Plotting a course is far easier in calm seas than in a storm...and we are definitely in a storm.  We have written in the past of our course during these difficult times.  The ideas, whether applied to business or personal affairs are worth repeating as the financial turbulence continues.  Advice is always easier to give than it is to follow.  Stay calm, evaluate alternatives thoroughly and understand the market.  It goes without saying that this is a time to work harder, reduce expenses and payoff debt wherever possible.  Preserve business and personal relationships; these will help carry you through these times.  Understand and respond to the realties of the current market; you cannot stick your head in the sand and expect results that you might have received 3, 6 or 12 months ago.  If at all possible, take advantage of extraordinary opportunities that are presented during these times.  Most importantly, do not let fear control you actions and take time to appreciate what is truly important in this life.

 

Also over the holidays, our Property Manager, Barbara Redmond, and her family volunteered their time at St. Vincent's, spending time with the children of the single moms program.  Barbara and her family built ginger bread houses and helped the kids decorate them.  Everyone had a lot of fun and the kids created some amazing designs. 
 
We hope you had Happy Holidays and we wish you a Healthy and Prosperous 2009!

Latitude, inc. is a full service commercial real estate company, headquartered in Santa Barbara, on California's Central Coast. While its brokerage and development services are focused on California's Central Coast, Latitude's management and investment expertise have expanded its geographical reach with experience throughout the Western United States.