

One of Aesop's fables is the story of the Tortoise & the Hare. (Not familiar? Click the link! This is a perfect read out loud bedtime story for little ones.) It's the story of a race between these two. The tortoise is slow and steady, and wins the race.
Have you noticed that even as the numbers of agents, lenders, and others whose living is tied to real estate have dwindled this year, Active Rain continues to grow in membership? We're adding tortoises!
We Tortoises are picking up side jobs, adding to our areas of expertise, and in general, doing what it takes to stay in the business we love. I believe 2009 is destined to be a "Tortise & Hare" market for those of us committed to the business of real estate.
I'm adding a proficiency in an area long out of favor with both agents and lenders alike: the sale and financing of manufactured homes.
Active Rain has a Professional Channel for Manufactured Homes. I'll be blogging about these affordable, lower priced homes on that channel.
I'll also be blogging on Localism about areas near Tucson like the community of Picture Rocks, a community of one to five acre homesites surrounded on three sides by the Saguaro National Park (west.) The predominant type home here is a mobile home, and the beauty of living in the desert southwest is very, very affordable.
Are you looking for a manufactured home surrounded by Tucson's warmth and the beauty of the Arizona desert? Call me. (520) 349-9090
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.
Think of me as your Tucson mortgage expert.
Call me if I can help you with a mortgage to buy your next house: (520) 349-9090
- VA Loans: 100% purchase loans for active or honorably discharged veterans
- FHA Rehab loans for fixer uppers: up to $35,000 on top of the purchase price
- Kiddy Condo loans instead of shelling out big bucks for your student's housing
- Conforming conventional loans
- USDA Rural Home Loans, including purchase loans for Manufactured Homes.
photos copyright Mike in Tucson
all rights reserved


I am going to be a hare and run away with some quality real estate deals this coming year! Only 13 1/2 hours to go! I am poised and ready!!
I think the agent that is steady and does what is successful for them every day will still be here at the end of 2009. Happy New Year.
I have to lot ot look forward to in 2009 and I can't wait to see the end... Happy New Year Mike...
Mike,
Your photos are always a good way to start the day!
Happy New Year, my friend!
Bill
Yes, I'll agree I think good work ethics will always win out. Great Photos, Mike!
Happy New Year!
Shawn
just wanted to stop by and wish you and your family all the best for a healthy, happy and prosperous new years - see you in 09
Mike- Smart move....we have been doing Manufactured Homes for quite awhile, and a good lender for them is definitely needed. Happy New Year to you my Tortoise Friend :)
Mike-Just wanted to wish you a happy and healthy new year.
Thanks for reminding me of Aesop's fable - I've been plugging along and the results are coming in pretty steadily! Kind of ironic how several people I went to real estate school had some immediate success, bought the BMW and all of the doo-dads, but are no longer in the business, and here I am still in my pickup truck with 120,000 miles on it, poised & positioned to have a 6-figure income in 2009 with no debt to speak of!
Kent,
You're my hero! No debt!? You're definitely my hero!
Joseph,
Same to you, my friend!
Kathy,
I'm sending you a card! Love your photos on your blog.
James,
You, too, my friend!
Shawn,
Thanks! Happy New Year!
Bill,
I appreciate your readership and comments. Safe, happy new years!
Donna,
Same to you!
Terry,
Happy New Year!
Caren,
You might want to read the actual fable...
Mike in Tucson
Mike:
Your photos warmed my cold Jersey day. Happy New Year and success to all in the Rain.
Happy New Year, Mike! Wonderful photos and message you bring us, as usual. You also bring a fond memory to me - the 2nd grade play our youngest's class did that incorporated many skits from Aesop's Fables. Thanks for the smiles, and it looks like your plan will make 2009 Fine for you, too!
Mike,
I think that being consistant is the way to win the race and 2009 is going to be the year for that person.
Don,
What's that Missouri phrase? Seeing is believing... I'm thinking you and I will see some steady growth this year. Thanks for stopping by.
Karen,
You're welcome! I'm anticipating the new year.
Caryn,
I'm glad to warm your day in Jersey! Thanks for commenting.
Mike in Tucson
Mike... Fabulous pictures as always! I need to make a trip to Tucson someday and take in the beautiful scenery you provide us on AR. Good luck on your new business venture and may 2009 be a great year!
Cheron Lange
Hi Mike, It's good to see you are moving into this area. I am only aware of a couple people here who do this. Some competition is good. I am moving like a tortoise these days, hoping it makes for a similar result. Is that an owl? I'm not sure I've ever seen one out in the daytime. Very cool. Happy New Year.
Doreen,
Move your cursor over the photo of the owl and pause a second. See what it says.
Cheron,
Thanks! Get on down here!
Mike in Tucson
I keep forgetting to do that. Do they usually come out in the daytime?
Mike-Great pictures and blog. It is good the tortoise has a hard shell since it is so close to that cactus. LOL 2009 is going to be a good year..
Mike,
Smart thinking! They're abundant and popular here!
It has been my thought that those who remain in the business through this year will be those who absolutely wouldn't want to do anything else... and the clients will benefit tremendously from it.
I was a designer of manufactured homes many years ago. The company I worked for was on the cutting-edge back then. I've seen some very nice ones lately and think they are a viable option for home buyers. I am a true believer of The Tortise and the Hare fable... it's as true today as when it was first written and just as valuable as a bedtime story for children of a lesson for adults. Great post. Happy New Year!
Linda,
There are some great designs and values. Thanks for commenting.
Chuck,
It's good to see you; thanks for stopping by.
Kevin,
See you on Wednesday, if not before.
Laura,
Nothing much bothers them.
Doreen,
They're usually hidden away during the day. I took this photo at the Desert Museum's free flight raptor program.
Mike in Tucson