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Take Up the Challenge~~Changing to Reap the Rewards in 2009!

By
Real Estate Agent with Boardman Realty Minnesota License#90858

The late (and great) comedian George Carlin once quipped about stepping out of status quo; "I put a dollar in one of those change machines. Nothing Changed." Dry humor yes, but a bit profound too...People seem to want change to happen to them without doing much of anything. But real positive change takes time and hard work. And, once the wheels are set into motion, the rewards are endless.

Just after Thanksgiving, I decided that I wanted to change my business in 2009. I spent over five wonderful years working as an agent under the Keller Williams Premier umbrella but sometimes a change will energize an individual and provide a more dynamic future. So without any decisions being made, I started interviewing brokers to see if there was a better fit out there for me and most importantly one that would provide additional benefits to my client base. I began researching smaller brokerages as I felt they would better fit needs. I contacted several but nothing felt right.

Fate played a role. In a Listingbook class, I was seated next to a fellow REALTOR® who I knew in the White Bear Lake area. She told me of changes that were taking place at the White Bear Lake RE/MAX office that she was affiliated with. A day later, I heard similar news from another trusted mortgage colleague. Intrigued, I contacted the owner/broker Mike Vanderheyden and listened to what RE/MAX Specialists had to offer. Small firm with innovative ideas. Redesigning itself to be poised for the future. Putting the needs of the clients first. Hmmmm....Sounds a lot like me.

So I took a risk and made the change. As of January 1, 2009, I am now proud part of the RE/MAX Specialists family.

Funny thing happened, when I made that leap off the bridge of change. A day after I called Mike and informed him of my decision, I received a call from Bob Stewart, Active Rain guru in Bellvue, WA asking if I was interested in being part of the Growth Leadership Marketing Program. I had read his post on the project months ago but Minneapolis/St Paul was not on the list of cities so I didn't respond. Bob called me anyway. What an amazing opportunity that just sort of fell into my lap. The start up was put on hold until after the broker change but soon my readers will see weekly posts on this fantastic program.

And the positive energy didn't stop there...After I decided to make my change, my phone started to ring like crazy. Things just started to happen!

  • A referral from a long time friend.

  • A "I need a house NOW" buyer from the internet.

  • Showings on several of my listings during the usually slow Christmas week.
  • Sometimes change may not seem necessary but life's forces are dynamic! One change can lead to others and create a field of positive energy. So take up the challenge: Make a change and reap the rewards in 2009!

    If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and  need help from a professional REALTOR ®, give me a call or visit my website for FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet.  I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

    Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

    Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm  http://www.terieckholm.com/

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    Posted by

    Teri Eckholm. REALTOR with Boardman Realty, is a native Minnesotan who has lived and worked in the Minneapolis St Paul metro all of her life. She specializes in lakeshore homes, acreage properties and first time home buyers but assists anyone making a move in the north and east Twin Cities metro.

    If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give Teri , a call or visit her website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report She specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

    Copyright 2019 terieckholm.com

     

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    Comments(34)

    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Bill--I may have to, I mean, I plan to take you up on that. :) Thanks for the warm RE/MAX welcome! 

    Jan 03, 2009 12:06 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Gary--Thank you! I think it will be a good move for me...If I ever get caught up with updating all of my profiles that is. :)

    Jan 03, 2009 12:07 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Karen--I noticed many people deciding that this is the year to make a change in brokers. Sometimes change brings new life to a business...Hope it works for all of us in a very positive way. Best to you and Art in 2009!

    Jan 03, 2009 12:09 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Carole--And things continue to move forward positively! Every day another door opens...just have to walk through. I appreciate all of the good vibes you are sending my way! Hope your 2009 is full of blessings!

    Jan 03, 2009 12:11 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Jason--Thanks! I agree...we need to get together sometime soon!

    Jan 03, 2009 12:12 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Joan--It was something that just felt right to me. Sometimes a change is required for growth! Have a wonderful 2009!

    Jan 03, 2009 12:13 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Thesa--Thanks! I certainly plan to enjoy the change! I am off to a good start! It feels like a good fit for my business!

    Jan 03, 2009 12:14 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Cindy--I was pretty independent with my other broker but there are different opportunities at this RE/MAX office that are more inline with my business plan. I am excited about the national advertising! I appreciate your warm welcome!

    Jan 03, 2009 12:16 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Suzi--You are very welcome! It is hard to get back in the swing of things after taking a break in the rain but we all need one from time to time. Have a great 2009!

    Jan 03, 2009 12:18 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Teri--See...I told you there were more changes coming. Not just my profile picture. :)

    Jan 03, 2009 12:19 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Sharon--I have seen all of the pictures of your new ALVA International office and all I can say is WOW...You are off to a great start. If RE/MAX does for me what it did for you, I will be very happy indeed! Best to you too!

    Jan 03, 2009 12:21 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Mark--One of the things that sold me on moving to RE/MAX was the branding. It is second to none in this industry! Thanks for the welcome! :)

    Jan 03, 2009 12:23 PM
    Frank D'Angelo
    EXIT REALTY NEXUS Minneapolis & St. Paul MN - Coon Rapids, MN
    Helping people is my business in Real Estate

    Congratulations Teri.  Best wishes with your new broker.  You do have the ability to work independently and your new  brokerage offers that.  Been there.

    Keep in touch!

    frank

    Jan 03, 2009 12:54 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Frank--Thank you...I really appreciate your thoughts on this. I am excited about the change. Hope we can meet up at a broker open or something in the new year! Best to you in 2009!

    Jan 03, 2009 01:03 PM
    Jeff Belonger
    Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ
    The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

    Teri... a really good post with some great advice.  You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned this in the beginning... "People seem to want change to happen to them without doing much of anything."

    That is so true... nice job here..

    jeff belonger

    Jan 03, 2009 03:59 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Jeff--Sometimes a small change can yield big results...Thanks for reading!

    Jan 05, 2009 01:36 AM
    Lynn Johnson
    Coldwell Banker Home Connection - Owatonna, MN
    Owatonna, MN Real Estate

    Teri - Best of luck in 2009.  It sounds like your change has already been a catalyst for some positive business momentum - keep up the great work.

    Jan 05, 2009 01:59 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Lynn--Thank you...I hope 2009 is wonderful for you too! It is amazing what making a big change can do...Almost like planning a vacation for getting the phone to ring. :)

    Jan 05, 2009 11:25 PM
    Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
    HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
    Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

    Good luck with your new Broker, and the new year!  Not that it matters, but a couple of years ago I changed to a smaller independent broker and I absolutely love it.  I am not a big corporate person to start with, and that is partially why I ended up in Real Estate.  That and the fact that I enjoy helping others.

    Jan 08, 2009 07:24 PM
    Teri Eckholm
    Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
    REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

    Troy--So far working at a smaller company is working out well...I still like the big name. Kind of best of both worlds! :)

    Jan 09, 2009 12:25 AM