Carol's Blog

Easter, Quiet Easter....

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 20:45:13 -0700

I hope everyone had a wonderful day today. Easter comes and Easter goes but the meaning of the day is always here. I thank God everyday for the fact that Jesus died on the cross for me. And you. Each and everyone of us. It is very simple. He died so we could live, and blog. I have been very busy lately and have not been blogging as much as usual, so today I thought I would just talk. No linking and connecting... just talk. Talk about all things important. God, Jesus, a beautiful Easter day, a family that loves me, a beautiful home, too many material things, a wonderful husband..... I could go on and on. Of course being a Real Estate Agent all of these things revolve around the "Home." Everything I do starts out at "Home." Even my prayers are normally said at "Home." Where would we be if we didn't have a "Home?" I often think about how blessed I am and how good life is for me. It is not without trials and frustrations, but it is GOOD. I am quick to remind the children about the glass, "half empty or half full, it's your choice." It is our choice. Our choice to be positive and help others find there own bliss. Help them find a home of their own. Peace of mind, the ability to thank their lucky stars that they have a "home" and somewhere to sleep at night. Somewhere to call "Home." Somewhere that is safe. Somewhere that is their own. Somewhere on Holidays they can have loved ones and friends over and share a quiet meal and give thanks for all that is good. That is what is good about Real Estate, being able to make a difference in peoples lives. That makes a difference in my life. That makes me feel like a human being. It gives me purpose, a reason to wake up everyday and go out and be productive. It gives me joy and peace when I get to do something good for someone else. How about you? What makes you feel good? What drives you? Whatever it is, I hope it is Good....

Thanks for reading my Blog.... it is important to me. Have a great week!

New Listing.... 539 Columbia Road, Petersburg VA

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:29:46 -0700

What a great home. 539 Columbia Rd. Petersburg, VA.This Home is just minutes to the gate at Fort Lee. Featuring 3 Bedrooms and 2 Full Baths this home is the perfect starter home. Located in an established neighborhood in Petersburg this home is only 5 years young. The Rear Yard is enclosed with Privacy Fence creating your own private retreat. Owners are ready to move up. This is your chance to own a great house for a great Price. Offered by Ford Real Estate for only $129,900 this is a great deal.

Staying Alive by Creating Blog IDEAS!

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:30:31 -0700

Wow, I read so many blogs here and comment on several, and all these people think they cannot blog! I think we all go brain dead on occasion and have to reach deep inside our brains for content that we don't even know we have. We ALL have something to share whether it is Tour experience, people experience, new software that is helpful, problems and solutions that we have personally experienced, or just something funny that happened on the way to the market. SHARE.... that is the word to remember. Share your ideas, your successes, your failures. We are all looking to accomplish the same thing. We will do this in many different ways with many different stories. I have learned so very much from all of you out there and I am happy to have had this oppotunity to tell you just how much it has helped me. When you run out of ideas just read someone else's ideas and you will come up with "well I would do it this way" and there is your new idea. God created us all different so we could take advantage of our own unique abilities. The same idea will work differently for a hundred different people using it in their own way. So be creative, be silly. Silly often works for me. When you go to different sites, write down how you think you would change their ideas into your own. Keep a notebook with all of your Creative thoughts and when the fog sets in you can just go and snag one of those ideas you haven't yet used. Better yet, revisit an idea that you have performed and made better and expound on what you originally wrote. Not only are the times changing, we are changing with it. I used to work at a Paper Mill (in a previous life, now that is hard work)and just read where they are shutting down a machine due to lack of orders. Well, that is change, but what they didn't write is that it is growth that is shutting down that machine. Growth into a new way of doing business. It is the internet and growth in that direction, email instead of snail mail. I am ready for it. The internet is creating so many new jobs and loosing some "old fashioned" jobs in the process. More of that is going to happen so if we are smart we will be ready for it. I have compassion for those loosing the jobs, and I hope they are smart enough to see it as a positive thing as well as the end of an era. Loss and change are hard, but necessary. Remember that in your business so you don't get caught in that trap.... now, that is the purpose of this story, we share and we stay on top. Isn't that what blogging is really all about? I think so. Stay on top and don't get "Left Behind" (one of my original blogs last year was about so many being left behind with print advertising).

