Greater Greenville SC Real Estate Residential Market Conditions, Homes Sold, Average Days on Market, Listings, and Homes for Sale – November 2009

National Association of Realtors reported today December 22nd, 2009 that existing home sales in November rose 7.4 percent to 6.54 million units, up from 6.09 million units in October 2009. This numbers for November is 44 percent higher than the 4.54 million units sold in November 2008. Greater Greenville SC real estate market also saw an increase in sale. In November 2009, there were 581 total residential single family homes, including Condos and Townhouses, that sold in the Greater Greenville real estate market. This number is 40.3 percent higher than the 414 units that were sold in November 2008, and 10.2 percent higher than the 12 month average of 527 units. This increase is mostly credited to first time home buyers who hurried to take advantage of the first time home buyer tax credit which originally had a deadline of November 30th. Average sales price in Greater Greenville for November 2009 was $157,491, Median sales price was $132,900, and total sales volume was $91,502,537. The average Days on Market(DOM) in Greater Greenville for the month of November was 100 days. Year to date, from January 1st to November 30th 2009, there were 6251 units sold. Average sales price was $166,112, Median sales price was $139,900, total volume was $1,038,365,561, and the average DOM was 101 days. As of December 10th 2009, there were 6,465 residential single family, condo/townhouses available for sale in the Greater Greenville real estate market. This is 192 units less inventory than the 6,657 available units as of November 10th 2009. Average list price was $259,492, Median list price was $184,628, total volume was $1,677,615,331, and average DOM for the active listings was 158 days. The increase in Greenville SC home sales, coupled with the decrease in current inventory is an indication that the home buyer tax credit is doing its job to stimulate the housing market. Of course we still have a long way to go, especially with the amount home owners who are still in default, but it seems like our worst days are behind us. Remember: The $8,000 first-time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended to April 30th, and has also been expanded to include a $6,500 tax credit for repeat buyers who have occupied their home for at least five years. Statistics used in this post was gathered from the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors inc. Multiple Listing System. These statistics may not include sales like new construction or For Sale by Owners that were brokered by member firms. Greater Greenville includes Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Easley, Fountain Inn, Mauldin, Taylors, Travelers Rest, Piedmont, Landrum, Marietta, pelzer, some parts of Spartanburg County, Anderson County, Pickens County, Laurens County, and Oconee County. Please Contact Victor Amadi at 864-525-0201 for more detail on the $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit, and for all your Greater Greenville Real Estate needs. Greenville County SC Real Estate and Homes for Sale Greenville County SC Entry Level Homes for Sale {under $150k} Greenville County SC Median Homes for Sale {$150k~$300k}   FREE Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation     Greenville County Upscale Homes for Sale {$300k~$600k} Greenville County SC Luxury Homes for Sale {$600k~$1m}  Greenville County SC Million Dollar Homes for Sale {over $1million} Greenville County Lots & Land for Sale Greenville County Condos & Townhouses for Sale     START NEW SEARCH   Greater Greenville County SC MLS Real Estate – Homes for Sale in the Greenville Area of South Carolina. Here you have access to the following market segments: Greater Greenville Entry Level Homes, Greater Greenville Median Homes, Greater Greenville Upscale Homes, Greater Greenville Luxury Homes, Greater Greenville Million Dollar Homes, and Greater Greenville Lots, Homesites and Land for Sale in Greenville County SC. Surrounding towns and communities include: Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Easley, Fountain Inn, Mauldin, Taylors, Travelers Rest, Piedmont, Landrum and Marietta South Carolina. Also includes Greenville County, Spartanburg County, Anderson County, Pickens County, Laurens County, and Oconee County real estate and homes for sale. Call Victor Amadi at (864)525-0201. EXIT Upstate Realty!  Weblink: - Greater Greenville South Carolina Real Estate Residential Market Conditions, Homes Sold, Average Days on Market, Listings and Homes for Sale – November 2009

To say commuting to Boston is a challenge would be an understatement. I’ve found drive times from Sherborn, for example vary from a breezy 35 minutes to an arduous hour plus journey during heavy rush hour.

For my two cents, I’d go with public transit if you can. Here’s a handy guide for those commuting to Boston where you can check out commuting distances, train schedules, parking options, and pricing.

You can also use the MBTA’s “Service Nearby” tool to find the best public transit route to work.

