Today’s blog is not real estate related, but rather an observation about people at holiday time.

Now you have to understand that although Jesse and I are not highly religious people in a church-going fashion, we do believe that our daily actions and behaviors should always center around doing the right thing and we work very hard every day to do exactly that.

That’s why I’ve been so disappointed this week by the way that people are treating each other.  During this season of giving and being thankful for the goodness in our lives, that sentiment seems to be merely an idea.

Let’s take parking at the mall for example.  The majority of people seem to be so caught up in getting a parking spot that they will go the wrong way down the parking aisle to beat the people going the right way to the spot.  I’ve seen drivers cut off other people to slide into a parking spot that someone else was patiently waiting for.

More of this behavior can be seen at the grocery store checkout line.  I was standing in line waiting to put my 4 items on the conveyor belt, just like everybody else when one of the clerks opened up another register.  The clerk pointed at me and said, “Ma’am, would you mind coming over to this register?”  Just as I stepped out of line to move to the next register, a woman from another line with a cart full of groceries jumped in front of me.  When the clerk asked her to step aside and allow me to get rung up first, she screamed obscenities at him and gave him the finger!

It’s a shame that we see this “me first, screw you” behavior all year long, but at this time of the year when we are supposed to be a little more thoughtful of others and show a little more kindness toward each other, this behavior is just sad.

So that it’s for this year – my last blog for 2009.  Till January 2010, Jesse and I wish you a happy holiday, people treating you well, sunshine everyday and the home of your dreams.

Best wishes,
Jeri

If you are a first-time homebuyer out there looking at homes and trying to decide what would be a good buy, you need to consider a few things.

Of course, knowing what you want in a home vs. what you need in a home is very important.  Finding a home in a location that suits your needs and is in your price range is of paramount importance.  Understanding what your money can actually get you for a home - also important.

Getting an accurate understanding of these things usually takes a combination of quiet thought, research on the internet, and house hunting with a realtor who can provide you with statistics about houses that most interest you.

So, what happens when you find the right home?  You should be able to make a decision about whether or not to make an offer and if you make an offer, what reasonable and acceptable terms would be to you and the seller based upon research and statistics provided by your realtor.

Sometimes problems arise at this point in the homebuying process because all of the decision-makers have not been involved in all aspects of the process.  So if you are looking for a house and people other than your realtor will be helping you to make a decision about buying, you must involve them in all aspects of the process.

You must talk with these people and discuss your wants, needs, and thoughts about a home, locations that you are considering, and price points that are comfortable for you.  Everyone in the decision-making process should be researching homes on the internet to get a better understanding of real estate in this market, and everyone should go house hunting with you every time you go out looking.

Then when you find the home of your dreams, everyone helping you to make a decision about purchasing a home will have a true understanding of your needs and what the market situation will bear.

Looking for a home, but wish you had access to the MLS like realtors do?  Sign up for our free service that allows you to search like an agent.

Want a good deal on a home?  Check out this week's Best Buys.

Wishing you sunshine everyday and the home of your dreams,
Jeri