Inspired Real Estate For Today

I was whizzing down the street recently when I passed this profusely advertised home.  The Question comes to mind...Could anyone have missed the fact that this home was for sale?  Marketing a property is about more than putting a sign in the yard.  Another good reason to trust the marketing of your West Michigan home to an online, internet savvy real estate professional in Grand Rapids, MI!  Contact Audu Real Estate to explore the benefits of professional representation.

P.S. You can view more of Lola's randomly captured images by visiting her photostream on flickr

"Time and chance happen to all of us"

"I'm sorry, the buyer doesn't want to move forward."

It's not the sort of call that any agent wants to get.  Not after countless hours on the phone negotiating with less than cooperative loss mitigation reps and even more tracking a listing, arranging showings, getting feedback and marketing a home.

And then...

A simple call grinds the entire process to a halt.  The buyer has decided to move on.  The bank never got it's act together.  And..we're on the road again.  Back on the market.

Anyone who has been in real estate for any length of time has experienced this scenario. So what do you do when the proverbial bottom drops out from underneath you?  Well, may I suggest that you choose to MOVE ON!  Because if you don't, rest assured that the train of life will move on with or without you hanging on to its caboose.

We've all been there...or will go there someday...guaranteed!

We're dealing with this type of disappointment on a recent transaction. But you know, more than once within the past couple of years, I've had to sell a home multiple times to get to the Closing table. There are multiple reasons why a transaction can go bust.  In Michigan, life on Easy Street ceased several years ago.  Our new real estate landscape is littered with the carcasses of many of it's former residents.

But through the years, there are certain things which I have found invaluable in handling the strain and stress of moments like this. These Second Round Strategies can help you function on autopilot and land successfully when you're too numb to really think. Here are some of my survival strategies:

Get Better...not Bitter!

Getting angry and hurt about a disappointment which costs you time, energy, money does little more than deplete you of more of the same.  It also has a way of getting you stuck in the moment and hinders your ability to gain perspective.  It's good to bring to remembrance the old saying, 'When you're passing through hell, keep on moving.' 

Make a conscious decision to let go of blame and anger for your own sake, not necessarily the other guys.  Look critically at all aspects of the situation and jot down at least one thing which you could have done better or differently.  Lessons learned within the furnace of affliction are precious and will stand the test of time.  Trust me on this one!

Get Going!

Don't allow the paralysis of analysis to imprison you.  When a listing/purchase falls apart prior to closing, get into HIGH GEAR.  Waste no time in getting the home back on the market.  Initiate the mutual release immediately.  Call EVERYONE who showed any interest in the home and ASK the homeowner for a price reduction to spur interest. Develop an immediate game plan to present to your clients which includes your proposed marketing, follow-up, Open Houses and networking calls.

Go on the offensive online too.  Don't forget your strategic network of alliances that you've been building. (You have been doing this, I hope??)  Post the link on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and anywhere else you're connected.  Do not place all your hopes in expecting that someone will magically pluck your home listing from amidst the thousands of competing homes on your MLS Broadcast system. 

If you have a Reverse Prospecting option available through your Board, send out notifications.  Don't forget your traditional e-mail contacts either.  Send them a link with information about the home and ASK them to share it.  Refresh your Internet marketing and real estate shows and posts on Trulia, Zillow and Craigslist.  Like the saying goes...'When the going gets tough...the tough get going'!

Expect Results!

There is a real temptation to go negative in your thoughts and words.  Resist the temptation.  It's likely that in a situation like this, there's more than enough floating negativity to float a hot air balloon.  This is when a cool head truly prevails. 

Choose to remain calm because anger and irritation are not guaranteed to change anything anyway.  They also are likely to cloud your judgment.  The FACT remains: the home Sold once so there's a good likelihood that it can sell again. 

Life sometimes allows false starts because second chances have an unusual capacity to deliver more than anyone initially anticipates.  Expect good things, look for good things and be ready to Welcome them when they appear. Keeping this type of perspective is what separates TRUE PROFESSIONALS from all the others. 

Embrace the Opportunity!

Sometimes opportunity knocks in a strange disguise.  How we choose to handle setbacks often determines our future level of success.  Making the decision to move forward, to remain positive and focused, will serve to align a number of elements in your favor eventually. 

These types of challenges also give us the opportunity to truly appreciate what it means to live with gratitude.  For real joy is not dependent on outward circumstances, but in being able to remain calm and centered in the TRUTH that all things work together for our good.  Life has a way of becoming what you make of it.  Even lemons can become lemonade with the proper action and perspective.  and above all remember..this too shall pass. As an old African proverb states it..."No condition is permanent in this world."

Picture courtesy of Adampigotts photostream on flickr

picture of kid courtesy of yogi's photostream on flickr

Copyright 2008  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

Another Entry in the 'Lola's Favorite Restaurants Series'

Today, I'm going to be sharing my unique experience at a brand new Mediterranean themed restaurant in Kentwood, MI.  This is also the story about the power of a referral and one man's creative approach to marketing his business through a test run.  Read on...

************

Word of mouth is the most effective form of advertising.  My recent experience in identifying this unique new restaurant was no exception.  La Crave Restaurant, a Mediterranean themed dining spot was recommended to my by a friend who was sure I'd like it.  Since I was in Kentwood that afternoon, I decided to stop by the restaurant which is located in a small shopping plaza just west of Woodland Mall.

