Happy Independence Day.

Sorry to be so late with the blog, I know how you all sit around waiting for it every month. Hopefully you all had as much fun as we did hanging around with family and friends celebrating the nations birthday. While we were watching the fireworks in Clawson the other night, the question about where the fireworks tradition began came up... well by now you know if I don't know the answer to something, and can't make up a reasonably believable fabrication, I'll research it here. Wikipedia says this:

On July 3rd, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations (fireworks), from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.

Now you know the rest of the story :0)

Well this month, Kelly celebrates her birthday, it's not the big one, or even a big one, but I'm still struggling with what to get her after celebrating almost 30 of them with her... maybe something for my motorcycle :0).

The next couple weeks is a full list of Jessy to-do's. She is moving into her new condo this weekend, the bachelor bash is sneaking up, then the wedding at the end of the month. Seems like this year has zipped by.

Austin and Bella continue to be the best gift kids can give their dad... not being greedy or anything, but I can't wait for more grand kids :0).

On the real estate front:

I continue to roll with buyers. The feds extended the drop dead date for the first time home buyer credit from June 30th to the end of summer. The extension only applies to purchase agreements already written before April 30th. The extension allows a little cushion for banks to get approvals completed, and short sales negotiated.

Still a good time to buy though, prices are low, and there's a bunch of inventory... just make sure you're patient with your realtor, there's tons of stuff he/she needs to navigate through to get a deal done.

Thanks again for the referrals. They are appreciated. See you next month with wedding pictures.

Uno de Juno... Can I make up my own holiday?

Not to minimalize Cinco de Mayo, but I like the sound of my new holiday better. I'm betting about 70% of those that read this aren't reading it today (Uno de Juno), but are more appropriately either recouping from, or extending one of the best Memorial Day weekends I can remember in about 15 years. That's no problem, you can wish me a belated happy holiday when you get back to the grind.

As for Memorial day... it is one of the few days the feds set aside to honor those that have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of this great nation. Not many days pass that I don't consider our armed forces, and their contribution to my freedoms. Keep memorial day alive 365 (another slogan... dang I'm full of 'em today)

As we expected, the April 30 deadline on the first time home buyer credit slowed the traffic a bit. The good news is that estimates show a pretty good clearing out of a lot of old inventory in the local housing market. Offers written by the deadline, have to close by June 30th, so we won't know until then the full impact the credit had on the market.

That said, I am working with several buyers, so traffic for me personally has been steady. I've submitted 3 offers in the last 2 weeks, and have 2 closings coming up in the next 2 weeks. Steady traffic for the first half of the year. Keep the referrals coming. I truly appreciate the trust you place in me with your friends and family...

Speaking of family :0)

We are rapidly approaching the wedding month. Lots of busy work getting ready. We had the Detroit bridal shower/golf outing last week, and the Chicago shower/golf outing this coming week. Too many pics to do justice posting them here... you can go to facebook for the full review if you want. If we're not friends already, send me an invite... I stay realtor neutral there.

Austin is growing like a weed... he is almost sitting up on his own. Kind of funny in a mean way watching him sit there until he face plants on the davenport (facebook friends will get that). Bella turned 4 last month, but I swear i think she's 14. She can touch the bottom of the pool this year... and keep her head out of the water... at the same time.

Kel & I are doing well. We've had the bikes out for a few rides, I've been golfing a bit, and my softball team is off to a great start with a 5-1 record... and only a couple minor injuries (if you don't count a broken arm by one of the players).

Thanks again for a great start to 2010... can't do it without a little help from my friends :0). See you in July.

Dave