Upon my return from measuring a new listing, I took a moment to make my Online Social Networking rounds. While reviewing my Direct Messages on Twitter, I came across a new "Thank You for the Follow" message from @andreajares. She is a real estate reporter for the Fort-Worth Star Telegram.
While reviewing her profile, I noticed her last "tweet"..............
"From CNN: The U.S. entered a recession in December 2007, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research."
The date peaked my curiousity! It moved me to rub the WikiAnswers Crystal Ball.
"All Knowing WikiAnswers Crystal Ball.........How long does the average recession last?
"
Just like the infamous Magic 8 Ball, it spat out something very concise.
"Eight to Sixteen Months.....oh wise....... handsome...powerful Real Estate Broker!"
OK. OK. I made up the "handsome" part.
As a Mathematician by nature, I started working the numbers...and...What did I find?
If you agree with the NBER finding, accept the W.A. Crystal Ball prediction and add the two calls on this morning about one of my listings, then we could be closer to the end of this recession than the consistent bad news would have us to believe.
Can you say Spring 2009? Though Spring 2009 is not December 1, 2008, it isn't January 1, 2010 either.
I would rather be IN a recession than to be STARTING a recession.
For those of us that wish things were better....IT IS WHAT IT IS!
Let's focus our energy on doing the right things to beat "Doom" and "Gloom" and use our online voice to spread sound advice and positive energy throughout the world.
Who knows.....our efforts might just pull us out of this thing called a recession!
3 John 1:2
While sitting with my family during this Thanksgiving holiday season, I decided to address my boredom by perusing some non-real estate blogs. Unfortunately, my search made me aware of some disturbing and disheartening news.
According to a New York Post report, an unidentified man, believed to be a Walmart employee, was trampled by early-morning Black Friday shoppers at the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, NY.
About one hour later, the Walmart employee was pronounced DEAD!
NOV. 29, 2008 UPDATE -- Shootout at the O.K. Corral? (nope just your local Toys 'R Us!)
Now....if you are a professional shopper or someone that lives for the RETAIL Christmas season, the following questions might seem stupid. However, I am not an expert in the retail arena. Therefore, please bear with my ignorance.
Question 1: What was so important about Black Friday Walmart prices that would create an environment 
conducive to ending the life of someone trying to put food on his table during this holiday season?
Question 2: What is the justification for allowing our priorities to be dominated by a passion for unbridled consumer consumption?
Question 3: Will this incident have a profound, permanent impact on your view about what is important during this or any time of year?
As I have said many times during 2008, this year has been one of the most challenging, disappointing and, at times, sad years during my time on this dying planet called Earth.
I don't like hearing about death and dying. I ESPECIALLY don't like to hear about senseless deaths.
Attention Walmart Shoppers! Please help me understand why this event must happen. By no means am I being judgmental. It's hard to judge what you don't understand. However, I need to understand the reason why people would act in such a way that would jeopardize someone's life.
I am especially anxious to hear from those that participated in Black Friday Shopping before 7am. What is so important about shopping at this time that creates the environment for chaos, frustration, rudeness and, eventually, death?
If I could have three Christmas wishes, one would be to bring peace to this grieving family. The second would be to help our country defeat this "consume by any means necessary" mindset.
The third would be reserved for discussion between my Maker and me.
If I have offended, I apologize. Charge it to my ignorance and not malice aforethought!
The last two weeks have been fairly good in the land of Patterson. Since respectability has returned to my prognostication skills, I can type this week's picks with some pride. No more typing small talk! Let's strike while the iron is HOT! Here we go..............
MIAMI OVER Oakland - Hey Jeannette Neerpat! Your team has been very good to me! I'm going to put my faith in them one more time!
Arizona -3 at Seattle - The Cardinals have really impressed me. Conversely, the Seahawks have me wondering if the NFL has too many teams. Take the Cardinals with confidence.
Now....It is time for my Kara Casamassina Two-Pack! If you haven't noticed (I have to say it again), I have been on a roll with my NFL picks. I noticed a successful trend with picking Kara's two favorite teams.
