Each real estate magazine is offered online as well as in hard copy. We currently distribute over 8,000 copies of each magazine throughout northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. Online magazines (and those on the ground in hard copy) are updated monthly. For advertising inquiries, please call us at 866-967-2011.

The founding of the Boise office is part of U.S. Cybertek’s ongoing plan to recruit the brightest and best personnel available. Expansion in the company has been planned so that they may continue to provide the best quality services and support, to both new and existing clients. Because of the economic turbulence many business have experienced in the past several years, we here at U.S. Cybertek are doing everything possible to give clients the support and tools they need to maintain and grow their businesses.

We all know one. The Realtor that has been around forever (or at least since the Jurassic era) that insists on doing everything the “old school way”. You know. . . . the person that once told you that computers were a plot by the Nazis to infiltrate American homes and brain wash the unsuspecting public? Ya, that one! Lets talk about them.

Being a member of the “younger generation” I grew up around computers. In fact, my dad likes to joke that my first toy was DOS. If you don’t know what that is A) I pity you, and B) wikipedia.org .  I love computers of all kinds and I think that operating systems are a thing of beauty (except windows vista, which really is a plot by the Nazi’s) which should be understood and appreciated by all. I also get the fact that there are those of you out there snickering into your ties and saying “She’s such a geek!” Well this geek has some advice, Modernize! . . . Or join your Jurassic roots and become extinct! So let’s clarify a bit before we start. . . .

NO, computers are not a Nazi scheme! (Or a portal for Alien mind control, Or a Russian Spy device, Or from the Devil, Or eventually going to take over the world. . . etc)

NO, Al Gore did NOT invent the Internet!

NO, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are NOT in cahoots to take over the world. (I kinda like this one though!) And neither is Mark Zuckerberg! (Facebook)

YES, computers are essential tools for Realtors.

And last but not least. . .

YES! You must learn to use one! (And by that I mean MUCH more than finding the ON button!)

Dealing with anything new is often frightening; and to a lot of people, computers are terrifying. There is so much to learn and so many new things to keep up with that newbies often feel completely overwhelmed, so instead of trying to keep up they decide not to deal with the problem at all. Well, let’s get started on the road to modernization, shall we?

Here are a few ideas to make the process a little less painful, and maybe even lessen that learning curve a little.

1. Read The Manuals! Yep, that’s right, you really do need to read the manuals your first time out. Then don’t toss them away once you finish! It is great to have something to refer to if you get really stuck. BTW, AR does in fact have a manual. . . it’s here.

2. Shanghai A Younger Person. Everyone knows someone that it at least a little bit tech savvy. So beg, borrow, bribe or lie, cheat, steal (though I don’t recommend these ones!) and even fix the government if you have to, but find a “study buddy”. Someone who knows what they are doing makes a HUGE difference.

3.Take Classes. Most colleges offer classes on a wide variety of computer subjects, everything from Computer 101 (“Here is the ON button”) to Social Media Management classes. (How to use Facebook, Twitter, Hoot-suite, etc.) If you don’t want to actually attend a class you can take them online or there are even whole CD/DVD series devoted to helping people learn to use their computers and the Internet.

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help. I have literally been around computers my whole life, but I still get stuck once in a while. A new piece of technology will come along or there will be a term that I am not familiar with that pops up and . . . Thump! I hit a proverbial wall. I have to then swallow my pride, and ask someone for help. Honestly, just ask someone! People here on AR are really great about answering your questions, no matter how silly they seem to you! (Thanks again, Jenna!) There are tons of super nice people out there who are more than willing to lend you a helping hand . . . Why? Because most of them have been there themselves.

There are many, many, MANY more things I could add here, but to what point? These are the important just-getting-started basics, and throwing too much at anyone at one time does nothing more than make a mess. So, good luck and happy modernization!

Ah, Monday! That most gloriously loathed and maliciously maligned beginning day of the week. We complain, whine, snivel, bellyache, rant, rave and shout at the heavens in our frustration. “Arrrg!” We piratically growl, “It’s Monday!”

Why not switch it around?

“WHAT???” you gasp in horror, “Have Monday’s be a GOOD day? Surely you jest?”

No, my stereotypically steeped friend, I do not. What if instead of dreading the coming of the work week, we viewed it as a new beginning? Viewing Monday as a gold mine of opportunities and exciting challenges, instead of the traditionally despised dragging of ones self back to our weekly servitude of the common man, changes everything.

