(all names have been changed to protect the identity of those in the story)

I went to Africa……………

They keep asking me what was my main take-away from our Africa trip.  I can’t answer.  They say to write about it?  I am wondering what to write about a journey that captured my heart and my stole my soul; twisted my mind and confused everything I thought I wanted and needed in life. Words are just so black and white, strict and austere but the children and people of Swaziland are soulfully, emotionally and spiritually vibrant.

What do I write here? What do I do about what I saw, touched, smelled and heard? What do I do about this unrelenting African movie that constantly plays in my mind? What do I do about the children at New Hope Center who do not have parents, cloths, some day’s food or water? What do I do about the young women who has AIDS, with a small cut on her forehead that lead to an infection that now has completely taken the right side of her face, head, scalp and sadly her right eye due to low immunity.  She metaphorically represents the confusion in my heart and mind. She is one of the most beautiful young girls I have ever seen, soft, clear, radiant skin with a beautiful brown eye. But on the other side of her face she is being slowly eaten away by the evil of AIDS and a country that is challenged with poverty and disease beyond human understanding. What do I do about that? Do I write? If I write, then I have to wonder about Sara, whose throat was slit and left for dead. It was a miracle she is alive. She can only whisper when she talks now. Sara was the leader of the Church choir. She asked me, yes, she asked ME… if I could help her get her voice back. …. What the hell do I do about that?

And then there is the Grandmother (Go-Go) of a 10-year-old double orphan, who has been lying on the floor in a mud hut, unable to move for three years. I thought the 10 year old was being taken care of by his grandmother but instead he is taking care of her and his three younger siblings. None of the siblings were wearing shoes or pants when we visited and the sanitary conditions were the worst I had seen in Swaziland. We dropped off food, shoes and medical attention but what difference did it make. Seriously?

If I write about such enormous sadness then how can I explain the joy I witnessed and felt in these parentless children, their zest for life and the hope they have for themselves and their country. They brought me more joy and a sense of peace and PURPOSE than I know how to explain. Their hands in mine, their head on my shoulder, or the amazing love exchanged between my children and these young, sometimes tiny innocent human beings. To watch these children sing and praise God and to watch their caretakers work so hard and be so focused for the survival of a child is beyond what I can understand.  How can I feel such joy in such sadness?

They say to write…. Does anyone want to hear? Can I really describe it? Should it really be shared?  I do not know, all I know is, ….I went to Africa

Anyone tired of generational marketing, symposiums, webinars etc. Does anyone else feel like most of the information is common sense?  Let me ask you, do you want to be slotted into a group called a Boomer, X’er or Y’er or millennial. It sounds more like a chromosomal project than a marketing discipline. Personally, I love what all age groups with or without their generalized behaviors have to offer.  Ahh the enthusiasm of youth and the wisdom of age, and the opportunity to interact respectfully with all, are fundamental to business and human interpersonal growth. Now demographically we might need to know how many BB, Xer’s and Yers there are to build our products but not to build our relationships. To focus too much on categories of people is to generalize the populations and not the human relationship.

I am intrigued by the integration of people, processes and technology.  Categorizing age groups seems stifling to the creative energy of the mind. I happen to sit between two so-called marketing generations with young adult children in another. I get it; there are differences, except in the human connection side. I can show you 85 year olds on Facebook and young professionals who do not spend time on Facebook or Twitter. There are amazingly successful real estate agents who have never even registered for Facebook and agents who are actually making money with Facebook Twitter etc. The lines of all generations are fluid and ever changing. To over categorize will shrink your brain out of enlightening visions for our future.

I also find it intriguing when one generation thinks they have the edge on the “profession”.  Some agents may know more technology and can maneuver more quickly through the technology. Some agents who have been very successful in their traditional business models continually reject anything new and innovative. I for one am looking for wisdom that can be shared by all ages, the person who can see value across the generations. I am looking for the person who masters change with grace and enthusiasm, not inhibited to ask for help with new systems and willing to share humbly wisdom that only comes with experience. The current world is said to have a global social brain, making human connections worldwide; yet in real estate we are continually bombarded with generational marketing education.

It is curious as our technology rapidly changes; resistance to that change is almost over. All people and society will have the opportunity to connect eventfully and those with a current competitive edge toward technology alone will be more technicians than professionals in the future. Those who can integrate the technology, with processes and human relations will be our sustainable professionals. Lets face it; you can teach technology to anyone who has a desire to learn. Technology is a repeatable, non-sustaining competitive edge that will not last forever.  If you search the IT journals you will see more and more companies are looking for non IT people at the top of their technology division, people who can manage people and integrate processes into the bottom line. Curious that non-IT people can successfully manage a successful division of a company, why, because IT can be taught, but vision, integration and experience is needed for the execution of a successful business model.

