Happy New Year!

Wishing You and Yours
all the best in 2009!

Weekly messages.....

Many of you already know that each week I sent out an email....last year they focused on building "wealth"....whatever wealth is for you.

This year the theme is happiness.

If you would like to receive the messages each week, shoot me an email and let me know. Also feel free to let your friends know that this is available, I'll happily add them as well.

Here's a sample message....

Happiness is your birthright....

It's not just for the few, for the worthy, for the "righteous". Happiness is for all of us, like the air that we breathe.

Stop for a moment. Feel the air going in and out of your lungs. We take the air for granted, and so we should. It does not have to be deserved, earned or worked for. It is yours. You are entitled to it.

It's the same with happiness. You may have been talked in to thinking that happiness is conditional (I'll be happy when I get X, Y or Z), but it isn't.

What would happen if you suddenly begin to realize that happiness is your birthright?

I need some clean jokes.....

Can you help me out? I'm talking stuff like....What do you call a guy at your door with no arms or legs.....Matt.... Stuff I can use in a class setting. I realize the one about the no arms/no legs guy is borderline offensive...and that's exactly why I need some good stuff...

Send your favorites to chad at chadcardani dot com (or click the link on the contact page of my website)....Whoever sends the best joke will get one of my famous South Austin People gift baskets.

Show me what'ya got!

Have you ever googled yourself?

I promise....I'm not talking about anything you have to hide from your parents....well, unless you've done something you're not terribly proud of and it has made it to the internet.

Every once in a while I type my name in google just to see what comes up. I get a chuckle out of some of the results that go all the way back to my college days.

Most recently I was surprised to see a youtube video of me at the By Referral Only Main Event in Dallas last February. It was my second Main Event and I was asked to talk about how being a member had changed my business and my life. One of the things they have a hard time finding people to talk about is called "Fabulous First Impressions" - what kinds of things my clients experience when they come to my office for the first time.



So, here's the scoop! For any of you who haven't experienced world-class service before, this is just the beginning of what to expect. Be sure to note that this all took place when I was at my former brokerage so the video directions are different now. And remember, I always have time to help you, your friends, your coworkers and your family buy and sell real estate in Austin and the surrounding areas. Please don't keep me a secret!

Who's in?

It's rolling around again....you know, that time of year when we set resolutions and promise ourselves to make changes in our lives. I don't know about you, but I'm really good at coming up with great ideas, all things that would be very positive....and then doing nothing about them.

Sometimes the reason these grand ideas fail is because while I've developed the _idea_ I haven't developed a plan for implementation. Other times it is because I get started, and then get discouraged....too much pain, too much expense, too LAZY (I'm sure that laziness is the biggest culprit).

But here's the deal. We're really in a different world right now. There are so many things happening around us that are completely out of our control, that if you're not careful, can really drag you down. Have you noticed in those weekly messages I've been sending about building wealth (look forward to the 2009 messages - Instant Happiness) that there is really one main theme....that is...what you focus on increases.

So here we go...2009 is right around the corner....and I'm tired of letting things I have no control over have such an impact on me. Basically, I'm going to work to be more happy and positive. And I'm going to do THAT by doing a few other things I know I should do and I simply don't.

Here are some of the things I'm going to incorporate into my life to help reach that main goal...

- get up earlier, go to the office earlier, and accomplish very specific things each day at the office before I allow myself to "play"
- spend more time studying and practicing systems available to me from By Referral Only
- get better at asking all of you for the referrals of the people you know and like that can benefit from my help buying and selling homes
- eat less food - still the stuff I like, just less of it
- avoid sugars even more than I already do
- write some great scripts and build my video library both for clients and students
- write at least one more course to teach at the Austin Board of REALTORS
- get myself prepared to participate in a triathlon (it'll start with a 5k and a bike ride) I'm gonna start here...

So...anyone one to join me in any of this? I've found that if there are a couple people in your life (they don't have to be close, just have the ability to communicate via telephone or email or blogging) that will participate with you. In fact, your goals don't have to be anything like my goals....we just need to help hold one another accountable by sharing what we've done.

This all gets under way in....

Why By Referral Only (and why do I blog)

Or...why do I blog, and why By Referral Only....

