I Found My Christmas Spirit This Year in the Most Unusual Place

Each year, the time presses us into a frenzy, the demands of balancing work and all the things that need to be done to shop for others, to get Christmas cards out and to prepare for gathering of family and friends.  This year was especially rushed, and I don’t know why really. It’s not like I have had no warning, like I didn’t have 11 months to prepare for Christmas.  Procrastination fills every moment and there are always excuses for me not to shop. Shopping to me is a curse that rears it’s head at the most inopportune times. This year was no different. Giving is a wonderful thing, which I enjoy, but it’s the task of the purchase and the thought of what to give that gets me all sidetracked. Perhaps if I would think about it ahead of time, it would not be so overwhelming.

This year, during one of my moments of procrastination, I pulled into Whataburger on Thomasville Road, a familiar and beloved place in Tallahassee, not realizing this time something worth pause was about to happen. I stopped for two reasons really, first, I was starved, secondly, I wanted to get my girls, who since they were old enough to eat real food, developed a passion for Whataburger. My dad, the hamburger connoisseur swears that a Whataburger is the best hamburger in town, and believe me, he’d rather eat there than anywhere else on earth. As I ordered and paid for gift certificates, I was helped by the sweetest, most courteous counter clerk ever. I noticed her striking face the last few times I ate at Whatagurger. She has a humble spirit and a shy smile. When I made my purchase, it came over me, the Christmas spirit, the true spirit of giving. I found myself wanting to do something spur of the moment, something slightly meaningful for just her. I wondered about this hard working young woman, probably  my daughter’s age, and if she would have a memorable Christmas. I found myself digging through my wallet filled with receipts form the week’s purchases and I found it, the last $20 bill I had at the time. I asked for her hand, and I placed it in her hand and closed it tightly and said, “I know it’s not much, but I will be back. I want you to spend this on you,..just you. Please do that for me, Merry Christmas.”  It was as if the room went dark and a light came over her. She replied shyly, “thank you, this is the first Christmas present I have gotten.” I have a feeling it may be one of the few that she may be getting.  It made me smile, and I vowed right then and there,..to go back to check on her, to get to know her, to make sure that the next $20 I slip her will be for something again, just for her.

I hope you and your families have a terrific Christmas. I hope that we all renew our spirits, looking around thankfully for all that we have and reaching out to those who are deserving and in need and that we give, not just at Christmas, but every day. Merry Christmas Everyone! Pay It Forward!

Tallahassee, FL is about community and it’s a community about family and friends. I missed the festival of lights this year, so I thought it would be amazing to see it through the eyes of our community. Take a look at the amazing videos, photos, and more that I was able to find on the Winter Festival and happenings around Tallahassee, FL!

First, there is an amazing video recapping 25 years of the Winter Festival made by the City of Tallahassee – Look close, you may see someone you know, I did! Here’s the link: http://www.talgov.com/parks/winter/index.cfm

The Countdown to the Lights of Downtown Tallahassee Winter Festival 2011:

Watch as Amwat Movers ready their float and captured great pictures from the Winter festival of Lights Parade:

How About a Drum Solo?  This guy ROCKS the Drums at the Tallahassee, FL Winter Festival:

How about a Patriotic themed Holiday Light Show the Southwood Plantation Community?

Like Trains? Amazing Model Train Display:

All this has made me want to go shoot some video – How about you? Post your video on You tube, not only will I “Like” it, I will post it here on this blog and share it with all those who love and want to know more about Tallahassee, FL!

Thinking you like what you see? Thinking you would want to relocate to Tallahassee, FL? Thinking of Tallahassee, FL neighborhoods and what home sale prices are like? Think about our Real Estate Team at HomeSalesofTallahassee.com for your real estate needs!

Happy Holidays!

Good Day and Happy Labor Day!  Last year’s Labor Day post on this blog was very similar to what I was going to write today. First a little history of Labor Day then a report on how I was going to spend my Labor Day.  It’s turning out to be a totally different post, so you may want to read last year’s post first then this one!

Here’s an interesting story about that post, and it inspired me to write, of all things, a post on pricing your home properly and why no offer is a bad offer, but perhaps they are just offers that need some tweaking!

Last year I was showing property to a customer from Queens. I am happy to say that one year later we are in contract, on the same home she picked last year, and for $20,000 less of a sales price than the offer we presented last year. At the time, the owners,marketing their own property as a For Sale By Owner, would not consider an offer of $295,000 on a sales price of $319,000. Today, their home is listed at $309,000 with a Realtor, and their agreed upon contract amount is $275,000 less 6% sales commission, $28, 850 less than the original offer (after commission fees).  What they do have is a clean offer, the same clean offer as before with a qualified buyer at a fair market value, which is unfortunately, about 10% less than last year. Like many sellers today, they have chased the market down, until they met the market price – what a willing and able buyer was offering them!

