I hope everyone had a happy Halloween and didn't overdo the candy! It seemed like everywhere I went there was candy - and I admit that I ate my share. I spent the evening with friends in Mendocino and that was very nice - lots of children in costumes running about, laughing and having a good time. I went to the street fair that Frankie's sponsored - that was also a lot of fun; live music, acrobats on the silks and the trapeze, and my favorite, the fire dancers.
This was also the week that my vineyard was harvested; it was pretty nerve wracking, determing when to harvest, would the sugars be high enough, had the rot taken hold, but it turned out fabulously - 14.25 tons at 25.5 brix. Everyone was happy! I went out yesterday afternoon and gleaned enough grapes still left on the vines to make a batch of yummy grape jelly. I think I will make at least one more batch, maybe two, if I can get back out there before they either get rained on or continue to rot. The honey bees are loving the few grapes left out there - I don't remember seeing so many bees; I think they are taking advantage and stocking up for winter themselves.
Real estate continues to seem to be moving in the right direction. I opened an escrow this week, proof that there are buyers out there for the right place at the right price. And price continues to be the issue. The largest segment of buyers are the first time buyers, with some investment buyers out there as well. First time buyers are looking for what will fit their budget, usually the lower end, and thanks to the $8,000 first time buyer credit, we are seeing a lot more of these buyers. Investors are looking for something they can buy and rent out and make the payments and eventually see a return on. I am finally noticing that sellers are coming back to reality and are pricing their homes so that they can be sold; this is our market, today, not what happened two or three years ago.
I have been working as part of the committee for our annual Realtor's officer installation dinner this year. I have been so amazed and grateful to so many people and businesses who have generously donated to our fundraiser. As part of the dinner we hold a raffle, a live auction and a silent auction; this year the money will benefit Project Sanctuary and the Mendocino Coast Children's Fund. We keep hearing how bad things are out there and yet during this lean period people are wonderfully generous and continue to think about others who have even less. This has been a truly inspiring experience.
I hope you get a chance to enjoy our beautiful fall weather these last few days before winter decides to move in for the season.