Was 2007 Fun? It Was For Me.

As I get to the end of 2007 I felt I needed to reflect on this past year and get ready to hit the ground hard for 2008.

For 2007 it was a year with some highs and some lows.  I will be finishing the year below the aggressive goals I set for sales and personal.

The year started a little on the slow side.  I spent much of December in and out of the hospital at the end of 2006 and most of January and part of February recovering from a surgery and then some complications.  As you know what you work on today comes in later in real estate.  Even with the set back, I think I had a decent year compared to what I am hearing from others.  I have no complaints.

I made some changes to the processes I use for my business with mixed results.  After scrapping Top Producer® I brought in Relay® for my transaction management.  I have now temporarily gone back to using Excel spread sheets, which seem to be faster and easier.  It just keeps me from easily sharing documents with others.  In 2008 I am planning to try another product.  I am determined to build the systems so as to be able to build a quality team with proper support.

On the team front, Donna Shefcheck got her license and has begun to work with me.  We are going through a little trial and error to get our systems in place.  We closed our first transaction together and she has a lot of energy.  I am working with a couple of other new agents on a transactional basis.  It is too early to tell if they will be team members in the future.

This year I helped several folks in their first homes and received referrals from friends and past clients.  I also received some referrals through Active Rain and a some new clients found me through my blog posts and Active Rain.

On a personal level I finished the diet I was one since mid 2006.  I lost about 185lbs. and have maintained my weight since August or September, which I am quite proud of. My oldest son's high school varsity football team won their division and I was able to attend all but one scrimmage game.  My youngest son played soccer in two leagues, one which I coached and I attended almost every game.  Both were significant improvements from years past and a goal I have made for the future.  It is so easy to get lost in your work and neglect your family.  My wife and I have seen more of each other than years past, but we still need to work on that a lot more.

We all need to remember why we work so hard.  It is for our family.

During this year I have continued to be involved heavily in the community and with the Board of REALTORS®.  I love doing community activities and they are also good for business.

So looking back on 2007 I have to ask the question:  Are we having fun yet?  For me the answer was yes.

Good luck in your 2008 planning.  May you and your family have a Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian) and a Haoule Makiki Hou (Happy New Years in Hawaiian)