REAL Indianapolis Senior Real Estate Experts are Hard to Find!

I'm a Realtor in Indianapolis and I specialize in the Senior Market.  You won't meet many of us who specialize in this market because there aren't many.  Not many of us who TRULY specialize with Seniors, anyway.

I've spent lots of time studying Seniors, their habits, their likes and dislikes, and their common issues and concerns.  I've also spent a lot of time getting to know professionals who work in the Senior Housing Industry.  Building theses relationships has been crucial to my business because this is how I add value to Seniors who are looking to downsize into lower or no maintenance living environments.  I'll be honest, I don't have all the answers, but through the professional relationships I've built and continue to build, I'm able to direct my clients to professionals who have answers on specific topics.  This is very valuable because Senior Citizens are taken advantage of the most among other demographics.

In the video below, I've outlined three reasons why its best to hire me as the Senior Move Expert for yourself or for a loved one.  I have a heart for seniors and so does everyone else on my team of experts.

Part 5 of 5 on Balance, Balance, Balance!

We've finally come to our last part of this 5 Part Series on Balance.  It's sort of sad, huh?  :  )  I'll have to think of a 5 Part Series on something else to share.  We would have been done with this series days sooner, but you know what?  Life happens and there are some days when the last thing I want to do is write a blog.  

There I said it.  That was pretty easy, right?  Which leads me to the last tip on Balance:

Be honest with yourself and with others.

No, I mean REALLY be honest.  Take off that mask you're wearing that tells others "I am great!" "I'm so happy!" "My life is perfect!" "I can do it all, I can have kids AND a career!" "My marriage is fantastic, I have the BEST husband EVER!"  Shut up, because while we may be great at a few things, there are things that we flat out SUCK at, we're not ALWAYS happy, our lives AREN'T perfect, we can't do it all and do it all well, sometimes MARRIAGE STINKS, and sometimes HUSBAND'S SUCK!  How's that for honesty?

This topic has been hitting me hard lately.  I've heard sermons on it, read blogs about it, attended a seminar last week on it.  Now more than ever is the time to be 100%, walls down, masks off, completely and utterly honest with ourselves and with others.  Do you know that it is a FACT that people prefer honesty even when it means not hearing exactly what they want to hear?  And that honesty can actually improve your health?  Its true.

Of course, there is always a gentle way to say about everything while being honest and not hurting anyone's feelings or cutting people down.  Yet, the main person honesty is important to most is to ourselves.  When we're honest with ourselves, we are loving ourselves, respecting ourselves for who we are-who we've become and what we are becoming.  Is there something you're not being completely honest with yourself about?  Take a moment and really think about it.  Is there?  How does that area of your life make you feel?

When I'm honest with myself and with others, I usually see things clearly.  I can easily find solutions to problems.  

So that's it.  There's no GRAND FINALE to the end of this 5 Part Series on Balance.  Here is a summary, though, on the 5 Tips I've shared over the last several days:

1. Be okay when things fall through the cracks.  We're human.  Don't beat yourself up over it.
2. Take a nap!  Know your body and give it some much needed rest, for cryn' out loud!  Even if it means sleeping in your car. :  )
3. TIME BLOCK!  Time block everything.  This might be one of the most popular, yet under-used tips out there.  IT WORKS!
4. Pray, Meditate, and Journal.  Let your feelings out.  Pray about issues you're having, meditate to clear your head of the nonsense, and keep an online and/or private journal to let your feelings out (instead of posting passive-aggressive status updates on Facebook, perhaps!) 
5. Be honest.  With yourself first, then with others.

I hope you've enjoyed my series.  Come back often for other fun and informative topics.  Contact me for questions, and leave comments if your are so inclined.  Only HONEST ones, though!

    

Part 4 of 5: Series on Balance, Balance, Balance!

Let's get one thing straight: I am FAR from perfect.  I'm no "Super Mom" or someone who effortlessly juggles it all.  TRUST me!  You could even ask some of my close friends and family members...they will probably tell you  I'm a complete scatter brain, I have a horrible memory, and I'm a weirdo half the time.  

So when I'm writing on Balance, its partly b/c I KNOW (at least I hope!) there are others of you out there who feel stretched to the max at times and wonder how you will get through the day let alone the weeks, months, or years.  I want to help you...and I also want to help myself.  I learn best when I write things or go over and over and over them 100's of times!  This isn't my first rodeo on Balance and I'm positive it won't be my last.  We all have to continually remind ourselves to balance, breathe, relax, and enjoy life.  This is just one reminder among many for myself and for you, too.  I hope you get at least one nugget from this series.

So...#4.  

Are you ready for this?    

Meditate, pray, and journal.  Okay, that's it.  Thanks for reading.  Ha!  You wish it were that simple, right?

Meditation is described in Wikipedia as:

a practice in which an individual trains the mind and/or induces a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit, although it can be argued that meditation is a goal in and of itself.

You see that last part?  ..."a goal in and of itself."  The Mayo Clinic even says meditation is a stress reliever.  When we reduce stress in our lives, so much other stuff falls into place.  

Take running late, for instance.  Over the last year (and yes, its taken me a year and even now I'm still working on it), I have been focusing on not over booking myself b/c I have a horrible habit of over booking myself, running late, speeding, getting speeding tickets, having the rest of my day run late, being flustered, having crazy road rage, and screaming at everything and everyone in my path.  Imagine the stress relief I've found in restricting my schedule to a few key appointments with plenty of drive time in between appointments and even arriving early sometimes!

Those times when I'm running early?  That's when I meditate!  It only takes 2 minutes to STOP EVERYTHING, close your eyes, focus on breathing, and clear your head of the madness. Someone really smart taught me we have to clear the clutter to make room for the new blessings in our lives.  Meditation clears the mental clutter.

Praying is very similar to meditation.  Its a personal thing, and depending on a person's spirituality, prayer may mean something different.  Whatever or whoever your Source is, your Inner Voice, your Spirit, Conscious or whatever else It may be called...that's who we pray to.  I pray to the Lord, each day to be in control of my thoughts, feelings, words, and actions.  It is a minute by minute thing and there is no doubt I need Him to be in control of my life b/c I certainly am not!  

Journaling is similar to writing a blog.  Blogging is a web log of whatever someone wants to write about.  A journal may be something a little more personal.  I find that when I journal, I've figured at least one thing out-I've self discovered, that is.  Its a wonderful thing and a safe place to turn to for an outlet. This is the online journal I use and I love it!

Remember: Meditate, Pray, and Journal!  You're on your way!

   

Guest Blogger, Lorraine Ball, on TAKING A BREAK!

My Guest Blogger today is Lorraine Ball.  Lorraine usually focuses her blogs on business development and marketing, since that's her specialty.  I was struct when I ready her blog post below about taking vacations b/c it goes right along with my 5 Part Series on Balance.  Thank you, Lorraine, for the reminder to TAKE A BREAK!  

I love going on vacation. I love going new places and seeing new things. But in the early years of Roundpeg, I let the fear of being away from the business keep me from going away for more then a few days at a time.

Skipping vacations is a a common mistake business owners make. What is the point of running your own business if it doesn’t give you the freedom to enjoy your life along the way?

You need to take a vacation.  Why?  Well besides the obvious benefits of rest and relaxation, here is a list of my top reasons to take a vacation:

1)   Clear your head – Bogged down with the day-to-day of running a business, you don’t have time to step back and think of the big picture. A long plane flight gives you a chance to unplug and think about your business from a distance.

2)   Inspiration – The brain works in mysterious ways when you let it. Seeing something completely unrelated to your business, a beautiful painting or amazing architecture, will sometimes start of stream of consciousness that allows you to come up with something out of the box.

3)  Grow your team -  When you are in the office it is easy for your team to bring every problem and decision to you. When you are not there, talented professionals will step up and handle things. This works well if you have given them guidelines before you left, and told them you would back their decision

4)  Get feedback – as your team handles your job, they often see things you have just accepted. Returning from a vacation is a great time to talk about systems and processes.

So after eight years, I started taking vacations. Of course technology has made it easy to stay on touch. With my iPad, I can forward emails that have to get handled right away, or chat with my team via Skype form anywhere in the world. The trick is to plan quick check-ins and then get back to your vacation

I wrote this post as I was resting my feet after a long day of touring. I found a strong WiFi signal in a street corner cafe in Madrid. I wrote as I  enjoyed the view and a great cup of cafe con leche, both of which I will miss when I return home. But only for a little while, until it’s time to take my next vacation.

If you need help with Marketing, Lorraine is your girl!  Call today at 317.569.1396

Part 3 of 5 on Balance: To Get Balance, Get a PAPER Calendar and TIME BLOCK!

I don't typically answer my cell phone.  I don't.  I'm a Realtor and I'm telling you this.  You must think I'm crazy, right?  Here's the thing...if I answered my phone every time it rang, I would get nothing done but putting out fires all day, every day.  You would agree that's not what life is all about, right?

