Dan Brudnok - Chester, Lancaster and Delaware County, PA Real Estate Professional

I wanted to share with you some great news that I received this past weekend, yet that this news has me worried.  It is funny how I can feel this way, and those around me that know me and what I am about to share with you, understand why....those who just hear the news do not comprehend my lack of excitement.

Our middle Son informed me that he and his girlfriend (my first issue with the whole thing) are expecting a baby.  She is 10 weeks along and all seems fine (thank you Lord).  They have known one another for about a year.  They have been dating about 6 months.  They moved in together in September and now the announcement of the pending birth.

My Son has been for all general purpose a good kid (he is 22 now).  He and I have a good but distant relationship.  He chooses to, and is not that often, communicate to me about his life privately and not my wife and her family who have treated him as a "full member" of their family for over 15 years now.  That has been the biggest strain on our relationship since he has been 14 years old.  This is where the my concern comes into play.  I know that I and my wife have made it very easy for him to communicate with us.....have gone out of our way to make time to see him on his terms.....we have left the door open to him to come to everything we have with our family and friends.....and updated him on all that is going on here so that he always feel's apart of us.

He has wanted to be a parent since he was 18 and felt that he would always be there for his child.  This isn't where I start to defend myself and my actions, I will just leave it that we missed very little that he had going on, but this is the root of his distance with us.

I know that he will work hard to provide for his family.  I asked and was told that they "intend" to get married.  They both smoke which I pray that they stop today.  I know that he wants a lot for his family, however I know that he will continue to be distant from what would be a great family dynamic with my wife's family and our close circle of friends.

I ask your thought's and prayer's for him, his girlfriend and their child to be.....that they find the courage to give themselves to the Lord....He who will provide for them all that they need.  I know the life plan that I and my wife have journeyed is not the storybook that makes fairytails popular.  WE have together placed our lives int he Lord's hands and make sure that all our children know that if they do they too will take the "BIGGEST" step to a life full of love, compassion and forgiveness.

As 2008 approaches and 2007 comes to an end, how are you going to spend your hard earned market dollars?

I know every year this question comes up.....every year we ask ourselves did this year work for me in regards to my marketing efforts?  Did I get what I expected out of what I used?  Can I use it again next year and expect better results? .....Worse results?  I know I should keep better records of the source of the contact and I will.  The better question may be, isthe ground work being laid already?  Is it being laid that will benefit me the most?

I believe that as much as our national branding lays a very general ground work for our association recognition, what we do personally makes us the individual we are in our particular market.   Who exactly is Dan Brudnok?.....What separates him from other Agent?......What can I expect from Dan as my Realtor?.....and the list goes on.

I rely primarily on personal referral's for 95% of my business and I found out that in 2007 that is not what makes a Realtor able to sustain through the times like we face today.  My ties to many local and national organizations and involvement in their causes is not only personally fulfilling and beneficial to the particular organization, it too leads to enhancing your market presence. 

I will be the first to tell you that I spent very little in mailings, paper ads and the Internet for the better part of the last 4 years.  That has to change in 2008.  I have already stepped up my Internet presence with the assistance and wisdom from my Active Rain family.  I have one small and inexpensive ad I run twice weekly and I have had feedback that I am seen, so I guess that has some effect.

I met with my Broker and discussed a mailing campaign which she informed me that it takes anywhere from 12-36 months to lay the appropriate framework to be recognized for my particular market.  That has to start now and I must be aggressive....but what works best?  Do I use postcards?.....Newsletters?.....Useful household gifts?  The obvious goal is retention of the mailing as well as something worthwhile to be handed off to another that may be in need of my services.   I am also for the first time in this industry compiling a 2008 business plan as well as a 2008-2012 (5 year) business plan.  That story to follow.

I appreciate in advance any and all thought's on what is being used today by the Active Rain community that is working...even that you hope will be useful to you attaining your goal of market presence and financial stability. 

I just had to share my Thanksgiving Day because for me it was like no other.

The attendees where mostly the same as in years back, 22 in all.....this year I had several deep and heart warming talks that made me see that any of my petty gripes and worries are just...petty.  Now I usually like to sit and watch football and basketball on Turkey Day.....this year for whatever reason that was not the least bit appealing to me.  Here is one I want to share with you.

I left the family room and the screaming nephew's and Brother in Law's and friends and decided to go sit in the sun-room where we were for the day.  In that room was my "niece in law to be"....she is not a sports fan at all and always finds a quiet place to read while the family is otherwise occupied with the game on TV.  We sat and chatted and talked about her approaching nuptials.  I also had the opportunity to find out about some of her family whom I have met at the engagement party, however had very little time to get to know.  One member, her 93 year GREAT Grandma still makes the soup for her families dinner that day....it used to be either chicken or wedding soup...now it is a combination of the two as she isn't quite sure how each was made....everyone loves it and makes her feel like she is still on top of the world.  I spend much more time with her fiancee (my Nephew) and this was a time for me to get to know her better....her desire for her future employment (she graduates in May 2008).....completed plans for their wedding and those not quite completed (I explained that while she may want to be in control of everything, it is OKAY to let others assist).....and her dreams of their new home, now I hear from my Nephew all the time on what he wants in the home, now I have a much better idea what she wants and YES there can be a common ground.  All this while cheers and groans from the TV room, and I would not have changed where I was for anything.

