We May Be in for a Perfect Storm of Home "Unaffordability".

I recently read about celebrity real estate agent Mauricio Umansky, who raised concerns about the "perfect storm of total unaffordability" brewing in the housing market. 

Umansky, founder and CEO of The Agency, shared his thoughts on the state of the housing market following the rise in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to its highest level since early December.

"We're seeing super high interest rates above 7%. Mortgage applications are at their lowest since 1995. And then, there's a severe lack of supply," he remarked.

Umansky noted that we shouldn't anticipate prices dropping until we witness some pain due to high interest rates and see an increase in housing supply.

"Until we start experiencing this pain and prices begin to drop, I don't foresee the government lowering interest rates. Thus, we need to allow the markets to function naturally and for affordability to improve so that the government can consider reducing interest rates once more," he explained.

Mauricio Umansky

Regarding the shortage of inventory in housing, Umansky pointed to a decrease in home construction, as well as reluctance from buyers and sellers to move due to their existing home mortgages, and the activity of hedge funds purchasing single-family homes.

In December, Democrats introduced the End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act. This bill proposes an excise tax on hedge fund taxpayers who own a certain number of single-family residences exceeding a specified threshold. Additionally, it establishes the Housing Down Payment Trust Fund to provide grants for down payment assistance to taxpayers purchasing single-family residences, funded by the tax revenues generated.

Despite his advocacy for free capitalism, Umansky suggested that government intervention might be necessary as Wall Street investors persist in their buying spree of single-family homes.

"The government may need to intervene to some extent and find ways to limit how hedge funds can operate in this sphere because currently, in Middle America, they are consuming a significant portion of available properties, leaving little supply for the market," he emphasized.

Funnel Marketing and the Texas Rangers (what?)

The Texas Rangers won the American League Conference Series last night and I am pumped. They play game one of the World Series this Friday. I can't wait!

However, this blog is about funnel marketing. What? How's funnel marketing relate to the Rangers playing baseball. 

This is how. Texas Ranger fans are excited right now, this moment, this very second. Therefore, marketers of Major League Baseball shirts, jerseys, and caps are popping everywhere. On Facebook this morning, I clicked on an add showing a cool Rangers hat, a classic one with the blue colors and logo. What happened? I was taken to a web site landing page for women's apparel!

What? Women's apparel? I'm interested in the Texas Rangers! I want a classic hat! I'm not a woman. I don't want stretch pants. 

Here's the problem: the funnel for this Facebook ad was nonexistent. It took me to a place I did not want to go. So I left immediately. That MLB marketer just lost a potential sale because their funnel was clogged up with debris. 

A marketing funnel describes your customer's journey with you from the initial stages when someone learns about your business, to the purchasing stage. The idea is to guide a specific buyer to a specific location to make a specific purchase. Easy and uncomplicated. If I click on an MLB-sponsored ad on Facebook looking for a baseball cap, I should land on a page full of caps. And not just any cap, but a Texas Rangers cap.

We live in a world begging for funnels. This is why many web sites are so pathetic and outdated. Typical websites are not funnels, they are feeding troughs. My dad owned pigs when I was growing up and he fed all three hogs in a feeding trough. It was a dirty, disgusting fifty-gallon barrel cut in half and turned on its side. He threw the pig slop in the trough and the pigs ran to it for dinner. 

Some web sites are primarily pig slop tossed into troughs. Good luck trying to find what you want.

My advice? If you place an ad on social media, use it to funnel a customer to where THEY want to go. I know. It's easier said than done. 

Small Man, Big Bat: Jose Altuve's Truimph Over Adversity

It's game five in the ALCS and the Texas Rangers lead the Houston Astros by two runs in the ninth inning, 4-2. The series tied 2-2, this fifth game is crucial and one might say a must win. The Rangers are set to take the win. But they need three outs. 

Jose Altuve comes to the plate with two on base. He hits a three-run homer to give the Astros the lead, 5-4, and the Rangers lose. It was a knockout punch. It will be a real test to see if the Rangers can recover. That hit from Altuve may have sent the Astros to the World Series. 