Note: If you spend more than $150 a year on train/subway passes, youʼre eligible for a tax deduction. Ask your tax preparer for details. (Source = MBTA)

Learn more about Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty and real estate in the Boston suburbs.

[Photo courtesy of Kevin Krejci]

If you’re fed up with stressful city living and want to make a new start in the New Year, then consider relocating to Somerset where houses are cheaper, the cost of living is lower, with first-class schools and you can say goodbye to long commutes.

Somerset is a perfect business location; less than two hours from London, Wales, the Midlands and the far west by road and rail and it has some of the best broadband connectivity rates in the UK and a strong networking ethos.

Despite the recession there are plenty of success stories in Somersetís business sector.

Every year 20,000 people relocate to Somerset, the majority of whom are from the south-east, according to Into Somerset, the inward investment organisation.

Many of them are entrepreneurs looking to establish a new business or relocate their existing company. In fact Somerset has the highest business start-up rates of any rural county in the UK, statistics show.

Cuddledry is now the UK’s market leader in baby bath towels and one of the fastest growing companies in the region, exceeding all targets and financial projections. Turnover is currently £500,000 per annum and growing rapidly and the company has won many awards including this year’s ‘Must Have’ Nursery Product of the Year, Best New Somerset Business 2009 and Best Somerset Business 2009 (0-5 employees).

The Cuddledry range of products has been featured on television, radio and in magazines nationally and internationally and is perhaps best known for turning down offers of investment on BBC TVís Dragonsí Den. Its huge success has led to the founders being named among the 40 top Young Entrepreneurs in Europe.

Director and co-founder Helen Wooldridge, pictured with co-founder Polly Marsh, praises the exceptional level of business support that she and her business partner have received in Somerset. “At Cuddledry we have had truly amazing support from business groups in Somerset. Our Business Link advisors have helped us significantly and some aspects of our business growth would not have been achieved without their advice.”

Angel News was initially a hobby for founder Modwenna Rees-Mogg after she moved to Somerset from London. However, her website putting entrepreneurs in touch with angel investors and venture capitalists, has turned into a profitable business reaching 66 countries. She says, “Because of the mature attitude of my staff I was able to create a professional business quickly. In London it would have been harder to find this calibre of people with such a positive attitude.”

Ylem is a software solutions company that relocated to Somerset from Oxford and started their business all over again in renovated farm buildings. The company has attained a total of £1million turnover through networking with Somerset Chamber of Commerce and other local business groups. Co-owner Sandra Wilson says, “We made sure we had good communications with access to up to 50MB SDSL. In 2004 we re-acquired our Oxfordshire business and since then we have grown from strength to strength with an annual turnover of £750,000.”

Into Somerset is funded by the local authorities and brings together the public and private sector to promote Somerset as a thriving business destination.  Chief Executive Rupert Cox says, “Into Somerset is an innovative project encouraging inward investment and promoting indigenous business growth with the message that Somerset offers a wonderful lifestyle and opportunities for business development.”

Somerset particularly attracts mobile, knowledge-based employees because of its location, offering good road and rail networks and proximity to three airports plus a rural, more relaxed lifestyle. The county has excellent broadband connectivity and its business support network is second to none.

For more details about how moving to Somerset can help you and your business grow, visit the Into Somerset website, which helps businesses looking to move.

Well, we did it. Mostly. The majority of our things are still sitting in a truck which is itself under about a foot of snow but for now we are making due with considerably less than we are accustomed to. I can’t say the transition has been the easiest but at least we are out of our apartment once and for all. In the spirit of giving I have decided, once we can dig the remainder of our belongings out of the snow, that I am going to donate a TON of stuff to Goodwill; i.e. kitchen table/chairs, dining ware, CLOTHES CLOTHES CLOTHES, shoes, etc. If anybody wants/needs anything speak now or forever hold your peace because I have more than I know what to do with and my New Year’s Resolution is to SIM-PLI-FY. I always thought I had been such a minimalist but this move has taught me something else about myself, which is: I am more like my pack-rat family than I had ever wanted to admit or thought possible.

Though I’m sure my presence missing from the blog world last week didn’t hit many (or any) radars, my reasons were pretty solid. I was in the process of moving AND losing my mind. I have since found most of it but I’ll have to ask you to excuse the mess for just awhile more because this week is Christmas and it couldn’t be coming at a worse time. Ok, maybe we picked the worst time possible to move and it’s not the fault of Christmas but you know what? I’m pushing the blame here.

