I have been watching this market for 20 years and I see this time period as typical of the cyclical nature of this industry.

Real estate has it’s boom periods and following every boom period is a stagnant period. One thing that remains constant is the fact that real estate never becomes worthless. For the past few years, Thomas County has experienced a fabulous real estate market with lots of buyers and increasing inventory. As the supply increased and the demand slowed, we are now seeing decreased and more realistic pricing. Our market today reflects the current supply and demand, not last years.

Has the real estate bubble popped in Thomasville? No, we are just back to a normal market.

We had a great influx of buyers from Florida and other areas of the country. Those buyers were looking for less congestion,lower crime, lower prices, no hurricanes, less taxes and insurance. Unfortunately, many of the buyers are not making this move
because they cannot sell their homes in Florida and other areas.

The sellers market in Thomas County is history for this cycle. The Seller’s need to understand that the market determines the price that a home will sell for.

For October 2007 our Average Days on Market for residential properties is 158 days, whereas in October of 2007 it was 124 days.

Our Sales Price to List Price Ratio for October 2006 was 97.6% and in October 2007 was 95.2%.

Julie B. Bryan, GRI, CRS, ASR, Owner/Broker RE/MAX of Thomasville, Inc.

Have you ever forgotten where you parked your car at a mall? Ever forgotten a name of someone you know?

Dr. Barry Gordon, founder of the Memory Clinic at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and author of “Memory: Remembering and Forgetting in Everyday Life, “ says, “Congratulations! You’re normal.” Dr. Gordon also says, “Our brains weren’t built for perfect accuracy.” “They’re not tape recorders, which is pretty much what we ask of our heads.”

In our 40’s our brains start to slow down, making it hard to acquire and retrieve new information. As a result, random thoughts jump into our heads and push important stuff aside. The good news is that there are things we can do to mend our memories. Dr. Gordon suggests these Memory Menders:

Pay attention. If you really want to remember something, you have to focus on it so it sinks into your brain and forms an imprint.

Make a spot. If you have trouble finding your keys or sunglasses, create a “memory spot” such as a bowl or basket that you place near the door.

Feed your mind. Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fats, antioxidants, complex carbohydrates and protein. They make the brain stay sharp. Try to eat five small meals a day rather than three large ones to keep glucose levels steady.

Move it. Regular physical activity keeps you sharp by protecting the cardiovascular system that feeds oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Try walking with a friend, biking, or swimming; anything that gets your heart rate up will improve your mental powers.

Forget about it. If you don’t have to commit something to memory, write it down. Keep small note pads handy to jot down thoughts you want to remember. If you have a memory flub, don’t sweat it. Remember that people do get wiser with age. Wisdom comes from a mind that takes it time mulling things over.

3 Eggs, slightly beaten
1 C. Dark corn syrup
1/2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Canned pumpkin
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 C. Pecan halves
1 TB. Melted butter or margarine
1 9’ Unbaked pie shell

Combine beaten eggs with next five ingredients. Stir in pecan halves and melted butter or margarine and pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 44 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degreess and bake for 25 minutes longer. Cool and serve with whipped cream. Makes six servings.

The 28th annual Boston Mini-Marathon and Festival, sponsored by the Boston Community Club, kicks off at 8 a.m. Friday with an event that will educate more than 500 school-age youngsters about the War Between the States. The educational experience, will take place four miles west of Boston at the site of old Boston off Sally Road at the old Russell Dairy location.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, the site re-opens with food and vendors, followed by a re-enactment of the Battle of Boston at 2:30 on Saturday and Sunday.

A 6 a.m. Saturday pancake breakfast is followed at 8 a.m. by the half-marathon run and 5K walk. A one-mile Fun Run is planned for children and older people who favor a shorter run.

“We’re expecting one of the biggest crowds ever,” said Brad Johnson, race director. More information may be obtained by calling (229) 498 -8500 days or (229) 226-4679 (evenings).

The downtown Food Court opens at 9 .m. Saturday, offering hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, funnel cakes and fried fish, among other treats.

A few steps away, arts-and-crafts vendors will offer a vast variety of goods. Paula Roberts, food court and arts/crafts coordinator, may be reached at (229) 498-4080.

Classic cars will be on display, and a Halloween costume contest for children is at 10:30 a.m.

At 11 a.m., winners in race/walk competition will be recognized, followed at 11:30 a.m. by a downtown parade. Danny Groover, parade coordinator, may be reached at (229) 224-6201 evenings for information about parade participation.

WTUF radio personalities Lazy Len and Amen Charlie will serve as parade marshals.

Boston police Chief Chuck Weaver said law enforcement will be represented in the parade. Boston police will lead the parade in the agency’s new 2007 Dodge Charger, followed by the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and the Thomasville Police Department Bike Patrol.

Live entertainment will be available at Watt Park in downtown Boston.

Thomas County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to grant preliminary site approval for a nine-acre upscale subdivision off Pavo Road where dwellings will cost from $180,000 - $270,000. Developed by PRDP, LLC, the development would provide landscaped green spaces, sidewalks and winding streets in the Jamestowne phase of Madison Grove.

Subdivision plans include several types of housing — single family, condos, townhouses and live/work structures that would house businesses on the first floor and residences on the second.

RE/MAX of Thomasville had a wonderful time at the recent Deep South Fair, handing out hundreds of our hot air balloon shaped fans.

Even our competitors love us and our fans. Pictured above are Leslie Bennett, Ken Cone, and Matt Bennett of Rose City Realty in Thomasville.

Anyone who is planning to vote in the November 6th election has until 5:00 p.m. today, October 9th, 2007. Voter Registration is at the Elijah Hill Building at 227 West Jefferson Street.

RE/MAX of Thomasville would like to congratulate, Linda Boyd on being named our September 2007 Agent of the Month. In addition, to being honored in our staff meeting, Linda also gets a prefered parking spot for the month, recognition in the Thomasville Times Enterprise, and received a pass to Wild Adventures Theme Park donated by WTUF & WPAX Radio Stations. Congratulations Linda Boyd!