Maintaining Small Town Charm In An Ever-Changing World

Virtually any state in the country has the appeal of multiple small towns. Ask almost anyone who lives in small town why they are here and they'll tell you they enjoy the small town feeling while being close to all the conveniences of a larger city. One of the greatest joys of living in a small town is how familiar people are with one another. When you walk into a store or restaurant you are welcomed by name. As an area grows, you risk losing the "down home" charm.

On the other hand, due to the growth in many areas you will find a more diverse population. This too has appeal to many. Maintaining the magic that is small town while embracing the inevitable changes that are occurring is something everyone in your community can participate in.

One of the appeals of a small town is how longtime residents frequently make an effort to get to know the new folks who move into the area. For those who are new to the area introduce yourself to your neighbors. Whether a familiar face in your town or new to the area you can host a block party to get to know your neighbors.

Knowing whom you live next to is more than a neighborly thing to do. It is also a safety measure you can put in place. Exchange phone numbers with your neighbors so that if there is ever an emergency you have someone close to call on.

For newer residence ask your neighbors about the community. Seek out a common-interest support network. On the other hand, be willing to stretch beyond your common-interest support network. Human nature is such that often we only associate with those whom we feel we have something in common with. Due to the changing face of our country, you will find there are often some incredible opportunities to learn so much about many types of people.

Familiarize your children with the neighborhood. Find activities for your children to join in on. This is a great way for young people to quickly adapt to a new area.

If you have pets, make choosing a veterinarian a top priority. Often, animals develop unfamiliar behaviors when relocated. Unfortunately, there may be occasions where an emergency situation occurs with a pet when you first move. It is best to have a good vet who you feel comfortable with rather than have to try to find one in a panic. Talk to your neighbors to find out whom they recommend.

Check the local paper to find out about classes, seminars and events being held in the area. You may be amazed at how much goes on here. If you have a special event coming up contact the editor of this paper to let them know. The editor welcomes timely and relevant information.

Regardless of where you live in this great country, there are fantastic communities that can be enhanced by each and every one of us.

Copyright © 2004 by DeAnna Dipos

Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter, on your web site, or in your print publication provided you include the resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required.

About The Author

DeAnna Dipo is a member of the Distinctive Properties team, a unique personalized real estate agency serving the south end of the Salt Lake valley including Draper, Riverton and Sandy. Family owned and operated, Darlene Dipo, Debbie Dahmen and DeAnna Dipo are known for the fact they live, work and play in the very community they serve. The Distinctive Properties team offers more than a run of the mill real estate experience. With their reputation and repeat business being their best referral, they offer a "boutique" experience and a personal relationship with each person they work with. Offering services including buying and selling, Distinctive Properties offers relocation services throughout the United States. Visit www.distinctivepropertiesSLC.com for further information.

More than 40 states signed onto a proposed $25-billion deal with major mortgage servicers over faulty foreclosure practices. New York, Nevada and Delaware joined California in holding out for better terms.

More than 40 states signed onto a proposed $25-billion settlement with major mortgage servicers over faulty foreclosure procedures, but California, New York and other key states were still not among them.

California has until Monday to share in a multi-state deal with banks to obtain mortgage relief and reforms. Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris, who walked away from talks last year, says the door remains open.

With a Monday deadline at hand, California officials have resumed direct talks with the Obama administration about joining a multibillion-dollar, multi-state mortgage settlement with the nation's largest banks, a source said Sunday.

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In one of the more talked-about transactions in town, actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have sold their Malibu beach house to daytime host and comedian Ellen De Generes for $12 million.

The four-bedroom, five-bathroom house built in 1920 for industrialist James Wigmore lists for $2,875,000.

A decorative cast stone entrance opens to this restored Spanish Colonial Revival-style house in Pasadena's South Orange Grove area. Built in 1920 for industrialist James Wigmore, the house retains such original details as coffered wood ceilings and arched doorways.

They don't believe they can sell their property for what it's worth, so they're spending money on making their homes more comfortable.

Do you fit any of these descriptions?

A biennial research report by the National Assn. of Realtors indicates that a handful of real estate agents and brokers and their clients either don't know the law or don't care to follow it.

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The president aims to help about 3.5 million people with good credit who are unable to refinance at historically low rates because their homes are worth less than their mortgages.

 

The White House hopes to help millions of homeowners lower their monthly mortgage bill with a $5 billion to $10 billion plan to set up a streamlined refinancing program for people who are current on their payments.

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index of 20 large U.S. cities fell 1.3% in November from October as foreclosures continue to drag down the housing market.

Three straight months of home-price declines in the biggest U.S. cities showed that foreclosures remain a significant drag on a housing market that is entering its fifth year of deterioration.

L.A. Clipper Chris Paul may be quick down the court, but he moves pretty fast when it comes to buying multimillion-dollar real estate too.