Kathy Kooyman

Another favorite Christmas tradition of mine is going to the Women's High Tea at our church each year. I have fond memories of going with my mother and grandmother and now my two girls go with my mother and I.

Please join the Women of Second Church as we present "Ringing in Christmas." The program begins at 5:45 Wednesday, December 10, in the sanctuary. The de klokenluiders will entertain with festive music from ringing brass handbells. A festive meal with follow in the lower level. A donation of $7.00 per person is suggested. Make your reservation with the church office by calling 628-3982 or email infor@2refpella.org.

During the month of November, 2008 there were 8 new listings. The total number of homes currently for sale is 71. 23 homes have either sold or are under contract this month. The average price of a single family home for sale in Pella is $175,424, homes were on the market for an average of 154 days.

Pella is a community that has it all - cultural heritage, business opportunities, and recreational abundance. Whether you want to learn about relocating to Pella, or just want to experience 'A touch of Holland,' you are sure to find plenty of things to admire about Pella!

Most of us in the real estate business are people persons, you have to be to choose a career in sales. However with that said, I have my moments when I'm at a party or working with a new client and the conversation seems strained.

I have been working with a business coach this past year, David Bush founder of eLIFE PLAN. One of the many lessons David has taught me is the art of making conversation easy and turning it into a networking opportunity.

It is called the FORD principal many of you probably already now and use it on a daily basis. Four things to ask your clients about and get them involved in a conversation.

F ~ Family Ask them about their family, many times this will lead to the fact that they are downsizing or their family is growing and they need a larger home, maybe mom or dad is moving to a retirement home and need to sell their home..you get the idea.

O ~ Occupation Ask about their job, sometimes a change in job, means a change in housing

R ~ Recreation Ask what they like to do for recreation, maybe they want to live closer to a body of water, or move to the country so they can have horses.

D ~ Dreams What are their dreams, do they plan to retire some place where it is warm, or be closer to their grand kids.

If nothing else it is a great way to get to know people better and many times you find you have at least one area of common interest.

I was raised in the 70's in a small town in Iowa, my parents owned and operated the local advertiser. My father drilled into our family the importance of shopping local, patronizing the businesses that supported our community.

Today, I still live in the same town and am raising my family.

In 2004 when I got my real estate license those words came full circle for me. I thought I had just been supporting my community, it never dawned on me that in fact I had been networking for over 40 years. The business owners supported me by sending referrals. I made rookie of the year in my first year of real estate and have been the top producer in my office ever since.

While most people ran to the nearest big city to do their shopping my family and I walked from store to store in our home town. We visited with business owners whom we know by name and shook their hands. They were very appreciative of our business, we also had the opportunity to visit with other locals throughout the day.

Many leads do come from the Internet these days but we can never overlook the importance of looking people in the eye and talking to them face to face.

Pella Garden Club tour of Homes 2008

Pella Garden Club members present the annual Christmas Open House Tour of Homes and Tea. The decorating theme for the homes on the tour this year is "Sleigh Bells Ring" After touring the homes, warm up at the Scholte Church Christmas Tea (corner of East 2nd and Franklin St.) while there be sure and visit the Christmas Decoration Boutique in the lower level. The tour, tea and boutique hours are 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 - 6:00 on Saturday.

Ticket price includes:

Two private condominiums and two private homes decorated for the the Holidays

A delightful Christmas Tea, offered in the charm of Scholte Church in Pella's Historical Village

Discounted entry to the Vermer Windmillfeaturing the newly decorated Miller's living quarters as well as a 2nd story view of Pella from the Mill's platform

Discounts at participating Pella stores upon showing your Tour of Homes ticket

This event, along with the Festival of Trees at the Opera House and visiting the downtown shoppingarea makes a delightful day in Pella.

Tickets are available from Garden Club members now for $13.00 each. Tickets are also sold at the Pella Historical Villagebusiness office, 507 Franklin Street, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Ticket price includes the Christmas Tea in Scholte Church.

Proceeds from the tour go toward civic beautification projects. Pella Garden Club has pledged funds toward landscaping at Brinkhoff Park, curb tulip bulb planting and Dollars for Scholars scholarships.