Foreclosure Specialist Andy Tolbert

Lessons I've Learned...

You might have read the poem by Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten... You know, share everything, play fair, clean up your own mess, etc.

Well lately I've been pondering where I learned some of my childhood lessons that have made me the person that I am today and I want to share some with you (who knows...maybe you'll get some ideas!)

This may come as a surprise, but I actually am a country farm girl. No, really. My family had farmland and cattle. My first job was selling watermelons out of the back of the truck at an intersection.

My sister and I got taken on some unconventional "field trips" as kids. We went to both a slaughterhouse and a milking facility to see where our food came from (tip: if you ever raise an animal for food, name it something like T-bone or burger so you don't get too attached) and an early visit to the landfill to see where your garbage goes (if you want to see bald eagles... Go to the dump. Not very regal, but they're always there!) We also worked at charities and fundraisers for as long as I can remember (I'm great at the concession stand and to this day can make change in my head!) I've learned that by helping others you can help yourself (maybe that's why I ended up specializing in short sales and teaching others)

As I got older I worked in the family retail business. We were in an industry that had a lot of competition from mail order so I learned to buy from local merchants whenever possible...even if it costs a few dollars more. I also learned payroll, advertising and accounting when it was all done by hand... which gives me a better understanding of how it works on the computer today.

My life has not been perfect. There have been definite highs and lows and I know that there always will be... But it's what you do with the lessons you've learned that show what kind of person you are.

I hope that some of the lessons that I’ve learned and shared with you through this newsletter have made a difference… both in your real estate and your outlook on life.

Andy

p.s. Thanks Mom!

Why Sanford Florida is a great place to live and work and buy your new home!

I've lived in Sanford since 1995, and have had my office here for about 3-4 years now, and I love it!

Like to network and help out the community? Sanford has a very active Chamber of Commerce as well as 2 active Rotary chapters. There is also a monthly event downtown called "Alive after 5" which is always a ton of fun and you can meet some great local businesses.

Love a peaceful afternoon stroll? Come on down to the Sanford marina and stroll past the boats then take a walk up to 1st street which is the main drag through downtown Sanford then stop for a bite to eat at Angelo's pizza or the Willow Tree if you like authentic German food. Or go really wild and go out for a cruise on the Rivership Romance that leaves right from downtown.

What about living here? There's everything you could possibly want... fine dining as well as every major chain is right around the Seminole Town Center Mall. Shopping is great with Target, WalMart, and the Town Center housing your every need.

Schools? Go check out the stats for yourself, I think you'll be surprised!

Culture and Activities? We've got the Helen Stairs Theater, the Zoo (with their new adventure/zip line ZoomAir), plenty of state and county parks, bicycle trails, and of course the St Johns River and Lake Monroe. You'll never get bored!

Neighborhoods? Sanford houses some award winning communities such as Lake Forest as well as some hidden gems such as Wilson Place, St Johns River Estates, and of course our beautiful Downtown Historic Sanford.

If you haven't been to Sanford lately, give it another look. If you're ready to buy a home and get the benefit of the $8,000 tax rebate, put Sanford Florida on your list as a great place to live!

Andy Tolbert is a Broker-Associate with HD Realty in Seminole County Florida. She specializes in helping buyers find their dream home and purchase with minimum hassle. She also helps homeowners sell their properties including short sales. She can be reached at 407-842-7700.

New Home Sales up 11%! Highest Increase in 8 years! Woo-Hoo!

Top story on www.Bloomberg.com today is the monumental increase in new home sales, up 11%!

I know most of us don't deal with new homes, but it shows some hope that we've hit bottom at least.

One thing with new homes, though. They've been selling basically at cost just to keep the crews working and the doors open, so that artificially low price has maybe artificially driven the sales. I spoke with an agent over in Daytona Beach on Friday that said a new construction home her client has been looking at has had 2 price increases in the last 2 weeks!

Let us dwell on the positive message this is sending... it will also tell the rest of America that if they've been waiting for the bottom... IT'S HERE!

Click Here to read the Bloomberg story.

If you'd like to subscribe to Andy's e-newsletter, visit www.AndyTolbert.com

Bankruptcy Filings are up 35% this year and many of them have houses they HAVE to sell by court order. Come to the Investors Resource Center meeting this Thursday, June 18th.

Winter Park Civic Center - 1050 Morse Blvd, Winter Park Mini-Seminar starts at 5:30 pm, Main Meeting starts at 6pm!

Mini Seminar: Nobody gets paid until something closes! How to keep your transaction on track to close.

Main Topic: Bankruptcy filings are up 35% this year... learn how to make money helping people that HAVE to sell by court order.

First time guests are always free, and membership is just $14.95 per month for an individual or $24.95/month for a business (2 people).

Who should attend? You! If you are an investor, want to be, or want to work with them!

For info call 407-831-2498 or email Andy@AndyTolbert.com