Truly working with the best!
Enthusiasm and Focus
I hope all of you had a fabulous weekend filled with fun and relaxation. This week as we continue to work on our business systems and our personal relationships, let us make sure that we do it with enthusiasm and focus. We can accomplish all the things in our life if we have the determination and dedication to work towards our goals each day, a plan to accomplish the results we look for, the right mental attitude, and the support along the way we need. As we grow and move forward towards success, let us also make sure we help those around us achieve their hopes and dreams as well.
ENCOURAGEMENT CORNER...
7 Lessons For Your Life and Business From Wimbledon
by Wendy Hearn
1. Focus.
Tennis players focus intensely and specifically on what they're doing at the moment. Their mind isn't drifting off to other things. They know that being focused is essential to success and you can't take your eye off the ball. Although their focus is more intense than you usually need in an average day, when you take your eye off the ball too often, you could easily find yourself slipping behind and not staying ahead of the game.
2. They respond fully rather than react.
Responding means that you're ready, you're prepared and not likely to be caught out unexpectedly. Responding comes from being grounded and allows you to choose what to do next, whereas reacting is a knee jerk response. Reacting means you fight fires, you're constantly running behind and battling with the unexpected, rather than making choices that fully contribute to what you truly want.
3. They know what they're aiming for, where they're heading.
You need to be clear about your aims or you could end up all over the place. Tennis players make a conscious choice to place a shot. They don't just hit the ball and hope. You need to make conscious choices about where you want to be and ensure that every action moves you forward in the direction you want to go.
4. They see the connection between the bigger picture and the next step.
You need to know what the bigger picture is like for you and at the same time be willing to focus on the moment and take the next step forward. Tennis players know that every shot and every point counts, even if it's early on in the game. You need to make every action you take count and continue to build on it.
5. They're mentally and emotionally strong.
They don't allow doubt, lack of self-belief, frustration, upsets or negative self-talk to get in their way. They're willing to do what it takes to be strong mentally and emotionally. When you allow your emotions and mental chit-chat to affect you, you're not so likely to perform at your best. As human beings, emotions play a big part in our lives. I'm not suggesting you deny or suppress your emotions, but just discover for yourself what it takes for you to handle your emotions and stay balanced.
6. Flexibility.
Tennis players need to be flexible in their approach to each game. Each opponent is different, has different strengths and weaknesses, so they need to be flexible to change. If they lacked flexibility they wouldn't be able to adapt to different situations and come out winning. When you're flexible, you're willing to consider the best approach for each particular situation.
7. Clarity.
They are clear about all the components that go together to make their game successful. Lack of clarity holds you back, keeps you in fear and doubt and can result in you taking lots of actions but which are all over the place.
Life is a game and your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to play fully.
WORDS TO LIVE BY...
"Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money, power and influence." Henry Chester
"Success is about enjoying what you have and where you are, while pursuing achievable goals." Bo Bennett
"Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic." Dale Carnegie
"If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." Vincent Van Gogh
"Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Enthusiasm is the most important thing in life." Tennessee Williams
"The spirited horse, which will try to win the race of its own accord, will run even faster if encouraged." Ovid
"Enthusiasm is contagious. Be a carrier." Susan Rabin
LET'S MAKE THIS THE BEST WEEK OF THE YEAR!!!
ENCOURAGEMENT CORNER...
7 Lessons For Your Life and Business From Wimbledon
by Wendy Hearn
1. Focus.
Tennis players focus intensely and specifically on what they're doing at the moment. Their mind isn't drifting off to other things. They know that being focused is essential to success and you can't take your eye off the ball. Although their focus is more intense than you usually need in an average day, when you take your eye off the ball too often, you could easily find yourself slipping behind and not staying ahead of the game.
2. They respond fully rather than react.
Responding means that you're ready, you're prepared and not likely to be caught out unexpectedly. Responding comes from being grounded and allows you to choose what to do next, whereas reacting is a knee jerk response. Reacting means you fight fires, you're constantly running behind and battling with the unexpected, rather than making choices that fully contribute to what you truly want.
