EpiphanyDigest

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports today that the new median home price (from October) dropped a whopping 19% from the September number to its lowest sum since 2002: $169,900.

With foreclosures at all-time highs, short sales and auctions on the courthouse steps are the major factors applying downward pressure on prices.

Since it wasn’t all that long ago that we were talking about the need for affordable housing, one problem, at least, is getting solved. In fact, just from a little informal research, there are many properties available below $100,000 now.

Have prices bottomed out? I don’t think so.

The numbers suggest that local values are falling much more rapidly than the national average. At this rate, the local economy has some major additional bumps in the road… especially when you consider that a significant percentage of ARMs taken out when prices were soaring have yet to adjust.

The bottom line? That equity you had in 2005 and 2006 wasn’t real… unless you happened to sell at or near the peak.

She still makes me weak in the knees. In fact, she’s more wonderful and beautiful after 10 of the most unbelievable years of my life than ever. And she grows more amazing every day.

I love you, Sweetheart! Happy Anniversary!

A gigantic “Happy Birthday” to all of Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children today as the Corps celebrates number 233.

While I myself was not privileged to have served, I am the proud son of a US Marine. Thanks, Dad, for fighting for freedom with honor. And thanks for instilling in me the respect and value for the freedoms you and so many others fought — and continue to fight — to uphold.

It is my further honor to be the proud grandson of a US Marine. My mother’s father is one of a dwindling number of remaining Pearl Harbor survivors. Thanks, Pa-Po, for your dedication and service.

I’m proud of the heritage of the US Marines.  Thank you to all the leathernecks for your sacrifice and your service.

As we honor all veterans tomorrow, the Marines have a special place of honor in my family and heart.

Semper Fi

And for all of you eligible to do so, I hope you have, too!  If so, you get your nifty new “I Voted” Sticker. The design is brand new for the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election.

Since my real sticker is on my shirt today, I thought a “virtual” one was in order for the blog.

Thank you to all of our new visitors who have been here recently for information on the 2008 Florida Amendments. We hope to have you back again real soon!