"Each of us will one day be judged by our standard of life, not by our standard of living; by our measure of giving, not by our measure of wealth; by our simple goodness, not by our seeming greatness."
~William A.Ward~
The recent economic downturn has been devastating to many people and families. There is a light at the end of the tunnel but I think that what happened is helping a lot of people to re-prioritize and take stock of what is really important in life.
No one has to keep up with anyone else. No one needs a new car every year or a bigger and newer TV each time a new model comes out. Sure, all these "things" are nice to have but years from now no one will remember what size the screen was on the TV or how many pairs of shoes they owned.
People remember how you made them feel. Your kids will remember the time you spent with them, not what you bought them. Remember the old saying that the best things in life are free? OK, I know we have to have medical care and a place to live and so on. But, we do not need to live above our means just to try to impress others. That is what got many people in trouble in the first place.
That does not mean that people should not buy ... but buy for the right reasons. If you always come to the Outer Banks each year for a vacation ... it may be time to consider buying a vacation home here. Do your homework first ... how much house can you afford, what is the best rate you can get...interview some sales agents and be honest with them on how much you can spend, what you want and when you can buy. If you are set on a house in Corolla, or one that has a hot tub, make sure you relay that to your agent. No need to waste your time or theirs if you know exactly what you want.
Loans are harder to get now but they are available. It is still a buyer's market and actually an excellent time to buy a home. Prices are right and owners are motivated. But this won't last forever so if you are "waiting" for the perfect time to buy--it may be now.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Are We There Yet?
Are We There Yet?????
Bill Nance, Senior Associate Broker, Village Realty (c) 2009 Village Realty. All Rights Reserved
When the topic is real estate, the question at the top of most everyone’s list is: Have we reached the bottom in the decline of home prices?
As with the stock market, only time will tell when the bottom occurred at some point in the past. The charts below reflect the past and predicting the direction of the short and intermediate term future of the real estate market is way, way above my pay grade. I do believe that, in time, the real estate market on the Outer Banks will make a recovery. How strong that recovery will be and how long it will take depends on many factors that few of us possess the capacity to predict, influence, or much less control; i.e., overall strength of the U.S. and world economic recovery; availability of mortgage financing for investment properties and second homes; more reasonable financing terms for jumbo loans; and most importantly, a continuing low interest rate environment. All of these factors weigh heavily on the decisions of buyers and sellers of investment properties and second homes.
For homeowners that want or need to sell their homes in the near term, recognize that the perceived value of your property by prospective buyers is significantly influenced by the list and sold prices of comparable foreclosed (bank owned) properties and comparable property short sales. That is the current market reality. But, on a positive note for many buyers and sellers, lower sales prices have significantly improved the ratio of rental revenue to sales price. For sellers, this increases the appeal of vacation rental properties to a greater percentage of prospective home buyers. And, for a large number of prospective buyers, the cost of owning a second home or investment property on the Outer Banks is significantly more appealing because of the improved rental revenue to sales price ratio.
So, “Are we there yet?” That question will remain unanswered for several months. I expect average and median sold prices to continue to be volatile for some time to come. The rate of foreclosures has not abated and may have, in fact, accelerated somewhat in the past couple of months. This will continue to significantly influence the average and median sales prices. Historically, the second quarter of each year most often produces the highest volume of sales. Second quarter 2009 total sales, average and median sales prices were up from the first quarter, which has been a recurring trend for second quarter sales in each of the past five years. The good news in the data for the second quarter is that, for the first time since 2006, the average sales price for the second quarter reflected an increase over the first quarter and the decline in average and median prices appears to be slowing. It will take several months to determine if the recent bounce did, in fact, mark the bottom of the market. The third quarter of each year has historically produced the lowest sales volume of the year and the low point for average and median sales prices. Although, the fourth quarter proved to be the low point of 2008 for total sales volume and average and median sales prices. Perhaps this may later prove to have been the bottom of the market decline on the Outer Banks.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Real Estate Tips ... did you know?
