User5480_7_t Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate
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With apologies to Clement Clark Moore for this parody by Margaret Woda, based on his "A Visit from St. Nicholas"

'Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the town,
Not a buyer was stirring, the market was down.
Our sale sign was posted out front with care,
In hopes that some buyers soon would be there.

Winter HouseThe children were curled up reading in bed,
And visions of moving danced in dad's head.
Now Grandma in her sweater, and pa in his cap,
Were asleep near the fire, taking a nap.

When out in the yard there arose such a clatter,
I leaped from my chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Pulled back the curtains and threw up the sash.

The road wasn't shoveled, there was new-fallen snow
And neighborhood children were playing below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a red SUV, full of people, right here.

With a little ol' driver, not lively or quick,
I knew in a moment it wasn't Saint Nick.
I called to the family, and everyone came,
As I whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Grandma! now, Grandpa! now Steven and Harry!
Call Susan and Tim, Elizabeth and Mary!
Buyers are coming, there's no time to spare!
Turn lights on, make your beds! Pick up toys everywhere!"

As Margaret's clients came up the front walk
I was so excited I could barely talk.
The kids jumped into action, and each knew his chore,
We had to be finished, when they got to the door;

And then, in a twinkling, we left just in time
The buyers were there now, ringing the chime.
As I looked o'er my shoulder, I saw they'd arrived.
And Margaret invited them to step inside.

SoldShe was dressed all in red, from her head to her toe,
We could trust our agent, our house to show.  
For buyers today, she knew how to find
All the features they wanted, what they had in mind.

Big rooms made them happy!  The closets did, too,
They loved the new kitchen, and baths all in blue.
A big ol' smile appeared on their face,
Of the homes seen today, this might be the place!

Then quick as they came, they all disappeared,
And they might not buy, that's what I feared.
We went back inside, sat down for a meal,
We cried, then we laughed, how should we feel?
 

Margaret drove to her office, with buyers in tow,
For she knew what to do now, an experienced pro.
She sold lots of homes that were not nice as mine,
She told me herself that our home is fine.

She had not a doubt, but went straight to her work
Explained all the contracts, then turned with a jerk,
And laying her pencil aside on her desk,
Shook hands with the buyers, and wished them the best.

She sprang from the office, and rushed to our side,
And we listened carefully before we signed.
Then I heard her exclaim, with a SOLD sign in sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!"

 

 

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Crofton Maryland Real Estate

Find a Home and learn about Real Estate Market Conditions in Crofton and Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  Check out Today's Rates, use the free Mortgage Calculator, and watch a brief video about the Power of RE/MAX.  These consumer-friendly real estate tools are provided by Margaret Woda for you to use at your own pace. 

When you're ready to go from "just browsing" to "let's get serious", contact Margaret online or call her at RE/MAX Vision in Crofton Maryland. 410-451-1900 

 

64 Comments on The Week Before Christmas, and All Through the Town...

Margaret-Excellent my friend.  So wonderful that I was visualizing myself right there with all the smiles, snow and a SOLD sign.  Have a Merry Christmas!

12/22/2007 12:23 PM by Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR® (Keller Williams Salt Lake City)


Margaret - Very enjoyable reading, I was going to try to do the same but came down with the flu a couple of days ago and the brain is a little foggy to be creative. I have sold a house either christmas eve or Christmas day the last two years, but based on current health and market conditions it will take a Christmas miracle to keep that streak alive. Thank You for your post and all you do for the those of us on the rain and your clients. Merry Christmas!

12/22/2007 12:27 PM by John Stauffer MBA, E-pro,CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES


All I can say is WOW! Margaret. I really enjoyed it. Merry Christmas.

12/22/2007 12:33 PM by Jim Houlihan (Coldwell Banker)


Margaret, this is GREAT! And you double ended the deal too!  AWESOME and lots of writing talent to boot!  Have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2008!

12/22/2007 12:36 PM by Mary Warren (Referring Agent)


Colleen, I did something similar a few years ago for mailing to a neighborhood when I sold my listing a week before Christmas.  For the life of me, I can't find that, so I had to start from scratch.  Maybe I'll find the other one in time for next year!

Julie, As I re-read it, I too could picture every scene in here.  I guess that's the magic of the original poem.

John, I hope you feel better soon!  It would be nice to keep that record of yours going.

Jim, You, too - have a wonderful holiday!

Mary, It just kinda worked out that way... the rhyme took control sometimes.  lol

12/22/2007 01:24 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Wonderful Margaret!  Merry Christmas to you and wishing you a very successful and prosperous 2008!

