Aja's Blog

Veracruz Cafe in Oak Cliff, TX

ajashroll — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:49:43 +0000

On Tuesday when my husband, Dean, got home from work he surprised me and said we were going to dinner. I said, “Who is we?” If we included my 21 month old son, I thought I might pass. To my surprise, he had lined up a babysitter and it was just the two of us. My choice! I love Mexican food, so I suggested one of my local favorites, Veracruz Cafe in the Bishop Arts District, near our house in Oak Cliff, TX. They serve Mesoamerican, Mayan, Huasteco, and Aztec cuisine. This is definitely a step up from the usual Dallas Tex-Mex.

When we arrived, I looked at the specials written on the chalk board as we entered. The lunch menu is served all day on Tuesdays! This was excellent news, because although Veracruz Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants, it’s not the cheapest Mexican food you can find in Oak Cliff.
Dean and I both ordered from the lunch menu and had more than enough food. I am pregnant and I hate to admit it, but sometimes, okay most of the time, I order food based on what I think will be a bigger portion. So you can imagine I was a little leary of the lunch menu. I had the fish tacos, which came with rice and black beans. Veracruz Cafe has THE BEST fish tacos of any place I’ve ever had them. They hand make the taco shell out of a blue corn tortillas that is so fresh it’s still warm when you eat it. The fish is a nice size piece of grilled, not fried, white fish. The absolute best part is probably the cilantro sauce that it comes with. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, they do have an alternate sauce that is equally delicious!
Dean went with the carne asada with a chicken mole enchilada, also from the lunch menu. He swears that Veracruz Cafe has THE BEST mole sauce of anywhere he’s ever had it. I know they made it fresh daily with real chocolate and fresh spices. I am not the mole connoisseur he is, so we’ll have to take his word for it.
After having lunch portions for dinner, we were both too full to even share a flan. This was a bit disappointing, but for the best I’m sure! I highly recommend Veracruz Cafe in the Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff if you’re in the mood for delicious Mexican food. This is authentic from Veracruz region of Mexico. You will not find Tex-Mex anywhere on the premise, but you will find fantastic Mexican cuisine different than any other Mexican food you’ve had.

Other specials include happy hour Monday through Wednesday from 11AM-7PM and brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11AM-3 PM.

Aja Shroll, REALTOR®, GRI
Bill Griffin Real Estate
www.ajaolson.com
aja@billgriffinrealestate.com

Brian Tracy’s 21st Century Selling

ajashroll — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:55:19 +0000

About a month ago Steve, a rep for Brian Tracy, came to speak at our weekly office meeting. He gave us the super quick motivational speech and then the pitch. “Did you learn anything today? Do you think you could benefit from listening to ideas like this for a full day?” Then he went through the what it cost, and the “deal” we could get today. A half price, two for one deal to see Bob Burg and Brian Tracy. I felt I could use some new ideas and a little pep talk, so I was one of three from my office who paid to attend.

I was sure what Brian Tracy’s afternoon would be like. The morning session with Bob Burg was awesome. I knew Bob was the opening act and Brian was the main attraction. I was prepared for the afternoon to fly by as fast as the morning. Brian’s session came with a booklet, with fill in the blank answers. His style of teaching was very traditional and not nearly as entertaining as Bob Burg. Don’t get me wrong, he had great things to say and was humorous, but I did have a difficult time relating a couple of his ideas to real estate.

I noticed the guy sitting next to me was filling in all the answers ahead of time. After questioning him on this, he said it was verbatim what he’d read in his book. That made me start thinking…”Am I wasting my time being here?” “Should I spend my money on buying the CDs instead of paying to watch the real deal?” I think it’s always encouraging to hear the author and feel the vibe of the seminar, but Brian Tracy has so many books I’d like to read/listen to, that I almost feel my money would have been better spent purchasing the CDs. Maybe that’s why they offer a discount if you buy them that day?

The seminar was scheduled to end at 5:30 pm. I was hoping it would end a little early since I had to pick up my son. Unfortuntely there was one too many stories told, and a bit too much time taken promoting his books and CDs that the semiar went long. I had two sections left blank when I had to leave at 5:30pm. I would have thought the timing on these things would be down to a science. I was very disappointed I didn’t get to hear the end and get a picture with Brian. Had I known, I would have gotten a picture at break. I mean, wouldn’t my blog be so much cooler if I had a picture attached to it?

I’m re-reading this and it doesn’t sound as positive as it should! Brian Tracy’s speaking was very informative and had such valuable information. He spoke about prospecting, establishing rapport and trust, identifying customer needs, presenting solutions, answering objections, closing the sale, and referrals. Now if that doesn’t fit what I need to know to sell real estate, why does?! I hope the library carries his CDs. There are so many I wan to hear, but would like to not have to pay big $ to do so.

I am going to start making a habit of attending these programs as often as I can. I think four times a year would be ideal, but I’ll settle for twice a year. Do you have anyone else you’d recommend I look into? Although I think I have more than enough to get me started!

Has any of Brian Tracy’s books/CDs changed your life? If so, which do you recommend?