If you are a seller,#1 work with a Realtor, the chances of you selling your home by yourself in today’s bloated market are less than 5%. #2 There is no such thing as a bad offer, just an offer needing negotiation. Realtors are masters at negotiations and can help you reach your goals. #3 Price your home at or slightly below market value for exposure to more buyers- make it compelling enough that they see the “value” in purchasing your home over others.  If you are considering selling your Tallahassee, FL home, call me today for a true picture of your home’s value and an assessment of what you need to do to get your home market ready. There’s work for all to do before the sign goes up in the yard!

Are you considering selling your Tallahassee home? Put Debbie Kirkland, and the Home Sales of Tallahassee Team to work for you! Contact us for a free home selling consultation.

What a wonderful year! 2010 has restored my faith in many things and I just wanted to share a few of those events with the people that mean the most to me, my family, friends, and customers. My success is directly related to many of you who will read this and find yourself in at least one of the lines here.

I learned so much this year, as you often do in challenging times. One of the most valuable lessons learned early in the year was on transparency. I’ve always been an open book, but the lessons of transparency learned from a social media mentor opened my eyes even further. Truthfulness, clear motives, appropriate context and trust, those are the qualities of transparency I am talking about. With that said, and sitting in a few moments of quiet reflection, I thought I’d recap a few details about my year, about business and about relationships in 2010. (more…)

November, the beginning of the giving season. Times may be tough around Tallahassee, FL but the sense of community and the spirit of giving are ever present in this city.  Each year The Marine Corps raises money, collects gifts, repairs old bicycles to give to children at Christmas.  Let the smiling begin!

Here are a few events coming up where you can donate, AND where you can have fun.

Wednesday, November 10  – Wednesday Wine Tasting at the Wine Loft. 1240 Thomasville Road, Midtown, Tallahassee, Tallahassee, FL 32303

Saturday, November 20 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Seminole RC Club in Conjunction with Hobby Town USA Presents Toys For “Tots Fly-In”.

Seminole RC Airfield
  AMA Membership Req’d.
$10.00 Landing Fee- Pilots only.
          Or $10 valued unwrapped toy.
Visitors Welcome- Free Admission
Concessions, Facilities

For information contact: Frank Bastos, HobbyTown 850-671-2030  fbastos@comcast.net or Michael Atkinson 850-656-2200 nexnbax1@comcast.net

Sunday, December 12 – Capital City Harley Davidson’s Toys for Tots Ride. Come on a Motorcycle or in a “cage” (car). Donation of one toy for Toys for Tots gets you a free lunch at Dave’s BBQ. Canned good donations go to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Know of a child in need?  Click Here to register.  REGISTRATION ENDS NOV 30th.

Toys for Tots success depends a great deal on local businesses and families like us, let’s make some children smile this year!

October 30^th

10:00 am – Sunday at 2:00am

Location: Midtown, Tallahassee

This Saturday, the merchants of Midtown Tallahassee are celebrating Halloween and inviting you to join the celebration. There’s something for the whole family!

Schedule of Events:

Assembly on N Monroe St & Surrounding Businesses:
Trick or Treat all day!

From 2-5PM, this area will have a bounce house, music, & treats in the parking lot of Krewe De Gras
Krewe De Gras – From 2-5PM, there will be drinks and funnel cakes (for only $3), & treats for the kids. The Halloween party and costume contest will run from 9PM-2AM with special guest band Catfish Alliance.
The Crepevine – From 3-7PM, kids get free spooky dessert crepes, and all other crepes are buy 2, get a free dessert crepe.
The Grey Fox – From 2-6PM, visit the petting zoo, enjoy cider, & treats. From 6-8PM, adults can enjoy bear, near bear, & snacks.
Sakura – Roll your own sushi all day long.
J. Michael Hair Design – Come by for candy and discount cards from 10AM-2PM.
Your Ultimate Massage – Come by for candy and $10 off any scheduled service from 11AM-5PM.
House of Style – Check out the spooky front porch, candy, & coupons from 10:30AM-7PM.
Manor @ Midtown:
The Filling Station – Come by for special treats from 2-4PM. The Halloween party will run from 10PM-2AM with the Donovan Chappman Band & DJ Nate Bragg.
Sweat Therapy – Kids will go fishing for toys & treats at the “Go Fishing” booth from 2-4PM.
1123 @ Midtown:
Be apart of the “Fright Foto” at 1123 Midtown from 11AM-4PM. Choose one of the two spooky Halloween vignettes and have your picture taken, courtesy of professional photographer Courtney Gwaltney. From 11AM-2PM, enter your picture into our Facebook contest and the winner will receive $100 to any of the 1123 Midtown businesses listed below.

