Category: Personal Reflection

Got Accountability?

What do house cleaners and business coaches have in common?  For me, they both provide accountability, but in very different ways. Let me explain, in hopes of inspiring you to recommit to any 2024 goals and resolutions!

Thursdays used to be our family’s ritual clean-up night.  We would tidy up the house in preparation for our house cleaner’s Friday visits.  Seems crazy, right?  Clean up the house for the house cleaner? Actually, it makes good sense!  While our house cleaner was a wonder and did more in hours than we can do in days, she can’t do it amongst clutter.  So, we got the house in order ahead of time so she can help keep our home nicer than we ever could on our own.

In an indirect way, a house cleaner is a great accountability partner.  Before she comes, we clean the house so her time (and our money) is spent efficiently while she is there.  After she comes, the house is so sparkly that we want to keep it that way.  This brief, hard work improves the cleanliness of our home even when she is not around because we want to stay accountable to her high-caliber work.

In a much more direct manner, I have had an amazing business coach as a professional accountability partner.  Just like a house cleaning, a regular appointment was scheduled every two weeks.  I knew that in order to make the most of our time together I must have my “house in order” so we can spend time on the important tasks at hand.  For me, hiring help is not so much about having someone do it all for me, but rather help me achieve things at a greater level by keeping me accountable.

You don’t need to hire someone for accountability (although paying for help is a great motivator to remain accountable!).  A friend, co-worker, or spouse can be there for you, either directly calling you out (like a business coach) or indirectly inspiring you towards improvement (like a house cleaner).  Both approaches lead to effective accountability.

We are a month into the New Year. Have you found it hard to stick with any goals or resolutions you set for yourself in 2024? Find an accountability buddy to have greater consistency and follow-through!

GET REAL – IMAGE

Let’s Get Real about IMAGE in Real Estate. Make sure you don’t fall for flashy marketing and false self-promotion that makes a REALTOR’s image suggest they’re more successful and valuable to you than they truly are. Look for EXPERIENCE and AUTHENTICITY!!!

GET REAL – Helping First-Time Buyers

Let’s GET REAL! Being a REALTOR is not about rolling up to a mansion in a Maserati and walking billionaires through homes that sell themselves. It’s about helping everyday clients build their wealth and futures, and that often means you roll up your sleeves to help a first-timer buy a fixer.

GET REAL – Pilot Episode!

Let’s GET REAL! A good Realtor is not the one that GETS your ATTENTION, but rather the one who GIVES you VALUE! This week, I am launching a campaign called “Get Real in Real Estate”…short reels that share real stories that make real impact in real estate transactions. Join me in valuing sincere substance over fake flash.

Yes I am a REALTOR, Twenty Years In My Wake

I’m channeling Jimmy Buffett to remind you of my calling

1 month ago to the day, the beloved Jimmy Buffett passed away.  I grew up listening to his music (at first not by choice, but eventually my own “Parrothead” wings grew in), so his death is fairly significant for my family. 

20 years ago to the month, I sold my first house as a real estate agent.  It has been a wild ride ever since with market ups & downs, starting a business, and growing a team. 

To commemorate both anniversaries, I wanted to share a message laced around a Jimmy Buffett tune that tells of a person’s misunderstood calling.  The message is worth a read and the song worth a listen, especially if you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan!

Jimmy Buffett wrote a song in his 20s titled “A Pirate Looks at Forty.”  It tells of a modern-day man who is a pirate at heart.  The lyrics go, 

Yes I am a pirate, 200 years too late

“Yes I am a pirate,
200 years too late.”

You can listen to it at the bottom of this post. In short, the character (which is apparently a real guy Jimmy knew in Key West back in the 70s) feels his calling isn’t fully valued in modern society. 

