Well, if we weren’t in the holiday mood before yesterday, the snow fall we had coupled with the freezing temps certainly has reminded us the holidays are coming!!   I am very much looking forward to seeing my younger son who will visit from Portland.  While we speak to him regularly, having him around in the flesh is so much better and a lot of fun!  We have an extra bonus at Christmas too…his girlfriend of about a year is going to come to St Louis for a few days and we are really looking forward to spending time with her and getting to know her better!

As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your support of my business, your trust in me and your friendship.   I am a blessed person to be able to do what I do and help folks find their new home or sell a beloved home if that’s what is needed.   My business is nothing without all of you, both for the business you have given me yourselves or the referrals that many of you have sent my way.

This year many of my sales were marked with emotion.  Sales of long time homes can often be difficult and sad – even when new homes are being built and there is excitement of what’s to come.   I did the same thing a few years ago….and it was hard to leave the home where I raised my children.  I cried more than a few tears even though it was what we chose to do.   It’s okay to grieve for what once was, even when whats coming is wonderful.

Sometimes a home sale occurs because of a death or divorce.  Selling a beloved parent’s home or leaving a home under less than ideal circumstances comes with its own set of challenges.   Sorting through a lifetime of memories and things is both cathartic and emotional…maybe even painful.   And as a realtor, I sometimes cry along with my clients when faced with emotional upheaval.   What’s the old saying?  “A burden shared is a burden halved?”   I hope if you have had burden’s through your sale, I was able to shoulder some of it for you and make it less.

On the other side, this year I had two first time home buyers.  These transactions are so full of joy and happiness.  There is a fair share of stress too as it’s a first giant step into full adulthood.   Both of my first timers were “relations”….one was my own son and the other a long time extended family member who is like a son to me.   Both homes were in the city of St. Louis, one a mid-century bungalow in Northampton and the other an historic civil war era home in Lafayette Square.   Both homes had been lovingly renovated and improved and both are in exceptional city neighborhoods full of young, vibrant people.  The energy of the younger folks makes me feel invigorated and at my age, this is important!

Every transaction I do is unique and no matter what the challenges or advantages might be, I value every opportunity that comes my way.   I hope and pray you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with delicious food and family around your table.   God bless all of you in the coming year.   Thank you for your business this year and every year.   Referrals are the back bone of my business!   I cannot do it without you!