Fire Sale

It's always nice to get back to my Alma mater East Carolina. I was back this past weekend for the SigEp Alumni Golf Tournament. I didn't make it any easier on my pairing that's for sure, my golf game has been in decline since playing Nurf Putt-Putt as a kid. The event was designed as a fundraiser, and what better way to get checkbooks out than to serve $1 beers on the course all day.

The fundraising was much needed, our back fraternity house recently burned down because of a faulty electrical outlet. It was scary to see the place I lived for a couple years charred to the ground, especially since there was no fire alarm system in place during that time. Everyone made it out safely though and the rebuild should be starting soon.

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Right now in real estate I have quit a few folks looking to buy. Those that see the real opportunity right now don't want to miss out. We are currently seeing an inflated inventory of homes and a true buyers market. You won't find desperation from every seller, but deals are on the doorsteps of many homes currently on the market. Interest rates are in a great place right now, I have a client closing on a FHA 3% down loan and a UNC medical resident getting 100% financing.

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Too many folks right now are making the mistake of believing these programs are washed up. The national headlines sure make it seem that way. I wish they'd shed more light on the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit rather than the dried up lenders making news. There are great incentives right now for first time homebuyers, which includes those who haven't owned a home in the past 3 years. For them, they will receive and $8,000 tax break if closed before December 1st. Don't owe that much in taxes? They'll send you a check for the rest.

I'm glad it's that time of year for live outdoor music. This Friday in Chapel Hill marks the start of Fridays on the Front Porch downtown at the Carolina Inn. The great food & hopping bluegrass makes a good start to any weekend. Over in Raleigh, the Beach Music Series has begun at North Hills Mall. Thursday evenings you can pull up a chair or dance on your feet to some of the best beach music acts in the Carolinas.

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Over at the big music venue Walnut Creek, Jimmy Buffet is putting on a show this week. Unfortunately I can't go this year, but even better I'll be babysitting for this guy. My nephew Wyatt is closing in on 2 years old and sprouting up fast, I think I may have been his same height at age 7. You can check in on Wyatt's adventures right here on my sister Kelly's blog.

Hope everyone is having a swell week so far. Tell any friends or family you have renting to get off the fence and give me a call, the window of opportunity is open.

Horsing Around

Well this past Sunday sure took an interesting turn. I made a trip up to Virgina for a visit to the Colonial Downs horse track. I've had some luck with horse betting in the past, so I felt good this particular Sunday. A friend of mine got us onto center field to chat with some regulars, then even back to some of the stable areas. I guess it was then I was "spotted" by a local horse owner.

According to him I've got the perfect stature for a jockey. I did some training exercises later that day and seemed to pass the test, it had been a while since I'd been on a horse too. I head up Thursday for 3 days of training before race day on Sunday. I couldn't be more nervous about it though, the horse I'm riding is a young 1 1/2 years old. Her name is Martina McRide, after the country music star I suppose. I'm just hoping to finish a lap while staying on the saddle, but would love a win my first race.

So growing your business as a Realtor is all about exposure in the community. That's why I've decided to start my own cause & event this year. After learning that 3 people were attacked by rabid dogs in my neighborhood alone this year, I'm putting on the 1st annual Run For Rabies. I'm working on the Animal Shelter being a co-sponsor but they are so difficult to hear on the phone, too much background noise.

It will be a 100 yard dash only so won't need a huge commitment from participants. We'll have both cute adorable dogs on hand, as well as those exposed with rabies. A quick tutorial on identifying the symptoms will be held before the race. I really think it's a good theme for an event because it will teach prevention and rabies doesn't have a lot of public exposure right now.

Well the NCAA Final Four upon us and I am still leading all the pools I've entered. With only 1 wrong pick so far in the tournament how could I not be!!!! I didn't even put much thought into my picks so it's pretty crazy, I only wish I had entered more pools. I'm just hope those awesome Tar Heels cut down the nets!

Today is also April Fools so hopefully you didn't take much(any) of this seriously. Be sure to check in next time for some "real" blogging.