Did I mention that Jose Altuve is 5' 6" tall? He's the smallest player in the major leagues. 

In a world where height is often equated with power and prowess, especially in the realm of sports, there exists a shining exception. Jose Altuve, standing at just 5'6", has proven that true strength doesn't always come in the most expected packages. The star player for the Houston Astros, Altuve has redefined what it means to turn perceived weaknesses into undeniable strengths.

The Making of a Legend

Born on May 6, 1990, in Maracay, Venezuela, Jose Altuve grew up with a burning passion for baseball. Despite his smaller stature, which many deemed a limitation for a sport that often glorifies towering giants, Altuve's dedication to the game never wavered. He began his journey in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, catching the eyes of several Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts.

However, when Altuve tried out for the Houston Astros in 2006, he was initially dismissed because of his size. The scouts felt he lacked the necessary physique to compete at a major league level. But Altuve's spirit was indomitable. Returning the very next day, with encouragement and a second chance from Al Pedrique, a former MLB player and then the Astros' special assistant, Altuve finally earned a spot and signed with the Astros in 2007 as a free agent.

Rising Above the Odds

In 2011, Altuve made his MLB debut with the Astros. Instead of seeing his height as a limitation, he transformed it into an asset. His shorter stature granted him a smaller strike zone, making it difficult for pitchers to get a bead on him. His swift and agile nature allowed him to be a menace on the bases, stealing base after base and electrifying crowds. His bat speed was electric. How does one get such power from such a small package?

With each game, Altuve showcased that it wasn't about how tall you stood, but how fiercely you played. He became an example of perseverance, proving that with the right mindset and enough hard work, any "limitation" can become a unique advantage.

Turning Weaknesses into Strengths

One of the most remarkable aspects of Altuve's journey is his ability to capitalize on what many perceived as his weaknesses. In an arena with towering opponents, his quick reflexes, agility, and unmatched work ethic made him a force to be reckoned with.

By demonstrating relentless determination, Altuve taught fans and fellow players an invaluable lesson: every perceived weakness holds within it the seed of an unrivaled strength. It's all about perspective. While many initially focused on his height, Altuve shifted the narrative to highlight his remarkable skills and unwavering commitment to the sport.

A Legacy of Resilience

Jose Altuve's accolades and achievements with the Houston Astros, including multiple All-Star appearances, there's already a case to be made that Altuve is the greatest player in Astros history. He was a cornerstone on two World Series championship teams, won the AL MVP Award in 2012 and is in the top three in Houston's all-time offensive charts in many categories, alongside Hall of Famers Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell. 

However, his true legacy extends beyond the diamond. He stands as a beacon of hope for anyone who's ever felt limited by external perceptions or self-doubt.

Altuve's story is a powerful reminder that limitations are often self-imposed. It's not about the hand we're dealt, but how we play our cards. By embracing what sets us apart and harnessing our unique attributes, we can overcome any obstacle.

Jose Altuve's journey from a young boy in Maracay to a star player for the Houston Astros serves as an inspiration to all. He turned the narrative of "too small to play" on its head, proving that with passion, dedication, and a bit of ingenuity, one can transcend any limitation. As Altuve continues to grace the baseball field, he not only plays for the love of the game but also to inspire countless others to chase their dreams, regardless of the odds.

Selling, Marketing, Branding: the Big Three Defined

Some words of wisdom from Myron Golden. I watched Myron on Think Media from the VidSummit in Dallas. He is a business consultant, best-selling author, public speaker, marketing consultant who began posting his Bible studies in a live format on YouTube and now has over 400,000 subscribers.

1. Selling is revealing value. The goal is to help the consumer purchase what they are looking for, providing them the best value you can for their money. It's not about trying to convince someone to buy something they don't want. It's about serving the consumer and revealing the value of your product or service in order to help them, not bully them or manipulate them.