12/22/2007 02:02 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Relocations & HAWAII Real Estate (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


I love it!  Great job, Margaret!  Have a very Merry Christmas!

12/22/2007 02:49 PM by Jim & Maria Hart ~ Charleston, SC Real Estate (Agent Owned Realty)


Margaret,  That was cute.  Have a wonderful holiday and a great new year!

12/22/2007 04:05 PM by Marc Grossman, GRI - Greater Orlando Real Estate Specialist (Keller Williams Heritage Realty)


Sally - You too!  It seems strange to me to imagine Christmas in paradise.  But I'll bet it's beautiful.

Jim & Maria - Tell me, is Bob Lane Realty still in business there?  I used to work for them in the mid 70's, when they were the biggest company around with 4 offices.  lol.  

Marc - Why thank you!  You have a great holiday, too!

12/22/2007 04:29 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Great Job Margaret!  It's a reminder to all of us - this is a wonderful time of the year to sell/buy a home too!

Merry Christmas to all!

12/22/2007 04:34 PM by Susan


Thanks Margaret - I am on up time Christmas Eve so who knows - better make sure I wear red to the office however!

Tracy

12/22/2007 05:55 PM by Tracy - Distinctive Homes Sothebys -Lake Tahoe


Hi, Gayle, Thank you!

Tracy - Another Lake Taho agent!  Welcome!  'Haven't been to your area in 30 years, but I'll be it hasn't changed much.

Susan - Why not!  I've actually sold a few homes durring the holidays in the past.  You never know.  One thing is sure, anyone looking is really serious.

 

12/22/2007 06:52 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Margaret, congratulations!  I loved it all... the photo, the big red bow... the poem was wonderful, too!

Merry Christmas! 

12/22/2007 07:14 PM by Jan Evett Panama City Beach, FL (Ryan Realty Properties, Inc. )


Margaret what a fantastic poem it is wonderful and I hope it springs HOPE in many sellers this holiday season. Merry Christmas

Phyllis Pafumi

12/22/2007 07:57 PM by Phyllis Pafumi-ReStyled to Sell Staging Homes NJ (ReStyled to Sell Home Staging New Jersey)


Send that thought here please. I may have to memorize this and recite it to my clients.

12/22/2007 08:23 PM by Robert L. Brown~Grand Rapids Real Estate Flexit Realty, West Michigan (www.mrbrownsellsgr.com)


Margaret, nicely done and so clever you are. Congratulations on the feature. I enjoyed it very much. Happy Holidays and a Great New Year!

12/22/2007 08:37 PM by Jeanean Gendron ~ Redding & Shasta County Specialist (Real Estate Professionals--GMAC)


Hi Margaret, very very nice....this was great!  Using a pro like you Margaret people are not surprised, it may be gift wrapped but thye know what they are getting.  Great Post.

12/22/2007 08:47 PM by Gary White~ Grand Rapids Real Estate, FlexIt Realty, a call or click away! (Flexit Realty~Serving West Michigan)


Margaret,

Great post... and entertaining too!!! Thanks,   Fran

12/22/2007 08:53 PM by Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.)


Fran, 'tis the season for having some fun, right?

Gary, Thank you!  Gift-wrapped, now that's a thought.  Merry Christmas!

Jeanean - Thanks, the beginning part was easy, but the end was more challenging.  I find myself thinking and talking in rhyme now.

Robert - Feel free to forward it - I'm just not sure I want to see it "published" across the Internet without credit.

Phyllis - Believe it or not, I just checked my business email, and have 3 new leads from this week's blogs!

Jan - Thank you, I'm glad you liked it all.  I had fun with the red bow.

12/22/2007 09:09 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Margaret!!

What a totally awesome way to put a "real estate" touch to the holiday season! I've been pretty much Bah Humbug this year...no lights on the house, no tree, no presents! Thanks for the lift!

What a talent...I never would of come up with something like that! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

12/22/2007 09:34 PM by The Thom And Ray Team


A great Christmas post!  I simply love this - it certainly put me right into the holiday spirit.  Merry Christmas to you and your family -- and may you have many sales in 2008!

12/22/2007 09:37 PM by Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire (Buyer's Option Realty Services)


Merry Christmas to you and yours, Margaret.  I'm grateful for you in 2007; you've been an encouragement to me since I joined Active Rain.  Congratulations on the feature!

