Gina Murphy

I have been watching the CAR Forecast for 2009 on CAR.org presented by Leslie Appleton Young, Chief Economist California Association of Realtors. (CAR). It is quite informative with lots of charts and statistics. It reports that in September, the Ca. median home price fell 40.9 percent. There is an emphasis on the government getting the credit institutions in line and that it is critical tho the housing industry so consumers can purchase. Her big picture is about defining what housing is to our culture and where it fits in our society. Finally, she ends with the burning question we all have, " What happened? ":

Personal financial accountability

Exotic loan products

Leverage

She says not to expect a rebound anytime soon and that the credit markets need clear focus. The first half of 2009 will bring slower growth as consumers focus on jobs. California housing sales are projected to increase about 12% over the next year. A lot of areas have bottomed and now is the time to buy. Statewide, 2009 will be the bottom of the market. Remember, however, that each market is its own entity.

To close, as NAR celebrates its 100th year, she urges Realtors to reevaluate why they are in this business and how their clients rely on them and to really be aware of your local data. Consumers polled, said that the most valuable website they used was their local Realtor's.

Did you go to the Eddie Money concert at Big League Dreams? Eddie Money was my first concert. I got to meet him Saturday afternoon. My mom introduced us. It was fun. He gave a great concert and I look forward to more at the park. Having outdoor concerts is a great asset to the Redding area.

The communities of Happy Valley and Cottonwood in South Shasta County are participating in an event called "How Shall We Grow" Sept. 18-20th, 2008. Shasta County will be updating their General Plan and residents are invited to share their ideas, concerns, and opinions at the free workshops. A set of values and priorities that will be used to create a visual representation will be established.

This is an opportunity to help shape these unique areas as the Northstate continues to grow.

For questions, more information or to RSVP (required) call or email Barb Jackson at 378-6060/barblj@ap4hc.org or Mary O'Keeffe at 347-1230/mjokeeffe7@aol.com.

I'll see you there! ~Gina

Well Friends,

Our 1st Annual PTA 5K has come and gone. It very fun and almost everyone won a ribbon! I even won 1st place in my age group/gender. I did it in about 48 minutes! Okay.....so I was the only woman in my age group; but it was still fun! It was a great family event. Both of my children won ribbons (1st and 2nd place in their groups). My husband volunteered to man the blockade. We included the PTA member ship in the registration cost and met 1/2 of our goal. The Happy Valley Park Foundation brought water, juice and pastries for afterward. We look forward to next year and on behalf of the Happy Valley PTA, I thank all those who participated from set up to take down and everything else in between.

This afternoon a friend called and asked if I'd do her a favor. "Sure," I said. OOPS. The Happy Valley Unified School District has a bond (Measure E) coming up in Nov. and needed people to help at the phone bank notifying the community and asking for their support. "I do that everyday at work," I thought, "This'll be easy." Once there, I was nervous as I held the phone in my hand not wanting to dial the first number. Others were nervous themselves. I encouraged them along and went for it. And just like when I do my lead generation for my business, I got into a groove. It was ok. The time was up before I knew it. I made about twice as many calls as I do during lead gen time. What's up with that?!

I guess it was the fact that it wasn't for me. It was for the community. I was happy to be able to help, not only for Measure E, but my friends as well. I'm ready to rock-n-roll tomorrow! Look out power hour! Hopefully, this motivation will last through the night.......