CENTURY 21 $8,000 Sweepstakes for Homeowners

Career & Education Fair at Chukchansi Gold Casino

Home Tax Credit Bill

Governor Schwarzenegger today signed AB 183 providing $200 million for home buyer tax credits. The bill allocates $100 million for qualified first-time home buyers who purchase existing homes and $100 million for purchasers of new, or previously unoccupied, homes.

Eligible taxpayers who close escrow on qualified principal residences between May 1, 2010 and December, 31, 2010, or who close escrow on a qualified principal residence on and after December 31, 2010 and before August 1, 2011, pursuant to an enforceable contract executed on or before December 31, 2010, will be able to take the allowed tax credit.
This credit is equal to the lesser of 5 percent of the purchase price or $10,000, taken in equal installments over three consecutive years. Under the bill, purchasers will be required to live in the home as their principal residence for at least two years or forfeit the credit (i.e. repay it to the state). Buyers also must be at least 18 years old and be unrelated to the seller. First-time buyers are defined as those who have not owned a home in the past three years.

Two Days of Sunshine and Two Nights of Snow

It's that unpredictable time of year...just when the sun is coming out and the blooms are taking over the yard gold ole Mother Nature throws us a curve, reminding us that she can't be second guessed.
Just last weekend I was walking around the yard in short sleeves strategizing my spring and summer flower beds and vegetable garden. The weather forecast assured me of mostly sunny skies and temps in the mid sixties for at least a week.
"Ha!" Mother Nature laughed.
So we awoke Monday morning to gray skies and rain. Then, BAM!! We awake the next two mornings to snow and freezing temperatures. (So glad I didn't de-winterize all of my water lines!!) I can only imagine that the meterologists are scratching their heads and shrugging their shoulders.
So, this mountain girl is gritting her teeth in frustration while loading up the woodstove with plenty of oak. I can only chant in my head "Spring, Spring, Spring" while dreaming of rose buds and wisteria blossoms.

Daylight Savings is Right Around the Corner

It always brightens my mood at this time of year when the days start to get longer and the sun is still up when I leave the office at the end of the day. It seems that everything is gearing up for spring. The grass is thick and green, the wildflowers are starting to bloom, and the frogs have moved back into my pool to begin their annual mating rituals. Ahhhhh!!
I just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone to "Spring Forward" this weekend, March 14th. Be sure to set your clocks ahead 1 hour!!

Perserverance

"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."
~Walter Elliott
As you begin this new month, two months already into 2010!, those goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year may be appearing a bit elusive. Please remember that worthy goals are rarely easy to achieve and must be thought of with a long time horizon. If you can break down these long journeys into daily and even hourly efforts, perseverance becomes doable.

Abraham Lincoln Exhibit at the Kings Vintage Museum

Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America March 6 - April 1
The Wild Wonderful King Vintage Museum will be hosting the Abraham Lincoln "Self Made in America" Learning Station Exhibit from March 5 to April 2, 2010.Teaching Trunks Curriculum materials, programming resources, and a printed exhibition companion will be available. Limited supply. Two teaching trunks will be available for loan to teachers. They will contain reproduction artifacts and documents, lesson plans, bibliographies, and age-appropriate books for school teachers to check out. Teacher WorkshopsLesson plans on CD's, posters, videos of workshops taught at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library will be available. Webinars for local teachers to participate in will be available. Provided by Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in collaboration with the American Library Association and with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, "We the People" program. ContactEmail the museum at kingvintagemuseum@sti.net and title the message Abraham Lincoln Learning Exhibit. Bulletins will be sent as new information and details are received.

Learning Station Exhibiton
Schedule of Events
March 5 Opening Night Preview of the "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America Learning Station Exhibition" at the Museum 5 p.m. By invitation only.
March 5 - 28 "Abraham Lincoln Assassination" Drama at the golden Chain Theatre. Every Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 p.m.
March 6 to April 1 "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America Learning Station Exhibition" at the Wild Wonderful King Vintage Museum 40680 Highway 41 Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mornings reserved for school tours. $3.00
March 12 Ragtime Festival at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park 2 p.m to 5 p.m.
March 13 Ragtime Festival at Golden Chain Theatre 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
March 19, 20, 21 "Civil War Living History" at the Oakhurst Community Park. Produced by the National Civil War Association in conjunction with the Museum and the Chamber of Commerce. Friday, March 19 "Education Day" for Students.
March 21 Oakhurst Community Band Spring Concert: presents "Remembering Lincoln" at 2 p.m. at Yosemite High School

