Dayton Real Estate Blog

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

REPLACEMENT THERAPY!

Ever received one of those emails that contains a touching message, then suggests that if you forward it to ten more people you'll receive a "special blessing" or "ten million dollars in three days"? It usually also warns that the last person who didn't forward it met some terrible fate at the hands of unknown evil-doers. Remember how that last part - the veiled threat - made you feel? You didn't think something awful would really happen, but you resented being put in the position of wondering.

We've been told many times that our worst fears are of the "unknown." An unidentified fear sends our imagination into high gear, conjuring up vivid mental pictures of dastardly plots against us. We ruminate endlessly over the possibilities. Such fear is disruptive to our well-being, and leaves us tired and wrung-out.

So, how do you handle fear? One method is to identify the fear, so that once you do, it is no longer "unknown." That also means it is measurable, and can be logically quantified. Once you know what it is, your imagination can no longer dream up worse things that it is not. Once identified, it is possible to determine possible outcomes.

Most fears will never come to fruition. Those that do are divided into two categories: those we can control, and those we can't. If we have control, we also have the ability to survive our fears, and change their outcomes. Most fall into that category.

One mother's lifelong advice to her daughter who worried too much was to replace the worry thought with another more pleasant thought. The opposite of fear is hope, which also gives us courage. The next time you experience fear of the unknown, try replacement therapy. Think positive, hopeful thoughts when fear knocks at the door. Then, when you open the door - no one is there!

Julie Beall

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY: 

"A man's reputation is the opinion people have of him; his character is what he really is."

- Jack Miner, conservationist (1865-1944) 

HOW'S YOUR CREDIT? 

Ever hear someone say, "I have good credit"? They are probably referring to their credit "rating" - a score bestowed upon them by creditors, banks or rating agencies. Simply stating, "I have good credit" changes nothing, nor does the statement merit the attention of creditors. Credit can only be given by others for service to them, i.e. paying them on time.

So, credit is the result of serving others - in many ways. You cannot claim education, victory, experience, success, reputation, or a suave demeanor. Each of these is a gift from others, as a result of your service to them. Friends recognize your courage as a result of your being cool under pressure. Your success is recognized by others only once you have served them well. Knowledge of your career field is recognized by others only after it's been applied to situations in the form of more service.

In the accounting world of income and expense, a debit is something paid out, while a credit is something received. Thus all credits are received from others - not by our own making. The debits - what we pay out - are our efforts, persistence, and service. How they are rated is not under our control, but is determined by those served.

Without service, there are few rewards. Yet, you've seen those who insist on getting more attention than they deserve. They feel they're being short-changed, that they are not appreciated, that they are always the victim. If you look more closely at their contributions, you are also likely to see the dearth of service they are offering.

With service, credit follows. It may be subtle or quite visible - but it always follows. Concentrate on what you have to offer and forget the rewards. Those who are served will pick up the tab!

Julie Beall

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"It's important to let people know what you stand for.
It's equally important to let them know what you won't stand for.

- B. Bader

How careful we must be today - to avoid the slightest slight to others. If we continue, we will become totally homogenized - each looking, acting, talking, and walking like each other. The unique identity into which we were born will mellow, fade, and eventually become transparent. The gifts and talents we have to offer will be so diluted as to go unnoticed.

What ever happened to our right to speak out against wrong? Why do we allow ourselves to be hushed and shushed when we verbalize our expectation of respect from the very young? Why are we so sensitive to what "they" think of our actions when we attempt to do good?

Each of us is uniquely individual. We are one of a kind, not just an ingredient in the soup of humanity. Each of us is born with the ability to make a difference, to contribute our talent, to expect the best. We have the ability to set standards for ourselves, to choose the principles upon which we live and serve.

We also have the responsibility to teach our children "what we stand for" as well as "what we won't stand for." By unashamedly living those principles, and expecting the same from our children, we help set the course for others who have not the strength to do so. We are the example.

Political correctness, as it applies to granting full respect for others is perfectly acceptable. Political correctness, as it is often applied as a choke-chain to restrain the desire to uphold what is right, is a gross misuse of the desire for simple courtesy and politeness.

Let's just drop "political" and be correct!

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

GOBBLE! GOBBLE!

Remember when you were a teenager leaving the house on a date? Your parents' last words as you went out the door were, "We'll leave the light on for you". Think about that. So what if they did or didn't leave the light on? Their words were really more of a verbal hug. They cared about you - wanted you to know it - and applied the hug with kind words.

With Thanksgiving in just a few days, why not take the time to "leave the light on" for someone who may not get many hugs? There's still time, and it's easy.

First, learn who needs hugs. Check with your local fire, police, or sheriff's department. Ask whether they know of three or four families or individuals who could use a hug. Ask also whether they would consider delivering your hugs at the appropriate time. Two groups stand out as needy - the elderly and families with small children. Of course, we're talking about individuals who are experiencing difficult circumstances in their lives, be they physical or financial.

Next, consider what type of hugs you have to offer. Perhaps you might prepare three or four Thanksgiving turkeys with all the trimmings. Live in the country where people heat their homes with a wood stove? Deliver firewood. Live in a cold climate? Add some warm socks or a sweater to your dinner box. It's really not that difficult to come up with ideas that would make a difference to your chosen recipients. If you aren't able to provide "things," consider visiting with some nursing home residents. Brighten their day by listening for a while.

It goes without saying that our country is truly blessed. Although practically invisible to most of us, however, there are some individuals who are being challenged. They need a hug, and we can brighten their lives by way of simple gestures. Make a family project out of it - involve your kids. Do it anonymously. Afterwards, when you get home, we'll leave the light on for you!

Take a look at this video to see some of the highlights of Springboro Ohio!

