Gaylen Thornton

Do you give your very best at all times? The great American Olympic runner, Steve Prefontaine (1951-1975) said, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." Talent alone is not enough and it is a waste if you do not give your best all the time. Excuses and lack of accountability for actions has hurt many a talented professional in every field of endeavor. It is something to think about, are you one who is sacrificing the gift you have?

The statement, "talk is cheap" goes hand in hand with watching what a person does. Years ago, a person's word was their bond. If a deal was "struck" and people shook hands on the agreement it was as good as gold. No attorneys were required, no long documents; a man's word was binding. In "those days," a person's integrity meant something to them. Most would rather die than lose their good name.

Unfortunately, a person's word does not mean what it did in the past. People will say anything to get what they want regardless of the truth of their statement or the intentions and motives they possess. In most cases, it is wise to watch what a person does before listening to what they say. It is disappointing that the virtues of honesty and integrity are taking such a beating.

"If your action inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" so said John Quincy Adams.

I sometimes wonder what actions real estate agents take to inspire others to dream. Are we part of the problem or the solution with our actions? It is worth thinking about.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) estimates 33% don't wash their hands after using the restroom. They also determined that 80% of infectious disease is transmitted by touch. Put these two together and you are at risk when using touch points throughout the day. Touch points such as common door handles, counter tops, light switches, hand railings elevator buttons, etc.

In the fight against viral and bacterial infections such as H1N1 (Swine Flu), MRSA, and Influenza A, Varsity Contractors, a nationwide leader in janitorial cleaning services, is the preferred total facility company, to utilize BioShield 75. The JanOps® System delivers Varsity BioShield Services to protect building occupants and the public.

BioShield 75 creates an invisible coating killing microbes on contact and significantly reducing cross-contamination on facility touch-points. EPA-registered BioShield 75 is effective for 90 days on virtually every hard or soft surface application. BioShield 75 offers ongoing protection between regularly scheduled cleaning visits giving, you the peace of mind that your building's visitors, employees, and the public stay protected from surface contamination throughout the day.

Disinfectants only remain for a short period of time and DO NOT provide a barrier. So, if you are worried about your facility and want a "flu shot" for the your building for additional protection contact me. It is an inexpensive way to help prevent microbes lurking in your facilities.

I pulled up to the listed home with clients in tow and as approach the door I see cobwebs around the handle and the lockbox. Information listed on the MLS sheet indicated the home on the market for over 215 days, which isn't unusual in this market. However, a surprise was waiting for me as I unlocked the box.

NO KEY IN THE LOCKBOX!!!!

I return to my car and immediately call the listing agent to inform him of this unfortunate occurrence and guess what, he had no clue. Yes, the listing was still open and available and no one had let him know there was no key. He was clueless about this property.

Who is minding his listing? No wonder the listing isn't selling if agents can't get in to show the home. This home is a short sale and so the agent appeared not to care. Why take a listing if you aren't going to follow through in a professional manner?

Agents have a code of ethics and professionals will do their best and live up to the responsibility they have on ALL listings and for buyers. Short sales and bank owned property's are difficult at best, however, if an agent isn't going to live up to the commitment and ethics in place - DO NOT TAKE THE LISTING.