Draw Your Widest Circle
On March 13, 2020, COVID-19 was declared a national emergency. Lockdowns followed, and the world seemed to change overnight. Trying to stay safe forced us to “draw
Ten Thousand Relatives
A father was helping his young son learn to fly a kite at the beach. The son complained, “Dad, I’m at the end of the
Scope Creep
It’s called the Chunnel(short for Channel Tunnel). Completed in 1994 after 6 years of construction, it’s a 31 mile undersea tunnel connecting England to France beneath
A Ghost in the Kitchen
In 2015, Luis Mota opened his first Mexican restaurant on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. He hoped to have lots of happy customers, so he named
The New Smart is in the Heart
It’s a frigid, stormy night. The rain is pouring down in sheets, making it difficult to see the road ahead of you. You stop at a
When The Odds Are Not In Your Favor
He was raised in South Africa. He worked in a factory, and many nights slept on a couch in the break room. Recently interviewed, he was asked, “A
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE
As he snuck me into the back, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. “Now remember Greg,” he said, “You know I can’t sell
The Closest Distance
“The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” -Mark Twain The word “humor” (humour in Commonwealth English) dates back to the
When Your Wife Says So
You’re at home about to fall asleep when suddenly you hear the faint shuffle of footsteps downstairs. You’re single. No pets. No kids. No boyfriend. Nobody has
It’s The Story That Counts
“A story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end, but not necessarily in that order.” -Jean-Luc Godard My three-year-old daughter was learning to
Will The Real Estate Glass Get Cut In Half?
Two years ago I wrote an article called The End Of Real Estate. It was a month after two of America’s most aggressive law firms filed a class
Fear Is Our Imagination It’s Really Not Real
Have you seen the movie, The Edge? Super-smart billionaire Charles Morse (Anthony Hopkins) and fashion photographer, Bob Greene (Alec Baldwin) endure a harrowing quest for survival
Pull The Goalie
It’s a cold and rainy night in Atlanta. Terri is home alone with her kids when she hears a knock on the door. She answers
Chubby vs Ramsey
Driving home the other night I had KTAR on the radio because I listen to Jayme West and Jim Sharpe going to the office each morning.
Buying Bernsen’s
Last year I wrote an article that opened, “It can be difficult to buy a house without much money.” This year a more accurate line would be…”It can be
10 Crucial Tips For Buying A Home In Today’s Crazy Market
Last Wednesday I was interviewed on KTAR radio about the current state of the housing market. I was asked: How low is the current inventory of homes
Piece of Cake
Last week while having lunch with a friend, I could tell he was trying to ask me something but simply couldn’t spit it out. So I
Twice in Half
Many schools are closed across the country, and it could be a while before they fully reopen. Schools systems have scrambled to make online education
If Birds Are Walking
As early as I can remember I’ve been fascinated with flight. I credit my father, Chubby, with this intrigue. He was a flight instructor in World War II and
Real Estate Rodeo
Today’s real estate market is like a rodeo. The competition for buying homes is more fierce than Bodacious. In case you don’t know, he’s the 1,900
Killer Cows
Cows kill more people than sharks. Surprised? So was I. But it’s true. More people are trampled or kicked to death every year by cows. So why do sharks
Do You Remember Your First Kiss?
She was 17, but in India, it was forbidden. She liked him, he liked her, but it wasn’t an arranged marriage, so they dated in secret. It
The 100% Rule
Do you know about The 100% Rule? I learned it from my dad, Chubby. He was the epitome of “all in” — never unclear, uncommitted, or “kinda
Choices, Chances, Changes
With 2021 around the corner, many are pondering New Year’s resolutions. Some will be setting goals, but I will be making choices, taking chances, and causing changes.
