August 26,2006

THE REAL (ESTATE) STORY
By Larry Underhill

EVER TRIED to drink out of a full-on fire hose? As I write this week’s rant, I’m sifting through the wealth of experiences of the past week. Here are some impressions:

THE CHICAGO CAB DRIVER was from Ethiopia. He was a little difficult to understand, but if you think about it, his English is a LOT better than my (zero) fluency in his native tongue. Licensed as a medical technician in his native land, he’s working long days in his newly-adopted country as he pursues his medical training …and studies to obtain American citizenship. He loves this Land of Opportunity.

I’M IMPRESSED with the leadership of our National Association of Realtors. One speaker stood out. Dr. David Lereah is NAR’s Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. He delivered a “Real Estate Reality Check” with some surprising information. The real estate market is still EXPANDING in 31 percent of the country while it CONTRACTS in the other 69 percent. The good news is that, from his extremely credible point of view, he expects the current general slide in real estate values to have a ‘soft landing” unlike previous market corrections. He had a long list of reasons that support his position. Hope he’s right!

ANOTHER SALE into the pipeline! Greg Adams and the rest of my Team took care of bizness during my short absence. Of course, I burned up the cell-phone airwaves from time to time, but that’s the advantage of the times we live in. You can do business from anywhere!

A LITTLE MORE about my new listing at 515 Sandpiper Circle: This place is a bit of a fixer, but it’s priced accordingly! 1412 square feet on a secluded circle. Three bedrooms, two baths, laundry room, pull-down attic storage in garage. Needs a new roof, new floor coverings, and paint. At $352,500, what’s not to like?

THE BLUES is alive and well in Chicago. I conducted research in two famous blues establishments: Buddy Guy’s Legends on Wabash and The Kingston Mines, which I happened to visit on a special night. Koko Taylor, known as “The Queen of the Blues” and recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was there with her band. The occasion was a benefit for Koko’s foundation, which helps blues musicians (who are not generally known for their attention to financial planning) with medical bills. Great music. Decent food, too.

REDUCED! 1921 Edgewood Court! Lakewood schools! Quarter-acre landscaped lot with fruit trees, grapes, berries, more!! Possible RV parking! 1791 square feet of comfortable home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, upgraded kitchen and more! Was a great value at $439,950. And now? $419,950!

THE MASTERMIND SUMMIT in San Diego was the best yet. Back in 1997 when I first joined Brian Buffini’s program, I was the only Lodi-area Realtor involved. Now there are dozens of Realtors and lenders enjoying the benefits of building a by-referral real estate practice using Brian’s training..

FOOD CONT’D: Best Chicago-style deep-dish pizza: Gino’s East. If you go, bring a Sharpie to write something witty on the walls along with everyone else’s scribbles. 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