We all too often forget to look at the overall picture and sometimes dwell upon and ‘sweat the small stuff.’ We have to keep things in perspective and remember that the only things we can change are what we have control over. We may be able to influence external conditions, but we can only change how we look at and deal with them.

Yes, I do wax philosophically at times and try to be introspective as well. To me, it is a way in which I’m able to keep myself grounded, or at the least try to. I’ve learned that repeated frustrations and disappointments are always a reflection of repeated misunderstandings and presumptions.

Thinking is not enough. For if you think negative thoughts, then that is the outcome you will be receiving. You have to think positive thoughts and then turn those thoughts into actions. Your thoughts can yield inspiration, creativity and the determination you need. Just thinking different varieties of the same old thoughts is not conducive at all. But remember to take tiny steps – Rome wasn’t built in a day.

The more you find good in another, the more you’ll find good in yourself. Don’t dwell on past issues. They are over and done with – can’t be changed and can’t be brought back. They prove no purpose as long as the lesson has been learned from them. Always, always, remember the good. Besides, it will bring a smile to your heart.

By accepting full responsibility for the things in your life, you will be unlocking the doors to joy and with that comes power. Blaming others and external forces accomplishes nothing. It won’t change anything, but you can by the actions that you take.

It’s all a matter of perspective and how we wish to treat and look at things and life.

“Be true to your work, your word and your friend.” – Thoreau

Have a GREAT day!!

For information on Orlando real estate and Orlando homes for sale in addition to Orlando relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Greater Orlando Area Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his website.

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ -  407-463-1034

You can read Marc’s other blogs Real Estate Morsels, Real Estate Off The Leash & Real Estate Cracker

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

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The following are the market sales statistics for Longwood, Seminole County, Florida for February 2009.  Longwood is made up of the zip codes of 32779 & 32750.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.

A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.

The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.

The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.

There needs to be a disclaimer here.  These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time.  Also, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local.  What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall.  Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.

Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time. More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another. By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.

Single-Family Homes

27 homes sold during the month of February.

The average sales price is $334,601 with 157 days on the market.

The median sales price is $247,200.

The sales to list price ratio is 93%.

The most expensive home sold for $1.315M in Alaqua Lakes and was on the market 114 days..

The least expensive home sold for $110,000 in Longdale after 149 days on the market.

The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $324,011 with 164 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 94% on 22 sales, a decrease of 23%.

The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 22% and an increase in the median sales price of 9.3%. There was an increase in sales volume of 80% with a 4% increase in the sales to list price ratio. Except for 2 homes that sold for over $1M, the rest sold for $550K and under.

Condos, Townhomes & Villas

4 homes sold

The average sales price is $95,750 with 165 days on the market.

The median sales price is $61,250.

The sales to list price ratio is 97%.

The more expensive townhome sold for $212,000 in The Springs and was on the market 323 days.

The less expensive sold for $48,500 in Clubside at Sabal Point a Condominium after 21 days on the market.

The average sales price a year earlier was $264,000 with 359 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 94% on 2 sales, an increase of 200%.

The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 41%. There was an increase in sales volume of 200% with a 7% increase in the sales to list price ratio.

For information on Longwood and Seminole County real estate and Longwood and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Longwood and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Longwood and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034.  Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his website.

Marc Grossman, GRI  -  http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ -  407-463-1034

You can read Marc’s other blogs Real Estate Morsels, Real Estate Off The Leash & Real Estate Cracker

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

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stuff

Is this what one’s life amounts to in the end? A dear friend passed away 7 months ago and the process to clean out her house had been daunting on many levels. The range of emotions that I’ve gone through during the process is quite interesting when I look back on it, but then again I’m sure that it’s also the grieving process as well. I won’t deny that there has been so much anger while packing her things/belongings.