Changes From COVID That Won’t Go Away
Is it the beginning of the end? With the Covid vaccine shots now being administered, we all hope this nightmare ends quickly. But is it also end
That Ain’t No Bull
I write a lot about my dad, Chubby. His guidance, inspiration, encouragement, and life lessons propelled me to a better life. Chubby earned the right to
Uman Hay Anguage Lay
It’s ironic…as I begin writing this article about language, I realize that the very subject I’m writing about is what gives me the ability to
Facts About Greenbacks
Ever wonder where the word “buck” comes from? In the 18th century, buckskins (deerskins) were often traded as a form of barter. Ever hear someone say they had
Presley Gets Polio
A deadly virus is ravaging the country. It’s a national emergency. The quest to find an effective vaccine is critical. Sound like today? It was actually 1952. Before COVID, poliovirus
Babies By The Billions
A few weeks ago I wrote the first article in a new series called The Key To Captivating. It was about interesting and often unknown facts that
Love Your Enemies
It’s been about a week since the election. While some celebrate, others commiserate. I expect we can all rejoice at the disappearance of political ads. Now
Live A Legacy
The Plaza Hotel. I don’t have to tell you where it’s located (because you already know). 20 stories. 282 rooms. A Manhattan masterpiece. Over the past 113 years it
Birds and Bones…the Key to Captivating
Hummingbirds can fly backwards and even upside down. Their shoulders have unique ball and socket joints that allow 180 degree wing rotation. This characteristic also
Perfectly Imprefect
Many years ago my son, Brian, was excited to buy his first new car. He did weeks of research before deciding on a top of the line
Big Scary Moments
In the late 1970’s I was invited to give a 20-minute presentation to over 1,000 Shaklee distributors in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I grew up. I had
Three Circles of Worry
October ’62. Cuba. Missiles. Blockade. Nuclear War?… I’m 14… old enough to know the mess we’re in. An American U-2 spy plane just photographed “hidden” Soviet SS-5 land-based
Who Gets the Credit
It started with a phone call from my son. Brian: “Hey Dad, have a few minutes to talk? I have a question.” Dad: “Hey Bri,
Lady Mondegreen
“O say can you see by the donzerly light. What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming…” When I was in elementary school, we sang
Open Her Door to Open Her Heart
Remember? The age old tradition of opening the door for a lady?Did you ever ask yourself why ladies don’t open doors for guys?Where better to begin
The Perfect Proposal
Guy: Hey honey, I have something important to tell you. Want to know? Girl: Of course! Guy: Remember when you told me about the guy who never opened
FLASHING THE CHAPEL
Did you hear about the man caught flashing the Chapel? To be precise, the Sistine Chapel. Why would anyone commit such a lascivious act, especially in one
Hang On Sloopy
Some things just keep… hanging on. The girl (or guy) you asked out to the movie, and end up spending the rest of your life with.
I Approve This Message
Yep, it’s “throw the bum out” time… another election season. You see the signs. You see the attack ads. I hate it! It’s causing me
To Live Is To Do More Than Survive
“Our strongest emotion is fear, and our strongest fear is fear of the unknown.” In March, our fear was of an unknown. Today, that fear is well known. A problem is a
Creativity Crevice
Do you know the tale of the lustful loan shark? In a tiny Italian town many years ago a businessman owed a large sum of
Mental Gremlins
My dad (Chubby) didn’t start life with advantages (like he gave me). His dad died when he was young, and he was raised by a
Tricks To Make It Stick
It’s late at night. You’re in bed. Then it hits you – “Dang! I forgot to put the trash can out for morning pick up!” You could do
Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
My PV friend Gerry W. tactfully informed me that I messed up the answer to one of my Government Quiz questions in my article last
U.S. HISTORY & GOVERNMENT
I can’t remember a time when so many well meaning people were in such passionate disagreement about so many things: • Facemasks for all?• Shelter in
Trust In Uncertainty
Sonal is one of my firm’s vice presidents. While I “trust” all of my employees, Sonal is exceptional. With Sonal, nothing slips between the cracks. If she says
How To Be More Persuasive
Most of us have products, programs and points of view we believe in, and would like to be effective at convincing others to see that our
My Best Chubby Rules
We all know that education can contribute to success. However, successful people learn that it often takes more. Success is propelled by an array of
Death of the Salesman
In the 1949 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play by Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman, the central character, Willy Loman, struggles to adjust to changes
Draw A Wider Circle
Writing my book, How Fathers Change Lives, I interviewed a young lady named Lori Holden for one of the stories. It’s called, Draw a Wider Circle,
How Covid-19 is Affecting Real Estate
I was fortunate to have one of America’s smartest real estate market predictors as a guest on my weekly national webinar for real estate agents.
