A Blog About Everything

Hello World.  Just when you thought I had disappeared forever, I sneak back! Sorry for my absence over the last month – I was busy experiencing life, and as it turns out, gathering additional content for my blog!  So here goes another post….

I decided several months ago to list my own home for sale.  As you know by now, I am a relative new comer to the world of real estate, having only done it for a little over a year, and as you must also know (because for every living person, there is approximately 2.3 real estate agents waiting to pounce on them) it takes a significant amount of time to grow this type of business (any business really). And much as I continue to try to make it so, nothing happens overnight (although I continue to try)!…..

So here I was, looking for ways to keep things comfortable while growing my business (and it should be mentioned that I refuse to give up on anything – yes, literally anything, just ask my friends.  I attribute this stubbornness trait, which is apparently seeded to the very being of my soul, to my parents; thank you very much Mary and Joe)!  So, when the opportunity came up to sell my home and further contribute to my many business dreams, I decided it was time to act.  Let me be 100% clear here though….I knew (and still do know) that I would be successful in my business pursuits whether I sold my home or not, but I am smart enough to also know that in selling, I would save myself a few heart attacks, panic attacks, and the daily mediation of “what the hell am I doing?!?” would subside for just a bit!  Okay, seriously long story cut short, my house went under contract a few days ago….

And in case you were wondering….I cried like a baby the day I got an offer on my home.  Not out of joy (although I am sure that is hiding in there somewhere), but because it has meant so very much to me…..So, please believe me when I look you in the eye and I tell you, as a seller, that I understand.  I understand why you fight like you do for a price that might be too high (yes, I am a professional; yes, I am human and attached to my home; and yes I listed too high and I watched it sit, even though I knew better)!  And I understand why it takes you aback when you actually get an offer and you second guess all that you are doing.  I tell you I understand, because I really do…. this home has been my sanctuary, my inspiration, my safe zone, and my salvation.  I healed from a broken relationship in this home; I lost my dad while here…..I lost Sally.  And somewhere amongst it all, I found myself.  These walls know my story; every sordid detail, and the thought of leaving them breaks my heart.  All at the very time I know it is opening the doors for amazing new experiences, which will continue to grow me as a person, and fulfill me in ways I can’t yet imagine.

Apparently the time has come for these walls to hold support for yet another. The woman buying my house is recently divorced and moving to be closer to her support system.  I’ve been there, my friend, and appreciate your story.  May these walls heal you as they have healed me.

And all of this, sad and exciting and scary and amazing as it is, reinforces why I do what I do…..I am tied to the feelings and the emotions behind the houses I sell and help to buy.  I know the memories and the love that move within the walls and I love the energy behind them.  Our walls do talk….if we choose to listen.  They talk through every experience we have and we share.  What we remember and laugh about, and what makes us silent and reverent.  Life and death happen in the walls of a home….How honored I am to help bring that to life, and to help the flow of energy from one to another!

People say a house is just 4 walls and a door.  While I thank you for your opinion, I politely beg to differ.  Homes are so much more than that.  They are a heartbeat. A reflection of our lives.  They heal us….well, they heal me, and I hope they may be healing for you as well……

Until next time….

Ok, by now it’s possible you are beginning to think I am just short of being “the crazy dog lady.”  You know, the one you’ve heard stories about but never actually met in person?  The one who likes dogs just a little more than people and is looking for a shoe to move into?  Oh wait, that’s the cat lady right?  Well, regardless, it should come as no surprise that my animal obsession has followed me into the real estate world.  And why not?  Take a minute to think about your house….is it really yours, or does it somehow belong more to Fido and Mr. Whiskers?  Ever walk into your home to find your cat precariously perched just above your head, ready to pounce (what exactly are they doing up there)?  And how many times have you come home to find your belongings “rearranged” by the dog?  Or wake up in the middle of the night to find them staring at your face with a certain “intensity”…. we may fool ourselves into thinking they want to play, or need to go out, but I have a sneaky suspicion they are up to a little more than we think (and I’m not ruling world domination out at this point).  Ultimately, our pets rule our roosts, and we are really just there to cater to their every whim. (Wait, am I the only one who does this?)

