As a Reservist in the Marine Corps, I long ago had to learn how to separate two completely different sides of my personality. Being a Marine involves embracing a warrior culture, where there is little room for sensitivity, and positively no room for weakness.
On the opposite side of the coin, being a father, a real estate professional, and a community member requires patience, understanding, and empathy. Combining all these traits is oftentimes a lot like mixing oil and vinegar.
For quite some time, I listened to those around me who suggested that I keep the two completely separate. I installed a mental light switch on my Marine persona that I would turn on when in uniform, and turn off when I got home. Every once in a while, a little Jarhead would seep through, but for the most part, I kept it buried. I worked my first couple of months like this. That is, until I realized it wasn't working.
So I ripped out the light switch, threw some gasoline on the fire, and let that puppy burn. I would separate my Marine self from my civilian self no more. It was game on.
You see, the things that have made me successful in life are the things that make me a great Marine. My passion to be the best at whatever I do. My drive to accomplish the mission, regardless of obstacles. My willingness to sacrifice my comfort and time to serve others. My aggressiveness that allows me to push myself outside of my comfort zone. All of these things are intrinsic parts of the warrior culture. I realized that if I attacked my work with the same zeal and sense of purpose that I apply to my military pursuits, I would likely edge out my competition, and achieve great results. I needed to get back to basics.
The Marine Corps is driven by one guiding principle: Mission Accomplishment
Mission Accomplishment is the priority. Whatever the mission may be, a Marine will stop at nothing to get it done. We have a rich history of accomplishing great things with little resources. We are inventive, crafty, and adaptable. History is full of examples of a few Marines taking on overwhelming forces and snatching victory from the hands of defeat. Iwo Jima is one example that comes to mind. I keep a small statue of the flag raising on Mt. Surabachi on my desk to remind me of what my predecessors have accomplished.
When I returned from Fallujah, Iraq last fall to find the real estate world in utter chaos, I laughed when people told me I should consider another career. I thought to myself, "Now here is a challenge I can embrace!"
I plan my business days much like I would plan for a patrol. I update myself on what is going on in my market (the Situation). I identify what I want to accomplish (the Mission). I lay out how I'm going to do it (the Execution). I arrange for all the things I am going to need to do it (Administration and logistics). I get with my office manager and discuss what I plan to accomplish (Command & signal).
Once the mission is defined, I can begin to execute it with the appropriate passion and drive. I am focused, I am ready, and I am able. I am a U.S. Marine. Failure is not an option.
That, my friends is what a Jarhead Realtor is. A Jarhead Realtor is dedicated to accomplishing the mission. The mission may be helping a seller get top dollar for their home. It may be getting a buyer that sweet deal on their dream home. Some days the mission is remembering to do the grunt work that keeps my business growing. Other days, the mission is simply to keep on keeping on, and remembering that no matter how bad the suck gets, tomorrow will still come, and I've been through worse.
You don't have to have been a Marine to apply these principles to your work. Just keep plugging along, and the worst will pass. Tomorrow will be another day, with it's own challenges. Stay strong, stay focused, and you'll survive.
Semper Fidelis
You want to do it.
You need to do it.
You KNOW you need to do it!
But where do you find the time to squeeze in building your web presence? How do balance dealing with current business, while at the same time build for new business?? You already have to much to do! It's too much! ARGHHHHHHH!!!
Stop. Breathe. Relax. Wusaahhhh...
Perhaps my favorite and most often used quote is, "Work smarter, not harder." So how can we apply this to Social Media? I'm going to share a few techniques with you that I use. Try them, see if they work for you.
Step 1: Commit!
Set aside an hour a day to post a blog, add some friends, read some blogs, something SM related. I tend to do a lot of my blogging at night, after the kids are in bed. I plan on an hour, but I usually get swept up in it, and am up til crazy hours. I get swept up in it because I...
Step 2: HAVE FUN WITH IT!