Oh and SERIOUSLY, Brittany Murphy died?! WHAT. THEE. EFF? I am in fucking shock, even though I’m pretty sure she was all kinds of a mess and being fed all sorts of pills by her wack-job skeezer husband but SERIOUSLY? I’ve been waiting for her comeback from obscurity for a few years now. This brings major sads. Now I’m reading that Amy Winehouse is supposedly re-engaged to her douche nugget ex-husband. What a fool. I pray she hasn’t really sealed her fate this time.

It was a regular day-before-the-official-start-of-winter wonderland around here yesterday and we took a bunch of really cool snow shots but, of course, our computer is one of those many items which we have yet to retrieve so I have limited access to all my tech gadgets and gizmos.

That being said:

Pictures to follow.

Some day.

Hopefully soon.

No promises.

I’ll be lucky if I can find clothes enough to dress myself for this week.

So there…

As evidenced by the photo embedded in this post, we finally got some snow here.  Okay, it was only an inch but at this point I’ll take what I can get.  It makes the plow blade we are having installed on Chris’ truck tomorrow seem a bit over-the-top, but the locals persist with their snow dramas of winters past and we want to be ready for the blizzard they promise will come soon enough.

Chris had researched a number of snow removal options before deciding to go with a plow blade on the truck.  He didn’t think a snow blower would work quickly enough on our extra long driveway.  We already have a snow blower that we bought in New Mexico after we got three feet of snow dumped on us our first Christmas there.  Of course, once we bought it, the winters that followed were mild and we never got enough accumulation to merit firing up the snow blower.  And this is what I’m afraid is going to happen in Michigan – now that we have the plow blade, it won’t snow.  As they say, if you take your umbrella, it doesn’t rain.

But there is snow in the forecast most days this week, so it looks like I’m going to get the White Christmas I was hoping for.  The tree is trimmed and the fireplace is warm.  All I need now is a big blanket of snow.  Merry Christmas!

 The intelligence of a city in related awards listings is based on economic growth and number and quality of postsecondary educational facilities found. These are universities, colleges, tech schools, vocational institutes, and career academies. The following is the Forbes.com list of Top 20 College Towns in the US. All 20 demonstrated jobs growth, in spite of a recession. They may be recession-proof.

College Towns are Often Recession-Proof

• It’s tax season again and thoughts of home ownership weigh heavily on the minds of renters and other prospective homebuyers. Renters are often apprehensive about the financial responsibility of owning a home. I want to remind taxpayers that ownership, rather than renting, offers financial benefits. Below are tax incentives for home ownership, but as always, taxpayers should seek the advice of a financial professional:

• Deductible property taxes and interest. Most homeowners can deduct property taxes and interest paid on their mortgage for each year of ownership.
• Borrowing against equity. Homeowners can borrow against the equity they have built up in their homes. Equity from a home can be used to improve the property, buy a car or pay for education. 
• Real estate tax exemption. Depending on the state, certain real estate tax exemptions apply for homeowners who meet specific criteria. 
• Yearly home appreciation. Although it is not a tax advantage, homes build equity over time. Renters receive no financial return on monthly rental costs. 
• $8000 Tax Credit.  You can still take advantage of this tax credit!  Use it for paint, new hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, or a vacation.  Remember, this isn’t just for first time homebuyers anymore…Please view my previous posts about who can take advantage of this expanded tax credit.

When people look for a job they often ask about the company’s employee retention rates, yet I’ve never had a home buyer ask me about retention rates in a particular town when they’re trying to decide where to live. I find such statistics interesting. After all, it would seem to be at least an indicator of people’s happiness with the area.

Thus, I was pleased to find some nifty statistics at Boston.com listing the “residential turnover” (in other words, how long people stay in the same locale.) The below chart lists residential turnover rates for many of Boston’s metrowest suburbs.

Residential turnover rates in many Boston suburbs

While housing turnover rates can be due to a number of factors such as increased workforce mobility rather than lack of desirability of an area, residential turnover rates are worth noting when considering various communities. Studies show that “place attachment” has a positive impact on individuals by helping to build more cohesive neighborhoods.

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Learn more about Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty and real estate in the Boston suburbs.

Prior to leaving for Brazil, I have the intention of trying to capture my experiences and observations of the culture, food, lifestyle, geography, language, music, dancing – the whole experience of living in a new and unknown country from an outsider’s perspective, especially as I absorb myself into the culture.  I’d also hope it’s a bit interesting for anyone reading!