If you ask a Real Estate Agent about a listing, they actually represent the seller. However if you ask them to be your Buyer's Agent (even for a day) they represent your interests.
There are three types of Agents; a Buyer's agent, who represents the buyer, a Seller's Agent who represents the seller and Dual Agent who represents both the Buyer and Seller.
A Dual Agency is created when your Buyer's Agent is showing you a listing from their own firm.
Here is the tip...when in doubt ASK!
This tip from The Village Star publication in June.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Outer Banks Fireworks
Fireworks on the Outer Banks 2009
Duck's Annual Fourth of July Parade
July 3rd. Starts at 9 a.m. Afterwards there is music by Ruth Wyland and Friends at the Duck Town Park. For registration information please contact the Town at 252-255-1234. Website: www.TownofDuck.com
Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo
July 4th. 8 p.m. A pre-fireworks show featuring music and dance. Outdoor Pavillion in the Park. 252-475-1500. Website: www.RoanokeIsland.com
Kill Devil Hills Fireworks Display
July 4th at dusk. Located at the Avalon Pier on Milepost 6 on the Beach Road. Website: www.kdhnc.com
Nags Head Fireworks Display
9:25 p.m. Nags Head Fishing Pier at Milepost 11.5 on the Beach Road. Presented by the Town of Nags Head. Website: www.TownofNagsHead.com
Manteo
July 4th is a full day of fun featuring children's games, contests and a flea market. That night, enjoy the NC School of the Arts Pops Concert at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Enjoy the fireworks displacy over the Roanoke Sound. Website:www.manteo.govoffice.com
Corolla
July 4th. Saturday from 5 p.m. until ? Free Admission. The fireworks display starts at dusk but come early to enjoy food and music. Please bring a blanket or chairs. Website: www.VisitCurrituck.com. Please note that the boat ramp at Currituck Heritage Park will be closed on Saturday, July 4.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Outer Banks Real Estate
The Outer Banks Real Estate Market Update
by Bill Nance, sales manager, Village Realty
(C) 2009 Village Realty. All Rights Reserved.
The Reality
A December 31 headline in the Wall Street Journal read “Home Prices Declined at Record Pace in October” noting that the S&P Case-Schiller data on the sales of single family homes in 20 major metropolitan areas across the country showed a return to 2004 levels. This was followed by a report in January that average home prices in the 20 metropolitan areas in November had “plunged 18.2” from November 2007.
While the real estate market on the Outer Banks differs significantly in many ways from the markets that make the national headlines, the Outer Banks has certainly not been immune to significant declines in sales and property values since the annual average and median sales prices peaked in 2005. The charts on the adjoining page [to obtain the charts, please call for our Village View newsletter, 877.482.4242] provide sobering evidence of the decline in sales volumes and average and median prices. Total sales of single family homes in the report area (Corolla to S Nags Head including Colington) for 2008 declined 27.5% from 2007; the annual average sales price declined 10.5% and the median sales price was down 8.2%. As a point of comparison, National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported a 14.9% decline in the national average sales price and a 14.8% decline in the national median sales price for single family homes. Total home sales for the report area in Q4 2008 were down 37% from Q4 2007.
Even though sales volumes continue to trend downward, there are buyers in the market looking for the right opportunities. But the statistics reflect the absence of a sufficient number of buyers to effect even a modest change in market trends. Owners expecting to sell their properties in this highly competitive market must accept that buyers have a distinct advantage. The challenge for sellers is not limited to the size of the unsold inventory of homes. There is also pricing competition from the foreclosed, or bank owned properties, and the short sellers (homes listed for sale at a price less than the mortgage debt); a relatively new phenomenon that has emerged over the past couple of years, at least on the Outer Banks.