The Pines Resort at Bass Lake announces new winter schedule

The Pines Resort at Bass Lake, California, has announced a business decision to implement a new seasonal calendar of operations for resort lodging and two onsite restaurants.Effective immediately until May 12, overnight lodging will be available Thursday, Fridayand Saturdays only, with dining in Ducey’s on the Lake Restaurant and The LakesideBar & Grill available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. On May 13, andcontinuing to September 12, the resort will resume regular daily lodging and diningoperations. This new off-season schedule does not affect outlets such as The PinesMarket & Deli, Bar, Gas Station, Marina, Spa and Village stores, which will retain theirnormal operating schedule throughout the year.Resort guests who hold a pre-booked lodging reservation for a Sunday, Monday,Tuesday or Wednesday stay prior to May 13 are being contacted with options, whichusually involves a substitution to mutually agreeable dates. Group reservations are beinghonored as booked, with no changes to their arrival or departure schedules.Resort management decided to limit lodging and dining operations during off-peakmonths based upon guest travel patterns that have been repeated for many years.Statistics verify that nearly 80-percent of the resort’s business is booked on weekends,with peak daily demand during the months of June, July and August. That traditionalbooking pattern, coupled with a nationwide decline in consumer discretionary spendingand the recreational seasonality of Bass Lake, all were major factors for the modifiedschedule.“This is a business decision that was not made lightly, but only after carefully examiningevery side of every issue,” said Theresa Moody, Pines Resort General Manager, whohas been employed by The Pines Resort for more than 20 years. “Our mission is tooperate this resort in a fiscally responsible manner that secures its future for the longterm.With that in mind, it is imperative to adjust the resort’s economic business model.”The resort is currently operating under traditionally lowered off-season staffing levels,therefore very few layoffs are anticipated and many employee schedules will beunaffected. Staffing levels will increase to the customary high-season average of 280workers in early May.“We remain optimistic and poised to continue managing The Pines Resort with the highstandards of visitor amenities and service that have been enjoyed throughout the pastfour decades,” stated Moody. “We extend heartfelt appreciation to our valuedemployees, guests and the local community for their loyal support and understanding ofthis difficult decision.”For more information on The Pines Resort and seasonal schedules of operation, pleasevisit www.basslake.com.About The Pines Resort:With a premier Sierra National Forest setting on the shores of beautiful Bass Lake andjust 17 miles from the southern gate of Yosemite National Park, The Pines Resort offersdeluxe lodging in lakefront suites, two-story chalets and rental houses, three restaurantsand lounges, a full-service marina with watersports equipment rentals, retail village,market and deli, private lakefront wedding gazebo, tennis courts, swimming pool, fitnessroom and spa services.The Pines Resort is located on the shores of Bass Lake, which measures approximately4½ miles long and ½ mile wide at the widest point, At an elevation of 3,400 feet, BassLake is considered a "warm water" lake with water temperatures reaching 80 degrees inthe summer months.The Pines Resort of today dates back to 1977, when two business partners purchased acluster of rustic cabins on the shores of Bass Lake. They started renovations designedto transform the property into a full-service, year-round destination, and The PinesResort was established. In March 2007, the resort was purchased by Greenlaw PinesInvestments LLC and Carmel Pines Investments LLC, both California based real estatedevelopment and investment management companies who have since spent more than$1 million to modernize and upgrade the property’s infrastructure, guest amenities andservices.

Batter Up!!

"Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game."
~Babe Ruth

Today's quote reminds us that failure only exists when no attempt is made to succeed. When honest effort is made, failure is our greatest teacher. We learn what not to do and can then make our next attempt - eventually succeeding. So yes, you will strike out - probably often. But never allow that fear to stop you from trying.

Purpose

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose."
~Robert Byrne

As 2009 comes to a close, a question: As you look back on your own actions this year, have you acted most often in alignment with your purpose? Your values and character? Ah, then what a fine year you have experienced! If this has been a difficult year, I invite you to reflect on those times when you acted in violation of your purpose. In either case, decide now to increase in 2010 those actions that best align with your purpose. A wondrous year lies ahead.

What might have been....

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."
~George Eliot

Just a few days left in the year and you're likely wondering where the months went, each one flying by faster than the last. Didn't accomplish everything you'd hoped? Not to worry. The great news is that each day gives us a new opportunity to move forward, to stretch, grow: to become the best you. Enjoy this holiday week and the pleasures of the season.

Another Chance

If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance.

~Andrea Boydston

It is one of the finest miracles of our existence that we have a new chance to better ourselves each and every day. Revel in the challenges and the gifts each day brings and meditate on how tomorrow you will attack that challenge more effectively or focus more on the present moment when the next gift unfolds. Then the next day, wake up, breathe, and attack the day!

