Balance is so hard to keep isn't it. Here for the past few months, I just couldn't seem to balance everything no matter how hard I tried.
I truly believe too much of anything is a bad thing that one has to keep focused on spending time concentrating on all of the things that matter in life and that includes family, work, physical and mental well being in your life (spiritual side).
My family and real estate have definitely taken over my life the last few years and I knew in the long run they were all that mattered because I had to be successful in real estate to take care of my family and there is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with them. However, I have finally taken the time to work on my physical health which has been so neglected for the past few years.
I would love to blame my family and real estate but truth is I just enjoy those a lot more and they were easier, especially when you are out of shape like I have been. I will not even get into all of that junk food people were forcing me to eat:)
I kept reading about all my friend on Face Book who were actually doing physical activities and had kids and demanding jobs so what was my excuse? It just kept getting me down until I finally decided to do something about it.
A friend suggested joining Team in Training to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I thought they were crazy to suggest a marathon but the idea started to grow on me. It would not be just for me and it would motivate me at the same time. The City of Oaks Marathon here in Raleigh, NC is coming up this November 1st and I found that drive that I have needed and have been training for the past 4 weeks. I had to make it bigger than me, a job for a good cause, that I would announce to the world (Mainly so I couldn't get out of it)!
Here is the thing!
So far this has been the best thing for my family and real estate because not only am I getting in shape I am feeling good about myself again and the walks and jogs have been so good for my mental well being that things just aren't bothering me the same. I am pretty laid back anyway but this is awesome!
I am doing good for me and it is good for my family and work. How cool is that! I also am actually watching what I eat because it is very important if I am going to move my body 26.2 miles and the good thing is I want to do it. I am not use to actually being motivated to watch what I eat, it use to not matter and then it didn't matter. Times have changed though I have to change my lifestyle now because it wont get easier as I turn 40 here soon.
Some times we have to take time for ourselves if we want to be the best for other things!
Whatever is missing in your life to create balance work on it! I promise you, not only will you be thankful but those around you will too!
Click the box below if you wish to donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!
George Wilson
The City of Oaks Marathon in Raleigh, NC is November 1st beginning at 7:00AM.
Event Info:
http://www.cityofoaksmarathon.com/
Parking Info:
http://www.cityofoaksmarathon.com/race_info/parking.html
If you are a really great agent your client had the smoothest closing ever and never had to think much about the whole process of buying or selling their home (I better preface that by saying in a typical closing, and unfortunately these days not many are). They also have no idea of all of the things you did behind the scene to make sure it happened that way.
In fact, they do not even know what you did to earn the money you made.
I use to set up a web page for my clients that kept track of everything I did to get them to a closing but call attorney, perform a CMA, and make inspection appointments really does not seem like that big of a deal in black and white even if it is a really long list. There are a lot more things involved than that of course so many intangible things that do not really work well written down on a list.
This morning I was sent a closing statement for a buyer I represented in a short sale and it had obvious seller's cost on the buyer's side (including a judgment) to get to the selling bank's approved amount.
I could not believe that it was just sent to me by the attorney saying I hope this works for the buyer that is the only way we can get it approved. I was suppose to tell my buyer who was driving down from New Jersey you should not have to do this but if you really want the home today we may have to. The buyer's have been the greatest to work with and very pleasant but if someone told me that I was paying $1,500 more at 8AM in the middle of a long drive Jeckel may have appeared as well.
My buyer's agent and I decided to call the attorney and listing agent to get to the bottom of this new arrangement and found the right solution but it was down to the wire before closing.
It looked liked we found the solution so do we call them an hour and a half before closing time for them to stress out the last bit of their driving? They were coming anyway after all. We elected to get to the office before them and wait to explain what they needed to know.
It all worked out just in enough time as they usually do some how and it was a happy closing. We did tell them after the fact and they were very glad we just took care of it and left them out.
Tough decisions do not always work out and boy were we stressed for our clients but ultimately they were the happiest with our decision.
It is just one example of the many things real estate agents do that is not on a list but it always leaves me wondering how much does the buyer and seller know a good agent really does? What value do they think we add.? They did realize I was important enough to have me represent them in one of their biggest purchases ever but what should they really know about all of the details in a real estate transactions.