I occasionally feel similar as a real estate professional who acts as both a REALTOR and a Mortgage Broker.  Since selling that first house way back in 2003, I’ve helped buyers and sellers as their REALTOR on nearly 200 properties worth a combined $90,000,000+.  For 11-years in a row, I’ve been recognized as a Five-Star Real Estate Agent in the Sacramento region.  I even put the words “Real Estate” in my own company name so you couldn’t forget what we do.  And yet still to this day, sometimes folks will say “I thought Matt just does loans!”

AHHH, what’s a guy to do??!! 

It’s a teeny-tiny bit understandable for clients to sometimes forget that I am also a REALTOR. After all, nearly everyone in real estate chooses to be a REALTOR or a Mortgage Broker. Its easy to be labeled as one OR the other. But just because my combined “occupation’s just not around” does not make it obscure. In fact, my one-stop-shop model is what makes us a better choice over traditional real estate companies. It is truly my calling to work for you in both capacities.

Having a REALTOR who is also an expert in mortgage financing helps buyers navigate the buying process more efficiently, and helps sellers better understand the potential obstacles of proposed offers that require financing. And you’ll quickly see having a REALTOR who has an analytical and data-driven disposition is way better than one who’s a “Selling the OC” reality show wanna-be. So the next time you or a loved one needs to buy or sell a home, don’t forget that

Yes I am a REALTOR, 20 years in my wake

“Yes I am a REALTOR,
20 years in my wake!”

RIP Jimmy!  Your music will always take me to the water, and still can mange to inspire a Matt’s Memos blog post!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=m7ptF2zqCNM%3Fsi%3DhaFEqp3OBxFBctNt

I’m Talking About You, BOOMER!

From relocations to reverse mortgages, we’ve been helping more baby boomers than ever

As the second-largest generation in history, Baby Boomers have spent their entire lives shaping and shifting the marketplace. We have experienced a boomer boom in our business lately, as more folks in this age range (58-76) reach out to us for advice while facing major life changes.

Several recent blog posts such as “Yo Mama Is So Important” & “19 Is Your New Favorite Number” have touched on topics pertaining to this growing trend, and more clients than ever are inquiring about our reverse mortgage services! Specifically, we have helped recent boomer clients:

Move to a new area to be closer to their adult children

Pull cash out to finance a major purchase rather than sell taxable assets

Obtain a reverse mortgage to help with retirement planning

Many of our clients know we are a one-stop-shop to help you buy, sell & finance homes.  But some overlook the fact that we also offer REVERSE MORTGAGES.  Already this year, our team has completed more reverse mortgages than in all of the previous three years combined!

These loans are growing in popularity amongst baby boomers, and for good reason.  A reverse mortgage allows a client 62 & up to retain ownership of their home, provide access to pent-up equity, and have monthly mortgage-payment relief.  We are experts in these programs, and can discuss the pros & cons with you or a loved one.  I will be posting again soon with more details about how we can help clients looking for a reverse mortgage.

The Blue Waters Group is designed to help homeowners of all ages, but we are perfectly suited to serve the diverse needs of Baby Boomers.  As retirement approaches, it is common to reconsider how you spend your time & money. 

Some may decide they want a smaller house or move closer to the grandkids.  Others want to free up their hard-earned equity through a reverse mortgage.  And even those who choose to not change things up still may look to help their kids or grandkids achieve home ownership by steering them to a trusted real estate professional (that’s us! 😊).  No matter the need, our firm is suited to serve you, your friends, your family, and your colleagues with ALL home buying, selling & financing needs.

Babies & Businesses – Oh, How They Grow!

My son turns 10 this year.  Its incredible to think of how much he’s grown and learned in such a short time.  While he still needs lots of attention, love and discipline, he’s a far cry from the helpless newborn of 2012.

THEN…

& NOW!

The same can be said for Blue Waters Mortgage & Real Estate Group, which also turned 10 just this month.  We were a bit insane to birth both a baby and a business in the same year!  But that’s for another blog post.  

Since that exciting “I’ve Started My Own Business!” announcement, The Blue Waters Group has grown from a start-up with 1 part-time employee to a company of 10 experienced, caring professionals.  But just like Oliver, we still need help from the folks that care about us…that’s YOU!

