As parents, grandparents, guardians, uncles and aunts, we’re
proud of even the littlest accomplishments we see from the children in our
lives. Some of our children do amazing things, other of our children are just
consistent in how they grow each day while still, other of our children have a
rough go of it and we’re proud because they’re able to make it through. Sometimes, as adults, we forget how hard it is to be a child
sometimes and that even our children need regular inspiration to keep becoming
better and better people as they grow each day. What’s even more important is
that we give them the inspiration from someone that they can identify with –
yes, another person who is a child, just like them.
Today’s Monday Morning Mojo, is just that. It’s a video of Sports Illustrated’s Kid of the Year for
2012. Without giving away the story, we can tell you that this one boys love
and commitment to his brother will not only be inspiring to any children you
know…but even to you.
We know you’re going to enjoy this short video – it’s going
to put a smile on your face.
Comfort
certainly has its advantages—our comfy chair in the living room,
a comfortable routine at work, a comfortable relationship. With all
the advantages of comfort, here are some things you should know about the
comfort zone before you explore the edge.
The comfort
zone is where most of life is played. It is certainly where most of sports is
played. Consider a football field: 90 percent of the game is played between the
20-yard lines. That’s why they call anything outside that area the “red
zone”—it’s where the difference in the game is made. It’s okay to feel
good and play well inside the comfort zone before you explore the edge and go
for the score.
But staying
in the comfort zone too long can get boring. We get soft and unfocused; we
don’t have to be as sharp. If we make our comfort zone as big as our life, we
not only lose our edge, we can even lose sight of the edge. We must ignite our
own sense of adventure if we want to see what the world has to offer us and
what we have to offer the world.
It’s pretty
safe in the comfort zone. We know the boundaries, the landscape, and the other
comfortable players in the comfort zone. There is little or no risk; a
misstep here or there is not very costly. But like the football
team that’s trapped between the 20-yard lines, we cannot win in the comfort
zone.
Because the
risk is small, so is the reward. Learning and growth occur when we are
uncomfortable. Think of the defining moments of learning and growth in your
life. Were you hanging out in your comfort zone? No, you were hanging over the
edge.
So, in case
you’re hesitating to explore the edge, here are four comforting questions to
help you move forward.
1. Who
else has done it? You may think
you’re in unexplored territory, but it’s unlikely that you’re trying
something no one else has ever tried. Look around to find others who have
explored the same edge that you might be anxious about.
Whether your
comfort zone ends at the edge of learning a new skill, speaking in public,
making a financial investment, expressing your feelings, or quitting a bad
habit, someone else has been at that very same edge. That person can help
support you, prepare you, and encourage you to win.
2.
Can I dip my toe in first? No one
says you have to hurl yourself headlong into every new endeavor. Try it out
first. Start small. When you reflect on the first time you tried anything new
(leading, speaking, rock climbing, painting, playing a musical instrument), you
probably remember how uncomfortable you felt. But you stepped out and did it,
and you soon discovered that it wasn’t as hard as you had expected, right?
After awhile, what was once the edge became your comfort zone as you built your
competence—and competence builds confidence.
3.
How bad can it be? Often, the fear in
your mind paints a darker picture of things outside your comfort zone than is
really the case. Remember, the victory is in the exploration itself more than
the success of your attempt. Thomas Edison said, “Genius “? Nothing!
Sticking to it is the genius. I’ve failed my way to success.
4.
How great can it be? Your dreams are
usually bigger than your comfort zone. You must be so passionate about your
dream that, instead of feeling that you have to leave your comfort zone, you
are magnetically drawn to the edge.
So, quit
getting comfortable and explore the edge!
Navigating through the home buying process may seem easy enough if you’re relying on the Internet for information, seeking homes from a distance and getting your feet wet in the real estate marketplace. But once things start getting serious, it dawns on many buyers that they need help from an expert.
The key word here is expert.
Expertise comes from working on many, many transactions and seeing countless situations as well as their outcomes. That experience translates directly to you in that when something doesn’t feel right – we’re right there to point it out, especially when you may not recognize it. So here are the four reasons to always, always seek the assistance of a full-time professional real estate agent with a lot of transactions under his or her belt.
Recognizing Market Pitfalls
This is an important factor that a lot of homebuyers neglect to realize. What may seem like a fairly solid home and an equally solid transaction could easily have hidden problems with it that only a professional might notice before it’s too late. Whether it’s overpaying for a property, or complex deed and title issues – an experienced advisor will know and advise.
Accessibility to Hidden Inventory
There are a lot of homes that are available that might not be properly marketed. What that means to you as a buyer is that you may not be getting access to what very well might be your dream home. Your expert advisor will be able to connect you with hidden inventory such as foreclosures that have not hit the market yet, For Sale By Owners that are not being advertised openly, off-market properties, builder closeouts and more.
More Experience = No Mistakes in the Process
During the last several years as our nation endured what had been one of the most difficult times in the housing industry, many agents turned to other careers. As a result, this industry has many Realtors® that devote only part of their time to the profession. And we all know that less practice would mean more mistakes. A full-time, career devoted Realtor® and expert advisor will benefit you with a smooth transaction and no room for errors.
Professional Services Don’t Cost Buyers Anything
Finally, so many buyers do not realize that the cost of having a real estate agent is nothing for them. The seller is responsible for all commissions. This makes it even more critical that you properly interview prospective agents before hiring one. Your goal, like theirs, should be to get the best home at the best price, with the best terms and as hassle-free as possible.
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We are confident that we have all these characteristics and more. We invite you to meet with us to learn what we offer and just how much experience we have to support our claim of being your real estate expert advisor! Call us today!
