By the end of February or first of March on the McKenzie, the March Brown mayfly makes its first appearance on the river.  This is the first major dry fly hatch on the river, and wakes up all of those beautiful native rainbow and cutthroat trout from their winter lethargy, not to mention the died-in-the-wool fly fishermen. Sunnier, warmer days, drier highways, and the promise of some action on the river brings welcome relief from the winter doldrums.

The first buds on the shrubs and trees, and early bulbs start to emerge.  Post-winter yard cleanup begins. The spring greening of the valley has begun.

This is when the real estate market in the upper valley wakes up, too.  Despite the rumored and feared appearance of a coming recession on the heels of last year's real estate downturn, there are many positive signs. Whatever happens in November, positive economic change is a pretty sure bet, and just about everyone we talk to believes it is coming.  Mortgage rates are down, and at least some help is on the way for the mortgage industry.  The market adjustments of the last year have made some good buys available for astute buyers, and the expectations of sellers have adjusted, too, based on the realities of the market.  It tells us that a good year is ahead for realtors who know their markets and really pay attention to their clients' needs and dreams.

Blessings to all this new year - we welcome the March Browns!

John & Susan Gray
McKenzie Valley Realtors