What I Heard Last Week.....

While seeming to move as slowly as this turtle at the Ocean Center in Mauii, the Real Estate market in Atlanta has actually been cruising along! And FINALLY at a party I attended last week, people (unsolicited, too) were talking about Atlanta's housing market and how we were never in a bubble like the media would have us to believe. People were saying that things will likely get back to normal levels of activity in the Spring when the usual urge/need to move is at its usual highest level. My colleagues have been saying the same thing.

And all that good news notwithstanding, some parts of our market, and some segments of the Real Estate professionals serving them have had a very tough time this year. Most of that has been at the micro level--particular developments/neighborhoods, particular price points, particular agents (part timers, new agents) and yes, those folks will not be telling happy tales at their next cocktail party. But with the buffer of a few years, we will look back and say that 2007 was still a very good year for Atlanta's housing market and we'll be glad that there was some slow down in new construction, that prices did settle into a more sustainable rate of appreciation.

I'm looking forward to a great 2008! Helping more people, more pets and more animal welfare groups through successful Real Estate transactions. One at a time!

The Animals Win!

Last night I was among the honorees at the First Annual Wag Awards, sponsored by Craig Koch founder of Wag-A-Lot doggie daycare and boarding. The winner of the grand prize is a 10 year old girl who for several years has requested that all her holiday and birthday gifts be in the form of cash which she has donated to help animals. Her goal is to start a website where people can learn about the need to spay and neuter their pets, and hopefully also act as a clearing house for people interested in getting involved in helping animals. Congratulations to all the winners! The real winners are the animals we are all helping through our efforts.

In January of this year as I reviewed my business "pipeline" it looked as if I could more than double my goal of $6000 donated to help animals. At this point, with the market as hesitant as it has been I will pushing it to make my goal. I know people can't buy and sell real estate through me just so I can send money to help animals--but when you speak with people who need an outstanding Realtor you can tell them about me! I enjoy helping people through transitions--housing change is usually a part of life transitions--and I REALLY get a charge out of writing those $500 checks to the animal charities I support.

Also, if you have knowledge of an outstanding animal charity that could use some help, please pass on their info to me and maybe some day I'll be able to help them out, too!