3. They know what they're aiming for, where they're heading.
You need to be clear about your aims or you could end up all over the place. Tennis players make a conscious choice to place a shot. They don't just hit the ball and hope. You need to make conscious choices about where you want to be and ensure that every action moves you forward in the direction you want to go.
4. They see the connection between the bigger picture and the next step.
You need to know what the bigger picture is like for you and at the same time be willing to focus on the moment and take the next step forward. Tennis players know that every shot and every point counts, even if it's early on in the game. You need to make every action you take count and continue to build on it.
5. They're mentally and emotionally strong.
They don't allow doubt, lack of self-belief, frustration, upsets or negative self-talk to get in their way. They're willing to do what it takes to be strong mentally and emotionally. When you allow your emotions and mental chit-chat to affect you, you're not so likely to perform at your best. As human beings, emotions play a big part in our lives. I'm not suggesting you deny or suppress your emotions, but just discover for yourself what it takes for you to handle your emotions and stay balanced.
6. Flexibility.
Tennis players need to be flexible in their approach to each game. Each opponent is different, has different strengths and weaknesses, so they need to be flexible to change. If they lacked flexibility they wouldn't be able to adapt to different situations and come out winning. When you're flexible, you're willing to consider the best approach for each particular situation.
7. Clarity.
They are clear about all the components that go together to make their game successful. Lack of clarity holds you back, keeps you in fear and doubt and can result in you taking lots of actions but which are all over the place.
Life is a game and your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to play fully.
WORDS TO LIVE BY...
"Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money, power and influence." Henry Chester
"Success is about enjoying what you have and where you are, while pursuing achievable goals." Bo Bennett
"Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic." Dale Carnegie
"If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." Vincent Van Gogh
"Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Enthusiasm is the most important thing in life." Tennessee Williams
"The spirited horse, which will try to win the race of its own accord, will run even faster if encouraged." Ovid
"Enthusiasm is contagious. Be a carrier." Susan Rabin
LET'S MAKE THIS THE BEST WEEK OF THE YEAR!!!
38 Ways to Stay Motivated!
We are just over a month away from spring. I can almost smell it in the air! Motivational Coach, Richard Robbins has a great piece about 38 ways to stay motivated through the winter. Since there are approximately 38 days left of winter I felt this would be a great list to keep you pumped up. As always, keep up the fantastic work in your business. You are an amazing agent and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to have you as my peer.
http://www.richardrobbins.com/2011/02/the-new-year-dip-38-ways-to-keep-yourself-motivated/
Richard Robbins:
38 ways to stay motivated
http://www.richardrobbins.com/2011/02/the-new-year-dip-38-ways-to-keep-yourself-motivated/
Richard Robbins:
