AMERICA'S EAGLE IS TIRED! While on an exceptional vacation in South Dakota last month, I was struck  by something I had not noticed in previous visits. I see a large granite eagle resting on George Washington's right shoulder.  Mentioning it to other tourists, everyone had the same surprise. It's almost like the symbol of our democracy is growing weary of all our nation's problems! Mount Rushmore is a National Shrine, and while on stage during the veteran's ceremony, I thought about that eagle above us and the tremendous spirit of patriotism in the crowd and realized; we are going through a temporary crisis, and our great nation will pull through and our eagle will again rise in pride! 10/16/2011

The ATLAS Group REO Department is committed to helping buyers find the newest REO properties. We assist buyers looking for bank owned homes, investors looking at Fannie Mae properties, and are experienced at handling REO searches and negotiations for buyers. Our website www.TAGBrokers.com has a new area where visitors can find information about bank owned properties, ask questions about buying bank owned properties, and even begin their search for REO properties. We have a talented team of experts waiting to assist you with any information about Fannie Mae Home Path, Fannie Mae Home Rennovation, and REO Properties in Southern Oregon. The ATLAS Group knows REO's! If you would like a free list of bank owned properties in Southern Oregon please visit www.TAGBrokers.com and click the Fannie... 09/15/2011

The Help - A Labor of Love.  Few movies move me to tears, but The Help did just that and then some.  The story takes place in Jackson, Mississippi where a white woman, raised by black maids, decides to write about her experience.  In the 1960's, it was tabu for whites to associate with blacks.  And, in many jurisdictions, the law forbade the two from interacting on a personal level.  Kathryn Stockett took a huge risk when she decided to collaborate with several black maids and write about their story. The Help was a Labor of Love in the making... not only for it's prolific author, Kathryn Stockett, but also for her best friend, Tate Taylor, a childhood buddy and amateur Director with whom she entrusted the rights to direct the film.  Both were rejected and discouraged from writing the b... 09/05/2011

Today was a 10... a ten wrapper day that is!  Board Bored meetings will do that to me... and I've had my share of them lately.  There's always one stickler in the group (you know who you are) that gets this blondie's blood curdling.  Rather than do a complete weenie roast... I choose my battles wisely!  I break out the Hersheys and I get to work.  Some of my greatest inspiration comes to me when eating chocolate ;)   08/17/2011

Chris Browne, Branch Manager and Jeff Case, Loan Originator from PremierWest Bank of Medford came in and gave us some great information about what PremierWest is doing to position themselves in the marketplace and also some tidbits about coming FHA changes. PremierWest is taking a more aggresive approach at going after market share of residential mortgages than has been seen in a number of years. The recent higherings of long time medford mortgage professionals like Jeff Case is a good indication that they are looking to be solidly back as a player in the residential mortgage arena. Chris and Jeff spoke about the overall energy at the bank and it is clear that their is confidence is groing with each new addition. More specifically they are having good success originating and closing loa... 08/15/2011

I Don't Drink... I Blog!  For those of you who don't know me... the fact that I don't drink may come as a surprise.  It's not a religious decision... as I truly believe wine is good for the body and  soul.  In fact, Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding.  If He didn't advocate the practice, He certainly could have chosen another way to show His deity. When I was in junior high, I attended a party where alcohol was served (not by the parents of course).  One of my classmates, a popular girl, got totally drunk and threw-up all over the living room furniture.  As I quietly observed others getting blitzed and behaving badly, I made a mental note to self... excessive drinking isn't pretty. Over the years, I've attended some wine-tasting events and experimented with a f... 08/10/2011

Traffic Jams in the Rain.  Social media has become a collision course of sorts on the super-highway of virtual personalities.  The drive is often scenic, pleasant and appealing, but the road is often layered with flashing red lights, warning signs and unsuspecting potholes.  As with any road traveled, we must be prepared to encounter stops and starts, twists and turns and occasional blowouts.  In my last post, The Geography of a Woman, I unintentionally collided with some fellow Active Rainers.  The post was intended to be funny and light-hearted.  However, the last line in the post was interpreted as a disparaging remark toward men and it offended some.  While I considered the remark to be on the same page as a dumb blonde joke (and I've received many), I didn't take into consideration... 08/08/2011