There are a few other reasons I don't answer my phone most of the time:

1. there may be screaming kids in the background and I'm protecting the caller on the other end of my phone from the horror of the sound of a screaming kid on the other end of the phone line

2. I may be with clients, at church, in a meeting, sleeping (see Part 2 of 5 on Napping), using the restroom, eating, showering, or just simply TAKING A BREAK and I choose not to let the telephone interrupt any of those things.  I'm sure I could name a few more, but how many of you can say you've taken a call during at least one of the activities I mentioned above???  There is nothing I hate worse than when someone is in the middle of a meeting and first their obnoxious ring interrupts the entire meeting THEN they choose to take the call and actually answer it and begin talking before they get out of the room...or worse yet, don't even have the courtesy to get up and LEAVE THE ROOM!  You can tell I get a little worked up over the cell phone, can't you?

NEWS FLASH:
It is not necessary for you to be constantly available to your friends, family, co-workers, boss, or clients!  Stop answering your phone at inappropriate times!

3. If someone is calling me while I'm driving, and I know they are going to ask me for information that I will need to look up, I will not pick up the phone unless I can easily pull over or get into a parking space.

Whew!  I'm off my soapbox now.  If you're wondering how I am a Realtor and I get away with not answering my phone, its really very simple.  My voice mail tells callers that I do call  backs 2 times a day on Monday-Friday, and on my calendar, I have 11:30-12:30 blocked for call backs and 4-5 blocked for call backs.  I call everyone back then and I'm not a slave to my cell phone.

Call backs are not the only thing I have blocked out in my paper calendar.  If there is something I want to get done in a particular day, it is blocked off in my calendar.  If its not written, it doesn't exist.  Quit telling yourself or others, "oh, I need to get this done." or "I need to get that done."  Block out the time on your calendar and GET IT DONE!  It's really that simple.  I've never been more productive than when I time block.  Its to the point now that if I don't time block on a particular day, I feel very unsuccessful at the end of that day.  Don't do that to yourself.  Whether you prefer paper or electronic calendaring, Google Calendar offers a wonderful FREE system that allows you to color code things, share your calendars, and even invite others to specific events.

Get your life back...STOP being a slave to your phone and TIME BLOCK everything that is important to you!  Below is a picture of my calendar.  You probably can't tell, but everything that is important to me, including 3 networking events, 3 hours of calling expired listings, 3 visits to Senior Communities, 3 one on one visits, Bible Study, "Helen Time," "Owen Time," and Trick-or-Treating are all blocked on my calendar this week.  Block what is most important to you this week and see if you feel more organized and efficient.  Its likely you will.  

Part 2 of 5: Balance in a World of Chaos

"I eat really healthy, and if I'm tired, I take a nap."
~Casper Van Dien

Welcome to part 2 of my 5 part series on balance.  My second tip is really simple: Take a nap.

It sounds silly and childish, but the value of a good nap is completely underrated!  Once I embraced nap time, I discovered a new energy that lasts all week.  I come home after a long day and I still have enough energy to hang out with my family, cook dinner if I choose, and prepare for the next day.  Nap time is not just for kids.  

I'll be honest...I can sleep anywhere and if its not in my bed at night, its usually in my car in a parking lot someplace.  You read right...I nap in my car!  All the time!  

I started nap time when I had my son, Owen, who is 7 now.  When he was a baby, it was such a pain when I would head out to run errands and by the time I would get to the parking lot, my Owen would be sound asleep in his car seat.  I didn't have the heart to wake him, so I gently pulled him out of his seat, leaned my seat back all the way, laid baby Owen on my chest and we napped.  Once nap time was over, we would head in to finish our shopping.  It was both energizing and a wonderful time to cuddle with my baby. 

I continued the tradition with my daughter, Helen, and now that they are both getting older, I see no reason to stop now!  Rather than dragging through the day and being exhausted, I would much rather rest and rejuvenate throughout the day.  I feel much more focused and motivated after my nap!  

Some guidelines for adult napping:

• Nap when you feel like it.  
• Once you get into a napping routine, leave enough time after nap time to wake up and refresh before your next appointment
• Turn off your phone and any other distraction during nap time
• Nap early in your day so as not to interfere with night time sleep

Check in tomorrow for more tips on Balance.  I will show you how to stay focused and on task throughout your day.

Happy Napping!         

Balance, Balance, Balance...Does it Exist???