38 ways to stay motivated
1. Write down 5 things you have to be thankful for daily.
2. Listen to music that pumps you up.
3. Learn to meditate, and do it daily.
4. Review your dreams and goals every morning.
5. Tell someone you love them.
6. Focus on what is right in your life, not what is wrong.
7. Listen to inspiring personal development audio books or programs when traveling.
8. Perform random acts of kindness.
9. Don't read or listen to the news until the evening. Almost all news is negative.
10. Join Twitter and follow people who publish inspiring or uplifting thoughts.
11. Read The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann.
12. Do something everyday that brings you pure joy.
13. Make decisions quickly.
14. Limit the amount of television you watch.
15. Encourage others.
16. Drink lots of water.
17. Eliminate negative people and negative energy from your life.
18. Live in a state of curiosity.
19. Get in great shape.
20. Call someone and thank them for being a part of your life.
21. Overcome a fear.
22. Watch an inspiring movie.
23. Take food, clothing or blankets to a homeless person.
24. Take time to rest and recharge ever week.
25. Plan something special for someone you love.
26. Eat a high protein diet with lots of vegetables.
27. Plan and book your next holiday.
28. Quit a bad habit.
29. Read Start with Why by Simon Sinek.
30. Take a dog for a walk.
31. Surround yourself with positive people that make you feel good.
32. Exercise first thing in the morning.
33. Tell someone you love them. (Yes, this one's on the list twice.)
34. Fire your negative and difficult customers.
35. Compliment five people each day.
36. Focus on the solution, not the problem.
37. Read the Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma.
38. Be thankful every morning when you wake up -- you are alive!
2. Listen to music that pumps you up.
3. Learn to meditate, and do it daily.
4. Review your dreams and goals every morning.
5. Tell someone you love them.
6. Focus on what is right in your life, not what is wrong.
7. Listen to inspiring personal development audio books or programs when traveling.
8. Perform random acts of kindness.
9. Don't read or listen to the news until the evening. Almost all news is negative.
10. Join Twitter and follow people who publish inspiring or uplifting thoughts.
11. Read The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann.
12. Do something everyday that brings you pure joy.
13. Make decisions quickly.
14. Limit the amount of television you watch.
15. Encourage others.
16. Drink lots of water.
17. Eliminate negative people and negative energy from your life.
18. Live in a state of curiosity.
19. Get in great shape.
20. Call someone and thank them for being a part of your life.
21. Overcome a fear.
22. Watch an inspiring movie.
23. Take food, clothing or blankets to a homeless person.
24. Take time to rest and recharge ever week.
25. Plan something special for someone you love.
26. Eat a high protein diet with lots of vegetables.
27. Plan and book your next holiday.
28. Quit a bad habit.
29. Read Start with Why by Simon Sinek.
30. Take a dog for a walk.
31. Surround yourself with positive people that make you feel good.
32. Exercise first thing in the morning.
33. Tell someone you love them. (Yes, this one's on the list twice.)
34. Fire your negative and difficult customers.
35. Compliment five people each day.
36. Focus on the solution, not the problem.
37. Read the Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma.
38. Be thankful every morning when you wake up -- you are alive!
Seven Common Mistakes for Move Up Buyers to Avoid
1) Evaluate your current situation
Why are you planning to sell your existing home? Are you moving up to a larger house? Do you need the money out of this property to make your move? One thing you need to do is to get a realistic idea of exactly how much cash you will be getting out of this home when it sells. Are you going to move locally? What mortgage amount can you really afford with new payments including higher taxes and insurance? Can you afford a house significantly better than the one you already have? Are you moving down to a smaller property? What are you going to do with your furniture and other things that you have collected over the years? Will be comfortable in a smaller place? Are you retiring? Moving locally or out of province? Are you going into a retirement community? What activities do you expect to be involved in after your working days are over? Are you moving out of the area because of employment? How fast do you have to be in your new location? Are housing costs higher there, or lower? Is your employer helping with sales costs, moving costs, temporary housing, etc? How does your family feel about the move? One reluctant teenager can seriously undermine the entire process. Are you the executor of an estate? What is the time schedule for your plan?
2) Failing To Take A Hard, Serious Look At The Condition Of The House
Homes have normal wear and tear, paint gets dull and shabby, landscaping can become overgrown, and roofs deteriorate. Often times as we live with minor inconveniences that we intend to fix “some day”.
It is not unusual to not notice conditions that are glaringly obvious to a buyer. How old is your roof? An average lifespan is 15-20 years. How old is your furnace? An average lifespan is 20-25 years. How old is your hot water heater? An average lifespan is 15 years. Is there asbestos insulation covering your heating pipes in the basement? Is there any obvious water damage from old leaks either on your ceilings or in the basement? Have you had any improvements done to the house without permits and inspections? Are your hardwood floors scuffed and scratched? Are your carpets worn?
Any of these conditions that are noticed by the buyer may make him bypass your house and buy another, or make him want to pay thousands less. If any found during the home inspection, they might cause the buyer to cancel the sale. It is best to have someone with fresh eyes take a hard critical look at your house. A good Realtor will do this and make his or her recommendations.
3) Failing To Properly Screen Your Realtor
It’s likely that you don’t often interview people. Yet, in order to find the Realtor who is right for you, you may interview several. The quality of your home buying experience is dependent upon your skill at selecting the best-qualified person.