As many of you know I've been doing some teaching again - and I love it. Many of my the people in my classes are newer agents, just getting started in the business. During most of the breaks, people ask me how I built my business, what I think the new trend are, etc. We often discuss "social marketing" ....twitter, blogger, facebook, etc.

The discussions almost always include these two questions..."why do you do it" and "does it make you money". My response is "I do it so that people that already know me, like me and trust me can send people they already know, like and trust to my website so that those people can start to know, like and trust ME. THAT, in turn, will increase the chances that folks will ask for my help as they buy and sell real estate in Austin and the surrounding areas.

So for all of you who have had these discussions with me in class, and all of you who I have had these discussions with in other settings, there is a video I want to share. This came to me from a friend in the By Referral Only network.

Wishing you a very
Merry Christmas!

A visit to the Texas Capital

Our friend Stan suggested we visit the State Capital today.....I haven't been there for a long time and I don't think my parents have ever been there - although they're confident they have for some reason.

The capital is really a magnificent building. Because the legislature is not in session, were were able to see a few places that we would not have normally been able to visit, including the speakers Chambers and a few private reception areas.

I kept my eyes peeled for Patrick Rose but unfortunately we didn't run in to him. I thought about going to his office but didn't want to seem like a stalker.

If you haven't been there, I would recommend visiting during the holidays. Of course much of the beauty of the building is there all the time, so it is really always a good time to visit. If you're interested, you can see the photos we took today. You'll notice many of them are formatted for HD Widescreen - I was going to make a slide show and put it to music and all that stuff...but then as I was cropping photos and stuff there were a few pictures that wouldn't fit that format without loosing a bunch of the important details....so there ya go....



The visitors center has some online information to check out before you leave to assist in planning.

Happy Holidays from.....

Iowa State University????

Today I received a cool e-card from the President of Iowa State University (I'm guessing it came from his people, he's probably got other things going on...wouldn't you agree?). Now, while I was working at TX State University I heard so many people say "Oh the campus is SO beautiful...." and I'd think to myself "WTF??" Maybe it is school spirit that makes everyone think their campus is the most beautiful, their program is the most magnificant, their faculty are the best at what they do, blah blah blah....or it could just be human nature.

ANYWAY, this link will take you to a cute e-card that will show highlight some of the cool things that make Iowa State what it is.... You'll see the campanile, Beardshear Hall, and hear the choir. The card is just something fun I wanted to share with you since I haven't been on here all that much since my parents arrived last Saturday. (The visit is going well, in case you're wondering.)

Till next time - enjoy the people and things around you!

My Money, My Home, My Future

This press release just came to me via the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC) - the organization that holds my Accredited Buyers Representative designation. There is some interesting stuff on the website - click the link and it will open in a new window...

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today launched a new, comprehensive website to assist Americans with improving financial literacy, sustaining healthy homeownership and achieving financial security. The My Money, My Home, My Future website provides a range of interactive resources to inform users about the importance of financial literacy, including a Self-Assessment Tool, online games and informative classes.

"It is imperative that Americans are better educated about their finances and understand what it takes to be a responsible homeowner," said HUD Secretary Steve Preston. "The resources on the website allow families to plan ahead to make smart choices about their finances and homebuying decisions."

The new site provides a wide-range of information about all avenues needed to be successful on the road to greater financial education, including:

-Building a Financial Foundation;
-Sustaining Healthy Homeownership; and
-Achieving Financial Security.

One of the most unique features of this website is the Self-Assessment Tool. The Self-Assessment Tool provides an extensive guide to help users learn more about personalized options for purchasing and/or refinancing their home. Users will be prompted to answer a few questions. Based on the answers given, the Self-Assessment Tool lists numerous links to visit on-line to learn more about the necessary and correct steps to own a home, refinance a home, enhance their financial skills, and much more.

Some of the other links on My Money, My Home, My Future give detailed information about:

-9 Steps to Buying a Home
-Housing Counselors and Lenders
-Banking, Credit and Building Wealth
-Foreclosure Process and Alternatives
-Refinancing Loans and FHA Insured Loans

This new site is also located on www.HUD.gov and www.FHA.gov both in easy to find locations on the main web pages.

The pictures are finally ready to share!

This is my first crack at a video. I'm totally excited about the Austin Real Pros background - it looks great. We'll work on the audio for next time.

