There is plenty to be thankful for on Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving. No, it’s not because of the fabulous food, although I do admit that’s a big part of it. And, it’s a great kickoff to the holiday season. But I love it most because we pause from our normal routines long enough to remember that there are so many reasons to give thanks. I’m thankful to be a Realtor in Petaluma.

Realtors aren’t just agents to sell or lease properties; we become extensions of our community and resources for our clients. It’s one of the reasons you hear “real estate is local.” We know the area and all it offers, and Petaluma is unique in its location, amenities and community spirit. Even the Petaluma Chapter of Realtors is unique among chapters.

In the 13.3 square miles within the city limits, and the few hundred acres in the greater Petaluma area outside the city limits, we have what people want. Besides the natural beauty and temperate climate surrounding us, there’s the man-made beauty of historic buildings sharing the land with modern ones. Good schools from pre-school to college, a local library, hospital, business parks, shopping centers, farms and wineries, restaurants and cafes, parks and ball fields, an arts center, theater (both film and live), music venues, golf courses, a marina, an airport, hotels and a KOA campground — it’s all here. And if it isn’t here, it’s not far away.

Petaluma has a small-town feeling with big-town know-how. Simply put, we care about each other. We support our local businesses to the best of our ability and have an active chamber of commerce. We volunteer. We support our local non-profits like Committee on the Shelterless, Carousel Fund, Petaluma Educational Foundation, Rebuilding Together, Petaluma People Services Center, Christmas for Kids (and so many, many more).

We argue about what needs to happen and then we make it happen, often through our service organizations like American Association of University Women, Rotary, Kiwanis and Mentor Me Petaluma, to name just a few. True, there are political issues and changing priorities in our city that seem to be endless, but that doesn’t change the essence or soul of our city. It just adds to our opportunities!

The Chapter of Realtors has taught me more about Petaluma and its soul than any other organization. This diverse group of people shares more than real estate sales, they share a love of Petaluma and our county. They sit on boards and volunteer their precious time by participating and fund-raising for our schools. There is the Boys & Girls Clubs, Healthy Community Consortium, Challenge Day, churches, Relay for Life and hundreds of other groups. We live here and raise our families here. We are your neighbors and friends. We are vested in the social and economic success of our city and county. We believe in the “American Dream” of home ownership and real estate investment.

Yes, real estate prices have dropped over the past few years and we don’t expect to see gains of 10 percent per year again, or not for a long time. However, we do expect to see an upward tick in prices in the next year and a more reasonable 2 percent appreciation in home values as the inventory on the market is absorbed.

Interest rates remain low and home buyer tax credits have been extended. It is indeed a good time to buy, but if buying isn’t your cup of tea, Petaluma has all types of rentals from apartments to condominiums to single family homes to senior living or country estates. It’s all a part of our community.

So, I’m thankful that our real estate market, both residential and commercial, is more affordable than it has been. I’m thankful Thanksgiving Day gives us a reason to reflect on our blessings as well as support our charitable organizations. I’m thankful that we have a strong and active chapter of Realtors who are an integral part of our city and a great resource for its citizens. I’m looking forward to a great turkey dinner! Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

(Kathy Schmidt is a broker associate with Frank Howard Allen Realtors. She can be reached at 775-2209.)