1. The first rule of real estate is you do not become emotionally involved in real estate.
2. The second rule of real estate is you do not become emotionally involved in real estate.
3. If an inspection brings up unknown concerns and one party says stop or taps out the accepted offer is over.
4. Two parties to an offer.
5. You can have more than one offer at a time. It’s actually encouraged (I guess a buyer wouldn’t encourage multiple offers though).
6. No shoes. I don’t want the responsibility for dirt on the new carpet…
7. Accepted offers will last as long as they need to. Have you had experience with the new lending regulations? If you have, you know how true Rule #7 is.
8. If this is your first time engaging in real estate you do not need to buy or sell a home.

Even after all these years you can remember the first two rules of Fight Club, right? It *has* to be the same in real estate.

So repeat after me: The first rule of real estate is I will not become emotionally involved in real estate.

The quickest way to sabotage the purchase or sale of your home is to begin to take things personally. And things means anything that can, and often, does crop up. From a delay in closing to a misunderstanding in contract language. Or an offer you deem to be waaaaaaaayyy to low.

The worst way to handle any circumstance beyond your control is to get upset. When you become upset/angry/emotional it becomes difficult to rationally attack and solve the problem.

When faced with a difficult situation step one is to relax and calm down. This may take awhile. Step two is to try and understand the perspective of the person who just made your life more difficult.

No where does it say you need to like the choices of another person. But if you can step back and remain emotionally neutral, you may be able to salvage whatever it is you’re currently facing.

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For the most part real estate is a planning activity. It’s not like buying a candy bar or a magazine while you’re waiting in the check-out line at Copps.

And because you have to go through a process to get to the point when you’re ready to buy or sell a home you’re also very curious about what will be happening next, or a few months from now, or next year.

Will it be better or worse? Will mortgage rates continue to remain this low? How much will my credit score go up in 4 months? Will this cause my interest rate to be lower?

Ken Haedrich, a Realtor in Annapolis, Maryland recently wrote a post hypothesizing what the real estate market will do in the upcoming year. Click here to read his Trends and Predictions article. 

Two thumbs up for numbers 2 and 3 in his list.

Regarding his point that there will be fewer Realtors in the upcoming year… Yes there is. Our database of area Realtors took a huge hit when the new list came out a month or so ago. One area company seemed to lose 2/3 of their staff. On the other hand the Wisconsin Rapids First Weber office has gained 2 new Realtors in the past couple months. These agents transferred from other area agencies.

Why? I believe it’s because in their effort to create a real estate career they knew they needed to align themselves with a forward thinking real estate company. As Ken states in his article, real estate is “technology driven,” and Realtors who can best handle this new technology will steam-roll agents who can’t or won’t embrace it.

Sidenote–Last year I was going to email a listing sheet (probably something else, but it doesn’t matter what) to another area agent. I had his email from their website. He said I shouldn’t because he “doesn’t do email.” I didn’t know what to say. How can you not “do email?”

Anyway, have you checked out Ken’s super-interesting article yet?

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I will admit that sending out mailings to 400+ strangers is a bit nerve-wracking, especially when I realized that not only was I mailing to strangers, but I was sending a personal bit of writing to people I knew in high school or friends of friends.

So, before continuing, I’d like to say hi to all the people I’ve known through the years… And if anyone wants to say hi to me, you can go here.

Back to my story–

As I was working to finish the mailing I kept thinking– “What if they think my Hannah Montana analogy is lame?” “What if they don’t even read it?”

Yes, these are the thoughts that reverberate when folding and stuffing hundreds of pieces of paper. My wife and daughters helped with the editing, the stuffing and, of course, gave me prime fodder for the mailing you read. I’m glad my take on real estate spoke to you in a way that convinced you to check me out even further.

There are lots of posts here—as of 1/12/10, nearly 160 pages worth! I’m the only Wisconsin Rapids real estate agent actively writing, interacting, informing and sharing information with great people like you.

As you know, nationally, real estate has taken a huge hit in the past 3 years. Luckily, Wisconsin Rapids hasn’t been hit as hard as other states, or even other cities in Wisconsin. I started The School as a way to help educate buyers and sellers so they can make an informed decision on the best time to enter the market.

And you’re here because something in your brain is telling you now *might* be your time…

Following is a sampling of many of the topics discussed here in the past year and a half:

Without sellers we can have no buyers…

• Meet the person who’ll buy your home
• 8 questions every buyer asks
• Is now the right time for you to sell?
• How can Marilyn Monroe help you get your home sold?
• See how I relate real estate to the Tasmanian Devil… No really!

And without buyers we can have no sellers…

• See how cool FirstWeber and FirstWeber.com are
• 5 biggest real estate myths
• The 3 C’s of buying a home
• Where should you start?

I’ve also talked about a Flying Spaghetti Monster, elk sightings, and for good measure, birds pooping on my car… Oh, and I was even part of this article written for Wisconsin Realtors.

