How Can You Achieve Your Goals?

Having goals is an incredibly important aspect of life and business alike. But, how can you achieve these goals? 

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Setting goals and achieving them is an important part of life and business alike. But, why are goals important? Well, goals can act as a roadmap for where you want to go.

However, before you can have success with your goals, you need to start with a strong foundation. Think of that foundation as your big “why.” Consider the reason you get up each morning and keep pushing toward your goals.

This reason should always act as the base for how you move forward. For me, I think back on a very hard time in my life. In 2009 I went through bankruptcy, foreclosure, lost both of my houses, and had many other misfortunes. My “why” is that I never want to go through that again.

As a result, I work harder than ever before to make sure that I’m constantly striving toward my goals.

Always remember to keep your goals in the forefront of your mind

The next step in achieving your goals is considering and implementing your beliefs. Think about what you believe in and how that can help push you forward. If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish your goals. Having positive beliefs will make all the difference.

Next, think about your daily habits. Having a routine that is conducive to success will be incredibly important.

For me, I get up at the same time each day, hit the gym, meditate, and head into the office. If you find that you’re engaging in activities that don’t benefit you or your goals, re-evaluate your position and try to alter your habits for a better future and a better you.

At this point, consider STP (strategies, tactics and processes). These things are going to be the methods through which you achieve your goals. I work toward my goals by door-knocking, networking, and cold-calling to get more clients.

Finally, always remember to keep your goals in the forefront of your mind. If you review your goals each day, your subconscious will bring the things you want.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Why I Chose to Have a Career in Real Estate

Having goals is an incredibly important aspect of life and business alike. But, how can you achieve these goals? 

Looking to buy a Bay Area Home? Search all Bay Area homes for sale. Selling Your Bay Area Home? Use our home evaluation tool.

I’m going to flip the script a little bit today. Instead of bringing you another market update or tips about upcoming local events: I want to answer a question that I get asked all the time by my clients, “Why did you choose real estate as a career?”

The reason I do real estate is because it’s literally in my blood. I’ve been watching and listening to my father, Terry McDaniel, all my life. I’ve seen and heard him negotiate countless transactions, work long hours, and endure the grind of this business.

When I got my driver’s license at age 16, I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to get in the car with my dad, roll down the window, and crank the music up. It wasn’t until I was already in the driver's seat of his green Suburban that I realized that instead of being windows-down-music-up this was windows-up-A/C-on, with dad on the phone negotiating.

We want to be the antidote to that stigma of thought.

I thought it was so lame at the time, but what I didn’t realize is that it was the beginning of my training to become an agent. All through high school I helped my dad by going to open houses, stuffing letters, and attending real estate conferences. I didn’t know it back then, but all that time he was grooming me to be the agent I am today. For that, I’ll always be grateful.

I’m going to continue doing this for a long time because I strongly believe that there needs to be people like us out there protecting people. There are so many people out there giving real estate a bad name. We want to be the antidote to that stigma.

If you have any questions for me, Terry, Chris, Eileen, John, or anyone else on our team, we’re always here to answer them. Just give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to hear from you and offer a helping hand.

What Can You Expect from Us Next Year?

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I cannot believe we are going to be saying goodbye to 2015 so soon!

It's been a wonderful year and it's all because of you! Thank you so much for trusting us to help you walk through the buying or selling process. We truly love, appreciate, and are so thankful for each and every one of you!

Next year, we have some incredible stuff coming up. We're going to start doing Blabs, a live streaming video system that allows you to interact with us in real time about specific questions. Please take advantage of this -- we can't wait to speak with you!

If you're thinking of buying or selling, or if you have any real estate questions of any kind, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We hope you're having a happy holiday season and we want to wish you a happy new year if we don't see you before then!

Thanks, and enjoy the season!

Have You Seen Million Dollar Shack?

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We have a favor to ask. I need your feedback.

A short documentary, called Million Dollar Shack, discusses real estate prices in the Bay Area. In just under twenty minutes, it’s an eye-opening work.

I’d love to hear your opinion after you watch this film. Additionally, what can we do to address this issue? Do you think it’s impacting us? Give me your feedback!

As always, please reach out for any questions or concerns about real estate! Thank you.

Tell Us Your Favorite Video

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Today, I want to ask for your feedback! We've been working with a company called Vyral Marketing for the last year and a half. All of the emails and videos that we send you are composed and edited by the team at Vyral Marketing. We want to know if there's anything we can improve on.

Call or email us! Tell us about your favorite video. Tell us about your least favorite video. We are here to bring value to you. If there's anything you want to learn more about, please let us know!

If you send us some feedback, you will get to choose between a $25 gift card to Forbes Mill Steakhouse or a $50 gift certificate to a chiropractor or masseuse. You decide! It's our way of thanking you for your time and constructive criticism.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Fun in the Bay: Halloween Edition!

