An article was recently pushed across my desk which really has made a difference in my life.  It was written by Bill Gray, and I’m not sure where the article was originally published, but I’m posting it here so you have the chance to also read it.

DISCIPLINE, by Bill Gray

Over time it has been proven, without a doubt, that those who possess self-discipline are the most successful.

Self-discipline relates to a person’s integrity and moral ways; it becomes an internal compass that leads you toward your goals.

Those with discipline do not need to be told what to do and rarely need a guidance counselor too lead the way.  No one tells a person with discipline when to get up, when to go to work, or what to do when they get there.  This type of person will set his or her own priorities and schedules and meet their own deadlines.

Self-discipline is more powerful than luck, aptitude, or talent, and provides greater results.  Discipline allows you to set your siights on a target and find a way to achieve it.  It will wear down th etoughest opponent and help overcome the greatest obstacles.

Discipline is the primary ingredient to economic success.  If you lack discipline, your chances of success are slim.  Many with outstanding futures and abundant talent have failed when discipline was lacking.

Most unhappiness comes from a lack of discipline.  Society makes millions of dollars a year on those who lack self-control.  You can inherit a million dollars, but without a disciplined plan you will be no better off in a few years.

We live in a society of abundant “starters” but very few “finishers.”

Bill Gray is publisher of the Arizona Journal of Real Estate & Business and president of the Arizona School of Real Estate & Business.

As of now, we have a total of 43,705 single family detached homes on the market.  Our total number of residential listings is at 52,542.  A total of 1053 properties sold between August 18th and August 24th 2008, which was down from the 1200 that sold the previous week.

The average asking price for this week was $409,037 while the average sales price was $238,943 which was a slight increase over the previous week.  It’s time for the market to correct.  Prices over the next 12 months are expected to increase gradually, but not at the rate that we would normally expect of our real estate economy.

We’re currently

at an average of 112 days on market with roughly 9 1/5 months supply of inventory overall.

The world of Real Estate in Arizona is about shift.  July is a big month for the technically savvy agent because our property listing system is being completely overhauled.  But more importantly, it’s a big month for you because the system that you rely on to view property searches is being vastly improved.

Client Gateway is a clunky online system that allows you to see various properties based on searches that I have created for you.  Client Gateway will soon be a think of the past.  The new Flex MLS system enables you to login to a free online “Portal” to your property information.  Through this portal, you have far more information that Client Gateway could ever provide, and the system is much more efficient and responsive.  It’s also fun to use.

Rather than attempt to describe how it works or outline all of the features, I’ve included a link to a video tutorial that you can watch before you get started.

If you’re ready to begin searching for a home and you’d like to have your own personal portal login please complete the form below and I’ll set you up.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

I was recently sent a link to this video which expresses how many of us feel, most of the time, when we’re wired with a flair for creativity. I have that thing.

What Matters to You // Me? from Jr.canest on Vimeo.

Believe it or not, even though you may have heard that lenders have tightened their grip on loans, as long as you meet the conditions of your lender and the Fair Housing Administration, it is very possible to buy a home with nothing down.
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Many real estate licensees have chosen not to be active in the marketplace. The costs associated with running your own business can be more than many wish to handle. What if, even though you aren’t actively selling real estate, you were able to collect a referral fee just for bringing business to the table?

Realty Executives has a referral program for the licensee who doesn’t actively sell real estate but wishes to keep their license. If you’re one of these people, and you still want to make a great income without actually working in real estate, give me a call and I can discuss how it works with Realty Executives.

The basic premise is this. When you come across a potential client, you pass them on to me and I’ll take care of them. As long as you’re part of the Realty Executives referral program, you will receive a referral check. Their program allows you to hang your license in such a way that allows you only to participate in referrals, and it’s very inexpensive.

Interested? Give me a call today and I’ll point you in the right direction.

I stumbled across this video today which shows a lovely experience for an unsuspecting couple looking to buy a home.

I believe that over the next year we will continue to see steady growth in real estate sales. Buyers are finally loosening up their grip on their pocketbooks to wisely invest in a time where the prices are at or near the bottom of the price curve.

It is still a buyer’s market. If you have property, hold on to it, unless you have unique motivation to sell, as history shows that it will increase in value. Remember, when the world is saying the market is awful, it’s time to buy. When the world is saying the market is fantastic, it’s time to sell.

Brandon Stark, our good friend at New Valley Church, will be competing in this Sunday’s Arizona Ironman competition:

Timeline of Events - Note, due to unknown circumstances, we actually have absolutely no way to know how well Brandon will perform. So your best bet is to reserve as much time as you can to cope with parking, which will inevitably be a standard Tempe Town Lake disaster.
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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.