Rules for a Perfect Day
Author: Tom Hopkins
Just for today...
I will try to live and delight in the reality of being alive. My past is forever gone, my future an uncertainty, so I will be happy and thankful for each moment.
I will not allow negative input into my mind...happiness is a choice and I choose to be happy.
I will be thankful to God for my health, my loved ones, my business, and my country. I will also be thankful for any pain in crisis that helps me grow because God has said, be thankful in all things.
I will take care of my body, realizing the importance of the words moderation and balance, knowing that as I bring my flesh under control, how much easier it will be to control my will and my actions.
I will treat everyone I meet today the way I would like to be treated. I will strive to have them like themselves better when they’re with me.
I will avoid gossip, jealousy, and negative thinking. Most people don’t think about what they think about. Today, I will make a conscious effort to hold loving and beautiful thoughts in my mind.
I will write down my priorities; thinking of my loved ones and my responsibilities. I may not get everything done, but I will do the most productive thing possible at every given moment.
I will strive to humble myself before others, controlling my ego and making other people feel important.
I will spend time in study, learning how to better serve my fellowman. I know my growth in all areas is in direct proportion to the service I give to others.
I will not take rejection personally. I am first and foremost in the people business and, thus, realize they can only reject my proposal and not me. I will keep on keepin’ on.
I will spend time in prayer, asking God to let others see the light of His shining love through me.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Bird Feeder Squirrel Flipper & Buyers and Sellers
Yesterday, I was in the Essex Aggie Coop, and as always, stopped to watch the Bird Feeder Squirrel Flipper sales video. Rather than let the squirrel drop off a lightweight rubber pole, this top of the line model has a ring circling the feeder, which when a squirrel tries to get on it, flips it around the feeder, resulting in squirrel whiplash, motion sickness, and being flung off the feeder. This device really is "for the birds".
How many buyers and sellers in this market feel like that squirrel? Just when you think you have found the right buyer, or the right house, you find yourself on that outer ring being flung out of the market by the credit crunch, the economy, job security concerns, or the price of gas and food.
How many buyers and sellers in this market feel like that squirrel? Just when you think you have found the right buyer, or the right house, you find yourself on that outer ring being flung out of the market by the credit crunch, the economy, job security concerns, or the price of gas and food.
Here's another take on squirrels. To squirrel away means to hoard money or valuables. If you are saving your money, waiting for the house prices to drop further, here's my two cents. We cannot predict exactly where house prices will go in the next year. I'm looking closely at the interest rates. Are interest rates on loans likely to will stay as low as they are now? We bought our house in early '83, when interest rates were over 13%. Had we waited for the spring market, the rates were expected to rise and we would have not been able to buy this house.
It's amusing the watch the Squirrel Flipper video; it's not half so funny if you're the squirrel.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
REALTOR of the Year...Wow and Thanks!
Wow...what a morning! I was so surprised to be named the 2008 NSAR REALTOR® of the Year. What a humbling experience...
Imagine, for a moment, reaching into your pocket and taking out a coin. Place it in the palm of your hand and look at it. Flip it over. Its two separate and equal sides both share equal value and cannot be separated one from the other without destroying the value of the coin altogether.
This past year has been a lot like that coin and the opening of a Dickens novel. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Never before in my twenty five years as a REALTOR® have I been so challenged. I have never been this poor...or this rich.
Having faced both the market challenge and cancer simultaneously, I've found inspiration and support in many places and people. First, in my family and in my office family. I say office family because, whether they're related to me or not, they're family. Next in friends like Alan Indeck, Art Zweil, Nancy Yorgy, Kathy DeLorenzo, Maurine Turcotte, Marilyn Jarvis, and so many more.
I've also found inspiration in places (and in people) you wouldn't expect. After the fifth game of the Eastern Conference NBA Finals, Ray Allen was asked about how he cam out of his shooting slump. His answer was simple...and prophetic. He said, "I just kept dribbling the ball, got into position to make the shots, and I never stopped believing in myself".
I did nothing extraordinary this year to deserve this honor. I did what was expected of me in the Preamble to the NAR Code of Ethics, in which each of us is asked not only to uphold the Code, but to enforce it, live by it, and ultimately give back to the industry that gave it to us some ninety-five years ago. All I did was read it and take it to heart.
