Christa LaFarlette

Can't help it---sounded so good!

It's been a week--and I'll maybe have the weekend off! BUT, today is first time homebuyer Friday! One of my favorite (yes, they all are, but for today--just this one) first time homebuyers closed today! Great home, relatively smooth transaction, great customer, great and smooth closing, and the best part was the joy!

That old fashioned JOY of 'I am a homeowner!' and I cannot believe it! We have met 3 times in the past 5 weeks. Measuring floors for hardwood, cabinet height for refrigerator, sitting on the floor and picnic dinner--just because she wanted to 'hang in the house' for a little while. They have such a great attitude--no worry, no doubt, no wonder if I have the best deal, none of it. Just that once upon a time this is my home kind of good stuff!

The kind of stuff you present offers with --those letters I used to write and started to again about the buyer I represent. To let the seller know that this new person, couple, family will build their dreams on this address, this home. This will be the place they raise the kids, plant the garden, walk the paths, and grow old together. LOVE IT! So, the weekend will be terrific--and I am hoping the glow will last until I have spent the commission check:-)

Have a great weekend!

Most days I go to the YMCA. I actually consider it a form of marketing since quite a bit of my listings come from this venue. I get ready to go to work there, and this is beneficial as the ladies come in and we chat, talk markets, real estate, kids--all the social stuff!

I was listening through the wall today (yes, I do this--and you do too--admit it!) and a new lady came in. I went to introduce myself and start chatting and she stopped me and asked me to turn around so she could weigh herself without anyone noticing. I did, the moment was over--but it got me to thinking about all the people, and how we view ourselves, market ourselves, and how this impacts our lives.

(okay, back to listening through the wall for a moment. I listed the home of one of the members this weekend and he was talking about it to one of his gym buddies. It was a really good moment to hear about what I do right, wrong, and just okay. So, overall, yes--nosy, but maybe not in a really bad way!)

I thought about the old story of the beautiful home who has the lonely person living in it, who keeps it clean and neat, but the house lacks life and love, and intent. It lacks charm, character, and all the things that make a person draw to it. And then the other side of the spectrum, the one that the paint is peeling off of, has the crack in the driveway, weeds in the yard--but it is a home filled with laughter, love, light, and life! And all the places in between. (you can turn the homes around if you want)

It made me come home to my house, which is somewhere in the middle (with pink-ish carpet) and appreciate that yes, my living room needs straightening. But the kids had soccer, dance, church, swimming, and we watched, cheered, did, and participated--so these little messes stay.

I think the next time I take a listing I will be more mindful of what the home's story is, and less about how much it will fetch. We know as Realtors that every home for sale has the right buyer(s) waiting to find it. So, maybe it's how I tell my story about the home. Wouldn't it be fun to really explain that with the extra wide backyard concrete uncovered patio a group of children could chalk 4-square and entertain themselves for a couple hours (and the chalk will wash off with a hose, another couple hours of fun)! Instead of being a not so desired thing it could be a much desired thing.

I hope this woman will someday see her story. And, if I have the chance to see her again I hope I will be brave enough to thank her for the insight she gave me today as I reflected on my story.

Thoughts?

**disclaimer: the homes described above are randomly a figment of the authors imagination. They do not reflect any current, past, or future listings, nor do they reflect homes I have ever been in!

My son is joining the Army. He will swear in on Monday. He is smart, witty, wise, and wonderful. Thinking of him going has made today interesting--so I thought I would blog on military moves!

I have been a military wife since 1987--yikes! Wow, that really does date me:-) But, since the longest I've ever lived anywhere is 5 years since I was 19 (and I am now in my early, very early, 40's) and usually it's 4 years or less. So, here goes: I have lived, in order--Orlando, Idaho Falls, San Diego, Bremerton, San Diego (again), San Rafael, San Jose, Whidbey Island, and now Jacksonville. All have been military moves, and most have been with children. Here is what I have learned.

By the time a new family gets to their destination they will need a list of babysitters! Reliable, with references, and preferably a Red Cross qualifying card. After the last trip, with 4 kids, a pop up trailer, and 6 weeks--I would have done alot for a good sitter. Just to watch them while I took a walk by myself!