So, back to the subject at hand.  Aside from paying a portion of my commission to rescue organizations as my way of giving back, I’ve also begun to look at other ways I may be able to support the four-legged friends who bless our families and our homes with laughter and love.  In all honesty, I am stumbling on this accidentally.  I’ve been asked several times to make sure to pay attention to “x” or to make sure the property has “y”, because it’s an old dog, or because they work long hours and it’s important that their pet be safe.  And it comes naturally for me to do it because I am geared to think that way anyway (yep, the crazy dog lady thing keeps popping up, doesn’t it?).

When I think about it, those of us who are animal lovers go nuts when it comes time to move making sure our pets are safe and comfortable through the process and once we land in our new space.  Then there are those of you who aren’t animal people, but who have had the lucky fortune of knowing plenty of us who are, and also know exactly what I am talking about.  You know, the people who have had to leave dinner early because their dog wasn’t acting right and they were worried, or who had to cancel plans last-minute and miss the party because their cat ate too much catnip.  Or possibly, the person who stayed home from a weekend getaway to Winter Park because her sweet little girl somehow got into something bad and ended up having surgery, and she needed to be there to eagle eye her while she recovers (I will neither confirm nor deny this is the very reason I am writing this blog at 9pm on a Saturday night).

Truly, I wouldn’t have it any other way, and I understand why people are concerned about their pets during a move and I understand the stress that it places on all family members; those with 2 legs and those with 4.  I appreciate those of us who worry that there isn’t enough light in the house during the day, while our pet is home alone, or that the yard isn’t safe enough for them to be out while we are away.  And I’m not saying these are the only reasons a person may choose to purchase a home or walk away from it, but I do understand that they come into play and I will promise you this – you never need to be embarrassed of making crazy pet requests of me (because I probably sit at the front of the line here anyway).  And I also promise that I will help you in whatever other important things you need – finding a dog sitter while you make the move, or necessary specialists in your area after you are settled.

And let’s be honest, as the crazy dog lady (time to own it I guess),  I am the first to admit that I have gone above and beyond for my pooches…..raise your hand if you had a fence put around your front yard so your rescue dog and her sidekick could have more room to romp? (Thank goodness I was dating the fence guy at the time!).  Yes, I did that….. and I only became aware after the fact of the added bonus that I, too, was able to enjoy the front porch with a glass of wine more often, and that I happened to doubled my living space (always good for resale value).  Apparently, the apple doesn’t fall far from our familial tree either; my sister joined suite not long ago, after moving into her new place.  A home just isn’t home unless Mr. Miles is sitting on the front porch, basking in the sunshine.

So, somehow, every part of what makes me, me, is finding its way into my working life and I’ve decided to be okay with that.  I am officially coming out of the proverbial closet tonight, as I look at my sleeping, injured pup, to admit that I am an animal loving, home selling, real estate agent who will do everything I can to make sure that you are nothing less than 100% satisfied with your new home, and that everything that is important to you, is important to me as well, be that chickens, or dogs, or sea monkeys (hey, you never know).  I say this on the heels of a conversation I had with a business mentor of mine.  As we talked about our passions and how that tends to drive us in our businesses, he said to me: “You can’t find your tribe if you aren’t your authentic self; don’t you want to find your tribe?”  As it turns out, I do…… and this just may be a first step….

Until next time….

And for the love of Sally (aka Sal’s, Salzie’s, Salzers)… Have you ever looked into the eyes of an animal and known that somehow they just “get you”?  That they see who you are right down to your soul?  That they know you have some crazy in you (my crazy is dance, dance revolution….Thank God dogs can’t talk or there’d be a real story there!) and they can’t wait to jump into the crazy with you?

