Virtual Real Estate Solutions

I am very sad to see picnik leaving us. I for one, have been using it for years. I am currently trying out this new replacement for picnik, ipiccy.com and have to say, I am impressed. It's a great alternative, especially to those of us who do not like change.

As a Virtual Assistant, former Tennessee Real Estate Agent, by choice ( that's another blog ), I work with a lot of professionals. From Home Stagers to Home Inspectors, Real Estate Agents and beyond. It is very often that I have a FSBO contact me to assist them in marketing strategies, whereas I always refer them to a Real Estate Agent. I feel working with an Agent will not only offer them better protection when selling their home but also the marketing needed to get their home sold. After speaking with the for sale by owner and offering my honest  " opinion " in the matter, they usually ask if I would be able to refer them to an Agent. In many cases because of a bad experience with another agent, I have to explain that not all agents are the same and while I understand their fears and concerns, I will only refer them to an agent that I know and trust. In many cases, that means speaking with an agent myself, that is usually found here on Active Rain, in the event I don't have a particular agent in my network that works the FSBO's current area.

Recently, I was contacted by a Seller. Referred to me by a very dear friend. After speaking with him there was no doubt that a Real Estate Agent would be able to help him, no matter the horror story I heard from him about his previous agent. In today's market, let's face it, some areas, have been hit much harder then others. I never understood the " part time agent " and/or the " abandoning agent " who takes a listing, enters it all wrong and then you never hear from them again. I certainly do not understand it even more now when so many seem to be struggling in the current market.

I immediately came to Active Rain to find an agent that I could speak with to see if they could help this seller. I made a promise to my friends friend, who has been like family to me, that I would speak with the agent directly before I gave his contact information. Keep in mind, he had a horrible experience with his previous agent and it was all I could do to convince him that he really did need a professionals help. Throughout my search I contacted 4 agents I found here on Active Rain. I was shocked that NONE of them answered their phones on a Friday and again on Saturday. As for me, I never make contact on a Sunday because I believe everyone deserves and needs a day of rest with their family. I left messages with ONLY 1 response and it's now nearly a week later. Unfortunately, the agent I spoke with couldn't help because it was not their particular area. I also emailed the other 3 agents as a friendly reminder and follow up to my voicemail messages. I briefly described the home for sale, the area and the need, who I was and who I was to the seller and kindly requested that they contact me for additional information whereas after speaking with them I would give the homeowners contact information. My way of thinking through this matter as well, is why waste anyone's time , the agents and/or the sellers if the agent didn't work their area, wasn't a listing agent etc. At the very least I thought, well if the agent cannot help, they will know someone who will and then they can receive the referral fee, as I am not.

Out of 3 emails, ONE (1) agent responded. Are you ready for this...I was informed by said agent that because I was not an Agent, they didn't need to speak with me, to forward the property address and contact information for the seller. Yep, a one liner with a closing of Thanks. Well, let me just say this Mr. High and Mighty, if you are not willing to take one simple, extra step, to speak with another professional, about a potential listing , then there is no way, maybe when pigs fly, will I give you the sellers contact information, especially when I personally know them. Really ? How hard is a 5 minute phone conversation with me to not waste anyone's time ? I might understand if this was a $50,000 listing, well, no, I wouldn't understand that level of thinking either, after all, shouldn't every listing be treated with the same respect ? It is a paycheck, right ? Luckily, for this agent, I believe in Karma and don't respond to idiocies. Therefor, I don't have to make a public display of who's more stupid, them for riding in on their high horse or me for thinking I would contact the most active agents on Active Rain instead of sticking to what I always believed in : Points Do NOT Matter !

You will be happy to know, I was able to refer this $200,000 listing to an Agent who didn't care that I wasn't a licensed agent and treated me with the respect that not only I deserve but also with the respect that the seller deserves. This just confirms that there truly are " hidden gems " in the rain.

Tips For Achieving Your Goals, Whether Short or Long Term :

Do you have long-term projects with short-term expectations? If you do, that is a sure path to frustration and failure.

