Christmas has come and gone . . . and I, like others, am counting the hours, minutes, and (on New Year’s Eve) seconds, until 2010 arrives.

The coming week offers a time of reflection and rejuvenation.   A glance back at the past and the promise of a new beginning.

The year that is about to end brought ups and downs to our area’s real estate market.  Throughout Pinellas County, the good news is that our market appears to be rebounding (with record sales per statistics available online at www.tampabayrealtor.com). 

This news is exciting and welcomed.  Still, 2009′s challenges greatly impacted real estate professionals throughout our community.  At year’s end, however, the takeaway is extremely positive and makes me proud to be member of Pinellas Realtor Organization (PRO). 

Throughout Pinellas County and the year, Realtors and affiliate board members worked individually and cooperatively to support numerous nonprofit and community organizations, and charitable events.  This support is especially evidenced during the holidays.

One example is the annual food drive and cash donation collection which takes place in conjunction with the Treasure Island Holiday Pitch Session. 

Hosted by Baird Realty Group, a real estate office located in St. Pete Beach, and attended by Realtors and affiliate board members from throughout the area, weekly pitch sessions provide an opportunity for real estate professionals and service providers to meet and discuss real estate.  Along with others, I regularly attend these meetings to “pitch” property listings , learn about new listings and price adjustments, broker and public open house events, news for the good of the association, and to meet and hear from other board members.  The Holiday Pitch Session is the most special meeting of the year as it presents an opportunity to give back to the community in which we live and work.

The 2009 Holiday Pitch Session was held in early December at Paradise Lutheran Church in Treasure Island.  The room was festively decorated.  There was a towering Christmas tree and everyone who attended was dressed in their finest (and, in some cases, funniest) holiday attire.  Yes, there were a few ugly sweaters and vests, lots of Santa caps, some twinkling name badges, jingle bell earrings and necklaces, and an abundance of good cheer!

The pitch began, as all of the weekly meetings do, with coffee and networking.  However, due to the festive occasion, several affiliate board members volunteered to serve breakfast.  While everyone enjoyed the refreshments, members of a choir (comprised of affiliate board members) sang a holiday song, which they wrote and dedicated to the Realtors in attendance.  The joy in their warbling voices bolstered the already high spirits in the room. 

A couple (she, a Realtor; he, a title company owner) brought their children to the meeting.  The toddler and infant, adorably regaled in festive attire, were surprised to hear jingling bells that announced Santa’s arrival.  Truth be told, many (read: much older) attendees were surprised, too!  The jolly old soul had a hearty laugh that jiggled his jelly-filled bowl of a belly.  The welcomed visitor distributed candy canes and hugs to all.  When he approached, I recognized the sparkle in his friendly eyes (Santa was another affiliate board member sharing good cheer).  The toddler climbed on his lap for the duration of the meeting. 

Once started, we rose to our feet to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.  The process of “pitching” listings and services began in earnest, followed by a discussion of items for the good of the association.  Then, the minister of the church was summoned. 

During the time we were together, working and making merry as Realtors, affiliate board members, and friends, we opened our wallets and hearts, collecting over $550 in cash and box loads of food items.  The cash and food was offered to the minister as a donation to his church.  When presented with this gift, the grateful expression on his face and heartfelt words of thanks made us all feel proud to be a member of our Realtor community.  A roomful of caring people, having faced tough times and good throughout 2009, selflessly giving for the greater good of our community. 

In reflection and with an eye to the future, I intend to take many gifts from 2009 with me into the New Year.  As with each passing year, it has been a time of highs and lows.  As the curtain falls on the passing year, one can only hope that it will rise again on January 1st to reveal the bright sparkle of renewed hope.  Indeed, I plan to carry a considerable amount of pride and gratitude into 2010–for a Realtor community that works cooperatively and embraces the spirit of giving–not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.  This, fellow residents and real estate professionals, is something that we can all be proud of! 

May you and yours have a very Happy New Year . . . in Paradise Found!

PHOTO CREDIT:  Group photo taken at the Treasure Island Holiday Pitch by Michael West of www.michaelwestphotography.com.