Flower Mound, TX

Throughout my life I have personally been terrible at the details. I like to scope out the big picture and delegate the details to others when they turn to a maddening level for me. Others are incredibly good with details. Nature has compensated me for not being good with the operational side of details by having keen powers of observation when seeing details, especially related to kindness or caring with people. I always note these things.

Paying Attention to the Little Things makes a BIG Difference.

In noting and doing the "little things" for others there is a huge leverage effect. Not only all the good feelings you generate with them but they will tell others. From a business perspective this can mean referrals. From a life perspective you are making the world a better place.

Bringing water bottles in the car in summertime, closing gifts, asking how people are doing, friendly followup, just caring and being a decent human being. Is that too hard to ask?

Work diligently to provide the "little things" that show you care in life. It will be time on your part VERY WELL SPENT.

Quick. What are you good at?

You have 30 seconds to answer.

We should all know our strengths. Similar to doing the 30 second elevator pitch, list them quickly. It will be revealing to who you are and what you use in your profession as Realtor, Stager, Loan Officer, Escrow Officer, whatever in industry to make you the best. I'll go first, but list at least three of your skills. Mine:

Big Picture Thinker, Leader, Communicator, Helper, Teacher, Strong Faith, Tough and Persistent, Sales, Analytical, Adventurer, and Humor.

What do you look like?

In talking with buyers, especially many first time buyers of the advantages of buying a home like long term equity buildup, possible appreciation in value, and tax writeoffs, I am struck where many of them still are a better fit to stay renting. At least for awhile. Do not let Realtors or anyone else for that matter tell you that buying a home is the ONLY smart move to make. So

When Does Renting Make Sense?

1. If you cannot qualify for a mortgage, with credit issues, lack of down payment, etc.

2. If you are uncertain where you want to live in a city.

3. If you are uncertain about your employment stability in the near term.

4. If you like the advantage of "mobility" and picking up and leaving to go to new places when your lease is up.

5. If you don't want the responsibility of maintenance of items like dishwashers, garbage disposals, ceiling fans etc. Look also into condos.

6. If you can't afford amenities like swimming pools but still want close and easy access to them with a swimming pool built into your complex.

7. If you like the social nature of an apartment complex with its clubhouse and organized parties.

8. If you own a rental standalone home you get the benefits of not having common walls like an apartment without typically as high a monthly payment as owning a home. Plus most likely you will have a garage.

Tradeoffs to consider obviously in renting long term are you are building someone else's wealth up. You are subject to rent increases when your lease is up. You also get no mortgage interest or property tax deductions on your Federal tax return.

I probably have not covered ALL the good reasons to rent vs. buy but that's some of the basics. It definitely is a fit in certain phases of an individual or family's life. Think of renting sometimes as temporary housing or when you are in a transition in your life. Home ownership is the American dream of course but you can feel comfortable as well for a period of time renting.

Coming out of the Thanksgiving break for all of us I thought I would play a little game with you. Please participate and help me out with your comments if you would.

Since we all got to look around our world and count our blessings and reflect a little bit prior to getting charged up for Christmas, what did you see? What is it in your world that makes life GREAT? I want to add your contributions to my gratefulness journal. I can think of a million things myself, but I will start. Complete this sentence with a thought or multiple thoughts

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This....

For me, a chocolate covered donut and fresh coffee on a quiet morning. And it is snowing.

What say you???