Lifestyle and business goals such as exercise, healthy diet and money, more clients, etc, have to become habits in order to be effective. Career changes, changes in your business because of the market and/or economy also takes time and planning, and it doesn’t happen overnight.

Your world has shifted. There’s voice mail, e-mail, twitter, facebook, and faxes that have made a “waiting” period unacceptable and almost obsolete. With information immediately available, we expect relationships and goal achievement to be done the same, whether in business or in life. As you read this you know that it is unreasonable to expect that and yet we still do ? We’ve been led by advertisers to believe that we deserve immediate gratification, and that it is readily and effortlessly available!

When you want to train a puppy, you know that it’s going to take time and consistent reinforcement. You’re ready for that, because you want your puppy to behave in an acceptable way. Why then, are you so patient with the puppy and so hard on yourself?

When you plant seeds in the garden, you tend them, water them, hope for sunlight and nurture them. Are you nurturing yourself?

The best way to move gently and effectively towards your goals is to take a reasonable approach. Break your long-term project goal into sub-goals. Break it into doable, short-term chunks. Today prepare the soil; tomorrow plant the seeds.

Each action you take and each step is satisfying because you know that it is contributing to the completion of your goal. You cannot rush Mother Nature with your garden, and the same is true for your goals.

This process is much more than “bloom where you’re planted”, because when you’re the gardener you choose what to plant and how to nurture it. Do the same for yourself, and grow yourself beautifully. Your goals will be accomplished in due time, and you won’t end up up-tight and frazzled, which usually leads to thinking your goals cannot be obtained.

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Success Secrets Still Valid Today

Author Michael Jeffreys personally interviewed 15 top motivational gurus in 1997 for his then upcoming book. After talking to gurus from Brian Tracy to Dr. Wayne Dyer, he distilled 8 Secrets to Success they all agreed upon. These secrets are still good today and are as follows:

1. Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life – In a society where people blame everything from their parents to the government for failure, those who don’t buy into this mentality or succumb to the “victim” thinking, succeed. To blame something or somebody outside yourself is saying that they have control over your life and not you. Someone else’s opinion of you doesn’t have to become your reality.

2. Live Your Life On Purpose – What separates motivational thinkers from the unsuccessful is that they believe they’re doing what they were put here to do. The difference between this and just living, is that the latter is just getting through the week with the least amount of problems. But when you live your life on purpose and with purpose, your main concern is doing the job right, consistently thinking of quality vs quantity. For the entrepreneur this means finding a cause you believe in and building your business around it.

3. Be Willing to Pay the Price - Be willing to pay the price for your dreams. Wanting a big house, a luxury car, and a million dollars in the bank is all very nice, and everyone wants these things – but are you willing to pay the price to get them? This is one of the major differences between the successful and unsuccessful. You have been given a job to do, whatever that may be, whatever profession that may be in, no one ever said it was going to be easy.

4. Stay Focused – Every day we’re bombarded with hundreds of tasks, phone calls, messages, and everyone competing for our time. Focusing requires giving up something in the present because you are investing your time in something that will pay off big-time down the road. Jack Canfield and Mark Hanson were turned down by 30 publishers when they submitted the first “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book. Instead of giving up, they stayed focused on their goal(s) and did four or five interviews per day for radio, TV, and newspapers, for five days a week for an entire year. Eventually, a small publisher decided to take a chance, and of course now it’s a best-seller that spawned an entire series that have sold more than 10 million copies.

5. Become An Expert in Your Field One striking factor all successful people have in common is how seriously they take their profession. They strive to be the best at what they do, and do almost anything to improve. If someone followed you around all day with a video camera at your business, would it be a tape you’d be proud of or embarrassed about? Make the decision today to work at being the best in your field. How? By finding out what the “best” in your field are doing, and do what they do while separating yourself from the rest.

6. Write Out a Plan for Achieving Your Goals – Write out an action plan/map, heck, make a dream board if you need to, for how you’re going to achieve your goals. Trying to reach your goals without a plan is like trying to drive from Los Angeles to Chicago without a map. A goal that isn’t written down is merely a wish or fantasy.


