Jim Coleman

This holiday season just passed not only presented me a joyous time with family in Seattle, but also the opportunity to gain a deeper sense of gratitude for the beauty of our earth and the handiwork of the Great Creator. Unlike the stark contrast of the snow crest landscapes of our dear desert, the tall pine pinnacles of the Northwest clad with a deep white blanket make it the scene a customary picture card of a Winter Wonderland.

It was in the setting of the last scene described that this writer enjoyed a first time, but long desired experience which permitted conquering new ground in a new environ of the beautiful Washington mountains at Snoqualmie Pass. It was my good fortune to be invited by a grandson to join him and some of his young men companions and their leaders for some snowshoeing.

The five mile trek at the high mountain altitude afforded a great challenge for stamina and endurance. But the effects of being in the clouds at times and then breaking out into the clear viewscapes of the seasonal natural decoration with sounds muffled and subdued due to the white insulation blanket provided a deep tranquility and peace. My first snowshoeing experience was a wonderful supplement to my enjoyment of snow skiing.

What does this recreational experience with the love of nature have to do with conquering new ground in the upcoming year? Considering the current economy and the related factors and elements of the real estate market, "Tis the Season" to examine and review our present economy and financial markets, for investors, both experienced and wanna-be's with wherewithal, to step forward into the massive tundra of property inventory and make some moves that will be highly profitable because of timing, pricing and values.

So like the fundamentals of trudging into the dense overlay suitable for the snowshoe experience, there are essentials that if adhered to should yield sound footing and a great outcome for real estate investment. Consider the following:

1. Muster the courage to venture into a new experience.

2. Sometimes, the new experience has to occur at a new location.

3. Be in good company with knowledgeable associates (team players and advisors).

4. Truly want to be engaged in the process.

5. Make the effort to get the lay of the land.

6. Couple preparation with desire.

7. Be resolved with commitment.

8. Stay close to companions to the end of the quest.

9. Find satisfaction in the experience.

10. Know what is desired and the intended end result.

With the onset of the new year, there is a sense of optimism and positive acquisition among investors. There has been some settling among many of the money powers. They have experienced the fallout and losses of equities. But they have also observed the huge drop in investment ownership by many owners and with the prospects of the new future have positioned themselves to pounce all over the prey so ripe and ready for capture.

St. George REALTOR® Jim Coleman is Associate Broker and Partner/Owner of ERA Brokers Consolidated. He Specializes in Residential, Investment and Commercial Real Estate, holding National Designations of Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Resort and Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), GREEN Property Specialist, and Certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Specialist (SFR). You can contact him by e-mail at Jim@JimColeman4Homes.com. Call: (435) 627-5411; or write: Jim Coleman, 201 East St. George Boulevard, St. George, Utah 84770. This and other columns are available at www.WinningTalk.com/articles.