Fail to plan, plan to fail.

I remember the first time I heard this saying – over 20 years ago when I was acquiring my mutual funds sales licence when I worked for a chartered bank.  As much as I appreciate cheesy sayings, I admit, I rolled my eyes at this one.

However, as I have reflected on it over the years, it’s hit me a different way. The reason is pretty simple – it’s true.

It’s the time of year where many of us spend some time reviewing last year, and setting our goals for the new year.  Personal, fitness, business – it doesn’t really matter – it applies to them all.  I’m refining my 2024 goals and where I’d like to end up twelve months from now. 

In short – Personal: read more & get smarter, Fitness: make better choices and trim down a little (yes, this has been on every year’s list since 2005!), Business: double last year’s volume.

And let’s be honest – it applies to where we live too.  All of our homes require maintenance, updating, TLC, and we can be sure there’s an unexpected surprise or two in there somewhere.  I challenge you to make a plan on how to tackle projects to improve your home a little bit each year so that when it’s time to make a change – you’ll be ready. 

Not sure what your plan should look like?

Let’s sit down together and hammer one out together. 

Forty Six.

The birthdays seem to come quicker and quicker as that number ticks up. The days fly by fast, and the years even faster.  

Life is busy – family, commitments, work – it’s tough to fit it all in sometimes.   

It is important to take some time to slow down and celebrate – I was spoiled with ribs for dinner – my go-to fave!  There may have been cake as well – with a few more candles than I may really want to see!

Yes, I had the cake - the new year’s resolutions aren’t coming around for another 10 days! 

We are coming up on the season of celebrations – enjoying Christmas and the holiday season with family and friends.  I hope each of you take that important time to enjoy the blessings in your life, and spend time with those that are impactful to you. 

As life’s odometer continues to move, who we spend that time with becomes more and more important, and the circle seems to get smaller and smaller. 

I’d say I’m pretty lucky.

Teamwork. 

Every team is made up of a variety of individuals that bring different skills and strengths together in order to be successful.  The offensive star that puts points on the board, the measured defensive minded player that holds things together, and yes, at times there’s some that muck it up in the corner and end up in the box from time to time.

The ones that can pull that all together the best, are the ones that persevere and succeed.

Our Coldwell Banker Steinbach team is really one of the good ones.  Maybe even great.  And our group is similar to most teams – agents that are consistent sales leaders, others that are steady and measured in their approach.  We’re fortunate though, we don’t get tangled up in the corners very often.

This week, I’ve been blessed to work together with a few of my Coldwell Banker teammates to get properties bought and sold for our clients.  While we all approach our situations a little bit differently, we focus on the common goal of doing the best for our clients, in a positive and professional way.  

Next time you’re considering a real estate move, consider not only the agent you’re looking to work with, but also the team they bring with them.  It will truly make a difference.

After all, there is no I in Team.

10 degrees in December!

Another gorgeous day today with the sun shining bright, and warmth in the air.  It’s an extra bit of time for all of us to get those outdoor things taken care of, or for the farmers to get that final bit of fall work done in the fields.

As for myself, I took some time to address a couple of maintenance items at home.  Checking on insulation and venting - crawling in the attic is always better in this weather!  And it’s a good idea to take a few minutes and make sure you’re truly ready for winter – it will be here one day soon!

But hey, let’s enjoy this while it lasts, right? 

The other effect of good weather?  The real estate market continues to be strong!  At recent open houses in southeast Manitoba, we are seeing very good attendance, and we still have many buyers looking for a new place to call home.  If you’re thinking of buying or selling, give me a call, shoot me a message – let’s plan for the right time to market your home.

The past little while has been awesome weather but let’s be clear…

I’m always rooting for a white Christmas!

Eighteen.

This week, my son turned 18.  He’s grown into a smart, handsome, talented and determined man – he started university this fall, and is killing it.  It’s awesome to see him go out on his own and figure life out.

But it sure was a reminder of how quick life goes and all the changes that come along with it!  It seems it wasn’t that long ago that I became a father, and already he’s an adult and has moved out on his own! 

In the words of Kenny Chesney - Don’t Blink.

And then, as I was backing out of the driveway today, I realized how much life had changed at home too.  His sister already claimed his room, there’s that much more space in the house and there’s a lot more food in the fridge!

The needs we have for our homes change all the time – size, location, features – and as a real estate agent, I take great pride in working with my clients to help them buy the right home for their family, not just sell them a house.  Believe me, there’s a difference.

If the changes in your life have you considering a different place to call home, let’s chat – I know how it feels when life changes, and understand how making a move can be a great thing for everyone.

Dix-huit ans!  Bonne fête bud!