As an empty-nester I often eat out alone. I'll go somewhere quick like to a fast food restaurant on my way to work in the morning or in between my normal work day hours and my evening schedule. At lunch time I try and do something like a lunch special at a sit down restaurant, even though I usually get my order to go. Some days I'm all over the Hampton Roads area between Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Virginia Beach with no rhyme or reason each day is different. I like the variety that comes with selling real estate. It comes with the territory with someone who goes solo like me - you have to get out to make things happen. Thankfully I have a great tool that I use to help me try and figure out where I should stop and eat. I'm not familiar with the service of every restaurant in every city. One of the features I am really thankful for on my cell phone is the navigation. I use the GPS to find the local restaurants and how they are rated. One thing I have learned if other consumers take the time to submit a rating they (1) had a really good experience or (2) had a bad experience. Thus, analytically I would imagine if service was provided as deemed expected the restaurant probably won't receive a rating at all. Well, whoever developed this application I have something to say to you "THANK YOU!" I can view the reviews and if the next closest restaurant is close by and my ETA (estimated time of arrival) looks good to my next destination - I can keep it moving and go to the one with a good rating or no rating at all.
My father was excellent at softening bad situations. He taught me to find the humor in any situation (which is probably the #1 reason why I am alone- - men hate it when I snicker when they get mad about stuff). We spent a lot of time together when I was young and would often hang out together when he was in port. One day we went to a convenience store and the service was really poor. The clerk wasn't really focused and one of the times the clerk walked away he said to me in a jokingly manner in a low voice not to offend the clerk and to diffuse the apparent frustration on my face, "minimum wage mentality." It would help me later in life because when I worked for minimum wage I took it as an opportunity to treat my customers with the same courtesy and respect they would receive if they had gone to a five-star restaurant even though I was taking their order at a fast food place. Well, now thanks to the GPS application - when fast food restaurants provide great service a consumer can rate them with 5 stars on the app. It doesn't cost anything to be polite. It requires more effort to provide great service - however, the rewards intrinsically and monetarily normally provide better compensation.
I am all about customer-service! I've learned it, attended all-day workshops on customer-service at least annually for years and strive to get better at it an ongoing basis. There is always room for improvement. As a consumer myself I realize first impressions are lasting impressions, and how you handle clients from the initial point of contact forward is very important. The verbal testimony I received from my very first client in real estate was: "Lynne handled my dishes the way I handle my own dishes." The intrinsic value of her comment was priceless.
Customer service within a business is full circle - 360 degrees. How departments interact with each other, how corporate offices interact with the employees in the field, how colleagues interact with one and another, defintely how employees interact who choose their establishment to walk into. Technology has made it even more important for customers to receive great customer service! Customers can rate businesses online, on their cell phone, via voice over internet protocol systems (when you call into a phone line to take a survey). My advice to anyone who works serving others or requiring one-one-one interaction with others: "Leave the bad attitude outside of business transactions. Attitude is the way you react. Pick it up after the transaction is over if you don't feel complete without it."
The bottom line is a customer approaches a business to be served. If there is no good service this shows up on the bottom line. Corporations can have all the right policies and procedures written in their corporate manuals for each and every customer to have a great experience each and every time. However, if the policies and procedures are not put into practice from the bottom to the top with the warm fuzzy how can I help you today service resonating with a smile everyone's efforts are impacted. Businesses are normally rated based on how they are treated by the person they come face to face with first. If you work greeting the public, how you greet people internally and externally to a business impacts more than just you.
I think corporate america should spend more of their dollars on customer service training and interaction on those positions that meet and greet their public. Customer service is key in today's society when consumers have so many choices - why pay your money for bad service when you can have great service at the same price. I'm thankful to my daughter for pointing that out to me.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Foreclosures - Connecting with the Source
One day I was looking at some Foreclosure websites. Most of the sites I came across seemed to charge a fee to look at the listings that were available. The listings were mainly from sources were I could go directly to the website and look at the information for free. Another plus I found with going directly to the bank websites for instance is that the data was normally more up-to-date. The information that appeared on some of the foreclosure websites I visited were fed and some feeds did not even happen weekly.
