Alan's top 10 things to do to keep busy during this temporary "lull".

I keep reading in the media, and in blogs that some Realtors are experiencing a modest downturn in business. (Not me, heavens no... I'm busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger)... and these people are finding themselves with excess time on their hands.

Some have suggested that they dedicate that extra time to calling expireds.  Some have mentioned that they should work their farm and send out more advertising flyers.  Others tout the value of Buffini-esque methods, of staying in touch with former buyers and sellers, and the value of "drop-bys" and lunches and other types of prospecting in order to build up more business.

All I can say is PEE-SHAW... There's lots better you can do with your downtime.  So in that vein, I now present to you Alan's

TOP TEN THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR DOWNTIME
(during this tiny little, itty-bitty, blink-and-you'll-miss-it, lull in the market)

1. Read a book.  Y'all remember books dontcha!?  And no... I'm not talking about using your i-pad, or Kindle to electronically download text onto your handheld device, and read those words off the screen.  I'm talkin' bout getting your hands on a truly bound book (paperback's acceptable), and sitting down in your favourite chair, get a glass of tea if you'd like, put your feet up, and snuggle into a good book.

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2. Volunteer.  Lot of organizations are looking for volunteers to help them out.  Your local school might need some assistance.  I know the big brothers could use more big brothers.  Meals on wheels is always in need, and even Candy Striping (helping out at a local hospital) can be highly rewarding.  Find something that you're passionate about, and pitch in.

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3. Adopt a Puppy.  Find a local animal shelter, and go rescue a poor puppy.  Bring that floppy-eared little bundle of love home, and I guarantee you, your "free time" will be gone, gone, gone.  You'll be taking the puppy on walks, (in the rain, snow, sleet, hail), you'll be stooping over with a plastic baggie on your hand, running after the loose end of the leash, as it approaches traffic, but you'll also be laughing and seeing the world in a brand new way.  It's not the same with cats.  Adopt one, don't adopt one... it doesn't matter.  It's just another cat, and they don't really care what you do... hmm... is that tuna?

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4. Buy that classic car you've always wanted. (if money is tight, you may have to "hot-wire" it) You know you've always wanted to have that 1964 Mustang Convertible.  Well, there's not better time to buy that car than now.  Inventory is high, interest rates are at historic lows... er... wait, I fell into real-estate mode... sorry. C'mon, you know you want one. I can see you tooling around town, with a client in your 1967 Banana-yellow Plymouth Road Runner with a 4-foot spoiler.

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5. Travel.  Air flight prices are low, inventory is high.... (damn it... sorry).  There are tremendous flights out there, to exotic locations.  Ain't no phone ringing off the hook at the office?  Set the blackberry on vibrate, and head for Ixtapa, or Belgrade, or Bora Bora, or Gargamel (wait, that was a childhood cartoon character)... well, whatever... you know that place you always wanted to go to.... so go!  And no, it doesn't count if you've just returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.  Those don't count as "travel".

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6. Nap.  That's right, I said "nap".  Naps are highly under-rated.  Lying in a hammock in the backyard, with a beer and that book from #1... ahh... c'mon that's a little slice of heaven.  And it's a cheaper version of "travel"... if this reported "lull" has kinda depleted the travel-fund... use your mind to travel.  Take a power nap in your back yard. (Note: make sure that you're fully clothed... I can tell you that the neighbours have still not forgiven me, and having that restraining order is no piece of cake).

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7. Start the great American Novel.  Can't write?  Can't spell.  Can barely read yourself?  Then you're perfect to sit down and write the great American Novel, cause some of the crap I'm reading these days isn't worth the paper it's written on.  C'mon, join the fray... Grab your laptop, and prepare to give up your summer.  (of course the market will return before you're finished... IF you finish... but it's the journey not the destination... right?)... (what a load of crap that saying is).

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8. Have Sex.  That's right, I said it.  You know that excuse... I've just been sooooo busy, writing contracts all day, I'm exhausted when I come home... well that excuse is gone, gone, gone.  Have some good old fashioned, heart-pumpin, deep breathing, oh-my-gawd-that's-it-right-there, sex. Tell your girlfriend, boyfriend, lover, spouse, partner that it's therapeutic and Dr. May has prescribed it.  Okay, I'm not a doctor, but I've seen one on t.v., and I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. When done properly, it's time-consuming (you do, do it right... right?), enjoyable, works the cardiovascular system, and works out muscles that you barely remembered that you had.  Lather, rinse, repeat. (btw... if you can tie this one in with #6... bonus points)

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9. Excercise.  Okay, this is not one I can recommend from personal experience.  You could probably tell that from the Pillsbury doughboy physique that I'm sporting... but then I'm not the one in a lull, am I, smart guy!?  Get a bicycle, and start cycling around town.  If the coffers are a bit low, drag your old bike out of the shed, and use it... although I'm thinkin' that seeing youse guys tooling all over town in a StingRay with a Banana seat might be more exposure than you're looking for... so if funds are low, just put on some walking shoes, and start walkin.  Nancy Sinatra was right... start walkin'.  Pretty soon you'll be walking in between closings, while you're talking to clients, and you'll have dropped 20 pounds and will need an entire new wardrobe!!  Woo Hoo!

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10. Get your real estate license.  Be prepared to give up your evenings, your weekends, and your income... Oh, wait, that's what started this in the first place, isn't it?  Never mind.

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disclaimer:  Okay, okay... no cats were harmed during the making of this post (not for lack of trying)... cats are wonderful creatures,
full of mystery and wonder... blah, blah, blah... there, is that better?  And, oh... I am not really in any way advocating "hotwiring" a car...
it was just a joke, it was only a joke, and HEY!  Stay away from my car!  Ain't you got nuthin' better to do?  Oh, yeah.. that's right... you don't.

Alan May, and Coldwell Banker are not responsible should you decide to undertake any of the activites above (including the sex one), and you get yourself, or anyone involved hurt or injured.  Ask your doctor if you are healthy enough for sexual activity, and if you should experience an erection of more than 4 hours, be sure to make good use of it before heading for the emergency room, and please don't write a post about it.  Enquiring minds really don't want to know.

And please don't take any of this advice seriously.  K?  I can't afford the lawsuits.

ALAN MAY, Realtor®
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate
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Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
847.425.3779      Cell: 847.924.3313      Email: Almay@aol.com

Evanston Real Estate & North Shore Real Estate