You can meet some truly fascinating people on sites like Twitter, FaceBook, and here at ActiveRain. Don't focus ALL your posting on listings and market analysis. There's a time and a place for this, and it's not everywhere and all the time.
Build your network by sharing a funny joke or story. Comment back and engage in conversation. You'll be amazed at what you can learn. I know I have been. I have to work really hard to convince my wife I am "working" when I'm giggling my fool head at off at someone's Twitter post.
Step 3: Multi-Task your multi-tasking!
Many sites allow you to broadcast your blog to several different sites. For instance, when I post this blog, it will go to:
Then I will go to FaceBook, where I will share the link on my personal profile, AND on my business page. That's SEVEN different URL hits, all from one blog. Oh, and all of those have links leading back to my main page.
Know what's really cool? My friends on Twitter will "ReTweet" the link, and my FB friends will share the links, and so on and so on. My words of wisdom (hahahaha) will spread like a virus through cyberland.
Step 4: KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
You don't have to write a book! In fact, longer posts can be a turnoff for some. Try to summarize your idea, and hit the highlights. If people want to know more, they'll ask! That's why this one is so long! You don't need to be Robert Frost or Ernest Hemingway, but good creative writing that sparks interest will generate more hits. I learn a lot about this by reading other people's blogs, and learning from them. Try it!
Step 5: Reciprocate!
You love it when people recommend your stuff, right? Well, so do they! Build yourself up by building others. Over half of my Twitter posts (Tweets) are ReTweets and or replies that promote the work of others.
Call it "karma", call it "spreading the love", whatever. I call it common sense. The more you help others, the more others are going to help you.
For my next blog, I'm going to attempt to explain Twitter, and how it can help you grow. If you haven't subscribed to my blog yet, WHY NOT??? It's a click away, and you'll make me smile :)
For years, people have wished to buy that dream vacation home along Lake Michigan. Others wanted that ideal spot on Silver Lake where they could dock their boat and lounge on the sandy beaches. Others still have wanted the perfect boat house on Pentwater Lake.
There was just one problem. All the best spots were taken, and no one was selling.
The prime vacation waterfront properties have been kept in the family and passed down from generation to generation, and were seldom offered for sale on the market. When they were, they were snatched up quickly, and often at astronomical prices.
This has begun to change.
I posted in a previous blog that lakefront home sales are on the rise in Oceana County. There are several for sale that just recently came on the market, and more are coming up for grabs every week. These are prime lakefront and lake access properties in associations that are highly sought after. What's more, the prices have come down considerably.
Why the sudden turnaround?
With the latest economic upheaval, many retirees who depended on their 401K to live out there retirement were hit hard. They found themselves with their cash reserves seriously depleted, and are now turning to their hard assets. In this case, their real estate investments, cashing in on a property they may have inherited or bought at a low price.So, the property is coming available, why the price drop?
Supply and Demand - The more houses that come on the market, the more competition there is for sellers. High supply drives prices down.If you've been thinking about buying a lake shore home, there's no time like the present. I am showing a Lake Michigan home this Wednesday, that is listed for $215,000. That's practically unheard of for the association it is in. And there are other deals like this. How about a newer ranch cottage with an association beach along Silver Lake, for just $159,900? It's only the beginning of the amazing offerings right now. Call me to find out more.
Hopefully by now, you already know everything there is to know about how to qualify for the Federal First Time Home Owner's Tax Credit.
But do you know HOW to apply for it?
The IRS has published Form 5405. The form was revised in February of 2009, and is usable for both the new $8000 tax credit, and the old $7500 tax credit.
This form is not only the application, but is also very specific as to what the eligibility requirements are.
Just click on the money bags for the form and all the details.
Some quick highlights of the program, in case this is the first time you've heard of it:
$7500 Tax Credit
$8000 Tax Credit
It is also important to note that the actual credit is limited to 10% of the purchase price of the home. For example, if you buy a $60,000 home, your credit is a maximum of $6,000.
For more money saving tips, and the latest updates, follow along with me at www.timwhitehomes.com.
Gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES!!!
