Will you be shopping the early morning sales on the Friday following Thanksgiving? Are you the type that is out pre-dawn? Do your legs get weary from all of the wandering? I have a great solution to give you a break and to help get you into the Christmas Spirit!
Macy's will be hosting it's annual Holiday Parade beginning at 8:45 AM. The kids can watch as their beloved characters float by. You can enjoy the live music as the parade passes by. All getting you ready for the amazing season before us. This year, the parade route is slightly different; it will begin at NW Park and Davis, then travel east to Broadway, south on Broadway to SW Alder, east on Alder (past Macy's) to 4th, north on 4th to NW Flanders, west on Flanders to Park.
Once you are done with you are done watching this parade pass, resume your shopping. Grab a bite to eat at one of the local bistros or your favorite restaurant. Shop some more. Just be ready, because at 5:30 PM...
The TreeLighting Ceremony will begin on the 75 foot Christmas tree in the middle of Pioneer Courthouse Square. With thousands of people participating in the singing of Christmas carols, you may want to get there early and secure a spot.
Whatever you do with the rest of your Thanksgiving weekend, I encourage you to spend it with family, friends, and those that you love. We are starting another season full of all things warm and good. Enjoy!
You may not know this about Oregon. It is one of the top producing wine regions in the United States. And, may I say...for good reason!
This is not the first year I have let you know about this event. You may have read about it in a past post of mine, or it may be news to you. Either way, the Oregon Wineries of the Willamette valley are celebrating their 27th Annual Wine Country Thanksgiving this year, and I want you to be a part of it! I have been a wine enthusiast for several years now. I have experimented with wines from all over the world. While there are many great wines out there, from many unique places, I am pleased to say that Oregon ranks right up there among the best that I have had.
I will tell you that there are over 160 wineries that are involved in this ginormous event, I think it best that you investigate the wealth of information at the Willamette Wines website. From 11 AM - 5 PM most wineries will be open with specials to check out.
Personally, I am most likely be found one day at the Argyle Winery, a personal favorite of mine. But, I hope to visit a few others and find some new favorites too.
So, go, pay a visit, and enjoy! Take your girl friends and make a day of it sipping the new releases as well as the more aged vintages. Take your significant other, and take a romantical stroll through the vineyards. Go out with another couple...or three or four ~ meeting the winemakers. I hope to see you there!
Attitudes...my attitude. The attitude of those around me. The attitudes of potential clients. Guess what??? It all starts...With ME!
Those of you who have read my posts through my time here on AR know that I am a pretty positive and optimistic person. My faith spurs me on, even when I do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Lately...I have been challenged, personally, in life. I regret to say that to some extent, this has flown into my business life. Today, I choose to change that. It all starts with me.
Me finding hope in the future of this home of ours being started...and finished.
Me finding hope that the Real Estate and Mortgage Industry will level back out...eventually.
Me believing that there is good in store for me...for you; if only I and we continue to go after it.
Me seeing the truth that I am blessed with two great children.
Me knowing the truth that I have the best husband I could ever think of.
Me accepting the fact that I am not perfect, nor do I have to be.
It all starts...with me. And with the attitude that I can affect change for the good. In my life, and in the lives of those around me. There is enough doom and gloom. I choose to celebrate today for what it is! I hope that you will too.
If you find yourself in need of a pep talk (or a mortgage), I am your girl!
I would like to congratulate Diana Redding of Studio One on her success in this month's Featured Business. Diana's motto for her studio is, "We love to dance...and it shows!" As a family who has been involved with this studio, I can attest that Diana and each of the staff members holds this as a core value.
This Saturday, October 17th, Studio One is hosting a Celebration of their 15 years as a community business. Between 1 and 4 PM, they are asking all dancers (past, present, and future) to stop by and visit. There will be special guest performances, refreshments, friends, and lots of fun.
This Studio boasts award winning performing teams, classes for adults, toddler combo classes, tumbling, ballroom dancing, and so much more. As a positive place to give confidence to youth and adults alike, I hope that you will take the time to check it out.
Studio One Dance Academy is located at 7915 SE Lake Road, Milwaukie, OR 97267. We would love to see you there!
Sarah Eubanks is an optimistic and experienced Mortgage Specialist. For both your Residential and Commercial Mortgage needs, she is who you want to handle your purchase or refinance. Phone Sarah today at 503.442.1349.
Inspired by Inna Hardison's tribute to her son, I wanted to share with you about living the dream.
I am the blessed and (usually) fortunate mom of an almost ten year old competitive, testosterone prone, sports minded boy, Derek. He, along with my daughter, are a dream come true for me. While I have many dreams in my life, one of them was (and is) very basic. Having a family and being a mom.
