Is it me or was this the fastest year in history?

Hard to believe 2009 is practically behind us already. Last week we were able to reflect and express thanks for all the great things in our lives... families, friends, freedom and our good fortune to have been born in the greatest country on the planet.

This month we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It seems sometimes that fact is lost in the hussle and bussle of Black Fridays, Christmas parties, politicos that try to remove him from the holiday that it is. Just imagine showing up to a surprise brthday party for yourself, and although everyone is celebrating, no one there says happy birthday or even acknowledges that it is you... the reason for the get together... Awkward :0)

Just keep the reason for this great holiday in the front of your mind as you wind down the year. If I see you and say Merry Christmas, don't be offended or take it the wrong way... if your faith differs, wish me a Happy Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanza or Festivus. I respect your freedom to celebrate your religion the way you see fit.

The real estate world has been vibrant the last month. I reported great activity for November (5 closings in a 2 week span). That is the best 2 week snap shot of time I've had in my 9 years as a realtor. The good news is the feds extended the first time home buyer credit through April 2010, and added a $ 6,500 credit for current home owner/buyers (again through April 2010).

First time buyer by definition is anyone that hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years. Current home owner/buyers must have lived in the home they are selling for at least 5 of the last 8 years they have owned it. Income limits for these credits are $ 125,000/year single and $ 225,000/year for married couples. Max price of home for eligibility is $ 800,000.

So give me a call... there are tons of homes on the market under $ 800K, I'll find the perfect one for you.

I just mailed out the new calendars for 2010... if you don't receive one this week, it means I probably don't have your current home mailing address. If you'd like one for your fridge, e-mail me with the details, I'll get it out this week.

Fam news...

One of the 5 closings I had this month was for David Lauren & Bella. They found a great home in Troy, not too far from either grandparent. We've spent a significant amount of "bonding time" removing wallpaper, carpet, bathroom fixtures and painting. They moved in completely the day before Thanksgiving. Still a little work to be completed, but don't all homeowners have a never ending list of stuff to do? We were able to off load most of the pantry and fridge, and surprisingly, I have managed to lose 5 lbs. since Thanksgiving. A testiment to their ability to cook for sure. Bella wasn't too sure about why we moved all her belongings out of her room and into her new strange house... it looks like she has warmed up to her new hot pink room with princess castles all over the wall though.

Anthony & Jessy came home over the holiday and were here almost an entire week. They're going to kill me after reading this, because I didn't take one picture to post. Not even a record of our second annual (and potentially final) Fryball Friday. We stoked up the turkey frier at 11:30 and started frying Anthonys Ponzeratis (sp), corn dogs, a huuuuge assortment of dessert pies, chicken wings pickles... enough frying to make the average healthy adult run screaming for a bottle of lipitor.

Last week was a prime example of why I enjoy Thanksgiving above all other holidays. Relaxing with the whole fam...

Kelly & I got the bikes out for the last couple fair weather rides in November... not sure if we are anxious enough to keep our streak alive. I have ridden my motorcycle once a month for 52 months... if we get some nice breaks this winter I'll keep it going, but No way am I doing a repeat performance of last January. It was 28 degrees when we finally found our window of opportunity to ride.

Thanks again for all your real estate referrals. We sincerely appreciate every new client/friend we meet. Have a great Christmas Holiday, and we'll talk again in 2010.