Thus, after doing much research because bank-owned, foreclosed, and government properties seemed to be a hot item for most of the investor prospects I spoke with I wanted a way to be able to provide information without them having to opt in to pay a fee. Well I came up with an idea. I decided to research and find the links to the websites of the real estate owned properties and create a page just for those links on my website. My foreclosure page was born.
It took a while for me to set up. I wanted the links to point directly to the REO sections of the websites I was linking to. Even though my efforts are far from perfect I feel it is a really good start.
As I find out about new sites and real estate owned websites change their website addresses I try and keep up. When I find a new source to link to I happily add it to my page.
Last week I was passing by a home in the same neighborhood where I have a listing and there was an auction sign posted with a website that was new to me. I already had www.auction.com on my website. I government owned home I had listed previously was auctioned off by that company. My signs were stiller on the property so a buyer called me to ask me information about the auction. It was not my listing - it was one of those that I think actually feel through the cracks as the government agency was switching from servicer to another.
The new auction site I saw last week is www.onlinebidnow.com. I have spent so much time on connecting with REO property sites it has become a passion for me.
When I hear of people visiting the site it makes me feel good. The time spent to bring it to where it is now was not an easy task. It required hours of research and a few more hours of coding by yours truly.
When I check my web stats - it seems to be one of the most requested pages on my site. I hope you get a chance to take a look and offer any comments, suggestions, and/or feedback you may have. There is always room for improvement. I really would like to see if it has that warm fuzzy or considered a useful page to keep visitors coming back.
Let me know.
View My Foreclosure Page!
Thus, after doing much research because bank-owned, foreclosed, and government properties seemed to be a hot item for most of the investor prospects I spoke with I wanted a way to be able to provide information without them having to opt in to pay a fee. Well I came up with an idea. I decided to research and find the links to the websites of the real estate owned properties and create a page just for those links on my website. My foreclosure page was born.
It took a while for me to set up. I wanted the links to point directly to the REO sections of the websites I was linking to. Even though my efforts are far from perfect I feel it is a really good start.
As I find out about new sites and real estate owned websites change their website addresses I try and keep up. When I find a new source to link to I happily add it to my page.
Last week I was passing by a home in the same neighborhood where I have a listing and there was an auction sign posted with a website that was new to me. I already had www.auction.com on my website. I government owned home I had listed previously was auctioned off by that company. My signs were stiller on the property so a buyer called me to ask me information about the auction. It was not my listing - it was one of those that I think actually feel through the cracks as the government agency was switching from servicer to another.
The new auction site I saw last week is www.onlinebidnow.com. I have spent so much time on connecting with REO property sites it has become a passion for me.
When I hear of people visiting the site it makes me feel good. The time spent to bring it to where it is now was not an easy task. It required hours of research and a few more hours of coding by yours truly.
When I check my web stats - it seems to be one of the most requested pages on my site. I hope you get a chance to take a look and offer any comments, suggestions, and/or feedback you may have. There is always room for improvement. I really would like to see if it has that warm fuzzy or considered a useful page to keep visitors coming back.
Let me know.
View My Foreclosure Page!
Friday, January 22, 2010
I'm More Excited than Lucky!
My new photos are in that I took about a week and a half or so ago. I'm excited because the photographer really did a great job. The red came out so bright. I wish I could get him to go take photos of my listing. I am sure the listing would sell in record time. If he can make me look this good (I'm tooting my own horn) then I'm sure he can make something that already looks great a whole lot better.
By the way when this photo opened in Picasa I selected the "I'm feeling lucky" button. I'm really feeling more excited than lucky. It popped up so I selected it. See the originals on my FACEBOOK page.
Thanks Bob! You do great work!
Lynne
Thursday, January 21, 2010
When is it time to downsize?
One day about a year ago I got a call from a friend. He called and started the conversation out "Lynne you need to downsize. All your kids are grown, you're home alone, all you need is a one or two bedroom condo over in Hampton..." My reply was "Hi! How are you doing today? is a good way to start a conversation." He completely ignored my statement and continued on with what he had to say.