So, can a small (for some people, a large!) attitude adjustment really make such a massive difference? You bet your bahooky it can! Having a positive attitude makes all the difference in the world. It’s like the difference between having a lint covered, old lollipop that you found in your pocket . . . after you washed your jeans, and having someone give you the key to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and telling you to go nuts. It changes everything.

Life is what you make of it, which means the world is your apple. You get to decide if it is a golden one. . . or if it is rotten and full of worms. You are the only one with the power to decide how your life is going to turn out, not me, not your mom and most definitely not Dr. Phil! (And yes, I do have a marked dislike of the man, but since hostility is my friend and ever cheerful companion, it’s OK.)

Go on, join in the revolution that is Monday! Grab your superstitious fears and pessimistic attitudes with both hands, smash them into a ball, and get ready for a whole new ball game! You make the rules for the New Monday, so let your aptitudes shine and prepare to dazzle them with your best game face and lightening pitch.

Join the mayhem and I’ll see you at the after party.

All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts.

How does this relate to real estate? Think about it for a second in terms of a Realtor’s life and work.

Is your job as a Realtor ever really finished? No. I once heard a Realtor remark that there are no such things as “past clients”,
there are only current clients and prospective clients because you are never really done with a client once you start.

As a Realtor you play many roles for your clients, selling their house, finding them a new one, aiding them in finding the best fit for their
lifestyle and family, helping them navigate the tricky business of negotiating for the house of their dreams, and so many more things.
Also as a Realtor you are many things to your clients and carry the burden of many responsibilities, all with a smile on your face.
Sometimes Realtors have to be the best of actors, smiling and speaking kind words when you really hit the end of your patience hours ago.
But it is all for the client, for the best interest of their well being and happiness, so you smile on.

Why do you do it? Because you care. Money is all well and good, but with the stress and strife the business of real estate is riddled with you really
have to love it to stay in it. I have been told that there are few things more satisfying than closing a deal and finding that perfect house for your clients.
The sense of satisfaction in seeing a job well done and your clients happy is your goal. But with the triumphs must come the tragedies, and the sinking
feeling of know a deal will not go through or the frustration of an unreasonable client only serves to make your successes all that much sweeter.

So go on, take to your stage and grab hold of your role as a Realtor with both hands and give it your best!
The world is your stage and your audience is waiting.

(I have a 4 year old that thinks she’s a parrot and therefore I have an exceptionally clean mouth, but yes I know what most people say!

Usually this saying is uttered in relief that the work week is over, well almost, and fun, freedom from clients and relaxation is not far off. It makes us dread the coming Morose Monday and live in fear of the seemingly endless work week after the weekend. Not such a good thing.

So why not change it?

Instead of thinking “Yes it’s Friday, this week is almost over!“, why not switch it around to “Yes it’s Friday, time to be fearless and give it my all so Monday will be that much better!”

Instead of rushing through your duties and getting out of the office as fast as possible, take a few minutes to stop and consider what it is that makes you dread your work week.

Is it your clients? If so maybe you need to weed out some of them. Nothing destroys your love of being a Realtor faster than toxic clients. Coach Patti Kouri posted a fantastic blog on that very subject today. Check it out!

It is your Co-Realtors? Having difficulties with someone at the office? Or someone involved in another office? Take some time to think about why, then schedule a sit down (Lunch or coffee might help the situation) to talk about it. They probably have no idea there is an issue. Just be sure not to verbally attack them, no matter how annoying they have been. Honesty and open communication does wonders for making the work place a better environment for everyone.

It is you? We all get discouraged from time to time. The economy is a little more difficult than usual right now and businesses, and the people in them, are feeling it. Trouble at home can also be a huge cause of stress that can carry over to work, leading to decreased productivity. Or maybe you are just feeling dissatisfied with your job. Whatever the reason your will to work is suffering, if you let it keep getting to you it can make your life . . . well. . . heck.!

Take a few minutes to remember all the things you love about your job, then write them down and put them where you can see them often, it will help, trust me! At home. . . well, I’m no Dr. Phil (and, sorry, but I think he’s kind of an idiot anyway). Just realize that if problems at home are affecting your work, that they are getting pretty big and need your immediate attention. Work should never be used as an escape from home, it’s the other way around, the rest of the world goes smoother when all is well on the home front.

So take today and give it your all. Make this the first of many, many Fearless Friday’s, and see what magic happens!

Like it or not, what we look like is a huge part of our career.

I’m not saying that we have to look like Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt (wouldn’t that be nice though!) to be successful in the real estate business, but we do need to be able to give our prospective clients some idea of what to expect. Why? When choosing a Realtor people want something to identify with, not just a voice over the phone or an email address. The minute you can put a name with a face there is a connection. If they have an image of you smiling in their heads, then they are much more likely to work with you than if a blank is all that comes to mind. So lets increase our chances of success as a Realtor, just buy adding a good picture.

