Latest Articles by JKeen http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us Yes, What You Write on the Web Can Hurt You http://www.articletrader.com/internet/yes-what-you-write-on-the-web-can-hurt-you.html http://www.articletrader.com/internet/yes-what-you-write-on-the-web-can-hurt-you.html Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Recently, Kent Haluska, a Realtor from Wisconsin, was convicted of criminal defamation and sentenced to 18 months probation, a 1 year ban on practicing as a Realtor and ordered to pay a $1838 fine.

Authorities have alleged that Haluska had targeted another Realtor, Marina Solo, with comments on ActiveRain.com such as "Russians don't shave their legs or armpits. Therefore, M.S. is very hairy."

While obviously a laugh-a-minute for Mr. Haluska, Ms. Solo was not as impressed with his wit. Neither was the law, as police managed to track Haluska via his IP address and arrested him in his home on May 20, 2008.

Haluska was also accused of using the identities of other agents to post his comments about Ms. Solo and sending letters to her clients, claiming that by employing her as their Realtor, they were funding Russian terrorism.

Aside from the fact that this illustrates that Haluska has some issues that definitely need to be addressed ASAP, this also makes a powerful statement about what we Realtors blog about and how we treat others.

The Internet, while it physically separates people from each other when they are engaged in communication, does not separate one from the law. Threats and insults on the Internet are starting to carry as much weight as those that are hand written or spray painted or shouted across a crowded room.

What Haluska was accused of doing is not something that most Realtors are going to have the time and inclination to do. However, we can all take note of how we address those people whom we personally dislike or professionally disagree with. It takes only a moment to reread one's post and only a few minutes to walk away from it and come back to peruse it, looking for things that not only expose one to ridicule, can also expose one to legal action.

The Internet gives many people a false sense of security. However, unless one is an Internet whiz and has the power to leap firewalls in a single bound, there always is a trail that is left. Make sure that it's a trail that you want to have leading back to your keyboard.

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For great information on the Atlanta real estate market and for incredible Atlanta MLS listings, and to browse homes and properties for sale, visit RealSourceBrokers.com and its team of Atlanta Realtors. Their site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.




Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> It's Not About You! Using Your Website To Market Yourself As A Realtor http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/its-not-about-you-using-your-website-to-market-yourself-as-a-realtor.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/its-not-about-you-using-your-website-to-market-yourself-as-a-realtor.html Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500
"But, hey, it's my website... isn't it supposed to be about me?" Not at first. You are not selling yourself to the client - you are selling an easy, safer obtainment of their hoped-for lifestyles. You're not so much selling the sticks and mortar of a home as you are marketing a certain lifestyle to your clients. If you can show them what they want to know immediately on your web site, they have more of an incentive to look further.

Clients want to get what they're looking for as quickly as possible. Make it easy for them with a cleanly designed site. If you don't have the knowledge or the time to acquire it, a company specializing in real estate web design is a good investment. Let other people do the work of setting up a great page that looks professional!

Listings is what most people are looking for. If you make these easy to access and search, it maximizes the likelihood that people will stick around and check out what else you can offer them. Give them what they want and use that to lead them to other parts of your site.

Your front page is where you showcase what you can do for your client. This is not the place for a huge picture of your, your family, or your Siberian tiger. A small picture of you is good. Leave the rest of the space for all the scintillating details of how you can make your client's real estate transaction the best experience since that first bite of chocolate cake.

Good content on your site means higher rankings from search engines and, consequently, more leads. Take the time to talk about what you do and why you like doing it. Tell people what to look for and avoid when buying their first home. Hold forth on the value of home inspections. If you're not up on the spelling and grammar, check with someone who does know. Your friendly web design company may well have someone on staff who can edit your information and optimize it to catch the attention of those beady-eyed little Googlebots.

When it comes to your About You page, don't be shy about including some personal details, like your avid fishing passion or hobby of breeding ornamental clams. The person reading your site may well share your interests and decide that they want someone who they can talk with about them while driving from house to house. This is the place for a larger, tasteful photo of you and your pet anaconda or collection of vintage motorcycles.

The key to marketing yourself on your website is not to market yourself, but what you can do for your client. Spreading your personality around the website is fine in small quantities, but the best way to obtain leads is providing a well laid out site with quality content that attracts the attention of search engine and reader alike.

