Gary Woltal's Blog

What Grade Do You Give Yourself? Shooting For The Top

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:18:07 -0600

If you were to grade yourself in several areas of your life would you get an A+??

Professional skills, how you are doing with your relationships, your finances, your exercise, your personal development, on track with your goals? What grade?

In reality it irks me personally when I don't get that A+. We are truly in competition mainly in life with ourselves in most instances although everyone thinks they are competing with others. Not as often the case as you may think.

For example in taking a real estate exam someone says you need a 70 to pass. I want a 100 and when I get a 97, I want to know which questions I missed.

Excellence in all its forms in life is not hard to achieve if we do our best with what we are gifted with. In all areas of our life will we hit the high mark? Well, not at first. But we can be the BEST in all those different areas if we keep trying. We have to WANT IT!!! BAD. Sick and tired of being sick and tired. Don't confuse excellence with PERFECTION. Strive to be the best but don't become an obsessive person.

People will notice your excellence in whatever areas you achieve it in. Why? Because so many just settle for mediocrity. Or worse, sub-par or laziness in thinking and achievement.

So when you are hitting on all cylinders, what then? Cruise and brag to everyone how great you are? Absolutely not. First off, you will have to stay sharp and practice and continue to learn to stay in top form. But secondly, and more importantly being excellent allows you to be of great service to others. Imparting your knowledge, being strong with an assist to the weaker, a huge smile to the downtrodden, a bit of wise counsel to the forlorn. Always strive to be the very best YOU. It is what the world so very much needs to witness.

It was what you were designed to be.

The Role Of Chemistry In Selecting An Agent

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:21:06 -0600

Chemistry definitely has a role in selecting a real estate agent. It even starts with the presentation to the public from their web site to a profile description of what they say they specialize in. A younger person may want a younger agent. An individual that wants personal attention might completely steer clear of a team or large group type of agent because they feel they are too impersonal. A shy person may run away from a high ego TOP PRODUCER. Someone wanting to buy farm and ranch properties would shun the residential specialist.

Even marketing yourself with years and years in the business may be a turn off to someone who perceives you don't have the marketing prowess to use the latest tools for the greatest effect for Internet exposure in selling your property.

I have asked clients why they "didn't" chose a particularly well qualified Realtor. Well, some said, it looked like all they did was have listings and lost touch with showing homes and working with buyers. On and on it goes. Many agents with longer careers in the business get dulled to fresh eyes looking at what their materials actually say they are targeting, not realizing that if they do work with buyers but their materials don't say that, they are losing business.

So have another person with neutral eyes review your materials from time to time and tell you what THEY think you are trying to attract into your life and business as your "ideal client." People don't have to work with any agent out there. And Realtors should know who their ideal client is. Some like vanilla, some like chocolate ice cream. It is not a right or wrong, but just trying to get a good match out there for everyone with the business.

Wordless Wednesday - We're All In This Together

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:23:09 -0600

Be The Loving Reflective Mirror People Need In Their Lives

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:57:51 -0600

My good friend, Realtor and Active Rainer Susan Mangigian reminded me the other day about the interchangeable spelling between God and Dog. We need to

Be The Loving Reflective Mirror People Need In Their Lives.

All of us have good in us. Sometimes it takes another with a tremendous amount of unconditional love given to you for you to feel good about yourself again.

Dogs are masters at this. God is too.

But for the rest of us flawed human beings we need to work at this. Just think of an image of a dog and you'll have your loving mirror self down. Touch people this way. You'll change individuals, one person at a time. And you'll make a real difference in the world.

All we need is love!!

Sifting Through Infinity Takes Brainpower And Heart

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:38:09 -0600

I think I am a two stepper thinker finally on this observation.

Sifting Through Infinity Takes Brainpower and Heart.

Think of all these social media connections you may develop for your business or for your personal life. You have 1,000 friends on Facebook, 500 people follow you on Twitter, on LinkedIn you have 200 associates. Your "connections" are certainly making you connected much better than the six degrees of freedom from EVERYONE on the planet. But the tradeoff is

TIME.

Which relates to the QUALITY of the connection. Thats where your brainpower and heart come in. You can't comment back to everyone or touch them all each day. Prioritize what is important to you with the connection.

And the heart part? Sometimes even a connection that isn't a real top business transaction or close "real" personal friend is crying out for your help, a little attention, a deeper connection, or PERHAPS today is their day for you to be the giver of love to them in your life.

