One of my quests this holiday season was to purchase as many gifts as possible that are made in America.  I believe this is one way we can help our economy regain a healthy status, by increasing jobs in our own country.  Actually, that is a real no-brainer.... My experience to date is that it is nearly impossible to find American...Read More!

There is a saying in the real estate business: "Buyers are Liars".  It's about the many ways buyers mislead their agents, at least in the beginning, about their motives for buying, the price they want to pay, etc.  I will write more about that at another time, as today I want to answer a question I was asked recently about...Read More!

Have a beautiful Christmas, however you celebrate it, and warm wishes for peace in your personal life and in the world in 2013!Read More!

If I am not posting very frequently over the past week or so, it is only because life is taking me in so many different directions!  On the home front, I am trying desperately to enjoy a little of the holiday season, but slipping behind more each day, because on the business front --- I'm busier than ever!  In the...Read More!

As expected, due to the holidays, activity slowed a little this past week here in the Santa Maria Valley.  Fewer sales, but my goodness, that surely has something to do with our extreme lack of inventory --- down approximately 200 units from this time last year!  Can't sell houses that aren't for sale!  We are down by 3 in our...Read More!

I finally have proof for those family members of mine who question the existence of our eldest cat, Miss Kitty!  Caught a perfectly wonderful photo of all three of our furry felines together in the new extra large napping bed on my husband's desk (well, it sure wouldn't find a spot on my desk!), and here it is: Then I just...Read More!

It's the buzzword in the news these days: the "fiscal cliff", and our financial crisis is spinning towards it! That's what they say.  One item included in that crisis that many homeowners seem to be unaware of is the MID, i.e. the mortgage interest deduction.  At a time when housing is just beginning to recover in this country, when at...Read More!

Second week of December and there were a total of 32 sales made during the first week, December 2-8, here in the Santa Maria Valley.  How does that compare to the same time frame in 2011?  There were 31 sales last  year.  But, I can tell you before I even look --- we have far less inventory this year than...Read More!

Just a quick reminder of today's annual Christmas Parade!  Please see Wednesday's post for the details, and don't forget the antiques show and then later wine tasting at the Old Town Market, as well as the bazaar at the Orcutt Academy!  Fundraiser too!  Check it out here! It's going to be a beautiful fun day in Old Orcutt --- be a...Read More!

Lt. Harold Bartley, my uncle, was there and survived to return home and become a wonderful elementary school principal in Topeka, Kansas.  He and his wife raised a beautiful family and he just passed away in 2007.  Thank you to all who served in World War II.Read More!