Before 2 years ago I never fashioned myself a writer, I guess even today, I’m not really a writer… But I love what I do and I love creating these articles for you to read.

I hope your day is better for coming here…

What next?

1. Are you thinking there’s a better home for you? Email me at holberga [a] firstweber[dot]com or give me a call at 715.572.8372.
2. Do you like what you’ve read? Sign up to have all new articles delivered to your email inbox.

Did I miss anything? Something else you’d like to know? Seriously, get in touch.

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No doubt you’ve been bombarded with very personal emails from everyone you’ve made a purchase from in the past few years.

Chris made a few very insightful points about these holiday emails:

1. They always end up trying to sell you something. Yes, it may be at a discount. But the email still is a marketing message.
2. At this point in the game, you’ve purchased everything you’re going to.

And that’s the same problem I face when talking with you. I started this blog to help with my marketing. To be able to interact with you. To be able to provide you with a little local real estate education. But you knew all that.

But, here, now, I want to say Thank You. Thank you for being here in 2009. Thank you for being here in 2010. Thank you for your feedback. Thank you for your suggestions.

And above all, thank you for being you.

In conclusion, I hope this finds you taking a few well earned days off. Success in 2009 meant you needed to make a larger personal investment in everything you do. From work to play to personal.

We all need to recharge in order to hit 2010 running. To continue to strive to be the best. To provide more. To educate more. To lead more.

I’ll see you on the other side.

To your success,

Adam

P.S. Stay safe in this storm we’re about to get. I cancelled my plans with my parents tonight for fear of icy road conditions. And this was our annual seafood dinner, something I take very seriously…

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One ginormous aspect of the Internet is our ability to connect with others. Gone are the days of big business and hiding away behind corporate walls.

People are connecting on a more personal level. Trust is earned. Partnerships are formed. Knowledge is gained.

I’m also looking to connect and learn from you. Are you on any social networks? 

I’d love it if you’d connect with me on one or all of the following social platforms:

I know I’m missing out on thousands of really cool people…

Do you have any recommendations on people I should follow? Are you aware of any local businesses that are embracing social media that deserve to be followed? Love to hear from you.

In an upcoming post I’ll provide a list of First Weber agents who’ve created real estate fan pages on Facebook. It’ll be fun to look and see what other agents feel is important/cool/interesting/off-beat in the world of real estate. Click here so all new posts are delivered directly to your email inbox.

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It’s easy to see how so many people are able to make a living through the Internet. Through making connections via websites, blogs or social media.

You don’t have to own the entire web. Just your own part of the world. We refer to it as a ‘niche.’

You’re here because you have an interest in one of those niches. Real Estate. You’re wanting information that will make your next purchase or sale go smoother, quicker and for a higher/lower sale price.

You get the power of the Internet, you also need to expect your Realtor and the brokerage they work for to be able to handle this new online world. Gone are the days of beating down doors and meeting as many people as possible. It’s to slow.

First Weber can send a text message with information about your home. Soon all First Weber listings will be uploaded to YouTube. We have an app for your smart phone. Your listing is syndicated to over a dozen websites with not only a local, but national reach as well. I work hard to leverage Twitter. I have multiple websites that allow me to not only expand my reach, but also bring more eyeballs to each of my listings.

All of this because First Weber has launched Front Runner in the past year and because I leverage my Computer degree to create an excellent experience for you.

You need to reach people when their at work, or at home or in the car. You’d like to know why, wouldn’t you? The following image is why:

Created by Online Education

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This year First Weber raised $32,731!

Our donations allowed us to receive a few awards:

• Red Feather: Given to the largest increase in employee contributions. Third place for companies with 100+ employees.
• Community Chest: Given to the largest increase in employee and corporate giving. Tenth place for companies with 100+ employees.
• Best Practices: Given to organizations that execute all of the 10 Best Practice Strategies with an overall increase in donations.
• Award of Distinction: Given to campaigns that increased 25% from the previous year.

The Wisconsin Rapids First Weber office is also heavily involved in our local Habitat for Humanity projects.

As members of our community each and every First Weber Realtor takes great pride in giving back.

On the surface a Realtor helps people buy and sell homes. But at its core, we’re helping individuals reach and achieve their dreams (in regards to the home they live in). And that ‘helping’ leads most of us to other great causes as well.

Thank you to everyone who gives either money, time or expertise to all of the great causes out there.

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I know Thanksgiving was a couple days ago. Deer hunting is now almost over. Our 50+ degree days seem to be behind us. Snow seems to be only days away. And the holiday season is in full swing…

But before Christmas trees are up and lights decorate both the inside and outside of your home, I’d like to say a little thank you. Not just to you the reader, but also to the world in general.

First, my sincerest thanks to the couple dozen of you who’ve signed up to automatically receive my blog posts. Letting me into your inbox is just as important as letting me into your home. I work hard to provide information that you will continue to receive value from.