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For great information on the Atlanta real estate market and for incredible Intown Atlanta real estate listings, and to browse homes and properties for sale, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.




Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> The Office at Home http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-office-at-home.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-office-at-home.html Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Working and living at home is becoming so popular that some construction companies are even building brand new homes to an office/home design.

Each office has its own entrance that is separate from the family entrance. It also has its own high speed internet access, shelving and plush carpeting; you may also prefer to have a bathroom in the immediate vicinity.

More people are turning toward this solution, especially if they bought a home out in the suburbs just before the price of gas rose. In planning a home office, one of the first questions to ask is: will clients be coming to visit me here, or is this office to be just 'my space'?

If the office is just your space, you can easily adapt a landing, a small closet or a stairwell, but if you will be greeting people at your office, it must obviously be big enough and private enough.

Dealing with the bigger office first, if you are serious about this, the family home area will be relegated to second place, with the office entrance having at least equal importance at the front of the house.

Allowing the entranceway to lead into a small anteroom or hallway will mean that you will have privacy in your office if someone arrives when you are already engaged with another visitor or on a telephone call.

Do not skimp too much on setting up. For instance, your own business telephone line will be useful as well as a cell phone, and caller ID on both of them will save your precious time.Once you have chosen filing cabinets and a desk that suits your space and your needs, you can 'set up' your equipment.

Choose carefully between a desk top and a lap top to go with your printer, and if you will need written confirmation you will also need a fax. Once these are in place, you are nearly ready to go.

Regardless of whether you choose a big office or a little nook somewhere, you may qualify for tax relief. In 1999 the IRS changed the 'home as office' definition for tax purposes. This is to allow workers who work outside the home but actually do their paperwork and billing from the home, to still qualify for some percentage.

If your office space uses one tenth of your house, and you claim 10% of your home depreciation, you can also claim 10% of home insurance and utilities etc. In order to claim, you must be able to show one room that you use 'exclusively' and 'regularly' for your office use. However, this has been previously acceptable to the IRS that the same room has actually been a dining room, so it may easier to claim than you think.

Before you happily adopt this idea, it may be wise to consult a tax expert, because any amount of your home that you have claimed as home/office tax deduction may be later calculated in any capital gains investment you make on the same home.

However, the Government does allow each person a $250,000 tax free profit margin on the capital gains allowance, so it is worth looking into.

Once you have decided, you just need to put up the sign outside your home, turn your front yard over to car parking and you are ready to go.

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For great information on the Atlanta real estate market and for incredible Decatur real estate listings, and to browse homes and properties for sale, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.




Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Virtual Home Staging: Innovation or Misrepresentation? http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/virtual-home-staging-innovation-or-misrepresentation.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/virtual-home-staging-innovation-or-misrepresentation.html Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
One of the trends that has emerged recently has been to showcase homes online using virtual staging techniques rather than traditional in-house staging. Using a computer program, virtual home stagers are able to take a picture of a home and alter it any way they like. This can involve everything from changing wall colors to moving around furniture.

Fans of this technique say that virtual staging is far more cost-effective than traditional home staging, which can be expensive and time consuming for sellers. With a few clicks of a mouse, a room can be transformed from dingy to delectable.

Properties that benefit the most from this technology are the vacant homes that have no furnishings or personal touches. Empty houses can prove difficult to promote via photographs. All that buyers see in the pictures are four white and carpeting. It's very difficult for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the property because it appears so cold and uninviting.

In addition, many empty houses look alike when photographed. Architectural features can get overwhelmed by the lack of personality in the room, and buyers can't see the home's true potential.

With virtual staging however, you can easily add elegant furniture and area rugs in order to personalize the space. Buyers will see a home that is welcoming and homey, which is exactly what they're looking for.

Opponents say that virtual home staging is deceptive and unethical. A buyer sees a perfectly staged and decorated home on the internet, but when they see the property in person, they're disappointed. It is then up to the real estate agent to explain that the listing showed only a computer-generated version of the home--essentially showing the home's potential rather than its present reality.

But if virtual staging is seen as deceptive, is it really any more misleading than traditional staging techniques? When you hire a home staging professional, they come to your home and either rearrange your items to make the property more appealing, or else they bring in their own furniture--props if you will--to make the space look its best.

