The True Gauge of Success

Success is defined by dictionaries as accomplishment of one’s goals; the attainment of wealth, position, honors, status or the like. But then again, is there truly a measure of success? Are there parameters that exist which may serve as a framework to the pursuit of one’s success?

It is a human predisposition to gauge accomplishments by the flaws in life they have overcome. It is the reason why faults and weaknesses are “magnified” because it is seen as obstacles rather than building blocks that should otherwise strengthen one’s resolve and purpose.

“Success is achieved by developing our strengths, not by eliminating our weaknesses."

~ Marilyn vos Savant

We are quick to succumb to dejection and hopelessness whenever we are faced with negative situations that impede our momentum towards attaining our objectives in life. It is with this reaction with our flaws that often elicit false reasoning and mediocrity for our actions and therefore causing failures and ultimately, regrets.

It would take a very strong resolve for one to see failures and weaknesses in a different light much more accept it as a constructive element towards achieving one’s goal. Let’s face it, we often see faults and failures as bad signs or omen, that which grips our motivation and resolve at the point of contact. But we cannot eliminate it. We can never exclude it. To err is human. The best thing we can do is integrate it in our daily living and cultivate our strength with our weaknesses in mind.

According to Ed Smith, Author of the book 60 Seconds to Success, one has to practice success daily if they want to really succeed. He outlined that first you have to “decide what success is to you and never leave happiness out” with your definition. He then advised to “turn that into a plan, and then turn it into a goal. He also instructed to write those plans down for it is “more powerful” that way. Start and end your day with a positive note and work with what you have to attain it. He also guided that we should spend 3 minutes of gratitude in prayer every day.

Bottom Line: Success is not gauged by how wealthy, how powerful and how influential a person is. Neither is it appraised with the least of trials or failures. It should manifest with one’s happiness and sense of fulfillment; with gratitude, love and self-worth. For it is with positivity that it should thrive and with gratitude and not pride that it should be empowered with.

Sohail Pirzada E-mail: info@HomesBySohail.com

Realtor / CEO, Team Sohail                                                                        www.HomesBySohail.com

Luxury Homes International Member                                                       Direct: (817) 328-1477

Global Property Specialist                                                                            Cell: (609) 516-4138

Keller Williams Realty                                                                              Fax: (855) 295-2686

850 East State Highway 114, Southlake, TX 76092                               website:www.TeamSohail.com

How To Boost Your Property’s Price Tag

We understand how hard it is for us to let go of our property much more if we have had lots of fun and loving (and sometimes not so pleasant) memories in it. On the contrary, once the decision is made, no time for mushy goodbyes…if it has to go, it has to go. Nonetheless, we wouldn’t want our property to hit the market looking shabby and unattractive, won’t you agree? Of course it is imperative that it should be as eye-catching if not jaw-dropping as possible to prospective buyers. You don’t want  it to stay on the market for a long time and considering lowering the price. Here are some suggestions for you and your agent (your agent matters) to position your property in the market in such a way so you get the maximum market-value:

360 DEGREES AESTHETIC ADVANTAGE

In preparing it for the big “push”, it is imperative that your home is spic and span carrying out the major and minor repairs (if any) done flawlessly, paying particular attention to the façade and exteriors as well as the landscaping. Since this are the areas exposed to “scrutiny”, it is imperative that these areas rouse an impressive first impression to potential buyers. Putting additional value to your home by making necessary repairs and/or beautification will definitely “spice up” the net worth of your property. Always do a 360 degrees quality rundown of your property prior to even planning to put it in the market for you to personally ensure that your investment will yield a considerable if not that valuable expected return. Time and cost efficiency of the aesthetic “retouch” to be made should be a priority consideration as that of quality.

Comfort is another utmost concern of buyers. Effective and efficient heating and cooling should be one facet of the prep up that needs to be focused on as it is one of the most important items that buyers are very particular with in a new home. Water and gas supply are also major features that require attention and securing as it is with house security system itself. Make sure all are functioning well for a flawless transaction.

In your agenda; a lush and verdant surrounding is a must since “green concern” is a prerequisite now in most properties. Not only that it serves a natural barrier and filters the air but it also adds value to your property’s overall aesthetic expression. This should include a well-landscaped front and back yard as well which often puts the exclamation point in the overall packaging of your property enroute to its marketability.

Don’t forget to neutralize the smell, your agent must share that with you!

“FIGURING” IT OUT WELL

Pricing your property is a tricky part since evaluations and appraisals are needed to come up with the final tag “figures”. Although it isn’t a prerequisite, a professional pricing assessment would guarantee you that you’ll have your property’s worth as per market value. Professional help such as that of a licensed broker assures you that your property will not stay long in the market hence, faster return of investment without breaking a drop of sweat.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

The most crucial question in selling your home is, almost always, “When?” Perfect timing requires knowledge of market trends and this should be handed over to professionals. It’s only logical for licensed brokers to know better since they have been dealing with and have made a living out of these matters so it’s only fair to trust them to know better. Perfect timing means faster market turnover at the best price. And that’s the bottomline.

So, the next time you’ll ever think of putting your property in the market, these are effective suggestions that will allow your properties to sell like hotcakes in the market. So, what are you waiting for? Make your own checklist and call your trusted licensed broker to get that ball rolling in your favor. Happy selling!

Sohail Pirzada                                                                                                  E-mail: info@HomesBySohail.com

Realtor / CEO, Team Sohail                                                                        www.HomesBySohail.com

Luxury Homes International Member                                                       Direct: (817) 328-1477

Global Property Specialist                                                                            Cell: (609) 516-4138

Keller Williams Realty                                                                              Fax: (855) 295-2686

850 East State Highway 114, Southlake, TX 76092                               website: http://www.teamsohail.com/

To Sell or Not To Sell?

Spring is fast approaching and you’re troubled whether you’ll put that home of yours on the listing along with other Dallas properties or wait until the inventory is as scorching as the summer sun? Let’s look at the two sides of that Dime, shall we?

If we are to base on the current market trends, there is an increase of +13.2%  in the median of asking price per unit for multifamily Dallas properties compared to that of January, 2014 and a decrease of  -14.3% compared to prices of the previous year. There is also a considerable increase in sale prices due to a noted drop in the current inventory compared to previous months and even the previous years to say the least. Consequently, if there are a lot of potential buyers but a few properties out for sale, prices will shoot up. The least amount of property in the market guarantees less competition and a faster sale at the best and highest price possible. And to say the least, you, have the upper hand in the pricing game. It’s Supply and Demand 101. 

“This is definitely a seller’s market,” says Jeff Duffey, of Jeff Duffey & Associates, in Dallas. “In the best neighborhoods, if a seller isn’t getting multiple offers in their first four or five days on the market, they are either obscenely overpriced, or their house wasn’t in condition to show well. In this market, there’s no reason right now your home shouldn’t sell within a week.”  - The Hottest Dallas Housing Market Ever by Joseph Guinto, D Magazine July 2013

Technically, if we will be considering the financial and business perspective of your option, it’s definitely an opportune time to decide on the matter. However, if you have matters that you are still considering such as conjugal considerations, family issues, or plainly indecisiveness, well, there may just be a couple of setbacks: a not so solid assurance that it will be sold the soonest that you expect it to be and for it to be sold with the price you will tag it to be. Of course, that will still depend on the time of the year and the existing inventory of properties at the time of purchase. With Dallas properties, you can never go wrong but the market will always be a roller coaster ride…it’s not what you play with but how you play it well.

Selling your home is not an easy task but it would definitely and absolutely be an advantage to consult a professional so that you’ll be able to appreciate your decision to let go of a treasure.  

Dreaming the Spectacular and Timeless

Modern masterpieces that are nothing less than awe-inspiring, these spectacular and timeless structures, renovated or otherwise, are truly properties and treasures to behold. These are the Dallas, Texas Luxury Homes which some may consider just dream properties but are now within reach for even the not-so-rich-and-famous but determined to feel like one.

These impressive properties feature the finest in custom finishes and luxury details. Grand entrance and doors, majestic staircases, elegant fireplaces and lofts, spacious kitchen and dining area, living rooms and bedrooms, solar-heated pools, breathtaking front and back yard grounds and lush, green and verdant surroundings are to behold in each property which were all well-kept and in perfect and stunning details and finish.

From rolling estates, to chateaus, ranches and villas, each Dallas, Texas Luxury Homes have a rich and unraveling story to tell. Ranging from as low as $780,000 USD to a steep $30,000,000 USD tag, these properties not only serve as stature indicators to some but true elegance in living to those who wishes and has earned their way to own it. But hey, Dallas itself is home to 11 billionaires and so affluence is really not a status to be too much bothered about.

A home, no matter how simple or lavish, is still the fortitude of a person or a family. It is the keeper of their hopes and aspirations, it’s where their dreams are made and realized. No matter how hard it may seem to have one, a dreamer will find a way to realize his aspirations and indeed, having a home to proudly call his own is not a feat but a job well done.

So if you will ever decide to purchase or lease a property that you have dreamt of owning in Texas, you can definitely find the treasure you are seeking for in the heart of Dallas because Dallas, Texas Luxury Homes are simply the BEST there is and where the spectacular and timeless lies.

The Wild Dallas Properties Ride

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The Dallas properties, specifically the Dallas-Fort Worth real estate market, are booming as it is considered one of the hottest in the nation! Recent data shows that this runaway trend has no plans of slowing down!


As per the Prudential Texas Properties February 2014 reports, the Dallas-Fort Worth region, has seen a huge inflow of interested home buyers after registering a whapping 21% slope compared to the active listing of the same month last year and 5% drop from the previous month signaling a drop on the current inventory. Such decline may signal a positive trend in the local inventory turnover rate which is also an indicator that theDallas properties market is zooming up!

As per U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has registered the third-highest population growth from July 2012 to July 2013. Just a few figures behind that of New York and Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth population ballooned to 108,000 people more than its size, tallying up to more than 6.8 million residents.

The real estate market in Fort Worth continues to climb upwards, as noted by Altos Research, a California-based real estate analytics company. Demand and home values have both increased drastically. The median single-family home value in the city was marked at $154,113. Median sale price for Feb 2014 is pegged at $250K from a pricing of $202.2K in the past year. As for the demand, the number of units sold for Feb 2014 dropped by 5% from the same month of 2013.

There is a quick turnover as per the Dallas properties are concerned. This positive trend indicates positive momentum on the market trend and it has no indication of slowing down until the advent of spring. As the competition for properties heats up, so does the Real Estate market which will lead to active agents and fast-paced buying and selling. So, hold on to your properties, partners because the Texas Real Estate market is on a wild Rodeo Ride and y’all don’t have any choice but to ride ‘em til it slows down! Yeeee -Haa!

Do really need an agent?

-->Do you really need an agent for your property to be sold? Excellent question. 
Most sellers nowadays are faced with a dilemma of whether or not entrust their properties to someone just for the purpose of striking a better deal. Is it really just a question of TRUST and CONFIDENCE? Are there perks that goes with having someone doing the “legwork” for you, is it just a status quo or you’re just too idle to do it? 

Having an agent to transact for your property is really a breeze. All you have to do is sit back and wait for the result and voila! After a while, you’ll be informed that transaction was completed and that the property is now reduced to either a thick bundle of green bills or a single rectangular paper with a bank name, routing number, account number and the amount! WRONG!

Entrusting your property with Real Estate agents is like putting eggs in an incubator: You can be assured it’ll be taken cared of but nothing really happens until you, yourself, will see the process of incubation through. But it will not be as effective without the incubator either. Doing it on your own will still take time and, without professional help, failure is certain and inevitable!

Real Estate, more than anything, is all about risks and chances. For a certain percentage, real estate agents can take care of your property for you but unless it is a legitimate broker you are dealing with and not some fly-by-night outfit, you can be assured that you’ll get positive results in a week or two. But not all results are that “positive” or have that positive turnout. The pricing, location, and status of the property including the efficiency and affectivity of the broker/agent are factors that dictate how fast (or slow) a property will hit the market.

Deciding to go for DIY (do-it-yourself) route of selling on the other hand, posts a different challenge. The utilization of service posts “for sale by owner” listings on a range of sites for a flat fee of $199 for six months is indeed savings but only a handful would take a chance knowing that an established broker backed-up property is much reliable and secured than former. But usually, for a market where the inventory of properties is limited, owners are empowered to do it themselves hoping to save half or all of the commission due for a middleman.

Although selling your property without the middleman is a big advantage, it’s the same as representing yourself in court. Are you knowledgeable enough of the terms, the trends and the proper pricing that will not put your property on the disadvantage? For sure, those are just the few concerns that you should focus on prior to doing Gung-ho with the property dealings!

“You can’t just sign a paper and sign over your house. There are so many levels. Home deals are big financial transactions,” says Michael Corbett, a real estate author and host of NBC’s “Extra’s Mansions and Millionaires. “There’s a lot of negotiating going on…and each one of those negotiations has to be handled professionally and non-emotionally and it’s very hard to represent yourself.”

So, do you really need an agent for your property to be sold? Excellent question. At the end of the day,it will still be you who will decide. Do it soundly, do it wisely…would you pay less for your treasure?