Am I saying I will never go to another generational marketing seminar, no? What I am saying lets continue to learn and integrate our profession at all levels and ages. Lets not stifle creativity by over categorizing the human genome and put them in neatly wrapped boxes to be sold at the next convention.

  Recently, I have been thinking about how busy life is. All this talk in business about becoming a better professional, a better parent, a better spouse, a better leader, etc. But how much can I really do, when I'm being pulled in so many different directions?

And how much can you really do when your focus is spread in so many different places? Seriously...You prepare the meals, maintain the yard, balance the checkbook, take the kids to basketball, wash the clothes, tune-up the car (so maybe not all of these things, but still!). You take care of all the daily needs of the family. So - is that your contribution to them, or simply a fulfillment of your commitment to them?

Our world today is frantic. As adults, our responsibilities are awesome. Our careers require long and odd hours away from family. Our children are lured by television towards needs and desires for more and more material possessions, i.e. logo clothing, "gaming" accessories, makeup, or cool vehicles. Our spouse wonders why there's never enough time for "us." Where will it all end? How can we slow down?

If your family is moving at the speed of life, and there seems to be no end in sight, maybe it's time to take a look at your commitment to all involved. A great place to start is time alone with your spouse - away from home. If possible, that means an overnight or weekend trip. It's a time to re-evaluate your values, your goals in life, and the direction you would like your family to take. Finally, it's a time to re-commit to the health of your marriage.

You may quickly realize that it's a time to simplify your life - and that of your family. That's easy to say yet attainable with a firm commitment. If you like the idea of simplification, there are three excellent books that can move you in that direction:

1. Don't Waste Your Life, by John Piper

2. Sacred Obsession by Becky Tirabassi

3. Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach 

Why not make a new commitment to your family, beginning today? Your contributions will be much more meaningful and enjoyable!

Although the Downtown Dayton area has seen its struggles, there are many changes happening there also. Make sure you visit the 2nd street market, open on weekends, featruing homemade gifts and fresh produce.

Neon Theater - Dayton's only independent movie theater

Oregon Art District -restraraunts, historic homes and entertainment

Air Force Museum - National Treasure, everyone must go once or twice but that is enough for me.

Dayton International Peace Museum - have been her yet, but her it is great.

The Dayton Art Institute - Wow, a great museum with amazing artist like Monet

Schuster Performing Arts Center -- love, love, love this place. First rate Broadway theater and much more happens here.

Fifth Third Field - home to the Dayton Dragons Baseball. I have a blast here. It is a great family event

Riverscape downtown - awesome park on the river

This is just a start, (we haven't talk about Cincinnati or Columbus, or the suburbs). One of my favorite places to go to dinner, hang out or go shopping is The Green in Beavercreek. Tons of unique shopping, first rate restaurants, wine bars and entertainment. A great place to stop after a long day.

So those of you who are coming in for Brac 2, no worries, the Dayton and surrounding area is awesome and the people are wonderful. I hope to meet you soon.

A New Year, A New Life?

New diets, new fashion, new dreams, new gadgets.

As the New Year begins, so do our timeless resolutions. But is it really possible to change our way of living overnight? Can someone who wants to lose weight turn completely around at the beginning of a New Year?

Some answer enthusiastically, "Yes!" as they look at the glass half full. Still, others resound with a hardy "Noooo way! Are you joking? I have tried every New Year since I was born, and there is NO way that I can change." Regardless of how you feel, the first step to changing your life must be your level of faith. Do you believe that you are capable of changing?

Perhaps you have great self-confidence because of your successful past experiences; perhaps your faith in yourself is low because of your failures. Regardless of your opinion of yourself, the first step in changing is admitting that you WILL make mistakes. Then, your failures will not be able to make you stumble because they were predicted! Being able to accept that we are not perfect is very difficult and humbling experience, and yet essential for our personal growth.

Moving on from past disappointments, we now begin to map our path toward a brighter future. What plan do we have to change?

Yesterday, I spoke with a friend who told me they feared they could never become the person that they desired to be because of their feelings and inconsistencies. At the end of the conversation, we both concluded that apart from a supernatural intervention, we had no hope of changing. Why? Because we are not perfect. We will stumble and fall through this rocky journey that we call life. Some circumstances are beyond our control. Other people are unpredictable, unfaithful, and unlovable (just as we are!). So then, what are we to do? Give up? Throw in the towel?

