Patti Glenn-Realtor

04/09/2024

Over the last few days, I have been fielding calls on the “changes” in real estate market after the outcome of the ruling in the class action lawsuit against NAR and a few of our competing brokers.
Without going into great detail, there were many many states that did not have buyer representation agreements. The “change” will now require that. There are a couple other minor changes as a result of that.
Not much changes for Texas buyers and sellers as we were already required to use them from our state regulatory body TREC.

There is a ton of misinformation, or at a minimum, not relevant information for Texas buyers and sellers, out there being reported (shocker).

If you want the full run down, and how this does or does not affect you, please remember that I am your real estate expert and as always, I am happy to give you the good and the bad!

It will be more and more important that you choose a great agent to assist you in manuevering the market, whether you are selling or buying, and especially if you are considering building or buying from a builder.

Bottom line, Call me to discuss this new change, or any real estate needs you may have.

04/08/2024

Quack Like a Duck or Soar Like an Eagle - Neat story

”I was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing I noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for me.

He handed me a laminated card and said: 'I'm Wasu, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk, I'd like you to read my mission statement.'

Taken aback, I read the card. It said: Wasu's Mission Statement:

To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest, and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.

This blew me away. Especially when I noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!

As he slid behind the wheel, Wasu said, 'Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.'

I said jokingly, 'No, I'd prefer a soft drink.'

Wasu smiled and said, 'No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, lassi, water, and orange juice.'

Almost stuttering, I said, 'I'll take a lassi since I’ve never had one before.'

Handing me my drink, Wasu said, 'If you'd like something to read, I have Good Housekeeping magazine, Reader’s Digest, The Bible, and a Travel + Leisure magazine.'

As they were pulling away, Wasu handed me another laminated card, 'These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio.'

And as if that weren't enough, Wasu told me that he had the heater on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for me.

Then he advised me of the best route to my destination for that time of day. He also let me know that he'd be happy to chat and tell me about some of the sights or, if I preferred, to leave me with my own thoughts.

'Tell me, Wasu,' I was amazed and asked him, 'have you always served customers like this?'

Wasu smiled into the rear-view mirror. 'No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard about power of choice one day.'

'Power of choice is that you can be a duck or an eagle.'

'If you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. Stop complaining!'
'Don't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.'

'That hit me right,' said Wasu. He continued and said, 'It is about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle.

I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy.

So, I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.'

'I take it that has paid off for you,' I said.

'It sure has,' Wasu replied. 'My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on it.'

Wasu made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.

Have an eagle life ahead....
—Adapted

I hope we all decide to soar like an Eagle and not quack like a duck.

04/05/2024

Emotional intelligence is about choosing empowering narratives.

Here's your guide to breaking free of these 12 traps:

1. Always Being Right
It's okay to be wrong. It shows you're human.
Learn and move on.

2. Black and White Thinking
Things aren't just good or bad.
Look for the middle ground. Life's full of shades.

3. Catastrophizing
Not every problem is a disaster.
Take a breath. See things in perspective.

4. Emotional Reasoning
Just because you feel it, doesn't make it true.
Check the facts before you react.

5. Fallacy of Change
You can't change others, only how you react to them.
Focus on what you can control: you.

6. Filtering
Don't ignore the good.
It's there, even on bad days. Look for it.

7. Fortune Telling
You can't predict the future.
Worry less about what might happen. Focus on now.

8. Jumping to Conclusions
Take a step back.
Gather more data before you decide.

9. Mind Reading
You can't know what others are thinking.
To be sure, just ask.

10. Overgeneralization
One bad moment doesn't mean a bad life.
Every day is a new chance.

11. Personalization
Not everything is about you. Sometimes, things just happen.

12. Should Statements
"Should" can trap you.
Replace it with "could." It opens up possibilities.

Awareness is the first step. Practice is the journey.

Free your mind, and the rest will follow.

04/05/2024

Useful Hacks

1. **Time Management Tip:** Use the Pomodoro Technique—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle to enhance focus and productivity.

2. **Organization Hack:** Color-code your calendar or tasks. Assigning different colors to various activities helps prioritize and manage your schedule efficiently.

3. **Memory Boost:** Associate new information with familiar concepts or create mnemonic devices. This aids in recalling details more easily.

4. **Health Hack:** Practice deep breathing exercises daily to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It's a simple yet effective way to enhance overall well-being.

5. **Productivity Boost:** Prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Box—categorize tasks as urgent/important, important/not urgent, urgent/not important, or neither. Focus on the first two categories.

6. **Learning Accelerator:** Teach others what you've learned. This reinforces your understanding and helps retain information.

7. **Financial Wisdom:** Save money by creating a budget and setting clear spending limits. Track expenses diligently to identify areas for potential savings.