The explosion of information was daunting enough for us all and no end in sight with it. The explosion seemingly toward INFINITY with human connection on the planet (or at least a finite 6 billion) shows no slowing down. Do we need to know all 6 billion? Probably not. But whomever you do connect with on a significant and meanigful level, use that heart A LOT, and make today count for something. Your little voice in another's life has a lot greater impact than sometimes you will ever know or realize.

Hamsters Shouldn't Require Batteries

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:19:02 -0600

You know you must be getting closer to geezerhood rather than further away from it when you want to sit on the porch and say, "Sonny boy, back in my day!" Two latest Christmas gifts for this year are life size insects and a hamster character (a Zhu Zhu toy) that can run around in a little car. What happened to live bugs and real hamsters? Aren't they cheaper too?

Hamsters Shouldn't Require Batteries!

I think this is the current generation that everything has to be electronic.

I remember with my pet guinea pigs. I started with two and then somehow magically one day I had sixteen in the fish tank I was raising them in. Something about knowing the difference between male and female would have helped. Maybe I didn't properly read the bar code underneath them that provided me this information or something. Oh well, I won't be a stick in the mud on these new electronic gizmos. What will they think of next? Electronic butterflies that bang into the walls of your house? Maybe they will be controlled by a remote as you sink into your Lazy Boy Recliner.

What did we ever do before electricity? Don't get me started about my Dad talking about the ice box and the horse drawn wagon coming down the street with the blocks of ice. For real. It was less than eighty years ago!! One can only wonder what the marvels of technology will bring to us next. Of course, cleanup after the new Zhu Zhu version is probably better. Just the fun probably runs out when the batteries go dead after a day!!

Just What's Up With Agent's Hours Of Operation?

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:23:40 -0600

I've noticed with some Realtors it is really hard to pin them down exactly when do they call it a day for work, or when do they start, or do they take off one day on the weekend or such. It must really be hard on their clients or new consumers trying to reach them. With today's voice mail, email, and texting one would think this shouldn't be a problem at all with clear communication. So,

Just What's Up With Agent's Hours Of Operation?

It seems if you take a Wednesday off completely or don't work Sundays or stop listening to your cell phone messages past 7 p.m. or whatever an agent's rules for themselves are, they could clearly communicate that to those who contact them, at least after their first inward contact. If you call Saturday at 6 p.m. agent to agent, or consumer to agent, you probably don't expect to have to wait till Monday to get a response (unless they know that is standard for you). We are not mind readers here people.

A tip agent to agent or also from the consumer side is to leave a voice mail AND an email together with the same message. Oftentimes with the Smartphones nowadays you may get a faster reply with the email (or text).

Then the dirty little secret. Some agents NEVER check their voice mails. Gag. And people say they are making a living from this profession.

And then of course you can set yourself apart and say you don't have to worry about any of this "responsiveness" talk cause you label yourself as a 24/7 Realtor.

Good luck with that with your business AND YOUR LIFE!!!

Overwork has this strange tendency to cause burnout, confusion, and above all

MISTAKES!!!

A refreshed person, is an optimally performing person. Bottom line, effectively communicate to all your "hours of operation"

Home Buying Is In The Declaration Of Independence

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:18:43 -0600

If you look at satisfied homebuyers, whether they be first time homebuyers, move up, move down or just run of the mill dream home buyers you will no doubt discover that

Home Buying Is In the Declaration of Independence.

You remember. Founding fathers. July 4, 1776 and all. Pledging their sacred honor.

It is in the second paragraph if you grab a copy. Last four words.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

That is the real reason people buy their home!!!

Can't you just see it in their faces??

One Thing Needed To Stop Fringe Living

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:23:25 -0600

A new fall TV show's name sparked a thought. If we are cognizant of our behavior over time we reflect back on it, and "diagnose" what we are doing wrong. Some work hard at this. But still we can fall into a trap of "fringe" living. That is "almost" getting to where we want to go. There is

One Thing Needed To Stop Fringe Living.

It is COMMITMENT. Why do we not quite lose the weight desired? Why do we not advance in a career to a level we want? Why are we still struggling with a relationship?

