Quote of the Day: Organize!

This Quote of the Day (heretofore QOTD if that's OK with everyone) is brought to you courtesy of my retired 2012 Franklin Covey planner, pocket-sized, spiral-bound.  This little guy was my failed attempt at having a full year of organization in my purse at all times.  This approach and format were short-lived, well, at least by my long-standing relationship with Franklin Covey planners.  I used this small size planner from approximately January 16 through October 22, 2012.

As background, I have been using the same time management system since... wait for it... 1991.  But, I need more space than two pages per week, page size 4" x 5.5" so I am back to the Compact two pages per day format that is comfortable like an old pair of jeans.

I digress... the quote is:

Don't agonize. Organize.
-Florynce Kennedy

In your daily life, or long term planning, or home search, or home sale preparation, just put pen to paper (or stylus to tablet, if you prefer) and make a list.  Then follow it to completion.  I can help if necessary. I was giving some time management advice to a colleague just the other day.  And I create customized home preparation checklists for my sellers as part of my standard listing services.  Let me know how I can help you make more effective use of your time, whether buying, selling, or even staying.

On the Ground: Southwest DC Waterfront

Welcome to my new occasional feature, "On the Ground." As you know from previous posts, part of my job involves previewing properties for current and future buyers and also to maintain my working knowledge of the local real estate market. A new goal of mine is to explore or rediscover neighborhoods in DC and Maryland on a broader level by viewing not only specific properties but also the surrounding areas.

My first journey took me to Southwest DC and the Waterfront area.  I had previously written about the new development in this area, so I wanted to get an On the Ground look at the current market, housing options, and neighborhood amenities.  Who better to assist me but a dear friend and current resident of one of the Harbor Square co-op buildings directly on the water.  Al was kind enough to guide me and my older daughter Lucy around on Bikeshare bicycles for about an hour, weaving through streets and developments with running commentary on the types of units and architecture, the accessibility to amenities and job centers like Capitol Hill, and other interesting and useful topics.

I must pause here to note that the photo above was taking directly in front of Al's building and his views are amazing of the water, Haines Point across the river, and of many of the notable landmarks in DC like the Washington Monument, the National Cathedral, and the Capitol Dome. And to give Al a big shout-out for his hospitality and his time.  

Back to my report on SW DC.... The recent redevelopment of the existing retail to include one of the nicest Safeway grocery stores I've ever seen (a far cry from the Soviet Safeway I used to rely on in my early days in Dupont Circle) and a CVS pharmacy add tremendous convenience to this area.  When they renovated the shopping, they also reconnected 4th St SW with the Mall to the North for better driving access.  With all the new planned housing development, it was awesome to discover the pockets of unique, mid-Century modern architecture throughout this area.  Some development from the 60s was in the style shown here. You can't find pockets of this style in many places in the DC Metro area.

I look forward to showing buyers this unique area of the city and to my next On the Ground adventure.

Buying, Selling, or Staying

So you might be thinking, "Lisa, I get the whole buying and selling thing, but staying? Why do you care about people who are staying in their current home?"

I believe people make all sorts of decisions each year while living in their homes which impact their daily lives as well as the future value of their real estate investment.  I'm not suggesting that all home improvement decisions should hinge on future resale value, but I do think that if all else is equal, getting input from a realtor could help.

Additionally, when working with sellers to help them prepare their home for sale, I tap into my Resource Rolodex with possible vendors if my clients do not have the time or skills to complete all the tasks. Since I have that database ready at all times, I can provide those resources to homeowners even if they are staying. It is all part of being a real estate resource and expert in my community.

So don't hesitate to call on me for my expertise and resources, even if you have no plans to move in the near future.  Staying is just as important a real estate decision as buying or selling.