2. Marketing is the art, and science, of discovering and developing in others a desire for your product or service or opportunity. The art of marketing is about the emotions, what people are feeling. The science is about the research and hard, cold, facts. The goal is to discover (research, gathering data) and developing in others the desire for your product or service because it has the value they need.

3. Brand building. A brand is a name that reminds you of a story. Each of us has a story to tell. Our companies have a history, a story to share. Premium branding makes others want to be a part of the story, your story. They want to be a part of something greater than themselves. They want to share in your success because it helps them grow, too.

The idea is to serve others. We put others first, do what's best for them, look out for their best interests, provide them value.

Wisdom from Weezy: A Dog with Unlimited Energy

I'm sitting on the couch looking at him and I can't help but laugh. Weezy is a small dog but has a big heart. He probably has a small brain, too, but that's another story. Let's just say Weezy won't be attending Harvard anytime soon. 

However, Weezy does have much to teach me. He's a walking encyclopedia of activity and curiosity. Constantly on the move, sniffing, wagging his tail, never stopping for long periods of time. He'll stop to eat but his food bowl rattles like a tambourine. Weezy is all action. 

As I shift my position on the couch, Weezy sniffs my shoe. Why? Who knows. The shoe is there and he has to sniff it. Here are some lessons from the wisdom of Weezy.

1. Success is defined by movement. It's hard to make any progress sitting still. If I'm going to accomplish anything, I've got to get off the couch and get to work. Weezy may sniff my shoe for no reason, but at least he's on the move. 

2. I've got to remain curious. Weezy is always looking for something. His curiosity is limitless. He knows there is something in the kitchen he must check out. A snack perhaps? What's under the couch? Success is often found when I become curious about something. I ask questions. I want answers. Why does that product work so well? Why am I not getting more action on my social media campaign? How can I improve on that idea? 

3. It's not how smart I am, but how much I'm willing to learn. Weezy is able to take directions and learn how to behave. He will sit when told to, especially if a doggie biscuit is a reward for doing so. He will ask to go outside, politely whining and making a face as if to say, "Hey, let me out!" I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I can learn. I have to remain teachable.  

4. Loyalty is perhaps Weezy's greatest trait. He is loyal to Aka, the other dog of the house. Aka and Weezy are best friends. They play and sleep side by side. Where Aka goes, Weezy follows. Loyalty to my family and friends is an important lesson to learn. In the work place, loyalty is earned and is perhaps the most valuable asset. Am I working hard to earn the trust and loyalty of those around me? 

Weezy just dropped by, looking up at me, curious about what I'm doing? "I'm doing some writing," I tell him. Thankful for a response, he waddles away wagging his tail, excited to see what's happening in the next room. 

Weezy

3 Reasons Why College is Still Worth the Money

 Dr. Kent Ingle, President of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, recently wrote an article outlining why he thinks a college degree is worth the high price tag. 

First, a college degree can give a student one of the best returns on investment for their future success. Studies show that people with a bachelor’s degree or higher earn more over their lifetime than those with a high school diploma. Bachelor’s degree holders earn a median of $2.8 million during their career, 75 percent more than those with no more than a high school diploma. And in our nation, the highest-paying occupations require at least a graduate degree. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the lowest unemployment rate (2.2 percent) compared to those with a high school diploma (4.5 percent).

Second, a college degree can positively contribute to a student’s well-being. A new report by Lumina and Gallup found that bachelor’s degree holders are more likely to say their health is excellent or very good compared to workers with no higher education. They are also more likely to exercise and seek preventative health care when needed.

Finally, Dr. Ingle writes that a college degree can increase a student’s civic engagement. Studies have shown that people with a four-year degree are more likely to participate in the political process (such as voting), volunteer in their communities and give to charities.

College graduates also recognize the value of giving back to their communities through their time and finances. In fact, 67 percent of bachelor’s degree holders say they donated to charity in the last 12 months, compared with 38 percent of U.S. adults with no higher education, according to the Lumina and Gallup report. And the rate of those who volunteer nearly doubled from degree holders to those with no higher education.