THEN…

& NOW!

My son’s teachers often speak to how 10 is an age of transition.  You’re old enough to begin grasping the complex world around you, but you still need the help of loved ones to find your way in it.  The Blue Waters Group is in a similar phase of transition; we are here to stay, grow & serve our community, but we still need the referrals and repeat business from our cherished clients to do it. 

Today’s real estate market is a tough one to navigate, and folks need the help from a trusted, seasoned professional.  Please pass along my name to anyone you know who may benefit from our real estate and mortgage services when buying, selling or refinancing.  You doing so is vital to our continued growth & success.

Here’s to turning 10!  May the next decade be just as fulfilling and exciting as the last!

10 YEARS AND COUNTING!!!

Do You Want Red or Blue Peaches?

Today’s Runoff Elections in Georgia will determine which political party holds majority power in the US Senate.  The outcome will shape the national political landscape for the next two years, and could have a significant impact on mortgage rates over the next few days.

Watching The Peach State’s election results is important for all of us in the financial markets.  If Georgia “turns blue,” meaning both Senate seats are won by Democrats, it will shift the balance of power of the national government and set the stage for sweeping changes for not just politics, but for finances as well.

There’s obviously no such thing as a red or blue peach, but all eyes will be on The Peach State this week to see if it “turns” blue.

Two Senate seats are up for grabs in Georgia.  Presently, Republicans hold 50 US Senate posts while Democrats hold 48.  If the Democratic nominees win both Georgia Senate positions, both parties will hold 50 seats, allowing for Vice-President Kamala Harris to hold tie-breaker voting rights.  With politics sadly so polarized along party lines, this will allow for Democrats within the Senate to hold a majority and influence policy proposals.

This is of interest to the mortgage market because there are several political agenda items that are much likely to become law if Democrats control the US Senate.  Most notably, a larger stimulus package to combat the economic struggles of the Covid-19 pandemic will likely pass.  This federal financial aid will be paid for by selling government bonds, and when this is done at a large scale it tends to push mortgage rates higher. 

There are obviously other complexities and uncertainties surrounding the direction of our nation’s political and financial arenas, but if you’re considering a refinance in the near future here is the take-home message: a “Blue” Senate means upwards pressure on rates.  As the news headlines of the coming days begin to report Georgia’s election results keep an eye on if both elections are led by Democrats.  You may not want to wait to see the results come in; a safer move would be to get a refinance application in ASAP to lock in a rate before the markets adjust.  Its no guarantee rates will rise in the coming days, but mortgage rates presently have never been lower.  Let me help you take advantage of the current market conditions before they potentially change. 

How Do You Show Your Support?

Our country’s election is next week, and it has most of us filled with emotion.  The emotions & opinions vary but they, like the stakes, are high.  I encourage you to get out (or mail in!) to VOTE!

I have a good friend, Justin Raithel, running for Folsom City Council.  If you live in Folsom please strongly consider voting for him.  He currently serves as Folsom’s Planning Commission Chair and was recently recognized as Folsom’s Volunteer of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. Justin would be a great addition to Folsom’s City Council! 

Let me help you take a look at Justin’s campaign!

I’ve been looking for ways to support Justin in his campaign, as I want to honor his tremendous courage to run for public office.  Justin will likely need to gain 25% of citizen’s votes in order to secure one of the two open City Council seats.  While hitting that mark means Justin will win and earn more votes than the other candidates, it also means 75% of voters didn’t believe in him.  Ouch, right??!! Even if he wins the election, 3 out of 4 people didn’t vote for him.

When I have a friend take on a risky endeavor, like running for office or starting a band, I often throw my family’s full support behind them.  While I’ve never done either, I too know the reality of winning while not having everyone’s support. 

