An Anniversary to Celebrate

It's official. We officially closed on Pete and Louise property in May and they are CELEBRATING! I was fortunate to be invited to a special BBQ celebrating not only their real estate closing but, get this, their 46th wedding anniversary! Now, being a professional photographer sure comes in handy when I need to document something special. Congratulations Pete and Louise!

Her First Home

SHORT SALE, REO, FORCLOSURE, words that have become all too familiar in this unsettling economy. I can't help but think the sadness and sense of defeat that so many homeowner's have experienced losing their home. Such a contrast to the joy they must have felt the day they first moved in. To a lot of people owning a home represents the pinnacle American financial experience. I know personally, home ownership is my AMERICAN DREAM, my sense of belonging, and my sense of community.

In September of 2009 I got a call from Jeff and Kristy asking if I would help their daughter find a house and the search was on. The inventory was vast, the prices were great, but the process not so easy. In December we were in contract, and within two weeks we heard verbal approval from the bank (this was a REO property). Then, the game began, the waiting game. We waited, and waited and waited! Now, I don't pretend to know what goes on in the banking/lending industry but WOW! Without getting all worked up and ruining a perfectly beautiful Saturday I will not go into all the details. However what I will say is I was so happy to hear about the New Short Sale Rules that went into effect on April 5th, 2010.

I am happy to report that Alisha closed on her very first home last week! She got a great house, lots of square footage for a fantastic price and she gets to take advantage of the First Time Home Owner Tax Credit. Welcome home, Alisha, welcome home.

The Key is to Remain Calm

Cell phones, how do we get along without them? Really. I remember back in the day when we had one phone and it was attached to the wall. When you were "on the phone" you were really, ON THE PHONE! We thought we were so hip when we finally got an extension cord that would reach to the other side of the kitchen. Not to mention sharing the party line with our neighbors but that is a whole different story, one that only my generation and older would appreciate or even believe.

I took a trip to Garden Valley with my friend Leslie to continue our quest for her perfect property. There is a space between the passenger seat and the center console of my car and Leslie's cell phone fell through to the bottom of the seat. To uphold the integrity of my client I won't share all that Ms. Leslie said but I will say that she was in a state of panic. However, I remained calm providing Leslie with the belief that I could indeed retrieve her cell phone. You see, this has happened to me before and I was confident that a mechanical professional would not be needed. With some concentration and some interesting maneuvering the rescue was a success.

Leslie and I had quite the laugh after it was all said and done.

Sweet Daisy

When I got word that Pete and Louise got a new family member, I threw my rubber boots into my car and off I drove.

I have a FOND affection to cows, especially baby calves! I grew up on a dairy farm and though we had numerous cats and dogs through the years, it was the calves that held my affection. On the dairy it was my job to help my grandma in the barn and I would make numerous trips to the calf pens to feed them milk. I used to love on them and didn't even mind when they slobbered all over me. We named all our calves and each had a unique personality and disposition. My Grandpa name one Satan and you can only imagine what type of personality it had! We sold our herd in the early 1970's and I still remember the sadness I felt the day of the auction.

Meet Daisy, a sweet baby Jersey calf only a few days old.

Price Reduction on 200 Acre Property in Emmett, Idaho

There's Something in the Air & I'm Guessing it's Spring

Spring and "springtime" refer to the season, and broadly to ideas of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. That must explain why I get all excited when I see the first sign of spring peeking around the corner.

For many, spring means one hour less of sleep each morning (yawn); to farmers it's time for spring planting and getting off the couch (smile); to teachers, it's celebrating that long awaited, Spring Break (finally). And to many, it is the celebration of Easter with baskets, decorated eggs, baked ham and Sunday service. Sunshine, flowers popping through the ground, that smell of grass, and birds chirping excitingly. No matter who you are, one cannot escape springs energy and it's magical spell.

Here's to our long awaited friend and wishing you a wonderful spring season!

The Saints, A Common Bond

Pete and Louise, a wonderful couple that I met this past summer, are nothing short of precious! I tease Pete that he is old enough to be my "young" father so he now affectionately calls me his daughter. I recently listed their 200 acre property, a beautiful acreage with stunning views of Emmett Butte.

"Saints or Colts?" I asked Pete. Without hesitation he said, "Saints." Well, I am not much of a football fan but knowing that the Saints were making their first appearance in the Super Bowl made me a cheerleader on their behalf.Though my dear friends Pete and Louise were watching the Super Bowl some 40 miles from where I was, I could imagine them both in their recliners, cheering for the black and gold. As I drove home from the Super Bowl party I had attended I couldn't resist calling "dad" and celebrating the Saints big win.

I absolutely love working in real estate. The people that I meet and the relationships that develop are fantastic. I told Pete and Louise that they are going to have a hard time getting rid of me after their property sells because I am totally hooked. He reminded me that I was now part of the family. His comment warmed my heart.

Field Trip to Crouch

Real estate has some incredible perks. One of which is meeting new people and developing new friendships. My client Leslie and I have a lot in common. We both want to have a few acres, raise a few chickens and a goat so we can make our own goat cheese. An instant bond developed between us. Leslie and her husband are looking for some acreage with a unique, comfortable home. So, need I say, she and I have lots of fun on our road trips looking at various properties.

Last week we took a short trip to view a house in Crouch, Idaho. From Eagle it took us about one hour to get to this quaint little town. It had snowed, and unable to drive up to the house, Leslie and I walked down the snowy lane about 20 yards. Good thing we had our boots on as the snow came all the way up to our knees. Leslie thought she should document this adventure by taking a photo with her cell phone. Not the sharpest image but truly in the spirit of our house hunting adventure.

New Property Listing, 200 Acres in Emmett, Idaho

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Welcome 2010!

January 1st is one of my favorite days of the year. It is the day I make my list of goals I wish to accomplish for the year, and top on my list this year is starting a real estate blog; it looks like I am off to a great start!!

It is no secret that 2009 was a bit of an economic bummer. As much as we all want to rehash it, there isn’t anything we can do about good ole 2009. I am a firm believer of learning from yesterday and that positive opportunities await me today. Call me an idealist, a romantic, but I can’t help it! I am a positive thinker. I believe in every situation there is some positive in there somewhere. And you know what? That makes me very excited about what is in store for 2010!

The goal for my blog is to feature new listings, showcase new and exciting marketing, celebrate my clients closings, and to share other important real estate stuff. And heck, perhaps make several new friends along the way.

Welcome, 2010, I am so glad to meet you!