As we rush around at this holiday time it’s easy to forget the fundamentals of living a happy and peaceful life. I found a lot of meaning in this quote:

“Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

I failed to jot down the author’s name. May I claim it?

Over the many years as a professional real estate agent my growing list of friends is the biggest prize. A quick phone call, the chance meeting in the grocery store or seeing one another in the mall (trying to get that much needed exercise) brings me a lot of joy. New technology has changed our industry and I intend to “keep up”. Facebook, twitter, all the new avenues of communications will be a special focus in the next few months.

Notice that my business name is now “Linda Miller Real Estate”. My name, my business, my responsibility to serve you. Jim and I are looking for all the ways we can help you and provide the extra service you deserve. Mike is continuing to be our tech support and he watches over all the advertising. Of course, there are “sign guys”, inspectors, lenders, title people–all of them are part of our “team” to guide you, our clients, as you make very important real estate decisions. Give me a call! In fact, you just might receive a call from me first. Happy Fall!

Preparing for a busy year means evaluating business practices. We (Jim and Mike and I) are continually considering how to stay in contact with folks that might need real estate help. Standing on a street corner waving a banner isn’t appropriate, and it is becoming more evident that “print media” is going by the wayside. E-newsletters, texting, email, twitter, web sites (100’s of them) are just a few of the avenues of communication that we will be utilizing.

I shocked my husband (Jim) when I told him I would become a part of a technology committee. He usually has a few responses to such announcements, but this time he was speechless. Linda AND technology. You will be hearing from me via all kinds of avenues. But won’t it be fun to see one another in the mall? Or the grocery store?

For all of my clients – here’s an update. This year has been whirlwind of business activities. As President of the Spokane Association of REALTORS there has been a time commitment beyond what was anticipated. Goals have been met – more on that later. The exciting part of the year has been those clients that have met their goals! Even though there have disappointments because some homes have not sold, some have. Buyers are finding wonderful homes that fit their family’s needs. There have been positive experiences in the market place.

Regarding my “second job”. As a volunteer position as President of the SAR, there were days when I questioned my decision to “throw my hat in the ring”. Some days I was out of my comfort zone. Large meetings and “working the room” is something I have avoided in the past. It has been enjoyable meeting such a variety of people. Travel to Jim and me is about getting in the car with a big cup of coffee. Travel, when meetings are at a distance, involve getting on an airplane. Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle, San Diego…..and I can get around all the airports! Thank goodness for laptops, Blackberries, and good help from home. Business has gone forward in spite of where I was. I had the privilege of being on a panel at the national meetings. The regular newspaper articles have been challenging, but fun. Goals met include a successful volunteer program at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Other successes include a new Ombudsman program and a REALTOR Women’s Council.

Here’s the exciting news…..the year is almost complete. Again my clients can expect a regular blog and communications. Updates – the public deserves good information. Next year will be extraordinary. We will do everything to make your next year roar!!

Just in case any of my clients are interested in what Jim and I do in our spare time here is our daily run down. While both of us have formed our lives around our real estate business, we believe in volunteering. It’s the giving to those around us that gives us a quality life. Earning a living vs making a life. Jim is actively involved with Toastmasters. This group focuses on public speaking and personal development. He goes to the prison and works with a group of people preparing to re-enter society. Another area of public speaking for Jim is organ donation education. There’s more… and occasionally I get him to fix a dripping faucet.

This year I will be president of our Spokane Association of Realtors. To think that my business peers thought enough of me to vote me into this responsibility is humbling. Last year was focused on preparation by national and state associations. 2010 is the big year! I believe in the skill and compassion of my Realtor friends and believe it is my responsibility to guide, inspire and provide the example for personal development and community involvement. The summary of our direction this year is “Realtors serving our community with Heart”! Professionally we serve our clients in the real estate world, personally we give of ourselves—finding the needs in our community.

Follow my blog this year to hear how all of us are making a difference! Our life’s journey is full of joy… finding it one day at a time!

Happy New Year! Another day, another year. In the blink of an eye life moves forward. In our private lives we make new goals, hoping to have learned from our past. While I won’t bore anyone with eternal goals like exercising more and eating healthier, maybe it is interesting to remember the things that were laughable last year.