He really was adamant and continued on with his rant. He said I'm not playing. Women with grown children are selling their homes, moving into a one bedroom condo to make sure their grown children know there is no room left at the inn. He said you need to let your grown children go. Of course I'm not being as expressive as he was with all the big four letter words. Then to add insult to injury he went further to say the only reason I was holding on to my home was because I was still in love with my ex. At that point the conversation took a big turn. I told him if it is one reason I won't make it into heaven it would be because of the way I feel about my ex.
Well, I got a call from my friend yesterday. He was wanting to send me another buyer referral. The last buyer referral he sent me ended up being referred out because the guy was a direct replica of him but a more subdued version of him and my buddy must have coached him on how to lead me along and then press my button. I told him once if I ever came into a transaction where it wasn't a win-win I would walk away. If your teacher handed you an "A" paper why would you swap it out for a "C" or "D" paper. He called me laughing into the phone. He couldn't even get any words out that day. I acted like I didn't even know what he was laughing about.
He always tells me "you sold my house for too less and you made me pay to much for the one I moved in to". Next, he looks dierctly at me and goes into this loud deep laugh and smiles from ear to ear. He is just so adorable when he smiles so unbeknowgst to him it really softens the blow for me to have to listen to his criticisms of me.
He called me just yesterday and I just couldn't say to him hold-up, wasn't I the agent who got less than you wanted for your last home and put you into one you feel you paid too much for? No I dare not go there. He is on top of his own business moreso than anyone else's. He is one of those clients that once he decides on the home it is smooth sailing from there.
His children are grown and he is all alone. He says he recently purchased a dog. He wants to buy a bigger home in a subdivision close to him - almost double the size of the house he has now. Oh and by the way he called me a few months ago and he was looking to downsize to a condo and I sent him some listings and never heard back from him. I did not press the issue because I know there are certain things that won't be in a condo to fit his demanding lifestyle (but I didn't tell him that). I think about the features he most enjoys about his home and his love to interact freely with his neighbors - a closed door environment without his favorite exterior features would just make him miserable. A bigger home with an inground pool in the backyard and starting the home search after football season is the ticket.
We were friends prior to my ever dealing with him on a professional level. Unfortunately, I don't get the opportunity to know all my clients or anyone as well as we know and have interacted with each other. But I do really enjoy hearing from him from time-to-time if it is just when he feels he needs to call me up and give me a reality check.
Downsizing is a big decision. Especially when you have children, grandchildren, etc. who are accustomed to visiting you at your home. I do agree with him that I do need to downsize - the home maintenance is getting to be a bit much when you're responsible for every room and the exterior - no more children around to do chores. I find myself using the extra rooms as junk storage areas. I spent last weekend cleaning out two rooms. The fact of the matter is I would really love to downsize but with the economy being the way it is right now I just feel safer staying where I am. However, there are some great temptations to downsizing right now, homes are more affordable than ever! There is a condo for sale in the community I narrowed down my selection to that is now much more affordable than it was previously. Even though the condo fees are still high. Right now I've been in the same home for over 15 years and it's only a few blocks from my mom, less than 10 minutes from my daughter and I really know the area. The condo is on the other side of the water and it will be having to familiarize myself more with another area. The upside is since I won't have mom's cooking as often, some of my favorite restaurants are located there. Maybe I should work on a spreadsheet highlighting the pros and cons of downsizing with some weighted factors as to what is most important to me to help me make my decision.
I think along with the cracks I have settled in my home. I would have already downsized if I were not so settled in. The next time my friend calls I think I'll tell him I am going to downsize once I find a husband to replace my ex. Then it's going to be a whole different conversation.
He really was adamant and continued on with his rant. He said I'm not playing. Women with grown children are selling their homes, moving into a one bedroom condo to make sure their grown children know there is no room left at the inn. He said you need to let your grown children go. Of course I'm not being as expressive as he was with all the big four letter words. Then to add insult to injury he went further to say the only reason I was holding on to my home was because I was still in love with my ex. At that point the conversation took a big turn. I told him if it is one reason I won't make it into heaven it would be because of the way I feel about my ex.
