Taking it "Under Advisement" and Other Thoughtful Things to Ponder

Taking it "Under Advisement" and Other Thoughtful Things to Ponder: A Mother's Unconditional Love

2013-08-27T20:16:00.001-04:00

Taking it "Under Advisement" and Other Thoughtful Things to Ponder: A Mother's Unconditional Love: I don't know if you can quite describe the feeling of unconditional love. But for me it definitely started with my children. I remembe...

A Mother's Unconditional Love

2013-08-27T20:13:00.000-04:00

I don't know if you can quite describe the feeling of unconditional love. But for me it definitely started with my children. I remember vividly both of their births. One was a very peaceful beautiful birth with a gorgeous winter sunset in the back drop as the doctor held him up so I could see him for the first time! At that very moment I felt a powerful wave of love....one that I had never felt before. That feeling for him has never fleeted. My second son was born on a beautiful day but complications suddenly during the delivery jeopardized both of our lives. I just remember praying please let him live. I was okay to die but not my son. Well, God spared both of our lives and after delivery he was perfect! Again that powerful unconditional love in play.

I know for me as a mother my love for my children is like a limb to my body. When they hurt I hurt. When they love I love. When they prosper and grow so does a part of me. There's a bond that stays as long as you live. I imagine my mother feels the same way about me. She always wants me to open and share the good and the bad in my life. Of course I try to protect her but her own instincts for her children always kicks in.

My mother shared with me her own bond with her mother (my German grandmother Oma). My mother has lived in the US now for over 50 years. Twelve years ago when my grandmother suddenly passed away in her sleep in Germany, my mother in the US woke up shaking in the early morning....she just knew her mother had passed away. Shortly she received the call from her sister in Germany. Indeed her mother had passed away approximately at that time.

I am very grateful to have the gift of motherhood and the opportunity for unconditional love. It comes with tears of joy and at times with cries of anguish. But it truly is a gift.

Today I want to congratulate my dear friend Ginger on the birth of her second grandchild today and my dear friend Lia who is enjoying the precious moments of her second newborn child. I know they too are enjoying this outpouring of emotion and this precious gift. My heart goes out to many tonight....the tears of joy and the tears of sadness all in the sake of Love!

Taking it "Under Advisement" and Other Thoughtful Things to Ponder: Today is a Day of Firsts Which Always Means It's A...

2013-08-26T15:42:00.001-04:00

Taking it "Under Advisement" and Other Thoughtful Things to Ponder: Today is a Day of Firsts Which Always Means It's A...: I could hear the kids in the neighborhood excitingly and noisily leaving for school this morning. Ahhh the First Day of Class for All, First...

Today is a Day of Firsts Which Always Means It's Also a Day of Lasts

2013-08-26T11:35:00.003-04:00

I could hear the kids in the neighborhood excitingly and noisily leaving for school this morning. Ahhh the First Day of Class for All, First Day in Kindergarten, First Day in High School, First Day in a New School, First Time on a Bus....the Facebook posts ran rampant this morning. But for many it was also the Last Day. This is my son's Last first day of School since he is now a Senior! This is my son's last High School Football Game! This is our Last First Day as an elementary student.

Life always has a beginning and it always has an end. It's the anticipation of the First and a lamenting of the Last. But we have to have a Last so we can have a First! Last is not the end it is always the Beginning.
As we close chapters in our life that always opens new chapters of growth and opportunity. We have to have a "Last" so we can have a "First".

It's easier when we are in school because the path has been laid out before us! However, when we get in to the adult world the path is endless so we are unsure which road to take. Sometimes we become paralyzed or stuck and don't even take a path. My advice is take a path but don't be afraid if it ends, fails, or maybe even succeeds. You don't know unless you take it! Remember everyday has a "First" and a "Last". Both lead to new beginnings!

Taking it "Under Advisement" and Other Thoughtful Things to Ponder: What's a Lifestyle Coach and What Am I Really Sell...

2013-08-25T18:42:00.001-04:00

Taking it "Under Advisement" and Other Thoughtful Things to Ponder: What's a Lifestyle Coach and What Am I Really Sell...: I'm selling dreams. I'm selling a lifestyle. If I buy this home how will it make me feel? What will my life be like in this home?...