Good luck to you all and keep Blogging....... it keeps your thoughts alive.!

HELP.... Trouble with RTV TourBuilder Software and Windows Vista

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:28:44 -0800

Okay, I love my computer, or should I say "computers"?? I have several that I use. Unfortunately, every time I add a new one I have all kinds of trouble getting everything to run the same. Well, at least since Windows put Vista out there. Just last April I had a crash, a big one. A fried Mother Board, lost everything. Fortunately, using microsoft I did not loose any client documents however I lost all of my personal information and pictures that I had saved (including home photos and yes now I backup at least once a week or more). So my question here is>>>

Are there any RTV Dealers out there running Tour Builder software on a machine that is Window Vista Home Premium. (windows xp was no longer available for purchase on a new machine).
How did you figure out how to get the software to update on download which allows it to run?
CAN YOU HELP ME???????

I had the old computer fixed (Windows XP Home Multimedia) and am using it at my desk at the office, it runs the TourBuilder software just fine. I have the new laptop with me at home and of course now cannot use it for the RTV software until I figure out how to make it work. This creates a dilema for me as now I have to carry the old computer around with me to do my Tours and it is 3 years old and looks it. I don't know about you guys but I USE my computers. I am on and off of them all day long. Also this has limited my time at the office as it is an inconvenience to have to do this. I know that somebody out there has to have had some of this happen to them, and there has to be a Full Service Dealer somewhere using Vista Home Premium. By the way, when I went to Circuit City and bought the new computer of course this is the softwart that was sold on the machine and I was told would do anything I wanted to do. Also, this was just like one week after you could no longer purchase a computer with Windows XP on it. I would really appreciate any information you guys can send me as I would like to get back to normal and be able to once again work from the office as well as home. I think my Broker would like it as well.

So in advance of all the comments I am going to receive, THANK YOU! I am soooo new to this and I want to get up and running as quickly as possible. I know I will receive more help here than anywhere else. Who else but all of you Professonal RTV Dealers would have any clue how or where to go for this help. (Ben hasn't figured it out yet at RTV so I am BEGGING for help .... Please) Don't forget to read my other Blogs here on Active Rain. Give me some comments and help me be a better RTV Dealer.

Hmmmm..... Growth Leader

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:54:23 -0800

Well, I have to admit that I am skeptical of lead generation programs. However, I do trust Active Rain and if they are in this with Market Leader, then maybe it is worth a look. I think in this slow market we have to be skeptical but we also have to do everything we can to promote our businesses and ourselves. I hate to spend money at times like these but after looking at all the positive comments I think this might be a good way to spend some to make some. I have to get a few answers first though,

Like, how much? Monthly? Annually, Start-Up?
Can you cancel at any time or do you have to remain for at least a year?
What are the "total" start up cost?
Are there any guarantees?
Is My MLS even working with Growth Leader?

I spoke with a Growth Leader Representative today and according to Bridgette, our MLS is not currently a part of this new thing. But don't worry, she will contact me as soon as it is and then I can make that decision to move forward with Growth Leader. I am looking forward to learning more about it so I will be anxiously awaiting her call! I hope it doesn't take too long, I would hate to miss out on anything that will help in this market.

Successful Wine and Cheese Party!

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:04:13 -0800

The Wine and Cheese Party was a complete success. We had about 100 Guest from the surrounding Chambers and Local businesses. Our intention was to show the local officials and business leaders what we have to offer in Brickhouse Landing Subdivision in the way offer. Brickhouse Landing Subdivision is now in full swing. We have the Model finished and three more homes in the process of being buily now. The location is absolutely the best in the area and the homes are more beautiful than you can imagine. The Builder, James R. Jones and his son Jay are the main builders here and their Wives are the Decorators, and they make an awesome team. The first phase has over 70 lots of at least one acre, and there is a second phase that will boast another 125 lots for you to choose from. From the wood work to the hickory floors you will find everything that you can possible desire here in this new Neighborhood. The homes will be all brick, with garages and we have cleared lots and wooded lots. Something to please everyone. The neighborhood features curb and gutter, street lights, matching mailboxes and paved driveways, all standard here in Brickhouse Landing Subdivision. If you would like more information or detailed directions to this wonderful new community, just visit my Website or call me for whatever it is that you need. Don't forget to visit my Brickhouse Landing Page to see pictures of the Model Home and the other new homes being built as well as some pictures of the lots and surrounding area. Just minutes to Fort Lee, I95, I295, Hwy 460, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Chesterfield, this location is Excellent!