List of really good restaurants that a) deliver; b) are local; c) are cheap. Don't make new transplants work too hard. It just stinks. By the time I've come to the next town I've seen lot's of phone books, don't have a working phone as yet, and may not know my address! Easy is good---

If I have already bought my home, please point me to my kids' schools. Directions are good, and if you have an 'in' point me there. We like nice and easy, and will refer the masses in return. Additionally, anything to make the kids' time and transition easier is really great!

The list--oh, to have a good list. Mechanic. Hair dresser and color specialist. Nail tech. Barber. Mall. Veterinarian. Gym. With phone number and address. Oh, and the emergency clinic.--very important!

Last, but not least. Every time we move we give away our condiments. No kidding! Our neighbor gets our ketchup, mustard, pickles, garlic, mayonnaise, and all the rest. Just to have that new is amazing! It adds up every time we move--really--I know how dumb it sounds, but as we go place to place it gets old!

Anyhow, in trying to explain this to my young man, he scoffed at me and told me that he would live in the barracks and have fun! Enjoy the night, and if my young man comes to mind from time to time remember him and others in your prayers!

Best regards-----Christa

I just feel the need today to blog about the top 10 things I love about real estate. I am sitting here in the aisle of our church sanctuary watching my daughter dress rehearse for her weekend performance, and enjoying my wireless (yet again!).

I'll go backward in true Letterman style:

10-I can update my files while eating ice cream and sitting on the floor!

9--I can market my listings in the middle of the night, giving new meaning to flex hours:-)

8--I was at my son's Special Olympics Torch Run today, when most were working, discussing strategy with my Team Leader! We really do have great tools----

7--I told my husband I needed a new laptop with tablet that would fit in my purse, so I could take it with me everywhere---and he bought it for me (I love you honey:-))!

6--Commission checks ROCK!

5--I get to go into the most fantastic homes, and NO ONE assumes I am burglerizing! And I'm not, so it's all good.

4--Did I mention that commission checks ROCK!

3--Passive income through referrals. Having a lazy week? No issues--refer away!

2--I can write off my mileage and gasoline expenses--for the most part! Love that!

AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON----

1--I always have a reason to start talking to total strangers! And they always have something new to chat with me about! AND--I call that prospecting, and so does my Team Leader (does that mean I can write off my gym membership?)

But really, I do love what I do, and I hope it shows. As I have never known another type of market--this one is working for me, and successfully. So, I am joyful and it is good! Just thought I'd share. Now, check out my new One Team-Keller Williams First Coast fan page on Facebook and let me know your thoughts!

Respectfully---Christa

(who is watching the choir leader slowly lose her mind----too many kids, not enough parents)

Web marketing, social marketing, email marketing, direct mail marketing----alot of marketing!

I am trying to explain to my family these days that while during the day I am working with people, in the evenings I am working on jump starting new and improved marketing campaigns. Trying new things! For example, last week I tried a Facebook ad campaign--um, okay, cost a little, and nothing came of it? At least not that I could track. And that's okay--I would do it again, but differently this time, a little bit tweaked, just a little.

And the websites. I have 3. One generates a lot of leads, but only a few that pan out. One generates nothing, okay--3 so far, in 4 months. And the other is new (check it out www.nasjaxrealestate.net) and I'm not sure I like it. But I also am not sure what changes I want to make. Just not sure yet.

But the social marketing--I've decided that is my thing! Since I like to talk to everyone, this is easy--and fruitful. The poor buyer agent I work with must think I'm nuts--a name, phone number, and some scribbled info. It was so embarassing I'm putting it into Top Producer to make it look a little more formal:-) but I'm fairly sure she's not fooled! And there it is though. Even if I think you could be interested in property your mine!

I've only been doing this a few years--and the market has never been easy for me. So, if there is anything I'm missing please give me a hint! I like the social, and am learning the the website, and am good for email---not sure about direct mail. But am working to it!

I like ending my day with Active Rain blogging. 'tis good!