Would You Buy A Home Without Seeing It?
HAVE YOU? NOT ME! I’ve been a real estate broker since the 1970s, helping literally thousands of people buy and sell homes. I don’t recall anyone
The American Experiment
It has been widely publicized and critically characterized as “The Sweden Experiment.” From the beginning, Sweden took a different approach to COVID-19. It is summarized in this
THE MAN I ASPIRE TO BE
He doesn’t have a CRM, mess with LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. He won’t communicate by text or email. Every day he puts on his jeans, pulls on
Are We On The Verge Of Martial Law
This is not about whether we should voluntarily wear face masks, it’s about whether the government has the right to: mandate that businesses close prohibit live church services
Does Government Have the Right?
Does government have the right to… … force businesses to close? … mandate churches empty?… make people stay home? … keep us six feet apart? … require we
Risk-Life Balance
This is meant to encourage thought, not controversy. I expect it will do both. 30% UNEMPLOYMENT… THIS QUARTER? Published in Bloomberg March 19: “Federal Reserve Bank
What Makes Negative So Addictive
In the last election cycle for governor I was asked to lead the campaign for one of our candidates (not Gov. Ducey). I am a personal
Pivot
COVID-19 has forced a lot of businesses to pivot. While it’s not fun and can be stressful, pivoting can result in short and long term benefits
Problem Solvers
We have all endured difficult times. Loss of a loved one. Loss of a limb. Loss of net worth. Loss of direction. Loss of confidence.
Two Hatted Dad
Has a brief moment in time ever changed the trajectory of your life? It happened to Tom Leonard of Richmond, Virginia. After Tom told me this story, we decided
Finding A Ralph
One of my favorite quotes is by Imran Khan: “Compromise for your dream but NEVER compromise on your dream.” I am inspired by people who
Time. Options. Information.
Negotiation skill can make a multi-thousand dollar difference in crafting better deals. Whether you’re buying or selling cars, homes, anything expensive, knowing what to say
No Plan B
A few years ago I had the honor to interview legendary race car driver, Mario Andretti. It was for a story in my book, How
The Girl Next Door
When I was 12 years old I lived next door to the most beautiful girl in the world… at least my world back then. I
Chubby Rules for 2020
Though he was skinny like me, my dad’s nickname was Chubby. He was plump as a kid (like me), and the “Chubby” nickname stuck for
Special Skin
I didn’t have a dad growing up. My mom and grandma raised me. But I did have an uncle. He was like a father to
More Mistakes
Two weeks ago I wrote about 6 ways to make better decisions and fewer mistakes. This is Part II, with a few more proven techniques
Talkin’ Turkey
I love Thanksgiving. No pressure. No presents. Just food, football, family and friends. For 14 straight years I’ve shared Turkey Day trivia in my Thanksgiving
Mistakes
We all make mistakes, sometimes obvious ones. Why do smart people (like you and me) make bad decisions? There are proven reasons why we mess
Daylight Saving Time
Growing up in Cincinnati, I was all about Daylight Saving Time. It meant an extra hour of playing with friends before the streetlights came on,
The Town That Lived Forever
Did you ever wonder if there really is a fountain of youth? We all know that if we eat better, exercise more, and eliminate stress,
Cities Take Control
Cities across the country are taking control, responding to a surge of citizen concern about the rapid proliferation of non-resident investor owned Airbnb rental operations
Why Uber Shouldn’t Exist
This is an article about a visionary business model that skirted the law, required a new technology, changed the way people travel, and challenged a
The Right To Be Forgotten
Should we have the right to force Google to hide negative things about us (true or untrue) from its search results, making it hard for
Arizona Tonight with Greg Hague
Talk about fun (and intimidating). Recently, I co-hosted (with Destry Jetton) a primetime special about real estate on NBC, just before Saturday Night Live. I
ODD Ducks
“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.”– P.T. Barnum Do you occasionally run across people who seem a bit odd or unusual?