My value to a first time home buyer is definitely more than to a seasoned veteran. Heck agents who know everything involved cannot agree on the value of a great agent how in the world is a client suppose to know?
And I am not even going to get into what an agent should charge? I guess that is up to that agent and their clients.
I know this is definitely a self promoting blog post but I have to say that if you live in the Raleigh area (depends on where you live of course), you should buy a home over renting this year.
With an $8,000 tax credit (all of it back in taxes not off of taxable income), great rates, and it being a buyer's market you should definitely consider it if you are paying the average rent in this area.
In case you did not know all of the reasons to buy in the Triangle NC area check out our rankings in 2008:
2008 Rankings
Named Best Large City for Business (Raleigh-Cary)
NewGeography.com, December 2008
Named #2 Metro Entering Slow Period With Most Positive Momentum (Raleigh, NC)
Bizjournals, November 2008
Named #1 Most Political City (Raleigh, NC)
Men's Health, October 2008
Named #2 Best City to Live, Work and Play (Raleigh, NC)
Kiplinger's, July 2008
Named #2 State with the Best Business Climate (North Carolina)
Development Counsellors International, July 2008
Named #4 Best State for Business (North Carolina)
Forbes.com, July 2008
Named #10 U.S. City with the Largest Numerical Increase (Raleigh, NC)
U.S. Census Bureau, July 2008
Named #1 Best Place to Live in the U.S. (Raleigh, NC)
msnbc.com, June 2008
Named #8 Best City for Recent College Grads (Raleigh-Durham, NC)
Forbes.com, June 2008
Named #1 Best Place for Young Adults (Raleigh, NC)
Bizjournals, May 2008
Named Top 15 Place for Cultured Retirement (Raleigh, NC)
Smithsonian.com, April 2008
Named #5 Recession-Proof City (Raleigh, NC)
Forbes.com, April 2008
Named #1 Best Place for Business and Careers (Raleigh, NC)
Forbes.com, March 2008
Named #3 Most Romantic City for Baby Boomers (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC)
Sperling's BestPlaces, March 2008
Named #2 Best City for Bargain House-Hunters (Raleigh, NC)
Forbes.com, February 2008
Named The Best American City for Singles (Raleigh, NC)
Every Day with Rachael Ray, January 2008
Named #9 Best City for Jobs (Raleigh, NC)
Forbes.com, January 2008
Named Top Five Strongest Real Estate Market (Raleigh-Cary, NC)
Veros.com, January 2008
Named #1 Healthiest City for Men (Raleigh, NC)
Men's Health, January 2008
I am happy to help if you have any questions! If you do not live in the area I can still help!
Just another public announcement, happy to serve! :)
George
It has been a long time since writing in Active Rain. It is good to get on here sometimes and just write down your thoughts even if you do not post what you write.
I have been very busy lately between putting a few homes under contract (woo hoo), running a brokerage and making an effort to be with my kids a lot more (that is also a better way of saying it saves me a little money too;) Wow! That is all I have to say, but I am loving it.
I have a great team and the agents at the office know what they are doing so I am able to spend my time doing the right things. The team and the firm have put ourselves in a position that is flexible and can work with the market.
Hopefully an economic shift is around the corner but at this point we cannot count on anything. For all we know it may have just turned? We probably will not know until we have consistent economic progress. But then again, it could be a few years away. Who knows?
I quit worrying about it and have decided to concentrate on working hard to help people and more people and most importantly my family. Nothing else matters really.
When it comes to work our customers come first and the rest will follow.
Otherwise just do what it takes to put your family in the best position and enjoy your time with them.
When asked is a good time to sell? I always tell everyone that people have to have a place to live and in the Triangle market, people are still buying compared to renting. People may decide to sell their house for less profit (if any at all) than previous years but they are also able to buy a nicer home for less as well. Great values and rates do not hurt either. There are always those moving in and out of the area (although not quite as many lately) and then there are those with lifestyle changes (and that can be anything from marriage, divorce, babies, layoffs to new jobs) and those people have to live somewhere. Sellers just need to have their house ready to move in and priced right. Pretty simple if they sign with the right agent.
That would officially be my going off on a tangent moment.
Anyway, that is how we are doing and where my attitude is at. I hope everyone is thriving, doing well, or doing their best to survive.
Enjoy Everyday!
