Kristina Deaton

Prior to moving to Clemson, South Carolina, I frequently visited the area to see friends and take small vacations from the busy tourist streets of Charleston. I loved the quaint downtown which being as small as it is, still bustled with large numbers of college students and local families. I loved the 360° views of the lakes, the trees, and the mountains (things you tend to appreciate much more once you live in the city). However, I was worried that in moving to Clemson, there was one thing I would grow tired of and become annoyed with very quickly --- the color ORANGE.

Orange is everywhere you go! The stores downtown are all decorated in bright orange and Tiger paws. I've never seen so many people drive orange cars or wear orange clothes on a daily basis. Even the usually red Bilo sign...is orange. Never being a huge fan of sports, this town and its locals enveloped a pride I just couldn't grasp. I worried that in the end it would only drive me insane.

Soon after moving, however, my feelings changed. That bright orange is what ties this area together. People cannot get enough celebrating of their Clemson teams and how they make this small area of South Carolina stand out on the map. Sitting around the restaurants and sports bars in town on game days, you can't help but participate in the excited shouting and cheering even hours before the game is scheduled to start. Supposedly, even the tailgating events are larger than those of Pro-games. That pride even continues on throughout all of South Carolina with school alumni and long-time fans.

So, yes I love the old downtown, the country breeze, and the distant mountains and lakes, but I also love that Orange Pride that I now accidentally find myself a part of. I haven't been driven insane...I've only felt more at home. You can even catch me on game days --- proudly sporting my own bright orange jersey and Tiger paw earrings!!

Kristina Deaton, Sales Agent
Weichert Realtors, The WaterLinks Group
Contact at (731) 612 - 7587
Email - kristina@wrwaterlinks.com

www.WRWaterLinks.com

"It's been a long December, and there's reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last."

Unfortunately, this simple song lyric rings true for the majority of the U.S. population for 2008. Gas prices, the Presidential election, the stock market, and just the economy in general has had people worrying about their once stable future and keeping a tight grip on their pockets. The effect it has had on families really hit me when I listened to my Aunt try to explain to her children why they wouldn't be receiving as much for Christmas. Yes, it was a long December....it was a long 2008.

Even being one of the top investments in the country, the effect on the Real Estate market has been no different. With the surplus of inventory and the outstanding low interest rates, the market is leaning strong for buyers, yet the media coverage has people too frightened to test the waters. When I tell people that I'm now in the Real Estate business, their reaction is always the same. "Real Estate!?! Why would you do that in this economy?" However, my feelings are that if I can use this time to really learn and make my way, then I will be ten times the agent when the market turns around.

And that attitude can be applied to everything. If you can stay focused, smart, and make it through today, it will only make you better down the road. Yes, it has been a long, rough year for everyone, but I can only believe that this year will be better. The uncertainty of an impending election is gone and at least for now, gas prices are much more tolerable. So, let me extend to everyone the best for the New Year and a better 2009.

Kristina Deaton, Sales Agent
Weichert Realtors, The WaterLinks Group

www.WRWaterLinks.com