Neighborhood News 6/11/08
Lane County Real Estate
RMLS April 2008 Reporting Period
APRIL RESIDENTIAL HIGHLIGHTS
A comparison of April 2008 with that of 2007 shows that new listings decreased 11.7%. Closed sales were down 35.8%, while pending sales fell 34.2%. At the month’s rate of sales, the 2,252 active residential listings would last approximately 9.5 months.
YEAR TO DATE
A look at market activity for January-April 2008 compared with the same period in 2007 shows that new listings dropped 3.6%. Closed sales were down 32.4% and pending sales decreased 30.3%. See table above.
12 MONTH SALE PRICE PERCENT CHANGE
Comparing the average sale price for the 12 months ending in April 2008 with that of the 12 immediately prior, it grew 0.5% ($262,400 v. $261,100). Using the same formula, the median sale price increased 0.7% ($231,000 v. $230,000).
Fathers Then & Now
Today is one of the first Father’s Days of our new millennium. Fathers of 1900 didn’t have it nearly as good as fathers of today; but they did have a few advantages:
In 1900, fathers prayed their children would learn English.
Today, fathers pray their children will speak English.
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In 1900, a father’s horsepower meant his horses.
Today, it’s the size of his minivan.
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In 1900, if a father put a roof over his family’s head, he was a success.
Today, it takes a roof, deck, pool, and 4-car garage. And that’s just the vacation home.
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In 1900, a father waited for the doctor to tell him when the baby arrived.
Today, a father must wear a smock, know how to breathe, and make sure film is in the video camera.
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In 1900, fathers passed on clothing to their sons.
Today, kids wouldn’t touch Dad’s clothes if they were sliding naked down an icicle.
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In 1900, fathers could count on children to join the family business.
Today, fathers pray their kids will soon come home from college long enough to teach them how to work the computer and set the VCR.
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In 1900, fathers shook their children gently and whispered, "Wake up, it’s time for school."
Today, kids shake their fathers violently at 4 a.m., shouting: "Wake up, it’s time for hockey practice."
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In 1900, a father came home from work to find his wife and children at the supper table.
Today, a father comes home to a note: "Jimmy’s at baseball, Cindy’s at gymnastics, I’m at adult-Ed, Pizza in fridge."
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In 1900, fathers and sons would have heart-to-heart conversations while fishing in a stream.
Today, fathers pluck the headphones off their sons’ ears and shout, "WHEN YOU HAVE A MINUTE.."
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In 1900, a father gave a pencil box for Christmas, and the kid was all smiles.
Today, a father spends $800 at Toys ‘R’ Us, and the kid screams: "I wanted Wii!"
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In 1900, if a father had breakfast in bed, it was eggs and bacon and ham and potatoes.
Today, it’s Special K, soy milk, dry toast and a lecture on cholesterol.
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In 1900, a Father’s Day gift would be a hand tool.
Today, he’ll get a digital organizer.
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In 1900, fathers said, "A man’s home is his castle."
Today, they say, "Welcome to the money pit."
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In 1900, "a good day at the market" meant Father brought home feed for the horses.
Today, "a good day at the market" means Dad got in early on an IPO.
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In 1900, a happy meal was when Father shared funny stories around the table.
Today, a happy meal is what Dad buys at McDonald’s.
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In 1900, a father was involved if he spanked the kid now and then.
Today, a father’s involved only if he coaches Little League and organizes Boy Scouts and car pools.
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In 1900, when fathers entered the room, children often rose to attention.
Today, kids glance up and grunt, "Dad, you’re invading my space."
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In 1900, fathers threatened their daughters suiters with shotguns if the girl came home late.
Today, fathers break the ice by saying, "So...how long have you had that earring?"
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In 1900, fathers pined for the old school, which meant a one-room, red-brick building.
Today, fathers pine for the old school, which means Dr J and Mickey Mantle.
The Cost of Kids
1. Fill a bucket or large, shallow pan with warm, soapy water.
2. Place small grills and grates in the water, soak for 15 minutes.
3. Depending on whether it¹s a gas or charcoal bbq, remove all briquettes or coals in the bbq.
4. Remove all ash and debris from the inside of the bbq and around the burner if you have a gas grill and wipe with soapy water. Tip: be sure to check the burner is back in place when you finish.
5. If you have ceramic briquettes, wash them with soapy water to remove any debris.
6. Spray the inside of the bbq with a light coating of oil.
7. Remove grills from soapy water and scrub clean with a wire brush.
8. Replace all grills and grates, spray lightly with oil to prevent food and grease sticking.
9. Allow the grill to dry properly before replacing the grill cover.
10. To keep it clean throughout summer, quickly run over it with a stiff wire grill brush after every use while it’s still hot and give it a quick spray of oil.