Hidden Hill Gallery

“Life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get!”

We have all heard this popular quote from the movie Forrest Gump, but this time, you can know exactly what you’re ‘gonna get’…well, maybe not in life, but at Hidden Hill Gallery, you can create your own box of gourmet chocolates!

Not only are their chocolates rich and free of preservatives and artificial ingredients, but each individual truffle is a beautiful piece of artwork. Although the cheapest piece of chocolate is around $1.50, the intricate details of each one is well worth the price.

Not only do they sell pre-made chocolates, but you can also create your own! They begin with a base of milk, dark, or white chocolate (or truffles) and then add a swirl of peppermint, strawberry, caramel, or the flavor of your choice to build your own box of chocolates!

But not only does Hidden Hill offer “chocolate in art”, they also have fine art to purchase. Beautiful paintings, drawings, photographs, and prints done by fantastic artists decorate the walls for your enjoyment and purchase. If you’re looking for a large classy picture for your new home, or a small painting to spruce up your living room, Hidden Hill Gallery of Springboro has a wide variety of artwork, and a delicious snack for you to enjoy as you admire the gallery.

So if you’re looking for something fun to do without leaving Springboro, drive on over to Hidden Hill Gallery to feast your eyes and your taste buds on some of the finest quality art in the area!

http://www.hiddenhillgallery.com/default4.asp

by Brandi Hoffer and Julie Beall

Text messaging, E-mailing, Facebook-ing, Writing a Paper, while Listening to their i-pod—my generation is a multi-tasking one. We were the kids that participated in everything: ballet, t-ball, swimming, soccer, piano lessons, tap dancing. You name it, and we probably did it at one time or another; and not by ourselves either. Mom and dad, our ‘helicopter’ parents, were right there with us, holding our hands each step of the way.

Some researchers have given us the name ‘trophy kids’ because we practically got a trophy for everything we participated in (and it’s true—I still have a box full of all of my trophies just for breathing and wearing a jersey!).

But this new generation, being called the “Millennials”, are no longer kids anymore. We have grown up and are starting to take our first steps of independence. Mom and dad are still watching from the sidelines, and we are looking to them for approval and they are giving to us. So it is a confident reservation that we are stepping into the workplace.

And as we do this, we are looking to take our first big independent decision ever—purchasing a home.

So what are some things real estate agents should know about this rising generation? What makes or breaks a deal with a Millennial? How does this new generation respond to agents? What do they want most from a realtor?

I have taken the time to interview several Millennials who have purchased houses in the last year or are going to before this year is out. I will be posting these responses the next few weeks in the upcoming blogs.

Feel free to comment, Millennials! What do you want most from a realtor? What is your motivation for buying a house? Are you single or married? How involved are your parents in your decision?

by Brandi Hoffer 

and Julie Beall

Top Places to Live?

Trivia Question of the Day: If you could live anywhere in the United States, where would it be?

          A.      New York City or Chicago! I love the big city

          B.      Give me the hot weather! I'm thinking Orlando or Santa Clara.

          C.      I prefer the remote rural areas in Arizona or Wisconsin.

          D.      Anywhere with a beach. Maine, South Carolina, Michigan, I don't care!

While you may have chosen one of the above places to live, Money Magazine is considering the following to be a top choice for Americans:

          E.       Springboro, OH

"Why?" you may ask? For its balance.

Springboro, Ohio is located within 30 minutes of the big cities, Dayton and Cincinnati, yet in and of itself does not have the congestion of a big city. Main Street portrays the old-fashioned history that the city contains, with quaint storefronts and family owned businesses. When asked, what is your favorite part of Springboro, one resident replied, "My favorite part about Springboro has to be Main Street. I love how it feels like a little town with so many family oriented businesses and restaurants. Especially K&W ice cream!" Another answered, "Don't forget the Tractor Supply Store! I bought birthday gifts there for my dad the last 2 years!"

Springboro also provides its residents with a various church denominations, quality private schools, and professional hospitals. It is also a bicycle friendly community that provides safe accommodation for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation. Local farm markets and family-owned pizza restaurants provide a family friendly atmosphere for those in the community. Most of Springboro's subdivisions are even equipped with a community center with a swimming pool and tennis court. Heatherwoode Golf Course is also quite an attraction.

All in all, Springboro is a great mix of suburban life-small enough to feel old-fashioned and personal, yet big enough to stay connected and updated technologically. So look to see if Springboro makes it as ‘one of the top places to live in America' in Money Magazine's August Edition! (I certainly think it is!)

by Julie Beall and Brandi Hoffer

Good Neighbors

This morning as I tied my gym shoes, stepped out my front door, and began my morning jogging routine, I decided to go little farther than usual. I cut over toward Settler's Walk and Dorothy Lane Market. The weather was perfect--not too cold to tighten your lungs, but not too hot to send you running back into the air conditioning. Several others shared my thoughts: one girl walked with her Dalmatian; an elderly couple strolled down the sidewalk holding a cheerful conversation; and a fit man was just completing his morning workout.

As I turned down Yankee to start my trek back home, I decided to take a detour into Brookside. I noticed a moving truck in the driveway of one of the homes, and watched as the family was filling it with boxes upon boxes. Still a little far off, I saw his next door neighbor come out, coffee in hand to retrieve the morning paper. After a short exchange, he agreed to change his clothes and help his neighbor finish packing his boxes into the truck. The man seemed overcome with relief.

I continued on my way back home, now with a smile on my face. Though it was a small gesture to simply carry some boxes, its impact went deeper. We all know how a little act of kindness can go a long way, and the quality of neighbors really can make all the difference in a community.

by Brandi Hoffer and Julie Beall