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My childhood neighborhood was full of wonderful places and things that were attractive and fascinating to a kid - only a block from the tracks and the sand piles. I don't know why they were so inviting, but all the kids had to go there. Once in a while, we would get together to walk the tracks after school. One foot on the rail, one foot on the tie, right foot rail, left foot tie, right, left, up, down... We never went too far, the train may be coming soon. We would go with our pockets full of pennies. We put them on the rail and waited for the whistle of the 4:00 Milwaukee Northwestern to come in from the east.
There were so many neat things to do there. The Street Department was close by, and the sand piles... Actually, there was a pile of gravel, a pile of sand, a pile of pink rocks, and, in the fall, even a pile of salt rock.  Standing 10 - 15 feet high, the sand piles were great for playing King-of-the-Hill. I don't recall ever being King, but I didn't mind. I always got to the top, but didn't try to claim the hill. It was more fun getting pushed off - to tumble down the soft sides of the sand, dust flying.
The salt rock pile was my favorite. I would fill my pockets with the rocks. I'd stick a few in my mouth and suck on them. I love the taste of salt and these were the best!
When I was young, I said, I would never say "Don't... or What if...?" when my kids wanted to explore the world around them. I never saw the dangers that my Mom always did. Years later, I heard those same words coming from another mother's mouth to a child who was venturing out to test the world. This time, however, the words rang back to my ears like an echo from my childhood. I was the one saying "Don't... and What if...?" to a child who was searching for her own tracks and sand piles. That child is now a parent herself, I wonder how long it will take before she hears those echoes too. As many parts of the nation continue to see a downturn in home values, high foreclosure rates, and poor economic trends, Sioux Falls and the surrounding area appear to be the the exception to the rule. In 2007 the median home values increased 4.9% according to the REALTOR'S Association of the Sioux Empire (RASE). While new construction homes are on a slight decline from 2006 (approx 6.35%), pre-existing home sales which constitute about 80% of the market, are remaining steady. In a recent Press Release by RASE CEO, Barton Hacker stated, "Interest rates continue to be extremely low and inventory levels throughout the region are such that we are seeing neither a traditional buyers nor sellers market." "These are strong leading indicators that we have a stable real estate market. Despite discussions of a possible economic downturn, conditions here remain generally positive for anyone considering the purchase or sale of their home." Single Family home sales remain steady in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As of January 31, 2008 there were 739 Active single family home listings in the city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The median price of active listings was $169,900 and have been on the market an average of 103 days. In addition, there were 170 homes with contingent or pending status. These homes had a median price of $146,900 and were on the market an average of 105 days. During the same time 83 homes were Sold. The average Listing Price on these was $182,722 with an average Sales Price of $176,989 indicating that sale to list price at 96.86%. The days on market averaged 83 days. Looking to buy or sell in this Sioux Falls or surrounding area? For more information, contact me by phone (605)376-4400, e-mail: rita@yournextexit.com, or stop by my website (http://www.yournextexit.com/) to browse. WE'RE NOT THE WILD WEST ANYMORE!
We have a rich history with stories of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane, Deadwod and the 1776 Gold rush, Crazy Horse and General Custer - Just watch "Deadwood" on HBO. The Presidents on Mount Rushmore watch over the Black Hills welcoming tourists from around the world. The people of South Dakota are hard working, dedicated, and loyal - all qualities employers love to see. That is but one reason so many financial, medical, and industrial companies are making South Dakota "Home". We are consistently bucking the downward real estate trends seen nationwide. As parts of the nation are seeing spiralling prices, South Dakota continues to enjoy modest and continual appreciation rates between 3 - 5% per year. SIOUX FALLS leads the state in economic stabiltiy with a thriving business environment and growing economy. We have seen record years for new and existing home sales for the past few years. Its population has grown in excess of 20,000 since 2005 to just over 150,000 today. WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE? Sioux Falls enjoys a good standard of living with an affordable cost of living. We have been touted as the city with the "Safest Drivers in America" (2006, 2007) by AllState, have a low crime rate, and celebrate the rich cultural diversity found here. In addition, the following are a few of the economic factors which have impacted our growth recently:
South Dakota has also been discovered by Hollywood and featured in several box office hits. Most recently seen in National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The following films and/or television shows have been filmed in whole or in part in South Dakota. Armageddon (1998) SIOUX FALLS was named MONEY magazine's "#1 Small City in America" (1992) and continues to rank in top 100. After that recognition we saw a marked increase in people transferring from the crowded, over-taxed, and mean streets of the cities to our up and coming Little City. WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE! If you are looking to keep more for yourself and see your property values increase, Sioux Falls, South Dakota may just be the place to make that happen. Call me - I'd be glad to show you around or drop me a line at rita@yournextexit.com.
