Dog Days

Dog Days

Alright, everyone! Welcome everyone to The Heart of Many Homes.  It's a quick little podcast, so it's less filling, but it tastes great! I'm Laura Fangman, I'm a Realtor licensed in Tennessee and Virginia and you can visit our website for additional brokerage information at www dot we know knoxville dot com. This episode gets you a two-fer with our opening quote.  It's a famous quote and a riddle.  How many legs does a dog have, if you call his tail a leg?  Four. Saying that a tail is a leg doesn’t make it a leg. -Abraham Lincoln When we get to August, the dog days of summer have arrived.  In preparing for our little chat today, I was looking up quotes that referenced the “Dog Days” and the above-quoted thought caught my attention.  I mean, one of history’s greatest presidents bringing the sass to a conversation is entertaining enough, but I’d love to have been there for conversation and the sentiments leading up to it.  Beyond that, the widespread application for this little gem, is something of which to take notice:  When your kids say their rooms are clean- what they say counts as “clean” may take some poetic license with the actual definition of the word... When your spouse tells you they’re ready to leave the house- only to wait for them to find their coat and make three trips back into the house for wallet…  then, their phone…  ...then a charger… When your boss mentions your Christmas bonus is in the mail- we all know a subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club is not the same thing as a Christmas bonus… This also holds true in real estate and I don't mean just Realtors. There are plenty of folks out there that want to "help."  A website saying it can market your property for you, doesn’t mean they’ll actually target and connect with the buyers you need.  A lender saying you’re pre-approved, doesn’t mean diddly, if they haven’t seen your documentation.  An agent saying, "Great news, we're getting an offer!" doesn’t mean you’ve sold your house, so don’t pop the cork just yet.  Your neighbor, who used to be a paralegal in an attorney’s office that held real estate closings every now and then may mean well, but may not be the best person from whom to take advice when it comes time to buy or sell a home.  Just because someone declares something to be true, doesn’t mean it is. We live in a time where people can say anything, with very little -if any- repercussion. Inaccuracies can be brushed away with an “oops” and the process of holding someone accountable is rarely worth the effort. And that sucks. So, you control what you can. Be certain that these major life decisions and financial investments you are making -or are about to make- are made with all available information and options considered. Consult a professional. If nothing else, you should at least know what you’re saying “no” to.  Have questions? Reach out; I’m here to help. That's it for today, folks! If you have questions, feel free to reach out, we always love to hear from you.  ...And, that's the way it is...

Freedom

Alright, everyone. Welcome back to The Heart of Many Homes. A quick little podcast that only exists because of self imposed peer pressure.  All the cool kids were doing it. I'm Laura Fangman, I'm a Realtor in Tennessee, licensed in Virginia, as well. For full brokerage details, please visit our website at www dot we know knoxville dot com. Let's kick things off with our quote for this episode, which is: What then is freedom? The power to live as one wishes. -Cicero said that.  Starting off with some thoughts on Freedom is only appropriate, for the month of July, but I'll bring in the real estate closure and get you on your way, quickly.  I'm sure there's a pool float somewhere with your name on it. ;) This month is, like, peak summer and I am savoring every minute of it. It’s hot, there are fireworks, the pool water is finally warm enough to jump in, gardens are beginning to produce awesome tastiness and vacations are happening or creeping closer!  Also? ‘Merica. This is the month where we celebrate our nation’s independence, so, let’s talk about freedom and living as you wish… Where and how do you live? Do you own, rent, couch surf? Are you a rolling stone with no designated landing point on which to grow moss? There are no wrong answers, to be sure, but is your current lifestyle still working for you?  We go through different cycles of life. Sometimes renting a loft in the city is exactly what our lifestyle calls for. We may go through a period where a 3/2 in the suburbs is what our heart desires.  What about when our space feels too big? It may be time to downsize or eliminate altogether; an RV is a legitimate option for some folks.  Side note, here: That's not and Easter Egg hint. We are in love with our camper, but we're not going to move into an RV anytime soon.  There are lots of factors that go into the decision to buy, sell or lease real estate, but there are no cut-and-dry answers. Being a Realtor doesn’t mean my job is to push you into spending maximum money on an albatross, it means my job is to help you find your freedom.  Are you in the right space for the life you are living? Maybe so. If not, let’s talk. That's it for today, folks. I told you I'd wrap it up, quickly! *wink* If you have questions or comments, you're welcome to reach out, we always love hearing from you and, until next time,  Good night and good news...