Another part of the debate is where do you draw the line? If it's okay to change the window treatments to something nicer, is it all right to erase wall cracks and other flaws? What if you want to add virtual furniture to a room? If the furniture you select isn't to scale with the true dimensions of the house, you could make the rooms appear to have more space than they actually do.

It's important for agents who decide to use this technology to be very aware of how they use it and what their intentions are. If adding faux furniture to an empty room can get buyers to view the property in person, then that's fine. When you start to alter the image of the house itself in order to make it look like something it's not, that's when you're crossing the ethical line.

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For great information on the Atlanta real estate market and for incredible Winnona Park real estate listings, and to browse homes and properties for sale, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.




Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Create Good Vibrations to Sell Your Home http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/create-good-vibrations-to-sell-your-home.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/create-good-vibrations-to-sell-your-home.html Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Feng Shui is about arranging buildings or objects so that they are in harmony with the world around it. This careful placement of items is believed to increase the positive energy of a room. While Feng Shui has been around for centuries, it is still relatively new here in the West. Getting started with the practice can be intimidating for beginners, as there are many things to consider when deciding where to place your furniture or what colors to use. Below are a few simple tricks you can employ today to get started on the path to positive chi, and to selling your home.

One of the first steps to take when you want to improve the chi, or energy, of your home is to make sure that there's plenty of visual and physical open space. Clean up the clutter and keep books, CD's, and other trinkets in cupboards or in decorative containers. You don't want to see everything in plain view, because this creates visual distraction. When everything is put in its proper place and hidden from view, the room will feel calmer. Television sets for instance, emit a great deal of energy which should be contained, so if at all possible, keep your TV in an entertainment center that has doors. As an added bonus, potential buyers will see that you have plenty of room to store your personal effects, and they won't feel overwhelmed by your belongings.

Keep very little on your shelves, and only display cherished items that bring a sense of joy or serenity to the room. This will make the room appear bigger, and the energy will be happy and inviting.

Corners that point towards you are believed to send out "poison arrows," which destroy positive energy. Try to have round tables rather than square or rectangle. If this is not possible, consider adding plants with rounded leaves to the room to soften sharp edges. Alternatively, drape soft flowing fabric overtop anything with pointy corners and such. This will literally soften the energy of the room and make it feel much more welcoming.

Place mirrors in strategic places around your home to create the feeling of a larger space. Do not place a mirror across from a door, or else you'll be reflecting the positive energy rather than allowing it to come inside. Many Feng Shui consultants also suggest that it's a bad idea to place mirrors in the bedroom because they are too stimulating for a place of rest. They're also thought to be bad luck and romance-killing if placed in the bedroom, so beware!

Feng Shui is a very complicated art form, and requires a great deal of study if you want to truly master it. However, with just a few simple adjustments to your decor, you can have a significant impact on the atmosphere of your home. Once you generate some positive chi in your home, buyers will be drawn to it.

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Joshua Keen is an Atlanta GA real estate agent with Real Source Brokers. To search for new homes for sale in Decatur, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Making Real Estate Accessible for Everyone: Working for Clients with Disabilities http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/making-real-estate-accessible-for-everyone-working-for-clients-with-disabilities.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/making-real-estate-accessible-for-everyone-working-for-clients-with-disabilities.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
These buyers may have a number of pre-existing conditions that limit not only their health and independence, but also the amount of income they have coming in. There are special financial and physical considerations to be aware of, so it's imperative that real estate agents know how to meet the needs of these buyers with sensitivity and respect, and to find their clients the home that's right for them.

Understand their needs:

Because every buyer has a unique set of needs that must be accommodated, it's important to get to know your client well, and to fully understand what issues might come up in the home buying process. Do they depend on a mobility device to get around? If so, you need to look for houses with doorways and hallways that are wide enough to fit wheelchairs and walkers.

Do they have limited strength and flexibility? Then you need to find a home that will require very little yard maintenance. A condo might be the best option for someone who has difficulty moving around, as they won't have to worry about keeping up the yard or doing structural repairs and such. The properties you choose to show your clients must be manageable for them, so be aware of their needs before you start your search.