Seriously, what do your belongings become afterwards? Yes, we’ve had family and friends come in and go through her stuff to pick and choose what they may like. Some of it we did to keep as a reminder; other stuff we took because we may have liked it or thought that we could utilize it. As I’m writing, I’ve noticed that I’ve used the word ‘stuff’ – but that’s all it comes down to it – stuff! Stuff someone has accumulated and stuff someone else may want. Geez, almost sounds like we could go into a George Carlin routine here, but I digress.

So much has been gone through. Actually, every nook and cranny in this house. Now I’m here for the final packing and removal. Except for the furniture that’s left in the house, this is what’s left of her life – in the garage. I’m sorry, it appears to be a sad testament to one’s life, but I know the same will happen to mine at sometime in the future as well. And it’ll just be stuff that people will forage through to see what they may like and discard the rest.

You may wonder what is the point of this post? There really isn’t any, just basically my miscellaneous meanderings about our life or what happens afterwards. I apologize in advance if the tone here is somewhat somber, that is not my intention. But I guess when you speak of death, what else can it be?

more stuff

We surround ourselves with things. And obviously I’m referring to inanimate objects. We are masters of conspicuous consumption. Buy, buy, buy!!! Probably the majority of what we buy is not because we actually need it. I’m not going to blame this on our societal changes. But, if you look back, you will notice that we changed our lifestyles greatly with the advent of available credit. First it was with credit cards; then came the HELOC’s (Home Equity Lines of Credit); and, then the easy mortgage. Unfortunately, this has led us to really become what I’ll call a debtors society, where the majority of people have more debt than they do assets.

What happened to living within our means? What the heck is the big deal with “keeping up with the Joneses?” Seriously, are they putting food on your table? So going into debt and buying conspicuously will allow you to supposedly attain a certain social class or socio-economic status? But do we actually stop and look at the cost of such? Again, do you seriously believe that trying to buy your way up the ladder, will actually get you there?

I had an acquaintance once who felt that he had an inalienable right to things. That he was deserving and had a dutiful right whether he attained the goods or that he was owed it by others. It didn’t matter if he could afford such.

Do you think that our present economic situation is due to this kind of mentality? If you think not, than you are only deluding yourself. I apologize if that appears terse, but we need to reevaluate ourselves and what we are doing. First off, it’s only fair to the children. What kind of legacy are we leaving them? They deserve the same fair rights and choices that we’ve had, but not if we leave them a major debt ridden society.

Things need to change. They should have changed years ago, but that’s over and done with. Tomorrow will be too late. It needs to be done NOW!!

Till next time – Marc It Sold!

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This got me to thinking. For some frugality would be a deprivation of sorts; to others it is a way of life. For someone to make change like this, they’d need to reevaluate their life and what they are doing. This led me to wonder how often people do this. For some of us we probably do it fairly regularly; for others, I’m sure that they almost never wish to do this.

Yes, it’s called introspection. But what good is introspection if you don’t do anything with your so-called findings? This extends throughout not only our personal lives, but our business lives as well.

With our business model, we have to reevaluate consistently, or at least periodically, how we do things. Why we are doing those things? Are we getting the desired results out of what we are doing? These questions are pertinent to our success.

Today, I went to a mortgage market update class. My intention in going was to be up to date on what’s happening within our industries. I didn’t do this only for myself and my business, but feel that it is necessary for me to do this for my clients and my potential clients. Granted, the material that was served didn’t fulfill me in the least. But I did at least try to seek out more.

But, let’s take this another step further. Do you generally reevaluate your personal & business lives? Are you doing the same old thing? Are you getting the results that you wish? Hasn’t it been stated that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.

It appears to me that we are victims of rote, repetition, redundancy. This appears to be human nature. Whether we do this because it is easier or we are within our so-called comfort zone – I don’t know. But it can be a hindrance to our advancement and achievements.

Do you seek out to learn possibly new ways of looking at something or doing something – even simple little things?

I read blog posts daily looking to glean information; trying to learn something new or different. And that’s part of it. It’s the learning process. Life is a learning process. You have to continue to be open to learn new things or maybe even a different way to do something. Otherwise – why? Is it not for naught then?

