I attended the primer course for BOLD, a Keller Williams training course. I returned home completely excited and focused on the conditioning of my mind.
One of the emphases was on a statement, "90% of business is a mindset." This statement reminded me of a Charles Swindoll thought which is a variation of this concept. Swindoll said, "Life is made up of events of which one has no control and this amounts to about 10% of one's life. 90% of one's life is made up of one's response to these events."
I have decided to commit to this training event because so much of what is being stressed resonates with my life credo. I am being challenged to train my mind so that it helps me live a life of blessing and encouragement.
One of the nuggets shared which I will focus on for the next several weeks is the importance of accepting responsibility for one's life. This was on the focus of two mindsets. One mindset is that of blaming others for one's life experiences. It is always someone else's fault. The second focus of this thought process is to justify one's actions. There is always a reason for failure or mistakes that justify these actions. The third piece of this mindset is to habitually complain about life. I realized I am far to guilty of allowing myself to sink to the blaming, justifying and complaining game.
I came away resolved to accept responsibility for my life and my actions. I will not justify mistakes, but rather accept responsibility and work to correct those mistakes. I will seek to offer words of encouragement and refrain from complaining to others about my frustrations. I will be a responsible, positive and encouraging person. This is who I want to be.
Who are you and who do you want to be?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
My Life (Real Estate) Credo
My Life (Real Estate) Credo
I have discovered my life is most blessed and offers the greatest blessings to others when I clearly define my core beliefs and values. This helps me to live by these beliefs and to realize this living is not dependent on how anyone else treats me. This is my sermon to self tonight.
I believe every person deserves my respect. All humanity is created in "God's image." Even though persons sin or make mistakes, the core of every person is still in God's image. I must treat the other with a respect, which calls me to listen, to clarify what is being said and to treat him/her as I would like to be treated. This is such an empowering thought. It does not matter how a person responds towards me, but I am free to respect him/her. I can feel mistreated. I can have someone respond to me in a manner that I despise, but I am free to never resort to kind of behavior.
I believe in being firm in my core beliefs, but never forcing others to accept my beliefs. I trust that others will reflect on my behavior, my beliefs and decide if what I espouse is worth believing.
I desire to be honest, allowing my words to accurately reflect what is correct or true. This kind of integrity seems to draw others.
I will not expect others to accept responsibility for my life. God has called me to accept responsibility for my behavior, my actions, my attitudes and my feelings. I will refrain from telling others, "You made me feel ..." I will not expect my wife, my children, my parents, my clients, my team leader, my broker, my pastor, or my church to make me happy.
I will forgive. I do not desire to dwell on that which has passed. I want to be free to live into the future, remembering and preserving what I treasure from the past.
May God give me the strength and resolve to live in this manner.
I have discovered my life is most blessed and offers the greatest blessings to others when I clearly define my core beliefs and values. This helps me to live by these beliefs and to realize this living is not dependent on how anyone else treats me. This is my sermon to self tonight.
I believe every person deserves my respect. All humanity is created in "God's image." Even though persons sin or make mistakes, the core of every person is still in God's image. I must treat the other with a respect, which calls me to listen, to clarify what is being said and to treat him/her as I would like to be treated. This is such an empowering thought. It does not matter how a person responds towards me, but I am free to respect him/her. I can feel mistreated. I can have someone respond to me in a manner that I despise, but I am free to never resort to kind of behavior.
I believe in being firm in my core beliefs, but never forcing others to accept my beliefs. I trust that others will reflect on my behavior, my beliefs and decide if what I espouse is worth believing.
I desire to be honest, allowing my words to accurately reflect what is correct or true. This kind of integrity seems to draw others.
I will not expect others to accept responsibility for my life. God has called me to accept responsibility for my behavior, my actions, my attitudes and my feelings. I will refrain from telling others, "You made me feel ..." I will not expect my wife, my children, my parents, my clients, my team leader, my broker, my pastor, or my church to make me happy.
