Yesterday I attempted to write a blog about the Stately Lady needing a new life, and prior to that about looking beyond the “bad” news and helping make someone’s day. Today I was at first stymied – what will today bring?. As I perused my Facebook friends I discovered that there was a richness right before me. – and in some inspiring and creative ways. I discovered how Marion was contributing to our economy and society by her innovative desire to help people reclaim materials and re-use them rather than throw them away – how Bill, a developer and builder was pulling out all the stops to not only Go Green, but to bring new life to an area of Portland with his development of Mississippi Avenue Lofts, And then I ran across how Dan, an executive producer of Pic.tv how he was working hard to help link people to sources, to information and more importantly what providing a resource for them to make an impact within their communities. Amazing – right before me, and around me, there are people who are using Common Sense. Thank you!!
Become inspired today. Listen to what One-Economy.com is doing – discover Pic.tv – discover before you just remodel and make your way to the local hardware store what is possible when you work with Marion at reclaimdfinishes.com. And then end your day by listening to the incredible insights of those at Bring It Home America. Young at heart people of all ages are getting it - they are making a difference and changing communities. Isn't it common sense?
This last week-end on my way to a hold an Open House for my listing at 5095 Territorial Drive as part of a Tour of Homes of West Linn, I was a bit surprised at first to hear on our local radio station K103 playing all Christmas music. Within minutes however I found myself humming along, and even singing along to Drummer Boy and I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas – any stress of wondering if anyone would even show up at the Open House seemed to melt away. This early dose of the holiday season got me thinking about how to make this coming season a rich, memorable and stress-free not only for myself, but our family.
A study by Wirthlin Worldwide revealed that approximately 52% of women and 40% of men ages 35 to 55 said that their stress levels go up during the holidays. The American Psychological Association reports that Americans list lack of money (61%), the pressures of gift giving (42%) lack of time (34%) and credit card debt (23% as the top causes of holiday stress. So, since most of us would fall somewhere in that crowd, what can we do to break not be part of the statistics above. Is it possible to find peace and enjoy the holidays? Is it simply a matter of prioritizing, parsing out tasks and planning ahead? Perhaps start by making a list. Here’s my list:
That is part of my list – what is yours? Do you have a tradition to share – a favorite recipe not only for some great chocolate fudge, but how to expose yourself to the positive forces around us each day?
Off now to tour some homes for sale in our local area. Perhaps I can make a seller’s life less stressful by bringing 
them a buyer. 
Took part yesterday in an inspiring cooperative effort on the part of Realtors who had listings in West Linn, Oregon. 36 of us Reators worked together to put 36 of our listings on an advetised Tour of Homes Open House. The homes covered almost every style, price range and location througout West Linn. What was inspiring was that 36 of us were able to come togetherl, work together in helping promote our seller's properties for sale. Rather than looking upon each other as competition, we lput our sellers first. As a result of this effort, each of us saw increased interest for our sellers - some of us had over a dozen people attend our Open Houses. This cooperation among Realtors also helped the home sellers to take a critical look at their pricing, their home appearance and a realistic look at today's real estate market, rsulting in many cases price adjustments reflecting our current market.
The dialogue between the prospective buyers and Realtors was also extremely healthy. The focus of our conversations was on the positive aspects of our current market. One connverstion for me paprticularly struck home. How often do we read or listen to the news or go through our day focusing on all that is "wrong" or "gloomy", Yes, we even do that as Realtors. But look at the opportunities we have to brighten someone else's day. Perhaps part of our marketing or just part of our daily life now needs to focus on creatiing a different perspective. Most of have homes, we are not starving, we still receive nourishment, we still have our friends, our social networks, our families. I recall the heroric perspectives of those in California who have lost all their earthly possessions - have lost their homes - have lost their jobs - but they hold on to what is most precious - their lives, their friends and family. And .. they smile and try to help out their neighbors.
Throughout the last year, how often did we hear the phrase "Yes, we can"? And we did .. our country has made a change - perhaps more importantly a change in attitude. Yes, as Realtors working together, we can make a change in our market. As buyers and sellers working together, we can help change our economy. And today, I can make a difference in someone else's life - I can put a smile on their face with that phone call, that email or that twitter message.
And .. by the way .. imagine soaking in the outdoor hot tub after a hard day of boating, fishing, or water skiing from your own dock! Here is your chance to own a well-cared for 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on the banks of the Willamette. Private, yet close to everything! Click Here to see this listing located at 5095 Territorial Drive in West Linn, Oregon
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You deserve nothing less than an experienced full-time Realtor committed to marketing your real estate needs, whether it be buying or selling. In today's challenging market, we must work as a team.
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