That’s how it was when I saw little Sal’s for the first time.  Bella (my goof ball wire haired dachshund) and I had been a dynamic duo for quite awhile, but when I saw Sally, I immediately knew two would soon become three.  But this isn’t your average “healthy, sweet dog” meets “I need another” girl.  I saw Salzie’s for the first time on a rescue website (Denver Dachshund Rescue and Transport, to be exact).  She was tiny, and fragile, and beautiful.  A red, long haired dachshund with imploring eyes and a quiet sense about her.  She’d recently been rescued from a hoarder/breeder situation that was uglier than I have words to describe.  But she was free and under the watchful care of an amazing group of people.  Sal’s came to them pregnant, malnourished, and afraid.  Without going into all the horrid details of the situation, I will tell you that she became very ill, lost all of her pups and almost her own life in the process.  But sweet Sally is a hell of a fighter and she wasn’t about to give up on this life.  So she recovered as best she could and eventually came home with Bells and I.  The dynamic duo was now the tenacious trio.  We walked, we ran, we ate hamburgers (of course we did… my dogs are my tribe and they eat what I eat…although not vice versa, I’m not one for hard kibble).

Oh, how I loved that dog.  If love alone would have been enough, that little girl would have lived forever.  My heart still breaks to think of what she went through and how a mere 8 months with us was so much less than she deserved.  But I have a feeling she wouldn’t feel the same way – dogs are funny like that.  Their ability to forgive and move forward without resentment or hesitation is astounding to me – something I think we humans could take lesson from.  To her, those 8 months of runs and walks, treats and toys, the sun on her back and grass beneath her feet were pure joy, and so they must be to me as well, in honor of her and in honor of those who haven’t yet had the chance.

Sadly, Sally was never able to fully recover from the abuse she experienced at the hands of others.  How someone can take the gift of unconditional love and turn their hand against it, is beyond me.  And it’s not something I have the strength to see and hear and feel every day, as is required in rescue, so I do what I can to help those who do it for me; who love more than most, and who have committed their lives to rescue, and changing the story others have cruelly begun to write. What mad respect I have for these people and how unbelievably hard it must be for them.  And I realize that even though my part will never be enough, it is something – it is awareness where there might not have been, support where it may once have hidden, and love that heals the broken.  It’s not enough to only provide a portion of my commissions, to donate collars and toys and food…..and yet it’s a start.  And a start is still something….

When the time came and Sally’s little body couldn’t fight anymore, I did the unthinkable; I said goodbye, and let her go (well, sort of….the vet hospital was unbelievably kind, but even they had to gently “suggest” it was time to leave after what was quickly approaching qualifying world record time in “room number1”).  And I knew from that moment on I would do what I could to help the people who saved her and who gave me the opportunity to show her what love was.  To give her a sister, and a sense of belonging, even if only for a short while.

It’s not the typical thing to do, but when I made the jump into real estate, it was obvious to me; I would give a portion of what I earned back to rescue organizations, especially Denver Dachshund Rescue and Transport.  It hasn’t been a windfall to date, but my time is coming….watch out doxie nation, it won’t be long before your collars are covered in bling and you have more treats and toys than eye can see!).  It’s the right thing to do.  It’s healing for me.  It may save another Sally.

And so now comes the time to shamelessly plug the donation/adoption event that is fast approaching, and that I will plan to hold every year (hey, what’s the point of my own blog if I can’t shamelessly plug?).  The event is Dachshunds and Dogs (because who can resist a hot dog when amongst hot dogs).  This year’s event will be held on July 31st at McNichols Park, off of Syracuse and 17th Streets, and will run from Noon to 3pm.  The rescue is always in need of paper towels and cleaning supplies, as well as dog beds, dog toys, dog food and who doesn’t love treats?  As well, the wiener crew will be there to give kisses and laughs…and will be available for adoption.  It doesn’t get any better than that!

Salzie’s comes to me in my dreams sometimes, and she is healthy and happy and whole.  Her coat shines, and she smiles at me.  I think it’s her way of telling me that she’ll be waiting for me and Bells at the rainbow bridge, and when it’s time, she’ll greet us and take us home.  How does one human get so lucky??

Until next time…..