Our responsibility to do good is not diminished simply because our ability to do well is challenged. It is exactly at that time that we are charged to do the most good.
Things will get better. Flip your coin one more time. It doesn't take much to "change things on a dime". Until then, we just have to keep dribbling, get into position to make the shots, the sales, and never...never stop believing in ourselves!
Thank you for this amazing and humbling honor.
Go Boston Celtics!
Imagine, for a moment, reaching into your pocket and taking out a coin. Place it in the palm of your hand and look at it. Flip it over. Its two separate and equal sides both share equal value and cannot be separated one from the other without destroying the value of the coin altogether.
This past year has been a lot like that coin and the opening of a Dickens novel. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Never before in my twenty five years as a REALTOR® have I been so challenged. I have never been this poor...or this rich.
Having faced both the market challenge and cancer simultaneously, I've found inspiration and support in many places and people. First, in my family and in my office family. I say office family because, whether they're related to me or not, they're family. Next in friends like Alan Indeck, Art Zweil, Nancy Yorgy, Kathy DeLorenzo, Maurine Turcotte, Marilyn Jarvis, and so many more.
I've also found inspiration in places (and in people) you wouldn't expect. After the fifth game of the Eastern Conference NBA Finals, Ray Allen was asked about how he cam out of his shooting slump. His answer was simple...and prophetic. He said, "I just kept dribbling the ball, got into position to make the shots, and I never stopped believing in myself".
I did nothing extraordinary this year to deserve this honor. I did what was expected of me in the Preamble to the NAR Code of Ethics, in which each of us is asked not only to uphold the Code, but to enforce it, live by it, and ultimately give back to the industry that gave it to us some ninety-five years ago. All I did was read it and take it to heart.
Our responsibility to do good is not diminished simply because our ability to do well is challenged. It is exactly at that time that we are charged to do the most good.
Things will get better. Flip your coin one more time. It doesn't take much to "change things on a dime". Until then, we just have to keep dribbling, get into position to make the shots, the sales, and never...never stop believing in ourselves!
Thank you for this amazing and humbling honor.
Go Boston Celtics!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Memorial Day Sunday Open House
What we would have done a year ago and what we'd do today are very different things.
For instance, I find myself sitting at an open house at a wonderful five bedroom custom Gambrel Colonial on Memorial Day Sunday. There are three problems with that statement, and each of them tells a story about the economic times in which we find ourselves.
First, open houses don't work. Period! Approximately 1% of all open houses result in the sale of that particular home. Sure, you can "fish for clients", but that's not my job at this open house. My fiduciary duties lie to my Seller and finding him the best Buyer I can through exposure. I've always hated open houses. They are usually done for two reasons: (1) to appease the Seller; and (2) to find Buyers who might buy something else. That's not my style on either count. I stick with the supportable facts. Open houses don't work. Period.
So, why am I sitting here blogging on Memrial Day Sunday at an open house? Because I don't know what else to do. After twenty-five years in this industry, I'm as frustrated as the next person as to what formula will work, which marketing tool will offer the best results, and what the Buyers will do next.
This is a great house! It should have sold months ago. The truth is that no homes have sold in this rpice range all year, and that tells me a lot. The middle class is squeezed beyond their means. They're afraid. They can't buy gas and food at the same time. Their savings are dwindling, and their mortgages are going up.
Above this mean, sales are brisk. Below it, Buyers are moving cautiously at best. Here in the middle where the heart of America lies, there is confusion and frustration.
So I'm sitting in this great house that's been on far too long by standards of the last few years thinking that maybe folks will stop by because they aren't going away (they can't afford the gas,) when the truth is all they want is to feel something comfortable and familiar...something warm that will make them smile...and I recognize that's being home on this sunny, warm Spring day.
I'll sit here because I'm hopeful. I'll sit here because I want to do everything I possibly can for my Seller...leave nothing undone, or unsaid, or untried.
Then I, too, want to just go home and have a hot dog and some potato salad, settle in, and feel the comfortable and familiar wrap around me like an heirloom quilt. Maybe it'll all get better tomorrow.
For instance, I find myself sitting at an open house at a wonderful five bedroom custom Gambrel Colonial on Memorial Day Sunday. There are three problems with that statement, and each of them tells a story about the economic times in which we find ourselves.
