tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6533380430248160152024-03-21T18:25:47.392-07:00Premature Millionaire, Living out my Realest Year.Follow me through the Ups and Downs of the Real Estate Biz.YOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-71382404906346118992011-01-09T14:04:00.000-08:002011-01-09T14:04:40.794-08:00The Dreaded Quota!With the New Year comes new responsibility, and expectations!<br />
<br />
This past Wednesday my weekly company meeting was one of victory and defeat? (Well, maybe defeat is a strong word.)<br />
<br />
Before I get into the meeting let me give a quick synopsis on ME!<br />
<br />
<br />
A 9-5 job has never appealed to me; even before real estate became my passion I could not fathom the idea of a "boss". Through my parents, friends and family members experience they seemed to be a nuisance. My father also always reminded my sisters and I that the ONLY way could prosper is to own your own business or be the CEO of another. <br />
<br />
<br />
I’ve only had two "real" jobs before. Alltel, where I sold cell phones and became the number 1 sales rep for our area, and Olan Mills, where I sold photos and became a top seller. I chose these 2 jobs because they were sales and sales are usually relaxed, and carefree. I learned early on that if I out sold everyone else I would become an asset to the company and a little harder to fire if I didn’t listen to any other rules.<br />
<br />
I HATED doing anything other than selling! Having to compile numbers, record stats, clean up etc seem like a minion’s task. I purposely did not do anything but sell. Which worked, I got to just sell the product and the other, less important work got handed to another person. <br />
<br />
Now I know that I should do the minion’s task, because they are a vital part of selling.<br />
<br />
<br />
Real estate is a very carefree job as far as bosses are concern. YOU agree to which brokerage you want to go with, YOU interview the broker and YOU agree to work with them. From my experience in regular brokerages they are very laid back and want you to sell, but if you don't it reflects poorly on you, and not too much on them. They can REQUEST you do something, but can’t reprimand you if you don't. <br />
<br />
My dream, I thought. <br />
<br />
With my new company I pursued them, and agreed abide by their rules. It’s a structured community who treats their employees like contract workers BUT strongly encourages certain things are done. <br />
<br />
Ex. As a "regular" agent I make my own hours, whenever I get up I get up. At this company I have my own neighborhood and it has hours that say we are open. I am not forced to be here, but it is in my best interest that I am here for future clientele. <br />
<br />
I think I got off topic enough; let’s get to Wednesday's meeting!<br />
<br />
All before I never had a "quota" I would set a personal goal for myself and that was it. I was never told by a broker of what I should do. This year that is different.<br />
<br />
I was given the task of selling 36 homes by my new broker. That may seem easy but let me put this into perspective for you.<br />
<br />
My friend who was the number 1 closer for the same builder as me only closed 26 homes in 2010, in a brand new neighborhood!<br />
<br />
<br />
During the Wednesday meeting I heard this number and completely shut down. I had personally made it my goal to sell out the rest of my neighborhood, maybe 20 or so more homes. Now I had to do 15 more?? In my head I loudly spoke "THAT SOUNDS GOOD!"<br />
<br />
So after complaining to my parents, sister, friends, I decided to STOP! Complaining about this quota just got me more upset because I sounded like I was a self doubter! It had only been the first week of January and I was already telling myself that I couldn’t do something. <br />
<br />
So instead of focusing on this number I'm going to focus on selling! If I don’t meet the number then oh well! Historically I have done well when I’ve had no pressure so I’m going to pretend like I don’t have any now and see what happens....It’s only the second week of January and 36 more houses to go! <br />
<br />
<br />
*Oh yea, Wednesday was a day of victory because I won a month long competition at work for the most booked appointment and received a $250 gift card!! <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">-Premature Millionaire</div>YOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-68291202816731642132011-01-02T13:02:00.000-08:002011-01-09T14:05:00.223-08:00I'm looking forward to the memories of right now...Laissez faire!<br />
<br />
<br />
Up until 2011 I had been living my life with this old adage. Aside from its political meaning, this personally means that I attribute all my good AND bad fortunes to fate, or an uncontrollable series of events. This takes my actions out of the equation so when something doesn’t end up the way I would prefer it I could simply say "it was not meant to be". Up until now it has worked, not flawlessly but nonetheless. I recently decided that from now on I want to take ownership for the way things go whether good or bad. <br />
<br />
With age MAY come maturity, but with failure experience is destined to follow. I haven’t failed, but I have stumbled (in my eyes). I will not dwell on things that I can no longer change, what's done is done (another adage that allows me to rebound from mishaps quickly). <br />
<br />
So on the 31st of December I wrote down my New Years Resolution (my first). I don’t know what the "rule" is on sharing these resolutions so I will keep them to myself for the time being but I’m certain they will reveal themselves in the year as it passes. They are typical goals that are obtainable yet difficult. From work related, to personal fitness (have to throw that in!), to mental growth etc. <br />
<br />
This New Year comes with many resolutions, hopes and promises of a better year.<br />
<br />
I've never known first hand of the real estate economy in a better place but I hear this year will be better for all who are associated with this business. (A Realtor I know said that he and his wife previously closed 8 homes a month prior to the recession and in 2010 closed 1 home every 3 months-an indication of the times.) The National Association of Realtors projects a 20% increase in new homes sales, lets hope they are right, lets hope they are right, being that that is my field. <br />
<br />
<br />
This year feels like it will be an epic one for me, as far as my personal growth and career. I’ve never let the overall economy dictate what I am capable of so I don’t think I will start to now. I feel like everything has been in preparation for now, so while I won’t be cliché and say "2011 is MY year" I WILL say that years from now I will look back at these memories that I'm creating as being some of my best, but definitely not my last!<br />