I will forgive. I do not desire to dwell on that which has passed. I want to be free to live into the future, remembering and preserving what I treasure from the past.
May God give me the strength and resolve to live in this manner.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Musser Park neighborhood, Lancaster, PA
Musser Park
Lancaster, PA
The city of Lancaster is divided into 15 neighborhoods with unique characteristics and many wonderful qualities which make each a great place to live. This is the third in my series and is focused on the Musser Park neighborhood of Lancaster City, PA.
Musser Park is located in the northeast quadrant of the city. The park itself is called the "the 'jewel' of East Chestnut Street" in a March 18, 2008 article from the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal on the Lancaster Living website. This is a popular area for residents of this neighborhood and its beauty is clearly evident even on a cloudy and rainy day.
Currently within this neighborhood, there are approximately 16 properties for sale, suitable for single family resident's. There is a wide variaton of properties for sale, ranging from $69,500 to $950,000. There is almost something available to suit the needs of most homeowners looking for the "city living" experience.
City living allows one to experience a great diversity of activity within a fairly small geographical area. Most of one's daily living may be experienced within walking distance. The Musser Park neighborhood experience has the Lancaster Public Library, Musser Park, eating establishments ,houses of worship and unique businesses like Williams Apothecary.
City living is often green living. It allows one to use less costly environmental resources, but experience the rich and diverse experiences which come with living in place like Lancaster City, PA. If you are interested in exploring Lancaster City Living, give me a call.
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Homes and Land Realty
1630 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601
Office - 717.735.1145 Cell - 717.735.1145
www.calyoder calyoder@kw.com
Lancaster, PA
The city of Lancaster is divided into 15 neighborhoods with unique characteristics and many wonderful qualities which make each a great place to live. This is the third in my series and is focused on the Musser Park neighborhood of Lancaster City, PA.
Musser Park is located in the northeast quadrant of the city. The park itself is called the "the 'jewel' of East Chestnut Street" in a March 18, 2008 article from the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal on the Lancaster Living website. This is a popular area for residents of this neighborhood and its beauty is clearly evident even on a cloudy and rainy day.
Currently within this neighborhood, there are approximately 16 properties for sale, suitable for single family resident's. There is a wide variaton of properties for sale, ranging from $69,500 to $950,000. There is almost something available to suit the needs of most homeowners looking for the "city living" experience.
City living allows one to experience a great diversity of activity within a fairly small geographical area. Most of one's daily living may be experienced within walking distance. The Musser Park neighborhood experience has the Lancaster Public Library, Musser Park, eating establishments ,houses of worship and unique businesses like Williams Apothecary.
City living is often green living. It allows one to use less costly environmental resources, but experience the rich and diverse experiences which come with living in place like Lancaster City, PA. If you are interested in exploring Lancaster City Living, give me a call.
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Homes and Land Realty
1630 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601
Office - 717.735.1145 Cell - 717.735.1145
www.calyoder calyoder@kw.com
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Central Business District - Lancaster, PA 17603
Central Business District
Lancaster, PA 17603
The Central Business District of Lancaster, PA 17603 is a wonderful mix of modern with a rich history, which actually includes a one day site of the United States National Capital on September 27, 1777. It is a bustling neighborhood, housing businesses, the Lancaster County Courthouse, Lancaster County Offices, Lancaster City Offices, and a rich and diverse housing market. The recently opened Lancaster City Convention Center, though politically controversial, has added a 4 star hotel and an opportunity for more growth to this area of the city.
The city of Lancaster, PA is a city of approximately 55,000. When persons think of Lancaster, they often believe it is simply a bucolic, rural setting with Amish tourism as its main claim to fame. However, this city with its Central Business District quickly dispels this myth. The mix of the bucolic with trendy urban is one of the strengths of this larger community.
