity.
Don't let the boulder brains of the world do this to you.  And you, don't be a boulder brain.
In real estate, and in customer service in general - these are the people who don't show up, or lie to you, or don't do the job, view you as an inconvenience, leave you on hold for extended … (18 comments)

What Nursing Homes and Home Repairs Have In Common - 05/14/08 06:22 PM
I know a strange title for this one. But you're dealing with a strange writer / REALTOR who sees the world in rainbow bands of color while many are living lives in shades of gray. Bear with my offbeat self. First off a few quotes for reference sake:
Money will not buy you happiness, but it will let you be unhappy in nice places, or comfortable while you're being miserable.
I've been rich and I've been poor. Rich is better.
And a favorite of mine along this theme from Woody Allen, "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons." 
After inspections … (16 comments)

Baby Step Your Way Back to Fun - 05/13/08 07:20 PM
There it was again. I saw it once more today in my travels around as a REALTOR. The difference in the adult and children worlds. Serious folks and those that know how to play.
Frowny faces from adults at the gas pump with another ten cent per gallon increase IN A WEEK. And then kids laughing, riding bikes through the neighborhood and enjoying themselves at the playground.
I don't deny as adults we can live stressful lives and have responsibility.
My reminder is to not be stressed out the whole day. Time block your stress if that makes sense, but then … (35 comments)

Become A Math Genius In One Easy Step - 05/13/08 08:22 AM
I have ALWAYS been good with numbers. While I love to lead and direct as my dominant personality type, my analytical side is not to be reckoned with as well as math and all things that have to do with calculations and numerical stuff have always been a breeze for me.
Many Realtors and others in housing and other professions I see constantly grappling with the problem of balancing their time. The 24/7 Realtors have no free time and they don't need me as a professor but need some serious couch time.
But for the rest that just need a little tip on … (23 comments)

How to get You Inc. hired - 05/12/08 07:17 PM

Customers don't have relationships with organizations; they form relationships with individuals.
In the competition between a homeowner selling her house with choosing the name brand firm with an agent she has never heard of or a friend REALTOR that she has known who works over at little XYZ Realty, whom most of the time gets the listing?
The friend. And why is this? Trust. Go with the one you know. Sphere of influence. I have marveled sometimes at the hairbrained agents that are chosen to list properties that because the homeowner didn't know the far better agent right in his … (30 comments)

When Saying Nothing At All Says It The Best - 05/11/08 11:50 PM
After listening to many family members, real estate clients, friends, fellow bloggers, and associates during the Mothers Day holiday a lesson was most profoundly presented to me.
While some women were themselves mothers, other people had lost mothers recently, or from past days, while others had strained relations with their current mothers.
The lesson from one side or both was the sheer amount of unconditional love being practiced in our world. It truly amazed me the level of kindness that was all around me for those who chose to do so.
I am convinced unconditional love is heaven on earth. If you are on … (21 comments)

Do Your Clients Feel The Love? - 05/11/08 01:21 PM
Many a Sales manager over time will tell you, especially in service occupations like Realtor, Stager, Lender, etc. that the most effective sales people are ones that learn how to love their customers.
I think in defining what you are, love should not be a noun but
              LOVE IS A VERB.
You remember those. Action words. You are not a REALTOR but one who serves, nurtures, cares, teaches, helps out, goes the extra mile.
If more of us would remember that love is an action more than a static noun, that feeling of the love would come across more to … (20 comments)

Mom Is Always With Us - 05/10/08 11:36 PM
Your  Mother is always with you.... She's the whisperof the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your  freshly laundered socks; she's the cool handon your brow when you're not well. Your Mother livesinside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop.She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first loveand your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth canseparate you.Not time, not space... not even death!  
Some are blessed to have their Moms today. Others are Moms. And for some their Moms have passed.
… (21 comments)

A Realtor's Realtor Carol Culkin ~ Gifts of Appreciation - 05/10/08 10:21 AM
Very often we come upon those in this Real Estate forum that need to have a spotlight shown upon them. When they fly by, duly note their uniqueness and contribution to all our members. They stand out because they make each of our days just a little brighter. I think I have spotted one and wanted to make you all aware of her.

Her name is Carol Culkin and she is a hard working successful Associate Broker with Century 21 - Anita Ferri Realty out of Poughkeepsie, NY.
I think of her as my Realtor's Realtor. This is because if you read … (26 comments)

Don't Let A Doggone Day Go By Without Fun In Your Life - 05/09/08 08:40 PM
With all the stress that can be involved in real estate transactions by buyers, sellers, and agents, I am committed to stamping out frowny faces. How do you do that?                 REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN "EACH" DAY NO MATTER WHAT.
Take dogs for example. Do you think they know how to chill?
You betcha. We could learn a lot from their antics. They have this easy living thing down pat.