Hence..............
Kansas City +5.5 v. New Orleans
St. Louis +6.5 at San Francisco
Is Kara a lucky charm? We'll find out on this weekend!
And finally..........my first Monday Night pick!
Cleveland +5 at Buffalo - C'mon Buffalo! My bandwagon seat is becoming uncomfortable. I still believe in you. However, I'll use the points as my seatbelt for this Monday Night's Bills Bandwagon ride!
Enjoy the Games!
After earning a 7-1 record from my NFL Week 9 picks, I plan on keeping it real simple for Week 10. I'm only picking GAME WINNERS and TAKING POINTS! However, I do have a bonus game that is for my readers to give their predictions. Here we go................
MIAMI OVER Seattle - This is the Jeannette Neerpat versus Nicole Weidauer special! Since Nicole has been a loyal reader of my blog, I won't bash the Seahawks. I'll just pick the Dolphins and move forward.
DETROIT +6.5 vs. Jacksonville - (Can lightning strike thrice in the same place?) The Jags have not beat any 2008 opponent by more than seven points. Will the trend continue? I'm counting on it!
ATLANTA OVER New Orleans - This is an opportunity for the Falcons to deny the Saints any chance to win the NFC South. Matt Ryan has been Mr. Rookie of the Year! There's nothing about this game that makes me worry about Mr. Ryan's performance.
BALTIMORE OVER Houston - Unfortunately (being a Steelers fan), the Ravens have been one of the 2008 NFL Surprises. Their winning ways should continue against those Texans.
KANSAS CITY +15 at San Diego - After last week's debacle, I wanted to wish Kara Casamassina an enjoyable NFL Week 10. Here's my attempt to make this come true!
GREEN BAY +2.5 at Minnesota - The Packers overtime lost to the Tennessee Titans is enough evidence for me to pick the road team in this game.
BONUS GAME (You are picking this one......NOT ME!) Philadelphia Eagles -3 v. New York Giants
Does Vegas know something that we don't know? I'm not touching this game with a 10-foot pole.
However, I'm very interested in your opinions of the game!
-- 10:29PM UPDATE on 11/8 -- After seeing the news story about the JaMarcus Russell injury....
Patterson takes Carolina -10 at Oakland.
Enjoy The Weekend!
Dear Senator McCain:
In my opinion, the word CONGRATULATIONS has been overused over the last 24 hours. Therefore, I will not congratulate you. I want to sincerely thank you!
Because of how you have (and continue to serve) this country, you deserve our heart-felt thanks. Your historical place is SECURE! Your record and SCARS assure that!
You said....."...the failure is mine...." I disagree. I have my opinions about the decisions that affected the outcome of this election. However, this is not the time or place to state those opinions.
Instead, let me and others state this clearly! We are proud to call you the Senator from Arizona. We are eternally grateful to your service to this country.
YOU DID NOT FAIL! Tonight was not about you or President-Elect Obama! In my opinion, there are some events that are not controlled by Man. Tonight was about HISTORY!
I thank you for your speech on last night. You are a true gentleman and patriot of this country!
We'll see ya down the road!
Sincerely,
David Patterson, Citizen - Columbia, South Carolina
David is one of the most trusted, best trained, solutions oriented REALTORS® in South Carolina. Affectionately known as "DP3", David provides social media and strategic business consulting services.
Greetings and Salutations!
My name is David Patterson. I am a Seven-Year Real Estate Sales Veteran, Associate Leadership Council Technology Chairman for Keller Williams in Columbia, SC , RE BarCamp Keynote Speaker/Thought Leader and South Carolina REALTORS® Technology Chairman.
After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics (Computer Science Minor) from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina, I provided consultative services for Bank of America, ADS Financial Services Solutions, Quick Solutions, Inc. and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
After getting infected by the entrepreneurial bug, I left the corporate world to become a real estate sales advocate. Throughout my real estate career, I have been awarded....
