Manifesting Dreams - Do It Yourself – Head Trash Removal

How to manifest what you want ... ? There are so many paths that lead to a life of your dreams.  Bottom line, the target zone, the Holy Grail ... 

     FEELING THE EMOTIONS OF ALREADY HAVING WHAT YOU ENVISION. 

the next 4 posts offer an interesting array of intriguing people, each with their own unique approach to creating what they want in their own lives & the lives of others.

First up, Jonathan Manske – an expert in the field of human energy, Jonathan has worked with thousands of people addressing a spectrum of conditions from terminal cancer to the simple headache.  Recently Jonathan released his latest book: “The Law of Attraction Made Simple” - an easy read, jam-packed with simple tools & exercises for “how to” manifest what you want in your life. 

I asked Jonathan, “What one piece of guidance would have the most powerful impact on a person’s ability to manifest?”

Jonathan: “Inner work is essential in order for things to change.  It is impossible to out perform your self-image.  Like a field of dandelions, if you only remove the tops the weeds come back because the roots below the surface will continue to push up new flowers. “   Here Jonathan is referring to the conscious mind/above the ground and the non-conscious mind/under ground. 

Our non-conscious mind process something like 11 million bits of information per second, our conscious mind about 40.  Obviously the lion’s share of information is processed without our being aware that it is happening.  And these non-conscious processes and patterning houses beliefs, automated responses, decision tactics & ways of being that comprise the “head trash” standing in our way of manifesting what we want in our lives. 

DIYHTR – Do It Yourself – Head Trash Removal

 Is a system for identifying & clearing out non-conscious programming that can prevent you from manifesting your dreams.  It seems kind of silly at first but I have had success with it so here goes:

            Using your body as a “feedback device” make a clear statement about a dream/goal/desire you have.  For instance; “It is okay for me to make money selling my art.”  Then notice how your body feels.  Did it come out smoothly or did it catch in your throat? Did the little voice in the back of your mind say, “Yea, right?”

            If you get an adverse or disconcerting reaction then you know there is a conflict between your conscious & non-conscious programming.

            THE STEPS:

1)   Keeping your statement in mind, tap repeatedly for 30 seconds on each of these spots: the karate chop point of either hand, the bone beneath your eyes, the outside edge of the toenail of your second toe.  Cycle through each spot tapping for 30 all while focusing your mind on your statement.

2)   Tapping the karate chop point on your hand, slowly roll your eyes (not your head) from floor to ceiling, tapping as you do.

3)   Say your statement out loud again.  If it feels strong & true you have succeeded in clearing the non-conscious programming.  If not, go through the procedure again.  Perhaps, a few times a day, over several days.  You can also think of other ways to make the same basic statement.  For instance: “It is easy for me to make money… “ or “I enjoy making money…”.

This is my shortened version of Jonathan’s instructions for this technique.  For a fuller explanation  & more easy to use tools for manifesting your dreams, goals and desires check out a sample of his book on his web site: www.JonathanManske.com

Next up we’ll hear from three powerful manifesters and how they

Live/Work - Floral Design from a Bungalow

In my continuing exploration of interesting live/work arrangements I recently had the opportunity to talk with Sarah Tedford Owner/Operator of Ladybird Poppy Floral Design and part-time floral designer for the Brown Palace.  After working as an employee of 6 different floral shops, 3 years ago Sarah made the bold choice to go into business for herself.  "It was the bottom of the economic collapse and my family thought I was nuts.  Now I do 30-40 events a year designing primarily for weddings and special events for clients with sophisticated tastes.    


The toughest part was getting set up as a business - setting up my accounting & bookkeeping."  When I talk with small business owners, the business set-up always seems to be a big issue.  Sarah uses FreshBooks.  This allows her to track project costs, bill clients, and determine if her project margins are on track.  

Sarah has a unique live/work situation - her entire operation is run out of the 2 bed/1 bath bungalow in the North Country Club neighborhood she shares with a roommate.  A small storage room in the  basement holds the little bit of inventory she needs to keep on hand; vases, ribbon, florist tape & foam, dried flowers.  An enclosed back porch acts as her staging area for creating floral 

arrangements.  All her pieces are built fresh either the day-of or day-before an event.  Working from home keeps her costs down, and those savings she's able to pass along to her clients.  

How do you like to work with clients? "I'm very intuitive and like to get to know my clients' design style, color preferences, themes they are considering, and budget of course.  Knowing these preferences then guides my choices when I go to the floral market."

Like all entrepreneurs who operate their businesses from home, "When I have a job it can take over the house for a short period, 2-3 days."  Sarah faces the challenge of keeping life & work in balance.  "I currently hire help seasonally and have an event planner I work with periodically whenever the job calls for it."  