Neighborhood Motels Part 2
“Don’t blow it – good planets are hard to find.”– Quoted in Time Two weeks ago I wrote an article about the detrimental effect of short
Chicago Bears Time
Did you see the first NFL game of the season? It was a classic NFC North division matchup… Chicago v Green Bay. This week I’d
Want a Motel Next to Your Home?
Marilyn is upset… kind of scared too. She just learned there’s a motel going in next to her home. Marilyn knows I’m a lawyer and real estate
The $50 Dad
Today’s story is about my friend Phil, a fifty-dollar dad. He shared this story with me, and said I could share it with you. It’s about
A Business Model Destined to Fail
You’ve seen the ads. “Hi, we’re OfferPad, and we want to buy your home.” Oops. They forgot to continue. “Hi, we’re OfferPad, and we want to
On The Air: Life Lessons From Chubby
If you’ve been reading my articles over the years, you know my dad (Chubby) was a huge influence on my life. Most every Saturday morning he
The Spiritual Wind Beneath Your Wings
A friend told me his kids start school this week. Seriously? August? My summer breaks weren’t over until Labor Day. Seems like that was 100
When Ignorance Is Bliss
CONFLICTING SIGNALS Do you ever sense that someone is thinking differently from what they’re saying? They smile. They say nice things. But you feel like
Why Old Folks Are Better Gamblers
LEARNING FROM MISTAKES Studies show that as we get older we tend to take fewer risks. One reason is because we are more thoughtful. We
Innovative Remarkability
We all want to be good at what we do. Some of us strive to be the best. But what if our goals were loftier? Not better.
Costco Soars by Breaking Rules
Would you have bet on Costco? Dank atmosphere. Limited selection. Wooden pallets. Pay an annual fee for the privilege of shopping. It’s contrary to every
I Lucked into Being American
Have you ever thought that you’re lucky to be an American? One of my best friends, Dave McLurg, recently became an American citizen. While having
Avoiding Black Holes and Vacuums
It’s happened to me. It’s happened to you. We got sucked into black holes: other people’s vacuums. In other words, we’ve all been sucked
Who You Do Not Want To Be
Are you happy with your life? At 13, I thought I was. Then Chubby proved me wrong. Chubby was my dad. Plump as a kid,
Big Mission with Chicken Soup for the Soul
My friend Mark Victor Hansen has a big mission with Chicken Soup for the Soul. Mark and I go way back. I hired him back
When slander hurts
When slander hurts, many of us find ourselves asking why. Two weeks ago, I wrote about a Paradise Valley Realtor who lied to take business
Disruptors make history
Disruptors make history. The word disrupt is a verb and has four definitions; one specifically for business. Disrupt [dis-ruhpt], to radically change (an industry, business
When You Get Slandered by a Competitor
A crazy thing happened last week: I was slandered by a competitor. To get the full impact of what just happened to me, you need
8 Reasons Homes Sit Unsold
I was just asked to write an article for a national magazine about why homes sit unsold on the market when they are priced fairly.
Most Inspiring Story for Mother’s Day
Sunday is Mother’s Day (don’t forget). So I thought I’d share the most inspiring “mom” story I know. It’s sad but joyful, inspiring yet tragic.
