Living on Purpose - The Intentional Life vs. The Random Life!

 

Life is an adventure, but without a destination, it’s just wandering. There’s a big difference between moving with purpose and simply drifting wherever life takes you. The key to living a fulfilled life isn’t just about going somewhere—it’s about knowing where you’re going and why. Living life on purpose is the Great Adventure we have before use. 

Where Are You Right Now?

Before you set a course, you need to take an honest look at where you are. This isn’t just about your job, relationships, or finances—it’s about your purpose. Are you where you thought you’d be? Are you heading in the right direction, or just moving without intention? What’s the plan? Is it mapped out?

Think about Alice’s conversation with the Cheshire Cat:

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”

“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.

If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will do—but that also means you could end up anywhere. That might sound exciting at first, but without a destination, you risk spending years feeling lost.

Choosing Your Destination

A destination doesn’t have to be a final goal—it can be a season, a milestone, or a calling. Maybe it’s a career change, building relationships, growing deeper in faith, or in some cases moving forward away from a bad situation into a better life. Some destinations are permanent, like heaven; others are simply meaningful stops along the way.

When you live on purpose, you use your best efforts to be intentional, not random with our actions. You make decisions that align with where you want to be instead of just reacting to whatever life throws at you.

Detours Aren’t Dead Ends

One of the biggest fears people have is getting off track - life happens. Life’s unexpected turns—loss, failure, change—can make it feel like you’re nowhere near where you wanted to be. But a detour doesn’t mean you’ve lost your destination—it just means you need to reroute.

Think about GPS: when you miss a turn, it doesn’t shut down and say, “Well, you’re lost forever.” It simply recalculates a new way to get there. The same goes for life. God’s plan isn’t thrown off by our wrong turns—He already sees the full map. What may feel like a setback could be part of His greater plan to refine, teach, or redirect you.

 

Finding Peace in the Journey

Before setting your next course, you need to first lineup with God - get right with Him (If you need help getting started, reach out to me). Then, by focusing on honoring God daily, you can have peace knowing that every step—whether on the main road or a detour—is leading you where you’re meant to be. Romans 8:28 reminds us:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Every season, every struggle, and every triumph is part of a bigger picture. Looking back, we’ll see how even the unexpected turns were necessary for our growth.

Living with Purpose Today

• Take time to assess where you are.

• Define where you want to go.

• Trust that detours are part of the process.

• Honor God daily, knowing He is guiding your steps.

When you live intentionally, your life isn’t just a series of random events—it becomes a meaningful adventure. And when your ultimate destination is heaven, every part of the journey has purpose.

 

How to Choose the Right Realtor to List Your Manufactured Homw

Selling a manufactured home (MH) requires a strategic approach, industry knowledge, and an experienced professional who understands the nuances of the MH market. Unlike traditional site-built homes, MH sales come with unique challenges—from valuation to financing requirements—that demand specialized expertise.

If you’re preparing to sell your manufactured home, here’s what to look for in a Realtor and why choosing the right professional can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth, successful sale.

Why You Need a Specialist

Manufactured homes aren’t just “affordable homes”—they are a smart and cost-effective housing option with unique market dynamics, pricing considerations, and challenges. Choosing a Realtor with specific experience in manufactured housing ensures you’ll be working with someone who knows how to navigate these complexities.

Here are the key skills and expertise to look for in a Realtor:

1. Understanding of Manufactured Homes

Not all Realtors are created equal when it comes to MH expertise. Look for someone who understands:

• Valuation: Manufactured homes are priced differently than site-built homes. The Realtor with MH experience should know how to evaluate your home based on model, year manufacturer, options, and any upgrades. In addition to the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) used by most real estate agents, an MH expert will account for the unique factors that influence your home’s value, ensuring an accurate and competitive price.

• Manufacturer Knowledge: Just as a Realtor who knows the builder of a site-built home can speak to their type of construction, reputation, and quality, a Realtor who is a manufactured home professional will have the same expertise about the manufacturer of your home. This insight is invaluable when communicating your home’s value to potential buyers.

• Setup and Installation: A Realtor who can assess and identify potential issues with your home’s setup or foundation will help you avoid financing complications later.

• Post-Setup Additions: Porches, decks, garages, or other upgrades can add significant value when marketed effectively.

2. Proven Marketing Strategies: Success Requires a Plan

Selling a manufactured home isn’t just about listing it online and hoping for the best. Success requires a well-thought-out, strategic plan that highlights your home’s unique features and connects with the right buyers. The right Realtor will have a proven approach, which includes:

• High-quality photos and detailed descriptions.