The other day I wrote a lengthy post about how to add at least 30 minutes to your day just by taking a few preparatory steps the night before.  So, I've got out everyone's clothes for tomorrow, ironed what needed ironed, the children are bathed, coffee is set for 5am and now I have 15 minutes to write this post, write two real estate offers for clients, and be in bed by 9pm.  Whew!  I better get going!

I don't think my life has ever been perfectly balanced, but I will say that it hasn't been as balanced as it is now for a long time.  Its hard work, this balance stuff!  When us women decided to burn our bras, did we really mean we wanted to work outside the home, inside the home, and all around the community working ourselves into big, incompetent-feeling stress balls?  I don't think that's what the feminist movement was really all about at all.

Having a career in real estate, two kids, a significant other, friends, family, clients, a real estate team, extended family...that's a lot of roles.  If I don't focus on balance at all times, something will suffer.  I'll be honest, sometimes things do go unattended, but you know what?  My world hasn't caved in, my family loves me unconditionally, I continue to learn, grow, and make new friends...I'm okay if something slips through the cracks b/c that's real life.  Things slip through the cracks.

Which leads me to the first major step in establishing balance...

1. Realize things will slip through the cracks and be okay with it.

That's part one of my Five Part Series on Balance.  Stay tuned for more simple tips to establish balance in your life!

      

 

I'm YOUR Indianapolis Real Estate Professional!

I do a lot of random blog posts...because that's what goes on in my head...a lot of random-ness!  Every now and then, though, I like to remind readers that I am in the real estate industry selling houses in the Indianapolis and surrounding areas. 

I was just discussing with a colleague what a volatile industry real estate is.  It is rough!  I started selling houses as a Realtor in Indianapolis right when the market was tanking big time.  People want to offer me their sympathies, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Everything happens for a reason and I've learned to work hard to get clients, to keep them, and to earn the right to ask for their referrals.

People who jumped in to this industry when the market was hot never learned how to do things like lead generate because they didn't have to.

I love this industry, I love helping my clients and the excited feeling people have at closing time...I love about everything this business of mine has to offer.  As my real estate team continues to grow, I continue to sharpen my leadership abilities, train leaders, and continuously look for talent.  If you or someone you know has thought about jumping into the real estate industry, I urge you to contact me to discuss further.
If you are already in the real estate industry and are looking for more, contact me right away.

Pass this post along to anyone you know who may be looking to get into real estate or make a change in their current real estate career.

Of course, I'm always looking for referrals and I'll never miss an opportunity to ask...

When you come across someone looking to buy, sell, invest, or become a real estate agent, call me right away.  Instead of handing my contact information out, its best to call me and I will contact your referral right away.  I will also give them the best customer service experience!  

Is a Little Tolerance Too Much to Ask?

tol·er·ance

noun /ˈtäl(ə)rəns/ 
tolerances, plural

The ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with

- the tolerance of corruption

- an advocate of religious tolerance

I don't know when we became completely inundated with data, opinions, advice, entertainment, rules, regulations, laws, belief systems, religions, ethics, morals, values, sexual orientation, nationalities, languages, school systems, etc. All I know is that there is no such thing as "multi-tasking," consumerism is the devil, more and bigger is not always better, God and family comes first, and all we need is love.

This video is touching.  Our future is in the hands of our youth.  As old and cliche as it may sound, sometimes its best to pull in the reigns a bit and slow down....get back to the basics.  

I can't even believe I'm writing a blog on this topic!  I feel so old!  Its the truth, though.  We have lowered the bar and lowered the bar continuously for so many years that certain standards have vanished.  I'll use the rate of divorce as an example.  And as a side note-I'm divorced.  I note that b/c I'm writing this blog not in judgement or to condemn anyone.  I'm writing on this topic b/c I would like to find a healthy balance between tolerating and standing up for my values-both with love and genuine concern for the future of our children and future generations.

Where is the line between being tolerant and being true to our values?       

Want More Hours in the Day? So Do I!

Do you ever wish you could add just one more hour to the day?  Just enough time to finish that last little project or spend a little more time with the family?  I have to admit, I've had many of those days myself.  I'm no expert on time management or focus, and yet, I've learned small ways that have made big impacts on my days.  Here are some of them:

 1. Prepare for the next day.  What will you wear?  What will the kids and/or significant other wear?  Does anything need ironed, washed, or picked up from the dry cleaners?  Who needs a sack lunch and who will order?  What appointments do I need to prepare for?  Did I pre-set the coffee machine, because its always a better morning when the coffee starts automatically!

