What's that Smell? My Rant.

Every time I see an ad for plug-in air "fresheners" I want to throw my shoe at the T.V.

Unfortunately, many real estate home sellers over do it. If a little pleasant odour is good then a lot is better - right?

I sympathize with home sellers who want to put their best foot forward to make their homes as delightful as possible.

I have one suggestion for them. Simply, CLEAN YOUR HOUSE!

Remove garbage, cat waste and dirty clothing. Clean the kitchen and the bathroom. Air out the basement. Mop the floor. And you are good. 

How to tell if you have too many air "fresheners":

1. When the smell can be detected on driveway of the home .... then you have too many air "fresheners".

2. When cat pee smells better...then you have too many air "fresheners".

3. When every available electrical plug has an air "freshener" plugged in...then you have too many air "fresheners".

I have removed up to 8 air "fresheners" from a typical sized home. I put these outside on the back patio. This many "fresheners" in a home makes me rather smell garbage.

As soon as I enter such a home my nose begins a drip. Sometimes will leave with a headache. My favourite are those that have motion detection attached and are aimed to spray directly in peoples' faces. A colleague has described it as an assault and I agree. 

So, clean and tidy your house and de-clutter. Open drapes to brighten the house. But LOSE THE "FRESHENERS"!!!

Thank you for listening.

Original content 

by Daniela Schmidt

My ah ha today from Gary Keller's book "The One Thing"

Today I read Chapter 7 called Willpower is Always on Will-Call in Gary Keller's book "The One Thing".

Ah ha 1.
In that chapter it is suggested that our will-power can let us down because we don't accept that our will power is like a tank of gas. Will power can run out and need refilling. Budget it.

Ah ha 2.
It is not dependent on the strength of our character. Such as "if there is a will, there is a way" implying that if you can't find the way then you have a problem with your will. Character is not enough.

Ah ha 3.
Will power needs to be managed.  We need to plan our lives and work around that. Those who planned for long term over short term gratification will tend to be more successful in reaching their goals. This is a managed use of "will power".

Ah ha 4.
Take care of your health and well-being so that you have a better chance to stick to your long-term goals. Those who are tired or not eating properly will fall for short-term, default gratifications.

Ah ha 5.
Time of day matters. Mornings are the best time for your will power to win as your energy levels are the highest. I think I knew this.

Ah ha 6.
Some of the things that wears down our will power:

• learning new things
• interuptions and distractions
• surpressing emotions
• tests
• trying to impress others
• doing things that we don't like
• selecting long-term over short-term gratification

It makes sense but I didn't realize how this can affect our will-power

Will power is not on-call. We can't bring it up when we want it.  Accept how will-power works and plan your days around it and let it leverage you when it is most powerful.



By Daniela Schmidt

It wasn't me...

http://www.lfpress.com/2013/04/08/5-tonnes-of-nutella-stolen-in-germany 

By Daniela Schmidt

   

My old German home...

 

With my next trip to Germany still in the planning stage, I can't help but remember my last visit. That visit was my first trip back since coming to Canada when I was about 2 years old.

The first video posted here was taken accidentally! Happy accident! Please forgive the lousy set-up. 

My daughter Melanie and I were amazed to see it. We entered the yard and we peeked in the windows. No one was home!

This is the home that my mother and her brother grew up in.  I lived here too - from birth to my first year. Until I saw it I believed that the house had been torn down...yet here it is. It is no longer owned by my family. 

By Daniela Schmidt

Thinking about a career in Real Estate?

Come visit us on our career information night on April 2 at 7:09 pm.

 

By Daniela Schmidt

Message from Dad...

Last home we lived in before coming to Canada in 1967.

Hi Daniela, it just occurred to me that it was on March 13th that we arrived in Toronto. A brilliant blue sky and the coldest temperatures I had ever experienced in my life. The fact that I brought a sunburn with me from Germany did not help nor did the summer suit I was wearing. Your mother was equally disadvantaged with summer or spring clothes. I do remember that her mini skirt turned heads where ever we went. Nobody in London Ontario had ever seen a mini skirt. As far as we were concerned people walked around in pajamas. Big bold colors plaids,shapeless pants and coats with large leather straps and well over the knee. And hoods. We compared with downtown London with scenes out of old british movies. Except for the large cars that moved along at snail pace. Anyway it was quiet the experience. Thought you may be interested since you were a major player. Your Mom had her purse stolen buying a crib for you at Eatons. With most of our money in it. Welcome to Canada. Love Dad
                           ... email from Juergen Schmidt, my father.

By Daniela Schmidt

One Vision, Many Hands...

Everyone at my work place at Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty is getting excited for upcoming Red Day 2013 in May.

Here is a video that tells the story of some Keller Williams Realty offices who joined forces and did good at inner-city elementary schools in need.

http://youtu.be/2hW51gW3FAY

This is our third Red Day at Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty.  We have yet to make a final determination of where our Red Day efforts will be focused has to be set. This video has inspired our enthusiasm.