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My Dear Friend
We’ve been friends for over 30 years
Yet you no longer talk to me

My Dear Friend
You are the smartest person that I’ve met in my whole life
And I miss you so much

My Dear Friend
We’ve helped each other over the years
Yet, you are no longer here

My Dear Friend
My heart aches for your voice
As acerbic as it may be at times (yet well deserved)

My Dear Friend
I’m sorry for the way that I found you today
I know that you would be horrified to know

My Dear Friend
Who will watch after me
And tell me that I’ve strayed

My Dear Friend
Rest in Peace
You will always be loved!

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By definition procrastination is the act of deferring tasks to a later time. According to Wikipedia, “The psychological causes of procrastination vary greatly, but generally surround issues of anxiety, low sense of self-worth, and a self-defeating mentality.” As true as this is, it is very disconcerting when you note that some forms of procrastination are self-destructive.

We all procrastinate in one way or another, even if you didn’t think that you did. Accordingly, there are both good and bad procrastination skills. As to the good ones, someone may delay doing a task to do something of more importance. In other words it is a form of prioritization. Even though this may be good, the fact of the matter is that you are going to have to tackle that other task anyway. Otherwise the situation will get worse (like putting off mowing the lawn) and in some cases out of hand.

One of the worst forms of procrastination besides not doing anything at all is the one where we’ll perform tasks of less importance. What we’ll do is say to ourselves that we’ve accomplished a lot that day, whether it be errands or whatever. We’ll even reward ourselves for completing these tasks. But we leave behind the task of more importance that is still waiting there and not getting done. What makes this so detrimental to us is that it doesn’t feel like we are procrastinating.
You may even wonder if I’m procrastinating from doing something by writing this post.

Actually, I’m writing this for two purposes – one to relay my thoughts on this subject and also for myself on a personal level. I came to a realization last evening, which really has nothing to do with procrastination, and needed an outlet.

One of the questions that we should be asking ourself is ‘What’s the best thing that I could be working on?‘ And then follow that up with, ‘Why aren’t I?’ This is probably not easy for some to ask themselves because we have to be introspective to answer it properly.

Several reasons for our procrastination could be fear, whether it be the fear of failure or success; perfectionism, because we may expect too much of ourselves and are therefore afraid of not attaining that level or goal; or, we’re too busy to perform those tasks. Many times we’ll find that we’ll perform a lesser task because of the instant gratification as opposed to a more intense or larger task that will usually give use greater satisfaction down the road in the foreseeable future.

Procrastination tends to reinforce itself and that can only become a vicious cycle. Part of the problem is that we are too intelligent and will rationalize behavior such as this.

While writing this piece, I came across an article in Psychology Today, Procrastination: Ten Things To Know. Is your procrastination hindering you? by Hara Estroff Marano.

So, what are you going to do now?

For information on Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County real estate and Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI – http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ – 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

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The rewards that we acquire are bringing all of these individual facets together successfully for all of those involved. To me that is the rush that I get out of my vocation.

Are there some aspects of real estate sales that I am not wholly in love with – absolutely. Are there some tasks that I’d rather not do, or at least to a lesser extent than others – for sure. But as with anything else it is the total package.

It’s what we bring to the business of real estate that will determine where we are going and how we will get there. For some, it may just happen. But there isn’t enough longevity to that – waiting for things to just happen. It’s what we bring in and of ourselves that will determine our longevity and profitability in this business.

OK, so I’ve written four paragraphs here and while most of this is just philosophical, I’ve not given you anything solid to grasp. A lot of things are intrinsic and not tangible. You can’t touch someone’s attitude, yet you may be able to feel it, be it their aura, etc.

It’s like the old story, and I just found out that Abraham Lincoln stated this, but “you can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.” It’s just not going to happen, no matter how good of an actor that you think you are.

We’ve talked so much about developing a business plan and many do not do this even in their heads. I think that part of that problem, procrastination, whatever, is that too many feel this to be a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be. Yes, it should hold several components, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a dollars and figures spreadsheet. Some do like taking it to that extent. Some of us are the engineers.