As a small business owner in a very competitive industry, I’m always on the “campaign trail.”  A big part of my career is tirelessly showing why folks can trust me as their capable REALTOR or mortgage broker over the countless other “candidates” in our marketplace.  Thanks to you, we’ve done more business than ever this year, largely through repeat and referral business.  I am forever grateful for the confidence so many of you have in my team and me to help you through your real estate endeavors. 

Despite crushing every metric we’ve ever set for The Blue Waters Group, I still feel the sting when realizing we don’t get everyone’s “vote” of confidence.  Folks choose to do business with other REALTORS, with the big banks out of state and community credit unions down the street.  The old adage says there’s plenty of business for everyone, and that’s true!  But, as a small business owner, my goals have always looked beyond the bottom line. I constantly strive to be the professional in my hometown that can be trusted by my neighbors, by the parents of my kids’ friends, by the folks who I run into at the grocery store.  If I can’t live up to that measure, then the money doesn’t mean much.

I share this with you to remind you how much it means to me when you refer your friends and family and when you come back for your next transaction.  Sure, your business helps me to make payroll with my employees and put food on the table with my family. But you’re also fueling the very ethos of what I’m about, which is “earning your trust is far more important than simply getting your business.” Thank you for how you’ve shown your support over the years.

In similar fashion, I’m showing my support for Justin Raithel because he’s earned my trust.  He is not running for City Council for the simple sake of winning an election.  Justin wants to serve our city because he has the experience, the smarts and the heart to do it better than anyone else.  I’d like to think the same could be said for me as your trusted mortgage and real estate professional.

You Need To Know This

2019 was a remarkable year for our firm.  We exceeded every prior record our team set, from loans closed to homes sold.  We added three new team members, taking our total to over 10 for the first time ever.  We increased our office space.  And we achieved all of this while I was gone for over half of the year.

61f8d12c-6a75-40c5-ab0d-e5cf2df2e95a

For eight months I was on a sabbatical out of the country with my family. We sold our house and cars and lived on a sailboat in the Caribbean!  It was an incredible chapter in our lives, but this post is not about our adventures (visit @SV_Storymaker for that) . 

 

This is about the amazing team here at the office who made it all possible by caring for my clients while I was away.

f90dec07-34d3-4eaf-95e9-35d07b62f40cIts not easy for a small-business owner to take time away from their company.  If you ask other entrepreneurs, most would tell you they’ve never left for more than a couple of weeks, and even then were handcuffed to their cell phone just in case they were needed.  Its common for an owner to be needed; after all its their company!  Who else is going to handle the emergencies and tough decisions?

So how was I able to do it?  Preparation of and trust in our team.  This sabbatical was calculated for nearly a decade (watch this video for the backstory I shared prior to last year’s departure).

Every major life and business decision revolved around this singular goal of taking some extended time away with my family. As such, we were building a business that could survive without me.  My business partner of 8 years, Lisa Ferro, has built The Blue Waters Group with me and has the same principles instilled in her approach to our company and clients.  My support team of Donna Adams and Jennifer Perry have learned to do most facets of our job better than me, so I knew you were in safe hands.  And my wingman, Chris McGann, the one who was recruited in 2013 to fill my role during this eventual sabbatical, became an All-Star mortgage and real estate consultant proficient at replacing me to care for you.

Sure, there were marketing pieces that were sent to you on my behalf while I was away, but I was removed from the day-to-day operations.  I trusted my team because we prepared for this.  My cell phone stayed with my team while I was gone; I did not check my work email from remote locations.  I was not called upon when a transaction became complicated.    I was not needed.

I am forever grateful for my team who not only kept the business alive in 2019, but who made it thrive as never before.  I’m sharing this with you to remind you that what we do does not begin and end with me; the team approach to our services is what makes us great.  Take comfort in knowing there is a team behind me who is caring, capable, and committed to serving you in my absence, whether for a single phone call or an entire sailing season!

Cropped Group
Caring, Capable, Committed (& pretty darn Charming!) team at The Blue Waters Group