Since we are still open for community volunteer opportunities ... any suggestions? Plus, anyone who wants to join us is welcome! We always have a fun day of helping and friendship.

The good old days...

... when it came to home affordability. Hard to believe the Real Estate market is not hotter!

Common-law Relationships and Property Rights in Ontario

Photo Art by Andrea Linker

"Strathroy in Snow"

Did you hear the story on the news last week of a couple in Quebec who are splitting up? They were unmarried and at issue was support. The Quebec court said that unmarried partners are not entitled to support.

Although that was about support issues, it did get me thinking about common-law relationships and Real Estate in Ontario.

Many people believe that after 6 months of living together a couple becomes "common-law" married and thus the house owned by only one of the couple becomes "matrimonial property" and any increase in value from start to finish of the relationship is shared 50/50. Except for mitigating circumstances, this is untrue.

I have selected an excerpt from an information booklet published by the Ministry of the Attorney General. It was last revised in November 2012.

     "...Common law couples do not have the same rights as married couples to share the property they bought when they were living together. Usually, furniture, household belongings and other property belong to the person who bought them."

     "Common law couples also do not have the right to divide between them the increase in value of the property they brought with them to the relationship."

    " If you have contributed to property your spouse owns, you may have a right to part of it. Unless your spouse agrees to pay you back through negotiation, mediation, collaborative law or arbitration, you may have to go to court to get back your contribution."

To read more about the Family Law Act, go to http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/familyla.pdf

Keep in mind that the booklet does not contain legal advice or replace the specialized advice of lawyers or other experts.

Common law relationships are not "just like being married". I know of a man who re-mortgaged his home to payout a former live-in girlfriend half the value of his house. Perhaps he felt it was the right thing to do. Most likely he didn't get legal advice and felt he was avoiding a costly lawsuit.

Understand your rights and obligations when making major life decisions and don't be afraid to get legal advice.


What's Happening this Week at KW Lifestyles?

Thinking about investing in Real Estate? 
... Come to our Real Estate Investor Seminar Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013 at 7:00pm in our training room at my office!

Open to everyone - Call or text me at 519-671-2773 so that I can save you a seat and answer any questions. 

COMING SOON!

Listen up my Real Estate Investors!

My BFF - Susan Jameson, CMA  
will be my Guest Blogger.

Her topic will be of interest to individuals and small businesses who are interested in business and tax advice.

Susan is my "go to" person when I need advice.

I can't wait!  See her blog: 

 http://seajameson.blogspot.ca/2013/01/blog-name-change.html

December 2012 London MLS Listing Stats

232 - Listings

147 - Sales

$259,836 - Average Sale Price

Five Most Effective Ways to Invest in Your Career: Method 5

Art by Juergen Schmidt   bhjschmidt@hotmail.com

Method 5.
Invest in Your Family and Personal Life:

Create Balance and Strengthen Your Career.

Balance is the key to success – in both business and in life. Contribute to the success of your career by investing in work/life balance and dedicating more time and attention to your personal and family life.

My family and personal friends are an essential component to my career success. They help clear my mind and enrich my points of view.

Engaging in activities separate from your career allows you to broaden your observations through a different lens and appreciate new types of ideas and ideals that can help shape your thinking and contribute to your professional growth.

Invest the right way and more effectively manage your career. Think of your investment as a personal enrichment process: an investment that is always working for you because it focuses on making you a better person both in and outside of the workplace.

From Glenn Llopis - The Immigrant's Perspective - Forbes

• Email or follow-me on Twitter @GlennLlopis.  Like us on Facebook!   Join our LinkedIn Group.
• Visit Glenn Llopis Training (online video-based training) and receive 15% off with the code “GLG“

My take on Glenn Llopis article:
     All work and no play makes us very dull people. Having a career in Real Estate sales includes "time of the essence" moments. Not all the time though. I have found that when I treated my personal time as an important "appointment", everyone wins - my family, my clients, my life.

That concludes the series about ways to invest in your business. I promise next week will be fun and informative!

What's Happening this Week?

- Real Estate Career Night

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013 at 7:00pm in our training room at my office!

Open to everyone - including seasoned Realtors looking for a new, better way - as well as people wondering if Real Estate is a career for them.

 

Call or text me at 519-671-2773 so that I can save you a seat and answer any questions. It's a good day!

COMING SOON!

Listen up my Real Estate investors!

My BFF +Susan Jameson, CMA  
will be my Guest Blogger.

Her topic will be of interest to individuals and small businesses who are interested in business and tax advice.

Susan is my "go to" person when I need advice.

I can't wait!  See her blog: 

 http://seajameson.blogspot.ca/2013/01/blog-name-change.html

December 2012 London MLS Listing Stats

232 - Listings

147 - Sales

$259,836 - Average Sale Price





Look for London Listings by going to my website www.sellinglondonon.com to find the latest listings



Four of Five Most Effective Ways to Invest in Your Career

Art by Andrea Linker   @ Facebook page: In Memory of Andrea Linker: Looking Back

Method 4. Invest in a Career Coach: 

Sustain Your Momentum

Staying focused can be difficult with so many different responsibilities to manage. This is why most people lose momentum when attempting to advance their careers. Most people start and stop the career management process – finding it difficult to manage their time.