What does the future hold for Ladybird Poppy? "I'd like to build a small team that would offer 1-Stop shopping for weddings & events.   Eventually a studio space where we could meet with clietns would be nice.  I love going to the flower market early in the morning to buy what I need to complete a job but it would be nice to have some refrigeration to keep some basics on hand."

What I found most impressive about the way Sarah approaches her live/work situation is the individual, client-centered approach she takes with each project, and her calm awareness that when a job takes over her home & her physical space could be viewed as chaotic, she knows its only for a short while.  She keeps her eye on fulfilling her promises & exceeding client expectations.

Check out http://www.ladybirdpoppy.com/ to see samples of Sarah's creations or to get in touch regarding your next event.

Tony & Lisa - A Place to Start Their Life Together

 Tony & Lisa had just arrived in Denver and the college sweethearts were ready to find their first home.  They wanted to be in central Denver; Baker, Park Hill and they wanted a great deal.  Tony is handy so they were open to distressed properties- short sales or foreclosures.  We found a charming bank owned bungalow in Park Hill.  The house was in great shape with room for Tony to apply his building skills to improve the unfinished areas.

We proceeded thru the due diligence period and then days before closing the city placed a sewer lien against the home and they were requiring the sewer be replaced before closing!  I set to work negotiating with the city to allow Tony & Lisa to close on their home as planned.  The city agreed, Tony & Lisa closed on time, moved in & then fixed then sewer line.  One year later they were married.

T

Jeff Ball & Remi Darby - Having an Agent Who Listens is Vital to the Process

I met first time buyer, Jeff, when he was Executive Director of TOSA (The Other Side Arts) a non-profit arts organization he created.  Jeff, a photographer (http://jeffballphotography.com/), & his partner Remy, writer & assistant to Mondo (Project Runway runner up) had been working with a real estate agent but to no avail.  Jeff shared, "She isn't hearing us and doesn't get what we are trying to do."  Approximately 25% of my creative clients come to me after working with another agent who "doesn't get" them.  What Jeff & Remy wanted was a way to Live & Work from home.  As a photographer, Jeff needed a space he could achieve black out conditions in but would have natural light when he wanted.  They also wanted higher ceilings, a place for guests, 3 beds, 2 baths & wood floors - all for under $115K.  

We found their home our first day out!  A turn of the century ranch-style farm house in the E-OP Arts neighborhood that had been added onto.  That owner had dug a basement under the addition that was perfect for Jeff's photo studio!  The original house had 1 bed/1bath attached to a living room with walls covered in the pressed tin ceiling panels you see in old Victorians - very funky, charming, uniqueness that Jeff & Remy loved.  The addition held 2 additional bedrooms: a master bed & bath plus an additional room for Remy's writing office.  An extra benefit - the back yard gate opened out to the bike path that runs along the Platte River Greenway.  And it was in their price range!    

Eric & Sara - Trading Up for the Same Price

Web Designer, Eric Nance and his wife Sara needed a bigger home.  They had two young boys, two large dogs and Eric's business, Epiphany Graphics (http://epiphanygraphics.com/), all operating out of their 2000 sq ft home.  Eric needed a separate work space, away from the rambunctious play of their boys and accessible enough that he could help out if needed.  Sara had done her research on schools and was intent on being in the Divinny school district of Jefferson County.  They are avid gardeners and given the dogs a large and sunny back yard was also in their top 5 "must haves".  And of course they wanted a great deal!  To achieve their goals we needed to sell their current home and finding the perfect new Live/Work home to accommodate both Eric's growing business and their expanding family.  

Sara & Eric went to work completing the work we'd identified together that needed doing before going on the market & the TAA team got busy putting together the marketing materials to sell Eric & Sara's home.  In April we went active in the MLS.  Two weeks later we received a full price offer and began the transaction process to close on the sale.  Once past the inspection phase for the sale we began in earnest to look for their new home.  All together we looked at approximately 20 homes over the course of a few weeks.  Working with TAA lender, Matt Hanson, http://hansonplanninggroup.com/ they got a great mortgage and chose a 5 bed, 3 bath short sale house that met all their criteria but desperately needed some TLC.  The house was ideal in every way - 3 beds on the main level including a master suite, formal living & dining rooms, a working kitchen with an opening overlooking a large playroom that opened out on 2 sides to a wrap-around deck & the huge back yard.  And downstairs - a fantastic TV/Media room w/ fireplace, laundry w/ tons of built-in storage and best of all towards the south end 2 bedrooms and a 3rd bath easily divided off from the rest of the downstairs space and perfect for Eric's offices!  

