Go for the Gold!

Be Great in '08 - I love the Olympics!! The weeks leading up and the actual events are filled with excitement, energy, passion and patriotism. Don't try to find or schedule any appointments while the events are happening because I will be glued to my TV. We had an awesome event with our company at the Copperstone Club House to kick-off and celebrate the opening ceremonies. Agents are like Olympians - they work hard, are dedicated to their sport and are committed to the American Dream! Be Great in '08 - GO USA!

Summer Sun

I am so excited for summer. This is the busy season in real estate so everyone seems to be in a more positive state of mind. This year started off with the death of my grandfather, Hirst Mendenhall - not a great way to begin the year. In the past three years three of my grandparents have died. It was a wake up call to realize that I needed to spend more time with my family and friends. This summer I am headed to North Carolina to our family reunion. I have not been in eight years! I am so excited to see everyone and catch up. We are in an industry where we help families move and relocate everyday. No matter where they go - we help them stay together! Moments with your family are the best moments in life.

Headed to the Hill

It is time for the REALTOR associations to make the annual pilgrimage to Washington D.C. and lobby for property rights. It amazing to realize that 9000 REALTORS from all over the country go to meet with the members of Congress to look after the rights of the property owners everywhere.

This year is special because it is the 100th anniversary of the National Association of REALTORS. I am really excited to meet Ebby Holliday who is the guest of honor at the meetings. She is also a past president of the Women's Council of REALTORS. My grandmother used to talk about Ebby and what a great role model and leader she is for everyone in the industry. For all of those who walked before me - Thank you for your ideas, commitment and leadership.

Tax Time

Here we are again - another month of taxes. As a real estate agent, we have this unique tax situation that the majority of American workers will never have - self employment tax and quarterly filings. I mean let's face it - most people will never have this problem. But is it a problem or an opportunity? The ability to run your own business, set your own hours, be with your family on those special occasions is all worth it. So while this might be a rough year to figure out how to pay the people - the moments with those special people in your life make it all worth while.

Declining Market!?

In the past week Boone County has ended up on a list identifying us as in a declining market. How did we end up on the list? How do we get off the list? What does this mean for the home market? All of these answers are up in the air as our industry searched to sort out these answers. What it does mean is that now more than ever it is important that you use a RE/MAX realtor who is armed with knowledge and information to help clients achieve their goals.

Be Great in '08

Now is the time for all good realtors to come to the aid of the economy! 2008 has the potential to be one of our greatest years in real estate. Interest rates are low, housing supply is pleantiful, and the demographics of the country is changing and so are their housing needs. Are you prepared to thrive in today's market? Make sure that you mark your calendars for Tuesday mornings with the Be Great in '08 series. RE/MAX Boone Realty is committed to making sure you have the information on the latest topics and tools to be the best you can be!

Calling all Team Leaders

Team Summit 2007 - Did you miss it? One of the best meetings of the year was a new meeting, the RE/MAX Team Summit in Las Vegas. Brian Buffini has done it again and hosted with Dave Liniger the team event. The focus was on different types of team models, compensation structures, and how to be financially successful. If you want more information check it out on RE/MAX.net and we have some information available in the office.

Where can you get CE?

One year to go until license renewal. Every year at this time many of us would head out to the annual conventions and fill our CE requirements. It used to be that CE was offered at limited times. Today it seems that every week you can find a class either at our board, a surrounding board or on the RSN Satellite that will satisfy our requirements. Many times these classes are free or offered at a discounted price. Next year as we get closer to renewal the classes will be offered, but instructors start to charge premium pricing. If you want to get some good education make sure you are frequently checking your e-mail for announcements. This winter is the time to get it completed and get good information to increasing your professionalism.

Children's Miracle Challenge

Did you miss our company golf tournament? This year we held our fourth annual RE/MAX Miracle Challenge at Old Hawthorne. Teams came from Columbia, Jefferson City, and surrounding cities. It was a great day and we thank all of our sponsors for their contributions. RE/MAX is a corporate sponsor of the Children's Miracle Network and this year we were recognized as an outstanding business at the local gala. Thank you to all the agents who participated and helped sponsor the event.

Governor's Conference on Economic Development

I attended the Governor's Conference on Economic Development on behalf of the Missouri Association of REALTORS last week in Springfield Missouri. This is an event focused on discussing and recognizing projects that help bring businesses to Missouri. ABC Labs was recognized for their initiatives at Discovery Ridge. The REALTORS were one of the main sponsors and sent the message that we are leaders in helping people move to Missouri. This conference is held each fall at locations across the state.