Go School Go

I've had a chance to take two courses at the new Go School of Real Estate and am extremely pleased with all aspects of those experiences.

The first class I took was the inaugural Mandatory Update Course that was actually taught at Go Holly Springs by Chris Barnette.  Not only was the course informative and well taught, but I got to hang with the peeps at Go Holly Springs, which is always a pleasure.

The second class was the new Off the Rails Course which dealt with all the aspects of selling a new construction home, developed and taught ably by Jim Garman (that's right), Zach Shabot and Alaina Money Higganbotham.  We learned that there are a number of pitfalls and differences involved in selling new construction as opposed to selling existing inventory, some obvious and some, not so much.  This course was also in the new Go School digs which are comfortable, cheery and conducive to learning.

I whole heartedly recommend the Go School to anyone that is interested in Real Estate as a career.

Things To Carry

I ran across this blog and decided to share it with all who might stumble across my blog.  This is a great piece on the things we need to carry with us.   Just copy and paste the URL below into your browser.

 http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130402095240-10878085-things-i-carry-dozens-of-items-three-essentials

Thanks, Mr. Moran!

Saturday Evening

On the third Saturday evening of every month, my business partner (who is also my daughter) and I provide hors d 'oeuvres at Brandywine Cellars in Durham during the free wine tasting.  We began this relationship with Brandywine Cellars after discussing our vision with the owner, Brandy, who also saw the value of this type of arrangement in terms of all of us trying to grow our businesses.

So, we always invite a number of our friends, clients and business associates to this event.  Not so we can hassle them about real estate, but so we can get to know them and build lasting relationships that transcend business.  I have to say, this has been an amazing event, or series of events over the last 3 years.  We have become known to quite a number of persons as knowledgeable real estate professionals and have acquired several very good clients.  We have made a number of really great friends whom we value tremendously.  And we have a boatload of fun, cause we enjoy good food, good wine and good friends.

So, if you get one of my invitations, don't feel pressured.  We're just interested in getting to know you and enjoying the pleasure of your company for awhile.

I sincerely hope you will be able to join us at one of these events!

It's That Time, Again!

Don't forget it's time to SPRING FORWARD, so be sure to set your clocks ahead 1 hour this coming Saturday night. (well, technically at 2:00 AM on Sunday morning,)  March 9, 2013!  I'm sending this early so you can grab an extra nap or two before Saturday!

                                                                                                                                                


Sorry about losing the hour of sleep.  You can catch up this fall!!!!

A Rainy Day!

It's a rainy day in Durham!  Not just a shower, but an old fashioned, steady, rain all day, kind of rainy day.  Which means that getting out isn't as pleasant as it might otherwise be.

Getting out, however, just isn't an option in all areas.  Seems like there are commitments to be kept that require getting the umbrella and whatever and going on with the program.  So, I went to a broker's luncheon, went to the Go Show, took care of a minor emergency at home (tripped circuit breaker) and now only have to go to one more off site meeting.

Rainy days are useful, though, because they sort of make you sit down and tackle some of the things you might have put of for, well, a rainy day.

Time to make that extra phone call, send an extra note, do a blog, post on social media, and just hang out with other professionals and trade ideas.

Love those rainy days.

Movin' On

I previewed a great little home today in Durham.  If you're looking for a nice 2 story traditional house with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and about 1900 square feet of living area, I have a real deal for you.

As I was looking around, though, at the wonderfully staged, but obviously lived in, residence I was struck with all the apprehension the sellers must feel about moving.  Although I don't know the circumstances that require the move, I've been through the process about 10 times myself, so I understand the emotions (and mixed emotions) that are involved.  From wandering through the home there were all sorts of evidence of children and furnishings that spoke of a high quality of family life.

I'm sure that there are a lot of happy memories that this family will take with them and they will remember this home that's so obviously loved and cared for.  It has been well said that "you buy a house, but you sell a home."

Oh Rats!

Last week, my number 1 favorite college basketball team, the Kentucky Wildcats, lost their star freshman center for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL.  The 'Cats were already thin and were already starting 4 freshmen and have a limited number of contributing players available.

So this is a major disappointment and deals the 'Cats a severe blow concerning being selected for the NCAA tournament later in March.  It's also a major disappointment to folks like me who bleed Royal Blue.

It's also, undoubtedly, a major disappointment for Coach Calipari, the rest of the team, and most importantly, the injured player.

And, just maybe, it gives us some instruction on how to deal with disappointments in life, and what's important, and what isn't.

I love UK basketball!  But life will go on even if they don't get invited to the big dance.  I hope Nerlens Noel recovers completely.  I hope he returns to UK instead of turning professional.  But I've learned that life has disappointments and how I chose to deal with them is and important aspect of character.  I'm still disappointed, though!