I got there after lunchtime, so things were pretty quiet.  I intended to simply ask for a menu and order some take out for supper that evening.  I was greeted by the owner of the restaurant who asked me if I'd like a sample platter while waiting.  I was intrigued.  This was a novel way to open a restaurant.  Seated at a long table was another gentleman who was also enjoying a sample platter.  I agreed.  This was definitely better than simply ordering take-out.

The restaurant is fairly large; capacity is estimated by the owner to be approximately 99 at this time.  The tables were decked out in colorful purple tablecloths and artware decorated the walls.  The open kitchen allows you to see the chef at work behind the counter. 

La Crave places a premium on freshness.  The owner indicated that most of their produce comes from local providers.  They also have a selection of healthy shakes and drinks to which patrons can opt to add natural protein whey.  All meals are cooked to order.

My sample platter arrived in short order and included slices of Chicken Shawarma and Beef Shawarma with pita bread and a garlic dipping sauce. The owner explained that the meat is Halal, which makes it acceptable for people of the Muslim faith and is also considered a humane way to slaughter animals.  I also sampled the Tabouli Salad and Fattuch which is a salad combination of tomatoes, green peppers, radishes, cucumbers, onions, lettuce and parsley.

The food was excellent and nicely seasoned.  The staff were very friendly and welcoming. I witnessed several people stopping to pick up orders and the owner indicated that they provide Catering Services as well. 

La Crave opened just six weeks ago.  Some may remember the location as the former Adanus Restaurant.  As with any new venture, there is still much to be done including the launch of their brand new website: www.lacraverestaurant.com.  (*site was not functional as of 11/06/08) Based on my experience in sampling their food, I think this is one Mediterranean Restaurant worth checking out. 

So, if you're craving for some authentic Lebanese food and you're in the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area...stop by for a visit.  Their lunch specials are unbeatable!  For $7.99 you can get a generous entree with your choice of rice or fries and a salad or soup.

Oh yes, one last thing...make sure you leave room for dessert.  The menu includes the traditional Baklava, but also features warm comfort food favorites like Rice Pudding and Cream Caramel.

www.lacraverestaurant.com (site not yet functional 11/08)

Mon-Thurs  11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fri-Sat         11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sun              11:00 a.m. -   8:00 p.m.

2923 28th Street, Kentwood, MI  49512  Telephone:  616-949-9449

When my eyes flicker open shortly before 7 a.m. in the morning on November 4, 2008, I briefly close them again, reflecting on what this day will mean by the time it ends at midnight. 

Living within a Paradigm Shift is a peculiar form of excitement. It's an unsettling thing to be present when the earth of life's experience decides to metaphorically shift beneath ones feet. These are the moments when life reminds you that it has its own agenda; one which will not be defined by your personal fear, hesitation or pettiness. 

It is that time in ones life where you must choose to step onto shifting sand with a belief that the drift will bring you to a better place in the end.  That time when you are clear on one thing, refusing to step out in faith is akin to sinking downward in place. 

On the threshold of this November morning, as America prepares to make Decision 2008, I'm preparing to create a little slice of personal history.  I'm taking a brand New Citizen to the polls who will be casting her first vote.  It's my mother, a woman of African descent who at 75 completed her bachelors degree, became a US Citizen and registered to vote. 

The polling station in my precinct is normally a little sleepy affair manned by patient poll workers waiting for individuals to drift in.  On this day, the parking lot signals that Change is abreast.  It's full and I weave my car towards an edge of lawn to find a place to park.  There is a sense of good expectation in the air.  Folks bid each other "Good Morning" as we prepare to step in line.

The poll workers indicate that they've never seen anything like this before.  I glance around me.  I see the faces of America...young faces, children with their parents, an African American father with his toddler, older Americans, immigrants, folks on their way to work, and my mother...dressed in a smart beige outfit, befitting of the occasion.

After completing my civic duty with mom, my day takes me to various places.  I drive by signs of support dotting the front yards of my community, their homes and cars.  A group of students at an intersection waive signs urging people to remember to Vote.

I wear the proof of my action on my person...a little sticker which proclaims a simple fact, "I Voted." 

Yes, I Voted.  I Voted for the turning of a new chapter in my nations history.  I Voted for the Responsibility we each have to do our part in creating a better future.  I Voted for the Hope and Promise that is embodied in this beacon of Hope, this Shining City on a Hill whose flame continues to shine despite the enormity of the challenges that she faces.  I Voted with gratitude for the promise of my place in the American Dream.

As I closed my eyes, well into the wee morning hours of November 5, 2008, the images that color my memory are vivid reflections in living color.  Scenes from a night in which the map of United States started to wash itself in the merged brilliance of blue and red; revealing the royalty of purple's nobility and power to transform. Renewing my faith that our nation has the capacity to heal within the divides of east and west.

Images of two great men, one gracious in defeat and the other humble in victory.  Images which capture a yearning of a people straining to break free of the chains of limitations and struggling to stem the tide which has set our nation adrift.

And flittering across the lens of my mind, there is one endearing image.  This one of a woman who this day, claimed her place in the rich tapestry of a land we call home.  Through her eyes, I am reminded again of the wonder of this extraordinary right that we each have to express a choice with clarity.  This privilege to cast a vote within this sea of democratic tradition which defines the embodiment of our union of these United American States.

Copyright 2008  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved