Melinda Peterson's Southern Oregon Real Estate Blog

Melinda Peterson's Southern Oregon Real Estate Blog http://activerain.com/blogs/buyinoregon en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/1379252/pennington-farms-applegate-valley-oregon Pennington Farms - Applegate Valley Oregon <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img title="Pennington Farms - Applegate Valley Oregon" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/0/3/7/5/ar126050059057305.jpg" height="250" alt="Pennington Farms - Applegate Valley Oregon" width="320" style="float: left; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" />Pennington Farms - Applegate Valley Oregon</strong>.  In a renovated rustic barn on their large berry farm, the Pennington family, of <a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Southern Oregon Real Estate" target="_blank"><strong>Southern Oregon</strong></a>, work together to produce a wonderful variety of berry jams and "old school" style baked goods, as well as fresh berries in season.  This 90-acre farm and bakery is located in the heart of the beautiful <a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Applegate Valley, Southern Oregon" target="_blank"><strong>Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon</strong></a><strong>. </strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Cathy and Sam Pennington</strong> moved their family from their Colorado farm in 1994 to the Applegate Valley, just eleven miles south of<strong> <a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Oregon" target="_blank">Grants Pass, Oregon</a></strong>.  Initially, the family planted 7 acres dedicated to berries.  What they ended up with was a harvest beyond measure.  All of the berries are grown herbicide-free, and the baked goods are all made from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients available.  With their commitment to excellence, the <a href="http://www.penningtonfarms.net" title="Pennington Farms" target="_blank"><strong>Pennington family farm</strong></a> is well-known throughout <strong>Southern Oregon</strong> and their products are always a "sell-out" at the local farmer's markets in the <strong>Rogue Valley.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The bakery and farm market are open almost year round</strong>, and their breads, pastries, and a large variety of jams are available at the farmer's markets in <strong>Ashland</strong>, <strong>Medford</strong> and <strong>Grants Pass</strong>, as well as specialty shops throughout the <strong>Southern Oregon</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Pennington Farms - Applegate Valley Oregon" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/1/0/2/ar126050063920159.jpg" height="214" alt="Pennington Farms - Applegate Valley Oregon" width="320" style="margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Pennington Farms</strong> is located at 11341 Williams Hwy, just outside <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Oregon" target="_blank">Grants Pass, Oregon</a></strong> in the <strong>Applegate Valley</strong>.  For more information about their products, visit their website at <a href="http://www.penningtonfarms.net/">www.penningtonfarms.net</a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:19:06 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1379252/pennington-farms-applegate-valley-oregon http://activerain.com/blogsview/1377214/christmas-decoration-causes-traffic-jam Christmas Decoration Causes Traffic Jam <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img title="Christmas Decorations Causes Traffic Jam" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/0/6/0/4/ar126040580840604.jpg" height="400" alt="Christmas Decorations Causes Traffic Jam" width="300" style="float: left; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" />Christmas Decoration Causes Traffic Jam</strong>.  I received this funny email today from a friend.  I am sure by now it is has made its rounds on the Internet.  Enjoy!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">"The good news is, I truly out did myself this year with my <strong>Christmas decorations</strong>.  The bad news is that I had to take him down after 2 days.  More people came up to my house screaming than <a>ever before.  Great</a> stories though.  But two things made me take it down. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">First, the police advised me that it would cause traffic accidents (even they almost wrecked when they drove by).  Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder against my house and tryed to climb it (almost killing herself), not realizing that it was fake, until she climbed to the top (she was not happy).  By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">My yard couldn't take it either.  I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard."</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:49:22 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1377214/christmas-decoration-causes-traffic-jam http://activerain.com/blogsview/1375748/cold-hands-warm-pipes Cold Hands, Warm Pipes <p style="text-align: justify;"><img title="Cold Hands Warm Pipes" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/1/2/3/3/ar126033718833215.png" height="176" alt="Cold Hands Warm Pipes" width="236" style="float: left; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" /><strong>Cold Hands, Warm Pipes.</strong>  Over the past couple of days, <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Southern Oregon Real Estate " target="_blank">Southern Oregon</a> </strong>has seen freezing temperatures down into the teens.  Freezing temperatures present challenges for vacant homes that are listed for sale.  Some short sales listings and bank owned REO properties may have the power turned off, so there is no heat.  If the home has not been properly winterized, this can be disastrous.  Is someone checking your vacant home during the winter months?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>If you are an absentee owner of a vacant home</strong>, or you are a Realtor  who is marketing vacant homes, you may want to regularly check these properties for broken interior and exterior water pipes.  If the power is shut off (but the water is still on), you could turn on a faucet to allow a small trickle of water so the pipes don't freeze.  It's okay to have cold hands, but keep your pipes warm by insulating them.  <strong>Save yourself, and a homeowner, unnecessary repairs!   </strong></p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:53:25 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1375748/cold-hands-warm-pipes http://activerain.com/blogsview/1373888/diy-a-growing-trend- DIY - A Growing Trend? <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img title="DIY - A Growing Trend?" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/6/5/1/ar126025013915614.jpg" height="350" alt="DIY - A Growing Trend?" width="338" style="float: left; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" />DIY - A Growing Trend?</strong>  From home improvement projects to filing income tax returns, America is seeing a new generation of do-it-yourselfers (DIY).  Perhaps the renewed interest in do-it-yourself projects surged with the advent of the Internet.  Anyone with access to the web can pull up a "How-to" guide with a few keystrokes in the privacy of their own home or office.  Just a decade ago, that was not the case.  You either bought a book and studied the desired topic or you hired a professional to complete your project.  <strong>Oh how the world has changed in just a few short years.</strong> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Fast forward to real estate services</strong>.  