Going The Distance

Gobble Gobble y'all, it's that time of year again. Work potlucks, tacky sweaters and road trips back home. I personally enjoy all of those things, and everything else that goes with the holidays. Many of you will be out hitting the stores this Black Friday, I personally avoid it. Although I do like the competition aspect of it. Storming to the back of a Home Depot at 5:45am to get my hands on one of ten graphite broom handles for only $4.99!

Running has never been a thing I've enjoyed, so no telling why I started training for a marathon. Maybe because I'm not a big fan of the gym, I seem to spend more time getting ready than I do in there. I've picked out a novice training program although it doesn't feel that way. The longest run I've had to endure so far is 6 miles, I ran 3 today in just under 24 minutes. Getting onto the sofa even feels like a strain afterwards, but I'm sticking with it. 16 more weeks to go!

Another part of the holidays is the real estate market slows down. This year is a little different than last however, October sales Triangle wide were up 26% from last year. These increases are good news for the market, but it should also be considered October 2008 was just about the complete bottom of the market. We also have the tax credit working to our advantage, helping existing and new home buyers now.

Many people don't want their home being showed over the holidays for good reason. Let's take a look at the other side of that, some advantages to listing this time of year:

1. The buyers looking this time of year tend to be more serious.

2. There are fewer homes on the market, less competition means more money for sellers.

3. Many people will buy before the end of the year for tax purposes.

4. Sell your home now so you have time to buy and take advantage of the $6,500 tax credit!

Since we are on the topic of Thanksgiving and delicious food, I'm glad to see a Trader Joe's has opened up near me. It would have been safer running through traffic than making your way through there on Opening Day, I tried. But when it settles down, get your hands on some of those appetizers. Most I've tried are delicious, and the Two Buck Chuck isn't too shabby either. I'm sure quite a few of you will be having a glass over the holidays.

.

I'm looking forward to my high school 10 year class reunion this Friday. Geez how time flies. It's being held over at The Station in Carrboro, I hope there's enough room. It's a combo reunion of both high schools since many of us from East Chapel Hill High once attended Chapel Hill High. I'm sure people will still be arguing over which one is better.

.

I'll be pulling for East Carolina to win their division this Saturday and host the C-USA title game, either way a solid season from Skip Holtz and the Pirates. It's also important to note this is the most dangerous holidays for driving and there are a high rate of accidents. Drive safe, take it slow and enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend.

To the Max!

Halloween is just the best, do I really have to wait another year for it? My sister Carrie put her seamstress skills to work and fixed me up with this "Max" costume from Where the Wild Things Are. Of course the year I wear a thick fabric suit it was 80 degrees out. Franklin Street was a good crowd even though the town is trying to close that chapter of Chapel Hill tradition. I'm sure this video kept a lot of people from joining the festivities, haha. My only regret is that I missed this flash mob that gathered for a Thriller rendition.

My blog domain name is ringing even truer these days. Per my home showings this Saturday, I began in Chapel Hill and ended in Garner. It's only right I had made the switch from TarHeel Broker to Triangle Broker a few years ago, I am covering all sides of the Triangle on a regular basis. I am consistently educating myself on all areas of the Triangle so I can be a good resource of information to my clients.

Over at my main website, http://www.liveinthetriangle.com/ has been invoked with a little bit of sound. Friend & musician Nick Bailey prepared a track he thought would be fitting and I think it does just the trick.

The decisions made in Washington this week could have a large impact on my business. I'm crossing my fingers that the tax credit extension is passed. This has proven to make an impact on home sales this past year and certainley on my business. The extension would include a new credit, if you have owned a home for 5 of the last 8 years you would be eligible for a $6,250 credit. The first time buyer credit of $8,000 would remain. Just waiting on the politicians in Washington to put their ink on it.

If your thinking to yourself, "I can't afford a house because I spend all my time & money on golf", don't worry. You aren't to be left out. Many have discovered the loop hole in the tax credit now being dubbed "Cash for Clubbers". Consumers are getting golf carts qualifying as street legal for almost free through the loophole in legislation. Ironically those people getting these free carts and playing golf frequently are not the targeted recipients of the governments bailout money. Somebody has to be yelling "fore" over this in Washington.

Local elections are underway and the streets of Chapel Hill are littered with signs. I'll be ready for these to be over so 1.)my For Sale & Open House signs can get some recognition again 2.)we need some better candidates involved in the Town Council. I'm endorsing Jon DeHart for this position. The last cycle of Council members issued themselves lifetime health coverage. Nice move during a recession guys. Matt Czajkowski was the only Council member to protest it, that will probably be enough to get him the votes for the Mayor position he looks to fill.

This week as I try to cope with my favorite holiday being over, I look forward to a Christmas full of egg nog and tacky sweater parties. There will be a holiday that involves lots of food and plenty of homes to show in the Traingle until then. After four years as a Realtor I'm used to work slowing down as we move towards winter. This year is turning out to be different, my Dad and I are both outfitted with clients and look to end our year strong. The amount referrals I have recieved this year from friends and past clients has been flattering. I appreciate everyone that trusts in the level of committment I give to my clients. Have a great week.