8. **Positive Habit Formation:** Use the 21/90 rule—commit to a new habit for 21 days to form it, and continue for 90 days to solidify it into a long-term behavior.

9. **Tech Sanity:** Turn off non-essential notifications on your devices to minimize distractions and maintain focus.

10. **Social Connection Tip:** Practice active listening. Engage in meaningful conversations by genuinely paying attention and responding thoughtfully.

Incorporating these life hacks can contribute to a more organized, productive, and balanced lifestyle.

03/30/2024

Happy Easter

03/29/2024

Richardson came in #12

Rankings, stats, and reviews on crime, cost of living, schools, and livability.

03/27/2024

Tips on getting ready for spring

It’s time to crack the windows open and let the spring air in! Let’s roll up our sleeves and give our homes a little extra love with a good spring cleaning. From storing heavy blankets to tackling outdoor chores like cleaning gutters, spring cleaning isn’t just about a neat home – it brings ...

03/26/2024

Solar Energy - Very Interesting Article if you are considering Solar

AN INTERESTING CONCLUSION… SOLAR FARMS WILL BECOME THUNDERSTORM and TORONADO INCUBATORS and MAGNETS.

As more & more counties get more solar farms....

From a STEPHENVILLE resident, George Franklin:

I should start by telling you what bonafides I have for writing this. I am a retired aerospace engineer. A literal rocket scientist if you will. I worked on MX (Peacekeeper) Space Shuttle, Hubble, Brilliant Pebbles, PACOSS, Space Station, MMU, B2, the Sultan of Brunei's half billion dollar private 747 with crystal showers, gold sinks and 100 dollar a yard coiffed silk carpet. I designed a satphone installation on prince Jeffry's 757. I did all of the design work for the structure of Mark 1V propulsion module currently flying on at least 3 spacecraft that I know of. Some of the more exciting projects I have worked on are not shareable. I am also am FAA certified glider pilot and FAI certified gold glider pilot. I fly both full scale and model sailplanes. I am Microsoft certified and ComTIA A+ certified.

SOLAR PANELS are at best about 20% EFFICIENT. They convert almost 0% of the UV light that hits them. None of the visible spectrum and only some of the IR spectrum. At the same time as they are absorbing light they are absorbing heat from the sun. This absorbed HEAT is RADIATED INTO THE adjacent ATMOSPHERE. It should be obvious what happens next. When air is warmed it rises. Even small differences in ordinary land surfaces are capable of creating powerful forces of weather like thunderstorms and tornadoes. These weather phenomena are initiated and reinforced by land features as they are blown downwind. It is all too obvious to me what will happen with the heat generated by an entire solar farm.

SOLAR FARMS WILL BECOME THUNDERSTORM and TORONADO INCUBATORS and MAGNETS.

Solar panels are dark, and they emit energy to the space above them when they are not being radiated. This is known as black-body radiation. Satellites flying in space use this phenomenon to cool internal components. If they didn't do this they would fry themselves.

So solar farms not only produce more heat in summer than the original land that they were installed on, but they also produce more cooling in winter, thus exacerbating weather extremes.

So I conclude with this. THERE IS NOTHING GREEN ABOUT GREEN ENERGY except the DIRTY MONEY flowing into corrupt pockets.
There is no such thing as green energy. The science doesn't exist. The technology doesn't exist. The engineering doesn't exist. We are being pushed to save the planet with solutions that are worse than the problems.

03/24/2024

How to Maintain Your Texas Pool: A Breakdown

In the scorching heat of a Texas summer, few things offer as much relief and relaxation as a dip in a cool, refreshing pool. However, maintaining a pool in the Lone Star State comes with its own set of challenges, from intense sunlight and high temperatures to frequent thunderstorms and occasional freezes in the winter months. Proper maintenance is key to keeping your Texas pool in pristine condition year-round. In this article, we'll break down the essential steps for maintaining your Texas pool and ensuring it remains a sanctuary of enjoyment and relaxation for you and your family.

1. Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your pool water clear, free of debris, and inviting for swimmers. This includes:

Skimming: Use a skimmer net to remove leaves, bugs, and other debris from the surface of the water daily.
Vacuuming: Vacuum the pool floor and walls weekly to remove dirt, algae, and other particles that have settled.
Brushing: Brush the pool walls, tiles, and steps weekly to prevent algae and calcium buildup.

2. Balancing Water Chemistry

Maintaining the proper chemical balance in your pool is crucial for water clarity, sanitation, and swimmer comfort. Test your pool water regularly and adjust the following chemical levels as needed:

pH: Aim for a pH level between 7.4 and 7.6 to prevent irritation to swimmers' eyes and skin.
Chlorine: Maintain a chlorine level between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm) to kill bacteria and algae.
Alkalinity: Keep alkalinity levels between 80 and 120 ppm to stabilize pH levels and prevent fluctuations.
Calcium Hardness: Maintain calcium hardness levels between 200 and 400 ppm to prevent corrosion and scale buildup.