Derek's dream, his #1 hope and aspiration, is to play baseball. He will play for the Oregon State Beavers while he earns his degree, and then for the New York Yankees (if you are not a Yankee fan...you will be when Derek joins their ranks). While this may seem far fetched given that tons of boys dream of playing in the major leagues, I can tell you this. If anyone is able to do this and achieve this dream...it is most assuredly my sweet little man. His dream has become my dream too.
While his Dad and I could tenderly point him in a different direction, telling him that it is just too hard. We do not. We want no part in killing a dream. Especially not our children's dreams. Beyond that, though, we believe that God gives us dreams for a reason. So, we look forward, fully expecting to be sitting there for his first Major League game. We have certainly given this little boy advice on how to make that dream a reality, and Derek has taken that and made it all his own. These characteristics are how we see the winner inside of him.
His Faith ~ Derek believes that God has a good plan for his life and that it will include baseball. As a left handed pitcher, he has God given traits that automatically give him some sort of advantage when pitching. He also knows that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. When he is feeling frustrated or discouraged, Derek prays and asks God for strength.
His Coaches ~ In the off season, Derek saw a private coach to get ready for the baseball draft in March. He wanted to be on the top level team with the best coaches so he could try to learn from them. His private coach has mentioned on many occasions that Derek will succeed because at nine years old, he listens to the instruction, retains, it, and uses it to make himself a better play. He did, by the way, make the federal team out of the 100+ who tried for it.)
His Work Ethic ~ Even after a successful game, he asks those who he trusts what he could have done better to help his team. He is always striving to do better. Always holding the ball with different grips. Often swinging his bat to strengthen his arm. Even in his free time, he chooses baseball activities because he loves the game.
His Support ~ Having friends and family around who love him, cheer him on, encourage him, and support him has been paramount to his successes so far. He always says how much he loves it when people come and watch him. He knows that he could not do this on his own. And as a result, he gives credit where credit is due.
His Character ~ People want to be around Derek. His teammates and his coaches enjoy having him on the team. After every practice, after every game, he thanks his coaches for volunteering their time. He finds the successes in his teammates for that game and encourages them. Derek is just the kind of person whose character inspires others.
So how does this apply to living your dream in this business and industry? I would say go ahead and take the wisdom of a nine year old. Use his traits and live your dream. I will be using them in my life and in my business. It will not happen overnight. Go all nine innings and even more if you need to in order to win.
Speaking of business, if you need help with your residential or commercial mortgage, please phone me at 503.442.1349. Just realize that if I do not answer your call, I am likely at a ball park cheering on my favorite superstar who is living his dream. I will phone you back as soon as I can. While you are waiting..take some time...take the steps...and live your dream too.
I have been away for a little while recently. While you may wonder what has been going on with me, I can and will answer those questions for you in this post. Not to fear, there is nothing that was wrong. To the contrary, my business has been exceeding my expectations for this time. I am so blessed!
I have missed being in the Rain, but was busy with my business. Busy with my family. Busy with fighting Clackamas County to get permits to build.
My daughter, Breana, actually prompted me to get back to Active Rain. The astute 11 year old that she is, she asked me the other day, "Mommy...why are you not spending time on Active Rain anymore?". I explained to her in all of my wisdom that Mommy is busy. I have not had time to be writing posts and that the fact that loans were funding and closing was all I had time for in the midst pf parenthood, building a home, and volunteering in our community. You know, the usual, "there are so many hours in the day".
While that basically ended the conversation, it did get me to thinking. Where has the bulk of my business been coming from? It all can be traced back to one place. You guessed it, Active Rain. The networking opportunity that this provides is intangible. Track with me for a moment. In the past 12 months, I have...
Closed 3 loans from AR Realtors who contacted me to help in a purchase transaction.
Learned how to use Facebook and Twitter to obtain leads. This has obtained 4 new clients for me. It has also afforded me an opportunity to stay in touch with past clients.
I found about ZMM and have had many, many loans close as a result of submitting quotes. Further, I have earned countless referrals from my Zillow clients.
This website has been a blessing to my business, and I need to continue to nurture that. For those of you who have bailed because you are busy, join me in reasserting a presence here in the Rain. It may not be as often as it used to be. And that is okay. For those of you who I have been out of contact with, I look forward to reestablishing our friendship. Thanks to Breana, I am back, and I am ready for more....