It’s interesting that in the real estate business someone with many successfully closed transactions usually costs the same as someone who is inexperienced. Bringing that experience to bear on your transaction could mean a better price at the negotiating table, selling in less time, and reducing the number of hassles. Your agent should be a skilled, win-win negotiator!
4) Failing To Get Pre-Qualified For Your Mortgage On The Next House Or Condo
Don’t waste hours searching for a home that is not in your price range! Save time and money by getting pre-qualified for your new mortgage. Before you go shopping for a home, you need to determine how much you can afford. Once you are pre-qualified for a mortgage, you will know your buying power and you will then save time by looking only at homes in your price range.
This process is simple. A lender will ask you basic questions concerning your history, run a credit report, and determine your buying power.
Imagine for a moment that when you and your Realtor initially draft your offer for the home you select, you are already approved for the loan in advance. No stress, no worrying about qualifying, no concern whatsoever about your ability to qualify would stand between you and the home of your dreams.
In today’s market, a pre-approval can be a powerful negotiating tool. Many owners will not accept an offer without the buyer having a pre-approval. If there is more than one offer on the same house, the pre-approved buyer has the advantage. You deserve peace of mind and negotiating power by getting an approved loan before you make an offer.
5) Pricing The House Incorrectly
Whether a house is priced too high or too low, it can cost you thousands of dollars. Obviously a house priced too low will net you less cash at closing. However, a house priced too high will take longer to sell.
The homebuyer today is an educated consumer. On average a buyer will view lots of homes first on the internet and then physically inspect 4-12 homes before purchasing. The house or condo that sells today will be the best one on the market in the price range. The sale of a house is a competitive enterprise.
Ask your Realtor to show you what homes you are competing against. Some people will say, “I can always lower my price later.” Both Realtors and buyers are looking for new listings. Rarely do they notice a reduced price. The saddest sign anyone can put on their home is “Price Reduced.” That means the house was not priced right in the first place. The buyers will ask, “If the price was wrong, what else is wrong?”
6) Failing To Obtain A Home Inspection From A Qualified Inspector
The job of a professional home inspector is to look over every major part of a home and write a report that judges the home’s quality and condition. A home inspector reports on the structural and mechanical condition of the home. A well-qualified inspector who has the proper training can spot problems that you might not be able to see.
Expect problems to be clearly explained, repair expenses closely calculated, maintenance costs estimated, and a written report delivered on the spot. Most offers are conditional upon the outcome of the home inspection, which will include such things as: wood-boring insects, roof, structural soundness, and the condition of the heating, electrical, and plumbing systems.
If major problems are found, the buyer can either cancel the contract or go back and negotiate with the seller to get a credit on closing.
7) Not Knowing Your Rights And Obligations
Real estate law is extensive and complex; the Agreement of Purchase & Sale is a legally binding document. An improperly written contract can cause the sale to fall through or cost you thousands of dollars for repairs and remedies for title defects. If there are defects in the title, or if the property is in conflict with local restrictions, you must remedy them. Buying Title Insurance can often help here.
However, all lawyers are not real estate specialists. Your Realtor should be able to recommend several good lawyers. It is your Realtors job to know the laws governing real estate transactions. They are involved in an ongoing training program to keep up to date with these laws.
You deserve to have an agent who is not only knowledgeable about the transaction but is also willing to educate you throughout the process so you will feel more comfortable.
It’s also very wise to get an expert opinion before spending on fix-ups in an attempt to increase the sale value of your home. More often than not, expensive repairs are done in place of much simpler and more cost efficient ones. And the seller expects to regain their expenditures in the sale price, which rarely works out. Instead of entering fix-ups and repairs blindly, take advantage of our review – a walk through of your home where advise you on what can (or should) be fixed for maximum buyer appeal.
