Mary Ann's Memos

LOCAL ASSOCIATION AS A SPONSER OF PORTS TO PLAINS CONFERENCE

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:13:03 -0700

Mayor Tom Martin hosted the 12th annual Ports to Plains conference in Lubbock this week that began with an amazing kick off hosted by the providence of Alberta, Canada at the Overton Hotel in Lubbock. Guest were made aware of the similarities of the plains of West Texas and our northern neighbor. Agriculture, oil and natural gas production as well as terrain make our areas excellent advocates for economic development from as far away as Acuna to Alberta. Ports to Plains transportation development was initially the inspiration of Congressman Randy Neugebauer. It was announced that TXDOT has been approved for a four way divided highway into New Mexico. Texas Tech welcomed the attendees to a reception at Jones Staduim on 10/01 where the guest were received by State Rep Duncan, Congressman Jones, and Texas Tech President Guy Bailey. The conference was an educational, networking and buisness devopment event that our city may be very proud to have been the host. LUBBOCK ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS was excited to be one of the sponsers for this event.

Good Gosh you guys what can we do...?

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 23:13:54 -0800

Thank ya all that have resonded to s my blog about the scary stuff that we are seeing in our small 200,000+ markets. I hope we can give these folks some kind of practical adice. Where do they start? This is bad!

Thanks for Commenting on "Go Eli, Go!

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:13:19 -0800

Big thanks to everyone for all your greatness on commenting on my unhappiness that Eli was being dished by his city and fans at a time not too long agol Well, several weeks since Super Bowl, I'm feeling pretty darn proud of myself for asking for a time out to give him a break This may never happen again! Thank ya'll for supporting your wonderful teams and thanks for the lattitude in allowing me to express my frustration. Gosh! It's really a great country! Look at all the underdogs go, even a little dog, Uno!

Ps. My Eli Blog had more comments than any other, Love It!

Wow! My First AR Referral!

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:53:03 -0800

Wanted to wait until I felt like I had truly helped this client obtain his first home as an Active Rain referral before turning it into a blog! Upon closing and permission from the AR member to publish, I will let ya'll know more, but for now, thank you, for entrusting me with your son's first home while he continues his quest for Master and as a TA while at Texas Tech. Every client I work with teaches me more. This is a person older and than his years and I understand why you are so proud of him.

Go, Eli, Go!

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 20:55:59 -0800

Not my usual post, but OMG! My second favorite team (Cowboys !st ofcourse!) are doing s phenominal effort against the undefeated Pats! Go Little Brother! You belong in NY--GO FOR IT! Half time & Giants are up! They must have seen Gary's post! BTW Wess Welker is TTU Grad who was ignored until Zack Thomas, another great Texas Tech grad of the Dolphins asked them to take another look. Well, look at him now!

PLEASE LET THE PRESS HAVE SOME RECOGNITION! This was an unbelievable effort by the GIANTS!

Lubbock Home Sales Up Despite National Trend

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:27:12 -0800

Though the National Association of Realtors reported sales of existing homes nationwide fell for the eighth straight month (as of end of October), Lubbock's sales rose by almost 6%. Nationally, the median price (the price where half the homes sold either below or above) fell 5.8%. The median price in Lubbock actually rose by 15%. At the end of October one year ago the median price in Lubbock was $117,260 compared to $134,905 for 2007.

Admittedly, the inventory in the Multiple Listing Service has risen. Last year at this time there were 1608 single family properties on the market. This year there are 1700--not an alarming figure. Volume is down by a modest 2.4% for the year, but the good news is that there actually has been appreciation as the numbers above reflect.

What continues to make Lubbock sound is the high employment rate, lending practices that have been and continue to be financially viable, and a diversified economy. Texas Tech continues to grow in student population and this year will be a bumper cotton crop due in part to the amount of summer moisture. There are also a number of new businesses that have either come to the city or are contracted to come to Lubbock.

It's an amazing thing that perception of economic conditions can so often out weigh reality!