From the outset I have pre-conceptions based on my short stay last year, from my Brazilian friends and the way the country is portrayed from outside and inside.

I have the fear and anxiety of crime and violence that stems from the inequality of the wealthy and poor.

I have the excitement of a culture who value music, dancing, food, family and the lifestyle of a hot country.  The language is a beautiful to listen to; it’s like a birdcall to my deaf ears.  I am slowly grappling with learning the language but realise that for all the work I put in ahead of time, it won’t be anything compared to having to survive and learn the language.  One day hope to be able to write this blog in both English and Portuguese do Brasil!

Another strong emotion I’m dealing with is the apprehension of leaving the comfort of my home and city where I’ve lived for the past 5 years to explore the possibilities of a life overseas.  I feel that there are no rules or inhibitions in a new city; I’ll be free to push the boundaries of what I can do and see where it takes me.

                                                                                                                            Nov-Dec 2009

GOOD NEWS to Report…

John Connaughton, UNCC economist, predicts that next year, the state’s economy will grow 2.8 percent, following this year’s 3.6 percent decline.  N.C. businesses are expected to add nearly 33,000 jobs next year, with growth in more than half of the state’s economic sectors – including finance and real estate, which took massive hits in the recession, Connaughton said. He expects the construction, services and government fields to post the biggest gains in 2010.

Cities Where Housing Is on the Mend
(12/09/2009) The recovery is swiftest in those areas that didn’t have as much of a housing price run up to begin with, either because the in the 100 largest metropolitan statistical areas. Then it calculated the percentage of loans that are descending further into delinquency vs. those that are improving. Recovering the most quickly: Raleigh #6, Greensboro #21, Charlotte #27, Greenville #51 Click here for full article <http://tiny.cc/RlaG4>
 

America’s Fastest-Recovering Cities
Diversified industry and relatively stable housing give residents in these metros a measure of economic security. Raleigh/Cary #9, Greensboro #53, Charlotte #54, Greenville #66 http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/19/cities-recovery-unemployment-lifestyle-real-estate-top-ten.html

Best Bang-For-The-Buck Cities
Solid housing markets, relatively stable employment, enviable cost of living and quick commutes make these metros among the country’s most affordable to live. Greenville #20, Raleigh/Cary#21, Greensboro #30, Charlotte #56 http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/30/cities-affordable-cheap-lifestyle-real-estate-housing-foreclosures.html

                                                                    
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RISMEDIA, December 16, 2009—Trulia.com, a real estate search site, and RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosure properties recently released the latest results of an ongoing survey tracking home buyers’ attitudes towards foreclosures. The new online survey conducted on their behalf between November 5-9, 2009 by Harris Interactive showed a notable decrease in consumers’ willingness to buy foreclosed properties, with 43% of U.S. adults age 18 and above indicating that they are at least somewhat likely to consider purchasing a foreclosed home in the future, compared to the 55% of U.S. adults age 18 and above surveyed online by Harris Interactive between May 1-5, 2009. However, the survey also found that there is strong interest in certain segments, including real estate investors, current home owners looking to “trade up” to a larger property and renters.

Real Estate Investors
In the difficult economic climate that currently exists, home foreclosures present significant opportunities for many consumers, including real estate investors. According to the survey, nearly one in four U.S. adults (23%) are at least somewhat likely to purchase a second home or investment property, and of these, 92% are at least somewhat likely to buy a foreclosed property.

Trading Up
With the recently expanded housing tax credit including a new $6,500 credit available to current homeowners looking to purchase a new home or trade up, interest levels in purchasing foreclosed properties will likely increase during the next several months. Currently, 24% of homeowners are at least somewhat likely to “trade up” to a larger home, and of these, 88% are at least somewhat likely to consider a foreclosed property, according to the survey.

Renters
Renters are showing strong interest in buying foreclosed properties with 57% at least somewhat likely to purchase a distressed home in the future. Additionally, younger adult renters are significantly more likely to purchase a foreclosed home: 61% of renters ages 18-34 and 65% of renters between the ages of 35-44 are at least somewhat likely to consider purchasing a foreclosure compared to only 40% of renters 55 years and older.

Discounts & Opportunities
Consumers expect to get a lot for their dollar when purchasing foreclosed homes and are willing to invest: nearly two out of three U.S. adults (65%) expect a discount of 30% or more when buying a foreclosed property. Respondents in the Northeast expected the biggest discounts, with 43% expecting foreclosed homes to be discounted by 50% or more.

“Even during the darkest economic times, dreams don’t die. Foreclosures are providing never before seen opportunities for new segments of homebuyers and allowing renters to become first-time buyers, allowing investors to grab great deals and allowing families to trade up to larger homes,” said Trulia co-founder and CEO Pete Flint. “Until unemployment levels off and starts to get better, we expect foreclosures to continue to play a big role in the 2010 housing market.”

According to the survey, 95% of U.S. adults are willing to invest money in renovations when purchasing a foreclosed property. Additionally, more than half (55%) of respondents are willing to spend 20% or more of the purchase price to make improvements on a distressed property. Trulia found in a separate study that the average person invests up to $30,000 when purchasing a new home for things such as furniture, paint, hot water heaters, etc. As more consumers purchase distressed properties, excess housing inventory levels will decrease and additional money will be poured into other industries, helping to stimulate the economy as a whole.

Unnecessary Negative Stigma
“The most active and qualified buyers in today’s market are highly interested in foreclosures, which is not surprising given the discount that often comes with a foreclosure purchase,” said Rick Sharga, senior vice president of RealtyTrac. “It is somewhat surprising that consumers cite hidden costs as the biggest negative aspect to buying a foreclosed home because most bank-owned foreclosure sales include the same title protections and other safeguards that are in place for non-foreclosure sales. As myths such as this are put to rest and consumers take more time to educate themselves on the process for purchasing foreclosures, they will be able to take advantage of the great bargains that currently exist in the real estate market.”

Permission to re-post by Rismedia-More San Diego Real Estate articles & tips; at Gary Giffin web www.GaryGiffin.com or search for San Diego Real Estate and foreclosure homes at Gary Giffin MLS search www.SanDiegoHomeSold.com

Easley SC Real Estate Properties and Homes for Sale

Easley SC Entry Level Homes for Sale {under $150k}	Easley South Carolina Median Homes {$150k~$300k}	FREE Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation
Easley Area Upscale Homes for Sale {$300k~$600k}	Easley SC Luxury Homes for sale {$600k~$1m}	Easley SC Million Dollar Homes {$1million plus}
Easley SC Lots & Land for Sale	START NEW SEARCH

Seeking a new home when relocating permanently or for a longer period, a task can be stressful. Often arranging for a new home has to be carried out, while the sale of a current home and settled matters at work, and make all sorts of other decisions. To take some of the stress of booking accommodation for a relocation, there are several resources you can use.

Use Your Business Network

Many people relocate because aResult of the work relating to transfer to. Often the employer will have access to resources that can help employees to appropriate accommodation at the new location can. The funds can also corporate housing for short term or a working agreement with a local real estate office to something that is more secure long term. A good use of company resources for finding an apartment to start, is an excellent way to take some of the guesses from the process and to find suitable living conditionsSpace in the shortest time.

Use your personal connections

If you are friends or relatives living in the area around your new location, get feedback from them on neighborhoods and parts of the city that would be suitable for your needs. Faith based communities are also a good source of important information, since members of the communities are often more than happy to help.

Their new study by the Community

Spending a little time learning about the community that younow a part, you can see parts of the topic, which would be attractive to you and your family. Refer to the relevant local associations, local government and grassroots organizations that are dedicated to promoting the local community.

Working through a local agent

Entering a work situation with an agent in your new home town, you save time and stress. Enter the agent with a list of "absolute" for your new space,together with a list of other features that you think is desirable but not essential. Do not provide too much detail on their guard. The more precise about what you need and want, the easier it is for the agent is available to evaluate properties and then arrange for you to consider each one in turn.

Use a Booking Service

Accommodation Booking Service offers great selection, terms and conditions and quality products so that they are best able to assist you.Due to their bulk buying power, they also receive lower prices for accommodation, so that you can achieve a better property for the same household.