Well, I got a call from my friend yesterday. He was wanting to send me another buyer referral. The last buyer referral he sent me ended up being referred out because the guy was a direct replica of him but a more subdued version of him and my buddy must have coached him on how to lead me along and then press my button. I told him once if I ever came into a transaction where it wasn't a win-win I would walk away. If your teacher handed you an "A" paper why would you swap it out for a "C" or "D" paper. He called me laughing into the phone. He couldn't even get any words out that day. I acted like I didn't even know what he was laughing about.
He always tells me "you sold my house for too less and you made me pay to much for the one I moved in to". Next, he looks dierctly at me and goes into this loud deep laugh and smiles from ear to ear. He is just so adorable when he smiles so unbeknowgst to him it really softens the blow for me to have to listen to his criticisms of me.
He called me just yesterday and I just couldn't say to him hold-up, wasn't I the agent who got less than you wanted for your last home and put you into one you feel you paid too much for? No I dare not go there. He is on top of his own business moreso than anyone else's. He is one of those clients that once he decides on the home it is smooth sailing from there.
His children are grown and he is all alone. He says he recently purchased a dog. He wants to buy a bigger home in a subdivision close to him - almost double the size of the house he has now. Oh and by the way he called me a few months ago and he was looking to downsize to a condo and I sent him some listings and never heard back from him. I did not press the issue because I know there are certain things that won't be in a condo to fit his demanding lifestyle (but I didn't tell him that). I think about the features he most enjoys about his home and his love to interact freely with his neighbors - a closed door environment without his favorite exterior features would just make him miserable. A bigger home with an inground pool in the backyard and starting the home search after football season is the ticket.
We were friends prior to my ever dealing with him on a professional level. Unfortunately, I don't get the opportunity to know all my clients or anyone as well as we know and have interacted with each other. But I do really enjoy hearing from him from time-to-time if it is just when he feels he needs to call me up and give me a reality check.
Downsizing is a big decision. Especially when you have children, grandchildren, etc. who are accustomed to visiting you at your home. I do agree with him that I do need to downsize - the home maintenance is getting to be a bit much when you're responsible for every room and the exterior - no more children around to do chores. I find myself using the extra rooms as junk storage areas. I spent last weekend cleaning out two rooms. The fact of the matter is I would really love to downsize but with the economy being the way it is right now I just feel safer staying where I am. However, there are some great temptations to downsizing right now, homes are more affordable than ever! There is a condo for sale in the community I narrowed down my selection to that is now much more affordable than it was previously. Even though the condo fees are still high. Right now I've been in the same home for over 15 years and it's only a few blocks from my mom, less than 10 minutes from my daughter and I really know the area. The condo is on the other side of the water and it will be having to familiarize myself more with another area. The upside is since I won't have mom's cooking as often, some of my favorite restaurants are located there. Maybe I should work on a spreadsheet highlighting the pros and cons of downsizing with some weighted factors as to what is most important to me to help me make my decision.
I think along with the cracks I have settled in my home. I would have already downsized if I were not so settled in. The next time my friend calls I think I'll tell him I am going to downsize once I find a husband to replace my ex. Then it's going to be a whole different conversation.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
A step of faith...
Ever felt butterflies in your stomach? Well right now I have that feeling. It's late and all I can think about is this week is going to really be a turning point in my life. I am excited about the start of a New Year and the feeling of everything starting over fresh and new because of it.
The reason why I am feeling the butterflies is because I am going to step out on faith and make some incredible changes which are going to reap of consequences - probably good, bad, and indifferent all rolled up into one. However, I feel it is best for me. This year I have vowed to myself it is going to be my best year ever and I am going to diligently strive to meet the goals I set for the past two years and fail short.
It is going to require a whole lot of change. I know it is up to me to make the changes necessary in my life for me to realize my full potential. My goal for this year is to channel my paths to live a life full of abundance. "Bondage to Abundance" as spoken by Kelvin Bostic at a seminar when I was attending Norfolk State University is one of the most profound speeches I have ever been privy to hear. The main message resonates in my head from time to time: "from bondage to abundance." A person can be bound in so many different ways.