Source: Lubbock Multiple Listing Service

Representation Continues to Be Top Consumer Complaint at Texas Real Estate Commission

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:28:02 -0800

On November 29th the Lubbock Association of Realtors were fortunate to have Della Lindquist speak at our monthly luncheon regarding complaints received at the Texas Real Estate Commission. Ms. Lindquist is the Director of Enforcement for the Texas Real Estate Commission with a team of eight attorneys and another eleven field officers working throughout the state. Though she acknowledged the investigation process is slow she also explained that the goal is to be thorough. Approximately 400 complaints to TREC are made to her department each month and are divided evenly as internal issues, licensing issues and the remainder being consumer complaints.

The majority of consumer issues come from a misunderstanding of agency. Though agency laws have been in place in Texas for several years, representation continues to be misunderstood. Ms. Lindquist reiterated that although the Information About Brokerage Services (IBS) form does not actually have to be signed, it must be presented upon the first substantial meeting between an agent and the prospect.

Some of the most vulnerable aspects that she emphasized were as follows:

When acting as an intermediary--STOP SELLING! Though it is an agents nature, when a prospect brings up an objection, fore-go giving advice. In an intermediary capacity, legally we must stop giving our opinions in order to be fair to both parties
Don't use language such as "my buyer, my seller, or the seller's and I..."
When an agent has entered into a listing agreement and later decides to purchase the property for their own purpose, the agent should council with their broker and end the listing agreement.
Be careful not to confuse sub-agency with intermediary.
Be careful with disclosure issues. Remember that a defect will include any material effect that may preclude a buyer from the purchase of a property.
When the date of the IBS is close to the date of the contract, red flags go up in the TREC legal department.

When questioned, Ms. Lindquist explained that it is not the job of the listing agent to determine proximity of registered sex offenders and restated that it is against the law to disclose any matters regarding HIV.

Contact Your Representative and Senator ref FHA and Conventional Loans

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:28:03 -0800

Just reiterating the need for all of us to take action as well as ask our friends to do the same regarding FHA Reform S 2338 and Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae Loan Limits. The FHA reform will provide existing homeowners with refinancing alternatives and additional options for first time buyers. As all of us know, the first time buyer is the first domino that has to fall to create a move-up real estate market. This reform will go a long way to bring back a return of stability in the real estate markets across the nation.

Regional increases to conventional loan limits is also needed to assist homeowners wishing to purchase properties in high cost of living areas.

Help our industry and protect your home values! TAKE ACTION!

Lubbock, Texas Continues to Attract Out of State Investors

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:51:34 -0800

Recently a San Francisco investment group, Dwares Group, Inc., purchased Briercroft Center at 5302 Ave. Q. The Dwares Group specializes in refurbishing distressed retail properties. Briercroft Center is a 77,000 square foot retail facility built in 1966. The Dwares Group have hired Lubbock contractor G. Greenstreet Inc to evaluate and propose ideas to give the facility a much needed face-lift. Spring of 2008 will be the start date for the project. The facility currently has a colonial look which is out of date and the company plans on including pad sites to the large parking lot and plenty of green area. Cost of the investment will exceed $1 million.

Lubbock continues to provide great opportunities for 1031 exchanges, commercial and residential investments.

How to Stay Up in a Down Market Tip #7

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:13:06 -0800

My Tip #7--Learn about a new culture

With this being the week of Thanksgiving, you are most likely reflecting on how blessed we truly are to live in such a wonderful country that offers boundless opportunities. Recently I was fortunate enough to attend a Keller Williams Recruiting Clinic in SouthLake, Texas. The course was taught by Moe Abbasi. Mr. Abbasi is the Regional Director, New York Region of Keller Williams. This was an excellent course that really teaches how to dig deeper into the needs analysis process. These principals apply not just in recruiting, but also assist with your buyers and sellers as well.

