Lars Hedenborg - Charlotte, NC Realtor

THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF PERFORMACE (By Zig Ziglar)

2012-02-24T14:12:00.001-08:00

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Much of success is about performance. It’s about what we do and what we are able to inspire others to do. There are some simple performance principles I have learned in my life, and I want to share them with you.
They really bring success, and what it takes to be successful, into sharp focus. They are also the basis for developing and maintaining an expectation of success.

The Five Principles of Performance:

1. We generally get from ourselves and others what we expect. It is a huge fact that you will either live up or down to your own expectations. If you expect to lose, you will. If you expect to be average, you will be average.

If you expect to feel bad, you probably will. If you expect to feel great, nothing will slow you down. And what is true for you is true for others. Your expectations for others will become what they deliver and achieve. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

2. The difference between good and excellent companies is training. The only thing worse than training employees and losing them is to not train them and keep them! A football team would not be very successful if they did not train, practice, and prepare for their opponents. When you think of training as practice and preparation, it makes you wonder how businesses survive that do not make significant training investments in their people.

Actually, companies that do not train their people and invest in their ability don’t last. They operate from a competitive disadvantage and are eventually gobbled up and defeated in the marketplace. If you want to improve and move from good to excellent, a good training strategy will be the key to success.

3. You find what you look for in life. If you look for the good things in life, you will find them. If you look for opportunities to grow and prosper, you will find them. If you look for positive, enthusiastic friends and associates who will support you, you will find them.

On the other hand, if you look for ways to cheat, you will cheat. If you look for ways to justify leaving your spouse, you will find them. If you look for justifiable reasons to hold a grudge against another person, you will find those, too. It is a natural tendency of us all to look for things that will justify what we think we need or want.

If you are not living by the foundation stones of honesty, character, integrity, faith, love, and loyalty, you will be drawn to seeking selfish gratification, and that leads to misery and unfulfilled dreams. Whatever you have will never be enough. Always look for the good and for ways to help others.

4. Never make a promise without a plan. Far too many people make promises they can never keep. They may have the best intentions in the world to keep their promise, but if they have not made a plan to keep it, they will not be able to do it.

Business leaders who make promises to their employees will not honor them if they do not create a plan on how the promises will be kept. If you make a future commitment, you must understand and be willing to do whatever it takes to complete that commitment.

One of the reasons marriage commitments fail so frequently is because the husband and wife do not understand what it takes to have a great marriage. They do not plan for or understand the sacrifices each must make for the other to enable a long-lasting relationship.

5. Happiness, joy, and gratitude are universal if we know what to look for. I believe you can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. All people want happiness and joy in their life, but you have to know what produces real happiness and how to do the things that produce it.
The moment you begin to worry about the things you want and the things you don’t have in life is the moment you will lose your gratitude for what you actually have. If you are ungrateful, you will never be satisfied or content or joyful about your life. The greatest source of happiness is the ability to be grateful at all times.

The Right Attitude…

Obviously, the right attitude to expect the best in your life is a positive attitude. But I want to be very clear that the kind of positive attitude I describe is not one that is contrived or falsely manufactured to impress or manipulate others.

The positive attitude I talk about is one that you are filled with, and when you are jostled, it just spills out! What I’m saying is that a genuine positive attitude is part of who you are at your core.

If you have a bad attitude, it is a reflection of who you are, as well. It’s a “heart condition,” and to get rid of that bad attitude, you need a change of heart. I would be remiss if I did not encourage you by saying that God is the most amazing heart surgeon available to us all. He does not just repair a bad heart; He can give you a new one that your body will not reject.

The new heart He provides will produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in your life. When you have those characteristics and qualities in your life, you will be rightfully positioned to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are truly born to win.

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear – Now IS a Great Time to Buy!