There just has to be a burning desire in there somewhere to get what you want. Otherwise you are stuck on the "fringe." Never getting to the promised land. Figure out what you want out of life. Limit it to a handful of things not a huge broad spectrum. Then "commit." People may call you crazy with you having such a burning passion to hell or high water you are going to get there. Laser focus. Visualize. Get up early. Whatever it takes. You WANT that prize. Otherwise you will be relegated to that proverbial living lives of desperate quiet desparation Thoreau quote.

FAQ's On The New Tax Credit Programs For Homebuyers

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:30:58 -0600

Much has been written on the extension of the first time homebuyer tax credit and the credit for existing homeowners. A few frequently asked questions with answers to go along with all of that:

Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?

Answer: No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.

Question: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?

Answer: Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.

Question: I am a first time homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?

Answer: Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill.

The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase,

which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement,

you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phase-out

range).

Question: I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a non-negotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?

Answer: No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount

above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an

absolute ceiling.

Question: I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?

Answer: Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you

will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000

and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in

the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and

occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The

keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he

did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.

Question: I am an eligible first-time homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?

Answer: You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as

if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30

(or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.

Check Out the NAR Cool New Website For Consumers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:36:30 -0600

Most consumers are fairly familiar with Realtor.com for home search from the National Assn of Realtors. Now they have come up with another consumer site.

HouseLogic

It is currently in Beta version, so take a peek. It is intended for homeowners to protect, maintain, and enhance the value of their homes PLUS provide business-building tools for Realtors. How about that? Something for consumers AND their Realtors.

The site will also allow homeowners to speak together with Realtors to federal legislators on public policy issues where homeowners and the real estate industry have a common interest.

Consumers will get the big push about this site come February but for now Realtors are encouraged to explore around and give your feedback.

Aren't you glad I gave you first dibs??

Bookmark it.

You get all my good stuff!

The New You Is Up To You

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:47:45 -0600

In my unique way of seeing the world I have ALWAYS thought any of us could change ourselves and go a new direction at any point in time in our lives. Similar to inserting a new computer board in a machine, you could go from a meanie to a nice person. From bitter to sunny. From cold to caring. Likewise you could go to the dark side, from social to isolated. From family oriented to loner. Then there are some that never change. Are you a Rush Limbaugh, a Vanna White, or a Tony Robbins?

Do you want to change? A little? Improve? A lot?

What I have seen with the stick in the mud people that don't seem much to change, they are either oblivious to the fact that they are stuck or from a positive point of view are very content with who they are and are perfectly happy to coast to the end in their persona. A la Rush Limbaugh types. Can you imagine Rush Limbaugh turning into Mother Teresa? Sometimes a radical shift does happen. Major events happen to us in life like 9/11 that shake us to our core. Sometimes we get sick and tired of being sick and tired. The school marm prim and proper lady turns into a born to be wild biker chick. Maybe it is a mid life crisis, and we see the sand in the hourglass moving so much faster to the bottom. I have concluded

The New You Is Up To You.

Do not fear being the new you, if you decide a hard right turn is in your future. Even here in blogging land I have seen some diehard bloggers hit the wall and adopt a been there done that philosophy and MOVE ON, never to be heard from on these pages with the written word again. They have their reasons if you talk with them. It is ALL OK. Just know that pulling the plug, changing that computer board, "putting on that new face" is perfectly normal at the right time that we choose in our lives to do so.

Think of it always like a butterfly and you got stuck in that coccoon for awhile, and now, time to spread your wings in another direction. I'll be cheering you on. It is up to you. Maybe even myself will catch up to that biker chick on the open road and give her a thumbs up as I ride up the highway on my Harley bellowing out its roaring sound. Life is meant to be lived. The story is being written by YOU. Hold fast to that pen and always remember to keep it in YOUR hand!!

Why Breaking Out Of Jail Is Good For Your Real Estate Career

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:33:49 -0600

Did you know that breaking out of jail is good for your real estate career?

I'm talking about developing your maximum potential. We don't get the best out of ourselves a lot of time because of fear, laziness, or our mind is dulled by being too "busy."

Add more good people into your life that help you and encourage you. Fire a few friends. It is very empowering.
Select better television shows or rent DVDs that make you think.
Learn from books and classes and pencil that activity into your schedule each week. Feed your mind!!
Adopt a BEGINNER attitude with everything and embrace discovery as part of what makes you happy.
Realize the naysayers holding you back are gripped with their own fear. Turn a deaf ear toward them.
Practice serendipity. Eat new foods, drive a new direction and see what you find. Unlike what you've been taught, talk to strangers.