Let me just state that there is no right or wrong, I am only espousing my feelings about such.

I think we need to be introspective. Some like doing this more often than others. Some like to do this on an ongoing basis, while others may only do this occasionally. You have to know where you’ve been to possibly understand where you are going. You have to have learned the lessons of the past, otherwise all is for naught. You will only be repeating the same things over and over and unfortunately in many instances be expecting different returns. Chances of that happening are basically slim to nil. You’d only be kidding yourself and unfortunately this is done only too often by many.

The energies that you exude and surround yourself with will either make or break you. Some will unfortunately think that I’m just blowing this out my rear. But think of it, what do you want others to see and feel? What do you want to evince?

We talk and hear people say about all the negativities in the world and our businesses at present. And if you feel this way, then that is what people will see coming from you. How about all of the positives? There are pros and cons with almost everything. It is how you wish to look at it. Is the so to speak glass half full or half empty? These are your choices. Many will say that the industry is in turmoil and will be for years, our society is in turmoil. But homes are being sold every day. Where do you fit in with this picture? Where do you want to fit in with this picture?

It all comes down to choices and which road we wish to take. I guess that I’ve used several adages here, but they do show a point hopefully.

We all have issues. Sometimes we all have doubts. But it’s up to you if you wish to befall into the crevice. Do you have a plan or something to utilize when you are feeling down or unsure? Or do you just fall into it and let it envelope you and just wait for it to pass?

It comes down to do you wish to take action or react to something. You will definitely get different results by both of these. An action is something that thought has been given to, whereas a reaction is something that is automatic.

Maybe I should retitle this post to read “A Philosophical Discourse – Where do you stand?” I enjoy writing and sometimes it helps me. I enjoy sharing my feelings and personal insights. But as I previously stated there is no wrong or right, it is just a matter of what works for YOU!

Till next time - Marc It Sold!

For information on Central Florida and Orlando real estate and Central Florida and Orlando homes for sale in addition to Central Florida and Orlando relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Central Florida Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI – http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ – 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

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What do you want out of life and real estate?

This is not meant to be a personal blah, blah, blah, but it’s also the only way I know how to relate the way I see things. Call it Marc’s semi-educated outlook, if you wish. I’ve been mulling this over in my head for a while since commenting on WooHoo Sally’s post Business Plan 2008? The Art of Handling Life’s Curve Balls ….First. She told me not to hide the real me under the jokes, etc. But it must be said that I do like the jokes and I do not think I’m hiding. I truly believe that laughter is one of the best medicines and especially laughter at ourselves.

Anyway, this one doesn’t include much laughter or maybe even my normal caustic sarcasm that many of you have come to know. OK, so already I’m rambling. Let’s see if I make this somewhat cohesive. With it being the New Year, there have been many, many posts in regard to predictions, business plans, changes that we are going to make in our lives, etc.

Yes, I have a business plan, it is basically a numbers plan, but it probably isn’t specific enough for many in that it’s not broken down into # of calls, # of hours calling, etc. Read Margaret Woda’s post If You Don’t Yet Have a Business Plan, This May Help You Get Started for a very simplistic business plan. We’ve all read that for you to succeed you need a business plan. Yes, you can have success without a business plan, but you will never come close to your potential. For some this is fine; and yes, I’ve also had a ‘secret business plan’ in the past; one that I kept in my head. Again, writing it down on paper is one of the easiest things to do. And, the benefit that you will derive from that simple task is innumerable.

Writing is a very good thing, at least for me. When I’d been through some troubling times in the past I would start a journal. To me it was very cathartic getting it out. It was a release of sorts.

There are a couple of things that I’d like to touch on. We are in business, but one of the things that I see holding too many back is that they don’t believe in themselves. Let me put it another way. How else can any of us expect anyone else to believe in us and our abilities, if we do not fully believe in ourselves? There is no way.

