9. The closest thing you have to a Master Bath is the Cats litter box.

 8. Family gatherings of more than 5 people have to be held on the Patio.

 7. Your outdoor recliner can not be extended to a full recline.

 6. Your friends would rather meet at the Bus Station than at your house.

 5. The Children bump their heads while climbing into their bunk beads at night.

 4. Your tired of walking the 6 blocks home from your parking spot.

 3. You owe less money on your current home than you do on your old car.

 2. Interest rates remain the lowest they have been in decades.

 1. Realtors(r) are buying everything they can.

Yet I can remember the years of hardships and adversity as if they were yesterday. Even in family gatherings more often than not those trying times will make for more reminiscence than the trips abroad.

The current troubling times of our country will make you stronger and closer to those who you know and love. The trials and tribulations that you go through yesterday, today, and tomorrow will be fodder for future reminisces at your family gatherings.

As I look back over my own trials of the past, even in those darkest days there was always something that stood out as an achievement. A sort of badge or courage in the dimmest of light.

Like back in 1986 when the unemployment rate in my small town became so severe that people were unable to pay there bills. I owned a metal fabrication shop at the time and a client who could not pay had to much pride to skip out. He paid his bill with a winters worth of firewood, a mini motor bike for my 10 year old son, and small aluminum fishing boat with a 7hp outboard motor that my wife and I enjoyed for many summers at the lake.

In the bleakest of times there are always opportunities. In years to come will you look back and say we bought our home in 2009? Let this be your year of opportunity. Create a memory today.

Yesterday I had just one of many memorable momentsas I passed the keys to a Young Fellow to his new home. Of course this home was built in 1908 but it was new to him and all his. I could see the pride of new ownership and promise in his eyes. I wish for all of you that same feeling.

To check out other Homes_Sold_by_Herb_Hamilton_in_Portland_Oregon  please take a look at this really cool map. Zoom in or change the view . House_hunt_Portland where your next home will find you! 

Have a wonderful and prosperous memory filled 2009.