Make career management a new best practice; a process that becomes an embedded part of your daily activities, goals and objectives. If possible, invest in a career coach to increase your commitment levels and hold yourself accountable. Today’s competitive landscape requires you to stay on track by investing in someone that can provide you with the tools and perspective to keep you focused.

From Glenn Llopis - The Immigrant's Perspective - Forbes

• Email or follow-me on Twitter @GlennLlopis.  Like us on Facebook!   Join our LinkedIn Group.
• Visit Glenn Llopis Training (online video-based training) and receive 15% off with the code 
• “GLG“

My thoughts:

Yes! I get derailed all the time by the distraction (or delusion) of being busy. I have adopted some methods to help keep my on track. In addition to a coach, I have regular appointments to call or meet other Realtors who I respect for accountability sessions. I use a unique appointment book that Rob Ruddell shared with me that keeps my goals, my tasks and my appointments front and centre. Time management is key to business and by extension - personal life happiness.

What's New and Exciting this Week?

Ignite topic: 4-1-1 Time Management: Show and Tell!
Sharing our 411 for the week and for January. Those new and not so new to 411 time management can review and learn together. 
Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 at 9:15 in our training room at my office!

Free and is open to everyone - that includes you!

Call or text me at 519-671-2773 so that I can save you a seat and answer any questions. It's a good day!

Interested in a career in Real Estate?

Let's Talk!

Call or Text me at 519-671-2773

or email info@sellinglondonon.com

December 2012 London MLS Listing Stats

232 - Listings

147 - Sales

$259,836 - Average Sale Price



See the newest Listings

by going to my website

 www.sellinglondonon.com 

Three of Five Most Effective Ways to Invest in Your Career

Art by Juergen Schmidt  @bhjschmidt@hotmail.com

Step Three:
Invest in the Right Relationships

Give Them Time and Attention. Build a personal advisory board who can properly guide your career goals. Identify your circle of influence. Who are they today? Are they guiding you rightly? Are you truly investing in these relationships in ways that are continually helping you move your career in the direction you want it to go?

Invest in how to network the right way. Your networking should be viewed as a professional development boot camp (read about this on Glenn's website cited below). Learn to value your time and how to connect with the right people.

Nurture the relationships that matter most. Give them proper time and attention and keep the most meaningful relationships active at all times.

From Glenn Llopis - The Immigrant's Perspective - Forbes

• Email or follow-me on Twitter @GlennLlopis.  Like us on Facebook!  
• Join our LinkedIn Group.
• Visit Glenn Llopis Training

My thoughts about Step 3:
I am attracted to people who are smarter and more influencial than I am.  I have relied on their experience, wisdom, support and SANITY when making significant personal and business decisions to take my life in the direction I wanted to go. Thank you Jim, Richard, Jane, Jeff, Maria, Iny, Susan, Lilly. 


What's New and Exciting this Week?

4-1-1 Time Management seminar on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013 at noon at my office!

This seminar is free and is open to everyone - that includes you!

Call or text me at 519-671-2773 so that I can save you a seat or answer any questions. I'm so excited!


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Interested in a career in Real Estate?

Let's Talk!

Call or Text me at 519-671-2773

or email info@sellinglondonon.com

December 2012 London MLS Listing Stats

232 - Listings

147 - Sales

$259,836 - Average Sale Price

See the newest Listings

by going to my website

 www.sellinglondonon.com 

5 Most Effective Ways to Invest in Your Career: #2

Art by Juergen Schmidt  @bhjschmidt@hotmail.com

Five Most Effective Ways to Invest in Your Career:  
Step 2. Never stop Learning. 

Invest your time to acquire the right intelligence and know-how that will accelerate your career advancement. For example, most people want to build their personal brand – yet don’t invest in the process of developing one and thus miss opportunities along the way.

Never assume that you don’t need to get smarter, wiser and more strategic about how to better manage your career. Be proactive. Get to know the goals the industry you are serving desires to achieve and how you can contribute.

Build relationships with key thought leaders.

Identify the best executive search firms that can support the career path you seek – and get to know what your direct competitors are doing to secure the position(s) you may be targeting      
   
 .... From Glenn Llopis - The Immigrant's Perspective - Forbes. Email or follow-me on Twitter @GlennLlopis.  Like us on Facebook!   Join our LinkedIn Group. Visit Glenn Llopis Training (online video-based training) and receive 15% off with the code “GLG

Interested in a career in Real Estate? 

Let's Talk! 

Send me an email to deeS@kw.com
or call/text at 519-671-2773

December 2012 London MLS Listing Statistics

232 - Listings

147 - Sales

$259,836 - Average Sale Price



To find the latest listings 
go to my website 
www.sellinglondonOn.com