<br />
<br />
-Pemature MillionaireYOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-34549957830037778192010-12-19T12:26:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:26:48.366-08:00Progress Report!That is what my blog is about, right?? <br />
<br />
<br />
It was definitely a SLOW start here at the model home!<br />
<br />
The economy in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Columbia</place></city> for real estate has been a relaxed one, and with the Christmas holiday approaching I'm guessing most people would rather wait until after the festivities to purchase a home. I personally think this could be a good plan on paper, IF you stick to it. Some people may use their credit cards to buy gifts, in return running up their credit limit, and that can affect them for a few months to come. Pushing their purchase back a few more months. <br />
<br />
I myself have been blessed with finding good leads, and converting them into sales. Whether immediate or a few months out. With the New Year coming I would love to go out and dance the night away while screaming FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE! We all know why I can't at this point; I have not hit a million in sales, yet. I'm fairly confident that I may reach this goal before the New Year, or come VERY close to it! I've got a few things in the iron, and I learned from experience to not prematurely celebrate!<br />
<br />
Sorry about the length of the blog, I think your eyes probably needed a break! I'm setting up for a meeting on tomorrow so that's always a challenge. I have to make sure I have all my ducks in a row. Like a detail folder with all the information I think the person may want. Being that this is a Realtor based lead I have never met or talked to this person before. So I just put generic things in their folder, oppose to specific things (like school information, they may not have school aged kids). Also making sure ALL the information I give out is accurate, prices may change overnight so its never a good thing when you're wrong on something like that! <br />
<br />
So wish me luck! :) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-Premature MillionaireYOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-76178118193124118232010-12-12T13:36:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:29:14.287-08:00Smiles come few and far between, even though I'm living out what USED to be my dream...<span class="UIStory_Message">My true smiles come few and far between, even though I'm living out what used to be my dream. There's a sad connotation with that, there shouldn't be. My dreams have just blossomed. So, no need to dwell on what WAS my goal because I've already achieved it. NOW its time to mark something else on my bucket list, I'm working on Mogul.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What was the dream?<br />
<br />
That’s simple, be a real estate agent. The dream was simple because my mind frame was. I had been exposed to greatness on a small level, so the possibility of wanting more never clicked until I saw more. <br />
<br />
Where did the dream come from?<br />
<br />
That's fairly simple. A show named "Girlfriends" used to come on weekly whose premise was 4 women living in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">L.A.</place></city> dealing with issues and building a bond. One "girlfriends" name was Toni (my name), she was beautiful, had a Range Rover (the car I adored) and sold Real Estate. She rarely worked, but would wear amazing clothes, was very popular and always had money. Who wouldn’t this lifestyle appeal to?? You do nothing and get money? SIGN ME UP!<br />
<br />
Then (in high school) the "dream" seemed obtainable, although it may be a little hard. To make money selling homes seemed easy, until I got a few internships, then it seemed hard, then I became a full time student and then it became impossible! Maintaining school, a part time job and attempting to find clients in a downward sloping economy was not the easiest feat.<br />
<br />
I suppose during my time at school I attempted to "find myself". I haphazardly stated that I wanted to become a fashion student at the local university or even go to an Art Institute (mind you I had never had an inclination into fashion). After realizing that I was pretending to be interested in something that seemed more “hip” at the time I thought about business school. I like marketing, right?? Well kinda [sic]. IF I went to business school what kind of job would I like to pursue afterwards, real estate. So it made no logical sense to spend 2 years learning something that I could already do. So I reverted to my first "dream". <br />
<br />
I joined a new company, and started pursuing real estate full time, along with school. At that time I knew that JUST selling homes wouldn’t afford me the things I desire in life (I've been told I have expensive taste). So THEN the dream began to evolve. <br />
<br />
So, right NOW I'm doing EXACTLY what I imagine myself doing when I left high school ( I am missing a Million dollars though, but that will come in due time). Why aren’t I happy then? Once you accomplish a goal there is supposed to be a moment where the stars align and every one claps for you, YOU'RE THE WINNER!<br />
<br />
I haven’t gotten that, and I believe it’s because the dream was so non ambitious that it’s somewhat insignificant. Not to downplay my accomplishments, but there have been MANY people in this same exact seat that have been of lesser value. So from now on I dream big, or I'm going home! In my last entry I alluded to something brewing with my wants in this career. My next step is to become a licensed residential contractor. This will be one of those "seeds" that I plant in my garden for that money tree. <br />
<br />