George
Raleigh Cary Realty
(919)772-5614
If you are thinking about buying a home then depending on where you live you may want to start keeping a look out for the right home!
Home rates are crazy low right now. The mortgage brokers I usually work with are busy refinancing home owner's as I write this because rates are just that good.
Meanwhile, our local newspaper had an article today stating home sales are down 42% compared to November 07 for an eight year low in the Triangle! Why couldn't this have been in the paper two days ago when my listing client called to tell me her home has not sold quick enough so she wanted to withdraw it?;) Unfortunately many homeowners are not selling their homes quick enough between the economy and our seasonal lows but they will sell and the question is how serious is the seller? It will either take updates, money, or time, their choice no matter how many times they switch their real estate agent or try selling it on their own. The buyers know what they want and how much they can get for their money and we all know there is a lot more competition.
Look I am a realist we are averaging 8 months on the market but we are still selling homes and there are things you can do to your home to sell it quicker but they include either updating or price cutting or waiting for the right buyer to come along. People have to have a place to live, the question is how much do they want to pay for it and is yours the best value out there in their eyes or the right home for them?
So remember a buyer will come sooner or later if you are doing the right things and if you are buying this may be a good time to start the process. I should preface that by saying in the Triangle, NC market that is. I know there are some markets where people are not moving in the area and not many people can get out of their mortgages.
So make sure you do your home work or hire someone who will do it for you!
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Raleigh Cary Realty is a full service brokerage that gives agents the tools they need to market their listings & themselves. We give Buyers an awesome home map search to save their favorite homes!
Raleigh Cary Realty is a full service brokerage that hires brokers & associates who follow the Realtor Code of Ethics.
In today's current market conditions our clients need us to be there for them and sometimes the bigger firms get in the way. Raleigh Cary Realty allows and encourages their agents to put their clients needs before both themselves and the firm in doing what is best for their clients' financially. It allows its Brokers the flexibility of charging their clients on an individual needs basis.
Raleigh Cary Realty is founded on the idea that as the real estate industry has evolved with the internet & technology, many of the bigger firms no longer offer value for what they charge their agents & clients.
We provide value for the service, knowledge, and integrity we provide our clients and we choose agents that treat their clients the same way and are professionals who know how to run their own business but realize they cannot do everything!
What are the bigger companies providing their agents for 30% to 50% of their gross commission?
Consider these questions to determine if you as an agent are getting what you are paying for from your brokerage firm:
What does Raleigh Cary Realty provide to you for much less out of pocket?
Sounds Great - what exactly would it cost me?
We believe agents should market themselves not the company. Its all about YOU!
Worried about the cost involved with changing companies?
Consider the long term benefit you'll reap from a small initial investment: $100 for business cards & riders ($500 or less if you wanted your own personal signs).
Is it worth paying 2 to 3 times of commission earned to continue with your firm?
If you think "No", please give us a call (It will be strictly confidential).
We would love to welcome quality people to a wonderful future with Raleigh Cary Realty! I am more than happy to meet with you or send you our Policies & Procedure Manual if you would like to discuss it further.
INTERNET EXPOSURE FOR YOU & Your Sellers' LISTINGS!!
As a member of Raleigh Cary Realty our agents are able to market both themselves and their listings on the sites below!
Visit www.RaleighCaryRealty.com to find out more.
Visit our site and you will find a great home map search to find your home!
Save your favorite searches and homes!
Local School info!
Great tools to see what your home is worth!
The George Wilson Team
George Wilson is the Broker In Charge of Raleigh Cary Realty and the team leader for:
A Professional Organization First:
We realize every BUYER is different whether they are first time home buyers or seasoned veterans and help them according to their needs. We help by setting up home searches or giving the tools needed to set up your own. We will gladly set up appointments or find out information about a home or area as requested and in a timely manner. Once you have found the right home we check the local market conditions and any future plans for the area to make sure you are paying the right amount and nothing is planned in the future to change that.
Every SELLER has different needs whether it is to sell a home fast or for the most amount money or both! We help you make informed decisions and provide you the information to make the right decisions for your market. We know how to help you show your home in the best light for masses and market your home with virtual tours and internet exposure through tools such as enhanced listing in Realtor.com.