7. Never Give Up - Never, never, never give up, no matter what factors or circumstances head your way. When you’re fully committed to achieving your goal, giving up is not an option. You must be willing do whatever it takes to make it happen. The power of perseverance is an awesome force. As someone once said, “inch by inch it’s a cinch”. Think of the lowly inchworm – if it pondered the length of the trip from start to finish before it started, it probably would never move. To a worm’s point-of-view, the garden path must look like a trip to Mars. Keep on going like the EverReady battery bunny, we so often call ourselves and pretty soon you’re there.

8. Don’t Delay – Nobody knows how much time they have left to accomplish their dreams, and we must remember that we don’t have forever. The clock is ticking, and sooner or later your number comes up and you’re gone. Successful achievers know this too, but they don’t view it as a “negative”. Achievers use it to “spur them on”. They go after what they want as energetically and as passionately as possible, for as long as they have.

“Today is a check – cash it! Yesterday is an I.O.U. – forget it! Tomorrow is a promissory note, don’t bank on it!” I think that’s a pretty good summation of life, so go out there and cash in on that “today” check.

38 Random Acts of Kindness - Balloons to Heaven !

This year, so many people that I hold dear to my heart, have taught me more than they could ever imagine, through their strength and their loved ones. So many have had to endure what no person ever should. From parents, grandparents, brothers, sister, aunts and uncles, losing a loved one, to friends who have lost their courageous fight to cancer and other illnesses.  Having lost many loved ones in my life, I know the hole and void it can leave in your heart. Although, I cannot ever imagine what some of my friends have gone through this past year, I wanted them to know that there is not a moment in the day that I don't think of them. no matter how busy life can get. That there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of the struggles they have had to endure and that mightily I continue to pray. Praying for peace, understanding, comfort and joy to be brought to their lives. Although the miles and the waters may separate us - I would like to think a bridge has been built - from - heart to heart.

What can you say or really do in such moments of adversity ? There are never enough right words to say that can ease the pain. There is nothing you can say or do when someone you love fights the good fight and only seems to lose the battle anyway, although not the war. We love, we lose - no matter how unnatural the order of things may seem. Some people come into our lives only for a moment, while others can be with us for years. I'd like to think that no one is ever really gone.That we are all Angels and some of us are just called home sooner than others.

In this life we are and can be taught so much by others, if only we open our hearts and minds. No matter the age - there is something to learn from everyone. A baby, someone's son or daughter, can teach us innocence and purity. With every breath they take they can breath so much life into a person. The innocence of a child teaches us that we can do and be anything if only we believe. The purity of a child brings us unmatched, unconditional love that remains forever in our hearts no matter how long they get to share those milestones with us. Without expecting anything in return, they give us joy and hope for the future. While the mature one teaches us courage, strength and perseverance. No matter their life struggles, they become fighters until the very end, teaching us that life and love are worth fighting for. Courageously they climb the highest of mountains - with no fear of falling and they persevere to the top, waving, loving, smiling all the way there.

So many have taught me so many things about life. I watch the faith of others and stand in awe. That they could face the most difficult time in their lives and still know that the God they love and serve is not a mean God. That the God they serve through it all loves them and is and will continue to bring them peace and comfort. That no matter their struggles there is HOPE. Something that many of us forget and all to often take for granted.There is a lot to be learned and said of someone's great faith and I continue to learn from them.

Today, it's my turn to give back because so much has been given to me.

The Caulk Family - Have taught me so much about love, faith and family. Through all of their struggles they never forget who they are. I love them all.

The Baker - Sodero Family - Their beautiful son taught me about innocence and how big things do come in such small packages. Love You Al and Desiree.

Sharon Young - Taught the true meaning of living life to the fullest and no matter what hand you are dealt, you still just live and love. RIP Dear one.

Joe Ferrara - Taught me what it means to be a great teacher - in life and in business. Thank You Joe, forever in our hearts.

Clint Miller and Family - This family has taught me courage. Courage to face things head on. To know that it's okay to be tired but never to be scared. Our thought and prayers are with you always.