Following my thank you video you can see all the shots we have from the Client Appreciation Party. If you see any you'd like just send me an email and I'll send them right over. Enjoy the beautiful voice of Lisa Tingle as you watch the pics....and remember to check out www.lisatingle.com for her show schedule.

Enjoy!

Fun Holiday Stuff

Y'all probably already know we've been gearing up for my parents to visit from Iowa. They'll be here for two weeks. I've been spending some time thinking about things to do for entertainment....they have to be interesting, inexpensive, and places that two old people can navigate.....

Now they've already been to Zach's Rockin' Christmas party and really enjoyed it. I'm thinking maybe this year we'll see the Santaland Diaries?

Mom has been to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar....and we'll do that again. This year it will be at the Austin Convention Center from 11 to 11 on December 12-24th.

Did you know there is also a Keep Austin Bizarre bizarre at the Palmer Events Center?? It happens December 12-23 from 11 to 11 as well.

Of course there is also the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. Can you believe I have never been there? I'm going to be sure that my mom brings her handicapped tag so we can get parking near the entrance - I'm not sure either of my parents can walk that far!

Every year we spend at least one afternoon making candy and cookies to share with the neighbors - we'll for sure be doing that again. And both of my parents enjoy "down time" at Canyon Lake, so we'll be spending about three days there. My dad really likes the River Walk in San Antonio so we'll probably head there from Canyon Lake one afternoon.

I'd love to hear other ideas from all of you.....send them to chad@chadcardani.com and I'll be sure and add them to the blog for others to see as well!

What's that!?!?

It's SNOW!

So last night we had our friend Lisa Tingle over for dinner. Her birthday is today so we had a cake and all that stuff, along with some steaks on the grill and a salad with famous Claire Hyder dressing.

We were watching a movie....and head this noise....looked outside and it had started raining. Texas rain - so it was pouring. When the movie was over we were sitting around talking and Milhouse came in from outside and I saw this white stuff on him....and I thought to myself...what the !?!?

It was SNOW! We looked outside and huge snowflakes - I mean I haven't seen snowflakes this large since I've lived in Texas more than maybe two times. It was beautiful. And today, there is snow on our roofs.... I know for those of you in other parts of the country this isn't really even "snow" and you're probably also aware that by noon it will be gone and tomorrow it is supposed to be in the 70's...but still....we have SNOW!

So a funny thing about lunch yesterday. As we (I, some folks from here, and our new friends from the NAR offices in DC and Chicago) were enjoying the mid 70's temps with sun on the patio at ABoR, I said this is fall in Texas...savor it..it lasts about 15 minutes. They looked at my very confused, and we explained that "fall" is usually very fast here. What a great way to illustrate what I meant!

An interesting couple of days...

Today and yesterday were pretty interesting days. I spent the day at the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) taking the first ever NAR Green Designation course. By first ever I mean this was the first time it had been taught to anyone other than the instructors. It is also the first National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) sustainable living designation course.

Part of the fun came from the people that were in the class. Because I had another engagement at the board earlier in the day, I wasn't able to get my favorite seat in the regular classroom - the one just inside the door and near the coffee maker.

Anyway, as I was looking for a place to sit (it was a full house) I ended up clear across the room in one of the last available seats. When people started sitting down so the course could begin, I realized I was sitting at a table full of NAR executives.

To make a long story short, I spent the two days learning about sustainable living, green design, and how to best serve clients looking to buy and sell properties with green features. Along the way, I was able to get to know all of these people....

Deb Waldman, Texas Association of REALTORS® Director of Professional Development
Steve Brown, NAR Vice President
James Helsel, NAR Treasurer
Katie Stouffs, NAR Vice President
Denise Marx, NAR Vice President
Charles McMillen, NAR President
Ron Phipps, NAR First Vice President

Among the NAR and TAR leaders were several familiar faces from our local board - from up and coming leaders all the way to the 2008 ABoR President of the Board.

Cool stuff, huh! I am hopeful that these relationships will lead to additional opportunities to learn and contribute in the organizations. These relationships also assist me in providing top notch client representation to you and those you choose to refer to me.

Any questions about the green designation or sustainable real estate practices? Shoot me an email or give me a call and let's talk!