Mike in Tucson

12/22/2007 09:57 PM by Mike Jones (Tucson Mortgage Company, LLC)


Fun post. Thanks for sharing. All the best for this holiday season.

12/22/2007 11:02 PM by Bob & Carolin Benjamin - E Phoenix Arizona Real Estate (Benjamin Realty LLC)


Hi, Margaret... I love it.  Excellent work.  I hope you and Larry have a wonderful Christmas!

12/23/2007 12:04 AM by Fairbanks Ak Real Estate Broker Jesse Clifton (Jesse & Kathy Clifton, REALTORS 907-699-6024)


Hi Margaret:  What a wonderful post.  I enjoyed reading it, and the picture, the snow, and your red bow sold sign are great.  Congratulations on the featured post, too.  Take care... Merry Christmas.

12/23/2007 12:16 AM by Fort Worth Real Estate - - - Karen Anne Stone (RE/MAX Trinity)


Congratulations, Enjoyed the creative writing in your post.  Hope you have a great Christmas.

12/23/2007 12:34 AM by Clark Hitchcock Fraser Valley Realtor (Re/Max Nyda Realty Inc)


Wow! Merry Christmas to all and to all MANY SOLD signs for the holidays and into the New Year!

As Dave Liniger and RE/MAX are now fond of saying Be Great in 2008!

Happy Holidays from Hawaii! Jamie at RE.MAX Kauai All Islands check it out www.AllHawaiiIslands.com

12/23/2007 12:54 AM by Jamie Friedman (Prudential All Star Realty )


Great Post! Yes, one must be ready at all times of the year.....there are buyers who definitely do the shopping for homes at christmas time....

12/23/2007 02:35 AM by Terry Osburn, Broker Associate (Alain Pinel Realtors)


Hi Margaret - how clever this is - love it!!  That picture is beautiful, and I love the SOLD graphic with a red bow! 

Merry Christmas to you!!
Ann

12/23/2007 05:05 AM by Portsmouth NH Homes Condos - Ann Cummings New Hampshire REALTOR® (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)


Ann - Just another use for that red bow I blogged about several weeks ago in  http://activerain.com/blogsview/263931/Five-Holiday-Ads-Using

Terry - I have a lovely listing that came to me through my online presence, including ActiveRain, that has had three showings this week - after none for the previous month.  Buyers definately ARE out there!

Jamie - I haven't heard that, but I like it.  'Had dinner at Dave Liniger's house when I was at headquarters in April - it's fabulous, and he and Gail are amazings hosts.

Clark - If I could just stop thinking in rhyme, now...

David - Thank you, it was a nice surprise.  Funny how you can go weeks and months without a gold star, and then, out of the blue, just when you think nobody likes you...  lol

 

12/23/2007 07:03 AM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Very cute.  I love when I read these clever uses of existing poems or stories.  We know the cadence so well that the new words are easy to get!

12/23/2007 07:11 AM by Bethesda Real Estate Sales ~ Josette Skilling (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)


Margaret,

Beautiful photo...is that your home?

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

12/23/2007 07:24 AM by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL (RE/MAX Premier Associates)


Whoops, it looks like my first set of acknowledgements didn't "save" - but I have to run, so I promise to come back and re-do later!

12/23/2007 07:55 AM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Neal, no - that's from istockphoto.com - But it could be... I have a cape cod style house.  Maybe that's why I liked this photo.

Josette - 'Just couldn't resisit.

12/23/2007 07:57 AM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Margaret,

That's an awesome post!  Such creativity.  Happy Holidays to you.

12/23/2007 09:10 AM by Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton (Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)


Very well done. Very creative and well done. Thanks for passing this along...

12/23/2007 09:32 AM by Al Maxwell - Real Estate Agent - (Coldwell Banker)


Hi Margaret,
I am impressed with your poetry writing and the "story" is one we all wish for.  

12/23/2007 11:59 AM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Thomm - Awe shucks! 

Christy - Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Mike - 'Hope you have a great 2008 yourself.

Bob & Carolin - Thank you, you enjoy your holiday

Jesse & Kathy - You're too nice.  Thank you!

Karen Anne - Thank you, my friend!

12/23/2007 01:52 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Diane, 'Glad you enjoyed it!

Al - Thanks for the compliment!

Cynthia - Well, I couldn't have done it from scratch, I'm sure... I had a great model to follow.

12/23/2007 01:53 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


What a wonderful post! You obviously have the holiday spirit! Great graphic!