A recent poll put “laughing till you cry” as one of life’s great small pleasures. Jim and I laughed till we cried at our granddaughters’ antics (and bored everyone with the stories), chuckled at yet another lost set of keys, smiled at the mouse that scuttled past my feet while having my morning coffee (well, that was after my determination to “get him”), happily watched our sons’ parenting skills, and cried with joy as we watched families purchase their first home. Pure joy for us!

It’s going to be a terrific year ahead. Both of us have major projects ahead and look forward to finding those “laughable moments”!! A friend of mine uses this signature line “Happy, happy, happy”. Everybody together now, focus!

Christmas is about to pop up as reality once again. All of us at Linda Miller Real Estate want to wish you the very best holiday season. Jim and I are very blessed with energies for business, family and volunteer projects. Further, we are grateful for all of our friends and clients that have made our business year a success once again. Thanks also to Mike our photographer and IT guy, the office staff at the north Prudential office… and the list goes on. Merry Christmas everyone!

I have just hung up the phone and wish I had never answered the ring! All of us get those pesky sales people that sneak through the no-call list. Realtors are no exception. They offer us names of people that will surely guarantee huge commissions; web site magic that will draw absolutely everyone to www.lindamiller.com; special gifts to give to clients so they will love me more than ever; and motivational sessions that will keep me working less and making more money!

Of course, I make every effort to say no kindly. I don’t have time right now – I’m actually with a client – I’m taking a break from teaching an all day class – I just happen to be sitting at my computer trying to finish mass amounts of email. Then there’s the tactic that Jim and Mike are asking that I not use any more – let me give you name and number of the person in my business that handles the web site and/or finances. Now it starts to get really funny… the pushy assertions that I must not want to be successful… and it goes on from there. Until I say good-by.

Why would I share this with all of you that read this blog? I only want to help you, and offer to help you, when you need my help. If you don’t want my newsletters, just say so. If I have called you at a bad time, tell me. Many Realtors have regular calling schedules asking for referrals and business. I have always been uncomfortable thinking I might be taking your precious time. Just know this, I want to be helpful. I earn my living helping others with their real estate needs. I know I am good at what I do and I love my chosen profession. Call me… I promise to be nice!

In the last few days I have driven by three serious car accidents. It is very unsettling to see the destruction of someone’s car and more seriously, personal injuries. It made me think of all the cars I pass as I drive on our streets and highways. My car is like another office for me. The fast food wrappers, water bottles, crumbs, loose change, etc. Files stacked beside me in a box — that was in the hopes I could be a bit more organized. As I reflected on other cars — full of kid’s toys, snacks and huge car seats — I realized that it is amazing how most of the time we get to our destinations without damage.

It’s the same thought process that took me to how we perceive all news and situations. The glass really is half full! Look at our real estate market — there is a lot of activity with buyers out looking and sellers realizing that our Spokane area is a relatively stable marketplace. Certainly we have cycles of appreciation, but we have a good economic base. We are blessed. Today it’s a buyer’s market and it will change again. Take advantage of the timing — it’s time to buy and achieve the American Dream — a home of your own. Tell your friends…

Scareeeey!!….

That word has escaped my lips several times lately. Let’s deal with the obvious. Halloween is coming. Costumes are frightening and scareeeey! Rarely cute and precious. Remember when we dressed up as Mickey Mouse, a cuddly bear or the ole’ lady that lived around the block? My three year old granddaughter is dressing as one of the fashionable “princess” figures that are so popular. Better than scareeeey, says her grandmother.

Then here’s another scareeeey: have you noticed the stock market lately? Now that’s scareeeey. Because our family members do some trading it’s a common topic of conversation. So, were we up, or down, or sideways? Yup, scareeeey.

In my mail last week came this note (no return address or signature): “We don’t like your new picture. It makes you look old. Please use your other picture. It makes you look young and vibrant. Thanks.” Now, that’s scareeeey. In our real estate industry we often laugh at those agents that have used the same picture for their entire 30 year career. If one should meet them for the first time, there would be no recognition! So, I have updated my picture regularly, and with a professional photographer in the family it’s not too big of a deal. Yes, my picture is current. I am OLD. I have gray hair and glasses. And loving every minute of it. But, everyone has decided that I am due for another picture soon—keep watching. Maybe the next one will provide a more vibrant Linda Miller and won’t be quite so “scareeeey”!!