Speaking of Photography

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:49:46 -0800

I think i need some help. I am just getting started with Visual Tours as a Dealer, and although I have taken Pictures for years and years, I am not a professional photographer, and I was wondering if some you out there can give me some advice on what kind of camera I should have. Currently I am using an 8.1 megapixal camera, it is a Kodak Easyshare, and it takes good pics but I would like something that gets more of the room. I guess more of a wide angle. HELP! Thanks for reading..... visit my website and you can see some of my photos on my page advertising our new Subdivision Brickhouse Landing Subdivision in Prince George County Va. It really is worth the look.

Thanks for reading my post.... Have a great nite....

hello all you late nighters

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:32:06 -0800

Well, finally a group that is here when you actually need them. LOL Just kidding. I didn't know so many of us are alike. Is it the stress, or just concern about clients. For me it is both. (And getting older too). I am looking forward to sharing comments here late/early when next I find myself wondering how I am going to get sleepy again.

Where Do You Advertise?

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 09:48:48 -0800

I ask myself the question of where to advertise every single week. I look at different publication and wonder just how many Qualified Buyers are looking at print ads verses the internet. I guess the biggest question is not whether or not you do print advertising, we all know the Real Estate Book does find its way into many hands that are looking to buy, but how many of them actually buy from the ads they see in the book? Right now in our area most of our Buyers are coming from out of the area, so unless they order the Real Estate Book or view it online they are not seeing it. Statistics say that as many as 86% of Buyers start their search on the internet, (and if you are 44 or younger the number is more like 91%) and most pick the agent that comes up first in their search for an agent (again, on the internet). This is one reason I just signed up with RTV, and I am looking forward to all the benefits of this new and exciting business I am starting. I think putting a 360 Tour in Front of all the Internet Viewers will definately increase my presence on the internet. I know if I search for something I look at picture ads first... I bet most other lookers do too. Sooooo.... does that mean that internet advertising should come first? In this age of poor economy do we even advertise in print? I am excited about getting the Panoriders as I believe this will bring alot of the "ride by" traffic right to my inbox. I think we all better spend our advertising dollars as efficiently as possible and make them as effective as we possible can. I am going to continue to ask the question week after week so I can continue to evolve with the times. I don't want to get left behind. In this age of Technology, you better continually ask yourself where and how to receive the best bang for your buck. I try to spend my advertising money in the best places possible. Give me a comment back and let me know what you think about advertising in print media. I sure would like some other points of view. Don't forget to check out my Website, and my other blogs about Brickhouse Landing Subdivision, Prince George VA, the Economy, House Values in Your Neighborhood, and my Current Listings. I always have something good going on..... Thanks for reading me!

CAROL HARRIS
Realtor, ABR, e-PRO

Carol Harris
4609 Courthouse Road,, Prince George, VA 23875
direct: 804-722-0412
cell: 804-731-4113
fax: 804-541-7258
equinerealtor@msn.com
carolanneharris.com

Real Tour Vision.... I think I like it!

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:35:21 -0800

I am a new RTV Dealer . Even though I can't sign in to all the places, I have found so much helpful information here I don't know where to start. I am amazed at how blogging and networking really make a difference. I have been blogging for some time now... almost 6 months. I have really enjoyed it. I have always enjoyed writing and it gives me that outlet to say the things that are important to me whether anyone listens or not. I am beginning to understand all the linking back and forth and I am beginning to get good at it. It is kinda like a game. You have to think about it to make it work right and if you link back to your site enough, you will win the game. I do have a web page and I think it is pretty nice. It has lots of information for Home Buyers and Sellers. I also have the "Market Snapshot" on my site and it is absolutely wonderful. A great tool for customers/clients with neighborhood sales information available to anyone who chooses to use it. You should check it out, you will find yourself playing with it for hours. My Site is a templated type of web site. I am thinking about changing it to one that is not template oriented but I am not sure that I want to be that responsible for the content. On the other hand it could be much more personal. I would love to get some comments about any of the above mentioned issues. I appreciate different points of view. Please comment back, it will make me smile.