• Small things add up to a big deal....especially if you get up at 5am like I do.
• Having the "what are you going to wear today" war with your child the night before is SO much easier than when I'm pressed for time in the wee hours of the morning and haven't had coffee yet.
• When I can just throw on my clothes instead of standing for what seems like hours in front of my closet (in the dark b/c not everyone is up yet...ahem...spouse!), and realizing I have nothing to wear that doesn't need ironed...when I can confidently throw on my outfit for the day, it saves at least 10-15 minutes.  Add that to the "what are you going to wear" war I eliminated and there's an extra 30 minutes I've just gained!
• Many studies have shown that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  I want my kids to have a healthy breakfast instead of a Pop Tart in the car.  That 30 minutes I've just saved myself allows me to prepare a healthy meal for my little ones.  It also allows them time to eat it at the table instead of cramming it down in the car on the way to school.

2. Know what you want to accomplish for the day, week, month, and year.  Start big and work your way down.  This is great timing since we're nearing the end of the year and we're thinking about what we've accomplished and what we'd like to accomplish next year.  Pick a goal...any goal.  Just have something to work towards.  I like the saying that you are a better shopper when you have a list (or something like that).  How do you know how to get there if you don't know where you're going?  That's the same concept.  Each week I reflect back on the past week.  I look at what I've accomplished and what I've let slide.  I evaluate the importance of the goals I've set.  The reason I do that is b/c maybe they're not as important as I thought they were when I first set them.  

• We all have goals.  All of us.  I don't care who you are.  Even if that goal is getting a cup of coffee as soon as we wake up...that's a goal, right?  I find that when I identify some specific goals I feel a sense of accomplishment when I complete them.  Maybe you don't need that.  I certainly do and I know lots of people who, once they began goal setting, felt a wonderful sense of achievement after setting and hitting their goals for the day, week, month, or year. 
• Starting big and breaking it down to the month, week, year, or even day is way less overwhelming and allows me to be very intentional as I chip away at each goal or task.   

3. Tell someone...anyone and preferably a whole bunch of people your goal.  When I tell people my goals, a few things happen.  I put those goals into the universe.  Saying things out loud is very powerful.  Words are so much more powerful than we give them credit for.  Another reason I tell people my goals is so that they will hold me accountable.  Maybe not so much that they will check in on me, but in the back of my mind, I don't want to face people I've shared my goals with and know I haven't accomplished them.  Its accountability from within.  There are people I do ask to hold me accountable by checking in occasionally, but that's b/c I'm sick and I LOVE accountability!  No really, though, accountability isn't a bad thing.  Its actually very wonderful and can be liberating. 

• There are some great goal setting ideas (and even templates) here.
• We are at a time when we are busier and more accessible than ever.  Instead of running around and putting out fires, I feel so much more productive and less like I'm living life on auto pilot when I set specific goals for myself and track them.
• Accountability isn't a bad thing.  Embrace it.  Becomes friends with it!  Its such a wonderful feeling accomplishing goals-both personal and professional.

4. Follow the 80/20 Rule.  The video below explains this rule best:

The fact is, we'll never get more hours in the day.  Our time is limited here and making the best of it is important to me.  I feel so much better about myself when I'm living intentionally.  If I don't have purpose, I feel sort of lost and out of control.  If you like my tips here, stay tuned for more, or contact me here.

I Need Your Help!

In my video below, you will hear a little about the market here in Indianapolis.  I just looked at the stats this afternoon and we are going strong!  It is such a great time for BOTH buyers and sellers!  Sellers, I can't keep properties on the market!  Buyers are snatching them up!  I have open spots for listings right now and I'm ready to get some more properties sold before the end of the year.

WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO IS LOOKING TO SELL THEIR PROPERTY???

Call, text or email me right away if you or someone you know is looking to sell their property before year's end b/c I AM YOUR GIRL!

Interest rates are at ASTONISHING LOWS and PROPERTY VALUES ARE UP!  There's never been a BETTER TIME IN REAL ESTATE!

Contact me right away and Happy Friday! 

"A" is for Apple Orchards!

Crisp air, colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, mums, Halloween, carmel apples...those are just a few of my favorite things about fall in Indianapolis.

Its so fun to see everyone getting outside as often as they can before they settle in for the winter months.  Thanks to Google, I've listed some area orchards below along with their web links.  I plan to get the family out to an orchard this weekend.  There is seriously nothing like fresh carmel apples!

