Julie Press-Raese, LLC Realtor, ARB, CRS, GRI

Can you believe the deals out there? If you have not paid attention you should spend a day with me!!

There are homes for sale that have deep discounts. Of course, some are not in as good of shape as others, but you will

get a better price for that type of property. If ever you've wanted to do some fixing up on a home....now is the time!

I have a buyer who recently got accepted offers on 3 bedroom ranch style homes with 2 car garages and 2 baths.

He got TWO homes for 95k! Seriously! Both in great locations...both needing some repair but great deals!

It really is fun to help a buyer find the diamond in the rough so let me help you find one!!!

Happy hunting!

Julie Raese

Century 21 Affiliated

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” -Oprah Winfrey

It's just about time to head back to work tomorrow! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and spent some quality time with the people who matter most to you! As I write this blog, I'm trying to figure out where I may have went wrong last year. I believe I have the same goals as I did last year at this time. I'm not sure how I failed on my goals but life just happens.

This year was a true challenge for many of us. The economy was tough for many. The real estate market was challenging for many. Yet I was fortunate enough to have 56 closings for a total of around $7,500,000. I am very blessed. Thank you to those who were kind enough to help me with business!

I lost a great friend to cancer this year. She was only 51. Cancer really does suck. There's not too much more to say about that. I just wish there would be some progress on the cure of this terrible disease.

I was blessed with a grandson this year! I was not ready to be a grandma, I can tell you! But it is awesome! It is impossible to be in a bad mood when you are holding a child in your arms! It's like being a new parent, but so much better.

Let's just take one day at a time and be successful with that! Wishing you and your family a very healthy and prosperous New Year! Remember what is important!

Our first winter day below zero! I had forgot how crisp and clean the air is at this temp!

Remember though, that it is not safe to be out in the weather for extender periods of time.

This is true for you as well as your pets! But what about the people who are homeless this season?

There seems to be more need than ever before. Please think about sending a check to your local pantry

or shelter to help those in need especially around the holidays. You can make a difference!

Today I had a call from the tenant, who occupies one of my listings.

She was given notice that her family of 4 will need to evacuate the property by December 23, 2010

because the home was foreclosed as of September 23, 2010.

I spent about 40 minutes talking to her about where she will take her family, especially during

the holiday season and winter. This seemed like terrible timing for her and her family.

The owner of the home had told her that he had "saved" the house and that she should send him

the rent as usual because he had bills to pay as well.

I really feel sorry for everyone in these situations. It's really tough to be caught in the middle of the

foreclosure process no matter who you are, I guess. For those of you who don't have to deal with this, be

happy. For those of you who do, please have some compassion for all involved! I'm not so sure it's not

going to get worse before it gets better!

What a wonderful weekend it's going to be! Time to enjoy your family and friends with picnics and parades

and fireworks! Take the time to think about how lucky we are to have our freedom. What are you going

to do to celebrate? Make some memories!