Great Pizza at Wild River Brewing and Pizza!   I decided to work from home today...both mortgage work related as well as doing some chores around the house. Dear hubby surprised me when he came home about an hour ago and said "Let me take you to lunch!"  I'm certainly not going to turn down a mid afternoon date with my best guy!  We decided to head into town to Wild River Brewing.   It's funny, my parents actually frequent this place for lunch A LOT!  (Let's just say that the entire staff knows them by name and are pretty confident on what they will order! LOL) I decided on a trued and tried favorite.  The Wild Side mini pizza.  A great wood fired pizza topped with pepperoni, sweet Italian sausage, green peppers, onion and garlic.  For just $6.55 it's a great little lunch.  I can only e... 07/29/2011

Packin' A Mighty One-Two Punch... I'm not much of a boxing fan.  Watching someone get their lights punched out doesn't make my heart skip a beat.  Although, I grew up in an explosive environment which taught this feisty girl the value of packin' a mighty one-two punch.  Today, the pink gloves are coming out of retirement for a different reason.     Round 1 - Seeking to be Understood.  Recently, I went a few rounds with a fellow Realtor (someone I really like and highly respect).  After a few mince words and layers of misunderstanding, I violated my 24-Hour Rule and fired off an email to the Agent in frustration.  Apparently, my tone was received in the form of a low blow and things got a little heated in the ring.  Fortunately, the other Realtor exercised some toe-to-toe diplomacy and v... 07/20/2011

In the Medford Oregon Mail Tribune Newspaper there was an article on July 14, 2011 that states Fiserve Case Shiller projects a comback for Bend Oregon, Medford Oregon, and Eugene Oregon.  The article goes on to say Bend which battled and surpassed Medford as the hottest real estate market in the state during the euphoric early 2000's, is the No. 2 list of 15 markets with Medford Oregon No. 3 and Eugene Oregon No. 14. Medford Oregon which has lost about a third of its value is seen at the bottom of the market, with anticipated annual growth of 11.2% between now and 2016.  It goes on to say, "When you look at comparisons versus actual prices and equilibrium right now, Medford is 25% undervalued relative to its long term equilibrium," Stiff said.  "That's why the model is forecasting a bi... 07/19/2011

  This photo was taken from my Dad's airplane.  This is Crater Lake National Park which is about 1hr 30 minutes from Medford Oregon. (Southern Oregon)  If you have never visited Crater Lake National Park that is a must see, it is amazinly beautiful and serene.  There are many campgrounds near by.  If you are traveling by Union Creek you need to stop by Becki's restaurant and get a home made piece of pie.   Clason Whitney Owner/Broker Coldwell Banker Pro West Real Estate in Medford Oregon Clason@cbprowest.com 07/19/2011

When Lightening Strikes the Heart...  Today, a seller stopped by my office to chat with one of my agents about short selling her home.  In the course of the conversation, Mrs. Seller got very emotional and started to cry.  It was a moment that moved everyone in the room.  This crazy market has affected so many people... good people, intelligent people, hard-working people.  What has emerged from this storm is genuine raw emotion and human frailty.  People are seeking answers to some very tough questions and we have the opportunity to offer them shelter of a different kind.  Perhaps the answer should come in the form of a hug, or a kind gesture, or simply telling them that everything is going to be alright.  There's something comforting in knowing that you're not alone in your circumstan... 07/11/2011

EAST MEDFORD, OREGON Medford is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. Based on the 2010 US Census, the city had a total population of 74,907 and a metropolitan area population of 207,010, making the Medford 4th largest metro area in Oregon. Medford is located approximately 27 miles (43 km) north of the northern California border at 42.3°N. Medford's climate is considerably warmer, both in summer and winter. Summer often includes as many as ninety days over 32 °C, with temperatures over 38 °C common in July and August. Medford's economy is driven primarily by the health care industry. For recreation and parks Medford have some like the Alba Park, Bear Creek Park, Roxy Ann Peak and Prescott Park, and the Vogel Plaza.   Statistics from March - May 2011 43.5% of the residential p... 07/11/2011

SOUTHWEST MEDFORD, OREGON Medford is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. Based on the 2010 US Census, the city had a total population of 74,907 and a metropolitan area population of 207,010, making the Medford 4th largest metro area in Oregon. Medford is located approximately 27 miles (43 km) north of the northern California border at 42.3°N. Medford's climate is considerably warmer, both in summer and winter. Summer often includes as many as ninety days over 32 °C, with temperatures over 38 °C common in July and August. Medford's economy is driven primarily by the health care industry. For recreation and parks Medford have some like the Alba Park, Bear Creek Park, Roxy Ann Peak and Prescott Park, and the Vogel Plaza.   Statistics from March - May 2011 43.5% of the resident... 07/11/2011