The conclusion that I have made for my own life is one of resolute confidence that God must intervene in order for me to be a completely changed person---inside and out.

I encourage you to think about the place where your confidence and trust abides. Is it in yourself? Your family? Friends? Wealth, Position, or Possessions?

And is this place of hope affecting your decisions to help you change your life for the better? Are you satisfied with who you are now and who you are becoming?

I would love to hear your stories and struggles as we embark on this journey in 2011!

by Julie Beall

& Brandi Hoffer

Who do you want to be? Which are the principles by which you want to live? Do honesty, perseverance, and wisdom define you? Are sincerity, generosity, and a caring attitude your trademark?

Having a vague idea of the benchmark traits you wish to exhibit is not enough. To be extraordinary, it is necessary to define yourself in specific terms. If you haven't adopted a precise set of principles, consider choosing from the list that follows: humility, diligence, moderation, silence, temperance, chastity, courage, resolution, justice, industry, faithfulness, order, tranquility, cleanliness, encouragement, frugality, generosity, sincerity, persistence, honesty, perseverance, or caring.

Choose five that most closely match the person you would choose to be. Next define what each means to you, and how you can adopt them as your trademark traits. Finally, begin acting like the person you would be. Ben Franklin kept a small diary and rated his actions each day by placing a checkmark each time he violated one of his personal principles. Over time, as the checkmarks dwindled for one principle, he would move on to the next.

It is very important to accept the fact that once you've adopted a credo, you won't do a perfect job of living up to it. When you find you've fallen short, ask for forgiveness and move on. Don't dwell on the past.

It is always beneficial to give some thought to redefining yourself. Being self-critical is the only way one can grow on purpose. And remember, in this great pursuit--what you chase after, you will become!

Julie Beall

Big Dreams require Big Character!

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

WANT TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING REALLY GREAT?

Ever dream of becoming a U.S. Senator? Want to become an anonymous benefactor of youth programs in your community? Want to rise to the top 1% of your profession? Inspirational artist D. Morgan puts it this way: 

The impossible dream . . . isn't!"

So - how do dreams become reality? Once your dream becomes your passion, you can begin building the foundation that will support the eventual structure of your dream. Begin by reading and studying how others have achieved similar dreams.

For politicians-to-be, there are plenty of biographies that reveal the long road to election. For those who aspire to achieve peak earnings, mentors are plentiful. Hang out with, attend courses with, and "shadow" the real stars in your chosen field. Ask how they began their rise, how they blend their work and family, how they attract and retain clients and customers.

In most cases, you will find that the models you choose have also made hard choices. They have first adopted certain principles upon which their decisions are made. Their actions are congruent with those principles. They are not duplicitous in their dealings with others. Their "word is their bond." Their foundational character sets the tone for the structure of their dreams.

Finally, with the foundation in place - they just build. They create plans, they implement strategies to achieve those plans. They understand that their final success does not occur in one fell swoop. It is the result of many footsteps in the direction of their dreams.

So . . . go ahead and dream! Remember - destiny is not a matter of chance . . . it's a matter of choice!

Julie Beall

There were 1,080 transactions reported in June

June was a very busy month for our office here in Springboro, but it turns out that many real estate businesses were also closing deals left and right. We thought that the home sales would drop off in July, because of the end of the home buyer tax credit. However, they have seemed to remain pretty steady for us.

According to WDTN, June’s single-family sales activity rounded out a very encouraging first half of 2010 with five of the first six months sales totals topping those of a year earlier. There were 1,080 transactions reported in June, an increase of 19 over last June’s 1,061.

Why the increase? Well, obviously, I think the government's tax incentive was a great plus. But more than that, home prices are pretty low, and jeepers, have you seen the interest rates these days??? Last week I talked to a man who got a fixed rate at 4.1%. It truly is a buyer's market in Dayton, Ohio!

For more detailed information on Dayton Area Home Sales in June, please visit the WDTN online report.

-Julie Beall

Recently, I was surfing the web looking for some formal invitations for my annual Client Appreciation Party for all of my Past Clients and Referrals. In the past, I have taken time to make them by hand, and they have turned out pretty nicely. However, with 200 or so invitations to send, it is rather time consuming.

So this year, I was bound and determined to find something formal that still looked homemade for a good price. That is when I stumbled across Everything on Paper. It is a locally owned and operated business founded in 2004 by Beth Tschirhart Hill who according to her biography, "believes that we each deserve stationery as unique as we are". She works with other stationary companies all over the nation and orders the basic cardstock and designs that you desire. Then from there, she personalizes it to reflect a little bit of you. Whether it's stationary, holiday cards, wedding invitations, save the date announcements, baby shower invitations, thank you cards, or envelopes, Everything on Paper is able to serve you. It's ideal for those located in the Dayton and Springboro Area because you do not need to pay for shipping (unless of course you want them delivered). It works out great!