What I Learned From My Girl Troubles
This week, I’m sharing the life lessons I learned from rejection, specifically my girl troubles. My girl troubles started early At age 12 I loved
3 Legal Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
This week I am sharing 3 legal mistakes you don’t want to make. When asked why I stopped practicing law to go back selling Paradise
7 Ways to Propel Your Love Life for Better Relationships
Turns out, there are an array of scientifically proven ways to have more loving, fulfilling relationships. You can intentionally propel your love life. Here are
The smartphone app you can’t live without
Ever discover something you didn’t realize you needed? That’s how I feel about the smartphone app you can’t live without. I’ve been recommending this smartphone
More Life Lessons I Learned from My Dad
I have gleaned so much wisdom from my father over the years. I want to share more life lessons I learned from my incredible dad
Is It the End of Traditional Real Estate?
The end of traditional real estate may be upon us. Not just the end of a company but the entire industry. Remember the breakup of
Succeed in Business Doing Two Things
To succeed in business, it’s important to stand out; to have a meaningful difference. But that’s only half the equation. If you want to reach
Make Me Feel Important
Everyone wears a sign around their neck that says, “make me feel important,” or MMFI. I learned about “make me feel important” when I was a
Ways to buy a house without much money
It can be difficult to buy a house without much money. I shared this true story last year, and it was one of my most
Life Lessons My Dad Taught Me Growing Up
One of my favorite topics is “Chubby Rules,” the life lessons my dad taught me growing up. My father’s real name was Harold Hague, but
Handling Bullies and Lessons Learned
Dealing with bullies is tough. I was bullied growing up. The culprit was Billy, a kid in my class. Since then I have learned a
World’s Best Car Buying Tips
I’ve compiled the world’s best car buying tips to save you money. Although I’m a real estate guy, I’ve purchased a lot of cars over the
Real Estate Industry Gone Astray
I love the real estate industry, but it has gone astray and continues to go that way. The result has been a labyrinth of rules and
Signs You’ve Found the Right Person
Finding the right person for you is no easy task. This is a true story about my friend, Lise Johnson. I wrote it in her voice
3 Ways to Influence Thoughts of Others
Want to better understand and influence the thoughts of others? This week I am sharing three proven ways to get into others’ minds. What are
Know Your Home Seller Rights
Knowing your home seller rights is important. Suppose you sign a contract to sell your home. Then you spend $5,000 doing repairs as requested by the
Best Grief and Sadness Advice
Giving advice for grief and sadness is not something I normally do. I am naturally happy, rarely sad. I wake up that way, and I realize
Best Way to Face Difficult Challenges
The best way to face difficult challenges in life can be gleaned from two of my favorite age-old stories. I rewrote them as inspiration for 2019.
Kill the Bear
Kill the bear is a line from one of my favorite movies, The Edge. Billionaire Charles Morse (Anthony Hopkins), and fashion photographer, Bob Green (Alec Baldwin), endure a harrowing quest
Best Principles of Persuasion You Need to Know
In his excellent book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Robert Cialdini explains six principles of persuasion. Sid and Harry owned a small men’s clothing store in the
The Nicest Guy in the World
I’d like to introduce you to the nicest guy in the world. About the nicest guy in the world He doesn’t have an email address.
The Philosophy of Winnie the Pooh
The essence of the philosophy of Winnie the Pooh is that that people can live in the same reality, yet perceive it so differently. It’s
The Secret to a Richer Life
Dad told me the secret to a richer life. My name is Lori. Today, I’ll share what may be the greatest life lesson in the
Best Thanksgiving Facts and Trivia
It’s hard to believe (at least for me), but this is my 12th straight year sharing the best Thanksgiving facts and trivia to help you
The Man Who Invented Real Estate
My youngest son, Casey, was nine when I heard him tell a friend, “My grandpa, Chubby, is the man who invented real estate.” Who was
Why Smart People Make Dumb Decisions Part 2
Last week, I shared six of twelve reasons why smart people make dumb decisions. I promised to share the other six this week, so here
Why Smart People Make Dumb Decisions
We all make mistakes, sometimes obvious ones. Why do smart people (like you and me) make dumb decisions? There are proven reasons why we screw
52 Amazing Dad Stories
I’ve written a lot about my amazing dad, Chubby. Like me, Chubby was plump as a kid. He eventually lost the weight, but his nickname
The War on Henry Ford
https://www.youtube.com/embed/yDIzEBl8tz4 Henry Ford. An anarchist. An ignorant pacifist. That’s what they said. A great American industrialist was under attack. The year was 1916, and the
Why People Struggle to be Happy
People struggle to be happy. One of my friends is always happy. She sings, smiles, and brings joy to everyone around her. Another friend is
You Can’t Palm Big Balls With Small Hands
“Follow your dreams! You can do it,” encouraged Mom. “Go for it,” said Chubby. No kid could have tried harder to make the high school
Look for the Big Moments in Life
In the late 1970s I was invited to give a 20-minute presentation to over 1,000 Shaklee distributors in Cincinnati, OH, where I grew up. I
The Fatal Assumption
Crunchy sweet graham cracker crust. Organic, extra-tart lemons. Glistening meringue exploding from the top of a pie like a billow of clouds in the sky.