• Online national platforms marketing to rural buyers (country homes) as manufactured homes are located in these areas.

• Local and regional social media exposure to attract serious buyers.

Pro Tip: Ask a prospective real estate agent to show you their written marketing and/or listing plan for manufactured homes. A professional with MH expertise should be able to provide a clear, detailed strategy tailored to this unique market. This ensures your home gets the attention it deserves and is positioned to sell quickly and at the best possible price.

3. Preparation Is Key

Proper preparation is critical to a smooth and stress-free sale. A Realtor with MH experience will guide you through every step, ensuring your home is market-ready and positioned to attract serious offers.

Here’s what you should expect from your Realtor:

• Pre-Listing Inspection: Identifying and addressing issues before buyers get involved. A manufactured home professional can guide you to a home inspector who specializes in MHs. This expertise is crucial, as many inspectors lack specific knowledge of manufactured homes. Additionally, you’ll want a Realtor who is present during the inspection to ensure the inspector is aware of important details, such as the location of the hot water heater, which is often in a concealed or non-standard location. In some cases, panels may need to be removed to allow access for inspection—something a Realtor without MH experience may not know. Having the right guidance ensures a thorough inspection, minimizing surprises during the sales process. An expert MH real estate may even have their own checklist to get you started on any needed repairs. 

• Certification for Financing: Ensuring your home qualifies for buyer loans. Manufactured homes often require specific certifications to be eligible for financing. For example, a manufactured home financed through FHA requires a HUD certification, which ensures the home meets federal standards for safety, construction, and installation. A knowledgeable Realtor will guide you through obtaining or verifying these certifications to avoid financing delays and make your home more appealing to buyers.

• Repair and Upgrade Guidance: Recommending cost-effective improvements to boost your home’s appeal. MH repairs and upgrades may require unique skills, applications, or materials that someone without MH experience may not know about. For example, special preparation is needed when painting manufactured homes to ensure the paint adheres properly to the surface. Similarly, specific replacement parts and materials designed for MHs—such as windows, skirting, or HVAC systems —are essential for maintaining the home’s structural integrity and value. A Realtor with MH expertise can recommend the correct repair methods and, as a bonus, may even connect you with professionals skilled in MH repairs. This can save you time, money, and frustration while ensuring your home is in top shape for potential buyers.

• Accurate Pricing: Using a seller appraisal to determine a competitive price that avoids surprises later. A real estate agent who is an MH specialist will provide your appraiser with a detailed list of manufactured home specifics that could affect the value of your home. This ensures that unique factors—such as upgrades, manufacturer options, and setup quality—are properly considered during the appraisal process, helping your home achieve its true value in the market.

4. Overcoming Common Challenges

Selling a manufactured home comes with sone common issues, but a knowledgeable Realtor can help you overcome these challenges. Common issues include:

Low Appraisal: MH values fluctuate based on condition, age, and setup. As mentioned, a professional can provide insight into a MH’s manufacturer, construction quality, options, and provide guidance on maximizing value. 

• Buyer Hesitation: Many buyers are unfamiliar with MHs and may need reassurance about their durability, financing, and resale value. An experienced Realtor can educate buyers and alleviate concerns. 

• Financing Obstacles: Not all manufactured homes meet lender requirements, and many buyers are unsure of how to navigate the financing process. The Realtor you choose should have a network of MH lenders they can recommend to potential buyers. Having access to reliable, specialized lenders simplifies the process for buyers, making your home more appealing and reducing the risk of financing delays.

• Limited Market Awareness: Selling an MH often requires reaching a specific audience. Your Realtor should have prospective MH buyers in mind for your home and a method to reach them. This includes targeted marketing strategies designed specifically for the manufactured home market, as well as access to platforms or networks where MH buyers are actively searching. A Realtor with MH experience will already have connections to the right buyer pool, making your home stand out in a competitive market.

5. Can’t Find the Right Fit? I’m Here to Help

Selling your manufactured home doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing a Realtor who meets the recommendations above, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and successful sale.

If you’re struggling to find a Realtor who checks all the boxes, reach out to me. With over 40 years of combined experience in manufactured housing and real estate, I understand the unique challenges of selling manufactured homes and can help you navigate the process with confidence.

Special Note: I’m Also an Auctioneer 

If you want to sell your MH “as is, we’re is” I offer a customize auction as an alternative selling solution to traditional listing. This is also a great way to sell both your home and personal property.

