It's that time of year when it seems everyone is having a party or there's some kind of gathering to attend. It's fun to see everyone out and about and often dressed a little differently, perhaps with a little more flair, than the rest of the year. Two recent events included the Boonville Big Band at Lauren's and the Grange Potluck. Both were fun events and both included good food! I always enjoy hearing our local talent play with the Big Band and my beau's mom, who was attending with his dad, commented several times on the quality of the music and the saxophones in particular (we were sitting right behind them). The Grange potluck was incredible - we have such culinary expertise in this valley.
At all of the events I've attended I get asked two questions - how do I like my new office and how's the market. I love my new office! I like being in the middle of town, seeing people drive past or stop at the various businesses. I see quite a lot of foot traffic and I get a lot of traffic myself. During my past few years on the coast I found that I could spend days sitting in the office and never see anyone except another agent. In my new office I have people stopping by several times a day; many just say hello but I've also had a good business of people interested in real estate. I had a young couple in this morning looking for rentals and they commented, as most people do, on how cute the office is, how they like all of the windows and how cozy it feels. Exactly my sentiments!
How is the market? Well, it is slow. I plan to sit down and gather statistics for the year soon but I can say that there has been little sales activity during the past six months just off the top of my head. I don't expect the holidays to be particularly busy - people are thinking about parties and shopping and eating and not buying or selling real estate. However, I have had quite a few people in the past two weeks stopping by to inquire, most casually, but it shows there is some interest. Traditionally, January is one of the hotter times of the year for sales - it's because people start thinking about a new year, new changes and decide to do something about it in January. So it makes sense that people might begin their inquiries now in December.
Two events I want to mention coming up - caroling at Lauren's with Lynn Archambault on the 18th and the Greenwood Community Center in Elk is hosting a free Thank You New Year's Eve party as a thank you to the community for all of it's support. There is a potluck dinner (turkey's provided) starting at 7pm and music provided by the DJ son of one of our community members starting at 8:30pm. Music will range from swing to 70's funk to current music - something for everyone. The event ends at 1am. Donations will be accepted and there's a no-host wine and beer bar; soft drinks and water will be provided. Hope to see you there!