Marian Goetzinger Crystal Coast Real Estate NC

Last night was the annual installation and awards banquet for our local Association of REALTORS. It was a wonderful night for me because my best friend, Paula Stadiem, was awarded the REALTOR of the Year award. Nobody has ever deserved it more and I was so proud of her.

My husband, Ted, does not enjoy REALTOR functions. He's pretty much retired and thinks he's had enough of those things. But when he heard that Paula would be getting the award, he said he wouldn't miss it. Our daughter, Amy, was with us since she's also an award winning REALTOR and many good friends were at our table. It was a special time and I think Paula knew she was loved.

After the event, there was a DJ and dancing. Ted had promised me one slow dance. Here he is with me on the dance floor. Isn't he handsome? Maybe soon I'll post a story about why he's my frog prince. But for now I'll just say that never has family and relationships been more important. I'm trying hard to nurture and cherish mine and I hope you will too.

Happy Holidays!

La

This morning when I arrived at my office, this is what greeted me. Who the (bleep) made this mess?! Oh, that would be me. All week I've been bringing in gifts and wrapping and shipping supplies to get my holiday gifting done and things just keep getting in the way. Till now, I'm not sure we could find the phone if it were to ring. Wait, I think I see it right there between the two boxes and under the bubble wrap.

This was definitely not a cheerful way to start my day. I don't really enjoy this part. And Paula was having a Broker open house at lunch time. I really should go and support her efforts. Besides, she's providing lunch. But I reluctantly started and guilted Amy to assist. We wrapped and labeled and bubbled until lunch time then went over to the open house and enjoyed a little REALTOR fellowship before coming back to our task.

Finally, it's done. All the packages are wrapped and in the car for delivery to the post office tomorrow morning. My office looks inviting again and I can get back to work I enjoy. Looks better?

Wonder how long this will last?

www.pineknollshoresrealty.com

I've been a REALTOR for twelve years. I believe in education so I've accumulated many designations over the years. My walls are covered with plaques and every month I get so many magazines there's no way I can read them all. In acquiring those designations I learned much. I know that the skills I've learned have made me a better REALTOR and increased my income over the years.

Now after three years of a very sluggish market around here, I find myself looking at every expense and determining where I can "trim the fat." All designations are due for renewal at a total cost to me of about $1000. Should I renew them? Do the letters after my name give me increased credibility or is the knowledge I've acquired enough? The reason I haven't dropped them already may simply be ego, and if that's true then of course I should let them go in order to use the freed up money to pay bills. Will potential customers and clients pass me by if I don't have those letters after my name?

With the Women's Council of REALTORS and Active Rain, I have great resources for referrals. I can't think of any other reason why I should write those checks. I would greatly appreciate any input from my Active Rain Friends.

Yesterday was an incredibly proud day for me. As I finished my year as President of the Crystal Coast Chapter of Women's Council of REALTORS I was able to pass the gavel to a young, up and coming REALTOR, Amy Hahn, who happens to be my daughter.

It was a bittersweet time for me because I have loved being President of our chapter. The Past Presidents have all been such mentors and inspiration for me and the travel and training I have recieved has been excellent, but it was so good to see the wonderful new team taking over as we look forward to an exciting future in real estate.

Following is an excerpt from my final President's Report:

RELATIONSHIPS. A few years ago my husband and I planned a camera safari to Africa. It was the trip of a lifetime and something I'd wanted to do my entire life. I could not believe it would really happen. We planned for a year for this incredible month long journey. Then a couple whom we'd sold a house to heard of our trip and asked if they could join us. They were casual acquaintances. I was apprehensive. If we were not compatible, my dream trip could become a nightmare. But we took a step of faith and they joined us. Now years later, Martha and Peter are two of our dearest friends. Since the trip to Africa we've have many other adventures together. Whenever I call them, if Peter answers the phone he says Jambo, Mama. I saw and learned and experienced many incredible things on that African Safari. I will never forget that adventure. But the absolute best thing from that trip was the new relationship that grew there.

When I agreed to be President of the Crystal Coast Chapter I knew it would be an incredible journey. I also knew that people would join me that I didn't really know along with some people whom I expected to be there to prop me up. (Amy, Paula, Angie, Brenda) It has been an incredible journey and I have seen, learned and experienced many wonderful things. I will never forget the adventure. But the absolute best thing from the year has been the relationships that have grown or started.

We were honored to have Rosemarie Dosier, President of the North Carolina Chapter of Women's Council of REALTORS, with us to share in our installation and luncheon. She's the one in the middle. You can probably figure out which one is the new president.

To all the members of WCR across the country and especially members of the Crystal Coast Chapter, Thanks for everything. To Amy Hahn and her leadership team - CONGRATULATIONS AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Did you know that the number one complaint from consumers regarding Real Estate professionals is that we don't communicate enough? What can we do about that?

Well, for one thing, don't do what I did this week. The owner of one of my listings called two days ago. I received the message to call him. "No rush", he said. He's one of those dream clients. Always pleasant and appreciative of my efforts. But, he's my boss! When we filled out the listing papers I thanked him for "hiring" me. It's two days later and I have not returned his call. Why? Oh, I'm so busy planning a luncheon, putting up the tree, shopping, cleaning out my desk...you know all those really important things.

Well, seriously, I have been very busy but if I had a traditional job and received a message to call my boss, would I put him off for two days? I don't think so, and I'm afraid that if I did, he'd fire me. Well, that's what I'd deserve. I promise that as soon as it's a decent hour, I will CALL MY BOSS. I will not give him ridiculous excuses for my lack of courtesy to him. I will simply apologize and ask what I can do for him. AND...I'll try not to be in this place again.