Visit Everything on Paper online to check out some of her designs. I am thrilled to have such a great service like Everything on Paper right in my backyard!

My hometown, Dayton Ohio has been ranked by BusinessWeek as the 20 best City for New College Graduates. Just last year, Springboro, Ohio (where Julie Beall & Co. is located) was ranked as the 41st best place to live in the United States!! We are doing pretty well for the size of our community.

Take a look at some of our statistics from BusinessWeek:

Entry-Level Employers: 30
Average Annual Pay: $41,750
Cost of Living Index: 90.8
Unemployment Rate: 10.9 percent

Retail, customer service, and health-care workers can find opportunities in Dayton. Ourcity's economy runs on manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade and services. Employers are working to recruit highly skilled employees, according to the City Data website, because of an aging population in Dayton. This means recent college grads are more than likely in demand here...especially in business because of the necessity for technology in order to thrive. Large employers include Premier Health Partners and Kettering Health Network.

If you or someone you know is seeking to move to Dayton, Ohio because of the great job opportunities, please contact me (Julie Beall) right away and I would be happy to give some personal advice about the local area. Having lived in and around Dayton since the 1960s, I know about the fluctuating market and whether it is time to buy or wait. Give me a call today @ 937.806.1055.

Or, if you are not a serious buyer at this time, we have provided the form below so that you may receive your FREE Dayton Market Analysis:

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

WHAT IS YOUR PRIORITY IN LIFE?

Imagine you've planned the trip of your dreams - say from North Carolina to Colorado. You've charted all the roads, have a fist full of maps just in case, and have your priorities straight in your mind. You get started on a beautiful sunny day, and begin enjoying the ride.

Late in the day, as you approach the Mississippi River, you drive straight into a bank of heavy fog. You turn on your lights, but still cannot see 10 feet ahead. Just because the highway is out of sight doesn't mean you've lost your way. Continuing on the path you've set for yourself, you soon break out into the sunshine again - still headed in the direction of your dreams.

In perspective, consider that the trip represents your life's goal - your first priority. Steering your vehicle down the highway hour by hour represents your efforts to reach your goal. The fog bank illustrates the momentary interruptions and obstacles encountered on your journey.

As day #2 begins, you find that you've come to an unexpected intersection - one that's not on your map. Confused, you pull over and examine the map closely. Stay to the right and you'll end up in Colorado. Take a left and you may arrive at an unanticipated, yet equally wonderful destination.

OK, let's cut to the chase! Sometimes your priorities change, don't they? Just as you think your goal is in sight, a new opportunity arises. Remember the saying that "life is a journey - not a destination"? What's exciting is that YOU are in control of the steering wheel, and as long as your priority is the journey, all that you set out to accomplish can be achieved.

Happy motoring!

New to the Market!

This new listing is a rare find in Springboro Ohio--A ranch with a basement and a large lot!! This home features a FULL BASEMENT plumbed for BATHROOM * Water softener * Ceramic tile in kitchen and entry * Tons of CORIAN COUNTERTOPS in kitchen* Gorgeous custom railing on stairway * Beautiful gas fireplace * 9 and 10 foot ceilings throughout * Vaulted ceiling in the Great Room and Kitchen * Huge Master bedroom with walk in closet and adjoining bath with Jacuzzi Tub and separate shower * Nice sized laundry room * Security System * Surround sound in Great Room * Awesome stamped concrete patio * Lush upgraded fescue green grass lawn with sprinkler system * HUGE Back yard backs up to woods * Walking distance to the YMCA and Dorothy Lane Market, close to I-75 new Austin Pike interchange. This is a keeper. Please Call Julie Beall @ 937-806-1055 or visit www.juliebeallandco.com to see more!

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

WHICH BOUQUET DO YOU PREFER?

Whether or not you have a green thumb, you probably know that gardens may contain either annual or perennial flower varieties. Annuals are fun to grow for several reasons: 1) they sprout quickly from seeds, 2) they flower the first year, and 3) their colors can be brilliant and most pleasing. They are also less hardy and die out at the first sign of frost. Each spring, new seeds must be planted.

Perennials are another story. Growing from seeds, they take longer to sprout and rarely flower the first year. Their colors are more subtle hues, and they require more attention in the early stages. They must be cut back in the winter and covered with mulch, and may require fertilizer in the spring. They also come back year after year, returning with stronger roots, greater beauty and abundant growth. With time, they require less and less attention, yet continue to prosper. No matter how cold the winter, they always return with renewed vigor.