Get out the Vote, Rock the Vote. I do not particularly care how you vote. Just vote. In this critical time of American history in the making, we need to hear the voice of Oregonians. We need to be a part of both the national and local landscape. Do you really want to be the one vote that looses a measure you care about? Do you want to be one of a few that do not elect the individual to office that you would prefer? Your vote does make a difference. Is it a cliche'? You had better believe that it is. But it makes does not make it any less true.
As a service to all who have been complacent in the past, I have compiled a few resources for you. Go and check them out and get yourself registered to vote. We are coming down to the last few days and you need to be proactive and register. I am making it very simple for you. To borrow a phrase from Phil Knight and Nike, "Just Do It".
In Oregon, our last day to register to vote is on this coming Tuesday, the 14th of October. So read on, visit the links should you need to (or want to), and then VOTE!!
Clicking here will take you to an official Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division page. On this page you can input your information and find out if you are on target to receive an election ballot later this month. As of this evening when I checked my personal information, it had been updated through today.
If you are not registered, visiting this Secretary of State site will allow you to register to vote online. It does not get much easier than that. If you can find your way to this post, I am quite certain that you can register withthis method. It will also provide you with information on Oregon's Vote By Mail, Election Guidelines, and other relevant information. It is a good resource to use.
Finally, this page will get you the information on your particular county. Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can contact your local county official. It will provide you with the contact name as well as methods to get in touch with your local clerk.
Again, this is a crucial time in our history. Whether you are passionate about politics or "just" concerned about the economy. You need to participate. Encourage others to do the same.
As I vote, I will be watching, reading, and writing. :-)
In today's economic turmoil and heated political scene, we rarely hear news that is uplifting or encouraging. This morning - today - is not any different. I wanted to share with you a glimmer of hope which I found on the MSNBC website today.
While researching the emergency rate cut enacted by the fed this morning, I stumbled across this article claiming, "Breaking News" , but oddly I have not seen anything about it on the big three networks. So...are you ready for the good news...the hope?
August's Existing Home Sales had a very solid increase in the month of August. While the expectation was for another decline of 1.8%, the buyers started buying. Not only were the economists wrong in their expectation of a decrease, they were blown out of the water with an increase of 7.4%. The article, as brief as it is, goes on to tell you that the reading is the highest since June of 2007 and 8.8% higher than one year before.
While I am not espousing that the hard times are over, I do think that we need to spread the news. I believe that the media is largely responsible for the mess we are in now. Sure, government has played it's roll in the demise. But the media are the ones who fuel the fear of the masses. If we can get out and encourage buyers, sellers, and borrowers that now is a great time to buy, we can help to stimulate the economy. We can make ourselves part of the media. We have voices too. And Active Rain has established itself as a major influence in the world of Real Estate both nationally and locally.
Go spread the good news. The hope. As I do what I can to join the fight, I will be watching, reading, and writing (finally).
Today, I celebrate one of my favorite days of the year! My little girl...Breana, turns ten years old. In honor of this little miracle's birthday, I want to celebrate her first decade of life. What better way to do that than by sharing a bit of her life and personality with all of you. I am so blessed to not only know her but have her as my daughter, and the following are just a few reasons why this is true!
So without further ado and in no particular order, here are my top ten reasons that I celebrate Breana Renee Eubanks...
Her heart. Breana is full of compassion. When an ambulance passes us she prays that the family will feel at peace in the midst of whatever chaotic and scary thing is going on. She prays that the doctors will be wise, and that the ambulance gets to it's location safely. If yu ever pass us in an ambulance, you are totally covered with the love of a little girl...a stranger. A stranger with a ginormous heart!
Her smile. Breana has a smile which warms the heart of even the grumpiest types. We are regulars at this one restaurant. No one could get a particular server to smile. He always seemed bitter and angry. One evening at dinner, Breana cracked a smile and his face shone for the first time in the two years that we had known him. Since then, he smiles and laughs with us everytime we see him.
Herenergy. Okay, okay...sometimes, I wish she were not so energetic. But on the days where I need some energy, she shares it with me. When you are around Breana you just cannot help but feel enthusiastic for life. She bubbles over with life and it is always exciting!
Herattitude. While many children have learned to make excuses, Breana has learned a "can do" attitude. No matter the challenge, she meets it with grace and determination. In this, her first year playing softball, she is pitching. When she decided that she wanted to try pitching, she committed herself to helping her team by being the best pitcher she could be. Never have I heard her say, "I can't" when she is coached to do something differently. She gets in there, pushing up her Roxy sweatshirt sleeves and does it.
Hergenerosity. Breana gives. There is no more to say than that. She gives of her time, her energy, her money, and most importantly, herself. Most of the things she does have been done to encourage someone else.
