Ozaukee & Washington County Real Estate: October 2009

From Gary Woltal's blog. Priceless.

I don't know if it's because I'm getting older and it's finally sinking in, but I've been discovering lately that when you start to peel back the layers of someone, you will likely discover they are pretty much the same as you.

This thing we call "social networking" has certainly allowed me a closer glimpse into the thoughts, emotions, joys, sorrows, and challenges of friends, acquaintances, family, and colleagues. I was one of those people who swore I would never join Facebook or blog or chat online, but, well, here I am blogging. And for those of you who are "connected" to me on Facebook, it's pretty clear I'm addicted.

Every day these communities, without fail, provide some sort of inspiration, whether it be in a brief story or simple phrase or quote. And you see that no matter what you see on the outside, every single one of us feels happy, scared, lonely, defeated, hopeful, faith-filled, determined, challenged, confused, betrayed, lost, and excited at various times through life. Our stories may differ, but we all feel the same emotions.

And beneath all the layers, we all want the same things -- contentment, happiness, to be loved, to be needed, a house to call our own, a family, dear friends, enough money to not have to worry about money, self-worth.

These social networks have provided growth for my real estate business, and it's been pretty amazing to watch that evolve. But perhaps more importantly, they've provided connections to people who have been great sounding boards and support systems for any number of topics.

Coming to understand that underneath it all we're basically the same makes it easier to try to stop passing judgment, to be more tolerable, and to be more patient.

Who would have thought I'd learn that from social networking??

Persistence pays off. How many times have we heard that?

How many times have I decided I was going to go after something I wanted and then get frustrated enough to "just forget it?" Too many to count, unfortunately.

But over the past few days I watched in awe as some buyers I was working with kept "going after" the house they wanted by using every bit of creativity and brainstorming they could muster up to find "the way" to make this deal work.

I told myself over and over to keep that picture of them purchasing the house in my mind and to trust that there would be a way for it to happen, even though I could not see how. There were moments of doubt and frustration, but I kept telling myself to hold on to that picture -- that end result.

Just have faith.

So over two or three days the phone calls and the emails were exchanged, possible solutions were pondered, questions were asked, answers were found, and persistence ultimately paid off. An accepted offer came through yesterday afternoon.

I have heard a lot over the past several months of the importance of trusting that things will work out even if the "how" is no where to be seen. It's call faith -- believing in what we cannot see. I finally got that -- really got that.

Watching my buyers' persistence over the past few days was a great lesson and reminder for me to go after what I want. Just do it. No matter what it is, go after it. Stay focused on that end result and know that "how" it will come to you will work itself out.

Just BELIEVE.

Well, here it is Friday night, and I'm realizing I didn't have a particularly stellar week in real estate. Hmmmm....what's going on?

Times like these tend to put a damper on my attitude, confidence, and enthusiasm, but I always try to find some sort of motivation to get me back on track. I found it just a little while ago.

I met some buyers of mine at the house we're set to close on in two weeks. They just wanted to take some measurements and take another look around. The sellers came home while we were there, and the four of them struck up a friendly conversation about each of their plans. It was one of the most cordial meetings I've ever seen between buyers and sellers.

As we were leaving, my buyers thanked me for my time, and then she added, "Thank you for everything."

It's funny, but as happy as I am that we found "the" house for them and as satisfying as it is to see and hear their excitement, I have to admit I'm a little bummed that two weeks from now, this transaction will be closed. No more regular contact. Sure I'll add them to my mailing list and connect with them regularly just as I do with all my past buyers and sellers, but it's not the same.

The opportunity to meet and work with the Jasons and Micahs in this world remind me why I do what I do. And they always provide that motivation to get back on track -- to improve my attitude, grow my self-confidence, and be enthusiastic about all the opportunities I am given.

So thanks for your kind words...I needed that.

Have you ever sat down in front of the computer knowing what you want to write about but not sure how to start? Or how to get it all out in a neat and concise way? That's how I'm feeling right now...

Life has been interesting the past several months -- almost a year now. Personal and professional hurdles have knocked me on my bottom, and after long talks with the best of friends, hours upon hours of reading, hours upon hours of praying, long walks, talking with Dad (who I know is watching over me), and drives through the peace-filled countryside, I thought I had picked myself up and brushed myself off. I thought I was clear in my mind of what I had to do, what changes I had to make that hadn't already been made, and what I wanted.

But here I am on a Saturday evening struggling to sort through this muddied mess.

I lost someone in my life who I considered a friend as a result of circumstances I had no control over. And I miss him. I miss his smile, his sarcasm, his laugh, his stories of his kids, his sweetness. Funny how it doesn't hurt any less now than it did months ago. It breaks my heart.

I have a job that I love. But yet I struggle with feelings of letting my clients and customers down as we all struggle to come out of a real estate market that has proven to be more than a challenge to so many. Do they know I am doing all that I can to find "the" buyer for their house? Do they know I am checking every day -- several times a day -- for the "perfect" house for them?

And like so many others, the bills seem to stack up quicker than they get paid.

Sometimes it feels like you're at the bottom of a pit, looking up for any sign of light, but it's just not there. And then something points you in the direction of taking a drive and ending up at your mom's house and visiting with her and your 3-year old nephew, who she happens to be watching for a couple hours. And his innocence and inquisitiveness erases the hurt and doubt for just a little while. And your mom's offer of some homemade caramel corn and a bag of candy to take home warms your heart.

Words of encouragement from an unexpected online chat with a dear friend help to reassure you that all will be well -- that you deserve to be and will be happy. Be happy now.

I don't know what's ahead for me. I do know there will be some pretty big changes, though I'm not sure what exactly those changes will be. And I know that I have to trust and believe things will be okay. I have to. Don't we all? After all, without faith and hope, what do we have?

Here's to letting go, and letting God...

So you're thinking about buying a house but there's still so much uncertainty around us - Are we coming out of the recession yet? Is your job secure? Are interest rates going to be going up?

All of us at Shorewest Realtors® are committed to working with you to help you find the option that best fits your current situation.

We are now offering the Job Loss Protection program, which is an optional, seller-funded mortgage protection program. Should the buyer lose his/her job within the first 24 months following closing, the Job Loss Protection program provides up to six months of mortgage payments (up to $1800 per month).

This program is part of the HELP (Homeowner Education and Loss Protection) program, which is administered by the Rainy Day Foundation.

A buyer is eligible for this program if the following criteria are met:

•·         Must be employed at least 30 hours per week at the time of closing

•·         Cannot be self-employed, working as a contractor, or actively serving in the military

•·         Cannot own more than 10% interest in his/her employer's business

•·         Must be 18-66 years of age and live in the United States

•·         The property must be the primary residence, second home, or single-unit investment

This program can benefit sellers, as well, as it provides "added value" over others on the market and may increase the level of buyer interest, therefore increasing the number of showings. The cost ($500) is payable at closing only if the buyer accepts the program.

More information about this great opportunity can be found at Shorewest.com.