As far as the neighborhood goes, it’s going well! From this week to the end of the month my abilities as a "closer" will be tested, multiple times. I'll keep you all updated, but I may be able to celebrate with my friends earlier than expected! ; ) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. FEEDBACK would be much appreciated!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-Premature MillionaireYOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-38404819656709197352010-12-05T13:34:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:28:58.620-08:00I'm sitting in a chair, but in the future its a throne.<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I love that title; I seem to have the reoccurring theme of royalty. "Heavy is the Crown", now I'm sitting in thrones. I think I’m more infatuated with the Legacy that royalty has, they are forever memorialized in history. Money is nice and the fame is a perk but leaving behind something that will live on past my life seems like an amazing accomplishment. Whether my name is directly associated with it or not, knowing that I, out of almost 7 Billion people, shaped the future in someway is gratifying. </div><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I’ve been fascinated with this idea (on a small scale) since high school. 10th grade my friends and I decided that we weren’t going to leave high school without leaving a mark. I noticed that not even the most popular person would be remembered past 4 years after graduation (freshman’s keep them alive). So we decided to make an organization. After a few failed attempts we saw our niche, our high school lacked a hip hop based Dance Group! We compiled a list of interested folks, held tryouts, made a team and were able to get recognition in the school. The next year the original founders were not involved, yet our group stayed together. I'm sure no one knew we created the team, I didn’t care. It was being used, and that’s all that mattered. Three years after graduating it's still running, my sister (a senior there now) tells me its not the "same". I could care less, without our initial idea it wouldn’t be there at all. </div><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">That's basically my goal in life. Since that time, almost 5 years ago, my dreams for have blossomed from a Realtor, to a home builder, to a residential developer, to a commercial developer and now a mogul. Moguls sit in thrones, right?? </div><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Well if they don't I think Presidents do, or it’s a variation of one. I wasn't made for politics though, I can sell you anything BUT hope for a better nation, that task seems too impossible to me. It's a job where you will never be liked by all parties and I crave acceptance in my work. I've yet to truly inspire someone with my words. (It’s an amazing talent). Yet, I've been inspired by someone else’s "tweets". </div><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">On my personal twitter I came across a person whose tweets inspire me on a daily basis to be a better citizen, and to take responsibility for more than myself. Coincidentally this person does want to be a President, of <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Haiti</place></country-region>. </div><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">After the wake of the earthquake in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Haiti</place></country-region> I became very enraged with living conditions of the people. I was born and raised in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Miami</place></city> and from that experience I learned a lot about different cultures but up until that earthquake I did not properly mentally asses the magnitude of the poverty. Following that I did want to throw my services and time to help in anyway possible. This is how I came to "follow" this individual on Twitter. His tweets were a daily reminder of those peoples struggle. Yet, and maybe this is in my twisted mind, I was encouraged to provide awareness for the people of Haiti, but to take a closer look at what I was doing in my community to better someone else’s life. </div><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Haiti</place></country-region> is still filled with tent cities and suffering from a cholera outbreak. Wesley Laine advocates daily for clean water in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Haiti</place></country-region> and as a Holy Cross Alumni I'm certain he could find a good job pertaining to his degree. Yet and still he chooses to work for an Organization that will better "his" people in the long run. Oppose to saying "It's not my job". The idea that he believes he can help a person; in return helping a nation is one that I never thought about. It’s a noble idea (there I got again with the Royalty words). </div><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I doubt Wesley's numerous trips back and forth to <country-region w:st="on">Haiti</country-region> will inspire me to go "off the grid" and feed children in <place w:st="on">Africa</place>. But, his random acts of kindness, like assisting a person that had just gotten into a car accident on the side of the road, HAVE rubbed off on me and made me see that a small act of kindness, like picking up a random 6th grader who was hitch hiking his way to school in a THIN coat in freezing cold weather, can make the world of difference in the long run. When he goes to sit in that throne, or whatever you call the President's seat he will have earned it. As will anyone else who sees their "chair" as a temporary placement. <br />
<br />
<br />
-Premature Millionaire</div>YOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-59481173882595871802010-11-28T14:43:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:28:45.512-08:00You could swear I'm planting trees, the way the Money's growing.<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Whenever I mention my occupation to people my age, or people that are ill informed about the economy, I get the same facial impression or response, "You're the one with ALL the money!" I don’t know if it’s the numerous shows about real estate or the fancy clothes but the general perception of Realtors (from my experience) is that there is MAJOR money to be made in this business. </div><br />
Do not get me wrong, there is!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">A strong indication that this business is lucrative is the fact that many people who sell were once successful in other fields, many boasting degrees in engineering, accounting, financing and etc. The economy is different now, once upon a time you could sell real estate part time and make tens of thousands of dollars. Now, dedication and time is needed in every deal. You are no longer able spend a few hours on the weekend showing a few homes, you now spend months nurturing and reassuring a couple that buying in this economy is the best investment that they can make. </div><br />