Her strength. When we named Breana, we did not know initially that her name meant "Strong". But once we had decided on the name, I looked up it's meaning. I was glad for the meaning as I wanted a leader. I wanted for my daughter to be strong and know who she was/is. She is as strong as they come, and at the same time, soft and delicate. She is going to grow up to be an amazing woman. I feel privileged that I get to be by her and watch what God has planned for her life.
Her creativity. While this may seem silly to some, it is truly one thing I love about Breana. She is an individual and she knows what she likes. She beats to her own drummer, and her style demonstrates this truth. Breana has impeccable style in everything she does.
Her work ethic. Breana entered grade four this year with a drastic change in expectations. At the beginning, she was truly unaware of what it would take to earn her customary grades. As we went about the process of working to achieve her goals, she chose to skip certain events in order to excel at something which mattered to her. She is going to go far in life with an attitude like that.
Her decency. Breana has a great grasp on what really matters in life. She cares about the homeless. When we ran by them this March for the Shamrock Run, her heart was scared for the individuals she saw. She has a sense of fairness. She knows inherently what is right and what is wrong. She lives out her life with mercy and with grace.
Her life. Breana is a miracle. With the cord wrapped around her neck twice, her birth was tumultuous. Tens of hours after labor Breana entered this world. Within moments of her birth, my health was in danger. She has helped me fight and never give up even since that time. When times are rough, I remember that God had (has) a purpose for her life. And that I am a part of what will help to get her where she needs to be.
Yes...many of these aspects seem too "big" for a ten year old child. But, in a way, she has always been a bit wiser than her years. It is, in part, why I have called her my "Munchkin" from the time she was born. I am so very proud of her life so far, and yet I look to the future and know that her life will be even so much more.
Celebrate today. Find whatever you can to find your top ten reasons why you love today. I did not have to look very hard. Hopefully you won't either. Happy 10th Birthday, Breana! For the record, "I love you more, most, forever and ever and always!"
Here I am, as busy as I have ever been, thinking and pondering all things mortgage related. I have been having epiphany after epiphany related to my industry ~ my business. I could not help but share this one with all of you.
Recently, one of my great realizations is that our clients are buying a good and a service from us. You, the clients, are choosing which "store" you want to shop at to get a great interest rate. But really, there is so much more than the rate involved.
When we are shopping for shoes or for a new computer, price is definitely a factor. Yet it is not the only factor. So it is with buying a new automobile. We can buy the less expensive Ford or the more pricey Lincoln. What is the difference between shopping at Nordstrom or at Walmart? Unmatched customer service and a great cost per use can be found at Nordstrom. Walmart will feature the quick sell and relatively disposable version of similar products.
Thinking of it in that way, let me be the first to say...shopping with me is equivalent to shopping at Nordstrom. Using my services, you will feel like you are in luxury vehicle ~ a Lincoln Navigator or something even nicer.
I know somewhere you can go to buy a bargain. But, if you are willing to buy great customer service and a great product, come shop with me.
So you wanna buy a mortgage?? Most of us just won't look for the cheapest thing we can find when it come to important issues...something that really matters. Our wedding dresses need to beautiful. Spare no expense, right? The car we drive, the house we buy, the shoes we wear...the list goes on.
So why are people out to find the "cheapest" mortgage? The economy is tight...why should I pay someone to do this? It makes a difference to my bottom line. Guess what...step in close so I can tell you and you can hear. Your gas guzzling car makes a difference to your bottom line, too. You still drive it.
Why? I will tell you why. It makes you feel safe. It makes you comfortable. It will get you through all sorts of weather. So do I and so will I. That is the reason I deserve to be paid. That is the reason that you will not likely find the "cheapest" rate with me.
Let's get one thing clear. I do not rip clients off at all. I am worth my time and my efforts, though. My philosophy when I entered this business is that getting one loan and making .5% was better than nothing. No longer do I feel that way. Even if I were to have a month with no closed transactions, I would not believe that anymore. I am worth what I charge, and quite frankly even more than you can pay me.
So,,,you wanna buy a mortgage? Come get great customer service. Come on over to Nordstrom where you will be treated with respect and integrity. Just as your shoes from Nordstrom will last forever (as long as the style does), so will your loan. Are you willing to pay for the brand name mortgage? Set yourself up with me, a local luxury Mortgage Professional.
So, you wanna buy a mortgage?? I can be reached at 503.442.1349 or sarah@hillvalleyfinancial.com. I look forward to serving you. "Thank you for phoning Sarah Eubanks...how can I help you today?"
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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