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Greater Greenville South Carolina Real Estate Weekly Residential Market Conditions, Homes Sold, Listings and Homes for Sale – December 6th – December 12th 2009

Greenville County SC Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Greenville County SC Entry Level Homes for Sale {under $150k}	Greenville County SC Median Homes for Sale {$150k~$300k}	FREE Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation
Greenville County Upscale Homes for Sale {$300k~$600k}	Greenville County SC Luxury Homes for Sale {$600k~$1m}	Greenville County SC Million Dollar Homes for Sale {over $1million}
Greenville County Lots & Land for Sale	Greenville County Condos & Townhouses for Sale	START NEW SEARCH

Greater Greenville County SC MLS Real Estate – Homes for Sale in the Greenville Area of South Carolina. Here you have access to the following market segments: Greater Greenville Entry Level Homes, Greater Greenville Median Homes, Greater Greenville Upscale Homes, Greater Greenville Luxury Homes, Greater Greenville Million Dollar Homes, and Greater Greenville Lots, Homesites and Land for Sale in Greenville County SC. Surrounding towns and communities include: Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Easley, Fountain Inn, Mauldin, Taylors, Travelers Rest, Piedmont, Landrum and Marietta South Carolina. Also includes Greenville County, Spartanburg County, Anderson County, Pickens County, Laurens County, and Oconee County real estate and homes for sale. Call Victor Amadi at (864)525-0201. EXIT Upstate Realty!  Weblink: - Greater Greenville South Carolina Real Estate weekly Residential Market Conditions, Homes Sold, Listings and Homes for Sale – December 6th – December 12th 2009

I dislocated my ankle playing flag football and that is they put it back on.

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The upcoming NHL board of governors meetings, taking place in sunny Pebble Beach on Tuesday and Wednesday, will give the NHL owners a break from their teams to discuss a litany of issues concerning the league. ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the main discussion will revolve around the potential sale of the NHL-funded Phoenix Coyotes to the Ice Edge investment group. Interestingly, LeBrun also speculates that discussion surrounding the Coyotes sale will inevitably lead to discussion on the viability of other markets, particularly Quebec City, Winnipeg, and Toronto.

North American expansion is out of the question considering the economic strength (or lack thereof) of many of the league’s southern teams, but relocation of weaker franchises is an option that should be fully explored. I’m not suggesting stripping the league of all its southern franchises, although I do support contraction. Los Angeles, being the second biggest North American market, should definitely have a hockey team regardless of weather pattern. I like the NHL in Dallas, San Jose, and Anaheim and I also think Las Vegas should have a team. All you need to do is market the team as an attraction for tourists in Vegas. Everyone is betting on things anyways. Have them bet on the hockey game they’re paying to watch live. I don’t really understand why every major North American sport doesn’t have a team in Vegas for this reason.

I would like to see teams relocated to Winnipeg, Quebec City, and Toronto (or Hamilton). Take three of Carolina, Phoenix, Florida, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, or Nashville and move them to the previously mentioned cities. I don’t think there is a dire need for a team in any of these cities. If you have snow, you get to keep a team. If not, you better have developed a fan base by now. [Crazy thought: 3 conferences – Canadian, American, and European – 10 teams in each] While I’d like to see both the Jets and the Nordiques return for nostalgic reasons, I want a second team in Toronto purely for hatred’s sake.

With the Leafs amidst a downturn (stock joke: ya, 42 years! Har har har) there is a palpable negativity amongst bandwagon fans. During successful years, casual hockey fans in Toronto (and people who don’t even care about sports) will jump all over the bandwagon and proclaim their hockey allegiance. Although this can increase the excitement surrounding the team, especially during deep playoff runs, it can also be utterly annoying. These same people are the ones who currently ask ‘why do you like the Leafs if they suck so badly?’ The same people who deride your fanaticism in the face of mounting defeats. The same people who will gladly proclaim their loyalty to a new Toronto team.

Hypothetically speaking, if Tampa Bay, a team with a bright future, moves to Toronto, there will be a massive exodus from Leafs nation. I’m not suggesting the die-hard faction of Leafs nation, but rather the portion that prefers to ditch the last few minutes of the game to catch the early train home. Fans who waltz into their seats five minutes into the period and leave with five minutes remaining. With a team on the cusp of making the playoffs and potentially challenging for the Stanley Cup sooner than the Leafs, I can guarantee there will be desertion. That’s why I’ll hate any new team that moves to Toronto (or Hamilton). As I’ve said before, hatred in sports makes it better and I love to hate.