CAROL HARRIS
Realtor, ABR, e-PRO

Carol Harris
4609 Courthouse Road,, Prince George, VA 23875
direct: 804-722-0412
cell: 804-731-4113
fax: 804-541-7258
equinerealtor@msn.com
carolanneharris.com

Listing Router... How does it work?

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:02:37 -0800

Okay, I know I have a lot to learn, but what is the listing router? I have tried to figure it out but I guess I have had too much going on and I am missing something cause I cannot figure it out. I have added listings, linked listings and I still don't get it. LOL I guess I am having a blonde day. How about somebody comment back to me and let me know how it works... it would be much appreciated. I entered a listing the other night and I thought that would get me somewhere but it did not. HELP!!! Don't forget to check out my Brickhouse Landing Subdivision Info....

CAROL HARRIS
Realtor, ABR, e-PRO

Carol Harris
4609 Courthouse Road,, Prince George, VA 23875
direct: 804-722-0412
cell: 804-731-4113
fax: 804-541-7258
equinerealtor@msn.com
carolanneharris.com

Moving to Prince George with Horses? Here is what the County requires.

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:50:48 -0800

Check out this link to the county. It has all the requirements for horse owners and keepers. This could really be helpful if you are planning to move to the area with horses, or if you plan to buy horses in the future. Horses are a fun hobby. If you ask us current owners we could tell you that it is more of a disease than a hobby. I think you are born with this disease, you don't aquire it you just have it. I hope this is helpful to someone out there. I have had many questions from prosepctive clients about the requirements for keeping horses in Prince George and so here they are. Enjoy

Be sure to check out all of my horse pictures linked here... I have lots... I have the disease. Check out my Real Estate Website too...

CAROL HARRIS
Realtor, ABR, e-PRO

Carol Harris
4609 Courthouse Road,, Prince George, VA 23875
direct: 804-722-0412
cell: 804-731-4113
fax: 804-541-7258
equinerealtor@msn.com
carolanneharris.com

Hermes Alpaca Farm

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:19:43 -0800

Hermes Alpacas

Wendy and Dan Hermes -- 12410 Bailey Bridge RD. --Midlothian VA -- 804-304-2839 or email me at wendy@hermesalpacas.com

I have a friend that breeds alpacas and harvest the fiber. It is the coolest thing. If you have never been to an Alpaca Farm you should really take the time and visit one. Hermes Alpacas is located in Midlothian VA, and is one of the nicest I have visited. The Alpacas are so friendly, yet shy when meeting new people. If you're worried about being "spit" on, don't! These Alpacas have been so "hand raised" and friendly that they normally do not spit on anyone. It is amazing to me how the animals are sheared on site and the fiber is processed at a processing facility and everything is ALL natural.. No chemicals, no dyes, no processes. If you have ever had anything woven from alpaca fiber you will know how warm it is. It is internationally know for it's warmth and durability. The softness of it is beyond belief (like angora). So Give Wendy Hermes a call and go to visit her farm, Hermes Alpacas, you will be glad you did. Ask your Tax advisor about the benefits of starting your own alpaca Farm.

The fiber is just gorgeous.

Call Carol Harris for all your Real Estate Needs in the Richmond and Tri-Cities Areas in Virginia.

New Listing -- 2100 Lansing Road Prince George County VA

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:03:36 -0800

Check out my new listing in Prince George Va....

and my other listings too

Status

ACTIVE

Peaceful 3 Bed 2 Bath Vinly Ranch in Prince George
2100 Lansing Road, Petersburg, VA, 23805 United States

$255,000

MLS#	2902300
List Date	1/19/2009
Type	Single-family
Style	Ranch
School District	Prince George
Area	58
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2
Square Footage	1585
Lot Size	5.15 Acre
Age	9
Taxes	$1,747.00
Tax Year	2008

REQUEST MORE INFO	MORTGAGE CALCULATOR	PRINT THIS PAGE
TELL A FRIEND	SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT	VIEW MAP
Community Information

My link to http://carolharrisr

This is a very nice house. We will pay for a 2-10 Warranty at closing.