GREAT NEWS FOR SIOUX FALLS!!! The Realtors Association of the Sioux Empire reported this week that 2007 was a record setting year. For the past 5 years, Sioux Falls has seen a marked increase in new construction and existing home sales. Despite the trends facing much of the nation, there doesn't appear to be a downside in Sioux Falls or South Dakota. Affordable Housing, Dropping Unemployment Rates, Favorable Business Climate - All are contributing factors making Sioux Falls a GREAT PLACE TO LIVE! Single Family home sales remain steady in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As of December 31, 2007 there were 1090 Active and Pending single family home listings in the city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The median price of active listings was $154,900 and have been on the market an average of 79 days. During December 142 Homes were Sold. The average Listing Price on these was $139,900 with an average Sales Price of $138,900 indicating that sale to list price at 99.3%. The days on market averaged 56 days. Further, average price per finished square foot is as follows: Active Listings = $98.73/sf; Listings Sold = $89.94/sf. Looking to buy or sell in this Sioux Falls or surrounding area? For more information, contact me by phone (605)376-4400, e-mail: rita@yournextexit.com, or stop by my website (http://www.yournextexit.com/) to browse. I was 24 when I met the "Coffee Ladies" (a term I use only to describe to others who they are because there is no single word I can think of that really describes who they are to me) I was a young single mother attempting to become a successful insurance agent. The boss says "Go out to coffee. Visit with the people there." His objective was for me to network. In my vain attempt at scouting business, I did come across a group of women with whom I became very close. Although my insurance career was short-lived, I found that my relationship with my little coffee klatch played an important part in the creation of "ME". I was the baby of the bunch, being 25 years younger than the youngest of the group. They were like a flock of hens, ready and willing to take me under the wing. They became a source of strength and encouragement for me. Even though my own family has always been very close and supportive of me, these women became an extension of my family and were like surrogate mothers/grandmothers as well as wonderful friends and confidante's. Now, 26 years later, I would like to take time to honor these women who have meant so much to me. Throughout the years they have enjoyed living vicariously through my youthful endeavors, offered support and advice without criticism, and always made me feel my opinion was worthy of consideration. They were retired teachers, secretaries, business owners, wives of doctors, lawyers, and professors. In the past 26 years some of the faces have changed and many have been called to Heaven but a couple of them have remained steadfast. The common threads that bound the group were Maxine and Ruby who are the only two remaining today. I am grateful for the opportunity to know and love these women who have made such an impression on me. I moved away from my hometown 7+ years ago and have made friends here. They have all heard about my "Coffee Ladies" since I have an unending supply of stories about them. Even though it's only 50 miles away, I don't get back there as often as I would like to visit with them. But, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about them, miss them, and pray for them. We recently lost one of our beloved friends. She was 80 years old. However, it reminded me that life is too short, no matter how old we get to be. It is easy to get caught up in our own business and forget to take time to tell our friends and loved ones how much we love them and what impact they have had on our lives. The Holidays are a time of family and friends getting together. Starting today, tell those you care about you love them. Tell them what they have meant to you. Treat every encounter as if it was the last one you would have. You will never regret it. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE AND BEST WISHES FOR A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR. Single Family home sales remain steady in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As of November 30, 2007 there were 925 Active single family home listings in the city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The median price of active listings was $216,705 and have been on the market an average of 97 days. On November 30th there were 59 Sales Pending with an average price of $154,292 and had been on the market for an average 103 days. During November 138 Sales were completed. The average Listing Price on these was $168,762 with an average Sales Price of $164,840 indicating that sale to list price at 98%. The days on market averaged 80 days. Further, average price per finished square foot is as follows: Active Listings = $110.23/sf; Listings Sold = $90.18/sf. Looking to buy or sell in this Sioux Falls or surrounding area? For more information, contact me by phone (605)376-4400, e-mail: rita@yournextexit.com, or stop by my website (www.yournextexit.com) to browse. Rita Narragon, Broker Associate, EXIT Realty Group, Inc. Sioux Falls, South Dakota The news tells us every day about how market values on homes are falling drastically across the country and foreclosures are at an all-time high. I am asked all the time when this is trend is going to hit Sioux Falls. I hear of people who are holding out on buying or selling until the prices correct. Well, they may be waiting in vain. We hear all the bad news coming from major metro areas where prices inflated beyond what the economy could handle. However, in Sioux Falls, we are not seing that trend. We have a stable economic base, low unemployment, and an inevitable population boom. We have seen an increase in manufacturing and financial businesses move and/or expand here as well as the expansion of both Sanford and Avera medical facilities. This growth will bring a population increase of approximately 60,000 people in the next few years. Last year was a boom year for home sales and new construction. By the end of the 3rd quarter this year there were only a handfull fewer transactions than last. With that in mind, our real estate market is stable and properties continue to appreciate at a modest rate between 3-5% per year. So, if things are so great, does that mean we won't get a great deal? No. In fact, for the handyman, or someone willing to put a little work into a project there are plenty of properties out there. Today, there are over 100 properties for sale in Sioux Falls under $100,000. This can translate into investment returns in many cases. I compile a booklet weekly showing these properties. If you are interested in receiving one by mail or e-mail visit www.yournextexit.com and request one. Rita |
Rita Narragon - Exit Realty Sioux Falls, SD More about me… EXIT Realty Group, Inc. Office Phone: (605) 271-3948 Cell Phone: (605) 376-4400 Email Me ;) Links;) Tags (Tag Cloud);) Archives
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At 4:00 the train would come by and smash our pennies. We would run to look through the tall grass near the tracks to find our treasures of flattened copper. You could hardly see Lincoln's face anymore. They looked more like carnival trinkets than pennies now. Like the trinkets, the pennies weren't worth anything either. They were just NEAT!
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