As we all know, the typical DIY in real estate is the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO).  These folks, for one reason or another, have made a conscious decision to sell their home without the use of a Realtor.  Certainly not an impossible task, especially for those who are resourceful enough to educate themselves regarding state laws, disclosures, and required Seller duties.  However, for some, this can be an overwhelming proposition. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Every now and then</strong>, a DIY project goes south because of a lack of knowledge or unforeseen difficulties.  When that happens, the following words are often muttered with intensity; "I should have hired a professional."  Perhaps the most valuable lessons we learn in life are from our mistakes.  However, many mistakes can be avoided by properly obtaining counsel from an expert.     </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>So, the next time you are considering</strong> buying or selling <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate" target="_blank">Southern Oregon real estate</a></strong>, perhaps a phone call to your experienced and knowledgeable <strong>Realtor </strong>might be in order.  As a fellow DIYr, I am always here to help!  You are the reason my real estate business continues to grow!     </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:33:28 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1373888/diy-a-growing-trend- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1371159/grants-pass-southern-oregon-real-estate-statistics Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Statistics <p><strong><strong>Here are the latest <a href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/" title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate " target="_blank">Grants Pass, Southern Oregon Real Estate Statistics</a> for November 2009.</strong></strong></p> <p><strong>1007</strong> - Active Residential Listings<img title="Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/4/3/6/7/ar12373279276348.jpg" height="131" alt="Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" width="300" style="float: right;" /></p> <p><strong>79</strong> - Homes Sold</p> <p><strong>27</strong> - Listings Pending</p> <p><strong>134</strong> - Average Days on Market</p> <p><strong>$222,223.</strong> - Average Sold Price</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Statistics provided courtesy of <a href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/" title="Real Estate Cafe - Southern Oregon" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a>.  Source of information is Southern Oregon MLS - Monthly NAR Statistical Report.  Information herein has not been verified and is not guaranteed.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/" title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" target="_blank">Click Here for more information regarding Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate</a></strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:51:21 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1371159/grants-pass-southern-oregon-real-estate-statistics http://activerain.com/blogsview/1371140/it-s-a-wonderful-life It's A Wonderful Life <p style="text-align: justify;"><img title="It's A Wonderful Life" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/4/7/5/5/ar126012764855741.jpg" height="250" alt="It's A Wonderful Life" width="178" style="float: left; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" />The <a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Oregon Real Estate" target="_blank"><strong>Grants Pass</strong> <strong>Oregon</strong></a> Barnstormers Theatre presents; <strong>It's A Wonderful Life</strong>.  For those of you who don't know, this happens to be one of my favorite Christmas movies.  And for those of you who haven't seen the film, it's a story about a man named George Bailey, whos boyhood dreams of adventure are squelched by his family obligations and civic duty.  When George is feeling like his life has been a waste and the world would be better off without him, an angel appears on the scene to remind George that life is good, and in fact, <strong>It's A Wonderful Life!</strong>   </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Oregon Real Estate" target="_blank">Grants Pass Oregon</a></strong> Barnstormers Theatre will feature this wonderful play each weekend, December 4 through December 27.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:33:46 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1371140/it-s-a-wonderful-life http://activerain.com/blogsview/1371098/things-i-know-about-life Things I Know About Life <p><strong>Things I know about life.</strong>  Today, like everyday, I searched for a bit of inspiration to start my day.  I stumbled upon Michael Josephson's website, <a href="http://www.CharacterCounts.org" title="Character Counts" target="_blank"><strong>Character Counts</strong></a>.  Michael presents a brief summary of what he knows about life.  I felt it is worth repeating, as I happen to agree with each one of these points.  Perhaps you will agree with the majority of them too!  <strong>Make it a great day!</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Things I Know About Life" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/8/7/5/1/ar126012530315781.jpg" height="327" alt="Things I Know About Life" width="504" style="margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" /></p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> I'm a work in process and that there will always be a gap between who I am and who I want to be.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> I don't have to be sick to get better and that every day brings opportunities to improve my life and my character.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> it's easier to talk about integrity than to live it and that the true test is my willingness to do the right thing even when it costs more than I want to pay.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> character is more important than competence.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> it takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> I often judge myself by my best intentions and most noble acts, but that I'll be judged by my last worst act.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> I can't control what will happen to me but that I have a lot to say about what happens in me.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> attitudes, both good and bad, are contagious.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> winning is more than coming in first and that there's no real victory without honor.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> it takes a conscientious effort to be kind, but that kindness changes lives.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> neither gratitude nor forgiveness comes naturally; both often require acts of will.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> real success is being significant.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> happiness is deeper and more enduring than either pleasure or fun and that I'm generally as happy as I'm willing to be.</p> <p><strong>I know that</strong> the surest road to happiness is good relationships and that the best way to have good relationships is to be a good person.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:51:44 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1371098/things-i-know-about-life http://activerain.com/blogsview/1370580/tails-of-love Tails of Love <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Tails of Love</strong> is a heart-warming video produced by <a href="http://www.markjasher.com" title="Mark J Asher Photography" target="_blank"><strong>Mark J Asher</strong></a>. It is a story of tragedy and triumph in the life of Donna and her canine companion Tuxedo. If you love animals, you will love this touching story. Interesting too, the story takes place in Simi Valley, CA, which happens to be my old stomping ground. </p> <p> <object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/B7wvh6rzl2Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B7wvh6rzl2Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="640"></embed></object> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="http://www.markjasher.com" title="Mark J Asher Photography" target="_blank">Mark J Asher</a></strong> is a terrific author who has written several books (Old Friends, Barking up the Family Tree, Bark & Ride) capturing the love between humans and their canine friends. Mark resides in <strong>Ashland Oregon</strong> with his faithful canine pal, Payten. </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sat, 05 Dec 2009 22:30:57 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1370580/tails-of-love http://activerain.com/blogsview/1370516/it-s-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas-in-grants-pass-oregon It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Grants Pass, Oregon <p style="text-align: justify;"><img title="Grants Pass Oregon Snowman" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/8/9/5/ar126007048759858.jpg" height="217" alt="Grants Pass Oregon Snowman" width="290" style="float: left; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" /><strong>It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Grants Pass, Oregon!</strong>  The little town of <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Oregon Real Estate" target="_blank">Grants Pass Oregon</a></strong> is bustling with holiday decorations.  Downtown 6th Street is gleaming with <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1357622/magical-musical-christmas-murals-grants-pass-oregon" title="Magical Musical Christmas Murals" target="_blank"><strong>Magical Musical Christmas Murals</strong></a>, snowflake lights, and a 20 ft tall decorated Christmas tree at the <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Oregon" target="_blank">Grants Pass</a></strong> Visitor Center. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">There is just something warm and fuzzy about the holidays.  Perhaps it is a bit of nostalgia that comes to life each year.  I love listening to Christmas carols.  I love drinking hot cocoa with marshmellows.  I love the smell of Christmas trees.  I love watching <strong>It's A Wonderful Life</strong>.  And most of all, I love visiting with friends and family.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Tonight, the weather man says there is a good chance of snow in the forecast.  It will be the first snow of the season and I am looking forward to a little winter wonderland.  <strong>It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in <a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Oregon" target="_blank">Grants Pass, Oregon</a>!</strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:41:02 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1370516/it-s-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas-in-grants-pass-oregon http://activerain.com/blogsview/1369244/gorgeous-views-from-this-4-acres-in-grants-pass-oregon Gorgeous Views from this 4+ Acres in Grants Pass Oregon <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img title="Grants Pass Oregon View Property" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/3/1/4/ar125998012141373.jpg" height="300" alt="Grants Pass Oregon View Property" width="400" style="float: right; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" />Gorgeous Views from this 4+ Acres in Grants Pass Oregon</strong>.  If you're looking for view property to build a home in <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Oregon Real Estate" target="_blank">Grants Pass Oregon</a></strong>, look no further.  This gorgeous 4.04 rolling acres has amazing views of the surrounding mountains & valley floor.  Backed by BLM with trails to <strong>Grants Pass</strong> Cathedral Hills.  Close to town, hospital and shopping.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Live in the existing Manufactured home, featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, plus an addition, while you build your dream home.  Detached garage/shop, fenced, established garden area, storage sheds, 5 gpm well with 2000 gallon holding tank.  One owner is a licensed <strong>Oregon Realtor</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>MLS# 52909443   $169,900.</strong></p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:37:36 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1369244/gorgeous-views-from-this-4-acres-in-grants-pass-oregon http://activerain.com/blogsview/1367580/grants-pass-real-estate-franchise-retires-coldwell-banker-doran-taylor-inc- Grants Pass Real Estate Franchise Retires - Coldwell Banker Doran Taylor, Inc. <p style="text-align: justify;"><img title="Coldwell Banker Doran Taylor, Inc. " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/6/7/0/ar125989748207659.jpg" height="150" alt="Coldwell Banker Doran Taylor, Inc. " width="239" style="float: left; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" /><strong>Grants Pass Real Estate Franchise Retires - Coldwell Banker Doran Taylor, Inc.</strong>  It's a sad day in the real estate world, when a major real estate franchise closes it's doors.  This week, we learned that one such <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Real Estate" target="_blank">Grants Pass Real Estate</a></strong> <strong>Franchise,</strong> <strong>Coldwell Banker Doran Taylor, Inc.</strong>, has decided to call it quits.  The Doran Taylor family founded the company that has been helping people buy and sell real estate in the <a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Real Estate" target="_blank"><strong>Grants Pass and Rogue Valley</strong></a> area for the past 59 years. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>It is said that the family owned and operated franchise</strong> is closing it's doors because the owners are retiring.  Perhaps the current economy had something to do with the closure as well.  Regardless of speculation, the remaining 15 Realtors at Coldwell Banker Doran Taylor, Inc. have been invited to join another <a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass Real Estate" target="_blank"><strong>Grants Pass real estate</strong></a> franchise, <strong>RE/MAX Ideal Brokers, Inc</strong>.  It will be interesting to see how the two marry their ideals in the coming days. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">For now, we wish to express our deep and sincere sadness at the closure and hope all of the soon-to-be former <strong>Coldwell Banker Doran Taylor, Inc.</strong> Realtors have a successful 2010.  And, may God smile upon us all.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:50:35 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1367580/grants-pass-real-estate-franchise-retires-coldwell-banker-doran-taylor-inc- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1364820/multi-tasker-mania-juggle-this Multi-tasker Mania - Juggle This <p style="text-align: justify;"><img title="Multi-tasker " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/5/4/3/ar125977952534544.jpg" height="152" alt="Multi-tasker " width="160" style="float: left; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" /><strong>Multi-tasker Mania - Juggle This!</strong>  I was driving home from Cali yesterday and I saw something that I just couldn't believe.  <strong>And, what to my wondering eyes did appear...</strong> a lady in a car next to me, driving, smoking, talking on her cell phone, and plucking the hairs from her chinny chin chin with tweezers, all at the same time!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>I know we are living in a world of fast and instant everything</strong>, but this sort of thing gives new meaning to multi-tasker mania.  I wish I had my camera right at that moment, I would have... <strong>oh wait</strong>... I would have been driving, gaulking, and taking pictures all at the same time!  Guilty as charged.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Perhaps there is a reason our creator only gave us two hands</strong>.  Focusing on one task at a time, allows us to give our complete and "quality" attention to that task.  Anything "less-than" is exactly that, less than.  If you are feeling slightly tempted to juggle a multitude of things all at the same time, think about this for a moment... who is watching?  Perhaps you may end up being the subject of a post like this, or possibly featured in a crazy YouTube video. <strong> I can only imagine</strong> <strong>:)</strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:07:01 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1364820/multi-tasker-mania-juggle-this http://activerain.com/blogsview/1362308/oh-happy-day- Oh Happy Day! <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img title="Oh Happy Day" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/5/3/3/5/ar125965698353354.jpg" height="262" alt="Oh Happy Day" width="391" style="float: right; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" />Oh Happy Day!</strong>  Today, I will be making the trek (by car) from LA back to <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass, Oregon" target="_blank">Oregon</a></strong>.  I am not happy about the 10+ hour drive.  Nor am I happy having to say good-bye to my family and my little grand-baby.  Although, I am very grateful I was able to spend a week with family and friends in sunny Southern California.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>I have something else to be happy about today</strong>. Out of the 6 short sales I currently have in escrow, one finally closed escrow today and another got accepted by the lender.  <strong>Oh Happy Day!</strong>  So today, I will be singing for 10+ hours all the way home to <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass, Oregon" target="_blank">Grants Pass, Oregon</a></strong>.  I hope it's still legal to sing and drive at the same time in Cali <strong>:)</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:51:01 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1362308/oh-happy-day- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1361615/time-for-reflection Time for Reflection <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img title="Inspiration" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/6/0/3/ar12596177930661.jpg" height="268" alt="Inspiration" width="437" style="margin: 2px 4px; float: left; border: black 1px solid;" />As 2009 quickly draws to a close</strong>, today offers a special <strong>time for reflection</strong>.  Taking the time to count our blessings and consider our failures, creates a wonderful opportunity for reflection and personal growth.  Growing personally and professionally can be a joyous or painful experience, depending on our viewpoint.    </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>As we head into another challenging year, </strong>it is important to prepare our minds and renew our spirit in a positive way.  One of the best ways that I've found to reflect upon my blessings and the opportunities before me is to view this special video from <a href="http://www.powerofattitudemovie.com" title="Power of Attitude " target="_blank"><strong>Power of Attitude</strong></a>.  I hope you enjoy the video and remember to take time for reflection.  May you grow personally and professionally in the coming year.  Much success in 2010!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:54:50 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1361615/time-for-reflection http://activerain.com/blogsview/1360431/the-blind-side-a-heart-warming-story The Blind Side - A Heart-Warming Story <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img title="The Blind Side" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/0/3/9/ar12595523993091.jpg" height="258" alt="The Blind Side" width="236" style="margin: 2px 4px; float: left; border: black 1px solid;" />The Blind Side - A Heart-Warming Story</strong>.  Based on a true story, "The Blind Side" is a movie about a homeless African-American youngster, Michael Oher, who is taken in by the Tuohys, a well-to-do white family who helps him fulfill his greatest potential. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>This is truly a triumpant story</strong> about a young man who is blessed with an opportunity to rise above his unfortunate circumstances and go all the way to the top to become an All-American offensive left tackle, and eventually a round one draft pick in the NFL.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>I am not usually a big fan of sports-type movies</strong>, but this heart-warming, inspirational story will literally hit you on your blind side and will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.  A must see movie.  Be prepared though, "The Blind Side" can be a tear-jerker, so don't forget to bring the Kleenex!  </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:16:13 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1360431/the-blind-side-a-heart-warming-story http://activerain.com/blogsview/1360357/40-acre-horse-property-13246-water-gap-rd-williams-or-97544 40 Acre Horse Property - 13246 Water Gap Rd - Williams, OR 97544 <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>40 Acre H<img title="13246 Water Gap Rd - Williams, OR 97544" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/2/5/3/7/ar125955085473524.jpg" height="300" alt="13246 Water Gap Rd - Williams, OR 97544" width="400" style="margin: 2px 4px; float: right; border: black 1px solid;" />orse Property - 13246 Water Gap Rd - Williams, OR 97544</strong>.  40+ acre horse property with gorgeous pastoral views of the Williams Valley.  Featuring 3 bdrms, 2.5 bath, 2579 s/f home, built-in 1993, with huge kitchen & center island, formal dining, family and living rooms, fireplace, vaulted ceilings & skylights.  Vinyl fenced pastures, 6-stall barn w/tack & wash room, round pen, riding arena, and 3 covered outside stalls.  Oversized 809 s/f garage w/area for workshop or 3rd car. 100 gpm well (per owner).  BLM nearby.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>$499,500.  ~  MLS# 52906499</strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:24:32 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1360357/40-acre-horse-property-13246-water-gap-rd-williams-or-97544 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1358772/blame-it-on-the-blog Blame it on the Blog <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img title="Fire Breathing Dragon" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/4/6/0/4/ar125945537940643.jpg" height="357" alt="Fire Breathing Dragon" width="400" style="margin: 2px 4px; float: left; border: black 1px solid;" />So, I must confess, today I had to blame </strong><strong>it on the blog!</strong>  As some of you may know, it it easy to become a little obsessive and compulsive about blogging.  It sometimes consumes your every thought.  And, it can at times, make you late for certain events.  Today was one of those times.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>I needed to send a letter by Fed-x to someone in San Diego</strong>.  I figured I had plenty of time to do so.  