ACTION: Go Make Something Happen!

My favorite action film of all time is Forrest Gump. When I tell people this, they laugh and then look puzzled. However, if you really watch this popular film beyond its clever form of entertainment, you'll find this powerful message: Forrest Gump is all about action! Whether he was running from bullies, crossing racial barriers in Alabama or saving his buddies' lives in Viet Nam, Forrest didn't hesitate to act. He didn't over-think, overanalyze, procrastinate, or form a committee to gather more data. He trusted his instincts and he acted! I believe this is the stronger message of this popular film: A simple man has a wonderful life because he took action. What will you do today to be more "Gump-like"?

My hope is that you will Go Make Something Happen!

INSPIRATION: Emotionalize Your Leadership Style!

The word 'emotionalize' means: To make emotional; to stir; to move. Are you using your entire toolbox of emotions to lead others?
Remember the 4 traits that Pat Summitt, Steven Spielberg, and Rudolph Giuliani possess.
1. They laugh & have fun with their teammates;
2. They are openly compassionate;
3. They are not afraid to cry with their teammates;
4. They deliver tough, constructive feedback everyday to cause their people to reach their potential.

This is a good roadmap to help us emotionally connect with others and make them "feel" something. The BEST leaders are excellent at emotionally connecting with their coworkers, members, and customers. How bout you?

CONNECTION: Make Connections Count!

CONNECTION: Make Connections Count!
Great leaders care deeply about people and make it their mission to find new and different ways to connect with them. Showing a deeper interest in those you hope to influence will make you memorable and effective.

Three things that can help you:
1. Learn family and personal facts (i.e.hometown, children's names and birthdays, grandchildren, service anniversaries, citizenship day, etc.)
2. Learn 'Firsts & Favorites' (first car, first concert, favorite restaurant, favorite charity, etc.)
3. Remember the tattoo on everyone's forehead: KNOW ME - ACCEPT ME - MAKE ME FEEL SPECIAL. Honor that tattoo and you will Make Connections Count!


2010 is HERE………… Is it 20-10 or 2,010?
Coming into 2010, there are many people trying to decipher all the data that is being reported regarding the housing industry. Due to the information highway, we have and use and some times abuse, data is being thrown at us at a high rate. The main goal is to try to bring clarity to a market that has been clouded with confusion for the last Three to four years.

We must not allow the truth to overshadow the facts. What do I mean by that? Let me give you an example. The housing market is better than it was, that is a fact.
But the truth is that home prices in many areas (NOT ALL) are still falling and will continue to fall for a period of time.
Many people except when they hear that the market is doing better that implies we are back to 2005-2007. News Flash….. That is not the case and will not be the case for many years. Prices in many markets are being adjusted. For example, a wise Realtor/Manager told me about equity and people saying that they lost value of their home. That is a misconception, they got their equity early (Prepaid).

Prices must still be adjusted in order for buyers to be able to afford the home. Proof of that is that the government is still subsidizing home purchases by artificially keeping interest rates low and offering tax credits to both first-time and move-up buyers. The good news is that those programs are creating a market for people looking to sell their home now. The bad news is that they will not last forever. The question that begs to be answered is what happens when interest rates rise (the government program that has kept them low ends on March 30) and the tax credit expires (April 30)? It is my belief that, when these inducements fade, so will demand. What will happen in June is the real question, what will banks and the governments do to keep this market moving.

Pricing has always been about supply and demand. The current housing market is no different.

If you are considering selling your house, put it on the market NOW to take advantage of the increased demand before the aforementioned government incentives that created it disappear. And please don’t wait for the distressed properties to come to market.

Edwin Gerace

About Lexington, SC Lexington, SC Homes For Sale Lake Murray, Irmo Homes for Sale West Columbia Homes For Sale


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Trust Stop Lying

TRUTH: Stop Lying!

"A truth withheld by a leader is a lie." When leaders make a habit of withholding the truth, they are lying. The harshness of this statement only reflects my passion around our responsibility to be great coaches and communicators. Remember the broccoli story? Nobody wants to go through life with broccoli in their teeth and not be told about it. Make sure your people never go home with broccoli in their teeth. Stop withholding praise, performance feedback, crucial communication, and best practices. As leaders, we have a responsibility to tell the truth everyday.

What is Trust

TRUST is defined as: "A strong belief that a person is honest and can be depended on."
Not surprisingly, great leaders create strong trust. On a scale of 1 - 10, how strongly do your teammates, members, or customers trust you? Everyday, your trust level goes up, goes down, or stays the same. Here's one way to insure your trust factor is getting stronger: KEEP YOUR PROMISES. Make a habit of under-promising and over-delivering instead of the reverse. (Remember the restaurant story with the silent pager?) Also, watch your language. Do you always do what you say you will do? Leaders who 'walk their talk' have much stronger trust factors than those who don't.

