Today...

Today...before you say an unkind word...
 
Think of someone who can't speak.
 
Today...before you complain about the taste of your food...
 
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
 
Today...before you complain about your husband or wife...
 
Think of someone who’s crying out to GOD for a companion.
 
Today...before you complain about life...
 
Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
 
Today...before you complain about your children...
 
Think of someone who desires children but they are barren.
 
Today...before you argue about your dirty house someone didn’t clean or sweep...
 
Think of the people who are living in the streets...
 
Today...before whining about the distance you drive...
 
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
 
And when you are tired and complain about your job...
 
Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
 
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another...
 
Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one MAKER!
 
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down...
 
Put a smile on your face and thank GOD you’re alive!
 
Just a reminder to not take our lives and the ones we love for granted.
 
 

Don't Sell Me...

I get calls...and emails all the time from someone trying to sell me on some new marketing, whether online or paper material. Those on the hard sell that don't listen to me...I've been known to hang up on when they talk over me.


So...knowing I don't want to be sold...and a line I've used many times...I want to share how I believe people want to be approached:


1. Don't sell me...Help Me!

If you need someone to sell you...go to a salesman who talks you into something because that's not me...I'm here to help you so you make decisions for yourself.

2. Don't close me...Advise Me!

If you need someone to quote you a good script to close you on something...you again want to speak with a salesman...I'm here to advise you, inform you, and help you form your own opinion.

3. Don't push me...Encourage Me!

If you need someone to push you because you struggle making decisions...I'm not the one for you either...I'm here to encourage you to gain knowledge and understanding so you can create your future.


Here's to your future!
To find out more: www.rhondasrealestate.com


Rhonda's 2012 Blessings...









....no, make that 11!



·         Blessed are the confident for they shall have an unshakable belief in themselves based on a realistic understanding of their circumstances; a trait that most people admire in others and strive to acquire themselves.



·         Blessed are the curious for they shall be eager to know, learn, and grow; always showing interest and giving special attention to the less obvious; always being the person who says “I want to know more about…”



·         Blessed are those who are decisive, for they shall arrive at a final conclusion or make a choice and take action; making decisions with determination even when they don’t have all the information they think they need.



·         Blessed are those who are empathetic, for they shall demonstrate care and understanding of someone else’s situation, feelings, and motives; always thinking about what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes.



·         Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape, nor be rigid and unable to change with life; responding positively to change; being pliable, adaptable, and able to deal with ambiguity.





·         Blessed are those who love humor, for they shall not take themselves or life too seriously; viewing themselves and the world with enjoyment; being amused, and at times, even comical!



·        Blessed are the intelligent, for they shall think and work smarter and cleverly; being sharp in their dealings; “not reinventing the wheel”: planning before acting; working efficiently and focusing on quality over quantity.



·         Blessed are the optimistic, for they shall expect the best possible outcome; dwelling on the most hopeful or positive aspects of a situation; believing that the glass is half full rather than half empty.



·         Blessed are those who display perseverance, for they shall have passion, energy, focus and the desire to get results; always staying motivated, persistent in their hard work.



·        Blessed are the respectful, for they shall remember that it is just as easy to be nice; protecting another person's self-esteem; treating others in a considerate and courteous manner.



·        Blessed are the self-aware, for they shall display a sophisticated form of consciousness that enables them to regulate themselves by monitoring, observing, and changing their thought processes and behaviors. 


5 tips to stay on top of home maintenance


Where to find reliable contractors

By Dian Hymer
Inman News®


Share This
 
You're not alone if your roof is leaking and you're kicking yourself for not having called a roofer during the summer months. Most people have a limited concept of preventative maintenance. This can lead to big problems that end up being more expensive than if you had routine maintenance in place.

Many buyers don't understand that home maintenance goes with homeownership. When you rent, someone else usually pays for repairs. As a homeowner, you're responsible for keeping your home in good condition.

Unless you're handy at home repairs, it can be costly to maintain a home properly. But there is a benefit at the end of the line. Buyers pay more for homes that are well-maintained and show a pride of ownership.

It can be a hassle to properly maintain your home unless you organize and prioritize the projects that need to be done. You also need to set a schedule and stick to it.

Most home maintenance can be done annually: roof maintenance (including gutters and downspouts); sealing exterior cracks; weatherproofing; a furnace and air conditioning inspection; and inspecting and cleaning the drainage system.

Mark these events on your calendar so that they can be scheduled for about a month before you'd like to have the work done. If you wait until just before the rainy season to start your annual maintenance, you could have trouble finding good contractors to help you.

Don't wait until your roof is leaking to repair or replace it. There will be collateral damage to the interior of the house. Your homeowners insurance company might pay to repair the interior damage, less the amount of your deductible, but it won't pay to replace the roof. Too many claims could be grounds for not renewing your policy.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Assemble a crew of contractors and tradespeople who can help you with your home maintenance. It's not always easy to find reliable people who do good work. You'll end up frustrated and having to do more oversight if you work with people who don't show up or do the job right.

Ask your real estate agent or acquaintances who own homes in the area to recommend tradespeople to you. If the seller is happy with people who have worked on the property, ask for a list of names and contact information when you close the sale.

Homeowners who haven't the time or expertise to determine what needs to be done to keep their home in good shape could ask the home inspector that inspected the house for them to do a reinspection periodically to point out areas that need attention.

One of the keys to good home maintenance is to take care of critical items as soon as they become apparent. For instance, don't postpone repairing a plumbing pipe leak. Have it repaired as soon as you notice it.

Don't assume that because your house is new that you won't have any maintenance issues. If the gutters back up on any house, even a new house, water can leak into the house or down the inside of the walls. This, left unchecked, can lead to a major repair to the framing. If repaired right away, you may just need to seal and touch up the paint.

Likewise, even though you just had the exterior painted, you still may have areas that will need touch up every year or so, especially if they receive intense sun exposure.

THE CLOSING: Don't go for the cheapest contractor or building materials just to save money. If an inferior-quality job has to be redone sooner than anticipated, your savings will dwindle.

Dian Hymer, a real estate broker with more than 30 years' experience, is a nationally syndicated real estate columnist and author of "House Hunting: The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide."

On Time or Early...or Always Late


Do you know the one reason people arrive late? They leave late. What I mean is; it is not the traffic, it is not the directions, it is not the last minute phone call, it is simply that they left late. In my experience most people arrive for business appointments late.

Being late tells me a few things about people:

They don't respect my time;
They are disorganized;
They are not someone I can rely on to keep a commitment.

Perfect example:

Several years ago a client of mine, who I won't name names, Doc, showed up 15 minutes early. He was sitting on the porch of the home we were about to view. I had to look at my watch to make sure I was on time because this had not happened to me. I was really put off since I thought the seller would have been offended by someone sitting on their porch...fortunately that was not the case.

As not to be "late" again...and as the joke would have it between us later...I showed up at our next time to view homes 30 minutes early! Oh the shock and joy on his face knowing I would not be outdone!

I have always been one to be on time or early since it upsets my whole day. How do you come across?  Are you always late? Giving the impression that no one is important enough or you are more important than they? If so, let it be the "you" of the past.

Are you disorganized? Never able to find things when you need them? If so, let it be the "you" of the past.

Are you someone who doesn't make commitments because you know you will not be able to live up to them?  If so, let it be the "you" of the past.

Let this be the New Year that you make the commitment to show others that you value their time. Let this be the year you are able to stick with a resolution that means something to others, respect for others...as well as yourself...your time...your organization...your commitments!


~HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!~