New Beginnings . . .

I usually end my year with a blog post instead this year I decided I would start my year with a blog post.  As I reflected on 2012 I started by beating myself up with what I did not accomplish.  Not a good way to end the year so that was yesterday and today I start with what I did accomplish.

I got my real estate license finally in New Jersey!  I am now actively licensed in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland.  This has been for the last 10 years a goal and dream of mine.  I have accomplished this and it is everything I expected it to be. . . exciting!


I closed my first NY transaction!  I learned that challenges just make you a better person.  Not something I planned in case you were wondering.  I entered 2012 receiving my license in the State of New York and discovered after almost 20 years of being a Realtor this is the most difficult state probably in the nation to sell or buy a house in.  End of October brought Hurricane Sandy, that knocked my power out for 15 days, and delays in every transaction I had that were absolutely unnerving.  Along with attorneys who drag their feet in everything they do with regard to the transaction, I was ready to just throw in the towel with regard to doing business in the State of New York. 

Mental toughness and a lot of encouragement allowed me to push through a short sale that seemed impossible and GOT IT CLOSED!  It was a small deal and it took everything in me to maneuver through crazy requirements from the bank and the attorneys who tend to not be very cooperative with Realtors.  My reward, at the closing I got the best compliment from the buyer's attorney (I was the listing agent) as to my professionalism in the transaction.  Well worth the trouble and building my reputation in another State as to my success in closing short sales.  2013 will just be re-strategizing on how to meet the goals set moving forward and not accepting defeat. I guess when they say if you can make it in New York you can make it anywhere they weren't kidding.

I moved!  This also was something I set as a goal.  I kept planning and planning and my plans kept getting moved further and further into the year.  All was good as my son ended his Little League Baseball season as an All Star.  A shining star was he when he hit the first home run as first at bat at the beginning of the tournament.  He then hit another home run that broke the tie for his team to lead.  Final inning of the same game he caught the ball that put their opponents out and advanced his team into semi finals.  He was MVP for the game.  Nice way for a 12 year old boy to leave with memories and experiences that could have only happened because of the delays.  The summer moved on and finally on August 25th the truck pulled up and I moved.  Several months later than my initial plan but certainly another goal met.  I realized what a huge accomplishment this was on Thanksgiving Day when waking up in my bed I said to myself I am finally home for the Holidays.  Thanksgiving and Christmas brought my children and friends to fill every chair at my dining room table in celebration of the holidays.  Dreams made into reality once again.

With so many more accomplishments had, I lead into 2013 with  positive momentum and mindset.  I leave behind 2012 the doubt and frustration I experienced as just prep work for the future.  I realize that sometimes we are put through these difficulties so that we know we can do it.  I am now at Step One of my vision.  I know that I can put one foot in front of the other and the momentum is a forward push not backwards.  I regret nothing and never look back because I only have forward vision.

To everyone a fantastically healthy and prosperous 2013 hope you come along with me for the ride Happy New Year!