3. Filter Maintenance

Proper filtration is essential for removing debris and impurities from your pool water. Maintain your pool filter regularly by:

Backwashing: Backwash sand and DE filters every few weeks to remove trapped debris and restore water flow.
Cleaning Cartridge Filters: Clean cartridge filters monthly or as needed by removing them and hosing them down thoroughly.
Inspecting and Repairing: Regularly inspect your pool filter for leaks, cracks, or other damage, and repair or replace components as necessary.

4. Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance of your pool equipment help ensure proper functionality and prevent breakdowns. This includes:

Pump Maintenance: Check the pump for leaks, unusual noises, or reduced flow, and clean the pump basket regularly.
Heater Inspection: Inspect the heater for corrosion, leaks, or damage, and clean the heater coils as needed.
Timer Adjustment: Adjust the pool timer seasonally to ensure optimal filtration and circulation.

5. Winterizing Your Pool

In Texas, where winters can be mild but occasionally harsh, it's important to properly winterize your pool to protect it from freezing temperatures and potential damage. This involves:

Lowering Water Level: Lower the water level below the skimmer and blow out the lines to prevent freezing and damage to pipes.
Adding Winter Chemicals: Add winterizing chemicals to the pool to prevent algae growth and protect the water during the offseason.
Covering the Pool: Cover the pool with a sturdy, weather-resistant pool cover to keep out debris and protect it from the elements.

Conclusion

Maintaining a pool in Texas requires dedication, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to care. By following these essential steps for pool maintenance, you can ensure that your Texas pool remains a refreshing oasis of enjoyment and relaxation for you and your family year-round. Whether you're cooling off on a hot summer day or enjoying a swim under the stars, a well-maintained pool is sure to provide countless hours of fun and relaxation for years to come.

03/24/2024

Very interesting- I can say I am definitely scared of several of the items in the bottom link.

Every minute someone leaves this world behind.
We are all in “the line” without knowing it.
We never know how many people are before us.
We can not move to the back of the line.
We can not step out of the line.
We can not avoid the line.
So while we wait in line -
Make moments count.
Make priorities.
Make the time.
Make your gifts known.
Make a nobody feel like a somebody.
Make your voice heard.
Make the small things big.
Make someone smile.
Make the change.
Make love.
Make up.
Make peace.
Make sure to tell your people they are loved.
Make sure to have no regrets.
Make sure you are ready.
Credits Goes to the respective Author ~✍️

Also read things that most humans are scared of - https://coolfactz.com/10-things-most-humans-are-instinctively-scared-of/

03/23/2024

Spring Cleaning

How To Prepare Your Home For Spring
March 19, 2024

Happy first day of Spring! It’s time to get your home ready for the warmer weather! Get ahead of the game with our helpful tips for spring cleaning and maintenance. From deep cleaning your kitchen to exterior inspections, we have all the tips you need to make your home sparkle and shine.

INTERIOR
• Inspect and change out HVAC filters.
• Clean kitchen sink disposal.
• Clean range hood filters.
• Inspect your fire extinguisher(s).
• Get your air conditioning system ready for summer; empty drain pans, check hose connections for leaks.
• Consider getting an HVAC technician to service your system biannually. This will help it run optimally year-round.
• Inspect your attic crawl spaces. Look for signs of vermin infestation. Contact a pest control professional if any concerns arise.
• Run water and flush toilets in unused spaces.
• Check water softener and add salt if needed.
• Test your water heater’s pressure relief valve.
• Test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if necessary.
• Spring cleaning! Now is the time to give your house a deep clean.

EXTERIOR
• Get your lawn ready for the warm temperatures. Clear your yard of any debris and aerate your lawn if needed (you might need a professional to do this.)
• Early spring is the best time to lay pre-emergent herbicide. This will prevent weeds from growing.
• Check exterior drainage & clean out gutters.
• Inspect the exterior of your home for soil erosion and add fill dirt/sod if needed.
• Inspect roof for damage, leaks and missing shingles.
• Inspect exterior walls including eaves for any cracks or holes where insects or critters could enter.
• Check seals around windows, caulk if necessary.
• Check for loose, warped or splintered boards on your deck/patio. Now is a good time to seal/stain if needed.
• If you stored your lawn furniture for the winter, bring it outdoors and give it a rinse or wash with a mild detergent.
• Go ahead and have a little fun! Plant seasonal flowers to add color to your landscape. Flowers that thrive in spring in North Texas are cosmos, marigolds, zinnias and pentas.