New Year! - Be Patient, Concentrate, Focus...

It seems as if this year (2009) just flew by. As the adage goes "time waits on no man". So many unfinished projects, so many things left undone, so many things left to get done sounds like the end of one year and leading into the beginning of new one. I am ready for a New Year. Ready or not it is coming and with grace and blessings from above I will be here to embark upon it.
Well, it is time for me to just let it go - all those things undone. I didn't accomplish everything I set out to do in 2009 which gives me the motivation and inspiration to make 2010 a better year.

Everything cannot be planned to a scientific degree. Yes without a doubt I would love to see some unplanned things happen like maybe 2010 will finally bring me the man I can spend the rest of my life with.

My grown children - I plan to do as always and keep them constantly in prayer. Knowing full well that there is no prayer like a prayer a mother sends up for her child. I want them to continually be blessed and surrounded by the full armor of God. I plan to stay out of their affairs and humble myself in knowing they are now grown - mother no longer makes decisions on their behalf. I'm not nagging anymore (I promise I'll try).

As for my grandchildren -I love those guys. Most every time I think of them it brings a smile to my face. Little Charles, my only grandson at 4 years old as he told his dad on Christmas day "be patient, concentrate, and focus" as he was putting Little Charles toys together: gave me my motto for 2010. The words will resonate in my head often "be patient, concentrate, and focus."

Most every time for those other times with my grandchildren I will plan to child-proof my home from my grandchildren using my make-up brush to paint my bathroom walls. Put my gadgets up high so Little Charles can't dismantle them trying to figure out how they work. Remember to hide the gifts I buy in advance in a better location like in another location from home all together since the grandchildren are getting older and go in the closets looking for stuff. I guess I need to have patience and realize it is part of their process of growing up.
I want to make 2010 the best year ever I have had in real estate. I have been working diligently on my 2010 business plan and will wait patiently, concentrate, and focus as it comes to fruition. I have goals in mind and I'm going to work hard to attain them.

Patience, Concentration, and Focused in 2010! Thanks for the motto Little Charles has inspired with Grandma Lynne!

Cell Phone Challenged Person Here

Over the past several months I have really been having a time with these ultra-modern cell phone devices. I have spent quite a bit of time trying to get one issue resolved after another all related to the hardware device. The Customer Care Representatives have been more than wonderful each and every time I call.

I just want to get the word out to the manufacturers of cell phones to make a cell phone for someone like me. "Tough, hard-working, durable, and results-oriented." I want my cell phone to be like a good running car - it can last for years and I can keep it until the doors fall off. (My brother will probably fall on the floor laughing if he reads this.)

These newer phones are just too delicate. Sometimes I feel if I breathe too hard I'll break it. I went to run to answer a call and the phone came off the charger and for some strange reason the phone no longer worked after that. I was thinking oh my goodness does the phone have a fuse inside? Fortunately one day it just started working again. Thank goodness I had another one. It wasn't an issue until about a month after that happened and no phone was working - all device related issues. My other phone would just not take a charge. I had another phone my daughter had dropped in water. We are just hard on cell phones.

It brings me to wonder have the manufacturers done a feasibility study on the use of cell phones. Maybe a study even on what the life expectancy of a cell phone is by the trade or profession? When I get a call I'm dashing to the phone to answer it. Is that the norm? Every call on my business line normally equates to a business transaction. How urgent or important is that a particular cell phone user receive their calls. Now I understand why I see people still carrying pagers. They appear to be more durable.

Will a person who sits at a desk all day need a less sturdy phone than someone who is constantly on the go or out in the field? What about making some phones waterproof?

Surely the manufacturers have heard of Top 10 lists - work on the top 10 reasons why the phones are returned for damages and defects and make it the bottom 10.

Honestly, I think the reason why I am having so many issues with my cell phone is it seems the more high-tech they become the more delicate they become as well. Who thought of that? I may be wrong - but these newer phones require you to be too nice with them physically. I remember when cell phones first came on the scene they would last a few years - the only time they needed to swapped was for a better model for the more advanced features. Wow - with these newer models it seems like a challenge for me to even get one to last a good three months.

By the way, cell phone manufacturers looking for beta testers - I'm your girl. I have done beta and quality testing before - not of devices but I would love to help rate yours.

In the past year I can't even count the number of times I have had to upgrade or replace a phone just to have basic service. It is not the cell phone service itself it is the hardware. Without good hardware when it comes to cell phones - software doesn't mean much.

Admittedly I'm spoiled by all the features these newer devices have to offer. I've been around since the days of pulse only phones with a busy signal. I also remember phones being so durable that they would be thrown around on t.v. shows and then someone would still use it. I bet no one in their right mind would try that with a cell phone. However, if I were to see a commercial with someone throwing a cell phone and it still worked - that would be the phone of my dreams. I could just hope it would be affordable because I would definitely like to own one.

My challenge to cell phone manufacturers: MAKE MORE DURABLE PHONES! I'm not delicate, my grandchildren who put on their photography hat every time they see my cell phone is within reach - they love the camera phone and video recording features.

I love all the new high tech apps, features, widgets, gadgets, and etc. one has available at their exposure to do on a phone now. I just need a more durable phone to do it on.

My cell phone has become like the personal assistant I could never afford. It wakes me up in the morning - it helps me keep track of my appointments - it helps me keep track of birthdays via my social media applications - it announces who is calling by name or phone number - it is very efficient in taking my important messages and always remembers to include the date and time - it just does so much I just couldn't begin to write all the ways I'm so grateful and appreciative for all it does have to offer.