What's a Lifestyle Coach and What Am I Really Selling?

2013-08-25T18:40:00.000-04:00

I'm selling dreams. I'm selling a lifestyle. If I buy this home how will it make me feel? What will my life be like in this home? Is your home full of possibilities or is it just a 3/2? (3 beds and 2 baths).

I'm not just selling your home I'm selling a lifestyle for another family to take host in your house. Likewise I have to know your hopes and dreams to sell you this home. I need to truly hear your needs and wants and help you identify this is exactly what you need.

The best people in the game of real estate recognize that our jobs are not just another transaction. We are dream catchers and dream makers. We just need to care enough to market the possibility of that home and care enough to truly know your dreams to match that lifestyle.

What I love most about my clients is listening to their hopes and dreams. Really understand their objections and help them achieve what they truly want. I'm the source the connector and if I'm truly vigilant I will help them find what they are searching for.

Taking it "Under Advisement" and Other Positive Thoughts: OK...I've Come Out of Hiding

2012-10-24T19:26:00.001-04:00

Taking it "Under Advisement" and Other Positive Thoughts: OK...I've Come Out of Hiding: OK...what can I tell you? I've come out of hiding. I can't believe how long I've been silent but it's time to speak up and speak out. I'v...

OK...I've Come Out of Hiding

2012-10-24T19:20:00.000-04:00

OK...what can I tell you? I've come out of hiding. I can't believe how long I've been silent but it's time to speak up and speak out. I've been hiding under a rock. What??? Yep, chained and consumed by the negative Internet. Paralyzed by all the bad news and lack of humanity. The past few years have been nothing but doomsday. But it's time for a change!!!! It's time to speak up and let the world know there is a positive world out there guided by a positive force!!! There is a loving and good world. Full of good hearted and good spirited people. HUMANITY IS ALIVE AND WELL.

We have to stop conditioning ourselves for the bad and condition ourselves for the good!!! God created humanity to glorify him. I'm not trying to make this a Christian post but parts of my faith will spill in to the body of this written piece. I hope your faith and spirit will pour positively out of you as well! THE WORLD NEEDS SOME POSITIVE FAITH. The world needs something positive to hang on to and to nourish it's soul!!! We have to lift and not tear down!!! We need to give people a life line not a kick in the face.

One thing that has to stop is the media continuing to report the sick depravity in the world. I know it's out there but do we have to read about it everyday? WHAT ARE WE FEEDING OUR SOUL? How do you stop it? STOP READING THE NEGATIVITY AND START DRINKING IN THE HOPE. Search for that great story that makes a difference in the world. SHARE A PART OF HUMANITY THAT REALLY MATTERS!!! SHARE SOMETHING THAT NOURISHES OUR SOUL.

I promise you here on out this post is to nourish the soul. It may make you laugh or it may make you cry but it will touch your heart in a good way. Let the good blessings flow my friends!!!!

IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK!!! STAY TUNED!!!

You Can't Send a Duck to Eagle School | Store Landing

2011-05-24T10:28:00.000-04:00

You Can't Send a Duck to Eagle School Store Landing

You Can't Send a Duck to Eagle School!

2011-05-24T10:10:00.000-04:00

http://www.eagleschoolmovie.com/node/157

Awesome video and my new motto!!!! Worth watching!

Mother's Day and Real Estate...Sometimes You Have to Have that "Heart to Heart" Talk with Your Clients.

2011-05-09T16:09:00.000-04:00

I was blessed this Mother's Day to go visit my 70 year old mother in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. (she will shoot me for printing her age) My mother is a feisty and fun German lady who plays in her own Oompah Band at a German Restaurant. She remarried last year to a wonderful man and has moved from her condo that she lived in for 25 years in to a town home. She put the condo on the market last year when they got married. She took it off the market for a period of time because the condo market was dead. She put it back on for the Spring and reduced the price but there is not that much activity.