Stop by for Trick or Treating & more!
Lucy & Leo’s Cupcakery – Decorate cupcakes from 3-5PM.
Textures – Check out the Halloween craft table from 3-5PM.
Kanvas – Come by for candy and coupons from 10AM-5PM.
Summers Realty – Pick up helium balloons for the kids
Little 5 Points @ Midtown:
Come celebrate the grand opening of Rinse & Repeat!
Orleans @ Midtown:
Stop by the businesses of Orleans @ Midtown from 10:30AM-7PM for treats, a popcorn machine, coupons, and candy. There will be haunted Halloween crafts from 11:30AM-2PM.

Also, enjoy wine into the evening with The Wine Loft, Cole Couture, Cabellos, and Vocelles.

*Sponsored by the shops of Midtown Tallahassee and brought to you by What’s Next Marketing – Social Media Management & Digital Marketing*

February is fast approaching and it is recognized as Black History Month.  This month means many things to many people, to me, it is a celebration of culture, diversity and creativity. What arose from struggles gave us freedom of speech, determination for survival and success, and an appreciation for those who gave their lives for those freedoms.

North Florida is filled with rich centers and sites that honor African American history.  We all owe it to each other to understand what came before us, so we can move forward with a deeper resolve to make our world a better place. Here are a few great resources that I enjoy sharing with others:

The North Florida  Black  Heritage Trail is filled with sites that provide significant African American history for visitors. Most sites on this Trail are open during regular business hours.  Click here for printable Map and Brochure of the Black Heritage Trail.

The Timeline of Black History is helpful for all ages and a great review of events.

There are many reasons to celebrate our history. If you are a music history lover, like me, you will enjoy this great video on the Harlem Renaissance: an Artistic Explosion.

My favorite African American Musicians of all time are:

Johnny Coltrane
He played this in Berlin.. 1961, the year I was born!

Louis Armstrong:

Billie Holiday:

There were so many others that I loved.. Nat King Cole, Stan Getz, Duke Ellington, Charlie “Bird” Parker and Sam Cooke.  Are you a blues lover? Have you been to our local Bradfordville Blues Club?  If not, it is a treat for all ages. check out the venue..and as a local where to go to hear the greatest blues and jazz on any Thursday, Friday or Saturday night in Tallahassee!

Above all.. let us remember our history, black history is a part of my American history.

Happy last day of 2009. For many, this is a year they’d like to forget… for others it’s a year to remember.  What ever your reflections of 2009 may be, I wish you health, happiness, and success in 2010! I decided to highlight a few things about real estate,. and a few things about my life in general this year. Good bad or ugly, these are the things that influenced my life this year.

Wishing you success in 2010

In the real estate industry there have been lots of changes, not all for the good, but these were HOT topics of discussion, success and challenges of 2009:

• Tax Credits: The most tweeted about, discussed and rediscussed issue of 2009 in real estate. It is what helped first time home-buyers acquire homes in 2008 and what sustained many down-turned market area, including mine!
• Tax Credit Extensions: maybe redundant.. but deserves two slots in the top 10. Again, this extension and the credit for current homeowners was pivotal in 2009 for many home-buyers and the trickle effect of sales and tax rebate money was felt in many areas including Realtor commissions, home repairs, supplies, furniture sales, etc. Give people money, they will spend it.
• Social Media Marketing Infusion into real estate marketing plans. Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn, Zillow, Trulia, blogging and sometimes public flogging..it certainly has emerged into a part of every forward thinking, insightful, and creative marketing professional. Here’s Mashables “10 of the Best Social Media Tools for Entrepreneurs”. Like it or not, technology is going to grow… and fast.
• Video: In my opinion video has opened the doors again for marketing, for communications, for sales and service. It’s a two way portal to the future and to every aspect of business and our lives. Look for more video Emails, Marketing, Postings, Documentation than ever before in 2010 as well!
• Foreclosures:  If you can see, hear and have picked up a paper or magazine,you know the dilemma our nation has faced with the number of home foreclosures on the books. What you may not know, is how it has affected our markets… If you really want to know, ask someone who has a home for sale right now. Homes sold below market value simply because of overstock supplies have devastated equity nest eggs of those who have attempted to sell their homes in less than 7 years.  Short term investments have lost money, just as the stock market and other investments.  I agree with this article that Foreclosures in 2009 will top 2008. We can only hope that  re-addressing ways to counsel those who have suffered losses and repair credit issues for those affected will be a focus of 2010 so that they can purchase again in good faith and with a renewed spirit and ability to own a home in the future. Seven years can seem like an eternity.
• Short Sales: There have been more short sales classes in my area and in my State than any other continuing education classes. As difficult as banks have been in handling these issues, some Realtors have been equally as difficult. Either they are uneducated.. or the rules keep changing. It’s really a little of both. However, you would think we have a duty as Realtors to “consult” with customers. Really? Who forgot that from real estate 101 anyway?  for most Realtors who are sticking by their industry and who have a sense of the core of their industry, this is not new,.. it is simply an adjustment to business as usual. Sometimes we work harder than others, it’s just that simple. I’m amazed at those who say, “I won’t work with short sales.” That’s a bit elitist if you ask me. Get out there and let’s deal with this so we can all move on.
• Politics and the real estate industry. How about politics and every facet of our lives. All I can say on this.. is GET INVOLVED.  If you want to say anything to me at all about politics, tell me first that you have told someone, preferably and elected or appointed official, about it first. Otherwise, you are part of the problem.

On a lighter note, there were a few really funny things that made me smile, and laugh, a lot in 2009!

• Sometimes you just have to take a break.. and YouTube certainly provides a few laughs. Several funny videos came to mind,.. or my mind at least, as you may not see the humor. Nothing cures a bad day like humor, and in most cases you have to laugh to keep from crying.. but these were particularly inspiring…. JK Wedding Entrance Dance, Bacon Is Good For Me!, and Susan Boyle’s success story.  Lessons:  Dance like there is no tomorrow, have your bags packed just in case things don’t work out,.. and never judge a book by it’s cover.
• Then there are the moments that inspire.. funny, most seem to come from children. The latest.. I have worked with customers for 7 years.. before this young man who is now 5 was born. So, when we finally see each other and begin our home search a priceless moment arrives. I hug mom first at our greeting, .. then little man,.. and he looks at me and says,..”What about him?”, pointing to dad…of course.. a hug for dad too!
• Of course, there are the moments that you have to laugh at yourself. I could probably write a book on dumb Realtor mishaps, but nothing takes the cake this year like the day I was previewing, alone, a house for a customer. Rule #1 always check locks before you let a door slam behind you. As I entered a second story porch, with no exit, the door slams behind me only to lock me out of the house. Oh, I am smart, I have a key, but the key doesn’t work for that lock. Thank God I have my phone,.. and I can call another Realtor who can come to my rescue!  There are others I am ashamed to put to print, at least until I retire and need money for a comedy film or book.

A few really great things that happened, of course, center around the people I have met throughout the year. Not all are in person yet, but all have made a difference in my career and in my personal life.

• The “Twitterqueens” Twitter of all things opened the door that was partially cracked open for me early in 2009. In my quest for like-minded professionals I stumbled upon @HeyAmaretto and @LesleyLambert early in the year, and the adventures unfolded from there. We spoke many times on a personal basis, and many more times on twitter. I have learned from them, we have walked through some storms together, and we keep the lines of communication open for ourselves and others that are truly growing their businesses and social networks. My days and evenings usually involve a few shout outs to the ladies and gents of the Twitterqueens and often a few toasts for things unspoken.
• REBarCamps: I attended my first this year in Miami in September 2009. After following many of the speakers and social media presenters for months, I was able to make it to Miami for a day of networking and learning that brought all that I had been trying to accomplish together for me.  My connections to these folks have gotten deeper, and my understanding broadened as a result.
• Ultimately,  My website re-design and re-focus of my business and the scope of community that I was trying to accomplish all rolled together after this meeting and is on it’s way to being a great resource and a lot of fun for those looking not only for real estate in Tallahassee, but who want to know more about our community. It’s a work in progress, but it is my life. If you want to know about the Tallahassee, FL and surrounding area, give me a shout.
• And lastly..Cancer.  Just the word makes me shake. This year, in May I celebrated my 7th year remission from breast cancer with people from my Board of Realtors at the Tallahassee Relay for Life.  I walked beside survivors and I walked hand in had with my dear friend David,  facing a struggle which took his life in September. By far, the most honorable, yet hardest task of my life to date, was speaking at his service. My father fought liver cancer this year and won his battle.. my Board President fought lymphoma and is winning his battle thusfar, and yet many more are still suffering. This is the one constant in life that we just can’t seem to shake.. the loss of those we love.. the battle with cancer. All we can do is fight, give..continue to research and come up with treatment that prolongs our time with those we love. If you gave towards this cause, I thank you,.. if you continue to give, I thank you.. and if you promise to give in 2010, you will receive thanks tenfold.  If you remember nothing else about my ramblings today, remember this.. life is precious, it is to be sucked up, invested in our bodies, minds and spirits and those gifts are meant to be shared with others. Let none of us forget what we owe each other, what we owe this thing called life.

