Tag Archives : Roswell Real Estate

Did you know the real estate market affects you, even if you’re not planning to move or buy a home? Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or just curious about the economy, the housing market has a ripple effect on everything from personal finances to the broader economy. Understanding these trends can help you stay ahead and make smarter decisions for your future. Curious how? Let’s dive in!

Here are answers and my predictions to four of the most common questions we’re hearing right now:

When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?
Mortgage rates are influenced by the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, overall economic conditions, the labor market, and even the geopolitical landscape. Rates have risen as the Fed works to combat inflation. While there’s no exact timeline, many experts suggest rates could stabilize or decrease once inflation is under control and the economy shows consistent signs of improvement. Some predict this could happen in 2025, but it ultimately depends on economic data and future Fed decisions.

For buyers, waiting for lower rates might not always be the best strategy. Acting strategically—such as locking in today’s rates—can make sense, especially as high rates have reduced buyer competition. This often means better negotiating power when purchasing a home.

My prediction? Mortgage rates likely won’t meaningfully reduce until 2026.

When Will Home Prices Come Down?
In short, they won’t—at least not significantly. Housing prices are driven by supply and demand. Currently, most markets in our area face a shortage of inventory, which keeps prices elevated. For prices to drop, we’d need a substantial increase in supply or a major drop in demand. However, cautious builders, a lack of large parcels of land, and homeowners holding onto their low mortgage rates make widespread price declines unlikely.

What we might see instead is a slower rate of appreciation, which offers buyers some relief but not a complete reversal of prices. This environment creates opportunities to purchase at more reasonable valuations with less competition, reducing the risk of buying at a market peak. It’s also a good time to explore long-term rental investments.

My prediction? Our area will return to a normal appreciation rate of 4–5% by 2025.

Will the Housing Market Pick Up Next Year?
The housing market’s trajectory in 2025 will depend on economic stability and consumer confidence. If mortgage rates start to decline, we could see increased buyer activity. Additionally, pent-up demand from buyers who paused their searches due to high rates or election uncertainty could drive new market momentum. Many of these buyers are waiting on the sidelines, ready to jump back in when conditions improve.

My prediction? 2025 will see more home sales than 2024. I do not foresee it as a boom, but
a higher volume than this past year

Is Now a Good Time to Buy?
A market crash like 2008 is improbable. The current market is underpinned by strong fundamentals: tighter lending standards, significant homeowner equity, and sustained demand. While there are challenges —such as affordability issues due to higher prices and rates — these don’t equate to a crash. Instead, the market is undergoing a correction, with cooling in overly hot areas and a shift toward more balanced conditions.What this looks like now is a home selling process that involves negotiation on both sides, more balance between a buyer and seller market. The market will always have fluctuations and instead of fixating on timing the market, focus on securing a home that fits your needs and budget. For both buyers and sellers, this is a time to work closely with real estate professionals to navigate the evolving landscape.

My prediction? While the market presents challenges, strategic buyers who act now can benefit from reduced competition and position themselves for long-term appreciation and stability.

Final Thoughts
The real estate market is always changing, influenced by everything from the economy to politics and even social trends. While rising rates and limited inventory might feel like obstacles, they also open the door to unique opportunities for savvy buyers and investors. By staying informed and understanding the bigger picture, you can make confident decisions—whether you’re searching for your dream home, exploring investment options, or just keeping an eye on the market. Want to know how current trends could impact your plans? Reach out to us today, and let’s discuss your goals!

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 11 – A Champagne Wall and Museumesque Townhome In Roswell, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

In this episode of ‘Behind the Curtin’, Joanne Curtin takes you on an exclusive tour of the exquisite home of Billy Reeves Jr., featuring a one-of-a-kind champagne wall that defines luxury living like never before.

Joanne: Billy, where did you live before you moved to this gorgeous townhome in Roswell?

Billy: For the last nine years, we lived in Buckhead at a place called The View at Chastain.

Joanne: So, what made you choose Roswell? You could be anywhere.