It would be nice to have another rival, another team to hate. Move up the Islanders, let me fully develop my Johnny T hatred. If the relocated team is initially better than the Leafs it would make the rivalry much more insufferable (read: better). You wouldn’t be able to talk to a Toronto Islanders fan without listening to reasons why they’re the only real hockey team in Toronto or how stupid you are for liking a worthless team when there’s a viable alternative right within the same city. Um, who did you sell your Eric Lindros jersey to? They’d probably even piss off Senators fans (Hey, guys! We’re pretty unlovable too! Hate us! Remember, Alffy, the rat-face, clown haired prince?).

However, although Toronto certainly has the fan base to support another NHL team, it isn’t likely to happen anytime soon. First, MLSE will fight with their entire might to prevent this. They know the financial juggernaut that is Leafs Nation. Why would they entertain ideas of letting some new upstarts take a cut? Second, the league is wary about the potential deleterious effect another Toronto team could have on Buffalo, Detroit, and to a lesser extent, Ottawa. Buffalo would be most severely impacted, considering the increased revenue the team receives when the Leafs travel to the HSBC arena. Not to mention the amount of fans from Southern Ontario that go to see any other Buffalo game because it’s a cheap and accessible alternative to the ACC. Detroit, already taking a financial hit because of the recession, would be at risk of losing fans that cross the border from the London area. With more tickets available for NHL games in Toronto, there is less appeal of travelling across the border to watch the Wings. Ottawa also draws a considerable attendance from people in the GTA, but this would not be as significant as Detroit or Buffalo.

Unfortunately, I don’t think relocation will happen anytime soon, regardless of Gary Bettman’s recent overtures to Quebec City. He seems stubborn in his refusal to admit the abject failure of southern expansion (over saturation) and seems intent on allowing each team to be run into the ground before admitting his failure. Or rather, he’s intent on buying these franchises after their abject failure and continuing their decline at the expense of the league.

The number of homes for sale declined 2.4 percent in November in the metropolitan areas covered by ZipRealty Inc. In the last 25 years, the decline in November has averaged 1.8 percent.

The data doesn’t include New York, but Miller Samuel Inc., an appraisal firm, reports that inventory was down 7.1 percent from the end of October and down 18 percent compared to November 2008.

October was the first month since January to show a rise in bank-owned homes. The number of bank-owned properties declined over the summer because of efforts to prevent foreclosures. As time runs out for many families, the number of foreclosures is increasing.

As of the end of October, banks and mortgage investors had 639,000 foreclosed homes for sale across the U.S., Barclays Capital estimates. “We expect a rebound in distressed inventory in the coming months,” says Glenn Boyd, a senior analyst at Barclays.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, James R. Hagerty (12/09/2009)

As a follow-on to my blog post about the U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 ranking of top U.S. High Schools, I thought I’d share more details about a few of the Massachusetts high schools honored in the report.

Wayland High School was ranked #8 in Boston Magazine’s list of top Massachusetts High Schools, and was recognized as an outstanding performer by www.schoolmatters.com, a service of Standard & Poors.

Last year, 96 percent of Wayland High School graduates went on to post-secondary education immediately following high school. The top ten schools matriculated in the past three years include Bentley College, Cornell University, George Washington University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Tufts, University of Vermont, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, and Union College. Advanced Placement courses are offered in American history, biology, calculus, Latin, English, French, Spanish, chemistry, and physics.

Residents take great pride in the quality of Wayland’s public school system. The Creative Arts Parents Association, Wayland Public School Foundation, Wayland Boosters, and Wayland High School Parent Organization are among the school’s strong supporters. Wayland High School students participate in team sports, including lacrosse, track, wrestling, golf, swimming, and football, plus theatre, band, orchestra, science and math teams, French and Spanish clubs. Wayland High School students contribute to the community in numerous ways, such as participating in the School Climate Committee, Gay/Straight alliance, or as peer advisors.

High school enrollment: 906 students
Students per teacher: 14
Per pupil spending: $13214.

Weston High School: This affluent community is noted for its strong public school system, which ranked #1 in Boston Magazine’s list of top high schools. SAT scores at Weston High School are among the top public schools in Massachusetts and college placements are consistently near the top in the state. 

Advanced Placement curriculum includes English literature, calculus, statistics, computer science, biology, chemistry, physics, world history, U.S. History, European history, French, Spanish, Latin, and music theory.

Weston High School students maintained impressive college acceptance numbers. 95 percent will continue their formal education with 92 percent attending four-year institutions. Graduating students are often accepted to competitive schools such as Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, and MIT, to name a few.