Seller’s Approach to This MarketSo how should an owner who wants to sell, or is compelled to sell for whatever reason, approach this market? First and foremost, be realistic about price expectations. Prospective buyers are very well informed of current market trends and conditions. They are looking for properties that are competitively priced and, in their view, provide good value for investment. Bank owned and short sale properties are typically priced somewhat lower than other similar properties and are most always sold “as is”; i.e., the seller will not pay for any repairs. Some of the bank owned properties have been stripped of furnishings and fixtures and may reflect neglected maintenance; but properly priced, they can pose serious competition for the sellers of well maintained properties of similar size, features and location. Properties that are overpriced for this market will get little, if any, attention, or be outright ignored by prospective buyers. Sellers must realize that no amount of advertising or promotion will overcome a pricing disadvantage. In this market, price is king. There is simply nothing to be gained from putting a property on the market at an unrealistic price. Even if a seller should get to the point of contract at a price above the current market, the property must still clear the appraisal hurdle. This means that recently sold comparable properties must support the contract price. Otherwise, the contract price will most likely be subject to renegotiation with the buyer; thus, opening the door for the buyer to walk away.
The Recovery
There are some economists predicting that a recovery will begin in the second half of 2009 while an increasing number of others say that it will be 2010. Typically, the second quarter of the year is the peak buying season on the Outer Banks so we may see some rebound in the volume of sales. However, there is no evidence that suggests that the real estate market is on the precipice of entering a recovery process on the Outer Banks or elsewhere. Confronted with the continuing economic uncertainties, stock market volatility and rising unemployment, buying a vacation home is simply not high on the priority list for many families these days. Buyers in this market are bargain shoppers. But, in time, a recovery will begin, sales will increase reducing the inventory of unsold homes and prices will stabilize for a period of time before home values begin to recover.
In the meantime, Village Realty continues to market our listings aggressively and to work with our buyer clients and prospects in identifying real estate investment opportunities on the Outer Banks. The reduction in sales prices has significantly improved the ratio of rental income to purchase price providing buyers of vacation rental homes with much improved cash flow opportunities and improved affordability for second home and retirement home buyers. Despite some reports to the contrary, mortgage money at historically low rates for conforming loans (loan amounts up to $417,000) is readily available for credit worthy buyers with sufficient cash for down payments. Jumbo and super-jumbo loans (loan amounts above the $417,000 threshold), while available, pose a somewhat greater challenge regarding rates and loan-to- value ratios. The first step for a serious buyer should be to get prequalified by a lender. Village Realty agents are available to assist buyers with this process. Prequalification provides buyers with guidance regarding price affordability and improves their ability to focus on homes priced within their financial means.
The Return to Normalcy
The Outer Banks continues to be a very special place and increasingly popular vacation destination. Normalcy will return to the real estate market. That means fewer properties for sale and, in all probability, at prices higher than they are today. Buyers should be keeping a watchful eye for that special place that meets their investment or quality of life objectives. There may not be another value opportunity equal to the present. The experienced agents at Village Realty are market savvy and ready to assist you explore the real estate opportunities on the Outer Banks.
(C) 2009 Village Realty. All Rights Reserved.
The data used in compiling the results reflected in the graphs was extracted from the Outer Banks MLS. The data extracted is limited to single family detached home sales (excludes condos, townhomes and duplexes) in the communities from Corolla through S Nags Head including Colington, which is termed “Beach Area” for purposes of this report. The information used in the compilation of the graphs is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed.
by Bill Nance, sales manager, Village Realty
(C) 2009 Village Realty. All Rights Reserved.
The Reality
A December 31 headline in the Wall Street Journal read “Home Prices Declined at Record Pace in October” noting that the S&P Case-Schiller data on the sales of single family homes in 20 major metropolitan areas across the country showed a return to 2004 levels. This was followed by a report in January that average home prices in the 20 metropolitan areas in November had “plunged 18.2” from November 2007.