So many, have taught me such beautiful things. I thank God for all of them and I thank God that I have had the chance to know them and love them.

So, I, we, sent balloons to Heaven. In honor of our friends and their loved ones who passed away because they are ALL special to me.

38 Random Acts of Kindness, it's my birthday present to myself : http://www.aserendipityworld.com/2011/11/38-random-acts-of-kindness.html

Special thanks for Midori Miller, Jeanette Neerpat, Vicky Wyman for joinging me in 38 Random Acts of Kindness. To my neighbor for helping me shoot my video, lending me the beer and allowing me to spew it all over her porch. You all ROCK !

See Jeannette here : http://browardcountyreview.com/2011/11/happy-thanksgiving-from-our-family-to-yours/

See Vickie here :  http://blog.allaccessre.com/2011/11/23/random-acts-of-kindness-pay-it-forward-day-two/

I am reblogging this post in hopes that our Active Rain Family will offer their support, love and prayers to the Caulk family. Missy Caulk has been an inspiration and friend to many of us throughout our journey here in the rain. Bob Stewart, brother in law, of Jamie Caulk has been our sounding board through the many changes and our friend. Christa Caulk has always greeted us with smiles, love and the ability to be infectious with her positive attitude and spirit.  Now it's time we give back. Just a few moments of your time to join in prayer, meditation, whatever you do, whatever your beliefs are. Miracles happen everyday and I believe in them. Let's all believe in them together, for Jamie, for the entire Caulk family.

Here in Crossville TN the stage is set for you. We are the place you have been looking for. Just off of I- 40, Crossville TN is conveniently located to Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Why is Crossville TN the place ?

For starters, the area is home to Tennessee's famous vacation resort, Fairfield Glade, where five beautiful golf courses will test any skill. But there's more, so much more. Crossville TN - Cumberland County has a total of 11 championship golf courses.

Here upon the Cumberland Plateau you can also visit the highest elevated golf course at the Renegade Mountain Resort. Golf in Crossville - Cumberland County is one of our area's major attractions. Each course is unique and offers a different golfing experience.

From breath taking mountain views, mountain streams, rolling hills and rock formations not only are our golf courses challenging they are enjoyable for all skill levels.

As many of our visitors and residents here in Crossville will attest, that's not all that we have to offer you and your family. From our Golf Courses to our award winning Cumberland County Playhouse to the Crossville Outlet Center, Crossville has something for everyone. High upon the Cumberland Plateau we offer upscale cuisine to down home cooking and the sights and sounds you will savor year after year.

If you are looking for more than Golf, Crossville is packed with recreation, entertainment, history, dining and shopping.

With an elevation of 2000 feet and an average summer temperature of 74 degrees, Cumberland County residents and visitors can also enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, camping, canoeing, whitewater rafting, even hunting. Auto and drag racing events are held on a regular basis.

For all of these reasons, our area has been voted one of the nation's most desirable places to live and retire to.

When you relocate or visit be sure to put these attractions on your check list :

RECREATION :

• Ozone Falls State Natural Area - a pristine setting that has attracted Hollywood Filmmakers.
• Catoosa Wildlife Management Area - a hunting wilderness of almost 80,000 acres
• Crossville Recreational Park, 75 acres of championship ball fields, tennis and volleyball courts. Equipped with playgrounds and walking/hiking trails.
• Cumberland Mountain State Park, more than 1700 acres of rustic parkland, cabins, playgrounds, campsites, hiking trails, Olympic-size swimming pool and The Bear Trace.
• Cumberland Trail State Park, Tennessee's first linear state park with over 230 miles of spectacular views.

ENTERTAINMENT :

The Cumberland County Playhouse is renowned throughout the South as a premier cultural attraction. With live performances, Broadway musicals in addition to special films and concerts. Offered year round.