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Today, I'm here with Fun in the Bay: the Halloween edition! Whether you're looking for some family fun or a scary night out, we've got you covered. As usual, we'll start off with some great places for the whole family to enjoy.

1. Clancy's Pumpkin Patch is the only legitimate pumpkin patch in San Francisco proper, and it's located at 1620 7th Ave. You can go there and select from a variety of different pumpkins, depending on whether you want to use them for carving, cooking, or decorating. Take a horse-drawn hayride with the kids through a corn maze full of goblins and ghouls. This is a family friendly venue, and you can still get some squeals from the kiddos.
2. Potrero's Pet Parade is a lot of fun. This year actually marks the 24th annual Pet Parade. Gussy up those pups and cruise down 18th Street. If you impress the judges, you could get prizes and treats for your pet! If you don't have a pet, it's always fun to see what creative and wacky costumes people come up with for their animals.
3. Now, everyone in San Francisco has heard of the Winchester Mystery House, but not everyone has been there. I have, and it's true to its name. Going to the Mystery House is a bizarre experience to say the least. It's open to kids and families all the time, but if you have some older kids who don't mind a scare, check out the midnight tour. There have been several testimonials about ghostly encounters on the midnight tour.
4. Last but not least, check out the Halloween Hoopla. Go to the Yerba Buena Gardens for this great event MCed by Unique Derique, who will definitely bring life and character to the day. This event is best for kids under the age of ten. There will be clowns, costumes, arts and crafts, music -- the list goes on and on!

Now, onto some ideas for the grown-ups who don't mind a little scare:

1. The Freaker's Ball celebrates its 21st anniversary this year at The Factory. You can dance until the dawn comes!
2. The Ghost Ship Party is another awesome party that takes place on October 30 and 31st on Pier 70. This party is very unique; it's part art, part rave, part party! There are all kinds of entertainers! Find a crazy outfit and dance all night!
3. The Spooky Halloween Extravaganza is a very colorful event at the Star Theater. The theater is transformed into a Prohibition speakeasy. If you don't want the fun to stop, you can also go to the electro swing after party.
4. In my opinion, the creepiest one out there is Trapped in a Room with a Zombie. It might sound cheesy, but stop rolling your eyes! You are trapped in a room with an actor who plays a Zombie. You have 60 minutes to work with your team to escape the room. As time passes, the Zombie's chain gets looser. If you're looking for something creepy, this is the event for you!

Finally, here are some great ideas for date night:

1. If you want a classy evening, go to the Davies Symphony Hall for a showing of the 1920s silent film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. A live orchestra will accompany the movie. This is the antidote to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. You should hear the vocals that roar through those halls. This is spine-tingling, lighthearted fun.
2. The San Francisco Ghost Walk is a fun, spooky evening. Go on up to the Pacific Heights neighborhood at 7:00pm. You'll walk the streets and hear stories about the ghosts that haunt these beautiful mansions. These ghost stories are based on real events, which could make this even creepier than your average haunted house!
3. Go see The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I know earlier we talked about the antidote to this movie, but it's a classic. There are 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. showings on Halloween, but if you can't make it on Halloween, there will be other showings leading up to the big day! Sing, dance, and enjoy this cult classic.
4. Finally, you can also take your significant other to the Arcane: Halloween Ballet. This is a one-act performance by the Company C Contemporary Ballet. There are performances on October 24th, 25th, 30th, and 31st. It's a bone-chilling and exhilarating event for everyone who loves dance. The choreographer, Charles Anderson, truly brings Halloween to life.

That's everything! I know I threw a lot of information at you today, and you may have a tough time deciding which event is right for you. I pretty much want to go to all of them! Click on the links in the article for more information, and if you have any questions, feel free to give me a call. Now, get out there and have some fun!

Should You Make an Offer on a New Listing?

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A lot of people have been asking me lately, "Should I wait to make an offer on a new listing that just came onto the market?" The short answer is no!

If this is the home that you want, then go buy it! In some markets, you have to shoot first before anyone else finds the property. What if someone else jumps in and makes an offer higher than what you can offer? If you get in there right away and you get in first, then you get the property. Your best offer is your first offer.

When you do make an offer on the home, make sure you put a fair offer in. Don't lowball the seller, but don't go way over the listing price, either. Before you even look at homes, make sure that your financing is in place. Once you've made an offer, don't go buy a boat or car. Your financing will be ruined, and you'll lose the home in the middle of the transaction.

If you have any questions, give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!

Summer Fun in the Bay

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Today I'm starting a series of videos for you that will be filled with ideas for entertainment. Some of these will be for you and your family, some of them will be for you to enjoy the nightlife around here, and some will be ideas so you and that special someone can enjoy the Bay Area together.

Family Fun Ideas:

1. Most of us who have grown up here have not gone to Alcatraz. I know I haven't, but I think this would be an excellent idea for you and your family. They even have night tours!
2. Another good idea is to visit the Castro Theatre and sing along to movies with your family. It's very G-rated, and the theater is beautiful!
3. Golden Gate Park is also a great place to go. You can skate, picnic, or just about anything there - it's a wonderful place!
4. Lastly, check out Pier 39 and, once you've spent some time with the sea lions, go see the nearby aquarium. There are a lot of different things that you're able to do there, and you don't want to pass this up.