Doing Good Deed for Military -- Pay it Forward

JUST READ THIS AND IT IS GREAT

SO I PUT IT ON MY BLOG

The Sack Lunches





I put my carry-on in the luggageCompartment and sat down in myAssigned seat. It was going to be aLong flight. 'I'm glad I have aGood book to read. Perhaps I will getA short nap,' I thought.Just before take-off, a line ofSoldiers came down the aisle andFilled all the vacant seats, totallySurrounding me. I decided toStart a conversation.'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.'Petawawa. We'll be there for twoWeeks for special training, and thenWe're being deployed to AfghanistanAfter flying for about an hour, anAnnouncement was made that sackLunches were available for fiveDollars. It would be several hoursBefore we reached the east, and IQuickly decided a lunch would helpPass the time..As I reached for my wallet, IOverheard a soldier ask his buddy if hePlanned to buy lunch.'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. ProbablyWouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base 'His friend agreed.I looked around at the otherSoldiers. None were buying lunch. IWalked to the back of the plane andHanded the flight attendant aFifty dollar bill.'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezedTig htly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was aSoldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'Picking up ten sacks, she headed upThe aisle to where the soldiersWere seated. She stopped at my seatAnd asked, 'Which do you likeBest - beef or chicken?''Chicken,' I replied, wondering whyShe asked. She turned and went toThe front of plane, returning aMinute later with a dinner plate fromFirst class. 'This is your thanks..'After we finished eating, I wentAgain to the back of the plane,Heading for the rest room.A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it.Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.Soon after I returned to my seat, ISaw the Flight Captain coming downThe aisle, looking at the aisleNumbers as he walked, I hoped he wasNot looking for me, but noticed heWas looking at the numbers only onMy side of the plane.When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said,'I want to shake your hand.'Quickly unfastening my seatbelt IStood and took the Captain's hand.With a booming voice he said, 'I wasA soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness INever forgot..' I was embarrassedWhen applause was heard from all ofThe passengers.Later I walked to the front of thePlane so I could stretch my legs.A man who was seated about six rowsIn front of me reached out hisHand, wanting to shake mine. He leftAnother twenty-five dollars in my palm.When we landed I gathered myBelongings and started to deplane.Waiting just inside the airplane doorWas a man who stopped me, putSomething in my shirt pocket, turned,And walked away without saying aWord. Another twenty-five dollars!Upon entering the terminal, I saw theSoldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to themAnd handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time toReach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich.God Bless You.'Ten young men left that flightFeeling the love and respect of theirFellow travelers. As I walkedBriskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return.These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could onlyGive them a couple of meals.It seemed so little...A veteran is someone who, at onePoint in his life, wrote a blank checkMade payable to 'The United States ofAmerica ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'That is Honor, and there are way toomany people in this country whono longer understand it.'May God give you the strength andcourage to pass this along toeveryone on your email buddy list....I JUST DID

Two industry leaders partner together, Lexington SC

Lexington School District 1 and Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors Partnered together to provide benifits to all employees at the District.

Columbia, SC: Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors and The Real Estate Advantage Program have partnered with Lexington School District 1 to offer an affinity program. This affinity program offers all employees of Lexington School District 1 an opportunity to earn money back when buying or selling a home. In addition to the program, employees are made aware of the federal grant monies that are available when purchasing a home.

After beginning to offer the Real Estate Advantage Program, two teachers from Lexington 1 enrolled in the program and received their cash rebate at the closing on their new home.

This program is available to all employees of Lexington 1 and their immediate family. For more information call Edwin Gerace 803-609-7653.

Lynwood L. Duke
Director of Career Development/Public Relations
1022 Calhoun Street
Columbia, SC 29201