12/23/2007 02:36 PM by Tigard Oregon Real Estate >> Wayne B. Pruner, GRI (Oregon First)


That was awesome! How long did it take for you to think that up and get it on paper...or should I say on the computer screen.

12/23/2007 03:27 PM by Pam Graham- Jacksonville Florida Real Estate (Vanguard Realty, GMAC Real Estate)


Wayne - Thank you, glad you like my graphic!

Pam - Not long - it just sort of flowed...  Honestly the best rhymes came that way.  A few cases where I got really stymied, the resulting rhyme was kinda forced.

12/23/2007 06:29 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


I can see you took sometime with this one and it turned out very well. Merry Christmas.

12/23/2007 07:37 PM by Susan Trombley Re/Max Broker Raleigh NC & Surrounding Areas (Re/Max Hometown)


Margaret:  You never disappoint, not only in showing your expertise in your field but your creativity is to be envied.  A Gold Star doesn't seem like it's enough.  Well done all the way around.

12/24/2007 04:09 AM by Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor North Georgia Blue Ridge Real Estate (Mountain Investments of North Georgia)


Donna, You are so good for my ego! 

Susan, Thank you! Enjoy your holiday.

12/24/2007 06:48 AM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


 3D Santa Margaret that was awesome!  Congrats on a wonderful poem and your sale!  Merry Christmas

 

 







12/24/2007 07:33 AM by Katie Landon Rehoboth REALTORS (Jack Lingo REALTORS)


Brett - Thanks, Merry Christmas!

Katie - 'Glad ActiveRain has given us a chance to reconnect!

12/25/2007 03:22 AM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


I wont forward it. It was so cute though. have a Merry CHRISTmas Day!!!!

12/25/2007 07:23 AM by Robert L. Brown~Grand Rapids Real Estate Flexit Realty, West Michigan (www.mrbrownsellsgr.com)


Margaret, I love a good rhyme, especially at Christmas time. Merry Christmas to you and congratulations on your featured post.

Ginger

12/25/2007 09:46 AM by Wilmington NC Real Estate Ginger & Roger Sala Keller Williams (Keller Williams Wilmington North Carolina)


This is a good one indeed.  I like your red ribbon Sold sign too.  Merry Christmas

Don

12/25/2007 09:52 AM by Donald Bradbury, REALTOR Bucks County PA (The Bradbury Team at Coldwell Banker Heritage)


Donald, Thank you!  'Glad you enjoy enjoyed it!

Ginger and Roger, lol... that's cute... you're pretty good at rhyme yourself!

Robert, Thanks, I'm glad you like it!

12/25/2007 05:27 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Margaret - As I was reading your poem many thoughts crossed through my mind! Awesome, Amazing, well said,  You certainly are one very talented person. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

12/26/2007 08:23 AM by Kathy Clulow ASP® SRES® (RE/MAX Scugog Realty Ltd Brokerage)


Margaret - wonderful rendition. The original was written by Clement Moore who supposedly lived in Newport, Rhode Island. When I was growing up the poem would always be read at the house he lived in.

12/26/2007 08:23 PM by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)


Kathy, thank you! You are very good for my ego. 

Sharon, that's a cool piece of trivia.  Thanks for sharing.

12/26/2007 08:24 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Margaret- What a great post, I did not know you were such a good poet! And great that you got featured for your great talent! Katerina

12/29/2007 01:01 AM by Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.)


Tommy, thank you!  I'm not nearly as good as I should be at keeping up with the non-Realtor posts... I hope to see you more in 2008.

Katerina - I did a really great mailout a few years ago when I sold a home right before Christmas - customized to the neighborhood and the people's names.  But I couldn't find it, and had to write a new one.

12/29/2007 06:21 AM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Margaret,  Very clever and cute post!  Have a safe and happy new year.

12/29/2007 01:01 PM by David and Kristin Small, REALTORS®- Myrtle Beach Real Estate (Eagle Realty- Myrtle Beach)


Thank you, David and Kristin.  I hope you have a nice weekend and New Year celebration to wrap up your holiday season.

12/29/2007 02:30 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


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Real Estate Agent: Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)
Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate
Crofton, MD
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Long & Foster REALTORS

Office Phone: (410) 721-1500
Cell Phone: (301) 346-2923
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Real Estate and community information for homebuyers, sellers, and rookie agents in Bowie, Crofton, Crownsville, Fort Meade, Gambrills, Odenton, Millersville, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Proven systems - combining local expertise, professional experience, and technology - to give you a competitive edge when you buy or sell a home.