Thanksgiving... Nicknamed "Turkey Day"

Thanksgiving is a holiday much like Christmas, where most of the value and most of the importance has been lost!  I am as guilty as the next for teasing about "turkey day" rather than trying to find and recognize the importance of our beginnings as a nation.  One Nation Under God!  Our need to be Thankful!

In reconsidering the plight of the Pilgrims... we could all take a little trip down memory lane and see what events led up to the event.  The early pilgrims had bravely crossed the Atlantic and landed near Plymouth Rock in the late fall cold.  Over 40 of the original Pilgrims lost their lives due to the elements and not being prepared.  Over the next year they learned how to survive from their new found friends. "the Indians" or Natvive Americans   It is said that as they survived they huddled together in the extreme cold and sang hymns and Psalms for comfort.  The festive occasion happened the next fall after a bountiful crop of pumpkins, corn, and beans even after a horrible drought.  They are supposed to have invited their "Indian Friends" and had a joint communal feast of about 90 people to celebrate.

At my household, we will have the thanksgiving "feast" as it is called, although it will be far less than a feast!  But it will be no less of a celebration of Thanksgiving.  While talking to friends and associates today, many things have come up that we should be most grateful for!  Well being!  Comfort!  Love!  The Grace of God!  Friends that have stood by you even in the worst of times!  Sharings in your family that make you a "Family."  Evolving from not such good times to not as bad times. 

As the Pilgrims, we all have a pilgrimage that takes us from better times to times that are not so good, and occasionally to good times... but alas, the cycle continues.  It does not matter so much where we "are" in our lives right now as much as where we have been and where we are going.  We can be thankful for all things... even if it is a bad time in life, thankful that we don't have to dwell there but are in a journey moving past that bad time. 

This is the only way that we can hope and exist.  If we focus on what is so bad in life, we never realize the blessings and great things in life that are ours for the taking.  It is never an easy task.  But to be able to survive the coldest of the winter, to go without the nourishment we want, to make life more bearable for each others, and to survive the extreme drought of life, we can be thankful that our journey is continuing... and this too can and will pass! 

I feel a need every year to find a way to help someone that has a worse plight than myself.  In the good times,it was an easy thing to do.  In the bad times, it is not so easy.  But our foundation and our lives are built not on being so needy and self centered, but in finding ways to help others who may have a worse situation than we.  And then thanking God first of all for our bounty!  Then thanking all the others that have touched our lives and made us what we are. 

So, my friends and family, Thank you one and all!  You have made my life so much better than it would have been without you!  Yes, even you (this is supposed to be a comedic attempt to thank those friends and clients that were not optimal friends...LOL) Mr &/or Ms Pessimism.  I love you all, and I hope to continue to have you as friends in my life forever!  And thank you my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Without Him, I have nothing at all.

Thanks for reading my blog...  If I can help you with any of your real estate needs... please don't hesitate to call!  205 229-3013

Pitt

A Day for Rememberance from a Grateful Nation

As I try and reflect on life, it is hard to say if I am fortunate in the fact that I never had the privilege to serve my country in the Military or if it is an unfortunate thing.  My dad and all his brothers served our great nation in the military... and most of my mom's brothers did as well.  Most of my male cousins have served... With that said, only one of our brave family members was killed in action; giving the ultimate sacrifice for his nation and for me and for all others who may read these words. 

I was at my Uncle;s Funeral service not long ago.  He was a decorated war hero and a "lifer" in the military.  The army Sargent gave my aunt an American Flag, and said that he presented it on behalf of  "A GRATEFUL NATION."   My Grandmother had one of those flags, and several of my aunts have one as well.  At each and every service, those precious words were spoken to a surviving family member.  It seems ironic that it was the military reminding the family member that our nation was grateful for his sacrifice and devotion for his country!

History tells us that Veteran's Day began at the ending of World War I.  I think it was called the war to end all wars... although it was not.  Others called it "the Great War" which I am sure it was!  Although the treaty was signed much later... the fighting ceased when the Allied forces and the German Army called for a cease fire and signed a document of Treaty.  It was to be signed on the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of November, 1918.

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

This picture was taken near a church in Stenay, Meuse in France at 10:58 AM just prior to the meeting and the signing of the Armistice Treaty as a declaration of Germany's defeat. The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m on the each November 11.

Painting depicting the signature of the armistice in the railway carriage. Behind the table, from right to left, general Weygand, Marshal Foch (standing) and british admiral Rosslyn Wemyss. In the foreground, Matthias Erzberger, general major Detlof von Winterfeldt (with helmet), Alfred von Oberndorff and Ernst Vanselow.

Of course, the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, several months later.  And The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

A Grateful nation indeed...  But, more wars came and they were just as evil, just as bloody and just as deadly.  The Bible teaches us that there will always be wars, and rumors of wars.  So, indeed, we need to be a grateful nation.  We need to have a military might... and we need heroes that will make the ultimate sacrifice for you and for me.  I read some one's note a few days ago that said something like..."Someone in our military service writes a blank check and swears an oath when signing up for service ultimately to die for his country."

At another hero's funeral this year, there were rumors that war protesters were going to be protesting at or near the funeral.  I guess trying to make a point.  While the fallen hero had died for them and for their right to protest... it just does not seem appropriate for a memorial service to be littered with that kind of action.  A Grateful Nation!

I would personally like to say to several members of my family... a warm thank you for serving for me... for the nation.  There is no order to my madness, and hopefully I don't miss anyone...

Pete Pittman... Killed in Action, World War II at the battle of the bulge.

CW Pittman... My Dad... served in World War II

Jimmy Kyle Pittman... my Dad's brother... Served after World War II
Charlie G Pittman... my Dad's brother... Served after World War II

Billy M. Faulk... my Mom's bother...Served in Korea, Vietnam & more, retired after twenty something years

Robert Williamson ... my cousin... served during the Vietnam War

Jessie Lamar Williamson...  my cousin... served during the Vietnam War

Harold Hagler... my cousin... served during the Vietnam War and retired after twenty something years

Johnny Faulk...  my cousin... served after the Vietnam War

Mark Pittman... my cousin... served in the Marine Corp

Thanks to you all... proud men and women of our armed services!  I hope you know that we are really a Grateful nation!

1825 Lake Park Ln Centerpointe AL www.BobbyFarris.com 205 365-1563

What Happened To Times Past

They say that when all your references are to your youth, it confirms that your getting old...  I guess that is probably true...   Its a shame, but I can remember things from 30 to 50 years ago better than some things from yesterday.  It is my hopes that you enjoy my old stories as much as I remember them.

I can remember when I was a Little Kid how we would always go over to my grandmother's house.  It was sort of the family unity.  Everyone went over almost every Sunday... talked about the same things they talked about the week before... and were were a jelled unit of brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, and uncles... among others.  Being kids, it was lots of fun staying over at your grandmother's house... she always made you feel special.

She only had heat in one room... that was the kitchen.  She still cooked on a wood burning stove that was used to heat the room, and cook on.  In the winter, you would go to sleep in one of the rooms, and have about 6 or 7 quilts piled on top.  It was a small gray line between not being able to breath because of the weight of the quilts and being able to stand the cold.  In the morning... when you woke up, you immediately "RAN" to the kitchen to find some warmth... My, how times have changed.

The real estate market is not really different from life.  We can remember when... and we can think of how much we "Made" on investments, we can remember the good times.  I believe that now is the time for action.  Some economists believe that things will begin to turn in the near future.  Some believe that after elections, the real estate market will begin its major rebound.  Many think that we may already in the rebound process...  I certainly hope they are correct.

Thinking about the old times is a good reason to get involved today.  Life seems to be in a cyclic mode... and buying at the right time is crucial to making good investments... with interest rates down, home prices even lower... what would be a better time to invest?!

Let me know if you have any questions... www.WilliamPittman.com is my website... Pitt@WilliamPittman.com is my email... and my phone is 205 229-3013. 

Thanks

Pitt

Go ahead and "Jump In"

I can remember when I was a little kid (and I know it's hard for you to believe that I was ever little)... we used to go to a swimming hole in Barbour County Alabama called "Blue Springs."  It wasn't very large, maybe 25 or 30 feet across like a small pond or slew that came off a river.  In the middle of the swimming hole, there was deep water spring that swirled up and was strong enough that it made the water ripple through out the "pool."  It was called Blue Springs because it was a fact that if you got in the water, you would turn blue because it was so cold! 

What I remember most about the swimming expeditions is that I would stand on the edge or await my turn swinging out on the rope... trying to muster up the courage to actually jump in.  The initial wave of "Cold" would take your breath away... and the near frost bitten experience would almost hurt for the first few seconds.  After that, everyone just puddled around turning blue!  It was a great experience...

We are economically in a slow period of housing growth...  People are scared about their jobs, their retirement accounts, what's going on with Government spending, and the possibly of higher taxes... and the list goes on.  A few years back, when gas prices jumped up so high, many people were afraid that they would not be able to buy gas to drive to work.  Housing prices have fallen, and many people now owe more than their home is worth.  I can understand the "fear" of getting off the shores and/or jumping in to buy a home. 

This week I got an email from a mortgage person giving interest rates at a low low amount in the high 3% range.  This is as low as I have ever seen interest rates. A person with a 5% interest rate moving it to 4% would save almost $50 a month on a 30 year mortgage payment owing $100,000 on their note.  It would cost a couple thousand dollars to refinance... but at $50 a month, it would take a couple years to pay that off and maybe save you some money in the long run... on a $200,000 note, it would actually save you over $110. 