There is much activity, a diverse population, and many amenities offered to the average Central Business District dweller. It allows for a person to work and live in close proximity with public transportation available. The housing opportunities within this neighborhood abound with very affordable housing within walking district along with much higher priced luxury properties available.
Lancaster City living in the Central Business District has appeal for those who are older and those who are younger. To further discuss how you might find your home or business location within this bustling neighborhood, give me a call.
Calvin Yoder
Keller Williams Homes and Land Realty
Office - 717.735.1145 Cell - 717.413.0744
www.calyoder.com Email - calyoder@kw.com
Lancaster, PA 17603
The Central Business District of Lancaster, PA 17603 is a wonderful mix of modern with a rich history, which actually includes a one day site of the United States National Capital on September 27, 1777. It is a bustling neighborhood, housing businesses, the Lancaster County Courthouse, Lancaster County Offices, Lancaster City Offices, and a rich and diverse housing market. The recently opened Lancaster City Convention Center, though politically controversial, has added a 4 star hotel and an opportunity for more growth to this area of the city.
The city of Lancaster, PA is a city of approximately 55,000. When persons think of Lancaster, they often believe it is simply a bucolic, rural setting with Amish tourism as its main claim to fame. However, this city with its Central Business District quickly dispels this myth. The mix of the bucolic with trendy urban is one of the strengths of this larger community.
There is much activity, a diverse population, and many amenities offered to the average Central Business District dweller. It allows for a person to work and live in close proximity with public transportation available. The housing opportunities within this neighborhood abound with very affordable housing within walking district along with much higher priced luxury properties available.
Lancaster City living in the Central Business District has appeal for those who are older and those who are younger. To further discuss how you might find your home or business location within this bustling neighborhood, give me a call.
Calvin Yoder
Keller Williams Homes and Land Realty
Office - 717.735.1145 Cell - 717.413.0744
www.calyoder.com Email - calyoder@kw.com
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Lancaster, PA Real Estate Philosophy-Principle 4
A service I will provide for persons who choose me as their listing agent for the sale of their property is tenacious marketing. My philosophy for real estate in Lancaster, PA is to work extremely hard to sell a property in which the owner has entrusted this task to me.
People begin their search for a new home on the internet. In order to properly market a property, the internet is of vital importance. I will personally set up a website which is property specific and will write blogs about the virtues and strengths of the home I am selling Keller Williams also offers many online services which enable the listings to gain visibility on many important websites (i.e. Trulia, Realtor.com, etc.).
I will also tenaciously follow up on buyer leads, contacting other agents, sending emails. I will not rest on my laurels, but my real estate philosophy will require that I market the property until it sells. I will also provide print ads in the newspaper or in real estate magazines, allowing you to choose what venues you believe will work best.
Tenacious marketing begins with understanding the marketplace and providing you with a market analysis. Giving you important and valuable information in order to set the sale price to the best of our knowledge is the first step in marketing the property with great tenacity. Honest and direct communication is of utmost importance and I promise to provide this for you.
If you are looking for a person to sell your property in Lancaster, PA and want someone who will tenaciously market it, give me a call. I will help you thrive in your real estate transaction, not just survive.
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Homes and Land Realty
Office - 717.735.1145 Cell - 717.413.0744
www.calyoder.com email - calyoder@kw.com
People begin their search for a new home on the internet. In order to properly market a property, the internet is of vital importance. I will personally set up a website which is property specific and will write blogs about the virtues and strengths of the home I am selling Keller Williams also offers many online services which enable the listings to gain visibility on many important websites (i.e. Trulia, Realtor.com, etc.).
I will also tenaciously follow up on buyer leads, contacting other agents, sending emails. I will not rest on my laurels, but my real estate philosophy will require that I market the property until it sells. I will also provide print ads in the newspaper or in real estate magazines, allowing you to choose what venues you believe will work best.
Tenacious marketing begins with understanding the marketplace and providing you with a market analysis. Giving you important and valuable information in order to set the sale price to the best of our knowledge is the first step in marketing the property with great tenacity. Honest and direct communication is of utmost importance and I promise to provide this for you.