Here are a few “Must Do’s” for profile photos . . .

1. Smile. Having a smile on your face will let people know you are friendly, besides we all look our best when we are happy.

2. Dress nicely. Looking professional in your picture will let prospective clients know you are serious about what you do.

3. Grooming. You can wear a three piece suit and still look like a slob. Tidy hair and a shave (or good trimming) are essential for you gents. Ladies, a bit of make up and neat locks are key. Don’t go overboard, just look nice.

4. Relax. If you are unhappy and tense in your photo, it shows. Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about showing people who you really are.

Profile pictures don’t need to be professionally taken, though that is a option. Simply a nice photo of your smiling face is all that is needed. This is the picture that current clients, prospective clients and your peers are going to associate you with, so just be your best professional self and you will be fine.

Now that we have covered the basics of what to do, there are a few “DO NOT DO’s” that need to be covered. . .

1. Inappropriate photos. You may look like a million bucks in a bikini, but your clients don’t need to know that. They also don’t need to know about your vacation to Las Vegas last year or that you have tattoos in interesting places. Please! Think professional.

2. Photos of your pets or cars. Last time I checked Fluffy was not a licensed Realtor. If you want your pets in your profile picture, that is fine, so long as the picture has you as the main focus. The same goes for your car. It may in fact be one sexy machine, but it’s not a Realtor, you are.

3. Using Someone Else’s Photo. Yep, people actually do it all the time. This is an extremely dishonest thing to do. You would not lie about the house you are showing, so why about yourself? It’s just a really silly thing to do, and it never ends well!

4. Old Photos. I was really cute in college, but that was 5 years ago! I look different now (like an actual grown up!) and my profile photo needs to reflect that. Using an old photo can be just as bad as using someone else’s if it does not look like you any more. It is a good idea to update your photo at least once a year. Other good update times would be if you just got a new hair cut, you finished a diet plan or you dramatically changed your style. Just remember that clients don’t like thinking that they are getting one thing, and winding up with something totally different. This applies to both houses and Realtors.

Think of your profile picture like this, it is your face to the world. And showing a false face is, in my opinion, worse than an outright lie. So if you decide to go the professional route and have a studio sitting, or just have a friend snap you smiling in your office, remember that all that is really needed is a smile. So put on your happy face and show it to the world.

STRESS. . .

We all deal with it every day, all day long. There are more kinds of stress than there are enough names to classify, and we have to handle all of them at one point or another. So the big questions is: What do you do about it?

Stress is a fact of life, and we deal with it in a multitude of ways. We can run from it, hide from it, pretend it is not there, claim we thrive on it or simply just deal with it. It leaves us feeling frazzled, harassed, frustrated, angry, emotionally traumatized and physically depleted, or as my 4 year old likes to say “Grim and Grumpy”. These feeling affect everything in our lives, not just us. Our families, jobs, clients and health are all at risk when our stress levels get too high. So again I’ll ask: What do you do about it?

Identify

The first step in dealing with stress is to figure out what exactly is the cause of the stress. Is your boss driving you insane with demands at work? Does your computer send you up the wall by malfunctioning at the most inopportune times? Does your wife/husband want that new iPhone4, that you really can’t afford? Or is it something little? Like your favorite shirt has a hole. Whatever the cause is, it can not be addressed until it is first identified.

Plan Of Attack

Once you identify what the source of your stress is, you need a plan to deal with it. Is it work? Having an honest, open talk with you boss might be the best thing. They might have no idea that what they are doing is causing your stress levels to skyrocket. Or perhaps it’s time to changes job fields if you have been stressed and unhappy for a long time. It is your computer? Toss it out and get a Mac! Or at least take it to a Pro and let them look it over. Most Best Buy’s and Office Depot’s have free computer check-ups, and they should be able to help you find what is causing the trouble. Is it money? A financial plan can go a long way toward relieving stress from money issues. Accounting software is cheaper and easier than ever to use, a small investment now might save you thousands later, and give you the chance to plan how to get your other half their iPhone 4.

Plan Of Action

Ok. You have identified the cause of stress, and made your plan of attack, right? Ready, set. . . .GO!. . . Hey! What are you waiting for? Right. Sometimes it’s not so easy to put our plans into action, no matter how much we want to. Enlisting the aid of a spouse, family member, friend or coworker that has your best interest at heart is usually a good idea. They can help you stay up beat and motivated while helping you in dealing with whatever issues crop up.

