Merry Christmas ~ We’re Goin’ Out the Door!

Whew! What a day! Between Almond Rocha, Christmas cookies, and Chai tea......we were energized to sweep off the desk tops and organize our work space so that we will come back to a clean slate next week. Jason moved two computer stations and got his stretching and bending work out, Heather moved the book cases and reorganized the entire lounging space, and I watched! HA! Now that it is almost dark, it is time to get on the road home. Have a Blessed Christmas!

No slow down as Christmas is near

Whew! What a week! The crud-d-d caught up with me, and I was actually SPEECHLESS for several days! Imagine that! Thank Goodness for the TEAM! They totally took over, and we successfully closed 6 transaction sides this week, without one peep from me! HA!

Our year is closing out very strong, even though we have seen a substantial drop in inquiries and buyers, due to the Holidays and my taking Thanksgiving off to see Liza and Lauryn, grand daughters in Bend, Oregon and attending a 3 day CRS Leadership Transition Conference at Seaside, Oregon. It was such an honor to be part of the Oregon, Washington, Idaho Strat Planning team. My Idaho Chapter Presidency begins January 1st, and it will be an exciting year ahead.

All the Agents at the Seaside event reported a quieting of their markets as well. Second home markets seem to be the strongest, on the I-5 Corridor and along the coast. Waterfront/ recreational remains strong in all areas as well. Good news for you investors and 1031 exchangers. We generally have one quick cash purchase by an investor between Christmas and New Years. I'll keep you posted! Judy

Raise the Bar group meets 1st and 3rd Wednesdays

In an effort to strengthen our local REALTORS^® both educationally and relationally, Judy Higgins started a bi-monthly breakfast meeting at the Red Lion for any agents wishing to share and strengthen their relationships. This morning the group discussed our new MLS system, Paragon 3, which comes with strong positive recommendation from the Moscow, Idaho MLS and others.

We also noted a downward trend in our pricing, for the first time in nearly a year. We have enough inventory in every area except affordable housing, which is our biggest selling niche. Clarkston, Washington has announced that at lleast three new subdivisions will be opening in 2006. Lewiston has none we are aware of.

Our area would be perfect for developers to come in and introduce housing that would sell in the $100,000 to $150,000 range, as the median home in that range was built in 1945, according to our MLS sold statistics since 1-1-05. Many of those homes are functionally obsolescent, but the only choice buyers have. Approximately 161 homes have closed in Lewiston in that category since January 1st.

We will meet again December 21, and State President, Mike Johnston, will be our guest speaker.

Lewiston Clarkston Real Estate Buzz

A REALTOR^® FIRST time event to remember!

As another attempt to Raise The Bar among the REALTOR^® Community in the Lewiston/Clarkston Valley, the Judy Higgins Team has arranged for a limosine pick up for 8 guest agents to preview a newly completed home at 2038 13th St, Clarkston, WA.

The crackling fire will add ambiance as wine and cheese will be served while Jennifer Menegas, Jan McCoy, Val Hobart, Shelly Miles-Nessmith, Patty Luther, Debra Berry, and Cindy Perttu are served by Judy and her team.

Mark Schwemmer, of Build Rite Construction, will be available to show the quality amenities of his home. John Sullivan, Loan Officer at Twin Rivers Bank and Bill Hoene of Alliance Title Company are joint hosts of the event.

Jim Nelly from of Outlaw 106.9 will broadcast an invitation to anyone interested in buying the home to stop by from 4-5 pm today. The home is on nearly a half acre, allowing for RV parking and a shop could be built in addition to the 3 car agrage. Vaulted and coffered ceilings, customized split bedroom floorplan, and many unexpected upgrades are featured in this spacious one level home near Tri States Hospital and shopping. The home is priced at $265,000 and is available for immediate purchase and occupancy.

Details!

There are so many details in the closing of a home! Believe me, I work with them all day, everday! It is a challenge staying on top of all the details, but because I am able to give each transaction my personal attention, things are able to go much smoother.

For instance, today I spent half an hour arranging the closings of two home and moving vans. Although the situation was someone difficult, by contacting each person personally, talking out the details, and arranging our FREE van rental, both clients walked away happy!

This is one of the benefits of having a team member designated to work though these transaction details! We can help you work through your transaction with ease... although no one can guarantee a bump free ride, we can guarantee the most service through those bumps!