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Oh, What A Night!
November 3, 2010
By Becky Locknane

I was privileged to attend “Ball Homes Night of Hope” last week at the Lexington Opera House . This was the second annual “Ball Homes Night of Hope” which benefits the men and women of the Hope Center. 

Deborah Back, Cherie Butler, Judy Craft, and Beck Locknane at "Oh what a night!", a Ball Homes sponsored event.

Deborah Back, Cherie Butler, Judy Craft, and Beck Locknane at "Oh what a night!", a Ball Homes sponsored event.

The Hope Center was opened in 1993 and serves as a safe and accessible shelter for the homeless.  It also provides services that encourage movement out of shelter dependency.  The Hope Center’s Mission Statement is: To care for homeless and at-risk persons by providing life-rebuilding services that are comprehensive and address underlying causes.

In addition to some outstanding musicians and vocalists, best-selling author of “The Glass Castle”, Jeannette Walls, shared her inspirational story of growing up in a family struggling with homelessness, alcoholism and mental illness to ultimately bring a message of hope, perseverance and strength.

You know, when we are out there selling Louisville houses, whether to first time home buyers or buyers that are purchasing their second or third home, we sometimes forget that there are people that have no home. 

I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to remember those in need and possibly homeless, as we approach the winter months.  Find an organization where you can contribute to helping provide HOPE,  as Ball Homes did at their “Night of Hope” .

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Today’s Survivors, Tomorrow’s Leaders
September 9, 2010
By Judy Craft

One common thread among winners in society is their refusal to give up, no matter what the task or challenge.  The last couple of years in the real estate industry have been tumultuous to say the least and we have witnessed the demise of many otherwise promising careers.  No part of our business has been spared – many Realtors, Lenders and Builders, which used to be very successful in the sales process of Kentucky houses are now out of business.  For those of us who are left I must first of all say “Congratulations!!”.  You are a true survivor and should prosper greatly in the coming years.  As we move forward let’s remain focused on the fundamentals that keep us going:

1.  Get off the couch!!  It is so easy to get down and feel as if there isn’t a reason to get up and be productive. Don’t give in to the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” mentality!

2.  Go to work!!  Whether you have a home office or actually go into the business office it is important that you begin and end each day in a professional and workmanlike manner.  This will help you mentally and will assure your customers and clients that you are working hard for them, in good times and bad.

Prospecting for better business in 2011!

Prospecting for Better Business in 2011!

3.  Prospect!!  It has been proven over and over again that there is always a need for homes to be bought and sold no matter what the economy.  People marry, divorce, have children, and relocate every day of the year so there are always opportunities for those who are aware and working.

4.  Hone your skills!!  Take classes at your local Association (most are free) and put into practice what you learn. This will better prepare you for the days ahead.

5.  Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Diet!!  No only will you look and feel better, you will assure a greater life expectancy and be more prepared for the ups and downs of our business.  Exercise helps ease depression and stress and makes you physically strong.

6.  Appreciate your family and friends…of all the lessons I have learned over the years this is probably the most valuable.  Your family and friends are the people who will be there for you through thick and thin so don’t underestimate their importance to your well-being.

Milestone is providing a free 3 segment training session entitled Charter 2011, which will help our agents analyze their business relationships and set their goals for the next year.  This helps to keep our agents a cut above the rest. We trust that everyone will sign up and attend and look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2011!!

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Will History Repeat Itself? We Certainly Hope So!
September 3, 2010
By Judy Craft
Jeff Shore spoke to our Milestone Kentucky Realtors®

Jeff Shore spoke to our Milestone Kentucky Realtors®

Jeff Shore, an enlightened and engaging speaker from Auburn, CA, who specializes in creating Urgency in a Non-Urgent Market, was our guest on August 20th at Milestone to speak on our Kentucky Realtors®. One of the many critical points Jeff addressed was the history of real estate which tends to be cyclical. In looking at the real estate market beginning in 1990 through today there appears to be evidence that history is indeed repeating itself, or at least we hope so. Let’s look at the time line:

  • 1990-1992  We were in a recession and home prices dropped
  • 1992-1994  Flat market, no price changes
  • 1995-1999  Healthy market, moderate price increases
  • 2000-2005  Boom, prices way up
  • 2006-2007  Prices up, rate of escalation slowing down
  • 2008-2009  Recession, home prices dropped
  • 2010 – Flat market, no price changes

With this said the next phase of our market should be “Healthy market, moderate price increases”.  You can enjoy Jeff Shore’s free newsletter, The Shore Thing, delivered to your email each Saturday morning.  Sign up at Jeff’s website.