10 Housing Markets likely to rebound soon

According to the real estate forecasting service Local Market Monitor, which predicts housing market trends for investors and banks, forecasts that housing prices will decline an average of 5% through 2010. This prediction includes double-digit decreases in Phoenix, Miami, and Las Vegas. But then the worst could be over, says CEO Ingo Winzer. As the recession eases, "We'll see good price increases in many markets," he reports. In the following markets, home values are expected to remain level this year but increase in value next year:

* Baton Rouge, La.
* Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.
* Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas
* Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
* Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
* Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, Ark.
* Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
* Pittsburgh, Pa.* San Antonio, Texas
* Syracuse, N.Y.

Raising a Toddler

Well, I am not actually raising a toddler, but I am a Grandmother of one. I have been fortunate enough to spend a few days out of the week with my grandson Riley. My daughter lives close to me, so I feel like I am learning how to raise a 2 year old all over again. Riley has always excelled in his vocabulary making it much easier to communicate with him. I find that his frustration comes from when he doesn't understand why, for example, we can't turn the light switches on and off ALL day long. Logically, I'm thinking it is a waste electricity and could potentially be dangerous (not to mention I have to hold him up so he can reach), but trying to explain this to a 2 year old becomes a challenge. But I still explain, and he still wants to turn the lights on and off. I can hear that sweet little voice " Turn on lights G.G.....up here G.G." How can I resist?

OK, for all those Mommy's out there that struggle with POTTY TRAINING, here is my take on it. I actually started putting my kids on the potty before they could even walk. I didn't expect them to pick it up right away, but just to learn the association with the potty. No one believes me when I tell them that my kids were potty trained at 16 months!!! No joke. My daughter Lauren, sometimes doesn't even believe me, but its the truth. It is like with anything else babies or toddlers learn, if you do it often enough, they will pick up on it. Lauren didn't start Riley until he was 22 months, and he learned in literally 1 week. She got advice from a friend/photographer (carolynjonesphotography.com) of hers who has 3 boys. Lauren left Riley clothe less and followed him around the house, sometimes just kept "Big Boy underwear" on him, and he caught on immediately. She would reward him with 3 mini M&Ms and make him count and tell her the colors. Her strategy worked!!! Of course all kids learn different, but they have a lot less diapers to buy!!

Fell asleep on the potty while his Mommy
was cooking dinner! Priceless!!

So excited about my new listings!