Why are you planning to sell your existing home? Are you moving up to a larger house? Do you need the money out of this property to make your move? One thing you need to do is to get a realistic idea of exactly how much cash you will be getting out of this home when it sells. Are you going to move locally? What mortgage amount can you really afford with new payments including higher taxes and insurance? Can you afford a house significantly better than the one you already have? Are you moving down to a smaller property? What are you going to do with your furniture and other things that you have collected over the years? Will be comfortable in a smaller place? Are you retiring? Moving locally or out of province? Are you going into a retirement community? What activities do you expect to be involved in after your working days are over? Are you moving out of the area because of employment? How fast do you have to be in your new location? Are housing costs higher there, or lower? Is your employer helping with sales costs, moving costs, temporary housing, etc? How does your family feel about the move? One reluctant teenager can seriously undermine the entire process. Are you the executor of an estate? What is the time schedule for your plan?
2) Failing To Take A Hard, Serious Look At The Condition Of The House
Homes have normal wear and tear, paint gets dull and shabby, landscaping can become overgrown, and roofs deteriorate. Often times as we live with minor inconveniences that we intend to fix “some day”.
It is not unusual to not notice conditions that are glaringly obvious to a buyer. How old is your roof? An average lifespan is 15-20 years. How old is your furnace? An average lifespan is 20-25 years. How old is your hot water heater? An average lifespan is 15 years. Is there asbestos insulation covering your heating pipes in the basement? Is there any obvious water damage from old leaks either on your ceilings or in the basement? Have you had any improvements done to the house without permits and inspections? Are your hardwood floors scuffed and scratched? Are your carpets worn?
Any of these conditions that are noticed by the buyer may make him bypass your house and buy another, or make him want to pay thousands less. If any found during the home inspection, they might cause the buyer to cancel the sale. It is best to have someone with fresh eyes take a hard critical look at your house. A good Realtor will do this and make his or her recommendations.
3) Failing To Properly Screen Your Realtor
It’s likely that you don’t often interview people. Yet, in order to find the Realtor who is right for you, you may interview several. The quality of your home buying experience is dependent upon your skill at selecting the best-qualified person.
It’s interesting that in the real estate business someone with many successfully closed transactions usually costs the same as someone who is inexperienced. Bringing that experience to bear on your transaction could mean a better price at the negotiating table, selling in less time, and reducing the number of hassles. Your agent should be a skilled, win-win negotiator!
4) Failing To Get Pre-Qualified For Your Mortgage On The Next House Or Condo
Don’t waste hours searching for a home that is not in your price range! Save time and money by getting pre-qualified for your new mortgage. Before you go shopping for a home, you need to determine how much you can afford. Once you are pre-qualified for a mortgage, you will know your buying power and you will then save time by looking only at homes in your price range.
This process is simple. A lender will ask you basic questions concerning your history, run a credit report, and determine your buying power.
Imagine for a moment that when you and your Realtor initially draft your offer for the home you select, you are already approved for the loan in advance. No stress, no worrying about qualifying, no concern whatsoever about your ability to qualify would stand between you and the home of your dreams.
In today’s market, a pre-approval can be a powerful negotiating tool. Many owners will not accept an offer without the buyer having a pre-approval. If there is more than one offer on the same house, the pre-approved buyer has the advantage. You deserve peace of mind and negotiating power by getting an approved loan before you make an offer.
5) Pricing The House Incorrectly
Whether a house is priced too high or too low, it can cost you thousands of dollars. Obviously a house priced too low will net you less cash at closing. However, a house priced too high will take longer to sell.
The homebuyer today is an educated consumer. On average a buyer will view lots of homes first on the internet and then physically inspect 4-12 homes before purchasing. The house or condo that sells today will be the best one on the market in the price range. The sale of a house is a competitive enterprise.
Ask your Realtor to show you what homes you are competing against. Some people will say, “I can always lower my price later.” Both Realtors and buyers are looking for new listings. Rarely do they notice a reduced price. The saddest sign anyone can put on their home is “Price Reduced.” That means the house was not priced right in the first place. The buyers will ask, “If the price was wrong, what else is wrong?”
6) Failing To Obtain A Home Inspection From A Qualified Inspector
The job of a professional home inspector is to look over every major part of a home and write a report that judges the home’s quality and condition. A home inspector reports on the structural and mechanical condition of the home. A well-qualified inspector who has the proper training can spot problems that you might not be able to see.