Change is the future

"Change is the process by which the future invades our lives."
~Alvin Toffler

Change is coming...every minute, every hour, every day. How we prepare for and respond to change determines the impact on our lives and defines our future. The future is coming in the shape of the New Year. How are you preparing? How are you responding? The future will either invade your life as a blessing or a hardship... the choice, as always, is entirely yours.

Don't Interrupt

"The person who says it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it."

~Chinese Proverb

Today I invite you to embrace possibilities. We are rocketing toward the end of the year and the beginning of the next. While I do not subscribe to the concept of New Year's resolutions, many of you do. As you think about your year ahead, embrace the possibility that your wildest dreams will gain traction. At the very least, resolve to get out of the way of those who will be chasing their dreams with intention and action. And why not have one of those chasers be you?

Intentional Kindness

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
~Mother Teresa

It never ceases to amaze me that people continue to need to be reminded to be civil, kind and caring. But they do – which means you probably need this reminder too. Today, challenge yourself in every interaction to be intentionally kind. While interacting with your families – i.e. look in your son’s eyes and say “Have I told you lately how glad I am that you’re my son?” While ordering your coffee at Starbucks – i.e. let that woman ahead of you in line who seems to be in such a rush. While in a meeting with your subordinate, find something about their contribution to compliment them on. Try it – the effort takes almost no additional time or effort but the impact will be priceless.

Oakhurst Tree Lighting Ceremony

The annual Oakhurst Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be this Saturday, December 5th at the world famous Talking Bear Corner. Hosted by CENTURY 21 Ditton Realty and sponsored by Sierra Telephone, participants may endulge in free hotdogs, hot apple cider and Christmas carols. The ceremony kicks off at 5pm.

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended

Brought to you by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Nov. 5, 2009Dear C.A.R. Members:More good news for consumers, our members, and the housing market recovery. Following the Senate’s favorable vote yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives just voted 403 to 12 to extend the home buyer tax credit, expanding the parameters to include existing homeowners and not just first-time buyers. As you may know, C.A.R. and our partners at NAR have worked for months urging Congress and the Senate to extend and expand this crucial piece of legislation. We expect President Obama to sign the legislation in short order.As it now stands, the federal tax credit will be extended through April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension if a binding contract is in place prior to the deadline. First-time home buyers will continue to be eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners will be eligible for a reduced credit of up to $6,500. To qualify for the $6,500 credit, existing homeowners must have lived in their current residences for at least five years. The bill also increases the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively. The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000 in both instances.Under additional provisions included in the bill, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns. The legislation maintains the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit provided the home remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase, and waives this requirement for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.Nationwide, more than 1.4 million first-time home buyers were given the opportunity to become homeowners as a result of the Federal Tax Credit for First-time Home Buyers. We expect that number to increase dramatically in the months ahead with this new legislation in place. Thank you to our members who called, wrote, and e-mailed their congressional representatives and voiced their support for the home buyer tax credit. Your voices were heard – today’s vote is a direct result of your actions and involvement.

Sincerely,James Liptak2009 President
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Thought For The Day

"You overlook what is already 'here' as you chase after 'there'; you miss the 'sacred now' as you ponder your 'next step'; you forget to be grateful for what 'is' as you prey after 'more'. You search, struggle, and strive, but you never arrive because you can't get past the thought that something is missing."

~Robert Holden

In all our ceaseless yearning for things we believe are missing in our lives, it is a tragedy that what we truly miss are the immense gifts surrounding us RIGHT NOW. I do believe in taking action daily towards the goals we have set for ourselves, our associations and our communities. AND, the power to do so is derived from the realization of all the amazing good in our lives already. A child's smile, a co-worker's praise, a lovely sunrise or sunset, a new bloom on a plant, a favorite song, the list is endless. May your appreciation for these things be endless as well.

Is It Just Me?

Just days after hearing about the latest celebrity sex scandal the tight knit communities of Eastern Madera County have been rocked with their own. One of the most well known and prominent business men in the area surrendered himself to Fresno authorities on charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14. There is no question of whether or not he really did it, the evidence was caught on a hidden camera in the hotel room where the incident occurred. As I type this you can hear in the distance the sound of pitchforks being gathered and torches being lit. The lynch mob will have no mercy for this man.
So, is it just me, or is anyone questioning the mother's motives? Where is the lynch mob for her? If you read the discussion board on the Fresno Bee's website 99% of the comments posted are against this business man, but there are no concerns voiced against this 13 year old girls mother.
Now, I don't know about you, but when I was in my early teens my mother was as protective as a grizzly bear. I remember in particular (at the age of 14) not being allowed to attend my boyfriend's birthday party because I would be the only girl in attendance. I bucked and fought my mother throughout my teenage years and even into my early 20's. Looking back now I realize how difficult a job she had dealing with me. I, like many other teenagers, felt that I was grown up enough to handle myself. It's too bad that the 13 year old in question in this case didn't have my mother to deal with.
A mother's first and most primary job is to care for her young. What on earth was this mother thinking?
Uh huh, I think we all can figure that one out.....$$$$$$. She arranged an elaborate scheme to get this business man into a hotel room out of town, placed a hidden camera in his room and then sacrificed the physical and mental well being of her 13 year old daughter by placing her in the room with this man and allowing this inappropriate contact to occur. Then, she repeatedly blackmailed him and walked away with over $200,000.
This man will be punished accordingly by the courts and justice system. I can only hope that the mother will be dealt with in the same fashion.

