9188 Smith Creek Road – for complete listing information see “Featured Listings.” or Click Here

Artopia – An Art Auction and event with a purpose. Big Bend Cares Charity Auction 2010

Big Bend Cares is the primary AIDS service organization providing HIV/AIDS education in this mainly rural region in and around Tallahassee, Florida. Big Bend Cares exists to provide education and comprehensive support to people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. My friend Kevin Hattaway, has been involved as a sponsor and fundraiser for years with Big Bend Cares and I have been to several events and fundraisers over the years. Having lost a loved one to HIV/Aids, Kevin is dedicated to the support of education and awareness that Big Bend Cares provides.

What impresses me most is the attitudes and generosity of  the caring, cooperative volunteers and people involved in Big Bend Cares. Some have lost loved ones, others struggle with HIV/Aids even now. It’s an ongoing battle and it’s why the fight to educate must continue. Big Bend Cares has many events throughout the year equally as fun.

My daughter and I are still reeling from this great art show and auction! I did not win any of my bids, however, she walked away with four pieces that I am still envious of! In my opinion, she was the winner of the deal of the century. A local artist,  Shea Murphy’s, first piece, which he donated to charity. It took over a year and a half to produce and when he is famous, which I am sure he will soon be, she will have in her possession a work of art that is even more meaningful and valuable!

Shea Murphy is a quiet soul, a giving soul. That much we learned when we talked to him after the auction. Shea works for Home Depot and is a contractor and loves hosting the “how-to” sessions for kids. He also has a passion for introducing art to kids. He works with handicapped children, introducing not just the how-to of art, but the vision that anything is possible. Children with severe physical handicaps learn from Shea that anything is possible and that art comes from within. I can’t wait to learn more about Shea. I am sure  that my daughter and I will be keeping in touch with this wonderful man.

Watch for next year’s show. You really don’t want to miss this great opportunity to purchase art from local artisans, to mingle with the artists and hear their stories and passions and to share your love of art and Tallahassee’s wonderful Big Bend Cares volunteers with friends in Tallahassee, FL.

Artopia 2010 Gallery: View it on Facebook or join the Facebook Community and become a “fan” of Big Bend Cares for future postings and events! If someone you know and love has been affected by HIV/AIDS consider making a  Donation to Big Bend Cares.

Just click here: DONATE

Boy! HGTV has set some pretty high standards for sellers, buyers and Realtors. Our expectations of the perfectly staged home, the immaculate house cleaning on an hours notice with the picture-perfect set of toddler triplets who live in a seemingly storefront bubble is what we have grown to expect.  However, that’s not the average person’s reality, now is it?

Often, we catch people rushing to make dinner for their families, interrupting visits with families, attending sick loved ones (including the furry sort). Timing is not often perfect, and life happens. As sellers we often wait for those buyers who are running late with their Realtors as well. Usually, there is a reason..we are showing on an average 15 – 30 listings before the buyers can make a decision. There are issues with buyers as well, mobility issues, children in tow or parent’s tagging along.  Patience is a virtue in the real estate business.

As Realtors we want you to focus on what is important as you are looking at a home, or prepping your home for sale. Prepare for your appointment, look over these Home-Buyer FAQ’s.

Focus on structural and functional details, imagine how furniture will fit in a room, research property taxes and flood zones. A little less time sitting on furniture, looking at baby pictures and let’s give this family their home back, for now!

Sellers, we have a goal, to make a sale. Get ready to sell. If it’s not perfect it doesn’t have to be upside down. If it is, reschedule.

Yes, I’ve seen some sites while showing property, some have impressed me, some have annoyed me, and some have taken my breath away, (positively and negatively).  I’m a Realtor, but more, I’m human and I understand how people live and care for the things they value or don’t value. It takes all kinds of people to make the world go ’round and if you really want to get hung up on all that, there’s lots of reality tv shows you can watch!

As for my customers, they will be taken care of and prepared for their showing appointments and their listing presentations, as well as they can, but… we may be late from time to time.

Owned and Operated by Tallahassee Women! You gotta love these ladies who provide entertainment and know how to run a business as well!

Executives, professionals, moms by day and terror on skates by night!

“The Tallahassee RollerGirls is a group of women ranging in age from 20 to 50 years old from a variety of backgrounds each possessing a unique set of talents. These ladies utilize and integrate these talents to successfully run the business that is The Tallahassee RollerGirls. These women are not paid for the time and commitment involved, but do so for the love of the sport. Business aside, the women vigorously train while living and breathing skill and strategy to not only bring the full-contact, fast-paced sport of Roller Derby to Tallahassee and North Florida, but to bring the area a team to be proud of.” from Tallahassee Roller Girls Website

Today, June 5th is their Fan Appreciation Carnival from 3 – 6, followed by a “RollBot Attack” bout with the “Jailbreak Betties” at 7pm at the Leon County Fairgrounds.

For more about the Tallahassee Roller Girls, check out their calendar.

I’m heading there with some friends.. will post some pictures later for sure!

One of my real estate customers, and another friend are on this team and I can’t wait to see them in action ~ Off for my first Tallahassee Roller Girl experience!

Tallahassee Roller Girls on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tallyrollergirls

Tallahassee Roller Girls on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=39982058194

Tallahassee Roller Girls on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tallyrg

Here’s a list of great homes that have been on the market for a while, that are bridesmaids, not brides.  For whatever reason, they are either over-improved, on too big of a lot, not big enough of a lot, kitchen too small, not enough bedrooms, not enough baths,  and on and on!  These Tallahassee, FL homes are priced to sell, ready for immediate occupancy, remodeled, immaculate, and incredible deals in the Tallahassee real estate market!

It only takes one home-buyer so who do you know.. these homes are priced to sell.. and just need ONE buyer.

4103 Cornish Drive:  We gutted this home, rebuilt it from the inside out. From floors to ceilings, kitchen to heating and air, exterior walls to roof. Even new landscaping and grading of yard.  It’s the most affordable of the single-family home listings in Northeast Tallahassee. A single-family home, rebuilt,. for $129,000.

7103 Atascadero Dr.  An immaculate custom built home on .75 acre hilltop lot overlooking treetops of a preserve in Northeast Tallahassee, Florida. Immaculate, one-owner, ready for occupancy! Gated community of Walden Place, all homes built 2005-2008. Minimum sq. footage is 2000 sq. ft ranging to 3500 sq.ft. All brick homes. Luxury interiors.  $329,000 for this gorgeous home.

2252 Ten Oaks Drive:  Looking for a family that LOVES nature..and wants to feel like they are on vacation every day!  Unique, custom-built – Ultra-Log construction on 4 acres in Killearn Lakes, Tallahassee, FL. Detached workshop with loft makes it a true retreat! Energy efficient and magnificent interior!  $299,500 ~ Ready for occupancy now!

Are you looking for a home bargain in Tallahassee? Contact Debbie today!