Author Archive

Finding a Dream Agent, and Being a Great Client

Finding a Dream Agent; and Being a Great Client What does a real estate agent actual do anymore? Before 1995, when the Internet became a major factor in the industry, real estate agents controlled most of the market data. This meant that when someone wanted to buy or sell a home, they almost always needed [...]

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Sweet Springtime

SWEET SPRINGTIME The month of March is hopefully the last of winter and a welcome first step into spring. It only seems appropriate to be introduced by Easter as both bring a time of renewal and renewed energy. To me, the seasons of the year are a metaphor for the way we think of the [...]

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This is the Best Time to Buy or Sell a House

THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY OR SELL A HOUSE “He that waits upon fortune is never sure of a dinner”, Winston Churchill There have been many times in the past when it was a great time to purchase a home, and this might just be the very best financial opportunity in decades, and [...]

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Contribution

Contribution The well know philosopher, Abraham Maslow wrote about the ‘hierarchy of needs’ and the psychology of motivation in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation”. Illustrated in the shape of a pyramid with physiological on the bottom; safety, love, and esteem in the three middle layers, and self-actualization on top. The theory is [...]

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Happy New Year

Happy New Year The beginning of a new year is always exciting. We get to start over with fresh ideas, new commitments and readjustments. A question that comes to my mind is ‘am I on track to reach my ultimate goal?’ You may have heard the statement ‘begin with the end in mind’. This simply [...]

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Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas It’s interesting; some people think it’s inappropriate to wish someone a Merry Christmas, not politically correct perhaps. One could argue its Christmas, regardless of your belief or religious practice, and not much different than wishing someone a happy New Year or Thanksgiving. The meaning of Christmas may differ with age, country, or belief. [...]

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November 2012

NOVEMBER 2012 The Election is over and the American people have spoken—the majority are still hoping present economic policies will take hold. 2012 was a recovery year for real estate. Some say it’s because of the improving economy, but the truth is that it’s more about a response to economic cycles. So, what to think [...]

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Forward. Or Backward?

Forward. Or Backward? It’s been an interesting year. And as I reflect on the people I’ve meet lately, one thing stands out as significant—there are really only two types of people: forward thinkers and backward thinkers. I must admit, it’s a little hard for me to fully understand backward thinking; my life rarely goes there, [...]

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Leadership

LEADERSHIP It’s interesting to hear or read how someone perceives his or her definition of leadership. The dictionary describes it as the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group; or, a critical management skill, the ability to motivate a group of people toward a common goal. My personal [...]

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Value Creation

VALUE CREATION It is now just three months since Keller Williams Realty came to town. Nearly every day someone asks me why we would invest in such a large project (perhaps at my age) when things at The Ratchford Group were going so well. I heard in the news recently that some people believe companies [...]

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