Audrey June-Forshey, GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

I have always been blessed as an agent in my area in terms of being "successful" . Many REALTORS® have different ways of calculating success. Some will count how many homes they sold at the end of the year, others will use their income as the gage for their success. I gage my success in a different way. For me, it is the relationships that I establish that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Many of my clients are first time homebuyers. I am honored to be involved in a person or couple's first home purchase. It is a milestone in their life that they will someday look back on with pride that they accomplished and I played a role in the transaction.

I have also been lucky enough to be invited to some of their weddings. As it turns out, I have been invited to 4 weddings this year. It is typical for me to be invited to 3 or 4 weddings a year that are clients that I have become friends with. This year I have had my clients, Ben and Amanda, get married. Unfortunately I was out of town for their wedding. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend Wes and Rachel's wedding last weekend.

It was a beautiful cermony, perfect weather and they were surrounded by so much love and happiness. It was a really great day. I am honored to have been included in yet another milestone in their lives. I know both couples will have many years of happiness and love.

The best part about real estate is that we get to participate in the real life stories of our clients. That is what I call success.

How toReally Measure Success in Real Estate

One of my favorite memories from my childhood was setting up the card table at the end of the driveway and sellin' lemonade. I would be in charge of the sign. One paper cup of our best stuff would run ya a nickel. My mom would make the lemonade, or Kool-Aid if we had a special request and we would go out front and wait for the mad run on our lemonade stand. Strangers would stop by and get a cup or so and we had our regulars that would have a cup or so and visit with us.

When we were all out, we were in charge of bringing in the pitcher and cups to Mom for clean up and Mom would get the card table for us. When the clean up was done, we would divy up the loot and run to the store and buy gum, candy, comics or the like. It was our money and we could do with it what we wanted.

As an adult I have always supported the local lemonade stand trade in my area. I have been out showing houses a few times to drive past kids selling lemonade. I ALWAYS pull over and treat my clients to a cup of the good stuff. It does two things, Gives us a little break and refreshment and thrills the kids. I think that those are the kinds of things that help build kid's self esteem to know they can succeed.

Today, after I came home, I did my usual routine of getting Hutch, my dog, and going for our afternoon walk. We walked our normal trek and came back to find the kids that live across the street had set up shop while Hutch and I were out. The had the card table, sign, cups the entire deal. Jordan and Zander out there working their lemonade stand.

Now, I tell you, inflation is a tough thing but I think Jordan and Zander's prices were fair. They charged .25 cents for one cup or two cups for .40 cents. Please note the sign, the bowl is for the money. I thought that was a pretty good deal. Jordan told my that one cup was one quarter and two cups were four quarters? Jordan also instructed me to make sure Hutch did not poop anywhere near the stand, it wouldn't be good for business. I told her I understood and we would refrain from such things.

They were cute and so excited to sell their lemonade. They told me they would only be there as long they still had cups for customers and that they were not going to drink any of the lemonade, they had to save it for the customers.

Next time you are in Darnestown Maryland, be sure to stop off at Jordan and Zander's Lemonade Stand. They are sure to please.

Hhmmm. . . . I think we might have a little agent in the making?

Back when I was a kid I didn't really like Fall. I guess it was the end of the Summer vacation and the start of school . Now, it is my favorite time of the year. The weather is cooler, holidays are on the way and the turning of the leaves make this time of the year something I look forward to.

During the Fall, one of the best things you can do is visit Butler's Orchard in Germantown Maryland. Butler's Orchard has been a working farm for 50 years. It is also a country store and entertainment for any and everyone. There are several different fruits and vegetables that you can pick yourself. You should check the schedule to see when your favorites are in season.

I talked to Bob, from Butler's Orchard, yesterday when I was picking up some fresh fruit and he told me he grills fresh vegetables the second weekend every month during the Summer season. Bob said that they play music, dance, sample his veggies and have a good old time. If that sounds like fun to you, September 13^th and 14^th will be the last weekend for Bob's Grilling for the season.

Even if you miss Bob's fun, you won't want to miss the Annual Pumpkin Harvest. There are Hay rides where you go out into the pumpkin patch and pick your own pumpkins. There will be a pumpkin party every weekend from September 27^th to the End of October.

There is something for each season. They have a Christmas Tree Farm. You can go and pick out your own Christmas Tree and take it home. The Thursday before Easter, there is a big Easter egg hunt and hay ride. Make sure you bring your Easter basket. You can even have Birthday parties at Butler's Orchard..

If you have never been, you have to check out Butler's Orchard. Fall is the perfect season to start having fun at Butler‘s Orchard. Calendar of Events Here. Butler's Orchard is a Montgomery County Gem not to be missed.

Come out on Saturday, October 18th 2008, from 8:30 am to 4:00 at the Mansion at the Rockville Civic Center Park to see some of the East coasts most prized possessions!

This will be one of the largest antique car shows in the area. There will be 22 different car clubs at the event. There will be everything from Packard's to Rolls Royces. This is known for being one of the best non judging shows in the country. There will be food, vendors and music.

The show is open to spectators at 11:00 am. If you are interested in being a vendor, you may go to the Car Show website and download a registration form or call 240-314-8605. The site has directions and a schedule of activities.

Come out and enjoy the day. You wont even have to leave town!!

There is a rain date set for October 25.