Sunny Hilton Head, South Carolina

But, the stuff of life interrupts.

We're here in VA and my wife and I are at waiting for the inevitable--my mother-in-law is in a coma.

Life is so unpredictable. In moments like these you really think about what is most important.

We cannot predict the future--(mom "looked good" one week ago.)

What we can prepare for is the eternal future.

The key question is do we know where we'll spend eternity?

If you're no sure--I'd suggest you find out.  Open your heart to the God of gods--sincerely ask Him to reveal to you the way of salvation--

I'll bet he'll be faithful and you'll soon see people pop in to your life who will share the gospel with you.

 Soon my mother-in-law will be at home with The King of kings and the Lord of lords.

My prayer for you is that you will earnestly seek the truth.

CNN HEADLINE

Stocks down at end of rocky ride --Wall Street cuts losses, but still ends lower as investors worry about the global economy. Emergency interest rate cut provides little support.

"Stocks tumbled at the open on worries that the United States is headed for a recession, if it isn't already in one, amid the credit and housing market crisis." (CNN)

A wild ride, indeed! if there isn't enough bad news the press will do all they can to make you believe that things appear WORSE than they seem

 REALITY

  Here are the one day charts...

 Just the FACTS JACK!

 The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) lost about 1 percent, recovering from bigger losses during the session. The blue-chip barometer opened the session down by more than 450 points.  (I am shakin in my boots!)

The broader S&P 500 (INX) index gave up 1.1 percent and the Nasdaq composite (COMP) lost 2 percent, recovering from larger losses. (ooooooooooooooooooh!)

The Russell 2000 (RUT.X) small-cap index ended just 0.2 percent lower.(au-ohhhh)

Treasury prices rallied, lowering the corresponding yields as investors bet on the comparative safety of government debt.  (YEAH, WHOOPI)

Oil prices fell and gold prices climbed. (YEAH!! WHOOOPI)

 FEAR: "One of the worst opens on record." ( Maria Bartoromo, CNBC 9:20 AM January 22, 2008)

GREED: FLASH FROM "CNBC" TALKING HEAD--Now would be a great time to buy financials (DUUUH)

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LET LOGIC AND REASON PREVAIL:

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Historic Chart of the Market

You are an intelligent person. What does this chart tell you? It tells me that historically that the markets go UP and UP.  A 5% loss in a market at say 12,000 is 600 Points. A 600 point loss in a market that trades at 2500 (1994) is far more significant then that same 600 points today.

From 1994 until 2001 I was a day trader. And the simple lesson I learned is that  what drives markets is FEAR--like we have at this moment and GREED like we have in Bull markets.

The people who'll win today are those who know this who use reason and aren't ruled by FEAR but by opportunity.

The investing public who'll pull out from the market will lose. The big players who'll pick up their shares at bargain prices will win. I am not saying to hold losers--but the fact is that TODAY some good stocks in good, solid companies will be SOLD because of the overall market fears

(Update: At 9:36 AM from CNBC,  "the NAS is trading 5% lower.")

What also drives markets is the news. Good news and Bad news.  The FED cuts interest rates--seen as "bad news" by many--(signal to gloom and doom folks that we're in deep doo doo).

The truth is the "trading/investing public doesn't have access to the information that institutions do. Institutions control markets--not Joe Public.  Believe me, institutionally traders have their their eyes peeled waiting for opportunity to pounce--just like my tiger and prevail

Fear blinds the public's eyes and they can't see The silver lining: The FED move means banks can "rent" money more cheaply which will hopefully translate into more liquidity which ripples into more money becoming available to consumers and business, at lower interest rates for borrowers.

It is all a nasty game if you don't exercise self-control, let reason prevail and keep fear at bay.

This also applies to the other side of the coin. "Getting rich quick" as a goal in any market is risky business. Greed drives stupid decisions. Greed is not patient. Greed feeds bubbles.

("BREAKING NEWS from CNBC" 9:41 AM-- the NAS is trading at 4% lower, the S& P is trading 3% lower.)

At bottom of the situation today is GREED. It wasn't the people who wanted homes who caused our current economic and financial worries. It was large investors whose mouths watered as they put their money into mortgage-backed securities and got rich and it was shady mortgage houses who permitted risky loans to get approved.

Mortgage Secularization is the issue and now it's an international issue with the wall street journal reporting financial strain with banks in CHINA who invested in our mortgages.

(Breaking NEWS from CNBC: 9:51AM--"Stocks well of lows of the day!")

Why is there a fear index? this morning that indicator hit 4757 today--I'd like to tell you what they can do with their fear index.

Today, our home buyers and home sellers are looking for leaders who can assuage their fears. Homes are being sold and they are being bought. The sky is not falling.

It is up to use to be bearers is truth and information about our local markets and to banish irrational fear.

Recessions are all apart of the economic cycle--but I call your attention again to the historic chart of the stock market above.

Here's a prediction. we gonna have an explosion to the upside in the stock market...can I tell you when? No. So why would I say such a thing? This is America. We are creative and resourceful with an economy that has been and will continue to be the best in the world. We will prevail.

Have a laugh on me... And save time, energy and money, by avoiding these these mistakes:

Late last Thursday, I received a referral from a friend. She told me a that she'd referred me to a buyer who was interested in purchasing a home and gave me the particulars--budget, bedrooms, baths, etc.

Friday morning , I did some preliminary checking to see what was in inventory, in anticipation of his call.

What I prefer doing is bring people into the office, get a clear picture of  their needs, timing, budget, explain agency and the exclusive buyer's agency agreement and develop a game plan. (This can also be done over the phone with out-of-town buyers)

But, the morning passed and there was NO call from my prospect. (that should have told me something)

I went on with my day. At 4PM on Friday, I  received a call from my prospect. 

--it seems he was on the Golf course most of the day. "Hi this is Sam, he said. "can you show (particular listing he saw)? "I can meet you at 4:30, I said.--ready to laugh? He asked if would still be light out?

(first mistake:--he is in control; the public thinks "agents are 24/7"; this guy thinks: " the agent couldn't possibly have anything to do on a Friday evening!" )

"I will meet you over there," he said

I met him, made some small chit chat, I showed the home--which he didn't like. I (the dummy) said, "there's another we should take a look at just to give you an idea of what you can get within the same price range which offers more value--

(Second mistake: compounding the first one, not abiding by my policy to come to the office, etc.)

"and I'd also like to take some time to get  a better idea of what you're looking for. We can also review agency law as required by South Carolina and discuss your needs more fully",  I said.  He was agreeable.

We went into the next home and he really liked it. And wanted to see more of similar homes. He seemed very enthused. He didn't sign the exclusive buyer's agency agreement, which I reviewed with him-- because he  wanted to take it with him "to review again" (!!*&%@!!)

(Third mistake: letting the buyer agency agreement  leave my hands) what happens in the case of referrals from friends is that you begin to get soft, don't want to appear too pushy and you're more trusting of your prospect and assume they are more trustworthy.)

As we parted he said, "See you Monday--I have an  early golf date and then I'll call you and we'll get together." 

"Fine",  I (the dummy ) said, "I'll be in the office on Monday morning and the afternoon would be a good time to get together." 

(Fourth mistake: buyer is in control--AGAIN!--did I think to myself: "gee I don't want to interfere with his golf game...after all his time is much more valuable than mine")

Saturday, I (the dummy) continued my research and called new home sales people who might have spec homes available in his price range--(my prospect didn't want to build). I (the dummy) also researched FSBO's to see if there were homes that might fit the bill.

(Fifth mistake:--working for FREE, wasting time on a potential buyer I didn't know enough about--who came looking without his !!!SPOUSE!!!)

Monday morning came and went--I (the dummy) hung around the office and  called and left a message. Not a word--no return call.  Tuesday came and went. "He's changed his mind", I (the dummy) thought.

On Wednesday my referrer called me to tell me, her friend "really, really, really  liked me but, what he really, REALLY wanted was _____ (not what I had shown him) and and He's not in a hurry anyway."

"Oh? OK ." I (the dummy), said!!!

Now, I've been down this road before, and I am sure you have too, and most of us have  had the experience of  putting in a lot of windshield time--like tour guides, we  drive folks around who don't buy and just waste our time.

Time is something you cannot get back!

Who do I blame for wasting my  time?

 I blame me!

The really good thing that came out of it is the decisions I've made.

(1) TO NOT be so hungry and so "needy" that I allow myself to be abused by buyers. (Don't think thoughts like these:  "Well, they're gonna buy someday, so it might as well be through me...")

(2) The only way I'll work with a buyer is if (a) they first take the time to come to my office so I can explain all of the legal stuff and how I work. (if they're out of town obviously they can't come to my office but I will  make sure they know how I operate. When they come to town they are ready to sign off on the exclusive buyer agency agreement.

[Why do I think it's important to get folks into the office? When you go to visit with a lawyer, where do you go? Their office. When you go to the doctor where do you go? Their office. It adds to your credibility as a professional to bring prospects in to your office. (I have no proof of this it's just an opinion.)]

(3) How I work changes, now:

• -I will not violate my policies and principles for anyone (even friends or family)
  
• -I will not begin personally showing homes without an exclusive buyer's agency agreement
• -I will not be a tour guide--at least, for free.
• -I will only offer "buyer services" for a fee--to those buyer prospects who are just window shopping and have no clear time frame-- and should they buy, eventually--I will deduct my fees from the co-broke.  

(4) I will refer buyer prospects who don't want to work this way to others who may choose to accept or reject the referral.

(5) I will always remember, If I don't respect my time, neither will anyone else

(6) I will always remember, if I don't respect myself, neither will anyone else.

Thanks for visiting "the house of pain..."

How would the top presidential candidates answer this question:

Question: Mr. Candidate is the Sky Blue and what would you do abou it?

Romney: Yes, the sky is blue, but we've lost some blueness, but I'm going to make it bluer,

McCain: The sky is blue, yes sometimes it is, but the straight talk is it's grey. We need to get a consensus from both side of the isle and I can do that...

Huckabee:God made the sky blue, because the bible tells me so, look at my record as Govenor

Obama: We gotta make it possible for the middle class to see the blue sky and have more blue sky in their lives, this is not blue sky thinking.

The Clinton's: We are the original "blue angels" we invented blue skies, we're gonna take the blue sky from up yonder and give it to y'alls. (or to yous, if you're from up north)

Using the scales below rate each candidate using our patented TRUTH DETECTOR:

Rate On a Scale of 1 to 10

Right-----------------------------------------Wrong

Conservative--------------------------------Liberal

Reality---------------------------------------Unreality

Truth------------------------------------------What People Want to Hear

Bottom Line:

Political candidates can no longer be guaged by what they say because they will say anything to please what itching ears want to hear

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

 Id really appreciate your candid comments about this service.

1. what  value does it provide and what results does it produce for you?
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3. What are the pluses and minuses?
4. Have you signed up for just parts of the service or the whole package?
5. Is this service worth $80.00 per month
6. do you also use Top producer? Is there any overlap?

Thanks so much for your help.

Buy NOW!

"Waiting", trying to time the market is difficult to do. Investors find our area to  be ideal--favorable taxes, and abundance of second home and vacation rental opportunities, and now a very good opportunity for residential rentals.

Sellers are open to lease-options, owner financing and we do have our share of REO's--bank owned properties--pre-foreclosures and foreclosures--all buying opportunities for those who don't want to miss out--

Now is a great time to buy!

The data below reveals the current inventory of all residential properties available in our area.

Key to Areas

1-Sea Pines, 2-Forest beach 3-Shipyard,  4-Wexford, 5-Long Cove, 6-Palmetto Dunes/ShelterCove, 7-Folly Field, 8-Port Royal, 9-Hilton Head Plantation, 10-Palmetto Hall, 11-indigo Run, 12-Spanish Wells, 13-Wind Mill Harbor, 14-Hilton Head/Off Plantation, 15-Daufuskie Island, 16- Bluffton/ Off Plantation, 17-Moss Creek, 18-Colleton River, 19-Belfair, 20-Rose Hill, 21 Berkely Hall, 22-Palmetto Bluff, 23-Sun City/Riverbend, 24-Oldfield, 25-Callawassie Island, 26-Spring Island,27-Beaufort Counrty-Norht of the Broad River, 28-Beaufort County-South of teh Broad River, 29- Brays Island, 30- Dataw Island, 31 Hampton Hall, 32 Hampton Pointe, 40 Jasper County, 41 Allendale County, 42-Bramwell County, 43-Colleton County, 44Hampton County, 45 Orangeburg County, 46 Bamberg County, 50 Hilton Head South, 51- Hilton Head East, 52-Hilton Head Norhteast, 53 Hilton Head North West, 54 Hilton head West, 55-Off Island

Active Listings As of 12/07

Key to Abreviations

AVG LP= average List Price

AVG CP= Average Closed Priced

AVG DOM= Average Days  Homes Have Been on The Market 

%CP/LP= Percent of Closed Price received as compared to Asking Price

It is amazing to me how political correctness has seeped into voter's brains.

Now, one is no longer to take a position opposed another candidate without first checking to see if it is somehow hurtful. The voter's I've observed who are taking [art in the caucuses really scare me. When asked by Pollster's to give the reasons for selecting one candidate over another (a) they don't like anyone who has "turned negetive" and (b) they must look, speak and act presidential--there is little regard for substance.

This is more about "image" and " than anything else looks"

 Clinton: I can't make my wife look younger, taller, or like a man (I'll be charitable here)

Newscaster about Obama: he is a nice guy, appeals to youth (cuz he doesn't look old) and he is a terrific public speaker--again--not much is said about the substance of what he says--its' all about HOW he says it and WHAT he looks like.

The caucus voters scare the heck out of me and I do have an opinion. I truly believe that there are a lot of folks who should NOT vote. BECAUSE: they don't know the issues, wouldn't recognize an issue if they saw it and would be content to vote for the best looking, best sounding human being that will give them everything that they could ever want... 

These are the first of 101 out of 217 Active listings by model, in SUN CITY Community.

Sun City buyer's always want to know "which model" and you must hunt for this info on each listing--so, this will make one's search a lot easier. 

Key to Sun City-Hilton Head Models:

Del Web Built Models: Adams, Charlestons, Chesapeake, Clayton, Cumberland, Jamestown, Hamilton, Kingston, Madison, Longleaf, Madison, Potomac, Rainer, Rockwell,  Shenandoah, Whitney, Yellowstone

For the most part, the Del Webb built models--are quality construction, are within Sun City's more  mature communities and I believe have a unique character that sets them apart from the newere sections.

All homes are well kept and an active community assoication assures that common areas are well taken care. Each home is maintained in accord with the standards of the community and there is not a chance that you'll come across a home that is not well taken care of by it's owners.

While there are a lot of numbers that follow, you'll get a feel for price ranges within the community,  and list price per tax square foot. please contact us and let us help you find the right home