The Best Laid Plans

Alright, everyone. Welcome back to The Heart of Many Homes, a quick little podcast that basically serves as the B side of my efforts in content marketing. Thanks for being here. I'm Laura Fangman, and I'm a Realtor, licensed in Tennessee and Virginia. Brokerage information can be found on our website: www.weknowknoxville.com. Let's start off with this episode's quote: If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fail above everyone else’s success. -James Cameron Part of me loves this quote, but I would argue that it has limited application. Anyway, we're in the 6th month. The end of the second quarter. The home stretch of the first half.  How you doin’? Let's check in on your current status. Regardless of your chosen career field or level of employment, now is a great time to reevaluate your goals for yourself or your family or your business.  Are you tracking your progress? Have you looked at your resolutions or goals or plans since you thought them up, way back in January? Are you 12 lbs away from your goal of losing 10 lbs? Great news: No matter your answer, it’s ok. Every day is an opportunity to regroup and try, try again. Seriously, there is no law that requires you to begin your quest for excellence on January 1st. Or next week. Or on Monday. Just pick up where you are and work toward something better.  Are you on target for a goal-crushing year? Are you seeing the fruits of your labor and dedication and effort? Way to go! but don’t rest on your laurels, just yet. The old Tortoise and the Hare tale has some truth buried in it.  Maybe you're learning lessons and adapting and overcoming. It takes tremendous effort to stick to a plan, so keep it up. The variable nature of MY business leaves me scrambling to determine if I’m keeping pace with my plans. At a micro level, I’m currently a smidge behind. At a macro level, I am right on target. However, “on target” isn’t the same as “crushing it,” and that’s kinda boring. Time to refocus, regroup and get ready to nail the second half of the year! Intermission is over.  That's all I've got for you, for today, folks.  Thank you so much for being here. If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach out. We love hearing from you. Until next time... Keep your eyes on the prize.

Work Trip

Alright, everyone. Welcome back to The Heart of Many Homes. A quick little podcast that's doing it's best to take up space on the Internet, so there's less room for political commentary. I'm Laura Fangman. I'm a Realtor in Tennessee and Virginia. For brokerage information, please visit our website, www.weknowknoxville.com. Kicking things off with a particularly relevant quote, this time... Whether you’re an obstetrician or a third grade teacher or a real estate agent, you know when you’re doing good work. You’re passionate about it. -Susan Isaacs said that. Somehow, it's May! I feel like I’ve been waiting forever and yet it got here really fast! Hooray for the month that swimming pools open and people remember their dormant love affair with all things grilled! This month is always very exciting for me. I’ve been to several real estate events already this year, but May is when the National Association of Realtors heads to Washington DC for the annual Mid-Year Conference. (Technically, it’s not called Mid-Year anymore, but that’s another story.) I have been able to attend every year, since it had taken place in my backyard, basically, before we moved.  Mid-Year is a legislative conference; it introduces members of our industry to the people and places where laws are passed and changes are made. As the largest trade organization in the country, Realtors know they have an obligation to effect change and they work hard at it. Getting face to face with the folks in Washington is just one of many ways we work for you.  One of the concepts I’ve tried to encourage the understanding of is that real estate is more than selling houses. In fact, I truly don’t sell anything. By the time a buyer gets to me, they’ve already decided they’re buying a house -I don’t have to convince them to do it. My job is to help them make the best possible decision, with the most advantageous terms and, frankly, sometimes I’m the person that tells them not to do it.  If a homeowner decides that selling their property is the next step, it’s up to me to showcase their property in it’s best light and make it appealing and available to the largest possible pool of buyers. I’m an advisor, a voice of reason, and an inside expert on the process, but not a salesman.  I’m also passionate about it. Real estate as a whole. I love looking at houses; the style & structure, the decorating, the layouts and use of space. I love negotiating contracts; working with another professional to find agreement and the terms that help everyone walk away content. I love the marketing; whether it’s myself or a property, I love finding new ways to reach new audiences and get their attention. Sometimes, I even enjoy the politics. Yep, the politics, and boy there are plenty at every level of the business! If consumers can’t afford to buy houses, I’m out of a job, so it’s important that I answer calls to action and let my elected officials know what I think about an issue, prior to a vote. I invest in our political action committee so that we can support candidates who understand the importance of homeownership in our country. It’s important to meet and greet and shake hands and attend meetings and be present, because it lets our elected official know that someone is watching and that someone cares. It’s so much #morethanhouses. So, that’s where I’ll be, later this month. Networking with like-minded business leaders from across the country and making sure that there is security in the American Dream. Then, it’s back to the grind, not-selling homes. Let me know if you need me.  That's all for today, folks. Thank you for coming back for more and, as always, reach out if you have questions or comments. We love to hear from you. Until next time... don't forget to put that laundry in the dryer...