Friendships and business relationships are a lot like flowers, and may also be either annual or perennial in nature. They may be quick to bloom and most enjoyable to experience, yet fade quickly at the first hint of trouble.

Others grow more gradually through trust-building and respect. They may not dazzle the senses or leave us breathless, yet they are consistent, trusting, and produce a warm glow that hardly fades when tested by adversity. These relationships grow over time, and produce an abundance of lasting beauty.

In business, as in personal relationships, the best things in life come with time and caring. When planning your life's garden this spring, why not devote your attention to the perennials? With an added touch of patience, you can look forward to the sweet fragrances to come.

- Julie Beall

In case some home buyers or realtors were wondering...On Wednesday the Senate approved more time for homebuyers seeking to claim a federal tax credit!

According to the Wall Street Journal, "The homebuyer measure would help only those that entered into binding contracts before April 30. It would give such homebuyers until Sept. 30 to close the sale. Under current law, they would have had to close by today to be eligible for tax credits."

I was a little bit worried about the whole tax credit closing extension especially because my team had a contract that was supposed to close on June 30th, but with the timing for paperwork, we we cutting it rather close! Thankfully, however, this extension was passed because I was beginning to think "There are going to be thousands of lawsuits all over the U.S.!" Hopefully everyone will be closed by September 30th now. This extension for the closing date of the home buyers tax credit will give them at least 5 months since being in contract until the closing. I think that is a reasonable amount of time, considering bank owned properties and short sales (which take a really long time!)

For more info. on this decision, see the full article here.

-Julie Beall

 (Between SR 725 and SR 73)

Friday, June 2nd the I-75 ramps will be open for the morning commute! Finally, after causing so much construction in Miamisburg and Springboro, this ramp opening will be well worth the wait!! Try out the new Austin Pike Interchange starting June 2nd at 9:30AM.

View Larger Map

For the full, official report, see the information from ODOT below:

Montgomery County (Friday, July 2, 2010)

"The interstate ramps at the new I-75/Austin Boulevard interchange will open to traffic beginning Friday July 2^nd.  These ramps are expected to open prior to the morning commute.  The four new ramps are located at exit #41 between SR 725 and SR 73 along I-75 in Miami Township.   

ODOT District 7 Deputy Director Rex Dickey will be available for media interviews Friday July 2^nd at 9:30 am.  Media interested in this opportunity should meet in the Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport parking lot along SR 741.

ODOT has a “Target: Zero” goal for any and all safety hazards.  To help ensure the safety of the construction workers as well as the traveling public, motorists should remain alert, reduce their speed and watch for stopped traffic while passing through the work zone.

This ramp opening is weather permitting."

I know I can't wait for this new opening. It will definitely make it much easier to hop on the highway from Miamisburg!

-Julie Beall

205 Springhouse Drive in Settlers Walk

ONE ACRE of lush green grass and huge ominous trees, truly a rare find in the area! The features of this 5 bdrm home (3208 sq ft plus finished basement) include *Gorgeous Granite counter tops and *Trendy tile back splashes,*state-of-the-art appliances,*Huge wall of floor to ceiling built-in cabinets in the gourmet kitchen, *Hardwood Flooring in entry and kitchen, *9' Ceilings on first floor, *Beautiful fireplace and mantel, *Incredible crown molding in living and dining room, *The Master Suite is awesome; wait until you feel the HEATED FLOORS in the master bath *double vanity sink *two master closets *oversized whirpool tub and separate nice sized tile shower. The backyard is private with large trees, deck and patio. Full basement, partially finished and ready for entertaining. Location is incredible, two doors from pool, close to Dorothy Lane Market, YMCA and I-75. Hurry this won't last long. Give Julie Beall a call @ 937.806.1055 to see this home today!

From my desk in Springboro, Ohio, I never felt a thing! But at 1:45, I started receiving updates on Twitter and Facebook that buildings were shaking in Downtown Dayton Ohio. I wondered if we had experienced an earthquake, but quickly dismissed it, since I didn't feel it. Some news sources suggested a blown man-hole cover to be the cause of the earthquake felt in Dayton. However, it turns out, there was an earthquake today in Ontario and Quebec. The City of Dayton was able to feel the results of the earthquake even so far away! Scary stuff. But I am thankful that no one has been reported injured and thankful nothing has been damaged here in Dayton.

To read the full article about the Earthquake felt in Dayton on Wednesday, click here.

-Julie Beall