So get this... I was talking to a guy today who is shopping for a new house and selling his current home. His house is very nice, huge kitchen with these funky pretty backsplash tiles, nice updates, etc. I was so thrilled to hear him say that he does not intend to GIVE his house away. "I understand the market isn't great" he said, "and I'm not going to get top dollar but I don't think I should have to lose money on the deal." I loved this guy. The conversation turned to what he is looking for in his new house. "I'm qualified for $190k he said, so I want you to shop in the $250s for me." (PAUSE) (I didn't know what to say.) He continued, "Well it is a Buyer's Market you know."

(SIGH) I can't even go on with this story. Let's change the subject to something good.

So I went with my Hubby to see HAIRSPRAY at the Whiting a couple of weeks ago and it was amazing! Couldn't stop smiling. (The week before that we took our kids to see SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL!) I have seen CHICAGO in New York on Broadway and RENT at the Orpheum in San Francisco. I have to tell you that the Whiting offers an equally enjoyable and rewarding theatre experience. If only we could get some investors to put in some unique restaurants, coffee shops, etc., to round out the evening!

And NOW! Now we've got Lakisha Jones. FINALLY some nationwide positive press for Flint. If you're not an American Idol watcher, PLEASE start watching and vote for Lakisha. She is so lovely and will give you chills when she sings. I am so proud to be represented by her.

To top it all off houses are selling! Although Buyers may still be a bit confused regarding the meaning of the term "Buyer's Market", Sellers seem to be catching on. We're seeing painting and updates and upgrades and music and scene setting. The key to selling is standing out in a crowd, not reducing your price so low that it actually costs you money to sell. Home buying is supposed to be an investment. "Money in the bank". So many Buyers are using the term BUYERS MARKET to demand lower prices, but here's another good term, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. In all these low balling offers, not only are we driving Sellers to lose money and even into foreclosure, but we're driving down the market for our resale. We're creating negative juju. Let's stop using "foreclosure OLD FLINT mentality" and instead let us be inspired by Lakisha and HAIRSPRAY and the Whiting, and smile and THINK UP and PAY IT FORWARD. (more GREAT terms!) Pay the fair market price for the good house. Bring up the market. Sell in a few years for profit. These are all good things.

To summarize... Buy tickets to the Whiting, Watch Idol and vote for Lakisha, and Do Unto Others, in all matters, Real Estate and otherwise.