Next, to everyone else who’s made their way here. To those of you who’ve bookmarked “The School” or those of you who simply put this website on their website viewing ‘to do’ list; thank you to you as well. I know the websites that are on my must see list, and I’m honored to be on yours.

And to anyone who’s interested in real estate. I became a Realtor 2 years ago because I have a passion for this career. A passion for helping people.

I love being able to share my knowledge on this website as well as GoRapids.com. It’s humbling to be able to help a family purchase their dream home. Or to help a homeowner find someone who’ll better appreciate what their home has to offer.

I’m nowhere near being a ‘top producer.’ But life is good and I truly value the people I’ve met and the people I’ve been able to help.

Thank you.

Still wondering why Alanis Morissette? Click here.

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• Pregnant
• Caregivers of infants less than 6 months old
• People 6 months – 4 years of age
• Health care workers who have direct patient contact
• People 5-18 years of age with chronic health conditions

Please note: All clinic dates are TENTATIVE and subject to change based on vaccine availability.

Tentative Schedule:

• Friday, November 6, 2009  9:00 am – 7:00 pm  Mid-State Technical College, 500 32nd Street N, Wisconsin Rapids 
• Friday, November 13, 2009  9:00 am – 7:00 pm  Oak Avenue Community Center, 201 S. Oak Avenue, Marshfield 

These clinics are ONLY for the target groups listed above. Target populations are subject to change on a daily basis. There will be future opportunities to get H1N1 flu vaccine to those who do not fall in these categories.

No appointment necessary. However, vaccine supply may be limited.

H1N1 Vaccination Consent Forms:

Child H1N1 Vaccination Consent Form
Adult H1N1 Vaccination Consent Form

Parents of school-aged children:

Health Department Letter to Parents Regarding Vaccination, October 12, 2009
Health Department Letter to Parents Regarding Vaccination, September 29, 2009
Student Vaccine Consent Form
Vaccine Information Sheet (Nasal Spray)
Vaccine Information Sheet (Injectable)

For more information on H1N1 Influenza:

Wisconsin’s Pandemic Flu Resource http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/
Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
Coughing/Sneezing Etiquette Video
Call 2-1-1

Ways to protect yourself and your family:

• Wash hands frequently.
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing for sneezing.
• Avoid large crowds.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Stay home for 7 days after the start of illness and fever is gone.
• Call your health care provider if you develop influenza-like symptoms. You will be advised as to whether you should be seen or if you need to take antiviral medications.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often, especially after using tissues.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or sleeve.
• Don’t share drinking cups and straws.
• Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Properly dispose of used tissues.
• Get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids to keep from becoming dehydrated.
• Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (i.e., door knobs, refrigerator handle, telephone, faucets).

the above information was taken from the Wood County Health Department website

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As we quickly approach October 31 and trick or treating, as parents our concern becomes keeping our children safe. Following are a few rules to ensure a happy and memorable time for all this Halloween compiled by Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen:

SAFETY

• Use reflective tape and carry a flashlight if going out after dark.

• Be sure that older children take friends and younger children are accompanied by a trusted adult when Trick or Treating.

• Accompany younger children to the door of every home approached.

• Teach children never to enter a home without prior permission from a parent or guardian.

• Teach children never to approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they know the owner and are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• Teach children to never approach a home that is not well lit inside and outside.

• Families may want to organize or attend parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to Trick or Treating.

COSTUMES

• Please take time and care in choosing the appropriate costumes for your family.  Ensure store purchased costumes are flame resistant.

• Costumes made primarily of polyester or nylon fabric typically do not ignite from a small flame such as a candle and if they do, the resulting fire may burn slowly and may be readily extinguished.  If you are making costumes from scratch, choose polyester or nylon fabrics for greater flame resistance

• Make sure Halloween costumes fit properly.  Allow extra room for warm clothes to be worn underneath the costume while avoiding long, loose fitting costumes potentially posing a trip hazard or increasing the chances of being ignited by an open flame like a candle.

• Always supervise children as they go Trick or Treating, taking special care to avoid lit candles and jack o lanterns, high heat or flaming decorations.

• If a costume does catch fire, remember to “Stop, Drop and Roll.” This serves to keep flames away from the upper body, neck and facial areas.  It also helps to slow or reduce flame spread and smother the flames.

DECORATIONS

• Keep hay, straw, dried corn stalks and other decorations away from heat sources like hot lamps and candles.

• Keep open flames such as candles away from curtains, decorations or other objects that could catch fire.

• Never leave lit candles unattended.

• Any open flame can be potentially dangerous.  Consider purchasing battery operated lights to place inside of jack o lanterns.

For more information about Halloween safety and child safety in general, go to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at http://www.missingkids.com.

Have fun. Stay safe. And feel free to drop some candy off at the First Weber office for me… No really, I like candy.

read the entire press release

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