    

Ok, ok, I’ve had you on the edge of your seat long enough!  Last time we were here, I was telling you about my colossal decision to leave the corporate world behind me and start working for myself.  So what was this amazing, earth shattering career change?  Yep, I found the world of real estate.  I’m not sure exactly when the passion for combining homes AND people came to me, but I have a few ideas.  There was a period of time (we’ll call it Lent) when I decided Target had seen enough of my hard-earned dollar and I vowed not to spend another dime in that store until Easter hymns were being sung and all was right with the world again.  Now, I’m not going to lie….Target is not an easy Lenten sacrifice – you can find EVERYTHING within those walls…..well except salvation and re-birth.  It made sense.  So here I was trying to avoid temptation, and somehow got in the habit of visiting every open house in the city of Denver to occupy my time – thank you Carey (devoted, and equally sacrificing sister), for being my wingman (or woman, as it were).  Somewhere between guessing home prices and lengthy discussions about what should have been done for the home to sell, real estate began working its way into my blood.  Take that, a semi-serious relationship with another real estate agent (much more on that one later!), and a significant family life event,and I found myself needing something more and seriously looking at making the plunge.  And so I did.  The rest is history, and here I am!

Which leads me to my story for the day.  Open Houses.  I write this as I sit in an open house for my mentor, wondering if the people who walk in are doing as I did not so long ago and if the bug is going to catch them as it did me.  I also wonder what in the world they will say about me upon exiting.  We all know the open house rules right?  Whatever you do, don’t make eye contact with the agent, most definitely DO NOT give your correct information on the sign in sheet and at no cost engage in a conversation that will lead to a sales pitch!  But do discuss the agents outfit, their ability to sell a house in this market, and rate if you would use them to buy or sell a house on a scale of 1 to 10 once you leave the property….. See?  I know how these things work – I was an open house aficionado back in the day!

From the agent side, let me tell you what we are really thinking, and doing, while at the open house, and also let me share one more “rule” to what is listed above.  First and foremost, while we would absolutely love to sell you a house, and we want to make the very best impression on you (and the home) when you walk through the door, the biggest reason we start talking to you and at times, find ourselves shamelessly following you from room to room, is because we have been alone, in a house that is not ours, for the better part of two hours, with limited technology and minimal stimuli…..and we are dying for human interaction.  See, an agent at heart, is a very social being – we love to talk to people and to have conversations about homes and the market, and if you prefer chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies (we really do want to know!).  And it really is all about filling our emotional bank account back up, which has become dangerously low, while sitting alone, and pondering all of life’s mysteries.  Ok, secondly, it’s alright to give us your real information.  Most of us will never become that crazy stalker agent and blow your phone and email up with sales pitch after sales pitch.  But some of us (myself included) do love to send out newsletters with some great information and from time to time, some good giveaways – just to see if you are actually reading!  So even though you may need to delete our email once a month, you might just win a free ticket to a Rockies game, or free pie at Thanksgiving….and even more important,  you get to look like the smartest guy at the BBQ when the topic of real estate comes up….wait, doesn’t everyone talk about that at their BBQ’s?

Ok, finally onto my final “rule”, and I sincerely advise everyone to read carefully here and take this to heart.  Do not, I repeat, DO NOT eat a rich lunch (that includes mexican food) prior to going out on your open house foray.  Let me tell you, I have learned this from personal experience and without going into too much detail (because it is seriously still way too embarrassing), I will say this; if you eat a rich meal, it is very possible your belly will start to regret said meal, which may leave you in a very bad predicament at an open house, where you learn, unfortunately way too late, that the owners have turned off their water for the day.  I will also say this….one very expensive bottle of wine and a very sincere apology letter may have found itself on the doorstep of a particular open house in Denver very late one evening (cover of darkness to protect the innocent) because of said rich meal.  So, eat wisely my friends, and go out to enjoy some open houses!

Until next time…..

So, by now I am sure you are sitting at the edge of your seat wondering exactly what it is I used to do, and why I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind me and jump head first into self-employment.  (I can’t wait to see what I write here myself, because there are days I still wonder what the hell I am doing!). Well, not so long ago, and in a galaxy not far away, I was an HR professional – pause for dramatic, why would anyone choose that line of work, effect.  Well, that’s a good question, and I’ll tell you, aside from the hard conversations, the counseling, and the strategic initiatives, we have some of the best stories of any job out there! (All you HR people are nodding your heads right now and silently compiling the list of your top 10 – am I right??)  If you don’t have an HR person among your circle of friends, you may want to consider finding one – we are quite the riot, especially after a glass of wine!  All joking aside, it’s a difficult job with no small amount of conflict, and requires sensitivity, and tact.