While the real estate market on the Outer Banks differs significantly in many ways from the markets that make the national headlines, the Outer Banks has certainly not been immune to significant declines in sales and property values since the annual average and median sales prices peaked in 2005. The charts on the adjoining page [to obtain the charts, please call for our Village View newsletter, 877.482.4242] provide sobering evidence of the decline in sales volumes and average and median prices. Total sales of single family homes in the report area (Corolla to S Nags Head including Colington) for 2008 declined 27.5% from 2007; the annual average sales price declined 10.5% and the median sales price was down 8.2%. As a point of comparison, National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported a 14.9% decline in the national average sales price and a 14.8% decline in the national median sales price for single family homes. Total home sales for the report area in Q4 2008 were down 37% from Q4 2007.
Even though sales volumes continue to trend downward, there are buyers in the market looking for the right opportunities. But the statistics reflect the absence of a sufficient number of buyers to effect even a modest change in market trends. Owners expecting to sell their properties in this highly competitive market must accept that buyers have a distinct advantage. The challenge for sellers is not limited to the size of the unsold inventory of homes. There is also pricing competition from the foreclosed, or bank owned properties, and the short sellers (homes listed for sale at a price less than the mortgage debt); a relatively new phenomenon that has emerged over the past couple of years, at least on the Outer Banks.
Seller’s Approach to This MarketSo how should an owner who wants to sell, or is compelled to sell for whatever reason, approach this market? First and foremost, be realistic about price expectations. Prospective buyers are very well informed of current market trends and conditions. They are looking for properties that are competitively priced and, in their view, provide good value for investment. Bank owned and short sale properties are typically priced somewhat lower than other similar properties and are most always sold “as is”; i.e., the seller will not pay for any repairs. Some of the bank owned properties have been stripped of furnishings and fixtures and may reflect neglected maintenance; but properly priced, they can pose serious competition for the sellers of well maintained properties of similar size, features and location. Properties that are overpriced for this market will get little, if any, attention, or be outright ignored by prospective buyers. Sellers must realize that no amount of advertising or promotion will overcome a pricing disadvantage. In this market, price is king. There is simply nothing to be gained from putting a property on the market at an unrealistic price. Even if a seller should get to the point of contract at a price above the current market, the property must still clear the appraisal hurdle. This means that recently sold comparable properties must support the contract price. Otherwise, the contract price will most likely be subject to renegotiation with the buyer; thus, opening the door for the buyer to walk away.
The Recovery
There are some economists predicting that a recovery will begin in the second half of 2009 while an increasing number of others say that it will be 2010. Typically, the second quarter of the year is the peak buying season on the Outer Banks so we may see some rebound in the volume of sales. However, there is no evidence that suggests that the real estate market is on the precipice of entering a recovery process on the Outer Banks or elsewhere. Confronted with the continuing economic uncertainties, stock market volatility and rising unemployment, buying a vacation home is simply not high on the priority list for many families these days. Buyers in this market are bargain shoppers. But, in time, a recovery will begin, sales will increase reducing the inventory of unsold homes and prices will stabilize for a period of time before home values begin to recover.
In the meantime, Village Realty continues to market our listings aggressively and to work with our buyer clients and prospects in identifying real estate investment opportunities on the Outer Banks. The reduction in sales prices has significantly improved the ratio of rental income to purchase price providing buyers of vacation rental homes with much improved cash flow opportunities and improved affordability for second home and retirement home buyers. Despite some reports to the contrary, mortgage money at historically low rates for conforming loans (loan amounts up to $417,000) is readily available for credit worthy buyers with sufficient cash for down payments. Jumbo and super-jumbo loans (loan amounts above the $417,000 threshold), while available, pose a somewhat greater challenge regarding rates and loan-to- value ratios. The first step for a serious buyer should be to get prequalified by a lender. Village Realty agents are available to assist buyers with this process. Prequalification provides buyers with guidance regarding price affordability and improves their ability to focus on homes priced within their financial means.