I wanted to really get to know her better and feel the excitement she is felling about starting a life together with my Nephew.  It made me remember my wedding plans, the family assistance ( and their interference, yet I am dwelling on the positive today) how we hoped for future housing, employment and children.  I am very lucky they have asked me to assist them in their new home search and allowing me to be a part of their plans and dreams.

I left the room almost two hours later (it seemed like less than one) and went to my wife and gave her the biggest kiss....thanked her for all that she has done for me and our family and told her how much I Love Her, found the kids and hugged them and said I Love You to each....my Wife asked if I was alright...all I said was that this was the best Thanksgiving ever.

I am very THANKFUL for all that God has given to me and I hope that I an able to help others with the life lesson's I have had.  I also want to become a better listener because it is through listening that we learn. 

T- Thoughtfulness.....Keeping other's feelings most important in our daily lives.

H - Happiness.....You attract the people that reflect your attitude....so how should you be acting right now?

A - Attitude.....Be positive and you will see results, everything will be easier to accomplish.

N - Navigate.....Through life's road blocks that are all around us tempting us to the wrong path.

K - Kindness.....Show kindness to everyone you meet....it is contagious!

S - Shelter.....Be a safe haven for those in need, open your door, heart and soul.

G - Giving.....I find it more satisfying to be a giver than a taker.

I - Informed.....Know how you and your daily activity is giving back to the needs of your neighborhood, Church, community .

V - Vital.....Become that person that your community recognizes as a shoulder to lean on, a friend to turn to.

I - Individual.....No one can be you, be the best person you can be all the time.

N - Negotiate.....Each day we are faced with trials that we must resolve in order for us to keep the journey.

G - GOD....need I say more?  Having Him first in our lives makes every other decision an easy one.

From my Family to yours.....I hope everyone has a great and Blessed Thanksgiving.

3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath, 2000+ square foot of living space, Great layout, 2 car garage,5 years young, full unfinished basement also 2000+ square feet, Living room, Dining room, Eat in Kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, oversizes Master Suite with a walk in closet as well as a second closet just as large, Master shower is also oversized with built in ceramic tile seat.....

Located with easy access to King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Lancaster

The community of Downing Forge has all single homes.  The community center has an outdoor pool and meeting room.  This room is also available for private use for the home owners.

Besides all that the community offers itself, the many new restaurants and botique store in the area will keep you busy for a long time. 

I have been on Active Rain for a while now and have seen some great posts with fantastic photo's and imagery.

I too would like to add a bit of ZIP to my blogs as well, however I am worried about the pop-up that comes up when I am ready to send the post regarding whether I have permission to use the content.  I know my ramblings are mine and many of you may not want to use for themselves.  I just do not know what I can or cannot use for my posts.

I just did a post about one of my listings and added that photo that I took for the MLS in it.  That I know I can use and I have mastered that part of bogging enhancement.  I wanted to write using imagery of the season's, housing and the like, not even photo's, for my next post....again I am just a bit unsure whether I can just copy from site deemed "free".  Do I have to create them myself?

I appreciate in advance all who take the time to direct me.

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The Dan Brudnok - John McGovern Team
We appreciate your referrals!!!!!!!

Keller Williams Real Estate
Dan direct @ 610-256-7258
John direct @ 610-331-9964
Office Main @ 610-363-4300

Click here for the most up to date Real Estate market conditions where you live......

Search the 7 County Philadelphia market for homes for sale at: www.DanBrudnok.com

4 Bedroom.....1  1/2 Bath.....Fabulous Hardwood.....large rooms.....great setting....Township Park in walking distance.....Great access to Philadelphia, Lancaster, Downingtown, King of Prussia and much more....the area is growing and will only allow your living experience to intensify.

Besides all that the community offers itself, the many new restaurants and boutiques store in the area will keep you busy for a long time. 

I am looking for your thoughts and prayers for my son Kevin as he ends his high school life and readies himself for his college life.  Kevin is a great kid, well rounded, honor student, very caring and compassionate, musically talented (a great voice) and a devoted Christian.

He has narrowed his choices (both have given him early decision) to Immaculata University and Mt. ST. Mary's University.  The first is 30 minutes away...the latter is 2 1/2 hours away, much to the dismay of his mother.

He made his decisions of colleges based on his desire to devote his life to the Church in the field of Youth Ministry.  He is doing this with his hope of an education major as well.

I hope that along with your prayers, that many of you have advise for Kevin on his desire to be part of the Youth Ministry as well as his choices of school.  Any past or present experience with either university.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and I pray all of you.

I posted this in a few selected groups...the SRES at first, to get a feel for the designation....unfortunately I did not get any responses other than Tim's inquiry about his thirst for the same knowledge...I hope the broader readership bears fruit.  

I want to pick the brains of those who have already have accomplished what I am contemplating.

I have found myself working over the last 18 months with the Senior circuit so to speak.  While I have been fairly successful with these Clients, I am wondering if I handled them the way an Agent who is a SRES would.

I know that I did a good job, several have referred me to their family and friends......this has always been my gauge of mt personal success.

I want to hear from those who have completed the SRES designation courses as to whether it made a difference for them in there dealings with the Seniors.  What advantages have you seen in your business with this market?  Is there a marketing value to you?

I appreciate all your responses in advance.