Break out of the jail that can be your own limitations you impose on your life. When will you start living life to the fullest? I challenge you to start that TODAY. You never want to die with the music in you.

A jail break!! How's that for a goal??!! This kind of busting loose you will never regret. It might even surprise you how far you will get from your original cell.

Just Thinking Fun

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:05:39 -0600

I was thinking about how fancy cell phones have become a status symbol. I can't afford one, so I'm wearing my garage door opener clipped to my belt.

I was thinking that women should put pictures of missing husbands on beer cans.

I was thinking about old age and decided that it is a lot like when you still have something on the ball but you are just too tired to bounce it.

I thought about making a fitness movie for some older folks and call it, "Pumping Rust".

I think I have gotten that dreaded furniture disease....when your chest is falling into your drawers!

Employment application blanks always ask who to notify in case of emergency. I think you should write, "A Good Doctor!"

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use, the bubbles are always white?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator in hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give their vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic garbage bag will open from the end you first try?

Why do old men wear their pants higher than younger men?

How come we never hear any "father-in-law" jokes?

If at first you don't succeed, shouldn't you try doing it like your wife told you to in the first place?

Why is it that men can react to broken bones as 'just a sprain' and serious wounds as 'just a scratch', but when they get the sniffles they are deathly ill and have to be bedridden for weeks? Then they whine to their wife or girlfriend constantly about it.

Discovering The Better Part Of You Doesn't Mean You Have To Be Superman

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:06:32 -0600

In our behaviors in real estate and the way we conduct ourselves in our personal lives to say the least it is a "work in progress." I reiterate to people all the time they are not the same person they were ten, even five years ago. Having recently returned from a high school reunion from MANY years back, I can assure you it is like walking through a time warp. Who are those people? They probably thought who was this Gary? We all can improve over time if we want to though. If we reflect. If we truly care to. But,

Discovering The Better Part Of You Doesn't Mean You Have To Be A Superman.

Who among us can be perfect? None of us. We will never get to that state. We are flawed to the core it seems by our natural design. This is a good thing in a sense. We have lots to work to do on within ourselves.

It is as if we have that proverbial angel on one shoulder whispering in our ears directing us in the good paths. And the little devil on the other shoulder trying to drag us down to our base level. Into the mud. All the worst that can come out of us.

A lot of wanting to be our best self is commitment to do so, and putting the brain in gear and being engaged in that quest.

You might want to get a sheet of paper, draw a stick figure out there with your name above it, write the question, "Who is this?" Write your good traits on your angel side and your flaws, or areas to improve on your devil side. Is your list on the devil side FAR EXCEEDING the angel side??

Some might argue that not having enough traits on the devil side means you are leading a boring life. All the FUN stuff is on the devil side. Well there is good fun and disastrous fun that leads to a life of ruin. Only with your own set of values of what you believe in the world can you make that judgment call. It is yours to make, as it is YOUR life. Come up with five or six items to work on. For example,

If you are a sloucher, vow to become a hard worker
If you are not in general nice to people, pursue kindness toward others
If you are unorganized, one step at a time, become organized
If you are out of shape, become fit
If you never pick up a book, become a reader and a teacher
If you are a sourpuss, adopt a new bright attitude

You get the point. Check how you are doing with them each day. Swat that devil off the one shoulder or minimize their influence in your life. Be steadfast on being the best you. Afterall, it is what you were designed to be. Even Superman at times didn't relish the side of being the one looked on to be the hero with the super powers all the time. He had to overcome his Kryptonite

It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Can Be.

A Tribute To Superman

Three Tips On Choosing Something Or Not

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:22:15 -0600

In the field of time management sometimes many of us feel like the Wizard of Oz character the Scarecrow and say to ourselves, "If I Only Had a Brain." Well we all have a brain and we need to use it with our selections in life. Here's

Three Tips On Choosing Something Or Not.

1) Values / Meaning - Look at what you are doing and ask yourself if it is "aligned" with what is important to you. For example I can't help but chuckle in the blogging world with those that spend countless HOURS blogging each day but complain their business has suffered for the year. Maybe less blogging??! Duh.