I continued to blog about events in <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass, Oregon" target="_blank">Grants Pass Oregon</a></strong> and I seriously lost track of time.  Once I realized it was 3:30pm, I started calling around for a Fed-x store.  After making several phone calls, to no success, I had a fleeting thought that I should have stopped blogging a little earlier and perhaps I would have successfully sent my Fed-x letter off today. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Before I knew it</strong>, one of my family members said those dreaded words out loud; <strong>"Blame it on the Blog."</strong>  Oh my, I thought, what has become of me?  Normally, I do not suffer from OCD or ADD.  But this blogging thing can sometimes change my somewhat ambivalent personality to a blogging dragon (at that very moment I think I spewed a little fire out of my dragon breathing mouth). </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>I suppose the moral of this quaint little story is</strong>... don't blame it on the blog.  Life is too short for that.  Fed-x will be open on Monday and will ship my letter to San Diego.  Perhaps my client will understand that a dragon ate my package.  <strong>It sounds more interesting than blaming it on the blog, don't you think?</strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:42:26 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1358772/blame-it-on-the-blog http://activerain.com/blogsview/1358634/all-you-need-is-a-little-lovie-in-grants-pass-oregon All You Need is a Little Lovie in Grants Pass, Oregon <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img title="Love Bucket Baking Company" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/3/0/2/ar125944573520392.jpg" height="267" alt="Love Bucket Baking Company" width="400" style="margin: 2px 4px; float: right; border: black 1px solid;" />All You Need is a Little Lovie in Grants Pass, Oregon</strong>. Lovies make the world go round. Because what would the world be without a little Lovie?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You must mean love, right?  Nope!  We do mean Lovie!  Don't call them a cookie, don't call them a truffle, they are something entirely new.  A unique approach to bringing you a sweet cookie confection.  And, <strong><a href="http://www.LoveBucketBaking.com" title="Love Bucket Baking Company" target="_blank">Love Bucket Baking Co.</a></strong> is overjoyed to finally share it with the world.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Denise Padgett, of <a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass, Oregon" target="_blank">Grants Pass Oregon</a></strong>, originally crafted the recipe.  A creation that is near to her heart. So much so, that she has united with her daughter, Leah Dancer, to reinvent the Lovie and bring it straight to you.  Denise's daughters were in fact the inspiration behind the company name.  They would wake each morning to her joyful call of "good morning my little love buckets."</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lovies are an elegant and sophisticated indulgence</strong> for any occasion.  Whether you would prefer a vanilla butter cookie surrounding decadent, rich dark chocolate ganache or a vanilla butter cookie surrounding a lemon flavored creamy white chocolate ganache, these are just two of the many flavors of Lovies to choose from.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="http://www.LoveBucketBaking.com" title="Love Bucket Baking Company" target="_blank">Love Bucket Baking Co.</a></strong> is constantly growing and evolving with new inspiration for Lovies.  Imagine a pumpkin Lovie in the fall, eggnog or peppermint Lovies for the Holidays, even a monogrammed Lovie for your special day.  Why settle for just a cookie or a truffle when you can have the best of all worlds with a Lovie.  Contact these folks today in <strong><a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass, Oregon" target="_blank">Grants Pass Oregon</a></strong> and order your little Lovies for the holidays!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://lovebucketbaking.com/index.htm" title="Love Bucket Baking Company" target="_blank">Love Bucket Baking Co. - All You Need is a Little Lovie in Grants Pass, Oregon</a></strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:10:54 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1358634/all-you-need-is-a-little-lovie-in-grants-pass-oregon http://activerain.com/blogsview/1357920/country-living-243-springwood-place-grants-pass-oregon Country Living - 243 Springwood Place - Grants Pass, Oregon <p><strong>Country Living - 243 Springwood Place - Grants Pass, Oregon</strong></p> <div style="color: #6F6F65;"> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" style="height: 100%;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="740"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> <td height="20"> <div style="background-color: #4B532A; color: #FDF8D8; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><strong>Melinda Peterson, Broker</strong> | Real Estate Cafe<a href="http://www.postlets.com/email_interest.php?pid=3077666&v=re" style="color: #FDF8D8;"></a> | 541-659-1620</div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="740" style="border-left: 1px solid #e7e6d7; border-right: 1px solid #e7e6d7;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="7" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="1" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td height="30"> <div style="color: #8E0700;">243 Springwood Place, Grants Pass, OR</div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="560"> <div style="color: #5E5E56;">Country Living - City Close</div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="4" width="724" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td height="35" width="350"> <div style="color: #4B532A;">4BR/2BA Single Family House</div> </td> <td></td> <td> <div style="color: #4B532A;">offered at $299,500</div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="125" style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Year Built</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">1981</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Sq Footage</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">2,536</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Bedrooms</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Bathrooms</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">2 full, 0 partial</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Floors</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Parking</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">2 Car garage</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Lot Size</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">.84 acres</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">HOA/Maint</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">$0 per month</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> <div style="color: #4B532A;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">DESCRIPTION</span></div> <hr /> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;">Enjoy the peaceful solitude of country living surrounded by pine trees, but only minutes from District 7 Schools and shopping! Located in NW Grants Pass, this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home features 2536 s/f (includes a finished walk-out basement) on a semi-private .84 acre on a quiet cul-de-sac. Light and bright throughout, with ceiling fans and vaulted ceiling, this home was remodeled in 2001 with newer windows, appliances, and trex decking. Great neighbors and beautiful city and mountain views from this lovely home.