The Return to Normalcy
The Outer Banks continues to be a very special place and increasingly popular vacation destination. Normalcy will return to the real estate market. That means fewer properties for sale and, in all probability, at prices higher than they are today. Buyers should be keeping a watchful eye for that special place that meets their investment or quality of life objectives. There may not be another value opportunity equal to the present. The experienced agents at Village Realty are market savvy and ready to assist you explore the real estate opportunities on the Outer Banks.
(C) 2009 Village Realty. All Rights Reserved.
The data used in compiling the results reflected in the graphs was extracted from the Outer Banks MLS. The data extracted is limited to single family detached home sales (excludes condos, townhomes and duplexes) in the communities from Corolla through S Nags Head including Colington, which is termed “Beach Area” for purposes of this report. The information used in the compilation of the graphs is deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Good Time and Good Timing
Tonight is our annual Christmas party, which will be held at Penguin Isle Restaurant. Our party is not one of those stuffy affairs; it is fun, fun, fun! We truly look forward to it each year. The food is delicious, everyone is dressed up and it is a nice time to reconnect with co-workers you may not get to talk to much during the year.
While surfing the web before I came into work today I ran across a great article on MSN Careers; 'Top 10 Holiday Party Offenses'. Some interesting stuff and I wanted to share with you. A lot of this is geared towards a more corporate atmosphere but still good advice.
I hope that your Christmas party is as fun as ours will be!
The Top 10 Office Party Offenses
1. Thinking you are not required to go. OK, we are all busy and let's be honest..we are all tired after leaving work. But, unless you have an unbelievably good reason for not attending the annual Christmas party, make the effort and go. Not doing so speaks volumes about your attitude towards the company you work for. And you might just have a great time after all. Management has put forth effort to make you feel like a part of the work family and that should be appreciated by everyone. I know that here, we have a committee that has been working for weeks to make our party a success.
2. Dressing inappropriately. Do not dress like you are going out to a nightclub or looking for a date. Even if you are going out later, keep in mind that at a company function you need to blend in. Do not try to make a statement with your very stylish clothing at the party; it is not the right place or time to do so. My first thought when I read this was they were talking about very high heels, very short skirts, too much make-up, flashy jewelry....you get the picture.
3. Eat something before you go if there is a cocktail hour before dinner. If you have not eaten in a few hours and have even one drink, it can go straight to your head. If you start feeling warm and fuzzy and realize you have not eaten it is a good idea to put the drink down and switch to water and find some food.
4. Party night is not the time to pitch ideas to upper management. Managers do use these events to meet and spend time with the employees they may not get to see or work with on a regular basis but they are not looking to strategize at the party.
5. Getting drunk. Seventy percent of companies are serving alcohol at their holiday party this year which represents a 15 percent drop from last year. There is a reason for this! If you drink too much and say or do something you'll regret (and chances are good you will)........other people are going to remember it. Bottom line, do not drink too much. Don't do it. Please. Not only will it embarrass you (maybe not that night, but later and for long time to come) but it will make your coworkers uncomfortable and could ruin your chances for advancement. No matter how big or small your company or how amusing you were or thought you were at the party after some drinks..think about it. Is your boss going to send you to a big conference if they have to stop and wonder if you will be doing a drunken electric slide at the convention?
6. Hooking Up. Co-workers who may secretly harbor feelings for each other may think (after a few drinks-read #5 again) that it is OK to show their feelings at the party. Again, don't do it. Act like you do at work. You are not paid to get cozy on the job and the annual holiday party is an extension of your job.
7. Bringing a crazy date. If you bring the "life of the party" with you, there is a good chance that he or she will make the night unforgettable-and not in a good way. (See #2 and #5 again). There is a saying "You are known by the company you keep." Do not give your boss any reason to wonder if you are not as you appear to be while working. If your date starts to make a scene, leave the party. We have all been to parties where a co-workers date gets drunk, obnoxious, combative, foolish or a combination. It makes others uncomfortable.