So the big question is how much we get paid?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">FIRST, let me tell you the process of getting paid, I'll put this into a FEW steps from a buyers point of view (in 2010). </div><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Market yourself in someway to attract a buyer.</div><div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Find out their finance situation. There can be 2 directions this goes in.</div><div style="margin-left: 117pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: list 117.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>They have Grade A Credit and will have no problem calling in an approval letter from a lender of their choice.</div><div style="margin-left: 117pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: list 117.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>They have what most people have in 2010, shaky to okay credit and need some type of credit repair. This can be a process taking a few weeks to a few months (I’ve dealt with couples going on a year).</div><div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Begin the house hunting process! Find their likes and dislikes and SHOW THEM SOME HOUSES!</div><div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Write a contract, wait for an acceptance, and focus on financing!</div><div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Have a closing!</div><br />
Seems fairly easy? It MAY be, but one thing it is not is speedy. Working with a buyer can take anywhere from a month to years (depending on their credit status). <br />
<br />
<br />
NOW, onto the BIG dollars, right? (I’m going to put this into simple math for you.)<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Let’s say your buyers settle on a home for $100,000.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">The going commission rate for Realtors is 6%.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">That is to be split in two with you and the selling agent, so 3%.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">$3,000, not bad right? Wrong!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Depending on your commission split with your company (Yes, you pay to work for someone!) You’re looking at a commission of 1.5%, so $1,500.00.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Okay…not too bad.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">NOW you have to subtract a 6% franchise fee, for using the company name.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">A $100+ dollar amount is subtracted for closing the deal. This is a “transaction fee”.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">You also have your quarterly MLS (allows you to see ALL homes for sale by real estate agents) due of $130+.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">You can also add your yearly due that comes from calling yourself a “Realtor” amounting to $500+.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Not to mention setting aside 30% of the gross commission for taxes!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">Now for the fun part, adding up how many hours, gas mileage, text messages, phone calls, etc did you use working with this couple.</div><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">ALL these things cost, and all are a vital part of the home buying process. So you subtract those costs then divide the hours and tell me how much you make. I’m not a mathematician but I’m certain it’s not a lot. </div><br />
It can be though,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> IF</b> you have steady clientele and steady contracts! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I said all of that to say, that this business is HARD, so when people assume that I’m sitting back and racking up the dollars it’s an insult. Any money I do get is hard earned, and this business does not stop.</div><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The inventions of Blackberry’s were one of a selfish man. It doesn’t matter what you are doing, what time of the day it is, where you are, if you get an email it is supposed to be treated as a priority. The age of technology has desensitized us to the fact that the work day stops at 5, and doesn’t fall over into the weekend. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Basically, the business is hard, very hard! As is any other self paced business, but if you work hard you can obviously make more than enough money so comments accusing you of having a “money tree” are accurate. So during this lack luster economy I imagine myself planting these trees, daily. With every person I meet that may not close for a year or so or more. It’s a process, a tedious one, but I’ll take the job </div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">-Premature Millionaire</div>YOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-52968289303164773102010-11-21T14:17:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:28:19.477-08:00Heavy is the CrownI think that's self explanatory, the crown is heavy. See the problem is people strive to get to whatever position it is that they want, and when they get there they have to keep the momentum to STAY! Who thinks about that while getting to that spot, and says: "When I finally make a million in sales, I'm going to have to do it all again in order to celebrate next time". It would seem that once that position is gained the ride should be care free, it’s not. <br />
<br />
My crown is heavy. I worked to get this neighborhood, and not in the last month either. Everything in my life has been altered to accommodate this moment. This was not an accident, I prepared for this! Now that I'm here I can't sit and wait for these homes to become occupied on their own. (Although the daydreamers side of my braid fantasizes about 10 or so of them vanishing from the "Available" sheet in a week.) I’ve got to WORK to see progress, no one cares about this neighborhood more than I do right now. Not even the builders. It’s my baby now. So when I put on my crown, daily, it will still be heavy-but at least I can afford to put fancy rubies, and diamonds on it. Yes, this will increase the weight, but my head gets stronger as the crown grows heavier. <br />
<br />
There are two things in life you can do: settle, for the "norm" OR you can travel the road not taken. <br />
<br />
<br />
I was introduced to the book <u>Rich Dad, Poor Dad</u> by a prominent Realtor in my town. This book as he described, "will change your way of thinking". After reading it I agree that it could change someone's mind, but not so much mines. Mainly because my father had been instilling the same thought process my WHOLE life. Unbeknownst to him he had been loosely quoting Robert Frost every time he said "you’re taken the road not taken". With a clear brain this book can open your mind to the idea that the struggle is long, but the wealth will come.<br />
<br />
There are a few people that I know personally, or through other people that I think are traveling a road not taken, only to end up with a heavy crown, but these folks can carry it, I think. Maybe it’s their big heads, or tenacious attitudes, but they inspire me. So I've decided to dedicate a portion of the next few blogs to them. (Be warned that if I made a list of ALL the people that inspire me, it'd take a day to read.)<br />
<br />
<br />
The first is my sister:<br />
<br />
So Bianca has got to be the hardest working college student that I know. She graduated number one from the biggest technical school in town and her countless school associations, awards and status granted her NO scholarships as she headed to Business school. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6976186&id=700159275" id="myphotolink"><img height="453" id="myphoto" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs922.snc4/73551_492110019275_700159275_6976170_461377_n.jpg" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6976186&id=700159275" id="myphotolink"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span></a><br />
(There are 23 to be exact)<br />
<br />
THIS was more than a set back. <br />
<br />
<br />
Up until Business school she had been debt free, and we (my family) knew that one of ALL of the big wigs that all but guaranteed her scholarship money would come through. She had proven herself to be more than bright enough, being the President of Phi Theta Kappa, on the Deans List, and invited to the Governors mansion, etc all seemed like a clear indication that she was on her way to a debt free college education. ALL of a sudden none of the people that were so impressed by her seemed to be able to help out. The crown of excellence she had garnered was now heavy, the student loan amounts were adding up. This story could easily end with Bianca just having a two year degree, but she decided to wear the crown, not pass it on to another owner. This year she's graduating with an Accountant Degree from one of the best Business schools in the country, debt free, headed to <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Law</placename> <placetype w:st="on">School</placetype></place>. She also works part time at a courthouse, has her real estate license and a paralegal degree. Not bad. <br />
<br />
The point is, the going got tough, as do most stories. She could have ended up in a NORMAL job, making NORMAL pay, living a <place w:st="on">NORMAL</place> life. Since she didn't give up, I'm certain we will be seeing her as our President sometime in the future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-Premature MillionaireYOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-79257688821333970352010-11-18T09:45:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:28:01.061-08:00Mid Week Candids<img alt="" class="media" galleryimg="no" id="fullSizedImage" src="http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/Ms_Cashflow/pic4blog2.jpg?t=1290101463" style="height: 442px; visibility: visible; width: 590px;" /><br />
<br />
I don't know what other people do for lunch, but this is IT. In the office, by myself, devouring whatever sub that Publix has to offer. Oh wait, "This American Life" plays the soundtrack for me so I'm NOT sentenced to hearing what my sister describes as a "cow chewing". <br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="media" galleryimg="no" id="fullSizedImage" src="http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/Ms_Cashflow/pic4blog1.jpg?t=1290101463" style="height: 786px; visibility: visible; width: 590px;" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="media" galleryimg="no" id="fullSizedImage" src="http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/Ms_Cashflow/pic4blog.jpg?t=1290101463" style="height: 786px; visibility: visible; width: 590px;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKsyK20YZDNGvwLnI0PuYLqExSlQo4im3MLrSEe2aQ78kuKlU3ILajHQUq32csSthyphenhyphenAt2dRi6C_4n5x3towxKrBl8Y2vD-Hdab6XkCNLvVcsFOEsJzYKPEdj2HUp-OoEvdc-t7rHQ4xGz/s1600/signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKsyK20YZDNGvwLnI0PuYLqExSlQo4im3MLrSEe2aQ78kuKlU3ILajHQUq32csSthyphenhyphenAt2dRi6C_4n5x3towxKrBl8Y2vD-Hdab6XkCNLvVcsFOEsJzYKPEdj2HUp-OoEvdc-t7rHQ4xGz/s320/signs.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
This is a BIG porrtion of my DAILY routine at work. Every morning putting up directional signs to attract buyers. PLEASE don't think its easy! It usually ends in sweat and dirty heels (digging into the dirt can do that). On this moring I got smart though! Instead of me parking illegally, running out to stake signs, and becoming exhausted I hired my younger cousin for the job. It only cost me a ride to her school, and breakfast! My "wheeling and dealing" does not stop at the closing table!<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="media" galleryimg="no" id="fullSizedImage" src="http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/Ms_Cashflow/pic4blog3.jpg?t=1290101463" style="height: 442px; visibility: visible; width: 590px;" /><br />
<br />
These are my most important selling tools. EVERY female Realtor should have these. Do not let the various heels fool you, these puppies have been here since the beginning. If I ever need to find them they are under my desk, on the drivers side of my car or in my "carry it ALL" purse!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-Premature MillionaireYOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-83823116726202366222010-11-14T11:25:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:27:49.708-08:00So.. todays lesson is on Marketing."Where do you get you business from?"<br />
<br />
This is a question I ask ANYONE who sells anything. I want to know how they got their customer, and if I can emulate their success. <br />
<br />
The answer is one of two things, referrals and marketing. So for me both of these were a problem, a BIG problem. <br />
<br />
When starting off in real estate you are repeatedly told from you instructor in your initial class, to your instructor in your companies course requirements, to your broker (who acts as your boss and mentor) to other agents that you should compile a list of every person you know. This list is called your "Sphere of Influence”, it’s either their number or email address and your affiliation with the person. Most list are 100-500 names, once it is compiled you contact each and every person, alerting them that you are now in the "business". You encourage those people to tell other people, and those people to tell other people. Thus a chain reaction of people now knowing that you can assist them in buying and selling property. This is a proven method for some agents, and in almost every real estate book I have ever read it tells the reader to do the same thing!<br />
<br />