Do your buyers need to be near services such as doctors, banks, and grocery stores? If so, then you should look for properties that are either very close to these amenities, or are located on a bus route. Buyers with disabilities need to be able to run errands and get to appointments with ease and independence. Showing your buyer a house in the country won't meet their long term needs, as they'll have to depend on someone else to drive them into town. Services they require on a regular basis should be close at hand so that they can come and go as needed.

Ask yourself: why do they want to buy a home?

Like other people who decide to enter the real estate market, buyers with disabilities are looking for a way to build equity and gain some financial independence. Because many buyers with disabilities have lived in institutions, group homes, or with their families, it can be very empowering to finally have something of their own. Buying a home will also enable these buyers to leave something behind for their loved ones when they pass away, which is another very important reason to buy a home.

Freedom and independence are two of the most powerful motivators for home buyers with disabilities, as up till now they've had to live according to the rules of other people, whether it's their families or their caregivers. By having a home of their own, they are able to assert their independence and make decisions for themselves. This is a powerful moment in any adult's life, so it's important to remember when dealing with your clients. You need to understand their reasons to wanting a house of their own so that you can better assist them in finding just the right one.

Can they afford to buy a home?

You will need to look into financial assistance that is available for buyers with disabilities, as well as find out how much income your buyers are already receiving. In some cases there is a limit to how much money a person can receive in income or aid, before losing their disability benefits. It's a good idea for you to be well-versed in this area so you can better advise your client. You will also want to have your client pre-approved for a home loan before you start house shopping. Knowing ahead of time about their financial situation and any red tape you'll encounter will make the buying process much quicker and easier for everyone involved.

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For great information on the Atlanta real estate market and for incredible East Atlanta real estate listings, and to browse homes and properties for sale, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Container Gardening for the Condo Homesteader http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/container-gardening-for-the-condo-homesteader.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/container-gardening-for-the-condo-homesteader.html Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Evaluate your space before you purchase gardening supplies and plants. Some plants can do well in smaller containers, but need more sunlight. Some need larger containers, but can be grown with little sunlight. Herbs, for example, can be grown in small containers, but need at least 5, preferably more, hours of sunlight. Leafy greens, like lettuce, need less sunlight.

You can put plants in just about any container; however the container should allow for adequate drainage with either a pot-in-a-pot setup, or a pot with gravel at the bottom that allows water to run through the soil instead of staying. Different container materials have different properties - plastic and terra cotta can weaken after long exposure to the sun, for instance. Extend the life of planters and avoid unsightly floor stains by lifting your containers off the ground with plant stands or wire shelves. It might be a good idea to place something - even a decorative mat - underneath this set-up to catch any drips. A rolling platform that allows you to move your plants easily around the room is another option.

Planter size is very important. Your container plants need adequate room for their roots to expand. Consider having a few plants share a big pot, which will enable their roots to grow and save you space. Roses and garlic are a good example of two plants who get on very well with each other. Plus, it gives your planter a more interesting appearance. Mixing vegetables, fruit and ornamental plants can change a ho-hum grown-for-food planter into something really stellar. Ask the advice of staff at a nursery for more information on compatible plants.

Think creatively when choosing plants. Many practical plants can be hung in planters and allowed to trail tantalizingly over the side, giving an ordinary vegetable an exotic look. One example is a Time Magazine "best invention", an upside down planter that can be used to grow many vegetables and herbs in an unusual, attractive way. You can find it at hangingtomato.com. You may want to buy or make some cages or trellises for some plants to climb on. Shelves can also allow you to place more plants in less room.

Your soil should be light and sandy, giving the roots plenty of air. You can purchase suitable pre-mixed soil or make your own out of 1 part peat moss, 1 part loam, 1 part (clean) sand and the appropriate amount of fertilizer (check the bag).

Make sure you water! The climate inside and just outside your covered balcony is not the same as the climate in a conventional garden! Learn how much water your plants need and water accordingly. Many plants suffer from under watering. Try the finger test; stick your finger in your plant's soil - if it's moist, you're probably good.

Talk to the staff of your local nursery for advice on starting out with container plants. With a little investment of time and money, you can have a lush garden in your apartment/condo/townhouse that contributes to a restful atmosphere and provides you with fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables.

