Real Estate – The Best of both in the Real World

Still a historically unprecedented great time for buyers – good interest rates, large inventory and the base sales prices are remarkable.

 Sellers with nicely prepared properties are getting multiple offers and much shorter days on the market.  Yes, prices have not started back up and extensive numbers of distressed properties are entering the market.  Many buyers exist and a positive attitude prevails. 

 If I were a new home buyer or homeowner wanting to change homes, taking action in the next 12 months would be my goal.  Two years from now we may look back and see today’s market as the real “Good Ol’ Days”.

Self Esteem Intact

These days it seems like there is a lot of emphasis on preserving a child's self esteem and self worth.  Sometimes I think we worry a little too much about how our children are dealing with the challenges of growing up.Recently our son over heard his 7 year old daughter improvising a song in her bedroom as she got ready for her first grade class.  It started out rather mournfully, "I am different, I am not like the other kids".  My son was alarmed about how she was viewing her first year in school until she loudly burst out with the refrain to her song, "I AM SPECIAL!  I AM SPECIAL!  No need for him to worry about her self esteem!

New Family Stuff – April 2012

We are new grandparents again!  Matthew, Tricia, and Stella Kate announced the arrival of Viggo Matthew on March 19.  They live in Brooklyn, NY.  Our daughter Laura is expecting grandchild number 17 this summer.  Daughter Rachel is getting married June 23. 

 As many of you know, our home situation became a whirlwind the last 60 days.  We sold our home of 27 years and moved March 5 into our new home, a townhome; always wanted a screened porch.  We think we are way too young for maintenance provided living, but our work and family time are beneficiaries.

 At Easter we had our traditional meal, tablecloths, flowers and all in the garage.  Bigger family events will be in the nice clubhouse available to us and it is located nearby. 

 The acts of parting with Wayne’s chainsaw and Barb’s huge kitchen and dining table were bittersweet; a passage of happy memories, concerns, and obligations.  Kind of like losing a pet; all our pictures of family events seemed to center around that table, that space, yet we have never felt more blessed to have what we have.  New memories await.