Interior Features	Nice Split Ranch with 2 Bedrooms on Left of home and Master on Right. Master Bath has jetted tub and is very cozy and private. Hall bath is large with double vanity. Cathedral Ceiling in Great Room with Gas FP and French doors leading to deck in Rear. Kitchen has Bay Window, pantry closet, and is very functional and bright. 2 Car Attached Garage with walk thru door and dog door leading to 6 foot high dog run.
Exterior Features	This is a horse property with 2 stalls and paddock, riding ring, and fenced pasture with run in shed. Bring your horses. There is also a small shed in yard with a lean-to.
Additional Features and Amenities	This home is located in a very rural, yet close in area. 15 Minutes to Fort Lee, and shopping.

CAROL HARRIS
Realtor, ABR, e-PRO

Carol Harris
4609 Courthouse Road,, Prince George, VA 23875
direct: 804-722-0412
cell: 804-731-4113
fax: 804-541-7258
equinerealtor@msn.com
carolanneharris.com

Welcome To Brickhouse Landing

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:55:10 -0800

I know the economy is not doing great right now, but here in my home town of Prince George County in Virginia, things could be a lot worse. We have so many exciting things going on it is like a light at the end of the tunnel. With the expansion of Fort Lee we have growth that not many other areas are seeing. Yes, we have our share of foreclosures but not as many as some areas. It is still a Buyer's market, but at least we have some buyers. We also have families moving here as a result of Philip Morris closing down Cabarrus Facility in Concord, North Carolina. This will bring approximately 150 of their employees to the Richmond area. We have the Rolls Royce Plant coming along and supposed to be fully operational by October 2010 (if I remember correctly)and employing more than 500 in the end according to the article I read in the newspaper. Most of these people that will be coming are in higher salary categories so we are looking forward to higher sales figures for the years of 2009 and 2010 in my opinion. What all this means is that even in a slumping economy our newest subdivision, Brickhouse Landing, should do well. We currently have 6 house plans all with at least 2000 square feet, attached 2 car garages, ALL BRICK, and with a Standard Features List you just won't believe, and if you don't like one of our plans bring your own and we will be happy to price it out for you. With over 75 lotsof one acre or more to choose from, open or wooded, hardwood trees or pine trees, we have something for everyone. Abundant wild life also exists in this area and adds a feeling of rural bliss. I am looking forward to Spring this year, with new growth in Real Estate and the new green growth of Mother Earth, I don't know how life could be more positive. In these times of economic recession, we only need look for the golden linings. They are here..... we just have to look for them.

Check out your neighborhood values, click here.

CAROL HARRIS
Realtor, ABR, e-PRO

Carol Harris
4609 Courthouse Road,, Prince George, VA 23875
direct: 804-722-0412
cell: 804-731-4113
fax: 804-541-7258
equinerealtor@msn.com
carolanneharris.com

Another Cold and Dreary Day

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:47:32 -0800

As I prepare to go to the barn to feed my furry four-legged friends, I am chilled with the thought of yet another dreary day. It is gray, bleak and absolutely freezing outside with a chance of freezing rain and then snow, and I am not looking forward to leaving the warmth of my den which is complete with a warm fire. Living sort of between the cold north and the warm south I often wonder how people that really live in cold climates tolerate it. I don't want to go out or work or anything when it gets this cold. I guess it is because I am not used to it. We normally have very mild winters but there are years like this one where we have extreme temperatures for long periods. I know, it really isn't a long time at all. I am talking days, not weeks or months. I guess we are just soft here. We are not used to long periods of freezing temperatures, or snow or ice for that matter. Everything seems to just about stop when we get this frigid weather. My friend Julie said it correctly "everytime the newscasters call for snow, everyone runs to the grocery store and buys everything in site leaving nothing but empty shelves." She is right. We all go into "hibernation" when the weather attacks us. I don't mind cold weather, just not this cold. But, having horses and other outside animals I have no choice but to go out and feed, clean the barn and thaw frozen water troughs not once but several times during the day. Horse Blankets go on in the evening and off in the mornng as well. My barn is fairly closed but the cold arctic air can blow through if it comes from the northeast. I know this is the coldest wind we get so you ask why it can blow through? Well, we don't get a cold NEer more than once or twice a year, but we get cold west winds daily during the winter. But have no fear, the blankets protect the horses just fine from this frigid air and they are much appreciative for the extra warmth. Some of the horses don't ever get cold blanketed or not, but they get their blanket at night just like everyone else. The dogs and cats often seek the warmth of the garage with its little heater run just for their comfort. It stays about in there so not too warm but warm enough. Well, share your cold tales with me ... I would love to hear how some of you Northerners are laughing at me with my wimpy little cold self. You would probably be here in shirt sleeves and nothing else. I hope you enjoy yourselves in the wonderful winter weather. I promise, as soon as I get the hang of all this blogging I will start blogging about something important.