2) Substitution - this is such an elemental observation that completely eludes most people. You CAN'T do it all. If you pick up volunteering on Thursday afternoons and that is important to you, guess what? You can't also be doing money producing activities like showing clients houses that day. Remember as you add a new item to your choices you are typically subtracting something else. The art of carefully subtracting those things you don't want to do anymore is where your brain needs to be fully aware of something "LEAVING" your life. It is all good, if you are the one in control.

3) Finally, Evaluation. It is ok to be a different person today than you were a year ago. Last year was practicing Yoga. This year you are training for marathons. Last year you were part of a team at a big established, national name Realtor company. This year you are your own Broker at Susie's XYZ Realtor company and more your own boss. Evaluate constantly. Unsubscribe from those distribution email lists that you THOUGHT originally provided you with meaningful information but now just clog up your InBox.

You are in charge. Your life is made up of a series of choices. Keep making better ones as you go along. Whether high heels, running shoes, flats, or 'Texas' boots, make your way through life in your style. And ENJOY the ride.

Out Of An Abundant Heart Flows Joy

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:57:57 -0600

Out Of An Abundant Heart Flows Joy

Do you know right now you have all you really need? Sure we want to grow more in abundance in our life in many areas, love, success, relationships, but you are abundantly rich NOW right where you are. You just have to believe it and let the joy then flow outward.

Spread your joy
Do it often
Be natural (you pick up the tab)
Remember, no strings attached with your giving

Know Your Forms - New RESPA Closing Documents On The Way!!!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:46:49 -0600

Come January 1st, 2010, as a REALTOR or a consumer at the closing table things are about to change as far as the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Settlement Statement (HUD-1). Links below will allow you to print these out to familiarize yourself with them. Both now are three pages in length. The highlights:

Revised Good Faith Estimate (GFE)
GFE tolerances on settlement costs (1/8 point allowed to be in error)
Revised Settlement Statement (HUD-1)
Revised definitions for application, Good Faith Estimate, and Mortgage Broker
Additional definitions for changed circumstances, origination services, loan originator, prepayment penalty, third party, title service and tolerance
Elimination of 1% origination fee cap on FHA loans

RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) forms apply to federally insured or backed loans such as FHA/VA/Conventional and NOT cash deals. There is also a 30 day cure period to give lenders after closing the ability to meet the tolerance. The closing script is eliminated as it is contained in the revised HUD-1. Average charges can be used by service providers and is not limited to loan originators.

Bottom line is it looks like the new GFE and HUD-1 want the borrower to be as crystal clear on everything related to the loan. It looks like the fastest you could go from app to close is about three weeks. On page three of the new HUD-1 boxes compare GFE and HUD-1 costs. On page 3 of the GFE they clearly in the instructions state what charges CANNOT increase past the GFE, can increase up to 10%, and what charges can change. It is VERY clear. The only thing weird I saw on both the new HUD-1 and GFE is it never clearly says the PITI monthly payment but just principal, interest, and mortgage insurance in the loan terms.

It looks a lot different for most of us, but print yourself out a copy and take a look. January is NOT that far off.

Revised Good Faith Estimate (GFE)

Revised Settlement Statement (HUD-1)

With closings averaging 130 pieces of paperwork both the REALTOR and the consumer need to know about these documents ahead of time. One last tip for both groups in this area, be sure to show up at the table with a U.S. government issued ID with a picture and your signature. This is mandatory for identification purposes. Good luck and happy closings!!!

Another Scary Character Among Us Following Halloween

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:30:31 -0600

Halloween is such a fun time of year with all the little kid trick or treaters decked out in such great costumes. But in our jobs, work life, and perhaps even in some personal situations for you there is

Another Scary Character Among Us Following Halloween.

It is that of the emotional vampire character. You know these people. Don't know why they are the way they are, but they suck the life out of you with their spirit. You feel drained around them. You may even be in fear of them.

Time spent with an emotional vampire is time not well spent, or even healthy for you. They intimidate you, want more from you than they will ever give you, and often put out much negativity.

Avoid them, partition them to just some of your time to tolerate them, remember THEY have the problem, not you. Develop coping skills to isolate them from your good heart.

We all need emotional rescues at times from the damage emotional vampires do to us. Surround yourself with supporting friends, find those who see your good side and remind you of it. Above all remember the emotional vampires may be just sent into your life as a "bad example" out there. Use them as a contrast to all the blessings you do have in life with the good friends and family members you can count on. Scary yes. But something you can handle with good thoughts and a terrific support system.

