200,000 and Going Strong!

I experienced a milestone tonight--literally! The odometer on my trusted white 2000 Lexus 400 turned over to register 200,000 miles. Just last week the salesman who sold me the car called to ask if I were not ready for a new one. I told him that I appreciated his call, but that instead of a new one I'd be bringing the one he sold me years ago in for it's 200,000 service in a few days.

Thinking back over the years that I've driven this car I realized that the experience has been a teaching one. I'll share a few of the things I've observed and learned.

First, I did my homework and knew exactly what car I wanted to buy.
Next, I went to the local Lexus dealership and told the salesman what I wanted. He said that they didn't have the car that I wanted, but that I could check back later. I checked three times. I felt that there was no one at this dealership who was interested in selling me the car that I wanted.

Soon I was in Knoxville, a drive of an hour and a half away. I decided to stop at the Lexus dealership. Lo and behold, they had four of the model that I wanted. All I had to do was choose the color, sign the papers, and drive away in my new car.

For every service appointment I've driven to Knoxville. I trusted my car to the service department of the dealership who provided me a pleasant buying experience. When I replace this car, where do you think I'll go to buy the next car??!!

Obviously Lexus of Knoxville impressed me initially and has continued to make me feel valued. They listened and met my needs. They followed up after each service appointment with a phone call. They invited us to special social events. The salesman stayed in touch by phone and mail.

I follow this same paradigm when working for buyers and sellers. I'll listen to your wants and needs. I'll provide professional service and guidance. And, I WILL communicate with you. Let's go for this ride together!

What's Going on in the Area?

Other than the always expected changeable weather (temp. dropped 15 ° yesterday afternoon) other "always expected" events will be happening during the next few days.

East Tennessee State University's indoor track meet brings field and track stars from far and near, including some international competitors. This unusual event is great family entertainment. The Friday night schedule features high school athletes and last year even elementary schools entered relay teams. On Saturday night the real stars heave their strongest throws, jump their highest and longest, and run their fastest. For further information contact the ETSU Department of Athletics.

Some of the same people who attend the track meet may even be seen at a special event sponsored by the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra on February 21st. This annual fund raiser, held at the Johnson City Country Club, promises to be very special this year and will include a plated dinner. Entertainment during dinner, a live auction and a silent auction will make for a fun filled evening. JCSO contact information--423-92MUSIC.

Jeepers, It's Cold!!!!!!!!!

One of the most pleasant aspects of living in north east TN is that we have four seasons every year. And boy, did we experience that during the past months. After a very dry summer when farm ponds even dried up and pastures became crisp we had a beautiful fall with reds, golds and oranges spicing our area like so many varied peppers in a spicy dish. And now-------------when guys drag out "long handles," I have a reason for wearing the hats that I love, and little guys don't complain about wearing gloves or mittens we are all proclaiming IT'S COLD!!!!!!!!!

Okay, not cold like the hearty folks in Colorado and the Dakotas "enjoy" every year, but 5° will be cold enough for hearty east Tennesseans!

And guess what----I will be showing a house at 9:30 tomorrow morning. Furthermore, it's located on Boone Lake where the winds do blow!

Which brings back a memory--the first out of town buyer to contact me when I was a newbie in 1985 wanted to buy a house for his niece and her husband and would be driving here from Atlanta that weekend to look. I was beside myself with excitement! I even drove home early from the yearly trek at Christmas to be ready for their arrival. Just a couple of problems kept me from perhaps selling a house to these folks. First, a huge snow fell and there was no way I could show them the rural properties that they thought they wanted to see. Second, being a newbie who was overly excited that they chose ME no prequalification was done on the phone. I thought I had a "sugar daddy!" When they learned that for them to buy a house for their niece and her husband they would need much more than the amount they had planned ("Oh, we didn't know this would be an investment loan.") their bubble burst quickly.

So, I know that the market doesn't totally shut down because of cold weather and snow. Just "Button Up Your Overcoat."