The Silva Group – Helping You Move Forward

Where do I get ideas? I read.

Where do I get information? I read.

Where do I get inspiration? You guessed it…

My Google Reader page is not for the feint of heart. I subscribe to so many things that it hurts. Over 1000 posts a day.
Pssssst. Click here to subscribe to this one!

Of course I can’t read it all, so here are some of my favorites that got me through the week.

1. Impression Management - Pete Wilson http://withoutwax.tv

Pete is the communications pastor at the church I attend, Crosspoint Community Church. His messages are always entertaining and enlightening. This post is about the lengths we all go to in order to influence how people look at us. I enjoyed it because it reminded me to stay down here on Earth and be real with people.

2. 3 Tips to Get Past Your Blocks – Julien Smith http://inoveryourhead.net

I have this blog on my ‘Must Read’ category in my RSS reader because I always get something great from Julien’s writing. This post is a simple call to action, at least in my mind it is. The message, “Stop making excuses and just start doing what you need to do,” resonated in my head all week long. Thanks, Julien.

3. 31 Days in Proverbs Day 26: Just Kidding – Jason Wert http://spintheaxis.com

Another religious one. Yup, that’s how we do things around here. After reading his stuff for the past few weeks, I’ve found Jason to have a sharp edge and a great take on scripture. This post seriously shed some light on a seemingly innocuous behavior that I know I’m guilty of from time to time. Read up and see if it applies to you.

4. How I Use Mindmapping to Write – Chris Brogan http://www.chrisbrogan.com

Chris is another one of my ‘Must Reads.’ He’s a social media genius, so I listen to every word he says. This post is a great little introduction to a piece of software that I’ve started using called MindNode. It’s a great little program that helps you organize your thoughts. Not only do I use it for writing, but I use it for various projects and planning. Very cool stuff.

5. Creating Your Own System For Celebrating Funk - Barry Owen http://activerain.com/barryo

Barry is the principle broker at Keller Williams Realty in Green Hills (where I work.) He’s also my productivity coach. I learn a ton from Barry. He’s another one of my ‘must reads.’ This post provides a great little primer for identifying what gets you down and developing a process for dealing with it.

6. Social Boss, Leader, or Builder? - Jay Deragon http://www.relationship-economy.com

Great post from Jay Deragon. ‘The old organizational structure had a boss. The modern organization had a leader but the new social organization has a “builder“,’ says Jay. Great information if you’re in charge of people, you’re looking for ways to be a more effective manager, or you want to understand where this new social dynamic is taking business.

7. Quieting The Lizard Brain – Seth Godin http://www.sethgodin.com

Yup I’m predictable. Of course, I’d put a post from Seth Godin on the list. What’s that little voice in your head that keeps you from greatness? What’s that internal resistance that inevitably sets up roadblocks on our path to success and fulfillment? It’s the lizard brain. Read all about it.

Like what you see? Want to read more.
Click here to subscribe to this blog!
I’ll have something new for you every day.

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Heads up, folks. Some neighbors need our support.

I received this in my inbox this morning from Rob Robinson, President of the Sylvan Park Neighborhood Association:

As many of you are aware, a fire in Sylvan Heights claimed the lives of three adults and two children earlier this month. WSMV-TV covered this tragic development this past week. The surviving family members, which include two children, are having a very hard time and could use any help that neighbors are willing to provide. Most of the family’s personal property was destroyed in the fire.

The Sylvan Heights Neighborhood Association is organizing a collection for the family, and Joy Dexheimer with SHNA is leading this effort. Here are items the family can use:

* Gift cards for local grocery stores or fast food restaurants
* Pillows, sheets, covers, books, toys.
* Clothes, shoes and school supplies for the children, a 7 year-old girl and a 3 year-old boy.

If you would like to help in any way, please contact Joy at joyccollins@yahoo.com or (615) 481-1472.

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Keep in mind, this isn’t going to be a slam post by any means.
That’s not how I roll.

So there I was, using this snowy day as an excuse to stay home and feed my Facebook addiction when a complete stranger starts up a Facebook chat with me. Not sure how we’re friends, but that’s cool; I actually enjoy talking to strangers. I’ll spare you the entire discourse, but suffice it to say:

• His first line (in place of “hello”) was “What kind of contacts do you have?“
• His response to my confused reply was “I want to be a model. Do you know any famous people?“

The ensuing conversation was silly to say the least, but it got me thinking about how many of these type conversations I’ve encountered here in Music City. You know what I’m talking about…

“Hi. How are ya? What can you do for me? Anything? No? See ya later…”

Obviously, this is more of the exception than the rule, because from my experience most of the people in Nashville are sweet as sweet can be. However, we’ve each had our weird encounter with the shameless self-promoter, bless his or her heart.

So where am I going with this? Here is where:

What if you asked this question at the outset of every conversation:
“What can I do for you?”

Ask it internally. Ask it externally. I’m serious. What if, from this day forward, you focused on giving rather than receiving?

Tom Ziglar writes a wonderful blog based on his father Zig’s teaching. If you don’t know Zig Ziglar, he’s one of the most motivating people you could ever listen to. A few months back I read one of the most important quotes I’ve ever read from Zig:

“You can have everything you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.”

There it is. The holy grail. The secret to networking and business success. Give, give, give and you won’t have to take. Give first and it’ll be given, right?

So, next time you’re having one of those mildly awkward yet highly necessary conversations at some networking event or social gathering, don’t obsess over what that other person has to offer you, your business, or your career.

Make a friend, be a friend, and build a relationship. Find a way to help your new buddy and they’ll find a way to help you. You won’t have to ask. It’ll just happen. If it doesn’t, the only thing that’s happened is you’ve injected a little more good will into the world.

Come from a place of contribution.
Give willingly and generously.
Live the Golden Rule.

There’s the secret. Now, go and be successful.

If you missed it, the ‘one word’ I was referring to is GIVE!!!

Photo Credit: Dominic

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I love being a REALTOR.

Why?Because, although I do have an office, I never have to be there!

If I’m going to be on the computer searching for houses, writing emails, designing marketing, or crafting these witty blog posts, what difference does it make where that computer is located.

Hooray for my 13-inch ultra-portable MacBook Pro…

Here’s where I like to park the ‘ol laptop and get down to the nitty gritty:

1. Frothy Monkey
@frothymonkey
http://www.frothymonkeynashville.com/
You may have guessed it. That’s where I am right now. I took this picture on the way in. I love the Frothy Monkey because it’s very relaxed and very homey (the warm,cozy homey… not that clown from In Living Color)
Damon Wayans shoutout.

The coffee’s great, the atmosphere is inviting, and there’s plenty of workspace. Excellent spot to get some things done and have a friendly conversation or two with your neighbor.

2. Ugly Mugs
@uglymugs
www.uglymugsnashville.com/

Tucked nicely into a corner of Eastland Avenue, Ugly Mugs has a cool charm to it that you can only experience if you stop on by. Large overhead garage doors and concrete floors give this cozy java hut a nifty industrial vibe that manages to stay friendly.

I’ve met some great East Nashvillians in Ugly Mugs. The shop’s vibe matches the hip, young, trendy flair of its surrounding neighborhood. If you want to feel what East Nashville is all about, spend an hour or two on one of the uber-comfortable couches in Ugly Mugs.

3. Provence Breads and Cafe

Not a whole lot to it. This is a simple little shop right at the corner of Hill Center across from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. They’ve got some great bread, as the name would imply. They’ve also got some tasty baked goodies and sandwiches. Little pricey, but I’m usually just in it for the coffee. If you can snag a spot in the back, it’s pretty quiet. The front is a little too open for my taste. On warmer days, the patio in front of Provence is perfect.

4. Panera
@panera
www.panerabread.com/
Who’s getting ready to shoot me for recommending a corporate joint? Well, fire away. I’m not a big fan of the 30-minute time limit during peak hours, but Panera’s always got room for me and it’s pretty convenient to both my home and office. I like the shops in Green Hills and Brentwood.

Panera’s also a great place to grab a quick and easy lunch. I love meeting friends and associates there to catch up because the environment is very unassuming. You can have a light, casual chat without the implied intimacy of a quiet, cozy coffee shop.

5. You Tell Me

Don’t call me lazy. I want to know where your favorite place to read, write, study, work, etc. is. I’ve left a few of Nashville’s gems off the list, because these are the ones I frequent the most. Tell me all about your favorite joint and I’ll be sure to check it out!

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You HAVE to come look at this amazingly gorgeous condo I’ll be hosting an open house for on Sunday. It’s a beauty!

Offered at $164,000

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Great kitchen remodel ideas from About.com:
http://homerenovations.about.com/od/kitchendesign/ss/CraftsmanKitchen.htm

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Direct question? Yup.

I’ve been thinking about my blog lately and I realized that those are the two most important questions I can be asking about you, my readers.

Who are  you?

Maybe you live in Nashville.
Maybe you don’t.
Maybe you’re interested in real estate.
Maybe you’re not.
Maybe you just happen to think I’m a cool dude.
Maybe you’re crazy.