Keep on Going, no matter what!

Going back to your old bad habits will reintroduce that same stress into you life, so be careful of sliding back into behavioral patterns that can escalate your stress level again. You can do it! Try to view any set backs as climbing stones, once you make it over them the path is so much clearer and you have accomplished something great.

Stress Busters

Here are a few things that when done daily, or at least once in a while, will make your day better, brighter and less stressed!

1. Dance like an idiot. Put on some music you love and just let it all go. If you have small children they will think you are the coolest parent ever.

2. Laugh at something. Look up a ridiculous You Tube video and laugh until your sides hurt.

3. Hug someone. It helps really, just be sure that the person want a hug first.

4. Do something nice for someone else. Take two seconds and do something nice, it does not have to be big, just nice.

5. Say something sincerely complimentary to someone. If you like your coworkers shoes, tell them! It makes both of your days better.

6. Play with your kids, or your dog. Or your neighbors kids and dog. Or just go play! (Yes, Wii counts as playing.)

7. Volunteer your time. It can be really hard to find time to do this, but it is well worth the reward.

8. Throw out that old photo. We all have one, that one that we hate but keep because we should. It just makes you up set, so chuck that sucker in the dumpster! You will never miss it.

9. Make new memories. Taking the time to spend with the ones you love is always worth it. You will probably not remember that extra report you did two days from now, but you will always remember the time Jane got a hole in one at Mini Golf and did that crazy victory dance.

10. Be proud of who you are. When you feel like nothing you have done is good enough consider this, you are the only person in the world like you. You are unique, totally, completely and utterly one of a kind. Now that’s an accomplishment, all by itself.

Now go and conquer stress!.. . . Or at least beat it up a bit.

Our freedom is something we exercise every day, but not something most of us think about in a conscientious manner . Simple things, like being able to choose which store you shop at or speaking what’s on your mind, are actually huge freedoms. It is all the “little stuff”  that we don’t think of as being something out of the ordinary, when in reality there are many places in the world that people are not allowed to make even such simple choices. It’s heartbreaking and a little scary to think about the fact that freedom, while it is every man, woman and child’s God give right, is never actually free. Freedom is something that is fought for and hard won, paid for in blood and with the lives of those that came before us that had the guts to stand up and say “I have the right to do as I will, and be as I will.”

Something that every American needs to do at least once in their life is visit Arlington National Cemetery. The feelings in that hallowed place are many: Shock, at the number of tombstones, Awe, that these brave men and women would give their lives for their country and it’s people, Gratitude, for the priceless gift that was paid for in blood and valor, Sadness that so very many had to die and Honor that you are a part of a country so great. I was 20 when I saw it for the first time, and it changed everything for me. I felt that I needed to give something back, to somehow try to balance the scale. But then I came to a realization, nothing I could do would accomplish that and further more it was not required. All that was asked of me was my respect and acknowledgment, which I give with all my heart.

I have a huge amount of respect for the United States Military, mostly because I could never do what they have to do on a daily basis. As a mother I understand the willingness to lay down your life for another, for something that you care so deeply about that you are willing to die for it. Would I fight if it were necessary to keep my freedom and that of my family? Yes, without hesitation. Would I be any good at it? No, probably not. Fortunately, for me and everyone else in the country, there are other millions of other American that are willing to use their much better abilities, and so I am free and I remain that way. So to you that have fought for my freedom, I send my everlasting gratitude, for my life and for that of my family.

So this 4th of July weekend while you enjoy the fireworks or time with family and friends, take just a few minutes to consider how you have the freedom to do so. And throughout the year when you see one of the brave members of our military take a second to say thank you. . . . Thank you.

We all do it. We tell those little “white lies” that are not really a lie, but just a kinder of saying things, right? WRONG!

There are so very many things the a Realtor is not allowed by law to say, and they are really good about avoiding those 99.9% of the time. On the other hand there are many things that a Realtor should not say, and those, well they are not so good about sometimes. One of the things Realtor’s are most infamous for is prettying up the truth about a property. “I think it’s a REALLY cute kitchen.” When the actual truth is that no one could pay you a million, make that a billion, dollars to live there, especially not with a kitchen that is so bad that it is now the newest setting for your nightmares. So before you get angry and say that I’m calling you a pack of liars, which is not my intention by the way, let’s just stop and consider these few things first:

The White Lies

1. Have you ever told a client that you thought something was cute, when you actually hated it. In fact you were fervently wishing for a flame thrower to obliterate the horrible crime against humankind, but instead you lied like a rug because you thought it might help sell the house?