Comparing Basics      Current Home          New Home

5 Must Haves:

Sq footage:                     2,108                        2,940 Beds:                              4                              5 # of Baths:                       2                               3 Lot Size:                        10,057                       10,541 DOM:                             15 days                     92 days Appraised:                       At list price               $10,000 over purchase price

• Separate work space for Eric • School District • Generous Family/Play room for the boys • Sunny Back yard for gardening • Master Suite w/ private bath

Were there challenges? YES! The biggest being that short sales take longer than usual to close.  In this case, 2 months longer.  So Eric & Sara stayed with friends while we worked with the bank through the bureaucracy of a short sale.  The in June the family moved into their new home.

I just met with Eric and Sara for their first anniversary in their new home.  Life is unfolding even better than they'd imagined.  Eric's business has gone through a focused evolution specializing in marketing for the medical community (http://omnimedicalmarketing.com/), baby number three is on the way!  They've renovated the master bath, put wood floors in the playroom, added a dog run to the back yard, installed A/C and completed some upgrades to the kitchen.  From start to finish the process took about 5 months.  Eric & Sara got everything they wanted for the sold price of their previous home with $10,000 in instant equity and great terms on their mortgage.

Dwight & Danielle - The Importance of Having an Experienced Negotiator

We love musicians at TAA! Bassist, Dwight Thompson and his wife Danielle came to us via referral from another musician client, drummer, Matt Amundson.  Dwight & Danielle were ready to start their family and Dwight needed private teaching space for his students.  A young couple with no "fix it" skills, they wanted a home that wouldn't need any work, centrally located to the DPS schools Dwight teaches in and to Danielle's job in the Tech Center with room to grow, a nice yard and a garage.  It so happened that another TAA client had just completed a fantastic fix n' flip that was perfect.  Danielle instantly fell in love with the 4 bed/3 bath tri-level in the Fitzsimmons Medical Center neighborhood and we began to move forward with the purchase.  That's when we hit the first big snag.

Danielle is from Tobago, a US citizen by marriage, but she had no credit history here and that posed some problems with the mortgage approval process.  So TAA negotiated a deal that allowed Dwight & Danielle to move into their new home and rent from the Seller for 4 months until her credit history got established.  It was a win-win for everyone: Dwight and Danielle moved into their new home on time and the Seller received a profitable monthly rent equal to what would be the mortgage payment once financing came through.  

The second snag came when the appraisal was done.  Appraisals are the wildcard in real estate these days with new rules & regs that have appraisers making "CYA" conservative valuations.  The appraisal came in considerably lower than the agreed upon purchase price.  Why? This deal happened at  a key juncture in the market.  Fixed up homes had just begun coming on the market.  So when the appraiser pulled comparable sold properties there were no fixed up comps to compare it to.  The appraiser's hands were tied.  So again TAA set to work negotiating - everyone gave a little and in the end Dwight & Danielle got their home.

Strategic Short Sale - what is it & is it right for you???

It's possible that up to 45% of our market is “distressed” property, meaning short sale or foreclosed homes.  So I thought it might be beneficial to take a quick look at this distressed segment and offer some alternatives if you or someone you know is feeling the pinch of a mortgage that’s eating up too much of the monthly budget.

A Short Sale is when the lien holder(s) agree to accept less for a property than is owed on the mortgage(s).  Being "up-side-down" on your mortgage means the mortgage is higher than the current value of the property.  Short Sales can be a better choice than loosing your home to foreclosure for a variety of reasons:

   - Its a softer hit to credit scores

   - You can continue to live in/rent the home while the short sale process proceeds

   - It falls off your credit history sooner 

   - Short Sale homes don't typically sit empty for months so they can be more appealing to Buyers

Is a Short Sale Right for You?

A recent client called and shared this story:

            “My neighbors went into foreclosure 2 years ago and it deeply effected the value of our home so much so that my house is now worth $100,000 less than we paid for it back in 2005.  We paid $335K for the house and now the market is showing the value at closer to $250K.  We owe $290K on our two mortgages.  Our youngest heads off to college in 6 years.  We’d planned on downsizing at that point in time.  Our monthly mortgage is simply too high and we don’t think our house is going to appreciate fast enough to get us back to what we paid for it, let alone give us any equity.   So we are looking at paying a mortgage for the next 6 years that’s too high and when it does come time to sell it will most likely cost us to sell.  What would you recommend?” 

Another version I often hear is this one:

        "When we married and moved into my husband's place I decided to keep my townhouse as a rental.  But I've had to pull a minimum of $200 out of pocket every month over and above the rental income.  I know I'm at the top rental price I can charge.  I'm tired of loosing money every month & I know I can't refinance right now.  

After a bit of conversation, both decided it was best to do a “strategic short sale”.  Want to know more about this option?  Send me an email - La@ThrivingArtistAlliance.com