Another great thing about this is the payment...  I work in a new home community in Calera called Calera Commons Townhomes Community.  Prices vary from $87,900 upwards to &107,900.  In that community there are some folks that are renting their home and paying upwards to $800 a month.  Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance and Mortgage Insurance on a $90,000 note at 4% over 30 years would be less than $600 a month... now, go figure.  I talked with one of these rental persons a few weeks ago and explained that they could save a couple hundred bucks a month to buy if they wanted to... they were afraid to jump into the water?!

Housing Prices are LOW!  Interest rates are LOW!  Getting a mortgage is still EZ!  There are kinds and types of mortgages out there that are hard to get... but there are many programs out there for you... and they are easy to get into.  If you have decent credit... YOU CAN STILL BUY A HOME... AND YOU CAN STILL GET A MORTGAGE!  HELLO!!!

Enough preaching...  just think about it.  Don't throw your money away on rent... don't throw your money away period!  If your in a home now, you can sell it; although for a little less than you may think it's worth, and then get an excellent buy on a newer- better- bigger- home!

If your interested... give me a call.... 205 229-3013...

Thanks for reading my blog... check out my website... www.WilliamPittman...

Pitt 

http://tinyurl.com/Calera-CommonsTownhomes
http://www.alapark.com/BlueSprings/

And... Now... How Much Does That Cost?!

What is the old adage... "If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it..."  is simply not true.  An advertising medium to get people to call about a product is to NOT put the price in... thus the curiosity is stirred and the seller gets the call... hopefully to make the sale! 

I am not about to say that Real Estate Agents don't use this ploy... many do.  It's a fine line between giving too much information to the public and not giving enough.  Years ago, the agents had all the information and the public had very little... so the agent seemed to have the controls.  In today's society... the "Information Highway" has created an age of public awareness and knowledge.  The public is in the know about everything.  Most shoppers have gone online and done research and have shopped the web to find what they want and know how much they should pay for it prior to setting foot in a store. 

In the housing market it is not very different.  The basics are the same with shopping for most anything.  The key is deciding what you really want and then making a plan to find it.  Online research and investigation is the same...  Pictures are available for most homes.  If you are patient enough and vigorous enough, you can find out prices, how much the previous owner paid for the home, neighborhood price points, and average sales for most any neighborhoods.  OR CAN YOU?!

I visited a seminar a few weeks ago, and discovered that this is not always true.  In retail markets, it is easy to find pricing, but in real estate... it is not so easy.  The speaker in the seminar gave some interesting observations about many of the websites that people use to get information... Realtor.com is the largest website for people that are looking for a home.  They get more hits than any other site on the web.  But, for those that are already living in their homes and thinking about selling, it is not the premiere site.  According to our speaker (which I have not evaluated myself) Trulia.com is the premier website for people who are searching for their home values... both home owners and those who have narrowed their search down. 

The speaker explained how Trulia and other sites just did not have the correct information to make the claims that they make.  There are many websites that give statistics of sales and pricing throughout the United States, and most of their numbers a eschewed.  I recently did a study in a couple neighborhoods in Pelham and discovered that the speaker was right.

So... how much does it cost?!  It costs you NOTHING!  All my services are free for the most part.  If your a buyer wanting to get information about the market... All Buyer Agency is free to the buyer except in special circumstances... and the preliminary search for information is definitely free!  If your a seller, you don't pay any fees until your home closes... and you decide if you want to take the offer or contract to sell before you have to pay anything.

Thus... if your interested in buying or selling and want to get the "Scoop" on the market, what your home is worth, or what you want to purchase... call me!  If you like electronic media... you can text me, email me, or go to my website at www.WilliamPittman.com and leave me a message there.  Or, you can just call me! 

And don't buy this...

Let me know how I can assist you!  Thanks  Pitt

Don't Lose Your Home and Credit... A Short Sale May Be The Answer!

In an economy as ours, many people are faced with a potential problem that could really affect their lives for a long time. Getting behind on your payments is not only a hardship emotionally and physically, it also affects your credit, your ability to find work, and basically every avenue of life. The possibility of foreclosure looms overhead and will try to suffocate you. There are alternatives to foreclosure... and if you are behind on your payments, and don't think that you are going to be able to catch everything up... it is time for action.

Don't bury your head in the sand and act as though it will not happen, because it will eventually. You must be proactive in your quest to save your credit and to find an opportunity to resolve the problem... That is where the agent can be a HUGE help.

It is estimated that over half the homeowners in America are in some kind of economical difficulty... and a large portion of those are behind on their payments. Large Mortgage Companies like Bank of America and Wells Fargo are rumored to be on the threshold of foreclosing literally thousands of homes in the near future. Don't be a part of that number.

A short sale is basically the banks agreement with you the homeowner to sell the home for less than what you may owe on it rather than go into foreclosure. I am sure that you see the signs everywhere... Short Sales! The bank thinks that they will spend well over $20,000 for a foreclosure sale, and thinks that it can work with you in a short sale situation and sell the home for less than is owed rather than foreclose...

Check out this short video...

Don't forget to visit my website... http://www.williampittman.com/    if you have any questions about real estate...


Thanks