Why, dogs are so happy to see you each day they don't even care that you had a bad day. Just make sure they get a pat on the head and their nightly … (29 comments)

House Hunting from the Three Foot Level - 05/09/08 09:33 AM
In house hunting these days in many areas of the country in buyers markets the list of homes that you look at can seem to be endless. Adults, being the keeper of the finances, are looking for good values, proximity to what interests them like distance from work, church, shopping, social activities, etc. But if there are children in the family, especially younger ones, heavily weight their needs as well, beyond just schools.
What is the neighborhood like? Where will they play? Is it a friendly and happy place? If you have a larger backyard can you put in a playhouse, … (9 comments)

Get Off the Hamster Wheel and Start Soaring - 05/08/08 11:17 PM
Hamster wheels have fascinated me my whole life. They are a metaphor for doing the same routine over and over and seeming to never make any progress. Remember the Peter Principle? Rising to your highest level of incompetence, maybe getting promoted one more time and then
                       YOU ARE STUCK.
In real estate, one key hamster wheel is the 24 /7 Realtor. I hope I never go there and forget balance and to have a life. Buyers can be on hamster wheels looking at houses ad nausem and never buying. Sellers can be little hamster wheels too with Days On Market that defy … (17 comments)

Are You A Sponge? - 05/08/08 09:17 AM
When it comes to serving our clients in the real estate industry or in any other service oriented profession, have you asked yourself lately,
                ARE YOU A SPONGE?
No, I don't mean you're age 39+, and still living at home with Mommy and Daddy. Although that might be a great cost savings technique in today's tough economic climate. : )
I mean are you a constant, and life long learner? I have found that if you keep learning, year after year, as you get older, you actually stay younger. Young at heart I think of it as.
Education includes formal education with continuing education, … (47 comments)

How Not To Sound Like A Tin Can - 05/06/08 01:41 PM
From our early development we attempt to communicate with others in many fashions. There are grunts and groans. There is crying. There is rudimentary forms of sign language. As we grow we have to be better at what I find is an essential element, especially in Real Estate, with all its complexities. And that is the art of
                           TRANSLATION.
Ever see those funny headsets for language translation at the United Nations? They have this thing down to a science.
 
 
I think one reason many teachers that become REALTORS do so well is they are skilled in the area of education. They know … (24 comments)

King For A Day - 05/06/08 10:26 AM
I saw the new Ironman movie over this past weekend and enjoyed the story with the theme of being a Super Hero with extraordinary powers.
In Real Estate and in life if I could be
     KING FOR A DAY
and wave my magic sceptre, what would I wish for?
How about flexibility from lenders with borrowers in distress? Sellers to set realistic prices on their homes. Buyers to be confident and "look" for homes first and then "make a decision." A world economy that would moderate gasoline prices to quit stressing everyone out.
What about life in general? How about being just a little kinder … (20 comments)

The Lighter Side of the Generation Gap - 05/05/08 08:38 PM
One of the absolute most fun things about working with people in real estate - whether you are a Realtor, Feng Shui consultant, Stager, Lender, Title Co. Officer, Inspector, or Appraiser is you get to
           CROSS GENERATIONAL BOUNDARIES.
You may get the sweet old lady or the cranky old fart to work with. You may have the young couple that are first time home buyers or a middle aged divorced couple with a pack of kids. You may have the early 30's career single female or people at retirement age downsizing and looking for that retirement home.
Greatest generation, baby boomer, Gen X, Gen Y, … (20 comments)

Every Flower Deserves A Drink - 05/05/08 07:40 PM
In the circles of Real Estate, I hear from the downtrodden all too often. We can't afford this house. I'm not making any money in this business. I can't find a buyer. My listing expired. Have you seen the price of gasoline lately? I can't get that loan.
It is all too easy to get wrapped up in negativity. But you know what? Whether you are having a good day today or a not so good day today,
                   Every Flower Deserves A Drink.
What I mean by that is we all need inspiration from time to time. Even me. A positive message from … (26 comments)

Thou Shalt Not become an Obsolete REALTOR - 05/04/08 03:13 PM
For someone like me, a REALTOR, and many others who read and write blogs, we are comfortable with technology and providing excellent service to our clients. EVEN I, am amazed though how
                        WE MUST EMBRACE CHANGE.
If not, guess what? The skills just go obsolete anyway. I recently came across a story from an Australian web site that highlights how many skills have gone obsolete in such a short period of time. Just look at a few on the list:
* Formatting a floppy disk
* Changing the ribbon on a typewriter
* Adjusting the rabbit ears on your TV set
* Winding your watch
* … (48 comments)

