Karen Parsons-Fiddler Broker/Realtor

We are fortunate to have wonderful weather and beautiful views! This market is giving many people the opportunity to own ocean view homes at a price we haven't seen in a decade. Single family homes for under a million? This little beach community of all custom homes actually start at $699,000.

Other beach cities have similiar "deals." San Clemente start at $549,000, Dana Point at $269,000, even Newport Beach has single family homes starting at $464,000....Wow!

Beach living is coming down to the real world price. Come and see our complete list at www.Great-Western-Realty.com we will go see these great homes, take a walk on the beach and enjoy some coffee overlooking the surf.

The housing crisis has hit all markets, not just the low income cities. If you think that bank-owned homes will be in terrible shape and falling down, think again! There are many homes that have been loved and cared for that are now bank-owned homes. Mission Viejo has it's share as well of these single family homes for sale.

You can get a customized list at our website www.Great-Western-Realty.com

Mission Viejo is a wonderful family community which offers a unique quality of life. The main attraction is the private lake. Lake Mission Viejo has boating, fishing and of course...sunbathing for it's members. In the summer, they host concerts and movies on the beach at no additional charge. All this for only $220/YEAR in association dues. They also offer extra curricular classes for children and adults. During school breaks they offer many day programs for the children of working parents.

Mission Viejo is also active in sports. Every weekend day you will see kids playing in our many fields. Soccer, baseball, flag football and others are enthusiastically followed in the many leagues. Beginners to advanced players will find opportunities to join these teams. Of course Mission Viejo is also home to the world reknown Nadadores Swimming Teams. The Nadadores have brought many Olympic medal winners and is considered one of the best swim programs in the country.

Now that prices have fallen, come see how affordable Mission Viejo has become. We have foreclosured single family 3+ bedroom homes for as little as $364,000.

Wow...working my new website and getting all the information on SEO services. Such a long range of prices. I found someone in New York who downloaded a lot of files and worked on my site for a mere $400. It's working too...I had some as much as $2000/month. I would love to know what other people have found. I know it takes some monthly effort, and my guy is going to do that. I'm just not sure what to pay for now? I have a free day to add links to my site...that's a lot of work. And I want to make sure that I don't send people away from me :).

What are you all doing that works? Real estate is so competitive that trying to get into the search engine pages is crazy. I'm in So california, so I'm feeling the competition. I did already get one contact, though....so that's exciting.

I know this is a tough market....but all the whining? Every time I talk to another agent, even when I'm bringing them and offer....or if they are bringing me one, it's whining! Yikes! I hope they aren't whining to their clients too. I don't think anyone wants to work with a starving agent!!! What's the experssion? "Fake it till you make it?"

Do we all realize that we are so fortunate to be our own bosses? We can't get fired, we can only quit. There are plenty of buyers out there and plenty of banks. We need to market ourselves to those who are moving the market. Every deal I'm on, I compete. All my listings have multiple offers...albeit they are lower than we'd all like. There is plenty of interest. We need to hone our skills for this market, that's all. Learn how to keep your buyers interested in the short sales, learn how to make your buyers attractive to the banks, learn how to help sellers through the short sales, find a way to move them faster.

I don't have the answers, but I do know the problems. We in Orange County send our dues in this week, I am guessing there will be a lot of agents who don't spend the money...ok, more for the rest of us.

Let's stop whining and make some money in 2009!!!!

So does anyone else think that this is the Lakers Year? Boston is petering out, as I would expect...Cleveland is a flash in the pan. We are heading off for the "Texas Two Step"....which I have to admit I have tried to dance without much luck..but somehow I think Kobe and the team will be able to handle it just fine!!! I'm assuming I might get some Boston fans who disagree....maybe Cleveland too. But give me a break? I'm a 49er fan and Giants..been an ugly year for football..basketball is looking great!!! who needs Shaq.