Billy: I’ve been here all my life. After graduating Griffin High School, I went to Georgia Tech and I’ve been here ever since. My wife, Eileen, is from Stone Mountain. A friend of ours suggested we check out some new construction on Canton Street. I hadn’t been up to Canton Street for a while so I decided to take a drive up here. When I pulled in to Blacksmith Row, I called the real estate agent and she let me in. Once inside, I emailed Eileen the information and she simply said, “That’s where we’re going to live now”.

Joanne: What was it about this place that checked so many boxes for you?

Billy: Since the unit we purchased wasn’t completely finished, we had the option to make any changes that we wanted. And so, I felt like I literally built this place. I came here every morning and every evening for a year and a half and put this place together.

Joanne: How did your changes to the original design increase the value of the property?

Billy: The biggest thing was changing the layout and since I am in the cabinet business, we upgraded all the cabinetry, the countertops, and the closets. We also upgraded the fans and the showers. In addition, we worked with designer, Jennifer Crosby, of Crosby Design Group here in Roswell to select the tile, carpeting, and colors.

Joanne: Besides working with Jennifer Crosby, did you use a designer? What was that like?

Billy: We worked with a good friend of ours, Mariano. Previously, he had helped us redesign our showroom at Founders Kitchen and Bath. He is absolutely, off the charts talented and just a great guy.

Joanne: What does your home have that you and Eileen just felt like you really needed?

Billy: The layout of this home gives us the opportunity to tell our story, from the paintings to the family memorabilia. And everything has a place, and is very intentional.

Joanne: Where do you source some of your unique finds?

Billy: Most of the furnishings came from 14th Street Modern in Atlanta. The two bookcases in the living room came from the Michael Kors Showroom at Phipps Plaza. Possibly my favorite piece though is a small table in the elevator where we can put our coffee cups as we go up and down to the kitchen.

Joanne: Was there something that you splurged on?

Billy: Well, all of it was a splurge, the art and the furnishings. We definitely went over budget.

Joanne: What have you learned from this move?

Billy: After building an 8,000 square foot home on the golf course at Echelon, I felt like I learned a lot. Moving here from Buckhead, we learned to let our designer handle most things for us.

Joanne: What would you feel like people should not skimp on?

Billy: The biggest thing people should not skimp on is the small things, the little details. For example, the lighting in the hallway is set up to illuminate each step. This is not accidental, it is intentional. And I don’t think you should skimp on the fixtures, the faucets, the door handles, all that kind of stuff. And you definitely don’t want to skip on the cabinetry!

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 8 – A New Construction Home in Roswell, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Max Reiboldt and his wife, Kay, built a new home across the street from where they were living. This short journey resulted in a huge transformation of their living space.

Joanne: Max and Kay, it is a pleasure to talk to you. I am excited to hear about where you lived before you built this home.

Kay: We lived on Fowler, just literally diagonally across the street. We liked the neighborhood so much that when this property became available, we latched on to it quickly. We wanted to be on one level, and we didn’t want much yard. When the builder realized that two homes could not be built on this lot, Max said, “Why not purchase the entire property?” So, we ended up with a larger lot than we expected.

Joanne: What does your new home have that your previous one didn’t have?

Kay: The problem we had at Fowler is that you could not get into that house without stairs. We needed all of our living space on one level, but we have six grandkids, and we thought, we really would like to have space for them if they all want to come and stay. We also built over the three-car garage. We added that additional space in case we need live in help to stay with us. Caregivers, nursing homes, they are so expensive, we thought it would be better to have space for someone to live here and we can stay in our home which is our goal.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in the house?

Kay: I think the whole downstairs – the kitchen, dining room, hallway. In the morning I love to sit in the hallway with the big windows and plants.

Max: We have an outside covered porch patio and pool and that is a nice setting and pretty enjoyable when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold. I also think the high 25-foot ceiling with a balcony view upstairs is a unique feature in this very custom home.

Joanne: So, upstairs is really for visitors and grandkids?

Max: We entertain quite a good bit actually. And each bedroom has a theme. For example, I am President of the Board of Directors of a medical missions effort serving central America, primarily Guatemala. And we’ve gone there so many times, we have named one of our guest rooms “The Guatemala Room” because we modeled it after some of the places we stay when we are there.

Kay: We have a purple room for our granddaughters. We also have a living room [on the second level] for the grandkids that has an arts and craft area. The third floor was actually not planned for anything more than storage. But we made it in to a game room where we have a pool table and we also have some extra storage up there as well.

Joanne: What is your favorite source for décor?

Kay: Working with our very talented interior designer, Christie, who has worked for HGTV and Netflix, I will buy something that I love and she will find a way to make it work. I love unique pieces and bargains! So, she and I are always on the hunt for a good sale. Locally, I pick up things at antique stores and sometimes I will find pieces online at Wayfair or Serena and Lily. I have a good friend and along with Christie’s assistant, we are able to purchase larger items that I could not transport on my own.

Joanne: What is a splurge in your home that you feel you couldn’t live without?

Kay: I can you right off the bat! It’s the master bathroom tile we had imported from Mexico.

Joanne: And, in your opinion, what is something that you feel someone should never skimp on?

Kay: I think flooring is something you need to get right. And it needs to be the right color, especially when you have a big open space. It has to go with everything. You don’t need to buy the most expensive stuff in the world, but you need to think about upkeep. I also think good quality furniture that will last for a long time is worth the investment.

Joanne: What would you say you and Max learned through the process of building this home?

Kay: Along with our vacation homes, we learned that location is very important. Here we are centrally located for our grandkids. We also learned that some of our original ideas changed as we built the home. For example, we originally planned for a simple little garden. But because of the drainage issues we had on the lot, it was necessary to build the house longer and route the drain system properly to keep the lots from flooding in heavy rain. And with the addition of an elevator, we can have multiple floors that I still have access to, even though we originally planned for a ranch-style home.
But I have to say, being prepared for additional costs that will inevitably come up is important. And be sure to have an attorney look over contracts with builders and vendors so that your financial interests are protected.

Join your host, Joanne Curtin, as she takes you on an exclusive tour of new construction homes and townhomes in Barrington Place, Ecco Park, and Millstone Park. Can you guess the price?

WATCH THE HOME TOURS HERE

House #1- Barrington Place home, built by Brightwater Homes, is in historic Roswell near The Mill Kitchen and Bar and is a net zero home (Net zero means the home generates the renewable power to match the needs of the home). Did you know that Roswell is a certified Green Community – platinum level?

Townhome #2 – Ecco Park is located in Alpharetta 30022. This townhome community is being developed and built by The Providence Group.

Townhome #3 – Millstone Park townhomes are located near Deerfield Parkway, Alpharetta. These three story townhomes are conveniently located near Exit 11 (GA-400) and close to shopping and restaurants.

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“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 6 – A Historic Home on Roswell’s Wood Place

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Charlie and Sharon McCall live in historic downtown Roswell, Georgia. They have updated and renovated a nearly 100 year old home in historic downtown Roswell, Georgia.

Joanne: Where did you live before purchasing your house on Wood Place?

Charlie: We lived in Chicago. Before that, we were in Atlanta since 1982, coming from Salt Lake City due to a company transfer. Then in 1992, we were transferred to Chicago. After about two and a half years, we decided to move back and bought this house 31 years ago.

Joanne: How have you increased your property’s value over time? What renovations have you done?

Charlie: We remodeled the bathrooms, added a master bedroom suite, created a bonus room in the attic, and continuously landscaped the yard. We also added a pool and patio in the back.

Joanne: Did you use a designer for the renovations?

Charlie: We hired a contractor for the inside work like the bathrooms and kitchen. We also had a friend who is a builder help us with the design for the master bedroom area. He incorporated our preferences, like a walk-in shower, into the blueprint.

Joanne: Since the house is 100 years old, were there any restrictions or requirements for adding on?

Charlie: Our street opted out of being part of the historic district, so we don’t have building restrictions specific to that. However, we still need to adhere to the city of Roswell’s permit requirements.

Joanne: What does your home have that you really needed?

Charlie: The main thing we needed was more space, so adding a master bedroom was crucial. We also updated the bathrooms and kitchen for modernization rather than increasing square footage.

Joanne: Which room in the house is your favorite and why?

Charlie: I love the middle of the house where we spend most of our time. We added a sunroom to bring in more natural light since the older part of the house didn’t have many windows. The charm of the house really struck me in that central area.

Joanne: Are there three fireplaces now that come off that central area?

Charlie: Yes, there are three fireplaces in a triangle formation—one in the bedroom, one in the living room, and one in the den. They all work, and that’s one of the reasons I enjoy that part of the house. These three separate fireplaces share the same chimney. We had the chimney rebuilt with new brickwork and mortar, and added gas logs for easy use.

Joanne: Charlie, what’s your favorite part about the property?

Charlie: The den and sunroom are where we spend most of our time. We also love the spacious bedroom and the yard, especially when the weather is nice.

Joanne: It’s interesting how COVID made us appreciate what we value in a property, such as landscape and outdoor spaces.

Charlie: Absolutely, we have added decks and outdoor areas to make the most of our property.

Joanne: Did you have any favorite sources or places where you bought things for your house?

Charlie: We focus mainly on finding items that fit well in the smaller rooms of our house.

Joanne: After living here for 31 years, where do you like to shop for furniture and decor?

Charlie: We do a lot of online shopping and also visit Home Depot and Lowe’s. We also enjoy salvage stores and flea markets for unique finds.

Joanne: Are there any specific salvage stores or flea markets nearby that you frequent?

Charlie: There’s a place called Board of Trade [goboardoftrade.com] where we found our living room sofa and other items that fit well in our small rooms.

Joanne: Was there anything during your home renovations that you splurged on and couldn’t live without?

Charlie: The pool and the kitchen were definitely splurges. We didn’t necessarily need them, but we’re glad we have them now.

Joanne: What did you learn from the process of building the pool and outdoor kitchen?

Charlie: We love being able to enjoy the pool and cookouts outdoors.
Yeah, that’s a nice extra-large patio. And then there’s the outdoor fireplace out there. Gas Grill built in and gas cooktops and sink with hot and cold water.

Joanne: It’s all about being outside and enjoying the space, right?

Charlie: One thing we would do differently is to prioritize privacy in our outdoor area, especially around the kitchen. The neighboring house was torn down, and the new one overlooks our property, making it feel exposed. We added a fireplace to block the view of the pool, but we still plan to find a way to enhance privacy. Overall, we are happy with everything.
Joanne: Let’s discuss your impressive pool. What type of lining does it have? Is it lined with pebble tech? Is it a mineral or a saltwater pool?

Charlie: It’s actually a saltwater pool. The company that constructed it used to be located on Highway nine. The pool is made of concrete with steel walls and steel posts surrounding the edges. Concrete was poured on the floors and slides, and then they applied a hybrid membrane, which I believe is a combination of different materials.

Joanne: And could you please spell the name of the pool company for me?

Charlie: Is it spelled as DESJOYAUX. [www.desjoyaux.com]

Joanne: So now that you’ve completed your pool and everything, if money was not a concern, what would be your next project or improvement?

Charlie: We would focus on the floors. Currently, the floors are a bit challenging because the house is old and uneven. We actually laid tiles in the dining room and sunroom as one of our initial projects. However, due to the unevenness of the house, it’s difficult to lay flooring throughout consistently. We want to match the existing hardwood floors but aren’t sure if they can be laid or if we need to replace them entirely.

Joanne: I agree with you. It might be better to cover the existing tile with something rather than removing it completely. That seems to be the trend nowadays. After completing the pool and the outdoor kitchen area, is there anything you believe should not be compromised when making additions or improvements?

Charlie: Yes, I think getting a reliable contractor who will do more than just come in and install a product, but can also help with issues that older homes have.

New home construction has come a long way in recent years with a focus on space design, energy efficiency, and environmentally-friendly materials. Here are the latest features in new home construction:

Large Mud Rooms (aka Family Foyers) – Large mud rooms have extended their footprint in new homes. Previously, mud rooms were often limited to just a hallway with a built-in, but now they are taking on a larger role by accommodating seating, sometimes with a desk to pay bills, and drop zone for mail. Think about it as a room to hide all the mess when you or your children walk in the door – there’s a place to drop shoes, coats, backpacks, laptops, papers, mail and even to take a minute to sit and relax before entering the main house. All of this is usually hidden behind a sliding door to create separation and the ability to close off this area from guests seeing the mess.

Heated floors – Heated floors are especially popular in the primary bathroom. Making cold tile warm in the winter is a game changer! Heated floors operate on a timed thermostat so you can program the heat to match your schedule. Waking up and the bathroom is already toasted, no longer cringing when your bare feet hit the cold floor and scrambling to get your slippers on. Once you have them, you’ll never want to be without them.

A Hidden Room – Childhood dreams come true! Having a hidden room to relax and unwind or to safely retreat into if needed, these rooms are being added behind bookshelves just like in the movies! Often found in an office, a walk-in closet, or primary bedroom, hidden rooms can serve a variety of purposes like hiding a prized and valuable collection, a hidden entertainment area, or a reading and relaxing spot. Another example is the understairs space that often goes unused, which can be turned into a hidden fun playroom for kids. We’ve even seen a hidden hatch door in the floor that led to a wine room underground. The possibilities are endless.

Environmentally Friendly – Environmentally-friendly building has become a favorite for energy efficiency, with an attainable and clear ROI and because of increased environmental awareness. Homeowners want to be a better steward of the planet, and this not only saves homeowners money on energy bills, but it also helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the home. There are many ways builders are incorporating this into their plans, such as:

● Solar: Your builder can prepare the roof when built for solar panels. Installing mounts and preparing for wiring during construction will save you money for when you do install solar panels in the future.
● EV Ready: Your builder can ensure that your home has enough electrical service in your garage and install chargers during construction.
● Battery Ready: Equipping your home with solar batteries allows you to capture the energy produced with solar (instead of or in addition to sending it back to the grid) and then use it as you need it, either during a power outage or on cloudy days when solar may not be sufficient.
● Geothermal Systems: According to the US Department of Energy, a Geothermal heat pump can mean a 25%-50% reduction in energy consumed compared to a traditional system that uses air. In addition to the electricity savings, geothermal systems are eco-friendly because they don’t burn gas during operation. And because there’s no combustion, there’s no admission of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gasses. Because these systems are much quieter to operate, it also saves on noise pollution. If the builder is already digging for a septic for your home, ask about the possibility of adding geothermal during the dig.

There has been a significant shift towards the use of environmentally-friendly building materials. This includes the use of recycled materials, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes. Eco-friendly building materials cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve natural resources; all while improving water and air quality. Examples are Low-Formaldehyde Insulation, Low-VOC Drywall Adhesives, Low-VOC Paints and Carpets, ENERGY STAR® Low-E Windows, low-flow plumbing fixtures, dual flush toilets and LED lighting packages.

Hidden Outlets – These can be an afterthought, but with planning ahead and smart design, your outlets don’t have to take away from your beautiful kitchen backsplash. Electrical outlets can be placed under the cabinets so they remain hidden from view and still easy to access. There are also countertop pop-up outlets that only appear when needed or removable tile plates that can keep the outlet masked when not in use. With the amount of device charging we need now, consider a charging station drawer. This drawer will have a power strip at the back of it and you can keep unsightly wires and devices out of view while charging. Perfect in the kitchen, bathroom and built-in desk drawers.

Large Kitchen Island – Kitchens are the heart and center of the home. Large kitchen islands serve a multitude of roles, from prep station to homework spot to eating area. Large kitchen islands have an aesthetic impact on the room as well. Popular design trends include the waterfall edge where the countertop continues down the side of the island all the way to the floor or the simpler English cottage style with tongue and groove paneling. Large dramatic hanging light pendants and gorgeous sink hardware help showcase the island as a centerpiece of the kitchen.

