Focus on What You Can Do, Not What You Can’t Control
Do you find yourself worrying about things over which you have no control? The truth of the matter is that there’s nothing that you or I can do to stop what is going on somewhere outside of our immediate lives.
What you CAN do is to help those with whom you interact with in your life. For example, Byron makes people smile and laugh everywhere he goes. He listens and has fun.
That’s a gift each of us can give to each other. Say “thank you” to the people who pack your groceries at the store, smile at a stranger and say, “Good morning” or “Good afternoon,” tell the people who do a good job for you how much you appreciate their work—you get the idea. You may never realize it, but on some days, your smile may be the only one that person experiences that day.
As we have said many times before, you attract who you are. If you want wonderful, happy people in your life, be a wonderful, happy person starting with a smile, a thank you, and a sincere feeling of gratitude.
Stay Healthy over the Holidays
Have you noticed how many people are sick around holiday time? The reason is that people rush too much and fail to take good care of themselves. To avoid having this happen to you, make sure you’re getting your full 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
To reduce your stress, leave a little early for your appointments. If you arrive early, listen to your favorite music that makes you want to snap your fingers and tap your feet. This releases beta-endorphins that strengthen your immune system and reduce Cortisol. (Cortisol is the stress hormone that makes you susceptible to illness.)
Finally, eat well (but not too much), schedule time off for you, and laugh often. That’s the best way to have a terrific holiday season and to keep those nasty bugs and viruses away.
Happy Thanksgiving!
During this time of year most of us take time out to be grateful for what we have. If you are alone, have you thought of spending part of your Thanksgiving volunteering to help others who have no one and could use some holiday cheer? Whether it’s helping a neighbor who is struggling, organizing a clothing drive for the needy, or spending time with an elderly family member who is alone, there are plenty of places you can help.
Another great suggestion is Meals on Wheels. You will meet some amazing people but more importantly, the two hours you spend will give you some wonderful memories that will cheer you through the holiday season.
Finally, Byron and I want to personally thank you for being one of our readers. We are grateful to have you with us and stay tuned—we have some incredible things ahead for you in 2025!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Don’t Get Caught in the Seasonal Lull
Every year around November 15, real estate sales typically slow down. Given the continued lack of inventory, mortgage interest rates that have yet to come down significantly, and the on-going confusion from the commission lawsuits, it’s tempting to stay in bed, watch football or Netflix, or just take it easy. If you’re smart, this is where you can get a head start on your competitors for 2025.
Clients in the market this time of year are serious about buying and selling. A lot of buyers and sellers use the excuse, “I’ll just wait until after the holidays.”
Quite frankly, most houses look their best at holiday time. Inventories in many markets have been increasing, and prices have been coming down because of it.
A great way to get your buyers off the fence right now is to search the MLS for all the properties in their price range that have had a price reduction. These sellers are usually very motivated which means it’s a great opportunity for your buyer clients to negotiate a great price.
For the sellers who do wait, the challenge in January is that a lot of other sellers have also been waiting to put their houses on the market. There will be a lot more competition in January making it harder to sell if buyers are still waiting for rates to come down.
The seasonal lull can be a huge win for buyers, sellers, and savvy agents like you who are willing to take advantage of it.
Honoring Our Brave Military Men and Women
This week we take time to honor the brave men and women who currently serve or have served in our military.
If you know someone who has a family member who is away on active duty this upcoming holiday season, if possible, do something a little extra special for that family. Many times, they are struggling financially. This is especially true if their loved one has been injured or died in the line of duty.
Moreover, when you see someone in uniform, always remember to thank him or her for their service to our country.