Something that does so much should definitely be durable enough to be a keepsake for Heavens sake!

Seasons Greetings from the White House

On Friday, 11th of December, 2009 when I got home I received what I could tell from the envelope was a greeting card in the mail. The return address indicated it was from The White House. I opened the envelope and to my wonderful surprise was a Seasons Greeting card with a beautiful gold-embossed Presidential Seal signed by The President and The First Lady. Wow! I wish I had a photo of the smile on my face at that moment.

Well, needless to say that really boosted my holiday spirit a couple of notches. So much so that I gave away my 6-feet of plastic convenience Christmas tree I wrote about in an earlier post. The young ladies I gave it to are very excited about their newer tree. Now I plan to replace it with another tree - and who knows I may even have someone special decorate it with me. Maybe next year I will be sending out cards with my signature and my new husband signature to boot. Inspirational people motivate you to do great things. I was truly in the spirit of giving yesterday - and it so happened I just had a tree to give. I feel better because of it.

I'm thankful - small jestures do in fact go a long way.

Lynne Ruffin
REALTOR
Century 21 Nachman Realty
Licensed in the State of Virginia
Email: Lynne@LynneRuffin.com
Website: http://www.lynneruffin.com/

I'm Posting For Sale By Owner Listings for Free on my Website!

During this recession I have noticed an increase in one facet of the market - or maybe I just started paying more attention to it: "For Sale by Owners (FSBOs)". One thing that made me take notice was the increase in the number of FSBOs I saw when I was out with my buyer clients and holding Open Houses on a regular basis.

Well, I think one of the reasons for such an increase from talking with several homeowners is that often times there is not much equity in their home amongst a multitude of other reasons. After the lender is paid - there is very little left over. Rather than stroke a check at closing (which some homeowners are faced with doing anyways) they opt to make a effort towards selling their homes themselves.

I have listed FSBOs on my website before. I decided to bring it back because of the increase in the number of FSBO listings I see. One homeowner placed a FSBO sign in her yard - no other advertising. I thought to myself how much interest does she really expect to receive from just sticking up a sign in her front yard. A month went by and the sign went down. She is still in the home. After her no sale situation she was contacted by a lender and opted to refinance versus sale.

Well that led to my brainiac idea to post FSBOs on my website for free. Interviewing owners who wanted to list their property and having to price higher than market during a time when there is an overabundance of properties on the market anyways is not good. I searched the web and looked at examples from other agents across the country. It seemed to work well for them and there were top agents with years of experience and a multitude of sales offering it as a service.

Why would an agent be going after listings during a time when there are more listings than buyers? Well the reason why for me is because I love a challenge. The part of the business I enjoy the most is marketing. I like promoting business ideas and concepts. This is something new for me and seems to be an untapped market in my immediate area - that's why I looked at the business model for agents in other areas.

I think it is a win/win situation. Homeowners who are going through the arduous task of selling their homes themselves could use the extra advertising exposure. The win side of it for me is that my customers and clients are more informed as to what is really happening across the entire market with more homes to choose from and compare their properties too as well.

This concept I have been working on since July. I even paid for a subscription to a list where I receive a list of FSBOs almost daily of new FSBOs in the Hampton Roads area. Now I have the opportunity to present my buyer clients not only with the listings available via the multiple listing service but also the listings available that are being marketed "For Sale By Owner". The buyers who I've presented an extra list of homes to look at seem to be very impressed as well. When the really good fixer-upper deals come along my investor clients are the first to know. There is nothing like catering to loyal investors. They seem to appreciate the extra effort I put into what I do.

Now when I am prospecting buyers and they know what city or neighborhood they are interested in I can also make them aware of the FSBOs in that area as well.

If you are selling your home yourself, and want some free advertising on my website - let me know. You can send me an email I will be more than happy to post your home for the world wide web. I think it will compliment the sign in your yard very well.

Promotion! Promotion! Promotion!

Great Room - Newer Construction

Home fo sale in Norfolk, Virginia. This home was just built in 2008 and has a beautiful great room area. It features 9 feet high ceilings, new carpet, and recently painted. All the light fixtures (see how nice they are in the photo) and the window treatments convey. This home features 3 bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths. The master bedroom suite is definitely one to awe over. It is large with a huge master bath, and a huge closet. During the October is Open House Month campaign this home will definitely be featured if not yet sold. The price makes this one of the more affordable single family detached homes with no association fees in the Hampton Roads area. Contact me direct at (757) 309-2763 today if you are interested in owning a newer home at an affordable price.

This home is located at 1026 Galt Street in Norfolk, Virginia. Call now to arrange a showing at (757) 309-2763. Be your new home in time for the holidays. This home is great for entertaining. Features carpet and/or ceramic tile flooring throughout.

Lynne Ruffin
REALTOR®
Century 21 Nachman Realty
1512 E. Little Creek Road
Norfolk, Virginia 23518
Direct Phone: (757) 309-2763
Fax: (757) 480-0324
Email: Lynne@LynneRuffin.com
Website: www.house1st.com
Virtual Tours: www.LynneRuffin.net
Licensed in the State of Virginia

Zillow All-Star

Posting listings on the web for optimal exposure takes time. It was happily surprised to receive a Zillow All-Star badge.





Apparently they are sensitive to the time and effort we as real estate professionals put in to making our listings stand out in this market.

Thanks to the guys over at Zillow. A little praise definitely goes a long way for me.

Lynne Ruffin
REALTOR
Century 21 Nachman Realty
Licensed in the State of Virginia
Phone: (757) 761-6612
Email: Lynne@LynneRuffin.com