Britt Morris Thinks...

Knowledge Is The New Black

It makes sense that the more you know about something the more useful you are.  But how much knowledge are we actively seeking in our often times sedentary life styles?  I know I'm guilty of knowing far too much about potatoes sitting on couches.  It was easier in college, when you had books and professors and assignments that kept you consistently stretching your brain.  But the real world outside of college presents a different set of challenges. 

I found a great quote in a book I'm currently reading "Love is the Killer App" by Tim Sanders.  One of his main ideas is focusing our minds to continue to gain knowledge.  Especially knowledge about the fields we work in.  How can we add value to our clients, colleagues, friends and family?  Expert knowledge.  You have to know something in order to be able to advise people, and the advice business is the most important business of all.  So where do you gain the knowledge?  This brings me to the quote.  Books.  "Books give you knowledge.  The news give you awareness.  The latter is a measurement of today.  Knowledge is a measure of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  Awareness is finite.  Knowledge is forever."(TS pp70)

Powerful words.  But how do we take action?  Personally, I'll be reading a new field related book each week.  You guessed it, more knowledge about real estate.  Don't worry, I'll be sharing these little nuggets of wisdom with you frequently.  I'd hope you guys will let me know some of the things you're learning as well.  I'll be sure to add a reading list to my blog soon.  Let me know if you've got some good reads out there.  I'd love to hear about them. 

$ave Our $hip

These days, you can't use any of your electrical powered media devices without hearing about the perils of rising energy costs.  The concerns are everywhere, and they're valid.  You don't have to search any further than your last electric bill or your latest fill-up at the pump to recognize costs are spiraling out of control.  What better time to take a look at some of the ongoing problems, and how we can do our part with our own families to help out. 

Our world economy is based on the power of oil, and that power is running out.  Like all finite resources, a day will come those resources are depleted.  The problem is that oil production works on a bell curve, and we have passed, or are very close to passing that peak.  That means that in the very near future the amount which we are able to produce will begin to drop.  Rather than wait for inevitable price increases at the pump, now is the time to start finding ways to save on energy costs.

There are some incredible resources on the web to help you start saving immediately.  The U.S. Department of Energy has a great site with daily tips.  Did you know you can save 10% fuel efficiency just by having a clean air filter in your car.  The correct motor oil improves by 1-2%.  Properly inflated and aligned tires can improve gas mileage by 2-3%.  So how does that effect me?  Well, I purchase about 1000 gallons of gas a year (welcome to the world of real estate).  Average 2.90$ a gallon I'd save 435$ less the cost of two air filters and an alignment. Call it 300$.  Double that when I consider my wife's car and you've got an extra 600$ to throw in the family coffers.

Now how about our homes.  This is where you can really save some big bucks.  Heating and cooling costs have been rising out of control.  If you've been enjoying this triple digit summer in Texas you know what I mean.  It's not just a Lone State State problem.  The U.S. as a whole experienced the second hottest July on record.

So what can you do?  Here are a few easy tips that will help you conserve. 

• Wash only full loads and use cold water detergent.  80-85% of the energy used in your washing machine cycle is used to heat the water. 
• Lower your water heater temp to 120 degrees.  This will save energy and prevent you from scalding your golden retriever or infant (not necessarily in that order) during bath time. 
• Sacrifice a bit of comfort with your thermostat.  I found myself under a blanket in my living room the other day when the outside temperature was 103.  Unacceptable.  Wear shorts in the summer and blanket up in the winter. 
• Just like dad used to tell you..."TURN OF THE LIGHTS".  It's so important to use only what is needed.  If you've got dimmers use them.  The lower the light level the less energy used. 
• Insulate! Insulate! Insulate!  I have had so many clients benefit from extra insulation in their homes.  Often times it's a minimal cost compared to the return.  The Department of Energy says you'll save up to 10%, but I know if you own a pre-1980 home, you can see energy bills cut in half. 

These are just baby steps as we strive to solve our world energy shortfalls.  Global industry needs time to develop new, renewable energy resources and we can all help them buy as much time as possible.  Get used to energy cutbacks, before you find them mandated by law. 

Never Eat Alone?

  So after some great encouragement from a colleague, I've finally started to delve into Keith Farrzzi's book "Never Eat Alone".  Admittedly, I'll flee from any type of book I consider to be a self-help book.  I'm just starting the book but I was way off in my initial assessment. 

It seems his main premise is that there is no "self-help" in life.  We are all connected with people through careers, family, service, necessity, etc.  It's our great opportunity in life to help others be more successful in this world, and in turn reap the benefits of doing a kind deed.  I have to say I was shocked when I realized this basic premise of his book.  We've all become familiar in life with the Golden Rule, interesting to see such a successful businessman apply it. 

Be looking for a more complete review as I complete the book this week.  I want to know what else this guy has to say. 

First Father's Day

So it finally happened.  After many roads and many choices in life I finally stopped off at "Fatherhood".  Four months ago my wife, Whitney, and I were blessed with a little boy we decided to name Ford.  He's been a true blessing and an even greater inspiration. 

So because of my new little bean, I got to participate yesterday in my first Father's Day celebration.  It was an unexpected and unbelievable experience to say the least.  It was a sight to see.  My sister Kelli and brother in law Scott had their two sons there, Matthew and Ethan.  My family was there(Whitney and Ford), my mom, and then of course my dad acting as great surveyor of all things.  He held careful watch over the little ones and they played and wrestled and fought for the most attention from "Papa".  He's a man who I respect more than any other in life.  A great guiding light and mentor through many seasons in my journey so far.  Then it hit me.....as I looked down at this little boy of mine, and then over at my father, I realized that 30 years ago this man who I've looked up to for so many years must have felt just as confused as I do now.  Confused to say the least, overwhelmed is a better assessment.  It was so reassuring to know that no matter what mistakes I make as a father, as long as I love that little bean as much as my dad did me, it's all going to be o.k.  It may not go smoothly all the time, but it's going to work out. 

Who knows where this next journey is going to lead?  Will I be overwhelmed and mentally understaffed again, absolutely.  I do know one thing though, I'm not afraid to walk this path anymore......I know one I trust who's been there before.  Thanks Dad.