Anderson Orchard

369 County Road 1300 North, Mooresville, IN

(317) 831-4181 ‎ · andersonorchards.com

4 reviews 

Adrian Orchard Inc

500 West Epler Avenue, Indianapolis, IN

(317) 784-0550 ‎ · adrianorchards.com

7 reviews

Stuckey Farm Market

19975 Hamilton-Boone County Line Road, Sheridan, IN

(317) 769-4636 ‎ · stuckeyfarm.com 

3 reviews 

Anderson Orchard Pleasant View

10721 North 850 West, Fairland, IN

(317) 861-4025 ‎ · andersonorchardpv.com

Tuttle Orchards

5717 North 300 West, Greenfield, IN

(317) 326-2278 ‎ · tuttleorchards.com

6 reviews

The Apple Works

8157 South 250, Trafalgar, IN

(317) 878-9317 ‎ · apple-works.com

4 reviews 
Beasley's Orchard & Gardens  

2304 East Main Street, Danville, IN

(317) 745-4876 ‎ · beasleys-orchard.com

2 reviews 

Apple Barn

6256 West Fall Creek Drive, Pendleton, IN

(765) 778-2869 ‎

Gregory's Orchards

997 Indiana 42, Mooresville, IN

(317) 831-3976 ‎

1 review

Apple of His Eye Orchard

3185 Markleville Road, Anderson, IN

(765) 378-6265 ‎ · appleofhiseyeorchard.com

What are your favorite things about fall?  Write them in the comments below and stay tuned for the top 10 Halloween costumes for 2012 and best practices for trick-or-treating. 

 

Seniors on the Move! 3 Quick Tips to Start a Downsizing Adventure!

Don't judge.  I am posting a video of myself here.  I won't tell you how many times it took me to a) film a version I deemed acceptable enough to post here, b) memorize what I actually wanted to say, and c) get through the entire video without bloopers.  This video blogging thing is no joke!

Nonetheless, I've mentioned 3 Quick Tips on downsizing in the video below.  Why do I mention downsizing, one might ask?  According to babyboomer-magazine.com, seniors are the fastest growing demographic, thanks to the aging Baby Boomer generation.  Every 10 seconds, a Baby Boomer turns 65, according to the website!  That's astonishing!

Learning the ropes when it comes to downsizing and working with seniors is urgent and imperative.  My real estate team, the Indy Real Estate Experts, specializes in senior downsizing and relocation.  We take it seriously, we love helping seniors, and we understand and empathize with the downsizing process.  When its time for you or someone you know to downsize, don't wait.  Enjoy my video below and contact me right away b/c its never too early to start planning!

Everything is Negotiable. Everything!

I love negotiating.  Many would say I'm a sicko and my own family members have been completely mortified when I walked away from a sales associate who was unable or unwilling to negotiate.  I have a few mottos: "you never know unless you ask," "the worst anyone will say is no," "nothing is free," and "everything is negotiable."  That last one is due in part to my Financial Peace University training from Dave Ramsey and my dad.

Even this weirdo has experienced the major payoffs of negotiation!

I've gotten special photo orders from Wal-Mart b/c I refused to buy the entire package they offered.  I didn't  need all that was in the pre-packaged sets, so why would I buy it?  That's the time my family was completely appauled and embarassed to be seen with me b/c I calmly walked away and before I could get too far, the nice Wal-Mart sales associate said she could, in fact, sell me just the photos I wanted instead of the pre-packaged photos.  See?  EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE!

I've gotten free warranties, extras, and add ons simply b/c I asked and someone wanted to make a sale!  In fact, while I've been writing this blog, I've been negotiating some interest charges off my car loan! 

Here's what I've learned about negotiating:

1. EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE! Here are some ideas of negotiable items: warranties, extented service plans, upgrades, add-ons, extra features, cell phone/cable/Internet plans, real estate terms, parts, labor, and terms.
2. Stay completely unemotional, calm, polite, nice, and upbeat.  No one likes a hot head and besides, people look like asses when they can't control their emotions.
3. Determine what you really want and start by asking for MORE.  This way, you will land where you wanted to be in the first place.
4. Be realistic.  Keep an unbiased head about a particular item.  Don't be unreasonable.  This will offend the sales associate and unreasonable people also look like asses. 
5. DO NOT be afraid to ask, but DECIDE FIRST what you are willing to live with and at what point you will walk away without the goods or services.

Remember to be kind and gracious, not hauty and self rightous.  Thank the sales associate no matter the outcome and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

For more tips or to contact me directly, visit my website.