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No upset stomach this year.

By Alan May

Real Estate Agent with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty

December 10, 2013 05:03 AM

Mommy! Give me a drink of water!

The Real Estate market is a living thing. It goes uppity, up, up, it goes downity, down, down. Oh, wait... wrong references.

It goes up and down like a see-saw.

Danny Kaye had a song that, as a kid, I played the grooves raw, called "Playing on the see-saw". For those of you too young to know Danny Kaye as a performer, well... I'm sorry for you. You missed an exemplary performer and comedian.

Playing on the see-saw, the see-saw, the see-saw
Playing on the see-saw
Push me up again

The lyrics and the tune bespeak a simpler time, before ipods, computers, VCRs, DVRs... This was an innocent little album, and listening to the song today seems unbelievable that I enjoyed it so much... although, I'm a pretty simple soul

When I go up I'm big as a tree
When I come down you're bigger than me

Allright, allright... I've digressed a bit, from the subject of real estate. Let's see if I can drag it back. The market goes up and down... week to week, month to month.

Playing on the see-saw
Push me up again
Playing on the see-saw, the see-saw, the see-saw
Playing on the see-saw
Push me up again

This year, interestingly enough... it's been pretty consistent... fairly flat, and not see-sawish at all. I kept waiting for the summer to slow down as it traditionally does... but it carried all the way into the fall... and dang if it hasn't kept pace all the way through December.

It's up I go so high in the air
A sparrow just laid an egg in my hair
Playing on the see-saw
Push me up again

It's not been a banner year... but it has been a nice recovery from recent years.

Up and down, up and down
I can see everything miles around
When I go up it's so much fun
I can stick my finger right into the sun
Playing on the see-saw, the see-saw, the see-saw
Playing on the see-saw
Push me up again

I'd like to see next year continue the consistency. That see-sawing makes my stomach a bit unsettled.

This game's the best of all in our park
Let's keep on playing until it gets dark
Playing on the see-saw
Push me up
Push me up
Push me up and push me up again

- 62

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William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Yes, that was my market this year. We are right now on a bit of a up, but i don't know if it will hold.

Dec 10, 2013 08:08 AM

Karen Feltman

Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA

Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

It is great to hear that your market is recovering from the see-saw! I hope that it continues for you into the new year.

Dec 10, 2013 09:41 AM

Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ

HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

I hear you, consistency is a nice thing!

Dec 10, 2013 10:09 AM

Tammie White, Broker

Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN

Franklin TN Homes for Sale

I'm a big Danny Kaye fan. His movies make me laugh until I cry. A lot like you Alan.

Dec 10, 2013 10:10 AM

Potranco Realty

Potranco Realty - San Antonio, TX

"Sold with Potranco Realty"

Alan, it's nice when the seesaw is stable but when it bounces up and down and you can stay in focus and continue the ride you are one of the few who will see it stable again and again. I like your take on the Danny Kaye theme.......

Dec 10, 2013 07:29 PM

Dianne Goode

Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC

Realtor/Broker

2013 was a welcome up after five years of down. But it's the nature of see-saws and real estate markets not to stay where they are.

Dec 10, 2013 09:38 PM

Shanna Hall

Real Estate Solutions - Kirkwood, MO

I love selling houses!!!St. Louis, MO 314-703-1311

I hope you stay on the up swing but always be prepared for a downswing (I hope you never need to use the "downswing" savings though!!!)

Dec 10, 2013 10:53 PM

Alan May

Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL

Home is where the hearth is.

Chris Anne - there's a song contest?

Than - it ain't interest rates. Interest rates have been at historic lows for 5-6 years... with no upswing.

Tammy - I'll take "flat"... as Realtors, we don't need to see upward pricing... just sales.

Ed - White Christmas was a little trip into mainstream for Danny. A wonderful appearance by Rosemary Clooney, for those who don't know her.... c'mon a'my house, my hous'a c'mon...

William - a bit of up... I've been waiting for that other shoe to drop... but nothing so far.

Karen - from your mouth...

Jan - it sure beats those peaks and valleys.

Tammie - I miss him.

Bob - why thank you, sir.

Dianne - the only constant, in this business... and others... is change.

Shanna - I'm always prepared for the down... I've had a lot of practice.

Dec 11, 2013 01:26 AM

Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR

The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

See Saws I can handle... Alan. It's the Merry-Go-Round that's my nemesis

Dec 12, 2013 02:19 AM

Alan May

Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL

Home is where the hearth is.

Mel - they both make me hurl.

Dec 12, 2013 04:11 AM

Hella Mitschke Rothwell

(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI

Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

Alan: It's nice to get away from short sales and foreclosures, although that was quite an experience. We all learn to adapt, up or down.

Dec 14, 2013 07:31 PM

Jason Crouch

Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX

Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Alan - I have to admit that I've never heard of this song. Danny Kaye was truly awesome, though. He always makes me smile.

Dec 14, 2013 11:09 PM

Evelyn Johnston

Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN

The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I know the name Danny Kaye but have never been a fan of television. I am hoping for consistancy too! All year long...

Dec 14, 2013 11:15 PM

Catherine Ulrey

Keller Williams Capital City - Salem, OR

Equestrian and Acreage Property Specialist

What a fitting song for a steady year!

Dec 14, 2013 11:26 PM

Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

Hi, Alan! I included this post in today's Last Week's Favorites. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and stay warm!

Dec 15, 2013 12:27 AM

Alan May

Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL

Home is where the hearth is.

Hella - we either adapt, or we disappear.

Jason - you're a bit young for Danny... so I'm not surprised that you hadn't heard this song. I actually have the LP (used to stand for Long Playing).

Evelyn - do yourself a favour and research a little Danny Kaye.

Catherine - I tought so, too.

Patricia - awww, aren't you sweet?

Dec 15, 2013 12:49 AM

Cheryl Ritchie

RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD

Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

I still think about the post you wrote about the incredible cake!

Dec 15, 2013 11:54 AM

Jane Chaulklin-Schott

TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL

TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Hi Alan, a good analogy. Did you enter this post in the December AR SONG/BUSINESS contest ~ Kathleen Daniels ?

Dec 15, 2013 02:58 PM

Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED

RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

I was just going to ask if this was your entry in Kathleen Daniels challenge? What a great read. I am old enough to know Danny Kaye! Great entertainer.

Dec 16, 2013 03:40 AM

Alan May

Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL

Home is where the hearth is.

Cheryl - that cake stuck with you?

Jane - you know, I didn't.

Carla - I didn't even know about her contest.

Dec 16, 2013 05:29 AM