Whoever you are, I want to write about things that matter to you. Therein lies the dilemma…

Solution:

1 pound of riffing on any and all topics from Apple Computers to Zig Ziglarisms.
1/2 cup of local Nashville information.
1 tablespoon of national stuff – News, Trends, Politics, and so on…
Top it off with a little dash of real estate information.
If you’re a buyer or seller, you can find plenty of that type of info on my site.
I won’t beat you up with it in my blog anymore than I already have.

Now that we’ve covered the audience issue…
why exactly are YOU reading THIS blog?

We can come back to the cool dude idea, because it strokes my ego, but I digress…

Here’s the meat of it:

I’d like to think you’re here because I write about interesting things that matter to you. If you want more, tell me. If you want less, speak up. My only worth as a REALTOR, consultant, writer, or friend is directly derived from my value to  you.

Tell me what you think makes me valuable to you, and I’ll do that.

So there you have it; my new vision for this blog.

(Subscribe Here!!!)Let’s take this little ride together…(Subscribe Here!!!)
…and see if we can’t learn a little something from each other along the way.

Comment away.

Photo Credits:Marco Belluci, Seattle Miles

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Great stuff from experts in real estate, home financing, and business:

Find A Home Equity Loan With A Low Rate
by David Faust

Sound Advice for Stretching Your Dollar in a Tight Economy
by Korky Vann

How to Pay for Your Renovation
by Lee Wallender

Real Estate Investing Ideas For Today’s Market
Upperhand Mortgage Blog

100 Days Left to Take Advantage of Home Buyer Tax Credits
by Aaron Dickinson

Choosing a Real Estate Agent
by Howard Iley

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So you’re thinking about buying something that costs way more money than you think you’ll ever see in one place at one time. On top of that, you plan on borrowing the money and paying for it for the next 30 years! Scary, right?

It doesn’t have to be!

Get some help. Do some homework. Buying a house, done right, will turn out to be one of the smartest decisions you ever make.

Let’s look at the first issue; cost.

Yes, a house can represent a significant amount of cash, especially to someone young who has yet to reach their full income potential. The reality is that you don’t have to pay that all at once. In the vast majority of first time home purchases, you never end up paying all that money for your first house.

You put as much money down as is comfortable and required by your lender, mortgage the rest, and pay monthly (just like rent.) Except, mortgage payments (minus interest) apply directly to the equity in your home. The magic word here is equity.

Equity = (how much your house is worth) – (how much you owe on it)

Think about that. Instead of paying rent to a landlord so that you can live in an apartment, you pay a mortgage that increases the equity you have in your home. (aka, you KEEP some of that money.) It works just like a savings account. You build up this equity in your home that you can either borrow against or apply to the purchase of your next home.

Not to mention, the home will appreciate in value (about 3-5% average but possibly much more) over time, which will only add to the equity you have in your home.

Get it? You buy a house now, pay on it over the next 5 years, then use the equity you’ve built in it to purchase a bigger, nicer, prettier house in a better neighborhood and repeat the process. Play it right and you end up with your dream house on a lake 20 years down the road.

One last thing, I can’t forget to mention the first time home buyer tax credit. Get a contract on your house by April 30th and close by June 30th and you get a free $8000 check from the government. Put that money back into your house and that’s another $8000 of instant equity!

We’ve touched on that second issue, but let’s revisit the concern over a 30-year mortgage payment.

You’re committing to this monthly payment for the next 30 years. That can be a little daunting, but let’s think about it.You buy your first house. Are you really planning on staying there for the next 30 years? Maybe, but no one really does.

5 years later (on average), it’s time to move on to the next best thing. You sell the house and pay off the old mortgage. Thus, removing that 30-year elephant you had on your back.

Sure, you’ll probably have to finance the next home purchase, but at this point you’ll have more money to put down and, hopefully, a much higher income than you did when you were in your early twenties. Maybe this time you can afford a 15-year home loan.

Maybe you still have to go with 30. Here’s a little trick:

Make one extra payment each year towards the principle of your home loan and you can reduce the term of your loan by 7+ years.

No. That’s not a magic trick. It’s real. It has to do with the way interest capitalizes on your loan. Make extra payments and you’ll find yourself in a beautiful place.

All that said, first time home buyer, your logical brain should be resting easily. However, your emotional brain, the one that rules the world, probably isn’t convinced.

Call or email me and we’ll talk about what your best options are and how you can set yourself up for a bright financial future.

No, I won’t try to sell you anything.

Good luck! I’m only a phone call away if you need some help. I love helping people get on the right track.

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This is where I’ll be on Sunday!

1900 Richard Jones Road L-1 Nashville

Each office independently owned and operated.

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