+ The prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
+ The Certificate of Professionalism by the Central Carolinas Realtors Association. CCAR recognizes members for their participation in educational opportunities which sets us apart as professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide clients with the best possible service.
**LeadershipSCR 2010 Graduate Status (**The South Carolina Association of REALTORS® identify emerging REALTOR® leaders throughout South Carolina and encourage them with motivational activities and assist them in sharpening their leadership skills in the hope they will demonstrate a strong positive influence on REALTOR® organization.)
That is the PROFESSIONAL ME!
----------------------------------------------
What does David do for fun?
Like the O'Jays..........I LOVE MUSIC! 
I'm an avid sports fan! Some of my favorites include:
Kevin Garnett - KG....You are "CERTIFIED"!!!
The Atlanta Braves - Let's get back to the glorious days known as the 1990s.
The Pittsburgh Steelers - BORN & RAISED a Steeler fan.
I can't claim too many hobbies. However, I enjoy......
Old game shows such as Match Game, Family Feud, the bonus game on the $100,000 Pyramid. One day.....I'd like for you to see me achieve my goal of appearing on a game show.
Watching Retro Television - Ironside, Kojak (Who loves ya baby?), The Rockford Files, A-Team, Knight Rider, etc. etc. etc. I love that television station!
Playing Golf.....However, it is hard to play as much as I like. What's my handicap? My drive off the tee!
Traveling - I will save my Top 10 Destinations for a future blog post.
Spending time with my friends and family. My mother has 9 brothers and 5 sisters. Family reunions and holidays are truly fun. Oh...I don't want to forget one of my favorite members of my family. Introducing my niece Amaya Jade Martin
She's going to be a superstar! Remember The Name!
That's me in a nutshell. Please feel free to contact me with your real estate questions or requests. Until we meet, my prayer for you can be found at III John 1:2
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
DAVID PATTERSON LOVES HELPING FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS AND RELOCATION CLIENTS TO COLUMBIA, LEXINGTON AND IRMO SC!
David specializes in FREE Buyer Representation and FREE Buyer Counseling for Growing Families Needing to Sell and Purchase a Bigger Home (From California, to Chicago, to New York and beyond....). David also has experience serivcing members of the military that are stationed or have a PCS to the United States Army Training Center (Fort Jackson) in Columbia, South Carolina.
ARE YOU IN MY SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORK?
CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO TESTIMONIAL!
'Patterson Group provides excellent service. Everything was done that could be and was done in a timely, professional manner. Even Mark Thomas (Closing Attorney) did and adequate and wonderful job. Thanks to Patterson Group for changing our negative feelings about buying/selling a home. YOU GUYS WERE AWESOME!' -- SSG J.C. Vandi - US Army
"David will always be the agent we will choose. We've already spoke to him about our next purchase and the sell of our home when we're ready. Our encounters made us feel good about our choice." E. Lewis - Columbia, SC
"We cannot say enough wonderful things about David. He made himself available to us regardless of how many times we had to go back to the drawing board. He remained patient and courteous. He listened to what we wanted and could afford. He was persistent until he found us the perfect home. He is very competent in his job and that gave us a peace of mind! We would recommend him to family and friends." Sherry L. - Columbia
‘As a real estate investor, David better understood what properties fit my strategies. Thinking about other agents...they could take lessons from David.' Charles H.-Elgin, SC
‘Patience and Professionalism. It has been a breath of fresh air to work with someone who had our best interest at heart. It definitely is the start of a good business relationship and friendship.' Katherine A. - Columbia, SC
‘When I think about our real estate experience, what stands out the most is David's patience and professionalism. He kept us informed along the way and did everything to ease our mind.'
"I would like to thank your organization for the opportunity to buy
our first home with you, above all I would like to say that our realtor
David Patterson help us and really made us feel that we could depend on
someone in the most difficult process of a life time which is to purchase a
home, he looked out for our best interest while staying professional at all
times, I felt like he was our big brother. I know that if any one needs to
buy a home I will refer them to David Patterson without hesitation. Please
keep people like David working for families like ours."
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