When real estate agents first came about their role was to JUST assist in the selling of the home, until "caveat emptor" (let the buyer beware) justified the idea that buyers of homes should solicit real estate professionals in order to protect their interest in a home sale. Real estate agents had most often been at home moms that needed something to do with their spare times. As time went on the housing market sky rocketed, opening up the door for more profit to the Agent (We'll talk another time about the supposed "big bucks"!). This brought in professionals of other careers who were either at, or just about at retirement age and wanted to continue with making money, to what appeared to be effortlessly.<br />
<br />
I am a new breed of professional. My career started long before my legal age so instead of spending 30 years at a company and then retiring to sell homes I went straight into the home selling business. Most agents think this is the best idea ever, and wish they could have chosen this path. Unbeknownst to them they have something I don’t have, past connections.<br />
<br />
Remember that "Sphere of Influence"? If I were to sit down at the time I graduated high school and wrote down everyone I knew on a piece of paper I would have my school mates (who were getting ready to submit loans for college), teachers (who knew me as the very talkative student), and parents. I had never had a job outside of my parents company and my family lives in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on"><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Miami</place></city></place></city>. I explained this dilemma to my broker and instructors and they suggested that I move forward with still contacting my sphere, I didn’t. <br />
<br />
Maybe this was a mistake on my part, but I truly don’t think that me as an 18 year old could have persuaded anyone who knew me in my high school life to entrust me with the biggest purchase of their life. That may be called self doubt, or just me being a realist. <br />
<br />
My time then had to be dedicated to marketing! At my high school you had the ability to choose what extracurricular courses you wanted. I chose to spend most of my non core courses in business related classes. Such as Entrepreneurship, Marketing, etc. I also became a 3 year member of DECA (an organization of Marketing Students) and hosted as the Vice President in my senior year. During college I was limited in the marketing related courses I could take but enrolled in as many as I could. Don't get me mistaken, I'm NO expert at marketing, although the limited exposure I did have early on in conjunction with massive amounts of television I watched gave me an ample amount of ideas.<br />
<br />
To me, there are two effective ways to market yourself or a product. Word of mouth, or visual aids with you or your product on it. I tend to lean more towards the visual because of an agent at the first company I worked for. Before agreeing to "sign" with a brokerage I interviewed a lot of companies to see what they had to offer. My final decision weighed heavily on the fact that I though it was fate that the first real estate company I interned at was one I haphazardly interviewed with. This company also housed a REALTOR that I thought was "Big-Time"!<br />
<br />
She had BILLBOARDS, everywhere! (Next to TV ads and radio spots, billboards are the way to attract business, I later learned.) I immediately assumed she sold tons and tons of homes. What I later learned is that she round aboutly [sic] got these billboards from a settlement decades before she began real estate, she was actually a new face to the business just like me! Other consumers obviously thought the same thing; her phone would not stop ringing, while I couldn’t get mines to vibrate! ALL because people THOUGHT she was something (not to say she isn’t a fabulous agent!). <br />
<br />
I obviously couldn’t buy billboards, nor wait for one to jump in my lap, I had/have to think of new, innovative ways to get my name and brand to future buyers. <br />
<br />
This business is about branding yourself, but whatever company you tie yourself to wants to convey the company’s name as well. You can't, legally make a flyer, make ads, or solicit yourself in anyway without also marketing your company’s logo. It’s a futile battle, both entities are attempting to sell/buy the same property, one just wants more credit than the other. I believe that it was my tenacious attitude and hard work that made the deal while the company insinuates that its the branding of the company was the reason why I attracted the client. Its neither here nor there, at the end of the day there needs to be a joint effort to effectively market whatever it is that is being sold. The size of the company will dictate how much assistance (monetary, physical, and emotional) you get from them. <br />
<br />
The community I work for solely brands their name, there is not a flyer, ad or directional sign that will ever say "Your Nxt Realtor". I’m comfortable with this. This community is based off its name and uniformity of its product. The uniqueness of this community is that you cannot just drop your ads and signs where ever you please. Also I’m not financially sound enough to pay thousands of dollars for a billboard every month, so I use the company’s resources to bring the customer to me. At that point it doesn’t matter how they came to my doorstep, it’s now my job to make sure my positive demeanor, knowledge of the property and overall attitude brings them, and the person they tell, back! <br />
<br />
That, in addition to my internet marketing (including, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, under construction website and news letter ad) and various organizations I pay to be apart of, and NOW my "Sphere of Influence" should suffice with clientele until I buy those billboards!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-Premature MillionaireYOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-81994563767376998192010-11-07T14:26:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:27:36.459-08:00"Just cause you got a real job don't mean you can't go nowhere!"That was the response of my closest friend, Courtney, this past week. After asking me to go to yet another college based function that I declined. She knew the answer before she asked, but she always asked. I think she does this as a courtesy, and also because she thinks that one day I will suddenly say "YES girl, be by my house at 9!" This won’t happen, not anytime soon. This is typical. I wish I could count how many times I get asked to go to outings by miscellaneous people, some friends, some guys, some associates. They all get the same vague answer from me, "Ok, that sounds fun." My tone alludes to me debating on the event, where in my head I violently stamp a “NO!” <br />