It's Cold Outside... Is it Global Warming?

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:32:42 -0800

I think it is COLD outside! I don't remember any winter in the last few years with as cold a start as this one. This year we were thinking maybe snow for Thanksgiving and Christmas, wow, doesn't happen here often. I do remember years back when I was very young, (if I said the 60s you would know I am getting OLD) that we would get a good snow several times a winter. Good snow... deep enough to disappear in if you were small like me. I remember in the late 80s all the ice storms we had (and snow), and now in the early 2000s it seems we are in for it again. Almost seems like a pattern, every 20 years we get a bad stretch of weather.... well, what about Global Warming? I know Global Warming is real, but so is pattern weather. I think alot of the things that come and go get forgotten. I think if it doesn't happen every year we forget it happens at all. One more thing I think-- I think there is a higher power that is in control of it all and no matter what we do to prevent or change it, what is meant to be will be, at least in the realm of the Big Picture. I do believe we can control a good deal of stuff, but we cannot control the weather, or natural disasters. Ask the dinosaurs about that. I believe we need to find alternative sources of energy and quit depleting the earth of her natural resources. I believe we will be sorry if we don't do that and do it quickly. Recycling is important to us all and if we don't realize that fact it could be too late before we know it. What are you going to do to help? What thoughts do you have about it all.... let me know. I would love to hear what others are thinking and planning for their futures. Future..... If we all work towards it maybe we will have one.

Local Economy not as bad as News Portrays....

Carol Harris, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO (http://www.fordagencyrealestate.com/) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:19:56 -0800

I don't know what you think,but watching the news is depressing. We had slight gains in overall sales and prices last quarter in our area and yet the national outlook still seems to be sinking lower and lower into the gloom of this recession. There are several states that are in awful shape having little to no industry and no way to bounce back from this slide into the gloomy depths of a poor economy. Here in Central/South Eastern Virginia we are still growing. Yes, we have our share of foreclosures but overall we seem to have stabilized in this recession. Why? I think it is because we have several very positive things happening in our immediate area. One is the expansion of Fort Lee. With the growth that Brac alone will bring to our cities we should see more stabilization and even some slight increase in conditions. We also have several large companies moving to our counties. One of them is Rolls Royce. They are building a plant to manufacture jet engines in Prince George County. With this and other additions to our area we will see more positive results than some other areas. We still need to conserve and do what ever we can to help keep things from getting worse in our own homes. Read all you can, take in all the real news you can get, but think for yourself and make decisions based on fact not news hype. I don't believe everything I see and hear on the news, so why should I believe all the hype about the Real Estate Industry. I think I will continue to hope and pray I am right and continue to believe that we will survive this recession, but I will be careful to try and do the best job I can for my Clients and make sure they don't overpay for their homes and that they truly get the best from me that I can give. I think if we all be careful we will all be okay. Life is never easy, and it seems to be even harder right now. I keep thinking the good old days may just be gone for good this time.... so I am going to sink my teeth in and keep going. Who knows, maybe one day I will win the lottery and not have to worry about it anymore.... I will keep dreaming. I will not give up and roll over for someone else to take my place. You keep dreaming too... that is what makes life good. I will see you next time. Have a great week.