It's that time of year again! Time to pull out those ORV's and get them tuned up for the dunes. The Silver Lake Sand Dunes open April 1st, so get your passes and State Park stickers now! Visit Michigan's Department of Natural Resources website for more information.
The Off-Road Vehicle Area is open each year from April 1 through October 31.
• April 1 - May 15 and the day after Labor Day - October 31 it is open 9:00a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• May 16 - Labor Day it is open 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes are a natural phenomenon that attracts more than a million visitors each year. Sand, sun, and fun await you at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes nestled between the shores of Lake Michigan and Silver Lake in Oceana County.
You can take your own ORV out onto the dunes, take a guided tour with Mac Woods Dune Rides, or even hike the dunes on foot. There are also several places in Silver Lake where you can rent a Jeep, Buggy, or ATV. Click the banner to visit the Hart & Silver Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and get more information about the area.
The Dunes are only one of the many great attractions of the area. Silver Lake and Pentwater Lake are great locations for perch and trout fishing. Both lakes are also open to water skiing. There are several great hotels in the area, or you can "rough it" at one of several great campgrounds.
There are also weekly cottage rentals to be found. I can help you find some of the best rentals in the area, just visit my website, www.timwhitehomes.com, and send me an email, or give me a call!
You'll love summers in Oceana County, and will want to return. If you've been thinking about buying a vacation home, there's never been a better time. As of today, there are 26 Oceana County homes listed with Lake Michigan frontage and/or access.
As an example of just one of the great deals out there right now, I have a newly built cottage in an association with 400 feet of Silver Lake access for just $159,900! This one won't last long...
Contact me to help you find the perfect vacation home for your family. Whether you're looking for a cozy cottage on Silver Lake, or a luxury getaway home overlooking Lake Michigan, I can help you find the perfect place to start creating memories today.
Your exceptionally motivated, tenacious, get-it-done-Marine-style Real Estate Agent in Hart, MI!
I have been selling homes for the last three years. Prior to that, I have been in the US Marine Corps Infantry, been a home builder, and worked in the lumber and home building industry. I have a wide range of experience and knowledge regarding homes, from construction to sales, that few other agents can match. My military service demonstrates not only my commitment to our nation and my community, but also my steadfastness and ability to accomplish the mission. These days, my mission is to ensure that homeowners reap the maximum return on their investment, and help prospective homeowners get the most bang for their buck in their new home. Whether my client is a first time home buyer, or buying their dream Lake Michigan vacation home, I can achieve results. I am not afraid to seek the assistance and knowledge of the many great professionals in the real estate industry, and I strive daily to continue to expand my knowledge base. I continue to live the Marine Corps Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, and apply those principles to my work as your Real Estate Agent. I'll even make it fun along the way!
As a military veteran, I have an inside track to military benefits. I have attended Department of Defense training on benefits available to veterans, including the VA Loan. I have assisted several veterans in purchasing a home with VA Loans, and know how to streamline the process and anticipate the needs of mortgage lenders.
I have vast experience with first time home buyers, and go to great lengths to help educate them. I understand how overwhelming the prospect of buying a home can appear, but by setting proper expectations and explaining the steps of the process, from budgeting to closing, the process can be enjoyable and fun!
"When we were looking for a new home, Tim worked with us to identify what we really wanted in a house, from the neighborhood and location to the details that make it something that you can call your own. Without question, Tim went above and beyond in his customer service.
Let me be clear: Tim never sold to us. He never pushed. He was always responsive to our questions and concerns.
Bottom Line: He LISTENED!
In the end, we narrowed our choices down to two homes. We bought from Tim because he understood us, he cared about us, and he took the time to make sure we made a good decision that we would be happy with.
I highly recommend Tim to anyone who is selling, buying, or passively looking at real estate. He is a top performer, a trustworthy agent, and worth every penny. This is the guy you want to partner with.
Thanks, again Tim for all of your hard work. Our family truly appreciates it!"
- Jeremy Hoogesteen (Grand Rapids, MI)
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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