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For great information on the Atlanta real estate market and for incredible Intown Atlanta real estate listings, and to browse homes and properties for sale, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Buying a Foreclosed Property: What's Going to be Left Behind? http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/buying-a-foreclosed-property-whats-going-to-be-left-behind.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/buying-a-foreclosed-property-whats-going-to-be-left-behind.html Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Homes that have gone into foreclosure are often in some distress for months or years before they are actually sold to new owners. A homeowner concerned with just making the mortgage payment is going to put off having the pipes fixed or the roof replaced. Insist on a full home inspection, roof inspection, etc. The money you spend on these is going to save you a lot when you know that there are no termites threatening to collapse the structure or a roof that is going to crash into the living room.

Be aware of hidden liens that the seller "forgets" to tell you about. A second mortgage may go into default, leaving the first intact - and needing to be paid. There are also issues like legal disputes that some former homeowners will walk away from, leaving you to deal with the problems. The same goes for houses that have been declared nuisance properties and/or have been the target of legal action to force the owners to clean them up. You might be liable if you don't immediately start renovating.

Homes that look nice upon first inspection can be victims of the former homeowners or vandals removing fixtures and/or completely stripping the house of all appliances, fixtures, and even elements of the house itself, like copper wiring and wood. In some cases, in a fit of misplaced anger, the former homeowners try to damage the house out of no other motive than to cost the new owners time and money, not to mention dismay. Some owners will even leave pets behind to starve or attack unsuspecting realtors, inspectors, or new owners.

Legal action against former homeowners are also difficult - if they didn't have the money to pay the mortgage, they probably don't have any to pay for court-ordered restitution. However, as the number of foreclosures skyrockets, home owners insurance companies are starting to get ruthless about prosecuting people who vandalize the houses they are forced to vacate.

The law varies from state to state on how long a former owner can remain on the property after it has been sold. Some states allow redemption periods, where the former owner can, if possessing enough capital, buy back their house for the price that it went at auction or higher. This is an uncomfortable piece of legislation for new owners who are not aware of this law and merrily start renovating; the former owners could buy back the house right from under them.

A very difficult situation occurs when the former homeowners refuse to leave the property. At this point, owners may be dealing with desperate people who don't have much more to lose. Don't try to force your way onto your property if the person is belligerent or aggressive. Document all contact with the former owner and any other people who might be living on the property. Contact a lawyer that specializes in real estate for more information on how to handle things in your state and county.

Your good fortune in finding a house that is priced very moderately is someone else's bad fortune. By all means, have sympathy for the people who are having to relinquish their house and face financial issues as a result of defaulting on their loan. However, do not let this turn you into a free hostel or acquiesce to unreasonable arrangements. They failed at paying their loan and, whether or not they are a "hard luck" case, they will have to shoulder the consequences. You're already doing them a favor by shouldering the mortgage.

A foreclosure often comes about with a lot of distress on the part of the former home owner. Make sure that this distress is not targeted at you through the treatment of the property. If you invest in a foreclosure, make sure you're prepared to deal with the less appealing side of these properties.

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For great information on the Atlanta real estate market and for incredible Buckhead homes and condos, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Renovating Your Home the Environmentally Friendly Way http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/renovating-your-home-the-environmentally-friendly-way.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/renovating-your-home-the-environmentally-friendly-way.html Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
If you're selling your home and want an interesting way to attract buyers, promoting your home as environmentally friendly can help bring in offers. People are more environmentally aware these days, and anything that is seen as a "better choice" is popular. It stands to reason that if you go the ecological route, you might snag more offers.

- Shop Local for Tools and Supplies

Buy from local stores. If you can, patronize local manufacturers of furniture and other household items. Why pay for something that took a lot of fuel to transport when you can buy it locally? You'll contribute to your community and help sustain the businesses of local people.

- Repair Instead of Replacement

Repairing and repainting will waste less material than buying a completely new item in many cases. Replace if you have to, but look at repair first. Most of the time, it's cheaper, too.

- Buy Energy-Efficient Replacements

If you have to replace anything in your renovations, go for Energy Star qualified products. The website energystar.gov will show you a large number of appliances and equipment that are energy-efficient.

