Jim Valentine on Real Estate
We often talk about perspective in real estate and how important it is be able to make wise decisions. A recent trip gave us such a wonderful perspective experience that we think the broader view could help folks with their decision-making process. It is very easy to become provincial when living in a rural environment with traditional customs, practices and mindsets. The world is so much smaller now with the Internet, cable news, and social media that it is important to check in with the rest of the world once in a while.
We were in Austin — Texas, not Nevada — for the Formula 1 race. It was an extravaganza the likes of which the world has not seen for a few years due to COVID. There were 140,000 people at the venue on race day. Think about it, 140,000 people. That is about three times the amount of people that live in Douglas or Carson City. What does this have to do with Real Estate? Well, people need what people need and they were only there on a temporary basis. It was hot necessitating the need for water to stay hydrated. The distances to viewing areas were in milage increments, not hundreds of feet.
Walking up, down, hither and yon, to different vantage points took a lot of work which worked up an appetite, and thirst. Lines were long, very long, as many people needed their sustenance. In addition to supplying water to the masses, they needed to provide waste disposal facilities. It was like having an instant city of 140,000 people and having to provide all their wants and needs.
People in the lines were close to one another of necessity, but not as close as those watching the racing from their chosen spot. The venue, Circuit of the Americas, touts itself with the phrase, “Come enjoy our grassy knolls!” We were a bit trepidatious at that invitation considering it was in Texas … grassy knolls/Texas … hmmm. As it turned out, they were all about and made for great viewing. Social distancing was quickly forgotten on race day as people squeezed in tighter and tighter.
While we have our people differences here in Northern Nevada measured by clothing, football team, urban or rural, etc., the people differences at this event were vast yet wonderfully simple. There were many different languages spoken everywhere with an obvious broad range of nationalities. Everyone was happy and smiling, cooperating well, and having fun and yet there were vast differences that ran throughout the crowd. Each, however, was loyal to their Driver and/or their Team and found like-minded people dressed like them that didn’t look or sound like them. We were all so different yet all the same, following our favorites regardless of country of origin of the Driver, Car Team, or Fan.
Our advice: It is clear that if we are all focused on the larger overall picture we can live in close proximity, deal with a few uncomfortable issues, appreciate our differences, and trust those in charge with creating a safe, fair, equitable environment. If they can do it temporarily for three days in Texas for an international crowd more than three times the size of our counties, we can certainly achieve it with our State and local governments, HOA’s, and neighbors. The race had a winner, but everyone in attendance was a winner due to their positive adrenalin charged experience. A bonus Saturday night was Billy Joel playing in Austin for the first time in 31 years with 100,000 people coming together to sing the songs as one and enjoy the harmonies in harmony.
Expand your peripheral perspective when you determine your wants and needs. It is easy to get narrow minded when your thinking is limited. Narrow minded thinking limits your options which can have negative consequences. Open your mind to opportunity and you will happily achieve your real estate objectives.
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your Real Estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Jim Valentine, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-3704. dpwtigers@hotmail.com