So while visiting my mother in Virginia she asked me to walk her condo and give her some pointers on selling. Mom's condo is the nicest and is very well maintained. She has a beautiful flower bed in the front and even has staged the interior. Everything is in pristine condition. Her price is very reasonable unfortunately the condo market has not rebounded yet.

Mom goes over regularly and works in the garden and keeps her condo very well maintained. She of course keeps up all the utilities, taxes, and HOA dues. The problem is there are many more things Mom would like to do in her life. I asked her what she was going to do with the money once she sells it. She had some medical bills but planned to take a special trip back to Germany.

I had a heart to heart talk with Mom's Realtor (don't you already feel sorry for her) on the marketing of the unit. She was fortunately very receptive and gave me additional insight on the condo marketplace.

I know Mom's situation is like many of our clients. They have maintained their properties and they want the most they can out of them. I certainly understand. I told Mom that I felt she should reduce the price significantly and take the proceeds and go enjoy her life. Life is too short for her to wait 12-24 months for her market to rebound. It's the Spring market and now is the best time. I don't want her to worry about getting the most she can out of her property. I want her to get the most she can out of her life.

It all comes down to true motivation as to why your seller is moving. If I didn't have that heart to heart with Mom we never would have come to the conclusion to take a big price reduction. it would sit there for a very longtime costing Mom precious time and money. How many of you need to have that own 'heart to heart' with your clients.

Mom thanked me profusely. I think I let her off the hook and gave her permission to go live her life.The last thing I want is for her to be fretting over her condo. I want to watch her sing for many more years in her Oompah band and travel to Germany to be with her sister and do what she loves! This is Michelle Amador "Taking It Under Advisement".

PS. Happy Mother's Day Everyone!!!

Taking it "Under Advisement": We Experienced Two Extremes this Weekend!

2011-05-03T13:21:00.000-04:00

Taking it "Under Advisement": We Experienced Two Extremes this Weekend!: "We started this past weekend with a beautiful fairy tale wedding with the marriage of William and Kate. I think for us Americans it was a w..."

We Experienced Two Extremes this Weekend!

2011-05-02T19:57:00.001-04:00

We started this past weekend with a beautiful fairy tale wedding with the marriage of William and Kate. I think for us Americans it was a wonderful break from a lot of bad news. Many of us especially in the South have especially been worn out from all the tornado scares and have worried about many loved ones. There was William and Kate allowing us to be part of a beautiful tradition, a happy time, and hope for a happy future for the new and improved monarchy. It gave us a break from reality!

As we relished in the joy and pageantry of the weekend our thoughts were abruptly brought back to reality that the President late Sunday night had an announcement to make. Well, late night messages from the President is not normally a good thing. So we end our weekend with an astonishing announcement Osama bin Laden is dead! It was a surreal moment for me. They finally brought to justice the madman that forever changed our world and whose actions broke our hearts and stole so much of our innocence. I think we all remember that day and the weeks there after as one of the most frightening and saddest times in America. Even to this day when I watch footage of the Trade Center going down I'm going back in time...all the same emotions and feelings come out like they are hibernated in my soul.

My own 21 year old son posts on Facebook that justice is served. He was 11 years old at the time...does he truly feel justice. Or is he part of so many of the young crowds cheering "USA,USA". Was a part of his own innocence stolen as well 10 years ago? Probably so, since they are the 1st generation to grow up with the threat of terrorism not only in the world but on their own home turf. They also saw the Oklahoma City bombing and the VT massacre. Their hearts have grown up with unrest and uncertainty.

Our enemy growing up was that mean old Russian country that was a nuclear threat to us all through my school years. But they were so far away not in my homeland or in my backyard.

Now ten years later I hope that all those who have suffered feel a little bit of peace. Yes, justice was served. It cannot replace lost innocence or loved ones but hopefully it brings some closure to those who wanted to see Osama bin Laden pay for his crimes. Revenge truly is not sweet it actually goes down bitter. But justice marches to a different drum and hopefully brings closure. May God Bless America and bring forth a new patriotism that brings our country together. This is Michelle Amador "Taking it Under Advisement".

What's Hot and What's Not...Greensboro, NC Housing Numbers

2011-05-02T16:52:00.000-04:00

I think it's safe to say that if your Realtor in Greensboro, NC you see the real estate market continuing to pick up. We've seen houses in great condition and priced "right" moving very quickly. I've seen them move in the same week if they are priced very competitively and in top notch showing condition. We see homes in bad condition and or over-priced just lagging along. Bottom line, if you want to move your home...price it right day one and have it in top selling condition...that means no more clutter, fresh paint, clean carpets, shiny hardwoods, tidy garages and staged properly. Are we asking for perfection? Not quite but pretty darn close!

Greensboro is a beautiful scenic Spring-Time City!!! Dogwoods, azaleas, manicured green lawns...everything is in full bloom. It is one of the best times to sell your home but you must do your part in getting it "show ready".

So here are the market numbers from January 1 of this year to today May 2nd! First of all in Greensboro we have sold and closed to date 1010 homes, condos, and townhomes. The great news is that we have pending to close 1440 homes an excellent sign we are picking up steam!

Our most active markets are between $100,000-179,900 but that's where we have the heaviest inventory as well. The $200,000-$300,000 market is also picking up steam with many more pending. Not far behind is the $300,000-$400,000 which is picking up activity in both active and pending sales. This is all good news when we see the price points inching upward.

Bottom line, it's still a buyers market. It will remain that way until our inventory levels dwindle down further. The other good news is that we have more conventional loans and cash buyers which tells me the buyer has at least 10% to put down on their home purchase. The third vehicle for financing is FHA which is way down compared to last year. An excellent loan and gives the borrow the opportunity to put less down. Remember, last year at this time we were inundated with the first time home buyer because of the government incentives. Now our marketplace is much broader which is very healthy.

So what can we expect for May? I think you will see the momentum carry in to May and hopefully in to June as well. Which I think will please buyers, sellers, and of course my fellow Realtors! Happy Selling Everyone! This is Michelle Amador "Taking it Under Advisement".

Leaning Toward the Droid Over the Iphone...Check Out the New Droid Bionic

2011-04-13T10:17:00.000-04:00

I've received a lot of great information from my last post. Most of the information came from techie people and overwhelmingly they were putting up a great pitch for the Droid over the Iphone. I have not made a final decision yet but this is one of the phones which will be released soon that I am looking at for real estate. It's a 4G with a dual core processor...Droid Bionic. I'm including a short video on this one. I'm also going to actually start trying out the phones...what's good for one person might not be good for another. This is Michelle Amador "Taking it Under Advisement".

Help...I've Got to Make A Decision this Weekend!!!

2011-04-08T16:29:00.000-04:00

You can imagine how agonizing this decision is on whether or not to upgrade to an Iphone or a Droid. Next week is D-Day and I have all weekend to seek your advice on what you like best and why? I also want to share with you two awesome videos. One on the Coldwell Banker Iphone App...you can see why it's such a struggle. So please post your advice it would help a lot of people!

The second video is a very funny new real estate commercial we just launched...enjoy!!! Have an awesome weekend and I look forward to hearing all of your real estate success stories from the weekend. This is Michelle Amador "Taking it Under Advisement".

Taking it "Under Advisement": Fresh Stats for the Greensboro Housing Market..1st...

2011-04-05T11:19:00.000-04:00

Taking it "Under Advisement": Fresh Stats for the Greensboro Housing Market..1st...: "I pulled some fresh stats for our single family market in Greensboro, NC to review with our sales agents. We definitely are seein..."

Fresh Stats for the Greensboro Housing Market..1st Quarter

2011-04-05T11:18:00.000-04:00

I pulled some fresh stats for our single family market in Greensboro, NC to review with our sales agents. We definitely are seeing strong improvement especially in the higher price ranges. As of yesterday we closed 504 homes according to our MLS. We have another 707 scheduled to close.

Most of the closing and pending activity is taking place in the $100,000-179.999 price point. But also a significant surge in closings and pendings in the $200,000-$399,000 price range. I'm seeing that market pick up a lot in my own office especially with the relocation buyer.

Another interesting trend is financing. Last year we had a huge surge in FHA financing. But look how the numbers are changing this quarter as of April 4th.