The old adage something to the effect that "if you do the same old things you have always done you will get the same results you have always gotten" seems to ring so true. I want difference in my life. I want to enjoy the sweet smell of success professionally, spiritually, and financially beyond what I could have ever imagined.
It is going to encompass a change of mind, body, and spirit. I hope everyone realizes that I have decided to do what is best for me. I'm trying to live in my comfort zone, my reality, write my destiny. Don't take it personal if it impacts you in a way that you weren't ready for. Some things come to an end not because we want it to end but it ends because you can give and take - but if you keep taking without giving there is nothing left. I am using 2010 as a time to rejuvenate so I can be better not only for myself but everyone I come into contact with.
No need to retaliate out of lack of understanding - just know I want so much more for everyone else too - if we were meant to be it will be. My goal is to always be #1 in all I do and I don't play second fiddle well. I am just praying for divine intervention. If he is for me no one against me shall prosper.
The Year 2010 is the year that I begin a new improved journey towards what I feel will make life better for "Lynne". A good friend asked me a few years back, "Why do you always settle?". It had been about five years since I had spoken to him and he was ministering so I guess he felt the need to meet with me just to ask me that question. It has stuck with me. The sad thing is that I wanted him to go into more detail as to what he meant. Now I realize exactly what he was trying to get across to me.
Well, in 2008 I became very ill and know it was by the grace of God I pulled through. I felt at that time God must have a purpose in mind for me for sparing my life for me to have experienced extreme circumstances and surviving. It often crosses my mind that my purpose here had not yet been fulfilled. I may not ever know exactly what that purpose is - I just feel that it is for me to do more - or at least do something.
See my appendix had burst 4 days prior to my getting medical attention. The paramedics had been called to my home on about three occasions and each time they said oh it is probably something you ate. I had been an empty nester for about 1-1/2 years. It was when my daughter and her family had moved back in with me because their apartment was scheduled for demolition to make way for condos. She said "Mom, I don't care what you say you're going to the hospital - I have never seen you look bad like this." More than likely had she not been persistent to the point where she took me to the emergency room I probably woulnd't be writing this today.
I was admitted into the emergency room. They ran some tests. They told me they would be performing surgery and as I recall gave me a shot. The next thing I remember was seeing my brother with tears in his eyes and my son crying uncontrollably and I knew they had just spoken with the medical professionals. I asked my them what was said? I sort of recall them telling me that all of my systems were shutting down and they needed to operate immediately. The first time I became more cognizant after that I remember how much pain I was in. The next time I woke up I was in a lot of pain. My stomach had a been cut and bandaged.
As I reflect back and look forward the thing I come to grips with more and more is never to take life for granted. It can leave you swift as the next breath comes. No rhyme or reason, I have no control over when my end will come. It leads me wanting now to do so much more. It has really made me more tolerant.
When I look back over the past 1-1/2 years I have not met my potential. Before I got sick I was well on my way to doing the things I set out to accomplish. My stats were where I wanted them to be for midyear and I was right on target to reach some goals I had aspired to achieve. I was really on point to having a stellar year. It was a lot of work and sacrifice. I had the stamina and energy to do it.
Since my surgery, it has been a time rebuilding my strength both personally and professionally. I had to start back over from ground zero. Since I was self-employed it was all on me. Now I'm at a point where I have done all I know to do. Sometimes it requires a little more, and my little more is going to be to step out on faith and do the things necessary to achieve the success I want. I'm asking the Lord to guide me and watch over me like he has always done. I truly believe through him all things are possible.
The song that comes to mind is: "I Can't Give Up Now" recording by Mary Mary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3q8wWgmG7k
It is will but it also takes my putting forth some will power. I'm going to do things for Lynne in 2010.
The reason why I am feeling the butterflies is because I am going to step out on faith and make some incredible changes which are going to reap of consequences - probably good, bad, and indifferent all rolled up into one. However, I feel it is best for me. This year I have vowed to myself it is going to be my best year ever and I am going to diligently strive to meet the goals I set for the past two years and fail short.
