Michelle L. Shortsleeve

The most destructive habit..........................WORRY

The greatest joy....................................GIVING

The greatest loss............................LOSS OF SELF RESPECT

The most satisfying work..............................HELPING OTHERS

The ugliest personality trait..........................SELFISHNESS

The most endangered species..............................DEDICATED LEADERS

Our greatest natural resource............................OUR YOUTH

The greatest "shot in the arm"................................ENCOURAGEMENT

The greatest problem to overcome...............................FEAR

The most effective sleeping pill.......................................PEACE OF MIND

The most crippling failure disease..............................EXCUSES

The most powerful force in life......................................LOVE

The most dangerous pariah........................................A GOSSIPER

The world's most incredible ocmputer........................THE BRAIN

The worst thing to be without........................................HOPE

The deadliest weapon..........................................THE TONGUE

The two most power-filled words................................"I CAN"

The greatest asset..................................................FAITH

The most worthless emotion..................................SELF PITY

The most beautiful attire..................................A SMILE!! :)

The most prized possession....................................INTEGRITY

The most powerful channel of communication.........................PRAYER

The most contagious spirit............................................ENTHUSIASM

Current economic conditions have many wondering if it is time to buy, sell, or complain?
There is an abundance of distressed properties resulting from job loss, divorce, and bank foreclosure. But as with every cloud, there's a silver lining.

If you are looking for a way to create wealth there's probably no better way than buying and selling real estate. History proves that owning real property is a safe way to hedge your bets over time. And that's been true in good and bad economic times.

Have you ever noticed how history seems to repeat itself? It is history that allows forecasters to predict trends because everything seems to cycle or repeat. How many times have you said, "if I only knew then what I know now, I would have done this, or that"? I'm telling you, NOW is the time to buy real estate.

Think about this, for you to buy means it's time for someone to sell. So it really doesn't matter if you're buying or selling, NOW is the time to act. Fortunes are being made right now! Dreams are being fulfilled. The only question is, "Is it your dream"?

Now some people are holding back waiting for times to get better, but that's the surest way to guarantee you will miss the greatest opportunity you will ever have to buy real estate.

Hell if you could eat houses, now would be a good time to get a belly FULL! Obviously, I'm not suggesting anyone over extend themselves. To the contrary, I'm simply stressing the urgency of the moment. Remember these times will not last forever and neither will you. Therefore if you would like to upgrade your living space, or you want a nicer home and you can afford it, go for it! Just remember to call Exit Realty 1st Class first!!

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!!

Exit Realty 1st Class 910-864-3948 or www.exitfayetteville.com

Written by Clark Cook of Exit Realty 1st Class

You're relocating to Fort Bragg and you've decided to live off base. Should you buy, or should you rent? One question to ask yourself is do I expect to own the home long enough to recover my cost. Let's face it, every cent you spend on rent is money you will never recover.

On the other hand, if you buy, you will be responsible for all the maintenance cost not covered by insurance, plus pay property tax. Under normal market conditions it is not unusual to see property values appreciate 3-5 percent per year. So when you do the math you have to figure out how long you have to own the home before it becomes profitable. Notice I said own the home and not live in it. Because as a homeowner you also have the option of letting someone else make the mortgage payments by renting it out if you leave early.

Owning your home has the potential of enhancing your credit profile, and financial stability. Over time, say 10 -15 years, it is possible to cash out equity either as a loan or a sale. Ultimately, you must decide what's right for you. And when you do, don't forget to call Exit Realty 1st Class at 910-864-3948 or visit us on the web at www.exitfayetteville.com.

Written by Clark Cook of Exit Realty 1st Class