Bringing Clarity and Simplicity To The Real Estate World

This Week I'm Hosting My Workshop, and a Sneak Peek at My June Newsletter!

Take just over 3 minutes to get filled in! If you don't get my newsletter monthly and would like it, please post a comment and I will make arrangements with you to get you my newsletter electronically or by snail mail.

Empty Nesters...September 2011 Newsletter!

 

A Sneak Peak at my August 2011 Newsletter...

 

Leading With Our Values...a sneak peak at Jim's September newsletter lead story

The more involved I get on a day-to-day basis with the people who I have worked with or who I am currently working with, the more aware I am that the people who are the happiest and most prosperous are the ones who embrace the core value message we talk about when we first get together to discuss your home buying and selling options. When we work together as a team to get the job done for you and we are on the same path…this is when you are the most happy and prosperous during your home buying or selling process.

 

First core value message, then commitment, then action – in that sequence brings success to you.

 

The people who struggle the most come to get action first, and have yet to embrace the core value message that is designed for them.

 

My role as the Lighthouse Leader is to remind you that you can achieve anything you want when you get your core values message in alignment with the commitment and action. This alignment is the highest version of yourself and then you will thank me later for bringing you to the place you need to be…your dreams that came true!

 

First core value message, then commitment, then action.

 

Our Core Value Message: My father founded our company in 1986 and I founded the Home Referral Team within our company in 2004 on the concept of a commitment to staying on the cutting edge and building relationships by helping you find your core value message upfront. This is what we call a Super Servant mentality that puts the relationship ahead of the commission and is committed to finding out what you really really want after you discover you want or need to make a move in your life! Once we discover this together it drives out fear with love, communicates with compassion and empathy, and leads from the middle.

 

Our Commitment: We believe that home buyers and sellers like you want to have the kind of experience that you want to tell the people you love, all about. Our message is simple: Those you introduce to us tell you how happy they are with Jim and his team. When this happens we know we did our job right. What you want is making sure we take care of you too. Our commitment is to do just that for you and those you introduce to us!

 

Our Action: Is everything we do to get you from the start to the closing celebration and your happiness beyond the closing celebration table. We are constantly inventing, creating, learning new ways to communicate with you and finding new ways to consult, negotiate, and over see all the transactional details so we can advise you properly.

 

The most important shift for us has occurred in our marketing message. In the past we talked about our action, then our commitment, then our core values message – in that order. The shift we are now making in all our marketing efforts is leading with our values, then our commitment, then our action.

 

Watch in the coming months as we get introduced to new friends, family members, and neighbors into the Home Referral Team experience by leading with our core value message.

 

Your Lighthouse Leader

 

Jim Urban

Sneak Preview of my August newsletter lead story...How is your attitude these days?

·         Attitude is everything – and it’s our choice!

I’ve always been raised to believe that your attitude and your actions will get you places. I found this quick story that really puts attitude in it’s perspective:

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.  “Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.”  So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.  “Hmm,” she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.”  So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.  “Well,” she said, “today I’m going to wear my hair in a ponytail.”  So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head.  “YEAH!” she exclaimed.  “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

Sneak Preview of My June Lead Story...

The World Is Rich With Opportunity

With all the talk about lack of jobs, mortgage crisis, money woes, I found this article that I thought would really pick somebody up with hope and a greater outlook…from Jim Urban. Enjoy…

Do you think that opportunity only knocks once? If you do, Richard Carlson, author of Don’t Worry – Make Money, says you’re buying into one of the most perpetuated myths in our culture.

Carlson argues that this kind of thinking inspires people to do things they really don’t want to do, and that it’s based on a “never enough to go around” mindset that just isn’t true. Thinking that it’s “now or never” often encourages bad decision making, he says. For example, you might take a job you don’t want or move to an area that doesn’t suit you.

The world we live in is rich with ever-increasing opportunity, says Carlson. The world is in need of creative people, and everyone has unique gifts and talents to offer. You just have to figure out how it’s going to work for you. There are thousands of jobs out there that you can do. There are thousands of business opportunities. But first you have to overcome your fears: the fear of not having enough, and the fear that you only get one shot and then it’s over.

It just isn’t so. Your life will be filled with great opportunities over and over again. Article provided by “By Referral Only”

Sneak Preview of My May Lead Story!!!! You Have Got To Read This!

Signs that the Real Estate Market is Turning Around!

Reasons You May See

Greener Pastures Ahead!

As I have been working with several home buyers this Spring, showing homes and writing offers continuously, the reality of today’s market becomes more apparent. Many people only hear the negative news reports about the economy from the newspaper or the television. Although there is a large picture of the economy forecast, each town or city’s market can vary. People ought to have a clear vision of their own market, and to keep you informed, I have recently seen quite a frenzy of buyer showings and offers in our big city!

Spring is usually a busy time for Realtors, and it continues to hold true this year! Every day I enjoy being busy and hard at work (but never too busy to put together this newsletter every month for my special clients! I’m also never too busy for your business or your referrals).

The last few months, I have noticed something interesting when showing homes to clients. It seems as though many clients are choosing to visit homes that have just barely gone under contract or have already been given offers! Often I will be showing a home, when we run into another showing of the same home at the exact same time! You see these home shoppers everywhere lately.

There are actually lot buyers out there. They may be looking for that low, good deal, but isn’t that always true, in any case? Most buyers today aren’t just out there to look; they are out there to buy.

To prove this point most of the time when we finally found the home they wanted to write a contract on invariably there were already multiple offers on the property. It was exciting and frustrating at the same time. It has even got to the point were we would write two or three offers on different properties till we finally landed one!

If this positive pace can continue, we will begin to see inventories decline, and then, in varying areas, we will see property values increase. It will not happen overnight, but it will happen. The Denver Metro area has recently seen the bottom of a declining market in my estimation. Most of this “frenzy” of activity is still under $280,000.

The property markets above $300,000 continue to see longer periods of time on the market. But eventually, when sellers are ready to move into larger homes, the higher-priced homes will start to sell at a more rapid pace. And like a domino effect, the even highest-priced homes will eventually see better times too.

You might be thinking, OK Jim, when exactly do you honestly think this will happen? No one knows for sure, but I personally predict that we will see some comfortable home value improvements by Spring 2010. In reality, those two years can go by very quickly.

With all of that said, what I am highly suggesting to you this, if you have been considering moving or purchasing an investment home, now is the time to do it. If you are happy where you are, then you ought to stay. But if you or someone you know has been on the verge of making a move, I want to emphasize my suggestion that now is the right time to make your move!

In fact, by the time the market actually does turn around, you or your friends and family will not want to pay more for a home you plan on purchasing. If you are ready, I am here for you or them to help determine the best way to immediately start the process.

Let me remind you to ignore the negative media. Denver and much of the state of Colorado are starting to see some improvement relative to the rest of the country. In fact, Grand Junction ’s real estate market is on fire! The Arvada zip code 80007 has also seen a substantial increase in value over the last 12 months. In this Arvada area, they have a beautiful new development of homes being built on the side of a mountain, and people are snatching them up! I believe many people are tired of holding out and are ready to move on with their plans and buy in nice areas like this.

What kind of real estate market have you seen in your neighborhood? Do you know someone who is ready to make the move? Are you ready to make yours? Where do you stand?

I would be more than willing to do some market research for you if you are at all interested in seeing what is out there. Over the phone I can tell you how many sales have recently succeeded in your area and for what price. I can also give you a ball park price quote for your own home over the phone. And if you want an even more accurate representation, I would be more than happy to visit your home and present my 30/60/90-day home pricing strategy. My initial consultations are free.

The same advice applies to you or anyone you know who will soon be purchasing their very first home! Perhaps your children or grandchildren are almost ready to purchase their first home. Hopefully you will share this information and advice with them! In fact, I have been working closely with a fantastic loan originator who might be of assistance to them as well. Please contact me and we can get the ball rolling.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Very Interesting Lead Story in My April Newsletter

Are You Plugged In?

Is being plugged in important

to you? Here are just a few ways

we all can be plugged in these days:

• Cell Phone
• Home Phone
• E-Mail
• Internet
• Google
• Blackberry
• I-Phone
• PDA
• Websites
• Blogging
• Text messaging
• Podcast
• You Tube

       As wonderful as many of these technologies can be there can also be a dark side to plugging in your life. I meet a lot of people in my business whether they are in or related to my business or merely a client. I find that some people love being plugged in and others seem to avoid being plugged in. We live in a society where we can be in touch wherever we go. The question is: will you let these technologies over-power you and take control your life? It is a mindset; it is not the technologies that will control your life it is you that chooses to let them control your life.

            I started thinking about the influence of technology a few weeks ago when I recorded a podcast on my Blog concerning this (to listen go to www.JimsJournal.net). I touched on some good points in my podcast and in this brief article I want to point out a few interesting points about that recording. I certainly am one that almost makes this concept of being plugged in a hobby or a way of life. Due to the nature of the real estate business, being plugged in makes it easy to get a hold myself and for me to get a hold of my clients and friends. It also makes it easy for me to return messages. When people leave a message for me by voice mail or by e-mail I want to return those messages promptly. Follow up in my business is the key to my success. Are you in a similar business or do you make yourself available for family and friends at all times?

I have been taught that putting away or turning off the cell phone can be a good thing sometimes for your mental well being. I call it time blocking. Rather than keep your clients, family, and friends guessing at when you might call them back can you imagine how nice it would be for them if you would initially let them know when you would be calling them back? For instance you might accomplish this at the start of each day recording a new greeting message letting your callers know what times you will be returning their calls. This might seem like a hassle or burden to record a new greeting message each day. It actually will create freedom for you! By letting your listeners know at what times during the day you will be returning your calls, allows you not to be a slave to your cell phone and voice mail all day. This really works great when you know in advance what appointments you have during the day. You are not disturbing your appointment during critical conversations and consultations. It’s just plain polite!

When you go on vacation you can apply similar methods. You could record a greeting message letting the caller know you will be checking voice mail just once a day at 5:00 PM (or whatever time you choose) while you are out of town for emergencies. You could totally be disengaged on a trip by letting the callers know that all your calls will be handled by a team member at your office. You record a greeting message explaining that a specific person will be handling your business. You can even leave their contact information on your greeting message. Now wouldn’t that be a nice trip? We all have specific skills, strengths, and abilities. Sometimes we need to let go and come to the conclusion that we are not the only one that has skills to handle our job. Believe me their will be more work available for us when we get back and the world won’t come to an end while we are gone. It just takes a little preparation before we go on vacation. I often hear that we Americans need to learn how to vacation.

Who would have thought years ago that we could be anywhere in the world and be able to receive a message on our hand-held phone device and then reply to that message by phone or text. It’s inevitable that more technology advances are in our near future. Knowing that, we should be willing to accept the new advances, but my plea to you is to use them to your best advantage, but to make sure it won’t over-power your life. Don’t ever let it take away your freedom. Breaking away occasionally is good. It’s good for the mind, body, and spirit.

Sneak Preview of my March 2008 Lead Story...I really think you will like it and find it very interesting

The Secret To Family Success and Happiness Whether Your Single or Not!

7 key elements to a happier family

By Jim A. Urban

Recently I attended a conference on the family. The theme was “Building up a Righteous Prosperity.” It was so impactful on me that I wanted to share 7 key elements I feel that would benefit you and your family. I certainly don’t profess to be the perfect example on this subject, just one who really tries to do his best. Throughout the years it really has been a challenge to try and balance family, work, and all the other aspects of my life such as exercise, recreation, and spirituality. It takes a lot of time to build and maintain strong relationships with my clients in real estate. You may have a career that also takes a lot of time and determination. I know that my job even requires some odd hours and some willingness to bend my schedule. Having said this, I refuse to let my business stand in the way of a successful family. Here are the seven elements I wanted to share with you today: Pattern your family, ignore political correctness, commitment, weekly family quality time, daily study time (personal and as a family), avoid what the world says is right, and family always comes first. Please take these 7 ideas to heart and apply them to your life and the lives of those special family members in your life.

            Whether you are single, have a spouse, or have children. You should pattern your family structure after another family that you desire to be like. It’s almost like mentorship; find a family to mentor. I know in my case we have patterned our life after 2 or 3 families. Find qualities that you admire and seek after those qualities. I have always striven to follow those families where the children have grown up as achievers. Not just those who abstain from drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. I look to families which have raised children who have become highly educated and have crystal clear visions of who they are, where they want to go, and who they want to become. The key is how do you pattern that? My thought to that is ask the parents questions as to what they did, what they do daily and weekly as they raise their family. What are their routines? Then pattern your family after these traits and characteristics.

            Ignoring political correctness is just another way of saying that you and your family refuse to follow the way the world says you should do things. If you and your family decide that going to church weekly is a better activity then to be involved in Sunday sporting events then you should not let the world’s political correctness stop you from achieving that objective. Maybe you and your family decide to take on some volunteer work in for the “Food Bank of The Rockies” instead of going to a 2 day family ski trip. Don’t ever worry about what other people think or let political correctness stop you from doing something that helps others and helps you or your family.

            This next one may be a little twist to your thinking. If you are married the word “commitment” obviously should be a major factor for each person. A commitment towards each other is vital. I want to suggest a new way of thinking. As I was at this conference it was shown as a commitment between husband, wife, and Heavenly Father (or your higher power). It should not merely be a two way commitment, but a 3 way commitment including the Lord (or higher power). This way of thinking will keep more harmony and love into the relationship. You must include your spirituality in your marriage or there is less common ground and a weaker base that will guide your relationships growth or how the children will be raised. If you are single your relationship is a two way commitment. It is between you and your higher source. You should always look towards this guidance.

            If you religiously block out some time each week for family time, your family will be more fulfilled. I’m talking about other than sporting events, recitals, going out to eat, or vacations. I’m talking about for example taking one night a week to sit down as a family and have family discussions or activities. It can be focused on a spiritual nature, planning events, or activities that involve everyone. It can include singing, prayer, and study. Some weeks it could just include getting ice cream together, maybe going to the park to play. If you take this time each week, your family will grow closer and reach heights higher than you could have ever imagined! If you are single getting together with extended family or friends once a week to do similar things can certainly add to your personal and spiritual growth.

            Personal and family study will enhance your life and give you purpose. The best way to start or end the day is with a spiritual uplift. Whatever you read to get that spiritual support should be done on a daily basis. Whether it is the Bible or other uplifting and thought provoking reading, I believe the human mind needs this on a daily basis to instill purpose, learning, and even insight specifically for that day! If you have read it before many times the spiritual guidance you get the second or third time is never quite the same and could be the inspiration you needed.

            The world and the way family is portrayed on TV, movies, internet, and in the media is not the way we should necessarily follow. We all know how powerful these influences can be. As much good comes from these sources, much false teachings can also come from these areas. I’m not one who says you should never do or watch these things; I am just saying that you should not always follow what they portray as ok for you to do. For example they may give you the idea that having children is not a good thing or maybe only having one is ok. They may portray that living together before marriage is ok. They may also teach that commitment is not necessary. The conference I attended taught me that you should build your family around a “Gospel Culture.” Find a group, church, or God centered culture to build and rally your family around. At this point your family can grow spiritually by being around like-minded people who have the same purpose and goals.

            Always put family first. Even though you must work to provide, you must always choose your family first. What does this really mean? It means that in order to have a constant feeling of love at home, putting family first must become a habit in order for it to work in our society; especially now and it won’t get any easier in the future. Our society, in many respects, is tearing the family apart. Divorce has reached high peak percentage; it is higher than ever. Children are moving out of the home earlier and most often they have no crystal clear visions of their future. In this world we need specialized knowledge in our fields of work. We must have a positive attitude towards our goals and work at them daily. As parents or heads of the household we must be decisive in nature. We must not wimp out when it comes time to raise children! Lastly, we must surround ourselves with others that have a common goal. I challenge you to write down those people you know best and then ask yourself if that is the role model you want for your family to follow. I would suggest that maybe you might need to change who you hang around?

            I have enjoyed touching on these ideas and hope that you would consider following these principles.

Here is a sneak peak at my success story for the new year!

Who Says You Don’t Sell Homes During The Holidays?

·         I am convinced that when

you want to make things

happen you can do it whenever

you desire. When you open your

availability to people they are

willing  to appear…

            Although traditionally December is slower in real estate, I made a conscious decision to work hard in December 2007. In fact, I will never forget back in 1993; I was so busy selling homes in December that year that I barely had a chance to celebrate Christmas and New Years. I really must say that 2007 was not much different. I had wonderful clients that decided to purchase homes, plus some of my listings sold. Real Estate is certainly not as seasonal as you might think. How does this interest you? Well, for starters if you ever find yourself with the need to sell during what seems to be a time of year that would be a disadvantage, I am here to tell you it really is quite the opposite. As a seller, you are competing with fewer homes on the market. As a buyer, you find sellers who are willing to work with you because there is less competing buyers. This was true with the referred client my tax lady sent me; a seller in the Villas my EMW carpet and furniture friend referred to me; this also happened with my neighbor’s home in Governors Ranch which I listed and sold; again with a bicycling friend who I met at Club USA who allowed me to find him a new home. And finally, with a buyer who was referred to me by a fellow By Referral Only agent, where I was able to find an outstanding bank-owned home in December. When you work hard and deliver world class service, it does not matter what time of year it is. I am ready to serve you and your referrals in 2008. Who is the next person you know who I can help in the next 30-90 days? Let my team and I make your home buying or selling process one to remember; just like the wonderful folks I mentioned in this success letter.

Secrets To A Better You in 2008!

5 Easy Ways To Feel and Look Better in 2008! Here’s The Secret!

            

Ok be honest with yourself physically. When you stand in front of the mirror naked, how do you feel about your body? You know how well you are or how not well you are so be honest. On a scale of “1” low, meaning you’re not healthy at all, and “10” high, which would mean you are like an Olympic athlete, where are you at this exact moment? Listen to some ideas to help you maybe get from a “3” to a “7” or higher in 2008!

My first idea for this year is to only buy foods at the grocery store that are better for you. The home is where unhealthy living begins most of the time. If only you have foods that are a healthy choice, you can’t go wrong. I was at a client’s home recently and noticed their choice of breakfast cereals; out of about eight boxes of cereal only one came close to a healthy option. When choosing a cereal at this home, you really don’t have a chance to eat healthy. It is important to stay away from sugar cereals. One way to do this is to only buy the cereals on the top shelf at the store; you pay a little more, but you will benefit in the long run and feel better about yourself. My children complained at first, but later they got used to the new cereals. Now as they are entering college they choose the healthy cereals over their roommates. Start them young!

My second idea for you is to never eat in a hurry. This ultimately will push you towards a drive through restaurant. In 2008 make it a goal to never go through one drive through! I have not yet found one drive through restaurant that is a healthy choice. If you find one let me know.

My third idea for you is to set yourself up with enough goals and things to do each day so you don’t find yourself snacking between meals. Just simply staying busy will help you from craving unhealthy snacks. Always have a glass or bottle of water next to you all day long. This way when you get that craving to snack just drinking water will help you stick it out till the next meal. As a result, you will not snack on things you shouldn’t be eating!

My forth idea is for you is whenever you go out to eat in 2008 never order anything but water with a slice of lemon with your meal. Not only will you take in fewer calories, you will save money! Whenever I go out to eat I observe other people and what they eat and drink. I heard a study recently that half of the people out there order a soda with their meals. Just think of how much better you will feel and look without that soda! While soda is packed full of calories and sugar, the lemon in your water adds some flavor and offering vitamin C!

My fifth idea for you is to commit to at least 3 or 4 days of exercise each week. I would recommend early morning before you get your day going. If your day doesn’t start without exercise, you may never get to your work out program. Join a gym if you have too. As always I recommend Club USA if you live in the SW area of town like I do. If you do live somewhere else find a gym that is close to you and commit to yourself rain or shine that you will be there 3 days a week. Pick the 3 or 4 days that work best for you.

I hope I have inspired you in some way to have a happier and healthier 2008! And remember please don’t keep me a secret. I have some extra time especially this time of year to help you or those you may refer that will need help this year in buying and/or selling a home. Who is the next person you know that will need help that you can refer to me? Please call or e-mail me with their information.

Sneak Preview of two of my Stories in my December 2007 newsletter!

Here is my 2nd page newsletter story for December 2007:

How To Make Mom’s (Holi)Day

·        If you’re wondering what to give Mom this holiday season, how about – a day off?

According to a salary.com survey done earlier this year, stay-at-home moms work an average of 92 hours a week.  Moms who work full-time outside the home put in 40 hours on the job, and another 40 hours plus nine hours of overtime at home. 

And the dollar value placed on all those hours?  For stay-at-home moms, an annual salary of $138,095.  For moms who work full-time outside the home, the “at-home” dollar value is $85,939. 

If you can’t write Mom a check for one of those amounts, consider creating a certificate that entitles her to a day free of housework, grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry and other chores.  Then, step up to the plate and – make it happen!    

Article provided by:

By Referral Only

Here is my 4th pager story for my December 2007 newsletter:

Free Year End December 2007 Report On Prices In Your Area!

·       If you are curious about what your home may be worth, here’s an easy way to find out what homes like yours are selling for in today’s market.

            Plus: Get a Free

Report with up-to-the-minute statistics based on all the homes for sale and sold in your area over the last six months in all price ranges. 

To get your Free Year End December 2007 Report on home prices in your area just call me directly at 303-933-7000 or E-Mail me with a request for this Free report at:

Jim@HomeReferralTeam.net ,

Or better yet log onto:

www.HomeReferralteam.net and log in and select the SellerCenter button and then select:

             

Written by...

Jim Urban

Rising and Falling Home Values...find out where you stand! Be ready for 2008!

The Secret to Real Estate Profit #4

 

4)      Start your mortgage or refinance your mortgage that pays off in a shorter term than your traditional 30 year mortgage. Be careful how you refinance!

There are really good mortgages out there that are certainly not the recent traditional. Watch out for the traditional, meaning stay away from adjustable rates and interest only deals. Also, staying clear of mortgages that never or slowly pay down your principle on your mortgage and where your payments continue or have the potential to rise. Right now there is a fantastic mortgage that is called the “accelerator mortgage.” It pays your mortgage off, in many instances, in less than half of your normal 30 year mortgage with the same reasonable payments. I have a lender that you could talk to about this. Other ways to gain equity that has been used predominately in the last 20 years have been the 15 year mortgage. I have a friend that each time he refinanced he decreased the term of his loan. What he did is start with a 30 year mortgage, and when the rates dropped he refinanced to a 20 year mortgage, and when the rates dropped again he refinanced to a 15 year mortgage, and then finally the last refinance he did was a 10 year term. Each time he refinanced his payment stayed close to what it was before, but he kept decreasing his the term of his loan. My personal all time best investment was a home I personally bought in 1992, and after one year of ownership I refinanced on a 15 year mortgage. Plus the home has nearly tripled in value. How often do you see this kind of a profit in the stock market? Lastly, be careful with mortgage companies that offer you no cost refinances by financing the costs back into your mortgage.

Sneak Preview Lead Story/Oct Newsletter. You can't ask to be more blessed and proud as a Father & Mother...Just read and look!

A brief update on what’s up at the Urban household: a lot of growing, college, work, and play. Susan and I are thankful and proud parents!

Fall 2007 is different than any other Fall now that we have only one daughter at home. Our youngest daughter Janelle has just begun her freshman year at Columbine High School and the other three are all away attending Brigham Young University ! It is so hard to believe that in four short years we will quite possibly be empty nesters. I have always been told that having your children all grown up comes at you fast, and it’s true. Just six short years ago we had four daughters living at home, all running around and keeping us busier than ever. Let me give you some examples of this time of life and what our daughters are up to!

Our oldest daughter Bethany graduated from BYU and has been married for nearly two years. She is working full-time to support her husband Casey as he works to complete a master’s degree at BYU. Susan and I had the opportunity to visit them over Labor Day weekend, which happened to be the weekend of the first BYU home football game. I was able to attend the game with Casey and his father, which was very exciting since I hadn’t been to a college football game in years. BYU beat Arizona 20-7 holding them scoreless for 59 minutes, which made for a great game. It is fun to support the team of the University that educates my daughters. You might be curious to know that there are no grandchildren yet, but I am thus far OK with that since Casey has at least two years of school remaining. We do look forward to many exciting times!

Elissa, our second daughter is now 21 years old! She is a Junior at BYU with a very determined work ethic and an array of interests. She has been involved in several humanities, business, and dance classes. She enjoys working at a Dance shop in Provo selling dance shoes and dance clothes. She meets a lot of neat people there, including a visit from Marie Osmond’s agent shopping for Marie’s upcoming Dancing With the Stars debut! We enjoy Elissa’s enthusiastic and cheerful personality so much, it is only fair to share it. We know she brings so much good to BYU’s campus.

Our third and next daughter Kendra is now 18 years old, a new freshman at BYU. She attended Summer classes as her first term in college, but bringing her back to BYU was our exciting main motive for driving to Provo this past Labor Day weekend. She is enjoying college and is doing very well there. We were able to meet her two new roommates Becky and Katie, who of course Kendra hit it off with right away. Kendra is interested in studying something in the field of music, but is working towards it by taking pre-requisites and general education courses. We are very excited for her.

If it wasn’t for our youngest daughter Janelle and our dog Charlie, there would be more of us in Provo than there would be in Littleton ! We are at least grateful that Utah is next-door and we can only hope our children will someday return to Colorado . Until then, we are enjoying spending quality time with Janelle, who is enjoying her first year of high school. Columbine is a great fit for Janelle because she has so many older sisters who have led the way. Many of the teachers have known the Urban girls, so they already recognize Janelle as an awesome girl. She is a natural at music. She is learning to play the mandolin and has a beautiful singing voice, so she is of course looking forward to her choir and drama classes.

As for Susan and I, we still fill our busy lives but are enjoying sometimes the more quiet time. It is definitely different than it was 10 or 15 years ago when the girls were so young and we were trying to keep up with them. Luckily we have cell phones and e-mail these days so we can easily keep in touch. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful daughters; seeing them grow up is a blessing. It motivates us to get up every day so we can support them. We like to think our life is a life of service and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Susan is such a wonderful mother as the girls always turn to her for love and support. I love my work and am passionate about it, it gives me exponential satisfaction to be able to serve my clients and therefore support my family. I look forward to getting to know all of you better this year and as 2008 creeps up on us. Enjoy October and the many beautiful colors of the season. Finally, please don’t keep me a secret from those who you are closest to and who may need my assistance. Remember: “a referral is sending someone you care about to someone you trust.”

The Secret to Real Estate Profit #3

 

3)      Maintain your home.

This one means to maintain your home on a regular basis, and with a reasonable amount of updating. I have seen too often homeowners go to extremes in one direction or the other. For example, homes where no maintenance was performed resulting in required work, thus hurting the sale and the home selling for way under market value. While on the contrary, some homes have been over improved resulting in lost money at time to sell. The question to ask yourself is: “Would you pay extra for that feature if you were going to buy back your home?” Also, keeping your home maintained is like keeping everything running smoothly on your car. You must change the oil; change the spark plugs on a regular basis. With a home you must repair or replace that furnace, replace old shingles and fix that leaky faucet. Find a happy median and you will see the biggest return on your investment.

Sneak Preview My August 2007 Newsletter Lead Story!

   

What do you need to let go of in your life?

Article found and provided to you by your real estate consultant for life…

Located in “By Referral Only” corporation sources

            A man’s wife offered to cook his favorite dish, which was filled with delicious nuts.  He was so happy when he thought of this treat that he eagerly suggested he help his wife with the preparations.  “Could you get the nuts from the jar?” she said.

            The man reached deep into the jar and grabbed as many nuts as he could fit into his hand.  However, when he tried to pull his hand out of the jar, he couldn’t.  His hand was stuck.  His wife pulled on the jar to try and release him, but try as she might, her husband was still stuck.

            In desperation they called out to their neighbors for help, and several rushed into the house.  One neighbor said, “Don’t worry, I know what you need to do.  Push your arm farther into the jar.”

            At first the man resisted; he didn’t want to make the situation even worse.  But he did what the man asked of him. “Now, open your hand and let go of the nuts.”

            This order upset the husband.  He wanted those nuts for the dish his wife was preparing.  Reluctantly, he let go. “Now,” the wise neighbor said, “Make your hand as small as possible and pull your arm from the jar.”

            The husband did as he was told and out popped his arm, as easy as could be.  Everyone who had gathered to watch clapped and cheered.  Then the neighbor tipped the jar over and let the nuts spill out onto the table.

            My thoughts on this story...

Is there anything in your life that you could let go? Are you hanging on to something that you could just let go so you are not stuck or trapped? Sometimes there are better ways to get what we want without hanging on to something. Here are some examples that I came up with:

·         Hanging on to the clutter in your life

·         Not letting your life progress by hanging on to old ways or technologies

·         Not allowing your children to ease out of the nest Working harder not smarter

·         In my business I hang on to clients who degrade me and take advantage. I sometimes just need to let go.

·         Are you hanging on to things at work that may be holding your progression back?

·         Are you open minded enough to look at other peoples views and admit that they may be right.

            Is there something in your life that is holding you back? Have you ever just thought about letting it go? Maybe there is a better way or maybe by letting it go a door may be shut but a window will open? I certainly have had to learn this and sometimes the hard way myself, but this story helps remind us how we can let go or in some cases we could just wither and die. I hope this news worthy article makes a difference in your life in someway!

Sincerely,

Jim Urban                                        

Your real estate consultant for life.

I Love Referrals VS By Referral Only

                         Realtor Stickers On Business Cards

I have been really studying what those little stickers on Realtor business cards really mean. The most common one you see is "I Love Referrals." I got to thinking about this. Of course we love referrals. How many would be bold enough to put a sticker on their card that says "By Referral Only?" I made a commitment 7 years ago to work "By Referral Only" and I have never regretted a minute of it. What does this mean for you? What real estate consultant would you choose if you had to go just by the sticker on their card? The one that loves referrals or the one that is by referral only? Which one is most likely to work harder for you to earn your trust and your referrals? For me a real commitment to the by referral only sticker means you must work hard with everyone you work with because if you don't work hard you won't get anymore referrals and your business will die! By loving referrals you are just stating a fact that you love referrals. What are you going to do to earn those referrals? A thought process that I thought you would be interested in hearing and contemplating about. The next time you get a business card from a real estate consultant, remember this little thought process I published for you. By the way, if they have no sticker maybe you might forget that referrals is the lifeblood of any sales consultants success, so if you are happy with your service take time to contemplate who might be the next person you know who will need the same service and refer them!

Call Me a Consultant, Rather than referring to me as a real estate agent, I would prefer to be called a consultant...why is this?

Someone recently asked me if it was appropriate for them to call me a Real Estate “Agent.” I had not realized until this moment that I actually did have a preference for what I would like to be referred to as. I then thought it would be appropriate to make my clients aware of this and why it would make a difference. The title of Real Estate Agent seems to be a bit too common and impersonal. Rather than being a hard-sell type of business man, I believe my true nature is to be a consultant to my clients, not just a Realtor selling homes.

I hope my clients can understand my approach to Real Estate and see that I whole heartedly feel that my role is more than just an “agent.” This is because that is the way I myself would want to be treated in any business transaction. Rather than using hard-sell techniques and pushy tactics, I prefer to give my clients various options before they make big decisions. Now that you can see my approach more clearly, I am simply asking you to try and remember to refer to me as a “real estate consultant” instead of a “real estate agent.”

Thank you for reading this small article and trying to remember this request. As you now know, and just as it has been written on my business cards for many years, I am still and always will be Your Real Estate Consultant for Life.

April 2007 newsletter lead story!

Are You Over Your Head In Debt?

               

A recent report compiled by financial experts says that one in four – or 30 million – working American adults “is suffering serious financial distress.” 

Article provided by: By Referral Only®

            The report took data from 11 major business-sponsored surveys and 10 academic research studies.  The report indicates that those people are experiencing “overwhelming levels of financial distress.”

The study also indicates that many people who are experiencing financial distress are living paycheck to paycheck.  These people are worried about their retirement, and insecure about being able to adequately manage their personal finances.  Many have given up hope that they will ever be able to catch up.

Forty to 50% of those who report they are financially distressed also say that their worries are negatively impacting their health; they have trouble maintaining their relationships; they lead socially limited lives; and their job productivity has fallen.  Eighty percent of those workers said that they spend some part of their workday dealing with financial issues instead of focusing on their work.

Financially distressed individuals are not necessarily low-income earners.  Financial stress can also be attributed to amounts of consumer debt and lifestyle (also known as living beyond your means).  The report made four

recommendations for financially distressed people:

1.   Spend less than you earn.  You need to live below your means, pay off debt and start saving.

2.   Get a plan.  This means you need to plan ahead – and determine the difference between needs and wants.  Be practical and realistic.

3.   Determine your best options for relieving your financial distress.   For instance, ask yourself how you can cut back on expenses, increase your income, pay down debt, obtain reasonable loans to pay off high-interest creditors, and/or seek professional help from credit managers or attorneys if necessary.

4.         Check to see if your workplace offers any financial education programs.  If they do,
sign up.

A beautiful example of how a condo sale can have success in todays sluggish real estate market...

How Pricing Your Home Correctly in the Beginning Pays Off!

      The Ultimate Scenario for my seller was to close her condo by January 31^st 2007, or within 45 days. That’s right, a Condo! These days, selling a home, especially a condo, can be extremely challenging. Cold, snowy weather in Colorado, and the heavily weighted buyer’s market that we are in, all pose a threat to selling homes quickly. However, a kind woman, referred to me by a title company I work closely with, needed to sell her condo promptly. We discussed strategies by comparing condo sales in her development and throughout the entire southwest section of the city to learn what our competition was. I suggested to her that if she truly wanted to make her goal a reality we would need to price it aggressively, without giving it away. After assessing the situation, I suggested a probable 30-45 day sales price, as opposed to a 60 or 90 day price, and she agreed to it. It could have been a potentially difficult long process to sell, but because we made the right choices, we all sat at a closing table on January 31^st, 2007 with a very happy buyer and a very happy seller. It was a wonderful day for all of us! The sellers even celebrated by going out for a steak dinner that night! For them, it truly was a day to celebrate! Who do you know who wants this kind of quality service and up-front honesty when it comes to initially pricing a home? Please let me know!

Sneak Preview March Newsletter Lead Story

The Secret Of Kinko’s

Chances are good you’ve been to a Kinko’s – there are over 1,500 of them worldwide.  But did you know that Kinko’s was started by a self-described “hyperactive dyslexic” who failed second and ninth grades?

Despite the challenges he faced in school, Kinko’s founder Paul Orfalea persevered and went on to graduate from the

University

of

Southern California

.  While he was a student he noticed a copy machine in the library and realized that few people had easy access to this new technology.  In 1970 he followed his entrepreneurial leanings and with a $5,000 loan, opened the first Kinko’s near the USC campus.  The 100-square-foot space was in the back of a hamburger stand, so cramped that the copy machine had to be lugged out onto the sidewalk each day!  And the company name?  “Kinko” was Paul’s nickname, his college friends’ tribute to his wildly curly hair.

Paul’s strategy of “see a need and fill it” – selling copies and school supplies to students – was so successful that by the close of the 1970s Kinko’s had 80 stores, located primarily near colleges and universities. By the end of the 1980s the company had expanded to service the small office/home office market with over 400 stores, and in the late 1990s and early 21^st century Kinko’s made Fortune magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For in America,” Forbes list of “500 Biggest Private Companies,” and Working Mother magazine’s list of “Best Companies for Working Mothers.”

In 2004 the FedEx Corporation acquired Kinko’s, and today Paul Orfalea is involved in a variety of business ventures, teaching, public speaking, and philanthropic activities that help kids facing the same learning challenges that he once faced.

Now that’s how you turn obstacles – into opportunities!

Article provided by: By Referral Only®

Got Cabin Fever?

 

A Cure For Cabin Fever !

I am looking forward to

outdoor activity more than ever

in 2007, notwithstanding

the snowy start! Read these ideas!

Article written by:

Our Colorado winter has thus far given us more than the average amount of snowfall. Because of the cold and unsafe bicycling conditions, I cannot ride my bicycle as much as I would like to and have felt a small case of cabin fever. So I often ask myself what sort of outdoor sports would be fun in the Colorado winter. One example of an answer to this question is, of course, snow skiing! I grew up in this area where the sport of skiing was growing increasingly popular. I will never forget the day my father came home with a pair of skis for my oldest sister. I was so fascinated that a person could actually slide down a mountain on wooden sticks fastened to boots and call it recreation! I had a feeling that this could become a full day of fun. Shortly after, our family, which included my parents, two older sisters and two younger brothers, planned a skiing trip. There we would acquire each of our own skis, boots, and poles. We were all excited and anxious to hit the slopes. After some determination, practice, and fun, we were all hooked! This activity brought our family closer together during those years. Now that my siblings and I are all grown up and have families of our own, most of us still enjoy an occasional ski trip. As much as I enjoy skiing every now and then, I of course still accredit my passion to bicycling. Luckily indoor cycling is also an option, which is also fun and good exercise, but nothing beats the sites, sounds, and smells of riding a bike in the Colorado outdoors. So until the snow starts to melt and flowers start to bloom, my family and I will beat cabin fever by hitting the slopes this season!

I recently found an excerpt in

the Denver Post that listed all the fun activities available to Coloradans during a snowy winter. The article headline was: Get Your Snow Kicks without Sticks [Sunday, January 14^th, 2007 Colorado Sunday page 27A]Some winter activity ideas in this article were: Dog sledding, ice skating, ski-biking (in Vail, sounds interesting!), curling, snow-shoeing, ice racing (all-wheel-drive vehicles on Georgetown Lake), tubing (great family fun!), snow-kiting (or kite skiing), sleigh riding, ice climbing, and finally Skijoring (Being towed on skis by a horse in Steamboat Springs). Also, there is a annual viewing of ice sculptures in Breckenridge, which is held once a year near the end of January. This one may not be a sport, but there are things like this to entertain us all during the cold winter! In other words, if you seek out what Colorado has to offer, there is no excuse for cabin fever! .

What are you going to do this year to beat cabin fever? I would love to hear your ideas!

Investor tries To “Pull a Fast One” On The Seller,

Every Realtor’s job should be focused on what is right for each situation and negotiate on their clients’ behalf up until the very end, if necessary!

No matter who my seller or buyer is, I am their “Pit Bull” if something is not right, even at the closing table if necessary. My goal is to always have all negotiations complete by closing, but some people try their hand all the way till the end. Handling problems professionally and being in control while negotiating is my style and it works well. In one case, a shrewd investor attempted to get additional funds from either my seller or myself because he was not receiving a free credit report and appraisal. After I disclosed to him what the ground rules were in obtaining this credit report and appraisal, he continued in his attempt to get these items free of charge, even at the closing table. I had a determined, professional conversation with him and after our final negotiation he could not deny the truth of the matter and he went forward closing with the original financial conditions he agreed upon. Interestingly, it turned out that we established a friendship right at the closing and he asked me to help find him property and to be his “Pit Bull,” so to speak, for his next transaction.

Who is the next person you know that I can be a “Pit bull” for? I’m ready in 2007!

Jim's 2007 Real Estate Forecast

Jim’s Real Estate Market Forecast For 2007

The Denver market is on the rebound. We will see a better market and a home value increase in 2007

As your real estate consultant I am always analyzing the market for you. After 23 years in real estate, seeing the signs of change has become very natural to me. Like an experienced weather person, I can predict what is coming. Real estate and real estate trends have even become as natural as breathing to me because I live it everyday. The 2006 real estate market reminded me of the market’s condition in 1989. In both circumstances there were foreclosures, leveling out of prices, and a decline of realtors and lenders in the business. Similar to the rebound in 1990, we will see a slow but steady bounce back in our town in 2007. There are many positives to the past and present conditions in the Denver Metro area. For example, Metro Denver has commonly exceeded the national average in employment growth. Also, employment in Denver has increased to 26,500 jobs, creating a 2% increase compared to the national employment growth increase of 1.6% in 2005. The final statistics of 2006 will show an even greater improvement. In contrast, we have been the leading foreclosure state in the nation. The main reason for this was because lenders were advising their borrowers to choose interest-only adjustable rate loans and similar products. The borrower’s payments may have started out low, but in most cases the payments actually nearly doubled. The trend is now to be careful and conservative. Now many borrowers are choosing fixed rate mortgages. This way they know that their payment is secure and will remain constant. “No money down” loans are still popular, but I see a trend towards choosing one loan with 100% financing as opposed to the ever so popular “80/20” loan, which represents 80% of your loan for a 1^st mortgage and 20% for a second mortgage. This loan can be a life-saver when it comes to eliminating mortgage insurance. Programs are now emerging that have no mortgage insurance on “one-loan” home loans for 1^st-time home buyers. My advice to most clients is to play it conservatively when it comes to financing a home, especially if they plan to stay in the home long term. For individualized consulting and advising, contact me for a personal evaluation. If you really need hard core advice on financing let me refer my mortgage consultant. She will craft a financial plan for your mortgage and long term needs. Even one step deeper is my financial adviser who will go outside the box of mortgages and devise a plan for you future. Please reference my referral list on my website or give me a call. Have a safe and blessed and financial secure 2007!