My I have a dream moment
A post by David Ames made me think about how much we all rely on the Internet as we move through the day. Recently my wife and I bought bikes and so we needed a bike rack to haul the bikes around with the car (Riding in city traffic is not her thing...nor mine). First of all we needed a trailer hitch for the car, and I found a video with step by step instructions on how to install it. But we passed and let the hitch guys do it. Then she studied the three different types of racks and read every customer review on the level of satisfaction. I studied our physical waning abilities and suggested the platform type verses the roof top or the rear hanging style. Regardless of what we decided, we felt we knew it all when we made the decision and purchased the rack of choice.
Many people have heard that Zillow.com has offered an automatic evaluation of every home and they seem as willing to accept that as just as valid as the opinion of an appraiser or realtor. And why not? Realtors don’t agree, so they also have a margin of error, just like Zillow.com has. And a homeowner can read on Trulia.com 5 mistakes a home seller makes or 9 things for home buyers to be aware of, ad infinitum. Trulia has a thing for numbers.
For years I have been collecting first editions of works by fiction writers whom I like. As Marjie and I look forward to retirement, it has occurred to me that my heirs will not be at all interested in the significant weight of 1400 hard bound books in the age of tablet readers, nor I'm I interested in moving them myself. Our interest is in a smaller home and a more simplified life.
Although I’ve reread a few of them over the years, I’m not likely to really need too many of them in the future. Boxing and moving them is going to take some effort I’d like to avoid. Luckily, a past client happens to have a business, The Book Monger, and he does market books online. In the past I often thought that I would find a process online to sell my books myself, but it requires a certain professionalism that I don’t possess. I surely would rate all of my books in perfect condition and would eventually get some back from unhappy purchasers. Besides, I’d rather be bike riding in the sun with Marjie than slumped over a computer marketing books. So, tomorrow, I meet with Richard to discuss disposal of my collection.
The lesson for sellers of real estate is simply this: Just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should. The success stories on Zillow and other places are the anomaly, not the rule. We all have dreams, but a good grasp of reality will get us further in life than chancing our futures with the dreamed successes of others.
Glenn Roberts, SRES*
Lake and Company Real Estate
206-524-3665
Seattle Residential ~ I Do That
Licensed broker since 1985 offering spectacular service to buyers and sellers in greater Seattle, with particular interest in Green Lake, Ballard, Phinney Ridge, Wallingford, Ravenna, Bryant, View Ridge, Roosevelt and the University District.
*Senior Real Estate Specialist
Referrals from past clients and other agents always make me smile.
Glen,
There are a lot of things that I can do and many of them I choose to do as long as the outcome and timeframe is not critically important to the other areas of my life.
Selling and/or buying a home is so critically important to all other aspects of our lives.. it is much better for buyers and sellers to leave it to the professionals.
Don and I bought bikes in 2010 also. I really enjoy riding as long as I'm not having trouble with a hip problems..
Judi - We've gone to bikes over hiking as one of Marjie's knees is acting up and a different exercise is thought to improve strength there.
Gotta say I love the blooming cherry trees in the background...great advice as always in your post!!!
Another great and inspirational post Glenn..........you and Marjie deserve that retirement and are preparing well for it...............
I remember the days when I had walls of books, old books, new books, reference books, etc. Then, in about 1997 Google came about. I realized that "everything about which I had a question (or anyone in my family who regularly used my library of hard covers for reference) could be found on Google. The Salvation Army benefited from my discovery.
I benefited too when I sold that house and didn't have to pack and move all of those books. The only books I now have and keep is a Black's Law Dictionary and a Chronicle of Quotations and I still go to Google.
Was it hard letting go of a many year collection? Yes, but WOW the feeling of relief was wonderful when I realized all the dust that was not going to dog me.
Glenn, you make an excellent point with this post. A dream is another way of saying a fluke. Somehting that could happen, but more than likely will not. People always tend to communicate when their amazing, yet unexpected consequences occur which lets people know that it could come true. It comes down to expectations. Expectations are the physchological backbone to it all.
Glenn, sounds like you are pretty much ready for retirement. Enjoy your bikes.
Glenn, Fantastic post. I've learned that sometimes my capability may be there, but my time and effort are better spent elsewhere. Someone who does it for a living is SO much more proficient.
Excellent post Glenn, I believe there is a cleansing feeling when we purge our lives of possessions. I don't know why, but every time I do something like that I feel better...
Glenn, this is such a great post. It makes for a thriving local economy too if we do what we do best and hire someone to do the rest.
Glenn - I absolutely agree! Only I KNOW I can't do many things and seek help quickly! Great post.
Bikes cover a lot of ground quickly. Life goes by quickly. Read more, drink better coffee, get on your knees and garden. Praying while you are down there. Real estate is an affliction, a sport we are either built for or not. But no matter what you do for a career choice have fun doing it and other actitivies with your family!
That must feel great, making life "lighter". I'm ready to downsize as well, just wish I could get my other half to feel the same way :)
I think some of my For Sale by Owner customers could benifit from reading your post. By the way there is a nice bike trail between Lake Stevens and Snohomish, about 20 miles round trip not too hard but not too easy either.
Have a Great Day!
I'm with Phil-I think I'll relay this info on to a few FSBO's I've been working in this area. They could benefit from this information tremendously!
Cara - We havea pretty colorful street this time of year.
Roger - I'm not sure how long we've been preparing, but we're headed that way.
Lenn - I might just have learned the concept from a comment you made a few months ago.
Randy - Many things are easier when you let someone else do them.
Michael - We are enjoying some new scenery these days.
Bliz - That's for sure.
Gerry - And recycling your stuff is so much more satisfying than just dumping it.
Jeanne - I hope my book seller makes a bundle!
Peter - I'll be gaining back hours on moving day by not having to box and tote books. Aaah!
Andy - You know we have good coffee here.
Cynthia - Lead by example.
Phil - We'll be riding the Snoqualmie Trail (part of it) soon and look forward to the others you mention.
Lisa - And now you do. By knowing you and Dan bike got us headed that way, in part.
Margie - Good luck with those FSBOs. Eventually they will be thrilled to have a Realtor take the wheel.
Years ago, I discovered an old book store near me that would buy your stuff and of course sell you their stuff...So, instead of storing anything, I just go down there and do some trading whenever I want too. Works well Glenn....sort of like a rotation system
Glenn I hate parting with books. It would be akin to a kid going to college for me. Hard to let go.
Richie - I've had credit at a couple of used book stores, but they've gone out of business.
Charita - Time for the kids to get a place of their own.
Good morning, Glenn. Congratulations to you and Marjie for prepping for your imminent retirement. Biking through scenic trails sounds like an enjoyable, healthy activity.
BTW: I’m still reading the book your sent, “Influencer.” I’m thoroughly enjoying it! (Thanks again!)
Great post, Glen! Enjoy your bikes! I have one and I really enjoy it. I put my dog in the basket and ride her around the neighborhood--she is blind, so she gets to ride for free.
Bill - Enjoy the book and then pass it on.
Pam - We are having fun, even in the rain.
Glenn:
I can do many things, but I do not choose to do all those things myself. Someone else may do the job more efficient than I could do. I let the experts do those things, just as I hope my clients will leave selling their home to me, the real estate professional.
Evelyn - Knowing the difference and then acting on it is a giant step.
Hey Glenn. First, thanks for the mention. Second, I was wondering yesterday what your topic would be, and your summary is quite poetic. Perfect feature post. Nice bike rack btw. ;-)
David- It wasn't exactly what I was thinking at the time, but it's what rose to the surface once I started. Bike rack works well. I recommend the type.
My brother-in-law had a very extensive collections of old records from the 30's and 40's--thousands of them. When he died suddenly last year my sister-in-law was left wondering what to do with such a massive collection. She found a library in Ohio that was very happy to take them. They even sent someone to Louisville to pick them up. However, she didn't really get any money for them. You'll probably get a better profit by selling them to the Bookmonger.
How fortunate that you know someone who will take those books off your hands. NO one ones to throw away books, but moving motivates a lot of people to do just that.
Easier said than done, my friend. Every time I get rid of something I get in trouble :)
Really Good Post ! I have over the years had quite a collection of books, never willing to part with any and rarely would loan them out (fear of not getting them back). They were my friends and took me many places and taught me much. One day I realized that they were beginning to collect dust and I needed to reorganize and perhaps lean out my possessions. Here in the Portland area we have a bookstore called Powells books, they are huge and buy your books back. Make a little money, make someone else happy along the way. I don't now have as many books and am still happy. Didn't hurt a bit, only for a moment.
Tammie - the Book Monger was here today and is taking the cream of the crop a few boxes at a time. Later on, I'll let the rest go at a yard sale.
Margaret - Moving them is the big motivator.
Cynthia - Need a good negotiator?
Mary - I know Powells well. Have bought many of my books there. Now it's time to let them go.
Glenn - books? What are they?! Only kidding - while I love the Internet, I have been known to spend a small fortune in the bookstore. Time to get a library card. Nice bikes!
Kristine - A tablet reader with a library card would be a nice combination. The bikes are Felts, the Café series. Targeted at my generation, I suppose.
Times do change and that of course impacts us and our lifestyle. Retirement and a simpler life sound attractive but parting with books one has loved is like losing a friend, or in your case 4000 friends.
You comment about the difference between can do and should do rings home with me. I took on a 100 years old Victorian house with great ideas of lovingly restoring her to her original grandeur. A decade later I look at many projects I should have farmed out and i'd be done and ready for retirement myself.
Marshall - Yesterday I choose to part with my best book-friends first. The rest will be easy. our 1913 house is a Craftsman and we're in our 26th year of projects. Perhaps our next home will be of modern design (and new).
Sounds to me like you need to downsize. And since you were so gracious as to invite me to the Seattle area, I'm going to extend that invitation to you to come here! If nothing else, as a biking enthusiast too, you'll have another partner to go riding with!
Glenn - this concept makes alot of money for people packaging their How To or Bashing propaganda. I still believe there are more people who stay away from gimmicks and look for true professionals when they are about to make a substancial investment. We have to deal with them and it will come down to salesmanship and track record.
Glenn - My husband will be bowing at your feet chanting "I'm not worthy!" should he discover your post. There is nothing that warms the cockles of his heart more than getting rid of stuff. When we built our most recent home we had to move three times; each time more stuff went to new homes, and I've never seen him happier. I was pretty happy too, until I opened the trash canister in the garage to discover several of my cookbooks...ummm, ok, so I don't cook all that much...some unwritten line was crossed there! LOL! And the way you worked in your analogy with calling in the expert was brilliant.
Enjoy your bikes! My husband and I are avid cyclists; we believe there is no better, less physically destructive, nor more fun sport out there. It can be as easy or as challenging as you wish, and pretty much anyone can do it.
Craig - My brother and family moved to Greensboro in about 1980 for a job. My mother retired there to be near one of her children someplace warm. In 2002 he and family moved back to Minnesota. We visited NC a lot and enjoyed it. I'll give you a few minutes warning before we arrive.
Roberts - Reading about "how to" is important. Helps you see when your may get in over your head or to ask better questions when hiring. We didn't learn what we know overnight.
Linda - Your husband should be more careful when house-cleaning, unless he was sending a message. It's just about time for a bike ride today.
It's that old saying - if all of us are special, then none of us are.
Torgie - I'll have to call Mr. Rogers and ask him about that.
People will always talk about their success, never the failure and will always play up the positive, never mention the hard parts.
Gene - Even failures are described in a positive fashion to save face.
My Grandmother would roll over in her grave if she saw what I do. I buy a lot of used books - usually at the library's monthly book sale. When I'm finished with them I either donate them back to the library for the next month's sale or to a friend who has a used book rack in his feed store.
The only ones I keep are ones I want for future reference, or ones I'm especially fond of. Like Gone With the Wind - I've read it 4 times and will again some day.
My Grandmother NEVER let a book leave her once she owned it. She had 4 different homes where she lived part of the year - and each had plentiful book shelves. One home had an entire library. She's been gone for many years - but the books are still there.
Glenn, Nice post and a very worthy feature. M and I are on the same page as you and Margie. Soon we will go from a 3000 ft home to a 1150 ft home. I personally can hardly wait.
Marte - I've had visions all my life of a library, but living small is in our future and plans must change.
Charles - We've heard the call as well.
Glenn, I enjoyed the post and from one avid reader to another, your book collection is amazing! And I appreciate the last line of your post...a good grasp of reality will get us further in life than chancing our futures with the dreamed successes of others. Congrats on the well-deserved feature!
Glenn--First, congrats on Featured Post. Second, Great ideas for bikes, the rack, and disposal option--contacting an expert. Any suggestions for my attic? and Dave's two story barn?
I just finished cleaning out my mother's house of 60+years and I would not have wanted to deal with 1400 books.
Thanks for stopping at my site earlier. Happy biking.
Great post Glenn. I donated gazillions of books recently to my local library rather than dispose of them on the internet. You will get a tax donation at least.
Zillow is worthless. It's like a Ouija board - fun but not accurate!
Wanda -Thank you. I plan to keep reading and will miss the heft of a good hard cover in in hand, but will get used to it, and the convenience.
Mary - Bike ride was delightful, but a little chilly today. It's never too early to start eliminating stuff. Better get going, or someone will do it for you.
Lyn - I've been to the library sales but I didn't like what I learned. On site personnel cull first, then the volunteers get a shot and then books are available to the public. When I collected I learned there wasn't really anything of value as the sale. Agree with Zillow, but the public often hangs their hat on it.