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.

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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.

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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.

All Aboard the Gravy Boat

I'm down at Emerald Isle now having gotten a jump on my Thanksgiving break. We have a whole lot of family down for the week and a house that accommodates. We've been doing some boating & fishing so far but I can't seem to get a fish on the end of my line. It's kind of nice that things are slow with work right now. Every family beach trip I can remember has involved me scrambling to find a fax machine and impromptu trips back home to get a contract signed.

Since I'm on vacation, my blog will take a little vacation from the normal real estate scoop as well. The current market combine with this time of year doesn't leave much to be discussed. For those waiting on the market to hit bottom, well your time may be up around here. The rates today hit an incredibly low 5.25%. I for one am looking forward to a promising 2009 market. It should be interesting competing with my Dad this coming year too, who's now licenced and ready to sell.

The house we are staying in is called "One in a Million", which it really feels like. It's on the channel right next to the inlet, making for some good boating and hopefully more successful fishing. I'm pretty bummed about the heated pool out back, it's not working and Mr. Fix It from the rental office can't seem to get it going. I've been planning on spending half my week in that thing. There is a hot tub that will have to make due, although my sisters were laughing so hard in there earlier I'm not so sure it's safe to get in anymore.

It's been a blast having my nieces & nephews around here to entertain. During low tide we have all this beach to go play on right next to the house. My sister took this picture while we were out there yesterday.

Back in Chapel Hill last week, there wasn't a moment when I didn't have a Turkey lunch or dinner to attend. Whoever said there is no such thing as a free lunch obviously never sold real estate. I did find a break to volunteer with the Fix-A-Home project put on by the Chapel Hill Board of Realtors. The homeowner couldn't of been a sweeter old lady who showed her appreciation by the expression on her face every moment we were there. She did have a dog penned up in the smallest cage ever out back, I wish we could of spent half the day fencing in her back yard for it.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. If your hitting the road, Travel safe. And if you get to choose pick fried turkey over baked. Mmmm I can taste it now.