by Laura Matiz 

Usually the first question I get from buyers or renters about house rules is whether a building allows pets. A pet-friendly building is their prime concern. As smoking bans are added to house rules, I wonder if the first question asked by prospective buyers and renters—on both sides of the issue—will be on the building's smoking rules.

As New Yorkers have come to appreciate smoke-free public spaces, such as restaurants, bars, and parks, there are greater demands for similar environments in their buildings. Of course, this issue is much more controversial because the ban reaches into someone's private space. What happens to smokers that are long-time residents of the building? While a smoking ban seems likely to pass at many buildings given that adult smoking rates have dropped well under 20% according to the CDC, this may not always be the case. In a recent vote at an Upper West Side building a smoking ban did not gain the necessary super majority of 66.7% to be added to the house rules. Of course, smoking bans are being enacted and they are fairly broad as from a recently adopted resolution, "Smoking Activities shall mean the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other products which create smoke, vapor, or related odors." 

There is no doubt this will be a thorny issue as more building boards are asked to consider implementing a building-wide smoking ban. Some deliberation and discussions are bound to get ugly. Does your building have a smoking ban already? Or is it considering one? What do you think? Fill out the poll below and I will share results in a later post. 

by Laura Matiz 

Much has been written about the terrible play call that led the Seattle Seahawks to throw away a certain Super Bowl victory.  On the one-yard line, with the game on the line, the Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson (inset), threw an interception handing the game to the New England Patriots. It is a play that Wilson and his mates will never forget. Neither will any Seahawks fan, but we can use it to help us think about making real estate decisions under pressure and how to react afterwards when things don’t go the way you planned. 

Not Regretting Your Decision
In real estate, second guessing decisions occurs frequently, leading to a lot of feelings of regret. For example, a buyer who begins to reconsider the price as feelings of overpaying set in—buyer’s remorse—or the seller who wants to give the market more time to reach a higher price instead of taking the offer on the table that will likely never be matched—more often than not the first offer is usually the best offer. One thing you have seen from Wilson and his coach, Pete Carroll, is that they have been steadfast with why they went with their decision. No regrets. I try to coach my clients and customers to take time before their decision, to be deliberate, but once they make a decision, to stay away from second-guessing themselves. Don’t pick a fight with hindsight. [Tweet this Lesson]

Focusing on a Brighter Future
You have to put the lost opportunity in the past. Similarly, the Seahawks have to begin thinking about how their young team can win the Super Bowl next year and the year after that. Moving on. Looking back from that future, their dynasty would be only slightly marred by the loss to the Patriots. When you lose a property that seemed so perfect, it is important to always keep in mind that there will be an even better property in the future. It just that the two of you have not been introduced. There is always another apartment that will seem even more perfect. [Tweet this lesson]

Staying Confident
Confidence allows us to perform better, to make better decisions, and to stay alert to new opportunities. When all around you people are challenging your decision, whether it is your broker, your spouse’s family, or colleagues, staying confident keeps the pressure at bay. The New England Patriot’s coach, Bill Bellichik, even took time to comment on the criticism against the Seahawks, saying, “the criticism they've gotten for the game is totally out of line and by a lot of people who I don't think are anywhere near even qualified to be commenting on it." Remember, no one knows as much about the situation as you do. A Monday-morning quarterback is wrong most of the time. [Tweet this lesson]