After day one of the clinic, two other colleagues and I went to partake in the great shopping available in the center next to the SouthLake Hilton. Directly across the street from the hotel is Truluck's, not exactly what our OP (Operating Principal) suggested as our price point for restaurants. Fortunately he relented and met us for dinner. While awaiting a table we were delighted when Mr. Abbasi walked in unescorted and agreed to join us. Mr. Abbasi had explained to the class that he was fasting from sunup to sunset. We felt very lucky when we learned that Truluck's is one of his favorite restaurants. I have always been fascinated by cultures other than my own, and for nearly three hours Mr. Abbasi answered our questions and shared some of his life's experiences. He told us how he had returned to his birth country and sought out his first spiritual leader. He shared some of the history of his courtship with his wife and his love of his family. The one thing I remember most about this great evening was his statement that he gives thanks every single day and several times a day.

If you are able to ever take a course from Moe Abbasi, please know it will be a treat. He was so gracious to answer my rather direct questions with such spontaneity and taught us all a bit more about his culture. This was an education in more ways than one!

Turkey Tales

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:42:57 -0800

Fun facts to share around the table!

Do you know that legend has it that the turkey got it's name from Chritopher Columbus. Columbus thought that the land he discovered was connected to India and believed the turkey to be a type of peacock. He called the bird "tuka" which is peacock in Tamil, an Indian dialect. The Native American name for the turkey is "firkee", thus the name turkey.

One sixth of all turkeys sold in the US each year are eaten at Thanksgiving for more than 45 million birds.
Age is a determining factor in taste. Old large males are preferable to young toms, however the opposite is true for females--old hens are tougher (don't you just love that!)
Turkeys are the only breed of poultry native to the Western Hemishpere.
Though they have no external ears, they have great hearing. They can also see in color and have excellent visual field of approximately 270 degrees, which makes sneaking up on them difficult. They have a poor sense of smell, but an excellent sense of taste.
Domesticated turkeys cannot fly, but wind turkeys can fly for short distances and can reach speeds of 25 miles per hour on the ground
Turkeys can also suffer from heart attacks; turkeys near the air force test area which the sound barrier was broken were known to drop dead from the shock of passing jets.
Cooked turkey is good for about 3-4 days and frozen turkey will keep for 4-6 months.
The gobble is a seasonal call thata only males make. Female turkeys make a clicking noise.
the fleshlike appendage is called the wattle. It can get quite large and is estremely elastic. Most turkey breeders remove them at a young age.

HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING, ALL!

How to Stay Up in a Down Market--Tip #6

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:57:13 -0800

Tip #6--Get up, get out, get over it!

Yesterday I made contact with an out of state buyer to check when they were planning their next trip. They've been here twice before yet they have ample time to find their perfect home. I really like these buyers and they are looking in a wonderful price range.

The conversation started with "Mary Ann, I don't know how to tell you this......" Don't you hate those words as much as I do? Now, I know what you're thinking....agency.....buyer representation agreement.....but before I loose you....read on.

This is a very close relative of one of my very favorite loan officers and long time friends. Her husband and I worked together during our college years (now, ya'll that's a long relationship!). I have been their family REALTOR on several past transactions. I receive referrals from them frequently, needless to say this couple are VIIs (very important influencers). My friend is a very sensitive person and knowing her as I do, I knew she was feeling terrible about the outcome of this event. First thing this morning I picked up the phone and was glad to reach her immediately. I explained to her that I was honored that she had selected me once again to assist a cherished family member. She expressed that maybe she hadn't done me any favor with the time I had spent, and they really thought I was terrific. I reassured her that I was happy to have met them and I felt sure they would send me future business (yes, you bet I asked them for it!). After all, I would never want my friend to feel any awkwardness toward me. Life happen and as they say, make lemonaid!

How to Stay up in a Down Market--Tip #5

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:42:45 -0800

My Tip #5--Visit a Local Business

Keeping as active as possible is a key ingredient for me to maintain proper perspective. The more your visible, the better chance you have to make that unexpected contact that may be a source of business for years to come. I have added as one of my goals to visit a local business and interview the owner or manager to find out how I may be added to their recruiting team or otherwise assist them. Recently I attended a Chamber of Commerce event and met the owner of a local business that's always been a curiosity to me. I asked if I could take a tour of his business and I was surprised at how readily he agreed. Frankly, I'm not sure if business will be forthcoming, but it was extremely interesting and I know I made a friend. Look for my upcoming blog regarding Pedro's Tamale Factory (they've been served at the White House!).

