Columbia, MO

Most Columbia residents know that the Columbia Missouri Humane Society is excited to have won Phase 1 of the ZooToo.com Million Dollar Shelter Makeover. So, Phase 2 here we come!

On Thursday, March 19 the Zootoo.com founder and CEO will be in Columbia to interview the CMHS staff and visit the shelter. ZooToo.com representatives will be visiting the 20 shelters that moved onto Phase 2 to interview staff and visit the shelter. On April 7, Zootoo will choose 10 of the 20 shelters to move on to Phase 3 to win the million dollar makeover.

Community support is an important part of Phase 2 and can influence the decision on the shelters that will move forward to Phase 3.

From the news release:

Community support is an essential part of Phase II," said Patty Forister, CMHS Executive Director. "They need assurance that the public will help us through such a large renovation project." The CMHS would like for the community to show their support again by wearing blue. The White Knight trolley will take Thompson through town via Hwy. 63 N. to Broadway to Providence Rd. to Vandiver Dr. to Rangeline Rd. to Big Bear Blvd. People are encouraged to stage themselves along Broadway or join the welcoming committee at the shelter at 10:45 a.m. to wait their arrival.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for CMHS and the community," said Maria Furey, President of the CMHS Board of Directors. "Bring your posters and wear blue and help us get to that next phase."

Remember to thank Columbia Catholic School students, Libby Burks and Amanda Huhman, who brought the zootoo.com contest to the publics attention. Way to go Libby and Amanda!

The Mud Room is a place to explore your creative side while painting decorative and functional ceramics. A special place for the kids to paint a master piece and for ladies to enjoy a Moms night out. An experience for the whole family! Our favorite anniversary presents for grandparents are platters with the kids handprints. The Mud Room staff are excellent at helping get that perfect handprint with a "tickle" of paint on hands.

Columbia public schools will be on Spring Break next week and the Mudroom is offering the following Spring Break specials.

Spring Break- March 23-29, 2009

Open Monday, March 23 from 10:00 - 5:00 pm

Regular Hours March 24-29

50% off Kids' studio fees - Monday, March 23 - Friday, March 27
$2.00 Studio Fee 12 years & under
$3.50 Studio Fee 12 -18 year olds

Get creative and make some memories!

I went on a listing interview yesterday. Like always, there was a lot of research that went into pricing and sales data before I went. Once I had prepared, I was really happy with what I found. This particular home was in the $130,00-140,000 price range. For the previous month, only 5 homes in this price range sold and closed. The good news is 15 homes in this price range are under contract and getting ready to close. This means the days on the market is reducing from a 10 month supply of homes to a 3 month supply of homes. Even though it's only February, if you're thinking of selling a home in the $130,000s price range, now is the time to act.

Showing activity is way up too. We have had days of 60 showings just like the summer. The loan programs and rates are attracting buyers. It's a great time to act.