Adult Ideas:

Leave the kids at home for this stuff!

1. Chinatown is always a great time. The little tea-houses there are amazing - but they just might spoil tea for you.
2. The Tadich Grill is another good idea, and it's the city's oldest bar and restaurant. Everyone from politicians to tourists frequent this bar. You owe it to yourself to go visit this San Francisco landmark.
3. If you want to sip a craft cocktail somewhere, Comstock in North Beach is a fantastic place to go if you're looking to unwind.

Date Night Ideas:

1. Did you know there's over 400 secret stairways connecting over 46 miles of San Francisco? Go sneak up some stairways and maybe even share a kiss.
2. Tony's Pizza in North Beach is an excellent place grab a bite to impress your special someone. Every time I go there, I'm blown away by the pizza.
3. After you grab some pizza, let's go do some putt putt golf. I know this sounds lame, but Urban Putt, on 1096 S. Van Ness, closes at 8pm to anyone who is not 21 years old. This means you get to play putt with a beer in your hand! What could be better than that?

So, there you have it. We have the family entertained, we have you entertained, and we have that special someone in your life entertained as well.

If you have any questions about any of this, or if you would like any San Francisco real estate advice, please don't hesitate to contact me!

How Will Your HOA Impact You as an Investment Buyer?

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Homeowner Associations are fairly common, but what a lot of people don't consider is the dramatic impact that their yearly fees can have on your buying power.

Whether we like them or hate them, HOAs aren't going to disappear anytime soon. Whether you're an investment buyer or buying a home as a primary residence, you'll have to pay these fees. 

As an investment buyer, these HOA fees are undoubtedly cutting into your bottom line. What if you could go out and purchase a bigger, nicer home when you don't have to pay for these HOA fees? The fees can add up to a significant amount over the years.

I used to own a home and had to pay HOA fees. I didn't mind it so much at first. It was a $249 fee, but by the time I moved, the fee had increased to $450 because the Association kept running into problems. When you buy into a HOA, review the HOA Document to ensure you're putting your money into a worthwhile organization. Examine the budget and speak to leaders of the HOA.

HOAs work for some people, but I recommend everyone to look at their budget and ensure that it's a worthwhile investment for yourself and your family. If you knock off the money you pay in those fees, it will allow you a larger total purchase price for a home. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm always here to help you!

Looking for a Place in the Bay Area to Kick Back?

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When I'm looking to relax after work, I always head to McGah's Pub & Pianos. They have great food, great drinks, and they always provide a great time. 

I'm here with the general manager, Ashlee Fox, and she's excited to announce some special things happening at McGah's.

On Monday's the bar will be hosting 'Office Space Mondays' from 11am to 4pm where you can get a meal and unlimited beverages for $9.99. 

On Tuesdays they have trivia from 8pm to 10pm.

Wednesday's are dedicated to Gold Fish Races (7pm to 10pm) and a monthly open mic. 

Thursday features a Country & Cocktails series from 8pm to 11pm, where different live bands come in and play.

If you happen to stop in on a Friday or a Saturday, you can see the Dueling Pianos from 8:30pm to 12:30pm. This has been happening for nearly four years, and everyone raves about the music.

I would recommend this spot to anybody, and I just wanted to let you know that this place will change your life!

Check out their review on Yelp here.

As always, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about real estate in the Bay area. Perhaps I could meet you at McGah's for a drink!

How Can You Help Conserve Water in the Bay Area?

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Today, I want to touch on something that is affecting, or will affect, all of us if we don't do something about it soon. Of course, I'm talking about the drought! 

For us here in California, we all need to take responsibility for what's happening and actively try to reduce our water usage. If you want to reuse some water, a good idea is to take a few buckets into the shower with you. The water you collect can then be used to water plants around the house and in the landscaping. Also, if you do a lot of cooking, you can take the water you use for boiling outside and water your plants.

There is no better time to upgrade your appliances. Go down to the store and take a look at low-flow appliances, which include shower heads, toilets, and dishwashers that use significantly less water than traditional appliances. These will only cost you a few extra bucks and you'll be helping out our community!  

If your landscaping is dying, you have to let it go. It's unfortunate, but the amount of water it takes to keep elaborate landscapes healthy is just too much in our current climate. Remember, brown is the new green! However, if you really need green in your yard, you can always install fake sod. It's a bit expensive, but it will work out financially in the long run! There are other environmentally friendly ways to make your yard look great, like planting cacti, succulents, and other plants that don't need much water to survive. 

These are just a few ideas that will help you save water and help the communities. If you would like more tips, or if you have some tips you would like to share with us, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to help our community save water! In order to get through this epic drought, it's going to take all of us!