James Dray

I'm curious how many are going to even take a second look at this one. I'm telling you up front I have more than one dream I have several. One is having a new vehicle, another is a new home (larger) and of course the third (not necessarily in order) is to have health, wealth and long life. I have others but these will do for a start.

I don't want to stop so I'll go on. I'm not looking to retire (yet) but I like to remain busy just not more than I can handle. I want to be able to play better golf and not come in last. I would like my children to be happy. Okay I'll stop and move on.

My dreams are probably not too far off from yours. If you don't have dreams why not, is it that you're totally happy in your life and circumstances as they are? I didn't think so. If you want something bad enough you will find a way to make it yours.

To quote the old song "Dream a little dream" and make it happen. Keep this in mind when having that dream "It's a great day to buy, sell or lease a home."

Visit me at www.sellnwa.com

Isn't that what we all have in mind or hope for is that each listing results in a sell. Well if you don't you need to. Don't depend on me is what each one of us needs to keep in mind and in our thoughts when taking that listing.

I will give you this in that a lot of us don't actually sell the listing we take another agent does. What I'm trying to convey is that you can't rely on another agent to sell that property, but isn't that what your client expected you to do when you took the listing? No I actually believe the client expects you to sell the property not another agent.

Do you have an agent who just takes the listing and then does nothing else? I don't believe we do but I've been surprised before. When you take the listing take it as though you and you alone will be the only agent to show and ultimately sell the property, treat is as if it were your home or your property and don't count on another agent. Have a good day remember: "It's a great day to buy or sell a home."

Visit me at www.sellnwa.com

The above quote was by General and then President Dwight D. Eisenhower. As the market is beginning its turn and prosperity will once again bless the real estate market I wonder how many agents are going down in defeat?

At the last board meeting I attended they anticipated a drop of 30% in the agents just at the board I was associated with. There are three other boards in this general area and I do not have the figures for those, but 30% in one board what a tragedy.

As President Eisenhower alluded to if we first defeat ourselves we cannot expect victory. If you know you're going up against a big producer and you're a newbie than do you smell defeat before you open the door for that listing presentation? If so why? Does not the big producer put on their pants the same way you do, do they not breathe, have thoughts and desires and so on? This means their human and you have just the same expectations of victory as do they. "If you open the door in defeat so shall you leave." Quote by James Dray 2009, and you may quote me...

Turn it around and you may quote me on this one also I can't find it anywhere so I guess I'm first. "If you open the door in victory so shall you leave."

Be a victor and leave all you listings, contracts, home life whatever it is in victory and by the way remember: "It's a great day to buy, sell or lease a home."

Visit me at www.sellnwa.com

I just received a call from an agent whom I've written about before. This guy is a jewel. I believe if I followed him around for a week I would have all the subjects needed to write enough blogs for a full year. He related to me he was showing some homes today and met his clients at a new construction home in a nearby city.

After the usual greetings he and his clients were walking towards the home when he noticed large amounts of what he realized to be blood. Yes sir now don't try getting ahead of me here. As he reached the front door he was following this trail of blood and found a dog. Apparently the dog had been in a fight with what they haven't figured out but it lost the fight.

No, the dog did not die but it had been there overnight or at least according to the agent a few hours. Not a good start at trying to get a client to buy that property. Anyway the agent loaded the dog into his vehicle blood coated coat and all drove to the nearest humane society and by a stroke of luck located the owner. The dog had run off a few days earlier and at writing of this post all are doing well.

As the agent was relating the story to me he was headed to another property to show the same client (wonder if he preview it first)? If he finds a wounded deer or worse you'll know tomorrow until then remember: "It's a great day to buy or sell a home."

Visit me at www.sellnwa.com

How many times do we as agents go to a listing appointment with one thought in mind, get the signature on the contract? Do you really listen to the client when they are talking to you about how they want things done? I know I did I was told get listings, get listings if you have the listings you'll have the sales. I was a man on fire I did what I now tell you is not the right thing to do (newbie). If the client is asking you to place the house on the market for a price you know is too high and won't sell are you willing to do so (another blog)?

It all comes back to doing your job right the first time and getting you and your client in alignment so you're both on the same track.

You know and your client knows exactly what to expect and there are no surprises. In real estate surprises can be costly and a lot of the times if not most it costs you. You're the expert and people rely on your knowledge, so miss something and your picking up the tab. (There are exceptions here so you understand.)

Have a wonderful day selling and remember: "It's a great day to buy, sell or lease a home."

Visit me at www.sellnwa.com