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td width="5"></td> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="8" width="100%" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20091128/003522_52909232.jpg" border="1" height="262" alt="" width="350" /><br /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="1" width="350"> <tbody> <tr> <td height="25" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;">see additional photos below</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="4" width="724" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #4B532A;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PROPERTY FEATURES</span></div> <hr /> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">- High/Vaulted ceiling</td> <td width="33%">- Tile floor</td> <td width="33%">- Family room</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">- Living room</td> <td width="33%">- Dishwasher</td> <td width="33%">- Stove/Oven</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">- Microwave</td> <td width="33%">- Basement</td> <td width="33%">- Laundry area - inside</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">- Balcony, Deck, or Patio</td> <td width="33%">- Yard</td> <td width="33%"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="4" width="724" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #4B532A;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ADDITIONAL PHOTOS </span></div> <hr /> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td height="262" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20091128/003522_52909232.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="344" /><br />Photo 1</div> </td> <td style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20091128/003522_52909232_01.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="344" /><br />Photo 2</div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td height="262" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20091128/003522_52909232_02.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="344" /><br />Photo 3</div> </td> <td style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20091128/003523_52909232_03.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="344" /><br />Photo 4</div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td height="262" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20091128/003523_52909232_06.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="344" /><br />Photo 5</div> </td> <td style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20091128/003523_52909232_10.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="344" /><br />Photo 6</div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="50%" style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"> <table cellspacing="1" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="350" style="border-left: 1px solid #e7e6d7; border-top: 1px solid #e7e6d7; border-bottom: 1px solid #e7e6d7; background-color: #e7e6d7;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="5" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #4B532A;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contact info:</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="100"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/galleries/photos/20080214193542_peterson-small.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="95" /></td> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="2" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #5E5E56;">Melinda Peterson, Broker</div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #5E5E56;">Real Estate Cafe</div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #5E5E56;">541-659-1620</div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #5E5E56;">For sale by agent/broker</div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"><span style="padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/css/styles/sonoma/btn_powered.gif" border="0" height="25" alt="powered by postlets" width="140" /></span></td> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"><a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/FHA.html" style="color: #8E0700; text-decoration: none;">Equal Opportunity Housing</a></td> <td width="35" style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"><span style="padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/images/eoh_logo.gif" height="18" alt="" width="24" /></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="740"> <tbody> <tr> <td height="20"> <div style="background-color: #4B532A; color: #FDF8D8; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">Posted: Nov 27, 2009, 9:35pm PST</div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:17:32 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1357920/country-living-243-springwood-place-grants-pass-oregon http://activerain.com/blogsview/1357787/western-bagel-southern-california Western Bagel - Southern California <p style="text-align: justify;"><img title="Western Bagel - Southern California" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/6/6/5/5/ar125937784755663.jpg" height="390" alt="Western Bagel - Southern California" width="300" style="float: right; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 4px; border: 1px solid black;" />Today, I visited <a href="http://www.WesternBagel.com" title="Western Bagel" target="_blank"><strong>Western Bagel</strong></a>, one of my favorite places in Southern California!  Any time I am visiting Los Angeles, I make a special point of patroning this family owned business.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">There is such a variety of bagels to choose from.   I love their sprouted whole wheat bagels and Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee. But my other favorite bagels are onion and cinnamon raisin.  Let's not forget the yummy cream cheese too!  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">If you are ever in Southern California, be sure to visit <strong>Western Bagel</strong> and taste a bagel.  You'll love them!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:18:45 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1357787/western-bagel-southern-california http://activerain.com/blogsview/1357622/magical-musical-christmas-murals-grants-pass-oregon Magical Musical Christmas Murals - Grants Pass, Oregon <p><strong><img title="Magical Musical Christmas Murals - Grants Pass Oregon" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/8/7/0/ar125936692507836.jpg" height="575" alt="Magical Musical Christmas Murals - Grants Pass Oregon" width="334" style="margin: 2px 4px; float: left; border: black 1px solid;" />Magical Musical Christmas Murals - Grants Pass, Oregon</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Looking for a festive activity</strong> to entertain the kids and holidays guests? Consider visiting <a href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" title="Grants Pass, Oregon" target="_blank">Grants Pass, Oregon</a>, where the <strong>Magical Musical Christmas Murals</strong> are on display along 6th Street in old downtown.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Beginning the 3rd week of November</strong> and running through the first week of the New Year, downtown Grants Pass will radiate with fiber optic dazzle from 18 gigantic Magical Musical Christmas Murals.  The over-sized murals weigh 400 pounds each and include automatic sound systems to play the old-fashioned Christmas music emanating from them.  The murals are 12 inches thick, ten feet tall, five feet wide, and wired with miles of fiber optic cable and thousands of points of lights.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>And what lights!</strong>  They flow and blink so that snow falls and accumulates, bells ring, gifts collect under the tree, and aurora borealis shimmers in the night sky.  