A Favor

Alright everyone, welcome back to The Heart of Many Homes, a quick little podcast that's basically what you'd get if Erma Bombeck and Brad Inman had a baby who started a podcast.The Venn diagram for people who understood those references is very slim... I'm Laura Fangman, I'm a Realtor in Tennessee and Virginia. For brokerage information, please see our website: www.weknowknoxville.com. Anyway, I really love the quote we're starting off with, today... Everybody has talent, it’s just a matter of moving around until you’ve discovered what it is. -George Lucas This is the month of Easter and Spring Break and baby animals and diamonds! (Well, if you’re fortunate enough to have your birthday in April, like me, it’s the month of diamonds. Sorry about the rest of y’all’s luck.)  This is also the month where the housing market begins to simmer. Folks have used their Spring Breaks to come to the area and find a new place to call home and, soon, the moving will commence. Depending on where you live, a lot of this transition will be with military personnel. Here, at my house, we’ve been those folks, which is a big part of how I became the Best Realtor Ever. I should take a moment to clarify that my claim of Best Realtor Ever status is based on a survey taken of my daughter’s opinion. I can’t trust my son not to be a smart-ass and name someone else (like Phil Dunphy) and I didn’t have time for a wider sample before publishing this. I have deadlines, people.  We have moved at least 14 times in the last 20 years. We’ve been buyers and sellers and tenants and landlords. We’ve lived in government housing and privately owned residences and public-private partnership situations. We’ve relied on the hospitality of friends and learned that the process of securing a new address can vary drastically, from state to state. We’ve also been the friends that others trusted to watch over their home, while they were taking a turn living on the other side of the planet. I’m pretty sure this conglomeration of experiences is what sealed the deal for my career path. It’s a literal interpretation of that George Lucas quote we started with and, truly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It fills my bucket to be able to look my clients in the eye and say, “I understand.” It’s a comfort to us both, but none of this would be possible without the influence of move after move after military move.  Now, here’s the part where I ask you a favor. I can’t be everywhere. Hard to believe, I know, but true nonetheless. As the moving season picks up and strangers move in next door and unfamiliar faces pass you on the sidewalk and a hesitant invitation is extended to “like” a new jewelry-making etsy store, or a frantic mom, whose name you can’t quite remember, puts desperate faith on the line and asks if you could possibly grab one of her kids off the bus while she takes the other to urgent care… please be kind. Be accommodating. Be inclusive. Take a paper plate of cookies over to them and say hello. They don’t even have to be homemade. No one is judging you and everyone loves cookies, but please, for me, make your new neighbors feel welcome. It’s the best feeling in the world.  If it’s your turn to come or go, give me a call. I understand and I’d love to help you through the transition. Keep in mind that you don’t have to face your new location alone. There is a very good chance that I know someone awesome in the area you’re headed to and I would love to link you up! Just reach out and let me know. That's it for today folks. As always, thank you so much for being here. If you have questions or comments, feel free to get in touch, we always love hearing from you. Until next time, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars...