After 50 years in the residential real estate business, I have a few tips on the do’s and don’ts of potential home improvements.

DO’S

All tasteful kitchen improvements will substantially add value. Bathroom modernization will also add value. First impressions are made when walking up to your house. So, neatness of landscaping and a fresh coat of paint on the front door send powerful messages.

Do tidy up everywhere. Invest in plastic tubs and fill with clutter from all the rooms. Make closets look like there is more room for clothing and the same with all cupboards.

DON’TS

Don’t add a bedroom that can only be accessed through another bedroom. Don’t spend so much on improvements that your home will be overpriced when compared with the selling price of other homes in your immediate neighborhood.

If not today, when?

 

 

A legacy is a gift handed down from one generation to the next.

We have all witnessed the legacy of George Herbert Walker Bush this  week. He was honored by the presence of many world leaders and former presidents.

His legacy is one of courage, patriotism, honesty and kindness.

Your legacy will be the lessons of your life as perceived by your friends and family. Will your legacy be one that they want to emulate or try to avoid in their own lives?

If they will strive to emulate your life, you will leave the world a better place.

You will not have lived in vain!

If not today, when?

 

 

 

We raised a big family in a very different environment than today’s parents are facing. All of our children are parents themselves, giving us a total of 22 grand children. I really have great respect for the job they’re doing with their kids.

We didn’t have to compete with the 24/7 influence of cell phones, cyber bullying and other aspects of social media. Because most kids have their own cell phone, they have access to hurtful influences that you don’t know about.

You are locked in a battle with other forces who can impact your child’s system of values and quality of their decisions.

The only anecdote I can suggest is to stay in constant communication with your kids.

You must know who their friends are and what is going on.

If not today, when?

 

On the front page of this morning’s New York Times is a photo of a pregnant mother and her two little children. She is waiting on her contractions to make their certain progress toward the birth of her third child.

This scene takes place in Afghanistan. Her husband was recently killed in the ongoing, seventeen year war with no end in sight. On the average, fifty people are being killed every day, leaving tens of thousands of widows left to fend for themselves and their children.

So, life goes on for this mother and the millions of people who awaken each day to a life of despair.

Do you know someone who is lonely or suffering in some manner?

Reach out to them today. It is so easy to make this world a better place!

If not today, when?

 

It seems that a large portion of society feels that, in order to be accepted, they must do whatever is popular at the time.

The first trend I’ve noticed is the need for tattoos by both males and females. It astounds me how many people are willing to make such a long lasting and easily noticed, permanent alteration to the skin they were born with.

The second trend is men who let their beard grow. Some men look good with a beard. Many do not, yet, they go along because peer pressure demands it.

How desperate are we to be accepted by others? I just think we give up a part of ourselves when we have to jump on and embrace the latest craze!

Be true to yourself!

If not today, when?

Words aren’t always enough!

The person you love will have personal struggles. Sometimes, help is needed with simple things. There are also those occasions that call for a major commitment from you.

When my wife and I were engaged, a friend I met in the Navy asked me to be his best man at his wedding. At the reception, the bride’s father rose to speak. He said that marriage is like two horses pulling a buggy together. When one horse falters, the other horse must pull the entire load until his or her partner recovers.

So, it’s not enough to just do your part! The buggy must keep moving down the path of life regardless of who does the pulling!

If not today, when?

Definition of courage: “The ability to do something that frightens you.”

I have always enjoyed sailing. My brother and I owned a 14′ wooden sailboat that had a hole in the bottom. One of us would sail while the other would bail!

I was, however, afraid to sail in the big Port Huron to Mackinac Island Race that is held each July. Finally, at the age of 64, I gathered the courage to join  5 other sailors on a 35′ boat.

We were hit by a huge storm on the second day on Lake Huron. Half of the crew got sea sick, a large sail was torn loose and the storm raged on for 8 hours.

As strange as it sounds, it was a great adventure and I learned I can face my fears.

What are you afraid of?

If not today, when?

A dictionary definition is “People who tend to ignore the needs of others and do what is best for themselves.”

We are all self centered from time to time. It is a basic instinct necessary for survival.

Are you, however obsessed with your own self interests to the exclusion of others, including loved ones? If so, you’ll never be truly happy and neither will those who interact with you on a regular basis.

I know this is an old adage, but is so profound: “It is in giving that you receive!” 

So, the key to your happiness lies in making other people happy!

Put your love of self in balance with love of others!

If not today, when?

 

 

Many of us are not all that happy with ourselves. Some of this disappointment is probably justified by past errors in judgement.  If you don’t like yourself, it will be difficult for others to like you.

So, something must be done!

First, we can’t take back the regretful things we’ve said or done, but we can decide never to repeat them again.

Shame on you for not liking yourself! God loves you with unconditional love!

I don’t believe in walking through life without God’s help. When you give all your faults and failings over to God, the healing process can begin.

Also, are there people in your life who are obstacles to your recovery? If so, tell them you are taking a new approach and want their support. If they won’t, walk away.

If not today, when?

We were in church yesterday morning and I saw a family across the isle. There was the mom, dad and four young children. The oldest child was about eight years old. Mom looked to be about seven months pregnant and didn’t seem to be feeling too well.

Dad looked fine.

Which reminds me, the man’s contribution to childbirth is sheer pleasure. The mom’s role is an emotional, psychological and physical challenge that begins at conception and follows her all her life!

All through the years, we’ve heard about moms whose childbirth is difficult. Even for the great majority who maintain good health, it is not an easy road to travel.

Let’s always be grateful for the noblest among us!

If not today, when?