Taking action any way possible maintains a positive attitude.

Lubbock, TX--Local Market is All Good News!

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:03:17 -0800

Despite what the media has to say.....West Texas and the Keller Williams Lubbock Market Center has great news to share. Here are the real estate numbers of 2007 volume vs. 2006 volume as reported in our MLS:

January 1, 2006 thru November 13, 2006 there were a total of 3713 closed properties for a total sales volume of $457,265,496. The average sales price was $123,219 with an average of 107 days on the market to closing.
January 1, 2007 thru November 13, 2007 there have been a total of 3464 closed properties for a total sales volume of $443,514,983 with an average sales price of $128,072 at an average of 110 days on the market prior to closing.

These figures show the average sales price is up 4.25% though total sales volume is down by 3.125% from the same time frame last year.

Keller Williams Lubbock Market Center numbers are:

Listing units taken up by 12%
Listing volume taken up by 6%
Listings sold units up b 24%
Listings sold volume up by 27%
Contracts written units up by 10%
Contracts written volume up by 8%
Contracts closed units up by 48%
Contracts closed volume up by 5%

We are very excited to be able to report the great growth of our company during this time of negativity in the media!

How to Stay Up in a Down Market--Tip #4

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:08:50 -0800

Tip #4 is Adopt the Orphans

Just as Steve Shatsky commented on my post regarding Tip #3 (regarding farming) be aware of REALTORS leaving the business. I heard a real estate coach predict that NAR numbers may be reduced as much as 50% before real estate news returns to normalcy. We will all see agents become discouraged and leave the business. As took place during the late "80's we are likely to see more agents retire and even see smaller marginally viable firms either close their doors or merge with a larger company.

Take note when this happens and go into your MLS system and run an inventory of homes sold by these agents (often listed as "house agent") and enter these homeowners into your data base. Their loyalty would of been to the agent, rarely the company with which the agent was affiliated. This is a great way to increase your list of not mets, but to be in position to be their next agent of choice.

How to Stay Up in a Down Market Tip #3

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:57:11 -0800

Tip #3--Develop a new farm area

Perhaps you were like myself during the good times and you let your lead generation activities take a back seat. I challenge you to target a new farm area. More than likely, there have been many new construction neighborhoods that have been developed during our recent boom. I recommend picking an area that has been popular with young professionals and young families. This is often a fertile territory that may be overlooked by your competition. These are the homesellers and buyers that will be ready to move up and these will be the homes in an affordable price point.

Get to know your area well. Is there a new school in the neighborhood? I have a home listed in a newer development and recently visited the neighborhood school that just opened this fall. It is state of the art and I am better able to sell the area having visited the new school. Have the codes, covenants and restrictions of the neighborhood. This is an item of value you may offer your homeowners.

What items of value have you provided that have given you success?

Think Safety First--Realtors Continue to Be Vulnerable

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:34:42 -0800

The Lubbock Association of REALTORS has approximately 760 members. Our city has a population base of approximately 210,000. Recently one of our member's home was vandalized by a gang targeting REALTORS and bankers. As agents, we can easily become targets through the Internet and our marketing materials. Just a reminder of ideas to help protect ourselves are as follows:

Consider an alarm. At a minimum be sure you have good locks on your home with deadbolts on all entry doors. Any door with glass panels within 3' of the lock should have a double-cylinder deadbolt, which requires a key on both sides.
All marketing materials should be polished and professional. Avoid using the "glamour shot" look in your photography or other advertising. Cases have been documented of criminals circling photos of would-be victims in advertisements.
Be on alert during your open houses. Notice the actions of your guest especially near the end of showing hours. It's even happened in our small city that a group of visitors will work together, one couple districting the REALTOR while the other cases the home. Not only should the homeowner store valuables, but REALTORS purses need to be out of eyesight.
If you're meeting someone at a home, be sure to let your office know where you will be and what time you should return. I've had my office call me when I'm on an appointment with someone I've never met before. Always recommended is to meet your new found buyer at your office.

