Clouds drift and light falls through leafy trees onto the porch of a secluded home. We suspend the viewer in time and space, capturing for a moment the essence and beauty of this place. They quickly envision their kids playing in the yard, their family taking walks through the neighborhood, and the feelings of what life might be like in this new home. Aerial photography is about so much more than just showing details of a home, itʼs about evoking an emotional connection with the viewer and building a relationship between them and the property. As a listing agent, you provide the solution to a buyerʼs one explicit problem: “Where…

If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else. —Yogi Berra One of the most critical factors in determining your ultimate success is that you know where you’re heading—where you want to end up. To do that, you need goals, realistic goals, short-term and long-term goals designed to get you where you want to go. They’ll act as your signposts, keeping you headed down the right road, in the right direction. And the sooner you set that direction, the less wandering around in circles you’re going to do. Like Wisconsin’s state motto, your goals will keep you moving—“forward.” What are the benefits of a clearly defined…

When asked why a homeowner should invest in a home warranty, a few reasons that benefit both buyers and sellers come to mind. First, a home warranty fills the “wear and tear” gap created by exclusions to their homeowner’s insurance coverage.  Many items not covered by an insurance policy are often covered by a home warranty. And although Home Warranty, Inc. has a network of preferred technicians, homeowners have the flexibility to choose their own. When service for a covered item is needed, the homeowner pays one low service fee per repair, and that helps provide budget protection. Knowing that many common appliance or mechanical system failures will be taken…

I’ve been simplifying my life since 2006. I didn’t know that’s what was happening in the beginning. At first, I was only focused on eliminating as much stress as I could so I could feel better, so I could live well with multiple sclerosis. Even when I finally saw the simplicity path I was on, I knew the finish line wasn’t a simple life. With all of the focus around minimalism, simplicity, decluttering, and capsule wardrobes, it’s easy to believe that a simple life is the dream, but a simple life is not the end goal. We don’t remove clutter, reduce stress, and boycott busyness to have a simple life.…

The first day of play rehearsal brings together a talented and diverse group of individuals. Each one has their strengths, weaknesses, idiosyncrasies, and methods of working. My job, one of my main responsibilities as the director, is to mold this cast of creative individuals into a high-functioning and cohesive whole: a team. There are many ways to accomplish this, but the one that works best for me is this: Come in totally prepared with a vision, immediately share that vision, and then let it go. Because it will never be that way again. With a cast of 10, there are going to be at least 20 new, amazing ideas (and…

In December of 1960, the Green Bay Packers played in the NFL Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles: and lost 17-13. Author David Maraniss, in his best-selling book, When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi, explains what happened when the team gathered on their first day of training camp in the summer following that loss. The players were anxious to move forward, to see what they could do differently to win in the coming season. But Coach Lombardi had a different approach to the team’s training. He was going to take them back to the very basics of the sport. He started with the most elemental of statements.…

Most of my adult life—certainly my professional life—has been spent in the creative world of theatre. I have been an actor, director, writer, composer, but mostly a teacher, spending 24 years in the theatre program at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. All these experiences have given me first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be a successful leader. And the most important lesson I have learned over the years is this:  you lead by serving. Below are the six areas of service that I use in theatre. These same six lessons apply to any profession and, most certainly, to life itself. #1: Serve the Play Directing is not about you.…

Most of my adult life—certainly my professional life—has been spent in the creative world of theatre. I have been an actor, director, writer, composer, but mostly a teacher, spending 24 years in the theatre program at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. All these experiences have given me first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be a successful leader. And the most important lesson I have learned over the years is this:  you lead by serving. Below are the six areas of service that I use in theatre. These same six lessons apply to any profession and, most certainly, to life itself. #1: Serve the Play Directing is not about you.…

As soon as you get your first hints of warmer weather, and fresh air makes its way back into your home, you’re likely to get the urge to do some spring cleaning. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when faced with the prospect of deep cleaning your home from top to bottom, so here are some tips to help you break up the work and stay on task. Have a Plan Take a look around your home to identify what areas need the most help. Are there rooms that get more use and abuse? Are there areas that you tend to skip during your routine cleaning? Prioritize and break up the…