Firstly, I want to wish all me readers a Happy New Year. 2008 has been the year from ____________. You can fill in almost any expletive or worse. Looking forward to 2009, I am going to change things and suggest we all try something new, especially those of us selling real estate or in related businesses. For those who haven’t already, let’s change our attitudes and approach this year with hope and only positive thoughts. It is a little bit of “Pay It Forward”. If each of us puts forth nothing but positive thoughts into our lives and begins to express this to everyone we are in contact with, I predict things will change and for the better. Granted this is very simple minded but I am tired of being bummed. I am going to do this and hope you do too.

I read the local newspaper this morning, the Napa Valley Register, and found four very interesting articles about real estate current events here. I feel anyone interested in buying property here, our anyone who has done so but does not get the Register, will find this info very useful. Unfortunately, two of the stories are a bit negative as to real estate values declining and the current economy performing poorly, but this is exactly why I am going to think positively and feel confident, this news will change soon.

Below are excerpts from the four articles. Click on the links to read the entire story.

Real declines in real Estate

The median price of a home in Napa County decreased to $406,600 in November, an annual decrease of 27.7 percent, according to the Associated Press. A recent study released by the National Association of Realtors showed that housing prices across the country last month fell in their sharpest decline in four decades.

Battle looms over eco-village

PUC originally unveiled plans for a 591-home eco-village, including a new park and stores. PUC leaders say the project — which would include homes with energy- and water-efficient features, and upgrades to the campus and Angwin’s small commercial zone — is needed to allow PUC to build up its endowment.

It’s the economy, stupid

Remake at the Lake