Happy 2010 Everyone!

From Debbie Kirkland… @FloridaSunSales

Is your Lender a Grinch?

I was in the office late yesterday talking with a fellow Realtor who was waiting for the hopeful call of the title company that would bring news of a closing, two days before Christmas. The family is in the car.. their belongings are in the truck, and their lender went on holiday.  Wow.. really?  60 days of emails, phone calls, promises of a closing that was to take place on November 30th… and here they are a month later.. and the lender took a holiday and can’t be reached! Another family will spend a long weekend in a hotel,.. a Christmas with their family in a hotel. They probably would have spent it in the car had their Realtor not chipped in for a hotel…. a completely, non-reimbursable and amazing gift.  Many a time, I have had customers stay in my home until we could get their closings settled.

Talk about disasters! These stories are increasing as the large corporate banks who are already on foreclosure and short sale overload, such as Bank of America, Chase and the unknowns.. operating from what seems like suitcases as they shift you from city to city, office to office at times as they attempt to serve, or shuffle their customers. Out of the 18 failed closings in my little circle of Realtor friends alone, 12 were Bank of America, and the others the “Internet” lenders who offer the sun, the moon and the stars,..except on holidays, third Tuesdays, Days of the week beginning with “M, or F!” It doesn’t matter anymore how prepared and savvy a Realtor you get,.. if you are dealing with the voices in cyberspace, prepare for the delays, the mis-communication, the constant need for more documentation and the very good possibility that your well organized financial statement just looks “funny” so  you may not close at all because your credit score is one point short of a new requirement! the NEW RESPA guidelines are in effect January 1, 2010… want to know what THAT means? Whew.. it just got a little tougher!

As silly as this sounds..it is just this bad in the lending world. I offer you buyers ONE piece of advice.. and if you never listen to another Realtor… this you must  hear,.. “Listen to your Realtor.” If your Realtor gives you the names of three lenders that he or she works with on a regular basis… it is because they CLOSE their transactions on time,… it is NOT because they get money or any other benefit from these lenders. They are “preferred” because they are reputable, reliable and responsible.  it is because they are most likely workaholics like your Realtor, and because they are successful and forthright… no suprise kind of folks!  The likelihood of you knowing whether you can close a transaction should take no longer than two weeks if your documents are in order and you are not hiding anything from your lender.  If it takes longer than this, you will know it, you will have a suggested remedy and a timeline for any delay in your closing so that you can negotiate this with the seller immediately.  Don’t fool around folks. Listen to  a Realtor, cooperate with a lender that you can see, touch and speak with in person. There are enough local lenders that will give you better service, more competitive rates and  who charge less fees than 9 out of 10 internet and corporate moguls.

Again.. don’t spend a holiday in a hotel.. don’t pay for five days or a month of storage for your belongings.. and for goodness sake, don’t get to closing only to hear,.. “sorry.. we need more money or we won’t be able to close Mr. and Mrs. buyer!”  If you are shopping for a home.. consult a Realtor and acquire a reputable local lender.

What people are grateful for.. the simple things.

Thankful for Our Home

A little of what I heard this year when dealing with so many of the first time home-buyers.

2 Bathrooms

a Yard

A Camelia bush that reminds me of my grandmother

The handmade shelf we found in the garage

The pet rocks with the smiley faces drawn by a child lining the patio planter

a kitchen with new appliances

a room for my daughter, she’s never had her own

the lady across the street

a washer and dryer

the peace and quiet of the woods

a spot for the garden

grass to mow

a place of my own

Again, it’s the simple things that make a house a home for most.

Traditionally, I have always called or sent text messages to my customers early in the morning before too many get involved with their lunch preparations and this year was no different. I am always glad to hear their voices and talk briefly about what they are doing. Most all were having family in their homes at some time during the day

This year, with the help of the tax credit, I had an exceptional amount of first time home-buyers. Each one came to me with a desire to own a home. Home ownership, it really does mean a great deal to people. With the help of the tax credit, down payment assistance programs,  many were able to realize their dreams. There is innately a deep desire for most people to have four walls in which they place all that they seem to love about their lives, a roof over the heads of the people they love and a bit of turf where the fruits of their labor will grow. I am sure home-ownership means different things to different people, but I am lucky enough to hear the happiness over and over.

I am thankful for what I hear, over and over again. That is what I am thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!