Each mural takes 20 to 30 seconds to tell its "story." The murals were manufactured by Fiberoptic Lighting, Inc., of <strong>Grants Pass</strong>, at an average cost of $12,000 each.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Magical Musical Christmas Murals</strong> are sure to cause visitors and residents of <strong>Grants Pass</strong> much "ohs and ahs" during the holidays.  In addition to this celebratory fun, there is much more to do in our downtown area, such as browsing antique and specialty shops, listening to music, touring the art galleries, having a great cup of coffee, sipping wine, and enjoying our fine eateries. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>For added oomph</strong>, plan to visit <strong>Grants Pass</strong> on Friday, December 5th, for the First Friday Night Art Walk, one of the oldest and most popular art walk events in the state.  Downtown Grants Pass is a magnet for a proud and passionate art community whose eclectic works provide great shopping gift ideas for Christmas.  See you there!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:13:46 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1357622/magical-musical-christmas-murals-grants-pass-oregon http://activerain.com/blogsview/1356322/the-realtor-abc-s-of-thanksgiving The Realtor ABC's of Thanksgiving <p><strong><img title="Realtor ABC's of Thanksgiving" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/8/5/5/0/ar125926375205586.jpg" height="197" alt="Realtor ABC's of Thanksgiving" width="150" style="margin: 2px; float: right; border: black 1px solid;" />The Realtor ABC's of Thanksgiving</strong></p> <p><strong>T</strong> is for the <strong>trust</strong> you earn each day<br /><strong>H</strong> is for the <strong>heart</strong> you pour into your work<br /><strong>A</strong> is for <strong>all</strong> the time you devote to others <br /><strong>N</strong> is for your excellent <strong>negotiation</strong> skills <br /><strong>K</strong> is for <strong>kindness</strong> and the thoughtful deeds you do<br /><strong>S</strong> is for <strong>smiling</strong>, even when you don't feel like it <br /><strong>G</strong> is for <strong>gratitude</strong>, all blessings great and small<br /><strong>I</strong>  is for <strong>ideas</strong>, let your creative juices flow <br /><strong>V </strong>is for the <strong>value </strong>you add to every deal<br /><strong>I</strong>  is for the <strong>infinite</strong> wisdom you possess                                 </p> <p><strong>N</strong> is for playing <strong>nice</strong> with your fellow Realtors<br /><strong>G</strong> is for <a href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/" title="Grants Pass Oregon Real Estate" target="_blank"><strong>Grants Pass Oregon Real Estate</strong></a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:11:23 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1356322/the-realtor-abc-s-of-thanksgiving http://activerain.com/blogsview/1354115/a-brief-history-of-thanksgiving A Brief History of Thanksgiving <p><span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial,verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;"> <p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: justify;"><a name="view" target="_blank"><img title="Thanksgiving Holiday" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/0/1/9/ar125911349791059.jpg" height="107" alt="Thanksgiving Holiday" width="143" style="border: 1px solid black; margin: 2px 4px; float: left;" /><strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;">A Brief History of Thanksgiving</span></span></strong></strong></a></p> <p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;"><strong>Thanksgiving Day</strong> is now a favorite American holiday...but did you know it took awhile to catch on as an annual tradition?</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;">According to scholars, the first known Thanksgiving took place on September 8, 1565 in Saint Augustine, Florida when Spanish settlers held a Mass of Thanksgiving after arriving safely in the New World. English settlers in the Virginia Colony held a similar day of thanks in 1619. Two years after that, the colonists at Plymouth Plantation celebrated the most famous Thanksgiving, during 1621.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;">It wasn't until October 3, 1789, that it actually became a holiday, when then President George Washington proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving...but just for that year. In 1795, Washington again proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving, and President John Adams also declared Thanksgivings in 1798 and 1799.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;">After a decade and a half without the celebration taking place at all, President James Madison renewed the tradition in 1814, and even went so far as to declare the holiday twice in 1815!</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;">In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln finally proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving that should take place every year. Years later, President Franklin Roosevelt stated that Thanksgiving should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month - as opposed to landing on the occasional fifth Thursday.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span></span></strong></p> </span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:36:13 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1354115/a-brief-history-of-thanksgiving http://activerain.com/blogsview/1351080/the-evolution-of-the-virtual-culture The Evolution of the Virtual Culture <p><img title="The Evolution of the Virtual Culture" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/1/1/3/ar125896288431162.jpg" height="176" alt="The Evolution of the Virtual Culture" width="265" style="float: left; margin: 2px 4px; border: black 1px solid;" /><strong>The Evolution of the Virtual Culture.</strong> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>An interesting commentary</strong> was recently written by James A. Crumbaugh III, CEO of Allison James Estates and Homes, and published by RIS Media.  Here is what James had to say about <strong>the evolution of the virtual culture</strong>. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>I recently returned from the NAR National Convention</strong> in San Diego, California, a convention that had a feel of celebration.  I believe that's because every one of the 19,000 attendees is a survivor of the past three years of the worst economic and real estate crisis this country has seen in 80 years.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>For me, the experience was one of confirmation</strong> of what I believe to be the future of the real estate industry-Internet-based real estate. The business model, like ours, is a national Internet-based Real Estate Brokerage, where the Realtors work out of their home offices, and as a result, the broker has no brick and mortar expense. In return, the Realtor keeps 100% of his or her commission and just pays the broker a small association fee each month, thereby creating a profit for the broker, rather than an expense.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Two years ago, when we first rolled out our business model</strong> in Washington D.C. at the Midyear NAR Convention, the word "virtual" was absolute poison.  Brokers and Realtors would come to our booth and literally run when they heard the word virtual.  What a change just two years has made.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>This year at the NAR National Convention in San Diego</strong>, the word virtual was the most exciting idea being discussed.  