About Knox County, TN

If you still have Thanksgiving turkey left over here's a few quick and easy recipes to deliciously get rid of it.

One of my favorites I fixed last night.

Grilled Turkey Rubens, serves 2

4 slices rye bread

1/2 cup sauerkraut

2 slices of Swiss cheese

1,000 island dressing

turkey

Butter or apply spread to outside of rye bread, place one slice butter side down in skillet.

layer on some turkey, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing.

Butter other side of bread and place on top with butter side facing up.

Grilled until toasted on one side, turn over and toast other side.

Enjoy, grilled turkey Reubens are delicious especially with a crisp pickle and some chips.

Crunchy Turkey Salad, serves 2

coarsely chop cooked turkey, from 1/2 cup to 1 cup

Mix in a coarsely chopped tart apple like Granny Smith

Throw in a handful of nuts, pecan or walnuts work best.

Fold in some low fat mayo to taste.

You can either use this on a sandwich, by itself, or put a big spoon on top of some torn salad greens.

Both the Reuben and turkey salad recipes are very easy to prepare and both are very tasty.

Here are a few good books to read, if you have read them you know that, if you haven't I suggest you invest in yourself.

- How to be like Walt

-Raving Fans

-Mr. Smooze

The last two can be read in a night, the 1st one (one of my favorites) is a little longer. Go out and get them and enjoy!

In addition to the University of Tennessee, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville is home to several animal rescue organizations. In this post, I want to highlight the good work that the volunteers do at the Wolf Creek Weimaraner Rescue, Inc. This organization is a 501(c)(3) so all donations, which are the majority of the groups operating budget, are tax deductible.

This dynamic organization found it roots in the heart of two people who were dedicated to rescuing dogs. In the eight years since its inception, the Wolf Creek Weimaraner Rescue, Inc. has grown to a dedicated group of 45 volunteers. During that time this organization has saved an estimated 250 animals from abuse and possible destruction. This organization and its volunteers and foster families have come to know and understand this breed whose popularity has been spreading in recent years. The popularity of the breed is a double edged sword. On the one hand it is good that more people are wanting this type of dog. At the same time, many irresponsible back yard breeders and puppy farms are cranking these puppies out with little regard for the breeding mother's health, the genetics of the offspring, and overpopulation in general.

The goal of this organization is not to end breed specific breeding. In fact this organization explicitly supports the ethical breeding of Weimaraners from genetically sound animals. They do emphasize that ethical breeding includes the education of potential pet owners about the breed and a commitment to honor all health guarantees.

If you are interested in donating money or your time to this worthwhile organization, click HERE.

See the picture to the left, that is Emmy. She is currently with her foster family but is just waiting to be placed with her loving forever family. If you want to read about her specifically, just click her photo. If you would like to see and read about all the Weimaraners that are currently looking for their forever families, click HERE. If you think that being a parent for one of these loving and beautiful creatures is something you might like to become, you can e-mail the rescue group at info@wcweimrescue.org and you can learn about the adoption process by clicking HERE.

I find that we tend to do one or two things really well while neglecting several other potential sources of business. Maybe we fall into a rut or maybe the workload of multi-marketing seems stressful. The systems that we put into place will determine the long-term success of our businesses.

I have found that face-to-face networking events or groups are very productive. I am a member of BNI and have recently become President of a local chapter. The networking opportunities in this structured organization are numerous. As a commercial broker, I get to meet several small business owners weekly. As a residential broker, I receive referrals directly from other professionals.

I cannot understate the importance of networking. If you do not go to Chamber functions, please start. If you can find a local BNI chapter, please visit / join. If you are into ToastMasters, Rotary, Kiwanis, or whatever, make the most of it and get active. Are you politically minded? Join the local Republican or Democratic or whatever party group. Though we go to church for higher reasons, it can also be a great place to network and get business.

So, here is what I recommend as the best use of your time:

I. Network every day, every week, every month

II. Network more in new places with new people

III. Send follow up cards (handwritten) and an email to everyone you meet

If you will make this practice a discipline in your life, I can assure you that you will make more money.

I have benefitted greatly from training with the CCIM Institute. My work with other commercial Realtors and my readings in the commercial area have made me a better agent. When considering an investment property, CCIMs are trained to complete a 3-way analysis of the potential purchase.

I have started applying this system with home buyers (whether for investment or for residence). This diagram regards an analytical approach to a house purchase.

For residential real estate, I always encourage buyers to remember that the typical homeowner moves every 5 to 7 years. Thus, it makes sense to think of the property purchase as a mid-term investment. We must think Re-Sale Potential and Investment Quality when buying a house. Our organic side wants to buy a home, but I tell clients that we buy houses and make homes.

Nothing that is good for the soul can be bought.

I. Market Feasibility

- We must consider the overall characteristics of the community, city, or even state in which we plan to purchase. We can check the U.S. Census Bureau, the local planning commission, the local chamber of commerce, and more. Since school zones seem to be the biggest predictor of demand for housing, we can certainly target the purchase well within the boundaries of a preferred school zone. Buyers may want to examine demographics, percentage of multi-family dwellings, percentage of rental homes, etc.

II. Location / Site Feasibility

- This is the most important aspect of a property purchase in my view. When considering location, we look at major roads, accessibility, traffic density, red light placement, etc. Also, we take note of the house's position from the road, in the subdivision, in relation to parks/entertainment, etc. The goal is not to eliminate emotion or personal preference. The goal is to avoid a bad decision and (hopefully) maximize re-sale potential.

- On site, we consider the appearance and condition of the house. Obviously, the exterior and interior of the house are major decision points. However, the condition of the neighboring houses is a part of the analysis as well. I think we all know that surrounding properties and land uses can bring down values. In Tennessee, a really nice subdivision can be located adjacent to a trailer park. I tell buyers that we must take a holistic view of each house.

III. Financial Feasibility

- Realtors are not experts on mortgages or financing; however, we can offer some guidance or thought-provoking ideas for our clients. There are several financing options out there. If the property is owned by an investor or an owner with cash, partial owner-financing may be an option at times. But the bigger issue with this pillar of the analysis is to look at profitability, cash flow, and future value.

I hope this helps you in some way. I believe that our ability to analyze properties and negotiate contracts for properties will remain significant Realtor qualities into the future. We offer great value for our clients.