Little did I know more than 20 years ago, this week became so significant in my life. It's DA WEEK I've been looking forward to - 20 years in the making. Why???
This Friday (12/4/09), I'll be headed to my Citizenship test and upon a successful interview and test, I would finally become an American. Something that I long for for many many years.
I'm not sure why I have deep desires to join you and to walk hand-in-hand with you as an American and I guess it's God that planted those desires.
The funny thing is that when I was an early teen (12 - 13 maybe), I've always imagined life as an American was like life on Beverly Hills 90210. Nice cars, nice ocean, nice houses and definitely nice looking people.
About 8 years from then, (I was then 20), I found myself in the middle of OKLAHOMA. A far cry from the Beverly Hills lifestyle I imagined for me. No bikinis for sure and reality was that most girls were physically bigger than Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling.
More than 10 years from then, I find myself in Frisco TX - now another step closer to my American citizenship.
Did I ever wish I ended up in Beverly Hills instead of OKLAHOMA? Not in a million chance. I would have otherwise never met my husband - my most prized possession. It's funny when I was absolutely crazy about this Asian tennis star, Michael Chang and I ended up marrying a Michael Yeo. The bonus is that my Michael is a "leftie" and I have a special place in my heart for left-handed people. Call me lucky, I got a Michael who's a leftie. Call me my bonus.
I guess when you are 12 or 13, you can imagine all you want. Reality is that I live in Frisco TX now and I sell real estate - something that I wouldnt have dreamed of too. The fruits of this job is so rewarding and you couldn't begin to understand it until you walk these shoes.
So, hopefully this Friday, you would read my blog that said, I'm all American then.

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Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com
Check out my
Frisco TX Homes website.
One-stop shop for your greater Frisco TX home needs.
Super-serving Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake area communities and other surrounding areas.
Copyright © 2009 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team
REALTY)
Why this week is so important to me...
Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas on December 25. Christians celebrate the birth of a very special little boy named Jesus. Here in America, Christmas is not only celebrated by Christians but by people of all races, nationalities and religions. Some even without religion celebrate Christmas as well.
Christmas trees are set up in homes of Christians and non-Christians alike. Lots of wrapped gifts under the tree for loved ones waiting for Christmas Day. Christmas greeting cards and invitations mailed out to family and friends. This is truly a a very busy time of the year, not only for Christians but people from all walks of lives.

Our real estate industry has really debated the great topic of whether a homeowner should put his/ her home for sale during the season and if the homeowner should decorate the home for the season.
Here's my take on this subject:
In the busyness of our lives, those that put home buying and home selling this time of the year mean BUSINESS.
Sellers' homes are decorated with Christmas wreath at the front door. The sound of a crackling fire in the fireplace, Christmas garlands along the mantel and the sight of the Christmas tree just at the corner of your eye as you imagine your new life in this new home. The smell of fresh baked cookies in the oven. Would you be offended if the homeowner prepped his home in anticipation of your visit by sharing a glimpse of the warmth of his home? Would you be offended if the homeowner decorated her home for the holiday atmosphere?
Shopping malls and retailers do that, so why shouldn't you as you prepare to sell one of your most expensive assets? Would it be wrong if the homeowner help you picture yourself in such holiday atmosphere? Whether you are a Christian or not, celebrate Christmas or not, the secret to home selling is to invoke emotions to make the buyer choose your home rather than your neighbors. After all, it is Christmas time.
Now, picture this background music playing as you walk into the house.
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All contents are original. Consider subscribing to my blog for more real estate commentaries.
Subscribe via Email if you are not an Active Rain member here.

Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com
Check out my Frisco TX Homes website.
One-stop shop for your greater Frisco TX home needs.
Super-serving Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake area communities and other surrounding areas.
Copyright © 2009 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team REALTY)
Christmas More Than Just A Celebration for Christians.
Once a while you strike multiple offers on your listings. Yes, even in this so-called depressing real estate market.
You will jump in joy especially when you could have back up contracts lined up for your short sale offer.
As most sellers are confused as to who the sales contract binds which 2 parties together, some agents could sometimes get confused as to whom the principals (and clients) are to the transaction.
Assuming that you clearly understand that your fiduciary duties are to your Seller clients on your short sales, if you were in MULTIPLE OFFER SITUATIONS, do you have a moral obligation to share with the Bank that you have a "better" offer that would net them a better financial impact on the short sale?
I know what my answer is but what is your opinion on this subject matter?
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All contents are original. Consider subscribing to my blog for more real estate commentaries.
Subscribe via Email if you are not an Active Rain member here.

Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com
Check out my
Frisco TX Homes website.
One-stop shop for your greater Frisco TX home needs.
Super-serving Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake area communities and other surrounding areas.
Copyright © 2009 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team
REALTY)
We know who's the fiduciary duty is to, but should we have a moral obligation?
I know many of you may not be shoppers at heart and braving the Black Friday sales is definitely not on your list. On the other hand, I enjoy Black Friday and it's the only time I buy anything for the year. I enjoy seeing people buy stuff and it kinda rubs off on me.
Over the past 2-3 years, we have the ability to begin shopping at Midnight on Black Friday itself. Call me crazy, but I think it's kinda cool. It's different and I like it. Yes, I've braved those Midnight sales before but not this year although I was planning on it. I fell asleep at 11pm.
This year, I must admit I really helped stimulated the economy. I know, I know, Christmas is NOT about gifts but I can say the BUYING was definitely fun.
This weekend, we came home with 3 HDTVs, a Media Center, "classroom set up" for my son and most importantly, lots of toys for this special boy. Good that he doesn't know how to read my blog yet, he will soon be able to do that. I got lots of educational and learning toys for him. My son is 2 and I haven't really bought anything for this child. Seeing him enjoying this new tricycle in the house makes my heart melt and knowing that every penny of the hard earned money I spent on him is worth while.
Christmas shopping is completed for everyone including myself. It's an awesome feeling knowing we have been blessed this year and Christmas is definitely merry at the Yeo's.
So, what did you get for Black Friday? Tell me, I'm all ears!!!
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All contents are original. Consider subscribing to my blog for more real estate commentaries.
Subscribe via Email if you are not an Active Rain member here.

Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com
Check out my
Frisco TX Homes website.
One-stop shop for your greater Frisco TX home needs.
Super-serving Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake area communities and other surrounding areas.
Copyright © 2009 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team
REALTY)
So What Did You Get on Black Friday Sale?
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, I hope you took the opportunity to share it with a grateful heart and to say Thanks for everything that you are blessed with. Looking ahead, it's natural to begin thinking about Christmas - and the spirit of giving. After all, God gave it ALL - He gave His only Son so that we may have life - and have life abundantly.
As always, I have lots of stories to share. In this particular Sunday God First Post, I want to share some of my life lessons about giving...
I've always been taught to save during my childhood. My grandmother brought me to the bank every month, lifted me up to the teller's desk so that I could personally hand my cash savings. At the end of the transaction, the teller would update my savings and I found joy in seeing my bank account grow. At the tender age of 12, I helped my family in our jewelry business. By 15, I was a very competent salesperson for my father. I learnt about the human emotions and their need for buying. As a result, I become a very effective negotiator. My father never gave me a "salary" per se, but as very fair exchange, he sent me to the University of Oklahoma on "his" full ride scholarship.
At 20, I knew the value of a dollar and I knew what it's like to work hard. I also quickly learnt that "money" is my "security blankie" when my family was a 30-hour flight away. I never considered myself a "scrooge" nor a "hoader" although some of my friends could argue with me about my limiting beliefs about money. I just don't find the "need" to spend plus I enjoy saving. It reminds me of my late grandmother.
At college, I remembered wanting this pair of Nike sneakers pretty badly. It costs $60 and after figuring out the math at $4.25 per hour, I didn't find it any fun standing 14 hours working just to buy that pair of shoes. When I started work after college, I would always relate my spending to lost "opportunity cost". Hence, just end up almost always never buying anything.
I married a man who had similar upbringing. We both graduated college with no debt to our name. We've just had an awesome start to our young adult lives.
Although I have done awesome in "keeping", the real truth was that I didn't do well in "giving".
Over the past few years, as God placed Matthew 6:19-21 on my heart, I begin to learn alot about giving, receiving and money. I learnt to give with an open hand. After all, it's all His to begin with anyways. He could take it all back in an instant if He wanted to.
What I learnt was that if I learn to receive with an open hand, no doubt some might slip away but much more can easily flow in. However, if I receive it with a closed fist, not much can come in anyways. We are placed here during our tenure on Earth as HIS MANAGERS because everything belongs to Him.
As my example relates to money, it can be applied to EVERY ASPECT of OUR LIVES. Our time, our gifts, our talents, our energy, our financial resources - EVERYTHING belongs to HIM.
When you remember you are merely His manager and nothing really belongs to you, you can easily and freely "give" it away: your time, your money, your resources. Be sure to use these resources entrusted to you to the best of your ability. Apply it in your daily life, your personal life and your business life. Make Him proud.
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All contents are original. Consider subscribing to my blog for more real estate commentaries.
Subscribe via Email if you are not an Active Rain member here.

Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com
Check out my
Frisco TX Homes website.
One-stop shop for your greater Frisco TX home needs.
Super-serving Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake area communities and other surrounding areas.
Copyright © 2009 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team
REALTY)
It's All His Anyways!
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