2017 was a year that would be tough to beat. We had record sales but still found time to be at our Florida home for three months. It was also the year where I asked myself the question, how much longer? 27 years in the business, 70 years old, and enough money to say sayonara to real estate. The problem is once type A, always type A. Every year brings new challenges and to to try a shot at wisdom, the older you get, intense learning experiences and passionate goals become extremely important to your well being. I already have a lot on my plate this year but the worst excuse in the world for nothing striving is, I am too busy to do it. With that build up, here is what's most important in 2018.
The Goal is more sales in less time: I have always touted Ockham's Razor, the simplest solution is always the best and each year it seems that for me it works. Last year it didn't work for my perfection obsessed wife but I think she reached the tipping point. I won't reveal our volume of pending sales but i can say it pretty big so now it is a question of operations and logistics. We have also switched completely now to Zip Forms and Docusign because Instanet is a pain. We have trips planned to Israel, Italy, and Nicaragua planned for the year. If we don't enjoy ourselves we just won't do this.
Learn Spanish again: We have the program and are just starting on it. We both used to be able to basic conversations in Spanish but as they say it you don't use it, you lose it. We work with Hispanics on construction both in Oklahoma and Florida, plus we are considering a home in Costa Rica, one of our favorite places on earth. Time for some Pura Vida, so by the end of the year with my wife and I pushing each other we will go way beyond Buenas Dias.
Buy more real estate: My sole specialty is selling real estate investments and I love telling investors I want to do for them what we do for ourselves. We just sold one of our rental properties in Oklahoma City with enough cash for us to buy two more, and we are making offers on two condos in Jupiter Florida. Warren Buffet says invest in what you know, and this is what we know and what we love to do.
So that's the highlights for 2018. I wouldn't mind doing this every January because I have decided on a ten year plan to go to 80. So to all of you wishing for a great 2018 always remember the immortal words of Dory in Finding Nemo: Keep Swimming!!!