“Nature is our best teacher. Open all your senses to experience beauty.”
I showed a friend my photo of fading roses. Her response was that she does not want to see it, as it is a reminder of her age. I understand her feelings and would not try to change her outlook on life. Nevertheless, a lot of us wear shaded glasses, which limit our ability to see beauty and opportunities in what may be perceived as adverse situations.
I received a call from a client recently, who owns her house with a partner. He wanted out and demanded his share of the equity. She wanted to keep the house and needed a new mortgage to pay him off. The first question she asked was “What loan amount am I qualified for?” Meanwhile, she also needed to know what the amount of the pay-off was going to be. It obviously depended on the value of the property—and here was the problem. She thought it was valued at around $600,000. His real estate agent claimed that if the property were sold, the listing price would be $650,000, and would probably sell for $750,000. As a result, he was demanding much more than what she thought was a fair amount, which, when she called me–mildly speaking, she was upset.
My recommendation was that instead of fighting him—to accept his position. After all, this could give her more money as well and therefore, he had a valid point.
By changing her anger toward her partner into understanding, things might turn around from approaching the transaction from a different angle.
Selling would involve a 5% real estate commission or $37,000 plus transfer tax, plus attorney and legal fees, if he wanted to force her to accept his demands. This approach would cost him about $50,000 plus a lot of aggravation. Instead, if he would agree to sell his share (without a real estate agent) for the price of $650,000, he would net the same amount.
I also taught her Ho’oponopono, the method that I wrote about in last week’s newsletter. She was leaving my office with the words, “I wish you were my attorney.” Luckily, I am not. Being a mortgage broker is enough.
Besides, coming up with solutions for her and my other clients who go through splits in their relationships, are based on many years of experience dealing with people and their life issues—and of course some knowledge of the mortgage business.
P.S.
I had a number of beautiful flower images from which I made large prints (including the ones in this email). Some of them are displayed on the walls of my office. They look even more beautiful when enlarged. You are welcome to visit me to see them!
Do not keep me as a secret.
SMILE AND PLEASE SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND
