In spite of our southerly wind bearing down on us the entire day, it still turned out to be a pleasant one, so if the old saying is true, we’re going to have a wicked last day of the month. You do remember March’s saying, ‘In like a lamb and out like a lion’, and being visa-versa if today was a bit of a lion. Speaking of weather, I remember over two decades ago, one particular March having dumped a great deal of snow on us, and even at the end of the month, there were piles and piles of it everywhere. Oh that’s right, this climate change and global warming is all ‘fake news’ to those who subscribe to denialism.
With it not only being the first of the month, it was also the last day of our work week, so yours truly was busy following up on calls, checking on properties, challenging a particular entity’s accounting practices and my list goes on.
One of my showings today was a complete waste of time because having been in the home before, I knew the particular buyer I was showing it to, would be even more critical of it than the last, but at least that was one more home to use as a comparison.
Speaking of comparisons, I just today discovered that the ‘castle’ on River Heights Drive where our past mayor and city council member lived, transferred title several days ago, and not to my surprise it showed its sale price as being $350K, but the assessed value on it is listed as $481K, which created a difference of over $130K. With that said, I’m even more convinced we now have a very many homes in our city which are over-assessed because just two days ago, I did a broker’s opinion on one what’s likely over $20K above its current market value, and not but two weeks ago, I sent one out on a home that’s likely $50K over. With our interest rates having nearly doubled over these last three years, I’m convinced it’s now having a negative impact on home values, which makes perfect sense.
Another showing I had today had mixed reviews from the buyers, and even though it offered many unique features, the small lot size and limited parking area, created another ‘fly-over’ for my buyers, so if you happen to know anyone who’s thinking about selling their home in the near future, please let me know. They can go as high as $450K if we can find a home that fits their needs, so please put the word out.
One of my conversations today, was with a past client who moved out of State several years ago, and definitely loving it, and even more so since our State Legislature’s super majority of Republicans, are shaking up our State’s Department of Education, along with passing more personally restrictive laws. Iowa used to be considered a ‘Purple’ State, but I no longer consider that the case, because all I can see is ‘Red’.
Some weeks ago a person gave me a lame excuse as to why there’s such a drop in church-goers, and fortunately there happened to be a very well written article on the news feeds today which debunked that person’s beliefs.
1. Many are looking for alternative fulfillments.
2. Their Sunday sermons are considered outdated in todays world.
3. More are soulfully desiring full acceptance of all walks of life.
4. There are noticeable rising numbers of those considering themselves unaffiliated.
5. They’re turning away from churches which are becoming more politicized.
6. Many are wondering how their tithings are being put to use.
7. There’s a rise in subscribers of digitalized online religious communities.
8. Due to hectic work schedules, it’s more difficult to squeeze in the time to attend.
9. All the more are now questioning the authenticity of their congregations’ beliefs.
10. They’re now opening themselves up to more types of spirituality.
11. The lack of debate within their doctrines, is becoming a turn-off.
12. More are fully embracing personal spirituality.
13. Real and lasting connections to their own members is falling by the wayside.
Yes, I fully agreed with the many points offered, and on a personal level, I can say my own spirituality has been more enriched after I returned to my contemplative form of prayer, and yes, I’m now more closely scrutinizing a number of our mainline Christian practices. As I told someone today, it makes no difference what faith a person has, just as long as there remains a belief and soulful regard for a Higher Power.
On a lighter note, I have to once again share a little anecdote regarding what my clever grandmother once said when looking out our kitchen window and frowning down at our dog that was mindlessly barking towards the field and then raising her voice and saying, “Dogs that bark and hens that crow, all come to the same end!”, and of course curious me had to ask, “What’s that Grandmother?” Turning and looking back at me she so calmly said, “They get their heads chopped off.” Ouch! Oh how I wish I could flip a switch and remember each and every one of her wickedish sayings. Too funny!
Tonight’s One-liner is: If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.