2012-02-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

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A question that comes across many homeowners’ minds these days is “Is this a good time to buy or should I sit tight and wait the market out?” and the answer is a loud and clear “YES! Buy now.” The reasons are out there and no matter what the experts in some markets may be reporting, the truth is that if you can afford it – you ought to go for it. If you are qualified to get a loan at the great rates that are available these days and understand the value of investing now, reaping benefits later – now is better than ever.

Low, Low Rates

Yes, we have all been talking about the low interest rates, so it is no secret that you can get interest rates that are nearly as much as a 30-year low. When you couple that with the fact that as Americans buying in the American real estate market (unlike other places where loan terms are much shorter) have the benefit of locking in the rate for a thirty-year term, it makes even better sense to buy now. When the market bounces back, and it will, your home will be worth more and the low, low rate you locked in will not be going anywhere, which means your return on investment is even greater. Veteran real estate investors are cashing in on this amazing opportunity these days, with many homeowners who can afford it, buying secondary and vacation homes that they then put on rent.

Lots of Room to Breathe

Obviously it is largely a buyers’ market these days, especially when you consider all the opportunities out there and how easy it is to get into a home that, just 7 or 8 years ago would have cost the same price you are able to lock in today. Since the inventory is higher, there are a greater number of distress sales by owners who are opting for short sales or banks who have foreclosed properties. What this means for you, as a buyer, is that you have plenty of choices out there. Not only that, but when you do find a home that is appealing and within your budget, chances are the seller will be more than willing to accommodate your offer and even offer extras like to sweeten the deal. These days homeowners who are desperate to sell have been known to throw in things like Home Builder’s Association fees, home inspection costs and even paying for taxes for that first year.

The Powers That Be Are On Your Side

When you factor in the interest rates available these days, the number of distressed homes that are on the market (no matter how unfortunate it may be for some, those homes do need to sell after all) and the extras that are out there, that is enough to convince anyone even remotely considering becoming a new homeowner. But there are even more reasons to take the plunge and move out of your existing home or rental into a your own, bigger and better abode. Even though the first-time homebuyer tax credit has expired there are still incentives to buy – and a great resource to find out what is out there is here.

What You Want Is Out There Waiting

Since it IS a buyers’ market these days, there is a plethora of choices out there too. You will find more home, for less money and chances are with more of the amenities and features that you are looking for as well. Depending on which area of the country you live in and further, how small or large the county you are looking to buy a home in is, you will come across a limited number of homes that fit the bill exactly in terms of your price range. The good news is that those homes will likely be there for you as a choice, regardless of whether the prices go up or down in the market.

It’s a phenomenal time to buy real estate in today’s market. Even though it is still a good time for sellers in the sense that there ARE people out there looking to buy, it is a FAR better time to buy a property these days – for a number of reasons.

Five Simple Things That Will Be The Ticket To Successfully Selling Your Home

2012-01-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

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If you put your home on the market, for whatever reason, be it that you are going to seize the great opportunities out there for buyers these days or if you need to relocate for a job or are ready to move into a condo for your retirement – obviously, you want your home to sell. With so many properties on the market for sale these days, buyers have a host of choices to choose from. Here are some easy steps to take to make sure your house sells and sells well.

Put Away The Personal Stuff
(Strangers Have No Need to See Your Grocery List)

The one surefire way to get buyers to want your home is to get them to visualize themselves living in it. Never mind the purple fluorescent walls you may have installed in the basement or the bright green kitchen tiles – to begin with you need to remove traces of your own personal lives that serve as a distraction to buyers. It is important to provide a blank enough slate that potential residents can imagine themselves living in it while at the same time leaving enough elements of the home to show that the place IS livable.

Get Rid of All The Clutter
(Buyers Don’t Care About Your Magazine Collection)

Clutter hides the real stuff. If buyers want to gauge where they may put their own furniture and belongings, it will be next to impossible for them to do it if they can’t see past the junk and clutter lying around while you live in the home. Try to keep it as neat and clean as possible. If you must have pockets of things around the house then make an effort to organize them in an appealing manner.