Aja Shroll

REALTOR®, GRI

214-669-2547

www.ajaolson.com

Bob Burg’s Endless Referrals

ajashroll — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:14:33 +0000

I had the privileged of attending an all day seminar yesterday with guest speakers, Bob Burg and Brian Tracy. To be honest, I knew a bit about Brian Tracy and am currently reading his book, GOALS! but I had never heard of Bob Burg. I got the two for one “special” so I bought tickets for both speakers and I sure am glad I did!

Bob Burg was up first and scheduled to speak for 3.5 hours. I was a bit concerned, being 7 months pregnant, and sitting in a tiny fold out chair with people close in on each side. “This had better be good, or it’s going to be a long morning”, I thought. Right from the git-go Bob was entertaining us with either his impressive memory skills or by telling a great story. Of course all of his stories had meaning and purpose that we could all relate to our own personal lives and business. I was quite amazed that no matter what you’re sell, this information is for you!

Bob spent the morning teaching us how to earn people’s trust, and thus gain business by referral. We all know in real estate, this is the key to our success! The amazing part was that you barely even ask for a referral. The majority of gaining the business is by helping others. Who doesn’t want to help others anyways? It’s the American way! Especially if it comes back to you ten fold in your own business.

Bob Burg has a book out now titled, The Go-Giver. I look forward to reading it and mastering the principles he discussed of growing my business through being nice and helping others. What a gret way to live life and earn money…by being nice, helping others, and simply doing the right thing.

The morning session flew by. It was like reading a book I didn’t want to end. I wanted to hear more, more, more! I wish they would have given us some sort of outline or a Cliffs Notes version of what we heard. I took good notes, but some times they don’t make as much sense when you re-read them. I suppose that’s part of their method to the madness. It will make you go out and buy everything they have to offer so you can have a hard copy and not have to remember everything! Bob’s Endless Referrals System is on CDs. I’m going to ask my mom to get it for me for Christmas. It will be perfect to listen to while in my car. I may initially miss my talk radio shows, but after I’m so busy writing contract after contract, I think I’ll get over it!

Bob is on Twitter and Facebook. I’ve already started following @bobburg on twitter and am enjoying all of his post. If you haven’t heard of him, I highly encourage you to check him out and see what you think for yourself. You don’t have any thing to loose and everything to gain!

Geez…I sound like I work for the guy, but I promise, yesterday is the first time I knew a single thing about him or his teachings.

Aja Shroll & Bob Burg in Dallas

Aja Shroll
REALTOR®, GRI
Bill Griffin Real Estate
214-669-2547 Cell
www.ajaolson.com

Oak Cliff, That’s My Hood!

ajashroll — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:13:21 +0000

I live in Dallas, but those of us who live in Oak Cliff rarely say we live in Dallas. I am proud to say I live in Oak Cliff! I am a Cliff Dweller. More specifically I live in North Oak Cliff. Oak Cliff is the largest of the five areas of Dallas. It used to be it’s own city before it was annexed into Dallas way back when. That being said, there is a lot of room for several types of communities. In an area so large, and in a big city, Oak Cliff definitely has it’s “shady parts” which seem to always make the news and hence make the rest of the DFW metroplex think Oak Cliff is not the place to be. Well guess what, it is the best place in Dallas to be! Which is good right, I mean, Oak Cliff, it’s my hood! I better love it! There is even a rap song titled, “Oak Cliff, that’s my hood!” which is where I get my slogan. I think North Oak Cliff is Dallas’ little hidden secret. It is one of the oldest parts of Dallas, thus giving beautiful mature trees, we have rolling hills and just about every home is filled with character because believe it or not, when Oak Cliff was built, they didn’t have cookie cutter homes! North Oak Cliff is a small, tight knit community within a very large city. I have never lived anywhere where I felt more connected than I do to my community. Cliff Dwellers can see the Dallas downtown skyline and get downtown to work or play within minutes…even with traffic! There is always a short cut to Oak Cliff and you never even have to get on a highway! Those of you living in the ‘burbs, imagine that! I’d say Cliff Dwellers are pretty green. I think that’s part of why we live here…we want to conserve our energy and live where everything is happening. Oak Cliff has some of Dallas’ most fabulous restaurants. Oak Cliff is growing, revitalizing, and I believe the best kept secret in Dallas!

Aja Shroll

REALTOR®, GRI

214-669-2547

aja@billgriffinrealestate.com

How Much Home Can You Afford? Living by Grandma’s Rule.

ajashroll — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:20:44 +0000

I am learning more everyday that my grandma is a very wise woman. I remember when I fist moved out on my own her telling me, “Your rent and household bills should not be more than 1 weeks pay.” I did the math, and thought to myself, “I can’t find a place cheap enough to live on one weeks pay.” So, I threw her advice out the window, and my apartment and bills were about two weeks pay. I suppose I was able to survive because grandma had bought my car and was still paying my insurance. Even with all her help, it didn’t take long to figure out that I was living above my means. I graduated college with credit card debt, but thankfully good ol’ grandma put me through college so I was student loan free. It took me a couple of years, but eventually I got all of my credit cards paid off and have not gone down that path again. It did take me almost ten years though to learn that the advice grandma gave, is advice to live by.

