Modesty

Dated: June 2 2025

"The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook." ~Julia Childs

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John Payton
404-840-6940
JPayton Real Estate

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June Boom

Still planning to buy or sell this summer? The real estate market is moving fast—but so am I. When rates drop, I'm ready to write your offer. When listings get competitive, I'm ready to get you top dollar. From pricing to presentation, offer to negotiation, and due diligence to closing, I’m with you 100% of the way. Call to discuss your priorities. 404-840-6940.

Enjoy these June articles…

Show what you know (Are you too modest to matter?)
Advice: Can you skip the final walkthrough? Horrors!
Plus—real estate market update, senior co-housing, ice cream without a machine, and more.
Don't forget the Summer Fun Word Search puzzle!

It's Better to Show What You Know

Are you too modest to matter?

I was reading an article that nailed something many of us experience—the gap between being certain about something and showing up like we’re certain. Instead of projecting confidence, we back off, giving in to modesty or second-guessing, without stepping fully into our power. Modesty can feel safe, but it often leads to a quiet erosion of confidence and missed opportunities. After all, if we don’t acknowledge our strengths, we can’t expect others to.

If you recognize yourself in this, here are a few tips to combat the tendency to pull back:

Acknowledge your knacks. As in, “I have a knack for spotting problems,” or “...for making others feel good,” or “...for numbers.” We often overlook our own strengths. It’s not about being loud or opinionated—it’s about recognizing the contributions of our abilities.

Build structure around fear or weakness. Notice where you second-guess yourself, then delegate, automate, or create systems. For example, “I’m not direct, so I’ll write out my advice ahead of time.” Don’t always fight fear—instead work around it. No one is good at everything.

Channel someone certain. Find someone who radiates confidence and model their self-assurance until yours builds. TV shows like The Men Who Built America or Titans That Built the World offer bold, unapologetic examples. So do novels like Atlas Shrugged or The Queen’s Gambit. Or maybe someone you know—a boss or a close friend—has the kind of confidence you’d like to mirror. Find your own models.

I hope you got a boost out of this. Feel free to share my newsletters with someone you love! ~John

U.S. Housing Inventory (March 2025 vs March 2024)

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), in March 2025 the total number of existing homes on the market nationwide was 1.33 million, an increase from 1.11 million one year prior (March 2024). This 19.8% year-over-year rise in inventory indicates a significant increase in available housing supply.

Median Home Price Still Up by 2.7%

The national median existing-home sale price was $403,700 in March 2025, up 2.7% from $392,900 in March 2024. This indicates home prices have risen slightly over the past year despite higher overall inventory levels. How does this affect your home buying or selling plans? Call to explore options. ~John, 404-840-6940

Can We Skip the Final Walkthrough?

It can be tempting. After all, the sellers were nice people and you're tired of the stress of buying. Big mistake! The final walkthrough is literally the last opportunity you'll have to make sure the house you are buying is still the house you agreed to buy.

You’d be surprised what can happen in the final days right before a home closes: Light fixtures mysteriously vanish, movers gouge the hardwood floors, huge piles of debris get dumped into the vacant yard, or squatters decide to trash the place. I’ve seen it all. It's not always the seller's fault, but the seller will likely be on the hook for it; it was their responsibility to secure the property (something I work with my sellers to ensure!).

You should do the walkthrough no more than 48 hours before you sign the closing papers. Turn on every light, test every appliance, run the faucets, flush the toilets (yes, I've seen sabotage like concrete poured into toilets), and check that every repair was done as promised. If something’s off, it’s a lot easier to resolve before you sign the final paperwork, while you still have leverage. I've got a checklist to help you cover the possibilities when you get to that point in your purchase. ~John. 404-840-6940

June Quiz Question

A child builds three sandcastles side by side, but when the tide comes in, only two are destroyed. How can that be?

Send your answer here

Send your answer for a chance to win a $5 coffee card! Last month's Q&A: A boat floating on the ocean has a 6-foot ladder attached to its side. The tide is rising by 6 inches per hour. How long will it take for the water to reach the top rung of the ladder? it'll never reach the top because the ladder floats up with the boat. Congratulations to last month's winner!

LIFESTYLE TIPS & FUN FACTS

Time for Road Tripping!

It’s that time of year again…time for a road trip! As you know, done right, the trip itself is a vacation, not just a destination. Here’s a reminder to whet your appetite…

To make a perfect road trip, gather the perfect kit: Load up on trail mix, jerky, fresh fruit, or something like gummy worms. Bring a cooler, pillow, first-aid kit, and roll of duct tape (trust me). Don’t overschedule—look for random detours for roadside oddities, stretch your legs at scenic overlooks, and say yes to stopping at old diners. You never know what you’ll find.

When Taxes Shaped Architecture

Ever wonder why some historic homes have bricked-up windows? In 18th-century England, homeowners were taxed based on the number of windows—so people literally boarded them up to save money. In Amsterdam, houses were taxed on width, leading to famously narrow, tall homes. And in France, roof taxes led to those steep, elaborate attics—because technically, attics weren’t taxed as floorspace.

Ice Cream Is Cool

In the 1970s, kids could ride their bikes to the corner drugstore, hand over a nickel, and get a big scoop of Tutti Frutti ice cream. Or maybe butter brickle, black walnut, or orange sherbet—popular flavours of the day. Good luck finding them now. Back then, you might’ve gotten your cone from a soda fountain or a Woolworth’s lunch counter. But as creative brands like Ben & Jerry’s arrived, tastes began to change. Today’s top picks include cookie dough, cake batter, and rocky road. What’s your favorite? Did you know you can make ice cream at home without an ice cream machine? Google it or see this video: 4 Ways to make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Machine by Nate Bakes.

Aging Independently—Together

If you or someone you know is getting older, then you know about the challenges of deciding where to live in your golden years. An option that’s increasingly popular among seniors is senior co-housing, rather than aging alone in separate homes. Co-housing focuses on creating intentional, supportive communities where residents live in their own apartments or rooms while sharing common spaces. They emphasize sustainability, social interaction, and shared responsibilities. Many are run alongside large retirement facilities, but others can be homes where a group of like-minded seniors have chosen to create what they envision. If you’re curious, I’d be happy to help you explore what’s available nearby. I’m at 404-840-6940.