I am noticing that there are more and more “for sale” signs going up in neighboring yards. Open house signs are popping up on the streets on Sunday afternoons. It must be spring. While I am busy with our Realtor association business, my priority is still helping my clients with their real estate needs.

The clock frequently reports that Linda is up later than usual. Jim and I were laughing today about our awareness that life is short and we are just “tap dancing” a little faster. So much to do! This last week you can find five new homes listed on my web site. Every seller is being reasonable in their pricing and I am very proud to say that each home is attractive and has been lovingly prepared for the marketplace. We are optimistic about the market this year—families still wanting to make changes.

On a quick note, congratulations to two families that recently closed on their new homes! Amy and Curtis and their children—what a delight. Kevin and Kay—from the East coast all the way West! It has been my privilege to work for these families.

Where does technology take us? I have been thinking a lot lately about all the tools I have to communicate with my clients. Of course, family is included too. The web camera that lets me see my grandchildren is very precious!

While I’m sitting in a class and absorbing all the new legal requirements of my profession, I can still communicate with closers, title people and clients via text messages. When I am teaching a class I watch some of the class members’ thumbs – busy, busy thumbs! At that point I hope they’re having business conversations. Today in an education committee I listened to the discussion about our need to understand all the social networking opportunities. Facebook, Myspace, Youtube, and what is Plaxo, Autorain, etc.?

In my office we have a very successful agent that is still grumbling about the fact that he doesn’t think “that the Internet thing will really catch on”. Of course it’s tongue in cheek – he’s sitting at the computer as he continues to mutter his disdain. I won’t go that far, but I think there is a limit to all the conveniences of communication. It can consume much of my time. So there it is again, taking control of my business and my life. Setting priorities – how can I truly serve you, my client. What do you need from me? One of my philosophies of business that I teach is this “to be successful in business, find a need, AND FILL IT.”

I’m working on staying current and filling the need of all my clients. No time to stop. Yes, Jim and I are glued to three PCs, two laptops, palms, phones, digital this and digital that, but we’re having to ask ourselves; how much time are we really saving?

By now everyone has heard of the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit. Definitely it is a wonderful opportunity for some to become home owners. There are multiple web sites giving the details but I will give you a quick run-down.

It is interesting how quickly these guidelines have changed, with some agencies trying to make the credit dollars available at the time of the purchase to use for down payment obligations. My understanding is that option has now been completely eliminated. Stay tuned – anything can change!

Purchasers claiming the credit cannot have owned a home within the last three years – that constitutes a “first time” home buyer. The tax credit is equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price – up to $8,000. There ARE income limits. After complying with all the requirements, claiming the credit is as simple as filing a tax return. (Did I say “as simple as”?)  Any home that is considered to be the principal residence will qualify; houseboats, townhouses, condos, mobile homes, etc. Purchases from January 1, 2009 to December 1, 2009 can qualify. Let’s see, can I anticipate a “rush to purchase” in November? My advice, don’t wait. Lenders are facing new guidelines in July that could extend the closing period by weeks.

Act now – this happy little benny won’t last long!!

Borrowers should always consult their tax advisor regarding any tax incentives.

My flower pots are empty and screaming for attention! With great anxiousness I await the blooming trees. Then it snows! Before I get myself into a “twitter” let’s talk about our landscaping. Whether considering how we live with our landscaping choices, or we are going to sell (now or in the future) here are some ideas I have gathered over the years. In fact, having just been with several different buyers recently, I’ll share with you some of their comments.

First, do you like simplicity or all the master gardener details and variety? Buyers with children do not like a yard requiring time consuming maintenance. Also, I noticed that ponds, waterfalls, and taller ledges (while visually attractive) don’t appeal to protective parents. If you are like Jim and me, our little pond offers pleasant sounds, a variety of colors and plants, and a pleasing visual effect – but we have to watch the grandkids closely when they visit. Consider how you will live in your yard – and who. Maybe the birds, squirrels and occasional turkeys and deer will help you make some decisions. For instance, all my spring bulbs are in fenced areas. Those deer find tulips delectable!

The plan to stay in our homes for many years allows us to “do our own thing”, but what if we’re trying to sell a property? Here are some ideas: consider good color in the front yard. Red and yellow. Psychologists tell us that yellow is the first color our eyes process – but I’ve always said a pot of red flowers will do wonders for first impressions. Walkways are more pleasant if they are curved – maybe flowers marking the pathway. There are so many different water features available now that wouldn’t cause parental concern – it’s worth considering. Water enhances ambiance, is relaxing and refreshes the spirit. Some flowers have a pleasant fragrance – use them near the front entrance. Not enough can be said for neatness. Bushes trimmed, trees not blocking views, shrubs healthy and grass mowed.

Here’s a suggestion: if you are going to sell, start on the yard first. It takes awhile for plantings to grow – then go to the inside for fresh paint and decluttering. Oh yes, a side benefit – if you start sprucing up your yard, it will encourage the neighbors to do the same. That helps create a great first impression when buyers drive down the street. In every neighborhood we have lived in, there has been one “neat-nik”. Now that is pressure! Motivating. You might even decide that everything looks so good – why move? That doesn’t sound like a Realtor, does it? Hmmmmm…

In the last few days I have driven by three serious car accidents. It is very unsettling to see the destruction of someone’s car and more seriously, personal injuries. It made me think of all the cars I pass as I drive on our streets and highways. My car is like another office for me. The fast food wrappers, water bottles, crumbs, loose change, etc. Files stacked beside me in a box — that was in the hopes I could be a bit more organized. As I reflected on other cars — full of kid’s toys, snacks and huge car seats — I realized that it is amazing how most of the time we get to our destinations without damage.

It’s the same thought process that took me to how we perceive all news and situations. The glass really is half full! Look at our real estate market — there is a lot of activity with buyers out looking and sellers realizing that our Spokane area is a relatively stable marketplace. Certainly we have cycles of appreciation, but we have a good economic base. We are blessed. Today it’s a buyer’s market and it will change again. Take advantage of the timing — it’s time to buy and achieve the American Dream — a home of your own. Tell your friends…