Festivals are also a huge part of our life here in Crossville. Some prominent festivals include :

• Pioneer Day
• Oktoberfest
• Depot Days Main Street Festival
• StreetScape Boo Bash
• Homestead Apple Festival
• Crossville Christmas Parade
• Our exciting Blue Ribbon Cumberland County Fair

HISTORY :

Our area, Crossville - Cumberland County is a favorite among history buffs. The past comes alive throughout our area. See for yourself by visiting :

• The Homesteads - a community and depression era of 1930 which was designed as a National Historic district and featuring Homesteads Tower and Museum and the Crabtree House.
• GrassyCove - a National Natural Landmark featuring geological wonders and farmland.
• Crab Orchard - is the country's oldest community and home of the world-famous Crab Orchard Stone
• Downtown Crossville - with it's 95 year old courthouse it also features the 1920's train depot from where famed Sgt. Alvin C. York made his good-byes en route to his World War I exploits
• Pleasant Hill - settled since 1819, is the site of the Pioneer Hall Museum

From Cuisine to hard-to-find collectibles, your shopping and dining desires will be delighted here along the Cumberland Plateau. You can follow any road and be greeted by friendly people, boutiques, specialty and antique shops, unique wineries, a busting downtown, factory outlet stores and so much more. To satisfy your cravings you can pull up any chair amongst our 50 restaurants.

To find out more about Crossville TN or Real Estate for sale in Crossville TN, contact :

• Melissa Grant, Realtor(r)
• Pointe Realty-proudly serving Crossville TN, The Cumberland Plateau, Fairfield Glade, Lake Tansi, Cumberland Cove, Morgan and Fentress Counties.
• 931-210-8277 Direct or Email lissalgrant@yahoo.com
  

Photos copyright 2009, Melissa Grant

Thank you for visiting Crossville TN Real Estate

Here in Tennessee these mountain views are plentiful. Add some golf courses, running creeks and streams with some waterfront living/views and we can make your dreams come alive here in Crossville, Tennessee.

With premier medical facilities, recreation and championship golf courses Crossville, Tennessee has something for everyone ! From boating, fishing, The Palace Theater, The Cumberland County Playhouse Crossville Tennessee is fun for the entire family.

If you are thinking of relocating or retiring to Crossville, Tennessee take a look at what we have to offer. Remember, we have LOW property taxes, NO state or school tax and Grand McNally loves us !

Cumberland Cove For Sale : Cumberland Cove offers mountain/bluff views with rock formations, caves, hiking trails, creeks and streams. Property starting as low as $9,999.00 per acre for all of this PLUS amenities!

Lake Tansi Resort : Come on over to Lake Tansi Resort where some of Crossville's premier Golf Courses are available to home/lot owners. Amenities include boating, fishing, recreation, private beaches, lakes and so much more. Own a piece of this heartland right now starting at $5,000 per lot !

Fairfield Glade : Welcome to Fairfield Glade. Home of championship Golf Courses, Condo living, waterfront living, recreation and a " home town feel". Lots starting at $6500 per lot all amenities included !

For more information on any of these premier subdivisions or other homes and land available in Crossville TN please contact

• Melissa Grant, Realtor(r) 
• Century 21 Fountain Realty
• Direct 931-210-8277 ,
• Email Melissa@C21Fountain.com
• Visit my website for other information at
• www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com

Cumberland Cove, Fairfield Glade, Lake Tansi

Crossville TN Real Estate

Serving all of the Cumberland Plateau

It is not often that I find a post in our Real Estate world of blogging that makes me want to stand up and clap. When I read this post that is exactly what I wanted to do.

Purchasing a home by yourself or having a Realtor(r) who is more absent than not from your transaction is like self diagnosing yourself instead of going to a trained and qualified Physician for whatever ailment bothers you.

Often times we think we receive the best deal when we go at it alone. Just like there could be hidden dangers in why we feel so tired, have headaches hidden dangers can also loom in a home that appears "healthy" or " looks good " to the naked eye.

It is better to be safe than sorry. It is better to have a qualified professional on your side than to find out later you misdiagnosed yourself or purchased a home full of mold or defects not seen or understood by the naked eye.

• Melissa Grant, Realtor(r)
• Century 21 Fountain Realty, LLC
• 931-210-8277 Cell
• 931-707-2100 Office
• www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com
• Melissa@C21Fountain.com