WEST MEDFORD, OREGON Medford is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. Based on the 2010 US Census, the city had a total population of 74,907 and a metropolitan area population of 207,010, making the Medford 4th largest metro area in Oregon. Medford is located approximately 27 miles (43 km) north of the northern California border at 42.3°N. Medford's climate is considerably warmer, both in summer and winter. Summer often includes as many as ninety days over 32 °C, with temperatures over 38 °C common in July and August. Medford's economy is driven primarily by the health care industry. For recreation and parks Medford have some like the Alba Park, Bear Creek Park, Roxy Ann Peak and Prescott Park, and the Vogel Plaza.   Statistics from March - May 2011 43.5% of the residential p... 07/11/2011

NORTHWEST MEDFORD, OREGON Medford is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. Based on the 2010 US Census, the city had a total population of 74,907 and a metropolitan area population of 207,010, making the Medford 4th largest metro area in Oregon. Medford is located approximately 27 miles (43 km) north of the northern California border at 42.3°N. Medford's climate is considerably warmer, both in summer and winter. Summer often includes as many as ninety days over 32 °C, with temperatures over 38 °C common in July and August. Medford's economy is driven primarily by the health care industry. For recreation and parks Medford have some like the Alba Park, Bear Creek Park, Roxy Ann Peak and Prescott Park, and the Vogel Plaza.   Statistics from March - May 2011 43.5% of the resident... 07/11/2011

Kickin' the Can Around on a Lazy Day!  It's pretty rare that I don't have any pressing issues to deal with on a weekend, particularly a holiday weekend.  Yesterday, I held an Open House from 1-3pm.  I wore a cute sundress hoping I could catch a few rays outside while reading a good book.  One of my former agents stopped by to say hello and the time just flew by as we sat in the backyard, shooting the breeze and catching up on life.  Before I knew it... I had a tan!   Afterwards, I drove 30 miles to my favorite coffee shop, Mellelo Coffee Roasters, in Medford Oregon to enjoy a mocha.  They're the best!  Then I did something I rarely do... I found a random salon and had a pedicure and manicure.  The most amazing thing happened... I was able to live without my phone, texting and email for ... 07/03/2011

Out of The Box Thinkers... Are You One?  I stumbled upon a fabulous post, Apple, What's Your Secret? by Ron & Alexandra Seigel.  The author draws an interesting comparison between attitudes of a complacent Market Leader and a Workaholic, both of which possess vulnerabilities that prevent them from thinking outside the box.  Apple was used as an illustration and shining example of ongoing reinvention.  Whether you like or dislike Apple products, there is something to be said for the company's innovative ways of staying ahead of their competition!     A few things got my attention in their post... First, the very eloquent and considerate reply by Alexandra to a dissenting commenter.  Rather than get in his face, she made the following statement... 'The Beauty of Life is Diversity!'  Alexa... 06/27/2011

Today is my zany Bro's birthday!  I confess, I've had a love/hate relationship with my zany brother.  I love him because we're related by blood... but on many occasions, he's chapped my hide and caused me a great deal of grief.  Fortunately, now that we're older, things are much lighter between us.  We still occasionally peck at one another's achilles heel, but we no longer ruffle each other's feathers as easily as we once did when we were kids.  Our mother would be so proud! So, in honor of my brother's 51 years on this planet... I thought I'd surprise him with a subscription to AARP Magazine and a year's supply of Crest whitening strips for his teeth.  And just so he could get a taste of what it feels like to look young and beautiful again, I touched up this lovely picture of the two ... 06/24/2011

Hold On... Let Me Grab My Wonder Woman Cape!  It occurred to me some years ago, that not everyone is a good match.  Thus the reason marriages fail, business partners split and some clients do the 'Realtor Ho' thing. Disengagement happens... The question is, are we savvy enough to take notice?  Sometimes it requires x-ray vision and a cape to see through people.  As salespeople, we often try to fit a square peg in a round hole without noticing that it just doesn't fit!  Wouldn't it be great if we recognized this upfront and saved some valuable resources from being wastefully expended?! Case in point... I received a buyer referral from a mortgage broker friend.  After speaking with the buyer, I knew instantly that we weren't on the same page.  The buyer wanted me to show her homes in the ... 06/23/2011