Inner Greatness!

My holiday hello to the wonderful folks who enjoy my blog is inspired by my neighbourhood pal, Slipper, the donkey!  I was quite moved by some lines from the movie "Dreamer" also; and caused to ponder how much inner greatness there is in the world of both 2 and 4 legged creatures!

 

So, to honour you at Christmas and wish you a stunning 2013, enjoy, from "Dreamer":

 

"You are a great champion.

When you ran the ground shook, the sky opened,

and mere mortals parted.

Parted the way to victory.

Where you'll meet me in the winner's circle.

Where I'll put a blanket of flowers on your back"

Maybe ignorance IS bliss!

I was sharing stories a few days ago with a colleague who has been a Realtor just a smidge longer than I have.  We were swapping funny tales about different things we did when we were brand new Realtors -- because we didn't know any better.  And, you know what?

Many of those "ignorant things" produced results!

When you're first in the business and new to town, cold calling is a breeze.  You are fearless about getting someone you know on the other end of the line!  You chuckle when you get the mother of another Realtor or a well known businessman who has a nephew in the business.

You can do no wrong; because you don't know better.

The first "expired" listing I called netted me an appointment and I ended up selling the folks an investment property.  Thankfully I was ignorant of the fact when I made the call that based on their mls number they had expired years before I contacted them!

What would you do to generate business if you didn't know better?  Likely quite a lot!  So, my holiday advice....ponder your business with fresh eyes.  Innocent eyes.  Eyes not conditioned by the kind of knowledge that blocks creativity.

Adventure and try out those wild ideas you've had!  Don't you love it when a really outrageous commercial on t.v. catches you laughing (such as the recent Canadian Club one running)?!

In any organized endeavor we have to resist the urge to homogenize our approach.  We have to stay flexible and nimble rather than burdened by procedure and protocol.  No wonder people become bored and bitter....they stop creating!

Hats off to all you adventurers!  Go forth with glee and prosper!

Small tweaks for big results

What small tweaks can you do for big results on your home sale?  Here are a few ideas from zero to 1,000.

If you have 0 dollars to spend on improvements.  Clean, clean, clean, clean, shine, shine, shine, shine

If you have 10 dollars to spend on improvements.  Buy an outdoor seasonal decoration that is the first thing buyers see.

If you have 100 dollars to spend on improvements.  Buy a new door handle or knocker or mail box that looks different and upbeat to buyers.

If you have 1,000 dollars to spend on improvements.  Buy a new door!  Something unique and attractive with a great handle.

Notice a theme here?  You really never get a second chance to make a first impression. 

Other small ticket items for big results:

Nice scents via oil stick diffusers (avoid harsh plug in or sprays like Febreeze).
Beautiful bowl with fruit in the kitchen.
All faucets and knobs and kitchen pulls clean and shiny.
Instead of a new kitchen paint the cupboards and add fun new knobs and pulls.
Great welcome mat at front door.
Contact an artistic, decorator friend about buying some inexpensive large prints
Pillows and  throws to add colour to a dull room
Take every nick knack and gently put it in a box.
Have a place where buyers can remove coats and shoes without tripping.
Cat litter cleaned DAILY
Dogs should be seen and not smelled or heard.
Good lighting especially in winter can highlight your home
Have the wood stove or fireplace going if its cold.
Remove seasonal decorations sooner than later.

Hmmmm....I'll think of more!  But that's enough for now!  Cheers!