8. Being a scrooge. Don't be a Debbie Downer and come to the party with a scowl on your face and/or a "I have to be here but I do not have to have fun" attitude. Even if you are not excited to be there, keep it to yourself. See #1 again. Most of the people you work with want to be there and are looking forward to it so do not ruin it for them. One of my old bosses once said "If you are not in a good mood when you get here, fake it". And, you might end up having a great evening in spite of yourself.
9. Not using your best table manners. Again, I would guess that manners go out the door when you drink too much so there is one more reason not to do so. Remember your manners, bottom line. Please, thank you and so on.
10. Dirty dancing or executing athletic displays. If there is dancing at your party, great! More fun for all. However, this is not the night to bump, grind, do back flips or spins on the dance floor. And have you noticed that the more people drink the better they think they can dance. Unfortunately, that is usually not the case. Keep in mind that some people love to watch other people embarrass themselves.
Posted by The Village Realty People at 12/6/2007 8:25 AM | Add Comment
While surfing the web before I came into work today I ran across a great article on MSN Careers; 'Top 10 Holiday Party Offenses'. Some interesting stuff and I wanted to share with you. A lot of this is geared towards a more corporate atmosphere but still good advice.
I hope that your Christmas party is as fun as ours will be!
The Top 10 Office Party Offenses
1. Thinking you are not required to go. OK, we are all busy and let's be honest..we are all tired after leaving work. But, unless you have an unbelievably good reason for not attending the annual Christmas party, make the effort and go. Not doing so speaks volumes about your attitude towards the company you work for. And you might just have a great time after all. Management has put forth effort to make you feel like a part of the work family and that should be appreciated by everyone. I know that here, we have a committee that has been working for weeks to make our party a success.
2. Dressing inappropriately. Do not dress like you are going out to a nightclub or looking for a date. Even if you are going out later, keep in mind that at a company function you need to blend in. Do not try to make a statement with your very stylish clothing at the party; it is not the right place or time to do so. My first thought when I read this was they were talking about very high heels, very short skirts, too much make-up, flashy jewelry....you get the picture.
3. Eat something before you go if there is a cocktail hour before dinner. If you have not eaten in a few hours and have even one drink, it can go straight to your head. If you start feeling warm and fuzzy and realize you have not eaten it is a good idea to put the drink down and switch to water and find some food.
4. Party night is not the time to pitch ideas to upper management. Managers do use these events to meet and spend time with the employees they may not get to see or work with on a regular basis but they are not looking to strategize at the party.
5. Getting drunk. Seventy percent of companies are serving alcohol at their holiday party this year which represents a 15 percent drop from last year. There is a reason for this! If you drink too much and say or do something you'll regret (and chances are good you will)........other people are going to remember it. Bottom line, do not drink too much. Don't do it. Please. Not only will it embarrass you (maybe not that night, but later and for long time to come) but it will make your coworkers uncomfortable and could ruin your chances for advancement. No matter how big or small your company or how amusing you were or thought you were at the party after some drinks..think about it. Is your boss going to send you to a big conference if they have to stop and wonder if you will be doing a drunken electric slide at the convention?
6. Hooking Up. Co-workers who may secretly harbor feelings for each other may think (after a few drinks-read #5 again) that it is OK to show their feelings at the party. Again, don't do it. Act like you do at work. You are not paid to get cozy on the job and the annual holiday party is an extension of your job.
7. Bringing a crazy date. If you bring the "life of the party" with you, there is a good chance that he or she will make the night unforgettable-and not in a good way. (See #2 and #5 again). There is a saying "You are known by the company you keep." Do not give your boss any reason to wonder if you are not as you appear to be while working. If your date starts to make a scene, leave the party. We have all been to parties where a co-workers date gets drunk, obnoxious, combative, foolish or a combination. It makes others uncomfortable.
8. Being a scrooge. Don't be a Debbie Downer and come to the party with a scowl on your face and/or a "I have to be here but I do not have to have fun" attitude. Even if you are not excited to be there, keep it to yourself. See #1 again. Most of the people you work with want to be there and are looking forward to it so do not ruin it for them. One of my old bosses once said "If you are not in a good mood when you get here, fake it". And, you might end up having a great evening in spite of yourself.