Expect problems to be clearly explained, repair expenses closely calculated, maintenance costs estimated, and a written report delivered on the spot. Most offers are conditional upon the outcome of the home inspection, which will include such things as: wood-boring insects, roof, structural soundness, and the condition of the heating, electrical, and plumbing systems.
If major problems are found, the buyer can either cancel the contract or go back and negotiate with the seller to get a credit on closing.
7) Not Knowing Your Rights And Obligations
Real estate law is extensive and complex; the Agreement of Purchase & Sale is a legally binding document. An improperly written contract can cause the sale to fall through or cost you thousands of dollars for repairs and remedies for title defects. If there are defects in the title, or if the property is in conflict with local restrictions, you must remedy them. Buying Title Insurance can often help here.
However, all lawyers are not real estate specialists. Your Realtor should be able to recommend several good lawyers. It is your Realtors job to know the laws governing real estate transactions. They are involved in an ongoing training program to keep up to date with these laws.
You deserve to have an agent who is not only knowledgeable about the transaction but is also willing to educate you throughout the process so you will feel more comfortable.
It’s also very wise to get an expert opinion before spending on fix-ups in an attempt to increase the sale value of your home. More often than not, expensive repairs are done in place of much simpler and more cost efficient ones. And the seller expects to regain their expenditures in the sale price, which rarely works out. Instead of entering fix-ups and repairs blindly, take advantage of our review – a walk through of your home where advise you on what can (or should) be fixed for maximum buyer appeal.
NAR Survey Information
Right now, the home buying public is made up of four distinct generations. We have the Matures (born 1925 - 1941), the Boomers (born 1942 - 1965), Generation X (born 1942 - 1965), and most recently, the Millenials (born after 1981). In the morning, we might be working with a retired couple who like a lot of face time or prefer to talk on the phone. And in the afternoon, we could be helping a 25-year-old buy his or her first house. They do it all on their computer, or better yet, GPS-enabled smart phones. For them, even email has become passe; testing, Twitter and Facebook are their social connections. Who knows where it will all go next. The only thing for sure is that people will always be part of the process. No matter how much the technology improves, buying or selling a house will always require trust, judgement and experience.
2010, fully 50% of the people who purchased homes were first-time buyers. In 2001, first-time buyers were 42% of the total, and in 2006 they made up only 36% of all the homes sold. Of all the first-time buyers in 2010, only 13% cited the Home Buyer Tax Credit as the main reason for buying a home.
In 2001, 69% of buyers purchased a home through an agent; by 2010, that figure had increased to 83%. When you look at where buyers found the home they purchased, 38% said a real estate agent, 37% said the internet and 11% said an open house or yard sign. Only 2% found the home they bought in a newspaper ad.
On the selling side, the vast majority of people (88%) also employed an agent. Only 8% of sellers were able to get the place sold without an agent. In 2003, the number of FSBO's (for sale by owners) was a bit higher at 14%. Among that 8% that sold it on their own in 2010, more than 50% of those sales were attributed to the fact that the seller already knew the buyer.
2010, fully 50% of the people who purchased homes were first-time buyers. In 2001, first-time buyers were 42% of the total, and in 2006 they made up only 36% of all the homes sold. Of all the first-time buyers in 2010, only 13% cited the Home Buyer Tax Credit as the main reason for buying a home.
In 2001, 69% of buyers purchased a home through an agent; by 2010, that figure had increased to 83%. When you look at where buyers found the home they purchased, 38% said a real estate agent, 37% said the internet and 11% said an open house or yard sign. Only 2% found the home they bought in a newspaper ad.
On the selling side, the vast majority of people (88%) also employed an agent. Only 8% of sellers were able to get the place sold without an agent. In 2003, the number of FSBO's (for sale by owners) was a bit higher at 14%. Among that 8% that sold it on their own in 2010, more than 50% of those sales were attributed to the fact that the seller already knew the buyer.
Ogden Marathon
The Ogden Marathon is quickly approaching. RE/MAX Metro is sponsoring a water station again this year. We are looking for volunteers to help out. If you're interested please call our South Ogden Office to volunteer (801) 475-7300!
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