Conventional Loans-166
Cash Buyers- 165
FHA 123

With these trends look for a lot of empty nesters buying homes in cash. The conventional loans lend itself to the higher priced homes or individuals that can put down a substantial down payment.

The under $100,000 price market is still very steady. We are finding a lot of investors are out there as well.

I'm also pleased to see an increase in the upper end buyer. Closings and pendings are trending upward in the $400,000-$749,000 market. We even have a few sales in the million plus neighborhoods as well. Just a handful but every bit helps our economy.

We are in the throws of our Spring Market lets look for a very strong second quarter. Our market numbers are trending in that direction. Now go sell something!!! I'm Michelle Amador "Taking it Under Advisement".

Taking it "Under Advisement": You Have a Gold Mine of Business and You Don't Eve...

2011-03-31T12:38:00.001-04:00

Taking it "Under Advisement": You Have a Gold Mine of Business and You Don't Eve...: "Michelle :How much real estate business are you losing everyday? Agent: What Michelle??? Are you kidding me??? I'm jumping on every op..."

You Have a Gold Mine of Business and You Don't Even Know It

2011-03-31T12:38:00.000-04:00

Michelle :How much real estate business are you losing everyday?

Agent: What Michelle??? Are you kidding me??? I'm jumping on every opportunity that I get? There are not as many but I'm all over it.

Michelle: hmmm...how many times do you normally follow up? Tell me about your follow up system?

Agent: Well, I call and email a number of times. I'm good at keeping up with hot prospects. I kind of have "my own way" of following up leads.

Michelle: If I showed you ways on how to flip the current leads you have would that be something you might be interested in?

I've been blessed to work, coach, and learn from some of the best people in the real estate business. The top producers who make it through all economies have lead systems that sustain them. Did you know that today the lead incubation process can be from 6-18 months? That means people you reached out and touched two years ago may now be ready to buy this year? Did you know that the majority of real estate agents only convert 5% of their on line leads and throw the other 95% away?

We give our agents a contact management software system that allows them to keep up with their leads. It sends them reminders on how they need to reach out to that particular lead. It generates professional emails, postcards, greeting cards, newsletters, out to your leads on whatever campaign you may set them up on. There is no reason for you to ever loose touch with any of your leads.

Today there is no reason in the world for you not to have the ability to reach out and keep up with all of your leads. With social media you can become friends on Facebook, you can add them to your blog, Twitter them, text them, send them a "Yelp" message, or hey about just calling them and seeing how they are doing. Today's top producing agent is fluent in all forms of media and now has the opportunity to have more than a superficial relationship with a lead. You start becoming their "Trusted Agent".

All of the above principles should apply to all of your past clients and customers. There is no reason in the world that you are not connecting with them in some shape or fashion. There are too many tools out there for you to be successful. So keep in mind it's not the number of leads...it's how you are keeping up with them. If you need any help or suggestions just holler. So I will ask you again, "How much business are you losing everyday". This is Michelle Amador "Taking It Under Advisement".

Taking it "Under Advisement": It's New and It's Innovative-Video Blogging in Rea...

2011-03-29T15:24:00.000-04:00

Taking it "Under Advisement": It's New and It's Innovative-Video Blogging in Rea...: "I'm always so impressed with all the market knowledge, genuine integrity, and excellent advice my Greensboro agents give their clients ..."

It's New and It's Innovative-Video Blogging in Real Estate

2011-03-29T15:22:00.000-04:00

I'm always so impressed with all the market knowledge, genuine integrity, and excellent advice my Greensboro agents give their clients everyday. They are a diamond in the rough and they do it so seamlessly always giving of themselves. Today one of my agents was sharing some excellent advice they were giving a first time home buyer on whether or not they needed to purchase in a new homes neighborhood with years of future inventory. They gave excellent advice and their client was very thankful. They chose the right home keeping in mind they may sell in a few short years. I told the agent she should video blog her advice and post it on You Tube and Facebook. She loved the idea and we are going to work on it together.