In Commercial Real Estate It Is The Same Thing

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:40:16 -0600

In seeing pockets of vacancies around my area in strip shopping centers due to a tough economy I tracked down a few owners that were still in business yet had moved. I discovered

In Commercial Real Estate It Is The Same Thing.

Agents specializing in Residential, Lakefront, Farm and Ranch, or Luxury, all know about it.

Location, Location, Location.

Turns out this niche batteries store HAD to move to survive. To get better foot traffic for his business.

Another story involved the anchor grocery store moving out of a shopping center and the private Christian bookstore folding up. Where did all the former customers go? Apparently wherever the anchor store moved to.

The retailers Walgreens and Kohls have specific targeted areas whether they be free standing corner locations on busy highways or medium upscale shopping centers. Whatever they are doing, it is working. And then we have McDonald's who is not really in the hamburger business at all but the real estate business. Those guys know how to pick the winning spots for the most part.

Point is, as a commercial business, do your due diligence up front on location. Whether product or service oriented or restaurant, a good location is critical. Or just plop your business down wherever you see a McDonald's to avoid those clearance to the walls sales to close your doors and be no more.

Speechless Sunday - Looking For A Buyers Agent Down South

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:53:15 -0600

Two Points On Handling Change In A Fast Moving World

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:36:52 -0500

It amazes me both in real estate and in life how resistive we are to change. Change is constant and you are not going to stop it. I think as we get older we want things to freeze in place, our income, our friends, our settings, our way of doing things. It is not going to happen. But two things to hang your hat on in handling change in a fast moving world:

1) The more things change the more they stay the same. Some things are seasonal and cyclical like holidays. Enjoy the new characters inserted into those traditions.

2) Serenity - separate the out of control change from that change which you can impact. It will give you peace.

Happy Halloween to everyone!!!

Let's Not Forget The Meat And Potatoes Of Business

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:15:02 -0500

With so much emphasis you read about Social Media and its impact on business, the Realtor's job is to meet with people, qualify them, and assist them with a buying or selling transaction of real property. The "money earning" hours are done in performing this task. Think of it as the meat and potatoes of real estate. Sure there is marketing, and web site development, and records filing, but many of these functions are the overhead actions of the business.

Find your customers, sell them on working with you, put your real estate knowledge to work, overcome the business obstacles and CLOSE the business. Meat and potatoes are good. It is what sustains you and brings home the paycheck that leaves you feeling satisfied.

For The Dog Lover In All Of Us

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:55 -0500

New Dog Breeds

The following breeds are now recognized by the AKC:

Collie + Lhasa Apso = Collapso, a dog that folds up easy for transporting

Spitz + Chow Chow = Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up alot

Pointer + Setter = Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet

Great Pyrenees + Dachshund = Pyradachs, a puzzling breed

Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso = Peekasso, an abstract dog

Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel = Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle

Newfoundland + Basset Hound = Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors

Terrier + Bulldog = Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes

Bloodhound + Labrador = Blabador, not a popular dog with CIA agents

Malamute + Pointer = Moot Point, owned by... oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway

Collie + Malamute = Commute, a dog that travels to work

Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere, a dog that's true to the end

Why Reading, Taking Classes, And Certifications Are So Important

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:44:28 -0500

Many real estate agents along their career paths go in to somewhat of a cruise mentality when it comes to continuing education. There is a fundamental reason

Why reading, taking classes, and certifications are so important.

That is, because no one can ever take it away from you.

Designations, licenses, certifications, multiple degrees, cross training in different areas, technology skills, etc. all make you a very valuable YOU in the marketplace not only individually but also to your family. You should not look at education as a grind, but new kinds of exploring and adventure. Take it with a sense of wonder. All subjects will not appeal to you of course, but keep trying many of them.

The second tip beyond no one taking away what you earned is COMPLETE a program. Don't be one who just takes classes but if you want a degree or an advanced degree, GET IT. Want to be a Broker? Get it. Want a Staging certification? Get it. Want to also sell insurance? Get licensed. The world is yours for the taking once properly trained. You can NEVER get too much education.

Enjoy learning. It really polishes up that great mind that we all knew you had all along.

Be a lifelong learner. Then you can turn around and teach others.