Always Have a Plan B - 05/04/08 01:20 PM
You know, there's a lot we can learn in Real Estate and life from NASA. One of the agencies of the Federal government that we do probably get the most bang for the buck teaches us many times about redundancy. I'm talking about back-up systems.
           ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B
NASA builds redundancy with parallel systems in case one fails. The creativity of using the Lunar Module rocket engine to power the astronauts around the moon and back home when the Service Module rocket engine exploded was one such "back-up" plan on Apollo 13.
In Real Estate, what happens if things don't close … (28 comments)

Blessed are the Peacemakers - 05/04/08 12:13 AM
One role of the REALTOR as ringmaster to a transaction between buyer and seller that is vastly undervalued and not well understood is that of
                                         PEACEMAKER.
This is important during a negotiation. Our negotiating skills, honed over time from our life, family, and work experience, should be something we point out as a strength during a listing presentation or when trying to move a For Sale By Owner advertised property to a full service agent representation. Do not underestimate the skill you bring as a REALTOR to get both sides to some happy mid point where it is a WIN / WIN … (13 comments)

Shipwrecked with Hillary - 05/03/08 04:53 PM

 
A little departure now and then off the well worn Real Estate path is good for one's soul.
It's time for a tale I came upon today that reminds us that lightening our load with a little humor now and then is
                   VERY GOOD FOR US   : ) 
 
A man was washed up on a beach after a terrible shipwreck. Only a sheep and a sheepdog were washed up with him. After looking around, he realized that they were stranded on a deserted island. After being there awhile, he got into the habit of taking his two animal companions to the beach … (9 comments)

Does CSI Make House Calls? - 05/03/08 10:23 AM
Have you ever wondered if we could outsource the CSI team? Not those Miami or New York TV spinoffs, but those good guys over at Las Vegas.
                 DOES CSI MAKE HOUSE CALLS ?
I mean there is much to investigate.
Don't you think so? Why for example, is this particular house on Mulberry Ln. not selling after 137 days on market and that other similar looking one down two blocks over on Bluejay Dr. sold in 15 days?
These are the mysteries of the universe, or maybe not, but the mysteries of the Castlegate neighborhood or whatever your local neighborhood might be called.
Do you … (64 comments)

Does Your House Have Royalty living in it? - 05/03/08 08:18 AM
As a male REALTOR I don't ever want to compete with the natural intuitive powers of the female homeowner or homebuyer. I think for some reason they just "know" things men can't ever grasp.
In terms of plunking down your remodeling dollars and creating the wow factor for selling your house, nothing beats updating a kitchen. Complimenting a woman homeowner recently on the gorgeous job she did on her newly remodeled kitchen, she said, "Gary, you know a kitchen is a woman's jewel." Seeing many houses for sale I would say it is Royalty, the "crown jewels."
 
 
You can't go wrong with a kitchen update. I … (24 comments)

Put a Marshmallow on For Me - 05/02/08 03:27 PM
Someone accused me of being the master of the analogy. So I will come up with another one this day. The process of buying a home and going through the whole transaction and settling in your new place is like being part of a campfire.
You remember those fun events from Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, family camping trips, or visits to Jellystone.
Like in real estate, many people contribute a twig or some kindling to build the event with some small branches and then logs thrown on the fire to get the whole thing going. Supporters and contributors all, to make the final … (14 comments)

Be Simple Minded - 05/01/08 08:45 PM
The amount of information pouring into our brains from the media lately about the real estate market is incredible. Regional prices up or down, number of foreclosures, current interest rates, builders earning numbers, avg. square footages, latest amenities.
Like life in general, going into the future seems more complex each day.
They say we all in our mind think we had our lives all together at some ideal age in the past. For the sake of this post for me I am going to say age 4 or 5. Playing with blocks, learning to tie a knot on old Mother Hubbard's big shoe, fingerpainting - … (30 comments)

Paint By Numbers Real Estate - 05/01/08 06:34 PM
As consumers we all think we are junior REALTORS. Look at all the For Sale By Owners out there. Fact is, there is a lot to learn about selling a house. What if you live in an area like Texas that may have mineral rights associated with a house? How do you structure that deal if you want to keep the mineral rights? Not so easy.
Think of hiring professionals in the real estate industry as a paint by number painting. They guide you to creating your masterpiece with their directions. They outline the colors, the steps, and hand walk you through … (10 comments)

 
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Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR® SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Flower Mound, TX

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Keller Williams Realty

Address: 2611 Cross Timbers Rd, Suite 100, Flower Mound, TX, 75028

Office Phone: (972) 874-1905

Cell Phone: (972) 310-8858

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