Yes, the old adage is true that you can fool some of the people all of the time, but not all of the people some of the time. Not too many of us have the ability to be that good of an actor as we might like to think we are. We wear our emotions on our sleeves. Even when we think we can hide them, they are more easily read than you may think and you are only kidding yourself, otherwise.

To be an integral part of this business; and, well forget about that, just in life in general – you need to believe in yourself. When you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Additionally, no one – not one damn person has the right to belittle you or make you feel inadequate. NO ONE!! None of us is perfect and anyone who thinks that he/she is – is a fool!

This of course, leads to a topic that we know and have read about quite a bit as well. There are many negative forces out there that will serve you no purpose whatsoever. Part of being in this business and part of selling ourselves is being positive. I, myself, limit the amount of negativity in my life – whether it be friends, acquaintances, situations, etc. Negativity will bring you down.

Think of it this way. When you’ve been around a negative person for a little while, how have you felt afterwards? I know that for myself, these situations and people are like energy vampires. They sap you of your energy and tire you if you fall into the trap and allow them to. You know the saying ‘misery loves company.’ Yes, there are many adages, cliches and old wives tales. The fact is many of these are so very true.

Think of the people around you. Do you surround yourself with positive people and positive situations? The market is, period! (OK, so an exclamation point in this case.) Bob did I say that correctly? You can’t do anything about it. But you can change how you look at it and take actions accordingly. You see that I did not say react. A reaction is just a knee jerk action without a plan and no direction. This again is another reason that you need a plan. A plan leads to action.

We have to keep ourselves positive even in the face of adversity. Almost all of us have so much to be thankful for. Yes, we’ve heard the statement that there are so many less fortunate than ourselves. Sometimes it’s hard to see this because as the complicated human beings we are, we do just that – complicate matters. Everything and I mean everything can be broken down into its most simplistic form. When you do break things down to such, only then can you see the underlying cause of what’s going on. What you are doing to yourself. Why you may or may not be succeeding.

But to do this you have to be introspective. It’s hard for some people to look at their life from the outside looking in or to see themself in the third person. If you can’t do this yourself then maybe you should speak with a respected person in your life or possibly even a psychologist. Now a proper therapist will not give you the answers, or at least they shouldn’t. But they should ask you the questions to make you think and see for yourself what’s going on in your life.

Once you get down to the basis or root, only then can you see what needs to be done to possibly make the proper changes, if need be. If you expect someone to give you the answers then you are only doomed to fail. No one can give you the answer, for you won’t believe them in the long run. It has to come from within. Then and only then can you make a plan and take the proper actions that need be.

Now many people have a difficult time with change. Unfortunately, you are in the wrong business then. To be a successful realtor, mortgage broker, etc. you have to be adaptable to the times, situations, etc. Do not get me wrong, I am not telling anyone to get out of the business or what they are doing is wrong. I have no right to do that. Only you can make that final determination for yourself.

We will all run into so-called negative situations in this business. It doesn’t always go easy. It is how you handle these adversities that will lead to your success. When you fall down, what do you generally do? You pick yourself up and brush yourself off and are a little more careful of your next step or so.

Don’t look back on how it was. That’s over and done with. You are in the here and today – not the yesterday and not even the tomorrow yet. You can’t do a damn thing to change the past, but you can take action steps today to make for a better tomorrow for yourself.

All in all you have to remember that only you have control over yourself. You have the control to make things happen. You have the power to control your life and your destiny. Yes, they are clichés, but are they not true? Take action! Take control! Be who you want to be and be the best at it that you can be!

Put a smile on your face and the whole world smiles with you!

For more information on Central Florida real estate and Central Florida homes for sale in addition to Central Florida relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Central Florida Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.

To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his profile & website.

Marc Grossman, GRI – http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ – 407-463-1034

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.

Marc It Sold!

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Do you allow pedestrians to cross in a parking lot or do you feel that they should wait for you? (You do understand that pedestrians do have the right of way most of the time.)

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