Lanette Branch, - Bel Air, MD REALTOR

Well, Last Friday was the day.

We had a fabulous Grand Opening Celebration of our new state-of-the-art Fallston office and a great time was had by all in attendance. The wine was flowing, the crab cakes were tasty, and the flat screens were playing virtual tours (including 360 panoramas) of our office listings.

Friends, Family, and Colleagues were there to help celebrate a truly grand opening and wish us all well.

The Maryland blue crabs were seasoned and plentiful, the DJ was working the table, the hors d'oeuvres hit the spot, and the RE/MAX hot air balloon was there in full force.

If you're looking for a real estate professional to help you buy or sell in Harford County, you'd better head on over to 2103 Belair Road to see...

Lanette in Bel Air!

Lanette in Bel Air

Ran into an old friend the other day and a few thoughts came to mind. Hadn't seen this person in a more than a few years and realized they'd been really busy in the interim. They'd completed their Master's program (Yay, you!) and they'd been busy creatively expressing their individualism via tatoos and body piercings. I counted at least 3 piercings and 2 tats. That's what I could see. Got me thinking about the bigger picture.

Where do you draw the line between individualism and professionalism?

Indeed, America is a melting pot, and although I have been know to quip, "I will sell this house to-day!" enroute to a showing or two, I'm pretty confident I'll never melt into that standard ideal of the American (Realtor) Beauty. I do know how important it is for one to maintain one's individuality, though.

Perhaps I should have prefaced today's post with a simple statement.

I'm not your average Real Estate Agent. I march to the beat of a different drummer. Yes, there is a dichotomy at play here. I'll give you that. I'm out there dealing with the public on a daily basis, yet I'm somewhat of a loner. You say tomato, I say, "gimme one of those red thingees that taste so good."

I like to do things differently just because I know there's more than one way to accomplish any goal. Sometimes, I like to do things differently just because. I'm a renegade.

So, where does one draw the line?

While I personally would not have an issue with someone in a creative field - musician, graphic artist, poet (you know, the artsy/fartsy type) - sporting tatoos and/or body piercings, I'm thinking I'd definitely do a double-take if my daughter's Pediatrician walked into her next well-child visit with a nose ring and a snake tat peeking out the top of a plumber's crack (muffin top, for the younger set).

I might have to question her professionalism (and thusly her ability to perform her "professional" job?).

What about you? What if during your next visit to your Lawyer, Doctor, or Realtor; you noticed a tat or two? Would you question that person's professionalism?

I don't have any tats, in case you were wondering. Moreover, my only body piercings are of the standard ear lobe type. No cartiledge, just lobe, 3 in each - 20-something, college thing (don't ask, I won't tell).

IMHO, if one chooses to get a tat, one should definitely choose an inconspicuous spot that would allow one to express one's individuality yet won't compromise one's professionalism. That's a lotta one's, I know.

I just feel that the job situation is much too tight to have a decision-maker look at you sideways in an interview situation because they can't see beyond your paw print tat sitting atop the twins. Like it or not, many companies frown upon visible tatoos and piercings. Just saying.

How do you feel about it? Do you have any tatoos or body piercings and how many? Should the line between individualism and professionalism ever be crossed? Is there really a line? How do you strike a balance between the two?

COMING SOON...RE/MAX COMPONENTS' NEW FALLSTON LOCATION!!!

New state-of-the-art office opening August 1st



TOP PRODUCER SPECIAL PRICING STILL AVAILABLE!

We're excited to be opening a new location in the Fallston area

and look forward to servicing the real estate needs

of our wonderful Harford County neighbors, friends, family, and beyond.

- Please call Jamie Rassi

for a private tour and confidential inverview 410-652-6997

SELLING A HOME IN FOREST HILL?

There are 134 active listings in Forest Hill, Maryland (21050) and 37 under-contract listings. That's a heck of a lot of competition.

WHEN DECIDING WHERE TO LIST YOUR HOME FOR SALE, CONSIDER SOMEONE WITH PROVEN RESULTS

WHO IS PASSIONATE ABOUT REAL ESTATE!

Outstanding Agents! Outstanding Results!

SERIOUSLY?

It's just one word, yet it's capable of evoking such passion.

It's one of my very favorite words that somehow seems to creep into my verbal banter on a daily basis (written, as well?), It's a word that, when used correctly, can elicit an immediate chuckle even if you don't like to 'chuckle'.

It's also THE word on the cover of this week's Bloomberg Businessweek. Yeah, right there captioning off a too-close-for comfort, close-up of 'Mister' Trump.

________________

I'll let you figure out for yourself what Bloomberg meant by using that one word. Read the article, digest, then check back to comment.

Meanwhile, my not-so-humble take on Bloomberg's intention --

How it's written: SERIOUSLY?

How it's read: For realz, The Donald, you've got some big ones indeed to even think about wasting my damn time with your ridiculousness. The Leader of the Free World is about the business of running our country and your side-show shenanigans are an unneccessary and time-consuming distraction. Matter of fact, while we're showing official docs and all, how's about you produce a certificate for that crazyazz combover*, lil 'mister'.

*thank you to my Facebook friend/cousin Althea for that one!