First, open houses don't work. Period! Approximately 1% of all open houses result in the sale of that particular home. Sure, you can "fish for clients", but that's not my job at this open house. My fiduciary duties lie to my Seller and finding him the best Buyer I can through exposure. I've always hated open houses. They are usually done for two reasons: (1) to appease the Seller; and (2) to find Buyers who might buy something else. That's not my style on either count. I stick with the supportable facts. Open houses don't work. Period.
So, why am I sitting here blogging on Memrial Day Sunday at an open house? Because I don't know what else to do. After twenty-five years in this industry, I'm as frustrated as the next person as to what formula will work, which marketing tool will offer the best results, and what the Buyers will do next.
This is a great house! It should have sold months ago. The truth is that no homes have sold in this rpice range all year, and that tells me a lot. The middle class is squeezed beyond their means. They're afraid. They can't buy gas and food at the same time. Their savings are dwindling, and their mortgages are going up.
Above this mean, sales are brisk. Below it, Buyers are moving cautiously at best. Here in the middle where the heart of America lies, there is confusion and frustration.
So I'm sitting in this great house that's been on far too long by standards of the last few years thinking that maybe folks will stop by because they aren't going away (they can't afford the gas,) when the truth is all they want is to feel something comfortable and familiar...something warm that will make them smile...and I recognize that's being home on this sunny, warm Spring day.
I'll sit here because I'm hopeful. I'll sit here because I want to do everything I possibly can for my Seller...leave nothing undone, or unsaid, or untried.
Then I, too, want to just go home and have a hot dog and some potato salad, settle in, and feel the comfortable and familiar wrap around me like an heirloom quilt. Maybe it'll all get better tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
NAR/CRS Meetings Washington, DC
Hi there everyone,
Just back from Washington, DC from CRS governance meetings. Great trip!
It was most interesting to talk with other folks across the country. One of the most fascinating comments was that there are major markets experiencing "delayed spring turnaround". The activity they normally would have seen in February is now appearing, giving rise to a sense of optimism.
The east and west coasts are still the mopst dramatically affected by economic conditions and have seen the biggest changes. The heartland is doing okay! That's good news!
Let's hope we see that upswing soon on the North Shore! It's all coming this way!
Just back from Washington, DC from CRS governance meetings. Great trip!
It was most interesting to talk with other folks across the country. One of the most fascinating comments was that there are major markets experiencing "delayed spring turnaround". The activity they normally would have seen in February is now appearing, giving rise to a sense of optimism.
The east and west coasts are still the mopst dramatically affected by economic conditions and have seen the biggest changes. The heartland is doing okay! That's good news!
Let's hope we see that upswing soon on the North Shore! It's all coming this way!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Boston real estate market drags
http://www.boston.com/realestate/news/articles/2008/04/20/market_drags/?p1=email_to_a_friend
This link to percentages of distressed properties in the Boston area is pretty interesting. Go to boston.com for the complete article. The news isn't getting any better! It's difficult to remain confident when the news covers only the negative aspect of the market. Currently, there are 36 properties under contract in Beverly. That says Buyers are confident and feel they're getting value! That's GOOD news! When and where do we see those figures reported?
This link to percentages of distressed properties in the Boston area is pretty interesting. Go to boston.com for the complete article. The news isn't getting any better! It's difficult to remain confident when the news covers only the negative aspect of the market. Currently, there are 36 properties under contract in Beverly. That says Buyers are confident and feel they're getting value! That's GOOD news! When and where do we see those figures reported?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
New foreclosure rules as of 4/30/08
We just got word that the market will tighten a little more...not surprising in this "pendulum financing" reactionary market!
According to American Banker, as of the end of April Fannie Mae will adopt higher minimum down payments and credit scores for borrowers with a past foreclosure. They've already changed the minimum time period from four to five years for borrowers to re-establish their creditworthiness for those who have had a foreclosure. Some exceptions may be made for hardship, but don't count on leniency from the government. They're are hard-pressed as the rest of us. They're stretched to the limit...and beyond!
The plan is to be to treat those who "walked away" from their homes differently than those who have the ability to meet their obligations. The government wants to make it more difficult for those borrowers who made no attempt to meet their financial obligations. Not a bad idea!
The other change in the works is tightening the ability to transform primary residences into rentals and then purchasing new homes. I want to know more about that proposal.