The school also offers students access to an extensive online library, world language lab, dance study, athletic center, and indoor pool. Weston high school students play football, soccer, field hockey, golf, crew, volleyball, basketball, track, swimming, wrestling, hockey, baseball, softball, tennis, and lacrosse.

High school enrollment: 722 students
Students per teacher: 11
Per pupil spending: $16463.

Read more about Wayland, Weston, and other premier Boston suburbs.

Learn more about Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty and real estate in the Boston suburbs.

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I’ve been thinking about traditions lately and appreciating their meaning in our lives.  Of course, the holidays come with many traditions – some that are universally shared, and others that are shared within a family.  We often do these things without regard to how and why they were started, yet they give us a good feeling through the bond we feel with those who share our traditions. 

This time of year comes with many traditions for me – everything from Christmas cards to holiday decorations, and a special Christmas meal of antipasto and champagne.  One of my favorite Christmas traditions when I was a kid was watching the Charlie Brown Christmas Special.  Chris indulged me, and we bought the DVD and watched it the other night.  Watching Snoopy’s antics while Charlie Brown struggled with the meaning of Christmas took me back to childhood Christmases, and a time when you had to be in front of the TV when your show was scheduled to air or you missed it.  I don’t know if I caught on to the message that Charles Schulz was sending about Christmas when I was a kid, but I certainly got it as an adult, and decided that the Special would become a renewed Christmas tradition, and that we will watch it every year (luckily we have the DVD and I don’t have to figure out what time or channel it is airing on).

Even small everyday traditions are important as I learned the other morning.  When my husband leaves for work each day, I meet him at the door on his way out for a hug and kiss goodbye.  One day this week, I was busy in my office when I heard him making his way downstairs for his daily departure.  Too wrapped up in what I was doing, I offered a quick peck in the hall rather than making the trek downstairs for a formal goodbye at the door.  He was clearly disappointed as I turned and went back to my work.  My silly attempt to save time and check an item off of my to-do list came at the expense of a daily ritual that has become an important part of our day.  Luckily, I quickly realized the error and ran downstairs to catch him for a real hug and kiss goodbye before he headed out.

Similarly, I’ve realized the error in my thinking about my Christmas tree, and I’ve decided to put a tree up for Christmas.  Traditions are important, and maybe even more so for a family on the move.  When you set up camp in a new place every few years, the address may change, but the traditions give you a sense of continuity and cohesiveness in your ever-changing locale.  I made the decision to put up a tree as I was looking through our ornaments.  Our mothers each gave us a set of ornaments from our childhood.  We’ve also collected ornaments from the places we’ve lived and visited together.  This unique collection of ornaments gives us a sense of roots that is sometimes hard to feel when you live such a mobile life.  The mismatched, patchwork-style of our ornament collection does not make for the prettiest Christmas tree, but as the Charlie Brown Christmas Special teaches us, Christmas isn’t about having the prettiest tree.

It’s been ages since I’ve posted, but this should be interpreted as a good sign. The new job is going extremely well, and unpacking for the second time since moving to NC is….. well, unpacking…. again. It invariably takes more time and energy than expected and dang, I’ve got a lot of stuff.

The original move went well, though the drive took longer than expected. The 25± foot truck and car carrier combination was slow on hills, topping out at 50mph on inclines and a complete bear during refueling, especially if you had to back up or turn around for any reason. It was also the height of the ‘08 fuel prices, and diesel was at $5+/gallon at the time .

The house rental I found in my 3 day search of the Raleigh-Durham area was overly large for what we needed and that combined with finances and preferences prompted a second move. I really like the new house (also a rental) despite a sloping front yard and lack of garden. Being 30 years older,  the insulation is at least twice as good and the usable kitchen counter and storage space is a vastly improved. Unfortunately, there are still boxes of books that have not been unpacked, mostly due to a lack of book case space, brought about by a lack of available walls.

Having lived in apartments during all my time in Phoenix, I’d forgotten the time and energy involved in yard maintenance. It’s a particular drain on time when the 6-8 oak trees decide it’s time to drop their foliage. At the moment there are more leaves to rake and some halls to deck with the holiday season is rapidly approaching. So I must depart from the keyboard, but with hopes of returning on a more regular basis. Please feel free to pester (on a regular basis) if and when I fail to so.

Contact me at 508.904.4967 or leslie.mann@sothebysrealty.com to arrange a home tour.

Learn more about Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty and luxury real estate in the Boston suburbs.