Make It Squeaky Clean
(Pretend Your Mother-in-Law’s Coming Over)

If something is not clean as a whistle, the first instinct a buyer will have is to get out of there and find another, better place. Even though things can be cleaned later on, you need to show buyers your home at its best potential. Make a solid effort to make fixtures shine, bathrooms sparkle, getting rid of long-term stains and build-up wherever possible. Think of a high-end hotel and set things up in a clean way that will appeal to many tastes. In the kitchen, your appliances should be spotless. Windows are also an important aspect that should not be ignored.

Make It Smell Fresh and Inviting
(Fresh Smells = A Home That Sells)

Again, just like a high-end hotel, if someone walks in and the first thing that hits them is a nasty smell or even a subtle but unpleasant smell, they are not going to want to stay. If there are smokers in your home, or if you have indoor pets – first ask a friend or relative to walk around your house and give you an honest opinion of how it smells. Then be sure to treat any problem areas and potential pitfalls that could hinder your sale. Having carpets steam cleaned is an investment worth making; removing drapes and bedding to have them dry cleaned is also not a bad idea. Some sellers put a pot of apples, cinnamon and sugar on the stove and cook it for a few hours before showing the house, giving the space a ‘fresh baked’ aroma. Be sure not to mask bad smells though, rather treat them.

Make Sure There Is Outdoor Appeal
(People stop in their tracks when they see a gorgeous exterior)

If you can get people to say “wow!” when they see your home from the outside, there is a good chance they will be compelled to see the inside too. Curb appeal is the first opportunity to generate interest in your home and it also lets you provide a glimpse of what you may have to offer inside. Make sure there are no ugly areas of peeling paint, faded wood or unkempt and poorly maintained areas in the lawn and garden areas. The outdoor space should be inviting, have lots of nice potted plants or trees and shrubbery that is watered well while surrounded by fresh grass.
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The best way to get OFF the market with a nice red “SOLD” sign out front, is to provide buyers something appealing. By following these five easy steps, your property will likely not last long in the selling circuit and sellers will grab it in no time. Not only does the property sell easily, your efforts also yield top dollar for the house!

Great Expectations – Real Estate Forecasts for 2012 and Beyond

2012-01-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

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With all the year-end publications out there summarizing how things transpired in 2011 focusing on the “wins” and “losses” of the previous year, we thought it would be useful to take a look at the outcome of our real estate market from last year. We also examined how things look for the coming future in our region. The news is good. Between inventory that continues to sell, the promise for stronger price appreciation and persisting low interest rates – contrary to many media reports, it is a great time for real estate!

Home Sales Increased in 2011 With Expected Increases in 2012

As compared to 2010, total home unit sales rose steadily in 2011. Expected to continue in 2012, with inventory leveling off throughout the year (especially during the second half of the year after foreclosure inventory is projected to slow down), we can expect to see some stabilization in the market.

Distressed Sales Continue But At a Hopeful Slower Pace This Year

The number of foreclosures entering the market in October 2011 versus October 2010 was a significant 30%. However though home prices will still dip a bit more this year as a result of these distressed sales, it does not appear that this trend will carry throughout the entire year. The second six months look to be strong in terms of pricing, despite foreclosure inventory.

Price Appreciation Forecast Strongest In the Region

National price appreciation figures remain low however the Charlotte area is a stronger market and usually comes in ahead of the rest of the nation. Considering the four-year block of 2011 to 2014, while the rest of the nation is forecasted to experience a 1.1% appreciation rate, the Charlotte area will see appreciation as much as 10-14% (about 3% annually), as reported by Bloomberg.

Buying Power Will Remain Strong With Very Low Interest Rates

Amid speculation that interest rates will begin to climb again at some point in the latter part of 2012, the news is good for now that interest rates are still historically low. This will provide many homeowners the opportunity to upgrade into a bigger home while staying within the same payment range. Since buyers are able to get a lot more for their money right now, the market will continue to experience increased volumes in sales.