Today, You Tube has over 427,000 videos with 35 hours of video loading every minute...that was according to Sam Sabastian from Google. He spoke to us in Vegas at the Gen Blue Conference and frankly kept us at the edge of our seat as he shared tremendous information on the future of real estate. Coldwell Banker is partnering with Google and their You Tube On Location. Daily I have agents loading video and moving homes because of its wide and appealing reach. Watch this video on UNCW graduate Jessica Riffle who has made video blogging her signature. She works for Coldwell Banker Sea Coast in Wilmington, NC. She is a jewel and is very very succcessful making it happen in social media.! This is Michelle Amador "Taking It Under Advisement".

Taking it "Under Advisement": What Can a Cinderella Team Teach Us About Real Est...

2011-03-28T12:53:00.000-04:00

Taking it "Under Advisement": What Can a Cinderella Team Teach Us About Real Est...: "Shaka Smart, the VCU Ram's coach, seems to know more than most of us when it comes to winning. He thrives on being the underdog a..."

What Can a Cinderella Team Teach Us About Real Estate?

2011-03-28T12:52:00.000-04:00

Shaka Smart, the VCU Ram's coach, seems to know more than most of us when it comes to winning. He thrives on being the underdog and gets in the head of his players that they are "winners". Shaka does it in the most unconventional ways. What do you expect from a man who turns down Harvard and instead plays ball for Kenyon College. He goes to the beat of his own drum and masterfully has dissected 5 top ranked teams to lead his VCU Rams to the Final Four. Reading about Shaka he has been no stranger to adversity. A father that was absent in his own life probably makes the relationship with his players that much more meaningful. His teachers share he always looked out for the underdog. He believed when others did not or could not.

Realtors need to take a page from Shaka's playbook. It doesn't matter what people are saying about our profession, the market, and real estate in general. It all comes down to what you believe. Jim Gillespie shared with us his positive message on real estate. He also shared that Coldwell Banker agents are "positive people". The real estate economy is picking up steam. Contracts written the month of February are up and have been up since last June. Are we seeing the real estate market of yesteryear? Of course not. Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors all need to make the adjustments. Ask Shaka his team beat 5 teams and he had to constantly make adjustments right on the spot to make it to the Final Four! What adjustments do you need to make to be successful in real estate? Enjoy Shaka's interview. This is Michelle Amador "Taking It Under Advisement".

You Gotta Love the Cinderella Teams!!!

2011-03-26T20:08:00.000-04:00

OK...so I'm totally deviating from the real estate theme...or am I? The NCAA tournament has been so exciting. There's is always the surprise element of the Cinderella Team. Lets take VCU my school alma mater. No one thought they should even be invited to the big dance and now they are in the Elite 8. As a matter of fact Shaka Smart the now famous VCU coach was not even watching the selection show. He was out to dinner when a friend called him to let him know that VCU got a bid. Very proud of those boys to not only play with heart but have the focus and fortitude to win the close game against Florida St. We are watching a similar story with Butler who just beat Florida.
So why do we love the Cinderella Team? Probably because we all have felt like an underdog in our lives. Whether it's in our careers, personal lives, or just something we felt deep down. There is not a better feeling in the world to be that shooting star no one anticipated. As we grow older we realize those possibilities are always around us and when those moments are captured we must always savor them. In your downtime's you must reminisce on the greater moments because they will always be part of our DNA.
Ok...so what does this have to do with Realtors or real estate? Well,over the past two years I've watched our profession take a financial downturn. It has affected all of us emotionally in different ways. We all have chosen to respond differently to the downturn. Some have risen to the occasion have made the much needed changes to their business, others have clung on to the past...hoping and praying things will change, and others just dropped out of the game. I'm blessed to have the Cinderella Team in this real estate business. We made the choice to make the changes and forge ahead in social media, blogging, and other forms of technology but also never loosing site of the trusted relationship with our clients. We've taken risks, we've taken chances, we've played with heart, and we have focused and shown fortitude in a tough real estate market. Much like my beloved VCU Rams we too are a Cinderella Team. Enjoy the rest of the NCAA tournament savor the wins, learn from the losses, and continue to grow professionally no matter the odds. This is Michelle Amador "Taking it Under Advisement".