If you are looking for a person to sell your property in Lancaster, PA and want someone who will tenaciously market it, give me a call. I will help you thrive in your real estate transaction, not just survive.
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Homes and Land Realty
Office - 717.735.1145 Cell - 717.413.0744
www.calyoder.com email - calyoder@kw.com
Friday, March 26, 2010
Lancaster, PA Real Estate Philosophy-Principle 3
In my opinion, one of the best skills for any person to develop is the ability to communicate well. Parents, leaders, business people,and customer service representatives must be able to communicate well. My real estate philosophy in Lancster, PA encompasses communication as a core value and a core service I provide my clients.
The previous post on my blog spoke of one essential component in the skill of communicating. This component is listening or principle 2. This is the ability to help persons clarify what is being said and to make sure a common understanding is developed between the two parties is the beginning of the communication process.
A common understanding in the communication process is a dynamic, not static. Because of this reality, my real estate philosophy requires regular and periodic communication. Providing regular updates on the sale of your home or the purchase of a new home is absolutely essential and I pride myself in providing this service in Lancaster, PA.
I recently helped a first time home buyer complete a difficult and arduous home purchase. The settlement of the property was extended on several occasions due to financing challenges. I had to be the bearer of bad news on several occasions. The worst one was when the lender called me on the eve of our scheduled closing to inform me the mortgage insurance provider had pulled the insurance commitment. We would not be able to close. I needed to call my excited buyer and inform her we were not able to have settlement the next day. I made a commitment to call her daily over a several week period. Principle 3 in my real estate philosophy was tested during this time, but was absolutely necessary. When the transaction was finally completed, she told me, "You were great. You were the only one who returned my calls or called me. Thank-you. Here was a woman who had saved for years to purchase a home and was very anxious it was going to be a dream which was never fulfilled. I am convinced this communication helped her hang in there when everything seemed bleak.
If you live in Lancaster, PA and are considering the sale or purchase of a home and want a real estate agent who will not wait days to return your call. If you want someone who will make a commitment to regularly communicate with you during your real estate transaction, give me a call @ 717.413.0744. My real estate philosophy encompasses this as a core principle of service.
The previous post on my blog spoke of one essential component in the skill of communicating. This component is listening or principle 2. This is the ability to help persons clarify what is being said and to make sure a common understanding is developed between the two parties is the beginning of the communication process.
A common understanding in the communication process is a dynamic, not static. Because of this reality, my real estate philosophy requires regular and periodic communication. Providing regular updates on the sale of your home or the purchase of a new home is absolutely essential and I pride myself in providing this service in Lancaster, PA.
I recently helped a first time home buyer complete a difficult and arduous home purchase. The settlement of the property was extended on several occasions due to financing challenges. I had to be the bearer of bad news on several occasions. The worst one was when the lender called me on the eve of our scheduled closing to inform me the mortgage insurance provider had pulled the insurance commitment. We would not be able to close. I needed to call my excited buyer and inform her we were not able to have settlement the next day. I made a commitment to call her daily over a several week period. Principle 3 in my real estate philosophy was tested during this time, but was absolutely necessary. When the transaction was finally completed, she told me, "You were great. You were the only one who returned my calls or called me. Thank-you. Here was a woman who had saved for years to purchase a home and was very anxious it was going to be a dream which was never fulfilled. I am convinced this communication helped her hang in there when everything seemed bleak.
If you live in Lancaster, PA and are considering the sale or purchase of a home and want a real estate agent who will not wait days to return your call. If you want someone who will make a commitment to regularly communicate with you during your real estate transaction, give me a call @ 717.413.0744. My real estate philosophy encompasses this as a core principle of service.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Real Estate Philosophy - Principle 2
My Real Estate Philosophy
Principle 2
Have you ever spent time with someone and realized after a period of time this person has only spoken about himself or herself? It becomes readily apparent when a person is only interested in himself or herself and has little time to learn about you.
