So last week I went to the Downtown Mall to shop around, I was by myself and having a non realtor work day. Meaning that I was sporting jeans and a t shirt of some sort. Which I have discovered is what I really love to wear. I was just looking for some "realtor" type of clothes and hanging out. It was a nice day and to be truthful I was happy to have some time to myself. Life has been a bit crazy. So of course I can find nothing that fits me, it can be a curse at times to be this short (at other times, it's not so bad). Most store clerks were kind enough to say hi or ask if I needed help. But I walked into one high end store and a clerk stopped and gave me the up down look. You know the look that says "you are poor and don't deserve to be in this store" when her eyes met mine (for that brief moment) she finished her message by saying "I will have nothing to do with you" then she walked by. I usally don't allow myself to go down that road. (the road of self pitty) If I did I would be a mess all the time but that day it completely got to me. It is funny how a women can shift through a full range of emotions in one minute. I went from mad to sad so quickly that I think I mixed the emotions up. I wondered why I would let such a thing bother me. I did not know this women and chances are I would never meet her again. I decided to leave (messed up my one day of shopping!) On the drive home I asked God "Why?!" why did it bug me? Why am I the way I am? and then I think it hit me (in sort of an odd way) It's my expectations. I would never expect someone to treat another person that way(let alone a person who was being paid to be nice to me)  so when it happened to me it caught me off guard. I know this sounds stupid but do you remember the movie Pretty Women when Richard Geer gives Julia Roberts his credit card to buy some clothes for their night out and the girls at the store snub her.....that's kind of how I felt. I know, I know it is stupid (since I do not look anything like Julia Roberts!) but still there was an expectation there. I heard a verse this morning that kind of brought this whole episode back to me. It is Micah 6:8.(the message) .basically it says "Do what is fair and just to your neighbor be compassionate and loyal in your love"....aka be kind. So just know that your actions my impact someone- so be kind. Oh and in case you were wondering.....I think I will be out shopping next week ( I guess I wasn't too shattered after all)

 

We read it every morning, we hear about it on the nightly news...how dismal the real estate market is. Some have even compared it to the Great Depression (depending on what news agency you ask). While I agree that the Real Estate Market is slow and the default of loans has caused a tremendous strain. I also believe that there is a great deal of opportunity out there. Not just for the Realtor, whose lively hood depends on it but for the buyer. The first time home buyer is finally been given a chance to own their own home without signing their life away. I met with a lender who specializes in FHA loans and she explained to me the different type of Government loans that are available.  She really opened my eyes to the possibilities. I am excited about this news, I instantly thought of past clients who were in unable to acquire a home due to the high priced homes and the high interest rate loans. If you have thought you would never be able to own your home or have felt that it would be years before you would acquire a place to call your own. Give your Realtor a call. Search for a lender who specializes in Government Loans. Allow yourself to dare to hope - now that hope is here

For more information: www.hud.gov/buying

In the midst of the real estate market and all the ups and downs that we have faced this year. There are often times of uncertainty- while in other parts of our world there is a different kind of uncertainty. I am happy to report that our own hometown resident Noah Kelly has coordinated a benefit concert for Invisible Children. If you have not already heard of this organization please check out invisiblechildren.com. Noah is a senior at a local high school and is using his time and resources to raise money for this worthy cause. If you enjoy music and want to make the world a better place - check this concert out this Saturday, September 8, 2007

I worked at the fireworks booth today on the corner of Elk Grove Blvd. and Waterman Rd., It seems like only yesterday that these roads were fields and our town had no Starbucks. As I watched the cars and met with the people who stopped by our booth (thank you for the support!) I was filled with a sense of satisfaction. I was in my hometown! A town where people still know each other and support each other. Thank you Elk Grove for the parades, the blood drives and even the spaghetti feeds (those carbs go straight to my hips!) :) Thank you for providing fireworks at the park where we can enjoy our family and the magical light show. Have a great 4th of July!

Thank you for reading my first blog!

 Maria

ps...if you don't have your fireworks yet, we have a great booth near Jamba Juice on Elk Grove Blvd and Waterman Rd! ;)