I'm looking forward to 2012 and all it has to offer and wishing everyone a fantastic new year!

As I reflect on the past year I can only be thankful for the wonderful people in my life, fortunate encounters, challenges and triumphs.

I know the year has been filled with ups and downs; however, as I focus on the highs and learn from the lows, I know the year ahead will be that much sweeter.

My year started out with friends and toasting to a new year and ended...

....a great time to buy!

The weather is chilly, fewer people are in the market and that typically means bargains.

If you have been looking for a home, January might be the perfect time to start your search.

There are often value oriented properties on the market and the winter months seem to make real estate sales slow down.

Start looking and be in well before the spring. work on the inside projects over the cooler months and be ready to...

.....the weather outside is frightful...but, without a single snow flake!!!

Not even in the mountains --- they are making snow for skiing, but that is about it.

We do have an ugly inversion hanging around, today there were some breezes, hoping that might push things out. Those with fireplaces have been asked not to burn.

When these inversions come in, it really socks the cold temps in and the ugly air. It is actually warmer at Lake Tahoe in the mountains...

....requires patience, communication and diligence!

Some things to keep in mind when you are looking at hiring an agent to handle a long distance transaction....

1. Ask for extra pictures, measurements and as much information as your agent can provide about the property. Have them take pictures that give you a true visual perspective of the property --- the pictures on-line are typically designed to sell a property and might not point out flaws.

2. ...

Life has been busy!

I am severely behind in sharing information and posting.....this is good and I am thankful; however, I apologize to my regular readers for the significant decline in posts.

I think I'm caught up and now at a manageable pace to keep my blog updated on a regular (rather than irregular) pace.

I'm definitely thankful to have experienced an increase in real estate sales/purchases in the past year and excited to see people taking advantage...