It is going to require a whole lot of change. I know it is up to me to make the changes necessary in my life for me to realize my full potential. My goal for this year is to channel my paths to live a life full of abundance. "Bondage to Abundance" as spoken by Kelvin Bostic at a seminar when I was attending Norfolk State University is one of the most profound speeches I have ever been privy to hear. The main message resonates in my head from time to time: "from bondage to abundance." A person can be bound in so many different ways.
The old adage something to the effect that "if you do the same old things you have always done you will get the same results you have always gotten" seems to ring so true. I want difference in my life. I want to enjoy the sweet smell of success professionally, spiritually, and financially beyond what I could have ever imagined.
It is going to encompass a change of mind, body, and spirit. I hope everyone realizes that I have decided to do what is best for me. I'm trying to live in my comfort zone, my reality, write my destiny. Don't take it personal if it impacts you in a way that you weren't ready for. Some things come to an end not because we want it to end but it ends because you can give and take - but if you keep taking without giving there is nothing left. I am using 2010 as a time to rejuvenate so I can be better not only for myself but everyone I come into contact with.
No need to retaliate out of lack of understanding - just know I want so much more for everyone else too - if we were meant to be it will be. My goal is to always be #1 in all I do and I don't play second fiddle well. I am just praying for divine intervention. If he is for me no one against me shall prosper.
The Year 2010 is the year that I begin a new improved journey towards what I feel will make life better for "Lynne". A good friend asked me a few years back, "Why do you always settle?". It had been about five years since I had spoken to him and he was ministering so I guess he felt the need to meet with me just to ask me that question. It has stuck with me. The sad thing is that I wanted him to go into more detail as to what he meant. Now I realize exactly what he was trying to get across to me.
Well, in 2008 I became very ill and know it was by the grace of God I pulled through. I felt at that time God must have a purpose in mind for me for sparing my life for me to have experienced extreme circumstances and surviving. It often crosses my mind that my purpose here had not yet been fulfilled. I may not ever know exactly what that purpose is - I just feel that it is for me to do more - or at least do something.
See my appendix had burst 4 days prior to my getting medical attention. The paramedics had been called to my home on about three occasions and each time they said oh it is probably something you ate. I had been an empty nester for about 1-1/2 years. It was when my daughter and her family had moved back in with me because their apartment was scheduled for demolition to make way for condos. She said "Mom, I don't care what you say you're going to the hospital - I have never seen you look bad like this." More than likely had she not been persistent to the point where she took me to the emergency room I probably woulnd't be writing this today.
I was admitted into the emergency room. They ran some tests. They told me they would be performing surgery and as I recall gave me a shot. The next thing I remember was seeing my brother with tears in his eyes and my son crying uncontrollably and I knew they had just spoken with the medical professionals. I asked my them what was said? I sort of recall them telling me that all of my systems were shutting down and they needed to operate immediately. The first time I became more cognizant after that I remember how much pain I was in. The next time I woke up I was in a lot of pain. My stomach had a been cut and bandaged.
As I reflect back and look forward the thing I come to grips with more and more is never to take life for granted. It can leave you swift as the next breath comes. No rhyme or reason, I have no control over when my end will come. It leads me wanting now to do so much more. It has really made me more tolerant.
When I look back over the past 1-1/2 years I have not met my potential. Before I got sick I was well on my way to doing the things I set out to accomplish. My stats were where I wanted them to be for midyear and I was right on target to reach some goals I had aspired to achieve. I was really on point to having a stellar year. It was a lot of work and sacrifice. I had the stamina and energy to do it.
Since my surgery, it has been a time rebuilding my strength both personally and professionally. I had to start back over from ground zero. Since I was self-employed it was all on me. Now I'm at a point where I have done all I know to do. Sometimes it requires a little more, and my little more is going to be to step out on faith and do the things necessary to achieve the success I want. I'm asking the Lord to guide me and watch over me like he has always done. I truly believe through him all things are possible.
The song that comes to mind is: "I Can't Give Up Now" recording by Mary Mary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3q8wWgmG7k
It is will but it also takes my putting forth some will power. I'm going to do things for Lynne in 2010.
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