Floating vanities – Floating vanities add a contemporary feel and modern look. These shorter base cabinets appear to “float” on the wall instead of sitting directly on the floor. They can make small spaces look larger and open up the room. The downside is less storage space. To add to the floating visual, under-cabinet lighting is a popular added feature, this lighting below the floating cabinetry also adds to the “floating” appearance of the vanity.

Dog Wash Station – Dog owners are spending more and more on their dogs every year. A recent survey cited that one of the main reasons Millennials purchased a home was because of their dogs. So, it’s no surprise that new features specifically for dogs are becoming standard. We’re even seeing dog watering stations with a faucet to refill the water bowl.
Locating a dog bath in a mud room, laundry room ,or garage is a practical solution, especially if your space has exterior access. Putting everything you need right by an exterior entrance; your home will remain better protected from tracked-in dirt. Ideally your wash station has a faucet with a handheld sprayer attachment and drain area. Plus, it’s more versatile than you might think. You can use it not only for your furry friends, it’s also great for washing off muddy kids or dirty shoes.

Built-In Speakers Inside & Out – Bring on the tunes! If you already know where you want to put the sound system and entertainment center, talk to your builder about installing built-in speakers in those rooms. You’ll save yourself valuable floor or wall space and have the luxury of having your house literally filled with music.

Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one, these trends are worth considering to stay ahead of the curve and to optimize your space in a modern, fashionable way.

What was the last book you read? More importantly – what was the last book you read that helped you and your team succeed at work? Being well read doesn’t just help you in your day-to-day activities. Choosing to learn from established experts and authors helps shorten your learning curve so you can bring practical information and methods to your co-workers, colleagues, and clients. While there’s no substitute for learning by doing, there’s a wide gap in knowledge that favors those who take time to read effective business books over those who don’t. Over the years, I’ve read more than a fair share of business books, and some have stood out more than others. That’s why today I am sharing my top five favorite business books that you will wish you had read sooner.

1. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki
Written as a narrative story, this is an easy read. I find this book foundational for any new or recently-started investor to understand what it means to have an investor mindset. It helps distinguish what is truly an asset and liability and how to use money as a tool to create wealth. You don’t have to be born rich to become rich. Instead, there’s a path that just about anyone who is willing to take can follow. In 1999, my wife Joanne read this book and I read it shortly after her. It was one of the reasons Joanne decided to leave her teaching career to become a real estate professional just a year later. It’s the reason we bought our first investment property and created goals around real estate investing. I have a lot of gratitude for this book.
2. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
This book is about breaking bad behaviors and adopting good ones in four steps with small, incremental, everyday routines that compound into massive, positive changes over time. You can truly change your behavior by following these steps. There are some great hacks here on breaking cravings and creating new habits. These include steps about making new routines easy to start, making them obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. 1. Make it obvious – Don’t hide your fruits in the fridge, but instead put them on display front and center. 2. Make it attractive – start with the fruit you like the most so you’ll actually want to eat one when you see it. 3. Make it easy – don’t create needless friction by focusing on fruits that are hard to peel. Bananas and apples are super easy to eat, for example. 4. Make it satisfying – if you like the fruit you picked, you’ll love eating it and feel healthier as a result! The book goes into a lot more detail. I highly recommend it as you can apply these little hacks to make your life better and more efficient.
3. “Unlimited Power” by Tony Robbins
This book is a self-help classic that breaks down how Tony Robbins has helped top performers perform at their highest level and how you can use the same mental and physical tactics to accomplish your biggest life goals. “Unlimited Power” connotes your ability to revamp your life and produce every outcome you’ve ever wanted while generating value for the people around you. There is so much packed into this book that I can’t get into everything. It’s a long read, but it’s worth every page. One key idea is to use modeling – how you can model yourself after others who are more successful to get what they have. We’ve used this tactic in our real estate business as well as real estate investing. The difference between successful people and everyone else is that successful people see “failure” as an opportunity to grow and learn. We model, try new things, fail and learn. Also simple hacks to change your mood with body posture and breathing techniques, it works! And lastly emotional intelligence, how you respond to situations and your emotions, your attitude determines a lot of what you can accomplish.
4. “First Break All The Rules” by Don Clifton
This book walks you through how to be a better manager and debunks a lot of traditional management methods. I enjoy this book because it resonates with my management style, especially being a part of a small team. We are truly a family. Happy and satisfied employees make the company better and treat clients better. Managers can help employees be happier and more satisfied, it starts with caring about how happy and satisfied they are at work and personally. Intentionally design the atmosphere to encourage self-expression, trust, enjoyment, and productivity. A leader sets the goals, and helps guide but ultimately employees will be happier when they can control and have input in how they reach those goals. If you want to help your team grow, you’ve got to get to know them on a personal level. And if you want to know what standard you should hold everybody to, you need to look at your top performers and spend a lot of time with them. I’d recommend this book to someone who just became a manager and feels overwhelmed, or a seasoned executive that wants to learn and play to their employee’s strengths, or anyone that would like to become a great leader at work.
5. “Five Dysfunctions Of A Team” by Patrick Lencioni
This book will teach you how to have a functional team to be more productive and how to avoid back-channel politics. It’s written in an easy-to-read fable and then breaks it down into practical guidelines on how to overcome each of the five dysfunctions. In hindsight, if I had read this book at the start of my team building career, I could have avoided some drama and probably gotten out of business faster with some people we ultimately ended up parting ways with, but not before they caused damage to the team. it could have possibly helped to fix some bad behavior, but I suspect it would have just highlighted it and caused them to opt out sooner, and maybe I’d have a few less gray hairs.

