I had lunch with a friend of mine the other day; we’ll call him Bill, not his real name. He needed someone who’d listen and provide some feedback to make sure he was on the right track. The conversation started with him letting me know he’d just gotten laid off from a managerial position he’s had for several years. The pain was obvious as we talked.
Technology has made our lives easier, more connected, and even safer. It continues to evolve and change at an incredible rate. A decade ago the only smartphone was a Blackberry which gave rise to mobile email. We now have access to thousands of apps to help us plan menus, shop, take pictures, read books, and connect. Technology has entered our homes too. We have programmable thermostats to manage our power usage, smart home systems that can turn on lights before we arrive, record shows and sporting events when we’d rather watch something else, and washing machines that help us use less water.
Last Monday I introduced David and Deb (not their real names). They’re a couple who just purchased a home in east Dallas they plan to completely renovate. The home was originally built in 1962 and has never been updated. They’ll gut it and bring it up to date in a contemporary style befitting the original vision the architect had when it was first built.
Did you catch the story last week about the toddler who bought a car on eBay with her dad’s smart phone? Sorella Stoute, a 14 month girl in Portland, Oregon, was playing with her dad’s smart phone. She opened the eBay app on dad’s phone and submitted the winning bid on a 1962 Austin Healey.
I’ve had a couple of interesting discussions with clients about their car insurance renewals. In both cases, their car insurance rate increased and both wanted to know why. Most of the carriers systems don’t give me a clear reason, so I called each company and we reviewed each client’s policy together. Most of the factors that led to rate increases were understandable and one was a surprise.
You’ve been watching HGTV and pouring through copies of This Old House Magazine and you’ve become inspired on what you want to do with your home. Or maybe, you’ve found the perfect home to buy that matches the vision you have for it and nobody else can see past the dated kitchen, bathrooms, and flooring. Congratulations! I can’t say I have that gift and am amazed to see what friends and clients have done with a home that looked one way and made it uniquely theirs.
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