Valerie's Belfair WA Real Estate Blog

Princess and I were once again a team. On the road. Each of us giving something back to each other. She was stretching her RPM wings and I was stretching my mind. We both needed this. She sat dormant through the winter as I ran rampant through the winter working endless hours and days, pushing through the turmoil of the market, maintaining, changing tactics, striving to be the best I could be knowing it would pay off in the end.

Now it was time for me to re-group, re-focus, take some time for me, clear my mind, as well as expand my mind and my network.

Princess was the way to do that.

I rolled her out of the garage, set the choke and knew she was going to give me her best from the first turn of the key. She's never let me down. A little rough around the edges her rumble was from sitting, but as I geared up for the road, she smoothed out and her familiar Harley "potato" rumble echoed throughout the neighborhood. Yep - IT WAS TIME!   Princess and I were hitting the road! The sun was out and the day promised to be in the 60's!  PERFECT! 

We were multi-tasking today. Work and pleasure all rolled into one. Princess doesn't mind. She just wants to be on the open road.

We were checking and filling flyer boxes, as well scoping out the neighborhoods in my market area.

Our first stop was going to be the local gas station. Princess has needs too and this is one of them. She likes the "good stuff" too and she deserves it. She gives me her best when I give her the best. I don't mind paying the extra - it's worth it in her performance and what she gives me.

We pull into the gas station and she takes her fill. As I get ready to roll again (huge smile on my face) a car pulls in behind me. (A biker is always watching their back - never know when someone is going to creep up on you and well - we worry about what's behind us as much as what's in front of us...) A little close they were -"hmmm maybe they need this gas pump?" I wonder. I am ready to move quickly if need be...

 Just like in real estate I am prepared and know what I need to do to get the job done...

 The passenger door opens as I am watching in my mirror and a woman jumps out running up to me --

"WAIT!" she exclaims "Don't start it yet!"  

My first networking opportunity of the day has just arrived (and I haven't even gone a mile yet)! Oh how I love how business and pleasure always seem to "ride" hand in hand!

I always get the question of "how did you get the courage to do it? Aren't you scared?"

 I tell her that fear and passion for what I do drives my success no matter what it is. When someone tells me "I can't do that" I use that to drive away my fears and carry it to success.  Don't ever let anyone tell you "you can't."

As our conversation turns from the envy of Princess and my being a woman rider-especially an older woman rider, I naturally lead the conversation in the direction of my other passion - my business.

As our conversation wraps up (it is getting warm sitting there in leathers and Princess is itching to go, but she's patient) and my admirer is "wowed" that I am "THAT VALERIE"  The real estate agent with Windermere?" ;

I pull a business card out of my glove. My latest admirer chuckles as I hand it to her telling her that "I hope she'll think of me if she needs or knows of someone who may need my services and help! I am pretty passionate about my business and give it my all just like I do with my riding."

She takes the cardand again chuckles saying-"I can see your passion in both and I will definitely keep you in mind. It would also be pretty hard to forget you and what you do!"

"One more thing?" she asks as she tucks the card in her purse..."Will you rev it up so I can hear her?" 

 I laugh with a twinkle in my eye and Princess comes to life with a roar...

Business and Pleasure once again "Ride" hand in hand! I am always working for you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I believe in building relationships for life.  People come first...  People + a House = A home where memories are made and people live.  

For more information about my area, the real estate market, buying and selling a home, and other information visit my Blog or my website.

~~Valerie~~  

What do you mean I can't do that? Says who? Why Not? Anytime someone says those words to me it actually makes me work harder to find a way TO DO IT!  I don't let those words stop me!

And so it begins... I love this time of year and throughout summer and fall because it is when I get to spread my wings even more and enjoy a freedom as well as surprise people. 

People who do not know me or have just met me, are surprised when they find out that I ride a motorcycle. Their reactions are all usually the same - an ear splitting grin and envy as they look at my bike and give me a high five for going for it. A lot of questions they will generally ask..

Around this time of year, my husband and I pull our motorcycles out and ride whenever we can- weather permitting. I used to be "shy" and would not ride my motorcycle while I was working; some would question how I was going to be able to "do" real estate and take care of business while on my motorcycle.

I decided the heck with that. I want to ride. Don't tell me I can't do that.... So I do.

It's actually quite simple and cost effective and the best part - an experience that you will not find anywhere else. 

My husband bought me a bag for my luggage rack so I can carry my computer, fliers, purse, whatever I can fit in there! (he states continually he's created a monster).... And off I go. 

I usually ride my motorcycle when I am on a day of networking, checking on my homes for sale, filling flyer boxes and other little tasks. And what a way to network and multitask!

I can guarantee you that at least ONE person will stop and have a conversation with me in regards to my motorcycle and/or the fact that I am a woman rider (not to say they won't talk to a man either cuz they will!). What a perfect way to open the door to what I do for a living.

And when I am on my motorcycle, they see and feel my passion for it and eventually our conversation always turns to the economy which in turns turns to - YEP - real estate. And if it doesn't,  they will always ask me where I am headed. My grin becomes huge again, as I start down the road of my other passion in life.

I explain to them how I help people achieve their dreams and goals in life.  From there it goes and I can take it in any direction I would like....

And here's the other amazing thing about all of this: They ALWAYS remember who I am.

Don't ever let anyone tell you "YOU CAN'T DO THAT!"

So what surprises do you have up your sleeve?