MH Auctions

📱 Text: 336-391-8094

📧 Email: Jeff@broker-associates.com

Special Offer for a Limited Time

I’m offering a free Home Value assessment for manufactured homes in the Triad and Foothills. This is a great opportunity to learn what your home is worth and plan your next steps with confidence.

👉 Click here to make an appointment

Let’s make your manufactured home sale a success—starting today!

Never Cut What Can Be Untied: The Knots We Tie in Life and Relationships

Life’s relationships—whether personal or professional—are like ropes that connect us to others. These connections can become tangled, strained, or even separate under pressure. When faced with such challenges, we often have two choices: untie the knot or cut it entirely.

The principle “Never cut what can be untied” reminds us that with care, effort, and communication, most relationships can be saved and strengthened. But there’s a deeper truth to consider: What has been untied can be retied, but a knot that’s cut often cannot. And just as in rope-work, the type of knot you tie matters. Different knots serve different purposes, and knowing when to use each one is vital for maintaining strong, meaningful relationships.

The Beauty of Untying Instead of Cutting

It’s tempting to cut a knot when it feels too tangled to resolve. Yet cutting often leaves jagged edges—resentment, mistrust, or missed opportunities. Untying, on the other hand, keeps the relationship intact, allowing for healing, reconciliation, and peace of mind.

• Untied Knots Can Be Retied: When you untie a knot, the rope remains whole, ready to be retied into something even stronger. A severed relationship, however, often leaves behind irreparable damage.

• Cutting as a Last Resort: In rare cases, cutting may be necessary—such as in harmful or destructive relationships—but it should always be a last resort, approached with grace and integrity.

The effort required to untie a knot is a reflection of the value we place on the relationship. When we take the time to untangle rather than sever, we preserve trust and open the door to future growth.

Choosing the Right Knot: Relationships Require Purpose

Not every relationship requires the same kind of bond (knot). Just as there are different knots for different tasks, there are different ways to connect with others depending on the purpose and context of the relationship.

1. Adjustable Knots: Flexible Connections

These are relationships that adapt to life’s changes, such as friendships that ebb and flow or professional collaborations that evolve over time.

Example: An old friend who drifts away but reconnects later when circumstances align.

2. Anchor Knots: Permanent Bonds

These knots are strong and enduring, meant to provide stability and support through life’s storms. Examples include marriages, family relationships, and trusted business partnerships.

Example: A marriage built on mutual commitment and trust, able to withstand challenges.

3. Quick-Release Knots: Temporary Connections

These represent relationships or commitments that serve a specific purpose and can be untied when that purpose is fulfilled.

Example: A project-based partnership that ends amicably when the work is complete.

Tying the wrong knot for the relationship—such as forcing permanence where flexibility is needed—can create unnecessary strain. Matching the knot to the purpose ensures the connection remains strong and functional.

Saving Relationships: The Process of Untying and Retying

Cut and run is not the best way to end a relationship. Quitting a job without notice, walking out on a relationship, or severing a long time business connections can have negative consequences. When relationships become strained, it’s essential to approach the situation with care, compassion, and understanding. Untying the knot is best and it doesn’t just resolve the immediate issue—it leaves the rope intact, preserving the possibility of retying it or at least preserving peace of mind and possibly your integrity in the minds of others.

• Untying Requires Communication: Many knots form from misunderstandings. Open, honest dialogue is often the tool needed to untangle the problem.

Tip: In valued relationships, a third party such as a counselor in personal situations or a business consultant in professional is an effective way to work through issues. 

• Retied Knots Are Stronger: The process of untying and retying deepens understanding and trust. When a relationship survives a challenge, it often emerges stronger than before.

Example: A business partnership that overcomes a major disagreement may develop better communication and mutual respect.

Final Thoughts: Relationships Are Worth the Effort

Relationships are the ropes that connect us to others, and the knots we tie represent the strength, purpose, and commitment behind those connections. By choosing to untie rather than cut, we preserve trust, open the door to reconciliation, and create opportunities for deeper connection.

Just as in rope-work, knowing the right knot to tie—and when to untie it—is a skill worth mastering. Remember, what has been untied can be retied, but a knot that’s cut often cannot.

So, the next time you face a tangled relationship, pause and ask yourself: Is this a knot I can untie? Chances are, with a little effort and grace, the answer will lead to stronger, more meaningful bonds.

What knots are you tying, untying, or retightening in your life today?