It's really just common sense, but if it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.

How to Stay Up in a Down Market Tip #2

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:01:53 -0800

My Tip #2 is to know your inventory!

Just as in my Tip #1, it's all about the basics. Just think of the sales people that have really impressed you. More than likely it was due to their knowledge of their product. If you have someone special that works in a clothing store that regularly assist you, you will continue to ask for them as they will know what you will like and what will flatter your physique. If they did not know what items they had in stock, you would not likely ask for them again. Real estate is the same way--if you don't know what's on the market, how can you know where that special home is for your buyer.

Gas prices being what they are, I suggest picking a neighborhood a week and get out there and preview as much as you can. There is nothing as impressive to a home buyer as the agent that can explain the amenities in a home before they ever step foot onto the property. Be the expert!

Lubbock, TX Scores No. 5 for Housing Affordability with Football Bowl 1-A Division Universities

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:45:40 -0800

Lubbock has scored big for homeowners. A national real estate franchise has conducted their third annual study ranking college football cities with Bowl Subdivision (1-A) programs. They are ranked as the top 10 in affordability and the top 10 most expensive. These rankings are based on the cost of 2,220 square foot 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath homes with garages. The current average cost of this home in Lubbock is $163,250 though the local appraisal district quotes the average home price as $99,370.

Lubbock is known for a slow and steady real estate market. Over the past 20 years home appreciation has averaged 3.33% per year. Lubbock's diverse economy has helped in keeping this a steady trend. Our excellent school system, weather, and health care all assist our area in remaining desirable.

Muncie, Indiana, home of Ball State University was ranked as the most affordable and Palo Alto, California is ranked as the most expensive. Here is a list of the top 10 in both catagories:

Top 10 most affordable college markets for home prices in 2007

Ball State University, Muncie, ID--Avg price $150,000
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX--Avg price $151,250
University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK--Avg price $153,750
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK--Avg price $162,000
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX --Avg price $163,250
University of Toledo. Toledo, OH--Avg price $163,278
University of Louisiana, Monroe, LA--Avg price $164,499
University of Houston, Houston, TX--Avg price $169,736
Rice University, Houston TX__Avg price $169,736
Utah State University, Logan, UT--Avgt price $172,978

Top 10 most expensive college markets for home prices in 2007

Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA--Avg price $1,677,000
Boston College, Chestnut Hil, MA--Avg price $1,381,250
University of Southern Cal, Los Angeles, CA--Avg price $1,306,333
University of California, Los Angeles, CA--Avg price $1,306,333
University of California, Berkeley, CA--Avg price $1,287,500
San Jose State University, San Jose, CA--Avg price $1,145,000
University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HW--Avg price $843,750
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL--Avg Price $708,000
Florida International University, Miami, FL--Avg price $638,333
University of Miami, Miami, FL--Avg price $638,333

Source for edited material: Lubbock Avalanche Journal

How to Stay Up in a Down Market Tip #1

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:52:25 -0800

Okay, so recently I read that there are several things you can do during these more challenging times. Some of the suggestions were to clean off your desk, get organized, clean up your computer, etc. While these may be noteworthy, they certainly aren't income generating.

Whenever I need my motivation kicked into gear (or other places!), I get back to the basics. What helps me get back to that point is by taking a class. Currently our office is finishing the Keller Williams University Lead Generation 36:12:3. This is 3 transactions per month for 12 months for a total of 36 transactions per year. Usually 36 deals is not such a difficult accomplishment, but I'm beginning to realize that if I want my share of the business in 2008, I will have to scramble more than I have in years. Our office opens such classes to REALTORS with other affiliations. If this sounds like a benefit to you non-Keller agents, you may have a friend who would love to invite you the next time they conduct this valuable class or let me know and I will be happy to research your area through our network.

Checking the Brian Buffini event calendar, I found that 12 events are scheduled in different locations across the country from now until the end of first quarter 2008. Mike Ferry has 8 events scheduled. Recently I attended a two day marketing seminar presented by Hobbs Herder held in Richardson, TX that was extremely beneficial and not overly expensive.

