Went to a showing with a buyer client today, and the seller, Joanna, was there to walk us through.  An older woman, who'd lived in the same house for decades, she walked us through and told us what happened to make each room just the way it was. She even had a picture to show us of how the house looked the day they bought it.  Her 15 year old grand-daughter came through the house with us, adding some comic commentary along the way. The street is filled with older couples now - but Joanna told tales of 15-20 kids living on the street, playing together everyday.  My buyer clients are a young couple with 2 small kids.  I think Joanna was kind of happy to think of the street invigorated by the sounds of young voices at play, again.  She hugged me as we left.  You do meet some really nice pe... 07/15/2011

Just left my sister's house.  She's the founder of an organization called Youth Ablaze, a mission that trains teens and young adults and brings them on short-term mission trips all over the world, working with orphans.  This year they're heading back to Uganda.  I'm keeping track of her bills while she's gone. (Iamyouthablaze.org) As I listen to her talk about what's involved in going - and I realize that once again she's set aside her life here, to go and minister to someone who is not just less fortunate than she is - but most likely in abject poverty with no family - and I wonder again about My Comfortable Life.  I have a hard time letting my life get "uncomfortable" for even a weekend. .... pause while I answer the phone.... Wow.  It's my daughter who is away at college - out of the... 07/15/2011

One of the "favorite" things in my featured listing in Glenville, NY - is also the easiest and cheapest to do: A Chalkboard wall! The kids absolutely love it - and even the adults head into the finished basement with a little extra enthusiasm when they hear there's a chalkboard wall down there.  It invariably brings a smile - and a little quick artistry from the more adventurous clients. And it's not much harder to do than - PAINTING. So - where will you put YOUR chalkboard wall? Update: Since posting this, I've received several comments about where other realtors have seen chalkboard walls used.  The best yet was a "chalkboard wall" front door that said "This home is SOLD!" 07/14/2011

It was a busy weekend that included a number of retail interactions... big box stores, coffee shops, softball concession , pizza places, etc (yes! I really need to find the will & way to cook more at home this time of year!!).  Throughout the weekend, I found myself "grading" the customer service I received at these places... * Saturday, 6:30 am.... "Good morning! How are you?," I ask the familar staff member before placing my breakfast order. Response? "Terrible! I had to get up!". GRADE? F!!! * Saturday, 1:00 pm... I was asked "Can I help you find anything? No? OK. If you change your mind, my name is Courtney & I'd be happy to help".  GRADE? A!  * Sunday, 6:00 pm... I think I'm still visible. Really. Can they see me standing here? Oh! Wait! Eye contact. Nope! Must've gone invisible ag... 06/13/2011

Space Shuttle Endeavor blasted into space today & my household was pretty excited about it. STS-134 is the last mission for the space craft. My daughters & I had the opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center last month & saw the shuttle docked at the launch pad awaiting it's anticipated flight. I wish every American had the chance to visit the Space Center!  So many of the things we rely on daily originated from the space program. Most impressive though is the incredible humility that is found at the center. It's not all about the astronauts. It's not all about the aeronautical engineers. It's about the TEAM and EACH & EVERYONE's individual contribution that contributes to the success of the mission. Real Estate transactions certainly can't be compared to our nation's space program ... 05/16/2011