Obsessed: The Book

CHAPTER ONE: 

Introduction  Eeek, I am so excited! The thought of someone on the other side of these words as I write them fascinates me. Congrats on wanting to educate yourself!  

I wrote this book all by my Onesie! Why is that important? Well, keep in mind (especially given the current trend in Real Estate right now) I didn’t merely PUBLISH this book, I wrote it. Be leery of Agents who have chosen to be lazy (grrr) and hire a service to put their picture and contact information on a dust cover, wrap it around a canned, mass-produced, generic book so they can market themselves as “authors.”  

These are my words (except the ones my Editor decides to change), thoughts and opinions (which are TOTALLY based on facts).  Speaking of my thoughts, I have written this book in a style similar to how the thoughts appear in my head. You’re welcome and I’m sorry all at the same time. 

 Some insight on me:  I’m old. Not “clutching an autographed copy of the Bible” old, but I’ve been around for more than a minute. In my lifetime, I have always been curious about the “why” of things in life. I like (read: LOVE) the organization of things and making sure everyone has the most information possible when making a decision. 

 As a child, I would “play” in my bedroom with my stuffed animals. Sounds normal so far, but wait. I owned one “business suit” as a child. It was a snappy number: mustard-yellow plaid that consisted of a vest, mustard-colored shirt, and pants (bell bottoms, of course). Growing up, I was one of 3 girls and the closest thing my parents had to a son - no dresses for this girl. 

 AHH, THAT SUIT! I would spend DAYS on end organizing my “team” of stuffed animals. Seating charts, picking partners, getting feedback from each “person” in the group, making charts and doing what would be considered “vision boards” in modern society. What was I “planning?” How we were going to play.  By the time the ‘80s rolled around, I felt Alex P. Keaton was behind the times (and perhaps someone had been following me around in my childhood and watching me). I miss that suit. 

 Fast forward to my educational years.  I’ve  always wanted to know why and understand everything; I wanted to excel at learning.  College was the same.  I spent 3 years in college doing stand-up. Why? Not as a “creative” outlet per se. It was so I could understand what people thought “funny” was  (and depending on the night sometimes what they considered funny was me, and sometimes IT WAS NOT).  I learned a lot!  As an adult, I like to combine my training as a failed comedian and my love for the “why” in life into everything I do.  

OK so how is this important to you, my reader (and new best friend)? I have taken the guesswork out of what is essentially a blind item: Real Estate Transactions.  I have spent my entire life preparing for this moment, the moment you open (and crack the binder) on this book.  This book is packed with information.  I’ll admit, as much as I tried not to “get in the weeds” with technical jargon and (gasp) math, it happens a few times. The funny parts are meant to be funny; it’s ok to laugh at me, if needed. 

  Because I am so very passionate about Real Estate knowledge and sharing that knowledge, I can get wordy.   If the words are too big or the chapters are too long, I’ve included a TL:DR at the end. The basics of the book, in bullet points.  My primary objective is to ALWAYS educate my clients. I want you to know everything I know about Real Estate:  A. So you can make your own educated Real Estate Decision (RED) and 2. So that you know when someone is lying to you or is possibly not experienced enough to guide you through the process of your transaction.  

 I obtained my Real Estate license back in the early 1990’s (at the age of 8, just kidding.) I was filled with wonder. I practice in Massachusetts. Please keep that in mind if you are in a different State. Some things apply nationally, others do not.  I would like to think common sense is allowed to cross State lines, but one never knows.  My entire Real Estate career has been centered on education. I have worked with and for home ownership focused non-profits for over 20 years. I was formally on the Board of Directors of two non–profits that focused on homeownership and education. I have a heavy mortgage background and can speak in ‘All Regs’ Guidelines like a second language. (I also have a spreadsheet of investor overlays to Fannie and Freddie based programs that is COLOR coded. If you have no idea what that means, congratulations, you probably live a normal life!) 

 I was lucky enough to be part of the original “Credit For Life Fair” that is now a national program for high schoolers (thank you Leo MacNeil). I am certified through Money Management International and Consumer Credit Counseling Services for credit counseling.  I have personally taught over 200 First Time Home Buyer Seminars. As part of the home buyer seminars my “job” was to review, analyze, and develop a plan for all attendees as needed with regards to their credit profile and plan for home ownership. I have done some consulting for national non-profits in relation to the implementation of their online education courses. Aside from being fun at parties, this means I know Real Estate (but I only know Real Estate.) 

 I am a ‘wannabe’ runner. One of my proudest accomplishments is that I am a Marathoner. My first (and please for the love of all things holy, my last) marathon was the 2019 Boston Marathon. I was a charity runner (Go Team BMC, Get it!) I also hold the distinction of being the LAST official marathon finisher for the race (go ahead, Google it, I’ll wait….). Well, if you are not impressed by that, let me pass on a bit of advice: trust your training. This proved to be an invaluable mantra that propelled my injured leg through 26.2 glorious miles in Boston that fine spring day. Homeownership is a marathon, not a sprint. Trust the process, listen to your coaches, and know that the finish line will be there when you get there and it will be glorious. 

 Regardless of where you are in your Real Estate journey, take the time to understand your options. Surround yourself with a great Team of knowledgeable and experienced people who can guide you through the process. If you happen to be interviewing for Team positions, let me know. I would love to earn your business and show you how

 I‘M OBSESSED WITH YOUR SUCCESS!                                   

My best to you!

Red