My real estate philosophy calls me to listen to you, your dreams and your needs. This principle is very important to me. The first key to establishing trust is to actually listen to you. One of my first clients expressed this well when she said, "Wow, Cal, you actually listened to what we wanted in a house and helped us find that house."
Listening as a philosophy in real estate means that I will not just try to sell you a house so I can collect my commission. Rather, together, we will evaluate each and every home we look at and deciding how it fits with your dreams and needs. I will listen to what you say and not try to convince you to buy a house which does not meet your needs. I am interested in you.
Would you appreciate working with a real estate agent who listened to you? Do you want someone who will actually consider what you want and need in your next home? If so, I am the real estate agent for you. My real estate philosophy leads me to develop a lasting relationship through my ability to listen to you.
Give me a call at 717.413.0744 to further discuss your needs.
Principle 2
Have you ever spent time with someone and realized after a period of time this person has only spoken about himself or herself? It becomes readily apparent when a person is only interested in himself or herself and has little time to learn about you.
My real estate philosophy calls me to listen to you, your dreams and your needs. This principle is very important to me. The first key to establishing trust is to actually listen to you. One of my first clients expressed this well when she said, "Wow, Cal, you actually listened to what we wanted in a house and helped us find that house."
Listening as a philosophy in real estate means that I will not just try to sell you a house so I can collect my commission. Rather, together, we will evaluate each and every home we look at and deciding how it fits with your dreams and needs. I will listen to what you say and not try to convince you to buy a house which does not meet your needs. I am interested in you.
Would you appreciate working with a real estate agent who listened to you? Do you want someone who will actually consider what you want and need in your next home? If so, I am the real estate agent for you. My real estate philosophy leads me to develop a lasting relationship through my ability to listen to you.
Give me a call at 717.413.0744 to further discuss your needs.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Real Estate Philosophy - Principle 1
I believe it is important to represent you as a buyer or seller with your needs as my top priorty. Many real estate agents will use services which benefit them as much or more than it benefits you. I will not do this.
Let me give you an example. I use Jeffrey D. Mohler, attorney at law, to conduct settlements for my buyers. I receive no monetary benefit from connecting my buyers to Mr. Mohler. Mohler provides exceptional service and personally reviews every transaction. This is especially helpful when challenges which require legal advice become part of a transaction. http://www.mohlerlaw.com/home
When I serve you and make your needs my number one priority, I believe I will garner your trust and earn your business for life. I help you thrive, not just survive in the real estate endeavor.
If I can help you in anyway, do not hesitate to contact me @ 717.413.0744
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Homes and Land Realty
1630 Manheim Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
Office Phone - 717.735.1145
Let me give you an example. I use Jeffrey D. Mohler, attorney at law, to conduct settlements for my buyers. I receive no monetary benefit from connecting my buyers to Mr. Mohler. Mohler provides exceptional service and personally reviews every transaction. This is especially helpful when challenges which require legal advice become part of a transaction. http://www.mohlerlaw.com/home
When I serve you and make your needs my number one priority, I believe I will garner your trust and earn your business for life. I help you thrive, not just survive in the real estate endeavor.
If I can help you in anyway, do not hesitate to contact me @ 717.413.0744
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Homes and Land Realty
1630 Manheim Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
Office Phone - 717.735.1145
Monday, March 15, 2010
First Time Home Buyers
If you do not presently own a house, now is an opportunity to buy your first home. The government is offering first time home buyers an $8000 or 10% of purchase price as a tax credit. This incentive is set to expire April 30, 2010.
This tax credit coupled with historic affordability prices makes it an unbelievable opportunity which should not be overlooked.
Give me a call if interested in exploring this option.
This tax credit coupled with historic affordability prices makes it an unbelievable opportunity which should not be overlooked.
Give me a call if interested in exploring this option.
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