<br />
It’s not because I don’t like these people, or don’t want to interact with people my age. My reasoning is simple to me but it’s not understood easily by my peers. <br />
<br />
It’s a two step answer: I don’t know how to have fun and I don’t think I deserve it.<br />
<br />
<br />
What is "fun"? I seriously have NO idea. If you ask my friends, or family I have a very outgoing, vivacious attitude. I LOVE to laugh and I'm always smiling. It appears that I am always having "fun". What my friends and family don’t know is that I'm addicted to writing "lol" (laugh out loud) and other acronyms for laughing. I used them in at least EVERY text, email, status or message that I send. I learned that not writing this can make me appear to be unfriendly and rude, and those are the two things that I dread in people the most. I’ve also adopted this method when speaking. I use my eyes and coy smiles to insinuate that I am amused by whomever I’m conversing with. When in reality I probably writing down in my head the days events. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What my family and friends also don’t know is that I smile so much because I remember in a middle school science class that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. To me this meant premature frown lines and aging! As a preteen this shouldn’t have been concerned but I was, and I am also obsessed with how I will age (I constantly check to see if I have furrow lines in my forehead from raising my eyebrows too much-I don’t). <br />
<br />
In conjunction with my superficial reasoning’s for appearing to be a happy person, always having "fun" there is a slightly deeper reason. I don’t know how to have fun. People my age say fun is: going out, partying, getting drunk, smoking weed. NONE of these things appeal to me, at all. I’ve never drunk anything alcoholic and cigarettes and weed seem like gateway drugs to cocaine/heroine/pcp (or whatever else they are showcasing on "Intervention"). Going out is strictly a fashion show, to me, that I attend once a season. I strictly go out because I enjoy getting dressed clothes I wouldn’t wear on a normal basis, to seem my age.<br />
<br />
Being that I had my "future" set out for me earlier than my peers my parents had me focus on my career wayyyy before anyone my age could imagine what college they would be going to. So while they were figuring out what "fun" was I was attending night classes at a local community college with 40 something’s studying for a state regulated test for my real estate license. Needless to say I missed out on what a normal teenager would have had the ability to enjoy. My father always reminded me (when I would beg to go to a football game, or a house party) that I was "traveling the road not taken" so I had to do what my peers weren’t doing in order to get where I was going, the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Land</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">Greatness</placename></place>. The only inhabitants were people that did as Robert Frost said and ended at a place only that "regular" people could imagine. (These people to me include Warren Buffet, Russell Simmons, Donald Trump, Mark Zuckerberg, etc.)<br />
<br />
Don’t get me wrong, I'm not a hopeless female, destined to become the "Crazy Cat Lady". I do have what I imagine is fun, which is true laughter and smiles at the expense of my family and true friends. Which is typically an inside the home event. Excluding people I don’t know, who don’t understand that when I REALLY laugh I throw my head back with my mouth wide open and occasionally snort, oppose to snickering with my dainty fingers covering my slightly gapped mouth. There is a BIG difference! <br />
<br />
The second reason for me not wanting to go out and have "fun" is because I don’t think I deserve it. Going "out" to me seems like a celebration for getting a promotion, having a birthday, and [for me] closing a sale! So if I'm ALWAYS going out I'm mini-celebrating things that I have not accomplished. It makes no sense to me to partake in it. In this business you have to be self driven, and if I'm only driving myself to the club I can only look forward to being given a free entrance "before 11 o’clock". That’s about the only thing I can gain from that. <br />
<br />
So I will tell you all like I told Courtney, "I'm not going out until I clear a Million in Sales." in my new neighborhood. Doesn’t that sound difficult?? Well in reality, it’s only about 4 or 5 homes. I’ve already pledged to sell 2 homes this month, which seems like an obtainable goal IF I get FULLY assimilated into my model. (I’m still without a few things, which will take a week or two to get in.) <br />
<br />
<br />
All in all I’m enjoying the neighborhood. It keeps me busy enough that I'm not taking a nap, or going on celebrity blog spots but it also allows for time to sit back and breathe...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-Premature MillionaireYOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-72748213924757677262010-10-31T14:07:00.000-07:002010-12-19T12:27:24.683-08:00My First Week on the "Team"I started my real estate career officially at 18, but if you include the internships and classes it started around 15. Since then I learned that there is NO ONE you can depend on in this business. Other than my parents, they have been my main and constant source of financial and emotional support. Not only do they encourage me to chase my dreams, but I also work for their business which keeps constant money in my pockets. As a Realtor you only make money when you sell, so if you don’t sell, you don’t eat! <br />
<br />
So needless to say everyone is working to keep their selves above water, oppose to helping another person prosper, I chose to live my life differently, but that’s neither here nor there. Whenever I find a person truly willing to teach me a particular approach or go over new paperwork, or a website that seems to be generating more business I immediately show my gratitude and mentally give them my loyalty. It’s rare to find a person in this business who doesn’t actively think "dog eat dog"!<br />
<br />
With those thoughts lingering I’m certain it’s clear that I found someone this week that I can now put in my "indebted to" column. She’s a senior agent in the new community, who's literally sold hundreds of homes here, including my grandparents’ home. I had never met her, but her name has been synonymous with the community so I took the initiative to reach out to her and see what kind of knowledge I could soak from her. I spent the top of my week going over the new computer software that will later be my best friend. The database for all the homes in the community, the pay scale, dynamics of the community, common questions, etc.<br />
