All I Want For Christmas

Nancy Russell Vice President CBRB www.nancyarussell.com e-mail: Nancy.Russell@NEMoves.com Thinking back to when I was a young child, I believe it began Thanksgiving night. I would lay in bed and dream of the wonderful things I would add to my Christmas list. Then in mid-December, my parents would sit down with me, my brothers and sister and would write down all the presents we wanted. We would all jump in the car, go to the post office and mail our letters to Santa. This was a tradition that my husband and I carried over to our own children. Now with two in college and one a junior in high school, we rarely get a chance to sit down and have a family dinner. But here we were a few weeks ago eating dinner, together as a family, reminiscing of the wonderful times we spent working on our Christmas lists. Then my son, Matthew, jokingly recommended that I write a letter to Santa asking for what I wanted. So I thought, "Why not?" Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is:

• For Mortgage companies and lending institutions to return to sound business practices and never forget that unfettered greed brought the U.S. and world economies to the verge of collapse. The housing market is truly woven into the fabric of our lives. Those that are in the financial industries need to be proper stewards, leaving a healthy economy for future generations.

• For first-time home buyers to find the home of their dreams. As a Realtor, there is no better feeling then selling a couple their first home. It is hard to describe, but there is something special and makes you feel good with being around young people discussing their hopes and dreams.

• For Federal and State governments to resist the temptation of over-regulating the housing industry. Regulation authorities are and have been in place. However, those that were chartered to oversee have either turned a blind eye, were grossly incompetent, were pursuing their own agendas, followed poor advice or any combination of the above.

• For Sellers that hope to have a deal in the next few months to understand that curb appeal does not fade with winter. Prior to the first snowfall, yards should be raked and cleared of all debris. Outdoor lighting and sconces can be used to frame the doorway, providing a warm and welcoming entrance.

• For Buyers to set and keep realistic expectations. It is always a good idea to sit down with a real estate agent and review your wants and needs.

• For the real estate ecosystem to continue to heal itself. The ecosystem is made up of Buyers and Sellers, of course, but I am talking about the economy, lending institutions, attorneys, and Realtors in general. When one or more of these elements falter, the whole real estate market is in danger. The market has been correcting itself for close to two years and the fundamentals are pointing toward a healthier ecosystem in 2009.

• For Buyers and Sellers to take their time and choose the right real estate agent that provides the best value proposition. Experience, inventory knowledge, negotiating skills and marketing are but a few attributes to consider when evaluating Realtors.

• And finally for all to have a wonderful Holiday Season with your family and friends since at any age this time of the year still holds a little magic.

"Whatever Nancy touches turns to SOLD." Call me at 508-243-8128 or send e-mail to Nancy.Russell@NEMoves. com. Visit my website at www.nancyarussell.com for more information.