9. Not using your best table manners. Again, I would guess that manners go out the door when you drink too much so there is one more reason not to do so. Remember your manners, bottom line. Please, thank you and so on.
10. Dirty dancing or executing athletic displays. If there is dancing at your party, great! More fun for all. However, this is not the night to bump, grind, do back flips or spins on the dance floor. And have you noticed that the more people drink the better they think they can dance. Unfortunately, that is usually not the case. Keep in mind that some people love to watch other people embarrass themselves.
Posted by The Village Realty People at 12/6/2007 8:25 AM | Add Comment
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Go With It
Well, yesterday I went off on cell phones so in keeping with the "pet peeves" theme let's go over what bothers both employees and employers most in the work place.
I did some research on various websites and here is the concensus of the top pet peeves.
From the employee point of view:
Condescending tones used by their bosses
Public reprimands
Micro-managing. This would drive me crazy. Thankfully, I have never had a supervisor who felt that they had to micro manage my duties or performance or any task I was assigned. If you have hired the right person, why do you need to micro manage them anyway?
Loud talking in the office. Enough said on that one.
Cell phones ringing. Sound familiar?
Personal conversations of their co workers
Using speaker phones in public places
From the employeers (the Boss!) point of view:
Abuse of sick leave. Calling in sick when you are not. Not only does this make it harder on your co workers but it also makes it very difficult for your supervisor to plan when and how the work will get done.
Poor hygiene. This one surprised me a little but it makes sense. I guess I am lucky to work with clean people!
Cubicles that are cluttered and messy. One photo is fine, your favorite vase with fresh flowers is nice. However no one needs to see your collection of Precious Kitty figurines or Star Wars figures or your owl collection. It is not professional
Obnoxious cell phone behavior. No one should be receiving multiple personal phone calls at work. Period.
Bad table manners at a business luncheon or dinner meeting.
Chronic complaining. One person can bring the mood of the entire office down. I have seen it happen. One of my former bosses once had some good advice. She said "If you are not in a good mood when you get to work , fake it."
This was interesting research. Sometimes we all need to remember that anyone can be replaced at work; no one is indispensable. So, turn off your cell phone ringer, put the troll collection in your desk drawer and get to work.
Till Next Time,
Your OBX Blogger
JM
I did some research on various websites and here is the concensus of the top pet peeves.
From the employee point of view:
Condescending tones used by their bosses
Public reprimands
Micro-managing. This would drive me crazy. Thankfully, I have never had a supervisor who felt that they had to micro manage my duties or performance or any task I was assigned. If you have hired the right person, why do you need to micro manage them anyway?
Loud talking in the office. Enough said on that one.
Cell phones ringing. Sound familiar?
Personal conversations of their co workers
Using speaker phones in public places
From the employeers (the Boss!) point of view:
Abuse of sick leave. Calling in sick when you are not. Not only does this make it harder on your co workers but it also makes it very difficult for your supervisor to plan when and how the work will get done.
Poor hygiene. This one surprised me a little but it makes sense. I guess I am lucky to work with clean people!
Cubicles that are cluttered and messy. One photo is fine, your favorite vase with fresh flowers is nice. However no one needs to see your collection of Precious Kitty figurines or Star Wars figures or your owl collection. It is not professional
Obnoxious cell phone behavior. No one should be receiving multiple personal phone calls at work. Period.
Bad table manners at a business luncheon or dinner meeting.
Chronic complaining. One person can bring the mood of the entire office down. I have seen it happen. One of my former bosses once had some good advice. She said "If you are not in a good mood when you get to work , fake it."
This was interesting research. Sometimes we all need to remember that anyone can be replaced at work; no one is indispensable. So, turn off your cell phone ringer, put the troll collection in your desk drawer and get to work.
Till Next Time,
Your OBX Blogger
JM
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