February 25, 2006

THE REAL (ESTATE) STORY
By Larry Underhill

WHOOPS! Julie pointed out that last week’s ramble about Mother’s Day was a little premature (Mother’s Day is May 14!). I confused Valentine’s Day (upon which I lavish attention on three ladies, all card-carrying Mothers) with Mother’s Day (on which I honor the same three women in much the same way). An honest mistake! When Tony Kahl sent me his “Things I learned from my Mother” piece, I just slipped into Mom’s Day Mode. Here are a few more gems from Tony’s list:

“My Mother taught me about the Circle of Life: “I brought you into this world and I can take you out.”

My Mother taught me about contortionism: “Look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”

And so on.

CONGRATULATIONS to another pair of Not-So-Mysterious Clients! Yup. Julie and I bought another property. I believe in real estate! Congratulations to Sellers Jake and Misty Arbuckle, now residents of Redding! I’ve been working with several generations of Arbuckles for some time now. Jake’s Dad and Mom, Joe and Terri, headed up the Cub Scout pack my son Tom belonged to years ago. We’ve known them from Tiger Cubs through Boy Scouts and beyond! Sorry to see the whole gang leave Lodi, but we wish ‘em well.

I’m working with the fine folks at Alliance Title Company to make this move as smooth as possible for Jake and Misty. The proceeds of their Lodi sale are rolling into the escrow account on their new Redding home. A happy ending in Lodi and a happy beginning in their new home!

WE’RE GETTING ACTIVITY on 303 Rainier at the new reduced price of $429,950. As I write this, we have folks returning for a third visit…but it’s still very much for sale! This well-maintained Westside home has 1814 square feet of living area. Three bedrooms, two baths, separate Living Room and Family Room, large Laundry Room with back yard access! Don’t wait too long…

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET remains soft, but folks are still buying and selling! As of this writing, there are 278 homes and condos on the market in Lodi. That’s THREE TIMES the inventory we’ve averaged in the past few years, but it’s down from the low 300’s we experienced a couple of months ago. Interest rates are attractive, and anyone who can see a few years into the future knows that the day will soon come when we’ll look back on 2006 home prices and say, “Woulda, coulda, shoulda.” If you’re buying into the gloom and doom buzz, take heed of this quote from Arnold J. Toynbee: “The majority is almost never right.” Think outside the bubble.

SOMEONE ASKED old man Rockefeller, “What’s the secret to your financial success?” He answered with a smile, “I buy my straw hats in the fall.” Have a great week! See you next Sat.

Statesman Realty
(209) 333 2380

1-800-407-SOLD (7653)
Website: www.larrysellslodi.com

Website: www.larryunderhill.com
Email: Larry@LarryUnderhill.com