To me, Spring is the season of optimism and growth. I believe that the emerging grass will come up weed-free this year. I believe that my deer-nibbled bushes will again sprout and grow. I believe that the spring home selling market will instill hope with consumers and be a catalyst for the turnaround. I believe in America and that the people who make this country work will prevail. I believe Americans will work together to get our country back on a growth track.

Too much to believe in, you say? Not for me - like the oldie but goodie song by The Monkees -- "I'm a Believer."

We're working to get our ducks in a row to be ready when the turnaround starts. We're spending our time looking at what will prepare us for the flood of new building that will occur as all of you who have homes on the market are able to start your new lives here in the Uplands. It would be nice if it happened soon, but whenever it does happen, we'll be ready.

Recently, HGTV and The Today Show aired segments about "Top Home Selling Tips." In this newsletter we've summarized their best ideas and provided the recent real life success story of our customers, Charlie and Barbara Bagwell. Hopefully you will find an idea or two to help you decide if and what you might want to do now in order to be prepared when the turnaround starts.

Happy reading!

Jim Beard