Brokers wanted to learn how to create a virtual environment for the Realtors and brokers successfully.  I suspect in the coming year we will see hundreds of brokerages recreating themselves under a virtual banner.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Even the Realtors this year jumped all over the virtual business model</strong>.  We encountered thousands of Realtors who realized that they can now command 100% of their commissions, and that is now the accepted standard.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Furthermore, what we heard from every Realtor</strong> is the reason they don't go to an office, and the reason they don't care about an office environment is boiled down to one word: distraction.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The top producers think that when they go into an office environment</strong>, they become distracted from being productive.  We heard this comment universally from almost every Realtor.  Realtors' insight into their most fruitful working conditions has been an unanticipated end result of this business model.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>So, after this year's convention</strong>, I feel that Internet-based real estate was not only accepted by both the brokers and Realtors, but that brokers, such as myself, were no longer the strange broker that lived out there in some mysterious virtual never-land.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The virtual culture is not only the future of the industry</strong>, but a huge favor to all the brokers who are struggling to keep their doors open, now that even brand new Realtors expect to keep 100% of their commissions.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>This new business model has legs</strong>, and it will continue to expand and grow.  It will, in the process, make the brokers of our industry financially healthy once again.  It will also allow the Realtors to truly be independent contractors who are allowed to keep all of what they have earned.</p> <p><strong>The virtual culture is a win-win-win for the broker, the Realtor and the consumer.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Article compliments of RIS Media</strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:06:03 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1351080/the-evolution-of-the-virtual-culture http://activerain.com/blogsview/1350201/how-to-stage-your-home-for-a-quick-sale How To Stage Your Home For a Quick Sale <div class="embedded-howcast-video" style="text-align: center; font-size: 9px;"><object id="howcastplayer" height="357" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="432"><param name="movie" value="http://www.howcast.com/flash/howcast_player.swf?file=122392&theme=red"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="flashVars" value="&fs=true"></param><embed src="http://www.howcast.com/flash/howcast_player.swf?file=122392&theme=red" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="&fs=true" height="357" width="432"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.howcast.com/videos/122392-How-To-Stage-Your-Home-For-a-Quick-Sale" class="embedded-playback-url" alt="How To Stage Your Home For a Quick Sale" target="_blank">How To Stage Your Home For a Quick Sale</a> on <a href="http://www.howcast.com" class="embedded-howcast-url" alt="www.howcast.com" target="_blank">Howcast</a></div> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>How To Stage Your Home For a Quick Sale.</strong> You don't have to invest a ton of money to make your home more appealing to potential buyers - a few tips and tricks might just do the trick.</p> <p><strong>You Will Need</strong></p> <ul> <li>Flowers </li> <li>Storage space </li> <li>Pillows </li> <li>Time to tidy up </li> <li>Good coffee </li> <li>Frozen cookie dough </li> </ul> <p><img src="http://www.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/122392/24_medium.jpg?1233010442" alt="24_medium" /></p> <p><strong>Step 1: Start outdoors</strong></p> <p>For homebuyers, the first impression starts before they even get out of the car, so make your front yard and walkway as appealing as possible. Plant some flowers, rake any leaves, remove weeds, paint the fence and porch-make sure everything is in tiptop condition.</p> <p><img src="http://www.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/122392/41_medium.jpg?1233010445" alt="41_medium" /></p> <p><strong>Step 2: Clear the clutter</strong></p> <p>Put away knickknacks and any odds and ends that wouldn't be in a model home. If you're in a hurry, just stick them in your car, inside desk drawers, or in other places the buyers won't look.</p> <p><img src="http://www.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/122392/51_medium.jpg?1233010448" alt="51_medium" /></p> <p><strong>Step 3: Let the sun shine in</strong></p> <p>Open up your blinds and curtains; light makes a room look bigger.</p> <p>Appealing aromas like coffee beans and freshly baked cookies make people feel at home and put them in a good mood. So put on a pot of good coffee and pop a roll of cookie dough in the oven.</p> <p><img src="http://www.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/122392/66_medium.jpg?1233010452" alt="66_medium" /></p> <p><strong>Step 4: Pare down</strong></p> <p>Put extra furniture in storage and clear the kitchen counter of appliances like the microwave oven and toaster. Besides making your house look bigger, it will help prospective buyers picture their own belongings in your home.</p> <p><img src="http://www.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/122392/79_medium.jpg?1233010458" alt="79_medium" /></p> <p><strong>Step 5: Throw around pillows</strong></p> <p>Steal a page from the home décor magazines: add throw pillows to make rooms look warm, comfortable, and inviting. And put soft, fluffy comforters on the beds, even if it's summer.</p> <p><img src="http://www.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/122392/90_medium.jpg?1233010464" alt="90_medium" /></p> <p><strong>Step 6: Make it less personal</strong></p> <p>Remove family photos and your kids' artwork from the fridge. Homebuyers like to imagine what it would be like to live in the house; your photographs subconsciously prevent them from doing that.</p> <p><img src="http://www.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/122392/101_medium.jpg?1233010471" alt="101_medium" /></p> <p><strong>Step 7: Splurge on fresh flowers</strong></p> <p>Put fresh flowers throughout the home. The sight and scent of flowers are proven mood boosters, which will help buyers look more favorably upon your home.</p> <p><strong>Industry surveys show that staging your home can make it sell three months sooner, and for 3% more!</strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><em><a title="Melinda Peterson Broker-Owner Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2137633&NF=1" target="_blank">Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner</a></em></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: small;"><strong><a title="Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe" href="http://www.BuyInOregon.com" target="_blank">Real Estate Cafe</a></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Grants Pass Oregon - Southern Oregon Real Estate" href="http://www.buyinoregon.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2143469&NF=1"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Grants Pass, Oregon ~ </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Southern Oregon Real Estate</span></strong></a></p></div> Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe) Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:48:11 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1350201/how-to-stage-your-home-for-a-quick-sale