Sheila Moran ~Broker Bits~: May 2010

New Braunfels Farmers Market ~ Every Saturday 9-1pm   ~ Downtown New Braunfels, Texas

Today I had a wonderful experience in downtown New Braunfels, Texas, I went to the Farmer's Market.  

It was obvious from the parking downtown that this was a much visited event. I parked right on the main street (one of the reasons that I LOVE living in New Braunfels) and walked less than a block away to the Farmer's Market. 

One nice thing was that all the vendors goods have to be things that are grown or made locally.   When I arrived I saw a huge variety flowers, cheese's, meats, vegetables, fruits, Oh, my the list could go on.   

There was some great homemade tamales (chicken & cilantro, poblano & feta cheese, vegetarian) very different and unusual combinations.  I'm used to ordering tamales by:  bean, pork or beef.  This was not the case here.  I'm steaming them now for lunch.  Check them out at: www.GourmetTamaleKitchen.com in Wimberly, Texas.  

So many vendors and such a variety that I couldn't stop turning my head.  I had a nice chat with some old timer farmer and tried a few different vegetables that I have never seen in my grocery store (nor never tried).   What a treat to be able to try something new and I'm now going to introduce to my family and see if they will like.  

Honestly, what I saw this morning was the freshest of produce that looked just picked and sure did beat my usual weekly grocery shopping drama fighting the crowds. 

There was fresh coffee, snacks, specialty nuts and even entertainment!

Want more information?  Visit www.NBFarmersMarket.com

Finding your way back from the “dark” corners of Real Estate

As the Broker of our office I think that my main responsibility is to HELP: educate, inspire, promote & guide my Agents to a better place in Real Estate. A “better place” is always different for each person as well all needs something different out of this life and where we are at in our journey, growth, careers, etc. I take this seriously. I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end as the Agent as well.

I also believe that we can only ascertain a certain level of business, knowledge, manners and the like by ourselves. Becoming better, learning new things, broadening your horizons are only achieved when you have stretched yourself outside of your “self”. One of the best ways to achieve this is by learning from someone else. A few examples: Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Friend, Parent, even a child. I’ve noticed over the years that whether you are seasoned or new that we all need a shot in the arm once in a while, right? A shot in the arm can be something that inspires you, compels you, drives you through the day and lifts your spirits and your understanding to something bigger than you had before.

So, if you’re struggling and feeling frustrated, where do you go? Are you sitting at your desk waiting for the phone to ring? Waiting for someone to stop by and give you the solution (to your unknown problems)? Waiting for someone to take your frustrations away? Fretting and complaining and fighting within you?

OR

Are you on the web talking with other REALTORS® about these issues? Are you being proactive and finding solutions to your problems? Are you looking at things a certain way and need someone to “shift” the view of your “rose colored glasses” to a different location?

Your solution: Reach out to someone and find your way out of the dark.

If you’re not moving forward and your stagnant the answer will not come to you. Nature rewards activity. I promise you that. Take your pride and put it in your pocket for a second and walk down the hall to that someone that you think you can connect with, or trust, or know is seasoned. Ask them to help you. Ask them to guide you in a positive, enriched and knowledge based “light”. Go ahead and try it. Reach out to someone. I’m almost certain that whomever this person is that you picked will take a minute or more to sit down with you, acknowledge your stresses and pressures and probably help you work through your frustrations. Thus the “enlightening” process can begin.

If we can’t rely on each other to help each other out (yes, even in real estate) then where else do you turn?

Don’t wait another day in the corner, stand in the center and bask in the light.

Life is a box of chocolates, go ahead and explore!