- Buy Recycled and Low-VOC Paint

If you're repainting, check out the many options in environmentally-friendly and recycled paint available today. It used to be that paint was only available new, but now there are companies recycling unused paint and cans. Look for low amounts of Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your paint, primer, adhesive,

- Lay Sustainable Floors

Putting down new flooring? Consider bamboo or another sustainable material. Be aware that not all homes are suitable for all types of materials and choose your floor accordingly. Make sure that any prospective buyers are aware of any special care the floor needs. Reclaimed wood is another option.

- Erect Sustainable Fencing

Bamboo fences can last up to 20 years and have an attractive look to them. Willow fencing lasts about 10 years and can be purchased in rolls that accommodate curves in a yard easily. Reclaimed wood is another option that will provide you with attractive fencing that lasts for years. There are also new options in recycled fencing available.

- Clean Green

Use "green" cleaning supplies. Many of them, like orange oil cleaners, leave a pleasant scent in the home. Baking soda is a great scrubbing powder that doesn't give off noxious fumes. Don't use room sprays; they don't smell as great as the companies that make them tell you they do. Bake bread or burn a SMALL amount of essential oil to infuse the air with a pleasing smell.

- Think light

Install energy efficient lights and consider solar panels and strategically placed windows that allow you to make the most of the sun's natural light.

These are just a few ideas to help get you started. Visit your local green store or environmental action group to get more ideas for your green home renovation.

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For great information on the Atlanta real estate market and for incredible Avondale Estates Atlanta homes for sale, and to browse homes and properties for sale, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Stress Relief Tips for Real Estate Agents http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/stress-relief-tips-for-real-estate-agents.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/stress-relief-tips-for-real-estate-agents.html Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500
A little bit of stress can be invigorating, like when you take on a new client who has a difficult property to sell. While you may feel a bit overwhelmed at first, soon your creative juices start flowing, and you see this task as a challenge to overcome. You're able to figure out innovative ways to market the property, and learn a few lessons along the way. This is positive stress.

Negative stress comes when there is a constant stream of challenging situations, and little sense of control and stability. Right now news headlines declare that foreclosure rates are skyrocketing, property values are plummeting, and that we're in heading into a recession. This can make anyone feel scared and unsure about her future in this industry. There is a looming sense of dread and unknowing, and this can lead to agents becoming burnt out very quickly.

Of course the more stress you're under, the more you feel the effects physically. Fatigue, headaches, and depression can take hold, which only exacerbates the problem. If you're tired all the time, your ability to think creatively is negated by your physical and mental exhaustion. Your inability to look at things in a more positive light makes it harder to come up with innovative solutions to problems, which then leads to poor performance and less income. Naturally this leads to more depression, and the cycle continues.

To get off this hamster wheel, you need to take care of your mental health at all times, not just when the market is slow. Get into the habit of taking time for hobbies and family activities, as these distractions will help re-energize you in the workplace. Get outside as much as possible, as sunlight is known to have positive effects on mood. Being around nature, even if it's just a small city park, will work wonders on your mood, and will help your brain to reboot.

Exercise is a classic stress reducer, so be sure to move a little bit every day. This can include activities such as golf and racquetball, salsa dancing lessons, or walks on the beach. As long as you are active, your brain pumps out stress relieving endorphins, which will improve your mood throughout the day, as well as keep your immune system functioning well.

In the office, try to have plants around. They not only emit fresh oxygen into the room, but they also help to make you feel more connected with nature. In addition, the sound of a fountain or aquarium in the background can also be very soothing and aesthetically pleasing. If you can, bring in pictures or ornaments that make you happy. One woman in the industry keeps a miniature Zen garden at her desk, complete with a smiling Buddha figurine. Every time she gets stressed, she looks at the Buddha's jovial little face, and instantly feels calmer.

Little steps can add up to big changes. Exercising, getting outside, and making sure that you have a fulfilling life outside of work will help you immensely when it comes to dealing with stress. Other ideas include journaling, getting regular massages, or surrounding your home with nice smelling candles and classical music. All these simple things can all help shift your brain from being in a state of fight-or-flight, to being receptive and calm.

Once you're able to block out some of the work stress, you will be able to look at the present market conditions as being a challenge that you can rise to. The more breathing space that you give your brain, the more exciting ideas and innovating selling techniques it will give you in return.

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Joshua Keen is an Atlanta GA real estate agent with Real Source Brokers. To search Inman Park and Decatur real estate listings or for information on homes in Midtown, Atlantic Station and Buckhead, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.




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