Consultative No Pressure Approach:
We know that many of our buyers want to compare and look at homes at their own pace until they find the right home or its the right time and this may be one month or one year. We will be here when the time comes and we know by the time you are ready to make a decision you need us to be there. By then you are ready to move forward before someone else gets the home you have been waiting for and need us to act fast. We formed a team to be ready when you are!
We provide the information you need in order to make an informed purchase and we provide it in a professional and timely manner. We offer sincere advice that looks out for you not us. If we are here for you now we know we will earn your business in the future.
As a team we monitor the same email address and have someone on call to answer questions or set appointments when you are ready. Why would you want one person when you could have a team of three?
Team Bio:
George Wilson: Listing & Showing Specialist: In 2006, one of the top single agents in the Keller Williams Cary office, which had over 130 agents at the time. Sold over 20 listings and helped 20 buyers find the best home for them. In 2007, sold over 35 homes and have a proven track record of selling homes quickly for the most amount of money.
Throughout his career, George has always been known as a professional who gives his best. He became Sergeant in less than three years while serving in the Army, and was the sales consultant of the year for each of his last three years at Saturn of Raleigh. Prior to starting his real estate career, he returned to college to graduate Summa Cum Laude in Education May of 2004.
Linda Grubb: Buyer's Specialist: Linda has been a Real Estate Agent for over 5 years always making clients feel comfortable during the home buying process and answering their questions along the way.
John Metzner: Office Manager: John has been in the service and sales industry for over 10 years. He joined the team to manage the day to day operations of coordinating closing events, directing clients needs.
A Wonderful Opportunity:
It is natural to feel both excitement and stress during changes in life, and finding or selling a home is one of the biggest. It is the goal of my team to make your Real Estate sale or purchase a smooth transition in which you feel informed and in control. We work on your time frame so you will never feel rushed to make a decision if you do not see the value in a purchase or an offer on your listing. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible during this time and for you to be truly happy with your decision.
Honesty and Integrity:
My team recognizes that the only way to grow in real estate and the business world is to treat everyone with respect and honesty. People only refer their friends and family to professionals who they trust to take care of them and help them make wise decisions. We have seen that taking care of
customers and treating them with sincerity earns many repeat clients and referrals. We will always be open and sincere to earn your respect and confidence.
When you decide that you'd like to buy or sell a home in the Triangle area, please contact us.
Geoff & Jessica Flegel
From the first phone conversation George was out and working for us. His communication skills and thorough follow-up is clearly what sets him apart from any other realtor we have worked with. He always kept us up to speed on what was transpiring. In addition, he always returned phone calls and often within the hour. It was rare to not be able to reach George, even on a weekend. He is one of the hardest workers I have ever met and a true professional.
Tony & Amanda Robertson
Tony and I can't thank you enough for all you've done in helping us sell our home and find our new one. You're a person of exemplary character, high integrity and a committed and persistent work ethic. We're fortunate to know you and to have had you behind us in this process. With our deepest thanks.
Therese Fenter
George Wilson of Keller Williams Realty is a most engaging and Professional Real Estate agent. I couldn't have been more pleased with an agent. When asked if he would list a lot I had to sell, that very afternoon he went to the lot site and took the most beautiful pictures of it, and by the next day he had an MLS listing with all the pictures as well as research supporting the price of the lot. By the next day, my lot was under a bid war with two sellers. Eventually, the lot sold for over $10,000 more than the original asking price, and within 30 days the lot was closed and I had the funds in my hands.
Brie and Mike
We are very happy in our new home that George Wilson hand selected for us. He made our first time home purchase a wonderful, hassle free experience by accomodating our busy schedule. George organized viewings of homes in the evenings and weekends, which enabled us to buy our home without disrupting our work schedules. I highly recommend his first class services.
Jenny & Skip
You are the best! I have the utmost faith in you and will forever be in your debt for your professionalism, determination and all your capabilities in dealing with a difficult lender. You made house hunting easier, than I ever imagined! You made the whole experience a very pleasant one, with your cheerful manner, your willingness to go the extra mile, and your uncanny ability to sense exactly what we're looking for! I would STRONGLY recommend you to anyone, especially the newcomers to house buying.
Kelly & Stephen
I highly recommend George Wilson. In every instance he went above and beyond what we expected to help us find exactly what we were looking for. If all realtors worked as hard there would be no such thing as "for sale by owner".
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