2. Have you ever told a client that there was a “little” something, like the paint is a “little” bright, when in reality it’s screaming electric blue?

3. Have you ever called something “minor” knowing it was not? “There is a “minor” leak in the ceiling, just step on over the sheet-rock pieces (ones bigger than your head) and we can go see the rest of the house!” (I actually had this happen! The entire ceiling in that particular room was coming down and the Realtor had the gall to tell me that there was “minor water damage”!)

4. Have you ever lied outright about a client’s clothing or hair style? “Oh, I just love that you shaved your head and pierced your tongue! It’s so attractive on a woman of 55!”

Ok, so that last one was a rather extreme example. But it all amounts to the same thing, they are a type of lie. Now I am not saying that you need to be rude to your clients, that is not the case at all. I am simply saying that as a Realtor you have to be VERY careful about what you say, and even though somethings are permissible, you still should not say them! Things are tough for everyone out there right now, and it makes the temptation to gloss over things almost unbearable. So let me give you a few things to remember to help ease that temptation, and your clients will appreciate your honesty.

The Truth

1. You Don’t Have To Like It. If you walk into a house and your client just LOVES the totally hideous kitchen, be happy for the poor misguided soul, but don’t resort to outright lying to cinch a sale. If the only thing that you can stand about it is the sink, then just say “I’m so glad you like it!” This one is more a matter of keeping yourself honest at all times. Remember, one little fib quickly can turn into a big whopper. And if the client finds out later that you hate it, then their faith in you as a Realtor just flew out the window.

2.Little Honesty Is Really Big. It really is the little things that count, because they can very quickly pile up and drown a deal before it even gets started. If the walls are a screaming neon, tell your client! Expecting a peaceful pale blue room, and getting instead a super loud, disco style lounge is not going to do anything to further your client relationship.

3. Minor verses Major. There is nothing worse in the world for a client than walking into a house and realizing that the Realtor they are working with is a blind optimist. Really. If you know that there is a huge hole in the floor , tell them there is a problem with the floor. Not “The floor has some minor problems.”, just “There is an issue with the floor.” That way you are totally honest.

4. Stay Away From Extremely Personal Comments. Here is where it gets really tricky, because everyone wants to feel good about themselves and you can usually tell when someone has gone to great lengths to look nice or when they have totally redone their style. So when your client asks you if you like their new shoes, hair etc, smile and say something like ” I noticed there there was something different about you today!” Remember, those shoes may look like two boa-constrictors strangling her legs, but they make her happy. And by asking her where she got them, you now know where not to shop.

5. When In Doubt, Tell The Truth. This one is obvious. You don’t have to be brutal or unkind. Just the simple truth in a kind tone will do quite nicely, thank you.

I have a personal example to illustrate a situation in which honesty would have been greatly appreciated. I went with a Realtor to view a home, knowing it was in pretty rough shape. It was a bank repossession that had been through two owners in as many years and both of them had gotten part way through do-it-yourself remodels, in other words I was hoping that the house was structurally sound but that’s about it. I expected some major issues and did I ever find them! Just not where I was expecting to. The biggest problem I could see was that a do-it-yourself roofing job had gone completely awry. The roof obviously leaked and you could see it in many parts of the house, however the Realtor kept saying things like “Oh that’s just a minor water problem.”  or “It’s just a little tiny leak.” As I stated above, the entire ceiling in the room in question was coming down, anyone could see that! I could clearly see huge water filled bubbles, warping, ripples, rot and decay, as well as massive chunks of sheet-rock that had fallen to the floor. I was actually slightly afraid that the ceiling would fall in on me if I went in the room. And yet the Realtor persisted in telling me it was just “minor water damage”. . . . Riiiiight! If that was minor, what in the world classifies as major? The entire house falling in? The Realtor was obviously desperate to unload the house, and seemed willing to say just about anything to to so. It was awful. Now I not only had no desire to purchase the house, I had no faith in my Realtor.

The good news is, I went through the house a second time with another Realtor, the listing agent actually, and the experience was night and day. They were completely honest about everything. When I pointed out the water damage to the ceiling the gave me a simple answer “I’m not an expert on the subject, but it does look pretty bad and it will definitely need repairing. I can give you the name of a reputable inspector that would be able to tell you what you are dealing with.” To the point, no little “white lie” and followed up with a helpful suggestion.

To make a long story short, I did not end up buying the house, but I did, fortunately, get my faith back in Realtor-kind. So the next time you contemplate telling a fib to help a sale, just don’t do it and in the long run everyone involved will be much happier and guilt free.

Trust me, The Truth will set you free.