So, with all that, when did the urge first strike me to leave that world behind and become my own boss?  Here is where I reveal one of my top 10 stories….. It may have started the day I sat with an employee trying to explain to her that Double Jeopardy means someone can’t be prosecuted for the same crime twice and that it most certainly does not occur when you are suspended pending an investigation and after said investigation, are terminated for wrongdoing; and that suing myself or the company is probably not in your best interest.  Or it could have ignited on a trip back from India, after letting go an entire team that didn’t deserve it; the unfortunate result of bad decision-making that started at the top and continued its path down.  I know, I know…. that never happens!

In the end, whatever string of events brought me to that fateful decision (mid-life crisis has also been considered), bring me there they did, and I watched a new, (quite bossy) self be born!  A self that needed to have more balance for the important things in life, like family and friends; summer loving and having a blast; having my cake and eating it too.  It became clear to me that I wanted to spend more time creating a life for myself and less time making a life for someone else.  That working 60+ hours a week at the expense of my passions and dreams was no longer overly appealing.  And so I jumped.  (Again the stressed stare emoticon makes it’s appearance).  Here is what I can tell you: it has been marvelous.  It has been terrifying.  It has been the best thing I have ever done.  It has scared the living bejesus out of me more nights than I care to recall!  And even though I am working my tail off,  I am living my life and having a blast (most days anyway).  And in the end, isn’t that what really matters?  In a world where we spend too much time worried about what we don’t have and who we should be, and experiencing all to often the senseless tragedies that tear away the things we hold most dear, there needs to be more time for joy and doing what makes us happy.  More time to experience what the world has to offer and to find our own personal peace – whatever and wherever that is!

So….what is my new self-employed line of work you ask?  You’ll have to stay tuned. I don’t want you getting too comfortable in that chair you’re on the edge of!  Until next time…..

Today is the day.  I write.  About what?  Good question!  I have visions of being the next Carrie Bradshaw, only with a fashion style that includes a significant amount of “fat pants” instead of stilettos, a home in Denver and not New York, and a sex life that is not quite as……exuberant, to say the least.  (By the way, fat pants are a much better term in my mind than yoga pants – I have a sneaky suspicion that not everyone you see in fat pants is also a yogi…. I for one wear them to Thanksgiving dinner, when I can get away with it; and let’s all be honest, an elastic waistband is always a good idea, I don’t care who you are!).  Perhaps that is why my sex life is not as exuberant…. something to think about.

So, the question remains, what do I write about?  So many things have crossed my mind – should I write about my decision to leave the corporate world behind me a year ago and enter the world of self employment?  Maybe I’ll write about all the things I have learned from said decision (insert stressed stare emoticon here).  I can write about how important rescue organizations are (nothing funny there, just true).  Or maybe I’ll write about my experiences on all the dating sites in town (everything funny here…. seriously).  The bottom line is this – I love to write.  And I was also blessed with the ability to be witty on occasion, or so I am told. No reason not to put the two together and write about things that matter, and those things that don’t (I can’t be the only one who thinks about the zombie apocalypse really happening and how I am going to find my tribe and survive right?)

My goal is to write everyday – well, almost every day – about my profession, about what I find important in my profession, about how hard it has been to strike out solo and make it stick, about my passions, about life in general –  and I can promise a significant amount of humor here; don’t know how I got so lucky to see things through humor colored glasses, but thank God I did, because I have needed it!  And I sincerely hope that you will find some enjoyment out of my posts….If not, you can stop reading – just tell all of your friends to read instead (no kidding around here).  Who knows, maybe someday, a big fancy publishing company will get wind of my stories and want to make a book out of my articles, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll travel by train to California where I meet Mr. Big at a book reading and have to kick my friends out of the hotel room for just a bit… Oh wait, first I need a Mr. Big…………stay tuned!