Now that I am a REALTOR® I am always reminded of and counseling other on living within their means and sticking to grandma’s rule. One weeks pay would be approximately 25% of your gross income. Remember gross income is the amount of money you make before taxes and deductions are taken. Most lenders will say your monthly mortgage and household bills should be approximately 28% of your gross income. All lenders formulas vary slightly, but this is a good rule of thumb. To determine your monthly gross income, take all your regular monies that can be documented (undocumented sources cannot be included) this includes, your regular pay check, and unearned souces such has alimony, child support, and income producing assets such as real estate, stocks and bonds and even lottery payments.

Once you determine your monthly income, it’s time to calculate your monthly debt (yikes!). Include monthly debt obligations such as credit cards, installment payments, child support, alimony, and any other personal debt you may owe. Debt that will be paid off within six months does not have to be included. Your total monthly housing expenses, including taxes and insurance, and monthly debt expenses should not be in excess of 36% of your total gross income. If it is, your loan may not be approved or you may need to speak with your lender about all options available to you. There are definitely options out there if you don’t fit these guidelines, but you will live most comfortably if you do. A larger down payment is a good way to buy a more expensive home and keep your monthly mortgage payment to a minimum. Don’t forget those pesky closing cost that are anywhere from 2-6% of your sales price.

I know it’s difficult to live within our means. It’s something I struggle with constantly. The neighbors house is always a little nicer, and my best friends clothes I always envy. I truly believe we’ll all be happier and achieve greater success if we continue to live by grandma’s rule. Set goals for yourself to do better within your career and when you can afford it, that one weeks pay will buy you a nicer home than you’re living in today. But, for today, let’s live within grandma’s rule.

Aja Shroll

REALTOR®, GRI

ajashroll@gmail.com

214.669.2547

Elderly Neighbors

ajashroll — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:36:55 +0000

My neighborhood was built in the 1950s and so we have several neighbors who have lived here since they first bought their house over 50 years ago. Do the math, most are well over eighty and some are even in the nineties My next door neighbor, Esmond, is 94 years old! We can all only hope to live as long and healthy of a life as he already has. He walks his dogs every morning, rain or shine! It was pouring down the other day, and there was Esmond with an umbrella with both of his dogs on a leash! These are no toy poodles either. His dogs are medium sized, rescue dogs about the size of a lab.

Since moving here, my husband and I have struggled with how much we should get involved in the watching over and taking care of these very special neighbors. What is too much involvement and what is not enough? I don’t want Esmond to think we’re constantly checking on him to make sure he hasn’t kicked the bucket. But, at the same time, I feel we need to make sure he’s still alive and kicking. Last summer we had a lady two doors down die and no one knew for well over a week. It would have been longer had a group from her church came to check on her. Her poor dog was trapped in the house for a week without food! That was when we realized the seriousness of living next to this generation.

I suppose we soon had jumped back into our daily routines and soon were back to waving at our neighbors when we see them out and occasionally stopping to chit chat. This morning, around 7:30 AM, I heard a fire truck on our street with an ambulance soon to follow. All the questions about the best way to take care of our elderly neighbors came flooding back. Thankfully the man was wheeled out to the ambulance sitting up, so I hoping he will be alright. When he returns home, I should bake something and introduce myself. I don’t even know this neighbor two doors down!

Have you had experience with this situation? What do you think is too much involvement and what is not enough? I believe there is a fine line between being concerned and being overbearing as a constant reminder that they are up there in years.

Hello World! Aja has arrived on the blog scene!

ajashroll — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:17:11 +0000

Blogging…I have given it a weak attempt once before, but this time I really am going to post regularly and try to make my post as entertaining as possible. There may be a little business talk here and there because life can’t be ALL fun and games, can it? I encourage you to comment and be as interactive as possible so we can all have fun with this!

Here’s the run-down of me that I came up with in the past five minutes.

I’m originally a small town girl from Kansas, but over the years have become a big city girl, now living in Dallas. I’m a North Oak Cliff resident and am passionate about my small town community that’s dab smack in the middle of the city. If you ever want to know anything about Oak Cliff, I’m your go-to girl. In the few short years I have lived here, I’ve quickly infiltrated myself into this “hood” because I LUV MY HOOD!

My most demanding and time consuming job would also be the most rewarding, that of “mommy” to my toddler son, Keiran. Mommy demands are about to be double when his brother arrives in early January! I am a TCU graduate and am a REALTOR® with Bill Griffin Real Estate. REALTOR® is a term that describes one with many hats. Not only do I help with the purchase, sell or lease of your home, but I most likely will become your good friend through many counseling, accounting, and hand holding sessions. Finally, my easiest job is that of wife to my wonderful husband, Dean. Everyone knows marriage isn’t easy, so think how taxing my other two careers must be!

If you have been blogging for a while and have any “must know” advice for me, I’m all ears! Or should I say eyes?! In the meantime, I’ll be thinking of my next blog.

Happy Reading!

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