Today's Generation Z has more tools to learn from these days. The internet was a game-changer. Many Gen Zers can earn substantial salaries using online resources. Now that artificial intelligence has entered the game, this generation has knowledge and academic assistance at the tips of their fingers. 

So...who needs a college education?

I agree with Dr. Ingle that a college degree provides more for a student than just academic achievement and a better chance to succeed in life. It offers a lot more. It offers those intangibles that Generation Z needs. Intangibles like social interaction, for one. College can be the place where many students learn how to interact with peers from various backgrounds, build community and establish lifelong friendships. Remaining in one's bedroom hunched over a computer does little to support the need to develop meaningful relationships. Gen Zers are the most diverse generation we've ever had. They need to learn how to get along. 

In addition, many Gen Zers need to develop a work ethic that will see them through tough times. Instead of relying on the social welfare net, they can learn to overcome many obstacles just by applying elbow grease. Hard work is hard to learn typing in a question on chatGPT. 

Finally, a college degree in someone's pocket says to an employer, "This person has completed something. They have worked on a goal and accomplished it. They have spent the time and money to achieve something worthwhile. They know how to finish what they have started. Life is more than about having fun. It takes work."

(Source: "2022 Global Crowd DNA study commissioned by SNAP, Inc.)

Deion Sanders: Four Lessons We Can Learn from Prime Time

Deion Sanders, also known as "Prime Time," is widely regarded as a success story in the world of professional sports and beyond. There are several reasons for his success, but here are four key factors that contribute to his remarkable journey:

1. Exceptional Athletic Talent:

   Deion Sanders possessed extraordinary athletic ability from a young age. He was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, baseball, and even track and field. His speed, agility, and natural talent set him apart from his peers, allowing him to become one of the most versatile and dominant athletes in history. His skills on the field led to successful careers in both professional football and baseball.

2. Versatility and Work Ethic:

   Deion's versatility was one of his greatest assets. He played both cornerback and wide receiver in football and was an outfielder in baseball. His ability to excel in multiple positions demonstrated his work ethic and dedication to honing his skills. He was known for his relentless work ethic, spending countless hours training and practicing to maintain his elite level of performance.

3. Charisma and Marketability:

   Beyond his athletic prowess, Deion Sanders possessed a charismatic personality and a unique sense of style. He was a charismatic figure both on and off the field, which made him highly marketable. His larger-than-life persona attracted endorsements and opportunities in the entertainment industry, including television and music. His ability to connect with fans and sponsors contributed to his overall success.

4. Championships and Records:

   Deion Sanders had a highly successful career in both the NFL and MLB. In football, he won two Super Bowl championships with the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys, earning the Super Bowl MVP award in one of them. In baseball, he played for several teams and was known for his outstanding fielding skills. He also holds the record for the most return touchdowns in NFL history, showcasing his impact on the game.

In addition to these four reasons, Deion Sanders' perseverance in the face of adversity and his ability to adapt to different challenges throughout his career have further solidified his status as a success story. His transition from a legendary athlete to a successful sports commentator and coach demonstrates his continued relevance and impact in the world of sports.

But wait. What about me? What can I learn from Deion? 

1. Use the talent God gave us. Whatever it is, all of us have something special. God didn't create us for without the ability to serve. What's your talent? Are you using it?

2. Work hard. We all can outwork the other guy. Deion has said he brought his work ethic with him to Colorado. The staff, players, organization are being noticed for their hard work on and off the field. 

3. We can market ourselves by developing some style and uniqueness. Others will appreciate us for who we are, if we are genuine and honest about our strengths and weaknesses. 

4. We all can't be champions in sports or set records, but we can strive to become the best in our given profession. It's a lifelong struggle to become better tomorrow than we are today. In addition, Deion won championships and set records on the back of those who coached him and joined him as team mates. He didn't accomplish those goals alone. He had support from others. We must can seek out others and join teams that want to succeed.