Jon Griffith, Certified Short Sale Negotiator

A triathlon consists of three events. Swim, bike, run…in that order. Triathlons come in many shapes and sizes and sometimes there are variations which involve only two of the three sports where one sport is repeated in the race.

Some triathlons are very small, with swim distances as short as 400 meters, 12 mile bike courses, and only 3 miles of running. Some are not. The most intense, grueling, and emotionally overwhelming of the triathlon is the Ironman Triathlon with the pinnacle of all triathlons occurring annually in Kona, Hawaii.

Brandon Stark of Arizona began his triathlon experience a few years back with what’s called a “sprint” distance triathlon. This is typically 750 meters in the water, 12 miles on wheels, and 3.2 miles on foot. Little did he know that he would become addicted to the thrill of success after crossing that finish line for the first time.

After numerous races, each increasing with distance and difficulty, Brandon set out to conquer the most intense of all triathlons, and it occurs this coming April 13, 2008 in Tempe, Arizona.

If you’ve ever dared to compete in any triathlon distance, you know the emotional gratification and sense of personal achievement one feels when completing such a feat. If you haven’t, you might consider living a little. Last year, I was challenged to compete in a triathlon and I took the challenge, and even though it was the toughest thing I had ever attempted, it was so gratifying, that I went back for more the next month, and doubled my distance. One day, I may also compete in a full Ironman distance…but for now, I will join my friend Brandon on the big day, bright and early in the morning, to cheer him on.

If you’re not a sports buff, it is a spectacle that must not be missed. I have added a view inspiring videos here that will hopefully touch you as much as they did me.

I hope you go.

Time and time again over the past year I have had conversations with clients and other Realtors about pricing a home properly.  The consensus among Realtors in this market is that the prices are just not realistic and sellers are asking way too much, because they have lost perspective.
In a world where housing values increase by an average of 7% long term, it just doesn’t make sense to expect to sell a home at 150% above market value.  In 2005, housing was out of control with unheard of gains.  History can show that this is completely unnatural.  History can also show that people tend to hold on to the idea that unnatural events become fixed patterns.  This simply isn’t true.

In 2003, I purchased my home in the heart of Scottsdale for $115,000.  In 2005, a neighbor purchased an identical unit for $319,000.  That is a 177% gain.  That is unheard of.  Should I put my house on the market today, only 5 years later, I could expect, based on historical values, to command  about $179,000, but I could probably get $219,000.

I consider a 7% return on my investment acceptable in many cases, and I can still sell at a higher gain than this.  So why would I choose to sell my home at a price that the market cannot bear?

Is it greed?  Are sellers still in denial?  It’s time to come to terms with more realistic pricing.  Understand that you have made tremendous gains in the value of your home, and if you choose to sell, consider yourself lucky to be able to leave with equity.  Home values have not yet rebounded and the reason they haven’t is because pricing is outrageous.  Lower your price, stimulate the economy, and the buyers will come out of the woodwork.

You’re going to make a huge profit as it is, unless you were one of the unfortunate who were taken advantage of by the mortgage industry.

Why put yourself and your Realtor through the wringer?  Price your home appropriately to begin with and take a more modest return on your investment.  There really is no other way to stimulate buyers, and that’s what we need.