<br />
Most importantly she gave me supplies and decorations for a HUGE Realtor event that was 2 days away. I had never gone to this event, nor hosted one. So now the crunch was on! I not only had to decorate the model home office, but figure out a theme, make sure Realtors now knew that my neighborhood was on the line up of homes available to visit, and make myself aware of the companies protocol! Oh yeah, I would be meeting the all of the Company's employees, the ones that "cut the check". <br />
<br />
I was hired by the community, not by the company. So this event would be my version of a <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Quinceañera</span>", my coming out party to all the people that mattered. If that’s not nerve wrecking, I don’t know what is!<br />
<br />
I was not totally blinded by the event; I had actually been assisting another agent in her event. Suggesting a theme and coordinating our outfits was as far as I had gone. <br />
<br />
We decided on a 1970's theme!<br />
<br />
So for my neighborhood I had miscellaneous Halloween favors, black garbage bags (to darken the windows) and a 1970s outfit!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iS008YvLa_1kDG4k0EysC_kCPYAvsBWq3gT55QNizM1dhKk3sR3vUHtL_lFkFoBUjRYGWxqw0Yk2MBa8xRfb8P_zB0OX6bf8oPe_j5Nkt1MAk67bkCnJ8UAqtC18UPx3v-s6BZg7wDtI/s1600/blogger+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iS008YvLa_1kDG4k0EysC_kCPYAvsBWq3gT55QNizM1dhKk3sR3vUHtL_lFkFoBUjRYGWxqw0Yk2MBa8xRfb8P_zB0OX6bf8oPe_j5Nkt1MAk67bkCnJ8UAqtC18UPx3v-s6BZg7wDtI/s320/blogger+2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I did what I learned in this business, I got to work, and called on my family for additional hands! My 16 year old sister and I spent the night putting spider webs over chairs and tables, running back and forth to Walmart and listeing to "This American Life" while working to pull a common theme out of the hosh posh of things, which we did not. </div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">** I’m focusing on the theme of the event because it is VERY important. Other agents start to formulate a theme months in advance for good reason, other than the small prize for the best decorated model home. The main focus on the event is to get Realtors to come out to the models (by free prizes, free certificates, free foods, free treats and decorated homes) to see the new inventory so WHEN they encounter a future client they remember the home they visited that "the girl that was dressed as Foxy Cleopatra had 2 homes that were priced at $220,000 and $235,00, all brick around 2500 sq ft!" Get the idea???</div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needless to say, I "Git-R-Done!”. By Friday morning I was dressed 2 hours early and only needed to grab a 24 pack of water to put in the model home. When I got to model to start the event at 9:30am it was a different story. I was SLAMMED, with Realtors rushing in, and doing what I knew would happen. Asking how to get the prizes! So for 4 hours it was nonstop traffic, in groups, it was an experience to say the least. A look into what I can hopefully expect working with this company and my career in general. A busy Realtor doesn’t always equal a prosperous one, but there are better odds! </div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So this week is a busy one for me, more so in the behind the scenes work.</div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I’ve recently attempted new marketing strategies, if any of them work I’m sure ill be the first to blog it! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>-Premature MillionaireYOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653338043024816015.post-38880374042467547772010-10-27T13:53:00.000-07:002010-12-19T12:27:12.903-08:00In 2 minutes I have become a blogger!I suppose to some people this could feel weird, but not to me. I’m an avid Twitterer (I wonder if that’s a word) its described as "mini-blogging" and its my addiction. Also I saw Julia and Julie (I’m obsessed with Meryl Streep) and Julia seemed to really enjoy sharing her life with strangers, why not me!?<br />
<br />
I’m trying to figure out my direction with this blog... I really don’t know what to do, because I’ve never actually read a "real" blog. I’m really good at winging it so that’s the premise I guess.<br />
<br />
<br />
By the Way: that was the disclaimer!<br />
<br />
Today I walked into the weekly sales meeting, apprehensive, to say the least. Being the only 20 year old black girl in Real Estate functions is something im used to. That bothered me the first 6 months, now its my "role", i sit quietly, nod my head approvingly and make corny jokes on my way out. Today was different though, it was my FIRST sales meeting with my new company. Out of 15 people, I knew 4. Better than zero. <br />
<br />
I’ve just inherited a neighborhood in an established community, and if you know real estate you know new neighborhoods can be a cash cow of sorts. <br />
<br />
Notice I didn’t say new, of course its "new" to me, much like clothes from a consignment shop. The neighborhood is nice of course in the low 200s to 270s, All brick may I add. Essentially this should be a jewel to sell, but there’s ONE problem. It sits behind another neighborhood that’s in the same community. This "other" neighborhood is composed of mostly vinyl homes which can deter a potential buyer. So its my job to get people past that dilemma and onto one that I refer to as "under-writing", the killer of all killers. <br />
<br />
This is the state I’m currently at. My long time mentor, and surrogate mother in many cases, just stopped by to wish me good luck and success, and a few tips on getting past this milestone. So I suppose this blog will track how well my progress goes, and also serve as motivation for the days that it seems hopeless. A reminder that "this" position is what SUCCESS feels like. <br />
<br />
So I suppose whoever decides to check in with this will somehow find encouragement through my mishaps and incorrect punctuations. <br />
<br />
I’m not certain how blogging etiquette or rules go but I don’t want to be too long winded and scare off lazy people, so Ill stop here.<br />
<br />
It would be funny if no one read this, on second thought-it wouldn’t be!<br />
<br />
P.S. Ira Glass’ voice seems to do something with the creative side of my brain.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-Premature MillionaireYOUR Next Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10361740987294988534noreply@blogger.com