Chilly today, Hot tamale

This past weekend was spent west in Blowing Rock with my family. It was my parents anniversary but they wanted to get everyone out there together. Winterfest was running so the town was bustling with events and tourist filled sidewalks. Over at the Chetola resort I took part in the "Polar Plunge", what the video below doesn't show is the 75 year old couple going in after me.

I didn't have time to stick around for costume awards as I rushed over to the chili cook-off. With over 50 chili's and many cook-off veterans in the hunt for a $500 first prize, it was my "Chapel Chilli" that was off to an early lead. It wasn't meant to be however, the unexpected 900 hungry attendees cleaned out my big pot just an hour in. With two hours left and no more chili to serve, I saw my lead fade quickly. Trying to round up votes with charm and an empty pot proved a waste of time, these folks were hungry for some spice.

Back in the Triangle I am trying to get all the loose ends tied for a client closing this Friday. This owner will be left dealing with a tax value problem seen across the country as of late. Many devalued homes are now stuck with very high tax values. During the boom many homes across the country were overvalued and the tax assessments are a reflection. Properties with tax values of $250k are selling for $200k. Who wants to pay taxes on an extra $50k in imaginary value?

One solution is having a new appraisal completed to reflect the homes current value. Get this down to the tax assessors office and state your case, there are ways of appealing. In some states folks are lobbying their state legislature, in some law makers are calling for property tax reform. During a time many towns will have budget shortfalls, less property tax is an issue that may cause problems for both sides in the future.

Once you've saved yourself thousands in taxes, go spoil yourself with one of these. We took an hour long Segway tour recently in downtown Raleigh. They are amazingly simple to ride and got a high entertainment rating from me. The guide puts on a good history lesson without putting you to sleep, but is also quick to call you out for riding too recklessly.

I'm ready for the Superbowl but don't' have much vested interest in either team this year. Since Arizona is the underdog I'll be cheering them on I suppose. I'm more excited to hold my Annual Paper Rock Scissors tournament this year. After a first round elimination last year, I'm determined more than ever to win. Time to practice.

Resolutionary

Welcome to 2009, glad you could be here. All that holiday eating and relaxing was most enjoyable, but if feels good to be back into the regular routine. I really like my job so it's nice getting back in the swing of things. Pretty slow business wise during the holiday season, I did get one home under contract though. Aside from a home inspection on Christmas Eve the break proved pretty work free.

I went down to Long Beach for several days over new years. It was nice being on a secluded beach with no agenda whatsoever, just a fridge full of food & drinks with good weather to go along. The only disappointment was the fact I lost every single board game we played, biggest fluke ever I suppose. Driving through Southport and down the coast, it was surprising to see so many building projects put on hold. Appeared many builds shut down half way through, made me grateful our market is holding on as strong as it is.

So new years is the time of making resolutions. I'm great at that part, it's sticking with them that's more difficult. Here are a few I'm shooting for:

Dressing for the Occasion

I mean putting a tie on everyday. Whenever I wear ties into the office, I always seem to get the "what are you all dressed up for?" "Because I'm at work" would be the obvious answer, but my profession has become so casual it seems to catch everyone off guard. I want to be known as an expert & professional so I'll dress like it. I get to make plenty of first impressions every week, I'm hoping this improves each one of them.

Substitute Teach

I completed an application in November down at the headquarters and have yet to get started. Teaching would be a rewarding profession I imagine, my Mom sure enjoyed it for almost 20 years. I really want to make time for one or two days a week to get in there. I am lucky to have a schedule that is flexible enough to do such a thing, so I'll try and take advantage. Looking forward to being back at my elementary seeing all my old teachers.

Philanthropy

I'm ashamed to say every time I see that word on a form I don't know what to put next to it. Last time I really volunteered it was at The Boys & Girls Club in college. I've passed on a few mentor programs in the past few years because of my schedule, I'd like to try and make time for something along those lines. I certainly don't want to commit to something beyond my means so I'll have to find the right opportunity. Send any ideas my way if you'd like.

Outside of writing blogs and making new years resolutions, the year has started quite busy for me. That's a great sign as 2008 ended quite slow. These low interest rates keep bringing buyers out of the wood works and gotten me quite busy. I'm glad it's Friday however and I'm ready for the weekend. I think tonight has some beer & bowling in store for me. If you have not finished making your weekend plans, find a theatre near you playing Slumdog Millionaire. As many movies I've seen over the past month it had to be the best. Until next time, make sure to keep up with all your resolutions.