Dancing With The Facts
The year was 1968 and Audrey was a childless widow in her fifties who dreamed of dancing like Ginger Rogers. So when a friend invited her
Lightning Bolts and Mystery Spots
My friend Bruce has a talent for changing the way I think. A few years ago he shared one single sentence that changed the way
Learn Twice as Much in Half the Time
At the age of 60, I decided to do something my friends thought was insane: take the Arizona bar exam. I graduated from law school
Put Enough Paint on the Brush
My grandfather was a house painter. In his lifetime he must have painted hundreds of houses inside and out. He was a happy, outgoing man
FEAR
When I was 12 years old, I lived next door to the most beautiful girl in the world. Ok, maybe not the entire world, but
Special Skin
I didn’t have a dad growing up. Mom raised me, for the most part. I did have an uncle who was like my father. His
The Word that Earned Me Millions
The year was 1960. I was 12 and obsessed with having a Red Ryder BB Gun. I had grand visions of hunting with my dad,
Read The Frickin’ Manuals
I am a fan of Shark Tank, particularly outspoken, maverick entrepreneur and billionaire, Mark Cuban. We all know that Mark Cuban is a wildly successful businessman,
Better, Faster, Cheaper
When my son Brian was seven, he asked Santa for a pair of basketball shoes. These weren’t just any basketball shoes. They were the latest, coolest,
A Tale of Two Young Men
There’s an iconic story of two young men. Picture a beautiful, spring afternoon 25 years ago. Two young men stand next to each other, graduating
The Great American Road Trip
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” What happened in the summer of 1919 forever changed the way we
The Dark Side of Zillow
Every Realtor knows that Zillow’s Zestimates are often inaccurate. What many homeowners don’t know is that Zestimates can often prevent the sale of their home
The 8 Words You Need to Know
“The most expensive thing in the world is TRUST. It can take years to earn and just a matter of seconds to lose.” –Unknown Several
The Man Who Turned A Paper Clip Into A House
Kyle McDonald sat at his desk in Montreal, pondering. He wanted a house, but didn’t have much money or even a job. He remembered a
Three Chubby Rules for Life
I’ve written a lot about my dad, Chubby. He was a huge influence in my life, and the lessons he taught me have served me
The Oatmeal Curse
If you don’t say it with brevity, you don’t know it with clarity.” -Greg Hague Are there times when you virtually bite your lip to
Can You Secretly Record Conversations
So, when can you secretly record conversations? It’s happened to us all. We distinctly remember an important conversation, however, the other party remembers the conversation
What’s Your Story?
“Those who tell stories, rule the world.”-Plato My friend Megan recently told me a story about a difficult former boss, Gary. She explained that he
Don’t Let Tradition Cage Your Ambition
I have a sticky note on my bathroom mirror. It’s the first thing I see each morning. “I will not let tradition cage my ambition.”
The Power of Fear
Fear is your mind fast-forwarding to an event you see turning badly… it’s not really real. The key to defeating fear is reprogramming your mind
The $3.4 Billion Sentence
Did you ever have something incidental become monumental? It happened to me, thanks to my son. One single sentence. Just nine words. When I first