Create your own "bail out"

Credit scores are more important now than ever before. Regardless of what you think about the Wall Street bailout and the US automakers begging for money so they can make more cars that nobody wants, there are some great ways you can create your own "bail out" when it comes to your personal credit score.

It is important to understand what your FICO score is comprised of. FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) uses information from your credit reports to create a score, or grade. The range is from 300 to 850. The information on the reports gets "weighed" as follows:

35% Payment History. (paying on time, applies to any bills such as mortgage, car loan, credit cards, home equity loans, but NOT to utility bills, unless they go in to collection.

30% Amounts Current Owed. This compares the amount of credit you have available with the amount of credit you are using. If you have $30,000 available and are using $25,000, your score will be more negatively impacted than if you were only using $5,000.

15% Length of Credit History. The longer you have an account open, the less of a credit risk you tend to be, which is great for your FICO score.

10% Newly opened accounts and credit inquiries. Folks with newly opened accounts tend to be riskier, and a credit inquiry indicates that someone is looking at your report and that you're shopping for new credit. It won't lower your score if you married spouse opens an account at Nordstrom, but it will affect their account, and could result in higher interest rates on other credit accounts held jointly....like a mortgage.

How to improve your score? It's really pretty simple...

• Pay off your debt
• Make payments on time - even if you can only pay the minimum
• Fix any errors (credit reports should have information on how to accomplish this)
• Make automatic payments
• Pread your credit out - it's better to have small balances on a few cards than it is to have one big balance on one card. HOWEVER - don't go open new credit accounts to spread the balances around - this only applies to accounts you already have!

For more tips, it is wise to speak with a qualified financial advisor....perhaps our strategic alliance partner Amy Krause at www.amykrause.com

And, remember the post from a few weeks ago on holiday gift giving?? Avoid the temptation to charge presents!

4.75% mortgages???

Lots of news lately in terms of mortgage rates. Many of you have been calling asking me what the real deal is....so here is what we understand now. Remember, things are changing nearly every day, so some of these details may change slightly or even be eliminated with completely different things being added.

The low rate would only be available to those purchasing a home, not for refinancing.

Loan limits will be the maximum amount for conforming loans, $417,000 in Texas.

The government hopes that this plan will increase the demand for homes and stabilize housing prices, both key components for improving the current economic situation.

Home buyers who have not owned a home in the last 3 years may also be eligible for a $3,750 tax credit ($7,500 for a couple) if they purchase a home before July 31, 2009.

Although it is aimed at purchasers, the increased demand for mortgage-backed securities may cause mortgage rates in general to drop. That, in turn, would enable many homeowners to refinance into lower rate loans.

With 30-year fixed rates for loans of $417,000 or less dropping significantly this week, refinancing may make sense for homeowners with rates of 6.25% or higher. We will be glad to run a quick analysis of potential savings.

Remember there is a compelling reason to get a property under contract before the end of 2008 - and that is FHA required down payment (not a gift, no special programs, you must have this amount of cash available) will change from 3% to 3.5% on January 1, 2009. This is a difference of about $1000 out of pocket on a $200,000 home.

Friends, remember that I always have time to assist the friends, family and coworkers that you like, when it comes to buying and selling real estate. The next time you're talking to someone that can use my help, give me a call.

A quick holiday recipe to share....

Our friend Susan started an email recipe exchange a few weeks ago....and this recipe came to my inbox this morning. As I was reading it I was thinking it would be something quick and fun to share with my parents when they come down for christmas (they arrive next SATURDAY!?!?).

Quick and Easy Brisket

One large brisket (the uncooked kind you trim the fat off yourself)
1-2 bay leaves
2 cans pepsi
Toms Louisiana Creole Seasoning
4-6 small or 3 large onions

Directions
Preheat oven to 400
Slice onions and spread in bottom of pan
Trim excess fat off brisket (but leave some for juice and tenderness)
Place brisket on top of onions
Sprinkle seasoning over top of brisket to thoroughly cover
(If you want your brisket to have more kick, cover both sides)
Pour 2 cans of pepsi over brisket
Add bay leaves
Cook uncovered on 400 for 35-45 minutes
Cover and seal tightly with foil
Lower oven temp to 325 for an hour
Cook for an additional 2-4 hours on 250
*the longer you cook, the better your brisket will be