The next time you are asked what the last book you read was, I hope you think back to one of my five suggestions and are able to apply what you’ve learned in the workplace. True leaders and intelligent thinkers know that they don’t know everything, and they know when to look for outside wisdom and advice to pass along to those who rely on them in the business world. These five reads cover everything from financial responsibility and habit building to team chemistry and unlocking your true potential, and I highly suggest that you check them out.

We wanted to take a moment to thank everyone that came out to support us at our grand opening event on January 25, 2018, those who shared kind words and supported from a far! We could not do this without our amazing clients, vendors and of course our wonderful team!

We had such a wonderful time and hope that everyone that had the chance to celebrate with us did too.  We are thankful for our business partners, together we all achieve more. We are grateful to those who took the time to come out and celebrate with us, the best part was having time to relax and enjoys one another’s company.

And for those who couldn’t make it, thank you for watching our video and we look forward to connecting soon. We expect 2018 to be our best year yet and thank you in advance for trusting us with your business and those you refer to us. 

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Home Styling | How to “Undecorate”

As I was packing away decorations after the holidays it occurred to me how similar the task is to home styling.  It’s what I like to call “undecorating”. Undecorating is the process of removing personal and specific decorations, leaving behind a more neutral palette. Having a clean palette is important to attract potential buyers. When the slate is clean, buyers can imagine themselves living in the space.

Get Organized

As new year resolutions are made and we vow to get more organized, this is a wonderful time to start preparing your home to beat the spring selling rush. When you’re packing away holiday decorations go ahead and pack up family photos, decor and personal items. Not only will you be de-cluttering, but you’ll also get a jump start on packing items that you’ll have to pack later anyway!

Where Do I Start?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so start off easy. Begin with your junk drawers, closets and pantry.  Make three separate piles: one that you keep, one for donation, and one that goes straight to the trash.

Closets should be about one third full so that prospective buyers can see the amount storage is available. Pack away clothing that’s not in season. Use storage baskets and containers in drawers, cabinets and the pantry for a simple and tidy look. Once you have tackled the de-cluttering you can focus on larger projects. Keep in mind that as the spring market approaches, the busier contractors get and the longer it takes to get on their schedule.

Use these easy tips and you’ll be able to stick to your New Year’s resolution and be ahead of the spring market!