New Tool Available With Exclusive Features

To help assist our clients with their real estate endeavors, we have an exciting new tool available online for both buyers and sellers. Not only can you perform traditional home searches on this site, but you can also search based on advanced criteria that caters to such details as a specific school district, neighborhood or even subdivision. For sellers there is a market snapshot tool that provides information on home sales in the area, current listings and recent data so that you can use it to gauge your home’s potential.
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As we move ahead into the New Year and beyond the outlook is promising. It appears that we have weathered the worst and have much to look forward to. With our city pushing for new jobs there will likely be a hopeful added economic boost, further contributing to a stronger real estate market in our area.

If you would like to see how your home factors in on the selling market, or if you are considering seizing the amazing opportunities out there for buyers right now – please visit us for a customized consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Ten AWESOME Reasons Why You Should List Your Home During the Winter

2011-12-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

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Traditional school of thought dictates that selling a home during the holidays is a bad idea. People are busy celebrating with their families and will hardly go shopping for a home, right? Not so! There are numerous advantages to listing a home during this season and below are ten great reasons to put a home on the market now.

More serious buyers – Less time wasted

These are people who are interested in buying so there is a far greater chance of actually selling the property. Nothing is more promising to a seller than a motivated and qualified buyer that knows what they want and is actively seeking to get it.

Fewer Homes On the Market

The less competition there is, the higher the chance there is for homes on the market to sell. Where during the peak season sellers might be dealing with some interest from buyers on their home, nonetheless there is more selection for buyers to choose from and they can stray to another property.

In January Inventory Increases – Chances of Selling Decreases

With so many homeowners assuming the holidays is a taboo time to sell there is a plethora of new listings in January, resulting in a diminished chance of your home selling. Also, there is a risk that the price you may receive on the home can be less.

Decked Halls Look Great!

Homes are very appealing to prospective buyers when they are decorated for the holidays. With all the festive décor, lights, greenery and added beauty of the season – the home shows very well and attracts buyers faster than if shown during other times of the year.

More Time To Browse Homes

Buyers have extra time off from work and are on vacation, which translates to a more aggressive buying pattern and more chances of your home being viewed.

Tax Advantages That Benefit the Buyer

Some buyers need to buy a property before the year ends so that they are able to claim a particular credit or exemption on their tax return. The biggest tax benefit is filing for homestead. This requirement means that they are going to seek out a home and definitely purchase it prior to the New Year.

Show The Home With Flexibility

Sellers that have their home listed prior to the holidays have the added advantage to be able to “pause” the process so they can celebrate the holidays, essentially not showing the home during a period of time during the break. When the festivities die down, things can pick up again and the seller has not only managed to save potentially lost time but can also jump right back into the market.

Sell Now For More Money Then Delay Closing

Extended occupancy can be negotiated, leaving both parties the leniency to get through the holiday season and past the New Year so that all sides can rest assured the deal is done but it can follow through at a more convenient time. For sellers this option is great because they are able to secure a higher selling price on the property before the market is inundated with new listings come January when the selling values drop.

Enjoy Non-Contingent Buyer Freedom

With the home sold, sellers can enjoy non-contingent buyer status during the rest of the slow season and take advantage of the market when there is a flood of new listings upon the New Year.

Fewer Foreclosures On the Market

Many banks will suspend foreclosure listing during this time of year, especially on properties where there are still families occupying the home. As a result of this, some of the competition that arises for sellers from low-priced foreclosures can be avoided during the holidays.
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Keep in mind that the idea of your home’s value increasing significantly over the next several months is a myth. The truth is that housing values likely only go up when consumer income rises. Pay rates increase at a rate of three to five percent each year and that is about the maximum yearly increase we can expect to see in a home as well. So if you are wondering whether or not to put your home on the selling market now, or to wait – one important factor is that waiting will not provide much benefit.