What's Your Line?

Some thoughts about memorizing and using planned and practiced verbiage [“scripts.”]

Do we frequently talk to people who “know” their verbiage [scripts]? You bet!

Earlier today I was lying in bed planning my day when I began thinking about “planned scripts” and, really how I might already be trained as a checker at Von’s or Raley’s or any supermarket fro that matter!

Now as I approach the check stand I read the checkers name badge and I say:

“Hi Ann,
How are you today?
I found everything that I was looking for,
Oh, you are out of Gillette Trac 2 razor blades but then I’m good for a couple of days anyway,
Today I would like plastic bags.
Yes, I would like to purchase one additional reusable cloth bag and use the one I brought with me.
I would like to donate $1.00 of my change to “Beat Breast Cancer” or for whatever the cause Du jour’.
I did donate out front to the Salvation Army,
No, I am not going to take one of those cute “Supermarket kitty’s” home today but they sure are cute!
I noticed the “$5.00 Friday” special at the deli counter and I took advantage of it!
The “15% off Special” at the laundry is very much appreciated, especially on my “medium starched” shirts.
By the way, how much of a discount do I get on gasoline today?
How long is my discount valid?
How many gallons am I allowed to purchase at that discounted price?
May I fill more than one car if I can’t get the 180 gallons in one car gas tank?
Yes, it has really cooled off I guess summer is over but then it is always hot for the BIG Fresno Fair!
I think I’ll attend the horse races this year.
I had a great summer,
I did not spend a lot of time at the lake but
I did go out of town.
I was able to work out of town because I took my computer with me.
Real estate is unbelievable right now!
Do you know anybody who would like to buy or sell now or in the near future?
We close about one transaction every day.
The prices are lower than a couple of years ago, although
I notice that you have “thousands of lower prices everyday” here also!
Oh, no need to bag the milk Ann,
However I would like the steaks and chicken in separate plastic bags
And please “double bag” the bottles of wine, in paper bags of course.
Oh, and only one wine bottle to a “double bag” please but then you know that don’t you, sorry!
I noticed that I saved $5.87 by using my Von’s card,
And I saved $76.34 by using coupons, Thank you!
Thank you for the kitty food coupons, yes I notice that are “good for 5 days,”
I’ll not forget to retrieve my coins of the coin dispenser,
I will not require any help to my car, thanks for asking though.
See you next time Ann!”

I am out the door and on my way!

Super market checkers go through this spiel literally hundreds of time a day! They know their “lines”, heck you even know their lines!

I frequently drive through Carl’s Jr. in search of a “large iced tea” on a hot summer day.
Without fail, every, every, every time when I drive up to the speaker to order they say:

“HI! Thanks for stopping at Carl’s Jr.! Would you like a Teriyaki chicken sandwich, fries and GO BIG on that drink today?” Not once in a while, every time! I hate Teriyaki!

When you dine out and ask the waitress for a “doggie box” because you could not finish the 13 pound hamburger; as the waitress removes your plate what does she always ask??? You know, go ahead…say it:

“Did we leave any room for desert today?”

Duh! Even when she watched you pig out and knows you ought to have your stomach pumped just so you can to get to your car! But the point is that she asks every time, not just once in a while! Why? Because they do sell cheesecake, carrot or chocolate cake “to go” and these items are “huge mark up” items! (Huge markup = bigger profits =more money available to reinvest into their business or put into their saving account)

“The answers are in the questions” so they ask questions.

The supermarket checker asks, the waitresses ask, the drive through attendant asks, the car dealer asks. They are all trained to ask and to continue to ask questions to keep the sale going. They use these successful techniques on you and me everyday. If we use this technique with our clients we will keep our sales going as well. Not knowing what to say is no good and uncomfortable. Let’s learn the verbiage [scripts.] Soon these lines will roll right our tongues, our question asking techniques will be smooth, purposeful and successful! Take the time to learn the scripts!