For those of us in Texas, there are 8 CRS courses throughout the state as well as 17 courses scheduled for GRI. These are so valuable as well for the mandatory continuing education credit needed.

Getting back to the basics has prompted me to get in front of those expireds and FSBO's and through some excellent suggestions that I picked up on Active Rain, a colleague and I have been visiting approximately 20 FSBO'S per week offering them items of value. We are checking into developing a website geared just to them.

It's not really that hard to get back to working the old fashioned way!

Best You Tube Ever!

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:32:04 -0800

I'm sure this may raise some temperatures, but I just think this is histerical! Worth the time it takes to view, I promise! it's fun to have a liberal daughter!

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=rw2nkoGLhrE

Lubbock, TX Market Data for October 2007

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:30:59 -0800

According to Lubbock's Multiple Listing Service, our area continues to prove that real estate is local. Posted below is the latest data.

Interest rates from local lenders continue to reflect reason for optimism as for loan amounts $80,000 and above for 30 year conventional as well as FHA fixed rate loans the current rate is 6.25%. It continues to be amazing that in Lubbock, TX an entry level buyer can still purchase a 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 or 2 bath home with central heat and air for $80,000!

Real Estate Trends NAR

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:47:06 -0700

Recently I attended a strategic planning event for developing challenges for our local association for 2008. Our host, Travis Kessler, CEO of the San Antonio Board of REALTORS had us view a power point presentation that included recent NAR data and stats. Here is a snapshot of what we learned:

No surprise to anyone that 78% of the real estate consumers begin their search on the Internet. 40% of home-buyers were first time buyers between the ages of 25-34. They attach extremely high importance to an agent's response time.

Evolving brokerage trends include:

Average commissions are down from 6% to 4.9%
From a survey of the largest Fortune 500 firms 50% are offering ancillary businesses such as mortgage, title, homeowners insurance, etc. These services comprise 16-42% of total earnings for these companies.
The most profitable brokerages spent, 73% on commissions, 8.4% on employment, 5.7% on occupancy and 5% on general and admin cost. 25% of all transactions have some type of referral fee attached.

From 2001 to 2007 NAR's membership has experienced an average growth rate of 3.6%, but salesperson applications are down almost 30% as of May 2007. 75% of NAR membership specializes in residential sales and 58% of sales agents have been in the business for less than 5 years. The median age of a REALTOR is 51 years old. 41% of all REALTORS are male with 59% being female.

Other issues of concern are who has access to MLS data, the increase in data vendors, real estate foreclosures, and public websites. There have been over 1.2 million foreclosures nationwide reflecting an increase of 4.2% from 2005. Texas is the 9th highest state in foreclosures according to this report.

Proposition 15--Vote Yes for Cancer Research

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:34:25 -0700

Texas can unite and fight cancer by voting yes to Prop 15 on the upcoming November 6th election (early voting now through November 2nd). 95,000 Texans will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone and more than 37,000 will lose their lives to cancer.

Prop 15 is a state amendment to establish the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to conduct research, support existing research & implement the Texas Cancer Plan for prevention and control. This proposition will double the amount authorized in the states general revenue bonds to fund research and early detection programs

For additional information please click on to the following website and get the word from Lance Armstrong!

http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.3378871/k.CB78/Prop_15.htm

Lubbock Association of Realtors Receives Community Award

Mary Ann Grafft (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:36:09 -0700

On November 7th, LAR will be one of 12 recipients for the annual Get Involved Awards for the Walk With Pride fund-raiser area Realtors have been involved with for several years. This event was developed by our Realtors and is funded solely by Realtors. Throughout the year money is collected for this program. Payless is our partner in this event. Vouchers for shoes are distributed by the South Plains Food Bank. During two evenings, Realtor volunteers fit school children with their new shoes.

The Get Involved Awards honor outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses for voluntarism in the community. The awards are selected by an anonymoua panel of community leaders and winners are recognized during the Cornucopia luncheon at the Lubbock Country Club. Other honorees include, Blackmon Mooring, City Bank Texas and Hospice of Lubbock Thrift Shop.