I say if you don't HAVE to sell a home, don't. The government can't stop you from owning as many homes as you want. The problem is in the financing disclosures. Those who buy under the pretense of owner occupancy and subsequently treat it as an investment are circumventing the system. That will require additional documentation and possibly regulation.
Let's be careful and not fix this one with a sledge hammer....we're already seeing that pendulum regulation isn't good for anyone!
According to American Banker, as of the end of April Fannie Mae will adopt higher minimum down payments and credit scores for borrowers with a past foreclosure. They've already changed the minimum time period from four to five years for borrowers to re-establish their creditworthiness for those who have had a foreclosure. Some exceptions may be made for hardship, but don't count on leniency from the government. They're are hard-pressed as the rest of us. They're stretched to the limit...and beyond!
The plan is to be to treat those who "walked away" from their homes differently than those who have the ability to meet their obligations. The government wants to make it more difficult for those borrowers who made no attempt to meet their financial obligations. Not a bad idea!
The other change in the works is tightening the ability to transform primary residences into rentals and then purchasing new homes. I want to know more about that proposal.
I say if you don't HAVE to sell a home, don't. The government can't stop you from owning as many homes as you want. The problem is in the financing disclosures. Those who buy under the pretense of owner occupancy and subsequently treat it as an investment are circumventing the system. That will require additional documentation and possibly regulation.
Let's be careful and not fix this one with a sledge hammer....we're already seeing that pendulum regulation isn't good for anyone!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Appraisals, assessments, market analysis???
I was not surprised to see a number of questions on the chat room about establishing the value of a home. One of the most common points of discussion between owners and REALTORS is the concept of value-pricing v worth-pricing.
Sellers often equate worth and value as being the same. They're not! Worth is a very personal and internally driven number that often tends to be fixed in the mind of the owner. Value, on the other hand, is based on some measure of objective data and, therefore, externally driven.
Getting to the point where you can recognize the difference is a huge step in the right direction if you're thinking of selling your home.
I often get questions about appraisals and assessments, and how they could differ from a recommended list pricing strategy as a result of a Market Analysis.
An appraisal is a formal written report by a licensed appraiser. It can serve any number of purposes such as for estate planning purposes, or refinancing.
An assessment is generally the basis for any community's determination of what revenue they need to generate community service levels and is usually set every three years.
A Market Analysis is an estimation of value based on comparable sold data over a period of time, usually the last six months.
Each may be a separate number! The important thing to remember is that ANY number is not a specific target, but a best guess as to what the value of that property is at that time and for what purpose. Markets change.
Listen carefully to your local real estate professional! They'll guide you through the maze.
Sellers often equate worth and value as being the same. They're not! Worth is a very personal and internally driven number that often tends to be fixed in the mind of the owner. Value, on the other hand, is based on some measure of objective data and, therefore, externally driven.
Getting to the point where you can recognize the difference is a huge step in the right direction if you're thinking of selling your home.
I often get questions about appraisals and assessments, and how they could differ from a recommended list pricing strategy as a result of a Market Analysis.
An appraisal is a formal written report by a licensed appraiser. It can serve any number of purposes such as for estate planning purposes, or refinancing.
An assessment is generally the basis for any community's determination of what revenue they need to generate community service levels and is usually set every three years.
A Market Analysis is an estimation of value based on comparable sold data over a period of time, usually the last six months.
Each may be a separate number! The important thing to remember is that ANY number is not a specific target, but a best guess as to what the value of that property is at that time and for what purpose. Markets change.
Listen carefully to your local real estate professional! They'll guide you through the maze.
Seller Prep Seminar
Thanks to all of you who participated in the Big Move chat room about preparing your home for sale. I really enjoyed your questions and wished I could have gotten to all of them. I was amazed at how many of you wrote in and the range of questions you provided. Feel free to contact me with additional questions. I would be happy to try to answer them if I can. Many of you had asked for the link to the chat, here it is: http://www.boston.com/realestate/bigmove/chats/oconnor_transcript
The Four Points Seminar sponsored by Boston.com, the Boston Globe, and the Greater Boston Association of REALTORS, was a great success and I enjoyed participating in it.
The Four Points Seminar sponsored by Boston.com, the Boston Globe, and the Greater Boston Association of REALTORS, was a great success and I enjoyed participating in it.
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