The Economy

Ding Dong The Election is done............
It is on the web, newspaper, radio, and water cooler about the economics of our country. It is a battle of arm chair quarterbacks vs back seat drivers.
Everyone has an opinion. My thoughts are not what everyone would agree with or some say I need to be an economic adviser to The President.
Example of our times. As a Realtor a buyer was declined a mortgage on a new home while putting over 60% down payment. This would be there 2nd home and was out of state, but only mortgaging 40%. " Things that make you say Hummm". Now here we are with great credit worthiness person and an economy that is wanting home buyers, and someone that tells them NO.
I was listening to my XM radio and hearing people voice their opinion on what it will take to fix our economic situation. I listened for couple hours a day over last week and the consistent thing was, something has to be done. As one reporter made a great point that the same bank that is getting help from the Bail out money are the same banks that are trying and working toward getting more deposits and less efforts to loan money. So in a nut shell banks want the free money but don't want to give out any (or as much as they receive). Maybe that is to keep the bank alive and pay off the corp exec large yearly bonuses.
I discovered many things over last couple months after reading and listening to many different speakers, some of which I agree with but most of them have components that have merit. They are as follows. 1-Putting money into a banking system that is not eager to lendmoney might not be the answer, but it will put some liquidity into the system that will help other fronts. 2- When an economy is in a recession the one true factor that makes brings us out is Real Estate. 3-The federal government needs to abandon the $7,500 tax break program, it is not being utilized. 4- Government backed LOW interest rates i.e. 4% need to be introduced immediately. 5- Incentives to home ownership need to be increased in the form of tax savings for purchases made over next 120-180 days. 6-More efforts to promote great opportunities in real estate not doom andgloom in the media, Government paid AD's. 7- Partnership with small builders and small mortgage companies to offer great opportunities, not just FREE money.
With all this being said, I must repeat what I believe and have been telling Realtors, friends and family for last 90 to 120 days. Buy Now, Interest rates are low and Sellers are motivated. The opportunity to buy low is upon us. The only way you know the true bottom is when it past you. Do you buy stocks when they are at their top and everyone is buying them to driving the price up? Buy Now build now.
Edwin

Lexington home with over acre lot, Great Home

edwin gerace | Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors | 803.609.7653 2809 Dogwood, Lexington, SC Lexington Brick Home on 1.58 acres. This home has an additional acres that can be purchased. Hardwood floors through out, smooth ceilings, Formal Di 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $235,000 Year Built 1963 Sq Footage 1,984 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 1.58 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Lexington Brick Home on 1.58 acres. This home has an additional acres that can be purchased. Hardwood floors through out, smooth ceilings, Formal Dining Room, Formal Living Room, Fenced Back yard, wooded Lot, Sun room with Heat and cool, 3 exterior storage buildings, Fireplace, and much more. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Hardwood floor Tile floor Family room Living room Breakfast nook Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Attic Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES Covered parking Guest parking OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES 1.58 Acres close in town Brick House Sun Room Fenced Back yard All Formals ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Formal Dining Rm Family Room Kitchen Sun Room Back Yard Contact info: edwin gerace Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors 803.609.7653 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Apr 9, 2009, 5:08am PDT

Team Building on the Basketball Court
I have been thinking about writting this for 3 months, and so I did post my thoughts about team work and the desire to be a winner. This post will come as a surprise to all that know me and my true college passion for University Tennessee.

In January, NCAA basketball champion Florida Gators were defeated by USC Game Cocks with no time on the clock. The last minutes played out in a storybook ending. The players were on the foul line thinking of how to win the game as a team. Holmes whispers to Fredrick, "Go long!" The best foul shooting player was on the line with 3.3 seconds on the clock and Florida was up by 1. He had a 1 and 1 attempt. The first shot bounced off the rim and the USC player grabbed the ball with authority and hurled it down the court to his team mate that had heeded his command to "Go long". His team mate caught the ball and took one step placing the ball in the net as the clock ran out. Those spectacular few minutes showed what a team has to do to win... Remember, there is no "I" in team. That is what we as individuals and citizens of our country must do to impact the lives of others.

Click here for the full video

Edwin Gerace

Lexington Brick Home with 1/2 Acre $109,900

edwin gerace | Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors | 803.609.7653 194 Shirway Rd, Lexington, SC Great Brick Starter home on over 1/2 acre lot. This home has new windows, New HVAC unit, Hardwood Floors, and much more. Priced to sell. 3BR/1BA Single Family House offered at $109,900 Year Built 1966 Sq Footage 1,197 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size .56 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION 3 Bed 1 Ba Brick Home with Hardwood floors and large lot in a great location. Come see this home, it will be on the makret for a short time. Priced to sell, and shows well. Call Edwin 609-7653 see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central heat Hardwood floor Tile floor Family room Refrigerator Stove/Oven Attic Washer Dryer Laundry area - inside Yard OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES Brick Home on over 1/2 Acre Lot ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FRONT BACK YARD BATH EAT IN KITCHEN BEDROOM KITCHEN Contact info: edwin gerace Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors 803.609.7653 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 19, 2009, 7:09am PDT